5. The Ceremonies.
A sun dappled groove chairs lined up in a row, a variety of guests are being seated. Demons, humans, and some that look in-between. The stage is finally set. At last a wedding is going to take place. The bride, is all in fiery red gown. The grooms in a black tux. The ushers, are all wearing a range of different colored silver tuxedo's. The bride's maids are all in different shades of rose. Across the lawn walks our favorite, bleached blond blood sucker, shimmering and resplendent in a deep silver tux.
Anya: Holy heck, is that Spike? Buffy I see why you are down in that crypt so often. If this whole Xander thing doesn't work can I have a crack at him? (Sees the shocked looks on her friends faces.) What? Like I'm not saying what you were all thinking.
Buffy: Absolutely not. He's well, he's mine. (Smiling, cause she actually feels pride, saying that.) Yeah I guess he is mine.
Willow: Well Buffy, he does look good in the sunlight. I think we have just never seen him in the sunlight before, and that silver, and that suit. It just shows him all musclely and his arms. (Flushed face.) I think we are just saying, we know why you spend so much time in the crypt. And we understand, why he's the best sex you have ever had. To agree with Anya.
Anya: Hey I was just thinking that part of it. I wasn't going to be brash enough to say it out loud, but now that Willow brought it up, you are going to have to tell us more details, about you and Spike sex.
Buffy: (Cheeks aflame.) I can't believe I'm hearing this. Spike and my love life, is no ones business. And yes he is the best sex I've ever had, but I don't think that's anyone's business.
Dawn: (Coming over to the rest of the group.) Hey I just saw Spike, he really looks good in that suit. That's some spell Tara did , she is so amazing. (Looks at their faces.) Did I say something I shouldn't have? You don't think Spike looks good in the suit? Did I miss something?
Buffy: We were just speculating that, Tara should have done this spell a lot sooner. Yeah he does look good in the suit, and he is all mine. (Gives her friends a knowing look as she walks off with Dawn, before Dawn can hear anything she shouldn't.)
Buffy and Spike off in a quite corner. Discussing the earlier conversation she had with her friends.
Buffy: I can't believe the things they were saying. It was like I wasn't there, like you weren't you. You do look good in that tux, silver suits you. It's probably just the change from black, but I find you super sexy today.
Spike: Something bout, sunlight and a monkey suit that gets them every time. So your friends were really looking at me?
Buffy: Don't get any ideas, (she says threateningly) it's all I could do to stop them from tearing this "monkey suit" off you.
Spike: Oh I get ideas all the time, but they all involve you luv. (Smiles at her.) And I might want to see you come rip this monkey suit off me later, just keep that in mind. (Gives her, an oh so provocative look.)
Buffy: What makes you think, I wasn't already thinking of that? (Walks over and kisses him provocatively, with promises of more to come later.)
Anya is seemingly alone in a groove as the ceremony starts. Anya notices something walking across her shoe. Looks down and screams.
Anya: It's an omen. It's a bunny, come to tell me this day, will end in shambles and misery. It's the foreshadower of... (can't think of the word,) really bad things.
Giles: Would you calm down Anya. You are over reacting it's a little fluffy fur ball, that probably wouldn't harm a fly. (Giles is in the grove with Anya, but the sight of him is obstructed, and the assembled wedding guest can only see Anya.)
Anya: Not once I get threw with it. (Motions for the little bunny to go.) Shoe little flufster shoe.
Giles: Come now you are acting deranged. (Thinking for a second.) Wait, what am I saying, this is perfectly normal behavior for you Anya. Now if we may continue.
Anya: First D'hoffryn is delayed in Arashmaha, and I have to get you all unpurified, to stand in. Oh no offense, and now a bunny.
Giles: Oh none taken, believe me. Now you are being silly. Are you ready?
Anya: (Adjusts gown, and puts on a vale.) Ok. Giles ready. (Screams out at the top of her lungs.) Unhand me you evil villainous demon.
Giles: (Moves into view of the guests, he is in full demonic costume. Grabs Anya and puts her over his shoulder.) You are coming with me, back to my demon realm. You shall be my bride, we shall rule Vendara. You shall mother my thousand children, and we shall have a thousand more. You will be chained in my kingdom forever and we shall rule for all eternity.
Anya: Oh is there no one worthy, pure, tested and tried who can come and rescue me?
Xander: (Appearing from the shadows across the other side of the groove, In full demonic warrior garb.) I shall save you my demonic maiden. Vanquisher of my heart, destroyer of worlds. And they perform one of the most famous scenes in the demon realm.)
Blogar: (t.u.d.) (After they have finished the reenactment of one of the most victorious and enchanting unions in the demon world. Blogar reads a page from the legends, and pronounces a blessing on the couple.) The demon Valdar was defeated, and the demon maiden Volkara, married her demon warrior Olandor. They were the stuff of myths and legends. Feared and revered by those in the underworld as well as those in the overworld. Today we reenact a scene from that legend to commensurate the union of Anya ... former demon Anyanka. Her warrior purified by trial, Xander. We hope theirs will be a blissful match spawning many offspring. Conquering many worlds. (Swords are raised by the bridal party, and the blessing is finished. The demon half of the ceremony is completed before a breathless audience. The guests are then treated to some light refreshments and a twenty minute recess, while the second more human half of the ceremony begins.)
Changed into more traditional garments once again, the wedding party regroups. Coming together once more to watch Xander and Anya tie the knot. Dawn walks ahead with the traditional rose petals, down the isle. Giles the best man walks down with Anya's maid of honor, then the bridesmaids link with the ushers, and start to go down the isle one by one. Spike and Buffy, Willow and Zolgot, Tara and Ognor. They walk up the isle and pair off on either side. D'hoffryn has finally arrived from the demon realm and walks Anya down the isle. They walk and he hands her to Xander. The exchanges of the vows begin.
Anya: (Anya says her vows, resplendent in her bridal finery. Happy that the moment has finally arrived, bunnies all forgotten about. Then it's the grooms turn to say his vows.
Xander: (Xander has listened to the pronouncements go back and forth, he realizes the moment has come. All the planning and preparations have been made. The guests have been greeted and seated, the food spread out and the guests treated. Then he sees the future looming, the kids, the cars, the house, the gatherings they will have to have. The fights they will have, and he knows it all feels right. It all feels right, but just not right now. Silence falls as everyone waits for him to make his pronouncement. His bride to be giving him the sweetest smile he has ever seen. Looking radiantly at him, with love. He speaks.) I... I... I... do... Not. (A hush falls all over the groove, the birds stop signing, bunnies stop hopping, demons stop pulsating, and humans hold breath. The air is pierced by Anya's outraged scream.)
Anya: What? (Looking hurt, confused, and defiantly angry.) You what?
Xander: I mean I do. (She looks relieved, he moves to clarify.) I just don't right now.
Willow: Xander what are you doing? (Finally finding her voice. Not wanting to interfere in their business, but too shocked and surprised to stop herself.)
Anya: (Looks at Willow, then back at Xander.) No wait that's my question. What are you doing? Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? (Points at his head.) Are you possessed? Is that what this is, you've come back possessed, haven't you? (Looks to Tara.) Tara quick do a spell Xander is possessed and does not want to marry me anymore.
Xander: No Anya wait, I am not possessed. I swear.
Anya: That's just what a demon would say. If you are not possessed then what? Are you dying? Is that it? Your dying and trying to spear me from being a widow? You don't have to spear me, Xander. (Starting to sound desperate.)
Xander: No, it's nothing like that. I wish I could explain.(Can't seem to find the right words.)
Anya: (Gives Xander an unwavering look.) Well you are going to explain, you can't just do this to me on our wedding day.
Xander: I will just give me a chance. (Asks, pleadingly.)
Anya: I already gave you a chance, and this is what you do. (Almost in tears.) Xander Laval Harris, you better explain this.
Xander: It's not like I meant to do this, I'm sorry. I thought that I was ready I thought that this was what I wanted, and it is. I thought I was ready right now, but I'm not. Anya I know where my forever is. It's here with you nothing is going to change that. When I gave you that ring, I did mean it. You are the one I love, you are all that I want. You have to believe me, I do love you.
Anya: (Now openly crying.) Then why? (Almost child like.) Why are you doing this now? Today?
Xander: Please (Begging openly.) I know I messed up, I knew I was feeling this way, but I didn't really. Then when I was in Arashmaha everything became really clear about us, and our future, also how I feel about you. I saw us here now like this, and that's why I knew I could not go through with the wedding, not right now.
Anya: So you walked down the isle took one look at me and decided oh I can't marry the ex demon after all, is that how it was?
Xander: No it was nothing like that. We are not ready right now for the next leg of this journey. This is not just a piece of paper to me, this is everything. You our future and I've gotten so many things wrong before, I just want to make sure I get this right. I saw us and we are forever, more than you know. We are going to spend the rest of our lives together, but I just know we are not ready for this step right now. I am not saying never, just not right now. I want it to be perfect, well as perfect as we can be. I don't want us taking this step and then falling apart two minutes later. Things change that's good. I want us to change, to grow to move forward together. But we still go in too many different directions too often. I saw that and I saw us here, I know that we should be, but not right now. You're what I want. You're the one for me. I am not saying never, I do want to marry you someday. (Finishes with tears in his eyes too.)
Anya: (With tears in her eyes too, looks fully into Xander's eyes. She can see how much it has cost him to say what he was feeling. She grasps his hand lovingly, and looks at him with forgiveness and love in her eyes. It's written on her face. Then she takes her bouquet of blood roses, gently tipped with thorns to represent the passion, promise, and pain of the marriage union. Anya gives him the sweetest smile, raises the bouquet and starts wailing and bashing him with it about the head. Starts screaming again.) Are you crazy? That's the biggest load of crock I've ever heard. I love you Anya, I want to marry you Anya, but just not right now. (Anya keeps hitting him with what's left of her bouquet as Xander tries to protect himself.) Hot then cold, you are all over the place. First you ask me to marry you, then you make me wait 5 months, five months, before you tell anyone. I couldn't wear my ring. (Kicks him in the shin.) Then you finally tell everyone and we start planning , now you pull this. How long am I going to have to wait now for us to get married? (Starts to attack him some more. Giles finally, as best man steps in and tries to restrain her.) I feel so compelled to take some vengeance on you right now.
D'hoffryn: (Hearing his que and feeling compelled to help Anya.) Just say the word Anya and you will be Anyanka again. All the past forgotten, you can have him eviscerated in no time.
Giles: (Turning to D'hoffryn.) Now is not the best time for your help, what these two need to do is to have a nice sit down and talk about it. Work things out.
Anya: Oh would you stop with the chipper, Nancy-boy attitude. D'hoffryn is right now would be the perfect time. (Before Anya can go any further, a shadow creature comes upon Xander, sword in hand. He hits Xander hard in the chest and he falls to the ground, hitting his head. The shadow raises his sword ready to execute Xander. Anya throws herself onto Xander before anything can happen to him.) You oaf, what are you doing?
Shadow: He has shamed the blessing only his blood will satisfy the dishonor he has brought on this ceremony today.
Anya: He is already bleeding, D'hoffryn call him off. (Turning back to face Xander.) Sweetie are you ok? Oh gosh look, you are bleeding. (Helps him up to his feet.)
Xander: (Getting to his feet with Anya's help.) I'm fine, thought you hated me. Thought you wanted me hurt.
Anya: I do, I mean about the wanting you hurt part, but If anyone's going to hurt you it should be me. After all we are going to get married someday, and if anyone hurts you, it really should be me.
Xander: Does this mean that you forgive me?
Anya: Oh we are going to have to have much talking, and it is going to take much time for me to forgive you. You are going to go a very long time, without sex. But maybe someday, just like our someday wedding, I can forgive you. (They go off together to see to his head. The rest of the wedding party start to slowly move off to different corners to discuss the events that just happened. The guests also finally relived from all the drama, start to chatter amongst themselves.)
After the wedding falls apart for Xander, and Anya. Some of the guest from the neither realm get offended and think the wedding being called off is an insult. A fight breaks out amongst some of the guest. While Xander's poor head recovers from the blow he received.
Buffy: Shouldn't we do something. They are all fighting.
Spike: They will bloody well sass it out, I need to talk to you. Have needed to for a while. (Pulls her to a clearing, so that they can have some privacy.) Better a thing were done, than never done.
Buffy: That serious talk you wanted to have. What is it Spike?
Spike: I love you, you know it. I think somewhere I always have. Look at me, you are still in my gut Summer. I still drown in you everyday, it's never stopped. I may not have a heart beat, but the essence that I have, the thing that flows through me and keeps me alive, flows in sync with you. You're all I think about. What I'm saying is, will you marry me? I have sassed this out and done nothing but since that first night we slept together, and I have been wanting to give this back to you. It's yours, and I want to see you wearing it. (Takes the ring off his left hand, falls to his knee and places it on her finger.) How bout it Summers, throw a man a life preserver, put me out of my misery, say yes.
Buffy: (Stunned. All she can do is stare at him and then the ring. It's the one he gave her two years ago when they were under Willows spell.) Spike I. This is sudden. Are you sure?
Spike: I wouldn't ask, if I wasn't. I have wanted this since we made love that first night. The only thing I worried about was if you would ever be able to say yes, then after you told the super friends bout us, I got reason to hope. I was going to ask you, then Xander interrupted, and we have had no time since then. Then when Anya had me kidnapped to Arashmaha. I did have a real vision. This here now, you and me. Thought I would take a chance.
Buffy: Good thing Xander did, I would have said no. (Seeing his hurt look, Buffy hurries to explain.) That night that moment I wouldn't have been ready. Since then and every moment since then, something's been different between us, and about how I feel for you. (She looks at him full in the face.) I love you, and I still didn't know it then, but I do now. I've been so scared. I lied so many times, mostly to myself cause I don't think I could ever fool you, even when I wanted to. You saw through me. I tried to make this everything, but what it really was. Seeing you today, took my breath away. I have been running, but you have been gaining ground. Catching up, making me face the truth. I think you finally caught me. If you still want me, it's yes. (Tears are in her eyes. Looking over at her groom to be she can see she's not the only one.)
Spike: I will always want you. Marry me here, now, today? (Sees the even more shocked look on her face.)
Buffy: (Realizing as crazy as this is, that it feels right. She nodes in the affirmative.) Yes.
Spike: Buffy, Summers, Slayer, you've made me the happiest Vamp. (Wipes tears from his eyes.) Look at me engaged two minutes, and turning into a little Nancy-boy. Our kids would be so shamed of me. Not that we will have kids. Buffy that's something I can't give you. The daylight thing, sometimes I can ask Tara to do a spell for special occasions, but I'm mostly a night man. And I know I should say something super heroic, like letting you go for your own good, and that sort. But I'm too selfish, and I love you too much. I will be miserable without you, and I hate misery, beside I will put everything I have into making you happy. But if you really wanted kids. (Looks at her, his vulnerability showing, afraid that she might change her mind.)
Buffy: Willow and Tara ever sort things out they can't have kids either. Besides we can clone a perfect little you someday. Or if we had given the initiative a few more months I sure they would have come up with something. (Shudders at that thought.) If you were human, afflicted and couldn't go out doors, that wouldn't be reason enough for me to not marry you. Angel had a child with Darla, how bizarre is that? You never know what this life is going to hold. I've died twice, but I'm here with you. Everything is uncertain about this world.
Spike: We are not uncertain, how I feel about you here and now, that's not uncertain. You said you love me, that's certain too, we can build round that. If Anya and Xander could hold it together this long then we have a shot. Also I don't want to be bugging out on you everytime you mention what's his name. I know he was special to you, and I know you are always going to have him some place in your heart, but can we agree to mention him as little as possible? Just for my sanity, and for the sanctuary of our marriage.
Buffy: Long as you leave Dru out of our conversations. I know you were with her for over a hundred years, but I don't want to ever be compared to her. I know she held a special place in your life, and Angel held a special place and time in mine. You are right, I am never going to forget that but we have both moved on. Angel, Cordy, and Conor, and now me and you. Life is like that. You are where I am right now, and you are the only place that I want to be. Cause lately your all I think about too. You are a part of me now, as much as I'm a part of you. I love you, and we can make this work. Besides, your not getting the ring back this time.
Spike: Wouldn't want it any other way. Well how bout it, Mrs. William the Bloody? Or did you want to still be Buffy Summers? I modern enough to go either way.
Buffy: When you say you are modern enough to go either way, that's a reference to the name thing right? I'm not going to find some tall, blond, vamp named Lastate in our bed right?
Spike: Hey, hey, no cracks at my manhood ok. (Is cut off by Buffy as she wraps her hands around him and kisses him.)
Buffy: After the ceremony I might want to have a crack at your manhood. So lets keep that possibility open ok. (Gives him another deeper more intense kiss.)
Minutes later, entering the secluded groove, Dawn finds Spike and Buffy locked in the same embrace.
Dawn: Didn't mean to interrupt you two, but I can't believe they called off the wedding. I was looking forward to being the over grown flower girl, and spilling maggot guts, up the isle after the ceremony. (Sees them both and they both have dried tears on their faces.) What's wrong? Why are you two crying? (Then they both break into radiant smiles.)
Spike: You might as well be the first to know bit. Buffy and I are getting married. (Gushing as he says it.)
Dawn: What? Do you mean it? (She is surprised, and she starts to shed tears, and leaps at Spike who catches her, and hugs her.) This is so great. (Letting go of Spike she leaps at Buffy and throws her arms around her.) I can't believe this, you two are so great together. (Turning back to Spike.) Are you really going to be my brother? (Looking really hopeful.)
Spike: If you think you can handle having such a bad ass, as a brother.
Dawn: I already have a bad ass sister, you'll fit right in. I am really so happy for you both, this so makes up for the part where I don't get to do the symbolic sacrifices.
Spike: Bit your a natural, tell you what. We will let you do the honors at our ceremony.
Buffy: Yeah you can pour pigs blood, symbolically representing the blood of the innocents, bet your friends will get a kick out of that Spike.
Spike: Only the ones that are here. We better hurry if we are going to do this.
Dawn: Why, when are you getting married? (Sees the look on both their faces.) You don't mean today, do you? Now? Oh my Gosh, I have to go and get every one back to their seats. (Moves to dash off across the groove. Runs back.) I am so happy for you both right now, hugs them both again. (Smiling she runs off, across the groove, to get everyone back to their seats.)
Spike: Great Little Sis, you've got there.
Buffy: She is going to be your family now too. I think she was happier than we were, that's what family is all about isn't it. I guess we have that here.
Spike: I am thinking, we better go do the announcement, else no one's going to believe her. They'll think she got into the demon vodka, or some such thing.
Buffy: You can go tell everyone's else, I have to tell Giles privately. I owe him that, he has been more like my own father, then my real one has.
Spike: Saw solider boy out there in the crowd. Can I tell him? (Looks hopeful.)
Buffy: Only if I get to tell Harmony the next time I see her. (She smiles, as his smile gets wiped away.) Actually I'm thinking of just staking her the next time I see her, save myself some time.
Spike: Ok, so you want to tell solider boy, but I want to hear how every word of that conversation goes. Bad enough the look on his face when he found out we were together.
Buffy: After I finish telling Giles, I will round up Riley and tell him privately. I'm thinking Giles is going to want to have a talk with you after he hears our news.
Spike: It's not going to be the kind that finds, me on the wrong side of a very pointy stake is it? Cause I hate those kind of chats. Plus it could leave you all widowed and stuff if it goes the wrong way. (Spike winces at the thought of his chat with Giles.) Never been good with talking to parents and the like.
Buffy: That's cause you really didn't date much before Dru, and Angel killed all her family, so of course you haven't had much practice. I will tell Giles not to stake you.. much. (Buffy laughs at the look on his face.) It will be fine. The hard part was me realizing what you mean to me, and getting me to say yes. The rest has got to be easier.
Buffy enters the groove, where the wedding guests are getting settled again. Finds Giles.
Buffy: Giles can I talk to you for a second.?
Giles: Sure. Olivia, can I leave you alone for a second? Anything comes your way just give a shout.
Olivia: Sure, I'll be fine here with your friends. And anything else I don't recognize. (She makes a face as she watches one of the guest chowing down.)
Giles: Oh don't worry about him, just a regurgitating trogg demon. Perfectly harmless. (Takes of his glasses to clean them for a second.)
Olivia: As long as you say so Rupert. I'll be here when you get back. Buffy a pleasure once again to see you. Hope we get more of a chance to chat later.
Buffy: I would love that. Giles has been so secretive, about his life in England and the whole watchers council business. We will have to talk later.
Giles and Buffy exit to a quit little corner.
Giles: No, no, no, no, no, I will not have it. Buffy are you out of your mind? Is this another spell? Is Willow dabbling into the dark magic's again? You can't be serious about becoming Mrs. William, the Bloody.
Buffy: Actually Spike and I talked about it and I think I going to be keeping my own name. Makes it easier, I have already established a name in the business of vampire slaying, and it just make sense, as least in public for me to still be Buffy.
Giles: You can't be thinking clearly. Something must be affecting your mind. When you told me about you and Spike that was a shock, but this. You are not the Buffy bot again are you? Oh I know you're not, I'm just grasping at the last vestige of hope, that you will come to your senses. This can't be what you want.
Buffy: I know this is going to take some adjusting but I love him, and I want you to be the one to walk me down the isle. This is what I want.
Giles: So it's for real this time? Cause you know those are almost the exact words you said to me last time, and it was a spell last time. If you are sure, what can I say. I mean I left so you could grow up, and become an adult and make adult decisions and if this is what you want. But what about children, you won't be able to have children.
Buffy: We talked about that, and you know if he was human and completely impotent we wouldn't be able to have children and we would just have to find another solution. Plus right now with Dawn, and the whole living past 25 issue. I am not sure I want children, I live on a hell mouth. This is not the best place to raise a family. But I am the Slayer, this is my destiny, and I want Spike to be a part of my future. (Looks at Giles lovingly.) And I really want your blessing, you have been like a father to me even before mom died, but you've been the next best thing, and I really want you to give me away.
Giles: Oh Buffy of course I will, you understand how disturbing, and sudden, and disturbing this is. But of course. I know he loves you, and at times he's almost been like a son to me myself. A disappointing one, that I have wanted to stake on more than one occasion, but a son non the less. You have my blessing, cause I love you and I trust you to do the right thing. I would never truly stand in the way of your happiness, and seeing you since I've been back, you do seem happy.
Buffy: Giles, I am happy. Spike gets me, he knows me in a way I don't even think I know myself sometimes. I think we have a good a chance as anyone else living on the hell mouth, of making this work.
Giles: Fine send him on over, I want to have a few words with my future son-in-law before, the ceremony. But do you think I could be blind again, I mean just for the ceremony, so I wouldn't have to hear the kissing as well as seeing it. (Takes off his glasses to clean them.)
Buffy: (Throwing her arms around him, Buffy gives him a hug.) Thank you Giles, this means everything.
Giles: No Buffy, you mean everything. If he doesn't treat you right, I'll be back on the first plane from England.
Buffy exits to go find Spike. A few minutes later Spike finds Giles.
Spike: RU-pert.
Giles: Randy.
Spike: Father. (Said humorously.)
Giles: Son. (Also with the same humor. They embrace for a moment. Then pull apart.) If you break her heart or hurt her in any way, I will kill you.
Spike: Think I'd stake myself before let that happen, but it's good to know you have my back covered.
Giles: So longs we understand each other. I guess all I can say is welcome to the family. Looks like I'm walking Buffy down the isle. (Takes off his glasses to wipe a tear from his eye.) You are not what I wanted for her, but maybe no man is ever good enough for someone I regard as a daughter.
Spike: Well I did see Captain Cardboard out in the guest seating, if I don't pan out, he can always fill in. (Spike, thinks for a second.) Yeah over my dead and dusted body.
Giles: I get the feeling you two will either pan out, or kill each other trying. But you will never be bored with each other. How long have you been going at this for? Seems to be about 2-3 years. Two of the last which you spent following her around.
Spike: I think you use to call it stalking.
Giles: Oh believe me I still do, but I was trying to be polite. Still can't believe this is not just another one of Willow's spells, but you've both been teasing, beating up, trying to kill each other for years, here I thought you were enemies, and you were just this old married couple.
Spike: Funny thing bout love, how things turn out. Sometimes things are not as bizarre as they seem.
Giles: You gave her the same ring from the last time, if I noticed correctly?
Spike: The same one. (Gives Giles an affirmative nod.)
Giles: Dare I ask, are we to have Wind beneath my Wings, for the first dance? (Looking hopeful, but already knowing the answer.)
Spike: Funny but I seem to have a copy of Bette Midler's greatest hits. (Smiles despite himself, and the incredulous look from Giles.) What, you never know when a CD like that's gonna come in handy, picked it up one night a couple days back, and yeah, had it with me today. So what?
Giles: Your incorrigible. Come on let's go get you and Buffy married. (As they leave, Giles puts his hand around Spike's shoulder, father and son like.)
Buffy approaches Riley, they excuse themselves so that they can talk..
Buffy: Hey did you hear Dawn's announcement?
Riley: Yeah I did. I was surprised that Xander and Anya could patch things up so fast. I'm really happy for them.
Buffy: What exactly did Dawn say?
Riley: She just told everyone to take their seats, that with a little adjustment the wedding was going to take place. She seemed genuinely happy, I didn't realize how close she was to those two.
Buffy: Count on Dawn to get it half right. The wedding is back on, but the bride and the groom are changing.
Riley: What?
Buffy: Seems Spike and I are getting married. (She says beaming, not able to contain herself despite Riley's discomfort.)
Riley: Buffy. This is a little too deja-vu. Except we are not standing in front of a store, looking at your bridal dress. We are in a groove discussing your nuptials, and something tells me your not joking around this time.
Buffy: It's hard to explain but I guess you're right, same thing I said last time. But I do mean it, I hope we can be friends. And if things were different...
Riley: But they're not. (Trying not to sound bitter and angry.) What choice do I have? I found out you were dead, then alive and I came back for you. Like I said before, leaving was the biggest mistake, but I guess that's just my dumb luck. Leaving you was the stupidest thing I ever did, especially knowing how Spike felt about you. I just never thought he had a chance.
Buffy: You knew? He told you?
Riley: Guess that's the thing about love, ain't love grand. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you loose. Guess I lost this one before it ever began. (Wipes his eyes, as tears start to form.) He better take care of you. I'm not sure that the best man won here, but he's the one marrying you, so I guess the most persistent man won. Take care of yourself. (Gives her a parting hug, goes back to take his place, in the crowd, he knows he won't stay for the reception if they go through with the ceremony, but he has to stay and see.)
Buffy: (Watching him leave, Buffy knows with certainty that this chapter of her life is past.) Did everyone know about how Spike felt before I did? (Asks the now empty groove, as she goes to see the rest of her friends and get ready for what's turning out to be her big day.) I'm getting married. (Yelling it out to the empty grove, still almost unbelieving.)
Spike is with the rest of the friends, not doing a good job of convincing them that he is indeed getting married to Buffy.
Spike: She did say yes. No I'm not putting Dawn up to saying that. Why won't you believe it? In under an hour, Buffy and Me are tying the knot. Mr. and Mrs. I'm the bloody marring man. Got my golden blond honey, and we are tying the knot. (Rolls his eyes.)
Anya: It's the suit, it has to be the suit. It's possessed or something, making Spike irresistible to woman. Why else would Buffy say yes. Oh maybe it's the best sex, she has ever had in her life thing, talking.
Xander: I so, so did not need to hear that. And what are you talking about, the suit is not making him irresistible to woman, just to Buffy right? (Looks at her and Willow.) What, did the whole world just go crazy on me.
Spike: What can I say, I've always been bad, and irresistible. It's the monkey suit and sun light, gets woman every time.
Xander: So why am I not having a similar effect? Hun?
Spike: Oh you have to be ruggedly good looking and handsome for it to work. (Winks at Anya.)
Anya: (Turning to Xander) He does have a point sweetie. But I still find you cute anyways.
Xander: Oh yeah, that's very reassuring. (Turning to Spike.) You stop that right now, you and your bewitched suit. You can't really be marrying Buffy.
Buffy: (Entering the room) It's true Xander. We are getting married.
Xander: How? What? When? Hun?
Giles: All very good questions, I just told Olivia the good news, she is very happy for you both. Now come on from what I understand, we have a wedding to get ready for.
Willow: I'm happy for you Buffy, congratulations. (Gives her a hug.) And you too Spike. When did this all happen? Dawn said, it and then she left, and then Spike said it, but when did you two know?
Buffy: He asked, and I said yes. It just happened so suddenly, but we are both sure. We don't need any more time or anything. We just want our friends there. Say you will be my bride's maid.
Willow: Oh of course. We're not best friends for nothing.
Buffy: You too Anya, and Tara of course.
Tara: Of course, this is great. Congratulations you two.
Anya: Of course I will.
Buffy: Where is Dawn. I need my a maid of honor. I need something old, something new, something borrowed. Something blue.
Spike: Well your ring is kind of old. It's been around for centuries.
Willow: Yeah and your dress is really new. It's deep rose, but still it's brand new.
Anya: (Lifting the skirt of her dress, she takes something off from under her skirt.)
Xander: Anya, what are you doing. (Looks shocked.)
Anya: What? I'm giving her my garter. It will be something borrowed and something blue. Oh but I don't want it back after you borrow it. (Throws it to Buffy.) Not as if I'm going to need it today. Right Xander. (Turns to face him.)
Xander: I think they all got that without the reminder sweetie.
Buffy: (Turns to Anya.) Thanks, I think. Well looks like I'm all set.
Spike: Xander how bout it. I need a best man, can't seem to find one, so you'll do.
Xander: You know, if you keep talking like that, I'm going to start to thinking you like me.
Spike: Don't make me take the invite back.
Xander: Well when you put it that way. Sure, I'll do it. And if this doesn't work out and you feel like staking yourself, remember you can count on me.
Spike: Keep that in mind.
Dawn: (Entering the fold, still in high spirits.) Oh there you are, everyone's back in their seats.
Buffy: Hey I need a maid of honor, how bout it?
Dawn: Really? (Gushing and tearing up again, she hugs Buffy, as she accepts.)
Spike: (Sees someone coming towards them that he's been waiting for and pulls Buffy aside.) Got a surprise for you.
Buffy: What's the demon from the wedding shop doing here?
Spike: I invited her.
Buffy: Ha and you thought it was forward of me inviting Riley to the wedding. (Spike just gives her a look.)
Spike: (Goes over to the demon dress maker, and takes something from her.) This is for you. (Hands a dress to Buffy.) Go get changed.
Buffy: (Looks at what he has just handed her.) This is the dress, the one from the store, the one that I tried on. But how? When?
Spike: You didn't think it was strange just a little bit, some bride forgetting to come to her own fitting?
Buffy: Yeah it was. But how did you? How could you have know and planned this?
Spike: First off, always intended to marry you. Second when I had that vision, and after you told me you loved me, I hoped. And as far as Xander and Anya's shambles, don't have to be a magician, just have to know people. Figured that vision had to mean something. So I had everything wired, just in case.
Buffy: Oh. That's a pretty big just in case. What if they had gotten married?
Spike: Would've had to wait a bit longer is all. Just had a bit of faith in us, this would happen. (Gives her that shy sincere look.)
Buffy: (Buffy is moved and has tears in her eyes.) Guess we have a real wedding to get ready for. (Kisses him and goes to get changed. (Sure about the decision she is making.)
The guests are all re-seated. Everyone is back in their place. Xander stands at the top of the isle, where just over an hour ago he was groom. Spike is resplendent once more, this time in the role of the groom. Blogar (t.u.d.) Is at the top of the isle, he has agreed to perform the ceremony. He apparently has many talents. Dawn is maid of honor and she takes her place, at the top. Anya and D'hoffryn, who Spike has graciously asked to usher take their places next. Willow and Zolgot once again, and Tara and Ognar. The music starts to play and the show starts. Buffy is at the bottom of the isle in the wedding dress, she tried on at the store. She is looking beautiful, and she is glowing. She is on Giles arm as he prepares to walk her down the isle.
Giles: You look lovely. Right off the page of one of those bridal magazines Olivia keeps round the house. I couldn't be more proud if you were my own. (Buffy reaches up and kisses him on the cheek.) Before I start tearing up, shall we?
They proceed up the isle. Giles a little reluctantly hands Buffy over to Spikes care. They stand there and repeat heartfelt, if not all together traditional vows. They are radiant, as the sun lights the ceremony.
Blogar: (t.u.d.) William and Buffy, have opted for their own vows today.
Spike: Buffy Summers, you have made me the happiest creature on the face of the earth. I will love you. Till death us do part. (Laughs.) Whatever that means on the hell mouth. I will love, honor and cherish you. I will stand by you, fight with you, and ward off hell and apocalypse with you, as the case may be. Thank you for letting me love you. For accepting it, finally.
Buffy: Spike, you've made me happy. I will love you, till death us do part, or till the end of the world. Even if that happened to be tonight. (Looks at him and they smile.) I do love you. I will love, honor, and cherish you. Thank you for loving me, and for knowing me the way no one else does.
Spike: I don't breath air, but I breath you, Buffy Summers. You're the essence I need to live and be. If I can stay drowning like this forever. I'll be a happy man.
Buffy: (Looks at his eyes, which are illuminated with love. She reaches up, and caress his face.) I really didn't think I would feel this way. You broke down my walls, and crumbled my fortress. You made me feel, when I couldn't. You're in my heart, and piercing through me. I feel for you. I trust you with my life, my family, and with my future. This is real, and defies the bounds of anything I thought would be possible between us.
Blogar: (t.u.d.) You may exchange amulets now. Oh I mean the rings.
Spike: I'd do whatever it takes to make you happy Buffy. (Re-slips his ring on her finger. Making it official.)
Buffy: You already, make me happy. (Slips one of his rings on his finger.)
Blogar: (t.u.d.) Now by the power vested in me. By the neither realms, and the over world. I Blogar, the under demon. Fully licensed to officiate all natural, supernatural, or joined pairing. Now pronounce you husband and wife.
Spike and Buffy kiss. The wedding has gone off without a hitch. Everyone is elated except for the lone guest who slips silently out. The day for all it's twist and turns, has ended on a happy note. They get ready to host a wedding reception.
Buffy: (Newly married it's time for them to take the first dance together in the clearing set up for dancing.) Can't believe this, we are really married?
Spike: Yeah signed the papers myself. We are officially, Mr. and Mrs. big pile of dust. No wait, that's only if Tara's spell had gone all wonky. (She goes to hit him, he grabs her and pulls her close, as they get ready for the first dance.) I know it was last minute, but I pulled together a couple of songs, hoped you might like.
Buffy: (She hears the first threads to Wind beneath my Wings as they take their place in the clearing and begin to dance.) But how?
Spike: Told ya, I'd pick up something you'd like, the other night. (Pulls her closer.) I've got this day wired to be wonderful for you. (They continue to dance, as the other couples make their way into the clearing..)
Buffy: (As the final words of the song pull to a close, she kisses him gently, and realizes that the words are perfect for them right now. Buffy looks into his eyes.) You are you know. (He doesn't look clear at first, then he realizes she means the song. He smiles warmly, and they kiss.)
Spike: Guess that makes you my Angel, aye pet? Do you know, how much I love you?
Buffy: (Nods, cause she can see it so clearly on his face.) I love you too. (They embrace once more, before having to find different perspective partners for the second set.)
Giles: (Coming over.) Can I have this dance? (Spike hands, Buffy to Giles and goes to get his new sister-in-law for the second dance.) You look radiant, Olivia and I were just saying so. You seem really happy.
Buffy: Thanks for walking me down the isle again. I know you had your reservations.
Giles: Wild horses could not have stopped me, and Spike he does grow ever more, I'm almost tempted to say likable, with time. Yes, though could just be the champaign talking. (Buffy gives him a warm hug, and they finish off the dance.)
Dawn: (Dancing with her new brother-in-law.) Did you see, everyone fighting, for the bouquet? Can you believe Anya caught it? I'm glad that part is over with. Instead of waiting till everyone had too much drink.
Spike: You put up in a real good try little bit, but I think Anya had that one covered.
Dawn: Well she can have the stupid bouquet, I have you as a brother-in-law now. (Smiles, still really happy about how the events of the day turned out. Thinking of all the fun she's going to have at school on Monday.)
Spike: Hey I did really good on this deal, gained two of the best woman I know. Buffy as a wife, and you as my little Sis. I'd say, it's been a real good day.
Dawn: Hey you called me a woman again. Guess it's official, I'm growing up. (Smiles at him, the dance ends, she goes to dance with Xander, and Spike goes to dance with the brides maids.)
Back to main page.
View the next story.