Chapter 12 "I gave thee my love"
The next morning Cordelia woke up early. She took a quick shower and went downstairs to get breakfast for her and Angel. She wanted to have a quiet breakfast with him today. Also because she was hungry but not for food. He was going to have a busy day and she wanted to get as much time with him as possible. It was 8 a.m. in the morning and she felt lucky that no one was up yet. Cordelia made some toast and scrambled eggs for herself and a nice big glass of O Pos and cinnamon for Angel. She was taking everything upstairs when she ran into Dr. Martin coming downstairs.
"Dr. Martin, good morning. Angel wants to get up this morning. Can we try getting him up after everyone has had their breakfast?" "Good morning Cordelia. Yes we can do that. I think he'll be able to do a lot better today. I'll see you in an hour or so."
Cordelia went into Angels room. She was thinking to herself that it wouldn't be to long before she'll be saying 'our room'. That little thought helped to put a smile on her face when she went into the bedroom. Angel was already sitting up.
"Well I see your hands must be feeling a lot better." She put the tray of food on the bed so that it would sit between them then she poured 2 cups of coffee that she had started before she went downstairs. She put one cup on the night stand by Angel and went to the other side and put hers on her night stand then climbed into bed again while Angel held onto the tray. The television was still on so they watched the morning news while they had they're breakfast. Angel had one of Cordelia's toast. She watched him as he dipped the toast in the warm blood. As he was doing this he began to feel as though someone was watching him. He turned and saw Cordelia watching him.
"You know I always wanted to ask you how you liked the taste of that blood you drank that time you were impregnated with that demon seed." Angel asked.
"When did I do that?" "Don't you remember when you looked like you were about 8 months pregnant. Wesley and I were talking by the kitchen and you went to the refrigerator and took out a container of pigs blood and you drank it right from the container. You didn't bother to warm it up or put it in a glass. When you were done you put the container back into the refrigerator, wiped your mouth with your sleeve, closed the fridge door and turned to go back to the bedroom. When you saw us looking at you all you said was 'I was thirsty'."
"I don't remember doing that. Let me taste yours and I'll tell you if I like it or not." Cordelia tried to grab his glass of blood. Angel held it just out of her reach. "No Cordy, you might get sick from it. Angelus protects me from any problems that it can cause me. The blood can carry everything that's bad about pork. You were just lucky when you drank it that one time." "Spoil sport." Cordy said as she finished the rest of her breakfast.
"I saw Dr. Martin as I was coming to the room. I told her that you wanted to try getting up again. I guess she let us sleep last night instead of waking us up to let you try walking around." Cordelia finished her breakfast and put the tray on Angels lap. Then got out of bed and put the tray on the table and turned the TV off and then went to the door and locked it.
"I see your still hungry." Angel said as he drank the rest of his blood. Cordelia took off her nightgown and pulled the sheet and blanket all the way off of Angel then pulled his boxers off.
"Yes I am hungry but not for anymore food. Lets see how well healed you are. Lucky for me when they dragged you behind that truck the top of your pants were protecting the most important part on you."
"What would you have done if it didn't." Angel asked her as he watched her.
"Well first I would have wrote to the manufactures of the pants. Then ...I would have gone after each .... and every..... one.... of them and cut their equipment off. Cordelia kissed his body going lower with each kiss as she said each word. She started to kiss him all over. She started on his lips then traveled all the way down to his feet then up again. She lingered half way up to play with him a little. As Angel became aroused Cordelia could hardly wait for him to be ready for her, she was so hungry. She continued back up his chest laying kisses all over his chest and biting and pulling at his nipples. All the time she was doing this she was rubbing her breasts against him. Angel pulled her up so he could reach her mouth. Cordelia kissed him then straddled him and came down on him. It was warm and moist inside of her and he slid in easily. She tightened her muscles around him as she moved her hips up and down. Cordelia was doing all of the work because she was afraid he might get sick and they would have to stop, but he had no problem breathing and his heart was working perfectly and delivering all the blood he needed to his lower extremities. She bent down and kissed his lips. All the time she was raising and lowering her hips. Angel reached down between her legs and helped her to obtain what she wanted. After she reached that peak that she was hungering for she collapsed on top of Angel. She was still on top of him when he tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, what about me. Your not done yet." Angel was still hard as a rock and eager to get what he wanted. She lifted herself off of him and said "I can hear Dr. Martin coming upstairs. If she lets you get up I'll take care of you when I help you shower."
Cordelia ran to the freezer and put some ice in a towel and threw it at him. He placed the towel on himself to help his erection to go down faster. He turned his face into the pillow and yelled. Cordelia was laughing. Angel gave her the towel with the ice in it so she could dump the ice cubes and put the towel in the hamper. She unlocked the door and ran to help him put his boxers back on and throw the sheet and blanket back on. Then she jumped in bed beside him. She was giggling all the time like a school girl that thought she was pulling the wool over her parents eyes. She lowered her hand down his boxers to see if he was okay. "Stop that your going to get me started again." Angel said as he pulled her hand up. Cordelia was still giggling as she kissed him. Within the next minute Dr. Martin knocked on the door.
"Come in Dr. Martin." Angel answered because Cordelia was still trying to stop laughing.
"What's all the commotion about. I could hear you two down the hall." "We where just playing." Angel said. "Your obviously feeling better now Angel. Having any problems or pain?" All the time Dr. Martin was talking to Angel Cordelia was on his side, where he couldn't see her, making gestures that was telling Dr. Martin exactly what they were doing. Angel realized that Dr. Martin was watching Cordelia while she was talking to him. He turned around real fast and caught her making a gesture that represented an erection. "What are you doing Ms. Chase?" "Why nothing Mr. Martin. I was just stretching my fingers and hands." "I'll stretch your fingers for you." Angel tried to grab her hand but she pulled them away and put them under her breasts and leaned forward so that he couldn't grab them. Angel went after her and picked her up out of the bed and started to pull her towards the balcony.
"Angel stop I don't have anything on." "That's the idea. You were embarrassing me in front of the good Doctor. Let's see how you like it."
Dr. Martin was laughing. She was remembering how her husband and her used to play like this. It wasn't very often but once in a blue moon something would happen that would make her remember.
"Well at least we got your shorts back on but I don't have anything. Besides it's daylight and you can't open the drapes." He stopped and put her down.
"Well I guess you got me there." He sat down on the floor. He just stared at her. Cordelia saw him staring at her so she posed for him. "Cordelia stop that, your teasing him. Besides he has to keep his mind on this afternoon." Dr. Martin said, even though at the same time she was laughing. "Tell me Angel, just out of curiosity, what are you thinking of when you look at Cordelia like that?"
Without hesitation Angel answered. "Why have I been chosen by this Goddess. She could have her pick of any human male, but she fell in love with me. A vampire with a lot of extra emotional baggage. A man that couldn't even think of making love to her, because he would then know perfect happiness and that would be the end of him." Cordelia walked towards him and Angel got up on his knees and put his arms around her waist and held her close. He looked up into her eyes and said "thank you Cordelia Chase for choosing to love me."
Cordelia looked at him and kissed him gently on the forehead and hugged his head against her. "I love you Angel because you are my Prince Charming. You are my Romeo and I am your Juliet.
Cordelias Juliet: "Good night, good night! As sweet repose and rest
Come to thy heart as that within my breast!
Angels Romeo: Oh wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?
Cordelias Juliet: What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?
Angels Romeo: The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.
Cordelias Juliet: I gave thee mine before thou didst request it:
And yet I would it were to give again.
Angels Romeo: Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpose, love?
Cordelias Juliet: But to be frank, and give it thee again. And yet I wish but
For the thing I have:
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.
Cordelia grabbed his hair so that he was looking straight up at her and kissed him. "I always wanted to play that scene from Romeo and Juliet, this seemed like the perfect time." Cordelia said.
Dr. Martin had been watching them. It made her heart feel warm that they felt comfortable doing this in front of her. It was like they had excepted her into their family and she was like Angels mother. Once again she thought of her son that died so long ago. Her son would have been about the same age that Angel looked to be. Her eyes were starting to tear up but she quickly wiped them away.
"Okay you guys, save it for tonight. It's 1:30 p.m. so get yourself ready. Cordelia, do you have that card I gave you." Dr. Martin asked. "Yes it's in my purse." "Would you give it to Angel please. The card she is going to give you has the words that are said to the priest and the prayer which is the Act of Contrition. When your ready go up to room 412 and I'll bring Fr. Barris up to the room." Dr. Martin left the room. Cordelia had put her robe on and was standing by Angel. When Dr. Martin left the room Cordelia untied her robe again and let it fall to the floor. She pulled Angels boxers off of him and took his hand and led him to the bathroom and the shower. When the water was warm enough she went in and Angel followed her. Cordelia started to bath Angel while he washed his hair. When he was done rinsing himself off Cordelia started to give him what she had promised. She started by kissing him with her lips while her hand traveled to his penis. She could feel his body getting warmer as his heart started to beat faster. She felt his erection pressing against her stomach. In all the time that they had been making love together he had never asked it of her and she had never offered oral sex. This time though she didn't ask she just did it. She started by kissing him all over his neck and traveled down his chest until she got to her knees and took him into her mouth. She played with him and used her hands as well to give him what he wanted. This wasn't making love this was just plain sex so she knew their would be no problem with Angel experiencing perfect happiness. She continued until he experienced a mind blowing orgasm and he sunk to the floor of the shower.
"Cordy you are going to make the perfect wife. Where did you learn to do that?" He gave a slight shudder as he continued to ejaculate more semen onto the shower floor. Cordelia came over to him and kissed him gently. "The next time we have sex Angel it will be as husband and wife. I will take you inside of me and keep all that you have to give. I want a baby as soon as we can. I want to hold your baby in my arms and rock him as he suckles at my breast. I want to see perfect happiness on your face and for you to get to hold your baby in your arms. Not just for a few weeks but for the ten years that it takes for him to grow up and want to let go of mommy and daddy's hand. Now lets get up because we have used up all of the hot water and I'm getting cold." "You still haven't told me where you learned to do that." Angel asked as they got out of the shower and dried off.
"Fred and I went to a Triple X theater. It was very educational. I've dated a lot of teenagers and a few men Angel, but except for that demon seed spreader you are my first and I hope the only other man that I will ever have sex with. I only know about making love from my books and magazines and what I've learned from you. I know that you would never ask me to do what I just did. Fred is more or less in the same boat. So we decided to go to school. What I just did for you was a result of that school film." "Well as your teacher I am going to give you an A++." Cordelia stood on her toes and kissed him. "Now go and wait in the bedroom while I get dressed or I'll never make it upstairs." Cordelia went into the bedroom and put her robe on. She poured herself some coffee and curled up on Angels favorite chair. Angel came out in about 15 minutes and went to get some clean clothes. He dressed in comfortable clothes that was in his favorite color of black and gray. He headed for the door then turned around.
"Cordelia I left you some clothes in my closet so you don't have to go back to your room to get dressed. Please do not leave this room until I come back. Okay?" "I promise Angel." Cordelia got up from the chair and came over to him at the door. She looked at him with concern.
"Would you like me to go with you Angel?"
"No, this is something I have to do by myself." Angel reached down and took her hand and kissed it.
"I love you Cordy. I love you so much it hurts." He took her into his arms and kissed her. He kissed her as though he had to get enough of her to last him for awhile.
At exactly 3 p.m. Angel was in room 412 pacing back and forth. Downstairs Fr. Barris was just driving up to the hotel. Dr. Martin was waiting for him in front.
At the same time Buffy, Gunn, Willow and Fred were watching the unoccupied building across from the hotel for any sign of activity.
As Fr. Barris drove up and exited his car Fred and Willow saw a light moving. Each one made a note of exactly where they saw the light. Buffy and Spike made their way over to the other side of the street through the sewer system. Everyone had headphones on so they could communicate with each other. Fred told Spike and Buffy exactly where to go. As per Angels instructions Buffy and Spike observed and listened only. Their was a total of 5 demons at the windows with powerful camera lenses. Each one was filming the activities at the Hyperion's different floors. The inside of the building had been gutted by looters. If it wasn't needed to hold the walls up, it was taken. The one time office building had a center that went all the way up to the ceiling. At the top was a skylight. Fortunately for Spike the sun had already gone down beyond the skylight. The demons were making so much noise talking to each other all Spike and Buffy had to do was just listen. They knew that eventually one of them would have to come out.
They didn't have long to wait. A few minutes later one came out and headed downstairs. Buffy and Spike hid in one of the offices. The demon came down to the first floor and out to the parking garage which apparently was still usable. Spike had followed him and got the license plate numbers.
Spike called Buffy.
"Buffy lets go, I got the license numbers and I know what type of demon he was."
Just as they were about to leave one of the demons came out of the room. Thinking quickly Spike grabbed Buffy and started kissing her and putting his hands up her blouse. What he expected to happen, happened.
"Hey you two get a room." The demon upstairs shouted. Buffy fell into her part and screamed in surprise. Spike jumped back and grabbed Buffy's hand and started running.
"Sorry we thought the place was empty."
They ran to the parking garage and went to the entrance to the sewers. They didn't stop until they got back into the Hyperion. They were laughing so hard they didn't notice everyone else looking at them.
Giles stepped forward. "Did you two have that much fun or did you get what we sent you over there for?"
Buffy and Spike where looking down at the floor and acting like two kids that had been caught doing something wrong.
"Well you had to kind of be there to see the humor in what happened." Spike said.
"Uh, yes Giles we got the information." Buffy said.
It was then that she noticed that the furniture had all been moved to the side and a bunch of chairs were lined up in front of a table.
"What's going on guys?" Buffy asked.
"Were going to have Mass said here. Now go upstairs and get cleaned up and wear something nice Buffy." Giles said.
They were so shocked they just went upstairs without any further questions.
"Well that has to be a first. She has never followed my instructions without questions. If only I could write this down in the Chronicles. Oh well I can always hope that this will happen again." Giles could always hope. Everyone else made their way upstaires to ge dressed. Giles took his glasses off and wiped them and followed the rest upstairs.
Dr. Martin had led Fr. Barris up to the 4th floor and knocked on the door of 412.
"Come in." Angel answered on the other side of the door.
Dr. Martin went in first and Fr. Barris followed. As usual the heavy drapes were closed tight to prevent the sunlight from coming in.
"Angel this is Fr. Patrick Barris. Fr. Barris this is Angel Liam Martin my cousin. Angel smiled at that introduction. He shook Fr. Barris's hand.
"Good afternoon Father, thank you for coming here."
"I am very much aware of your special circumstances Angel and it was no problem."
Dr. Martin turned to Angel. She went to him and hugged him. "Remember Angel that Fr. Barris is only a representative of Christ. When you make your confession it will be Christ sitting in the chair and not Fr. Barris. She made the sign of the cross on his forehead and left and closed the door behind her.
Fr. Barris took out his purple sash that a priest wore while listening to confessions. He kissed it and put it around his neck.
"Are you ready Angel?" "Yes Father I am."
Angel sat down next to Fr. Barris. "Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been over 250 years since my last confession these are my sins." Angel began from the times he was still human. It took Angel 3 hours to make his confession. He repeated everything he had accused himself of everyday and night since he had regained his soul. By the time he was done Angel was on his knees at Fr. Barris's chair. For the first time since he had regained his soul Angel cried for his sins. He had cried before but not like this. He had cried so hard he was tired and his eyes were swollen.
Father Barris listened to all of what Angel felt where his sins against God. He grieved for Angel. He felt sorry for him that he had been made to endure so much and for so long. This man deserves some happiness in his life he thought. Fr. Barris put his hand on Angels head and said "Angel I want you to listen to me very carefully. Everything that you did when Angelus was in control is not your fault. They are not your sins. The only sins that can really be contributed to you, Angel Liam Martin, are those that you committed before you were turned and lost your soul and after you regained it."
Do you remember how to make a good act of contrition?"
"No but I have this card that Dr. Martin gave to Cordy and I.
"Good, now for your penance, you are to say the Rosary every day for the rest of your days in this world. Your are to attend Mass at least on Sundays. Here is the last part Angel and it's the hardest one. You are to stop blaming yourself for what Angelus did. Now make a good act of contrition."
Angel started to say the prayer and Fr. Barris gave him absolution.
When they were done Fr. Barris got up from the chair he had been sitting in for the last 3 hours. He stretched to loosen the muscles in his back and legs. Angel still had his head down so he started to put his things away in what looked like a leather brief case.
After a few minutes Angel got up and went to the refrigerator and pulled out a can of Cherry Cola for Fr. Barris and some blood for himself. He was hungry. He warmed the pig's blood up and put it in a large coffee cup.
"Sr. Mary tells me that you proposed to a Miss Chase."
"Yes, after only a few sessions with Dr. Martin I felt confident enough to ask Cordelia to marry me."
"What made you make your move now?" Fr. Barris asked.
"The promises Dr. Martin made to me if I make all of the right choices."
"What was the promise?"
"She said that St. Michael has promised that my soul would become permanent and Angelus could never again take over my body."
"When your ready for the wedding, call me. I'll be happy to perform it here if you like."
"Yes, I will. That would make Cordy and I very happy. Thank you."
"I'm going to go downstairs now. Mass will start in 30 minutes. Okay?"
"I'll be their as soon as I can." Angel said.
Fr. Barris left to go down to the lobby and Angel went to his rooms and Cordy.
Fr. Barris came down to the lobby and looked for Sr. Mary. He didn't see her anyplace so he asked the first person walking by him.
"Excuse me can you tell me where Sr. Mary is?" "Sr. Mary? I don't think we have anyone here by that name." Gunn said.
Fortunately Wesley had come out of his office when he saw the priest come downstairs and he overheard the conversation.
"Hi, I'm Wesley Wyndom Price Fr. Barris and this is Charles Gunn. We are associates of Angels." Wesley was shaking hands with Fr. Barris as he also introduced Gunn.
"Sr. Mary is upstairs. She asked me to call her when you came down. We set up this table for you to say Mass. You can change into your vestments over here in Angels office. If you should need anything else please don't hesitate to ask." Wesley then left to call Dr. Martin.
Gunn showed Fr. Barris into Angels office then went upstairs to change.
Wesley had already cleaned up and was dressed in a blue suit with a matching tie.
Upstairs Angel had entered into his suite of rooms. Cordelia was in his chair with her back to him. She was dressed in the white dress she had found in the closet. The skirt was full and went down to her knees. The top had a plain cut with spaghetti straps. She had a wide belt with a silver buckle. She was Angelic looking and Angel just stood their and looked at her as she stood up and came to stand in front of him. "Angel this is beautiful. Thank you." As she approached him she noticed how red and swollen his eyes were.
"Are you alright Angel?"
Angel came over to her and wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
"Cordelia, I feel like the world has been lifted off of my shoulders."
"Angel lay down for awhile. Im going to put a cold cloth on your eyes. Their all swollen."
Angel laid down and let Cordelia put the cold cloth on his eyes. It felt good. He was exhausted from the strain of the previous 3 hours. He fell asleep for 14 minutes and woke up when Cordelia shook him. "Angel wake up we'll be late for Mass." He jumped up and washed his face then changed into his suite. As soon as he was done they both ran down the stairs. Everyone was already in their places and waiting for them.
"Sorry everyone I was tired and fell asleep." Angel said.
Dr. Martin was dressed in her habit. Fr. Barris was in his vestmants and everything was ready.
Dr. Martin went to the temporary alter. "Can I have everyones attention please. Angel please come up here and take the middle seat. Connor and Gunn please sit on each side of him. Spike please sit in back of him. Ladies please sit over here and get on either side of Cordelia. As you know this is going to be very hard on Angel. I talked to Sr. Margaret last night on the phone. St. Michael has warned us that Angelus is going to do anything and whatever he can to keep Angels soul from being bound permanently. I will be assisting Fr. Barris during the Mass. Lorn will alert us if he notices Angels aura changing to a dangerous color. Before we receive communion Father is going to give Angel a special blessing then we will receive communion."
She then turned and joined Fr. Barris behind the alter. Everyone positioned themselves as instructed and the Mass began.
Dr. Martin looked at Angel. She could see that Angelus was already applying pressure. Angel was starting to sweat and that in itself was an important sign. Since Angels body was usually cold the sweat was proof of a monumental battle going on in his mind.
All of the readings were chosen for the messages they sent out to everyone. Dr. Martin had chosen them herself. She read the first and second readings of the Epistle and of course Fr. Barris read the Gospel. Their was no sermon, they went right into the saying of the Apostles Creed. Dr. Martin had given everyone cards that had the sequence of the Mass and the prayers. Once again she took a good look at Angel. His hands were shaking so much he could hardly read the card. They finally came to the Our Father and Dr. Martin and Father Barris came to join hands with Angel, Connor and Gunn. Angel seemed to draw strength from Connor and Gunn as they held his hands. He stood up straight and prayed the Our Father with the rest. Before going back to the other side of the alter Dr. Martin hugged Angel.
"Hold on Angel it won't be much longer."
"Tell him to hurry up. I don't know how much longer I can hold on."
Dr. Martin let go of him and went back to the other side of the alter and spoke to Fr. Barris. He took out a piece of paper that Dr. Martin had written the words for the blessing for Angel on.
The words came directly from St. Michael. Angel had tried to leave the lobby but Connor had caught his arm. Angel had started to struggle with Connor and Gunn but his arms didn't seem to be working correctly. They held onto him more tightly when Lorne came over.
"Hold on tight guys. His aura is really getting busy." Lorne told Gunn and Connor.
Angel was struggling more now. He wasn't saying anything or even making any sounds at all. His face reflected the internal battle that was going on. Spike joined in on controling Angel. He grabbed him from behind and put his arm around his neck.
"Lets get him down on the floor." Spike said to Gunn and Connor.
Lorn was by Dr. Martin and Fr. Barris.
"Wait for them to get control of Angel before you approach him."
"I thought Angel was stronger then anyone else. How can they possibly hold on to him." Fr. Barris asked Dr. Martin.
"Because he is old enough to be a Master Vampire he would normally be strong enough to throw them all off, but Angel is fighting Angelus also.
When they got Angel on the floor Gunn looked at Fr. Barris.
"You can come over now."
Fr. Barris and Dr. Martin came forward. They got on their knees beside Angel. Angel started to struggle harder. He got one arm free and tried to grab Fr. Barris, but Spike quickly grabbed hold of his arm and pulled it behind him. He started to use fowl language then. He kept going into different languages. Finally he started using Latin. Besides Spike, Fr. Barris and Dr. Martin were the only ones that understood him. Giles and Wesley knew some Latin but were unable to understand what he was saying.
Dr. Martin was holding a small container of blessed oil in which Fr. Barris dipped his thumb in then placed the oil on his forehead.
"Angel Liam Martin I anoint you with this Holy Oil as a sign that you belong to Jesus Christ. Angelus you will no longer be allowed to control Angel's body or mind. You will give him all that he needs from you until death you two will part. I command this in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ."
When he said these last words Angel screamed in pain. He arched his back in physical pain then subsided into unconsciousness.
Everyone got up then continued with the Mass. All of the men were shocked when all of the women received Holy Communion. After Mass ended Cordelia went to Angel. He was still on the floor. Dr. Martin came and kneeled down beside them. She felt his forehead and face. They were cool to the touch now. Earlier when she touched him he felt hot. After the blessing she also saw the arteries in his neck pulsing with every beat of his heart. Now it was barely discernable.
"Angel." Dr. Martin called out to him. Fr. Barris was standing behind her while she was checking Angel. When she didn't receive a response she gave him a light slap on his face. She saw his eyes start to move under his eyelids.
Cordelia was still holding his hand when he opened his eyes.
"Hi sleepy head." Cordelia said as Angel opened his eyes.
"Where's Gunn?" Angel asked. He was having a hard time focusing on anything.
"Right here angel." Gunn stood up again and walked in front of him.
"Help me up please." Angel asked Gunn.
Dr. Martin asked Angel "how are you feeling?" "Tired. Every muscle in my body hurts. I feel like I went through a fight with a couple dozen demons all by myself."
"That's because you were in a fight. You were fighting with Angelus, and you won."
"Angel sit down." Cordelia told him. Angel turned around and looked for a chair which he found right behind him.
"Angel you were fighting with Angelus because he wanted you to get out. He knew that Fr. Barris was going to bind your soul." Dr. Martin said.
"Was he successful?" Angel asked.
"The words he used were given to me by St. Michael. So I would say yes." She was smiling when she said that. It slowly dawned on Angel what she was saying. He looked at everyone and stood up when he saw that everyone that he loved was here.
"I want you to know that I wouldn't have been able to go through all of this and have the strength to make the right decisions without having known all of you. I learned a lot from you Buffy. You taught me to love. You and your friends taught me that true friends will stick it out with you through thick and thin. They see beyond your faults and except you and love you in spite of them. Most of all Buffy you taught me that life can be good again and we should never give up on ourselves or life itself." Buffy came to Angel and they hugged each other.
"I'm happy for you Angel that you will finally achieve all of your dreams. I am happy that you finally found someone to love with all of your heart and soul. It's been a shock seeing Cordelia they way she is now, but if a Master Vampire can find happiness and God then anything is possible." Buffy turned and looked at Cordelia with a smile.
"Cordy is my life now Buffy. She not only makes me smile but she makes me laugh. I don't think that I ever did that in Sunnydale. I'll always have a special place for you in my heart but Cordy owns that heart now. Thanks to Dr. Martin I know that it is a beating heart. I hope that you will find the same kind of happiness with, I can't tell you how hard it is for me to say this but I will, I hope that you will find the same kind of happiness with Spike. I think that you two are more suited for each other then you and I were." He let Buffy go and called Cordelia over to him. He put his arm around her shoulder and held her close to him.
"I want you all to know that I have proposed to Cordelia and she has accepted. The wedding will be in 3 days at 3 p.m. if Fr. Barris is free at that time that is." Fr. Barris checked his appointment book. "Yes Angel I would be honored to perform the ceremony."
"Spike and Buffy, would you like to make it a double wedding?" Spike looked at Buffy.
"You want to do it Luv?" "Yes Spike lets do it." Buffy answered as she went to him. Spike kissed her.
"Okay Father it will be a double wedding." Angel said.
Everyone cheered and clapped.
"Would everyone please stay here for a moment. I am going into my office to make a call and I will be right out." Angel when into his office and made a long distance call to his lawyer in New York. He gave his name as just Angel and a password. He then transferred the call over to the phone at the counter in the lobby. He then went to the lobby and picked up the phone.
"Would everyone come over here please."
Everyone walked over to the counter and Angel. The women had been planning their weddings and the men the bachelor party.
"I am going to turn the table on everyone. Normally people give to the bride and groom. To share in our happiness though I will be giving you all gifts. If you have checking accounts give the numbers to Wesley. If you don't then open one and give the account numbers to Wesley.
"Bob are you ready? Okay, this is how I want the money to be given out. Rupert Giles one million, Buffy Summers three million. Willow Rosenburg one million. Alexander Harris two million. I want you to transfer 3 million in my account as soon as possible. Take all of the usual precautions. Thanks Bob." Angel then hung up the phone and looked up to see everybody's mouths open.
"Wesley, Gunn and Fred, I didn't give you any money because this is our town and if people see any of you throwing around a lot of money all of a sudden there is bound to be someone that will start checking into the reason why. Wesley tomorrow I want you to go to the bank and withdraw $5,000 for each of you. Continue that each month until you reach one million for each of you. I also want you to set up a special no limit credit card for Cordy. Until Wesley gets the card for you here's mine. Buffy the 3 million of course is for you, Dawn and Spike. Don't let him spend it all on cigarettes and liquor. Xander the 2 million are for you and Anya." Everyone still had their mouths open. They were still awe struck at Angels immense generosity.
"Get busy ladies you have only 72 hours to get ready for the wedding." Cordy jumped in Angels arms and kissed him. Then the women, except for Dr. Martin, ran upstairs to get their purses and went out of the door. If their had been any dust or papers on the floor they would have been twirling around from the tornadoes that went through the lobby. Dr. Martin walked Fr. Barris to his car. They had been talking when the ladies went to Angels car. The men had opened a bottle of whiskey and were drinking a toast to the two grooms. Angel sat down on the couch and the others followed suit. "All we have to do now is wait for the women to tell us what to do."
"Uh, Angel why, uh how, uh where." For the first time in Giles life he was having a hard time finding the words to say what he was thinking of. Everyone laughed at him.
Angel got up and drank the rest of his champagne then put the glass down on the table. "I am going to let Wesley answer your questions Giles. As you know I've had a long day and I'm very tired. Spike would you come upstairs with me for awhile. Wesley would you ask Dr. Martin to come to my room when she gets back." Wesley looked at Angel and asked "Angel are you okay?" He had noticed Angel taking the stairs slowly and holding onto the rail.
"Yes I'm okay it's nothing I can't handle." Angel said.
As Spike ran up the stairs he yeld back to the rest "sorry guys my grandpa needs me."
"Why does he do that? Doesn't he know that it bugs Angel when he says stuff like that?" Gunn asked no one in particular.
"I asked him that once after Angel had paid us a visit to help us one time. His answer was 'I know but it's the only thing I can do that really bugs the crap out of him. Besides he would never do anything with Buffy and Cordelia around.' "
Dr. Martin came in as they were discussing this. "Dr. Martin Angel needs you up stairs. I think he must have started to bleed again." Wesley said.
"Why do you think he's bleeding again?" Dr. Martin asked as she walked to the stairs. Wesley came over to her and took some kleenex and bent down, wiped something off of the floor and showed it to the Doctor. It was blood. "I think it's just his feet though because his hands looked okay."
"Thanks Wesley. He probably reopened the wounds again when he was going through the blessing. I'll let you know how he is."
Dr. Martin knocked on Angels door and waited for an answer. Spike opened the door. "Come in Doc. I was just putting him to bed. You might want to get your bag. He's bleeding from the wounds in his feet again."
"Okay I'll be right back."
When she got back she went in without knocking. Spike was just taking Angels shoes off. He had to do it carefully because they were full of blood. He took the shoes and rinsed them out and then grabbed some clean towels and a large bowl that Cordelia kept in the bathroom under the sink. He filled it with warm water and took it into the bedroom. Dr. Martin was carefully taking Angels socks off. Spike put the bowl down by her so she could clean his feet. After she was done she took a good look at the wounds. They had just reopened but it wasn't as bad as they were at the beginning. The bleeding had stopped now that he was off his feet. She wrapped each of them again then Spike and her helped Angel to take his clothes off and put him to bed.
"No walking for you tomorrow Angel. Not if you want to dance at your wedding." Dr. Martin said.
Angel was exhausted and went right to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
"I want to try to get him to drink as much blood as possible tonight Spike. Lets wake him up in 4 hours and give him at least a 16 oz. glass of blood. Four hours after that well give him another 16 oz. glass of blood.
Spike have you noticed any difference in how you feel since you've been drinking pork blood as compared to how you felt when you were drinking human blood?"
Spike thought about it for a few minutes. "I don't think so but I can't be sure since I haven't been as active as I was before I got my soul back."
"Have you been hurt in anyway and you felt like you were taking longer to heal?" "No, I don't think so. Buffy might be able to remember better though since she's usually the one that takes care of me. Why are you asking?"
"I've been trying to think of why Angel is taking so long to heal. From all that you've told me these wounds in his feet should be completely healed by now, but we have so many other factors coming into play with him right now that it's hard to tell. I'm just trying to think of all possibilities. When I get home I am going to do some research on the idea of what human blood has that pork blood doesn't. I'll let you know what I find out. I'll see you later Spike I am going to get a little rest myself."
Spike sat with Angel for the next 4 hours until it was time to give him more blood. He did this every 4 hours and each time Angel would go back to sleep right away. By the time he had been given his 3rd glass of blood Angel went back to sleep and Spike felt safe in leaving him alone.
It was 12 noon by the time Angel woke up again. He wanted to get up and he was hungry.
"Cordy" he yelled. He waited for awhile. No answer. "Cordy." He yelled again.
He heard someone coming up the stairs. He smelled the air. It was Spike and Connor. Just as he figured out who it was they came walking through the door.
"Well, Daddy is finally awake." Spike said. Connor liked Spike from the first time he opened his mouth. He talked to Angel in a way that Connor wasn't going to try until he was much older.
"Where is Cordy?" Angel asked.
"It seems that neither Cordy or Buffy want us to see them. They say it's bad luck." Spike said.
"How can a few hours make a difference?" Angel asked.
"I asked the same thing." Spike said.
"I called Cordy because I want to get out of bed and get something to eat. I could drink a whole cow right now."
"Dr. Martin said that your not to walk at all today." Spike said.
"I know, that's why you and Connor are going to help me get dressed and into the wheelchair."
Connor looked around and went to the closet. "You want the black pants or the blank pants?" Connor asked with a smile as he held up 2 pares of black pants.
"Very funny, get one of them and a shirt. Spike get me a clean T-Shirt and socks."
"Yes Daddy." Spike said.
"Knock it off Spike or I'll fix your wagon for good and Buffy will be a widow before she's a bride."
They got him dressed and in the wheelchair with out his feet touching the ground. When they pushed him to the hallway Angel sensed their were strangers in the hotel.
"Who's here?" Angel asked.
"It would probably be easier to say who isn't here." Connor said.
"When Cordy wants something done and money is no object she knows exactly how to do it." Spike said.
"Where is she?" Angel asked.
"She got a suite of rooms down the street. All of the girls are their. Wesley is handling the decorations. Of course Cordelia told him exactly what to do. Dr. Martin is the only woman left in the place and she'll be going over to the hotel with the girls tonight. They're having a wedding shower for Buffy and Cordelia tonight. At 7 tonight well be going over to Lorne's for our bachelor party." Spike said with a wicked grin on his face.
"Why don't we go back to my room then. It's to busy down there. Connor would you bring me a glass of blood. Warm it up in the microwave like Cordy does please. Tell the guys to come up here. Lets play cards or something."
Angel wheeled himself back to his room. He was already missing Cordy. It seemed that she was the reason his heart beat. Angel could hear the guys coming up the stairs and to his room.
"What's going on here Angel" Gunn asked.
"I can't go out Gunn. If I go out whoever is spying on us will see that I survived, and might make an attempt on more than just me next time. Lets take them out tonight."
"Now that's what I call a bachelor party." Spike was excited to finally get some action.
"Yeah well don't get so excited that your brains fall out and I mean that literally. When those guys were having fun torturing me they were talking about someone that they just referred to as the boss. Find out who the Boss is before you take them out then go after the Boss if you can. Lets play cards."
The men played cards until 7:30 p.m. Spike was studying the cards on the table and everything was quiet. Connor, Wesley and Xander were out. They each had $20 in the pot except for Spike. Spike had a full house in his hands. Finally he made his decision, and just put in his extra $5 that Gunn had raised it to. Gunn showed his hand. He put down 4 sixes. That beat Spike and Giles. Gunn reached for the pot.
"I believe my hand beats yours." Angel put his cards down. He laid down 4 cards also but his were all kings. He reached out and pulled the pot in.
"Thank you Gentlemen for your contributions, now I think it's time for you to go. Connor would you escort Dr. Martin over to where the girls are please. When he gets back you can go. Spike you might need Buffy. I don't want anyone to get hurt and she'll keep thse odds down. Besides Cordy would stake me if anyone got hurt before the wedding. I'll leave that up to you though."
Spike thought about it for a moment. "Let her have her fun. It's not very often that she gets to have this much fun."
"Okay, when your ready to go in call to let me know and I'll go onto the balcony to draw their attention."
Connor got back just in time to leave with them. Angel wheeled himself to the patio doors and pulled the drapes open then opened the doors. He waited for the call before going out to the balcony. Ten minutes passed before the phone rang. Angel picked up the phone.
"Where ready Angel." Wesley said. "Okay, give me 2 minutes to get to the balcony." Angel hung up and wheeled himself to the balcony. He sat their drinking some water as the good Doctor had instructed. He noticed some activity taking place across the street.
Forty five minutes later he saw them all walk back over to the Hyperion. As they came into his room they all grabbed a beer including Connor and sat down.
"How did it go?" Angel asked no one in particular.
"Just fine Angel just fine." Wesley said. They all cracked up. Wesley's voice sounded real funny like he had been breathing in helium.
"What happened?" Angel asked.
"The demons that attached you are commonly called Sharks. They were going to use you as an example to all of the demon run businesses. They were going to tell other demons 'If we can take Angel down just think how easy it would be for us to take care of you and yours.' We got lucky and the Boss, as they called him, just happened to be their. If we had waited until you could do it yourself he wouldn't have been there. He was going up to New York to start his business, to put it nicely."
"Why are you talking so funny?" Angel asked.
"We didn't know it but they have a gas in there bodies that's like helium. When Gunn sliced into one of them with his homemade axe the gas came out. When Spike started talking we all started laughing. The more we heard each other the more we laughed. We didn't even notice that one of the Bosses flunkies had escaped. When Connor started to go after him I told him to let him go. He'll get the word out that your still alive and we've freed them of a thorn in their side. With any luck you'll get some nice wedding presents."
"You all did real well. Kudos to you." Angel said to everyone.
"Kudos! That's a new word I've never heard you say before." Wesley said.
"I try to keep up with the current modern terms. When you live as long as I have you have to be up on the current slang if you want to fit in and walk with humans. Spike come over here please. Would you take my shoes and socks off and check my feet? Their hurting a lot." Spike came over and did as Angel asked. He carefully took the socks off. Their wasn't any blood on the socks but it caused Angel a lot of pain for him to even touch them.
"Remember when Dr. Martin moved your foot around and you almost took her arm off because of the pain?" Spike said. "Yeah." Angel responded.
"Well I'm going to have to do it again. Here goes." Spike moved Angels foot around in just a small circle at first then a larger one. Everything seemed to be okay. The bones felt like they were okay and they seemed to be firmly attached again. Spike looked at Angel. He had hurt him so bad that he had tears in his eyes.
"Angel I'm sorry I had to hurt you but since we don't have an x-ray machine here it was the only way I could check them. You have any liquor up here?" Angel pointed to the cabinet above the sink. Spike looked in the cabinet that Angel had pointed to. He found a bottle of Southern Comfort. Spike poured Angel a glass and gave it to him. "Here drink this it's just as good or even better then a shot in the neck. You have to stop depending on those drugs Angel. Your body is building up an immunity to them. The Doc had a hard time putting you out the last time she had to do some repairs. She had to ask Willow to use some of her magic powder to knock you out."
"I hate to say it but I think your right. I don't like the reason to get it but I like the affect. It's one of the only times that Angelus is out of my head."
"Angel and I have discussed a serious matter and we have decided that we should all get stinking drunk right here since he can't go out to Lorne's." Spike told everyone. Spike pushed Angels wheel chair over to the table and put the bottle of Southern Comfort in front of him. He also brought a bowl of ice over for anyone that wanted ice in their drinks.
"If anyone wants anything else there is a cabinet over their with just about anything that you may want." Angel said.
"Can I have something to drink." Connor asked Angel.
Angel thought about it for a minute. He reasoned that if Connor was old enough to take him to have his first sex with a prostitute that would teach him how to have sex with a women then he was old enough to have his first taste of alcohol. "Sure go ahead, lets see what kind of drunk you are. When you get a glass for yourself get one for everyone." Connor brought an armful of glasses back to the table and everyone got the drink of their choice.
Connor reached for the bottle of Southern Comfort. "I suggest that you take just a little of that first Connor. That is a bottle of 100 proof Southern Comfort Connor. You can get drunk on it pretty fast." Connor did as Angel suggested and poured himself just a small amount.
Everyone was watching Connor. They all were remembering their own first drinks.
"When you take it in your mouth don't swallow it right away. Take time to taste it then swallow it." Angel said.
Connor did as Angel said. "Wow that was good. It went down so, so smooth."
The guys were all laughing at his reaction. Connor started to get mad because they were all laughing it him. They saw his reaction.
"Connor we're laughing because we all remember our first taste of liquor. Your lucky you have something as good as that 100 proof Southern Comfort. The first time I tasted liquor it was behind a barn with some other teenage boys and it was with the cheapest stuff that we could get our hands on. Even though we only had about one glass full we all became terribly sick. The strongest drink I had after that for a long time was tea." Giles said. After Giles told his story Connor calmed down and poured himself and Angel some more.
"Anyone hungry, cause I'm starving" Gunn asked everyone.
"I don't think anyone is going to be in shape to clean anything so either order something or go and pick it up." Angel said.
It took awhile but they decided to get Subs from the local store. Gunn took down what everyone wanted and called it in. Before leaving he held his hand out to Wesley who had been handling all of the petty cash. Gunn turned to Connor. "You want to go with me? You can help me carry all of the subs." Connor got up to go with him.
"Wait a minute Gunn how much have you had to drink?" Angel asked.
"Not too much to drive but too much if I get caught. I'll call a taxi."
After Gunn and Connor left Angel suggested that they play cards.
"I have a wedding to pay for and you guys are going to make major donations."
"We will see about that. We were talking about it while we were taking out those gaseous demons and we're pretty sure we have your number." Spike said as he shuffled the cards and dealt them.
Angel filled his glass again. "I tell you what I am going to do to make things even easier on you. I'm going to get so drunk that your going to have to put me to bed again." Angel said as he downed the whole glass in one gulp.
A half hour later Gunn and Connor brought in the food. Spike had one of the Subs and fixed a large glass of blood for Angel.
Four hours later Angel was in his bed fully clothed. Spike, Wesley, Connor and Xander where on the floor. Giles and Lorne were still in their chairs but their heads were on the table. Everyone was out cold. As usual the majority of the poker chips were in front of Angels position.
At 10 am the next morning the women came back to the Hyperion. Dr. Martin came in first to make sure the men were not where they could see Buffy and Cordelia. She came in through the front doors and saw Lorne and a bunch of people who were finishing up the decorating of the Lobby.
"Where is Angel and Spike""
"There up in Angels room. They are all passed out in their. 'Amateurs'". Lorne said as he continued instructing the band as to where to set up.
"Lorne would you please go and check on them and let me know if their still sleeping?"
"Sure Doc."
Lorne went upstairs and found them still in the same positions they were in when he checked on them earlier in the morning. He came back downstairs and told her they were still asleep.
Dr. Martin gave them the all clear signal and everyone filed in carrying boxes and bags. Cordelia and Buffy carried in their wedding dresses and went right to their own rooms. After the girls were out of sight Dr. Martin went into Angels room. She went to each one that was on the floor and tried to wake them. They were all still out cold. She went to Angel and took off his socks and checked his feet. They looked to be completely healed. Since Angel still hadn't woke up she started tickling his feet. Angel moved his feet away from their original position. Dr. Martin tickled them again. He kicked her hand away. "Cordy stop it." Angel was still half asleep.
"It's not Cordelia and it's time for you to get up. It's almost 11 a.m. You have 4 hours before your wedding." Angel jumped out of bed. It took him a few minutes to realize where he was.
"Dr. Martin, have you been here very long?" "No, about 10 minutes." "Where are the other women?" Angel asked as he rubbed his eyes and went to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water. He drank the whole thing down before putting the bottle down. Why does alcohol make you so thirsty? Hey guys it's time to get up. Wesley, Giles, Gunn and Connor wake up." Giles and Wesley were getting up from the table and stretching. Spike and Xander were starting to moan and groan. Connor was right by Spike so he moved over to Connors head and whispered something to him. Connor jumped up and ran to the bathroom. They could hear him throwing up. They all laughed because they all remembered what it was like when they got drunk for the first time.
"What did you say to him?" Gunn asked Spike.
"I said 'boy I sure am hungry for a nice big breakfast of about 6 slabs of nice greasy pork bacon, a half dozen eggs and a bunch of hash browns.'"
"You are one mean Vampire." Gunn said smiling.
"Spike since your room is off limits for now do you have anything in there that you want me to get." Dr. Martin asked.
"Yes if you would please, ask Buffy for everything that I need to get dressed."
"I'll be back in a few minutes." After Dr. Martin left the others left also. Poor Connor came out of the bathroom. He looked like he was ready to crawl into his grave right now. He was as white as a Vampire.
"I don't think I'll ever do that again. You have to suffer too much the next day." Connor said.
"That's a good decision son. Your obviously smarter then me. When I was your age I was already getting drunk at least once a week."
Dr. Martin knocked at the door. "Come in Dr. Martin." Angel said as he went to open the door. She had her hands full so she couldn't have turned the handle to open the door if she wanted to. Spike quickly stepped over to her and took his things.
"You can get ready in room 412 Spike. It has everything you need" Spike took all his things and left to get ready.
"Connor roll up your sleeve. I'll give you a shot that will help you to get over your hangover. Normally I wouldn't do this because I don't believe in getting drunk. I like a drink now and then but I've never seen the logic in drinking until you get sick. Since we have a wedding to go to I'm going to help you. Dr. Martin pulled out a syringe and gave Connor the shot.
"Ow!" He cried loudly as she put the needle in. She withdrew the needle and rubbed it then kissed it. "Their, does that feel better now."
"No." Connor said. "Is it supposed to have some kind of magical power to it."
"No but it always worked for my son." She smiled at the memory. She hadn't thought of her son in a long time. She started to leave the room along with Connor.
"Dr. Martin would you stay for awhile please?" Angel asked her.
"Sure Angel." She closed the door and went to sit down at the table and Angel sat next to her. She noticed that he walked normally and no hint of his injury remained.
"I need for you to teach me how to pray the Rosary. It was part of the penance that Fr. Barris gave me. He told me that I had to pray the Rosary everyday for the rest of my life. I've been trying to remember it but it's been too many years."
"Of course I'll help you. Here, I have a gift for you. I don't know why but I sensed somehow that you would need this, this morning so I put it in my pocked." She brought out a small leather pouch and took out a beautiful black Rosary with links and a cross made of silver. Angel smiled at her. "Thank you. I've been afraid of crosses for so long. It will be hard getting used to it."
"Lets start Angel. Here is a card that gives you the prayers and the sequence and how many time you say each prayer and on which beads."
Dr. Martin took out her rosary also.
"The Apostles Creed is said on the cross, the Our Father on the single beads and the Hail Mary on the first 3 consecutive beads and the 10 consecutive beads. After each group of 3 and 10 beads of Hail Mary's you say the Glory Be and this one which has been added in the last 40 or 50 years or so. When people pray together the leader, which will be me for now, will start the prayer and the second person or persons finish the prayer. Lets begin."
Dr. Martin made the sign of the cross on herself. She looked at Angel. His hands were shaking.
"Angel what's wrong?"
"He won't let me make the sign of the cross." he answered.
"Pray to St. Michael Angel. Remember that he is your guardian angel." He looked at her questioningly. It was obvious that he didn't know what to say.
Dr. Martin held his hand and said "St. Michael Angel needs your help to overcome Angelus. He is preventing Angel from fulfilling his penance. Please help him."
Within a few seconds he was able to make the sign of the cross. From then on he was able to pray the Rosary with Dr. Martin. Angelus had backed down when confronted by St. Michael.
It took 30 minutes for them to say the Rosary. Dr. Martin had gone slowly since Angel was having to relearn it.
It was now 2:30 p.m and Angel had a few minutes before he had to be down stairs. He called Fred's room. Fred wasn't there so he tried downstairs. She just happened to answer the phone when it rang.
"Fred, this is Angel, can you come up to my room?" "I'll be right their." Fred answered.
"Is Spike down there yet?" Angel asked. "No Angel, I don't see him anywhere." "Okay I'll call him in 412."
Angel called 412. "Are you ready yet." Angel asked.
"Yeah, as ready as I'll ever be I guess." "Come down to my room. Fred's going to check me over to see if I look okay." Angel said. "I'll be there before you can hang up Sire."
Fred knocked on the door. "Come in Fred." Fred came in and closed the door behind her. Spike got there just as she was closing it and slipped in also.
"It's times like these that it makes it hard to be a Vampire. How do I look Fred?" Angel asked.
"Just perfect Angel, except for your hair. What did you do with it?"
"I tried to comb it without the benefit of a reflection. Why?"
"Well, Cordelia and I were talking about your hair that day you combed it when we all went out for dinner."
"Yeah, what about it?" Angel was starting to get pissed. He would never admit it but he was very conceited about his looks.
"We decided that we like it the way you usually keep it. When you comb it like this it's like it's not really you. You know what I mean?"
"Okay this is what I usually do" Angel ran his fingers through his hair and smoothed it back with just his hands. "How's that?" He asked.
"Perfect. Now Angel is back in the room."
"How about me Luv?" Spike asked.
"My, my, my but you are a handsome man when you get all cleaned up and wearing proper clothes." Fred almost blushed.
"Well all I can say is I didn't pick these out. Buffy did." Spike said as he pranced around the room like a young rooster showing off his beautiful tail feathers. One rooster though can't stand another one in his territory so Angel said "can it and lets go."
Angel opened the door for Fred and they all exited the room and went downstairs.
"Well finally our 2 nervous grooms are coming down." Wesley said when he saw them coming down the same stairs that the women were scheduled to make their entrance on.
"It's 3 p.m. on the dot. Angel, Spike take your positions. Fred and Giles lets go and get the girls." Wesley was going to give Cordelia away and Giles was going to give Buffy away.
The alter had been set up under the second floor walkway. Angel and Spike were standing in front of the alter. Angel had stopped and was looking up at the walkway. Dr. Martin saw him stopping and staring at the area that only a little over a week ago he had been hanging from a cross that he had been crucified on.
"You okay Angel?" Dr. Martin said as she put her arm around his waist.
"Yes, I was just thinking about what happened. What I went through the day I was tortured and crucified can only be compared to the time that I regained my soul and was hit with feelings of guilt over what Angelus did and especially his killing of Kathy." Angel put his arm around Dr. Martins' shoulder. "As painful as it was Dr. Martin I would go through it again if it meant that I would have this day again also." Dr. Martin looked up at him and said "lets go Angel it's time to take yourself a bride." He looked back down at the temporary alter where Fr. Barris was standing. He was dressed in his vestments and waiting patiently. The marriage would take place during the mass. Dr. Martin took her place next to him and Angel and Spike took their places to the right. Connor was Angels Best Man and Xander was Spikes. Lorne had brought his band and he was sitting at the piano waiting patiently for the brides to start coming downstairs.
Wesley and Giles were waiting at the top of the stairs when all of the girls came out of Cordelias room at the same time. Dawn had arrived last night and was the brides maid. Willow was Buffys' maid of honor and Fred was Cordelias.
Buffy had chosen a simple dress with delicate lace on the shoulders. Her veil covered the back of her dress and trailed 3 feet behind her along with the dress. The skirt was down to just above her feet and was a simple straight cut. A second full skirt started at the sides and made up the trailing length behind her. Buffy was going down first. Giles approached her. As he looked at her he had tears in his eyes.
"Buffy, I couldn't be more proud of you then if you were my daughter. You are a beautiful young woman." Giles bent down and carefully kissed her cheek. Buffy kissed him also. Thank you Giles. I had a good teacher. You were there for me during all the times when my real father should have been there and wasn't. As you can see, you're here and not my biological father.
Wesley wasn't paying attention to what they were saying because his eyes were on Cordelia. Fred was busy straightening her dress and gathering the trail of the dress and veil. Cordelia looked like a fairy tale princes. Her dress had a wide full skirt made out of white silk and a soft yellow lace covering the skirt and strapless top. The lace made up the shoulders and sleeves. The sleeves were full and formed cuffs at the wrists. Her veil was made up of a soft white net with traces of yellow in it. The veil and skirt formed a trail that extended five feet behind her. Both Buffy and Cordelias bouquets were made of white and yellow mums with white and yellow silk ribbons hanging down.
"Uh, Cordelia I think you should have Giles escort you both downstairs. Your so beautiful I don't fee worthy of being your escort." Wesley said. He felt so unworthy to be standing in her presence. She looked like a beautiful angel.
"Wesley close your mouth and give me your arm. If I didn't think you were worthy of giving me away I wouldn't have asked you to. Now lets get this show on the road.
Dawn was at the top of the stairs. When Wesley gave Cordelia his arm and both Fred and Willow were in position she gave Lorne the signal to begin.
Lorn had protested but the girls had insisted on the traditional wedding march. He started playing it and Dawn started walking down the stairs that had been draped in ribbons and white and yellow flowers. Willow came next then Fred. All eyes were on the stairs. Cordelia had hired a professional to film the wedding and reception. He had two cameras going at the same time. His assistant had the second camera on Angel and Spike and the main one was on the brides.
Giles and Buffy stopped for a moment at the top of the stairs then proceeded to start down.
For once in Spikes undead existence he was just speechless. Angel turned and looked at him. Spikes mouth was hanging open. He didn't notice Angel looking at him. In fact if their was an earthquake at that very moment he didn't look as though he would notice it. At that very moment he had eyes only for Buffy.
Wesley wanted to start towards the top of the stairs for their entrance but Cordelia held him back. "Not yet." she said.
When she heard Buffy's dress stop rustling and Fr. Barris said who gives this women in Holy Matrimony and Giles stepped forward and said I do. Cordelia heard Buffy step forward to join with Spike.
Cordelia tugged at Wesley's arm and said "now." They walked to the top of the stairs and waited a moment while everyone's eyes turned to them. Lorne started the wedding march again and Wesley and Cordelia started their descent. Dr. Martin looked at Angel. Angels eyes were constantly on Cordelia. If a bomb was to be dropped next to him she didn't think he would even notice it. His eyes, mind and heart were on Cordelia only. His heart was beating faster as she approached him. He felt his love for her fill his whole being as his heart started beating so fast that it seemed that it was going to come out of his chest.
Wesley brought Cordelia to stand by him in front of Fr. Barris. "Who gives this women in Holy Matrimony?" "I do." Then Wesley put Cordelia's hand in Angels and then stepped back and sat down next to Giles.
Fr. Barris started the mass. When it was over he told the new couples to turn around.
"Ladies and gentlemen it is my honor to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Angel and Cordelia Martin and Mr. and Mrs. William and Buffy Summers.
TBC.........................