The Happyverse Series
Chapters 7-9


Written by: Jodyorjen

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Summary: Spike and Buffy getting married? Xander and Anya expecting? Dawn in trouble...again? Tune into a year of holidays with our wackily dysfuctional Scoobies.
Spoilers: Wrecked and all before it. Goes on it's merry way after that.
Distribution: Please ask my permission first, just so I know where it's headed.
Disclaimer: All hail Joss Whedon, UPN, the WB, FOX , Mutant Enemy and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation. Theirs not mine.
Author's Note: First in the Happyverse series. Stands alone. Prequel to "Holiday Cheer". A touch of angst with the happy. Lyrics by Ira Gershwin are used without permission.
Feedback: Sure, fire away to jodyorjen@yahoo.com

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~~On The Road~~


“We’re only going away for three days,” said Spike. “So why exactly do you have three suitcases?”

Buffy turned and looked at him. “One for clothes, one for shoes, and one for makeup and toiletries.”

He crossed his arms and gave her a look. “Just to satisfy male curiosity, Buffy, how many pairs of shoes does a woman require for a three day weekend?”

“Eight,” she muttered under her breath.

“I surely must have misunderstood you, love,” said Spike. “It sounded like you said eight, which would lead me to think that you have a problem requiring professional help.”

“I need them all,” she said earnestly. “I have boots, I have sandals, I have sneakers, I have loafers, I have high heels, I have pumps, and I have shoes for the wedding. Oh, and flip flops for the pool.”

‘And the two garment bags?” he gestured at the heap of luggage in their foyer.

“Wedding dress and dress for dinner tomorrow,” she explained.

Dawn appeared at the top of the stairs, pulling a large suitcase. “Can you carry this for me, Spike?”

He sighed, “Sure thing, bit.” He strode up the stairs to her.

“Take these things too,” she said, slinging a purse around his neck and handing him a makeup case.

He carried Dawn’s things down the stairs, placing them in the pile of suitcases. He turned and entered the living room. Anya napped on the couch as Xander leafed through a magazine. “Can you lend a hand with the luggage?” The two men each grabbed armfuls of bags and carried them outside. It was just past dusk on a mild California night.

"I can’t believe you bought this thing,” said Xander, as they placed the suitcases on the roof rack of the minivan.

“I got a sweet deal on it,” replied Spike.

“Yeah, I’m sure there were a lot of other takers for a minivan decked out in Late Seventies Pimp,” said Xander sarcastically.

“Well, we can all fit in it for this trip, so there’s one advantage right there.” Spike took a step back, admiring their handiwork. “There, now we have more room inside for the seven of us.” They went back in, going into the kitchen. Spike tossed a bottle of water to Xander, getting himself a mug of blood. “So I just need to tie down the baggage after Willow and Tara get here, and then we can hit the road,” said Spike.

The two men looked over the map that was spread over the kitchen counter. ”Looks like about a five hour drive,” said the blonde, “and a pretty straight shot.”

“You want to take the first leg and I’ll take the second?” Xander suggested.

“Works for me,” Spike replied. “Did you bring the DVD’s for the girls to watch? My entire collection so far is ‘Pink Floyd’s The Wall’, ‘Sid and Nancy’, and ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’.”

”Well, lucky for us, my house is chick flick central,” said Xander. Noticing Spike’s wry look, he backtracked. “Anya. Anya picked them out.” He grabbed his backpack, pulling out movies at random. “’Steel Magnolias’, ‘Beaches’, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle”.”

“Christ,” interjected Spike,” we’ll have to throw a case of Kleenex in the van. They’ll be sobbing from L.A. to Barstow.”

The front door opened and Tara and Willow came in. Spike walked into the foyer. Tara handed him a garment bag and a small suitcase. “That’s your luggage?” said Spike incredulously.

“Well, it’s not just mine,” said the witch defensively. “Willow and I shared. We pared it down.”

“I love you both,” he said with a smile. He kissed each one soundly on the forehead and walked out to the van.

“That was weird,” said Willow.

“Must be the pre-wedding jitters,” said Tara.

The van sped along the dark road. Dawn listened to her headphones as Willow and Tara dozed next to her. Buffy and Anya sat in the middle seat, their eyes riveted to the video screen. Buffy sniffled, and the other girl handed her a box of tissues. Spike sat in the passenger seat as Xander drove.

‘So your friend Tito could put a full bath in the basement?” asked Spike.

“Yeah,” replied Xander. “And we could get with my friend Gordon in on it, he’s the drywall guy.”

“How much do you think that would cost?” asked Spike, interested.

Anya leaned forward. “I need to pee. Pull over.”

“I’ll stop at the next place I see, An,” Xander reassured her.

“Pick someplace with milkshakes,” said Buffy.

A short time later, Xander pulled the van into a fast food parking lot. Spike got out and opened the sliding door. Anya ran into the restaurant. “What can I get you ladies?” asked Spike.

“I want a chocolate milkshake,” said Dawn.

“Me too,” said Tara sleepily.

“Me three,” said Willow, her eyes still shut.

“I’ll go with,” said Buffy, as he helped her out of the car. They went into the restaurant and stood in front of the counter.

“Ooh,” said Buffy, “I want some of those nuggets too. Those look good. And a pie.”

”Can I take your order, sir?” asked the smiling cashier.

After he placed his order, Spike turned back to Buffy. “It’s good to see you with an appetite, love.” He looked at her earnestly. “You’re not feeling sick yet? You still feel fine?” She nodded at him, smiling. “Can you feel the baby yet?” he asked, stroking her abdomen.

“It’s too early for me to feel anything, Spike,” explained Buffy. "I can’t even confirm the pregnancy with a doctor for another few weeks.”

"Ah, but we know we have our little Tinkerbell in there, don’t we?” said Spike, gazing sweetly at her. “I thought of a name for the baby that I really like,” he said.

“What?” said Buffy.

“Katharina,” said Spike, rolling it off his tongue.

“That’s a really awful name,” said Buffy, unimpressed.

The cashier placed their food on a cardboard tray in front of Spike. “Really,” he said, surprised. “I’m reading ‘Taming of the Shrew” for class and it struck me as a beautiful name. ‘And with her breath did she perfume the air…’” he quoted.

“Please stop. I’m having a William flashback,” she said, grabbing her milkshake and bag of food.

“Sorry, pet.” He took the tray and opened the door for her as they left the restaurant. “How about Tabitha?” he suggested.

“Like the girl on Bewitched?” she asked.

“No, like the witch on Passions,” he explained.

“Tabitha Walthrop,” Buffy said tentatively. They shared a look.

“Doesn’t scan very well, does it?” said Spike.

“We’ll keep trying,” she said. They looked over at the minivan. Anya and Xander were leaning against the hood. He rubbed her back lovingly. “I wish we could tell them about the baby,” she said. “It seems wrong keeping it a secret.”

“Anya’s already upset enough that we moved our wedding ahead of theirs,” said Spike patiently. “It wouldn’t be right to steal her thunder about being the only mum-to-be, too.”

“I know, you’re right.” She kissed him on the cheek. He smiled at her, and then pulled her close for a deep French kiss. They walked over to the van.

“It’s all yours,” Xander said, tossing the keys to Spike.

Spike opened the sliding door and handed out the milkshakes. “Can I be shotgun?” asked Dawn. “I’m tired of being crammed in the way back.”

“I’m going to take a nap anyway, I’ll take your place,” said Buffy. They piled back into the car and drove away. The car was quiet as everyone drifted off to sleep. Spike put on the radio, sound low. “Yuck,” he said, as country music began to play. He pressed the scan button, settling on an oldies station. “It’s been a long time since I rocked and rolled,” he sang along with Led Zeppelin, tapping the steering wheel. He looked in the rearview mirror, watching Buffy sleep. The miles whizzed by as Spike sped along through the night.

Awhile later, Dawn stirred. Yawning, she leaned over and pulled a Coke out from the built in refrigerator next to her. “Can you get me some licorice, bit?” said Spike. Dawn grabbed a Twizzler from the glove compartment, and leaned over, sticking it in Spike’s mouth.

“How long do you think it’ll be before you stop missing cigarettes?” asked Dawn, putting her drink in a cup holder.

‘Well,” said Spike, “I started smoking in 1923, so I think it’s going to take me a little longer than the average smoker for me to stop craving them.”

“It’s a good thing that you quit,” said Dawn, nibbling on a licorice twist. “It would be gross to smoke around Tinkerbell.”

‘Who is Tinkerbell?” asked Xander, leaning forward to grab a piece of candy. Spike and Dawn exchanged a look.

“We’re getting a puppy,” explained Dawn.

“You guys are getting a pet?” said Xander. “That seems like a really bad idea.”

“You think that we can’t take care of a puppy?” asked Spike incredulously.

“I don’t think that you could do a very good job of it,” said Xander. “Dawn is at school during the day. You’re at the university and Buffy’s on patrol at night. None of you really have the time to deal with training a dog.”

“Buffy’s at home all day, and I’m home at night,” pointed out Dawn.

“Yeah, and you both need to be sleeping then,” said Xander. “Buffy could be in danger if her reflexes aren’t as sharp.”

“I’ll do the patrolling for her,” Spike said defensively, “so she can take good care of the puppy.”

“No offense, Spike,” said Xander, “but you’re not exactly the Slayer. You could patrol for her occasionally, but you couldn’t keep it up for months.”

‘I can do,” says Spike angrily,” whatever it takes to take care of Buffy, and Dawn, and the baby. Buffy may be the Slayer, but I’m the man of the house now.”

After a moment of silence, Xander said, “You said baby.”

“He meant…” said Dawn, covering.

“Buffy’s pregnant,” said Spike abruptly.

“Is it yours?” asked Xander. Without a word, Spike pulled the van over to the side of the road. Going around the side, he opened the sliding door. The interior light came on, causing groans from the sleeping people. Grabbing Xander, he pulled him out of the van and slammed him into the side. They both winced in pain.

‘What did you just ask me?” said Spike, in a low and dangerous voice.

Xander gulped, staring into his eyes. “I didn’t mean anything by it, Spike. You’re a vampire. I thought the baby thing was a no go with you undead type guys.”

“Oh. Good point.” Spike let go of Xander and straightened his jacket. “Yes, I’m the dad. We used a spell to get her pregnant.”

“So this was a planned thing? Something Buffy wanted?” asked Xander seriously.

“Very much so,” said Spike.

“Well, then,” said Xander, “Congratulations.” He patted Spike on the shoulder, and they hugged awkwardly.

"Sorry,” said Spike. “I owe you a drink.” They got back in the van and pulled out on the highway.

“What was that all about?” asked Anya drowsily.

“Just a little disagreement over directions, honey,” said Xander, kissing her cheek. She fell back asleep.

“Xander, can you put another movie on?” asked Tara from the back. Willow and Buffy still slept on the seat next to her. Xander pulled out a flashlight and looked through his backpack. "Something less angsty would be good,” she suggested.

“’Apocalypse Now’ is out then,” said Xander. “We’ve got ‘Highlander’, ‘Monty Python’s Holy Grail’, ‘Rocky Horror’…”

“What’s Rocky Horror?” asked Dawn.

Xander laughed. “Oh, you’re a virgin. This should be fun.” Dawn turned and looked at him, eyebrows raised. “I mean, you’re a virgin. A Rocky Horror virgin. You know, you’ve never seen it before…” he trailed off, flustered. He leaned over and put the DVD in the player. ‘Never mind.”

“I can’t see the video screen from here,” complained Dawn.

Spike gestured to the ceiling. ‘You have your own. It’s that thing up there in front of the visor, platelet.” She pulled it down and turned it on.

“Science Fiction Double Feature” began to play, and Spike and Xander sang along. “You’ve been to Rocky Horror?” asked Xander, surprised.

“Of course,” replied Spike. “I fit right in with that crowd.” He smiled. "And I do a pretty good Riff Raff.” They watched the movie,and Spike called out the lines as he listened to the dialogue. Tara and Dawn got into it, learning the songs and making comments along with the two guys. It finished, and they sat in silence for a minute.

"Hey," said Buffy, sitting up. "What’s that up there?” She pointed to a glow on the horizon, a bright glare against the desert night.

“That, sweetheart, is our destination,” said Spike.

“I didn’t think it would be quite so bright,” said Willow.

“Bright light city gonna set my soul,” sang Xander, in his best Elvis voice. “Gonna set my soul on fire…”

“Gotta whole lot of money that is ready to burn, so get those stakes up higher,” continued Tara, in her sweet soprano voice. He turned and grinned at her. “There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there,” they belted out, “and they’re just livin’ devil may care…”

"And I’m just the devil with love to spare," broke in Spike.

“Viva Las Vegas,” sang Buffy and Willow.

"Viva Las Vegas,” they all sang, as the van rocketed down the road towards destiny.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


~~Bright Light City~~


Buffy’s heels tapped loudly on the marble floor. She looked up and saw that the ceiling was covered with a riot of blown glass shapes. Galaxies, planets and stars swirled everywhere that she looked. “Are you sure this is the right place, Spike?” she said uncertainly. He grabbed her hand and led her to the reservations desk of the hotel. The Scoobies followed behind them, stopping to gape at the luxurious atmosphere of the lobby.

“Welcome to the Bella Luna,” said the desk clerk. “How may I help you?”

“We’re the Walthrop party, here for the wedding,” said Spike.

She tapped her keyboard and looked up with a smile. She handed him three small paper folders. “Honeymoon Suite, Tranquility Suite and Serenity Suite.” Spike turned and handed one folder to Willow and one to Xander. “And room 1532,” she said, sliding another folder. Spike gave it to Dawn. “There are only three suites on the top floor, pet, so you’re one level down,” he explained.

The teenager yawned. “Fine with me. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Have a wonderful stay, sir,” said the clerk, “and congratulations.” A bellhop with a cart and their luggage led the way to an elevator. He pressed a button and up they went. They looked through the side of the glass elevator, watching the lobby grow smaller and smaller.

“You said that the hotel was nice,” said Buffy, “but you didn’t say it was quite this nice.” Spike looked down at her, smiling.

“Well, you said that you just wanted to run off and elope, that you didn’t care if it was romantic.” He gazed deeply into her eyes. “But I do.” She caught her breath, and pulled him close, holding him tight as she kissed him passionately.

“Oh, no kissies,” said Willow. “Save the kissies for later.”

“The elevator is a kissy free zone,” declared Xander.

“At least you guys don’t have to see it all the time,” pointed out Dawn. “I’ve got Romeo and Juliet in my face every day.” They continued to kiss, ignoring them, until the elevator opened.

“This is me,” said Dawn as she stepped out.

“I’ll get her settled in and meet you upstairs,” said Spike, kissing Buffy on the forehead. He stepped out of the elevator, carrying Dawn’s suitcase. “Now, I’m trusting you to behave yourself, bit,” he lectured. “No sneaking out to get a spot of gambling in, no getting sloshed from the minibar, no ordering porno films on pay per view.”

“Oh, gross, Spike,” said Dawn, annoyed. She turned and glared at him, then laughed at his teasing expression. She opened the door to her room. It was a nice sized one decorated in shades of blue. It was furnished with a table and chairs and a desk, as well as a king size bed. Spike put down her suitcase next to the door.

“We’ll call you in the morning and let you know what time we’re meeting up,” said Spike. “Call up to the Honeymoon Suite if you need anything.” She smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

“I’ll be fine,” she said. He left and she did a little whirl around the room. “I’m all alone,” she sang to herself. “I’m free!” She flopped back on the bed, arms outstretched. She stared at the ceiling for a minute, then got up and wandered over to the minibar. “This is going to be fun,” she said as she turned the key.

Spike walked up the flight of stairs, whistling happily. He opened the door into a long hallway and followed the signs to the honeymoon suite. He knocked on the ornate golden door. Buffy answered. He stepped inside and grabbed her, pushing her against the wall and nuzzling her neck. “Thank God we’re alone,” he said as his hands stroked her breasts. “If I have to be around the Scoobies for another second I’ll lose my mind.”

“Guess I’ll go find a straight jacket for you then,” said Willow from behind him. He whirled around.

“What the hell are you doing here, Red?” he said, exasperated.

“I’m staying with Buffy until after the wedding,” said Willow, pulling a toiletry case from her backpack.

“Where am I supposed to sleep then?” asked Spike in disbelief. “Shall I shack up with Tara until Saturday night?”

“No, you’re sleeping with Xander,” explained Buffy. “Anya is sleeping with Tara.”

“No, no, no,” said Spike. “My days of bunking with monkey boy are long over.”

“Sorry,” said Buffy, “its tradition. The maid of honor and the bride stay together the night before the wedding.”

“The wedding’s two nights from now, Buffy,” said Spike incredulously. “You expect me to go two whole nights without…” he trailed off. “Sleeping?” he finished lamely.

“You can sleep with Xander,” said Willow helpfully. “Meet you boys here in eight hours for breakfast.” She shoved him out the door and slammed the door in his face.

Spike turned and stomped down the hall to the Tranquility Suite. He knocked on the door, and Xander answered. ‘This bloody well fucking sucks,” announced Spike.

“I’m not loving this either, Mr. Chips,” said Xander sarcastically. He let Spike inside. The blonde wandered around the beautiful suite, appointed with a living room area and a separate bedroom. Spike found his garment bag hanging up in the bedroom closet. Ambling back out, he sat next to Xander on the couch. They sat there for a minute, and then looked at each other awkwardly.

“Bar?” suggested Spike.

“Oh yeah,” said Xander, shutting the door as they left.

Buffy and Willow reclined on the monstrous four-poster bed. They were dressed for a slumber party, with Willow in her pajamas and Buffy in a long white nightgown. Willow lay on her stomach, looking through a glossy magazine of Las Vegas attractions, while the other girl ate a bag of potato chips and drank a ginger ale. ‘Tomorrow we could go see a pirate battle, or a volcanic eruption,”said Willow. She sat up, excited. “Oh, cool! Downstairs in the hotel there’s a gallery with paintings by the Old Masters.” Noting Buffy’s unimpressed look, she said,”they have a remote thingy that you can use. It tells you all about the paintings when you point it at them.”

“That’s cool. We’ll have to check that out, then,” said Buffy with a smile. Scanning through the hotel guidebook, she pointed excitedly. “This is so cool. We have to go there!”

‘What is it?” asked Willow, peering over.

“A buffet,” said the blonde. “With shrimp, crab legs, chocolate mousse, tuna tartare, and sushi. I am all over that.”

“You’re the bride. You want the buffet, the buffet you will have.” She frowned. “I don’t think that you can have sushi or anything tartare, though. It could be bad for the baby.”

Buffy looked disappointed. “No sushi?” She looked down at the brochure. “But they have all you can eat Salmon Maki,” she said sadly.

Willow smiled at her and patted her knee. “I’ll look it up on the Internet. We’ll see if we need to keep Tinkerbell away from the yummy sushi.”

Buffy smiled and rubbed her abdomen. “I can’t believe that I’m really pregnant,” she said jubilantly. “It is really surreal.”

“You and Spike as parents? Yes, that qualifies,” said Willow. “You guys really lucked out with the elixir,” she went on, as she plugged in her laptop. “That was some dangerous magick you guys were messing with.”

“The only danger we faced was Spike getting his ass kicked,” said Buffy lightly.

Willow looked up. “You really should be more serious about it, Buffy,” she said earnestly, her eyes wide. “You’re lucky he didn’t die.” Buffy choked, and Willow patted her back.

Down in the bar, Spike and Xander worked their way through a long row of vodka shots. “Just two?” Spike said incredulously. “You’ve really only slept with two women?”

“Well I’m pretty sure Faith has a multiple personality disorder, so you could count her as more than one,” said Xander.

“Wow. That’s unbelievable in this day and age. I thought all you young Americans went out and started shagging in junior high school,” said the other man.

“I was a late bloomer,” said Xander. “Well, not really. Just couldn’t find anyone to, you know, help me bloom.” He paused. “There was one person I really wanted, but it just never worked out. Our thing never got that far.” He looked up. “How about you, stud boy? What’s your track record?”

“Well,” said Spike as he fiddled with his glass. “It hardly seems fair to compare. I’ve been around a hundred some odd years longer than you.” He downed another couple of shots.

“Playing coy, huh? Well, there’s Drusilla, and Harmony, and Buffy,” listed Xander as he counted off on his fingers.

Spike motioned to the bartender for more drinks. He patted his pockets, coming up with an empty bag of Twizzlers. “I need a cigarette.” He went to the machine in the corner, coming back with a pack. He tapped the box on the table. “Ashtray,’ he muttered.

Xander looked at him. “You’re avoiding the subject.” His face lit up and he pointed at Spike. “That’s your whole list, isn’t it?” he said excitedly.

The bartender handed Spike an ashtray and a book of matches, and he lit up. “Oh that’s so good,” he said elatedly, sucking in the smoke.

“Over a hundred years, and you only bagged three girls,” Xander said with a grin. “I am a god! I am a sex god compared to you!”

“I had plenty of opportunities,” said Spike hotly. “I’m choosy.”

“You dated Harmony. That does not a choosy guy make, “ Xander said, pointing at him.

“I could have, lots of times, but I didn’t do it,” said Spike defensively. “In Prague, I got this nurse to take care of Dru when she was sick. This girl was so unbelievably hot. Huge tits. Natural blonde. A luscious ass, like a ripe, perfect peach…”

“Don’t let me interrupt your charming little anecdote,” said an icy voice. Spike whipped around, his cigarette dangling from his mouth. He looked into the face of his fiancée.

He quickly stubbed out the cigarette. “What’s wrong, love? Are you alright?” he looked her over, worried. She was wearing her ducky robe and her bunny slippers. Her skin freshly cleaned and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. “Why are you down here not dressed?” he asked, slipping off his duster and putting it around her. She shrugged it off, letting it fall to the floor.

“How long have you been lying to me?” she hissed. Spike picked up his duster and led her out to the hallway. Willow ran up, out of breath and wearing a skirt and sweater. Seeing their expressions, she backed off and went into the bar.

They rode up the elevator in silence. As soon as the door shut behind them in Xander’s room, Buffy lost it. “How could you lie to me?” she yelled in a high-pitched voice. “How could you be so selfish?”

“Buffy, I don’t know what you mean,” he said. “What are you talking about?” He reached out to her, but she sidestepped him.

“The Elixir of Gordath,” Buffy said. “You knew that if you drank it, there was a chance it might kill you. You didn’t say a word, didn’t mention that it might overheat your body and leave you a pile of dust!”

“I didn’t want to worry you, sweetheart,” he said soothingly. “I just wanted to make you happy.”

“We are a couple,” she said shrilly. “You don’t get to make decisions like that without me. Not any more.”

They stared at each other for a moment, holding each other’s gaze. “I knew you wouldn’t let me do it,” said Spike slowly. “That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

“How could you be such an idiot?” she yelled, getting in his face.

He pulled away, angry. “All I wanted was to give you what any other man could,” he said. “I couldn’t ask you to marry me otherwise.”

“You thought that if you couldn’t knock me up I wouldn’t think you were a real man?” she said sarcastically.

“I was afraid that marrying me would make you settle for less,” said Spike passionately. “I wanted to be whole for you.”

She grabbed his shoulders, shaking him. “You could have died and left me alone!” she said, her eyes full of the pain and fear that thought caused. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as he rocked her back and forth.

“I’m sorry, Buffy, I’m so sorry,” he whispered in her hair.

“I love you,” Buffy said earnestly. “I’m so glad we’re having the baby, but all I needed was you.” He looked into her eyes and kissed her deeply, greedily tasting her mouth. She entwined her tongue with his, holding his head in both of her hands. He pulled away and untied her robe as he slipped it off her shoulders. She undid his belt and pushed his chest, toppling him backwards onto the carpet. She pulled off her nightgown and sank down on top of him, moving in harsh, powerful thrusts. He groaned and fondled her breasts. Gently, he swirled his thumbs over her nipples. She tightened all around him, shattering into orgasm.

“That was quick,” he said, surprised.

“My breasts are really sensitive,” she said breathlessly. “My nipples are all tingly.” He pulled her torso towards him and moved inside her with deep, slow strokes. He licked her nipple firmly, his tongue making it wet and hard. She came again, digging her nails into his shoulder.

“I could get used to this,” he said, as he moved inside her. With every flick of his tongue, she came, and each orgasm made her move on him faster and faster. He rolled on top of her and smashed them into a coffee table, which sent it crashing into the wall. He pulled out of her and then plunged back in as he grabbed her hips in a tight grasp. She savagely bit his shoulder, making him yell with pleasure and pain. He licked her neck and made her tremble, then bit down hard. She screamed and ripped her fingernails down his back, and they both cried out in pleasure, swept away by a towering inferno of sensation.

“I’m guessing that they’re having the make up sex about now,” said Xander, slurring his words. “I just hope not where I’m going to be sleeping.” He picked up another vodka shot, and slugged it back.

“I think this hotel makes you want sex,” said Willow drunkenly. Five empty shot glasses sat in front of her, along with two huge, empty glasses shaped like hula girls. She twirled a small paper parasol in her fingers. “I don’t remember being horny before I got here.”

“We don’t get the sex,” said Xander sadly. “Tara and Anya are asleep upstairs.” He brightened. “Hey, we can have sex drinks, though.”

She looked at him blankly. “You know, Sex on the Beach, Slow Comfortable Screw, Swedish Blowjob,” he explained.

“Oh! I know some of those!” said Willow excitedly. “There’s Screaming Multiple Orgasm, and Sit On My Face, and Martian Hardon. The guys at Lowell House used to make those.” She grinned at Xander, taking his last shot and drinking it.

He motioned, and the bartender came over. “I’d like a Redhead’s Nipple and three more shots of Stoli.”

Willow smiled and gave him her order. “I’d like a Purple Elastic Thunder Fuck, please.”

Upstairs, Dawn sat on her bed, surrounded by candy wrappers. She held a rum and Coke. Two little bottles of Bacardi lay empty next to her. On her television, a man and woman writhed around, having sex to a pulsing soundtrack. Her mouth hung open, and she tilted her head, watching the action. “Damn,” she said, taking a big swig of her drink.

Buffy and Spike lay in bed, spooned together. “We should sleep, pet,” he said. “It’s almost three and we’re having breakfast at nine.”

She turned towards him and nibbled his lower lip. He sighed and shut his eyes with pleasure. “I’m not sleepy,” she said, as she threw her leg over his and slipped him inside her. She pulled him onto her, grabbing his ass in her hands. ‘Please fuck me,” she said quietly.

“What did you say?” he said, startled.

“Please fuck me,” she said louder, enunciating every syllable. He grabbed her wrists, pinning her to the bed.

‘Say it again,” he said huskily, panting with desire.

Buffy squirmed underneath him as she clenched and unclenched the muscles around his cock. “I want you to fuck me, Spike,” she said breathily,”fuck me hard.” She gave him a seductive look. She gasped as he pulled her legs tightly around him.

“You’re playing with matches, you naughty girl,” he growled. He pounded into her mercilessly. “You’re going to start a fire. I’m going to burn you real good.” The headboard pounded rhythmically against the wall with every thrust.

Xander and Willow stumbled out of the elevator and down the hall to her room. “Here you go, Will,” he said, “home sweet home.” She pulled her keycard from her pocket. She stuck it in the lock, and tried to open the door. “It’s broken,” she said.

‘I know how to do this,” he said, fumbling. He took the card and pulled it in and out of the lock several times, finally hitting the green light and turning the knob at the same time. The door opened and they tumbled in. “Here you are, little lady,” he slurred. “Time for you to mosey on up to that big old bed and ride off into the sleepy sunset.”

“I need to go to the bathroom,” she said awkwardly.

‘Well, that’s my cue to go,” he said as he turned away.

“I’m going to be sick,” she said, as she moved abruptly and knocked into a pedestal vase on a table. Xander dove for it and caught it just in time. She vomited all over herself, and started to cry. “Oh, no,” she sobbed, “I made a big mess.”

He wrapped his hand around her waist. She threw up again, covering his front. He helped her to the bathroom. “It’s okay, Willow, I’m here,” he said soothingly. He held her hair back while she got sick into the toilet. She continued to cry. “I’m all pukey,” she said as she gestured to her dirty clothes.

“Here, let me help,” Xander said. He pulled off her sodden sweater and skirt and wrapped a towel around her. She continued to heave, and he gently patted her back. When she had settled a bit, she sat on the edge of the tub. “Here, Will,’ he said as he handed her a cup of water. He looked through Buffy’s bag on the counter, pulled out two aspirin and passed them to her.

“I can’t drink this,” she said. “I’ll get sick again.” Her hands shook and she almost dropped the water. He stripped off his filthy shirt and sat down. He cradled her in his lap as he placed the pills on her tongue and held the glass to her lips. She finished the glass of water and rested her head against his shoulder. “You’re good to me,” she said as she stroked his chest. “You’ve always been so good to me.”

The smell of her hair, her hand on his chest and the feel of her in his lap was too much for him to take. He became fiercely aroused. “Let’s get you in bed,” he said as he stood up abruptly. She almost fell, and so did he. ‘Sorry, sorry about that,” he said as he walked her slowly to the bed. She stumbled and fell, and he fell on top of her. His erection pressed against her stomach.

“Is that because of me?” she asked as she tilted her head, a small smile on her lips.

“I’m sorry,” he said as he pulled away. ‘I can’t help it.” She held him and made him stay. He looked down at her and tried to force down his desire.

“Do you know how many years I thought about this?” she asked. “I always wondered what it would be like to have you look at me the way you are now. I wanted to know what it would be like, to make you want me. I dreamed about how you would feel inside me.” Her eyes shone brightly in the dark.

“That was a long time ago,” he said shakily as he tried to keep it together. “I guess we’ll never know.”

“I really want to know, Xander,” she said softly.

“We can’t do this,” he said, “We have Anya, and Tara.”

“It’s just a dream,” she said as she rubbed her hands down his back. “It’s just a sweet dream of mine, and I bet it’s still your dream too.” She pulled his mouth to hers, and he was lost.

Passion spilled from one of them to the other and kindled a flame that had burned low for years. He drank from her mouth and remembered how good it had always been between them. He slid down her body, tugged off her panties and slipped his tongue inside her. She moaned, and clenched her hands around his shoulders. He licked and sucked at her sweet warmth until she came, her small cries making him grow even harder. “Not here,” he said, “not on the floor.” He carried her awkwardly to the bed as he swayed and tripped slightly.

He dropped her on the pillow and stripped off his pants and underwear. He leaned forward and unhooked the clasp of her bra. The moonlight heightened the whiteness of her skin and made her glow against the dark bedspread. He straddled her, and she stroked him with her hand as he kissed her breasts, lavishing attention on each one. He felt his orgasm coming on, and pushed her hand away.

“Are you sure?” he said huskily, not sure he could stop now.

“Please,” she said as she locked her eyes with his. He moved inside her, and she wrapped her arms around him. They kissed slowly, languidly as they made love to each other.

Spike and Buffy sat in the huge tub. She rested her head against his chest as he soaped up her front. “You washed my breasts five times already,” she said. ‘I’m the squeakiest clean Buffy ever.”

“Quality control, love,” he said, rinsing her off with the washcloth.

“You realize that you are going to pay for sneaking that cigarette,” she said.

He smirked. “Oh, please love, punish me for being wicked.”

She yawned. “We really should go to bed,” she said. “All the normal people must be sleeping by now.”

“I don’t think we know any normal people,” Spike remarked.

Dawn’s eyelids fluttered, still fixed on the sexcapades on TV. Her eyes gently shut as she fell back against her pillows. She rolled over and gently snored as several empty vodka miniatures and soda cans fell to the floor.

“Thanks for the dream,” whispered Xander as he kissed Willow’s forehead. She smiled as she slept. He pulled the blankets around her shoulders and left the room. After he entered his suite, he put on his pajamas and lied on the couch. He drifted off to sleep as he smiled.

“I’m starving, “said Anya, as she walked down the hallway. “I could eat a horse. Well, not a real horse,” she amended. “A horse sized amount of food.”

‘Well, there’s a gigantic buffet downstairs calling our name,” said Tara as she smiled.. Anya rapped on the door of the honeymoon suite. Willow opened the door, looking fresh and perky.

“Ready for breakfast?” asked Tara.

“Surprisingly, yes,” said Willow as they walked down the hall. “I drank like a fish last night. Poor Xander must have had to carry me upstairs. The whole thing is a big blur.” She smiled at Tara. “But my appetite miraculously survived.”

They knocked on Xander’s door. He opened it, looking worse for the wear. “Ready to go to breakfast, sweetie?” said Anya.

“Yep, I’m ready to go,” he said as he glanced over at Willow.

“You look a little hungover,” said the redhead with a frown. “Do you think you can eat?”

“I was thinking maybe a nice glass of tomato juice,” he said.

“Some people just shouldn’t drink,” said Willow, patting his shoulder. “I’m lucky. I have a cast iron stomach.” He looked at her in disbelief.

“Is Buffy in there with Spike?” asked Tara.

“Yeah,” said Xander, “and he threatened me with violence when I knocked on their door. I guess they’re not hungry.”

“Neither is Dawn,” said the witch. “She said to call her when we’re nowhere near food.” They walked down the hall, and she pushed the button for the elevator.

“We need to do something really fun tonight,” said Anya. “We wasted our whole first night in Vegas. We’ll have to find out where the action is, because nothing is going on here.” They stepped into the elevator and the doors closed behind them.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


~~Call Me Irresponsible~~


Buffy and Tara bent over a map on the table in Dawn’s room. “Do you see the Luxor? I can’t find it,” asked Buffy.

“There it is,” said Tara. She pointed to the spot on the map. ”We need to go this way.” She traced a path with her fingernail.

“How much time do we have before the movie starts?” asked the other girl as she checked her small gold wristwatch.

“It’s at 4:15,” said Tara. “We should get going.”

“I think that I’m going to stay here and go for a swim,” said Dawn. “I’ve seen ‘Beauty and the Beast’ already.”

“But this is in an Imax theater,” said Buffy excitedly. “The screen is seven stories high. It’s going to be amazing.”

“No thanks,” replied Dawn. “I, for one, have outgrown my Disney phase.” Buffy and Tara exchanged looks.

“Fine,” said Buffy, “but if you’re just going to stay here, you have three chapters of ‘The Great Gatsby’ to read over the weekend. Take the book down to the pool with you.”

Dawn gave her a big plastic smile. “That’s a great idea. I’ll be sure to do that.”

“If you need anything Spike and Xander are in the casino playing roulette and Willow and Anya are at the spa,” said her sister. “We’ll be back by six thirty. Don’t forget that we have the rehearsal in the chapel at seven.” The girls left as the door slammed behind them.

Dawn lifted her suitcase from the closet and placed it on the bed. Hurriedly she discarded her shirt and pants. She moved aside piles of clothes in her suitcase, and pulled out a folded red dress and a plastic bag. Carefully she stepped into the dress and slipped the thin straps over her arms.

In the bathroom, she applied her makeup and dumped the bag on the counter. A tangle of jewelry, cosmetics, sunglasses and other small items, most with store tags, scattered. She swept up her hair into a loose chignon, slid on a bangle and gold chain and stepped into tall red heels. She dabbed on a little more red lipstick and a touch more mascara. She put her hand on her hip and struck a pose. “Yes, I’m 21,” she said as she looked in the mirror. “Here’s my ID.” She held up a shiny card in her hand.

Dawn took the elevator down to the lobby and made her way to the casino. The bouncer checked her ID and waved her inside. She strode over to the token booth, confident in her tall heels as she swiveled her hips with newfound sensuality. Men turned their heads to watch as she passed the rows of slot machines.

“There’s something different about you,” said Spike.

Xander turned to look at him. “Huh?” he said nervously.

“You seem preoccupied,” said Spike.

“Nope. I’m right here, in the moment, losing money,” replied the other man as he watched the roulette wheel spin.

“Something’s bothering you,” said the vampire firmly. He paused. “Are you still upset that Buffy and I are getting married?” he asked.

Xander thought for a moment. “Well, the idea of it is still kind of weird. But I have to admit that you’re good together.”

Spike smiled and sipped his drink. “In love, being loved in return, having a child. It’s unbelievable.” He looked over at Xander seriously. “You’re in the same place as me. Marrying, becoming a dad. But you’re not a happy man.”

Xander looked away. “Sure I’m happy,” he said. “Why wouldn’t I be? I’m a lucky guy.” He placed two chips on the table on number seven and watched the ball turn around the roulette wheel. The ball dropped on number thirteen. The croupier whisked away his chips.

Anya soaked in a tub of milky water. Her face was covered in a blue mask, cucumbers over her eyes. Willow was in a tub next to her, equally slathered in gunk. “I can’t believe that Spike and Buffy are getting married,” said the ex-demon. “Xander and I have been engaged longer than they have been a couple.”

“Well, you just can’t fight the power of true love,” replied Willow.

“Well, I love Xander,” said Anya. “And he’s persisted in being annoying, dragging his feet about our wedding. Fortunately I used my head and got him to move up the wedding date.”

“What do you mean, used your head?” said the other girl drowsily, her head thrown back in relaxation.

“I felt that Xander was drifting away from me, that he didn’t love me any more. So I kind of…” she paused. “I kind of didn’t tell him that I stopped taking the Pill.”

Willow took the cucumbers off her eyes and looked at Anya. “Wait a minute. So you’re saying that you…”

“Lied to him. Maybe manipulated him a tiny bit. But it was for his own good, really,” said Anya matter-of-factly.

“Anya! That’s horrible. How could you betray the person you love by having unprotected sex?” Her voice trailed off. She bolted upright in the tub and splashed a giant wave of water to the floor. “Oh my God.”

Dawn put a token in the slot machine and pulled down the lever. She watched the symbols spin in the window. Three red sevens rolled up and coins began to pour out of the slot. She giggled to herself as she scooped up handfuls of tokens. The flood continued until they lapped around her ankles and covered her shoes.

Across the room, a man watched her. A tendril of her hair had slipped out of her chignon and fell down over her shoulder. Her red silk dress accentuated her curves and revealed the tops of her pale breasts. She turned towards him and laughed as she waged a losing battle with the coins at her feet. He hadn’t seen anything so beautiful in a very long time.

“I wish Dawnie had come with us to the movie,” said Tara. “I bet she got bored hanging around by herself.” She held up a white garter decorated with wedding bells. “How about this one?”

Buffy shook her head. “I need something blue for tomorrow, for luck.”

Tara spun through a rack. “How about this one?” She held up a sky colored one decorated with lace and ribbons.

“Perfect!“ said Buffy, as she gave the other girl a quick hug. After Buffy paid for the garter, they left the boutique.

“We have an hour before we have to be there for the rehearsal,” said Tara. “We have just enough time to shower and change.” They continued through the concourse to the lobby and entered the glass elevator.

“I’m really glad that you and Willow have made up,” said Buffy happily. “It’s so great having you both around again.”

“I missed you all too,” said the witch with a smile. “I hated having a bad breakup, and not being on good terms with Willow. I just wanted us all to get along and be friends again.”

“We all love each other,” said Buffy. “And we’re all here together. Well, almost all of us. It’s nearly perfect. This wedding is going to be just the way I planned.”

Xander lay on the couch in his suite as he stared at the ceiling. A knock sounded on his door and he opened it. A frantic Willow rushed in, her hair wet and wild. “How could we have done that?” she said anxiously.

“Oh, Will, I’m so sorry,” he said to her. “I totally took advantage of you and I understand if you hate me.”

“I thought it was a dream. I kept thinking funny thoughts at breakfast when I looked at you. But it wasn’t just a dream. We really had sex last night,” said Willow hysterically.

“I feel so bad about it,” said Xander. She turned her back to him, and her shoulders shook as she cried. “Please, please don’t cry. I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”

She turned to him. “I love Tara,” she said painfully.

His heart ached for her. “I know you do. And I do too.” He reached out to her and stroked her cheek.

She looked up at him, naked emotion on her face. “I love you,” she said brokenly. “I love you too.” She leaned in close to him and stared deeply into his eyes.

He put his hands gently on her shoulders. “God, I love you, Willow. I have always loved you.” He dipped his mouth to hers, and the fire flared up between them again. She slipped her hands underneath his shirt, desperate to feel him. He ran his fingers through her hair and hungrily kissed her neck. She gasped and slipped her hands inside his pants to rub him against her.

Buffy slammed shut the door to her suite and threw off her shoes. She stripped off her clothes and started the shower. She hummed to herself as she stepped in and leaned forward, letting warm water cascade over her. She smiled to herself as a pair of strong arms grabbed her from behind. “Hey baby,” she said.

“Couldn’t you humor me and let out a nice Hitchcock movie scream? It’s no fun sneaking up on you in the shower if you won’t even shriek a little,” Spike grumbled.

She turned around and grabbed his cock with two soapy hands. “Let’s make you shriek a little,” she said, working his shaft up and down with long, hard strokes.

“Oh, Buffy,” he moaned as he buried his face in her shoulder.

A very handsome man stood in front of Dawn. “Miss?” he asked. “Can I help you?”

She smiled up at him. He was nicely dressed in a gray suit with a blue tie. His eyes were warm and brown. “Sure, just grab a cup and help me scoop these up.”

“Let me take care of it,” he said. He turned and gestured, and two men swooped in and placed all the coins into zippered cloth bags. They handed them to her. She made a noise and buckled under the weight. “Can I carry this to the bank for you so you can cash them out?” he asked. She nodded, and he took them from her and held them effortlessly.

“Thanks,” she said. “It’s very nice of you to help me.” She followed him through the casino. He watched her from the corner of his eye, and took in the smoothness of her pale skin and the delicate shape of her mouth. She eyed him as well. His silky black hair fell over his shoulders, and she thought it was really sexy. The man was tall, taller than Spike, but moved like him, a sleek dangerous stride.

He placed the coins on the counter of the bank and smiled at the cashier. “Do you want fifties or hundreds?” he asked Dawn.

“Twenties,” she said.

“You’re a real high roller,” he said with a gleam of white teeth.

“ID, miss?” asked the cashier. She handed it to him. He counted out the bills in tall stacks, and zippered them into the bags.

“You should put that cash somewhere safe,” said the man.

“I think I can ask for a safety deposit box at the front desk,” she said.

“You’re staying here? How do you like the hotel?” he asked curiously.

Dawn turned to him. “It’s really beautiful, what I’ve seen of it so far. I’ve only seen the lobby, my room and the casino.”

“Well, maybe I could show you some more of it,” he offered. He looked at her appreciatively, his eyes warm. “Would you care to have dinner with me tonight?”

She blushed as she realized he was interested in her. “I really can’t,” she said apologetically. “I have a wedding rehearsal at seven.”

He checked his watch. “Well, you’re missing it then,” he said. “It’s seven fifteen now, you’re late.”

She blanched. “Oh crap!” She turned on her heel and ran.

“Wait! You didn’t take your money,” he said to her back. He turned to the cashier. “What kind of girl runs away from ten thousand dollars?”

“A girl named Buffy Summers,” said the cashier, holding up her ID.

“We’re late, Spike,” said Buffy, as she struggled to work the clasp of her necklace. “Everyone is going to wonder where the hell we are.”

He slipped behind her and fastened the strand of pearls. “We’re the bride and groom,” he said as he gently kissed her neck. “They’ll wait.”

“How do I look?” asked Buffy. She wore a flowing blue chiffon dress, the halter-top revealing her white shoulders. Matching high heeled sandals and a wide pearl bracelet completed her ensemble.

“Perfect as always, baby,” he said as he pulled on his shirt. He frowned at his flapping cuffs. “I must have left the cufflinks back in my room.”

“Well, go and get them and then get your ass downstairs,” said Buffy teasingly. He walked her to the elevator and pushed the button for her. She kissed him on the cheek as she got in. He walked on down the hallway, used his keycard and pushed open the door.

Xander was braced against the opposite wall, a pair of very white legs twisted around his waist. The muscles of his naked back clenched as he thrust in and out. Pale fingers wrapped over the tops of his shoulders, the fingernails embedded in his flesh. “I love you, I love you,” he moaned. “This is magic,” a feminine voice replied breathily.

Embarrassed, Spike retreated. “Good for him,” he said to himself. “Guess he’s found a little happiness after all.”

“Spike!” said Anya loudly as she strode down the hallway. “Do you know where Xander is?”

He gaped at her, but quickly recovered. “He’s downstairs in the chapel waiting for us,” he said as he took her arm. “Let’s get down there.”

She pulled her arm away. “I’ve been there for a half hour,” she said. “He’s not there.”

“You must have crossed paths,” he said. “I’m sure I just saw him.” She looked at him oddly, but put her arm back in his as they walked down the corridor.

Buffy hurried into the ornately decorated chapel. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she said. Tara sat alone in a blue cushioned pew, absently braiding her hair. “Where is everyone?” she asked.

“Dawn, Willow and Spike are missing in action,” replied the witch. “Anya went upstairs to get Xander.”

“Where’s the officiant?” said Buffy as she furrowed her brow.

“She went to grab a Coke,” said Tara, “She said she thought she was losing her voice.”

Buffy sat down on a pew. “Typical. We can’t seem to get everyone in the same room lately.”

“Well, you have me,” said a soft voice from the doorway. Giles stood in the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Giles!” Buffy ran to the door and threw herself at him. They collapsed to the floor in a heap. “I’m so sorry,” apologized Buffy. “Did I hurt you?”

He laughed. “No more than usual.” He sat up and adjusted his glasses. He grabbed her hand and they both stood up. “How about you? I didn’t hurt the infant?” He looked down at her belly.

“We’re both pretty resilient,” smiled Buffy. She gave him a large hug, and they held each other for a minute. “What are you doing here?” she said. “You told me you couldn’t come.”

“Your fiancé and I conspired against you,” he replied. He peered out at her over his glasses. “Spike thought you could use a pleasant surprise.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, her face aglow. “This makes everything perfect.”

“You look perfect,” said Xander to Willow. She smiled at him as she twirled around in her strapless green dress. “We have to get going, Will, we are so late it isn’t even funny.”

“Let me just get my shoes.” She crouched on the floor under the four-poster bed. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed his hand as they exited the honeymoon suite. They held hands as they walked to the elevator, swinging them between them.

“We need to tone down the happy, Willow,” said Xander seriously.

“I know we do,” said Willow, “But I’m just so full of bliss. I want to sing and dance and shout out our love to the world.” He smiled at her and they kissed as the elevator opened.

“Think serious thoughts. War, famine, bad hair days, stomach flu,” he said.

She frowned. “I know this is kind of a weird question. But did I throw up on you last night?”

Anya and Spike walked into the chapel. “I told you he wasn’t here,” she said, annoyed.

“But look, there’s Giles,” said Spike quickly. “Go on over, talk to him about how much money you’re making now that he’s not holding you back.” She gave him a weird look but walked over to Giles and Buffy, who were deep in conversation. “Tara,” he hissed. The blonde looked over as he gestured out into the hallway. She followed him out.

“Tara,” he said in a low voice, ”something has gone horribly wrong. I think Willow has fallen off the wagon.”

Her eyes widened. “What? Why do you think that?”

He paused as he searched for the right words. “I saw her upstairs, and she was very happy, but acting unlike herself, and she said something about magic.”

Her eyes brightened and she smiled. “She was happy? That’s great.”

Spike closed his eyes. “No, not great. Tara, sweetheart, she was with…” He trailed off, unable to say it.

She looked at him searchingly. “Was she with someone else?” she asked. “Like in a love way?” she said hesitantly.

His head jerked up and he looked in her eyes. “No, more like a shagging like mad up against the wall way.” She looked away, not seeming shocked. “You know what’s going on! You did a spell, didn’t you?” he said in disbelief.

The officiant walked past them into the chapel. Buffy walked out the door. “We need to start now. Can you please check one more time for the rest of the gang? They must have gotten lost.” She looked worried. “What if something bad happened to them?” Her voice trembled and she bit her lip.

He kissed her brow. “Everything is fine,” he said soothingly. “I’ll find them, pet.” She smiled weakly and went back inside. He grabbed Tara’s arm. “Now you bloody well tell me what you did,” he hissed, “because I am not going to let some little magick trick ruin this wedding for Buffy.”

“You’re hurting my arm,” she squeaked. Immediately, he let her go.

“I didn’t mean to do that,” he said earnestly. “I’m just getting a little upset. Can you please explain to me what is going on?”

She took a deep breath. “I want to break up with Willow. But I didn’t want to be the one to do it, not again. So I did a spell, so that she would find someone else. I wanted to be able to stay friends.”

“You did a love spell?” asked Spike.

“Well, not just a love spell. It had to be a love that was strong and mutual,” she explained.

Spike glared at her. “Xander and Willow were going at it like rabbits upstairs. They love each other. They have for years, as friends. Did it occur to you to specify romantic love, and to throw in your ‘and it hurt none’ business?”

“Oh, no. Poor Anya. I was very specific that it had to be free will,” said Tara in dismay. “It wasn’t a compulsion.”

“God, woman.” He paced back and forth. “What do you need to do a counter spell?”

“I need candles, rose petals, salt and honey,” she said. “And a needle.”

“Well toddle off to the front desk and get them to bloody well find everything,” he said angrily. “Then get your bum up the stairs and fucking undo it!” She hurried off. He stomped down the hall, turned out of the wing that held the chapels and walked into the lobby.

Dawn rushed towards him, dressed in skintight red silk. She looked like a pinup girl, her breasts large and full and her waist tiny. Her face was perfectly made up and drew the eye to the sexy red pout of her lips.

“Dawn!” said Spike, shocked. Xander and Willow ran around the opposite corner from the elevator, breathless.

“Dawnie, you look so nice,” said Willow.

“You look ridiculous, Dawn,” said Spike impatiently. “Now go upstairs and change into something appropriate.”

Dawn’s jaw set. “No.”

“What did you just say to me?” he said, incredulous.

“I said no. No, no, no. You can’t make me,” she said distinctly.

“You look like a hooker,” said Spike, furious. “All tarted up, showing off way too much…everything,” he gestured.

“I don’t look like a hooker,” said Dawn. “I look like a woman. A grown up, desirable woman.” She walked away jauntily. Spike roared and stomped off to follow her.

Xander grabbed his arm. “Let her go,” he said. “Just chill for a minute.”

“When Buffy sees her dressed like that, it’s going to ruin her whole evening. Which was nearly ruined already, thanks to you two,” said Spike angrily.

“She’s not a little girl anymore, Spike. You and Buffy can’t just wrap her up in cotton and protect her from the world. There’s one baby in your family, and it’s not her,” said Willow calmly.

“Put a sock in it, Red,” he said. “Now get your asses in gear. We have a wedding to rehearse for.”


TBC...



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