A/N: Ok, I couldn't let things like that. This story is placed some time after the end of last chapter.

Disclaimer: For the last time, this belongs to Joss Whedon and all the parties involved in airing the show.

Feedback: As you wish.

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Epilogue

Time.

They knew they had time. And as the old saying goes, time could heal any wound.

The event held that day was proof of it.

Old fights were left in the past and a new beginning arose in Sunnydale.

Today was the wedding day of Anya and Xander.

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"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, Xander, you'll have to face them eventually."

"They didn't confirm. I don't even know if they'll come."

Willow sighed and fixed her dress.

Her green dress.

"You couldn't blame them if they don't show up."

"I know. I just wish she would come." Xander smiled sadly and ran his hands through his hair.

"If she comes she'll come with him." Willow said, patting her friend on his arm.

"It's ok, Will, you can say his name."

"Fine. If she shows up, she'll come with Spike."

"It doesn't matter anymore. I only want to see her."

"Have you gotten over your stupid ideas about them?"

Xander lowered his gaze and looked at the mirror.

"I can't think like you do, Will. He'll always be a soulless creature. He doesn't deserve her."

"In a way, he doesn't. But neither did Angel, nor Reilly. Spike is the only one who can be her equal."

"The worst part is that I know that." Xander said, finally lifting his head and meeting Willow's gaze.

"Then? Why did you let her drift apart for the past year?"

"The first months I had to drink my meals through a straw, remember? It's not as if I could talk so much."

"Look, Xander. I love you and I will always love you, but you're pushing it too far. Keep this up and you'll only have Anya on your side."

"But…"

"No, Xander. I won't argue this with you. I know that you're just jealous and please don't deny it. Buffy never looked at you the way you wanted her to, but that's something you'll have to live with."

"Will…"

"No, Xander. Just get married and fly on to your honeymoon. Think things over, but if you keep being such an ass then don't come back."

The redhead walked out of the dressing room and left behind a very silent Xander.

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"Come on, pet."

"No."

"He's your friend."

"Was my friend."

"He'll always be your friend."

Buffy huffed and looked deep into Spike's eyes.

"How can you say that after all the things he said and did to you?"

Spike looked back into her eyes and smiled.

"Because you still love him. He was your friend before we were together. He stood by you no matter what happened."

"He almost killed you."

He laughed and placed his hand on top of his heart.

"I know, but he missed. Thank God all I have is a scar and I'm not fertilizing your daisies."

She laughed as well and looked at the dress in their bed.

"It's a hideous dress. It was the first time and it is now." Buffy said as a grimace covered her face.

"You know you want to go, pet. They're your friends."

"I'm not so sure anymore."

Spike smiled and hugged her.

"They will always be your friends. You love 'em, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go."

She kissed him on the cheek and smiled some more.

"If I go you'll have to come with me."

"There are always sacrifices to be made when I'm around you."

She slapped him playfully on the chest and turned around to pick her dress.

"You know, if I'm going in this awful thing then you'll have to pick up a tux."

"Oh no, not again."

"Oh yes, again."

"You made me wear that bloody thing when you graduated. I look like a ponce."

"No you don't."

"Or a penguin, I haven't decided."

She laughed again and shook her head.

"Come on, you won't look like whatever you said you'd look like."

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"They're coming?" Willow asked on the phone.

"Yeah, but Buffy made it pretty clear that on the first remark against Spike, she'll leave." Dawn said, on the other side of the conversation.

"Think she'll ever forgive him?"

"I suppose. She forgave Spike, didn't she?"

"Yes, but she loves Spike."

"She still loves Xander."

"Thinking about it, Spike hurt us more than Xander did."

"I know. But it's Spike whom she sleeps next to. She loves him."

"I can't get over how fast you accepted Spike back."

Dawn smiled and remembered many things that only she and the vampire knew.

"He's my friend. He may have pulled some shit on us but he still couldn't hurt us."

"It seems weird that we trust him without his chip."

"It's an improvement. No one trusted him before, not mattering what he did."

"I don't want to fight, Dawnie, I already had this same argument with Xander."

"He's still against Spike?" Dawn almost growled the words. Willow understood the action.

"He's just jealous."

"Even Giles has warmed up to Spike."

Willow closed her eyes and remembered how every one of them slowly accepted the vampire.

"Yes. We all accepted him. But Xander has to adapt, or he'll end up alienating himself."

"I don't really care at all."

"Don't say that, Dawn."

"It's his fault, Will."

"I know, Dawnie, I know."

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"A chapel with no roof. Figures."

"Calm down, luv. I can't catch fire anymore, remember?"

"I know, but the message is clear." Buffy fixed her dress and faked a smile as they approached the chapel. The chapel was what remained of an old church, which lost its roof. However, the place had been arranged beautifully and flowers covered the whole place. Rows of benches were placed in front of the altar, where the priest and Giles were standing talking. The bridesmaids Willow, Tara, Jean and Dawn were there as well, standing on the opposite side of Giles. Most of the guests were the same as those of years ago, and the same tension hung in the air. Xander walked and stood besides Giles, whispered something in his ear, and the British man walked away.

Buffy looked and sighed when she saw the place. It was a really beautiful sight and she knew she'd wanted her friend's wedding to be like this all those years ago.

However, Buffy didn't feel like she did that time.

"And in the middle of the day. Making sure that Angel couldn't come as well."

"He sure has a problem with vampires, huh?"

"I sometimes think that sooner or later he will be turned into a vampire. That should be a perfect lesson for him to learn."

"But not to you, luv. You'd have to kill 'im."

Buffy sighed and pouted.

"Why won't you let me picture it?"

"Because as much as I'd like to kill the boy, I know that deep down it'd hurt you and your friends."

"So you care for my friends now?"

"Well, they are your family."

"Even Jean?"

"Yup. She's officially family."

"Why?" Buffy eyed him suspiciously.

"She helped you all the time I was gone hoppin' throughout the world."

"Thus why you bought her that dvd player she wanted?"

Spike tried to pretend he didn't hear her comment, and he looked around, waiting for something to interrupt them.

"Spike…"

"Sorry, luv, got distracted, what was it?"

"Jean. Dvd player. Spoiling much?"

"Sod off."

"Watch your language."

"Oh, bloody hell, woman. You already made me stop smoking, what more do you want?"

"To be careful how you speak. Did you know that Dawn speaks like you and has taken into drinking some whiskey?"

"I know. I smelt it on her. But she's already nineteen."

"Yes, too young still to be drinking and swearing. Or dressing in leather. What's with her using your coat?"

"I lent it to her."

"I know. But why?"

"Because she's the one who always trusted in me."

"Ouch. That was below the belt."

Spike smiled and caressed her cheek.

"Sorry. It's just that I'd give her whatever she wants."

"The car you bought her pretty much gave me that idea."

"Hey, she brought straight A's on her report card. Besides, I promised."

"She'll be a spoiled girl."

"I don't care. I have more money than I know what to do with it."

Their comfortable talk was interrupted when the ceremony began. Both of them walked to sit on the last bench and watched as the priest began speaking.

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Some time later, the ceremony ended well this time and they proceeded to the party. The small salon held all the guests and the day was still sunny and warm. Yet, not everyone there was happy.

"She still hasn't approached us. Not even to say congratulations."

"Give her time, Xander. Besides, your message was loud and clear." Willow said.

"What message?" Xander asked, without looking at his friend's eyes.

"Oh please, a chapel with no roof?"

"What? It's what we wanted!"

"Yeah. Sure. What if Spike didn't have the ring of Amarra?"

"Well, that would be his problem, not mine."

Willow shook her head and then stared hard at her friend.

"Let go of your anger, Xander. It will only hurt you."

Willow once again walked away from Xander, but this time he didn't let her go.

"Will, wait."

She turned around, but her green eyes were no longer friendly.

"What is it?" She asked coldly.

"I'm afraid."

"Huh?" His answer confused her.

"I don't know how to get her to forgive me. I mean, I won't ever like Spike, but I love her. I don't want her to be mad with me."

"Too late for that, Xander. You k now what you have to do. Be a man about it."

Willow then did walk away.

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"I want to go."

"Why, luv?"

"I don't feel like being here."

Spike lifted a stray hair out of Buffy's face.

"It's ok, Buff. You already did your part by comin'. But before…" He gestured towards the dance floor and he smiled at her. She smiled back.

"Ok. Only one dance."

"Whatever you wish, my lady."

Spike offered Buffy his hand and they left the table, reaching for the dance floor, where they began swinging to the soft music played.

"What did Dawn say?" He asked her.

"About what?"

"Our surprises."

She smiled and placed her arms around his neck, bringing them closer. He placed his hands on her waist, holding her firmly to him.

"Oh, she was happy. She already signed for her transfer papers." She answered.

"And Jean?"

"She'll stay with her parents in Pittsburgh for a while."

"Will she come with us?"

"Don't know. Maybe."

He smiled and kissed her softly.

"You sure about it?" He asked.

"It was your idea, if I recall correctly." She answered, smiling.

"I know, it's just that…"

"Hey. The motherland is as good a place as any other." She interrupted.

"The motherland? Cor, just say England or Britain, luv."

"You got the point, didn't you?" She smirked at him. He was about to throw one of his sarcastic remarks when a nervous voice interrupted them.

"Excuse me, could I have this dance with your beautiful date?"

They turned around to see Xander standing there, in front of them, looking as uncomfortable as they felt. Spike looked at Buffy and noticed her angered expression. He looked at her eyes and shook his head. She understood and sighed.

"Ok." Buffy said. Spike said nothing; he only released her and winked at her. He walked away from the dance floor and leaned against a column, lighting a cigarette.

"I thought she asked you to stop it." A female's voice told him from behind.

"I now, bit, but at this time, I believe I do need one."

Dawn came closer and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Is it true?" She asked.

"What?"

"Both surprises?"

He smiled and patted her hair.

"Yeah. What do you think?" He asked. She smiled and hugged him.

"It's great. It's really great."

"Thanks, bit."

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They both swayed to the music for a few minutes, without looking at each other and saying nothing. Finally, Buffy broke the silence.

"Whatever hurtful things you want to say, keep them. As long as this song ends we're leaving."

"No, Buffy, please don't leave." He asked.

"Uh??" She asked, surprised.

"Look, I know I've been a jerk to you this past year. It's just that… I felt that you could do so much better than Spike, specially after all that he has done to you…"

"God, Xander, if this is all you're going to say I swear I'm going to…"

"Please, Buff, let me say this." Xander said, "I'm aware that you may never forgive me, but I need you to hear this. I was jealous. I know that now. I felt left behind because you never loved me like I wanted you to love me. I always thought that no man was worthy of you, and I wanted to be that only man who could be the one for you. Now I realize that I was never that man and I could never be that man. I'm that man for Anya, and she's my match, my equal, my partner and my friend. I then noticed that if someone who had been a demon for a thousand years could mean that to me, then a vampire with a measly hundred and fifty years of mayhem could also be worthy of love."

"Xander, I…"

"Wait, please." Xander continued, "As much as it pains me to admit it, Spike is your match, your equal, your partner, and your friend. I also felt a little envy because he is now what you need. A vampire strong enough to fight at your side, but also a man who could walk in the sun with you, giving you the things that your life needed."

He looked down and sighed.

"So now I only tell you that I'm sorry. I can't expect you to forgive me, but I wanted you to know that. I think that you deserve to be happy and Spike makes you happy."

Buffy smiled and hugged him.

"Buffy, I…"

"Stop." She said, "Don't say another thing. You're already forgiven. Don't spoil the moment."

Xander smiled and hugged her. She returned the embrace and smiled as well.

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"Uhm, am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?"

"Yes, bit, I believe your sister has managed to forgive the whelp."

"And you're ok with it?" Dawn asked, looking at Spike.

"Loving Buffy means accepting the whole package, kid. The Scooby gang included."

"Ah. Then you'll have Xander breathing on your neck for the rest of his life."

Spike laughed and ruffled Dawn's hair.

"Don't think so, bit. Look at that. Buffy's giving Xander the good news."

Dawn looked at Buffy and Xander's dancing forms and saw the moment where she had to hold him to prevent him from tumbling down. Dawn laughed.

"What do you think disturbed him more?" She asked.

"I bet he's hoping that he just imagined things or that he's lost his mind."

"I'm going to miss them."

"I know. But they all have their lives to live."

Dawn sighed and smiled weakly.

"Yeah. Giles is returning to England. Willow and Tara are traveling to Ireland and then Scotland. Xander and Anya getting married. Jean's going with her parents. It seems that they're all grownups finally."

"About time, bit. How old are they now?"

"Twenty five."

"Oh. You all knew this day would come."

"Yes. But I bet you didn't."

And it was true. Spike never expected that he'd be so happy in his life. He loved Buffy and she loved him back. She was safe and she had allowed him to take care of her in many different ways. He had asked her to travel with him and she had said yes. Spike wanted to show Buffy so many things and he had the money and the time to do so. When they closed the hellmouth months before, they ensured a semi normal existence for them all.

And it seemed that not only could Angelus fulfill ancient prophecies.

"So, England, huh?" Dawn prodded, bringing Spike out off his thoughts.

"Yup. We'll go see if my house still stands."

"And we'll be there for how long?"

"About nine months."

"How far along is she?" Dawn asked.

"I'd say two months."

He smiled once again when he noticed Buffy kissing Xander's cheek and parting ways from him. She walked towards him and she once again filled his senses in every possible way.

He saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. Her beautiful hazel eyes, her golden hair, and the way her body gave shape to the dress. The perfect combination of small imperfections made her unique. Precious to him.

Her scent assaulted him even amongst all the mixture of odors inside the room. Her perfume filled his nostrils but that wasn't the aroma he was used to. Buffy smelled of flowers and vanilla. Sweet and natural.

As soon as she was near him he lifted his arm and caressed her face. Her skin was soft and warm and her cheek fitted perfectly into his palm. He could touch that skin forever.

He kissed her softly and tasted her lips. A sweet flavor lingered there and he knew that taste as well as he knew how to make her smile.

And finally, the sound that always made him smile and lie awake at nights listening to it. A sound that made him want to live and to become a better man every time he heard its rhythmic beat.

Even better today when there were two heartbeats inside her body to make him go on and love her even more.

Spike had gotten everything by which he had been jealous of Angelus before, but he didn't think about that these days. Spike was happy because he had been blessed with the woman of his dreams and yet another thing he considered impossible in his lifetime.

A family.

He smiled brightly and looked into Buffy's eyes, and he found her staring back at him.

"I patched things up with Xander."

"I noticed."

"We're friends again."

"That's good, pet."

She kissed him and noticed the light in his eyes. She looked at him puzzled and cocked her head to the side.

"What? Were you thinking of me and our little miracle in my stomach?"

He smiled and kissed her again.

"Always and forever, luv. Always and forever."