Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Spike got out of the bed and walked to the window. He hated this. He was disgusted with himself and with Angel. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see Willow's face. The hurt and pain....he'd caused it. He had been led around by his ego yet again. He couldn't understand what it was about his relationship with Willow that made him act like such an ass. He hated feeling like this. He looked back at the bed, and groaned.

(Bloody hell....Drusilla....Well, you damn wanker, you wanted to hurt her. This sure should do that.)

He, Angel and Dru had been talking about old times, when they had felt that familiar spark. He had to admit that he knew Willow would find out. He had wanted her to find out. She had left him, again, to go to the slayer. He hated to admit that he was jealous of that blonde bimbo, but he was. That is the only reason he had allowed himself to fuck Dru. He couldn't even believe that it was due to some past love on his part. It was to hurt Willow. He only hoped that Willow would understand. He and Angel would have hell to face in the morning. He knew Nic wouldn't mind. Nic was old world. As long as he and Angel didn't hurt Dru, Nic would be fine. Willow had to understand. He would have to make her realize that he had made a terrible mistake. He couldn't lose her. He loved her. He knew she loved him. He would convince her to give them another chance. It would never happen again, he knew this for sure. He never wanted to feel as disgusted as he did. He and Angel had been so stupid. Willow wasn't a vampire. Why could they not remember that?

(You are a bloody bastard, Spike. You had better get good at begging m'boy. It's gonna take some convincing to get Red back this time. I'll do it though. I'll sweep her off her pretty feet and make her forget every rude thing I said. I have to.)

He turned back and headed to the bed. He slipped in beside Angel. Angel turned and looked at him.

"What did we do?" he asked softly.

Spike scowled. "We hurt the one person in this world we truly love."

Angel nodded. "We'll get her back tomorrow. She'll understand." he said firmly. "She has to..." his voice trailed off.

"I hope so, mate. I truly hope so."

* * * * *

"No answer."

"Fuck. She must have the bloody phone off the hook. Call the watcher."

Angel dialed Giles number. "It's his machine."

"Bloody hell. Where is the little chit?"

"Nic took the fire away..." Dru called to them as she entered the room.

"What?" Angel asked.

Dru smiled. "Willow was hurting....Nic will make it all better. They left last night."

Spike went over and grabbed Dru's arm, his eyes flashing with anger. "What did you say?"

Dru whimpered as the pain hit her. "Nic and Willow left. He didn't want me to worry. He left me a note." She showed him the paper.

Angel grabbed it from her hand and read:

Dru---

darling......Willow is upset. She and I have decided to take a vacation. I want to show my little tree the world. She needs to feel appreciated right now. I am not upset over this evening. I understand that you were reliving the past. I'm planning on doing that now. Please forgive me. Know that I love you, but Willow needs me now. I will bring her home safely when she wants to come back. It has been many years since I've had such a curious companion. This should be great fun. Please keep Spike and Angel in one piece. Be safe, baby. I'll call you if the opportunity arises. Willow is eager to begin our adventure, so I must go now. Tell Spike that I will take very good care of Willow...just as he has done with you.

Eternally---
Nic

"Where did he go Dru?" Angel asked, his tone menacing.

"I wouldn't know." She replied, trying to get free from Spike's grasp.

He turned cold eyes to her, holding on to he arm tighter. "You'd better find out, princess. If that bastard touches Willow, I'll shove a stake so far up his ass..."

Dru felt anger. She pulled away from, scratching his arm. "You will not touch Nic. He is doing nothing that you BOTH didn't do yesterday. What is wrong with Willow sharing her bed with him? You both shared it with me. Nic won't hurt her. He likes her." She turned and went upstairs, muttering under her breath.

"Spikey hurt his princess....Daddy yelled at me...."

Spike and Angel looked at each other.

"We fucked up royally this time." Angel said, sitting in the chair and resting his forehead on his hands.

"Willow wouldn't do anything with that sod. He's probably trying to seduce her right now, that bastard." Spike said, lost in thoughts of his Willow with Nic.

"She was very hurt...very vulnerable. They both hit it off fairly well during the search for you.....If Nic wishes, he can be lost for years," worry crept into Angel's voice....

"NO!" Spike shouted. "NO. I am not thinking about that. Willow will be back. She has to come back. She is my WIFE for pity's sake. She's probably over at the Slayer's.....Nic is just playing another joke....I don't know what I'd do if she left me for him....Not going to happen. Nope. She's probably off somewhere thinking. I'll give her some time....let her remember what an ass I am...."

"You're babbling..." Angel said, smiling softly.

Spike looked at him, blue eyes captured brown. Both filled with regrets and sadness. "I miss her all ready...she isn't coming back soon is she?" Spike whispered.

"I don't think so." Angel replied quietly.

"I'll wait for her....we'll wait for her." Spike decided. "She belongs with us, not with that bloody wanker. She'll realize that...hopefully very soon."

* * * * *

"This is fantastic!"

Willow felt herself smiling at her friend's exclamation. They had arrived in New Orleans several hours before dawn. Because of Nic's condition, they had immediately headed for his home. It was a beautiful two story house in the Garden District. Sun proof, of course. She and Buffy had had a short nap, but both were too excited to sleep. Nic had given them a credit card and told them to go have fun. They were to meet him back at his house at dusk.

She and Buffy had headed to the French Quarter. She had often read about the city, but seeing it was unbelievable. In the light of day, it was a bit dirty, old and crowded. But she loved it. The french quarter seemed alive. The buildings were amazing. There was such a sense of history...it had almost a magic aura around it. Even Buffy had noticed that feeling.

They had dined on beignets at the Cafe Du Monde then headed out to buy some clothes at Canal Place. It was fantastic to have a credit card with no limit. She and Buffy had bought enough to get them through the next week or so. It was the first time she had been truly carefree since....well, in a long time it seemed. She didn't know how she could ever thank Nic for all that he was doing. It seemed rather strange for her to be in debt to a master vampire. He was treating her and Buffy as he would his children. She couldn't believe that Buffy had accepted him so easily. Nic just had that way about him though. She figured even his victims couldn't help but like him.

They sent their new wardrobes back to Nic's with the driver. He actually had a driver for when he was in town. It all amazed her. They decided to spend the remainder of the day browsing through some of the antique stores along Royal Street. Nic planned to have them meet some of his children that lived in town that evening for dancing and dinner on Bourbon Street. They both wanted to get back early enough to make themselves beautiful. It wasn't everyday that the slayer and her friend got escorted around New Orleans by a bunch of wealthy vampires. Willow also wanted to call home....She felt the need to hear Spike's voice, even though she didn't want to talk to him. She was still mad at him. It wouldn't be that easy this time. She refused to let it be that easy. This time, she would not go back and forgive him. She couldn't. She needed to think. Maybe tomorrow.....

After lunch at a small restaurant (she tried jambalaya---good but quite spicy) they headed back to Nic's with their new purchases. Willow was looking forward to meeting his children. She was curious as to whether they would seem like him or like the other vamps she was used to. It should be an interesting evening.

* * * * *

"Beautiful" Nic said as Willow and Buffy came down the stairs. His guests turned and watched the girls curiously.

"Willow....Buffy....I would like for you to meet my children."

"This is Alan....Marie....Ettiene.....Luc.... Karen....and Simone." He motioned to the group surrounding him.

"Children, these are the new friends I spoke of. Willow and Buffy. Buffy is the slayer in Sunnydale."

Willow put a face to each name. Alan--middle thirties when he was turned. Red hair....nice eyes. Marie---another older woman....frizzy brown hair....Ettiene...wow...green eyes....brown hair...early 20s....Luc....another WOW....dark blond hair....blue eyes....early twenties... yummy.... Karen... .appeared to be in her early twenties..brown hair....blue eyes....Simone....blonde hair....brown eyes...all very attractive people. They seemed friendly. They were looking at her and Buffy in amusement. She realized that she had been caught staring.

"Hello." She said, feeling her face turn red.

Luc stepped forward and kissed her hand. "Enchante mademoiselle." His blue eyes sparkling. Willow smiled at the handsome vampire. (He's no Spike, but he's cute.)

Buffy looked at them all and smiled. "Hi there."

"So, this is the slayer?" Simone asked Nic.

Nic nodded. "Yes....one of the best I've ever seen."

Marie's eyebrows rose."Better than Vanessa?" she asked curiously.

"Much better."

They looked at Buffy with respect and admiration. She felt herself turning red at their stares. She wasn't used to vampires admiring her work. Ettiene stepped forward and offered her his arm.

"May I escort you to dinner?" he asked politely. She found herself smiling into his green eyes.

"Of course." She took his arm.

She noticed that Luc had captured Willow's arm and was leading her out the door. Nic watched with a smile. He waved for the others to join them. He had several things planned for the evening. Buffy and Willow both deserved a first rate experience. His children would help him ensure that they both remembered New Orleans with fondness. He wondered if Spike and Angel had read his note yet. He knew Dru would show them, so he had made sure to make no mention of Buffy accompanying them. He had also made sure to throw in several remarks that he knew Spike and Angel would catch.

(They hurt that dear girl. They deserve to suffer a bit....)

He went outside and joined his guests as they made their way to Arnaud's. He had reservations waiting.

* * * * *

Willow and Buffy were meeting Ettiene and Luc. They had spent the previous evening with the two handsome vampires after dinner, and had agreed to meet them again tonight. Luc wanted to show them the New Orleans nightlife.

Willow had spent the day thinking about her situation. She had realized that she belonged with Spike and Angel. They were her lovers....her life. BUT they had pissed her off. She did not intend to go back to Sunnydale and immediately fall into the same routine. She might know she belonged with them, but she planned to make them worry about it. There was no need for them be let off that easily.

"Buffy...."

"Yeah Wills?"

"You ok?"

"Yes. I know it was that fish I had for lunch. It did bad things to my stomach." Buffy had been in the bathroom throwing up. She had thought that the fish tasted funny, but figured it was the way it was supposed to taste. It had made her very sick. Luckily, after resting the afternoon, she was feeling better. She hated seafood she decided.

"Do you want to stay in tonight? We can call them and tell them you're sick."

"NO! I feel much better. I puked it all up." Willow made a face and Buffy laughed. "I want to PARTY!"

Willow smiled glad to see her friend feeling better. "Me too. No worrying about what will happen when I get home. No Spike and no Angel."

"No slaying....no demons...no Cordelia."

"I think I want to get a tattoo."

"What?" Buffy looked at her friend in surprise.

Willow smiled. "I have this image in mind..." she explained it to her friend. Buffy started to laugh.

"I like it. We'll ask Luc to take us to get it. I might get one too. Except, I really hate needles...never mind. We'll get yours."

Willow laughed. Who would guess that the slayer was frightened of needles?

"Where did they say we were going tonight?" Buffy asked as she finished her makeup.

"Some place called Tips...also, they want to show us Bourbon Street...the REAL Bourbon Street as Luc said. He told me that Nic is rather old world about things, so he only showed us the proper places yesterday. Simone may be joining us."

Buffy smiled. She and the blonde girl had hit off the previous night. "That would be fun. I can't believe these people are vampires. Why can't Sunnydale have vampires like that?"

"I don't know...lucky I guess?" Willow said, making a face.

"Are we ready?" Buffy asked.

"Yes. I called home and Spike answered. He's still alive."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Wills, promise me that I won't have to hear about Blondie or Deadboy tonight. Please? Pretty please?"

"OK....Promise. If I mention either of them to you, just smack me."

"With pleasure. Now, let's go. We have to undead hotties waiting on us."

Buffy and Willow left, saying goodbye to Nic. He told them to be safe and have fun.

(I plan to....) Willow thought as she saw Ettiene and Luc waiting.

* * * * *

"Let me see..."

Willow lifted her hair and pulled down the collar of her dress. She had a new tattoo.

"I don't get it..." Luc said. "What does it mean?"

She smiled. "It is an infinity sign...."

"I see that...looks like an eight. What's in the middle?"

"One side is a halo....the other is a railroad spike."

"See, it shows that she belongs to Spike and Angel for eternity." Buffy said smiling. She liked her friend's idea.

The two vampires looked at each other and then at the petite red head.

"You belong to Spike, as in William the Bloody and Angel, as in Angelus?" Ettiene said, in a shocked tone.

Willow nodded. "Yes. Didn't Nic mention that? They're the reason I had to get away."

"You're that Willow...."Luc mumbled. "I knew that your name was familiar. I heard that old Spike fell hard for a human. Knowing you, I can now understand it."

Willow felt herself smile. "Thank you, I think."

"I love the tattoo. Spike and Angel will, of course, get huge egos over it though. You'd better not let them see it until you're ready to take them back. I guess this does mean that you plan to go back, right?" Buffy asked.

Willow nodded. "I'm theirs...for eternity. I have to live with that, even though I sometimes want to kill them both. I just don't plan to let them know that for awhile. They won't be able to see this until I want them too."

"So, guys, where to now? We want to have some fun before we get stuck back in Sunnyhell." Buffy said, turning to the guys.

Luc and Ettiene shook their heads and smiled. They couldn't believe that they were out on the town with a slayer and the mate of two of the most feared vampires they'd ever met. Things sure were interesting when Nic was in town. Never a dull moment.

"There is this great club a few blocks down. It has one of the best bands around. Let's go dance, drink, and have some fun." Ettiene said, joining one arm with Willow and the other with Buffy. Luc grabbed Willow's other arm, and the foursome headed down Bourbon Street. The guys told stories and pointed out the sights...the girls' laughter trailed after them.

* * * * *

"Willow...can we talk?"

"Of course....what's wrong?" Willow sat on her bed looking at her friend. They had stayed out all night, again, with Ettiene, Luc, Simone and Karen. They hadn't gotten in until dawn. Then, they had chatted with Nic for a few hours as always. He had taken a fatherly interest in both girls.

"I'm late." Buffy said, running a hand through her blonde hair.

"Late? Late for what?" Willow asked, puzzled.

Buffy looked at her friend seriously. "I think I might be pregnant." she whispered.

"Oh my god..." Willow sat back. "Do you know for sure? How late are you?"

Buffy shrugged. "I don't know. With everything that has been happening, I hadn't really noticed. I've been feeling tired lately, and haven't been able to keep down my dinner very often. I thought it was stress......it has to be stress. I can't be pregnant. There can not be a pregnant slayer. I'm sure there is some rule or something. Oh God, what if I am and the council kills me? Or I have to give up my baby? Or I lose it while slaying? I can't do this alone.....Tyler is gone. I CAN NOT be pregnant."

"BUFFY! Calm down. You have had a lot of stress lately. That sometimes will make your cycle skip around. If you ARE pregnant, well, we'll worry about that if the time comes. We need to get you one of those home tests or something. The council will not kill you. You all ready resigned. Now, I remember seeing a pharmacy two blocks over. Let's go see what we can find. Don't worry. You have me." Willow hugged her friend, trying to reassure her.

Buffy wiped her eyes. "You're right, as always. I am probably just freaking out. I just know what to do. I'm sure its stress. It has to be stress. Let's go get that test and prove me right. Ok?"

"Let's go. It will be all right, Buffy." Willow said, as they left the room. Her mind was running in all directions. She truly hoped that it was just stress. Her friend had enough to deal with. She didn't need anything else to worry about.

* * * * *

"Nico....where the hell are you?" Spike demanded.

He heard a husky laugh. "Dear boy...you need not worry yourself about where I am."

"Let me talk to Willow."

"Sorry, no can do. She in unavailable at the moment. She is exhausted. I never would have guessed what a little spitfire she is."

Spike felt himself growing angry. "You keep your hands off of my wife!"

"It's not my hands you should worry about William....besides, she has all ready grown tired of me. I guess I'm getting old."

Spike laughed. "Ha...see old man. She realized that I'm better than you."

There was a laugh. "I said she grew tired of ME, my boy. You see, she has met Ettiene and Luc. Luc is quite fond of her. They've been together the past few nights...she gets home at dawn and then she is mine for a few hours...Luc watches her like a hawk. He told me he loves to touch her...her reactions arouse him.....he is becoming obsessed..."

"Fuck you Nic. You had better keep that Ken Doll away from my Willow or you'll have to deal with me."

"Your Willow? You should have remembered that before you took MY Dru to your bed. Besides, I thought you'd be happy. Willow is learning to embrace her sexuality. She is beginning to understand the needs that we vampires all share. Don't worry, by the time we come back she will be properly broken for you." Nic said laughing.

"If you hurt her, I'll kill you." Spike promised.

"Ah, Spike, what is pleasure without a bit of pain? Isn't that what you told me once?"

"I swear Nic, I will stake you myself. I love her."

"Spike, I promise that neither Luc nor I have done anything that she didn't want."

"Fuck that. She doesn't know what she wants. I will not have you use her that way. She is my mate. I am sure you have all ready fucked her, if possible. I don't know what you said to get her to leave with you....but you'd better treat her nice. Hell, I'll stake Dru first."

Nic laughed. "Makes you crazy doesn't it? Not knowing. You think that she will be loyal and be a good girl....but you fear that she will retaliate against you by fucking anything that moves. Poor Spikey...all alone and lost in his thoughts....what does Angelus think? No, I'm sure his mind is the same place as yours. Next time, you two had better consider this before you hurt her: you both belong to her the same as she belongs to you. If you can do it, she can do it. Now, I have a beautiful redhaired goddess waiting for me to tuck her into bed. I'd better go before she calls Luc."

"You bastard."

"Now Now Spikey...watch the language. Give Dru my love. Tell Angelus I send my regards. We will be home sometime soon, I'm sure. Be safe....."

"OH....and Spike.....sweet dreams."

Nic hung up the phone and sat down smiling to himself.

(I am truly an evil bastard.....serves him right though.....)

Soon, his laughter filled the silence in his room.

* * * * *

"Buffy....I think you might need to stop drinking. That's your fourth, isn't it?" Willow said over the loud music.

"Nah, I'm just a bit buzzed......I'm happy....Let's dance!" Buffy pulled Willow out onto the small dance floor. Willow laughed and joined her friend. Luc followed, keeping an eye the girls. His gaze watched as the joined the crowd on the floor.

Willow closed her eyes and moved to the music. They were leaving soon. She would have to go back to Sunnydale and try to make some changes. It wouldn't be fun, but it was necessary. She felt a hand on her stomach. She opened her eyes and saw that Buffy was moving behind her. Since being in New Orleans, they often danced together or in a group. Neither of them wanted to encourage any of the men here. She closed her eyes again and started to move in rhythm with her friend.

Luc watched the two beautiful girls dance together. There was such trust and friendship between them. He envied them that love. He liked both girls. He was very attracted to Willow, but she belonged to someone else. He would never poach on another's territory. The slayer puzzled him. She was so vulnerable sometimes, yet at others completely independent. He had to fight the urge to try to protect her. Willow, he knew, could protect herself. He had seen the fire in her eyes. Buffy may be the slayer, but she seemed like a lost kitten to him. He smiled as he watched the two girls begin to dance rather erotically. Buffy was running her hands over Willow's body as the song became faster. Several men on the dance floor had stopped and were watching open mouthed at the women's movements. The girls were lost in their own thoughts, letting the music lead them.

The song ended, and the two girls went back to Luc.

"I think I should get her home." Willow said. "She needs to sleep. I think she's a bit tipsy."

"I think you're right. Let me help." Luc said, as he swung a laughing Buffy up into his arms. He carried her out of the club and to the car. Willow felt a smile come to her face. She had noticed the way that Luc had been watching her oblivious friend. It was the same way that Spike and Angel watched her.....

Luc and Willow managed to get Buffy back home. Luc said his goodbyes and promised to call before they both left. Willow tucked Buffy under covers. As she started to get up, her friend grabbed her arm and pulled her close to her. Her lips found Willow's.

Willow gasped, allowing Buffy's tongue to enter her mouth. After a few seconds, Buffy pulled away and smiled sleepily.

"Love you Wills..." she said before she passed out.

Shaken, Willow walked back to her room.

(She was drunk....she just meant it as a friendly kiss...She's going to be so hung over tomorrow...poor thing. She is going to be going through hell....)

Changing her course, she went to find Nic. She had to talk to the older vampire before they got back to Sunnydale. She had to see if he would agree to her plans. Smiling, Willow began humming the song that she and Buffy had danced to as she looked for Nic.

* * * * *

"Willow...."

"Yes Buffy?" Willow looked at friend, fighting a smile. (She looks like hell)

"Why did you let me drink so much?" Buffy whined, holding her head in her hands, trying to stop the pounding.

"I tried to stop you....so did Luc."

"Ummm.....did I do anything stupid?"

"What do you mean?" Willow asked, playing innocent.

"I seem to have this memory of kissing...you. Did I kiss you?"

Willow looked into her friend's eyes and said, "Must have been a dream. I won't ask WHY you might have dreamed about kissing me when you could have been kissing.....say....LUC?"

Buffy felt a blush spread across her face. (Thank God....just another dream)

"Luc is after you, my dear friend. I practically have to step over the puddle of drool each night." Buffy said, rolling her eyes.

"Nyuh-uh. He watches you....just like Spike watches me. I think he's been wanting to "stake" you for the last week. Do you like him?"

"WILLOW! Geez....he's cute....OK. drop "dead" gorgeous, but I've sworn off vamps. Tyler has only been gone less than three months, and you know what I may have facing me in the future. I do not need a relationship right now."

"I know. I just hate seeing you so stressed. Luc is a sweety. He reminds me of a younger Nic. Besides, he lives in Paris. It would never be more than just this week, so I guess I should just shut up and worry about my own life. Right?"

Buffy smiled. "Yeah....decide how you are going to get back at Blondie and Deadboy. Luc reminds me of Nic too. He is very sweet...he makes me feel safe. No, I do not need a one night stand....Do I?"

Willow just smiled. "I think I'm staying tonight. I'm sure you and Luc will have fun without me." Seeing Buffy start to protest, she continued. "I'm not saying that you should do anything. Don't think about it. Just go with what feels right. A very good friend of mine once told me that..."

Buffy had to smile as she heard her own words spoken back to her. "OK....what feels right. Got it. Are you sure you want to stay in? I mean, we're leaving tomorrow night."

"Nic and I have some things to discuss. Simone, Ettiene and Karen are coming to visit. I may go out with them, I may not." her voice trailed off...

"Willow?"

"Sorry....I just miss Spike....and Angel. I don't know if I am strong enough to resist them when I get back. I'm worried that I will run right back and start this whole thing over again. I DO NOT want to be with them if, either I or they, end up leaving in a huff ever month or so. I can't live through an eternity that way. NO. I need to stop the cycle now."

"You are the strongest person I know. If you want to do it, you will. Trust me."

Willow smiled. "I'm not sure how much I'll want to...that's the problem. OH, that must be Luc....have fun and be safe."

Buffy smiled and went out to join the handsome vampire. Looking into his blue eyes, she felt a shiver of anticipation shoot through her. (Do what feels right....oh my.....well, you only live once Buffy. Maybe you should enjoy tonight....)

* * * * *

"We should be there this evening. Can you please have everyone meet at your place around midnight. Oz, Xander, Cordelia...Spike, Angel and Dru. Yes, I'm hoping that he won't kill me if I have witnesses. No, it is nothing bad. Just some changes. I just don't want to have to tell everyone separately. Buffy is fine. Yeah, she went out last night with one of Nic's children, Luc. He is a very good guy, for a vampire. He takes care of her. No, she hasn't made it back yet....Giles, don't worry. Buffy would not do anything stupid. Besides, it is her life. If she want to give in and have a little vacation fling, that is her decision." Willow looked up as her door opened and Buffy entered, a dreamy expression on her face. Willow smiled. "Sorry, Giles, but Nic just popped in. He needs me to take the luggage down. I'll see you soon. Be safe."

"Well, Missy....where have you been all night and day?"

"Oh Willow...it was great. I don't know how to explain it. Last night, we went for a walk and spent the whole night talking. He actually listened to what I was saying. We ended up back at his hotel. Umm...we didn't have sex or anything last night. I slept in his arms. He never tried anything. I can't tell you what it was like to wake up in his arms. It made me miss Tyler so much."

"Oh Buffy....are you ok?"

"Yes...we spent the morning watching television and talking more. We made love."

Willow looked at her friend, waiting for her to continue.

"It was.....sensational. He is leaving for Paris tonight. I feel bad that he won't be here, but I am so glad that I took the chance. I have some wonderful memories. Does that seem stupid?"

"No. You got caught in the moment. I am happy that he made you happy. When Spike and I first got together, it was that way for us. I loved waking up beside him. We would spend hours just talking. After Angel, it stopped. I love Angel to death, but he just made things fall apart. We have not been able to recapture those first moments. Too much has happened. I mean, he lied to me about shagging Angel and I left, then Tyler died, then he was vampnapped by that weird little man, then it was them and Dru and I left, again. I don't want to go through this again. It hurts so much. I know he is hurting. You should hear what Nic has been telling him!"

"I can imagine. Poor Spike! Nic is quite a character. Willow, just remember, whatever you decide, decide for yourself. You need to make sure you can be happy. I don't want to see you unhappy again. It hurts me to see you suffer. Promise me that you won't let them force you into something until you are ready."

"I promise. Thank you for always being there. I don't know what I would have done this time if it hadn't been for you and Nic."

"Well, after getting over my selfishness and jealousy, I've been there. Don't forget that awful first month!" Buffy said, smiling.

"Don't remind me. I thought you would hate me forever."

"I could never hate you." Buffy said seriously. "You're my best friend. I don't think I could have made it this long without you."

"Enough! Let's get packed. Nic said the plane is ready to leave at dusk. We still have to get you packed. Will Luc be at the airport?"

"No. We all ready said our goodbyes. He said that he will call you before we leave. Oh God....I just slept with another vampire!"

"Yeah.....guess Spike was right. He told me that once you went vamp, you never went back."

"That sounds like something he'd say!" Buffy said, groaning.

The girls laughed and started packing. There was time for seriousness later. Tonight, they'd be back in Sunnydale. Willow would have to face the two she left behind and Buffy would have to face an undetermined future. At least they had their friendship.