Arrivals

          They had left just after sundown and had been on the road for, god Willow had lost count after hour number four. Starring out the passenger side window all she saw was black highway and the occasional sign. Beside her Spike was concentrating on the road, his fingers beating atop the steering wheel intone to the radio. Willow was so sick of listening to the Sex Pistols, but that's all Spike seemed to own so he played the CD over and over and over…

          Passing a big, green road sign Willow read: Los Angeles 5 miles. Tilting her head she looked over at Spike and almost laughed. He was so into the music it was adorable. Lacing her fingers through his Willow turned her head back to the window and starred out into the darkness. I wish I could see the stars.

          Pulling into the Hyperion Hotel Willow looked up at the building. It was huge. She suddenly wondered why Angel needed such a large office. I was after all, only himself and a couple of employees. Shrugging, Willow dismissed it – Angel had always been an odd one. Stepping out of the car Willow grabbed her side bag from the back before walking up the front steps.

          Knocking Willow opened the door. "Hello?" She called out, leaving the door open for Spike. "Cordy? Angel?"

          "Oh my god, Willow," Cordelia flew out of her office and wrapped the redhead in her arms.

          "Uh, Cordy? Breathing becoming an issue."

          Stepping back Cordelia smiled. "Sorry. Guess I got a little over-enthused."

          "It's good to see you too," Willow smiled. "And thanks for letting me stay here and all."

          The brunette seer waved away Willow's thanks. "We Sunnydale gang have to stick together," she said.

          Cordelia Chase had changed, Willow observed. Dramatically. She and the redhead had kept in touch periodically since Cordy had moved to LA, two years before, but Willow hadn't seen the ex-cheerleader since then. It honestly shocked Willow that it was the same Cordelia standing in front of her.

          Looking over the seer Willow commented, "You look good, Cordy."

          "Don't I always," she quipped.

          "Actually…"

          Rolling her eyes Cordelia said, "You've become such a smartass, Willow."

          "So I've been told." Looking around the huge Lobby Willow asked, "So where's Mr. Sit-In-The-Dark-And-Brood-Away-My-Eternity?"

          The redhead heard chuckling and looked over the seers shoulder. "You're Cordy impersonation is perfect," Angel grinned.

          "Well, I've been practicing," Willow responded.

          Taking a few steps Angel stopped. "I smell Spike."

          Arching an eyebrow Willow answered, "Well, duh. He's standing right outside."

          As if on cue the blonde vampire staggered into the Hyperion lugging Willow's excessive amount of luggage. "Bloody hell, love," dropping the bags onto the floor Spike looked up at Willow. "We're staying for a few weeks not a few years."

          "Didn't anyone tell you?" Willow looked expectantly from Angel to Spike. "Angel and I are eloping."

          Willow heard Angel choke on an unneeded breath as Spike responded, "Red, I'm hurt that you didn't tell me."

          Sighing dramatically Willow laced her arms through Angel's, who face was paler then usual and his mouth hung open. "Ours is a secret love."

          "Oh? And what am I? Some toy for you play with?"

          Grinning Willow answered, "I could always not play with you if you'd prefer."

          Mocking offensive Spike gasped, "Don't even joke like that, pet."

          Laughing Willow looked up at the vampire beside her. "Angel? I'd ask if you were breathing but, you know, you don't so the question would be pretty much pointless."

          The corners of Angel's lips quirked. "You always were the smart one," he said pulling Willow into a bear hug, which she returned.

          "They're not there," the redhead spoke hearing Spike digging around in the pockets of his duster. "Your cigarettes," she answered the question in his face. "They're still sitting on my coffee table."

          "And you just let me walk out of the house without them?"

          "You need to quit anyway."

          Holding out his hand to the redhead, who set the keys in his grasp, Spike said, "What I need is to go down to that corner store we passed and pick up a pack."

          "Fine," Willow sighed. "But if you smoke in my car, blondie, I swear to god you'll find yourself in an ashtray before you can say Big Dipper."

          Winking at the redhead Spike shut the door behind him.

          Taking a deep breath Willow smiled at Cordelia, who was trying to conceal her laughter. Covering her mouth the seer turned and all but ran back into her office, giggling following her every step. Stepping around Angel the redhead spun around, looking at the expanse of the Hyperion. It was huge and gorgeous and quiet. Too quiet. Flopping down onto the circular couch Willow leaned her head back at starred up at the ceiling.

          "Wait a minute," she heard Angel muttered as if coming to a sudden realization. "Did Spike say 'we'?"

          Confused, Willow shook her head. "We what?"

          "When he brought your luggage in he said 'we're only staying a few weeks'."

          "Oh," Willow stood back up. "Yeah. Blondie couldn't bare the thought of being away from me for a couple of weeks so I told him to come along. That's okay isn't it?"

          Giving the redhead a skeptical look Angel asked, "Do I have choice?"

          "No," Willow grinned.