I can hold my breath
I can bite my tongue
I can stay awake for days
If that's what you want
Be your number one
I can fake a smile
I can force a laugh
I can dance and play the part
If that's what you ask
Give you all I am
I can do it
I can do it
I can do it
But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human
I can turn it on
Be a good machine
I can hold the weight of worlds
If that's what you need
Be your everything
I can do it
I can do it
I'll get through it
But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human
I'm only human
I'm only human
Just a little human
I can take so much
'Til I've had enough
'Cause I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human
It wasn't how he'd dreamed or even predicted. For starters, martial arts students and strippers outnumbered family and friends 2:1. He doubted the church had ever had such an eclectic group.
Even with her students and his coworkers, though, it was still a small group.
Looking across the pews, he estimated forty guests. For most for them, it'd be the first time they'd seen her since the coma. Long before the music started, everyone had their eyes on the back of the church. They seemed as eager to see the bride as Angel was.
Finally, the first notes rose around the room. The guests stood and she appeared – with Mr. Giles and Will at her sides.
She looked like the miracle she was.
Pale skin, prominent bones and small steps testified she was survivor. Her old homecoming gown had been ruined by her father, so she wore one of Drusilla's vintage nightgowns. Cream silk and chiffon slid and clung with every step.
The men on her arms steadied her down the aisle.
She smiled at everyone she passed. Guests tried to smile back but struggled with their tears. Willow and Jesse were actively sobbing. Shaky breaths and sniffles mixed with the music.
As Buffy stepped closer, Angel noticed her eyes were clear. She was far from tears –just like him.
All he felt inside was peace, a peace like he'd never known before. From her relaxed smile, he thought she felt it too.
Will kissed her cheek before Giles passed her to the groom. Angel accepted her weight with both hands.
Since she couldn't hold a bouquet, Jenny had pinned flowers in her hair. Their scent drifted up to him along with her deep green eyes. He could lose himself in her; in fact, he already had.
She clung to him throughout the ceremony. Since their claddaghs were their marriage bands, they skipped the exchanging of rings and held fast to each other during the vows.
As soon as the priest pronounced them husband and wife, whoops and applause erupted from the audience. Angel kissed her hard and fast and swooped her in his arms.
She rested her head against his shoulder as he carried her back down the aisle.
Everyone wanted to stop them to congratulate them. Her friends held her hand and touched her hair. They cried as they told her how beautiful she looked and how happy they were for them.
Buffy smiled more than she spoke. This late in the day, her voice was fading fast. He'd anticipated this which was why he'd argued against a real reception. In the church's garden were juice and pastries for the guests, but Buffy and himself wouldn't be staying.
Already, his mind was on the bath salts waiting at their apartment. Champagne and strawberries were chilling in their fridge and a new massage oil lay on their bedside table. For what he had planned, she wouldn't need to stand or speak; she wouldn't even have to open her eyes.
Spike and Connor helped run interference so they could get out of there. Maybe later they'd have a big party and catch up with everyone, but today wasn't for the rest of the world. This shotgun affair was for Angel and Buffy because they needed to be one and had waited long enough.
He got her to the car.
They both smiled and waved at the guests who heard the engine start. Questions and pleas floated across the parking lot, but neither of them engaged.
Feeling no need to explain or apologize, they heard the voices calling out to them get softer as they drover farther and farther away. Those who truly knew and loved them would understand their choices. And even if they didn't, their opinion didn't matter – not to him and from her closed eyes and small smile, he assumed not to her either.
The wind played with his too-short hair and the sun gave color to both their faces. They'd traveled through valleys of death to reach this day. They'd earned this chance to enjoy each other – guilt free.
He reached across the seat for her hand.
She moved closer and leaned against him.
This moment didn't need words. It didn't need anything. This was perfect happiness.