All characters belong to Joss Whedon, The WB Network, and 20th Century Fox, except for Jarred O'Connell, who is my own creation.

They walked in silence through the dank cemetery, only listening to each other's footsteps.

Whatever Spike had been expecting to hear, that definitely was not it. She was engaged to the bloody wanker?!

Buffy glanced up at Spike to catch his reaction, but his eyes were expressionless.

"Well, aren't you going to say something?"

"What do you expect me to say?"

Buffy sighed.

"I dunno. I was thinking along the lines of 'that's great' or 'good for you'. Just something to reassure me that I'm not crazy."

When Spike didn't reply, she stopped dead in her tracks.

"You think I'm crazy, don't you?"

"No, I'm just a bit surprised is all," Spike replied, still walking.

"Right. Surprised. Also known as, waiting for the men with white coats and needles to come and take me away."

"Well, yeah. That explains a lot of it."

Before Buffy could reply, a burly vamp came out of nowhere and tackled her to the ground. For some reason, it took all of her strength just to raise her feet and push the creature off of her. Buffy threw Spike her stake, just as the vamp went crashing against a headstone. In one swift gesture, Spike plunged the wood into its heart and watched as it dissolved into dust at his feet. He then walked over to Buffy and began helping her up.

"You were saying?" he asked.

When he noticed her heavy breathing and tired appearance, all sarcasm faded and only concern was evident now.

"You alright, Slayer?"

Buffy brushed off some dirt from the back of her blue jeans and looked up at a worried Spike.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, casually. "Just a little caught off guard, I guess."

Spike shrugged when the signs as if she were going to collapse, were no longer showing.

The uncomfortable silence fell between them again and Buffy's mind began to roam.

Primarily, to the the engagment. She had to admit, she was just as surprised as Spike was when Jarred propsed to her. But, all uncertainty faded when looked into his blazing green eyes, because she knew he meant forever.

Jarred was a great guy. Nothing like her other boyfriends. None of Angel's brooding or Riley's...dullness. He was wild, funny, outgoing, adventurous, all the qualities she wanted in a guy. He was perfect.

Their first meeting, however, had been more than awkward. Buffy was an emotional wreck for a long period of time. After the final battle against Glory, Buffy couldn't seem to shake the fact that she had killed an innocent. She killed Ben, who ended up turning on her when he tried to kill Dawn, himself, to save his own sorry ass. That had made it easier, but still didn't excuse what she had done. And, sure she had her reasons for doing it...to save the world. That was a good cause, but, nevertheless, Buffy was depressed and angry with herself. Her friends were always there for her, especially Spike, who had slowly become an accepted part of the gang, and she appreciated all the support. But, she just wasn't able to forgive herself.

Then, one day, a stranger, named Jarred, called her, claiming to be a good friend of Ben. He said he went to his apartment to find someone to take his things, and her's was the only number he saw written down. Buffy told him what happened (the flat-out lie version of the story), but didn't know Ben well enough to get his belongings. Besides, taking a man she killed's possesseions was just way too wiggy for her.

After a few more late-night phone calls and deep conversations, Jarred and her became very close. Their relationship started out like most relationships do, but from the beginning Buffy had always noticed a long-term vibe with Jarred. That actually scared her, taking the whole Slayer thing into consideration. But, soon she was so comfortable with him, that she told him everything. She was the Slayer, vampires were real, and it was her destiny to slay them. She also told him the truth about her friends: Willow was a witch along with Tara (who's brain was restored when Glory was destroyed), Anya was an ex-demon, Spike was a vampire, Giles was her Watcher, Dawn was a humanized ball of energy, and Xander was...well, Xander. And the thing that proved that Jarred was a keeper? He accepted it all without a word. He didn't question anything or laugh in her face. That meant the world to her.

Then, a few months later, Jarred popped the question. Buffy was so shocked, she didn't know what to say. She actually had the chance to marry a man she loved and live a semi-normal life. What more could she ask for? So it was settled. Buffy was getting married.

She decided to keep it to herself for a while, to take in all what was happening. But, she was just too excited and had to tell someone. So she told Spike.

Yes, Spike. Her mortal enemy, former arch-nemesis, and so the story goes. But, things were different now and Spike was the only person, vampire rather, who she could openly talk to. They became a lot closer during the whole Dawn/Glory ordeal and he was always there for her when she needed him. They finally reached that friendship level, where Buffy didn't have to question herself about what the hell she was doing even looking at a vampire without staking it. He proved more than once that he cared about not only her, but her friends and family. Dawn especially. The fact that he willingly sacrificed himself to Glory for her and Dawn's sake, said enough right there. And from that moment on, she trusted him completely. And it was even better, now that Spike was no longer in love with her. It made their new-found friendship a little less awkward. She knew from experience that love doesn't go away just like that, but Spike told her flat-out that the whole lovey-dovey thing was in the past. And he no longer acted strange around her, so she presumed he was telling the truth.

Buffy took a deep breath and looked up and the peroxide blonde, walking beside her. She still couldn't make out his reaction, for his eyes still held that empty look. He probably was surprised. She doubted anyone expected her to be getting married...ever. It just wasn't something Slayers did.

Buffy couldn't help but smile to herself, as she looked down at her feet.

Well, this Slayer was going to do just that.

Sod the Slayer and her bloody engagement. He didn't care. Really, he didn't. She could marry and shag whoever she damn well pleased. It's not like he was in love with her anymore. He got over that pathetic fixation months ago. Finally moved on with his good-for-nothin' life...put the Slayer in his past.

Spike closed his eyes, as he and Buffy approached her house.

"A-Am I doing the right thing?" she asked, stopping right before they reached her yard.

"Don't know. Are you?"

"I was asking you."

"Not my decision to make."

Buffy let out an aggrivated groan and pushed past Spike, heading towards her house.

Spike followed.

"Just leave me alone. You're obviously not helping."

"Look, what do you want me to say? Yes, you're doin' the right thing? No, you're makin' the biggest mistake of your life? I don't know 'cause I'm not you! It's somethin' you gotta figure on your own."

Buffy slowly came to a stop again and turned around to face him. She had a defeated look in her eyes.

"I know," she told him. "I - I just keep asking myself, what if all Slayers were destined to be alone? What if this feels right now, but is something I'll end up regretting in the future? I'm not sure I can afford to take that risk. I mean, I've never been so happy in my life and when I'm with him...it's like the world just stops and all there is, is him --"

Spike looked down at his feet.

"-- an- and when I'm not with him, I feel empty. Like part of me is missing. So I don't think I could live without him. But, then again, I'm not sure he can live with me. I'm just too complicated. Too...not-normal."

Buffy finally stopped to take a breath.

"Buffy, listen to me."

Spike took a step closer to her.

"I'm sure...you're doin' the right thing. And if this guy loves you, I mean, really loves you, he'd want all of you. Not just the Slayer. Not just the Buffy. All of you. Trust me...I know from experience."

Buffy let a small smile dance across her lips.

"Thank you," she told him.

Spike took a step backwards and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his duster.

"Don't mention it."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her alone to think.

Buffy sat, nervously twirling the ring on her finger, while she glanced at her anxious friend's faces all gathered in her living room.

"Guys, there's, um, something..."

Her voice trailed off and she looked over at Spike, who was laying sprawled out on her couch, feet hanging over the side. His eyes were closed.

He was sleeping? He was sleeping at a time like this?!

Buffy took a deep breath and returned her focus to her friends. She smiled, as she blurted out the three words that had been plaguing her every thought for the past week.

"I'm getting married!" she said, happily.

At that moment, you could hear a pin drop in the room. Then everyone turned and looked over at Willow with accusing glares. Her eyes grew big and she shook her head.

"No, no," Spike interrupted, now fully alert. "Will didn't do none of her mojos on the Slayer. She's gettin' hitched to that wanker, Jarred."

Buffy frowned to herself, but after her friends looked at Spike and then back at her, she gave them an enthusiastic nod.

"Wow, Buff," Xander replied, still shocked by the unexpected news.

"Y-Yeah. Wow, is right," Willow agreed.

There was a long pause before Willow shouted, "congratulations".

Then everyone stood up and began to flock around an excited Slayer, hugging and laughing with delight. All except for Spike.

Spike continued to lay there, hands behind his head, as he stared up at the ceiling. Buffy's ecstatic giggles echoed in his ears and he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy in the pit of his stomach. And, it wasn't because of the fact that she was getting married. No, that wasn't it. It was the fact that she had so easily fallen in love with someone she barely knew, when he had been there all along and she had never even given him the time of day. He pursued her for God knows how long, saved her life a countless amount of times, and changed himself completely, just so she would look at him with something more than disgust. When he finally realized that a relationship was just not going to happen, he gave up. Stopped hanging around her long enough to slowly get over her. And it worked. He could actually look at her now, without that desire to take her in his arms and devour her whole. It was such a relief. And this whole marriage thing didn't bother that much at all. It's just that it felt like a smack in the face, to brush him aside, only because he wasn't human. So what? He was more human than most humans were.

Spike sighed and pulled himself into a sitting postion. Well, it didn't matter anymore, so he should stop fretting about it. He would be there for her when she needed him and give her a shoulder to cry on when this Jarred guy breaks her heart. It was bound to happen...the poor girl could never keep a man. Just wasn't in her nature. And when that time comes, he'll help her through it, like he usually did. What were friends for, anyway?

"Thanks so much for understanding guys," Buffy said, hugging Giles. "I was really afraid you would all come and beat me down with baseball bats or something."

Xander smiled.

"Well, I gotta admit. The thought passed through my mind once or twice."

Buffy smiled back.

"So, you'll help me with the planning and stuff, Will?" she asked.

"Um, isn't that something you and Jarred should do together?"

"Yeah, but he's not really into that sorta thing, ya know? I thought it would be fun if you could do it with me. Watch, as I try on 1500 wedding dresses before I find the right one. Sound fun?"

Willow chuckled.

"Bunches. But, I dunno. I'm not really the best person to go with you. Plus, I have a five finals coming up that I have to study for."

"Oh, right," Buffy replied. "Forgot about that thing called school."

"Yeah, that thing that no longer applies to you. Lucky. And, hey, that reminds me. Maybe Dawn...would like to go with you?"

Buffy narrowed her eyebrows at her friend.

"Dawn? Go browsing for dresses and cake? Please, she'd laugh at me for even suggesting it to her. She's too into boys now, to make time for big sis."

Buffy, then glanced over at Xander and batted her eyelashes.

"Oh, no you don't. Sorry, Buff, but you couldn't make me go if you stuck my tongue in a light socket. It'd ruin my "oh-so-manly" image."

Buffy frowned.

"Uh, thanks for the visual...Giles?"

All Giles had to do was look at her and she new what his answer would be. She let out an exasperrated sigh and finally came to terms with the fact that she would have to do her wedding planning alone. Or would she?

Spike was still drowned in his own thoughts, but was quickly brought back to reality, when he felt Buffy grab him by the arm and stand him up.

"Uh, yeah?" he asked, a confused look on his face.

She gave him a wicked grin, and Spike was pretty sure he wasn't going to like what she had to say.

"Get your coat. We're going out."

"NO way!" Spike shouted, as she dragged him down the sunless streets.

The clouds were consuming the sky and it looked like rain was approaching.

Buffy finally stopped and sighed.

"Please?" She asked. "It won't be that bad, I promise."

"The hell it won't! I'm not going."

She jutted out her bottom lip, pleading for him to agree, but Spike still shook his head adamantly.

"No, no, and no. Sorry, Slayer, but there's no way in hell you're taking me out to do this guy's dirty work."

"Dirty work? Gee, how touching. Besides, Jarred won't mind. He's a very understanding guy."

"I'm sure he his. I'm sure he's all that and a bag of blood. But, NO!"

All humor left Buffy's face and her shoulders sagged.

"Spike, please. I - I don't want to do this alone..."

Damn her.

Damn her, damn her, damn her.

Spike's eyes softened and he let out a defeated sigh.

"Alright then. But, if a word of this is breathed to anyone or anything, I swear --"

"Deal," she said, now smiling brightly. "Now let's hurry, before the sun comes out. It would kinda suck if you turned to dust before you got to meet the wedding coordinator."

Spike rolled his eyes.

This should be fun.

They walked into the bridal shop and Spike watched as Buffy's eyes lit up. What was it with women and weddings, anyway?

"It's like a fairy tale..." she whispered.

"Say what?" he asked.

"I mean, I never thought this day would come, and here I am. About to marry the man of my dreams. Can you believe it? It's really happening."

"Yep. Guess so."

She looked up at him.

"Lighten up. We'll be in and out of here before you know it."

"No," Buffy said, frustrated beyond belief. "I had an appointment. For the 50th time, I had an appointment at four o'clock with a Mrs. Clemans."

"Right," the short, plump man said. "She'll be with you momentarily."

Buffy groaned and plopped down next to Spike on the plush couch.

"I can't believe this. Two frickin' hours and nobody will come see us."

She glanced over at him, and realized he was sleeping again.

"Spike, wake up," she told him, curtly.

He still lay there, unmoving.

"Wake the hell up, before I lose my patience and stake you."

No answer.

Buffy stood up and punched him in the nose.

"Bloody hell!" he shouted, awaking with a start.

Just then, a tall, raven-haired woman, walked through the door, looking rather perplexed.

"Um, did I miss something?"

Buffy quickly turned around and faced the young woman.

"Oh, I was just...are you Mrs. Clemans?"

"Yes, and you must be Buffy Summers. I'm sorry for the wait."

"Yeah, well, it's about bloody time," Spike mumbled.

Mrs. Clemans turned her attention over to the vampire, who was now standing next to Buffy.

"You must be Jarred. Congratultions," she said smiling.

"Uh, no. I'm Spike."

"Spike?"

Buffy looked at the woman and then back at Spike.

"Jarred Spike...ster," she replied, clumsily.

"What?" Spike asked, narrowing his eyes at Buffy.

"But, I thought his last name was..." The woman took a peice of paper out of her briefcase. "...O'Connell."

"Uh, right," Buffy quickly stated. "Jarred Spikester O'Connell. We call him Spike for short."

Mrs. Clemans smiled warmly at the couple.

"I understand. I was going to say, I just can't stand it when brides-to-be bring their male friends with them to go wedding planning. It's rather in poor taste, if you ask me."

Buffy gave an awkward laugh, causing Mrs. Clemans to glance up at her.

"Is everything alright, Miss?"

"Fine. Peachy. Wonderful. I was just laughing at the...silly girls who would even consider bringing someone other than their finacees with them. But, not me. Not Buffy. Sp - Jarred was very willing to come along. Weren't you, honey?"

Buffy put her arm around Spike's waist and looked up at him, her eyes begging for him to play along.

"You know, there's some sorta misunderstanding. Buffy and I --"

Buffy twisted Spike's arm around his back.

"Ow!"

He cleared his throat.

"Right. Uh, Buffy and I...are very happy...together."

Spike smiled and placed his arm around Buffy's shoulders.

"Aren't we sugar dumpling."

Buffy nodded, dramatically.

Mrs. Clemans gave a confused frown, but shrugged anyway and sat down at her desk.

"You two may have a seat."

Buffy and Spike sat down on the couch, as Buffy looked at Spike with daggers in her eyes.

"Don't say a word if you want to see --", she began to whisper.

"Pardon?" the woman asked.

"Oh, I - I said, stay away from the herd...of sheep."

Mrs. Clemans looked at Spike with worry in her eyes.

"Are you sure she's alright?"

Spike couldn't help but let a huge grin spread across his face, at Buffy's tactless attempt at a cover-up. Why she felt it was so important to lie to the woman, he had no idea. And if she wanted him to play along, he might as well have some fun with it.

Spike put his hand on Buffy's knee.

"She's perfectly fine. Just some pre-wedding jitters, I'd suspect."

"Well, it's understandable. A marriage is a big thing. A life-altering event. It's common to feel nervous or scared."

Buffy bit down on her bottom lip.

"Right. Nervous, scared. That's me."

She brushed Spike's hand from off her knee, when Mrs. Clemans looked back down at her paperwork.

Spike pretended to stretch and put his arm back around Buffy's shoulders.

She tried to wiggle free, but when the woman looked up again, Buffy straightened and smiled brightly.

"So, how long have you two been engaged?"

"Two years," Spike replied.

"One week," Buffy replied, similtaneously.

They looked at each other and then back at the woman.

"Well?" she asked.

"Sorry," Buffy said. "One week. I guess it just feels longer, to Spike, I mean, Jarred."

"Buffy's right. Time flies, when you're so..." Spike forced himself to say the words. "...in love."

He gave her a sugar-coated smile and rubbed the back of her neck with his fingers.

Mrs. Clemans jotted down some notes and Buffy slapped at Spike's hand.

"Do you two know where you're going on your honeymoon?"

Buffy shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I'm takin' her to Antarctica. Somethin' about the eskimos really turn her on," Spike said, grinning from ear to ear.

Buffy's cheeks turned five shades of red.

"Eskimos?" the woman asked.

"Uh, yeah...strange, huh. Maybe it's the fuzzy hoods."

"I see," she replied. "I'm sure you'll have a...great time there."

Spike tightened his grip around Buffy. She shot her head up and gave him a hard glare. He just winked at her and turned back to the wedding coordinator.

Buffy was livid. How dare he make a fool of her! Eskimos? What the hell was up with that?! Sure, maybe forcing him to pretend to be her fiancee was a little on the extreme side, but that still didn't excuse his behavior. When they finally finished the meeting, there was going to be a stake with his name on it.

"Anyway," the woman continued, "are you two planning on having children?"

"Children? You mean those annoying brats that ask a lot of questions? I really don't --"

"Honey, it's OK. Tell the nice lady the real reason," Buffy stated, kindly. "You shouldn't be ashamed."

Spike narrowed his eyebrows at her, confused. What was she getting at?

"You know," she persisted. "Your medical...problem?"

When he finally caught on to what Buffy was implying, his eyes grew big and his jaw tightened.

"Go on, don't be bashful now," Buffy urged.

Suddenly, an idea struck him.

"Right. My medical problem."

He turned his attention back to Mrs. Clemans.

"Buffy, here's a little rough under the covers, if you know what I mean. But, not to worry. Doctors say I'll be good as new in no time. Ain't that right, sweet pea?"

Buffy's jaw dropped. He did not just say that.

"It's alright," Mrs. Clemans told her. "You don't have to answer that."

"No, it's not like that, you see --"

"Please, Miss Summers, we don't need to go too deep into your personal lives. Let's just stay a little more on topic, shall we?"

Buffy sunk back into the couch, wishing it was a black hole she could fall through and never be seen again.

"Tell me a little about your pasts," the woman told them.

Spike was about to reply, but Buffy stopped him. She removed his arm from around her shoulders, and stood up.

"I - I'm sorry. But, I can't answer anymore questions right now. Thank you for your time."

Mrs. Clemans nodded and Spike rose to his feet to stop her, but Buffy was already out the door.

"Look, I didn't mean to --"

"Whatever," Buffy told him, walking at a brisk pace in front of him.

"Will you just stop for a minute? Let's go somewhere and talk, so we --"

Buffy did stop.

"You want to go somewhere? Well, you can. Go to hell."

Spike followed her, as she continued walking.

"I'm sorry," he told her, grabbing her arm.

"Don't touch me."

Spike released her just as a man came out of the shadows.

"Is this guy bothering you?"

"Jarred!" Buffy squealed.

Spike watched as she ran over to him and jumped into his arms. He had never seen her so happy.

Jarred bent his head down and gave her a soft kiss on the mouth.

Spike turned away, repulsed.

"I was worried!" she said. "I hadn't seen you in days."

"I'm sorry to worry you, baby. I've been around."

Jarred glanced up.

"Who's this?"

Buffy looked over at Spike, the excitement leaving her face.

"Oh, that's nobody. Let's go."

Jarred shrugged and took Buffy's hand in his, leading her back to her house.

Spike just stood there, as Buffy's words continued to echo in his ears.

Nobody.

He rummaged around in his pockets for his smokes, but couldn't find them. With a sorry sigh, he walked towards the cemetery and back to his crypt.

Buffy walked hand-in-hand with Jarred down the street. She felt a little bad about what she had said to Spike, but she didn't care. He deserved it. He had made a fool out of her in front of her own wedding coordinator! Now what was she going to think when she goes back with another guy?!

Buffy sighed and looked up at her husband-to-be. His hair was a dark chestnut brown with some faded golden highlights. His eyes were as green as emeralds and his face perfectly structured. Major babe.

"Something wrong, hun?" he asked.

"No, I was just...I dunno. You don't think we're rushing into this too fast, do you?"

Jarred stopped and held Buffy by the forearms. He looked deeply into her eyes.

"Sweetheart, I love you. I can't stand not being around you and I really want you to be my wife."

Buffy smiled sweetly, at the intenseness of his words.

"And I want to be your wife," she told him.

He smiled back and they continued walking.

"Would you want to go with me and help pick out the cake and such?" she asked him.

Jarred looked down at his shoes.

"You know that's not my sorta thing, Buffy."

Disappointed, she nodded.

"Yeah, I know."

Buffy looked up at the stars and prayed on each one, that she was making the right decision.

It was another gloomy sun-deprived day, and Buffy was feeling bad.

She slowly opened the door to Spike's crypt, hoping he would be in there.

"Spike?" she asked.

"Heard of knocking?" replied the thick british accent.

Buffy let out a sigh of relief. She woke up this morning with a strange feeling that he had left town or something. Obviously, that wasn't the case.

She entered his crypt and turned towards the direction of his voice.

"Spike, good, you're..."

She stopped when she noticed he was only wearing a his boxers.

"...not dressed...so I'll go now."

A little flushed, Buffy quickly turned around and headed in the opposite direction.

"Don't," he told her.

Buffy stopped, but didn't face him.

Spike couldn't help but smile and her childish behavior. Since when had she not seen a mate in his undergarments?

"You can turn around, you know."

"Are you fully clothed?"

"No."

"Then get to it. I don't have all day."

Spike pretended to put on a shirt.

"Can I turn around now?"

"Yes."

Buffy turned around and still found herself looking at a half-naked Spike.

"Talk about gullibility."

"God, you're impossible. Why did I even come here?"

"Don't ask me."

"Well, I'm leaving."

"Suit yourself."

"So, you're not even interested in what I was going to say?"

"No."

"Fine then, good-bye."

"Bye."

Neither attempted to move.

"Well?" he asked.

"What?"

"I thought you were leaving."

"I am."

"Doesn't look like it."

"What's your point?"

"My point is that you said you were leaving, but you're not."

"So?"

"So, why aren't you leaving?"

"Because."

"Yeah?"

"Because I feel bad about what I said to you last night and I wanted to apologize. Even though, you were the jackass and you should be apologizing to me. But, I knew you wouldn't because that's the kind of vampire you are and it's not in your nature to be nice. And when you are, you always end up being mean to make up for it. Then, I get mean back and say mean things and feel bad and find myself back where I started."

"Quite finished yet?"

"No."

"Go on, then."

Silence.

"Well?"

"I need a favor."

"Really."

"Yes."

"What kind?"

She took a deep breath.

"I need you to help me look for..."

"For what?"

"A wedding dress."

"No way!"

"Why not?"

"Why the hell do you think?"

"Because you're mean and spiteful?"

"No, because I'm not goin' through another thing like we did yesterday."

"We won't. It's just that no one will go with me."

"And neither will I, so sod off."

"Fine, be that way."

"Fine."

"Fine."

A long pause.

"Please?"

"No."

"Why?!"

"I already told you."

"No, you didn't."

"Yes, I did."

"Oh, if you call that a reason."

"What?"

"What you said before about you didn't want it to turn out like yesterday."

"So?"

"So, it won't turn out like yesterday. It's just a stupid dress."

"If it's so stupid, then go by yourself."

"No."

"Why bloody not?"

"I don't want to."

"Neither do I."

"Please?"

Spike gave up.

"Fine, I'll go, if it'll get you out of my sodding hair."

"Why not?"

"I just said I'll go, you silly bint."

"Oh."

"So, leave. I'll meet you back at your place."

"When?"

"When I'm done gettin' dressed."

"When will that be?"

"When you finally get the hell out of my face and stop asking so many damned questions."

"Sorry."

"Yeah."

"See ya."

"Good-bye, Slayer."

"This was a mistake. BIG mistake. I never should have brought you with. I should have forced Will or Tara...or even Anya to come."

"Quit your frettin', love. Promise I won't laugh."

Spike sat there, waiting for Buffy to appear behind the door.

"No way, maybe you should just...cover your eyes or something."

"Then what's the point of me bloody being here if you won't even model for me?"

"Model for you?"

"Well, yeah, I expect a decent show. You know, some zippy catwalk moves, a cartwheel or two...maybe a lap dance."

"You're a pig, Spike."

He grinned.

"Well, hurry it up, then. I haven't got all day."

He could hear Buffy sigh, from behind the huge, changing room door.

"Fine. I'm coming out. Laugh, I stake you. Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got it."

The lock unlatched and Buffy's white, satin, shoe came into view.

"I swear, Spike, any sexual innuendo, any innappropriate remarks --" "If you don't get out here now, I'll stake myself...save you the trouble."

"Well, that would be a dream come true, now wouldn't it?"

Buffy took a deep breath and slowly emerged from the spacious room, with an embarrassed smile spread across her face. She closed her eyes and patiently waited for him to start the un-called-for one-liners.

But, Spike was speechless. Never in his life had he ever seen anything more beautiful. Her milky white gown graced the floor past her feet and the satin and sparkling layers engulfed her. It was low-cut (always a bonus) and had silky sleeves with matching white gloves. He couldn't take his eyes off of her and in that moment, wished it was he was marrying this vision.

She spun around a couple times for him, until finally breaking the silence.

"Say something," she said.

Unable to process a coherent thought, let alone speak one, he shrugged.

"You're not serious. That's it? I spend a half an hour, just trying on a frickin' dress and all you do is shrug your damn shoulders?!"

"What can I say, Slayer? You take my breath away."

Buffy's face softened and she searched his eyes to make sure he wasn't just playing with her.

He wasn't.

She blushed, slightly, and gave him a small smile.

"Thanks."

He nodded.

"Well," she said, clearing her throat. "You think it's a keeper?"

"I do."

"G-Good."

They maintained eye contact for approximately five more seconds, before Buffy disappeared again into the changing room.

"I do."

"You never said nothin' about a bloody cake," he told her as they entered the next store.

"Bloody? I was thinking more along the lines of vanilla."

He rolled his eyes and found a pack of cigarettes in his pocket.

"Whatever," he said, lighting up. "This better be quick. I've got things to do."

"Oh, yeah? Like sitting in your smelly crypt all day, watching Passions? Sounds real important to me."

He glared at her.

"Not like this would qualify under anything time-worthy."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I'm writing out the invitations."

"Yeah? So, you were planning on inviting me, were you?"

"Spike, the only invitation you'd be getting from me is one that involves a ticket out of town."

"Ouch, reachin' a little below the belt there, Slayer."

"You wish."

He couldn't help but smile at the truth of that statement.

"Can I help you?" a middle-aged man asked, as he approached them.

Buffy looked up startled.

"Yeah, mate. She wants a cake."

The man smiled.

"Right this way, then."

They followed him into a large, chilled room that contained many shapes and sizes of many different and colorful cakes.

"If you see anything you like, I'll be in there."

He pointed to a small office around the corner and scurried off.

"Wow, look at all these. How the hell am I supposed to choose?"

"Don't ask me. I'm no expert."

Buffy perused through every selection, before a tall cake with baby blue and lavender icing caught her eye.

"I like this one. What do you think?"

Spike examined the intricately sculpted cake, before shaking his head.

"I don't like it."

"And, why not?"

"Something's off."

"With the cake?"

"Yeah, I'm gettin' some nasty vibes from it."

Buffy rolled her eyes.

"Well, I'm sure it doesn't like you either."

She called to the man in the office and told him she was ready to order.

He nodded and appeared seconds later.

"This one," she said smiling.

The man smiled back and commented on her excellent choice.

"See," she whispered to Spike. "I'm a good judge of character."

He chuckled under his breath.

"So," the man said. "Who's paying?"

"She is," Spike said, pointing to Buffy.

"Oh, well then, do you, have $1,522.38, Miss?"

Buffy's jaw dropped.

"I - I --"

"Here," Spike said, cursing to himself. "It's on me."

"But --"

Spike silenced her by placing a huge wad of bills into her hands.

"You owe me," he told her.

She didn't know what to say. Where did he get that kind of money, anyway?

"T-Thanks..."

She handed the money to the sales clerk.

He rang it up and gave her back the change.

"When will you be picking it up?" he asked.

"I don't really know yet. I'll call you when I find out."

They began to walk out when the balding man stopped them.

"Don't you know?"

Buffy and Spike exchaged a confused glance.

"Surely you must know. It's customary for the couple to kiss after purchasing their cake. It's always been tradition."

Silence washed over the room.

In Sickness and in Health
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