New Horizons: Chapter Sixty-Nine
The Continuance
By Annie
11-11-2002
Thursday, June 13, 2002
This story has unravelled in a way not even I could have foreseen. Or even imagined, for that matter. As I am writing this I know it will be the last page of this journal consisting of my writings on the prophecy, which has taken up so much of my time and proven infinitely more precious to me than I expected.
There is more to come of it, I am certain, but it is not my part to tell to the world. I shall leave that task to Katie's parents and to, someday, herself.
I hope this journal will help solve parts of the mystery of how she came to be, for her as any of her loved ones, if she or anyone else should seek answers.
Tonight a bond shall be bound between two beings so different yet so alike that I believe nothing could ever destroy it and I am happy to witness this union.
For my fellow Watchers, one final note of wisdome:
Never let your eyes be blinded by what you see so that you fail to look beyond it.
R.G.
***
Buffy stared at her reflection in the mirror. The very mirror which had played one of the lead parts in the bringing together of the Slayer and the Vamp had been carried up to the their room and was leaning against the wall to the left of their bed. Her reflection in it was that of some creature she had never seen before.
Her hair was brushed back and arranged atop her head in gentle locks...
'My little Goldielocks'
...which suited her far more than she could have even hoped for.
Her face was wearing earth tones this evening, but she felt as though she didn't need them. Her skin was shimmering and her eyes seemed to carry a light of their own. She was actually a little scared at how calm she looked, though that was exactly how she felt.
Her eyes wandered slowly down her neck, where a string of small pearls rested: they were her mother's; and then further to take in the sight of white silk surrounding her.
The dress was exquisite, and she loved it. It was snug over her hips and then the fabric was generously falling in waves and waves around her legs. It wasn't fluffy, it didn't have a thousand petticoates underneath it making her look like a meringue - it was just right, and beautiful on her.
But to see it on herself as she stood there, getting ready to walk towards him; towards her soon-to-be husband... It was a strange thought, even now.
She hadn't seen him all day. Which had been even more strange since she hadn't been apart from him since he returned from England a billion and a half hours ago... She had missed him today, though. Missed talking to him when they woke up, missed hearing him humming in the shower or while making breakfast, and missed having the simple privilege to just walk up to him and put her arms around him whenever she felt like it.
Now she smiled, meeting her own gaze and then turning from the mirror.
She guessed she really was ready for this.
The door opened and Dawn stepped inside, quickly closing it behind her back and then turning to her sister. The younger ones eyes grew as she stared at the older one.
"You look incredible," she finally breathed and Buffy smiled wider.
"Really?" she wondered, and Dawn nodded eagerly before coming up to her.
The bride's maides had gotten to choose their own color of their dresses, though Buffy had chosen the cut - keeping it as simple as her own dress, and Dawn was wearing a shade of pastel green.
"You're getting married," Dawn said, tears rising in her eyes and Buffy smiled again as they embraced. "I can't believe it."
"It IS pretty amazing, isn't it?" Buffy asked and Dawn laughed a little as they pulled apart, nodding and blinking to hold her tears back.
"It's more than amazing," Dawn disagreed. "It's the best thing that could've happened," she added and Buffy laughed at that.
"How right you are," she then agreed and Dawn smiled.
The door opened once more, this time giving way for Willow, Tara and Sarah who all entered before Sarah closed the door.
"Wow," Tara said, smiling approvingly and Buffy did a little turn.
"You like?" she wondered and Willow huffed.
"We LOVE!" she then stated and they all laughed.
"I'm so happy for you," Sarah said, coming up to give Buffy a kiss on the cheek whilst grabbing both of her hands in her own. "I know William is the luckiest man on the planet right now," she added and Buffy shook her head.
"I'M the lucky one," she stated and Sarah smiled warmly at that before taking a step back to give way for Willow and Tara who wanted to give the bride a hug as well.
"You look so beautiful," Willow whispered and Buffy hugged her a little tighter.
***
"Will?"
He looked up and smiled as Jacob entered Willow and Tara's bedroom, where he was getting dressed.
"Hey, old man," he said and Jacob smiled back, closing the door and observing him for a moment before coming into the room.
"Is everything alright?" he then asked and Spike looked up, then he sighed and gestured to the bow tie around his neck.
"Can't seem to get this bugger working with me," he grumbled and Jacob laughed, coming up to stand before the vampire he then began to figit with the tie.
"Buffy is one hell of a woman," Jacob said after a few moments of silence and Spike looked up, meeting the other's gaze before nodding. "I'm happy that you found each other," Jacob added and Spike smiled slightly at that.
"You make it sound like a walk in the park," he remarked and Jacob smiled back.
Finished with the tieing he took a step back, crossed his arms over his chest and once more stood quiet for a short while before speaking up again.
"I want to say to you," he began, trailing off and getting a slightly destracted look on his face before he seemed to pick up his train of thought again and refrased: "I need you to know that I am very proud of you."
Spike eyed the man closely now and Jacob let a small smile brush over his lips.
"No father, YOUR father couldn't have been prouder," he then added. "I know he would have loved to be here today, as would your mother, and on both of their behalfs I wanted you to know that there is no other place I could imagine being and I'm damn honored to be here as well," he finished and Spike suddenly smirked.
"Foul language suggests bad vocabulary, isn't that what you always tried to teach me?" he asked and Jacob laughed, taking a step forward and embracing him.
Spike hugged him back.
"Thank you," he mumbled and they pulled apart. "It means a lot," he added and Jacob nodded.
"Go out there tonight, and take a long look at her. You'll remember the image for the rest of your life, I can promise you that," the man then said and Spike smiled again.
He was more than sure Jacob was right, but he also knew that every moment with Buffy was forever etched on his mind.
***
Buffy sat by her window, looking down at the place where Spike had stood so many times gazing up. She smiled at the memory.
"Can I be one of the first to congratulate the bride?" a voice from her past suddenly asked behind her and she turned around as her eyes grew round.
"My God!" she breathed. "Angel."
He smiled a little. The slightly saddened and burdened look in his eyes hadn't worn out, she registered, but there was something more there now. Something which made the years they had spent apart more clear. There was a history in his gaze which she didn't know how to interpret, and she knew she had one of her own. Now she returned his smile and got to her feet off the chair on which she had been seated.
The shock at seeing him was already wearing off, and it was replaced by curiousity.
"I hope I'm not intruding," he mumbled and she smiled wider, shaking her head.
"You, intrude? Never," she stated semi-jokingly and the smile he wore grew slightly as well as she noticed his eyes quickly take her in and then they rested in hers again.
"You look stunning," he said and she smiled tentatively at that. "But then, you always did look your best in white," he added and now she laughed a little, shaking her head.
"I can't believe you're here," she then said and he shrugged.
"Me neither, but I'm glad I came," he replied and she observed him for a moment.
"Did Willow call you?" she asked and he smiled again, nodding hardly noticably.
"Or, she called Cordy and Cordy told me...she was the one who convinced me to come," he answered slowly and Buffy squinted a little quizzically.
"Cordy? As in Cordelia? As in big flying, hovering star thingy in the sky Cordelia?" she asked and he smiled wider, his eyes glittering and she immediately understood why.
"Yeah," he then said. "I guess we both have long stories to tell," he then added and now she smiled brightly at him.
"Yeah, the last time we saw each other..."
"...was intense," he filled in. "It feels like a century ago," he added and at that she nodded.
There was a knock on the door and Willow stuck her head inside.
"All guests downstairs, please," she said and Angel nodded.
Turning back to Buffy he didn't need to say anything, a look of understanding passed between them which said everything. And he walked up to the door, leaving way for Willow who entered. She closed it behind her and then she met Buffy's gaze a little nervously.
"Are you mad?" the Wicca wondered and Buffy smiled as she shook her head.
"Not at all," she answered silently, walking up to the mirror and standing before it she added: "It was just what I needed, I think. I'm really glad he's here, and able to share this with me... I'm not so sure about Spike, though."
Willow chuckled at that, coming up to her to help with the dress' short train, adjusting the fabric so it lay prettily.
"I think he'll be fine," she then said and Buffy smiled at that.
"I think so too... Did you see Cordy?" she then asked and Willow nodded.
"She's back to her old self, I think. She promised a detailed report on what happened to her later on. Angel and she are staying here for a few days... together," she answered and Buffy smiled again.
"I know... Well, I don't KNOW, but I figured as much. I'm happy for them," she said and Willow smiled as well, straightening her back and looking at Buffy in the mirror.
"I can't even begin to describe how you look," she then said and Buffy turned to her before they embraced and Willow added: "I feel like it was yesterday I was saying this to Xander, and here I am saying it to you: you're getting married!"
Buffy laughed a little at that, hugging her friend tightly.
"Thanks, Wills. I couldn't do this without you," she stated and they pulled apart as the door opened and Hank walked inside, stopping short at the sight of his daughter and then he seemed to swell slightly with pride.
The two girls smiled widely at the sight and then Willow excused herself and said that she was going to go downstairs and make sure everybody found a place to sit in the backyard, where pretty wooden benches had been placed out in rows and where the ceremony would take place.
"Darling," Hank said. "You look like a million bucks, if not more," he added and she laughed.
"Thanks, dad, I feel like a million bucks, if not more," she retorted and he smiled at her, tears in his eyes.
"I wish your mother could have been here," he mumbled and Buffy tried to fight her own tears as she nodded.
"Me too," she said. "But I think in some way, she is," she added and now he nodded.
"I'm sorry, hon, I didn't mean to get you all upset," he grumbled, digging in one pocket for a handker-cheif and finding one he handed it to her.
She took it with a grateful look and quickly dried her tears.
"I love you, daddy," she said and he looked up, meeting her gaze.
"I love you too, pumpkin'," he replied and there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it? Better not be the groom!" Hank called out and Buffy smiled at the thought of seeing Spike; but it wasn't him, it was Giles.
"Twenty minutes and counting," he called back through the door. "Can I come in for a moment?"
"Of course, just a minute," Hank said, walking up to the door and opening it. "I'll see you both downstairs," he added with a look back at Buffy before he exited and Giles entered.
"Seems like everybody has business in here this evening," Buffy said as Giles closed the door and turned to her. "A regular stompeed," she added as his eyes grew slightly, resting on her figure.
"Buffy," he said and she waited for him to continue, but he didn't.
She smiled a little tryingly, turning partially around to give him a veiw of the back as well and then turning to face him once more, a questioning look on her face.
"You don't like it?" she wondered and he shook his head.
Then changed his mind and nodded. That made her smile again.
"Are you gonna say something?" she asked and he rested his gaze in hers.
"The most lovely bride I've ever had the honor to rest my eyes upon," he then stated and she looked away; slightly embarrassed, but in a good way.
He came up to her and took both her hands in his. The gesture made her turn her head to him again and she noticed his eyes were covered with a layer of tears and she bit back as she felt one of her own rise.
"You're going to be happy," he now stated and she smiled at that. "You, Spike and Kate. And me. And Dawn...and I could go on, but I won't," he added and that made her laugh before she nodded. "I love you, Buffy, like I would my own child. And I'm so, so happy for you."
At that she reached up and locked her arms around him in a hard hug, and he held her tight. They let each other go after a while and Buffy smiled a little.
"Spike and I have been discussing this and he agrees with me... I have something to ask of you," she said and Giles raised his eyebrows slightly. "It'd mean a lot to us if you agreed to be Katie's godfather," she added and his eyes grew slightly.
"You both want ME to be her godfather?" he asked and she nodded. "That is... Really is... I couldn't imagine declining," he finally answered.
"So, that's a yes?" she asked and he smiled.
"That is a yes," he confirmed and she threw her arms around him again.
"Thank you," she said and he shook his head a little.
"Thank YOU," he corrected and she smiled widely.
***
Twilight was settling over the small assembly of people in the garden of the Summers home. Lanterns spread a soothing glow across the lawn and the anticipating faces of the guests, who had now taken their seats on the benches which stood so that they created an aisle leading up to the place where Giles soon would take his place.
Two large candles burned at each side of that spot, one colored white and the other black. Symbols for good and evil and for the passion which unites them in every being. The flame of the white candle burned just a little more brightly though, and the sight of it brought comfort to the crowd.
Buffy and Spike had neither one of them wanted to have seating arrangements and so the guests were placed out sporadically, though a seat up front had been saved for Hank by Devon.
The night was sending warm breezes through the garden and the stars were slowly flickering on above their heads as Giles took his place between the candles and a young girl, not more than five years old, walked up to stand to the right hand side of him. She held a breathtakingly crafted violin in her hands, but she didn't put it under her chin; she merely seemed to wait.
Buffy walked down the steps of the stairs carefully, looking up and meeting the eyes of her father, who smiled comfortingly. She returned it, looking over his shoulder towards Dawn, Willow, Tara, Anya and Sarah. They all smiled that supporting smile as well and she didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry over it. Her nerves were starting to get the better of her after all, no matter how sure she was about this decision.
Then Dawn came up to her, handing her a pretty bouquet of pale pink- and white roses, baby's breaths and large green leaves. The Slayer grabbed it and met her sister's eyes. Dawn smiled again, this time warmly and it was a lot better than that other one. Buffy could return it whole-heartedly and then Dawn walked up to take her place in the front of the small group of bride's maides. Dawn was leading, and then Willow and Sarah walked behind her, Tara and Anya last.
The doorway to the kitchen was covered with a white sheet, but Buffy could sense Spike in there as clearly as though she had seen him. She closed her eyes and took the feeling in, and soon enough it worked its charm and started to calm her down.
Then it slowly moved away and she realized he had walked outside to take his place, waiting for her.
"God, what am I doing?" she mumbled, closing her eyes and then Hank's hand took a gentle hold of hers.
She drew a steadying breath and nodded.
***
Spike nodded at that very moment to the guests he knew, and politely to the ones he didn't, as he walked up to take his place, with Xander and Jacob walking behind him. He tried to keep his hands from clenching themselves into fists and then releasing, just to repeat the gesture. Something he had been occupying himself with for nearly half an hour earlier until Jacob had convinced him not to.
The vampire drew an unnecissary breath as he took his place in the space between the Watcher and the young girl who was going to play as Buffy entered.
He felt something dangerously close to butterflies in his stomach. He had no idea what the sight of her would do to him if the mere thought of her made him feel like this.
Then the sweetest music he had ever heard suddenly began to fill the air. The young girl had put her bow to her violin and was creating it, making the notes seem almost touchable.
And as it felt like he couldn't take it anymore, the beauty of it all overwhelming him, his bride stepped out through the door of the kitchen, the frame now imbedded in pale pink- and white roses. He caught his breath at the sight of her and then his eyes filled with the tears he had been holding back the entire day.
Buffy felt her heart swell as her eyes locked in his. The entire population of the world could have come rushing by between them and she knew she still wouldn't have let his gaze go. Then she smiled, happily and he returned it.
Hank led his daughter up the aisle and stopped to give her a kiss on the cheek before he turned to Spike and gave him a courteous bow of the head. Spike returned it and then Hank went and sat down. Spike held Buffy's eyes once more, and then he moved to reach out his left hand to her and she gently slid her right hand in his. He led her the few steps left for them to face Giles and they lowered their arms though their fingers seemed to have intertwined forever.
Giles looked at them and then at the gathered observers behind their backs.
"For this joyous night we have come together, celebrating Buffy and William, and their joining. The two have said that they prefer to read each other their own vows."
Spike smiled crookedly at the mention of his human name, but it was fitting and he turned to her seeing her small smile as well.
"William," Giles now said, bidding him to begin.
"I searched for a long time," he said, keeping his voice steady with a lot of effort, "for the right words. I looked through every poetry book known to man, AND beast," he added, low laughter coming from the assembled people and a wider smile spreading on his bride's lips, "but no matter how HARD I worked I couldn't find anything not too corny or dull to say to this incredible lady standing before me now. Because trying to describe how you make me feel, Buffy, or what you mean to me is like trying to describe music or a falling star or fireworks or that feeling only kids get around Christmas." Buffy shook her head a little, smile still on and her eyes glimmering at him. "You are my future, plain and simple," he continued now. "I love you, and you know I have since the day I saw you even though I didn't REALLY care to admit it... A very wise man once said to me that every day brings a new horizon, the hard thing is to keep our eyes open so that we don't miss it. You're that new horizon for me. And every morning with you is like waking up for the first time. So love me with everything you are, 'cause that's how I always will love you."
She blinked at the tears and then she drew a breath.
"William," she said. "Spike," she added and he smirked slightly at that. "Getting to know you has been one of the greatest journeys of my life. We've been through good times, and bad. We've seen bad things, and worse." He smiled wide. "But you always managed to stand by my side and that means so much to me. I know I can always count on you no matter what. You're a support, a comfort, a...safe harbor." She smiled as well now and he brought one of her hands up to his lips, kissing it tenderly. "Your love is a power I never expected to obtain, a strenght I never expected to experience. The love you've filled me with, the love I feel for you is something I never could have even dreamed of and..." she trailed off, closing her eyes and he squeezed her hands lightly as her tears ran over and slid down her cheeks. "Sorry," she whispered as she opened her eyes once more and he shook his head a little that it was okay. "I love you," she stated, "for everything you are and WITH everything that I am."
Giles smiled, looking at one and then the other before saying:
"Now the rings."
Xander reached into one pocket and brought them out: two simple bands of white gold.
"William Thackary Kinsley," Giles said as Spike took the ring which was Buffy's and as Giles continued he causiously thread it onto her finger. "Do you promise to listen to her, to honor her and to share the rest of your days with her?"
"I do," Spike stated and Buffy smiled.
"Buffy Anne Summers," Giles began, Buffy doing the same as Spike: taking his ring from Xander and then threading it onto the finger where it belonged. "Do you promise to listen to him, to honor him and to share the rest of your days with him?"
"I do," she stated as well.
"Then with the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now seal your union with a kiss."
Buffy closed her eyes as Spike leaned forward, every fiber of her waited for that soft touch and when it finally came she put one hand up by his cheek, kissing him gently back.
They pulled away slowly, unaware of the people surrounding them and both smiling at the same time.
Love you, her thoughts whispered to him and his smile widened as he nodded slowly.
Love you too, he agreed.
***
The sheets were cool and smelled sweetly of lavender as she slid in between them. The candles in the room made the shadows darker, but she didn't mind. Her eyes rested on him as he undressed, a smile tickling the corners of her mouth.
"What?" he asked, smiling as well as he turned around and saw the look.
"Nothing special," she mumbled. "I just love to see you with your clothes off, that's all," she added with a wicked smile which made him throw himself on the bed and grab her in a hard embrace before kissing her, deepening the kiss and feeling her hands find their way up his arms and into his hair.
Then he pulled away slightly, recieving a pout from her and he smirked as he moved to the edge of the bed, standing up before slowly pulling at the covers until they slid off her and revealed her naked form. She smiled timidly, though he could see the growing anticipation in her eyes as he slowly leaned over her and then gently slid so that he could place his body lightly against hers, her legs spreading to give him room and he smiled.
"Do you realize what we just did tonight?" he asked silently, kissing her lips.
"No, not really," she stated and he laughed a very low laugh, almost more of a purr before he moved his mouth to the side of her neck.
"Do you want your wedding present?" he wondered and now the smile widened as she nodded.
"Please," she then said, and he returned her smile.
"Okay," he said, getting off her and jumping off the bed.
"Hey!" she exclaimed as he disappeared into the small hall of the hotel room, which was theirs for the extent of three nights. "I thought you were speaking in code...as in 'want your wedding present' meant...want some of me," she added now and she could hear him chuckle before he re-entered the room with a box in his hands. "Honey," she said lovingly as he came to sit beside her.
"Open it," he urged and she did, unwrapping the paper carefully and them pulling the lid off to look inside.
She reached down and brought out a wooden box. Looking at the fine carvings on the lid for a moment she then proceeded to turn the small key and open it. Inside it was lined with black velvet and on the cloth lay a silver chain with what looked like a glistening white diamond, shaped like a tear, as the charm attatched to it.
"It's beautiful," she said, almost afraid to touch it as it looked so fragile.
"It's a raindrop," he stated and she frowned slightly. "Crystalized magic... from that first day, when you told me you loved me and you..."
"...danced in the rain," she filled in, staring at the small object and then up at him. "I love it," she said and he smiled a little, reaching out his hands and taking it he then opened the lock and leaned forward, moving his hands behind her neck and securing the lock he let it go.
"Perfect," he mumbled. "I knew it would be."
She smiled, putting the box carefully on the bed-side-table and then getting to her feet, kissing him on the lips before walking up to her suitcase and opening it up. Now she was the one who brought out a cardboard box, turning to him and then walking up to him with it. He took it and as she sat down again he began to open it.
Inside there was a leather bound book, which seemed to consist of hand written pages.
As he opened it up he recognized her handwriting and when he had read a few lines he immediately realized what it was.
"This is that thing you didn't want me to read," he said and she nodded, smiling slightly.
"It's our story," she said. "It ends at todays date, I finished the last chapter earlier tonight."
He smiled, leaning over to kiss her.
"I can't wait to read it," he mumbled. "In fact, perhaps I should get started..."
"Don't you DARE!" she exclaimed, pulling him to her and he laughed, this time outloud.
***
She pulled herself closer to him as they both, hours later, were drifting off to sleep.
"You know, some people think it's crazy to put a child into this world as it is... imagine what they'd say if they knew what kinda world we're putting HER into," she mumbled.
"Imagine what a better place the world'll be 'cause of her," he mumbled back and she smiled, nodding and feeling the promise of good dreams gently overpower her.
The Continuance
By Annie
11-11-2002
Thursday, June 13, 2002
This story has unravelled in a way not even I could have foreseen. Or even imagined, for that matter. As I am writing this I know it will be the last page of this journal consisting of my writings on the prophecy, which has taken up so much of my time and proven infinitely more precious to me than I expected.
There is more to come of it, I am certain, but it is not my part to tell to the world. I shall leave that task to Katie's parents and to, someday, herself.
I hope this journal will help solve parts of the mystery of how she came to be, for her as any of her loved ones, if she or anyone else should seek answers.
Tonight a bond shall be bound between two beings so different yet so alike that I believe nothing could ever destroy it and I am happy to witness this union.
For my fellow Watchers, one final note of wisdome:
Never let your eyes be blinded by what you see so that you fail to look beyond it.
R.G.
***
Buffy stared at her reflection in the mirror. The very mirror which had played one of the lead parts in the bringing together of the Slayer and the Vamp had been carried up to the their room and was leaning against the wall to the left of their bed. Her reflection in it was that of some creature she had never seen before.
Her hair was brushed back and arranged atop her head in gentle locks...
'My little Goldielocks'
...which suited her far more than she could have even hoped for.
Her face was wearing earth tones this evening, but she felt as though she didn't need them. Her skin was shimmering and her eyes seemed to carry a light of their own. She was actually a little scared at how calm she looked, though that was exactly how she felt.
Her eyes wandered slowly down her neck, where a string of small pearls rested: they were her mother's; and then further to take in the sight of white silk surrounding her.
The dress was exquisite, and she loved it. It was snug over her hips and then the fabric was generously falling in waves and waves around her legs. It wasn't fluffy, it didn't have a thousand petticoates underneath it making her look like a meringue - it was just right, and beautiful on her.
But to see it on herself as she stood there, getting ready to walk towards him; towards her soon-to-be husband... It was a strange thought, even now.
She hadn't seen him all day. Which had been even more strange since she hadn't been apart from him since he returned from England a billion and a half hours ago... She had missed him today, though. Missed talking to him when they woke up, missed hearing him humming in the shower or while making breakfast, and missed having the simple privilege to just walk up to him and put her arms around him whenever she felt like it.
Now she smiled, meeting her own gaze and then turning from the mirror.
She guessed she really was ready for this.
The door opened and Dawn stepped inside, quickly closing it behind her back and then turning to her sister. The younger ones eyes grew as she stared at the older one.
"You look incredible," she finally breathed and Buffy smiled wider.
"Really?" she wondered, and Dawn nodded eagerly before coming up to her.
The bride's maides had gotten to choose their own color of their dresses, though Buffy had chosen the cut - keeping it as simple as her own dress, and Dawn was wearing a shade of pastel green.
"You're getting married," Dawn said, tears rising in her eyes and Buffy smiled again as they embraced. "I can't believe it."
"It IS pretty amazing, isn't it?" Buffy asked and Dawn laughed a little as they pulled apart, nodding and blinking to hold her tears back.
"It's more than amazing," Dawn disagreed. "It's the best thing that could've happened," she added and Buffy laughed at that.
"How right you are," she then agreed and Dawn smiled.
The door opened once more, this time giving way for Willow, Tara and Sarah who all entered before Sarah closed the door.
"Wow," Tara said, smiling approvingly and Buffy did a little turn.
"You like?" she wondered and Willow huffed.
"We LOVE!" she then stated and they all laughed.
"I'm so happy for you," Sarah said, coming up to give Buffy a kiss on the cheek whilst grabbing both of her hands in her own. "I know William is the luckiest man on the planet right now," she added and Buffy shook her head.
"I'M the lucky one," she stated and Sarah smiled warmly at that before taking a step back to give way for Willow and Tara who wanted to give the bride a hug as well.
"You look so beautiful," Willow whispered and Buffy hugged her a little tighter.
***
"Will?"
He looked up and smiled as Jacob entered Willow and Tara's bedroom, where he was getting dressed.
"Hey, old man," he said and Jacob smiled back, closing the door and observing him for a moment before coming into the room.
"Is everything alright?" he then asked and Spike looked up, then he sighed and gestured to the bow tie around his neck.
"Can't seem to get this bugger working with me," he grumbled and Jacob laughed, coming up to stand before the vampire he then began to figit with the tie.
"Buffy is one hell of a woman," Jacob said after a few moments of silence and Spike looked up, meeting the other's gaze before nodding. "I'm happy that you found each other," Jacob added and Spike smiled slightly at that.
"You make it sound like a walk in the park," he remarked and Jacob smiled back.
Finished with the tieing he took a step back, crossed his arms over his chest and once more stood quiet for a short while before speaking up again.
"I want to say to you," he began, trailing off and getting a slightly destracted look on his face before he seemed to pick up his train of thought again and refrased: "I need you to know that I am very proud of you."
Spike eyed the man closely now and Jacob let a small smile brush over his lips.
"No father, YOUR father couldn't have been prouder," he then added. "I know he would have loved to be here today, as would your mother, and on both of their behalfs I wanted you to know that there is no other place I could imagine being and I'm damn honored to be here as well," he finished and Spike suddenly smirked.
"Foul language suggests bad vocabulary, isn't that what you always tried to teach me?" he asked and Jacob laughed, taking a step forward and embracing him.
Spike hugged him back.
"Thank you," he mumbled and they pulled apart. "It means a lot," he added and Jacob nodded.
"Go out there tonight, and take a long look at her. You'll remember the image for the rest of your life, I can promise you that," the man then said and Spike smiled again.
He was more than sure Jacob was right, but he also knew that every moment with Buffy was forever etched on his mind.
***
Buffy sat by her window, looking down at the place where Spike had stood so many times gazing up. She smiled at the memory.
"Can I be one of the first to congratulate the bride?" a voice from her past suddenly asked behind her and she turned around as her eyes grew round.
"My God!" she breathed. "Angel."
He smiled a little. The slightly saddened and burdened look in his eyes hadn't worn out, she registered, but there was something more there now. Something which made the years they had spent apart more clear. There was a history in his gaze which she didn't know how to interpret, and she knew she had one of her own. Now she returned his smile and got to her feet off the chair on which she had been seated.
The shock at seeing him was already wearing off, and it was replaced by curiousity.
"I hope I'm not intruding," he mumbled and she smiled wider, shaking her head.
"You, intrude? Never," she stated semi-jokingly and the smile he wore grew slightly as well as she noticed his eyes quickly take her in and then they rested in hers again.
"You look stunning," he said and she smiled tentatively at that. "But then, you always did look your best in white," he added and now she laughed a little, shaking her head.
"I can't believe you're here," she then said and he shrugged.
"Me neither, but I'm glad I came," he replied and she observed him for a moment.
"Did Willow call you?" she asked and he smiled again, nodding hardly noticably.
"Or, she called Cordy and Cordy told me...she was the one who convinced me to come," he answered slowly and Buffy squinted a little quizzically.
"Cordy? As in Cordelia? As in big flying, hovering star thingy in the sky Cordelia?" she asked and he smiled wider, his eyes glittering and she immediately understood why.
"Yeah," he then said. "I guess we both have long stories to tell," he then added and now she smiled brightly at him.
"Yeah, the last time we saw each other..."
"...was intense," he filled in. "It feels like a century ago," he added and at that she nodded.
There was a knock on the door and Willow stuck her head inside.
"All guests downstairs, please," she said and Angel nodded.
Turning back to Buffy he didn't need to say anything, a look of understanding passed between them which said everything. And he walked up to the door, leaving way for Willow who entered. She closed it behind her and then she met Buffy's gaze a little nervously.
"Are you mad?" the Wicca wondered and Buffy smiled as she shook her head.
"Not at all," she answered silently, walking up to the mirror and standing before it she added: "It was just what I needed, I think. I'm really glad he's here, and able to share this with me... I'm not so sure about Spike, though."
Willow chuckled at that, coming up to her to help with the dress' short train, adjusting the fabric so it lay prettily.
"I think he'll be fine," she then said and Buffy smiled at that.
"I think so too... Did you see Cordy?" she then asked and Willow nodded.
"She's back to her old self, I think. She promised a detailed report on what happened to her later on. Angel and she are staying here for a few days... together," she answered and Buffy smiled again.
"I know... Well, I don't KNOW, but I figured as much. I'm happy for them," she said and Willow smiled as well, straightening her back and looking at Buffy in the mirror.
"I can't even begin to describe how you look," she then said and Buffy turned to her before they embraced and Willow added: "I feel like it was yesterday I was saying this to Xander, and here I am saying it to you: you're getting married!"
Buffy laughed a little at that, hugging her friend tightly.
"Thanks, Wills. I couldn't do this without you," she stated and they pulled apart as the door opened and Hank walked inside, stopping short at the sight of his daughter and then he seemed to swell slightly with pride.
The two girls smiled widely at the sight and then Willow excused herself and said that she was going to go downstairs and make sure everybody found a place to sit in the backyard, where pretty wooden benches had been placed out in rows and where the ceremony would take place.
"Darling," Hank said. "You look like a million bucks, if not more," he added and she laughed.
"Thanks, dad, I feel like a million bucks, if not more," she retorted and he smiled at her, tears in his eyes.
"I wish your mother could have been here," he mumbled and Buffy tried to fight her own tears as she nodded.
"Me too," she said. "But I think in some way, she is," she added and now he nodded.
"I'm sorry, hon, I didn't mean to get you all upset," he grumbled, digging in one pocket for a handker-cheif and finding one he handed it to her.
She took it with a grateful look and quickly dried her tears.
"I love you, daddy," she said and he looked up, meeting her gaze.
"I love you too, pumpkin'," he replied and there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it? Better not be the groom!" Hank called out and Buffy smiled at the thought of seeing Spike; but it wasn't him, it was Giles.
"Twenty minutes and counting," he called back through the door. "Can I come in for a moment?"
"Of course, just a minute," Hank said, walking up to the door and opening it. "I'll see you both downstairs," he added with a look back at Buffy before he exited and Giles entered.
"Seems like everybody has business in here this evening," Buffy said as Giles closed the door and turned to her. "A regular stompeed," she added as his eyes grew slightly, resting on her figure.
"Buffy," he said and she waited for him to continue, but he didn't.
She smiled a little tryingly, turning partially around to give him a veiw of the back as well and then turning to face him once more, a questioning look on her face.
"You don't like it?" she wondered and he shook his head.
Then changed his mind and nodded. That made her smile again.
"Are you gonna say something?" she asked and he rested his gaze in hers.
"The most lovely bride I've ever had the honor to rest my eyes upon," he then stated and she looked away; slightly embarrassed, but in a good way.
He came up to her and took both her hands in his. The gesture made her turn her head to him again and she noticed his eyes were covered with a layer of tears and she bit back as she felt one of her own rise.
"You're going to be happy," he now stated and she smiled at that. "You, Spike and Kate. And me. And Dawn...and I could go on, but I won't," he added and that made her laugh before she nodded. "I love you, Buffy, like I would my own child. And I'm so, so happy for you."
At that she reached up and locked her arms around him in a hard hug, and he held her tight. They let each other go after a while and Buffy smiled a little.
"Spike and I have been discussing this and he agrees with me... I have something to ask of you," she said and Giles raised his eyebrows slightly. "It'd mean a lot to us if you agreed to be Katie's godfather," she added and his eyes grew slightly.
"You both want ME to be her godfather?" he asked and she nodded. "That is... Really is... I couldn't imagine declining," he finally answered.
"So, that's a yes?" she asked and he smiled.
"That is a yes," he confirmed and she threw her arms around him again.
"Thank you," she said and he shook his head a little.
"Thank YOU," he corrected and she smiled widely.
***
Twilight was settling over the small assembly of people in the garden of the Summers home. Lanterns spread a soothing glow across the lawn and the anticipating faces of the guests, who had now taken their seats on the benches which stood so that they created an aisle leading up to the place where Giles soon would take his place.
Two large candles burned at each side of that spot, one colored white and the other black. Symbols for good and evil and for the passion which unites them in every being. The flame of the white candle burned just a little more brightly though, and the sight of it brought comfort to the crowd.
Buffy and Spike had neither one of them wanted to have seating arrangements and so the guests were placed out sporadically, though a seat up front had been saved for Hank by Devon.
The night was sending warm breezes through the garden and the stars were slowly flickering on above their heads as Giles took his place between the candles and a young girl, not more than five years old, walked up to stand to the right hand side of him. She held a breathtakingly crafted violin in her hands, but she didn't put it under her chin; she merely seemed to wait.
Buffy walked down the steps of the stairs carefully, looking up and meeting the eyes of her father, who smiled comfortingly. She returned it, looking over his shoulder towards Dawn, Willow, Tara, Anya and Sarah. They all smiled that supporting smile as well and she didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry over it. Her nerves were starting to get the better of her after all, no matter how sure she was about this decision.
Then Dawn came up to her, handing her a pretty bouquet of pale pink- and white roses, baby's breaths and large green leaves. The Slayer grabbed it and met her sister's eyes. Dawn smiled again, this time warmly and it was a lot better than that other one. Buffy could return it whole-heartedly and then Dawn walked up to take her place in the front of the small group of bride's maides. Dawn was leading, and then Willow and Sarah walked behind her, Tara and Anya last.
The doorway to the kitchen was covered with a white sheet, but Buffy could sense Spike in there as clearly as though she had seen him. She closed her eyes and took the feeling in, and soon enough it worked its charm and started to calm her down.
Then it slowly moved away and she realized he had walked outside to take his place, waiting for her.
"God, what am I doing?" she mumbled, closing her eyes and then Hank's hand took a gentle hold of hers.
She drew a steadying breath and nodded.
***
Spike nodded at that very moment to the guests he knew, and politely to the ones he didn't, as he walked up to take his place, with Xander and Jacob walking behind him. He tried to keep his hands from clenching themselves into fists and then releasing, just to repeat the gesture. Something he had been occupying himself with for nearly half an hour earlier until Jacob had convinced him not to.
The vampire drew an unnecissary breath as he took his place in the space between the Watcher and the young girl who was going to play as Buffy entered.
He felt something dangerously close to butterflies in his stomach. He had no idea what the sight of her would do to him if the mere thought of her made him feel like this.
Then the sweetest music he had ever heard suddenly began to fill the air. The young girl had put her bow to her violin and was creating it, making the notes seem almost touchable.
And as it felt like he couldn't take it anymore, the beauty of it all overwhelming him, his bride stepped out through the door of the kitchen, the frame now imbedded in pale pink- and white roses. He caught his breath at the sight of her and then his eyes filled with the tears he had been holding back the entire day.
Buffy felt her heart swell as her eyes locked in his. The entire population of the world could have come rushing by between them and she knew she still wouldn't have let his gaze go. Then she smiled, happily and he returned it.
Hank led his daughter up the aisle and stopped to give her a kiss on the cheek before he turned to Spike and gave him a courteous bow of the head. Spike returned it and then Hank went and sat down. Spike held Buffy's eyes once more, and then he moved to reach out his left hand to her and she gently slid her right hand in his. He led her the few steps left for them to face Giles and they lowered their arms though their fingers seemed to have intertwined forever.
Giles looked at them and then at the gathered observers behind their backs.
"For this joyous night we have come together, celebrating Buffy and William, and their joining. The two have said that they prefer to read each other their own vows."
Spike smiled crookedly at the mention of his human name, but it was fitting and he turned to her seeing her small smile as well.
"William," Giles now said, bidding him to begin.
"I searched for a long time," he said, keeping his voice steady with a lot of effort, "for the right words. I looked through every poetry book known to man, AND beast," he added, low laughter coming from the assembled people and a wider smile spreading on his bride's lips, "but no matter how HARD I worked I couldn't find anything not too corny or dull to say to this incredible lady standing before me now. Because trying to describe how you make me feel, Buffy, or what you mean to me is like trying to describe music or a falling star or fireworks or that feeling only kids get around Christmas." Buffy shook her head a little, smile still on and her eyes glimmering at him. "You are my future, plain and simple," he continued now. "I love you, and you know I have since the day I saw you even though I didn't REALLY care to admit it... A very wise man once said to me that every day brings a new horizon, the hard thing is to keep our eyes open so that we don't miss it. You're that new horizon for me. And every morning with you is like waking up for the first time. So love me with everything you are, 'cause that's how I always will love you."
She blinked at the tears and then she drew a breath.
"William," she said. "Spike," she added and he smirked slightly at that. "Getting to know you has been one of the greatest journeys of my life. We've been through good times, and bad. We've seen bad things, and worse." He smiled wide. "But you always managed to stand by my side and that means so much to me. I know I can always count on you no matter what. You're a support, a comfort, a...safe harbor." She smiled as well now and he brought one of her hands up to his lips, kissing it tenderly. "Your love is a power I never expected to obtain, a strenght I never expected to experience. The love you've filled me with, the love I feel for you is something I never could have even dreamed of and..." she trailed off, closing her eyes and he squeezed her hands lightly as her tears ran over and slid down her cheeks. "Sorry," she whispered as she opened her eyes once more and he shook his head a little that it was okay. "I love you," she stated, "for everything you are and WITH everything that I am."
Giles smiled, looking at one and then the other before saying:
"Now the rings."
Xander reached into one pocket and brought them out: two simple bands of white gold.
"William Thackary Kinsley," Giles said as Spike took the ring which was Buffy's and as Giles continued he causiously thread it onto her finger. "Do you promise to listen to her, to honor her and to share the rest of your days with her?"
"I do," Spike stated and Buffy smiled.
"Buffy Anne Summers," Giles began, Buffy doing the same as Spike: taking his ring from Xander and then threading it onto the finger where it belonged. "Do you promise to listen to him, to honor him and to share the rest of your days with him?"
"I do," she stated as well.
"Then with the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now seal your union with a kiss."
Buffy closed her eyes as Spike leaned forward, every fiber of her waited for that soft touch and when it finally came she put one hand up by his cheek, kissing him gently back.
They pulled away slowly, unaware of the people surrounding them and both smiling at the same time.
Love you, her thoughts whispered to him and his smile widened as he nodded slowly.
Love you too, he agreed.
***
The sheets were cool and smelled sweetly of lavender as she slid in between them. The candles in the room made the shadows darker, but she didn't mind. Her eyes rested on him as he undressed, a smile tickling the corners of her mouth.
"What?" he asked, smiling as well as he turned around and saw the look.
"Nothing special," she mumbled. "I just love to see you with your clothes off, that's all," she added with a wicked smile which made him throw himself on the bed and grab her in a hard embrace before kissing her, deepening the kiss and feeling her hands find their way up his arms and into his hair.
Then he pulled away slightly, recieving a pout from her and he smirked as he moved to the edge of the bed, standing up before slowly pulling at the covers until they slid off her and revealed her naked form. She smiled timidly, though he could see the growing anticipation in her eyes as he slowly leaned over her and then gently slid so that he could place his body lightly against hers, her legs spreading to give him room and he smiled.
"Do you realize what we just did tonight?" he asked silently, kissing her lips.
"No, not really," she stated and he laughed a very low laugh, almost more of a purr before he moved his mouth to the side of her neck.
"Do you want your wedding present?" he wondered and now the smile widened as she nodded.
"Please," she then said, and he returned her smile.
"Okay," he said, getting off her and jumping off the bed.
"Hey!" she exclaimed as he disappeared into the small hall of the hotel room, which was theirs for the extent of three nights. "I thought you were speaking in code...as in 'want your wedding present' meant...want some of me," she added now and she could hear him chuckle before he re-entered the room with a box in his hands. "Honey," she said lovingly as he came to sit beside her.
"Open it," he urged and she did, unwrapping the paper carefully and them pulling the lid off to look inside.
She reached down and brought out a wooden box. Looking at the fine carvings on the lid for a moment she then proceeded to turn the small key and open it. Inside it was lined with black velvet and on the cloth lay a silver chain with what looked like a glistening white diamond, shaped like a tear, as the charm attatched to it.
"It's beautiful," she said, almost afraid to touch it as it looked so fragile.
"It's a raindrop," he stated and she frowned slightly. "Crystalized magic... from that first day, when you told me you loved me and you..."
"...danced in the rain," she filled in, staring at the small object and then up at him. "I love it," she said and he smiled a little, reaching out his hands and taking it he then opened the lock and leaned forward, moving his hands behind her neck and securing the lock he let it go.
"Perfect," he mumbled. "I knew it would be."
She smiled, putting the box carefully on the bed-side-table and then getting to her feet, kissing him on the lips before walking up to her suitcase and opening it up. Now she was the one who brought out a cardboard box, turning to him and then walking up to him with it. He took it and as she sat down again he began to open it.
Inside there was a leather bound book, which seemed to consist of hand written pages.
As he opened it up he recognized her handwriting and when he had read a few lines he immediately realized what it was.
"This is that thing you didn't want me to read," he said and she nodded, smiling slightly.
"It's our story," she said. "It ends at todays date, I finished the last chapter earlier tonight."
He smiled, leaning over to kiss her.
"I can't wait to read it," he mumbled. "In fact, perhaps I should get started..."
"Don't you DARE!" she exclaimed, pulling him to her and he laughed, this time outloud.
***
She pulled herself closer to him as they both, hours later, were drifting off to sleep.
"You know, some people think it's crazy to put a child into this world as it is... imagine what they'd say if they knew what kinda world we're putting HER into," she mumbled.
"Imagine what a better place the world'll be 'cause of her," he mumbled back and she smiled, nodding and feeling the promise of good dreams gently overpower her.