~Sunday, Day 0~ The Car Trip

The entire group had assembled at Giles' house. Everyone had at least three large bags each and everyone now had a sleeping bag and pillow.
Joyce walked out of the kitchen with a tray full of individually wrapped packages and held them out to the gang. "I made everyone some lunch bags
for the trip. Wolfmyre is a long way from anything remotely like suburbia. I thought you might get hungry."

Everyone the bag with their name on it. Spike smirked when he looked inside to see a thermos of what he knew would be blood. Xander's had a few small packets of chips and two tiny bottles of orange juice. All the other kids had much the same except Buffy who had mostly health food. Giles smiled at Joyce when he saw he had some of Joyce's home-made cookies inside. She nodded back at him with her own smile as she handed Anya her bag. "I didn't know what you liked so I took a guess." She said.

Anya looked inside and smiled widely. "Thank you, Mrs Summers."

"What is it?" Xander asked, trying to peek inside.

"Nothing." His girlfriend replied as she clutched the paper bag to her chest.

After settling who would go in whose car, well, after Buffy telling everyone which car they would go in and after much grumbling from both Willow and Spike and a few others, they set out to put their bags in the car they were riding in. "Buffy, I think you and Riley should ride with your mom. I can handle Spike. He-he can't hurt me and-and your mom would want to talk to Riley so..."

"Wills, it's settled. You ride with me and mom. Come on, it'll be fun!" Buffy said, bouncing happily. "Besides, if Riley rides with us mom will want to talk to him about embarrassing stuff and if he rides with Spike he can keep him in line." She smiled brightly, pulling her friend to her mother's jeep. Xander and Anya put one bag each in the back of Giles' car then the rest in Joyce's because of the enormous boot.

Riley and Spike both moped silently as they filled the back of Spike's DeSoto with their things. They both looked at each other with frowns. "Buffy won't let me talk to her mother." The commando stated.

"She won't let me drive Willow to Wolfmyre." Spike replied sulkily.

"Okay, on the way home someone has to take her 'I'm in charge' badge away from her." Xander said as he walked up to them.

"This was Willow's bloody idea and all of a sudden the slayer comes in and she's runnin' the damn thing." Spike grumbled, shoving his last bag in the boot.

"Buffy put me and Anya with Giles. I don't think his car even goes over 50 miles an hour. He's making me sit in the front with him so we don't get tempted in the back." The boy smirked before his face fell. "Hey, that's a bad thing!"

"How long does it take to get to Wolfmyre?" Riley asked Spike.

The vampire tried to remember since the last time he went. "Uhhh... about 4 and a half hours. That's why we're leavin' now. We can get there about 6 or 7 hours before sunrise. Depending on how many stops we have."

"How are you supposed to go camping with us when there's so much sun?" Xander queried.

"We're going to camp next to a whole bunch of caves. I'll either stay in there all day or, if there's enough tree cover like the last time I saw it, then I'll be safe to walk around out there with you. Lots of large trees around. Bloody big branches. They'll cover a lot of the sun."

The two others nodded. Riley spoke up again, "Does Xander know?"

"Yeah. Followed us how the toff." Spike replied as he slapped Xander up the back of the head.

The boy grinned. "Just curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat."

"Doesn't mean the cat was the curious one." Riley countered Spike's claim. "It could just mean that someone wanted to know what was inside the cat and opened him... I think I've been hanging around you all a little too long." The commando said as he walked around to the passenger's side of the car.

"Go tell 'em we're ready to go." Spike told Xander as he walked towards the driver's side door and hopped in. Xander shut the boot of Spike's car then went to Joyce and told her, then went over to Giles and once again relayed the message.

*^*^*

"I wish, I wish, I wish I knew. I wish I could keep you. I wish, I wish, I wish for the heaven's shinin' stars. Oh ohhh." Buffy sang as her favourite song came on in the car. Both Joyce and Willow rolled their eyes.

"Buffy, please don't sing." Her mother said sweetly.

Buffy looked up with a pout. "Why not?!"

"If you don't stop I'll turn the radio off all together." Her mother threatened. 1 and a half hours of Buffy singing non-stop was just too much to handle.

~I made a wish upon a star
that you'd near and never far
I made a wish upon the moon
that I'd see you again real soon

I made a wish to the roaring sea
that how I loved you, you loved me
I made a wish upon my heart
that we'd be one, and never part~

Willow smiled, listening to the lyrics *without* Buffy howling along with it. She closed her eyes and relaxed, thinking of things in her life that might possibly relate to it.

~I dream of you, I always dream
And all I think of is you it seems
I wished for things I will never know
Like my love for you will somehow grow~

Spike flashed passed Willow's eyes. She blinked a few times. How'd *that* image get there?

~I wished for hours of the usual things
I wished for peace and golden wings
I wished for all the joys of life
I wished someday I'd be your wife~

A red blush started creeping across Willow's cheeks. Too much of that had been real. Peace between Buffy and Spike so she wouldn't have to worry about them killing each other. Golden wings that would fly her away from the hellmouth. The joys of life that always seemed to sneak up on her then run away when she needed them. Being Spike's wife... well... a girl could dream.

~I wish, I wish, I wish I knew
I wish I could keep you
I wish, I wish, I wish for the heaven's shinin' stars
Oh ohhh

I made a wish upon a star
that you'd near and never far
I made a wish upon the moon
that I'd see you again real soon~

It'd been too long since she'd actually seen Spike. She'd only been away from him and hour and a half and she was already missing him. Maybe it
was Buffy was her company. She always seemed to drag the mood down for everyone else. It was like as long as Buffy was happy everyone else  was miserable.

I made a wish to the roaring sea
that how I loved you, you loved me
I made a wish upon my heart
that we'd be one, and never part

I wish that you were mine, all mine
We'd share a love that's so divine
I can love you with all my soul
Face it, baby, you make me whole

Willow shook her head and took a breath, covering her eyes with a sigh. "Joyce, can we change the station?"

Joyce looked at the girl in the rear-view mirror. <Covering her eyes, blushing cheeks, the song... Willow's thinking about Spike.> She smiled to herself at the situation. "Just a minute, honey. The song is almost over." She looked back to the road, casually peeking at Willow every now and again.

~I wish I wished for simpler things
I wish I really wanted those golden wings
I wish I didn't need you so
I've just been hit by Cupid's bow~

Willow smiled. For some reason, since she'd gotten little Spike Junior that part of the song always called to her. She sighed, it's not like their dog was actually Cupid. I mean, why would a God want to be a dog to them anyway?

~I wish... I wish... I wish...
I wish we were a pair
I wish we were together
I wish we weren't just friends
I wish we were lovers
I wish upon a star
I wish out to the sea
I just wish that you loved me

I wish, I wish, I wish I knew
I wish I could keep you
I wish for one more thing
That you were my golden wings~

Willow sighed again. Joyce's smile increased. She'd have to buy the cd and give it to Willow for her birthday. Maybe she could give Spike a copy too so he could play it to the girl when she didn't. Yes, the plan had begun. Joyce was in her plotting mode.

*^*^*

Giles had forbidden any kind of talking in the car, threatening the stop and make them get out if they did. This had started when Anya was talking about all the places she and Xander could have sex in the forest. Logs, water, and oddly enough in the tree-tops were some examples. When Xander tried changing the subject she'd just continue. Xander finally brought up how cool the tents they'd bought were. Anya told them she'd never had sex in a tent before. Giles, now getting frustrated, brought up the idea of who would be cooking dinner the first night. The topic drifted slightly and all of a sudden Anya came up with 'We can have sex in the tent while they are out cooking dinner.' Giles promptly forbade any talking for the rest of the trip. <Only another hour. Just *one* *more* *hour*.> Giles told himself.

*^*^*

Spike and Riley were actually conversing well for people that were supposed to be enemies. As soon as the trip started they were talking. A conversation started about how Buffy seemed to always take control and would chuck a fit if she didn't. Spike would bitch about Buffy, Riley wouldn't reply, Spike would ask why Riley wasn't defending her, Riley remained silent. Riley finally threw in a comment about how Buffy had gotten on his nerves on occasion. Spike mocked him about that for a good ten minutes. From then on the conversations came easily, both completely forgetting who they were talking to. Just talking as if they'd been best mates since childhood. Spike laughed as Riley joked about the Initiative. "I know what you mean, Mate. I know what you mean."

"Yeah, but you're chipless now. How does that feel?" Riley asked with a smile.

"Bloody great!" The vampire grinned. Riley turned the radio on and quickly found a station. "You... like this music?" Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. I know, it's old." The commando rolled his eyes. "If Buffy found out she'd try and get me brainwashed.

"Along the high way..." Spike caught up to the words. "And more. Much more than this..."

The two started singing together as they led the other two cars out to Wolfmyre forest. "I did it myyyyyyyyyyy way." They both hollered then
began laughing together.

15 minutes to go and everyone would be at Wolfmyre.
 

~Monday, Day 1~ Day One

"How's the dog?" Anya asked Willow as she helped set up Giles' tent for him. The poor man had spent an hour the night before trying and ended up
storming off to sleep in the dinner tent, muttering about the blunders of modern camping technology.

"He's fine. The last time Whistler visited we made him stay and dog sit for us." The witch replied with a grin. "I told him he could have as much of Spike's alcohol as he wanted as long as he looked after Junior. Spike still doesn't know how I got Whistler to agree. I actually think Whistler likes him though."

Anya smiled. "Spike Junior." She muttered.

"Yeah. I like it. I mean, he's got white fur, hints of blue eyes, an attitude problem, he likes to bite. He has Spike written all over him."

"And you think he's cute." Anya stated.

"Puppies are always cute."

Anya rolled her eyes and leant in close to Willow's ear. "I didn't mean that Spike." She pulled back and watched Willow blush. "You are so obvious."

"I am?!" Willow shrieked softly.

"Yeah."

"Honestly?"

"Since when has Anya been anything but brutally honest?" Xander asked as he walked up behind them. "What are you two talking about?" He asked,
kissing Anya on the cheek then grabbed a pole to put up the tent.

"Just how obvious Willow can be about... things." Anya said, sending Willow a secret look.

Xander looked back and forth between the two. "Is this a girl's talk? Should I not be here?"

"No, you're fine." Anya replied then sighed. "Spike told me when I'm finished we needed to talk about something so I'd better go." She smiled at them then left towards a cave that was only two or three metres away. "Spike?"

"Anya?"

"Yeah." She walked over into the darkened cave and sat down next to Spike in front of a tiny fire he'd made. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Everyone out there is busy right?" Anya nodded in reply. "I need your help."

The ex-demon tried not to smile. She would definitely be charging soon. "Yeah? Is it about Willow?"

"Yeah."

"Ask her out."

Spike's eyes widened. "What? Pet! I didn't mean it like that." He poked at the fire with a stick, making the flames rise slightly. "I had a dream last night when I was sleeping in the car."

"Why *were* you sleeping in the car? I thought you were sleeping in a tent with Willow."

"I know but our tent wasn't set up then. She had to share the dining tent with Giles and there's no way I'm sleeping in the same tent as him! He snores!"

"Joyce was there last night too. She and Giles are sharing."

"Really?" An evil grin formed on Spike's face.

Anya nodded. "I'm trying to get them to admit that they like each other but so far it's only gotten a change of subject from Joyce and a glare from Giles."

"Never give up."

"I'm not." She looked at Spike with a secretive smile that he missed when he looked back at the flames.

The vampire looked up at her. "Who else are you trying to put together?" He asked with caution.

"What did you want again, Spike?" She 'subtly' changed the subject.

The blond sighed. "Talk about my dream I had. Also about Willow. Why the hell doesn't she stand up for herself against Slutty? You do, I do, Rupert *sometimes* does. Joyce can't even think of it because Buffy's 'er 'baby'."

"That's just the way Willow is. You can't change that until Buffy's not her friend anymore."

A wicked grin formed on Spike's face. "I can kill again." He chuckled. "I have an idea on how to get rid of the slayer."

"Of course, Willow would just love you killing her best friend. After you killed her boyfriend too." The ex-demon said dryly.

Spike spoke up in his defence. "'E was tryin' to *rape* her!"

"I know. She told me."

"Who else asks you for help?"

Anya smirked. "Everyone."

"What do they ask you about?"

The girl sighed and looked into the fire. "Buffy wants advice on Riley and her friends. Riley wants advice on Buffy and a few... other things. Giles wants advice on Joyce and his 'Ripper' ways. How to deal and all that. Xander asked me a few things on the rest of the group. Joyce even asked me once or twice for advice on Giles and for a recipe on Violet Bites. She put some in my lunch bag." A childish grin lit up her face as she remembered munching away on the treats.

Spike coughed and looked up at her then quickly back at the fire. "And... Willow?"

"If you want to know more about Willow you should ask her yourself." With that Anya stood. "Spike, the sun is barely getting through the trees. We need our lanterns out there there's so little sun. Come out. Have some fun. Besides, I want to have sex with Xander and the wall between this cave and the one beside it is so thin I think you'd hear us moaning." She walked to the exit of the cave and left.

The vampire shook his head as he headed for the exit too. Upon walking out he saw Anya approaching Xander. He was making a fool of himself in
front of Willow and Joyce, who didn't hold back on the laughing, and Buffy and Riley coming out of their tent in their swimmers. Giles was nowhere to be seen. With a heavy sigh he walked out, seeing the lanterns placed in certain spots around the campsite that were basically the only light there even though it was at least a half an hour until the sun would start setting. Walking over to Joyce and Willow he said to Xander, "'Avin' another epileptic fit are we?" As he commented on the boy's dancing.

Xander stopped to give the vampire a half-hearted glare. "If only there were more of you, Spike. Then we could say it's Spike hunting season. Buffy and I would have a field day."

Spike clutched at his heart in a mock hurt gesture. Giles walked out of the dining tent and Spike smiled. "Look, boy, it's mommy dearest." Spike
laughed, watching Xander scowl at him. "Hit a sore spot, 'eh? Just think, when *you* hit menopause you'll be just like her!"

Xander's eyes narrowed once again. "Spike, be nice to Xander." The boy smirked at Willow's defence of him.

"See? Takes *another* *woman* to stick up for you." He looked down at the ground and picked up one of Anya's bras that had been thrown outside in their moment of passion. He held it up to his chest and looked at Xander. "You grew out of training bras? I'm impressed!" He threw the
lingerie to Xander.

Anya snatched the clothing from her boyfriend and threw it into their tent. "Come, Xander. Sex now." She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards one of the caves. Joyce's eyes widened at the girl's boldness in front of everyone.

"Uh, does she do that often?" The woman asked Willow.

"That's our Anya." The red head replied simply.

"So, how's the house?"

Willow smiled. "Pretty good. It looks really great. Oh, and puppy makes three."

"I don't think either of us have had a better house in our lives." Spike piped up.

"Oh, right, you and Drusilla when you were together. Of course." Joyce hinted as she casually glanced at the two figures approaching.

"Oh great. We're talking about the bleached wonder again." Buffy grumbled as she and Riley approached.

"Actually, your name never came up, Slayer." Spike replied.

Buffy glared at the vampire before going into hers and Riley's tent. "Stupid vampires." She muttered to herself.

"Spike, why do you always feel the need to tease my daughter?" Joyce asked with a sigh.

"She started it!" The vampire replied. The three people around him gave him a look.

"Childish much?" Willow asked with a smile.

*^*^*

Everyone was sitting around the now lit campfire after it had gotten dark, except Willow who emerged from her tent in her swimmers. "Twilight swim!" She yelled happily. Xander jumped up, running to his tent to change. Everyone else looked at her oddly. "Come on! It's tradition! Ever since Xander and I were kids and we went to the lake we'd do this! Pleeeease! Spike, you brought your bathers didn't ya?"

Spike rubbed his face then nodded, getting up to change. By the time he exited everyone else was in their swimming gear. "Wow, he looks so much
better half naked when we're outside. The light plays off his skin." Anya commented as she looked at Spike in only his swimming-shorts.

"You saw Spike half naked?!" Xander yelled.

"Yes." Anya replied simply as she started walking towards the river. Willow smiled as she followed the girl.

Xander glared at Spike as the vampire walked beside him. "None of that, Mate. Anya seeing me in my boxers doesn't even compare to me seeing
Willow in the shower." He smirked, awaiting Xander's reaction. It wasn't pretty.

*^*^*

"Xander! Put me down! No! Xand!" Willow squealed as Xander ran to the water with Willow in his arms. When they were at thigh depth he dropped
her, the waves made were splashing against his legs. The boy started laughing as she came up, glaring at him.

Anya and Spike stayed at knee level, watching the two play around. "They're quite odd." Anya commented.

"You got that right." The blond replied.

"Here's the deal. I'll go take Xander around that bend in the river and keep him distracted while you can 'talk' to Willow." Anya started moving
towards Xander.

"Pet, were you just being *subtle*?!" Spike let out a mock gasp then followed her with a grin.

"I'm learning." She grabbed Xander's arm. "Come on. We're going to have sex around the corner."

Willow started giggling at Xander's helpless look. Buffy and Riley had by now gotten in the water and were now passing Willow and Spike. A few
minutes later and they were at the other side of the deep river. The red head looked up at Spike. "Wanna got out further?" She asked.

"Yeah." He replied automatically as they started swimming out to the middle of the river, the deepest part of the entire body of water. "Pet, why do you talk to Anya? I don't mean because you're friends... I mean for advice. What do you... talk about?"

Willow smiled. "Well, anything and everything. How about you? I know you ask her for advice so spill."

"You." He looked at the water then back up again. "I mean, how else am I supposed to know what to get you for your birthday, 'eh?" He gave her
one of his lopsided smiles. <You ninny! You couldn't leave it at just 'you'. You had to put the rest in didn't you? Bloody poof.>

The girl's smile fell slightly. <Why would he want to talk about you in other ways? You're Willow. You're not Buffy or Anya. You're just Willow. He'd laugh in your face if you told him you liked him. Hey, I just... I just admitted that! I like Spike! Oh no.>

"Okay, I talk about you. There. I said it." He gave her a questioning look, wondering what her reaction would be. A rumble made it's way up through the water. Willow and Spike looked at each other then over at the other side of the river, seeing Buffy and Riley still making out on the shore even after the tiny rumble they'd felt. Another one went. The water started to ripple some more around them. "The shore. Go." He started leading her in the swim to the sand. As they were just approaching Spike yelled out, "Anya! Xander!"

The two teens appeared, coming around the corner and running up on the shore. "Come on!" Xander urged. On the other side of the river Buffy and
Riley had made a decision to stay put. If the rumble was coming from the water then that was surely a sign it wasn't safe.

"Go!" Spike used the rest of his strength to haul Willow to the sand. As he stood a beast emerged from the middle of the river. The mini Godzilla-like creature screeched then looked down at Spike. It's hand reached forward, grabbing Spike around the body and lifting him away from safety.

"Spike! No!" Willow screamed. Xander was the only thing holding her back from running into the water to try and save him. "No!" She screamed
again.

Within seconds the creature had opened it's cavernous mouth and thrown Spike inside before sinking back down into the water. Buffy and Rileytook the opportunity to swim back over, knowing the warning that it would be back were a few tiny earthquakes. As they both walked up on the shore Buffy saw Willow in hysterics, calling out for Spike. "Geez, Will. Take a pill. It was just Spike. Thank God someone finally killed him." She said. Willow pushed away from Xander, walking over to the slayer and punching her, causing the girl to stumble back into the water. Willow turned again, seeing Xander's arms open, offering the comforting hug she needed. Throwing herself into his arms she started sobbing. "What the hell? Willow, it was *just* *Spike*! God, you've been hanging around him a little too much. Well, at least you can't anymore."

Willow lifted her head with a growl. Turning to see the slayer she hissed, "Shut up, Buffy. Just shut up!"

"It's not like he was your friend or anything? I mean, why would he want to be your friend? All the times he listens to you whine and moan is just so he can go home later and laugh!" She stood and got out of the water. "Christ, Willow!"

"From what I've heard Buffy you're no better. When Spike told you I was caught by the Initiative instead of saying 'lets go' you wanted to stake
him!" Another few tears rolled down her face.

"He's getting under our defences so he can get to me!"

"It's always about you, isn't it Buffy?! Always about little ol' Buffy Summers. Buffy's the slayer, everything's about her."

"Damn right it is! Have you noticed there are no prophecies about the slayer's friend the witch? That's you're not important! You're just Willow! Willow, the shy little hacker that not even *Spike* would eat. Well, now he's dead so I guess that's a plus."

That was the last hurtful comment Willow could take. "Spike's been a better friend to me than you could ever be." She growled out, almost losing control of her pantherism.

"Will, he's dead. He's gone. The only thing I'm sorry about is that I didn't do it sooner." The slayer snapped.

That's it. The control was gone. Willow's fangs grew, her eyes turning yellow and by the time she pounced at the slayer she was in full panther mode, ripping and slashing at the blond. A large gash now marred Buffy's abs as Willow clawed out at her. The slayer found an opportunity to
remove the panther, pushing her off with her foot. As Willow fell she returned to her human form. She clutched at her knees, rocking back and forth. "He's gone. He's gone." She sobbed.

Buffy stood, holding her wounded stomach as she approached her friend. "That's it. Willow, you're insane! It's just Spike. He's gone, yeah. Wow! It's about time! Now you can stay with your *real* friends." She grabbed Willow's arm, hauling her to her feet as she began dragging the girl towards the campsite. "*I'm* your best friend and you act like *he* is. We are best friends."

Willow struggled. "You've never been my best friend. I might've been yours but you'll never be mine."

Buffy stopped, turning to glare at the girl. "That's not true. I made you who you are!"

"I was fine before you came to Sunnydale! Sure, I was quiet and shy but if I wanted to be something else I would've changed!"

"You are nothing, Willow. If it weren't for me you'd be dead. How many times have I saved your life? Huh? I've lost count."

"And how many of those times have I wished you *didn't* save me because I didn't want you near me again?!"

Buffy slapped the red head, leaving a bright red hand print on the girl's face. "Don't you dare say that!"

"Right, I forgot, mighty Buffy didn't allow that." Willow spat back through her tears. "I don't need you anymore! I never *really* needed you! I was fine! I moulded to what you wanted me to be because you wouldn't stop hassling me! Did you even know we'd been slipping away as friends. We weren't *best* friends but, yeah, I could settle for friends."

"You little bitch." Buffy said, nothing else coming from her mouth.

"Me? A bitch? Buffy, why the hell do you think Faith turned to the mayor, huh? Or-or that Angel went to L.A.?" Buffy punched the girl, knocking her to the ground.

"Leave Angel out of this." The slayer growled.

Willow dabbed at her broken lip and looked up at Buffy. "So you can be cruel to me about Spike but Angel's off-limits? How about this... Spike told me a story Angelus told him about the night you and Angel had together..."

"Stop it! Stop it, I'm not listening!" Buffy covered her ears.

The hacker just spoke louder as she stood. "He said that you were such an easy lay he thought about giving his minions a go. He said you would've liked it!" As Buffy went to jump at Willow the girl let her claws out, slashing at Buffy's arm. The slayer went down, clutching at her arm now. "Oh, and Buffy? I left you and the dorm to stay with Spike. *At* *our* *house*. *Spike* is my housemate. I'm *living* with him. He is my best friend and is doing a better job than you ever pretended to do."

"You're living with a murderer!" Buffy hissed then looked up with a cruel smile. "But I guess that's over now that he's *dead*! I just hope that thing chewed before swallowing."

Willow punched the girl, sending her onto her back. "Vel vatorum. Enquizo. Vel-art breeta, Slayer. Quar votu sel ceb el quato. Vel-art breeta, Slayer. Vor cha frea. Vor cha frea."

Everyone watched as Buffy started clawing at her throat, her lips turning blue as the air in her lungs disappeared. The slayer was being choked. "Willow! Don't!" Riley pleaded from beside her.

Willow turned to the boy with glowing purple eyes. "Vel-art breeta, Slayer. No breathing, Slayer. Vor cha frea. Make it so." Willow's concentration faltered, the spell being broken when she heard a familiar voice.

"Thanks, Mate! See you again some time!" Willow stood in shock. Turning slowly she saw Spike standing on the tiny beach, waving at the Mini-Godzilla. "'Ey, I think you scared all o' 'em." The vampire chuckled as he rubbed some of the beast's saliva from his face.

"I learnt from the best, Friend." Godzilla Junior replied before sinking back into the water. Spike quickly washed away most of the goo on him before turning around and seeing everyone standing there, Giles and Joyce running down after putting their clothes back on. Spike's gaze fell on Willow. Broken lip, bruising cheek, tears running down her shocked face.

The vampire ran up to her, enveloping her in a hug. "Luv, what happened? Shhh, hey, it's okay. What's wrong?" He asked, stroking her hair as she
wept on his shoulder, clutching to him to try and tell herself it wasn't a dream. When Willow didn't answer he looked up at Xander, Anya and Riley for answers.

"Buffy was being a bitch. Saying a lot of stuff about how you dying was a good thing. She and Willow had a fight. Stuff happened. She knows you
guys live together. Was pretty much telling Willow she was nothing without her." Anya summed up for him.

"Not to mention she did a spell on her to stop her breathing." Xander added.

"Yeah, which you ruined by returning. She was going a nice blue colour." Anya said.

"Just visiting old friends." Spike replied. He looked down at Willow. "Pet, it's okay. I'm 'ere. Slutty won't 'urt you anymore."

Buffy stood after her mother had been trying to help her. She lightly pushed the woman away as her darkened gaze fell on Spike and Willow holding each other. "No." She hissed. "Willow's mine!" The slayer yelled, storming towards them.

As the slayer approached them Willow's tail formed and she whipped it out at the slayer, hitting her on the side of the head and knocking her back. "I'm mine." The girl whispered, her tail disappearing again.

The blond on the ground glared up at them. "Mine!" She screamed. "I made you, Willow."

"Then get a refund." The red head muttered back, snuggling her head into Spike's shoulder. The vampire continued to stroke her hair in comfort.

"Buffy, be quiet." Her mother demanded. "Willow isn't yours. Just because you're friends doesn't mean you own her." Joyce added. She looked up at Giles with a frown. "I never thought I made my daughter *this* selfish."

"It's not your fault. It happens with some slayers." Giles began, helping Buffy stand and leading her roughly back to the campsite. Joyce and Riley followed. The ex-watcher continued as they walked, Buffy going limp in his arms as she gave up. "Slayers don't have a long life. To make up for that they want more of other things. Buffy's case is with friends..."

Xander threw an arm around Anya's shoulders as they approached Willow and Spike. "You guys going to be okay with Buffy still around?"

"Joyce and Giles are taking her home." Spike said after hearing them as they walked away.

"How'd you know?" Xander asked.

"Vampire hearing."

There was a moment in silence. "Glad you're not monster chow, Spike." Xander said.

"Me too." Anya piped in, putting an arm around Xander's waist.

"We'd better... yeah." Xander said, leading Anya back to the campsite to leave Spike and Willow alone.

"Pet, I'm fine. It's okay. Why are you still crying?" He tilted her chin up.

"I almost lost you." She whimpered.

Spike gave her a small smile. "It'll take more than being swallowed by a aquarnin demon to get rid of me, petit chat."

"You haven't called me that in a while." Willow spoke with a small smile.

"Ah, that's because lately it's been special occasions and since you've been around your friends a lot I haven't had a chance. This is a thing for us."

Another few tears rolled down Willow face. "I don't want to lose you." She said between sobs.

"You won't." He said, giving her a light kiss on the lips. He pulled back, looking into her eyes. "We're... friends." He said with an unsure smile. <Bloody hell. Friends. Goddamn friends. The only time I want to shag a mortal and we're just friends! I can't do that to her. She's so innocent. What the hell am I? She needs more than me.>

<Just friends. Poor little Willow likes Spike but they're *just* *friends*. Or as Buffy would say he's just using me for a laugh. Laugh at this, Slayer.> She stood up on her tip-toes and gave him another kiss. <Don't go too far. You'll embarrass yourself and then he *will* laugh.> "Glad you're back." She said as she broke away.

Spike's hand stroked her cheek. "You're gonna need some ice on that, Luv." He said, lightly running his finger tips over the bruise. She flinched. "Come on."

Willow went to walk with him but hissed in pain. "I think I twisted my ankle." She groaned. Within seconds she was in Spike's arms and he was
carrying her back to the campsite. "Where's Slutty?" Willow growled as they walked up.

"Mr.Giles and I are taking her home. I'm just going to get a few things and drive back with them." Joyce told the girl as Spike let her down softly. "I'm terribly sorry for what she did to you, Willow. Mr.Giles, Rupert, told me the reason. I'll do my best to get her to make it up to you."

"The only thing she can do is stay away from us. I never want to see her again." Willow said with slight anger. "I need some sleep." Willow stated, hobbling towards the tent.

Joyce hugged Spike. "I heard what happened. I'm so glad you're okay." As she pulled back she smiled at him. "You should spend some time with
Willow. She needs it." Cupping a side of his face in a motherly way she sighed and turned to keep packing Buffy's stuff.

Spike entered the tent and saw Willow crying into her pillow. He crawled inside and laid down beside her, spooning her. "Everything'll be fine, Sweets. Just fine. Slayer's gone. I'm undead..." He grinned. "And we have this lovely tent to ourselves." He heard Willow hiccup then giggle. "Come on, tell me a ghost story."

Willow rolled over and faced him with a small smile. "You won't be scared." She said. Spike did his best to shrug in his lying down position. "Okay, well... one dark and scary night..."
 

~Tuesday, Day 2~ Jealousy, A Wonderful Thing

Willow woke up in Spike's cool arms. As far as she could tell he was still asleep. She reached out with her hand, lightly tracing his cheekbone down to his lips. She brought her finger back up to her mouth. <I almost lost him because of Buffy.> She thought sadly. <The person everyone thought was my best friend.> She snorted. <Even *I* deluded myself over that. Her idea of friendship was to her benefit. I listen to her whine, I go shopping with her but for her to buy clothes, I do her homework, I take notes in class... I put up with her.> She added. <Funny. Xander was always my friend, Buffy comes along and my idea on what a friend should be changes, Spike comes along and that whole idea changes again. Two best friends.> She smiled to herself. <Xander and Spike. Hehe, two male best friends. How ridiculous.> She brushed her palm down his cheek and watched his eyes flutter open.

They stayed in silence a few moments before Spike spoke up. "That wasn't a dream, was it?" He asked.

"Nope." She replied.

"You really think I'd die and leave you 'ere?"

"I don't know. Would you?" The hacker asked in reply.

The vampire smiled. "Never, Pet." He stretched his back, curving it towards Willow much to her delight. "Ah, okay, breakfast time." He said. The vampire watched as Willow stifled a yawn. "Still tired?"

"No. Just still waking up. I'll be alright in a few minutes." She said, sitting up with him. Spike waited outside under the generous amounts of shade the trees gave them while Willow dressed. When she was done Spike did the same and together they walked to the dining tent. Anya and Xander were already inside. Riley walked in a few moments after them. "You didn't go with the bitc-" Spike's hand clamped over Willow's mouth before her angry words could escape.

"No use yelling at Riley about his girlfriend, Luv. Yelling at *him* won't change *her*."

Riley stayed silent for a few moments. "She won't be my girlfriend much longer if she keeps this up." He said, walking to the fold up table they had out and sat down. "If she goes possessive over her friends I don't even want to think about what she'll do to me."

"Yeah, because you guys have..." Xander's mouth clamped over Anya's, smirking at Spike.

Everyone took a seat. "She just went all... psycho chicken!" Xander stated, taking a sip from his glass of orange juice.

"Psycho chicken?" Riley asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Nothing." Xander replied with a smile, ducking his head.

"What's for breakfast?" Willow asked.

Anya shrugged. "Don't know. We've still got some stuff in the cars. Joyce left the jeep for us. They took Giles' back. She said Riley could drive it or something." Spike pouted. "She said you drive like a maniac so you're not allowed." The vampire started grinning.

"Since when did you drive Mrs.Summers somewhere?" Willow asked.

"Her car broke down one night, she left something at the gallery so I drove her in for 'er. Now, breakfast." He stood, walking over to the containers. "Who wants some bacon and eggs?"

*^*^*

"Spike can cook. Wow, we get a new surprise every day." Xander commented after finishing his meal.

"Yeah. 'Course I can. I don't just drink blood, y'know!"

"Okay, let's wait half an hour then we can go for a swim." Riley stated, standing to clean off his plate.

"What about Spike?" Willow asked with a frown.

Riley smiled, pointing upwards. "If you're lucky it'll be overcast today."

"Willow, you brought your magic books didn't you?" The ex-demon asked.

The witch nodded, hobbling out on her sprained ankle and returning a few minutes later with a few books. "Why?"

"Bend the trees so they're over the water. It works. A warlock around my time showed me."

The hacker looked at her friend for a few long moments. "Anya, would you mind teaching me?"

Anya looked up from one of the books she opened and smiled. "You won't like the conditions." She looked back down at the book.

"What?"

"Help me got at least *some* of my powers back."

Xander's mouth dropped as he tried to hug his girlfriend. "Uh, Anya, honey do you really think that's... er, a good idea?"

"If I wanted to hurt you, Xander, I'd do it the old fashioned way. A good pair of rusty clippers."

Xander slowly moved away from the girl. "I'll be good." He said in a tiny voice.

"Found the spell. Let's start."

*^*^*

Riley and Xander raced down to the river a half an hour later, when the spell had been finished. Willow had changed into her panther form to run
down with them, the sprain in her ankle disappearing in her animal form. Spike and Anya dawdled behind the three excited teens. "I'm getting too
old for this." Spike muttered.

Anya snorted with a smile. "Whatever, Junior."

"I refused to bring that dog." Spike replied with a smile. "Bloody thing tore apart my boxers! I've only got one pair left! That's the pair Willow bought me."

"Willow bought you underwear?" Anya asked. "I thought only couples do that."

"They do." There was a pause before Spike sighed. "Bloody hell."

"You know... I heard jealous *really* brings people together." She gave him a plotting smile.

"Do tell." The vampire answered with a wicked grin.

*^*^*

Spike held Anya's hand as he helped her step over some sharp rocks through the short cut they took. "Easy there, Luv."

"Hey!" Xander called out from the water. "Are you guys comin' in or what?!" He splashed Riley again and proceeded to have a battle of the splashes with him.

Willow turned to see the two late entrants at the shore. Spike slipped in then held his arms up to help Anya in. She gave him a shy smile before accepting and slipping in a little *too* close to Spike for Willow's likings. "She's going out with Xander. I have nothing to worry about." She whispered to herself but deep down she really didn't believe that. After all, people broke up and two-timed everyday! She pouted to herself before dipping down a little further in the water. If only she'd brought a bikini like Anya. Maybe Spike would be drooling over her!

Riley dunked Xander and laughed, swimming over to where Willow was. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked, looking a little concerned when he saw her frowning.

"Uh, nothing. Just my ankle is still a little sore. That's all." She gave him a fake smile before turning back to watch as Anya and Spike got a little closer to each other. On the outside it looked like she was staring at the water a little further in front of her, really she was watching them. The girl couldn't help but feel like she was being torn apart inside. She's almost lost him to a monster and Buffy the night before and now, in the morning of the next day, she was losing him to someone she trusted with her secrets. <What if she's been giving me the wrong advice all along so I could ruin my chances and she could have him? She's been getting awfully close to him lately. She's plotting against me! What if it isn't even her that's doing it! Spike *is* a demon. What if... what if he's doing it all? What if he started flirting and she just didn't want to let it go to waste? What if...?> Willow was torn from her thoughts when Xander splashed her. She shook her head and glared at him. "Go. Away." She growled. "Go take care of your *girlfriend*." She once again growled.

Xander and Riley looked at each other with raised eyebrows before looking over to where Spike and Anya were talking. Xander's eyes narrowed as he swam over to them. Before he could start yelling Anya butted in. "Is it working?"

"What?" Xander asked in an angry tone.

"Is Willow getting jealous?

"Why would- you're getting Willow jealous?"

"Yeah." Spike replied for the ex-demon. "What of it?"

"Well let's just say she's pissed as hell." The boy cleared for them. "I splashed her and she growled at me. Told me to come over here and, quote, 'Take care of my girlfriend'." He mimicked Willow's growling.

Spike bit his bottom lip and turned to Anya. "I like your ideas, Pet. Now, how can we get rid of this pesky 'friends' business? Hmmm?"

"You want Willow?" Xander asked with an eyebrow raised. This day couldn't get any weirder.

A lightning bolt hit a branch hanging overhead. "Move!" Spike growled, pushing the two mortals away as he jumped away. When everyone resurfaced they looked over to see Willow and Riley talking, making no indication that they'd even seen the bolt hit.

"My life, on occasion, tends to be extremely *weird*!" Xander announced.

"What was that?" Riley called over. "You wanna grow a beard? Don't, man! It wouldn't suit you!" The commando called over, not hearing exactly
what Xander had said. Everyone rolled their eyes.

*^*^*

"Woah, what's with the tree?" Willow asked as she approached Spike, Anya and Xander with Riley by her side.

"Freak lightning strike." Xander answered. "Don't ask where it came from, it just did."

Willow sighed, moving away to go to the shore, she growled in frustration and turned into a panther, paddling over to the shore and stepping up onto the sand where she proceeded in shaking herself dry. She started walking off towards the camp. "I'm tired. Think I'll go too." Riley said as he went up onto the bed and grabbed his towel before heading off in the direction Willow had gone.

Spike eyes the commando carefully as he watched him until he left his sight. Something was going on with that toff and he wasn't about to let him ruin his chances of getting Willow.

*^*^*

"Think it worked?" Willow asked as she grinned at the commando that had entered the dining tent.

Riley grinned back. "If I know Spike... and believe me, after spending a few hours alone with the guy in a car I know him pretty well, he was more jealous than I expected. If I stayed there any longer I think he would've been about ready to rip my head off."

"Good. Anya can keep her boyfriend and I can get my own." The witch stated with a triumphant smile. "Without Spike even knowing the back- story."

~Flashback- The River~

"Spike's all over her. Even with Xander going over there!" Willow said in a pouty voice as Riley came up behind her.

"Spike? You think he'd do that?" Willow nodded in reply. "Well, you're jealous, make him jealous."

Willow rolled her eyes. "Doesn't work unless the other person cares."

"He cares. Just... believe me. He cares."

"How then?"

Riley thought for a moment then grinned. "He has Anya to make you jealous, use me to make *him* jealous." The two of them grinned evilly as they plotted.

~The Dining Tent~

Everyone walked into the dining tent. "Lunchtime yet?"

Willow groaned. "Xander, we just had breakfast a little while ago! Have an apple." She tossed him the red fruit as she took out a banana. She
started to peel it, smirking at Riley. The commando tried not to roll his eyes, knowing exactly what she was about to do. When it was peeled she delicately nipped at the tip of the fruit, sighing heavily as she did.

Spike looked up from the book he'd started reading and watched her slowly nibble at the tip of her banana. His swimming-shorts were suddenly making a little tent of their own as he watched her. He bit his bottom lip, and let out a soft moan when he saw her fill her mouth and chomp down on it, chewing away at it. He coughed, trying to concentrate back on the book but glanced up, regretting it the moment he did. Willow was trailing one of her delicate fingers along the length of the banana. Spike gulped. <Have mercy.> He thought to himself.

"So, Spike, want some fruit?" Riley asked, after watching the vampire make longing looks in the direction of the girl, watching everything she did with the fruit.

Spike looked up, glad for the distraction. "Anything." He answered.

Anya stood, going over to the basket. "It's okay, Riley. I know what Spike likes." She shot him a grin. Willow's teeth suddenly clamped around the banana, glaring at the girl's back. Anya pulled out a mango and strode back to Spike.

"Mangoes?" Xander asked.

"I got them imported from Australia. They have the best." She replied, cutting a slice off and then slicing it into squares before sitting as close to Spike as she could and picking a piece up. "Open up. First bite is always given by someone else." Spike opened his mouth and she put the fruit inside. She licked her fingers. "Problem is they're all... sticky." The girl grinned at the vampire before standing again and walking over to sit with Xander in one of the corners.

"Over doing it a bit aren't you?" Xander whispered to her.

Anya leant back to whisper back to him. "You saw what Willow was doing with the banana. I can feel it." She said from her on his lap.

Xander blushed, ducking his head slightly. "Spike saw too." He whispered back.

"I know that's why I did the mango."

"You're evil."

"No, but I was." A grin formed on her face as she gave Spike a little wave then blew him a kiss.

Willow's glare harshened before turning to smile sweetly at Riley. "Riley, can you get me a soda? Something sweet?" She batted her eyelashes at him.

Riley smiled at her and got a can of red creaming soda, walking over to hand it to her, making sure to brush his hands against hers when he did.
"There you go. Something sweet for someone sweet." Everyone heard the tiny growl coming from the vampire sitting opposite Willow.

"Something wrong, Spike?" Willow asked sweetly.

<No, 'course not, Pet. You just give me an incredible boner then start goin' all mushy with Farm boy. Bloody hell.> "Nah. Just lost the line I was readin'." He lied, a few seconds later he turned the page.

Xander smiled from the corner. He watched as Anya and Spike tried to make Willow jealous and Willow and Riley try to make Spike jealous. Couldn't they just get together? "Hey, Riley, we're going to need some more firewood. Want to go get some?"

"Yeah. Wanna come, Willow?" The commando asked, holding his hand out to her.

"No, Willow will have to stay here. That ankle and all. She'll just slow you up. Anya and I'll go fishing. Won't we, Anya." Before his girlfriend could protest he'd stood up and started dragging her away. "'Course you will. Come on, let's go. Come on, Riley!" He called out. When the three of them had gone Willow and Spike were left in the tent, pouting.

Willow started after 10 minutes of silence. "So, you and Anya seem cosy." She didn't even notice how she'd spat out the girl's name.

"Yeah, looks like you an' Farm boy hit it off too." Spike replied, glancing up from his book.

"I thought you were calling him Riley now." Said the witch.

"I was. He just started getting on my nerves again." <When he started trying to get you. Pillock.>

"Oh." There was silence again. "Spike, why are you and Anya getting so touchy feely? I mean... what about... Xander?" She had almost said her
name, lucky she'd stopped before saying it aloud.

Spike smirked. "Ah, she wants a real man." He paused. "What about you an' 'Riley' then? What's, er, goin' on?"

Willow looked at the half a banana in her hands. "We're friends."

The vampire nodded. "I'm goin' to have a nap." He said, standing with the book covering his 'tent' as he made a quick escape to their own tent. He zipped it closed and started to relieve the tension that had built up in the dining tent.

Willow frowned. "Stupid vampire." She grumbled, standing to go and talk to him.
 
 

~Tuesday, Day 2~ Tension At Camp

"Willow." Spike growled when he came. He heard something rustling outside and quickly put himself back in his shorts, lying down and pretending to sleep.

"Spike, are you still a-awake?" He heard Willow whisper from outside.

He didn't answer. The vampire heard the rustling again as Willow walked back over the leaf covered forest floor, away from the tent.

*^*^*

Willow approached the tent with a frown. It hadn't worked. Riley's great plan failed. "Willow." She heard Spike growl. Her breath caught in her
throat. Goddess knows what he'd been doing. She kept walking and leant down near the zipped up entrance to the tent. "Spike, are you still
a-awake?" She knew the answer but still wondered if he'd lie. After all, what she thought he'd just been doing... with her name following, wouldn't be something someone would want to share. Willow sighed, walking away from the tent and into the cave Spike had been in the first real day of their trip. She went to the back of the cave in the darkest area. She could still see the rest of the cave clearly and with her panther sight she'd be able to see almost everything. All was clear. She moved the crotch of her swimmers to one side and closed her eyes, imagining all sorts of naughty things Spike would do to her and started to make them real to herself. Spike couldn't have *all* the fun. Maybe she went to far with the banana.

*^*^*

When Spike was sure Willow was gone he groaned, shoving his head as far into the pillow as possible. If he didn't have her soon he was either
going to have to take her or leave. He vowed he wouldn't take her by force. That would destroy all that he had with the girl. Maybe it *was* time Spike left. For good. <Girls. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Stupid bloody... God! Yeah, you 'eard me! Toff! Give *me* bad luck with females. Dru, 'armony, Willow. The slayer doesn't count. Apart from the spell.> He shuddered. <Yeah, bad bloody luck with women.> He sighed, rubbing his clean hand down his face. <Willow. Banana. Riley. Pillock. Willow and banana.> "Oh hell." He groaned, the images flashing before his eyes started morphing to something more to his liking. His licked his lips as his hand travelled down under his shorts again. "Oh, Red." He whispered. "Baiser!" He growled a few minutes later.

*^*^*

Willow sighed after finally bringing herself the pleasure she'd imagined Spike giving her. Standing, she fixed up her appearance and walked out of the cave, her ankle feeling much better after changing back and forth from being a panther, just as Spike came out of the tent. They both looked at each other. A faint smell hit Willow's nose as she came closer to him. Spike smelt the air and bit his tongue, mentally cursing himself for not following her into the cave. Willow eyes half-closed as she walked towards the tent.

Spike watched her walking towards him and lost control. He grabbed her, about to pull her in, ready for a kiss just as Riley walked up. Spike turned to the T.A. in his game face, giving him a low, threatening growl. Riley walked forward some more. "Are you okay, Willow?" He asked with concern. Spike, growling, in game face, gripping Willow's arms until they were sure to bruise... not good. "Get off her, Spike." Riley demanded as he came forward with the firewood he'd collected, using one as a stake.

The vampire let go and turned to Riley. "Riley, don't. He didn't hurt me." Willow stated as she started walking in front of Spike.

Spike growled again and walked out into the trees. He needed to think. Willow sighed as she sat on one of the logs that were surrounding last night little bonfire. "Riley, sit."

"What's wrong?" Riley asked as he did what Willow told him to.

"I think the plan worked but... well... I'm not sure." She said, looking up at him then at the remains of last nights fire.

"Tell me what happened."

*^*^*

Anya and Xander sat on the river bank. "We forgot the rods." Anya stated, watching as the water rippled in front of them.

"I know." Xander replied with a small smile.

His girlfriend turned to him and looked at him in a studious way. "You're helping me get them together?"

"I'm helping them get together." Xander replied, turning to look at her. "Didn't you notice? Anya, Miss Percept-o, the wonder girl, didn't see it and I did? *Gasp*." The boy said with a chuckle.

"I don't get it."

"In the tent... you were getting Willow jealous for Spike but did you even see how Riley and Willow are working together too?"

Anya paused. "Hey!" She shouted in protest. "That's not fair! We're supposed to be getting Willow jealous not them with Spike! They stole my idea!"

"Anya, they're alone at the camp now." Xander hinted. "Let them do it themselves."

The girl pouted but gave him a nod. "If they're having sex... why can't we?"

"Last night was very... tiring." He gave her a sigh. "Can we wait an hour?"

"Okay."

*^*^*

Spike walked between the trees as he went on his journey to sulk-land. When he thought he was far enough away from the camp he looked around,
making sure no one followed him and let out a roar, punching a nearby tree and making it splinter under his strength. He growled again as he started walking over to a rock to sit down. Upon sitting he found his hyperactivity building and he stood again and started pacing. A few seconds later he went to sit again but found he couldn't sit still. With another loud growl he stood, looking upwards. "You stupid, bloody, fucking piece of..." Something hit him up the back of the head. He turned with a warning growl and found nothing. He raised an eyebrow. "Bloody goddamn, ow! Fuck! What the..." He turned again after another hit up the back of the head. "Fight like a bloody man!"

"I can't if I'm a woman." The voice replied in a sing-song voice. A girly giggle followed.

"Who the hell are you?!"

The figure appeared standing on the rock he'd been sitting on while his back was turned. "Sprite." She announced with a grin.

Spike spun around and faced her. "You look familiar." He said as he approached the woman slowly.

"We had a fling back when you were first made a vampire but enough of that." She jumped down off the rock. "I'm here to help you."

"Why?" The vampire asked cautiously.

"You hid me from Angelus when I couldn't defend myself. I've been in your debt for some time now. Only now have I been able to find you and I will help you with your... problem." She gave him a grin. "I think Whistler calls her... Nature Girl."

"Why now? Why not before?"

"Duh. I just said that. I only found you now. No go back to the camp. Riley's finding out that he likes Willow."

"What?" Spike growled.

Sprite disappeared, her voice the only indication that she was still there. "He's sad that the slayer has gone nut-so. He needs a friend. Make sure that friend is someone male so he doesn't start with Willow! Go!"

Spike raised an eyebrow but started his trek back to the camp.

*^*^*

"Sprite." A warning voice said.

Sprite whipped around, looking everywhere for where the voice came from. "Liber?"

"You're not a part of this."

"Yes I am. My part in this was made before your bet with Cupid. I have a fair go and I do it in both our names. You have no say."

"That's not fair!"

"Is too." She replied. "Go away. I'm working!" She started giggling as she ran through the forest to the camp, following Spike back.

"You'll be fired!"

"Piffle!'

"You will! I'm taking this to Juno!" Liber threatened.

There was hysterical laughter from Sprite. "I'll talk to *Jupiter*. You're not going to win this time, Li." The connection was cut as she and Spike made it to the camp.

"Spike." Willow said, standing. Riley looked up then started walking away to leave them alone.

"Willow."

"I'm sorry." They both said at once.

"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything." Spike told her.

"Neither did you."

"Yes I did."

"So did I."

There was a moment's pause. "Friends." Both of them said at once.

"Nothing else."

"Right."

"Yeah."

There was another moment's pause before they both walked away, Spike towards the river and Willow to their tent. "Oh and that just went *so*
well, Will. *Not*!" Sprite said, walking beside Spike as she reappeared.

Spike jumped back a bit and growled at her. "Don't do that."

"Did I scare ya?" She asked with a smirk. "Really, Will, you should learn to loosen up. I mean, what was with that back there? You're making my job harder, y'know!"

"I didn't ask for your help."

"Oh puh-lease."

"You speak like a teen girl and you're trying to tell me you're as old as me." Spike said, turning to face her.

Sprite smirked again. "I'm older than you think. And don't start you Billy Idol wannabe. Or is it Sid now? 'Eh well." She stopped walking. "I wouldn't go any further if I were you."

"Why not?" The vampire continued walking and immediately regretted it. He turned and started walking back with Sprite laughing behind him.

"My favourite couple in the group *so* *far*." She yelled to him. The girl sighed. "Joyce and Giles may be cute but these two get it on like bunnies. Gotta admire that." Turning back she made herself invisible again and walked over to where Anya and Xander were currently preoccupied. "Anya, old friend, you've still got it in you." She whispered.

Anya looked up from kissing Xander. "Who's there?"

A girly giggle rang through the air. "Campsite. Now."

Anya stood, redressing, leaving a bewildered Xander behind as she made her way to the campsite. "Anya? Honey, what's wrong?" Xander asked as he too started to put his clothes back on.

*^*^*

"Okay, who is it?" Anya asked as she came up to the campsite. Willow and Riley gave her strange looks.

Spike rolled his eyes. "She talk to you too? Bloody bitch is followin'... ow! Stop that!"

"Don't call me a bitch!" Sprite retorted in an angry voice.

"Sprite?" Anya asked.

"Who?" Riley inquired.

"Don't hide." Anya commanded.

"Where's the fun in showing myself?" Willow's hair started standing on end. Willow quickly flattened it out.

"Who is it?" Willow asked, standing and trying to look around.

Anya went into the dining tent and came back out a few moments later. "Rac-um, tarabi listor, febri, Sprita." The ex-demon waved her hand in a
circle. A few seconds later Sprite appeared.

"Oi!" The nymph yelled.

"You haven't changed a bit." Anya said, glaring at her.

"I'm here on business now gimme back my shield!"

"No!"

"I said *gimme*!" The two girls moved forward, their noses almost touching as they glared at each other.

"What's going on?" Riley asked.

Sprite tweaked Anya's nose and made a dash around the now burning fire. "Catch me if you can, Anyaka!" She called out, running into the forest.

Anya started running after her but was stopped by Spike. "Explain." He ordered, sitting her down. "I'm going to talk to 'er." He said, walking between the trees again.

*^*^*

An hour later when Riley, Xander and Willow were filled in Spike returned with Sprite over his shoulder. "You know, I *really* don't mind. I have a nice view where I am." The nymph said, slapping him on the butt.

"Hands off, Sprite."

"Not until I get my shield back!" She whined.

Anya walked up. "Put her down, Spike. We need to tie her up." She looked at the others. "We'll put her in Giles' tent."

"No! They did gross stuff in there!" Sprite protested. "Please, I'll do anything." She looked at Riley. "Finn! Army boy, pleeeeease. Let me sleep with you! No! Not like that! Uh, separate but not! Please! He can, uh, keep an eye on me! Yeah! Just not that tent."

Riley shrugged. "Fine. My tent then."

Xander and Willow cringed. "I'm never going to look at Giles or Mrs Summers the same way again." Xander spoke up.

"I'm not going to look at them again at all." Willow added. "There are some things I don't want to know about."

"It's not like you two 'aven't 'ad sex before. You with demon girl and you with wolf boy." Spike pointed from Xander to Willow then sat on one of the logs after dumping Sprite with Riley.

"So very strong." Sprite said, batting her eyelashes at Riley.

Spike rolled his eyes. "Something tells me this is going to be a long trip." He said with a sigh.
 

~Wednesday, Day 3~ Truth, A Mighty Thing

"Personally I prefer chains but I can deal." Sprite grinned up at Riley as he finished tying the ropes around her wrists and ankles as they sat at the fire that morning.

Willow finally crawled out of bed. "Morning." Riley greeted her.

"Nature girl!" Sprite beamed. "How was... Spike?" She waggled her brows.

"What?" Willow started blushing.

Sprite's face fell. "Plan B." She muttered.

"What's for breakfast?" The teenage girl asked.

"Spike and Xander just went down to the river to catch some fish. They'll be back soon I think."

Anya walked out of the tent she shared with Xander. "Hi." She yawned, stretching.

"Morning." Riley and Willow replied.

"Anyaka." Sprite said with a devilish grin.

"Those won't hold her." Anya told Riley as she sat beside Willow.

Sprite stood, shaking off the ropes. "Gotta humour the guy." She sat down again with the ropes by her feet. Riley's face fell as he saw his prisoner untied. "It's not the technique, Kid. It's just that you used rope. The only thing that can hold me down are chains that Vulcan makes."

"That was a fun-filled day." Anya grinned. "We put her in a pit of snakes while she was chained up."

"That' cruel!" Willow said.

"They weren't poisonous."

Sprite rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but they were made of metal! Do you know how sharp he made their fangs?!"

Xander and Spike started walking up. Xander looked at Riley. "I thought you said you were going to tie her up!"

"I did." Riley said, pointing to the ropes. "She got out."

"What are we doing today?" The ex-demon asked as she sat up, waiting for the fish to get cooked.

"Anya, we just spent a half an hour scaling and... gutting this fish. First *we* *eat*!" Xander said, dumping the fish on a nearby plate. "Riley, you can cook." He said, sitting down beside his girlfriend.

"Today we're going to get chased by a bear." Sprite said matter-of-factly.

"Pet, there are *no* bears in this forest." Spike replied.

The nymph grinned. "Heh heh heh." She said to herself.

There was a loud growl from the outer rim of the camp. Every one looked up to see a large grizzly bear. "This is a very wiggy dream I'm having."
Xander said, standing slowly.

"Fear not! I shall save you!" Sprite yelled dramatically as she stood. She walked over to the bear. "Go away, Liber!" The nymph hissed.

"This isn't your battle." The bear replied.

"A bear is talking." Willow muttered in disbelief.

Anya studied the bear closely. "Sprite! What's going on?!" She yelled angrily.

"You aren't allowed to interfere. I know the rules you set with Cupid. Go!" The bear started moving away.

"Cupid? Liber? Rules?"

She turned around. "Yeah. Cupid and-and Liber... they said I had to help one of you and, uh, well... I haven't decided yet. Er, well, I have to stay around you for the whole trip. Yep, and... that's it." The girl lied. "Well, that's all I'm allowed to tell you."

Anya grabbed the girl's hand. "We'll be back tomorrow." The ex-demon announced as they started walking into the forest.

Xander's mouth dropped. "What?"

There was no reply. "Willow, 'elp me get some drinks?" Spike asked, moving towards the dining tent.

"Sure." The girl got up and started walking with him.

*^*^*

Inside the tent. "Lemonade for Riley. The home-made stuff. Not the soda. Xander will have a Dr.Pepper. I'll just have a strawberry milk." Spike handed her Xander's and her own drinks and then took out a lemonade for Riley and a packet of blood for himself. He stopped her and indicated the table for her to sit. "What's up?"

"Yesterday... when you and Riley were..." He sighed and trailed off the comment. "You'd tell me if you got another boyfriend, right?"

She smiled. "You think Riley and I are dating? He's still going out with Buffy!"

"Don't know how long that'll last though." Spike reminded.

"Riley's not my type."

"Am I?"

Xander walked in the tent before Willow could answer. "Sorry. You guys didn't come out with the drinks. Thought there was some kind of drinks- monster." The boy grinned at them but frowned when he saw they weren't laughing. "I'll just take these." He took his and Riley's drinks and left the tent again. Spike followed after him. Willow sat in the tent by herself, contemplating what had just happened.

*^*^*

~Back at the house~

"Whistler, you amaze me sometimes." Spike junior said through thought.

"I amaze you? You're a dog!"

"That's not my fault." The puppy replied, looking away.

"You said his wife looked like a horse. I'd say that's somewhat your fault."

"She *does* look like a horse! It's a known fact! We have bets running up there on how long it's going to take for her to start neighing!"

Whistler chuckled. "Want another beer?"

"I don't think dogs are supposed to drink. I feel sick."

"Ah, you'll get over it." The tiny demon flipped the cap on another beer and poured it into Spike Junior's feeding dish. "There. A little drinking does you good."

"I wonder what a drunk dog looks like." Cupid pondered aloud before starting to lap up the alcohol. "If you take photos of this I will make sure you get another curse."

The demon chuckled again. "I won't, Cupid." He replied. "I won't."
 

~Thursday, Day 4~ Never As Planned

"Buffy's a bitch." Willow announced.

"What? Why?" Xander asked. "Uh, I mean... why now?"

Willow tossed him Buffy's journal that had been left behind when Joyce had been packing. "Read that."

~Buffy's Journal~

Dear Diary,
    Spike and Willow are getting closer. I don't know how it happened I
just know it's got to be stopped! He can't take her away from me. She's
mine and I intend on keeping it that way! She's been mine since day one
and the little bitch isn't even grateful. I'll keep my hold over her.
She'll see the error of her ways. I just need Spike out of the way. He's
getting too close. If I can do it with Oz I can do it with him too. No
one takes what's mine and gets away with it. But Spike, unlike Oz, won't
get a choice whether he lives or dies.
    Buffy

~The Camp~

"So she was like this before Monday? I never knew." Xander said, flipping the page. "Woah! And I thought *that* was bad." He looked over the picture Buffy had drawn on the next page. The heading above it said 'Kill The Vampire!' The picture had a rough drawing of Spike with stakes
protruding from certain tender areas of his body and from his eyes. There were other images of crosses around the page, the sun shining in the background and what looked like holy water was pouring down on him from overhead. Buffy was holding an axe beside him. On the page after that there was another picture with Spike's head on the ground and Buffy holding a now bloodied axe. He turned the page again and saw Buffy holding what looked like a dust-buster in her hands, using the tiny vacuum to clean up Spike's ashes.

"Makes you wonder how many times she was dropped on her head as a child, doesn't it?" The red head beside him smirked.

Xander chuckled. "That's mean." He stated, swatting her on the leg with the book.

"Oh and almost killing me isn't?!" She replied.

"She didn't almost kill you. She was just... making a point."

"Yeah. Right." Snorted Willow.

Spike walked up. "Hey, Spike, look at this." Xander showed him the pages he'd just read.

The vampire rolled his eyes with a groan. "Someone burn that thing." He said, tossing the book back to Xander.

"No, we'll save that for Slutty." Willow stated.

The blond gave her a look. "Pet, I reserve the right to be the only one to call 'er that."

"Fine. I'm still aloud to call her 'Slayer'."

"How about we all just call her 'Buffy'." Xander said with a smile. Willow and Spike both looked over at him. "Okay, so I'll just shut up." He stated, looking down at the next few pages of Buffy's journal. "Geez, she's even written about me and Anya in here!"

"Yeah and if you read on a bit further you'll see her plan to kill of Anya." Willow spoke, giving the boy a nod. "She wasn't just after me."

Xander put the book down. "That's disturbing. I don't want to know about my girlfriend's death."

"What about my death?" Anya asked as she started coming into the camp.

Willow picked up the book and handed it to her. "Buffy's diary."

Sprite shook her head. "That girl has issues." She muttered. The nymph stopped, looking around as if trying to see something hidden within the trees. "Everyone in the dining tent. Now."

"Why?"

"Just go." Xander, Anya, Spike, Riley and Willow all moved in to the dining tent.

A car sped down the dirt track and screeched to a halt. A very messed up and ragged slayer stepped out. Her eyes roaming wildly. "Where are they?" She growled, moving towards Sprite.

Sprite sucked on the ends of her fingers. "Your friends were they? Quite tasty with a bit of salt. That vampire... ew. He's out in the bush somewhere. Gonna be my next meal." She licked her lips.

Buffy walked up to her, her hand clamping around Sprite's throat. "You ate them?" She growled angrily. "They were *mine*!" She threw the girl
down.

"Learn to share." The nymph replied, standing and dusting herself off.

"What's with the tutu?" Buffy asked, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at the nymph.

"It's not a tutu! It's a lace skirt! That's it!"

"Sure. By the way, tights went out in the eighties." Buffy kicked at the girl. Sprite stepped aside with a roll of her eyes as Buffy made several clumsy attacks at her that normally would've been delivered perfectly. "You look like one of Santa's little helpers."

"Your quips get worse the more time you're away from your friends. Whoops. Forgot. You don't have any anymore. Nice with salt." Sprite replied.

Everyone in the tent peeked out. Willow gasped, seeing Buffy. Her claws shot out as she went to walk out of the tent. Spike grabbed her. "Let me
go." She hissed at him.

"Don't, Pet. Xander and I have a bet on who's going to win." Spike replied. Willow looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Don't worry. I said Sprite."

Buffy fell to her knees. Sprite picked up some ash from the fire and blew it over Buffy's face, the grey matter turning a yellow colour as it hit the slayer's skin. Buffy froze on the spot. "It's safe." Sprite yelled out in her usual annoying sing-song voice. Willow stormed out, moving towards Buffy with both hands of claws ready to slash. "I wouldn't if I were you." Willow went to slash at Buffy's face but was thrown back as her claws hit a force-field. "Told you so."

Willow looked up, shaking her head. "You're protecting her?" She growled, standing.

"She's needed. Not my decision. In fact... if it were *my* decision I'd put you two in a ring together and see who gets mauled the most."

The witch turned to Riley and started walking towards him. "Come swimming with me?" She asked.

<No! Spike! Go to Spike! Not Riley! Liber, you ass! You're doing this!>  Liber chuckled. <I'm not interfering. I have my own team. The slayer is on mine. Anyaka is on yours. Use your team wisely. Your spell is wearing off. Have fun!> Liber chuckled again then disappeared.

Sprite growled and turned just in time to see Buffy starting to come out of her trance. "She's waking up. Everyone to the river. I'll move everything to the caves on the other side." Everyone started moving. "Anyaka, wait. I'll need your help. Liber just talked to me."

"I know. I heard him."

"You still got that necklace?"

"Anya!" Buffy snarled. "You'll be with Spike when he goes."

"Okay, here's the charm." Sprite handed Anya the tiny necklace that was holding the power of keeping Buffy sedated. "You keep her there as long
as possible. Time for... uh, plan..." Sprite thought. "Plan... F? Yeah, plan F on how to get 'em together."

Anya chuckled. "How many plans do you have?"

"Yaka, babe, I've been around millions of years. I have more than just a few tricks up my sleeve." She grinned, skipping away towards the river. "Oh, and Yaka?" She waved as she became invisible again.

"Damn sprite." Anya grumbled as she turned to Buffy and held the charm up, watching Buffy go back in her trance.

*^*^*

Sprite pouted. Her latest plan had failed. <Riley wasn't supposed to catch Willow when she fell. That's why Spike was closer! Grrrr! Time for plan R.> She went to work.

An hour later when everyone was at the caves on the other side of the tiny 'mountain' Sprite once again pouted, rolling her sleeves up a bit. <Fine. Plan Z.>  Another hour later Sprite kicked a rock in frustration. <Plan 2B.>  <Plan 2T> ... <Plan 3G> ... <Plan 3M> ... <Are these people *never*
going to get together?! Bloody hell! Gods, now I'm talking like him! Please, a sign that they're *eventually* going to get together so I know this isn't hopeless!> As Sprite walked into the cave a fireball started moving from the back of the cave. <Uh oh.> It hit her in the stomach. "Not the kind of sign I was lookin' for." She gasped, rubbing her scorched stomach.

"At least they're going to get together." Anya said from beside her. "That's a plus, right?"

"You were a vengeance demon, Anyaka. Why are you trying to get a man and woman together? I thought that was against everything you believe in."

"I know. I changed. I lost my powers. I met Xander. Spike's actually nice once you get to know him."

"Yeah, well stay with Xander. If you try to get together with Spike that'll make my job that much harder."

"What plan are you up to?"

"Uh... right now? 4A." She smirked at the ex-demon. "They're stubborn!" She protested when Anya rolled her eyes.

"Nothing ever goes as planned, Sprite. *Nothing*!" Anya said before leaving the cave.
 

~Friday, Day 5~ Human Beast

"Who wants some chocolate?" Xander asked after an hour of digging through the food supplies to finally find out it was in the bag labelled 'Choccies!' He held up a few bars of chocolate, tossing one to Willow and Riley and another to Anya. "Buffy, want some?" He asked as he moved
towards the slayer's tied up form. They'd used every bit of rope they could find, which made her look like she was in a cocoon, and even went as far as using the chains they'd found, but didn't wish to talk about, in Spike's car. The slayer looked up with a glare and spat at him. Xander looked down at his shirt and shook his head. "I'm trying to be nice, Buffy. After making threats at my girlfriend and two of my other friends the least you could do is ignore and *not* spit!"

"Your 'other friends' aren't anywhere near what I am to you. Right, Xander? You're always going to love me. You know it. I'm your little love kitten. Aren't I?" She said, giving him a mischievous look. "I can turn you on with the flick of a switch."

Xander shook his head slowly, moving away from her and going back to the group. "She's trying to use herself against me."

"I say we kill 'er." Spike muttered. "Who's with me?"

"Me!" Anya piped in.

"Me." Willow added.

Riley frowned. "We can't kill her. She just needs some help. Professional."

"I agree. She's still our friend." Willow glared at Xander when he'd finished speaking. "Okay, so mine and Riley's friend. Sprite's neutral."

"Oh, and Sprite loves being talked about in the third person. Don't you, Sprite? Why, yes, I do." Sprite said sarcastically as she sat on one of the lower branches of a nearby tree. "So, Sprite, what's *your* input on this whole situation? Hmmm, well, I think the slayer's a bitch and by the end of the night either Will, Nature Girl or Anyaka are going to have hit her or hurt her in some way. How do you feel about that? Do you see me trying to break 'em up?" She smiled down at everyone and leant back further in the tree. "The humour thing comes with age."

"Lots of it." Xander added.

"How old are you?"

"19."

Sprite sighed. "I remember when I was 19. It's permanently etched into my brain. Very bad times they were. Anyaka thought *she* had it bad."

"I did." Anya replied.

"Yeah, well, you try being around when Jupiter was born. His nappies... ugh!"

"You're older than him?"

"I was in the second generation of sprites. Of course I'm older!"

Willow finished her chocolate and glared over at Buffy, noticing Buffy was glaring back. The witch stood and walked over while everyone was busy talking to Sprite. "Come back for me?" Willow whispered to her with an angry tone. "Or did you come back to kill Spike and Anya?"

"Both."

"Giles and Joyce were..."

The slayer interrupted. "Yeah, they *were*. Now they're in hospital. It's funny how a slayer can get out of a car-crash barely harmed when normal humans can't."

"But... you came here in Giles' car."

"Yeah." The slayer said. "His car ran out of gas. We got a taxi. The driver is probably in critical condition." She said without any real concern. "I did what I had to."

"So you got some gas, filled up the car just to come and take us back? You're insane!"

"No. You are. You're living with Spike and you don't even see what he's doing. He'll attack you when you're asleep then he'll come for me. Well,
guess what, *Willow*, he's not going to hurt any of us. We were fine before he and Anya came along. Weren't we? We had fun! No one could
separate us. We were the *Scoobies*!"

"Key word being 'were'." Anya said as she approached.

"Stay out of this, demon girl."

Anya rolled her eyes. "That *would* be offensive if I didn't like being a demon." The girl answered. "I thought you were just possessive. Now you're possessive *and* insane. And now you don't even have any friends to help you through it."

Willow pulled a matchbox from her pocket and pulled out a match. "Everyone knows that ropes are flammable. Those ropes will burn you before they give way enough for you to escape." She lit the match. "Care to find out, Slayer?"

Buffy just looked up defiantly. "You're right, Anya. My friends *would* help me through this. Now they're more bent on torturing me. You were
wrong when you said I wasn't your friend, Willow. You started that. *You* abandoned *us*. Your witch-craft with Tara and even before that with Oz!"

"You made him leave. You threatened to kill him. I didn't start anything Buffy. What about how you left us for Angel? What, does that not count
because it was your fault?"

The blond remained silent. She looked over at Riley and the others and saw them watching. "Don't think I want you anymore, Riley." She called out. "We're through."

"Halleluiah!" Sprite called out, jumping so she was standing on the branch. "The slayer dumped the commando! Another person to hate her!"

"I don't hate Buffy." Riley stated.

"Ah shit." Sprite slumped down again. "And I was hoping for a real brawl."

"You'll get it." Spike said. "Count on it."

Sprite put her hands together in prayer. "Please let that be true!"

"You have a thing for violence, don't you, Pet?"

"The most violent sprite ever known. First sprite to challenge one of the gods."

"Who?"

She giggled. "Cupid. 'Eh, but we're friends now. He asks for my help on occasion to do his dirty work... and I don't mean laundry. Those wings are a bugger to clean though."

Anya grinned at the sprite. She winked back. "The wings aren't detachable, Sprite." The ex-demon said.

"I know."

Spike smirked. "You an' Cupid?"

"Centuries ago, My boy! Centuries! Now I'm a single white female lookin' for some lovin'. Hey, Riley, you're single now..." The commando looked down, hiding his light pink cheeks. "And he's so cute when he blushes!"

"So that's *it*?! We break up and you go straight on to someone else?!" Buffy screeched.

Riley looked up with an unsure look. "Buffy, you broke up with me. And I'm not dating Sprite."

"Maybe later." Sprite piped up with a smile.

"Riley!" Buffy wailed. Half-way through her wailing Anya shoved an apple in the slayer's mouth, earning a glare from her.

"Oh look. Put her on a spit and we can roast a pig. The proper way." Willow said, smiling evilly at the slayer.

Spike walked over, grabbing Willow's hand and pulling her away from Buffy. "Let's not torture the psychotic slayer. If she gets out of those ropes and chains we're all in trouble." Before Willow could speak he interrupted. "Over the time I've known this slayer I've learnt not to under-estimate 'er."

Willow nodded, knowing he was right. What fun they'd have tonight. A psycho slayer that knows how to improvise. She actually pitied who was
taking watch.
 

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