The Journey, not the Destination Chapter 15: The Reception, a Buffy: The Vampire Slayer + Angel Crossover fanfic

The Reception – December 4, 2004

Each table had a white table cloth with an emerald green candle (also bridal gown coordinated) sitting in a Claddah imprinted holder.

While on No-Slay maternity leave, Buffy had spend a considerable amount of time at home planning the wedding. She made little favors with candy coated chocolate almonds. She placed five of the candies into a six-inch square of white tulle netting, gathered up the sides to make a pouch and tied each with color coordinated ribbon. Attached she wrote: Buffy and Angel, December 4, 2004 and a little poem she found online:

Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat
To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.
Five wishes for the new husband and wife -
Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

She made sure one was placed on each plate for the guests to take home.

Dinner was catered by a local restaurant, one Buffy and Angel frequented often for the quality and flavor of their food. The meal was chicken cordon-blue, with garlic potatoes and green beans.

As it turned out, now that it no longer burned his mouth, Angel was quiet the garlic fan.

...

The tables were set up and dinner was heated and ready to serve by the time Buffy finished with the photographer.

'Poor guy, his shutter pushing finger must be worn to a nub.' Angel thought as he watched the man make his leave, 'Buffy must have had him take over 100 pictures'.

The entire wedding party had been in a few shots, but Buffy wanted 'extra' of her and Angel alone. Also a few of just the guys and just the girls. One of Willow and Oz, Dawn and Connor. Angel and Connor, her and Dawn...the list went on and on.

...

Lorne, who had stolen the microphone and kicked the DJ out of his chair, had been shuffling through the music selection and memorizing what songs the couple and guests had requested. He made an announcement as the newly weds entered the tent.

"All rise and show your love you the new Mr. and Mrs. Summers! Congratulations to the lovely couple!" He put down the mic and headed over to say just that in close proximity.

When everyone had congratulated them, the happy couple was seated at the two chair table in the middle of the tent and the guests sat around them in 4 seat tables. The meal was served and Lorne was singing some dinner music.

...

"This is so surreal." Buffy said between bites of her stuffed chicken. "This is real right, and not just sur? What is sur anyways? Is it short for something?"

Angel shook his head and stifled a laugh, "Latin, prefix, means over."

"Over? As in over real? Yeah, I guess can see that." She took another bite, chewed and swallowed. "How do you know all this stuff anyways?" She asked looking over at him.

He finished chewing and answered with a shrug, "Read a lot." After a beat, "Knowing Latin helps too."

She shook her head, "Are there any languages you don't know?"

He grinned, "A few."

A tinkling sound broke the sounds of steady eating and low lever chatter. Lorne halted his singing and spoke with enthusiasm. "You hear that sound? Time for a traditional silverware induced smooch! Come on you love birds, let see a peck!"

Angel looked a Buffy a moment confused, "Why cling on the glasses?"

"Ah, so you don't know everything." She accused.

"I never said I knew everything." He corrected.

She smiled, "Just shut up and kiss me."

"Don't have to ask me twice." He said leaning across the table to do just that.

They kissed and a roar of approval came from the group.

...

"You have garlic breath" Buffy laughed as she sat back after the kiss.

"You have a piece of green bean stuck between your teeth." He shot back.

"What!" she yelped and quickly picked up her knife and tired to see her reflection.

He chuckled and look a swig of champagne to clear the spice from his mouth.

He furrowed his brow when he tasted it, "This tastes different."

When she finished cleaning the unsightly green from her smile she took a sip. "It's not champagne" she clarified, "It's sparkling cider."

"Sparkling cider?" he asked.

"Baby and alcohol not really mixable" she offered.

"Oh, right. I guess not. Actually this is better, I really don't need a repeat of last night's hangover...ever again."

A clicking on silverware on glasses interrupted them.

"Again? Didn't we just kiss?" she asked looking up.

"What? Under two hours of marriage and your already sick of me?" he joked.

"Never" she dismissed and kissed him again.

...

Not long after, Connor stood up and raised his glass. "As the best man, I'd like to offer a toast to my dad and his new bride."

When all eyes focused on him, he forced down his butterflies and continued, "First off, even as Angel's son, I've probably known him for less time than nearly everyone here. I never got the chance to grow up with him, we never played ball, he never taught me to ride a bike or how to shave...but at the same time, I feel like I've know him my whole life. I grew up hearing stories of a monster, a vicious killer that needed staking...I came back to this world so confused and poisoned with hate, I couldn't see anything for what it was. Angel tried to help me, to show me to a batter path...but I couldn't see it. Then, well there were circumstances, we fought a lot, and I lost control. I was ready to kill myself, just to make the pain stop." He got quiet a moment and the 'audience' waited for him to continue.

Angel sat very still during the speech, not really comfortable with the painful reminders. Buffy had her hand tightly clutching his to led her support.

"He could have killed me, he could have sent me away" Connor continued, "But he didn't. Instead of taking the easy road, he sacrificed everything he believed in and signed up with Wolfram & Hart so I could have a better life, so I could live as a happy, health boy with the emotional stability I needed. There aren't many who would do something like that for someone they barely know.

But that's who my dad is. He's not the monster I was raised to hate, He's an amazing man.

When the magic he fought so hard for failed and I lost the family he had worked to give me; without a thought he took me in. Gave me a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, even found the money to send me back to college. Most of all, he gave me love. Over these last months, I got to really know the man that fathered me. He's not perfect, but that's what makes him so great. He's real. He showed me you can makes mistakes, but that redemption is always an option. He gave me more confidence, acceptance and love than everyone else I've know combined."

He looked to Buffy when he continued, "That's why I know he'll never let you down, why your marriage will last a lifetime. Because my dad doesn't know how to quit. When he loves someone, or even a stranger, he'll do everything possible for them because he can't give up on anyone."

He turned back to Angel, "So, Thank you dad. For everything you've done for me. I love you and wish you the very best of everything."

There was a little applause and Angel's cheeks were red from embarrassment (and a little wet from tears of pride), almost no one except Buffy, had known what had happened with him and Wolfram & Hart and Connor.

"Not done yet." Connor spoke up to keep people from drinking their toast.

'Oh no. Now what?' Angel thought anxiously, but Connor turned to Buffy instead.

"Buffy, I haven't know you long, but in this short time I've grown to love you as a mother. You have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. I feel as though I can talk to you, I have on several occasion for hours. Even though I'm your husband's son, with a woman I know you hated, you've never shown me a speck of resentment. You've treated me as your own.

You're beautiful, smart, strong and funny. You're everything a man could ever want and more, and no I'm not trying to steal you from my dad."

There was a pause and a small laugh from the crowd.

"I know you'll be a wonderful mother, because you've already shown it to me. I know you'll have a long and happy marriage because I've seen you with my dad. The love the two of you share is so extraordinary, as extraordinary as you two are. Not to mention a little loud, which makes me grateful I live on campus."

The crowd laughed while the newlyweds shrugged and chucked with red cheeks.

"But seriously, you two are amazing to watch together. I can only hope one day I find a woman I love half as much you you love one another."

He raised his glass, he had lowered it during the long speech, and the others followed his lead.

"So in conclusion, I wish you both a long and happy life together, I wish you healthy children and I wish you the strength and power to keep this planet safe. Oh, And I also wish you no more apocalypses on your special occasions. Congratulations!"

Everyone cheered and took a sip of their drink.

...

Dawn quickly stood and clanged on a glass to get everyone's attention. When she all all eyes on her she fidgeted a bit, "Hey" she said with a little wave. "So I'm going to give a little speech too, since I'm the maid of honor I kinda have to...you couldn't have made Willow maid of honor?" Dawn joked towards her sister.

"Anyways, everyone here knows my sister, everyone knows how amazing she is so I really don't need to say a lot about that. What I want to talk about today is the woman Buffy becomes when Angel is with her."

"What is she going to say? Should I be tackling her right now?" Buffy whispered to Angel. He shrugged, he was just as surprised about the speeches as she was.

"I've seen her before she ever loved anyone. Back in her first year at Hemery and pre-high school days, boys were nothing more than a fashion accessory to her, all about looks and status symbols. Then she met Angel, and all that changed. Yeah her calling helped weed out a good chunk of the superficial out of Buffy, but I think it was Angel that purged the rest from her.

I remember the first time I saw Angel, he was in our kitchen, shirtless no less. Buffy begged me not to tell mom, and I could see the love almost forming in her eyes even then for him. Just in the way she would glance over towards him, or in the way she bandaged his wounds. I knew I could get out of a lot of chores using that as leverage.

When I found out she was crushing on a vampire I freaked on her, but the way she defended him...I knew she had it bad. All I could think was thrall.

But then I met Angel, we talked and a grew to like him. I saw a little of what Buffy saw in him. He was kind and gentle, all mysterious and deep, knowledgeable yet baffled by most electronics. He always treated me like his little sister, but not like a little kid. He somehow just made me feel special. Even helped me with my homework a few times.

Then of course then there was that whole going evil thing."

Buffy held her hands to her face and half laughed, "I'm going to kill her."

"Buffy was never the same after she came home, when Angel was in hell, it was like a part of her was with him. She tried to act normal again, tried to date...but we all could see the fire had gone from her eyes. She was broken, her soul-mate was gone.

Then he came back, a little damaged, but Buffy didn't mind. Her heart was whole again. At the time we all though she was insane, but when he got better, he helped heal her as much as she helped heal him.

The fact that their love could survive hell, that was amazing. When he left again, I sorta hated him for awhile. I feared him leaving would ruin her heart, but then she started dating again and I had hope. It wasn't until Angel came back into her life a few months ago, that I realized the light I'd seen in Buffy's eyes when he was absent, was nothing compared to the blazing sun she has now."

"Angel" Dawn address right to him, "You're the only person that's ever gotten Buffy to smile her true smile, the only one to bring that fire to her eyes, without you in her life...she's barely even alive. Thank you for giving that to my sister, for making her happier than any of us thought she could be.

I understand what you did for her, you leaving was nearly impossible for Buffy, but it did make her a stronger more focused slayer. But now she isn't the only girl in the world anymore, she can just be Buffy again. And she gets to be Buffy with her Angel. I know my sister will be safe with you, not only do you have the heart to love her, but you have the strength to protect her and the courage to fight by her side.

I love you both, I wish you like a lifetime of happiness and a dozen little nieces and nephews for me to spoil rotten.

...

After the speech both Buffy and Angel went up to Connor and Dawn, who were sitting together, to say their thanks.

...

"What happened to 'I hate giving speeches'? Angel asked as he pulled his son into a tight embrace.

The boy laughed, "That was before I was forced to take public speaking this semester."

"I'm still deciding whether to kiss or kill you." Buffy said as she hugged her sister, nearly too tight.

"I vote for neither, Angel might get jealous of you start kissing me instead of him." Dawn offered.

"How about I kiss you." Angel said right before he kissed Dawn's cheek.

"Thanks Dawnie, but let us just get though the first kid before wishing us a dozen more, Ok?" He asked with a smile.

"Thank you Connor, I can only wish you're little sister is half as wonderful as you are." Buffy said hugging her step-son.

...

Once the dinner was eaten, and the speeches were given, the plates were removed so the cake could be served.

Lorne walked out to the couple and took center stage again. "And now it's time for the traditional cutting of the cake! Not that you two aren't sweet enough as it is…" he sent Buffy a dashing smile.

Xander and Oz helped bring the cake out from the back and placed it on the center table Buffy and Angel had eaten at.

The cake was beautiful; Buffy had designed it herself and made sure the baker followed her instructions to the T.

There weren't many people so it was a small three tier cake, chocolate with vanilla flavored frosting. It was white with an intricate Celtic pattern along the rim, and a Claddagh design on the top tier, the color of the scroll-work was the same as the bridesmaid dresses.

The topper got more than a few laughs, it was a perfect rendition of Buffy and Angel; they were back to back, she holding a crossbow and him a sword. They looked ready to face whatever life could throw at them.

Angel laughed when he saw it, he had let her pick out everything she wanted and she had wanted to keep it a surprise.

He was surprised.

"Do you like it?" she asked hopeful.

"No." he replied.

She frowned, clearly hurt. "You don't like it?"

"Nope." He turned to her and smiled, "I love it."

Her frown reversed into a 100 watt smile, and she hugged him.

"It's perfect beloved." He said and kissed her cheek.

"Alright you two, save it for the honeymoon." Lorne's voice cut in, "Now let's serve this tasty treat before our stomachs register how much we already ate tonight."

...

Lorne sang 'How Sweet it is to be loved by you' as Buffy cut the first slice of cake.

"Open wide" she purred to her new husband

He did, eager for a taste of the appetizing cake.

Angel saw the gleam flash in his new wife's eyes and he knew in a moment instead of feeding him the cake, she was going to shove it in his face.

He wasn't wrong.

Buffy was laughing hysterically and apologizing while Angel wiped the frosting off his face and blew crumbs from his nose with a napkin. He tasted a bit that was on his lip and made an sound of approval.

Despite being smashed into his face, it was a great tasting cake.

"You do realize I get to feed you now." He clarified with a tone of impending cake face.

Her eyes widened in realization, "No, no way. Don't you dare! You don't actually know how much I spent on this dress, and god, gods?, goddess?…whatever willing you never will, but believe me when I tell you, DO NOT GET CAKE ON THIS DRESS!" She didn't actually yell the last words, but the tone if her voice made it sound loud.

Angel ignored her and picked up the knife, he cut a little piece and sent her a grin that almost reminded her of Angelus.

Lorne sang again, "How sweet it is to have revenge on you."

Buffy backed up a little and Angel advanced.

"Open wide." He mocked with a menacing smirk.

'Damn, I knew I should have gone last.'

She stopped retreating and stood her ground. With her eyes tightly shut she opened her mouth and awaited a frosting face-mask.

The sliver of cake slid delicately into her mouth.

She opened her eyes in surprise and chewed. "Mmm, that is good." She said dreamily a moment.

Angel just smirked at her.

"How come you didn't shove cake up my nose like I did to you?" she asked suspiciously, wondering if he put some in her hair or something when her eyes were shut.

He gave her a brilliant smile, "Because I love my wife and wouldn't do that to her on her wedding day." Before she could respond he leaned down to whisper into her ear, "Not now, but at a time and place of my choosing, I will have my revenge." He promised.

"You're evil." She countered.

"Sometimes." He agreed honestly.

Soon after they cut the cake and passed it around. The top of the cake was carefully boxed and would be frozen for them to enjoy for their one year anniversary.

...

When everyone was finished dessert, the tables were folded up and moved to the sides along with the chairs to open a space for dancing. Lorne was busy picking songs to sing while and Scooby gang got ready to let loose.

"All right guys and gals, I need the love doves to make their way to the center of the stage for their first dance as a married couple!" Lorne's voice spoke thought the microphone.

They walked to the center and waited a moment for Lorne to begin. When they were in position, the green demon began to sing Shania Twain's 'You're still the one.'

(When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after
all this time, you're still the one I love.)
Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

"You're always going to be my one." Angel whispered to her towards the end of the song.

She tilted her head up and they shared a deep kiss. "As long as you're mine too."

...

After a moment Lorne address the group, "Ok, now a have a dedication from Buffy to Angel."

He began to sing, 'You are the wind beneath my wings'.

Angel looked down at her when the music began. "Wind beneath my wings?" he questioned with a laugh.

She scowled. "Shut up and listen." She said hugging him closer.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Buffy looked up at him, "Sometimes I think if I never met you, I wouldn't have survived my first year as the Slayer." She fingered the silver cross hanging from her neck, the one Angel gave her the day they met as she continued, "This necklace alone saved me more than once; you helped me fight off The Three and then so many fights since, so many times just talking to you pulled me from the wreckage of my life after that. You really are my hero."

He bent and they kissed deeply, the music and eyes around them forgotten.

When they broke apart he whispered to her, "You're my hero too. You saved me dozens of times, even from myself. Just knowing you made me better, because deep down, I wanted to be just like you. All the courage and strength I have today, I borrowed from you."

She pulled his impossibly closer. "I love you."

He kissed the top of her head, "I love you."

...

The song ended and Lorne called out, "Ok kids, Now one from Angel to Buffy, then I swear we can get this party started!" He sang Bryan Adam's 'Heaven'.

Oh thinkin' about all our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free
Now nothing can take you away from me
We've been down that road before
But that's over now
You keep me comin' back for more

And baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Oh once in your life you find someone
Who will turn your world around
Bring you up when you're feelin' down
Now nothin' can change what you mean to me
Oh there's lots that I could say
But just hold me now
'Cause our love will light the way

And Baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

I've been waitin' for so long
For somethin' to arrive
For love to come along
Now our dreams are comin' true
Through the good times and the bad
I'll be standin' there by you, oh!

You're all that I want
You're all that I need

We're in heaven

"As someone who's actually been to heaven, this is pretty damn close" She said from the perfection of Angel's embrace.

He grinned down at her, "I'd take this over some crappy harp any day."

She giggled and shook her head, "Now that's an image...you in white with a harp..."

Lorne finished the song then broke into a jaunty tune people could dance to.

...

As the music played a platinum blond head poked into the tent. He grimaced when he saw Angel and Buffy dancing in the middle with Xander, Dawn, Connor, Willow, Oz, Giles and a few others he didn't know. "Bloody pathetic."

"Yeah, I prefer a little more X-rated in my music." Faith said casually as she sat on the sidelines, Spike lurked in behind her.

"Is it just me, or did Blondie gain some weight?" Spike asked noticing the slight swell in Buffy's dress.

Faith turned and flashed him a grin, "Didn't know B was knocked up huh? Guess they couldn't save the bumps and grinds for tonight."

Spike looked surprised, but strangely content with the idea. "Huh, well then. Didn't think the ponce had it in em." He smiled an evil smile, "I'll be an uncle."

Faith raise a brow, "Not you too. Bad enough they got the rest all 'Oh Buffy I get to be an aunty, or Oh Buffy I'll be a grandpa!' Please! Anyways, wouldn't that make you a nephew, not an uncle?"

Spike shot down that idea in an instant. "No! I must certainly would not be a nephew! I'm older, I'd get to be the uncle!" he stated.

Faith shrugged, "Just sayin."

"Well, I suppose I should say hello. That would be the right and proper thing to be in this situation." Spike said as he sat in the chair beside Faith.

He didn't move for a few minutes, just watched the happy people dancing to Lorne's vocal cords.

"You still love her?" she asked absently.

Spike seemed to think about the answer a moment, "Honestly? I don't rightly know. It's been recently brought to my attention I've never had a relationship where I wasn't completely obsessed with the object of my desires. Buffy, Dru, even me own mum. It was all or nothin with em."

"You forgot the random girls you shag on tables and never call." Faith deadpanned.

"Don't have your number."

"You didn't ask.

"You didn't offer."

"Bastard."

"Slut."

They kissed hard.

"Think the bedroom door is unlocked?" Faith asked in a husky, lust infused voice.

"If you even think of having sex in our house again" Buffy broke in, "There will be blood, and I won't be mine."

Angel stepped up next to her, "I second that."

Spike smiled as if he hadn't just been threatened, "Well, well if it isn't Mr. and Mrs. Happy Endin."

"Don't start." Angel said narrowing his eyes.

Spike ignored him too and directed his attention on Buffy. "I doubt you'll believe me when I say it, but congratulations." He paused a second and added, "You look amazing by the way, positively glowin. That little filly in there's gunna be quiet the looker I'd think." He finished pointing to the gently swell of Buffy's belly.

"Thank you." She said, grateful he wasn't going to make a seen.

Spike turned to Angel, the later with a scowl on his lips. "Keep makin faces like that and I'll freeze that way…oh…too late." He teased.

Angel rolled his eyes and shook his head as he folded his arms in front of his chest. "Grow up Spike."

"Can't, seems I stopped grownin back in 1880. Anyways, you've got one hell of a woman there, you don't treat her right…I'll make sure they never find your body." He only half-threatened.

Angel narrowed his eyes in anger a moment at the threat, then softened his gaze when he recognized the Angelus reference for what it was. If he died and lost his soul, Spike would make sure he was destroyed and Buffy would be taken care of. It wasn't really appropriate wedding day conversation, but the person making it wasn't know for his tact. Angel accepting the closest thing he would ever get as congratulations from Spike. "Thanks."

They shook hands a moment, then the moment was over like it never existed.

"Right, well I've got to run. Got meself a date tonight." Spike said with a sly smirk. He turned to Faith, "Right love?"

"You gunna pay?" she asked.

"Wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't." he replied.

"Fine, you're on then." She agreed with hidden eagerness. She was looking forward to a little liquid fire and sex induced stress relief.

Spike took Faith's hand in his, nodded his head goodbye, and disappeared out the side door into the night.

Buffy and Angel stood in place a moment, they exchanged a look.

"I'll check the upstairs." Buffy said.

"I'll lock the downstairs and check the garage." Angel added as they split into the house to make sure Spike and Faith actually left and didn't sneak off to violate the sanctity of their house...again.

Once Spike and Faith were actually gone, the party continued as normal.

...

Oz and Willow danced together, remembering back to the simpler days of high school and the sweetness of first love.

"I got my pez witch back." Willow spoke into Oz's shoulder.

"Really?" he asked, in a stoic kind of surprise.

She smiled, "Yeah, a few days ago Buffy asked me to help her retrieve something from the former Sunnydale, the one that's not a crater. I did a locator spell and found their old house. We did some salvaging. Buffy found her stuffed pig and the necklace Angel gave her while Dawn got some clothes and her diaries. And I found my little pez witch."

Oz nodded. "I still have my wacky cartoon dog pez."

Her eyes brightened, "You do! Oh, that's like uber romantic!"

"A sign?" he asked.

She sighed against him, enjoying his warmth, "Maybe."

They drifted off, just content to be in each others arms.

Oz didn't even notice when they began to hover just above the floor, swaying gently to Lorne's voice.

...

Connor was dancing with Dawn, the teens matching dance moves and laughing as they watched their family flail on the dance floor.

The two had become like brother and sister in only hours of knowing one another. Nothing romantic bloomed between them, especially since Dawn was technically his aunt by marriage, but they still had a very close relationship. Even though Connor was at school a lot, they communicated via email and called one another weekly if not more.

They found a kindred spirit in one another they couldn't find elsewhere. They both had childhoods that varied from what they remembered; both 'grew up' in a span of months, had supernatural origins and had lived with the knowledge that things tended to go more than just 'bump' in the night.

"Check it out." Connor said as he nudged dawn's arm and pointed to Willow and Oz floating a few inches off the floor.

"See, that's why I want to learn magic...it's too cool! Imagine the fun at parties!" Dawn exasperated at the sight.

...

Xander gyrated and flailed around within the group as he danced. He was still a little hung-over from the Bachelor party and all the jumping around was making him nauseous. He excused himself and had a seat in the corner of the tent and just observed the scene.

The music changed to Mandy, and he watched Buffy and Angel swaying together, lost, again, in their own little world.

'I hate to admit, defiantly feeling the sharp fanged bite of jealousy here.'

He knew Angel would never make his 'BFF' list, but in recent months he'd come to know there was a difference between man and demon.

Buffy had always seen the two sides as separate faces of a single coin; each had their own image and design.

Xander had just seen a value to hate, one side sparking jealousy that the undead could win Buffy's heart while he couldn't and the other being a vicious homicidal maniac that killed Jenny. Hate/hate situation all the way.

However Xander was now beginning to see it wasn't Angel standing in the way of winning Buffy all those years ago, even after the man left Buffy still hadn't ever seen him as more than a friend.

He had been disappointed when Riley left, and once the secret was out about her and Spike, he realized Buffy could never be happy with a normal Joe like him. She really did need a little monster in her man.

And Xander was well aware of the monster still lurking just under the skin of the 'Angelic' face.

As he watched the couple he couldn't help but think of Anya and their wedding day…should have been wedding day rather. He'd bailed. Plain and simple. He did regret it, mostly for how he did it and not for the action itself.

He hadn't been ready yet, not really in his heart. However waiting until just minutes before the ceremony was just shit poor timing on his part. He often wondered what would have happened if he had shut his trap and married her. Would Anya still be alive today? Would they have children by now? Would life be wonderful or a living hell?

Questions he would never get to answer.

He shook his head, reeling in his wandering brain and stood. A few steps brought him over to the newly weds as they danced to an upbeat rhythm.

"May I cut in?" he asked Angel. The part-time vamp looked at him a moment, then nodded.

Buffy watched Angel move to dance with Connor and Dawn with a slight frown.

"What's up Xander?" she asked. She had mostly healed the raw anger she had at him from their not so merry van ride, but there were no hugs between them yet. Contributing to getting Angel trashed the night before the wedding wasn't helping either.

"I just wanted to tell you, you look amazing tonight." He told her with honesty.

She looked uncomfortable a moment, wondering where he was going with this.

He held up his hand, "Just bear with me a sec ok? I know I'm not your favorite person right now, but I do want you to know I'm am deeply and truly sorry for all that I've done to you. I'm an idiot, I know that now. What I did to you and Angel was selfish and spiteful. I should have told you about the re-ensoulment spell."

Buffy's lips were tight, he was bringing up memories not suitable for her wedding day.

"So I guess I just wanted to ask if we can wash the slate clean. Start bounty fresh?" he asked.

She shook her head, "I know you're sorry Xander, but I'm not the one you need to apologize to. Angel suffered the most from your actions, he's the one that needs to forgive you, not me." She stated.

Xander nodded his head, his whole body ridged, that wasn't what he'd wanted to hear her say. "Yeah, I…I suppose you're right…as always."

"Are you going to steal my wife all night?" Angel asked as he came up from behind Buffy and hugged her to him.

She absolutely glowed at the word 'wife'.

"Don't let me interrupt." Xander said as he quickly backed away before Buffy could draw him into a conversation to apologize.

He wasn't quite ready for that yet.

...

Giles was having a brilliant time. He had never seen his Slayer so happy, the joy seemed to be contagious.

For the first time since coming to America, he really felt at home, like a real family.

As a watcher he had been denied the simple pleasures of wife and children, but in this group he'd always felt like a father figure. Tonight, he felt like a dad. A dad watching his little girl grow up and become a woman. It brought tears to his eye that she would ask him to walk her down the aisle. That he would be the grandfather to her and Angel's child.

He eased off the dance floor and sat on a chair, just watching.

He hated to admit he was tired, the alcohol from the previous night, and lack of restful sleep were catching up to him rapidly.

The yawn that threatened to escape was stuffed back down for the moment and Giles regained his feet.

"May I have a dance with my daughter?" He asked the groom.

Angel smiled at him, "Of course." he said and offered Buffy's hand.

Lorne noticed the exchange and began a father/daughter dance song he thought fit the Slayer and her Watcher. 'I turn to you.'

Buffy smiled up at her watcher, "Was wondering when I'd get to dance with you." She said as she slid against him, resting her head against his chest and danced slowly with the father of her heart.

"When I'm lost in the rain,
In your eyes I know I'll find the light to light my way.
And when I'm scared and losing ground;
When my world is going crazy, you can turn it all around.

And when I'm down you're there; pushing me to the top.
You're always there; giving me all you've got.

For a shield from the storm;
For a friend; for a love
To keep me safe and warm,
I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong;
For the will to carry on;
For everything you do;
For everything that's true,
I turn to you.

When I lose my will to win,
I just reach for you and I can reach the sky again.
I can do anything,
'Cause your love is so amazing; 'cause your love inspires me.

And when I need a friend, you're always on my side;
Giving me faith that gets me through the night.

For the arms to be my shelter through all the rain;
For truth that will never change;
For someone to lean on;
for a heart I can rely on through anything;
For that one who I can run to...
I turn to you.

For everything you do;
For everything that's true,
I turn to you...

When the song ended Buffy slowly removed herself from her watcher, "Thank you." she said and pulled him down to kiss his cheek.

"For what?" he asked, fighting with himself to not pull off his glasses or fiddle with his tie.

"Everything." she told him meaningfully.

He pulled her into a tight hug, "I couldn't be more proud of you, not only in your Slayer duties, but in the wondrous woman you have become. I had serious doubts when I first met you, I admit that, but you proved me wrong in every account."

She hugged back, "Me too. Well I guess I wasn't wrong when I thought 'stuffy British nerd', but you're my stuffy British nerd and I wouldn;t have you any other way."

"Umm...yes. I...ahh...Thanks...I think." He stumbled.

"Ok, my husband is looking mighty lonely at the moment, I better go grab him before he starts to brood about something." She said with a wink and went to do just that.

...

Hours had past, it was late. The gang was slowing down as they lost party momentum.

"Ready to get going?" Angel asked Buffy.

"Yeah, getting sleepy." she admitted with a stifled yawn.

"Hey, your not allowed to get tired yet, it is our honeymoon, remember?" He almost purred into her ear.

She instantly brightened, "Right, let's ditch the family, we have our own party to attend."

He grinned and followed her as they hugged and thanked the guests for coming.

...

A few people crashed as Buffy and Angel's house while the majority went home. Since Lorne lived in L.A still and it was a long drive from Ohio, he stayed along with Giles, who was just too beat to drive home. Connor and Dawn stayed too, since they was home for break.

There were two empty rooms on the second floor that were temporary guest bedrooms when the 'kids' were in school. Connor and Dawn bunked together in on room, he slept on the fold out cot while she took the bed. Lorne set up shop in Connor's room while Giles was already passed out on the living room couch.

...

Angel went upstairs and grabbed their bags while Buffy pulled a sheet over Giles sleeping form.

Once all the guests were tucked in, they left for their honeymoon.

...

To be continued in 'The Honeymoon.'

Sorry if I'm taking longer in posting. The faster posts are when the story is already written and I just have to proof-read. I'm writing these as I go, so they may not be as good as the older stories that I had lots and lots of time to re-read and add/fix.