Willow and Xander sat side by side in a fifties style diner. The small jukebox mounted on the wall of their booth played a Frank Sinatra song quietly in the background. They shared a banana split as they perused the page on the table in front of them. "I don't think I've ever paid fifty dollars for a piece of paper before," he said seriously. "But this is no ordinary piece of paper," she said. "This is the map of our future." He smiled at her and kissed the tip of her nose. She looked down and something caught her eye. "Your mother's maiden name is Ferris?" She laughed. "She is Hilda Ferris Harris?" "At least I can pronounce my mother's name." He pointed to the marriage license. "I dare you to pronounce this." "Korlobovoniskovitch," she said distinctly. "That's not a name," he said seriously. "I'm pretty sure it's not even English." Willow wadded up a napkin and threw it at him. "It's Russian, you silly." She laughed. "Look at us. We're not even married yet, and here comes the bickering." "This is not bickering," he said. "This is just a really advanced form of flirting." He ran his fingers slowly and deliberately down her neck, and she closed her eyes. "One cherry coke, one vanilla coke," said a bored voice. They broke apart as the waitress put down their drinks. "We need to plan," said Willow breathily. "I can't think while you're touching me." Reluctantly Xander slid into the other side of the booth. Giles leaned against a wall. Colored lights reflected off his glasses as he stared into the pulsating mass of bodies on the dance floor. His eyes never strayed from one blonde girl who moved sensually at the center of the chaos. "I think I'm going to get out of here," said Tara loudly over the roar of club music. He turned her attention to her. "Sorry?" "I'm going to leave," she yelled. "This really isn't my idea of a good time." "That makes two of us," he said in her ear. "Do you want me to escort you to your room?" She shook her head. "No, that's okay. You'd better keep an eye on Anya. She's had a whole lot to drink and she seems a little manic tonight." "I'll be sure to watch her," he said. She smiled at him and left. He took up his spot on the wall again, and his gaze returned to the girl. "More bubbles, please," called Buffy. She lay in the large heart shaped bathtub in her suite. Heaps of bubbles covered her from toes to neck. Spike popped his head in the bathroom. "That was the whole bottle, pet," he said with a smile. "Okay. Then I need a bath pillow," she said. "Did you bring one?" he asked. Sure did." She turned and beckoned with one finger. "You." He smiled at her sultrily and stripped off his clothes. He stepped in the pink marble tub and scooted behind her. She leaned back against him with a blissful sigh. "If we had one of these at home," she said happily, "I would want to do this every day." He massaged her neck, and she purred. "Oh, I like that noise," he said, pleased. "More," she said, and he gently tipped her head forward. He firmly massaged her neck and shoulders until she was totally relaxed. "I like your hands," she said with a big smile. He slipped his hand down below the bubbles. She moaned and arched her back. "I know you do, baby," he said in a low voice. He stroked her and the bubbles shifted and splashed until Buffy came, her skin flushed from the bath and her orgasm. She collapsed back into his arms, and he kissed her on the curve of her shoulder. Dawn slept in her bed. She tossed and turned as her long hair trailed over the pillow. Someone stood in the shadows and watched her. She stirred, and sat up in bed. "Aurelius?" she whispered. He stepped forward. "I knew you'd change your mind," she said jubilantly. He came to the bed. "I'm not a pedophile," he said. She stiffened. "I was wrong to touch you at all once I knew who you were." "I love you," she said passionately. "I knew what I was doing. I wanted you to make me yours." "No," he said harshly. "I refuse. I refuse to mark you. I refuse to claim you. I will not make you mine." "I love you," she said again. "I want to be with you forever."

Chapel of Love