Okay, here it is the wedding!!!

Chapter 4: The Real Deal
The irony of the entrance being located in a churchyard was not lost on Buffy. It seemed rather fitting to go from one type of holy pace to another. Spike took her by the hand and led her behind a large weeping willow tree. Spike chanted several words under his breath, not loud enough for Buffy to hear. He knew even Buffy's Slayer senses couldn't pick up on the mystical convergence surrounding this spot. When his password was complete, Spike took her underneath the hanging vines of the tree.

    Darkness engulfed them. Buffy held his hand tightly as he guided her through the black.  It wasn't long before Buffy sensed a light at the end of this black tunnel.  With every step she took, the light became more intense. Then she felt its warmth on her body.  It was the warmth of...the sun?!
"Spike?" she stopped walking and pulled him to her side.
Spike knew her concern and was touched by the caring gesture. "It's alright, pet. Got to keep moving." To reassure her, he offered her his arm; she accepted.
The sun was bright in the blue sky. To Buffy's astonishment, Spike wasn't dust; his skin wasn't even smoking. He didn't seem scared. On the contrary, he seemed to relish the rays on his porcelain skin. Buffy looked at her surroundings. They were outside in a glen. Trees circled the area designated for the ceremony. Chairs were set up; a canopy of wicker, vines and all different colors of roses were in the center. White petals covered the green grass creating a carpeted aisle. Buffy couldn't see the faint pink haze protecting the scene, but Spike and every other non-human could. He breathed deeply and the two entered the sacred space.
Clem stood underneath the canopy, a mess of nervous fidgets. He smiled when he saw the two approaching. He took Buffy's unengaged hand and raised it to his lips in a most gallant gesture. "I'm so glad you could make it, Buffy. Carlotta will be so happy. She was quite taken with you last night."
Buffy smiled. "As was I."
"Yeah, she said it was nice to talk to a real woman for a change. Poor thing, she usually hangs with ma and Spike. But, having you here, even for just today...I'm marrying a dancer!" he burst as he went to greet other guests.
Buffy watched him go. He was obviously a man deeply in love. "What did Clem mean by 'real woman?'" she asked Spike. "Doesn't Carlotta have any female friends here?"
"She has female friends, but not here. She actually just moved to Buenos Aires to be with Clem. She left a lot of things behind." Spike left it at that. "Let her chew on that," he thought. Not that he wanted Buffy back. No, of course not. He'd be a bloody fool to go down that bottomless hole again. He just wanted her to think about that black and white existence in which cocooned herself. Right now, she was standing right smack in the middle of the gray.

     She seemed to notice that as well.  Most of the guests arrived by now, demons, vampires, humans alike, species she had never before encountered all milling together peacefully.  "This isn't going to be like Xander and Anya's non-wedding, is it?"

     "Hell no!  That boy was a fool to do what he did the way he did it.  Clem is more of a man than that wanker."

     "That 'wanker' is still my friend, Spike."

     "Though I never understood why.  No, Clem and Carlotta are the real deal."

      Buffy saw his gaze follow Clem as he greeted guests.  Spike looked envious. Buffy couldn't help being a little as well.  "Did Dawn tell you about Anya?"

      "Dawn tells me everything," he replied simply.

      "She and that friend of hers left town for good."

       "Her friend?  You mean Halfrek?"

       "The one you seemed to know rather well?  Yeah, her.  How well did you know her, Spike?"

       "That, Slayer, is a story for another day."

       "Did… you know her like you knew Anya?" Buffy asked, making sure her double entendre was clear.

       It was.  Spike turned his ice blue eyes onto her.  A choice needed to be made here.  How to respond, the truth or his typical flip remark?

       "A story for another day," he repeated.

       "So, I guess you know she left the Magic Box to me."

       "Yes, I do.  And I know that Dawn works there and Willow helps out when she's not doing computer gigs for Stuffy American and Wallis Inc.  I know that she and Xander are platonic roomies now, that Dawn's beau is not good enough for her and that you almost got married a year ago."

       Buffy blinked.  He did know everything, even about her broken engagement.  She had planned on slipping that tid bit in at some point, but she didn't want to ruin anything.  "Wow," she responded.  "And yet, I know nothing about your adventures for the past five years.  Dawn wouldn't let me see any of your letters.  She covets them."

       "I asked her not to show them to you," he confessed.

       "Why? When you got to hear all about me and my failures?"

       "First off, I honestly didn't think you would give a damn after what happened and second, I figured if I ever saw you again…"  He trailed off and studied the soft petals beneath his feet.  After a gentle sigh, he looked at her, "I would have something to tell you."

        "Well, I'm here.  I see you.  You see me.  You look good in sunlight," she unexpectedly admitted.

        Any bad feelings Spike harbored evaporated with that statement and the sight of her smiling face.  God, how he loved that smile!  She didn't use it enough, well, not around him she didn't.  "You better take a seat.  I think we're going to get this show underway.  Groom's side is the right."

        "Okay."  She faced Spike and straightened his slightly eschew tie before taking an aisle seat in the second row.  She observed him for a few moments, numerous thoughts flooding her head, most of them pleasant.  Any unpleasant thoughts or memories were quickly disregarded and sent to the nether regions of her mind.  Today was for Clem and Carlotta and for Spike too.  For once, she took a back seat and silently watched those around her with great interest.

         "So, you're the Slayer?"

         The voice surprised Buffy from her inner monologue.  She turned to the male vampire next to her.  "Yes, I am.  Is that a problem for you?"

        "Not at all."  The vampire held out his hand.  "My name is Jacob."

        Buffy looked at him, dressed like everyone else in wedding finery.  She shook his hand.  "I'm Buffy."

        "I know.  I've heard all about you.  Good stuff too, not all 'kill the vamps.'"

         "Good stuff, really?  That's new.  Usually I'm the bane of every vampire's existence."

        "Well, our good La Loca proprietor fails to see it that way," he commented, nodding towards Spike who stood underneath the canopy with Clem.  Buffy felt the heat rise in her cheeks at the acknowledgement from Jacob, or maybe it was just the sun. "Word had it you were his date."

         "We're not dating," Buffy rushed to say.  "But, yeah, I came with him."

         Jacob looked her up and down.  "Lucky vamp," he smiled sweetly.

         "Hey, Buffy!  You look radiant!"

        Buffy looked behind her and there was Sid with his date, another gill demon.

        "Hi, Sid.  How are you?" she smiled at the couple.

        "Just dandy.  I'd like you to meet the little woman.  Katia, this is Buffy."

          "Spike's Buffy?" she inquired in a slightly shrilled voice.

        "That's her," Sid confirmed.

        Katia grabbed Buffy's hand and shook it none too gently.  "It's so nice to see you.  Well- I've seen you, pictures of you, but it's nice to finally meet you face to face."

        Buffy flushed underneath Katia's fascinated gaze.  "It's good to meet you too."

        "I hope you'll be staying with us for awhile.  It would be great to get the gang together and all go out for drinks.  I heard you did last night, but I couldn't be there, home with the little one I was, so we must do it again.  I'll not take no for an answer.  What are you and Spike doing after the reception?  Did you want to go out or do you want to be alone?  Spike must-"

        "Honey, honey, slow down for a second there.  Don't embarrass the poor girl.  You know she and Spike are just friends," Sid reminded his wife.

        "Oh, yes I know that.  I only meant- Oh, Buffy, I didn't mean to imply-"

        "It's fine, Katia.  I don't know what Spike has planned for this evening."

        "We'll have to find out.  Oh, I am sorry.  I have a tendency to let my mouth run away with itself."

        "That's one of the things I love about you," Sid cooed as he kissed Katia.  Love was definitely in the air around Buffy.

        Music from the organ signaled the start of the processional.  Buffy watched the demon filled orchestra playing.  They were wonderful and-   

        "Oh my God!  Yo Yo Ma is a demon?" she whispered to Jacob.

        "No one is that good on his own," he replied with a giggle.  "He's also a good friend of one of the priests.  It's not easy to get him with his busy schedule and all.  But, Spike made it happen."

Spike seemed to have a way of doing that, Buffy thought.

         The ceremony was remarkably just like any other.  They said their vows, a soprano sang something in Italian, although, she was a ten foot tall skeleton like demon.  Buffy couldn't imagine where she kept all that air for those high notes.  After the exchanging of rings, one of the priests held out a golden chalice.  The other held a silver knife and sliced the bride and the groom's right palms.  Their blood mixed together in the chalice.  The gleeful expressions never left the couple's faces as the blood continued to drip.  After a few moments, Spike and the maid of honor each wrapped the wounded hands in strips of white linen.

         "Blood," began the first priest, "Blood is life, as is their union."  Clem and Carlotta each took a sip of their mingled life sources.  "Let their love, like the blood of life, flow forever.  You may kiss the bride."

         Everyone was on their feet clapping for the two as they exited the canopy and traveled up the aisle.  The rest of the processional followed close behind.  Spike quickly stole a glance Buffy's way.  It warmed his cold body to see her with Sid, Katia and Jacob.  Maybe she wouldn't have so much trouble adjusting to the gray after all. 

         "So, you never told me what this place is," Buffy mentioned as she and Spike approached a brick mansion on top of a hill.  Buffy didn't notice it when they first arrived in this mystical place.  It seemed to appear sometime during the ceremony.

        "This is neutral territory," Spike explained.  "This is an alternate dimension reserved for anyone to come and be safe."

        "Do people live here?" she wondered.

        "No, it's not a place to live.  It's more of a large country club."

        "You are a long way from polo shirts and golf."

        "But, you wouldn't believe how far in advance you have to make reservations."

        "How far?"

        "Well, I know some people so it was only a few months."

        "Yes, you sure do know a lot of people and they all seem to know me."

        "You are still the Slayer, aren't you?"

        "Yes, that's my title.  I seem to have acquired a new one, however."

        Spike stopped outside of the large twin oak doors that led into the reception.  He looked down at the lady at his side.  She had a questioning look scrawled across her beautiful face.  "And what would that be?" he asked.

        "I am now referred to as 'Spike's Buffy.'"  Buffy swore she saw the vampire turn pink.  "What have you been telling everyone?" she demanded to know.

        "The truth."

        "Whose truth, yours or mine?"

        "Don't get your knickers in a twist, Slayer."

        "Don't mention my knickers.  Stick to where you are better acquainted."  Spike burst out laughing at Buffy's invalid anger.  "Don't laugh at me, Spike.  I want to know what you've been saying about me."

         "Still care so much about other people's opinions I see," he snarled.  Buffy just glared at him, waiting for her answer.  "Another time, Slayer," he finally said.

         "Everything is 'another time' or 'another day.'  Can't you tell me anything right now?"

         "Yes.  Genuflect at the door to the ballroom; it's a sign of peace." 

         "How are you enjoying yourself, Buffy?" Clem asked as the two fumbled through their waltz around the lavish ballroom.

         "This is amazing, Clem.  I've never waltzed before."  Buffy was actually proud of herself at how quickly she picked it up.

         "Carlotta insisted on it.  Something about romance and 'The Blue Danube.'  I just think she wanted to show off with Spike."

          Buffy had to agree on that note.  Carlotta and Spike looked positively elegant waltzing together.  She was jealous, not of Carlotta directly; she just married Clem.  She looked so beautiful dancing in Spike's strong arms, his right hand around her waist, his left enveloping her right.  Buffy wanted to look like that when she danced, like Fred and Ginger.

         As if on cue, the duo stopped in front of the beginners.

         "Buffy," Carlotta beamed.  "You don't mind if I cut in, do you?  I always told Clem that romance grows strong on 'The Blue Danube.'"

          "Of course, I don't mind, Carlotta.  I wouldn't want to monopolize your husband all evening."

          She chuckled.  "I'm the only one who can do that."

          "Did you hear that, Spike?" Clem asked in earnest.  "Husband!  That's me!"

          Buffy released Clem and the newlyweds waltzed away in a fit of the sweetest sounding laughter.

          "Want to have a go?" Spike ventured.  Without waiting for her response, he swept her into his arms and joined the rest of the circling couples. 

         "So, the Big Bad can dance?" Buffy giggled.

         "Yeah, dance like a poof, but this is a special occasion."

        "I had no idea."

        "What did you expect from someone who lived in the 1800's.  We didn't bump and grind back then, too many layers of clothing.  Ow!"  Spike stumbled as Buffy stepped on his toe.

        "Sorry," she apologized.  "I think I'm doing well considering I just learned five minutes ago."

        "Think you're ready to turn?"

        "Turn?!"

        "Just keep the One Two Three.  One Two Three.  One Two Three.   Turn Two Three."  Spike turned a nervous Buffy under his arm.  She laughed at the surprise.  "See?  It's not so bad," he remarked as he pulled her back to him.

        Buffy agreed.  "Not bad at all.  But now I've lost count," she pouted.

        "She'd better put that lip away," Spike thought to himself as he gazed at his companion. 

        Buffy looked up into those blue eyes; they were happy.  Buffy hoped he saw her happiness reflecting back to him.  She really was happy at that moment.  She remembered how much she missed being in his embrace and returning to it felt so good.  Too good.  It wasn't supposed to be this way!  Then again, nothing with Spike ever went as planned.

       The rest of the world seemed so far away.  Never did she think she would be hanging out with demons at a wedding reception in neutral territory.  Neutral.  She wasn't supposed to be neutral, but she wasn't black and white anymore.  The years apart from Spike had changed her.  The Magic Box changed her, her broken engagement changed her and she knew this trip would change her as well.  Buffy made a decision as she danced.  It was time to have the talk.  She couldn't continue this way.  There were many things she needed to hear and know and many things she had to say.  Tonight would be the night, no use putting it off anymore, acting like it didn't happen.  It did and now they needed to clear the air.

"You two looked so cute out there!" Carlotta explained when they went back to their table.  "Now, Spike, you have to do a tango."

         "No, no, no tango.  We had our tango last night remember?"

         "Yes, we did, but I'm sure Buffy wouldn't mind a lesson or two," she suggested, her cunning eyes intent on Spike.  "It's loads of fun and he's a very good teacher."

         "Maybe another time, Carlotta."

"Why are you being shy, Spike?  It's just us," she reminded him.

"I'm not shy, just not in the mood.  Besides, isn't it almost time for you and Clem to head out?"

         "We have a few more minutes."

         "Oh!"  Buffy yelped.  She just recalled her conversation at the ceremony.  "Spike, you've been invited out after the reception."

         "By whom, love?"

         "Sid's wife, Katia."  They all laughed at the sound of the name, much to Buffy's confusion.  "What's so funny?  I thought she was your friend."      

        "She is.  She is one of our friends."

        "What did you think of her?" Carlotta wanted to know.  "She always reminded me of a peacock."

        Buffy shrugged.  "She reminded me of a fish."  Again, the group laughed.

        "I meant peacock because she struts around flapping her mouth.  Don't get me wrong, she's a dear and I like her very much, but sometimes…"

        "Yeah," Clem concurred, "sometimes…"

       "The woman doesn't know when to shut her gob," Spike clarified.  "But, it is amusing."

       "And Sid's crazy about her."

       "Do you feel like going out, love?"

       "It's up to you.  They're your friends."

       "We're your friends too, Buffy."  Clem took Buffy's hand in his own and gave it a kiss.

       "Thanks, Clem.  I do consider you two friends...  Him too," she added after a beat, referring to the vampire by her side.

       Spike smiled at her.  Were they friends?  They never considered themselves as such, mortal enemies, acquaintances, reluctant partners, lovers, strangers, but never friends.  He didn't quite know how to feel about it.  "Well, I hate to break through the sap here, but you guys really need to get going."

         After a few grumblings, the two went off to gather their things before saying their goodbyes.

        "Where are they going?"

        "Italy.  Carlotta has some family there and Clem's always wanted to go to Sicily.  It feeds his Godfather obsession."

        "Everyone's got one," she surmised.

        "So, do you want to go out with Sid and Katia?"

        "I'd rather go back to your place and maybe I could hear some of those stories."

        "Buffy-"

        "Please, Spike.  I've been thrown into this completely different world where you are the be all and end all of fairness.  Forgive me if I have a few questions.  So, what do you say?"

         Spike took a deep breath.  "So, we can go out and have a few drinks, laughs and listen to Katia jabber away or we can go home, have a few drinks, play Twenty Questions and listen to me jabber away."

          "Those are the choices."

          Without thinking twice he said, "Fine, let's say our goodbyes."  Spike knew where this was going to go and he was relieved.  It was time to have an out and out.

          "Are you leaving so soon?" Jacob asked as he walked up to them.  "I must insist on a dance with this lovely Slayer before you go."

          Buffy looked back at Spike as Jacob took her by the hand and led her away.  Spike leaned against the wall and watched her and Jacob move about the room.  It was not a sight he particularly enjoyed which must have been evident on his face.

          "Do you know what you are doing?"  Clem laid a hand on his best friend's shoulder.

          "No I don't," Spike answered.

          "I didn't think so.  She looks great."

          "Fabulous," he corrected.

          "And you are working on a mission together."  Spike nodded.  "What do you think of all this?"

          "I don't know what to think."  Spike faced Clem, his shoulders sagging.  "She just showed up in my life again after five years.  She's barely divulged why she came here in the first place.  I can't even tell you how I felt when I saw her at the club."

          "No need to, buddy; it was written all over your face.  Are you still in love with her?"

          "Perhaps," Spike shrugged.  "I don't know how I feel about her anymore."

          "Well, look on the bright side.  You have plenty of time to figure it out."

          Spike hugged his best friend.  "Have a good time, Clem.  Do everything I would do."

          Clem let out a big laugh.  "I think I just might."

          "Might what?" Carlotta inquired, slipping her arm around her husband's.

          "You'll find out," Spike leered.  He leaned over and hugged the lady.  "You take of him you here."

           "Will do, Spike."

            Buffy walked over to the trio.  "Are you guys ready?"

           "As ready as we'll ever be," Carlotta answered as she gave Buffy a huge hug.  "Take care of Spike for us.  Make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble."

            "That's what I'm here for," she acknowledged.

            "Listen," the bride began, "I don't believe in the throwing the bouquet ritual because I think it is embarrassing to all the single women of the world, so I'm just going to give it to you instead.  Is that alright?"  Carlotta handed Buffy the large bouquet.  It was designed to look like the canopy from the wedding with the multi-colored roses, ribbons and greenery; it was nicer than the one Buffy chose for her own wedding.

            "Thank you, Carlotta," Buffy said and she gave her another hug.

            "We'll see you soon, Buffy."  Clem pulled the Slayer into an embrace.  "I'm happy you are here," he whispered.  They pulled apart and both looked teary eyed.  "Off to Italy!"

             Buffy and Spike turned to leave.  "Hey, Spike!" Clem called after the retreating pair.  "Go to the mattresses!"

             "You too, Clem," he returned.  "You too."

Okay guys, tell me what you think.  How am I doing?