Paradise
By
Natalie Elizabeth
Chapter 2
Buffy stood in the foyer of the church next to a nervous Dawn, the bridal music was beginning to play and the other two bridesmaids, and Jessica had already walked down the isle.
"So you ready Dawnie"
Dawn nodded so Buffy began to walk down the isle with Dawn a few steps behind. Buffy began to smile at all the guests when she felt a vampire, she looked around the room but couldn't see anything suspicious until her eyes locked on the unfamiliar face yet familiar face of Spike.
Buffy almost stopped walking but regained focus and walked the last few steps towards the priest then took her place on the bench next to the other bridesmaids. All through the ceremony Buffy felt Spikes piercing gaze upon her but never turned around, out of pure fear. The ceremony ended and Buffy quickly made a dash for the door trying to avoid his gaze. The gang went to a near by park for a few photos, thank god it was bright and sunny, then made there way to the reception once it got dark. Once everyone was settled in Dawn stood up to make a speech.
"Firstly I would like to thank all of you for coming and sharing this wonderful day with Lucas and I. I would like to start of with the bridal waltz so Lucas if you would like to escort your parents out to the floor I will be with you in a moment".
Lucas nodded to his new wife and stood up showing his parents to the floor.
When Dawn saw Lucas and his parents ready and waiting for her on the dance floor she continued her speech. "Its traditional for the parents to dance along with the new couple but seeing how my parents aren't here I would like to ask two special people in my life to join us on the dance floor. These two looked after me when they had no reason to so please, Buffy, Spike it would be an honor if you would you make you way out to the dance floor"
Buffy looked over at Dawn surprised then saw Spike walking out to the dance floor looking rather nervous. Buffy got out of her seat and made her way over to Spike as the music began.
"Umm hi" she said moving closer to him holding her hands up ready to dance.
Spike took her hand and began to slowly dance to the music "Hey"
Buffy and Spike danced silently for a minute or two before Spike spoke up "So who looks like the bell of the ball hey"
Buffy looked over at Dawn dancing with her husband and smiled "Yeah she really looks beautiful huh"
Spike laughed and shook his head. "Umm I was talking about you Buffy"
Buffy turned to look at Spike surprised at his complement "Umm thanks, you look ok yourself, I mean what did you do to yourself, I almost didn't recognize you"
"You like it? I took Dawns advice to try blend in with people more so the other vamps wouldn't recognize me. It killed me getting rid of the bleach and my bad boy image of always wearing black. Well that's a lie I wear black sometimes" he said with his cocky smile.
Buffy looked over him taking in every detail, his hair was a light honey colour and his suit was grey and his shirt was the same colour as his eyes.
"Umm yeah I like" she said embarrassed then looked away continuing to dance.
The song ended and Buffy and Spike parted with a slight nod and headed back to the tables. As soon as Buffy sat down she was bombarded with questions.
"So" Willow asked.
"So what?" Buffy replied innocently.
"Well what did you guys talk about"
"Nothing we just said nice to see you that's all"
"Aww look at him hes all alone on that table no one will talk to him, I wonder why Dawnie didn't put him on our table " Tara said concerned.
"Jessica" Anya said, "See that man aunty Buffy was just dancing with, that was uncle Spike do you wanna go over and say hi"
Jessica nodded and ran over to him practically jumping in his lap. Spike looked shocked for a second then began to listen to the little girl. She pointed over to her table and grabbed Spikes hand and began to drag him over to the table.
"Umm little Jessica said I could join you guys is that ok"
"Yep uncle Spike you can have my seat next to auntie Buffy, the super warriors have to be together" she said with a stern look on her face, well as stern as a four year old can give.
Spike sat down at the table then looked over at Buffy. "Super warriors?"
"Yeah Dawn told her about our adventures, fighting the evil monster then saving her mommy and daddy"
Spike looked over at Xander and Anya "That would be you guys congratulations," he said standing up holding out his hand to Xander.
Xander shook it and smiled "Its arr nice to see you again Spike, I guess"
"Yeah Spike its great to see you" Willow said trying to cover up Xanders awkard hello, then kicking Xander under the table and glaring at him.
"Hey Red, Tara nice to see you girls are still together"
"Uncle Spike did you see me at the wedding walking down the isle"
Spike turned to the little girl staring up at him. "Yes I did little one you did a great job, why don't you sit on my lap here and eat all this delicious food"
Spike pulled the little girl on to his lap and helped her grab food from the table.
Xander looked surprised at how affectionate Spike was being with his daughter. "So Spike how long are you planning on staying town"
Spike looked up sheepishly "Umm I don't know, I was in such a rush to get here, I didn't get my invitation till about a month ago and I was literally on the other side of the world so I didn't really make any plans"
"Well let us know where your staying and we will get together tomorrow night or the night after" Xander said trying to be nice, he didn't want another kick from Willow.
"Umm like I said I didn't make any plans so umm I am not sure where I'll be, probably find some cheap hotel to crash at tonight then decide what I am gonna do after that. If you wanna give me your number I'll let you know"
Buffy thought for a second then spoke up "Umm if you want you could stay with me"
"What?" Spike said shocked
"Well yeah I mean its kinda empty now that Dawns gone, you could stay as long as you want, I could really use the company" What was she thinking letting spike stay with her?.
"That's a great idea" Willow piped up "That way we could get together and catch up during the day"
Spike was still in shock "Umm yeah I guess thank you."
"Uncle Spike lets dance pleasssse lets dance," The little girl on his lap pleaded
Spike shrugged at the gang and followed little Jessica out on the dance floor. Tara grabbed Willows hand pulling her up urging her to dance, Willow got up but pulled Xander and Anya with her. Buffy sat at the table all alone for awhile until Dawn came and sat down next to her.
"Hey so are you guys getting along with Spike."
"Umm yeah actually we are, he's gonna stay at our place for awhile is that ok with you"
"Yeah sure Buffy but its your house now remember you don't need to ask my permission, umm why is he staying" Dawn asked curiously.
"He didn't have anywhere to stay so I figured its just little old me in that big house why not"
"That's good I hope you guys can work things out" Dawn looked out onto the dance floor and saw Jessica waving at them. "Umm Buffy I think Jessica wants you"
Buffy looked over at Jessica and smiled "She probably wants to hear more stories about the super warriors"
Buffy got up and walked over to Jessica and Spike "Hey Jess what's up"
"Its time for you and uncle Spike to dance I am going to dance with Auntie Dawn" Jess ran off leaving Buffy and Spike on the dance floor.
"So here we are again Slayer," Spike said with a cocky grin.
"That we are, William the bloody," she said sarcastically.
"So are you sure its ok if I stay with you, I mean I could just stay in a hotel, I don't want to impose" he said taking her in his arms.
Buffy laughed at Spike "Since when have you not wanted to impose that's all you ever did if I remember right. Seriously we haven't spoken in five years I wanna catch up, and what better way than to have you at my place"
"Ok, its just I figured you were being nice in front of your friends, especially seeing how I left on bad terms, so I'll understand if you don't want me there"
Buffy looked at Spike dead in the face "Spike its ok you had no reason to stay in Sunnydale, I understood, so lets put that all behind us, remember where here at Dawns wedding, little Dawn I cant believe it"
Spike looked over at Dawn and Jessica dancing "Yeah I cant believe my little Niblets grown up either"
The rest of the night proceeded with out in dramas which was a miracle for Sunnydale. When it came time for Dawn and Lucas to leave Buffy started to cry and pulled Dawn into a warm embrace.
"Congratulations Dawn, hope you enjoy yourself, I'll see you in two weeks, the gang will be by then to say goodbye and help you pack up the rest of your gear ok "
Dawn looked up at Buffy "Its ok Buffy I'll be alright, don't worry I'll be prepared for any beasties on my honey moon or in L.A, Angel said he'd look out for me ok."
Buffy nodded and watched her sister walk out of the hall and out of her life.
Spike stood by Buffy and placed his arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick hug one-armed hug. "It's alright luv she'll be ok"
Buffy looked up at Spike and gave him a weak smile and nodded. Buffy looked around the hall and saw that most of the guests had left or were leaving and the servers were clearing the tables.
"Well I guess that's our cue to leave," she said to Spike "Umm do you have a car or do we need to call a taxi."
Spike gave her an evil grin "As if I would give up my baby she's just outside"
Buffy gave Spike a horrified look "That thing can't still be on the road."
"Hey I take good care of the old girl so unless you wanna walk home don't complain."
Buffy and Spike walked outside and to his car Buffy got in and looked surprised, it was a lot cleaner than the last time she was in it. The drive home was silent and kind of unnerving. When they pulled into the driveway Spike looked up at the house and smiled.
"Its good to see the old place again"
Buffy looked over at him and smiled. She got out of the car and went to open the door while Spike got his bag out of his car. Turning on the light and dumping her keys on the table Buffy walked to the couch and collapsed on it. Spike walked in surprised that he still had an invite and saw Buffy lying on the couch.
Buffy opened her eyes a little and saw Spike standing there "Just dump your stuff there and take a seat I wont be moving for quite awhile"
Spike dropped his bag and went and sat next to Buffy on the couch. He began to look around the room looking at the things that had changed. The room had been painted and a large picture of Joyce was sitting on the mantle. Spike looked over at Buffy and saw that she was exhausted
"Umm if its alright with you I'll head down to the basement now, you look kinda trashed and I spent most of last night driving".
Buffy looked over at him and suddenly was wide awake "What, oh the basement, you cant stay down there its horrible, you can stay in moms old room, come on help me set it up"
Buffy slowly got up of the couch and made her way up the stairs with Spike in tow. Buffy walked into her mothers' old room and turned the light on. It had changed since her mother was there, the room was decked out in a beige colour, and it only contained a small dresser, which looked out of place for the large room.
"Now this is much better than a basement right"
Spike nodded and placed his bag on the floor
"Oh you can put your stuff in there" she said pointing to the dresser "I am going to find some heavy blankets for the window if you wanna unpack".
Buffy walked out of the room and Spike starred after her. "Unpack" how long did she expect him to stay. Spike shrugged and started pulling things out of his bag and placing them in the drawer. The last things he pulled out of his bag were his duster and black jeans. Buffy walked into the room and saw Spike holding them.
"I thought it was to good to be true"
"What" Spike said grinning at her "Its just my duster and a pair of jeans they are the only thing I own that's black, plus I couldn't be in Sunnydale with out them"
Buffy laughed and began putting up the blankets when she was satisfied that they were light proof she walked towards the door.
"Well I better go get some sleep, bathrooms down the hall, if you wanna take a shower and I think you know where everything is, oh umm yeah there blood in the freezer"
Spike looked at Buffy shocked.
"Dawn insisted we have blood in the freezer, she was convinced you'd come back and when you did she wanted to be prepared"
"Oh, ok thanks"
~TBC~
Chapter 2
Buffy stood in the foyer of the church next to a nervous Dawn, the bridal music was beginning to play and the other two bridesmaids, and Jessica had already walked down the isle.
"So you ready Dawnie"
Dawn nodded so Buffy began to walk down the isle with Dawn a few steps behind. Buffy began to smile at all the guests when she felt a vampire, she looked around the room but couldn't see anything suspicious until her eyes locked on the unfamiliar face yet familiar face of Spike.
Buffy almost stopped walking but regained focus and walked the last few steps towards the priest then took her place on the bench next to the other bridesmaids. All through the ceremony Buffy felt Spikes piercing gaze upon her but never turned around, out of pure fear. The ceremony ended and Buffy quickly made a dash for the door trying to avoid his gaze. The gang went to a near by park for a few photos, thank god it was bright and sunny, then made there way to the reception once it got dark. Once everyone was settled in Dawn stood up to make a speech.
"Firstly I would like to thank all of you for coming and sharing this wonderful day with Lucas and I. I would like to start of with the bridal waltz so Lucas if you would like to escort your parents out to the floor I will be with you in a moment".
Lucas nodded to his new wife and stood up showing his parents to the floor.
When Dawn saw Lucas and his parents ready and waiting for her on the dance floor she continued her speech. "Its traditional for the parents to dance along with the new couple but seeing how my parents aren't here I would like to ask two special people in my life to join us on the dance floor. These two looked after me when they had no reason to so please, Buffy, Spike it would be an honor if you would you make you way out to the dance floor"
Buffy looked over at Dawn surprised then saw Spike walking out to the dance floor looking rather nervous. Buffy got out of her seat and made her way over to Spike as the music began.
"Umm hi" she said moving closer to him holding her hands up ready to dance.
Spike took her hand and began to slowly dance to the music "Hey"
Buffy and Spike danced silently for a minute or two before Spike spoke up "So who looks like the bell of the ball hey"
Buffy looked over at Dawn dancing with her husband and smiled "Yeah she really looks beautiful huh"
Spike laughed and shook his head. "Umm I was talking about you Buffy"
Buffy turned to look at Spike surprised at his complement "Umm thanks, you look ok yourself, I mean what did you do to yourself, I almost didn't recognize you"
"You like it? I took Dawns advice to try blend in with people more so the other vamps wouldn't recognize me. It killed me getting rid of the bleach and my bad boy image of always wearing black. Well that's a lie I wear black sometimes" he said with his cocky smile.
Buffy looked over him taking in every detail, his hair was a light honey colour and his suit was grey and his shirt was the same colour as his eyes.
"Umm yeah I like" she said embarrassed then looked away continuing to dance.
The song ended and Buffy and Spike parted with a slight nod and headed back to the tables. As soon as Buffy sat down she was bombarded with questions.
"So" Willow asked.
"So what?" Buffy replied innocently.
"Well what did you guys talk about"
"Nothing we just said nice to see you that's all"
"Aww look at him hes all alone on that table no one will talk to him, I wonder why Dawnie didn't put him on our table " Tara said concerned.
"Jessica" Anya said, "See that man aunty Buffy was just dancing with, that was uncle Spike do you wanna go over and say hi"
Jessica nodded and ran over to him practically jumping in his lap. Spike looked shocked for a second then began to listen to the little girl. She pointed over to her table and grabbed Spikes hand and began to drag him over to the table.
"Umm little Jessica said I could join you guys is that ok"
"Yep uncle Spike you can have my seat next to auntie Buffy, the super warriors have to be together" she said with a stern look on her face, well as stern as a four year old can give.
Spike sat down at the table then looked over at Buffy. "Super warriors?"
"Yeah Dawn told her about our adventures, fighting the evil monster then saving her mommy and daddy"
Spike looked over at Xander and Anya "That would be you guys congratulations," he said standing up holding out his hand to Xander.
Xander shook it and smiled "Its arr nice to see you again Spike, I guess"
"Yeah Spike its great to see you" Willow said trying to cover up Xanders awkard hello, then kicking Xander under the table and glaring at him.
"Hey Red, Tara nice to see you girls are still together"
"Uncle Spike did you see me at the wedding walking down the isle"
Spike turned to the little girl staring up at him. "Yes I did little one you did a great job, why don't you sit on my lap here and eat all this delicious food"
Spike pulled the little girl on to his lap and helped her grab food from the table.
Xander looked surprised at how affectionate Spike was being with his daughter. "So Spike how long are you planning on staying town"
Spike looked up sheepishly "Umm I don't know, I was in such a rush to get here, I didn't get my invitation till about a month ago and I was literally on the other side of the world so I didn't really make any plans"
"Well let us know where your staying and we will get together tomorrow night or the night after" Xander said trying to be nice, he didn't want another kick from Willow.
"Umm like I said I didn't make any plans so umm I am not sure where I'll be, probably find some cheap hotel to crash at tonight then decide what I am gonna do after that. If you wanna give me your number I'll let you know"
Buffy thought for a second then spoke up "Umm if you want you could stay with me"
"What?" Spike said shocked
"Well yeah I mean its kinda empty now that Dawns gone, you could stay as long as you want, I could really use the company" What was she thinking letting spike stay with her?.
"That's a great idea" Willow piped up "That way we could get together and catch up during the day"
Spike was still in shock "Umm yeah I guess thank you."
"Uncle Spike lets dance pleasssse lets dance," The little girl on his lap pleaded
Spike shrugged at the gang and followed little Jessica out on the dance floor. Tara grabbed Willows hand pulling her up urging her to dance, Willow got up but pulled Xander and Anya with her. Buffy sat at the table all alone for awhile until Dawn came and sat down next to her.
"Hey so are you guys getting along with Spike."
"Umm yeah actually we are, he's gonna stay at our place for awhile is that ok with you"
"Yeah sure Buffy but its your house now remember you don't need to ask my permission, umm why is he staying" Dawn asked curiously.
"He didn't have anywhere to stay so I figured its just little old me in that big house why not"
"That's good I hope you guys can work things out" Dawn looked out onto the dance floor and saw Jessica waving at them. "Umm Buffy I think Jessica wants you"
Buffy looked over at Jessica and smiled "She probably wants to hear more stories about the super warriors"
Buffy got up and walked over to Jessica and Spike "Hey Jess what's up"
"Its time for you and uncle Spike to dance I am going to dance with Auntie Dawn" Jess ran off leaving Buffy and Spike on the dance floor.
"So here we are again Slayer," Spike said with a cocky grin.
"That we are, William the bloody," she said sarcastically.
"So are you sure its ok if I stay with you, I mean I could just stay in a hotel, I don't want to impose" he said taking her in his arms.
Buffy laughed at Spike "Since when have you not wanted to impose that's all you ever did if I remember right. Seriously we haven't spoken in five years I wanna catch up, and what better way than to have you at my place"
"Ok, its just I figured you were being nice in front of your friends, especially seeing how I left on bad terms, so I'll understand if you don't want me there"
Buffy looked at Spike dead in the face "Spike its ok you had no reason to stay in Sunnydale, I understood, so lets put that all behind us, remember where here at Dawns wedding, little Dawn I cant believe it"
Spike looked over at Dawn and Jessica dancing "Yeah I cant believe my little Niblets grown up either"
The rest of the night proceeded with out in dramas which was a miracle for Sunnydale. When it came time for Dawn and Lucas to leave Buffy started to cry and pulled Dawn into a warm embrace.
"Congratulations Dawn, hope you enjoy yourself, I'll see you in two weeks, the gang will be by then to say goodbye and help you pack up the rest of your gear ok "
Dawn looked up at Buffy "Its ok Buffy I'll be alright, don't worry I'll be prepared for any beasties on my honey moon or in L.A, Angel said he'd look out for me ok."
Buffy nodded and watched her sister walk out of the hall and out of her life.
Spike stood by Buffy and placed his arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick hug one-armed hug. "It's alright luv she'll be ok"
Buffy looked up at Spike and gave him a weak smile and nodded. Buffy looked around the hall and saw that most of the guests had left or were leaving and the servers were clearing the tables.
"Well I guess that's our cue to leave," she said to Spike "Umm do you have a car or do we need to call a taxi."
Spike gave her an evil grin "As if I would give up my baby she's just outside"
Buffy gave Spike a horrified look "That thing can't still be on the road."
"Hey I take good care of the old girl so unless you wanna walk home don't complain."
Buffy and Spike walked outside and to his car Buffy got in and looked surprised, it was a lot cleaner than the last time she was in it. The drive home was silent and kind of unnerving. When they pulled into the driveway Spike looked up at the house and smiled.
"Its good to see the old place again"
Buffy looked over at him and smiled. She got out of the car and went to open the door while Spike got his bag out of his car. Turning on the light and dumping her keys on the table Buffy walked to the couch and collapsed on it. Spike walked in surprised that he still had an invite and saw Buffy lying on the couch.
Buffy opened her eyes a little and saw Spike standing there "Just dump your stuff there and take a seat I wont be moving for quite awhile"
Spike dropped his bag and went and sat next to Buffy on the couch. He began to look around the room looking at the things that had changed. The room had been painted and a large picture of Joyce was sitting on the mantle. Spike looked over at Buffy and saw that she was exhausted
"Umm if its alright with you I'll head down to the basement now, you look kinda trashed and I spent most of last night driving".
Buffy looked over at him and suddenly was wide awake "What, oh the basement, you cant stay down there its horrible, you can stay in moms old room, come on help me set it up"
Buffy slowly got up of the couch and made her way up the stairs with Spike in tow. Buffy walked into her mothers' old room and turned the light on. It had changed since her mother was there, the room was decked out in a beige colour, and it only contained a small dresser, which looked out of place for the large room.
"Now this is much better than a basement right"
Spike nodded and placed his bag on the floor
"Oh you can put your stuff in there" she said pointing to the dresser "I am going to find some heavy blankets for the window if you wanna unpack".
Buffy walked out of the room and Spike starred after her. "Unpack" how long did she expect him to stay. Spike shrugged and started pulling things out of his bag and placing them in the drawer. The last things he pulled out of his bag were his duster and black jeans. Buffy walked into the room and saw Spike holding them.
"I thought it was to good to be true"
"What" Spike said grinning at her "Its just my duster and a pair of jeans they are the only thing I own that's black, plus I couldn't be in Sunnydale with out them"
Buffy laughed and began putting up the blankets when she was satisfied that they were light proof she walked towards the door.
"Well I better go get some sleep, bathrooms down the hall, if you wanna take a shower and I think you know where everything is, oh umm yeah there blood in the freezer"
Spike looked at Buffy shocked.
"Dawn insisted we have blood in the freezer, she was convinced you'd come back and when you did she wanted to be prepared"
"Oh, ok thanks"
~TBC~