Title: The Wedding

Summary: It's 2010 and Dawn is getting married! The wedding party gets invited to Charleston, South Carolina a week before the wedding for activity fun. Buffy and Giles have not spoken to one another in 2 years. Things are bound to get heated.

Pairing: Buffy/Giles

Disclaimer: Do I really need to say it?

Note: Long story here. I usually won't start posting until a story is completed, but I am already up to 19 chapters here. I will post 1 chapter per day. By the time I get to the later chapters, they will be done and ready. This has not been proofread by anyone except myself so all mistakes are my own stupidity. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

"This is bad, Willow. Really bad."

Willow sighed. "Even I have to admit that it is getting a bit scary."

Buffy turned to her long time friend in disbelief. "Getting to be a bit?" You didn't see her. Hear her! I never-," she cut herself short. "I don't know what to do."

"Well, look at it this way. In a week the ritual will be over and the monster vanquished."

Willow and Buffy gave friendly smiles to the flight attendant as they stepped through the arrival gate at the Charleston International Airport in South Carolina. Checking the signs, they headed towards baggage claim. "This is like nothing we have ever faced before."

Willow grabbed her suitcase and waited while Buffy looked for her own. "Well, we kind of did with Anya."

"But this is my sister, Will. How could I let something like this happen to Dawn?"

"There was nothing you could do, Buffy."

Buffy grabbed her two bags from the belt and plopped them down in front of her. She got a far off look in her eyes. "I may have to kill her."

Willow picked her own suitcase up from between her feet and turned for the exit. Buffy followed. "While I do agree that Dawn has become something terrifying, I really don't think a Bridezilla classifies as a real monster."

"Buffy! Willow!" They could spot Dawn in the distance jumping up and down and waving her arms like a crazy person. "Over here! Buffy! Willow!"

"Are you sure about that?" Buffy asked as she saw Dawn push her way through the crowd towards them.

"You're here! You're here!" Dawn threw her arms tight around Buffy and then around Willow. "I'm so glad you are here. Although..." the smile slipped from her face.

Buffy knew this face and rolled her eyes. "Although what?"

"Well, you are late."

"I can't help how fast the plane flies, Dawn."

"I know," said Dawn. "It's just... I have a lot to do still and they should be more considerate. Not just for my sake, of course. I'm sure everyone has somewhere to get to fast." She grabbed her sister's and Willow's hands and pulled them forward. "So, let's get going!"

Buffy stared out the passenger side window as they made their way to Dawn's future husband's house. Well, Buffy said house, but really it was a plantation. It was set out in a secluded area of West Ashley, not far from the downtown Charleston area. The property had a few different buildings on it, including an inn. It had once been a servants' quarters but has since been renovated and built additions. The main house is where the Vanderlyn's resided. Currently its residents were Mrs. Penelope Vanderlyn, her son, Jacob, her daughter, Vanessa, the maid, the caretaker, and the chef. Dawn was soon to be wed to Jacob Vanderlyn. Buffy thought him a good man. He was 5 years older than Dawn, making him 29. He had already graduated from law school and was now a personal injury lawyer, just like his father had been. He and Dawn had met almost two years ago through Vanessa, Jacob's sister. Her and Dawn were roommates at Stanford. One Christmas break, Nessa, how she was usually referred to, had invited Dawn home with her. Not being able to visit Buffy in Rome, she agreed.

"Buffy, are you even listening to me?"

Buffy pulled herself from her head space and looked to her irritated sister. "Huh?"

"Buffy!"

"Sorry, Dawn. Sorry. I'm just tired from the flight. And hungry. The food was terrible."

"It really was," Willow agreed from the backseat.

"I have had 150 plus people breathing on me for the last 9 hours. I just want to get to my room, get a shower, and maybe catch a nap."

"I second that," Willow added.

"Well..." Dawn drew out the bit her lower lip.

Buffy turned an evil eye. "Well what?"

"I can do the room. And the shower. But your flight was so late and we have dinner in an hour."

"An hour? How do you expect me to be ready in an hour?"

"Don't worry, Buffy," Dawn stated calmly. "It's a very informal dinner. The welcome dinner will be tomorrow since some people couldn't get here until then." She glanced at Willow in the rearview mirror.

"Sorry." Willow shrunk in her seat. "But Mandy couldn't drop Amara off at camp until tomorrow. She is getting on a plane right afterwards. Besides, you didn't need to push the dinner back just for her. She would understand."

Dawn sighed. "If it had been just her, I wouldn't have, but others are not arriving until tomorrow either. And some," she glanced at Buffy, "still won't be here until Friday."

It was Buffy's turn to shrink. "Tony had to work. I can't help that."

"No matter," Dawn claimed, but Buffy could see her tighten her grip on the steering wheel. "Everything will be fine. It will all work out." She nodded her head as if trying to convince herself. She then brightly smiled. "It's going to be amazing!"

Buffy turned her attention back out the window, thinking of the days' upcoming events. Tonight was the informal dinner with Jacob's mom and sister. Just a small, comfortable gather to get to know one another. Buffy had only met them once before, Willow never had. She wondered how the family would react when Willow's wife arrived tomorrow.

The next day, Monday, was the official welcome dinner for all of the out of town guests. Tuesday, Dawn wanted to take everyone on a tour downtown, Wednesday the bridal party had their fittings so last minute adjustments could be made. Thursday was mostly a free day until the bachelor and bachelorette parties that night. That left the rehearsal Friday and the main event on Saturday. By Saturday night, Dawn will be Mrs. Jacob Vanderlyn.

Dawn turned into a tiny driveway advertising the inn. "Are we not going to the house?" Buffy asked.

"No, we have you guys set up at the inn. Jake's uncle and his five kids are going to be up at the house. Thought you might like the peace here." Dawn thought for a second. "Heck, I might have to join you."

Willow chuckled. "Rambunctious group, are they?" Dawn parked in front of the inn. Willow's eyes went wide. "Oh, wow," she breathed.

"Ethan isn't terrible," Dawn continued on and turned around to face her passengers. "He is 17. He mostly keeps to himself. Grace is 15 and she can be quite the chatterbox. The three to watch and Maddie, Dylan, and Cole. They boys are the youngest. 5 year old twins. Maddie is 10 and pretty much their ringleader. They haven't figured out they outnumber her yet and pretty much do whatever Maddie tells them."

"Sounds hectic," Willow stated.

"Sounds like we are staying at the inn." Buffy opened her door and climbed out.

Dawn showed them each to their rooms. "Dinner is in less than an hour at the house. There are some golf cart out back to drive through the gardens. The house isn't too far off. Just follow the path. And don't be late!" She quickly hugged both Buffy and Willow before disappearing down the stairs.

In a record 50 minutes, Buffy was showered and ready for dinner. She met Willow on the porch. She had been sitting on the swing waiting for Buffy for 10 minutes. Willow didn't know why it took the naturally gorgeous Buffy so long to get ready all the time, but figured it was best left unanswered.

With only having a few minutes left before the fury of Dawn would reign upon them for tardiness, they decided to take the golf cart to the house. Willow drove it down the smooth stone path that wound through the garden. Once the girls had more time, they would very much like to walk about it they said.

The house came into view as they turned out of the garden. Willow gasped. Buffy had seen it once before but it still took her breath away. It was three stories with a wrap around porch on the first floor and a balcony on the third. Tall, white columns decorated the front porch, supporting the roof. There were flower boxes under each window and a bed that went around the house. The path from the garden to the house was pebbled and lead to the gate of the actual white picket fence.

"Wow, Buffy. It's just... wow."

"I know."

They drove up the paved driveway on the other side of the house and followed it around back. Just as they were climbing out of the cart, Dawn and Jacob exited the house, to the back patio.

"Yay!" Dawn squealed. "And on time!"

"Unclench, dear," Jacob said with his deep voice and slight southern drawl. Buffy and Willow couldn't fight the smiles from his comment. "Buffy! Its lovely to see you again!"

"You, too, Jacob." The two future in-laws hugged.

"Jake, please. And you must be Willow." He offered his hand and when she took it, he brought it up and kissed her knuckles. "I have heard many wonderful things about you."

Willow blushed. "Yeah, well, I am pretty wonderful."

"Are you ladies ready for some supper?" Jake asked as he place an arm around Dawn's waist. Both girls nodded with enthusiasm and followed the couple through the back door.

Once they entered the dining room, Penelope Vanderlyn stood from the table with a bright grin. "Buffy!" she exclaimed as she hugged her. "So pleased that you made it." She had a sweet southern accent. She released Buffy and turned towards the new face. "Willow, darling!" She now embraced her as well. "I am so excited to meet you. I have heard so much you are practically family!" She pulled back and laughed. "Would you like some champagne?" She gestured towards the table that held a couple empty flutes and a few chilled bottles.

"Maybe you should take a break from the champagne." Jake reached for the half empty glass his mother left on the table, but she swatted his hand away and took it first.

"Nonsense, Jake. This is a celebration! Its meant to be celebrated!" Buffy and Willow giggled as she winked at them. "By the way, dear," she directed at Willow, "I'm Penelope, but please don't ever call me that. Penny will do just fine."

"It's very nice to meet you, Penny. Thank you for our rooms at the inn. They are wonderful. Everything here is so, well, beautiful."

"You are very welcome, sweetie. And, really, it was no trouble at all. I mean, we do own the place," she teased.

Just then, a girl with platinum blonde hair stepped in. "Sorry I'm late. Conference call. Hello," she greeted the others.

Penny ushered the girl forward. "Buffy, you remember Nessa."

"Hey. Buffy, is it?" Nessa giggled. "I mean, we have only met like 4 times."

Buffy smiled. "Hi, Nessa."

"Willow, this is my daughter, Vanessa. Unless you two have also already met."

"Hi, Nessa. Nice to meet you." Willow reached out her hand.

Nessa politely accepted. "You, too."

"Well," Jake clapped, "shall we eat?"

Everyone sat as dinner was brought out and served. It was a nice, bright salad, spaghetti, and garlic bread. Everyone expressed how delicious everything was and fell into easy conversation. When the dinner plates had been cleared, a dessert souffle was brought out for each guest.

"I thought there were other guests in the house, or are they not here yet?" Buffy asked.

Penny nodded. "Yes. My brother, Jeremy, and his children are here. He took them out earlier and won't be home until later. Believe me, it is for the best."

"They do sound like a rather rowdy crowd," Willow said.

"Sweetie, you don't know the half of it. I can guarantee someone will come back bleeding."

Willow nodded. "I have a seven year old daughter. Well, step-daughter. Amara is always banging into something."

"That was my Jacob growing up. He was such a little daredevil. One summer he ended up in the ER four times. I'm surprised they didn't suspect child abuse."

"You kept calling me your little Superman," Jake smiled. "I thought it was true." He winked at Dawn. She giggled.

"Yes, I remember you putting on my pantyhose with your underwear over them. I'm sure I have that photograph somewhere." The girls laughed as Jake blushed.

"So, who all are we expecting tomorrow?" Buffy asked as she pushed her now empty souffle dish away.

Dawn sat up straight, now pulling everyone's attention. "Well, Amanda, obviously. Portia and Alex, Jake's godparents, Julie and Robert, two of his cousins, Stephanie and Eric, Andrew, and Giles."

Buffy nearly knocked her glass over. "Giles is coming?"

Dawn gave her a look. "Well, yeah. Why wouldn't he?"

"I just didn't know. I mean, it makes sense, obviously. Of course you would invite him and of course he would come. I just didn't... think about it... I guess." Buffy looked down at her hands. Looking up she saw everyone staring at her. "And Andrew, huh? Great! Awesome! Can't wait to see him."

After dessert had been cleared away, there was still some daylight left, so Willow asked Buffy to join her for a walk. Dawn thought it was a great idea and insisted her and Jake tag along. After only a few minutes, Willow and Buffy hung back from the giggling lovebirds who seemed to forget their presence anyway. It was just as well for Willow who had wanted to have a talk privately with Buffy in the first place.

"So, judging by the little outburst earlier, I'm guessing you still haven't talked to Giles."

Buffy sighed. She knew this conversation with Willow was coming eventually. She expected it the entire plane ride. Honestly, she had expected it the minute she arrived at Willow's and Amanda's place in Devon two days ago. She had stopped there on her way from Rome to fly to the U.S. together. Now that the talk was finally happening, she was somewhat relieved. "Will, I haven't talked to him or seen him in two years. Not since the funeral. It never even occurred to me that he might be coming, but it should have. He loves Dawn."

"He loves you, too, you know." Buffy huffed. "He does! I can't believe you two are still mad at each other."

"I'm not mad. I'm indifferent."

"Buffy, it's been six years now. Faith has been gone for three. Giles was only trying to help her out by letting her stay with him. And it's not like anything happened between them."

Buffy shook her head. "It's not about Faith. I mean, yeah, that upset me for a while. Giles and I talked after she left for Cleveland. I even went and stayed for a week after I found out she died."

Willow looked confused. "I don't get it, then. Why haven't you talked?"

They stopped walking and faced each other. "He said something. At the funeral. About Tony. It just... ended up getting out of hand."

"What did he say?"

"It was nothing, really. Not now."

"Well, it has to be something for you guys to still be fighting about it." They started walking back towards the house.

"I wouldn't say we are fighting. Not anymore. We're just... not talking. Or haven't talked, rather."

"Are you going to be okay seeing him tomorrow?"

Buffy sighed once again. "That's the million dollar question, isn't it?"