Buffy moaned when the alarm went off, telling her it was time to get up. The problem being it was six in the morning, and it was just wrong to get up so early on vacation. She rolled over reaching to turn off the God awful sound, at the same time Willow was trying to do the same thing.

"I hate mornings, especially ones that should go its merry way while my eyes are closed and my mind is resting," Buffy grumbled as she tried not to lay her head back down and just go back to sleep.

"I know what you mean," Willow moaned as she sat up on the side of her bed.

"What the hell were we thinking taking an early tour?" Buffy asked right before she put her face in her pillow.

"Get as much done this week since we most likely will never do this again," Willow surmised, as she made herself stand up and fight the urge to lay back down and just vegetate.

"I will need a vacation to recover from the vacation," Buffy giggled as she too rolled out of bed.

"We need to hurry so we can make sure to meet the guys for breakfast and finalize where and when to meet up with them," Willow reminded her, knowing she really didn't need to.

"Okay, me first since I do more to my hair than you," Buffy said as she hurried to gather her things.

They were going to tour the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens, and go to the little town known as Hell. That was the tentative plan until they found out what Spike and Wesley's itinerary consisted of.

Spike and Buffy had met up with Wesley and Willow at the girls’ cabin. They had sat around and talked for about an hour making plans and back up plans for tomorrow. Seems the boys would not know what was in store for them until morning. Supposedly they would wake up with their assigned tours since someone would slip it under their door.

"Okay, just don’t fall asleep in the shower," Willow said as she opened the balcony door and breathed in the ocean air.

"That was in the bathtub and we were ten years old," Buffy replied, rolled her eyes and turned on the shower.

*******

Spike heard the alarm go off while sitting out on the balcony. He found it hard to fall back asleep when he woke up a half hour ago. Thoughts of the lengths Angel had gone to, to mess with his life would not go away. He was sure that his co-star's antics were far from over and expected more to come. What worried him the most is how it could affect Buffy, especially since she told him of her run in with the bastard.

"How long have you been awake?" Wesley asked, noticing the worried expression on his friend's face.

"Not long," Spike answered, silently chastising himself for now hearing Wesley moving about, since the alarm was still blaring. "Care to kill the noise, mate, unless you are trying to wake up the dead that is."

"No, the only dead is already awake," Wesley snorted, wondering what he was going to have to do to make Spike talk to him.

"Wes, what if the tape surfaced on the net?" Spike asked. "I mean, it shows what a cheat Harmony is, and what a shit Angel is, and let’s not even guess about Dru."

"But, what will the public think of the derogatory comments made about you by the naughty couples?" Wesley asked, knowing some of what was bothering his friend.

"Yeah, that," Spike replied, as he took a deep breath. "What if he does something that hurts Buffy or makes her think I'm not worth the hassle?"

"For one, I don't think Mr. Ego would like his fans and the people who would hire him to know he likes to be called ‘Daddy’," Wesley offered, to ease Spike's mind a bit. "I really do not believe he'd do something to damage his image that way."

Spike sighed feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He hadn’t thought about Peaches asking Harmony and Dru to call him ‘Daddy’ during their little romps. It surprised him how talking about it all now didn’t bother him any more.

"As for Buffy, I think you should tell her everything, so he has no power over you where she is concerned," Wesley suggested.

"I'm not showing her the tape," Spike stated his tone abrupt.

"I agree," Wesley snorted. "I mean, it's enough I'm emotionally scarred from the deplorable display."

"So you say," Spike chuckled, as he watched Wesley disgusted expression and his body shuddered dramatically.

"I say we should get a move on, since we need to meet the ladies for a quick breakfast and discuss afternoon plans," Wesley said, refusing to let Angel take up anymore of their time.

"So where are you going today?" Spike asked as he followed Wes back into the cabin.

"It would seem I'm going with the group to the Seven Mile Beach," he answered. "Looks like you get to enjoy the day at the Queen's Garden and a trip to Hell."

"Great, looks like we’re on for taking our ladies to pet the turtles," Spike chuckled, feeling like his world was looking up.

"Yes it would seem," Wesley replied, finding it hard not to smile and well. He loved it when plans came together.

*******

Buffy tried not to notice William since he was working. Turned out they had ended up at Hell at the same time. She stood by the fence looking out over the jagged iron rock, otherwise known as lava. It reached out as far as the eye could see, and out in the middle of it was a scarecrow like figure that was dressed like the devil holding a pitchfork.

She and Willow had laughed when they had read the sign welcoming them to Hell. Both joked they thought they had left Hell back at home at Sunnydale, otherwise known as the Hellmouth amongst the locals.

"Hello, Cutie," the familiar British voice said from behind her.

"My mother told me never to talk to strangers," Buffy replied coyly.

"Then let me remedy that, Luv," Spike purred as he stepped closer to her. "Name's Spike."

"Oh, my what an intimidating name, Spike," she teased.

"Oh, don't let if fool you, Pet. I'm really a loveable fluffy puppy," Spike whispered as he leaned closer to her ear.

"I like puppies," Buffy replied as she leaned against him.

"Later I can show you what makes me a good puppy." Spike said as he nuzzled her neck.

"I'm sure you will," Buffy giggled as she tilted her head to give him better access.

"I can't stay long, have to get back to work," he told her as he hugged her closer. "I miss you already."

"It won't be long, baby," she sighed, not knowing how she made him feel by calling him baby.

Spike found himself speechless when he heard her call him baby. Never did he think an endearment coming from someone would feel so special, as it did coming from this woman.

Willow bit her lip to keep from laughing at how they were acting. She walked away to give them some privacy. The one thing she noticed was the envious, jealous, happy, expressions on various people's faces.

"Gotta go, Pet," Spike said as he turned her around so she was facing him.

Buffy pouted as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Gonna miss ya, honey."

Spike leaned down and kissed her, not caring what anyone thought. She was his and he was hers and if they didn't like it, then to hell with them. He reluctantly broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers.

"See you soon, Pet," he said as he stepped back, letting his hands trail down her arms, taking her hands in his and giving them a gentle squeeze before letting them go. She never noticed him remove the ring off her right ring finger.

Buffy nodded her head yes, as she lifted her hand, waving goodbye, blowing him a kiss. She knew now without a doubt that she was in love and that he loved her as well. One day she would ask him if he believed in love at first sight, and if he believed in fate.

Spike found it hard to turn and walk away from her. One day he would have to ask her if she believed in soul-mates. He was sure that he had met his, and her name was Buffy Anne Summers from Sunnydale. He quietly slipped her ring into his pants pocket.

Buffy turned and walked over to the building that served as a tourist guide in area where you could buy refreshments and learn about Hell. In the front of the store was a sign like contraption where you could stand behind and put you face through the hole making it look like you were Lucifer.

"Oh honey, welcome to the Grand Cayman, the largest of the Caymans," a colorful dressed dark-skinned woman said, her voice heavily accented just like the other natives here.

"Thank you, it's a beautiful island," Buffy replied.

"The name is Sally, and yours is?"

"My name is Buffy," she told her as she held out her hand.

The woman took Buffy's hand and held it between both of hers with her eyes closed and hummed gently. "Your dreams will all come true, the road will be hard at times, but that is life. I see many things of the good, but most of all I see that life is your gift."

Buffy felt anxious at what this woman was saying, wondering what she could possibly mean that life was her gift. "I'm sorry, but I really don't believe in psychic stuff."

Sally just gave her an understanding smile as she said, "It is not for you to believe, for it will not change your course. Just follow your heart child, and it will guide you home."

Buffy opened her mouth to say something only to have the woman shake her head no. "Just remember my words young one, for in the end you will see that I am right," the older woman said giving her a wink before turning to leave.

"Who was that?" Willow asked, as she joined Buffy.

"Her name is Sally, resident Priestess here in Hell," the dark-skinned man behind the counter wearing a Bob Marley tee shirt, and long dread locks answered Willow's question instead of Buffy.

"Priestess?" Buffy asked.

"Do you believe in the supernatural?" he asked, looking at both women and wondering how much they understood about the magic that some practiced in the islands here in the Caribbean.

"I believe it all comes down to faith, like any religion," Willow answered, believing he was talking about Voodoo.

"I guess I never really thought about it," Buffy replied, feeling anxious that the lady had approached her of all people.

"She tell you some thing there, pretty missy?" The man behind the counter asked the blonde woman of the pair having noticed her anxiety.

"She told me that my dreams would come true and that my gift is life," Buffy answered, feeling nervous, thinking she had told this stranger so much, maybe too much.

"I can say she is not a fake like some of those people on the telly," he said as he gave her a reassuring smile. "And all must be of the good, 'cause she keeps the bad to herself."

Buffy wondered if maybe they worked as a team, this wild looking man and Sally. "Thank you," she said as she put her soda on the counter to pay for it.

"No, on the house lovely lady, Sally would shave my head and hide my stash, if I charged you," he chuckled as he refused her money.

Buffy didn't know what to do or say other than, "Thank you." She was feeling uneasy about these recent events happening here in Hell.

"You are most welcome, and enjoy your stay," he said giving her a reassuring wink.

He watched as she and her friend walked out of the store before turning toward his mother. "She must be special to share your vision with the American."

"I felt the need to touch her and it all came so fast. She will be surprised at her gift." Sally said as she watched the petite blonde walk over toward her bus. "He will heal her heart and soul as she will his. They will know true love until the day they die."

"You, mother, are an amazing woman," Raj said.

"I am just a woman with a gift is all," Sally replied, as she patted her son's hand. "Now I must go and lay down, my old bones need to rest."

Raj watched as he mother went toward the back room that had a lumpy couch. She normally never came to work with him, and now he knew why she had.

*******

"So, Penny for your thoughts," Giles said having noticed the contemplative look on the young man's face.

"I do not wish to bore you with my foolish thoughts," Wesley sighed.

"Never foolish, ole chap never think that. Lighten the burden and share," Giles encouraged, wondering if it had to do with his feelings concerning Willow.

Wesley looked over at the only other person he trusted with his life and said, "I think I might be falling in love."

"I would never think that foolish, ridiculous, or absurd. In fact it's remarkable, amazing and astounding," Giles said, thinking it would be wonderful for both Wesley and Spike to settle down with women worthy of them.

"I'm not the most affectionate partner," Wesley tried to explain his concern.

"Neither was I," Giles went on to explain. "You see, I was a stuffed shirt Englishman until Jenny came into my life. She found that inner passionate man underneath and brought him to life."

Wesley chuckled remembering Jenny saying the same thing once. Maybe there was a chance he could change and not be as Giles had put it, a stuffed shirt.

"So old man, you're telling me there's still hope for me then?" Wesley snorted.

"I think the hardest part is giving your heart and soul over to someone else, and trusting them to keep it safe. Once it's done the rest falls into place and your life will never be the same again," Giles told him, knowing the day he gave Jenny his he never regretted it.

"How do you keep your marriage alive with how you work in L.A. and Jenny and the kids live in Arizona?" Wesley asked, wondering if he and Willow could work on their relationship living in different cities.

"Love, trust and sacrifice on both our parts. Compromise, again, on both our parts." Giles explained. "If you want it bad enough you will make it work."

"What if she thinks I'm crazy for giving up the life my father demanded of me for becoming an actor?" Wesley asked, finally voicing his worst fear.

"Lilah was a selfish bint who looked at your station in society, and not at the man. Where Willow will, and has, looked at the man and not the star." Giles voiced his theory on the differences of the two women, wishing he could say a few meaningful words to Mr. Wyndham-Pryce and Miss Morgan.

"Thanks for listening," Wesley said as he turned to look at the older man.

Giles could see the little boy inside the man who needed a fatherly approval and reassurance. Even if by age he was closer to being an older brother.

"Anytime you need to talk my door will always be open," Giles reassured him.

"The beach here is breathtaking, is it not?" Wesley asked, changing the subject to something less personal for now.

The white sand traveled as far down as the eye could see. They were not lying when they named the beach, 'Seven Mile Beach'. The water was the color of Caribbean blue and the waves were great for body surfing.

"Yes, Jenny and the girls are having a great time," Giles replied as he patted the younger man's shoulder offering his silent support and understanding.

"It was nice of Mr. Caritas to allow them to come with us today," Wesley said as he looked over to see Sara and Ally frolicking in the water, with an ever-watchful mother looking on.

"Yes. It was starting to get to me, not spending enough time with my family," Giles agreed, as he kept an eye on his precious treasures.

"So, are you and the family coming with us to the turtle farm?" Wesley asked, as he continued to watch Jenny and the girls, wondering if one day he would be watching Willow and his children do the same thing on a beach somewhere.

"Oh! And face the wrath of my demon seed if not," Giles moaned dramatically fighting off a smile.

Wesley laughed as he replied, "Well, it doesn’t help to be out numbered does it?"

"No, it does not," Giles happily answered, "But I would not change it for the world."

Wesley could see the man was not lying. The love and devotion on Rupert's face said it all. It gave him courage as he decided what he needed to do to make his dreams come true.

*******

"Spike."

"Angel."

"How have you liked the convention so far?" Angel asked acting all innocent like.

Spike pretended he was thinking about his answer, when in fact, he was trying to keep his anger in check. The last thing he needed was a confrontation here in front of the fans. It was the last thing he wanted.

"What, can't think of something nice to say?" Angel prodded, hoping he'd push the bleached blonde prick over the edge.

"Oh, lot of nice things, just having a hard time picking out the nicest," Spike replied as he gave the big lug a dazzling smile.

When he had found out he was sharing this tour with Angel it almost sent him into a tantrum. If not for the quick intervention of Anya, asking if she could have a moment of Spike's time, he was sure his temper would have gotten him in trouble.

His was still curious about what Anya and Xander needed to talk to him about. The brazen little chit was upset he had not returned any of her messages, until he explained he was spending time with Buffy and had not thought to check for any messages. All she did was give him an understanding little wink and then made him promise to make time for her and Xander before dinner.

Angel wanted so badly to mention something about Buffy, but knew it would be a bad move. He had seen the little scene back in Hell and it had made his blood boil, he was so angry. But he would make the little bitch pay for her rejection and Spike would pay as well for not acting as planned.

"So have you talked to Harmony since you left?" Angel asked, thinking it was an innocent enough question that would give him some idea if Spike watched the tape or not.

"Nope, not a word, since we broke up before I left," Spike said, keeping his voice calm, when he really wanted to punch the git’s lights out.

Angel had not expected to hear this and wondered why Harmony hadn’t told him. He responded with his voice sounding concerned, "I’m sorry to hear that."

Spike just shrugged, hoping this tour would be over very soon. He wanted as far away from this bastard as he could get before he listened to his inner demon and let his fists fly.

Spike suddenly had an idea as he told Angel, "I think the little bint was cheating on me."

Angel kept his cool, wondering if the bleached wonder was setting him up for something as he replied, "Really? I didn't take her as the cheating type."

"I suspected for awhile, but since I really didn't love her it didn't matter," Spike said as he acted as if her cheating would mean nothing. "It wasn't like I planned on marrying her, just not the family mothering type I was looking for."

Angel had a hard time deciphering if Spike was telling him the truth or just playing him. He had thought the man was head over heels for the blonde gold digger.

"Good thing you broke it off then, especially if she was cheating," Angel answered, thinking to just play along and pretend to support him.

"Never trusted her really, that's why I still protected myself if you know what I mean," Spike said as he gave the man a wink before continuing on. "I learned from the best that a girl can't be trusted."

With that said Spike walked away patting himself on the back at having played with the Poof's head. He was sure Captain Forehead was silently banging his head wondering if he had seen the tape or not. He was sure the man would be brooding that his plan wasn’t working out as it should have and Spike was still standing with his sanity intact.

*******

Wesley watched as Willow and Buffy walked toward him. Spike had made a run to the check on something, promising to be right back. Giles words of encouragement ran through his head as he decided to follow his heart as he moved toward the redhead walking his way.

Willow looked into his blue eyes and noticed a warmth present there that was more intense than this morning directed at her. She wondered what he was thinking that made him look at her like that.

Wesley found himself standing in front of her looking down, noticing her bright eyes staring up at him with a questionable expression on her face. All he could do was lean down and kiss her lips, smiling, as he tasted the cream soda she must have just finished drinking.

Willow lost herself in the kiss as she opened her mouth and let his tongue explore. Never had a kiss made her feel as giddy and excited as he deepened it, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. She barely realized her arms wrapped around his waist holding his close as well.

Buffy smiled as she moved past them giving them their space. She walked over to where Giles and Jenny where sitting with the girls. They had a soft smile on their faces as they watched the kissing couple.

"Looks like good kissage happening there," Buffy said, giving Jenny wink.

"Oh, I would say very much good kissage," Jenny agreed.

Sara and Allyson giggled as they whispered to each other how. Parts of sitting in a tree and spelling out kissing could be heard.

"Where's Spike?" Buffy asked as she looked for him.

"He’ll be right back," Jenny reassured her.

"Okay," Buffy replied as she looked to see if anyone came up for air yet.

"You seem upset about something?" Jenny asked.

Buffy felt the tears again threaten to fall, "I lost my mother's ring."

"Oh, my dear. Are you sure you wore it today?" Jenny asked, feeling sad for the young woman.

"I only take it off to shower and go to bed." Buffy sighed, trying not to cry, thinking it would ruin everyone's day. "It was special to me, when I wore it I felt like she was with me."

"Oh, honey. I'm so sorry." Jenny sighed giving her young friend a sympathetic hug.

Spike's smile grew when he noticed his friend in the deep lip-lock with Red. It confirmed that Percy had fallen, just like he had. Things would not be the same, but better, since both their hearts would be in Sunnydale.

Next his eyes took in the beauty that was talking to Jenny and Rupert. He quickly walked over so he could show her how happy he was to see her. The closer he got, the more excited he felt about what he had in his pocket. The jeweler had been able to use Buffy's ring to size it perfectly.

During their tour in Hell, a woman by the name of Sally had held his hand with her eyes closed at first. She opened her eyes and looked at him with a wide smile and said, "Be not afraid, ask her." It was the driving force behind what he bought her just a few minutes ago. The first thing he noticed was his girl had been crying.

"Baby, what's wrong?" He asked and became worried when she moved to hug him, with fresh tears in her eyes.

"I some how lost my mother's ring." Her voice sounding so forlorn it broke his heart, knowing he had the ring safely in his pocket.

He couldn't find the words to say that would soothe her. The thought of giving it to her now had presented itself, but then he'd have to explain more then he was ready to at the moment. What he had to say he wanted said in private, wanting it special between them.

"I'm sorry, baby." He murmured as he held her close.

*******





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