Title Series: A Hairy Situation

Rating: PG-13

Chapter: Six

Author: White Werewolf

Category: Buffy/Xander

Spoilers/Timeframe: Season 6. Before Xander's failed

marriage, and Spuffy is happening. Willow and Tara

are separated due to Willow's magic use. And Dawn

almost got killed because of Willow's problem.

Summery: While on a camping trip, Xander starts to go

through some changes. And, it's for the better.

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The next day went by like clockwork. We fished, talked, played cards, and just about everything that came from our minds. It was pretty uneventful.

But, on the last night, something happened to me that changed my entire being. It happened around midnight during a full moon. I know it may sound cliche, but it truly did happen that way.

What way you may ask? And I know that is what you're asking yourself. I know my reader fanbase and they asked primarily the same questions.

Anyway, enough beating around the bush. I left my tent having to go to the bathroom. That's when I heard it. There was this loud howling sound. I got a little shook up, but I shrugged it off. Y'see, when you find out about the things that go 'bump in the night' exist, you build a tolerance level. It seems only natural.

Alright. That's enough! No more stalling. Here's the lowdown. I went to the outhouse and did my business. And I feel there is no need to go into detail about that. If you want details, I seriously think you need mental help. But hey. You don't have to take my word for it. Cordelia always told me I needed mental help, but that was just being her 'Queen C' self. But, that's beside the point.

So, back to the main reason why you're reading this story. I left the outhouse, and headed back to my tent when I heard the howling sound again. This time it was louder--which either meant one of two things. One, the cause of the sound was really close or two, during the night, I have developed Slayer hearing. And, I think having Buffy with that is enough for us. Thank you very much. So, scratch the last choice, and focus on the first one.

At that very moment, it was like instantaneously, something bit me in the arm. And it hurt. It hurt so much I yelled, "That fucking hurt!" Excuse my French.

I shook my arm to lesson the pain as I turned around. That's when I saw it. I saw those two yellow eyes. We stared at each other for a few seconds. Then I felt my shoulder being tapped. I turned around forgetting about the eyes and saw Buffy and Willow standing right in front of me with a flashlight.

"Jeez. Don't do that!"

My blond friend said, "Sorry, but do you have any idea what time it is? We're trying to get some sleep."

I turned around to look for the eyes but they were gone. Must of left during my confrontation with my friends. Moving on. I bellowed to them, "Something bit me in the arm!"

Willow shined the flashlight on my arm. And you know what? There were no teeth marks. None. Ziltch. Nada. Must have been my imagination. "Sorry, my bad. Didn't mean to wake you."

Buffy smiled, "Don't worry about it, Xand. Just please don't do that again, huh?"

I nodded, "So not a problem."

The redhead witch shrugged, "Like Buffy said. Don't worry about it."

"That's fine by me. Now, how 'bout we get some sleep. Tomorrow we head back."

We said our 'good nights' and headed back to our tents. The whole time looking at my arm--inspecting it in every fashion that I could think of. I still can't believe there were no teeth marks. Oh well. It's best not to dwell on it.

With that thought, I went back to my sleeping bag, and entered Dreamland--dreaming of a life that would've been best as explained from the movie, 'Pleasentville.'

I know, I know it was a weird reason. But I liked it mainly for two reasons. One, like the Brady Bunch, it was a 'loving family' and God knows that I was never given that. But, then I think that God was the one who gave me friends like Buffy and Willow. As for the other reason, Tobey Maguire kicks ass. I still believe that he was the best choice for Spider-Man, and I'll be right. That movie will be freaking amazing!

The next morning, I stretched my arms and headed out of the tent. Then I saw the way the light from the sun was reflecting on the clear lake, and it was beautiful.

Soon, I felt a pair of arms embracing me in a bear hug. I tried to turn away to see the culprit, but the two hands covered my eyes. "Guess who?" A voice asked.

I immediately recognized the voice, but I decided to play along. "Is it my Uncle Rory?"

I couldn't overhear the giggles coming from behind me. "No," the voice said.

With a lopsided grin, I guessed, "How about my gay lover, George Michael?"

"George Michael is not gay!" the voice stated. Ah Hell, it's Willow. I'm still going to play around with this. It's fun.

I said, "George Michael is so gay. I mean, look at what he wore during the videos from the days of Wham!"

"He's right, Willow. He is so gay."

Willow immediately withdrew her hands from over my eyes. She pouted, "Thanks for ruining it, Buffy. We were having fun!"

I chuckled, "I knew it was you the whole time, Willow. In fact, if Buffy didn't interrupt, I was going to guess 'is it my friendly neighborhood Spider-Man?' So you see, I knew it was you."

Buffy draped both arms around our shoulders and said, "As much as I love to debate 'who's gay and who isn't.' We better get going. I have to talk to Spike and tell him it's over. I just hope he takes it well."

As we cleaned up the site, I said, "If you need any support, Buff, I'm willing to be there for you."

"Thanks, Xand."

I grinned, "I'm always here for the girls in my life. That includes you two, Tara, Anya, and Dawn."

The Slayer smiled, "I didn't know you cared."

I finished rolling up the tent and walked over to her. With a squat, I said while I was in front of her. "Of course I care, Buffy. Y'know I love you, right?"

Buffy just stared at me with her hazel eyes. We stayed like that for a few more seconds until Willow interrupted. "We're all packed. Let's get going."

I said nervously, "Right. Let's get a move on."

Then I put the tents under my arms and walked back to the car. After placing the remaining supplies in the car, and drove away.

The trip back to the house was just as uneventful as the last few days we spent camping. The main problem didn't come until later.

Soon, we pulled into the driveway, and stayed in the car for a few more moments. I placed one hand on one of their shoulders. "I know this is going to be hard for both of you. Spike and Tara both have an effect on you. Granted, the effect for one of you is positive, the other is negative. "

Buffy and Willow smiled as they both looked into my eyes. My blond friend took a deep breath, "I'm ready, Xan. Let's do this."

I nodded, "Sure." Then I opened my car door and stepped out. As soon as I got out, I stretched my arms again. I know that stretching my arms is something that I said before. But, you try spending three hours in a car with a load of camp supplies and barely any room to move your legs. You'd be sitting in one area for a long time, and that's hard on anybody.

I looked back at my friends, "We'll get the stuff later. I just want to go inside and get something to eat. It's been three days since I last ate a twinkie. My blood sugar is running low."

The owner of the house wrapped her arm around my waist, "We can't have that now, can we?"

Willow nodded, "Right. Xander would get all blurry eyesight and dizzy--that's never fun."

I flashed my lopsided grin. "Sometimes I don't know what to do with you two."

"Let's just get into the house." Willow said.

Buffy nodded and pulled out a key from her pocket and opened the door. She said, "Dawn, we're home."

Within a few moments, Dawn came running down the stairs with a wide grin on her face, "How was it? Are you guys back to normal again?"

I sighed, "We were always friends, Dawnie. We just needed the weekend to work through our problems and we did. So, I'd say it was successful."

Buffy looked at me and I nodded. I knew what she was thinking. I didn't even read her mind. That one time back in high school when Buffy was able to read minds was something that I didn't want to have. I would've gone nuts. I still remember what I was thinking about. It was about 'naked Buffys.' God, I bet she has a beautiful body. Stop it. The 'Buffy ship' sailed off years ago. She only thinks of me as a friend--the kiss of death.

Anyway, back to the story. Willow said in an almost whisper, "Hi, Dawnie."

Dawn glared at Willow, and then glanced back to me--ignoring Willow completely. "What you guys do?"

My redheaded friend sighed, "Dawn. Please talk to me," she said with almost tears.

This time the youngest woman sighed, "You want me to talk to you, Willow. Fine, talk to me. Tell me why did you try and kill me."

She shook her head, "I didn't try to kill you--far from it."

"But you did. I was in the car. If I didn't have my seat belt on, I would've died."

Willow was about to say something, when I spoke up, "You have to understand, Dawn. Willow was in a bad place back then. She just broke up with Tara and she turned to magic to fill the void. I assure you, Willow is better now. We talked about it at the campsite, and she really is sorry. You have the 'Official Xander seal of approval.'"

Dawn smiled, "If Xander says you're fine, I'll try and give you a chance. But, if you ever. And I mean ever hurt me again, then I won't talk to you again. You can quote me on that."

She nodded, "I understand."

I then looked between the two of them and could tell they both meant it. I glance at Buffy suddenly said, "Dawn, who else is here?"

I could tell that Buffy wanted to change the subject, and she did with that question.

The younger Summers woman stated, "Anya, Tara, and Spike are in the kitchen."

Just as she said that, the door that led to the kitchen opened, and those very three people filed out.

"Good, you're back." Anya said, "Now, answer this for me, Xander."

I responded, "What's the problem?"

"Tell Tara that the meaning of life is to spend money and have sex. She thinks it's to be happy and lead good healthy lives."

"That's a good answer," Buffy said, "and having sex and money isn't not the meaning of life."

The former demon pouted, "It is for me."

I gave her a brief kiss on the lips, "That's why I love you, Anya. You're always honest and forward."

She grabbed my hands and headed for the door, "C'mon, Xander, we're going home."

I looked at Willow and Buffy shaking their heads. The Slayer said, "I want Xander here so I can tell you what we discussed this past weekend."

Anya gave me a look, "What happened this weekend?"

Well, having the weird idea of getting bitten happened to me. But, that doesn't have to be brought up. But, before I could speak, Buffy said, "We better sit down in the living room."

Spike flashed a malevolent smile as he headed over to my friend. I could only imagine what Buffy was thinking. So, to lesson her trauma, I got between them and wrapped my arm around Buffy and smiled.

She grinned back to me as her thanks. And with that, we sat down. Buffy sat by right on the couch with Willow beside her. Anya sat on my left. Tara sat in an open chair with Dawn next to her. Spike just leaned on the doorway leading to the hallway and stairs.

Buffy took a deep breath and left my side after a comfortable squeeze around my shoulders, and stood in the open area in the living room. "During this weekend, Xander, Willow, and I talked everything out. And I mean everything. There was one thing that was hard for me to talk about, but after a walk I had with Xander, I decided to come clean. After I said my piece, I felt much better."

Dawn sighed, "Alright, Buffy. We know you must be wigging, and we're all here to help you."

She grinned, "Thanks, Dawn," after a pause and a deep breath, Buffy continued, "I've been sleeping with Spike."

Dawn and Tara just stared at her. The same with Spike and Anya.

I looked back at Buffy and said in her defense, "And she decided to break it off. She's just been having a hard time coming back from the dead--a real hard time and we've been busy with our own stuff."

The Vampire looked at her, "You told them?"

She nodded, "I told them, and I'm glad I did. I'm sorry about this, William. But, we're over."

He shook his head, "I don't think so, luv. There's something between us--something natural."

Buffy said sternly, "It's over, Spike. I was in a bad place, and I didn't like it one bit."

The bleached blond sarcastically said, "Whatever you say, Pet." Then he grabbed his jacket from the stair banister and swung it over his head. Spike opened the door, and headed back to his crypt.

She turned to us. "That was easy enough."

TBC