A/N had to do a bit of research for this chapter, after all, I am English
and what I know about Vegas would fill a postage stamp! The Hotel in the
story does exist but I have renamed it. Do not want to be sued! Expect lots
of Spuffiness in this chapter; after all it is their wedding.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 7
Living The Dream
They rode in the taxi, in awed silence, at what they were about to do. Spike flinched a little at the flashing lights, as they drove down the strip. Every thing here was harsh and bright and loud. Buffy glanced at his profile; he looked paler in the brilliance: she wondered at his thoughts as they neared their destination. Her stomach was a mass of butterflies of pre- wedding jitters. There was so much trust in those two little words "I do". Spike turned to look at her as if sensing her inner turmoil.
"You okay love?" He asked
"Never better, really!" She assured him.
"Good, cos you looked like you were going to your own execution," he smiled
"It's nothing, all brides get the pre-wedding nerves. I am kinda sad mom and Giles can't be here," she replied.
The taxi started to slow as it drew up out side a huge medieval looking castle, turrets and all. "Camelot Towers," Said the driver.
Buffy looked at Spike expectantly, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Bleedin' hell!" he exclaimed
Buffy squeezed his arm "I knew you would love it!" She replied, with a sigh of contentment.
"Er, yeah pet it's great," He said, a little lost for words.
They entered the foyer of the hotel; it was a mass of activity. Some members of staff were sporting full medieval costume. They looked like right wankers in Spike's opinion. He wasn't saying anything though; he didn't want to be the one to take away Buffy's evident excitement at their surroundings. She tugged on the sleeve of his coat and pulled him towards the main desk. A flustered little man stood behind it, he looked a comical figure in his knight's armour, obviously a couple of sizes too big for him. He looked at the advancing couple and pasted a welcome smile on his face.
"Hello, Mr Jenkins, hotel manager. How may I help you?" He asked.
"Hi, I'm Miss Summers, we have bookings, and we're getting married tonight," She said beaming at Spike.
The man ran his finger down the hotel registry, "Ah yes, you booked the 'Legendary Love Package, room 201," He smiled as he removed a bunch of keys from a hook. He made eye contact with one of the young men standing in the hotel foyer.
"Have the extras I ordered been delivered to our room yet?" She asked anxiously.
"Yes madam they all arrived this afternoon," he assured her. "This is Roger," He said pointing to the nervous looking young man, who was waiting for instruction. "He will show you to your room".
As the elevator took them up to their floor, the young man smiled at them. "First time in Vegas?" He asked.
"First time anywhere really," Buffy admitted.
"Oh, I've been around you know; spent a bit of time in Asia and Europe," Said Spike.
"Quite the traveller, you're English aren't you?" asked the boy.
"How d'ya guess?" Asked Spike sarcastically.
Roger flushed and turned to face the lift doors.
"Spike! Play nice," She whispered warningly
He was instantly contrite.
"Sorry pet, guess I have a case of the pre-wedding jitters too, I need a fag!" He said smiling at her.
Roger made a choking sound in his little corner. Buffy looked at Spike wide-eyed, and turned to Roger.
"Sorry my fiancé means a cigarette, they call them fags in England. It can be confusing," She said apologetically.
Left alone at last in their room, Spike flopped down in a chair and lit up a cigarette, he looked around appreciatively. Buffy looked at the size of the bed dominating the room. She walked over to it and jumped on it.
"Wow, that's not a king size bed! You could fit a whole family on here," She said.
"Sorry, but they're not invited. It might have a bit of an adverse effect on my performance," He grinned.
He stubbed out his cigarette and lay on the bed, by her side. They looked into each other's eyes, he traced the shape of her face with one long finger. It started to work it's way down wards towards the edge of her top. Buffy captured the wayward digit and kissed it.
" Nice try, but we have to get ready and I want to look my best for you," She said, looking at her watch and sliding off the bed.
"You want to shower first?" Buffy asked.
"Might be an idea, once you get in a bathroom, anyone else is lucky to get a look in," He replied.
"That is so not true!" She said huffily.
"Okay! Keep your shirt on, no on second thoughts, take it off," Spike leered at her.
"Spike!" she giggled.
"Have a sense of humour my sweet," He said, before disappearing into the bathroom.
Left alone, as she had planned, Buffy delved into her shoulder bag and pulled out the package she had bought earlier at the magic shop. A smile played around her lips as she touched the wrapping. Spike had given her so much these last six months; she just wanted to give something back. She placed the package in the bedside drawer and removed her outfit from the weapons bag. Buffy eyed it critically through its plastic covering; luckily it had not creased during the journey. Spike started whistling in the shower, she giggled, resisting the urge to join him.
He appeared a short while later wrapped in a hotel bathrobe.
"Bathroom's yours love," He smiled.
Buffy melted at the sight of him. He looked younger with his wet tousled hair. Shaking off her lustful thoughts, Buffy quickly grabbed her toiletries bag and hid her outfit behind her back. She rushed past him and firmly closed the door. Spike removed his suit and laid it on the bed. There was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" He asked
"Delivery for Miss Summers," came the voice from the other side of the door.
Spike opened the door, a woman held a large cardboard box in her hands.
"What is it?" Spike asked curiously.
"Flowers for your wedding I believe; desk told me to bring them up," the woman replied.
Spike took the box from her, but she continued to hover in the doorway.
"What?" He asked impatiently, "Oh yeah, tip. Sorry I'm English we don't go in for tipping much," He smiled, handing the woman a bill.
She looked at the dollar he had given her
"So I see," she muttered under her breath, walking away in disgust.
"Who was that hun?" Buffy called from the bathroom
"Just some one with flowers pet," Spike replied.
"Oh, could you pass them to me, but no looking okay!"
She hid behind the door as he passed them into her.
"Hang on a moment Spike,"
She opened the box, and passed him a blood red rose for his buttonhole.
"I am not wearing flowers for anyone, the big poof might have gone for that sort of thing, but not me!" He rebelled.
Buffy's bottom lip trembled and her eyes misted over, hurt evident in her eyes. Spike cursed himself for his thoughtlessness. He sighed deeply.
"I am so sorry sweetheart, of course I will wear the flower," He said taking it from her hand. "Now get ready woman, we have a wedding to attend!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"That's it then," Said Giles, as Joyce finished reading him Buffy's note.
"It says they will be back in a couple of days, I guess we just sit and wait," She said.
"I need a drink," Giles announced.
"Good Idea, I'll get the glasses,"
Joyce reappeared with a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses; she uncorked the wine and placed the glass in Giles's hand.
"What shall we toast to?" She asked.
"Why, the happy couple of course!" He said Quietly.
Joyce clinked glasses with Giles's and drank it down in one shot. The harsh trill of the phone shattered the momentary silence. Joyce jumped at the sound; she rose from the sofa to answer it.
"Maybe that's them," She said hopefully.
She vanished into the kitchen to answer it. Reappearing swiftly with the handset in her grasp.
"It's for you," She said, placing the receiver in his hand.
"Who is it?" He asked.
"Willow; they've found her," She replied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Riley sat in his cell, his head in his hands. Oh boy, what he was going to do to those two when he got out of here. The police had only allowed him his phone call a couple of hours ago. The only person he could think of to call was his friend Forrest. If word of this got out to Professor Walsh, he knew he'd be in a lot of trouble. He eyed the man in the corner of the cell; he was a big guy, well built and covered in a mass of tattoos. Riley didn't like the way the man had been staring at him for the last half hour. He quickly looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. He tensed as the man got up off his bunk and started to swagger towards him.
"Hello sweetheart, what's your name then?" asked the man.
Riley remained silent, instead looking at the floor his fists clenched by his sides.
"Playing hard to get? I like that," The man leered.
Both occupants of the cell turned towards the sound of the security doors opening. Forrest came in with one of the arresting officers; Riley breathed an inward sigh of relief at the sight of his friend.
"Looks like I was here just in time to save your sorry ass," Forrest greeted him, looking over at Riley's cellmate.
Riley slapped him on the back pleased to see him. "Thanks Forrest, let's get back to the Initiative," he said.
They exited the police station. Forrest turned to him. "Sorry man you have been reassigned, I have your bags in the car: you are all packed,"
"Why? Where?" Stuttered Riley.
"As to the why, Professor Walsh decided your obsession with Buffy Summers was becoming unhealthy and a threat to the mission. She signed your papers personally; and as to the where; Columbia, you will be briefed when you get there. We have a chopper on standby right now," replied Forrest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike waited nervously in the wedding chapel. He cut a handsome figure in his black tuxedo. He pinned the rose to his Jacket, inhaling the delicate scent.
"Oh my God! I am turning into peaches," He muttered under his breath.
Placing his hand on the breast of his jacket he felt the reassuring bump of the ring that rested there. Buffy had truly thought of everything. "The Legendary Love" package she had booked, also included a selection of wedding rings to choose from. He had finally settled on a plain gold band, not wanting it to clash with her engagement ring. Glancing at the clock, he noted she was running late. Ok it was the bride's prerogative to be late, but what about the poor guy waiting?
Buffy placed the wedding band she had chosen for Spike on her thumb. She stood outside the doors of the wedding chapel; waiting for the music to begin. She clasped her bouquet tightly as the first strains of "The wedding march" echoed from inside.
Spike turned his head in anticipation as the doors behind him opened. He stood frozen to the spot, rational thought leaving him as he saw the vision that was his bride to be. Buffy slowly made her way down the aisle towards Spike. She looked radiant in an ankle length, ivory sleeveless dress. It fitted to her curves perfectly. The bodice was decorated with hundreds of tiny glass beads that sparkled as they caught the light. She wore her hair up, with red roses pinned into it. And a simple bouquet of the same was held in her hands. She came to a stop directly in front of him and leaned in for a kiss.
"You look like an angel," Spike whispered in her ear as they parted.
"Seeing you look like that, makes me feel like a devil," She whispered back.
They turned to face the Officiate, hand in hand. He welcomed the couple, giving them dire warnings of the solemnity of marriage. But they barely heard him as they devoured each other with their eyes.
"I believe you have each composed your own marriage vows?" Asked the Officiate.
"That's correct," replied Buffy.
"Can I go first?" Spike requested.
Buffy nodded in agreement, and smiled at him lovingly.
"I had a thousand speeches, prepared in my head, to celebrate this perfect moment with you. I am no poet, not of worth anyway, but these words are from the heart," He sighed.
When you are sad I will wipe your tears,
When you are frightened I will calm your fears,
When you are low I will give you hope,
When you are lost, and can't see the light,
I will be your beacon, shining in the night,
This is my promise, I pledge to the end,
Why you may ask?
Because you are my lover, my wife, my friend.
He finished his tribute, not daring to look at Buffy until that moment.
"Buffy I know I am not perfect. I have been evil, but if you will have me and share your life with me, it would make me the happiest demon in existence," He finished.
Tears streaked their way down Buffy's cheeks. The Officiate reached behind him for a box of tissues, obviously kept for such occasions. He handed one to Buffy.
"Give me a moment ok?" She asked.
She gave a Spike a watery smile. Who would have thought the "man" in front of her now, so hell bent on killing her just a few short months ago, could possibly be the same person. Buffy composed herself and began.
Where there has been cold, you have brought warmth,
Where my life was dark, you have brought light,
In my darkest troubles, I looked for you, and you were there,
You are truly my knight in shining armour,
You may not realise it, but you have saved me, in so many ways,
And I love you for that,
I am honoured that you will have me as your wife,
And I am proud to have you as my husband,
I believe we were always meant to be, from the start,
And I will always love you with all my heart.
"I need a tissue too," Said Spike, wiping at his eyes.
Buffy gently touched his wet cheek. They exchanged rings, each looking at the other as they slid the respective bands on the other's fingers.
"By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada; I now pronounce you man and wife," Said the Officiate.
Spike pulled Buffy into a deep kiss.
The man smiled, this couple were going to make it, he could tell. Their vows were so heartfelt; the demon bit was a little puzzling, but then in his profession he had heard stranger.
TBC
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 7
Living The Dream
They rode in the taxi, in awed silence, at what they were about to do. Spike flinched a little at the flashing lights, as they drove down the strip. Every thing here was harsh and bright and loud. Buffy glanced at his profile; he looked paler in the brilliance: she wondered at his thoughts as they neared their destination. Her stomach was a mass of butterflies of pre- wedding jitters. There was so much trust in those two little words "I do". Spike turned to look at her as if sensing her inner turmoil.
"You okay love?" He asked
"Never better, really!" She assured him.
"Good, cos you looked like you were going to your own execution," he smiled
"It's nothing, all brides get the pre-wedding nerves. I am kinda sad mom and Giles can't be here," she replied.
The taxi started to slow as it drew up out side a huge medieval looking castle, turrets and all. "Camelot Towers," Said the driver.
Buffy looked at Spike expectantly, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Bleedin' hell!" he exclaimed
Buffy squeezed his arm "I knew you would love it!" She replied, with a sigh of contentment.
"Er, yeah pet it's great," He said, a little lost for words.
They entered the foyer of the hotel; it was a mass of activity. Some members of staff were sporting full medieval costume. They looked like right wankers in Spike's opinion. He wasn't saying anything though; he didn't want to be the one to take away Buffy's evident excitement at their surroundings. She tugged on the sleeve of his coat and pulled him towards the main desk. A flustered little man stood behind it, he looked a comical figure in his knight's armour, obviously a couple of sizes too big for him. He looked at the advancing couple and pasted a welcome smile on his face.
"Hello, Mr Jenkins, hotel manager. How may I help you?" He asked.
"Hi, I'm Miss Summers, we have bookings, and we're getting married tonight," She said beaming at Spike.
The man ran his finger down the hotel registry, "Ah yes, you booked the 'Legendary Love Package, room 201," He smiled as he removed a bunch of keys from a hook. He made eye contact with one of the young men standing in the hotel foyer.
"Have the extras I ordered been delivered to our room yet?" She asked anxiously.
"Yes madam they all arrived this afternoon," he assured her. "This is Roger," He said pointing to the nervous looking young man, who was waiting for instruction. "He will show you to your room".
As the elevator took them up to their floor, the young man smiled at them. "First time in Vegas?" He asked.
"First time anywhere really," Buffy admitted.
"Oh, I've been around you know; spent a bit of time in Asia and Europe," Said Spike.
"Quite the traveller, you're English aren't you?" asked the boy.
"How d'ya guess?" Asked Spike sarcastically.
Roger flushed and turned to face the lift doors.
"Spike! Play nice," She whispered warningly
He was instantly contrite.
"Sorry pet, guess I have a case of the pre-wedding jitters too, I need a fag!" He said smiling at her.
Roger made a choking sound in his little corner. Buffy looked at Spike wide-eyed, and turned to Roger.
"Sorry my fiancé means a cigarette, they call them fags in England. It can be confusing," She said apologetically.
Left alone at last in their room, Spike flopped down in a chair and lit up a cigarette, he looked around appreciatively. Buffy looked at the size of the bed dominating the room. She walked over to it and jumped on it.
"Wow, that's not a king size bed! You could fit a whole family on here," She said.
"Sorry, but they're not invited. It might have a bit of an adverse effect on my performance," He grinned.
He stubbed out his cigarette and lay on the bed, by her side. They looked into each other's eyes, he traced the shape of her face with one long finger. It started to work it's way down wards towards the edge of her top. Buffy captured the wayward digit and kissed it.
" Nice try, but we have to get ready and I want to look my best for you," She said, looking at her watch and sliding off the bed.
"You want to shower first?" Buffy asked.
"Might be an idea, once you get in a bathroom, anyone else is lucky to get a look in," He replied.
"That is so not true!" She said huffily.
"Okay! Keep your shirt on, no on second thoughts, take it off," Spike leered at her.
"Spike!" she giggled.
"Have a sense of humour my sweet," He said, before disappearing into the bathroom.
Left alone, as she had planned, Buffy delved into her shoulder bag and pulled out the package she had bought earlier at the magic shop. A smile played around her lips as she touched the wrapping. Spike had given her so much these last six months; she just wanted to give something back. She placed the package in the bedside drawer and removed her outfit from the weapons bag. Buffy eyed it critically through its plastic covering; luckily it had not creased during the journey. Spike started whistling in the shower, she giggled, resisting the urge to join him.
He appeared a short while later wrapped in a hotel bathrobe.
"Bathroom's yours love," He smiled.
Buffy melted at the sight of him. He looked younger with his wet tousled hair. Shaking off her lustful thoughts, Buffy quickly grabbed her toiletries bag and hid her outfit behind her back. She rushed past him and firmly closed the door. Spike removed his suit and laid it on the bed. There was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" He asked
"Delivery for Miss Summers," came the voice from the other side of the door.
Spike opened the door, a woman held a large cardboard box in her hands.
"What is it?" Spike asked curiously.
"Flowers for your wedding I believe; desk told me to bring them up," the woman replied.
Spike took the box from her, but she continued to hover in the doorway.
"What?" He asked impatiently, "Oh yeah, tip. Sorry I'm English we don't go in for tipping much," He smiled, handing the woman a bill.
She looked at the dollar he had given her
"So I see," she muttered under her breath, walking away in disgust.
"Who was that hun?" Buffy called from the bathroom
"Just some one with flowers pet," Spike replied.
"Oh, could you pass them to me, but no looking okay!"
She hid behind the door as he passed them into her.
"Hang on a moment Spike,"
She opened the box, and passed him a blood red rose for his buttonhole.
"I am not wearing flowers for anyone, the big poof might have gone for that sort of thing, but not me!" He rebelled.
Buffy's bottom lip trembled and her eyes misted over, hurt evident in her eyes. Spike cursed himself for his thoughtlessness. He sighed deeply.
"I am so sorry sweetheart, of course I will wear the flower," He said taking it from her hand. "Now get ready woman, we have a wedding to attend!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"That's it then," Said Giles, as Joyce finished reading him Buffy's note.
"It says they will be back in a couple of days, I guess we just sit and wait," She said.
"I need a drink," Giles announced.
"Good Idea, I'll get the glasses,"
Joyce reappeared with a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses; she uncorked the wine and placed the glass in Giles's hand.
"What shall we toast to?" She asked.
"Why, the happy couple of course!" He said Quietly.
Joyce clinked glasses with Giles's and drank it down in one shot. The harsh trill of the phone shattered the momentary silence. Joyce jumped at the sound; she rose from the sofa to answer it.
"Maybe that's them," She said hopefully.
She vanished into the kitchen to answer it. Reappearing swiftly with the handset in her grasp.
"It's for you," She said, placing the receiver in his hand.
"Who is it?" He asked.
"Willow; they've found her," She replied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Riley sat in his cell, his head in his hands. Oh boy, what he was going to do to those two when he got out of here. The police had only allowed him his phone call a couple of hours ago. The only person he could think of to call was his friend Forrest. If word of this got out to Professor Walsh, he knew he'd be in a lot of trouble. He eyed the man in the corner of the cell; he was a big guy, well built and covered in a mass of tattoos. Riley didn't like the way the man had been staring at him for the last half hour. He quickly looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. He tensed as the man got up off his bunk and started to swagger towards him.
"Hello sweetheart, what's your name then?" asked the man.
Riley remained silent, instead looking at the floor his fists clenched by his sides.
"Playing hard to get? I like that," The man leered.
Both occupants of the cell turned towards the sound of the security doors opening. Forrest came in with one of the arresting officers; Riley breathed an inward sigh of relief at the sight of his friend.
"Looks like I was here just in time to save your sorry ass," Forrest greeted him, looking over at Riley's cellmate.
Riley slapped him on the back pleased to see him. "Thanks Forrest, let's get back to the Initiative," he said.
They exited the police station. Forrest turned to him. "Sorry man you have been reassigned, I have your bags in the car: you are all packed,"
"Why? Where?" Stuttered Riley.
"As to the why, Professor Walsh decided your obsession with Buffy Summers was becoming unhealthy and a threat to the mission. She signed your papers personally; and as to the where; Columbia, you will be briefed when you get there. We have a chopper on standby right now," replied Forrest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike waited nervously in the wedding chapel. He cut a handsome figure in his black tuxedo. He pinned the rose to his Jacket, inhaling the delicate scent.
"Oh my God! I am turning into peaches," He muttered under his breath.
Placing his hand on the breast of his jacket he felt the reassuring bump of the ring that rested there. Buffy had truly thought of everything. "The Legendary Love" package she had booked, also included a selection of wedding rings to choose from. He had finally settled on a plain gold band, not wanting it to clash with her engagement ring. Glancing at the clock, he noted she was running late. Ok it was the bride's prerogative to be late, but what about the poor guy waiting?
Buffy placed the wedding band she had chosen for Spike on her thumb. She stood outside the doors of the wedding chapel; waiting for the music to begin. She clasped her bouquet tightly as the first strains of "The wedding march" echoed from inside.
Spike turned his head in anticipation as the doors behind him opened. He stood frozen to the spot, rational thought leaving him as he saw the vision that was his bride to be. Buffy slowly made her way down the aisle towards Spike. She looked radiant in an ankle length, ivory sleeveless dress. It fitted to her curves perfectly. The bodice was decorated with hundreds of tiny glass beads that sparkled as they caught the light. She wore her hair up, with red roses pinned into it. And a simple bouquet of the same was held in her hands. She came to a stop directly in front of him and leaned in for a kiss.
"You look like an angel," Spike whispered in her ear as they parted.
"Seeing you look like that, makes me feel like a devil," She whispered back.
They turned to face the Officiate, hand in hand. He welcomed the couple, giving them dire warnings of the solemnity of marriage. But they barely heard him as they devoured each other with their eyes.
"I believe you have each composed your own marriage vows?" Asked the Officiate.
"That's correct," replied Buffy.
"Can I go first?" Spike requested.
Buffy nodded in agreement, and smiled at him lovingly.
"I had a thousand speeches, prepared in my head, to celebrate this perfect moment with you. I am no poet, not of worth anyway, but these words are from the heart," He sighed.
When you are sad I will wipe your tears,
When you are frightened I will calm your fears,
When you are low I will give you hope,
When you are lost, and can't see the light,
I will be your beacon, shining in the night,
This is my promise, I pledge to the end,
Why you may ask?
Because you are my lover, my wife, my friend.
He finished his tribute, not daring to look at Buffy until that moment.
"Buffy I know I am not perfect. I have been evil, but if you will have me and share your life with me, it would make me the happiest demon in existence," He finished.
Tears streaked their way down Buffy's cheeks. The Officiate reached behind him for a box of tissues, obviously kept for such occasions. He handed one to Buffy.
"Give me a moment ok?" She asked.
She gave a Spike a watery smile. Who would have thought the "man" in front of her now, so hell bent on killing her just a few short months ago, could possibly be the same person. Buffy composed herself and began.
Where there has been cold, you have brought warmth,
Where my life was dark, you have brought light,
In my darkest troubles, I looked for you, and you were there,
You are truly my knight in shining armour,
You may not realise it, but you have saved me, in so many ways,
And I love you for that,
I am honoured that you will have me as your wife,
And I am proud to have you as my husband,
I believe we were always meant to be, from the start,
And I will always love you with all my heart.
"I need a tissue too," Said Spike, wiping at his eyes.
Buffy gently touched his wet cheek. They exchanged rings, each looking at the other as they slid the respective bands on the other's fingers.
"By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada; I now pronounce you man and wife," Said the Officiate.
Spike pulled Buffy into a deep kiss.
The man smiled, this couple were going to make it, he could tell. Their vows were so heartfelt; the demon bit was a little puzzling, but then in his profession he had heard stranger.
TBC