Spike took an unneeded breath and began the walk back to the Jeep. He didn’t know what time it was, but it seemed like he had been on the beach for hours. When he returned to the Jeep and saw the time, he realized he had only been gone an hour. Well, at least Buffy wouldn’t be too upset that he was gone long. He pulled out his cell phone, which was really Dawn’s cell phone since he didn’t own one. He pressed Buffy’s number and waited for it to ring.

Buffy saw her phone vibrate on the edge of the hot tub and grabbed a towel to dry her hand. She flipped it open and saw the caller ID that said “Dawn”. “Honey, is that you?” she asked breathlessly. “Are you done? If you are, then you must have passed the trials. Can you walk in the sunlight now?”

“Slow down, luv. Yes, I’m done, and I passed their bleedin’ tests. I am now the proud owner of a necklace that lets me be in the sunshine. Not exactly my taste in the jewelry department, but it’ll do.”

“Yipeee!!!!! Dawnie, he passed the tests. Oh Spike, I was so worried. When are you coming back?” Buffy asked.

“I’m in the Jeep, on my way to the Inn now. We’ve got some celebratin’ to do. Plus, I can’t wait to take a walk in the sun with my girl tomorrow.”

“Okay, Spike. Drive safely and we’ll see you in a bit.” Buffy let out a big sigh and sat back in the hot tub.

“Well, Dawn, he did it. I think our lives are really gonna change now. Do you think you’d want to live with us here on the island, or would you prefer going back to Italy?”


EPILOGUE

One year later, inside an air-conditioned gym

“Welcome, SITs, to the Summers’ Retreat and Retraining Facility. I’m Buffy Summers, and I, along with Spike and Dawn, will be overseeing your training and relaxation here. You have all been through training with the Watcher’s Council, and now this is a place where you can refine your combat techniques and rejuvenate yourselves in the Hawaiian culture. Spike and I will be working on your fighting techniques with you, and during your free time, Dawn, my sister, will be leading you in some relaxation techniques along with other fun stuff like sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, and of course shopping. Dawn will now show you to the dorms and tell you about the schedule.”

Dawn lead the group of ten SITs to the dormitory to get them settled. She had decided to stay with Buffy and Spike on the island and help them with the retreat center. The Council had thought it was such a good idea that they had come up with the money to buy the place from Hank Summers - at a reduced rate - so that it could be a year-round retreat. Dawn had also completed some courses in yoga and traditional Hawaiian massage, such as lomilomi, so that she could help with the relaxation part of the retreat. She was really getting into the Hawaiian culture and the Aloha way of life.

Buffy turned and walked over to Spike, who was sitting on the edge of the mat in the gym. She put out her hand, which he grabbed and hoisted himself up.

“Looks like an interesting group, luv. Let’s hope we can finally work out at our full potential with this group.” Spike pulled Buffy in for a quick hug and then grabbed her hand and started to walk out the door. He was dressed in his usual black tee shirt but on his legs were a pair of white shorts. The contrast of the white against his tan legs was something Buffy would never get tired of seeing. Spike loved to sit out by the pool and tan his body. Sometimes, he was out there more than Buffy and Dawn. And after that first bad sunburn, he had learned to put sunscreen on every day. She had never seen him happier than when he was just sitting back, enjoying the sunshine on his face. He had really taken up the “aloha spirit”.

The previous months had them all busy with the planning and construction of the retreat. This was their second group to come through, and after the first group gave them such great compliments, they were eager to continue on this path. Dawn had even begun dating a local surfer boy and was beyond happy with her decision to move there permanently. Giles and the gang had been out more than once to visit and supervise the construction. They planned to visit at least twice a year for a bit of relaxation.

Buffy and Spike had made their relationship public to the gang and even went so far as to share vows on a beach at sunset. The ceremony was seeped in Hawaiian tradition, and as they kissed officially as husband and wife, Spike felt the presence of the Night Marchers around him - their approval was in the air. Buffy also felt a presence at the end of the ceremony and assumed it was the Menehune blessing their marriage. They had helped bring Spike back to her, and she would never forget that. If anyone spoke of the Menehune or Night Marchers with skeptism, both Buffy and Spike would quickly dispel it for them. Life was good for Buffy and Spike as they continued to live in the spirit of Aloha.





Again I’d like to thank my two betas, Allison and Klemptor for their help in making this story readable. They were both quick with getting me the chapters back so I could post daily. I'd also like to thank the readers that took the time to review. It means to a lot to me since this was my first fic.