Spike was gone and she was bored. Also, missing him quite badly – not just their more intimate time together but their chats and everything about him really. She frowned as she tried to remember what it was that was coming – something other than a Wedding that wouldn't be… what was it?

Oh yes… Riley!

Riley… she grinned as she remembered then. At least she had something to do now. The Slayer headed to her weapons chest and found one of the few things that she still had from her time with the Initiative – a stun gun that happened to be just strong enough to take down a herd of elephants. That would do the trick. She whistled a contented tune as she left the building, intent on finding a demon.

eieio

The day had not been good so far – she had slept in, missed taking the garbage out, had been rejected by UC Sunnydale as she'd applied too late to rejoin. Oh yeah, there had also been the vampire that had tried to run away from her – not because he was scared of her exactly, but because the smell of Double Meat Palace that surrounded her was too much of a stench for him. Therefore, could anyone blame her if she had dolled herself up more than usual to go to work, knowing that her ex-boyfriend would be showing up? She couldn't do much about the smell of the place lingering on her but at least she looked good!

Knowing that she looked at least as hot as she ever did meant that she was able to smile brightly at Riley when he came in – well, that and the fact that she was in love - even if just a little bit worried about Spike. He would be fine of course. He had to be. There was no need to be worried about him. Still, she did.

When Riley came to the Double Meat Palace, he was a little bewildered that Buffy didn't seem surprised to see him. In fact, she just finished talking to her co-worker, set her apron and hat aside then walked out from behind the counter, smiling at him. "Hello Riley." She continued smiling as she hugged him in a friendly manner. "You're looking good." She released him and stepped back.

For a few moments, Riley's jaw just opened and closed, no sound coming out which seemed to amuse his former girlfriend no end. She pulled him gently out of the fast food establishment.

"Had I realised that they would send you, I would have rung earlier. I take it your wife is here with you somewhere?" Just in case he got the wrong idea and thought she was pining for him. "Sam, right? Willow told me a while back…"

Riley stopped walking, forcing Buffy to do the same and just looked at her. "Buffy, how did you…? You're looking great. Just the same as ever." You called about a demon?"

Buffy nodded. "Uh huh." Okay, a little white lie but no point getting him all suspicious now, was there. "A Suvolte demon – haven't come across one of those before but I know that they're deadly, laying waste to towns and laying eggs… Oh yeah, I took care of some I found too – courtesy of a now dead demon calling himself The Doctor." She shrugged – another little white lie about Spike wasn't going to hurt anyone – the eggs were gone after all, and that was the main thing. Of course, she would have to tell Spike when he got back that it was her that had blown up the 'basement' of his Crypt.

She stopped in front of the warehouse where she had stashed the demon. "In here… I'll go first – just in case." Sure enough, she saw the creature as she stepped inside, lying just as she had left it. "Hopefully this saves you some hassle. Also, wouldn't want this thing terrorising the lovely residents of Sunnydale now, would we?" She beamed at him and again, Riley was taken aback by how confident and happy... and peaceful Buffy looked.

He shook his head in wonder but didn't get a chance to say anything as Buffy spoke again. "I want you to know, for old time's sake, that I did show up to stop you leaving that time… it was too late though – you were already in the chopper and couldn't hear my shouts." She frowned as she remembered how much that moment had hurt her at the time – it seemed like years ago now. She shook it off though and beamed at him. "Still, it all worked out for the best, right? You have Sam now." She gestured to the woman who had just come into the warehouse.

"Hello Sam. Riley has been telling me all about you. It's nice to meet you, the woman who made him so happy. Have your demon here waiting for you." She reached down and checked its bonds. "Still secure, still out for the count – you've got time to come back to the house and see everyone before you have to leave again, right?" She smiled at them both as she shook hands with the other woman. Of course they followed, Riley still looking more than a little floored. That was actually an enjoyable experience for the Slayer.

Buffy laughed at Willow and shook her head at the redhead's offer to hate the other woman on her behalf. "Absolutely no need, Will – Sam is lovely, really. She could have easily been a part of our gang. She's a doctor… woulda been really useful for patching up all our scrapes and broken bones – ooh, and we coulda called her rather than Ben that time we were on the run and Giles was bleeding to death and then Glory wouldn't have been able to snatch Dawn. That woulda been nice." She shrugged and took her friend's arm, guiding her back to the others. "They're only here a while, we should get to know her."

Willow didn't really see any reason to argue with her. "This new guy of yours is really good for you, Buffy." Buffy's only response was to grin more broadly.

When it was time for the duo to leave with their still out for the count demon, Buffy pulled Riley aside for a moment. She pulled him into a quick hug." Take care of yourself Riley – and Sam. I hope you have many happy years together. Again, for what it's worth, I'm really sorry for how things panned out between us – the fighting and whatnot."

Riley nodded, a lot more grounded now, having had time to process everything. "It's fine, Buffy. Things happen for a reason – I believe that now."

Buffy nodded. "Good point… um, can I ring the same number if I need a favour – Spike's chip may well stop functioning at some point."

Riley's face darkened at the mention of one of his least favourite creatures but he nodded. "Sure. That'll work. They'll do what they can." He frowned. "Speaking of, where is the bloodsucker?"

Buffy levelled her gaze on him. "He's off getting a Soul for me." She grinned and turned, walking back to her friends. All Riley could do was snort and walk back to his waiting wife. "Figures."

eieio

On the Eve of Xander and Anya's wedding Buffy sat in her room, trying to think of what she should be doing right now but her mind wouldn't stay fixed on the task at hand. She needed to go out and slay some vampires or something – anything that would take away the focus from the horror she knew was to come. Unfortunately, she was stuck with the knowledge that they had invited Anya and the rest of the (female) gang over for a Hen Night. They weren't planning much though – a few drinks, a few films, facemasks, manicures… just the usual stuff that women did on a girly night in. If she could just relax, everything would be great.

Well, everything would be great if only her friend wasn't about to make the biggest mistake of his life! She groaned and flopped down on her bed, grabbed a pillow and covered her face to muffle the frustrated scream that escaped her.

eieio

Buffy was sitting on her bed, feeling sorry for herself when her mother walked into the room, wearing a lovely white flowing robe. "Ah. I'm dreaming. Hi Mom. It's been a while… can I hug you?"

Joyce beamed at her and opened her arms. "Of course you-" She didn't get to finish the sentence before her daughter was in her arms. "Oh Buffy, I miss you and Dawn but I am always watching over you."

Buffy pulled back a little and looked at her. "We miss you too, Mom. Things just aren't the same without you." She wrinkled her nose. "What a total cliché… and nowhere near enough."

Joyce laughed. "Buffy, I know what's in your heart, don't worry."

Buffy relaxed and hugged her once more before allowing herself to focus on the problem at hand. She looked at her Mother again. "As lovely as this is, I seriously doubt that you're here for a cuddle… what gives?"

Joyce smiled. "I know about the Mirror, Buffy. I am here to tell you that you must do what you feel is right – follow your heart."

Buffy frowned. "You mean about Anya and Xander?"

Her mother brushed her hair out of her daughter's face. "Yes - and the scythe. It's not time yet – it's safe where it was. Put it back for now. Or it will be taken. Follow your heart, Buffy. You can't go-"

Buffy was woken by a bang from downstairs – it took her a second to realise that it was the sound of the front door being closed a bit too enthusiastically by Dawn as she came in with shopping for tonight. "Follow my heart..? In everything? Or just this?" She sighed and sat up and looked around her room. "Follow my heart…"

eieio

Dawn blinked as a moment later she heard Buffy come thundering down the stairs only to head out, the front door slamming behind her. "Figures. Always left to prepare everything myself." She pouted about it for a moment then shrugged and got on with it.

eieio

The blonde headed next to Anya's. She talked as idly as Anya ever allowed then somehow managed to wheedle a copy of the vows that the ex-demon had written what seemed like years ago, to the Slayer. "Oh, you know… Willow wanted to get a copy of yours and Xander's framed so that you could have them forever, you know?"

Anya felt like crying – that was so lovely. "Aww, that's such a nice thing for her to do. Even better than just merely giving us money! Which is all greatly appreciated by the way, no matter how little. Money is always a good gift to give a couple – especially when they already live together." She looked hopefully at the Slayer. "So much better than getting a gift that you can't stand but that you have to display for years to come so that your friend won't be offended."

Buffy just about managed to hold back the laugh at Anya being so very Anya. She didn't however manage to hold back a sniffle as she pulled the other woman into a hug. "Oh, I just know that you and Xander are going to be together for years to come! Tomorrow is going to be such a great, great day!"

eieio

Buffy's last stop in this matter was of course to see Xander. Not that hard given that they'd told her earlier where they were going so that she could ensure that she didn't miss it on patrol – just in case, knowing their luck, something went wrong demon-wise.

Buffy stood at their table and looked at her best friend. "Xander can I talk to you for a moment? Outside?"

Xander looked at her. "Sure thing, Buff…" He followed his friend out and just managed to hold back a shriek as no sooner where they outside that she thrust something into his face. "Read this. You really need to read this."

Xander let his heart rate calm a little then took the page or two from her before giving her a questioning look. The blonde just pointed to the page so he made his brain focus through the alcohol in his system. He swallowed hard, close to tears by the time he finished. "I'm marrying one helluva woman."

Buffy grinned at him. "Yes, you are Xander. You are one very lucky man and I want you to remember that." She frowned. "Also, you need to put aside your Wedding Jitters. I know you, Xander. There's not a malicious bone in your body. Well, apart from when it comes to Angel maybe but that's fair enough. Aside from that, you're a good man – one of the best I know and you would never hurt Anya. You would never end up like your father. You have to realise that."

Xander stared at her. "How did you…" Buffy shrugged. "You're my best friend, remember? Some things, you just know. This is one of those moments. I want to see you and Anya together, Xander. After everything you two have been over the years, you deserve this. You belong together."

eieio

The Wedding went without a hitch – not least because she ensured that the demon never got within a mile of Xander. Actually, that was quite therapeutic – a little beating him senseless then sending him back through the portal he came to Sunnydale by (with a little help from Tara).

She smiled at her friend. "See, that'll make everything better, you wait and see."

Tara could only nod slowly at her friend. Buffy had been acting strangely for a while now but at the same time, she was used to people acting strangely so she let it go. "Time to go to a Wedding… these dresses are hideous."

Buffy looked down and laughed. "Very. At least in my case, Spike isn't here to see it – and in yours, Willow looks just as bad." She grinned and led her friend off.