“Summers Shack?” He gave Buffy an unbelieving look. She narrowed her eyes at him. “I won’t go there. Uh, well, I heard the Buffster was going to be all alone for Christmas so I thought I’d chuck a, uh, a party… for you. Yes, of course. For you. You, the Buffster.” He covered his plans with his lie.

“O-kay.” She wondered what he could be hiding. “Who’s coming?”

“Uh, just a… a few people.” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Oh, and present. For you.” He handed her a box.

“Thanks, Xander.” She walked over to the Christmas tree and placed it underneath with the other 20 or so presents. “Yours is under there too.”

“Okay.” He looked around edgily.

Buffy looked worried. “Something wrong?”

“No? No. No. No. No. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” He tried to laugh to cover his nervousness but failed miserably. “So, uh, Buff, how’s your holidays?”

“Fine. Xander, you’ve been a bit restless since you told me about the party. What’s up?” She sat back down beside him.

“Nothing.”

“Xander…” Buffy said. “Where is this party?” She added, getting suspicious.

The doorbell rang. Xander tried to loosen his collar. “Uh…”

“Xander.” She got up and answered the door. Willow and Cordelia stood in front of her smiling and holding presents. “Hi.” Buffy said, dumbfounded.

“Hi, Buffy! Happy Hannakah or Merry Christmas. I’ll say it for you.” She gave her friend a tight hug. “Xander here yet?” Willow handed the present to Buffy and walked in past her.

Cordelia handed Buffy the present she held. “Hi, Buffy. Nice dress. Lose the ponytail though. Doesn’t suit it at all.” She walked past her and into the house. “Well, if it isn’t the lame brain.” She said, spotting Xander.

Xander stood. “And if it isn’t the ice queen. How are ya, Cordy? Satan treatin’ ya well or do you boss him around too?” Sarcasm written throughout his voice.

“The party’s here?” Buffy asked Xander. Xander gulped and gave her a ‘don’t hurt me’ smile.