title: Marriage, Sunnydale-Style
author: Heather (heather@hella-good.org)
rating: R
spoilers: none...completely an au/fantasy fic except for things borrowed from the Buffyverse (season 1-7) that are twisted to fit in this universe.
disclaimer: If I actually owned anything, I probably wouldn't be doing this :)
summary: After almost 10 years of dating, Buffy and Spike finally find themselves in the midst of planning a wedding and remembering the long journey that got them there.

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Chapter 10

Flashback

The Bronze was hopping for a Thursday night. Dingoes Ate My Baby always brought in a good crowd, but Buffy couldn't help but think it was just a tad too stuffy in the club. Willow was bouncing contentedly in her seat, watching her boyfriend, Oz, on stage. She smiled at Buffy and saw something she didn't expect to see.

"Hey, Buff? You alright?" Willow asked, concern etched on her face. Buffy looked at her blankly, not understanding why she was asking her that. "You're all sweaty and pale. Are you sick? Do you want to go home? Oh, no...is he who shall not be named here?"

"No, I'm fine. It's just really hot in here. Isn't it really hot in here?" Buffy asked, fanning herself absently with the now washed handkerchief.

"Hey Scarlett O'Hara, you want a drink or something?" Xander asked, grinning at his own quick wit.

"Why are you calling me...oh." Buffy stopped talking, realizing she was using the handkerchief again. "You know, I think I just need a breath of fresh air. I'll be right back."

Buffy slowly got off the bar stool, steadying herself and made her way to the entrance. She saw the bouncer nod to her and she hoped that he would remember her when she came back in. She saw a crate across from the entrance and decided there was as good a place as any to rest for a bit. I can't believe I'm here. Angel's been gone all of two days and I'm already meeting another boy for a...well, not a date, exactly. Date was never mentioned...it's a thanks-for-lending-me-your-handkerchief-while-I-made-a-fool-of-myself kind of thing.

"Yeah, that's what it is...just a thank you," Buffy said aloud, trying her hardest to reassure herself that it was anything but a date. She took a deep breath and walked back to the Bronze, this time she nodded at the bouncer and he eyed her appreciatively. She shook her head and smiled, suddenly feeling a bit more empowered. She suddenly felt like she used to. Like a girl who could make boys swoon. She'd forgotten what that felt like over the last two years with Angel. Boy, does it feel good.

Buffy arrived at the table, grinning from ear to ear and Willow, Xander and Cordelia noticed instantly. They all looked at each other, unasked questions in their eyes and turned back to look at a still giddy Buffy. She nodded her head to the dance floor and went over, her three dumbfounded friends joining her after shrugging off her complete 180. They laughed, danced and laughed some more when the three girls saw Xander doing his version of the running man. Buffy swayed her hips to the music pounding out of the speakers, freeing herself of everything she'd been feeling over the last few days and just let the music possess her and her actions. Willow saw the look of contentment on Buffy's face and smiled at her. Buffy looked at her, still beaming, and grabbed Willow's hand, swinging their arms back and forth. The two cracked up laughing and continued to give themselves over to the sound.

Spike entered the Bronze, wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans, knowing he looked as nervous as he felt. You're acting like a real ponce, you know that, don't you? She's probably not even here and if she is...well, it's not a date...unless she wants it to be. He walked further into the club, not seeing her anywhere and he sighed in frustration. You pushed her too early. Great idea, you stupid git, ask the girl who just broke up with her boyfriend to meet you at a club. Did you really think she'd be here? His inner monologue stopped completely as he neared the dance floor. She was here. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her despite his brain screaming at him to calm down. Spike walked around the perimeter of the floor, watching her like she was his prey. Eyes narrowed, jaw set in determination, head titled in awe of her, he slowly made his way to the other side of the floor and stopped, letting himself be taken over by the sight of her.

A strange feeling of being watched washed over Buffy. She glanced around, didn't see anyone and shrugged it off. Good to know the paranoia portion of the night is kicking in. However, shrug as she may, she couldn't shake the feeling. No matter how hard she looked or how hard she tried to ignore the feeling, it was constantly there and it was beginning to wig her out.

"Looks like you've got an admirer," Cordy said, pointing behind Buffy.

Slowly, Buffy turned around, excitement coursing through her veins. Don't act like a freak. Be calm. Don't break out in a huge smile when you see him. She repeated this to herself over and over again, letting it become her inner mantra as she saw him leaning against a pole behind her. He raised an eyebrow, tipping his head to the side and she thought she would collapse right then. Screwing her inner monologue, she flashed him her most winning smile and turned back to her friends.

"I'll be right back!" They nodded and watched her walk over to the boy they had never seen before.

"Who's that?" Xander asked, jealousy tinting his voice.

"Hopefully someone that will help her forget the name Angel," Willow told him, pointedly looking at Xander and shaking her head no to stop him from making any further comments or taking any action. Although Willow's own curiosity was killing her, she knew that when Buffy was ready, she would tell her all about it.

"What's with all the cute ones going for Buffy and I'm stuck with Xander?" Cordy grumbled. Xander looked at her in shock. "Oops, did I say that out loud?" She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. All was forgiven by the time they let go of each other. "Can we go sit and pretend not to be listening to Buffy and the new boy?" Willow and Xander agreed to the idea and went back to their table, all eyes watching Buffy and Spike talk off to the side of the dance floor.

"You look like you're having some fun. Feeling better from yesterday, then?" Spike asked Buffy, taking many calming breaths while waiting for her answer. He had never been like this before. Not with anyone and especially not with the girls.

"Much. I actually wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for this." She pulled the handkerchief out of the back pocket of her jeans. "Thanks again. I know I probably freaked you out, acting like such a girly girl but it was just...bad."

Spike reached his hand out to take the cloth from her and then changed his mind. "Y'know what, luv? Keep it. Never know when you might be needing that again."

"Do you want to sit with us? My friends and I have a table..." Buffy shifted nervously on her feet, waiting for his answer. Mentally begging her body to calm itself before he ran off out of fear.

"Sounds like a plan, ducks."

Walking over to the table, Buffy said, "You do know my name is Buffy, right? It's not luv or pet or ducks..."

"Does it bother you?"

"Oh, no...I guess not. Just not used it." She looked at him, smiling and as they took their seats at the table, she added, "Yet."

He looked at her in surprise and shook his head in amazement. He begrudgingly tore his eyes from hers and looked at the other's sitting around the table, nodding his head to say hello.

"Guys, this is Spike. Spike, this is Willow, Xander and Cordelia," Buffy told him and pointed to each one of her friends.

"Hi! It's really nice to meet you," Willow said, cheerfully, holding out her hand to shake his, charming Spike instantly.

"So what are you doing talking to Buffy? How do you guys know each other? You do know that she just got out of a long-term relationship, right? Best beware of being the rebound guy," Cordy said, smiling as if she were helping not realizing in the slightest that she once again said too much.

"Uh..." Spike sputtered out, taken aback.

"Gee, thanks, Cordy," Buffy said, sarcastically. Turning to Spike, she said, "I'd apologize for her but she's bound to do it again before the night's over." She smiled shyly and turned back to the group, noticing Oz jumping off the stage. "Boyfriend alert."

"Teeth?" Willow asked, flashing a pearly white smile in Buffy's direction.

"You're good to go." Leaning over to whisper in Spike's ear, she said, "Oz...Will's boyfriend. Cordy and Xand date and if it weren't for you, I'd be the fifth wheel. Not that I'm not used to it...Angel wasn't really one for Bronzing it."

Spike turned his head to look at her and realized that she was still leaning into him. He stopped short, pretending not to notice the close proximity of her lips to his and the tingle he felt run down his spine.

"You can't kiss her already!" Xander cried out, startling everyone. Buffy and Spike quickly moved away from each other. "I don't know who you think you are, mister, but you can't just swoop in here and take advantage of a girl who's obviously-"

"Obviously what?" Buffy broke in, feeling her face get hot with anger. "We were talking, Xander. Chill the fuck out." She jumped off her stool, gave a wave to Oz who had just arrived and was taking in the scene, and walked over to the bar.

"Now look what you did, Xander! You do know that everyone here has free will, right? And if Buffy wants to make out with this guy she just met even though she's supposed to be all broken up about Angel, then I say more power to her!" Cordy yelled, proceeding to jump off her stool and join Buffy at the bar.

"Um, maybe I should go over, too. Solidarity in numbers or something," Willow said, giving Oz a quick kiss on the cheek, Xander a stern look and a brief smile of apology to Spike.

Oz watched his girlfriend walk away and put his hand out to Spike. "Oz."

"Spike," he answered, shaking Oz's hand. "Is it always this..." Spike twirled his hands in the air to indicate chaotic and Oz merely nodded. "Not much of talker, are you?"

"Man, you're British, too?" Xander whined. "Unbelievable!" He stalked off angrily.

"Don't mind him, he'll be back," Oz explained. "He has..."

"A thing for Buffy?" Spike asked.

"Eerily perceptive guy. You'll do just fine," Oz said with a nod, taking Willow's seat.

Spike mockingly breathed a sigh of relief, wiping his brow with his hand, smirking all the while. He glanced over to the girls, who were talking animatedly, at the bar. Willow and Cordy flanked Buffy, Willow's hand on her friend's shoulder, Cordy's hands on her hips and Buffy was munching on a pretzel, nodding her head in agreement. She looked over to the table and met Spike's gaze. She smiled slightly, blushing once again and turned her attention back to the two girls.

"So...guitar," Spike began, kicking himself for the lame attempt to start a conversation.

"Yeah or something like it. You play?"

"Air guitar count?" They both laughed at the comment. "You guys were pretty good. I'm more of a classics kind of bloke but still.."

"Appreciate the effort but we know we suck," Oz said. "I'm fine with it, actually."

"How's it going over here?" Willow asked as the three girls came back to the table. Oz immediately got off the stool and gave a small bow for Willow to sit there. "You look deep in conversation. Talking Dingoes?"

"How can you tell 'deep conversation'? Oz has one facial expression," Cordelia pointed out.

"I resent that," Oz said, face not changing any and Spike chuckled softly. He felt Buffy nudge an elbow in his side and saw that she was laughing as well. "We were actually discussing hair care. Very manly."

"You two are definitely in the running for oddest heads of hair this side of L.A.," Buffy noted. She grabbed her bag from the table. "I have to get home. Dawn's babysitter is probably ready to pull her hair out and I promised Mom I'd be home by 10:30."

"Give Dawnie a hug for me," Will said, giving one to Buffy.

"We'll see if she deserves it," Buffy said, laughing slightly. "If Xander ever reappears, tell him we'll talk about his overly protective behavior tomorrow." She looked at Spike. "Are you going to stay? I mean, you absolutely can, you know, just because I'm going doesn't mean you have to go or whatever because it's not like this is a da- I mean you should stay here. With them. If you want. Or don't or..."

"I can walk you to your car," Spike offered, feeling slightly disappointed that the evening was ending and they barely got a chance to talk or sit, as the case may be. His brain registered that everyone was laughing. "What?"

"Buffy and a car is like a person allergic to cats and owning 20 of them," Buffy stated.

"So you don't drive, then?" Spike was surprised. He knew this was a fairly small town, had a walked the main parts of it plenty of times since arriving but everyone drove.

"Not unless you want to see every citizen of Sunnydale lying dead in the streets from being run over by me."

"Then I'll give you a lift," Spike said, trying in any way to not have to say goodbye right at this moment. Buffy nodded her head in agreement and gave the others a wave goodbye. "Nice meeting you lot." Pausing, he added, "Even Xander." The group laughed and said their farewells.

Walking to the small parking lot, he headed in the direction of a big black car. Buffy stopped in her tracks and began to fidget with her hands, suddenly unsure if she should be doing this. Halfway between the car and where Buffy was standing, Spike noticed that she was no longer beside him and turned to see her looking as if she was about to be murdered.

"You alright, pet?" he asked, walking over to her.

"The big black car is yours, right?" Spike nodded. "It's kind of, well, I don't want to say scary looking but I do kind of want to say scary looking."

Spike feigned hurt. "That's my baby you're referring to, I'll have you know. She can hear you." Buffy looked as though he had sprouted horns. "Would you rather I walk you home, then?"

"Oh, no, I don't want you to do that. Then you'll have to walk all the way back here just to get your car which seems like such a waste of time. I can walk home on my own. Been doing it just fine for the last three years."

"Despite the appearance, luv, I do like to fancy myself a gentleman. I can not let you walk home by yourself. If the car isn't to your liking then the only other choice is to go on foot."

"Spike-" Buffy began to protest. He put a finger to her lips and shook his head. "Are you a good driver?"

Spike tried in vain to not notice the feelings her lips moving against his finger had caused in him and grunted a response in the positive. Clearing his throat, he said, "I learned how to drive in England, luv. It's you bloody wankers who are all backwards." She smiled in response and nodded her head in the direction of the car. "So we're driving then? Y'know maybe one day I could teach you..."

A snort of laughter escaped her and she blushed. "You wouldn't be the first to try and you will not be the last, I guarantee you that."

"Love me a challenge, pet," Spike told her confidently, smirking, opening the door to the passenger side. After she was situated in the seat, Spike closed the door and walked around the car, muttering to himself, "Certainly do love a challenge."

End flashback

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