"Let's just hope that either Wes or Xander shares your sense of responsibility," Anya says. "Oh god- you don't think Angel would trust Xander with your ring, do you?"
"Not a chance! Angel's carrying it with him until we get to LA and he can give it Wesley."
"Smart man," Anya smiles. "Don't get me wrong- I love him to death, but Xander's the posterboy for irresponsibility. I can't even picture him as a father, let alone handle a simple wedding ring."
"Speaking of fathers," Dawn begins. For weeks she had been meaning to talk with Buffy about the issue, but was afraid of how she would react. "Buffy, I know you don't want to talk about it, but what do you think Dad is going to have to say about all of this?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean- you and Angel being married? Dad's never even met Angel."
"Still not seeing the problem here."
"Don't you think he's going to go postal once he finds out the two of you are married- not to mention the fact that you didn't invite him to your wedding?"
"I don't know. Quite frankly, at this point, I don't really care either. I mean, dad's never shown much of interest anways. All I know for sure is that nothing is stopping me from marrying Angel."
"Believe me when I say, I'd make sure you stick to that," Cordy says. "Angel is the best man I've ever known and probably will ever know. I mean, he's smart, he's sensitive, he's funny- well, he has his moments-, he's caring, he's-"
"Sexy as hell?" Anya chimes in before Buffy gives her a shocked glare. "Oh come on- like you all weren't thinking the same thing? Well, except maybe you two" she looks over at Willow and Tara, "and maybe you," she nods at Dawn.
"Hey I may be young- but I'm not that young to not take notice of something that scrumptious-"
"Dawn!" Buffy shouts at her sister's outburst.
"Yeah- and just because Willow and I are...'Willow and I' doesn't mean we don't know a gorgeous-"
"Could you all please stop drooling over my guy?" Buffy laughs.
"But it's so much fun," Dawn jokingly whines.
"Oh.if you wanna hear fun," Anya begins, "last night, Xander and I were trying this new thing in bed, where we- ok, first......"
******
"There is no way she's going 55. She's doing at least 70. She's gonna get pulled over- in *my* car, and she's gonna get a ticket, and she's gonna try charming her way out of it, and she'll wind up getting thrown in ja-"
"Try breathing between sentences, Angel." Xander sped up a little to keep up with Cordy. Now watching an almost hyperventalating Angel sitting beside him, he tried to turn his attentions away from Cordy's own unique driving abilities and onto tomorrow's wedding. "You know, it's unhealthy to be this tightly-wound the day before you're wedding man.and considering that you're human and have to actually worry about you're health now-"
"I can't believe it's tomorrow," Angel started to calm down at the mention of his and Buffy's long awaited day.
"Neither can I. But then, I haven't really been able to believe half the stuff you two have experienced over the years." The two shared a laugh and Xander reached over to pop in a different CD for them to listen to. "Say Angel...I'm glad it's just the two of us, cause there's some stuff I wanted to, ya know...talk about with ya." Angel passed Xander a curious glare as he began his confession. "I know that I've never said it to you before, but.I just wanted to say.I'm sorry."
"Xander-"
"Angel, this is probably the only time I've ever really apologized to anyone so you might want to let me get this out- it could be good blackmail material." He took a sip from his water bottle before continuing. "It's no secret that I wasn't always the most supportive person of yours and Buffy's relationship from the word go. I admit- there's not much that I fully understood about just what's between the two of you. But the one thing that I always knew- even though I could never admit it to myself- is that.you two belong to each other. What you have is a rare thing- especially considering everything."
Angel shifted in his seat a bit to face Xander. Having a heart to heart talk with the guy who would've been glad to stake him on numerous occasions over the years wasn't exactly what he had expected the day before his wedding. And to finally hear him admitting what everyone else had always known to be a universal truth- Angel simply smiled up at him. "I know."
"I think...falling in love with Anya helped to put things into perspective for me. And before all the partying and craziness ensues-" he joked, trying to make light of the matter, "I just wanted a minute alone with you to tell you. I'm sorry."
"I appreciate that Xander. I know that Buffy would too."
"Speaking of the Buffster," he tossed Angel his cell phone, "give her a call. See just what those she-devils are saying about us." Angel quickly dialed the number of his own cell phone, smiling warmly upon hearing Buffy's cheeful voice. "Hey sweetie."
"Tell Cordelia to slow down."
"Oh, gee I'm fine, Angel. Thanks for asking-"
"Sorry...how are you?"
"Wonderful now that I get to hear your sane voice."
"I'll take that as a much-deserved compliment."
"Dawn won't stop annoying me, Will, Cordy, and Tara keep pestering me about whether we have everything ready for the wedding, and Anya is going into totally uneccessary details about her and Xander's sex life. All in all- I'm about ready to hurl myself out of the car. How are you and Xand getting along?"
"Great- though we're probably not having as much fun as you seem to be having," he laughed.
"Mmm- very funny. You know-"
"Buffy...hang up that phone," Angel could hear Cordelia shout. "It's only another half-hour until we reach LA- can't you and Angel wait that long to drool over each other? This is supposed to be quality girltalk time, not phonesex with our fiancee time."
"I think I'll let you get back to 'girltalk time' with the others," Angel smiled. "I love you."
"Love you too." Before he hung up, Angel heard the others mimicking Buffy with a chorus of "We love you too, Angel," coming from the car.
"How's everyone?" Xander asked him as Angel handed him the phone back.
"Anya's going into explicit details about the x-rated happenings of your bedroom," he chuckled.
"You know, you don't know how lucky you are that Buffy's not all 'kiss and tell' like my Anya. I swear man- for our wedding, forget buying us any china- just buy me a muzzle and I'll be forever grateful."
Part 3
"Mmm.I missed you," Buffy sighs as she gathers Angel into her arms in front of the Hyperion, pulling him in for a deep kiss.
"I missed you too."
"Ya know if they're this bad now-" Angel picks up on his sister's voice, "just imagine what they'll be like after they're married." The two pull out of their embrace, a shy smile upon their faces as they approach Ashlan.
"So tomorrow's the big day, huh?" she asks as she wraps Angel into a hug.
"After all this time," he smiles at her. "You're looking good, Ash."
"Can't complain. Doing a lot better now that everyone's here and we can get this thing started," she walked over to Buffy's open arms, returning her hug. "How've you been, Buffy?"
"Tired.but in a good way," she beamed.
"I'll bet." she gave her a sly smile. Releasing her, Ash welcomed the others, sharing a warm embrace with Cordy. As they walked, Cordy was busy telling Ash about how she managed to make Angel squirm after weaseling her way into driving his car for the trip.
"You know, now that you mention it- hey Angel," she called over to her brother, "how come you've never let me drive your car?"
"What is it with everyone wanting to drive my car?? It's a car, not exactly a ride at Disneyworld," he joked.
" 'Disneyworld'?" Ash raised an eyebrow at mention of the amusement park
"Remember when I took you and Dawn to Great Adventure?" Cordy began her explanation. "Think bigger, sappier, and with more moronic misfits dressed up as annoyingly-cute animals." Cordelia wrapped an arm around her shoulder, walking with her into the Hyperion's lounge. They slowly pace into the large building, and as Buffy reaches for the light...
"Surprise!!!!"
"Oh my gawd!" She and Angel were in complete awe of the sight that was before them. Balloons and decorations filled the large dining room, as well as the LA gang- Wes, Gunn, Fred, and Spike were all standing around the table, cheering and clapping.
"Well.not so much a surprise, seeing as how you both knew we were throwing you this party," Fred's nervous babbling made the entire family smile, "but- happy engagement! Even though I guess it's a little late to be saying that- since you'll be married tomorrow and all, but-"
"Boy- do you know how to beat a happy moment to death, or what?" Gunn walked up behind the young girl, lightly nudging her side. "Congratulations you two." Hugs are passed among the entire family as everyone makes their way into the larger dining room to sit down for a late breakfast.
"Either one of you fancy a drink?" Spike asked as he reentered the kitchen with his newly opened bottle of whiskey.
"Spike.it's 10 in the morning and you're drinking?" Buffy gave him a surprised stare.
"You're right.I'm a few hours late. I'm usually nice and loaded by 8," he answered as he took a big gulp.
"You know, I've never understood how you can drink that stuff. How can you even taste it?" Angel asked, remembering all too well what it was like not being able to enjoy the tastes of foods or drinks.
"It doesn't matter if you can taste it, Peaches- all that matters is if it gets you wasted and numbs you!" Spike stumbles over to his seat, joining the rest of the party
"So, I guess you guys are pretty excited about the big day tomorrow, huh?" asked Gunn as they all began eating, ignoring Spike's customary rude behavior.
"We can hardly wait," exlaimed Buffy, gently tightening her grip on Angel's hand.
"This is going to be so wonderful," says Willow. "You two are *finally* getting married- and on Valentine's Day to top it off. It's almost too much."
"It's going to be one beautiful day," Wesley agrees. After helping clean up from breakfast, Gunn, Xander, and Wes head on out into the back courtyard of the hotel to try and teach the seemingly clueless Giles, Angel, and Ashlan the joys of football, as Buffy, Cordelia, and the rest of the girls watch on from the patio.
"So Buffy," says Anya as she takes a sip of her soda, "where are you and Angel going for your honeymoon?"
"I have no idea. Angel is keeping it a surprise, but I have a feeling that Cordy knows," says Buffy as she looks towards the smiling brunette.
"I'm not saying a word, so don't even think about trying to sweet-talk it out of me," says Cordelia to her knowing just what she would do to try and find out.
"Why is it that everytime somthing big happens in my life, I'm the last to know about it?"
"Because if Angel found out I had told you, I don't think he'd ever forgive me."
"Yeah, Buffy," Tara agrees. "And besides, this way it will be even more wonderful, being a surprise."
"Well, no matter where we're going, I guess it really doesn't matter, so long as I'm with Angel."
"Oh spare me," Spike's grumble can be heard from inside. "Do you have to be so lovey-dovey even when the two of you-"
"Ignore him, Buffy," Cordy laughs. "Poor Spike's just upset that he still can't enjoy a good sunshine like the rest of us," she looks over her shoulder, passing him a glare. "Plus- he's starting to sober up."
"Exactly. Being with Angel- that's the only thing that matters." Anya waves to a smiling Xander, as he's blindsided by Gunn, and Angel is almost rolling on the ground laughing hysterically.
"Keep it up Xander, and you might just find a career as a tackling dummy in no time," laughs Angel.
"Oh, you think this is funny? You wait!" Xander pulls himself up from off the grass, and begins chasing Angel through the yard. Angel, easily out running him, runs up back into the hotel, shuts the glass door and places himself behind the girls, creating a protective shield for himself. Xander eventually comes through the door, and goes to lunge for him.
"Uh-uh. You wouldn't go through your best friends, not to mention your fiancee, just to get to me, would you?"
"Oh wouldn't I?"
"You'd better not even try it if you know what's good for you, *honey*," says Anya, as she stands up to wrap her arms around Xander's neck, placing a kiss on his lips.
"My one weakness," sighs Xander. "Truce?"
"For now," smiles Angel, as he and Xander share a short hug, and a few laughs. Everyone returns inside as soon as Cordy starts blasting the music, trying to introduce Ashlan to some new trends.
Part 4
"This is what passes as music?" the young hybrid asks, shaking her head at Cordelia's first choice.
"It's Nsync, and it's pretty good," Cordy tells her.
"Yeah- in that smash-your-head-in-with-a-sledgehammer sorta way," Gunn says. "I'll stick with some rock or r&b any day over this stuff."
"I'm just used to instrumental music. And even when it did have singing, at least it was comprehendible. This stuff is just.useless noise."
"Well it's nice to see someone shares my opinion of what today's youth listens to," Giles laughs.
"Okay- fine, fine. How about this-" Cordy switches cd's, putting on instead a song which Buffy instantly recognizes. "Oh- I love this song." She immediately grabs Angel's hands from around her waist, pulling him out to dance. He chuckled and shook his head at her as she begun moving her hips against his, daring him to move along with her.
Everyday brings change
And the world puts on a new face
Certain things rearrange
And this whole world seems like a new placeSecretly I've been tailin' you
Like a fox who preys on a rabbit
I had to get you and study you
I had to learn your ways and habits
You were the catch that I was after
But I looked up and I was in your arms
And I knew that I was captured
Angel was a bit surprised, blushing as he recalled in his mind the last time when he was the one watching instead of participating as he was now, when she did such a similar sexy dance with Xander that fateful night. He gently held her waist, pulling her close as he began moving his body to the slow, seductive beat- the words seeming to be painting the exact picture of just how their forbidden love had first started.
What's this whole world coming to?
Things just ain't the same
Everytime the hunter gets captured by the game
He smiled down at her, noticing the shimmering glint of her light green eyeshadow, which complimented her eyes. His hands slipped up and down her back as he moved closer to her, gently dancing against her hips. She smiled back, winking as he grew more accustomed to the steady beat of the song. Teasingly pushing him away, she seductively licked her lips, her teeth worrying at her lip-gloss smeared bottom lip.
I had it laid, such a tender trap
Hopin' you might fall into it
But your love hit me with a sudden slap
One kiss and then I knew it
He almost let out a moan as she turned away from him, grinding back against him. He felt her backside brush against him, and for a second he thought his knees would give way. He planted his hands at her curvacious hips, watching intently as her body swayed against his.
My plans didn't work out like I thought
Cause I had laid my trap for you
But it seems that I got caught
He held her tight, never wanting to let her go. Her body mist wafted up to his nose, his mind wandering to the night before. The scent reminded him of making love with her, her luscious, sweet aroma filling his nose. She laughed softly, seemingly reading his mind, and kissed the tip of his nose, tangling her fingers with his.
What's this whole world coming to?
Things just ain't the same
Everytime the hunter gets captured by the game
He quickly snapped out of his thoughts as Spike's shrill voice came pouring down from upstairs. "Ashlan!! You'd better be gone by the time I get down there!!" Spike came storming down the stairs- in his hands were shattered, marble remains.
Part 5
"And so it begins," Wesley sighs, picking up his glass and retreating into the kitchen to avoid the initial fireworks. For weeks he had put up with listening to their constant bickering- one day it was about battle tactics, the next about what movie to go see. He was almost at the point where he was beginning to regret suggesting that the two be given the opportunity to work together. 'I wonder how they were able to tolerate one another all those years ago. But then, that's right- he helped kill her. Must've finally reached some sort of breaking point' Wesley was broken out of his thoughts as he reentered the lounge, picking up on their argument.
"...now what I am supposed to wear tomorrow, brat?!"
"Spike- it was a sculpture- not exactly the type of thing you can wear-"
"I was going to sell this-" he held up the remaining pieces, "tonight to Gavin down at the pawnshop. One of the heads alone was worth a bleedin' $500! Now how am I going to pay for a suit to wear to the freakin' ceremony?!"
"You-" Dawn eyed him questioningly, "in a suit? A plain old, ordinary, accompanied-by-some-godawful-looking-tie suit?"
"Did you really expect me to wear leather pants and a tee inside a church, bit?"
"But the wedding's not inside a church-" Tara reminded him. "It's in the garden- outside the mansion, remember?"
"Still...I did want to make an attempt to look a lil' formal for the two of you, but since your sister here decided to go playing around with my things..." Spike trailed off as Angel grasped the broken pieces in his own hands. Sitting down at the nearby coffee table, he eyed the remains carefully until at last, he recognized the extremely old piece of art.
"How was I supposed to know it would break as soon as it hit the floor?! It's not like you don't have hundreds of other things you could-"
"Uh- guys??" Angel stood, carrying the pieces with him as he approached the two of them. "Ash- you didn't break Spike's sculpture." Ash breathed a sigh of relief before realizing that now, she was completely confused by what Angel had just told her. "Wait- what do you mean I didn't break it? I watched it go crashing to the ground. And if those aren't it's pieces crumbled in your hands, I'd like to know what you're holding."
"You broke *my* sculpture," he almost shouted at the both of them.
"That thing was yours??" Ash watched as he solemnly nodded his head, passing another angry glance at Spike. "Oh..."
"Do you want to know the part that really gets me?" Angel laughed as he asked the both of them. "The fact that *you've* had it all this time-" he looks up at Spike, "and you were planning on pawning it! This was the oldest piece of art I had. Do you know how much this is worth?!"
"Well...I know it's worth at least $500-" Spike quickly stopped himself as he noticed Angel's glare grow angrier.
"I had hoped to give it to Buffy one day-" he held up the pieces, the full image of the beautiful depiction of two lovers embraced in a passionate kiss filling his mind, "but somehow, I could never find it."
"Well-" Ash tried to slip away, "at least you finally found it," she gave him a nervous chuckle, slowing inching away a few steps before Angel grabbed her.
"What good is it going to do me now?!" Ash passed a helpless glance at Spike, who passed a somewhat scared glance back at his sire. Angel abruptly handed the pieces to Buffy, who watched as he began chasing after the bleachblonde annoyance, who was chasing after an extremelely apologetic Ashlan.
"I guess this would be the fun-and-games part of our little shindig?" Xander laughed, surprised at just how fast the three of them were chasing each other up the stairs of the hotel. Wesley passes him a weak smile, trying to ignore the usual rowdiness that he had become accustomed to. 'On second thought- perhaps it was a good idea separating the three of them.'
Tara swiftly pulls Will and Dawn out of the way as Ash almost trips when she reaches the bottom of the stairs. Turning the corner, she pushes past the rest of them as Spike begins his descent as well- Angel right behind him. "Wait 'til I get my hands around your scrawny lil' neck" Spike yells out to her, watching as she jumps over the nearby couch.
"I really don't think it's going to do him any good if he's unconscious," Giles speaks up, noticing Angel picking up in speed a bit. The three continue their chase throughout the downstairs until Ash decides to take the pursuit outside. Racing through one of the back doors, she runs up to the furthest point on the huge patio. Without realizing what he was doing, Spike continues his sprint until finally dragging himself to a halt once he felt the sun's harmful rays. Reaching the door before any flames could fully erupt on his body, he stood back, making way for Angel to race past him. 'Well if I can't kill her- at least he can.'
"Angel- Angel, I'm sorry. I-I didn't know it was yours. If I did, I wouldn't have been messing around with it- well okay, maybe I would have, but...I would've been more careful with it." Ash closes her eyes, expecting to be either yelled at or knocked off the wooden structure.
"It's...alright. Maybe I can...glue it or something."
"What? Are you kidding me? You mean to tell me you've just spent the last ten minutes chasing me around this monstrousity you can an office and you're not even mad??" she asks, unable to believe her good fortune. "What a guy- what a great guy!"
"Actually, I was chasing Spike. And I am still mad," he approaches her, taking her by the arm as they walk back into the hotel. "You'll just pay for it out of your salary."
"What a guy," she says again, only this time sighing. "What a... great...great guy." The two reach the doorway and were met with a smugly smiling Spike.
"So did the two of you make up or wh-" a loud thud could be heard in the lounge before Ash and Angel reentered.
"Where's Spike?" Buffy asked.
"I guess all the running really knocked him out," Ash smiled, shaking her hand a bit from the solid contact it had made with Spike's face.
Part 6
"You know, I need to know where we're going if I'm going to pack for our honeymoon," Buffy says trying to get the surprise out of Angel.
"Not so fast- Cordelia will take care of that after the wedding," Angel answers her, tightening his hold on her perched atop his lap. After dinner, everyone has presented their wedding presents to the happy couple and are set to all return to Sunnydale for the wedding the next morning. While Giles is helping clean up, he sees a box that he hadn't noticed before in the pile. He looks to see if there is a tag, but insead he finds a letter from Spike.
"Buffy...Angel," he calls out, "come over here." Angel and Buffy make their way over to the counter, as Giles hands the letter and small package to Angel.
"This is from Spike."
"I know," says Giles. "Strange, isn't it?"
"Well, open it up," says Buffy, as she takes the package from his hands so that he could open the envelope. He begins to read out loud-
Angel and Buffy,
Just a little early wedding present for the two of you. After all of the pain and torment that the three of us have bestowed upon one another over the years (in our case- centuries, Angel)well...I still pretty much can't stand the both of you, or the kiddie squad you call friends. You're a bunch of lovesick, whimpering fools- the lot of you. But I will admit- I respect you both and what you have together. So I suppose I should congratulate you on finally wising up to your dimwitted selves and realizing that what the two of you have always needed was right in front of you the whole time.
"Spike??", finishes Angel, as he can barely believe what he has just read. With that, Buffy proceeds to open up their package from Spike. "It's a new coffee pot. A pretty normal gift...I'm a little surprised, it being from Spike. Oh, wait...there's a card." She hands the new, and quite cute coffee pot to Angel, as she reads the card. "I've heard how 'wonderful' your 'cooking skills' are, Buffy, so I hope that you can make good use of this."
As Angel and the others can't help but to laugh a little at Spike's gentle teasing, Buffy speaks up. "Does the entire world know that I'm not the best cook? What is this? Ok, so I'm not Julia Child- big deal, right...? Right...?" As she notices her fiancee and friends still trying to hide their chuckles, she can't help but to laugh herself. "Ok...so that was...mildly funny."
"What was funny?" came Spike's groggy voice from behind the couch. His left hand appeared over the side of the couch as he attempted to pull himself up off the floor. "Uggh...where's my drink?. My head's killin' me."
"Oh Spike...you've come to," Ash chuckles. "For a minute I was afraid I'd hit you too hard. You're just in time. Angel and Buffy really like your gift."
"Hmm...?" He finally manages to pull himself up, holding the top of his head with his right hand. "What gift...? Oh- that," he nods towards where Buffy was holding the coffee pot. "Yeah...whatever. I couldn't think of anything else to get you that didn't involve a human sacrifice, so I asked some twit working at the store to help me pick something out."
"Well...thanks just the same," says Buffy. "It was...sorta thoughtful...I guess."
"Yeah, yeah. Don't go all mushy on me with that lovey-dovey crap. Save that for your great Poof over there. So when are we leaving? It's almost sundown."
"Yes," Giles speaks up. "We'd better get going. Big day ahead of us."
"Mmm," Buffy agrees, leaning further into Angel's embrace. "You're right. I need enough sleep tonight because I'm looking perfect on my wedding day. And besides...we still have one more place to go tonight."
"As soon as we get home," Angel promises her as they gently kiss.
"Great- I guess it's my turn to drive then!" Ashlan quickly races out to Angel's car before he has the chance to catch her- keys in hand, and a laughing Cordelia alongside her.
Part 7
"Almost got it...there- that piece fits."
"What is taking Dawn so long? I mean, how dressed up does a person have to be to visit-"
"Alright- that piece holds."
"Dawn!! Come on!! It's getting late!! You guys-" Buffy walked into the kitchen to find Willow, Tara, Ash, and Cordy sharing some snacks before turning in for the night. "Are you sure you don't want to come?"
"This is really something that you three should be doing together," Willow answered for the group. "I mean, don't get me wrong- you know we all...well, you know...but, you guys should really go by yourselves."
"Yeah- assuming Dawn decides to join us any time in the next century," Buffy returned to her living room and called up to her sister again.
"I'm coming! Give me five more minutes!"
"Try more like five more hours," Buffy muttered under her breath.
"Just...one...more..."
"That hand is backwards," Buffy pointed out. "Dawn!! Get down here, now!!"
"Thanks. Now...if I can just..."
"Did you pick up the flowers-"
"Ssh...wait a minute...almost got it...there! Good as new! Now all I have to do is let it sit, undisturbed, for just a few hours, and-"
"Here I am, *master*," Dawn came bouncing down the steps. "God- what's the hurry anyways- not like we're rushing to beat any lines or anything- *slam*" As she stormed out of the house to hop into the back of Angel's car, she slammed the front door behind her, sending the freshly glued sculpture crashing to the ground. It instantly smashed into even more pieces than Angel had began with when he returned home, attempting to put it back together.
"I should've seen that coming," Angel sighed, tossing the bottle of glue off to the side.
"Well...look at it this way- at least I got to see how beautiful it was before it got destroyed again."
"Maybe I can...glue the bits of dust...back together...or something," he sighed, placing the pieces into a small box. He gathered his and Buffy's jacket's, along with the three bouquets of flowers before heading out the door.
Part 8
She gave herself to me
She's gone away from me
Where is her heartbeat coming from?
Lost is the heartbeat where I come fromLie awake when the morning comes and I taste the fear
I can't live on the breath you take but I still feel you near
Where is her heartbeat coming from?
Lost is the heartbeat where I come fromSay goodnight to your mourning child
I'll say goodbye to you sleeping one
The night air held an all encompasing chill in it as the three strolled onto the site. Angel, hand in hand with both Buffy and Dawn, led the silent trio as they walked past each tree, over each blade of grass, each step bringing them closer to their destination. Hesistant at first upon reaching it, Dawn was the first to step forward, flowers in hand. "These are for you, mom." Kneeling down, the young girl gently laid her bouquet over the grave. "I miss you," she whispered, fighting to hold back her tears. She took a few moments as she lowered her head in thoughts. Buffy lifted her head from Angel's arm when she noticed Dawn stand back up. She watched from their distance as her sister's lips formed the words 'I love you' and she walked back towards them.
"I'll be in the car."
"Dawnie...are you okay?" Buffy asked her.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine. You two take all the time you need. Go ahead." Dawn turned to walk back to the car, leaving Angel and Buffy alone to visit Joyce. Buffy took Angel's hand to lead him over, but he hesitated.
"Are you sure you don't want to go by yourself?"
"Come on," she wrapped an arm around his waist as he did the same, following along with her as they approached the grave. "Hi mom," Buffy began, placing the flowers down beside Dawn's. "I know it's been a little while since I've been out, but...things have been...pretty busy around here. I've been missing you like crazy though. In fact, for a minute there, I thought we would've been reunited. See- I know this is hard to believe, but...I died- you know, again. Glory finally managed to get hold of Dawn, but by the time we had things straightened out, the portal was already opened and the only way to stop it was either me or Dawn. So I think you can guess who wound up taking the big swan dive into the drowning pool..." Buffy felt herself begin to go weak but felt Angel right behind her, steady as a rock as he came to rest his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them gently, trying to ease her as best he could.
"So I did actually die- went through a burial and everything. I won't spare you with the details, but somehow, Willow and the others managed to bring me back. It wasn't so great though, mom. For the longest time, I couldn't feel anything. I couldn't feel myself anymore. I even kept thinking to myself, 'Why did they have to do it? Why did they bring me back?' because I was so happy, mom. I was so happy that I'd finally found some sort of peace and would've been able to see you again."
"The only thing that finally really brought me back to life is standing right here with me tonight. And he's going to be by my side for the rest of my life, mom." Buffy moved aside a bit, motioning for Angel to go ahead. At first feeling uncertain, Angel looked to his love with indefinite eyes before she gave him a heartwarming smile, urging him to go on.
"Hello Joyce. It's...it's Angel," he finally whispered, feeling a bit ridiculous at his last comment. 'The woman's probably looking down on you right now- of course she knows who you are.' "I know that I'm probably the last person on earth that you would expect to be visiting you, but I wanted to...tell you a few things." He finally placed the bouquet he brought alongside the other two as he continued. "I know that you never thought too highly of me or of my relationship with Buffy. You and I never really...well, we never really got the chance to.get to know one another very well, and I'm sorry for that. Leaving Buffy those few years ago after our little talk was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. And then when I'd heard that she had died...it was the first time in 248 years that I'd finally felt dead."
"But somehow...your daughter and I have finally been given a break, and we can be together. I've earned my humanity through her, and I intend to share it with her as my wife. I just...wanted you to know that...my whole life is Buffy, and I love her with everything that I am or could ever hope to be. And I promise you that I'm going to take excellent care of your daughter- of both of your daughters," he emphasized, feeling on the brink of tears himself as he heard Buffy's quiet sobs from behind him. "So...thank you, Joyce. Thank you for...for giving me Buffy...for giving me my reason to live." He slowly stood up from his kneeling position, gathering Buffy back into his arms as he kissed her softly on the top of her head.
"That was beautiful," she whispered to him.
"I meant every word," he said, gently wiping away the remaining fragments of her tears. "I just hope she knows that."
"She does," Buffy assured him, leaning up to give him a sweet kiss.
Part 9
"I'm exhausted," Buffy exclaims. "This has been some day." She tosses her jacket off, taking a seat in front of the fireplace on the couch.
"Since you're so tired, I take it we're not going to be going anywhere else tonight?" Angel smiles up at her, taking a seat beside her.
"No, but it's early yet. I'm sure we'll find something to do." Buffy
reaches over to capture his lips in her own as Angel thinks to himself,
Soon enough, Angel is ontop of Buffy on their couch, kissing her
passionately. He stops to look into her eyes again as he kisses her softly
and she bites his lower lip gently and giggles. He smiles as he puts his
hands around her waist and rests his head in between her neck and shoulder.
"You are soo beautiful..." he
says in between kisses to her neck. She giggles and reaches up, playing
with the pointy spikes of his hair. She laughs and pushes him gently and he
grabs her hand and draws her back towards him for another kiss. She tussles
with his hair a bit for fun. He makes a funny annoyed face as she makes
fast work of his carefully combed style. "See, I always told you that I
could do something different with your hair," she grins. "You should let me
work my magic on it tomorrow morning."
"I think I'll pass," he laughs. "If I wanted to have my hair butchered, I'd
ask Cordelia to do it for me.or Spike."
"Hey!- just who do you think is helping me do *my* hair tomorrow?"
"You're letting Spike come near your hair??"
"I meant Cordelia. And if I ever do let Spike put his grubby paws on *any*
part of my body, you have full permission to stake him yourself and then
beat my senses back into me," she laughs.
"Can I have that in writing?" he smiles at her. Knowing that their moments
of pure happiness and silly fun were few and far in between, he knew that
each one was to be treasured in their hearts for a long time to come. Buffy
stops laughing when she notices that he's thinking about something. "What's
wrong, Angel?"
He gives her a weak smile, "Nothing...just thinking about you." Buffy
presses her fingertip softly against his delectable lips and addresses the
situation. "I love you too..." she whispers, giving him a deep kiss.
They continue to kiss until she pats him on the stomach softly to cue
him that she's a little tired. He smiles and gives her a devious look of
sexual nature and she grins and gives him her mock "puppy-dog" pout. "We
have to get up early tomorrow, and you don't want to marry me with a bunch
of icky circles under my eyes, do you?"
"Buffy.I wouldn't care if you grew a pair of antlers- nothing can keep me
from marrying you tomorrow," he smiles down at her, giving her one final
kiss before sitting up. "But, since I know how cranky you can get if you
don't get enough sleep-"
"What is this- pick on the slayer day?" she whines, taking the hand he
offered her as they headed up the mansion's stairs. "Do you and Dawn get
together behind my back thinking of all the ways you can tease and torment
me incesantly?"
"You love it and think it's cute and you know it. You just don't like the
fact that your kid sister can tease you with the best of them," he laughed.
"No thanks to you," she playfully slaps him across his chest. "Ya know, I'm
starting to see how much of an influence you're having over her."
"You mean the fact that she's doing better in school and is starting to take
her responsibilities more seriously?"
"Well- there's that too, but I was referring to helping her develop this
whole unwanted and unamusing wit of yours," she chuckles, shedding her
clothes as she wanders around their bedroom.
"I suppose you'd rather she pick up on some of Xander's better moments?" he
raises an eyebrow at her as he changes into his sweatpants.
"Noooo thank you. One Xander making wisecracks is enough cruel and unusual
punishment for all of us," she grins. As Buffy settles in under the sheets,
Angel leans down, gently kissing her forehead good night before turning to
leave the room. "Angel, where are you going?" she asks, grabbing his hand
before he can leave her side
"In one of the guest rooms. Isn't it bad luck for the bride and groom to be
together so close to their wedding?"
"Oh.okay. Well, if I don't get to spend the night in your arms then I might
as well go spend the night back home. Hey yeah!" she squeaks out, cheerily
clapping her hands together in mock anticipation. "Tell you what- us girls
will have a big sleepover tonight and we'll call up Xander to spend the
night over here! There you go- problem solved."
"Did I say sleep in one of the guest rooms? I meant I'll sleep.on the floor
next to you?" he offers her, still not wanting to risk going against the age
old tradition and jinxing their perfect day.
"Mmm.you're getting closer," she smiles, patting his side of the bed. Still
seeing that he was making no attempt to join her, she let out a heavy sigh.
"Uggh.I swear Angel, those 18th century manners make you a total sweetheart
but sometimes they can make you so stubborn and obnoxious."
"It's tradition, Buffy."
"Well ya know, I've never really believed in that tradition," she says as
she pulls him in for a kiss. Angel, not wanting to argue any further with
his beloved, lays down beside her, gathering her into his arms. As Buffy
lays her head on his chest, the couple declares their undying love for each
other and drift away into a dreamy state.
Part 10
"You two had better get up if you don't want to wind up being late for your
own wedding," shouted Cordelia as she knocked on the couple's bedroom door.
"I swear," says a drowsy Angel, "sometimes Cordy really has the worst
timing. What time is it?"
"Almost nine. Come on," Buffy says, tugging on his arm as she hops out of
bed, "we'd better get up. After all, it's our wedding day."
"As if you'd need to remind me," says Angel, wrapping his arms around her
waist, capturing her lips in his. As their kiss deepens, they once again
hear a knock on the door.
"Buffy, come on," shouts Cordelia. "You know how long it takes you to get
ready. Everyone is already here
waiting. I figure I'll need a good few hours to do something with that hair
of yours."
"Plus, I need to steal Angel to give him the 411 on all of your weird ways,"
comes Dawn's voice alongside Cordelia's. Buffy forces herself away from
Angel, and quickly opens the door.
"Dawn, whatever you say to Angel, trust me, I will hear about it, so I
suggest you watch what you say, *sis*." She gives her a quick kiss on her
forehead, winks at Angel blowing him a kiss, and makes her way downstairs
with Cordy where Will, Tara, Ashlan, Fred, and Anya were waiting. After she
takes her shower in the downstairs bathroom, Buffy is hit with a sudden
urge.
"Okay.let's get you ready for the happiest day of your- Buffy?!" Willow
shouts out at her as she heads for the front door. "Where are you going?!
You've only got a few hours before your own wedding!"
"I won't be long guys. I just have to do something really quick."
"What in the world could be more important than your wedding?" Tara asks.
"Looking perfect for it," came Buffy's earnest reply and with that, she was
out the door.
"Please.she could be covered in mud and look perfect," Anya complains before
helping Cordy start on Tara's hair.
Angel steps out of the upstairs shower, wrapping a towel around his
waist before reentering the bedroom. As he walks over to the closet, he
finally notices the figure standing in front of the floorlength mirror,
staring at her uncast reflection. "Ash? What are you doing up here?
Shouldn't you be downstairs with the others getting ready?"
"I am ready," she continues staring into her non-reflection. "How do I
look?" Admiring her simple, dark blue dress that stopped just above her
knees, Angel began to remember all those years ago, taking his sibling out
to balls, the Vaubyessard in Paris- all the great pleasures they had shared
in their early years of darkness. "You look beautiful."
"That's what Spike said."
"Spike's here?"
"Unfortunately. Cordy covered him with a heavy blanket and shoved him in
the back of Xander's car-"
"Xander let Cordy take his car?" Angel laughed.
"Amazing, isn't it? You know, not everybody is as paranoid as you are when
it comes to Cordy's driving."
"You're only saying that because she helped you steal my car yesterday."
"If I were you, I'd just be grateful that she and I brought it back instead
of ditching you all," she laughed. "Anyway.Giles will be over in a little
while with his car and the guys. Surprisingly, they all look halfway decent
in their suits.even Xander. Speaking of which.shouldn't you be getting
dressed?" The two come downstairs after Angel slips on his black pants and
head into the kitchen to grab a couple pieces of toast for a quick
breakfast. As they sit down at the counter, Dawn emerges in the doorway,
already wearing her sparkly skyblue dress and a frustrated look.
"Angel, what are you doing?" she asks, noticing his lack of attire. "You've
got to get dressed."
"Dawn, I don't take nearly as much time as your sister does getting dressed,
so I think you oughta be telling her that."
"Don't you start too," she warns him. "First Buffy runs off, now you won't
get dressed.and you two are supposed to be my 'responsible, parental
supervision'?"
"Hold it- what do you mean Buffy ran off?"
"She just took off as soon as she got out of the shower."
"Where did she go?" Ashlan asks.
"No clue." Dawn reached over to steal a sip of Ash's drink but winced away
once she lifted the mug to her lips. "Oh yuck!! I almost drank that! You
know you should really warn people about that."
"Forgive me- next time I'll have to remember to put labels that say 'blood'
on my glass whenever I need to feed."
"Well did she say what she had to do at least?" Angel turns the conversation
back to his missing soon-to-be wife.
"All she said was something about looking perfect for her wedding-"
"And I'm on my way to getting there," came Buffy's happy voice wafting into
the kitchen.
"It's about time," Dawn says as she turns around on her stool. "Just where
did you- oh my god.wow."
"You like it?" Buffy asked, running her hand through her now shortened hair.
Her new style was slightly above her shoulders, just a little shorter than
Ashlan's.
"It looks sooo cute," Dawn beams.
"Looks great," was Ash's warm response.
"Okay- deciding vote." Buffy makes her way over to Angel, gently placing
herself on his lap. "Well?"
"You look gorgeous," he smiles at her, leaning in to give her a sweet kiss.
"Well, wait til you see me in my dress," she says, hopping down off of his
lap to go join Cordy and the others to get ready. "You- go get dressed.
It's been way too long since I've seen you in a tux." Ash and Dawn head
upstairs with Buffy, while Angel puts on his shoes, grabs his white shirt,
his black kneelength jacket, and white tie, and finally starts getting
dressed.
Part 11
"Okay- the girls are already upstairs helping Buffy get ready, so we can
expect about two hours worth of a wait," Xander informed the rest of the
guys, now all at the mansion and sitting downstairs in the great hall. I
guess it's up to us to help you get ready for all of, what...twenty
minutes?"
"Make it twenty-five," Angel says, "I still don't know what to do about my
hair," he jokes, something he had seemed to be doing more of since returning
to Buffy. Gunn begins laughing, but manages to squeak out, "We could always
shave it all off," he smiles as he rubs a hand over his own head's shaved
surface.
"Or we could just bleach it like Spike.only do a better job of it," Xander
adds.
"Oh sod off, junior" Spike yells back at him. "Why do I even bother with
any of them," he begins mumbling as he goes searching through the
refrigerator for some blood.or alcohol- whichever he could find first.
"Angel, you're going to have to stop fidgeting if you ever want me to get
this tie straight," Giles tells him as he adjusts the white silk for a fifth
time. Looking up at him, he notices the slight paleness of Angel's
complexion. "Angel? Don't tell me you're nervous?"
"Nervous? No.no, I'm not nervous. A little scared maybe, but I'm not
nervous."
"And what exactly would be the difference between being scared and being
nervous?" Wes asks.
"Angel- why on earth would you be scared?" Giles asks as he finally
straightens his tie, surprised at his revelation. "Angel??"
"Hmm? Oh- no, nothing like that Giles. I couldn't want anything more than
to have Buffy as my wife, but.I still can't help but feel like.like I'm
depriving Buffy of-"
"Here we go again," Xander cuts him off. "What's it going to take for you
to realize-"
"I know, Xander. I know.but.I mean, I may be human now but.all those
years.Buffy and I still might not be able to have children. I mean- we're
not really sure-"
"So what's that?" Gunn asks as he approaches him. "Personally, I really
can't picture you two handling kids in our line of work. Not that it won't
happen," he quickly adds. "Look man, kids or no kids, you two are going to
have a beautiful life together."
"That was very touching, Gunn," Wes praises him.
"Yeah well- I have my moments."
"Okay- but what about the fact that I'm almost 230 years older than her?"
"You *were* almost 230 years older than her," Spike quickly answers him.
"In case that blinding sunlight streaming through these windows hasn't
tipped you off yet- you're *human* now, you bloody dolt. You were turned
when you were, what.28?"
"26," Angel whispers, correcting his childe. "I was 26."
"Well there you go- even better. You're only 5 years older than blondie.
So if I may suggest," Spike carefully leans over, placing a hand on his
shoulder before he starts yelling in his ear. "Quit your bleedin' bitchin
and be thankful that for some strange reason beyond me, that lil' spitfire
upstairs is ridiculously in love with you." The entire group, shocked by
Spike's earnest outburst, remains silent until Angel speaks up.
"You know," he begins, buttoning the last button on his black jacket, "that
actually makes me feel a whole lot better. For once- your mind has actually
come up with an intelligent thought."
"It was bound to happen sooner or later," Spike agrees as he walks past him
into the kitchen. "Where the hell did I put my bloody drink?!"
******
"Buffy!" Cordelia was about ready to go ahead and chop the rest of her
friend's hair off. "If you don't stop fidgeting I'm gonna call Spike up
here to do your hair. Now stop fidling around with your dress- you look
fine." The white gown's simple, sleeveless design was a perfect compliment
to the bride's natural beauty. The thin straps and slender cut accented her
petite frame and added an intimate glow to the slayer.
"I still can't believe this day has finally come. It's just incredible."
"I've never seen you more beautiful, Buffy" says Willow. "...or so happy.
Angel's one lucky guy."
"Not as lucky as I am. I still can't believe that after everything that's
happened-"
"Now let's not dwell on what's been in the past," Fred speaks up. "It's
time for you two to look ahead into your wonderful future together."
"And it's about frickin' time," Willow's sudden outburst takes the others by
surprise. "Well, I mean think about it- you two have been hopelessly in
love with one another for, let's see." she begins mockingly counting on her
hand, "six years and you're just now realizing that you two belong
together?"
"They had a lot to work out, Will" Tara reminds her.
"No- *Angel* had a lot to work out," Cordy says, finally finished styling
Buffy's hair up, a few loose tendrils softly framing her face.
"Hey- don't let Buffy off that easy," Anya defends. "If I were her- I
wouldn't have let Angel get more than ten feet away from my side."
"We've been through a lot." Buffy sighs, getting up from her seat, "but the
one good thing that's come out of all of it.I love him more-
"If that's even possible," Ashlan smiles up at her. "I know that I've been
out of the loop so to speak when it comes to you two.and pretty much
everything else that's happened over the past hundred years, but.it doesn't
take a genius to see just how special what the two of you have really is.
The both of you deserve this.all the happiness and love that you two give
each other. I'm really happy for the both of you. Pretty lucky for me that
Edge and Christian decided to fish me back out when they did. I wouldn't
have wanted to miss this for the world."
"I think I'm going to cry," Buffy sighs, tears threatening to well up in her
eyes.
"And ruin my make-up job?!" Cordy waves a hand in the air. "Oh no, no, no.I
don't think so. You're just going to have to suck it up, slayer. Now come
on," she says, grabbing her hand, "let's get you two married!"
Part 12
"Angel, you look so handsome," says Willow, walking down the staircase in an
elegant deep-red gown.
"Thanks. You look radiant, Willow. But, uh...where's Buffy? We've got the
priest, we've got the guests.all we're waiting for is the bride."
"Here we come," says Cordelia, making her way down the stairs in her
floor-length black gown, followed by the others- except Buffy. "Angel- you
guys go ahead to the outcove and we can get started." Smiles
radiating across all their faces, Wesley and Xander take their places off to
the side of the priest, awaiting the bride to be led down to the altar by
the only father figure she had come to depend on over the years.
First to come down through the foyer were Tara and Ashlan. The pride
was evident in their faces as they walked and smiled at their onlookers.
The next to come down were Fred and Gunn, whose unshed tears were evident in
each stride. Cordelia, Dawn, and Willow followed after them, anticipating
each step closer to the longawaited moment. After what seemed like forever,
Buffy started her promenade down the
aisle escorted by Giles. She beamed as she finally reached the end, where
she and Angel turned towards each other and took each others hands.
The priest began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this
couple in holy matrimony...do you, Angel, take thee, Buffy, to be your
lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forth, for as long
as you both shall live?" Angel looked into his beloved's eyes, trying to
choke back tears as he said, "I do.forever."
"Do you Buffy, take thee, Angel, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have
and to hold from this day forth, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Buffy stated with a gleam in her eye. "Forever."
"The rings?" the priest asked.
"Right here." Xander and Wes produced one gold claddagh, Will, Dawn, and
Cordelia handed over the other. Buffy and Angel unlatched their hands to
reach for the rings.
"Buffy, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed," the priest continued.
Buffy took the ring and slid it ever so slowly onto Angel's finger as she
looked him in the eyes and said, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Angel, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed." Angel gently uttered
the simple, meaningful words as he delicately slipped the ring onto Buffy's
finger. "And now Angel and Buffy would like to exchange the vows they have
written."
Buffy went first, her friends and family awaiting her words in close
attention. "Angel, you are my savior. You have changed my life in so many
wonderful ways, but most importantly, you completed my soul. You taught me
how to love, in fullness and without boundaries. I love you with all of my
heart and all of my soul."
Angel, his eyes brimming with tears, the words flowed out straight from his
heart, "Buffy, I am completely in love with you. I've loved you since the
moment I laid eyes upon you and with each passing day, I love you
more. You are my heart and my soul, and I promise to protect you and
cherish you forever.that's the whole point."
"Should there be anyone here today who has reason why these two should not
be joined in holy matrimony, let them speak now, or forever hold their
peace." Buffy and Angel shared a knowing look between the two of them,
silently saying, 'Finally, it's really over.' The priest concluded the
small ceremony, "Then, by the power vested in me and the city of Sunnydale,
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
After hearing those long awaited words, Angel took his new wife in his
arms and gave her a long passionate kiss. With their heads together and
their tongues still entwined, they smiled at each other and finished with a
short deep kiss. They turned to their friends and loved ones, holding
hands, for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. O'Halloran.
******
The next five hours at the mansion seemed like a huge whirlwind to the
newly married couple. Their friends surrounding them all at once to give
them their well wishes, taking pictures. On top of all this
excitement were the bride and groom themselves, who couldn't help but come
to the brink of tears each time they embraced, to tell each other how happy
they were, and how much they loved each other. After
some of the commotion had calmed down after dinner, Xander, as one of his
duties as one of the best men, called for everyone's attention to give his
toast.
"I remember the day when Buffy first told us about a dark and mysterious
cryptic guy who she had knocked on his ass upon first sight. Visual aid-"
he says, pointing his glass at Angel. "The first time I saw the two of them
together, I noticed that sparkle that she already had in her eye for him,
and that same sparkle reciprocated in his. As I watched their relationship
grow, I realized that it was time to finally let go of any hopes that I or
the rest of the male population had of taking his place, because.Angel was
the one to love her, take care of her, and protect her. in a way that no one
else can.I just want the two of you to know that.I love the both of you, and
I wish you all the happiness in the world." The entire room lifted their
glasses to the happy couple, as they shared a passionate kiss.
Ashlan then stood to announce her own wedding gift to the happy couple.
"Okay guys.thanks to the wonderful insight that Cordelia has offered me
over the past few weeks into today's music-" Ash cast a smile to a proudly
beaming Cordelia across the table, "I still don't have a clue as to what
good music is today." the rest of the table laughed as they watched the
frown form upon the brunette's face. "But hopefully, you two, as well as
everyone else, will enjoy this song I picked out for your first dance as
husband and wife." She turned up the elaborate stereo system as Angel and
Buffy moved up from their seats to share their first dance. As she watched
Buffy's head come to rest on her brother's shoulder, Ash, without thinking,
grabbed Spike up from his seat, hauling his whining, complaining frame out
to dance with her, as the rest of their friends joined them...
Part 13
Find me here You are the light Looking up every so often to gaze into his eyes, Buffy's mind began to
drift. 'I can't believe it- we're finally married. I love him so much.'
You are the strength You are the life... And how can I stand here with you As Angel hugs her closer, planting soft kisses on her neck, slowly
rocking her in his arms, Buffy smiles at her own good fortune. She loved
him so completely and utterly that sometimes she wondered if the rest of the
world could even begin to understand the bond they shared. It had always
been the most intense, most wonderful feeling she had ever experienced.
You calm the storms You still my heart And how can I stand here with you "Nice song you picked out," Spike told the young girl he held within his
grasp.
"Thanks. Nice coffee pot you bought them," she chuckled under her breath,
though she knew he would pick up on it. "Really though- it was a nice
thought. Since when did you become the affectionate type?"
"It's not me- it's this damn chip," he pointed to his head. "I'm still the
big bad, love. As bad as they come." Seeing her disbelieving stare, he
continued his rant. "Well I am, alright? I'm as wicked, evil-"
"And dopey as any vampire who can no longer help himself to the
all-you-can-eat human buffet," she jests.
"My my...aren't we getting a bit savvy, love?"
"Well...we learn," she smiles back up at him, surprised to be having a
civilized conversation, let alone a dance at her brother's wedding, with one
of the men who snatched a hundred years of her life away from her.
"You'd think they'd be up for air by now," Spike's observation of the
newlyweds broke Ash out of her thoughts. "Any more nowadays, the way I look
at it is as long as they're sucking face, they're not annoying me..."
Cause you're all I want You're all I want As the song ended, the friends cheered with applause as Angel placed
his arms around Buffy's waist once again, but was interrupted by a tap on
his shoulder. "Angel, would you mind if I cut in for just one dance," asked
a smiling Giles.
"So long as you don't try sneaking away with her to stop some new evil
looming on the horizon," he laughs, releasing Buffy into Giles' embrace.
Part 14
"Think you can keep up with me?" Giles asks her.
"I'll try my best," Buffy says with a small laugh.
"Have I told you how absolutely stunning you look, Buffy?"
"Only about a hundred times...but you're more than welcome to say it a few
more."
"I think I'll leave that up to your husband." Giles glances over at Angel,
who is dancing with Fred. "I still can't believe that the two of you are
married. You won't be needing this old Brit around anymore."
"Giles...I will always need you, you know that."
"I intend to hold you to that. You know...for as long as I've had the
pleasure of knowing you, you've always made the right decisions...and I know
that this is another one of your great decisions, Buffy. Angel is a fine
man, and like Xander said, Angel's the one you need now, just like he needs
you. You two belong together. What you have is a rare thing." Buffy, on
the brink of tears from Giles's heartfelt words pulled him in for a tight
hug. "Thank you so much...for everything."
"Thank you, Buffy...for the great pride you've given me over the past 6
years." At that moment, after twirling Fred around the hall of the mansion,
Angel takes her by the hand over to where Buffy and Giles were hugging.
"Hey, hey...when can I get in on all the hugging," he jokingly says.
"I place you in good hands, Buffy," Giles says, as he and Angel share a
friendly embrace. As Buffy and
Angel begin to hug, from over Angel's shoulder, Buffy takes notice of the
rest of their friends gathering their things, looking like they were ready
to call it a night. "Hey guys- headed home already? You know you can all
just crash here if you want."
"Thanks all the same," Xander speaks up for the group, "but I really don't
think that any of us would be in the mood to turn the hose on the two of you
lovebirds in order for us to get some sleep. But hey- you guys aren't
leaving until Monday morning, right? So we'll be around tomorrow sometime."
"Actually, that's a good idea, Xander," Angel says. "Tomorrow night all of
you have to be here to see Buffy's reaction when I tell her where we're
going for the week."
"Tomorrow??" Buffy whines. "I have to wait until tomorrow?? Geez...that's
really fair," she pouts.
"I'm sure you'll live," Dawn tells her sister, pulling her into one last hug
before leaving with the rest of the gang. After saying their goodbyes,
Angel and Buffy change out of their 'formal' attires before setting out to
accomplish that one task left before either one of them planned on getting
any sleep that night.
"Typical...they come, they eat, they drink...they leave without helping
clean up." Buffy hands Angel a large trash bag as the two begin cleaning up
their home and returning it to it's typical elegant, pre-party fashion.
Buffy is amidst a pile of wrapping paper, tossing ripped pieces left and
right into her bag, when she notices a small box, still encased in it's red
bow and wrapping. Shaking it, she realizes that there's something inside.
"Who would throw this away?" Angel watched on, aimlessly tossing various
shreddings into his own bag as his wife opened the intact box. His stare
soon turned into a wide grin as Buffy squealed in delight at what she found
inside. She smiled as her fingers traced the beautiful silver celtic
bracelet with a touching inscription on the inside- "Love, in it's deepest
and purest form, exists as us- forever."
"Now you didn't think that I'd forgotten it was Valentine's Day, did you?"
Angel asked, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.
"This is so beautiful Angel. Where on earth did you find it?"
"I had Ashlan do a little shopping for me the other week. She's the one who
picked it out- I just told her what I wanted inscribed on it."
"You...are just so perfect. What did I do to deserve you loving me? Thank
you so much," finishes Buffy, as she turns in his loving arms, wrapping her
arms around Angel's neck, drawing him in for a passion-filled kiss. He
smiles with a light blush, "I dunno, I guess we're both just lucky...", he
strokes her chin softly, giving her another soft kiss before taking her hand
and leading her to the couch.
"Lucky, huh?", she giggles, jabbing him in the ribs playfully as he lighty
groans and takes her hand once again.
"Yeah...I mean what else would you say about all the things that have
happened during the past few months?"
"Well.I wouldn't call true love lucky," Buffy replies. "You and I have more
of a destined-to-be sorta deal goin for us. So...should we try to get the
rest of the place cleaned up or find something else to do with our time...?"
Buffy smiles, teasingly kissing him on the cheek before dashing up the
stairs. Catching up with her as they reach their bedroom, Angel sweeps her
up into his arms, laying her gently on their bed as they embrace in a kiss.
Buffy sighs softly and wraps her arms around his back as Angel presses his
forehead against hers, caressing her body in his arms, continuing to hold
her shapely figure against his. "Angel..." Buffy breaks away from their
heated kiss for a moment to stare up into his soft orbs. "Thank you...for
everything. I...god, I can't even-"
"I know, I feel the same way," he runs his thumb over her lips, gently
kissing her. Buffy returned the kiss, marveling at her good fortune in
finding the one true love of her life.
Part 15
"Ash...?" Cordy quietly tiptoes down the stairs, slowly walking down the
hall towards the glow luminating from the kitchen. "Ash?"
"In here," she speaks up from her seat at the counter.
"Couldn't sleep?" Cordy asks, heading to the fridge to get herself a drink.
At Ash's nod, she pulls up a stool next to her. "This is the fifth night in
a row. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes." Cordy gave her an unconvinced stare, sensing that she had been
holding back something from everyone for the past week. "It's nothing
Cordelia- really."
"Ash, one sure thing that you inherited from your brother was his, as Buffy
puts it, 'something face'. Now come on- it's me," she flashes her a smile.
"What's been bothering you?" Ash places a hand over her forehead, taking a
deep sigh as she ponders whether to reveal her intentions quite yet. After
a few moments, she decided to, but not to the extent that she knew Cordelia
was after.
"You still...get the visions, don't you? From the...Oracles, is it?"
"Mmm- don't remind me," she softly laughs, rubbing the back of her
frequently aching head. "Why do you ask?"
"The Oracles...they work for the Powers That Be, don't they?" Again,
Cordelia confirmed her assumption, still wondering just why Ash was asking
about such things. "Do you ever get to...see them? The Oracles, I mean- I
know that the Powers are sort of unreachable, but...have you ever talked to
the Oracles?"
"Unfortunately no- cause if I could, would I have a few million bones to
pick with them, starting with my running bill of aspirin. Ash, why the
sudden interest in the Powers?"
"Has anyone ever talked to the Oracles?" she asked, ignoring her question.
"Well Angel has...and Doyle," her voice waivered, still reeling at the great
loss suffered.
"How?"
"They either summon you, or you can be brought to them- you must present
them with a gift first though. They have this little problem with lower
beings..." she trailed off, noticing the pensive look Ashlan's eyes held.
"Ash, what's going on?"
"Nothing. Nothing, really.I was just curious- that's all." She quickly got
up from her stool, running a hand through her hair before turning towards
the doorway. "I think I'm gonna head on up- try and salvage some sleep.
Goodnight Cordelia." She turned from the brunette's worried glare, the
doubts still running rampid through her mind.
******
"You told them six, right?" Buffy continued pacing towards the windows by
the front doors of the mansion, still awaiting the arrival of Xander and
Anya for dinner. "You should've gotten him a watch for Christmas, Will- not
some sweater. Where are they??"
"Buffy- relax. They'll be here soon enough," Angel tried to calm her. "Why
don't you come sit down, and-"
"Here they come." Buffy races to the door, swinging it open before Xander
even has the chance to ring the bell or knock.
"Hey Buff. We're not- umph...," Buffy quickly yanks both him and Anya into
the mansion, shutting the doors behind them. "...late...are we?" Buffy
raced over to Angel on the couch and focused her attention on the secret
that she had been trying to get out of him for the past few weeks.
"Okay- everyone's here for dinner. So you know what that means..."
"Alright- pasta! I haven't eaten since this morning!" Xander happily heads
over to the dining room, digging in while the others remain seated around
the hearth.
"Tell me where we're headed tomorrow," Buffy demands. Angel began to
lightly chuckle at his wife's eagerness in knowing where they would be
spending the next week. "Come on, Angel- you promised you would tell me
tonight." Angel laughed again as he stretched out across the couch, pulling
her onto his lap.
"Angel, if you don't tell me this instant where we're going for our
honeymoon, I'm gonna-"
"You're gonna what?"
"I'm gonna beat you up again, tough guy," she said, as she quickly pinned
him on the couch sitting on top of him, holding his arms above his head."
"Hey, what is this?"
"The closest you're going to get to touching me for the next few days if you
don't tell me where we're going. Now tell me."
"Buffy...you really are in need of a vacation to get rid of all this
hostility. I hear Hawaii is nice this time of year."
"Oh yeah, mister? Well so is Sunnydale hospital, which is where you might
be headed if you don't tell me wh-...wait a minute." Buffy finally realized
exactly what her husband had said. "Did- did you say Hawaii?"
"Uh-huh. I would've said it louder if I wasn't pinned down on the couch."
"We're going to Hawaii for our honeymoon?! Oh my gawd!" Buffy captured
Angel's lips with her own in a strong kiss. As she wrapped her arms around
him, releasing his, Angel sat up and pulled her into a deep hug. "Angel, I
can't believe it! I've always wanted to visit Hawaii! And we can finally
get you a tan," she squealed in delight.
"I take it you're surprised?"
"Surprised isn't the word for it. You are just the best!" Buffy gazed
lovingly into Angel's eyes as she was reminded once again of how lucky she
was to have found such a wonderful man to share the rest of her life with.
"I love you so much, Angel."
"I love you too."
"Hey! What about me?" Cordy speaks up from her seat. "Just forget about
the fact that I suggested it, I made all of your arrangements, I got you the
nice private house on the beach..."
"You did all that for us, Cordy?" Buffy instantly hugs her friend and
thanks her. "This is so sweet, Cordelia. Thank you."
"Your plane leaves tomorrow at 6:15, so you'll probably have to get up at
around like two considering how long it takes you to get ready," Cordy
chuckles.
"Well if it's as long as it takes her to come eat dinner, she should
probably start getting ready now," Xander calls from the table, lifting his
fork to his mouth to shovel in another helping of lasagna. "Food's gonna get
cold, guys-"
"Or all eaten..." Dawn offers. "Take your pick."
Go to Reasoning Series (follow-up to this series)
Back to Skylar's Fluff Courses
Speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace...
...again
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
...to my soul
You are my purpose
You are everything
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this
You give me rest
You hold me in your arms
You won't let me fall
And you take my breath away
Would you take me in
Would you take me deeper now
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this
You're all I need
You're everything
Everything
You're all I need
You're everything
Everything
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