Bright Light City

DISCLAIMER: All hail Joss Whedon, UPN, the WB, FOX , Mutant Enemy and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation. Theirs not mine Buffy’s heels tapped loudly on the marble floor. She looked up and saw that the ceiling was covered with a riot of blown glass shapes. Galaxies, planets and stars swirled everywhere that she looked. “Are you sure this is the right place, Spike?” she said uncertainly. He grabbed her hand and led her to the reservations desk of the hotel. The Scoobies followed behind them, stopping to gape at the luxurious atmosphere of the lobby. “Welcome to the Bella Luna,” said the desk clerk. “How may I help you?” “We’re the Walthrop party, here for the wedding,” said Spike. She tapped her keyboard and looked up with a smile. She handed him three small paper folders. “Honeymoon Suite, Tranquility Suite and Serenity Suite.” Spike turned and handed one folder to Willow and one to Xander. “And room 1532,” she said, sliding another folder. Spike gave it to Dawn. “There are only three suites on the top floor, pet, so you’re one level down,” he explained. The teenager yawned. “Fine with me. I don’t need a babysitter.” “Have a wonderful stay, sir,” said the clerk, “and congratulations.” A bellhop with a cart and their luggage led the way to an elevator. He pressed a button and up they went. They looked through the side of the glass elevator, watching the lobby grow smaller and smaller. “You said that the hotel was nice,” said Buffy, “but you didn’t say it was quite this nice.” Spike looked down at her, smiling. “Well, you said that you just wanted to run off and elope, that you didn’t care if it was romantic.” He gazed deeply into her eyes. “But I do.” She caught her breath, and pulled him close, holding him tight as she kissed him passionately. “Oh, no kissies,” said Willow. “Save the kissies for later.” “The elevator is a kissy free zone,” declared Xander. “At least you guys don’t have to see it all the time,” pointed out Dawn. “I’ve got Romeo and Juliet in my face every day.” They continued to kiss, ignoring them, until the elevator opened. “This is me,” said Dawn as she stepped out. “I’ll get her settled in and meet you upstairs,” said Spike, kissing Buffy on the forehead. He stepped out of the elevator, carrying Dawn’s suitcase. “Now, I’m trusting you to behave yourself, bit,” he lectured. “No sneaking out to get a spot of gambling in, no getting sloshed from the minibar, no ordering porno films on pay per view.” “Oh, gross, Spike,” said Dawn, annoyed. She turned and glared at him, then laughed at his teasing expression. She opened the door to her room. It was a nice sized one decorated in shades of blue.  It was furnished with a table and chairs and a desk, as well as a king size bed. Spike put down her suitcase next to the door. “We’ll call you in the morning and let you know what time we’re meeting up,” said Spike. “Call up to the Honeymoon Suite if you need anything.” She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine,” she said. He left and she did a little whirl around the room. “I’m all alone,” she sang to herself. “I’m free!” She flopped back on the bed, arms outstretched. She stared at the ceiling for a minute, then got up and wandered over to the minibar. “This is going to be fun,” she said as she turned the key. Spike walked up the flight of stairs, whistling happily. He opened the door into a long hallway and followed the signs to the honeymoon suite. He knocked on the ornate golden door. Buffy answered. He stepped inside and grabbed her, pushing her against the wall and nuzzling her neck. “Thank God we’re alone,” he said as his hands stroked her breasts. “If I have to be around the Scoobies for another second I’ll lose my mind.” “Guess I’ll go find a straight jacket for you then,” said Willow from behind him. He whirled around. “What the hell are you doing here, Red?” he said, exasperated. “I’m staying with Buffy until after the wedding,” said Willow as she pulled  a toiletry case from her backpack. “Where am I supposed to sleep then?” asked Spike in disbelief. “Shall I shack up with Tara until Saturday night?” “No, you’re sleeping with Xander,” explained Buffy. “Anya is sleeping with Tara.” “No, no, no,” said Spike. “My days of bunking with monkey boy are long over.” “Sorry,” said Buffy, “its tradition. The maid of honor and the bride stay together the night before the wedding.” “The wedding’s two nights from now, Buffy,” said Spike incredulously. “You expect me to go two whole nights without…” he trailed off. “Sleeping?” he finished lamely. “You can sleep with Xander,” said Willow helpfully. “Meet you boys here in eight hours for breakfast.” She shoved him out the door and slammed the door in his face. Spike turned and stomped down the hall to the Tranquility Suite. He knocked on the door, and Xander answered. ‘This bloody well fucking sucks,” announced Spike. “I’m not loving this either, Mr. Chips,” said Xander sarcastically. He let Spike inside.  The blonde wandered around the beautiful suite, appointed with a living room area and a separate bedroom. Spike found his garment bag hanging up in the bedroom closet. Ambling back out, he sat next to Xander on the couch. They sat there for a minute, and then looked at each other awkwardly.