Disclaimer: Mutant Enemy and Joss Whedon own all the characters. I’m just playing with them.
 
Thanks to those who took the time to review! It spurs me onward.
 
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Universal – Chapter 5
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Tara arrived at six o’clock to pick up Dawn. She hadn’t been to Buffy’s house in several weeks, although they tended to talk on the phone from time to time. Buffy greeted her and said, “Come in. Dawn’s still getting her stuff together.”
 
“How are you guys doing?” Tara asked as they went to sit in the living room. Tara looked curiously at Buffy. Something was somehow off about her aura. There was a different shade shifting in the center somehow. It was faint, but there. Wonder what would cause that?
 
“We’re doing fine. Thanks so much for taking Dawn tonight. Spike is taking me out for some special dinner, the location of which he is keeping an annoying secret.”
 
“So, a demon restaurant then?” Tara said with a twinkle in her eye.
 
“Heard that!” came a call from upstairs.
 
“Stupid vampire hearing,” joked Buffy. “How are you doing, Tara?”
 
“I’m ok,” she replied. “I actually had coffee with Willow this morning.”
 
Buffy sat up a bit. “So are you two making up?”
 
“Hard to say. I really miss her. But I really want to be certain that she’s got the magic under control. She says she misses you and Dawn as well.”
 
Buffy frowned. “I had a few words with Xander today. I told him he really had to get over the fact that Spike and I are together. Hopefully Willow will figure that out too.”
 
“The subject didn’t come up today, but I’ll try to find out where she stands on that when I see her next,” Tara promised.
 
Dawn came bounding down the stairs with an overnight bag on her shoulder. “Hey, Tara!”
 
Tara smiled and stood up. “Hey, Dawnie. Ready to go?”
 
“Yep. I believe I have everything necessary for an evening of junk food and female bonding,” Dawn said.
 
“Easy on the junk food, but indulge in as much bonding as Tara can stand,” Buffy instructed, giving her sister a hug.
 
“I’ll have her back sometime tomorrow afternoon,” Tara said, and they made their way out.
 
Buffy made her way upstairs to get dressed. Spike had finished his shower and was carefully taming his white-blond curls in front of the mirror. “So what’s the dress code for tonight, since you refuse to tell me where we are going?” Buffy asked.
 
“Well, think fancy, but still able to ride on the back of the bike,” Spike hinted, still guarding his thoughts so as not to give anything away.
 
“This had better be good,” she remarked. “You’re driving me crazy here.”
 
“All part of the master plan, love,” Spike said with an evil grin. He dressed in the nicest of his pairs of jeans, and actually put on a blue silk dress shirt instead of his usual t-shirt. “I’ll wait for you downstairs, okay?”
 
“Be down shortly,” she said, admiring the view as he left the room. Buffy looked through her wardrobe and chose a black skirt that was short, but not so short that it would be impossible to ride the motorcycle behind Spike. Guess I should wear this while I can, she mused. She paired it with a red off the shoulder blouse and silver earrings. She grabbed a purse, added lipstick and a stake, just in case, and went downstairs.
 
Spike whistled appreciatively. “Bloody hell, Slayer. Dress like that and we’ll never get to the restaurant. They’ll be too many men strewn in your path to move.”
 
Buffy smiled and kissed him. “You have my permission to drive over them,” she said. “But only in a strictly nonfatal way.”
 
“Killjoy,” he replied. Then he held the door for her and led her out to his motorcycle. Although she knew it was a bad example to set, Buffy decided to forgo the helmet and climbed behind Spike as is, wrapping her arms around his midsection and pressing herself close. Spike kicked the bike to life and sped off.
 
Their dinner destination was a relatively new French restaurant. The waiter led them to a secluded corner and Spike gallantly pushed in her chair for her. He helped translate the menu, and ordered an appropriate wine for himself, and a ginger ale for Buffy. When the drinks arrived, Spike proposed a toast. “To us,” he said simply.
 
“To us,” Buffy replied. “May we never have to interrupt a date for an apocalypse.”
 
“Oh now you’ve done it,” said Spike in mock exasperation. “We’ll be fighting off demon hordes before dessert.” They laughed and drank, looking deep into each other’s eyes as they did.
 
The dinner was a long, enjoyable, and delicious one. Buffy engaged in one of her favorite pastimes, asking Spike about various points in history that he had witnessed. She had never been all that interested in history as it was taught. But to learn about, say, life in the 1920’s from someone who had been out experiencing it was fascinating.
 
At the end of the meal, Spike paid the bill, then took her hand and led her back to the motorcycle. “I’ve got one other destination in mind, if you’re willing,” he said.
 
Buffy thought she detected a faint nervousness in his tone, as if he wasn’t sure she was going to like something. Intrigued, and wanting to reassure him, she said, “Lead on, Mr. Pratt. I’m at your mercy.”
 
Spike growled slightly. “Do you use my last name just to annoy me, or because you love me?” He never had liked a last name that was also an insult.
 
“A little of both,” Buffy said with a grin. Spike growled playfully once more, then got on the bike. He once again reveled in the feeling of her warm breasts pressed against his back, her hot little hands gripping him with a delicious force. He fought his rising arousal as he started the bike and headed out toward the coast. They sped along under a full moon until they reached a wild, deserted section of beach. The beach here was rocky, and lousy for swimming, but was truly beautiful in the moonlight, with the waves crashing and the wind ruffling the beach grass. Spike led her to a little promontory that jutted out over the sea and they stood there, arms around each other, watching the waves and the moonlight dance.
 
They turned to kiss each other long and deep. Buffy broke the kiss to admire her man, marveling at how dark his eyes were in this light and how the faint light seemed to make his white hair glow. “Thanks for bringing me out here,” she said. “It’s so beautiful.”
 
“You’re welcome, pet, but I had some ulterior motives as well.” He released her and smoothly drew a small box out of the pocket of his duster. “I know we tried this before, but I figure it was time to try again.” He went down on one knee and opened the box to reveal a delicate silver ring. He took a deep breath, and in a low voice like a caress asked, “Will you marry me?”
 
“Oh, Spike,” Buffy breathed, taking the ring from the box. It was beautiful, with three braided strands of silver crowned with a delicate oval diamond.
 
Spike took it from her gently, and slipped it onto her left hand. “You’re my mate in the eyes of the demon world. Will you be my mate in your world as well?”
 
“Yes. Oh God, yes,” she said as she drew him up for a kiss. The kiss went on and on, and she barely wanted to break it to come up for air. Spike finally scooped her up and jumped down to a small patch of sand. He set her down, pulled off his duster for a blanket, and together they sunk down to the ground, shedding clothes as they went. The waves formed a backdrop to the sound of their lovemaking, and their thoughts flowed between them like an endless river. Love you… Oh yes, so good… Yours. Always yours… Yours… They claimed each other again with teeth and bodies and minds, and it was so good Buffy thought she would cry from the intensity of the sensation. Heaven. You remind me of heaven, she sang in his mind, and he screamed her name to the sea as he came.
 
They floated forever before coming back to themselves, with Spike propped on his elbows, looking down at the beautiful woman beneath him. So that’s what you were hiding from me? Buffy asked when she finally had enough working brain cells to form sentences.
 
Yes. Wanted to surprise you and all. Do you like it?
 
It’s beautiful, she reassured him. What made you decide…?
 
Well, other than the fact that I love you? Buffy smiled and Spike kissed her before he continued his train of thought. For one thing, I found out that if we’re married, we don’t need to go through as many hoops with social services. No longer an ‘unrelated adult’, you see.
 
Buffy was surprised. Never really thought of that. Was that the only reason?
 
No, he admitted, stroking her hair. I guess my inner Victorian had a problem with my child being born a bastard. She felt the embarrassment coming over the link. I know it’s ridiculous, and I understand if you want the child to have your last name. I just…
 
Don’t worry, she soothed, kissing him gently. If your fake ID’s stand up enough for us to get a marriage license, then they’ll stand up enough for our baby to be a Pratt, if that’s what you want.
 
It’s stupid, I know. But my family died out with me. You have no idea the indoctrination that you got in that era. Your sworn duty to God and country was to generate an heir to pass on the family name, and the world would surely come to a screeching halt if you didn’t. Funny that I still feel that obligation, but there it is.
 
It’s ok, Spike. She looked deep into his blue eyes and ran one hand through his curly hair. I want to be yours, forever. And although I’ll probably keep my name, I truly don’t mind the baby having your name. I understand – it’s a different form of immortality, isn’t it?
 
Spike reveled in the feeling of being understood. Having someone actually understand him was something he had lacked his entire life. He still marveled at the irony of finding this understanding in his former mortal enemy. I love you. Even if the baby wasn’t in the picture, and no matter what happens, I want to be tied to you, for all time. You’ve always treated me like a man. The man in me wants to marry you. Not fair for the demon to have all the fun.
 
I love both of you. And although I’d really, really prefer a baby who looked like the man, I think I can survive whatever we end up with, as long as I’ve got you for a partner.
 
I don’t deserve you, he sighed happily. They fell back into caresses until dawn threatened and they headed for home.
 
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They awoke late the next morning, deeply content, their sleep for once unpunctuated by nightmares. They made their breakfast and while they ate it, made their plans.
 
“So, still want ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ for a first dance?” Spike teased, reminding her of their last engagement.
 
“Am I ever going to live that down?” she asked.
 
Spike considered. “No. Never. I’ll remind you every anniversary for the rest of your life.”
 
“Time to start rooting for the vampires then,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Seriously, though, I was thinking something really small. I don’t think I can deal with the stress of some big shindig.”
 
“Are you sure, love?” Spike asked. “I mean, don’t you girls have your weddings planned out to the minute from the time you’re eight years old?”
 
“Maybe once upon a time,” Buffy said with a twinge of regret. “But after everything I’ve seen since then, and with those dreams we’ve been having, I’m thinking quiet and intimate is the way to go.”
 
Spike understood. “We could just go to City Hall. Bring Dawn and Tara along as witnesses and call it done,” he offered.
 
“Don’t we have a bit of a problem with your sunlight allergy?” Buffy wondered, imagining the looks they would get if the groom came running in the door smoking.
 
“City Hall is connected to the tunnels. I could meet you there fairly easily. We could have a little celebration here afterward, just the four of us.”
 
“I’d like that,” Buffy said, smiling. The thought of a wedding with no drama, no protesting Scoobies or disapproving Watchers was highly appealing. “So since you obviously did the investigation, what do we have to do?”
 
“We have to go down with identification and all that and apply for the license. If everything checks out, they issue the license, and we can go pick it up and either bring it to whoever is doing the ceremony or just have the clerk marry us there. Takes about a week, I think.”
 
“I guess we have a date for Monday morning then,” Buffy said, moving over to stand between his knees as he perched on the stool. “What do you think Dawn’s going to say about all this?”
 
“I am imagining a squeal that is so high-pitched only werewolves can hear it,” Spike said, grimacing at the thought.
 
Buffy laughed. Then she added, “So should we wait until after the wedding to tell them about our other news?”
 
“Probably. Who knows, maybe Tara can help us out on that one,” Spike said, kissing her again. He worked his way down to her neck, nibbling lightly on the mark from the claim, sending shivers down her spine as he did.
 
“Mmm,” she sighed, losing her train of thought entirely. “What were we discussing anyhow?”
 
Must pay attention, Slayer. There’ll be a quiz later. Spike’s hands began roaming lower when they heard a car door slam. Nibblet’s back.
 
Guess we should break the news then?
 
Guess we should, Spike agreed as they reluctantly moved apart. Tara and Dawn came in the front door, and Spike and Buffy came to meet them. “Hey guys, how was your date?” Dawn asked cheerfully.
 
“It was really great,” Buffy said, in what had to be the understatement of the decade. “How was your evening?”
 
“I believe we both exceeded the USRDA for popcorn, chocolate, and chick flicks,” Tara said with a grin.
 
“Do you have a minute, Tara? We’ve got some news for both of you,” Buffy said, feeling a little nervous.
 
“Sure, what’s up?” Tara said, wondering what it could be. Spike led the way into the living room where they all sat down, with Buffy and Spike next to one another on the sofa.
 
“Well, we, um…” Buffy found herself tongue tied. This was so much easier when we were under a spell.
 
Spike chuckled softly and took over. “I’ve asked Buffy to do me the honor of being my wife, and she has accepted,” he said. The old fashioned phrases were spoken with such clear devotion that they came out like poetry, rather than like outdated language from a bygone age.
 
“You’re going to get married!?!” Dawn shrieked excitedly. Spike winced a little as her exuberant exclamation completely overwhelmed his vampire hearing. Knew that would happen. Dawn practically tackled both of them in a big hug. “That is so awesome!”
 
“Congratulations!” said Tara, who was equally pleased to hear their news, if slightly quieter about it.
 
Buffy disentangled herself from her sister to show off her ring. “It’s beautiful!” Dawn exclaimed. “When will it be? Where will we have it? Can I pick out the bridesmaid’s dresses?”
 
Buffy laughed. “Slow down, Dawn. Spike and I want to do something quiet at City Hall. We planned to just have you and Tara there, and then celebrate here afterward.”
 
Dawn looked disappointed. “But aren’t you going to tell Giles? And the others?”
 
“Dawnie,” Buffy said in a serious voice. “I’m really happy about this. I’m afraid that Giles and the others are just going to give us a hard time. It’s still so hard sometimes, being back. I just don’t want a fight.”
 
“But this is your wedding!” Dawn cried.
 
“And it will be lovely as it is,” Tara put in. “We’ll make sure there is cake, and anything else Buffy wants. And if Buffy wants a small wedding, I think we need to honor that.”
 
Buffy shot Tara a grateful look. “We’re going to go see about the license tomorrow. If it all goes well, we’ll go to City Hall the week after that. Are you free that Friday, Tara?”
 
“I’ll make sure I am,” she said warmly. She came over and hugged Buffy and Spike in turn. “I really am happy for both of you. You complement each other.”
 
“Thanks, Glinda,” Spike said. “Good to have you in our court.”
 
“Can I please help with party preparations?” asked Dawn.
 
“Ok. Just don’t go overboard, ok?” Buffy pleaded.
 
“I won’t,” Dawn promised. But you are not getting married without some sort of celebration. Not happening, she vowed silently.
 
TBC