Note to all: Just so you know, the lyrics used in this song are from Lone Star, and the original title of the song is amazed. Just so you know, I'm pretending Oz is the one who wrote them. They just fit, how I want him to feel about Willow. I also may have changed some of the words around, cause I don't have the sound track. I just wrote it the best I could from the radio.
***************Reception******** The music to Father of The Bride, sang out over the speakers as numerous couples began to dance. Oz was standing at the punch bowl, glancing occasionally at the young lady, clad in white satin, smiling happily at the two newly weds as they danced. She ducked her head and then looked up to take a sip of her red wine. Her lips stained by the translucent liquid, which made her all the more enticing. He had to admit that she never ceased to amaze him. With her red wavy hair and blonde highlights, she could easily pass off as a model. He thanked the heavens that she wasn't though. He couldn't imagine Willow turning out to be like Lisa. And to anyones observation, thats how all models turned out. She glanced around after setting her wine down and her eyes met up with Oz's. She smiled at him and waved him over. He complied and took the seat next to her.
"Some night. Wouldn't you say." Oz said calmly.
"Oh yeah. 2nd glass of wine and still going." Willow said sarcastically taking another sip of her wine. "I can't wait till the third one."
"So than you wouldn't mind if I asked you to dance?" Oz asked nonchalantly.
"I'd love to." Willow said before taking his hand. Slowly they made their way out to the dance floor. Oz's hands rounded her waist and her arms steadied around his neck. It was a little akward at first. They really didn't know what to say to eachother and they weren't exactly to intent on looking into eachothers eyes. They knew what happened when they did that. Instead she rested her chin on his shoulder, and swayed slowly to the music. His hands would run up and down her back and she'd make silent purring noises that no one else could hear. Oz could feel that Willow was content, once she relaxed into his arms, which only encouraged him to go on. Every thing felt natural then. Oz soon felt that silence wasn't good enough any longer and he was all up for talking.
"So..." Oz started conversationally. "since this evening seems to be so boring do you care to come sailing with me, once Xander and Cordelia leave?" Oz asked.
"That would be great. Besides I don't think I want to be in the house when Buffy and Jesse come home." She said. Her voice was a little higher than usual but Oz didn't notice. He was to worried about what he had just asked her. Was he being to obvious?
"Good. But don't tell Xander. He'll have me killed if he finds out." Oz said smiling into her hair. Uknowingly the two had stepped closer, their bodies pressed together comfortably.
"I won't." Willow said.
"Great....you know what. I kind of like this. Almost feels like old times." Oz said.
"Yeah. Almost." Willow said sadly. Oz noticing the sad tone in her voice decided to change the subject.
"Well anyways. I've made official plans to keep you on this dance floor until you say the word." Oz said smiling.
"What word?" Willow asked, forgetting about what happened between them 3 hours earlier.
"I'm not going to tell you because I plan on keeping you on the floor until you say it." Oz said smiling smugly. He tickled her ribs lightly, giving her a hint. Realization dawned on her. She looked at him with wide eyes.
"Oz..no. You know me. This is my resolve face. I never give in. I'll never say it." Willow said trying to sound serious, but so close to the edge of breaking out into intense laughter.
"First of all...I knew you 5 years ago. I've only known you 4 days since you came back. 2nd of all, thats not your resolve face, thats your smiley face. And 3rd, you should never say never." Oz said smiling devilishly.
"I'm not going to say it." Willow said resolved.
"Than your not leaving." Oz said smiling again.
"I don't have any problem with that." Willow said giggling with shiny eyes.
"Good. Lets keep it that way." Oz said.
Moments later the two had danced through 3 songs until the DJ came up to the Microphone.
"Alright all you love birds. Here is a song your never going to forget, written and performed by none other than Oz Larkin. Who would be the young man dancing with that fine looking young lady over there." The DJ, known as Usher said, emphasising the word Fine and smiling.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I present to you. 'Memories' by Oz Larkin." He said smiling.
Oz inwardly groaned. This was the song amongst many that the stupid DJ had to play. The one about Willow. *Oh god* Oz thought. The color drained out of his face. He hugged her closer as the beginning lyrics began to play softly over the speakers.
'Baby when you touch me'
'I can feel how much you love me'
'It just blows me away'Willow noticed his change in attitude. He was much quieter, and he was holding her so close. Whats up with him?
"Oz are you okay?" Willow asked with concerned eyes.
"I will be. This song just sort of hits a little to close to home...er...old times." Oz said, tightening his hold around her waist.
'I can hear your thoughts'
'I can see your dreams'
'I don't know how you do what you do'
'I'm so in love with you'
'It just keeps getting better'Realization dawned on her. He wrote that to her. When was it? Ah thats right. The day after they made love for the first time in her young life. She smiled at the thought.
"I remember this." Willow said into Oz's ear. Her breath against his ear made him shiver, and he started breathing a little faster. He gulped. She didn't seem upset.
"You do?" Oz asked. He thought she would be mad.
"Yeah. You wrote it to me, the day after we...well you know." Willow said blushing into his shoulder, unknowingly rubbing her nose against his neck.
"I thought you'd be mad." Oz said.
"Nope. Not mad. Flattered." Willow whispered, closing her eyes, and letting the music wash over her.
'I want to spend the rest of my life'
'with you by my side'
'Forever and Ever'
'Every little thing that you do'
'Baby I'm amazed by you'"This is something new. You didn't write all that." Willow said, searching her memory for the words erupting from the speaker.
"I know. I wrote the rest after you left." Oz said solemnly into her hair. Breathing in her scent, memorizing her voice as if this were the last time he would ever hold her again. She smiled into his neck and giggled. The feel of her breath against his skin again, nearly made him jump into orbit. The pulse points in his neck ticked, and Willow found herself stifling another laugh. She liked the way he reacted to her.
'The smell of your skin'
'The taste of your kiss'
'The way you whisper in the dark'
'your hair all around me'
'baby you surround me'
'you touch every place in my heart'Willow found herself sighing in content. This was perfect. A chance to get every thing out in the open. But she wanted to wait. After the reception would be better.
Oz felt like he was in heaven. Here he was, holding her, dancing with her, and she wasn't running away.
'Oh it feels like the first time, everytime'
'I want to spend the whole night
'in your eyes'
'I don't know how you do what you do'
'I'm so in love with you'
'It just keeps getting better'
'I want to spend the rest of my life'
'with you by my side'
'forever and ever'
'every little thing that you do'
'baby I'm amazed by you'"When did you write all this?" Willow asked. Tears of shock and joy were evident to his ear. He nuzzled her neck, and his reply turned out muffled. She giggled, when the vibrations from his throat, tickled her sensitive nape.
"About two or three years ago." Oz said, his eyes in a haze. He nearly panicked when she started to pull away. His hands froze, and he forced himself to look at her. She was studying him, a serious expression riding over her face as she looked lovingly into his eyes.
"Willow?" Oz asked concerned as they stopped dancing. His voice soon penetrated her thoughts and she realized she was staring. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She smiled a tremulous smile, and he soon found himself smiling as well. *What is she thinking?* Oz thought. Her manicured nails started playing with the hairs on the back of his neck. Either she was lost in time, or she was really determined, but she soon found her lips moving closer to his Her nose brushed against his, and she reveled in the feel of it. She sniffed, causing Oz to jump slightly. Her jaded eyes bore into his, and he too found himself lost in the moment.
Whether it was instinct, or pure will, she'd never know. She tilted her head just so, closing the distance between them, and she kissed him. Her lips brushed against his. The all to familiar feeling over whelming her. As if the kiss were expected, he kissed her back like nothing had happened. He wasn't shocked, he wasn't scared, he was...happy. The couple found themselves holding eachother, as the remaining lyrics rolled off of the stereo. Kissing sweetly. From a distance, Buffy sat in silence, sipping her wine, smiling for all the world to see. It was about time.
'every little thing that you do'
'I'm so in love with you'
'It just keeps getting better'
'I want to spend the rest of my life'
'with you by my side'
'forever and ever'The music started quieting down, and the last few lines were barily audible.
'every little thing that you do'
'baby I'm amazed by you'The song ended, the kiss didn't. Several onlookers turned their heads to see what all the comotion was and smiled. Whistles and cheers registered in Willow's brain, and she broke away slowly to see what was the center of everyone's attention. She blushed crimson, when she noticed that everyone was cheering at her and Oz. Oz found himself smiling at her embarrasment, and he held her close around the waist to keep her from falling in shock. He soon managed to make her feet move when the cheers grew louder, and slowly but surely, walked her out to the fresh night air. She nearly collapsed, exhausted and embarrassed. But happy. *I kissed Oz. He kissed me back* A smile crept on her face at the realization and she found herself being supported by the railing outside and Oz's hand. She turned her head to look at him, the cheers finally dieing down in the distance. She looked at him dreamily, watching him study her.
"I've been waiting 5 years to do that." Oz said smiling at her. Another blush suffused her face, and her gaze was soon fixated on her feet. She too found herself smiling.
"Me too." Willow said softly. She felt him shift next to her, and she stole her gaze from the ground to look at him. His gaze matched her own. Full of adoration and love. "I've been waiting forever." Willow found herself admitting. His smile widened, and his eyes were dancing with mischief. She smiled herself. "What are you thinking?" Willow asked, her expression matching his. For his answer, he leaned in closer, brushing his nose against hers. One hand began carressing her cheek, and the other rounded her waist. He kissed her once, gently, and pulled away.
"What do you think?" Oz asked smiling, before leaning in to meet her in another kiss. Her knees nearly buckled, at the sensations his kiss sent through her body, thankful for the railing behind her. The arms at her side, circled his neck, as she held on to him for dear life. Their tongues dueled, as the moment washed over them. His mustache tickled her nose and she started laughing into his mouth. He pulled away, slightly to see what was so funny. His eyes questioning, she answered.
"Your mustache. It tickles." Willow said before leaning in to kiss him. Her hands found his, and their fingers locked as the kiss intensified once again Oz's arms went around her waist, causing Willow's hands to go to her back because they were still locked with Oz's. From the windows to the balcony, Cordelia, Xander, Buffy, Jesse, and Giles silently watched as the couple reminisced. Jesse held Buffy, around the waist, and silently kissed the top of her forehead.
"Its about time those two got back together." Cordelia said sighing.
"No kidding." Buffy and Xander said in unison.
"We shouldn't be staring." Cordelia said.
"Is there anything better to do?" Giles asked. Cordelia and the rest looked at him in shock, than shrugged, and the group continued to watch as Willow and Oz embraced for the second time.
******** Willow broke away again smiling.
"Oz..*kiss*..Oz? *kiss* *kiss*.
"What? *kiss*"
"We're being watched. *kiss*"
"You noticed that too? *kiss*" Oz asked. He kissed her again, and then the two parted momentarily to look in the direction of their friends. Embarrassed looks appeared on all of their faces, at the knowledge that they had been caught. Buffy smiled and blushed, bussled the others away from the window, and pulled the curtains so the two could have some privacy.
"Remind me to thank her." Willow said, before kissing his cheek and unwinding her arms from his. Oz groaned, as the cold air hit his chest, from where Willow used to be.
"Definately." He noticed Willow heading for the balcony doors. "Where you going?" Oz asked. "I'm not done with you yet." Oz said, stepping in front of her, kissing her, and backing her up against the railing again. She placed her hands on his shoulders to steady him.
"I want to go inside." Willow said, smiling against his lips and shivering. "To cold out here." Willow said, before giving him one last kiss on the cheek. She some how managed to twist out of his hold, and opened the doors to the balcony, where Giles, and the rest were waiting for the two anxiously at the table. Oz followed her in, holding her hand as she lead the way over to the table. Everyone looked at the couple, somewhat ashamed, but grinning widely at the look of Willow's disheveled hair, and Oz's flushed face.
"Have fun?" Buffy asked conversationally. Willow smiled at her, and squeezed Oz's hand a little tighter.
"Lots. Especially, when we know that we had an audience." Willow said, her voice raising slightly as she looked at everyone at the table. Everyone at the table was speechless. Xander couldn't even find the nerve to make a joke.
"Well, I have to say that I'm not surprised. It was bound to happen." Buffy said. Willow gushed at the thought, in a good way, and kissed Oz on the cheek. He blushed slightly, under her attention and smiled.
"What time is it?" Oz asked.
"I'd say its about 5 after 7." Xander said.
"nuhhh." Willow said. "You guys are leaving in less than 30 minutes." Willow said bouncing slightly, her face scrunched up in sadness. "I won't be seeing you guys for a long time."
"Why is that?" Cordelia asked.
"Well. You know. I've got to go back to NewYork. I do have a job." Willow said.
"So. I can always come visit you. Plus, if your not familiar with the phone, I'm going to call your supervisor and tell him to kick you off the staff." Cordelia said. Willow smiled slightly. "Besides..no doubt, Oz will keep you company." Cordelia said, chewing on some cellery. Willow blushed slightly, and looked down at her hand. Oz was stroking it, which sent a great deal of comfort through her. Everyone sat there for a few moments, until Giles broke in.
"Well. I still haven't gotten a chance to dance with the bride, or Willow for that matter, so whose my first victim." Giles said smiling cheerily.
"Is it just me or is there something different with Giles lately?" Buffy asked. "He's acting...american." Buffy said shuddering.
"Well, a nice long vacation will do that for you." Giles said. "I never thought it would feel this good to retire." Giles said, reclining in his chair and smiling.
"Yikes." Oz said.
"Well who is first?" Giles asked.
"Go ahead and dance with Cordelia, Giles. I want to talk to Xander before he leaves." Willow said.
"Alrighty then." Giles said, jumping up like a teenager and taking Cordelia's hand.
"Your pretty strong for a man over 50." Cordelia said into his ear.
"I'm 49, I'll have you know." Giles said.
"I thought you had to be over 50 to retire." Cordelia said.
"Early retirement. And basically, if it isn't early retirement, you have to be over 65. Blasted kids. You think you'd want to work forever. But I assure you that once you've done it for over 30 years, it gets awfully boring." Giles said. Cordelia chuckled.
"How do you think it will go between Willow and Oz?" Cordelia asked.
"I'd have to say that they have an awfully shaky future ahead of them. No doubt that they haven't even began to work out their problems. But, I do have much confidence in the two. Just about as much as I have in you and Xander." Giles said.
"Because they love each other. Right?" Cordelia asked.
"Yes." Giles said in a voice that had the impending doom to follow with a 'but?'
"But?" Cordelia asked picking up on his tone.
"Sometimes love isn't enough." Giles said sadly. "Just have faith in them."
****** "So is everything better?" Buffy asked Oz, as they stepped out onto the dance floor.
"Not everything. But it will be." Oz said giving her a sly grin.
"What about you two though. I mean, are you going to date?"
"I should hope so." Oz said smiling.
"How? She lives in NewYork, and you live in California." Buffy said.
"I don't know. I can always come visit her. I could also move, or ask her to move, if she wanted to." Oz added in.
"Aren't you sort of jumping the barrell on that one?" Buffy asked.
"I don't think so." Oz said.
"What ever makes you happy."
****** "So, things finally looking up for you two?" Xander asked.
"Sort of. I still kind of feel a little guilty." Willow said.
"Guilty?" Xander asked.
"Well yeah. We just kissed Xander. We didn't work anything out. All I know is that he wants me and that I want him." Willow said.
"Well I should think that thats all that matters." Xander.
"He still doesn't know everything Xander. You don't know everything. Buffy doesn't know everything either. I just have this gut feeling that once everything comes out, he's going to regret that he ever met me." Willow said sadly.
"I have faith in you two. You'll work it out." Xander said smiling lightly.
"Thanks Xan." Willow said as the song ended and they changed partners.
*********