Chapter 6

Early March – Xander and Anya's wedding day…

Corinne knocked on Spike's door, an oversized umbrella open over her head shielding her against the rain. He promptly opened the door, wearing all black.

"One would think you were going to a funeral," she teased, stepping inside as she folded the umbrella.

"Nicest stuff I've got. Leave off. What about you? All I see is black coat."

"Fine." Corinne unbuttoned her long coat and opened it so he could see her dress. A whistle and a leer was her reward. "I take it you approve?"

"I'd have to be blind not to, pet. Demon Girl might complain, though. She won't want anyone outshining the bride," he flattered.

Her nimble fingers worked on re-fastening the coat. "Oh, stop! This isn't even a formal. No need to butter me up when I'm already going with you."

Spike looked insulted. "Why would I lie about a woman's beauty? Call things like I see 'em, luv. You know that." The silky drop to his voice was well-practiced, she was sure, but it was still nice to be found worthy.

"Come on, you ol' smoothie. We're going to be late."

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Buffy, Willow, and Tara were there in their bridesmaids' dresses. The guests were seated and waiting. And no one had seen Xander and Anya.

"Do you think they both got cold feet at the same time?" Willow asked. "The wedding is supposed to start in 10 minutes."

"Anya wouldn't do that. She's been too focused on this day being perfect," Buffy replied. Tara nodded in agreement.

"We could send someone to check the apartment?" Tara suggested.

There was a knock on the door, so speculation had to wait.

"Hey, guys. I think you'll want to get out here. Xander and Anya just showed up," Dawn informed them. They eagerly filed out to see what was going on.

Buffy had only a minute to notice Spike standing in the back by the gift table with some woman before Xander took the microphone from the minister and addressed the crowd.

"Uh, thanks everybody…for coming. There isn't going to be a wedding today." The crowd started to talk all at once. Anya took the mic away from him.

"Because we eloped!" she gushed. Troubled murmurs changed to cheers, which she waved down. "I know, I know, but we just couldn't wait. Xander whisked me off to Vegas last night after hearing it might rain today." She looked at her new husband lovingly. "And he wanted my day to be perfect."

"So, I guess we're skipping straight to the reception…" Most of the guests rushed off for the bar at that. Xander shrugged and threw his arms up in the air, knowing any other words wouldn't be heard.

Willow rushed up to the stage, hugged him, then slugged his arm. "You couldn't have called us before we put on these dresses?!"

"Sorry, Will. We've been busy," he said unapologetically.

Buffy hugged him next, then Dawn, while the others congratulated a glowing Anya. Meanwhile, the hall attendants had caught word of the change, and were rapidly changing the room around for the reception. In all the bustle, no one noticed an angry demon making his way towards the happy couple.

The demon raised a wand, ready to fire. "You ruined my life, Anyanka!" he bellowed. The magic burst fortunately hit the wall behind and above the group, thanks to Spike tackling him from behind.

"Not so fast, mate," he growled, punching the demon once, twice. Dazed on the floor, it didn't get the chance to fight back before Spike gripped the head between his strong hands and twisted the neck. The resounding crack signaled the demon's death, and the guests' safety.

The humans in attendance stood in shock, frozen at what they had witnessed. The demons just shrugged their shoulders and went back to mingling.

"Slayer! A little distraction might be in order?" Spike hinted to Buffy, gesturing towards the DJ.

She blinked, then caught the suggestion. "Right!" And rushed over to get the dance music playing.

"Just a normal day at the office, Spike?" Corinne asked, joining her 'date'. He brushed himself off as two of Anya's demon friends dragged the dead demon off somewhere.

He grinned cockily. "Something like that, pet."

"Uh, hi…" Buffy's voice flowed from the loudspeaker. "Maid of honor, here. I wanted to congratulate Xander and Anya, and announce that it's time for their first dance." Chances Are started to play as Xander took the hand of his bride and led her out to the middle of the floor. She giggled and spun into his arms, her ruffled dress flowing around her.

The guests soon got caught up in the romantic moment, the photographer started taking pictures, and trouble was all but forgotten. Later, as the couple mingled about the room thanking their guests, Xander came up to Spike.

"Don't think this means we're going to be buddies or anything, but thank you. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her," the young man quietly admitted.

"I didn't do it for you. Anyanka's been fair to me. It's only right that she get to enjoy her big day," Spike gruffly replied. Xander nodded and started to leave. "Oh, and Whelp…now you know how it feels…" When Buffy died.

The young man considered the statement. "I guess I do. Enjoy the party, Spike."

Corinne walked up with their drinks and handed Spike his whisky. "What was that about?"

"Just the boy being gracious for once. Care to dance, pet? A lady can't attend a party like this without at least one turn around the floor." He charmingly offered his arm, sporting his most winning grin.

She sipped her drink, then set it on a chair. "I'd love to," Corinne replied, taking his offered arm. Turning as one once they reached the floor, the pair smoothly melding with the beat of the song already in progress. They joined a mix of demons and humans, Spike effortlessly steering them around the more offensive types.

Across the room, Tara approached the Slayer. Buffy was sitting on a chair against the wall, occasionally sipping a soda as she watched the dancers.

"You okay?" the blonde Wiccan asked quietly.

"Sure. Why wouldn't I be?" she replied, turning to her friend.

"Well, you've hardly danced today…and Spike's here, with a date?" Tara gently suggested.

Buffy shrugged. "He's free to do as he likes. And I've danced with Xander a few times…"

"Still…you could ask him for a dance…I don't think he'd mind. And it's a wedding. No one will say anything," Tara added.

Buffy gave her standard issue smile. "I'll think about it, but really…I've been pretty busy with this maid of honor stuff. Someone has to keep us on time…"

Tara nodded indulgently. "If you say so. I think I'll go see how Dawn is fairing with the live gifts." They shared a laugh.

Once Buffy was alone again, she let the smile fade as her eyes found Spike and his date on the dance floor again. She shouldn't be feeling sad that another girl was in his arms. Shouldn't be envious of how the violet dress showed off the woman's curves. Shouldn't feel jealous. Shouldn't wish it was her he was laughing and whispering with. Shouldn't want to be around a vampire at all.

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"Single ladies! It's time to catch the bouquet! Hurry out on that floor…you don't want to miss your chance!"

What a motley crew that announcement assembled! Dawn was standing between a Vengeance Demon, and a Baraghk. No one was standing too close to the Slayer at the back, though. Willow and Tara were in the mix with Halfrek and some demons they couldn't identify. Spike had nudged Corinne out there. She was just trying not to bump anybody and make them angry.

Anya tossed a smaller bouquet version of her own. Everybody cleared some space as the two demons it had landed in between fought over the flowers until there were shredded pieces littering the floor. Who knew it was Caraq mating season?

The happy couple cut the cake next, shared one more dance, and skipped out without a word.

"Pay up, guys. I had three hours before they bolted out of the reception to go have sex," Dawn informed the bridesmaids.

"Aw, phooey! I had hope that Xander would last another half hour with the promise of food," Willow complained, handing over her ten dollars to the teen.

"Nah, that wouldn't have made a difference. Anya owns him now," Buffy quipped.

"I'm surprised they lasted this long."

"Tara!"

"Well, it is them!" she justified. They had to admit she was right.

"Looks like the lovebirds have flown the coop. Nice party, ladies. Thank Anya for the booze," Spike said, coming over to say goodbye.

"You're leaving?" Buffy blurted out. He quirked a brow at her, but just nodded.

"The natives are getting a bit too sloshed, Slayer. Might want to get the gifts tucked away before there's a brawl."

Corinne looked between the two and made a decision. "I'll go get our coats."

Finding themselves alone, the vampire and Slayer shuffled about uneasily, unsure what to say next. Spike finally broke the silence, as usual.

"You look beautiful, Buffy."

"Even in radioactive green?" she quipped, gesturing to her dress.

He smirked. "Even so. Today should have you pretty happy, right? Seeing your mates make a successful go of it…"

Buffy nodded. "Thanks. Yeah…someone should be able to make it work, right? It's starting to look good between Willow and Tara again, though…" She looked towards the two lovers, who were moving the gifts.

Spike frowned. "Well, as long as Red can avoid the mojo…"

"Yeah…so, um…who's your date?" she asked, not really looking at him.

"That's just Doc. She's a friend," he replied, ready to be defensive against her curiosity.

"Oh. I didn't know you knew any humans…other than us, I mean…"

They might have carried on with the awkward conversation forever, if Dawn hadn't chosen to announce she was ready to 'go home and get off her high heels'. Buffy smiled gratefully at her sister.

"Okay, Dawnie. Go get our stuff. We just need to make sure the gifts are loaded up. They're coming back to the house while Xan and Anya are on their honeymoon." She turned back to Spike. "I gotta…"

"Right. I, uh…can patrol tonight for you. Let you have a night off your feet after today…" he offered.

"That'd be nice. Thank you, Spike." She smiled at him, then hurried off to help Willow and Tara move the gifts.

Corinne rejoined her friend, now that he was alone. "You okay?"

He dropped his gaze to hers and nodded. "Yeah, luv. I'm fine."

"I'm glad. Ready to go?" She handed him his coat, which Spike slung over his arm so he could help her on with hers first.

"Ready when you are." Spike took the umbrella once they stepped through the door, holding it over her more than himself.

Buffy came out of the dressing room and watched them go, not wanting to admit to herself how much it bothered her to see him stand so close to another woman.