On The Road

DISCLAIMER: All hail Joss Whedon, UPN, the WB, FOX , Mutant Enemy and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation. Theirs not mine “We’re only going away for three days,” said Spike. “So why exactly do you have three suitcases?” Buffy turned and looked at him. “One for clothes, one for shoes, and one for makeup and toiletries.” He crossed his arms and gave her a look. “Just to satisfy male curiosity, Buffy, how many pairs of shoes does a woman require for a three day weekend?” “Eight,” she muttered under her breath. “I surely must have misunderstood you, love,” said Spike. “It sounded like you said eight, which would lead me to think that you have a problem requiring professional help.” “I need them all,” she said earnestly. “I have boots, I have sandals, I have sneakers, I have loafers, I have high heels, I have pumps, and I have shoes for the wedding. Oh, and flip flops for the pool.” ‘And the two garment bags?” he gestured at the heap of luggage in their foyer. “Wedding dress and dress for dinner tomorrow,” she explained. Dawn appeared at the top of the stairs, pulling a large suitcase. “Can you carry this for me, Spike?” He sighed, “Sure thing, bit.” He strode up the stairs to her. “Take these things too,” she said, slinging a purse around his neck and handing him a makeup case. He carried Dawn’s things down the stairs, placing them in the pile of suitcases. He turned and entered the living room. Anya napped on the couch as Xander leafed through a magazine. “Can you lend a hand with the luggage?” The two men each grabbed armfuls of bags and carried them outside. It was just past dusk on a mild California night. "I can’t believe you bought this thing,” said Xander, as they placed the suitcases on the roof rack of the minivan. “I got a sweet deal on it,” replied Spike. “Yeah, I’m sure there were a lot of other takers for a minivan decked out in Late Seventies Pimp,” said Xander sarcastically. “Well, we can all fit in it for this trip, so there’s one advantage right there.” Spike took a step back, admiring their handiwork. “There, now we have more room inside for the seven of us.” They went back in, going into the kitchen. Spike threw a bottle of water to Xander, getting himself a mug of blood. “So I just need to tie down the baggage after Willow and Tara get here, and then we can hit the road,” said Spike. The two men looked over the map that was spread over the kitchen counter. “”Looks like about a five hour drive,” said the blonde, “and a pretty straight shot.” “You want to take the first leg and I’ll take the second?”  Xander suggested. “Works for me,” Spike replied. “Did you bring the DVD’s for the girls to watch? My entire collection so far is ‘Pink Floyd’s the Wall’, ‘Sid and Nancy’, and ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.’” ‘Well, lucky for us, my house is chick flick central,” said Xander. Noticing Spike’s wry look, he backtracked. “Anya. Anya picked them out.” He grabbed his backpack, pulling out movies at random. “’Steel Magnolias’, ‘Beaches’, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’.” “Christ,” interjected Spike,” we’ll have to throw a case of Kleenex in the van. They’ll be sobbing from L.A. to Barstow.” The front door opened and Tara and Willow came in. Spike walked into the foyer. Tara handed him a garment bag and a small suitcase. “That’s your luggage?” said Spike incredulously. “Well, it’s not just mine,” said the witch defensively. “Willow and I shared. We pared it down.” “I love you both,” he said with a smile. He kissed each one soundly on the forehead and walked out to the van. “That was weird,” said Willow. “Must be the pre-wedding jitters,” said Tara. The van sped along the dark road. Dawn listened to her headphones as Willow and Tara dozed next to her. Buffy and Anya sat in the middle seat, their eyes riveted to the video screen. Buffy sniffled, and the other girl handed her a box of tissues. Spike sat in the passenger seat as Xander drove. ‘So your friend Tito could put a full bath in the basement?” asked Spike. “Yeah,” replied Xander. “And we could get with my friend Gordon in on it, he’s the drywall guy.” “How much do you think that would cost?” asked Spike, interested. Anya leaned forward. “I need to pee. Pull over.” “I’ll stop at the next place I see, An,” Xander reassured her. “Pick someplace with milkshakes,” said Buffy.