Chapter 14

May 2005…

"Hair?"

"Check."

"Makeup?"

"Check."

"Jewelry?"

"Earrings, check. Necklace, check. Bracelet…check."

"Okay…we're ready for the dress, then shoes and attaching the veil."

"Guys, I'm right here. Could you not talk around me?" Buffy asked.

"Sorry," Willow said. "We're just trying to make sure this goes perfect. We have a little time, still. One of us could get you a snack, or a drink?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm too worked up to eat right now. I'd probably puke," she replied.

"Okay…last chance to use the bathroom before we get you in your dress. It's not going to be easy later," Kara added.

"Good to know." Buffy went to use the adjacent restroom to the dressing room in the chapel. "How's Sebastian doing?" she called out.

"Fine…nervous, like you. He keeps fiddling with his tie and asking Spike if he has the rings. Thanks for going formal, by the way. I love that I got my husband into a tuxedo again."

"Uh…glad to help out…." Buffy replied, as she came back into the room. "Ready for my dress!"

"Slip first, then we'll slide the dress on over your head," Dawn said. She'd taken her maid-of-honor duties very seriously. Buffy pulled her slip up, that would support the skirt of the dress, then stood in front of the 3-panel mirror, waiting.

Willow and Dawn each took a side of the dress and slipped it over Buffy's head, careful to not touch her hair. Several of the buttons were still left undone to give them plenty of room. Buffy slipped her arms through the holes for the cap sleeves, and they smoothed the dress down while Kara buttoned up the back. Buffy's shoes were placed in front of her so she could slip them on. The last touch was to slip the veil-attached-comb into the soft up-do Tara had done for her.

"Ready to become Mrs. Pierce?" Dawn said.

"Girls, their ready to start the service – oh, Buffy! You look so beautiful!" Joyce said, coming through the door. She'd been crying at the drop of a hat all morning.

"Mom, don't start. We just got her make-up done," Dawn ordered. "Ladies, let's go. We need to line up and head for the chapel doors."

Joyce hurried off to find her seat and signal to the minister that the girls were ready to start. Giles was giving Buffy away. He was waiting in the foyer.

Sebastian stood up front with Spike, Xander, and Eric, a good friend from the Order. A pianist and violinist were providing the music, starting with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" for the processional.

The doors opened, and Ana, Lillian, and Thomas came down the aisle – flower girls and ring bearer. The girls wore white dresses with matching blue sashes to the bridesmaid gowns, and Thomas was in a little suit.

Next, came Kara, Anya, Tara, Willow, and Dawn, all carrying bouquets in a mix of roses and lilies. The music changed to the traditional Wedding March, and Buffy and Giles started down the aisle, as the congregation stood in respect.

"You look beautiful, Buffy. More happy than I've ever seen you," Giles whispered.

"Thanks, Giles," she replied.

Sebastian could hardly believe his eyes. His bride was an exquisite vision in gleaming white silk, the empire bodice embroidered and highlighted with crystals. She smiled at him, slight tears in her eyes, and he smiled back, his eyes only for her. He didn't even notice he had been holding his breath until the slight tap from Spike on his back reminded him to.

Giles and Buffy came to a stop in front of the minister as the music ended.

"Who gives this woman to this man?"

"I do," Giles replied, and placed Buffy's hand in Sebastian's. He moved to take his seat next to Joyce.

"Hi," Buffy whispered to her groom, squeezing his hand. They turned to the minister as he said, "You may be seated," to the guests.

"We're gathered here on this lovely May day to witness the union of Buffy and Sebastian. I've had the chance to get to know this couple over the past few weeks, and I've been delighted to see how well they fit together, the love they hold for one another always obvious. So, with that in mind, let's begin the ceremony.

Buffy, please turn to Sebastian and repeat after me: I, Elizabeth Anne…"

"I, Elizabeth Anne…do solemnly swear…to love you, cherish you, respect you above all others… for richer, for poorer…in sickness and in health…'til death parts us."

"Sebastian, if you would do the same…"

"I, Sebastian Timothy Pierce, do solemnly swear…to love you, cherish you, protect you…respect you above all others…for richer, for poorer…in sickness and in health…'til death parts us."

"The rings, please?" the minister requested. Dawn and Spike handed over the respective rings.

"Buffy, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," she replied, slipping the ring on his finger. She grinned up at her groom as he took her hand in turn.

"Sebastian, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do, always."

"Then, by the power invested in me by God, and the State of California, I pronounce you…husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Sebastian wrapped his arms around her as he bent his head for the kiss, Buffy quickly putting a bit more emphasis in it before they parted, breathless. The recessional music started to play, and they exited the church, hand in hand.

The wedding party followed at a slower pace, sticking to the ceremony plan. Spike and Dawn went first, then Willow and Tara, Xander and Anya, and finally Kara and Eric. They headed for a stretch limo that would take them all to the reception site, for photos. Buffy and Sebastian had their own car, for a brief moment of privacy before the celebration started.

The reception was being held at a restaurant/banquet hall set on a bluff overlooking the ocean. The wedding photos were going to be taken on the bluff. Joyce and Giles were bringing the kids, and were included in the session as mother and father of the bride.

The guests would be following at their leisure. Buffy's side included some family and friends, including Cordelia and Wes, whom she had come to know further through Kara. Sebastian's side had been filled with his employees that had been with him the longest, and several Knights. Buffy had chosen both the chapel and banquet hall for their locations outside of Sunnydale, wanting to lessen the risk of supernatural interruption. She was not going to be fighting demons in her wedding gown!

On Kara's recommendation, the couple had hired Carlo, a photographer friend who was extremely talented. He took various shots of the whole wedding party first, so the kids wouldn't have to stay still long, then started on the pictures of the bridal party, the groom's party, and finally, just the couple alone. The afternoon sun was bright, but the day wasn't too warm, especially with the gentle sea breeze blowing.

Dawn and Joyce made sure everything was set up as it should be inside, greeting guests as they moved about the room. They were doing a sit-down meal for the reception, with plenty of room in the center for dancing. The wedding party would be sitting up at a long table at the head of the room. Each table was decorated with flowers and candles. The restaurant staff were just waiting for the couple to come in to get their signal to start bringing in the plates. A DJ had been hired, as well.

"Ladies and gentlemen…your attention, please. It is my pleasure to introduce…the new Mr. and Mrs. Pierce!" the DJ announced, as they walked through the doors. Their guests clapped, music was started, and the wait staff started bringing out the entrees.

Buffy and Sebastian took their seats up at the special table. Carlo would be taking candid pictures throughout the reception. Once every seat had a plate, Dawn stood to give her toast.

"We first met Sebastian in April 2002. My sister wasn't sure what to make of him, but he quickly became a good friend to all of us. It took a long time for Sebastian and Buffy to get together…and I think that made all the difference. Anyone who knows my sister, knows of the luck she's had with guys in the past. But, with Sebastian, he got to know her, became a close friend, and I've thought of him like a brother for a long time. Now, you two have made it official. Welcome to the family, Sebastian. You've made my sister the happiest she's ever been, and for that, I'll be forever grateful. To Buffy and Sebastian."

"Thanks, Dawnie."

"Well, I guess that makes it my turn. I can say that when my cousin first told me he had feelings for Buffy, I wasn't her biggest fan. We've always butted heads. Since then, I've seen them both be there for each other like no one else can, even separated for months at a time because Sebastian had to be away on business. My wife thought I should give you a chance, Goldilocks, and it's obvious to anyone with eyes how devoted you are to Bas. You fit. I know the two of you well enough to know that you're both stubborn as hell, and that means you're both going into this marriage with all you are. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness." Spike raised his glass of champagne in salute. "To Mr. and Mrs. Pierce."

"Thank you, William. That was well said."

"Yeah, not bad for a guy that used to stutter in public," he murmured. They shared a knowing smile for old times as the room toasted the couple.

Dinner commenced, the couple occasionally interrupted by someone wanting to wish them congratulations. Plates were cleared as they were finished, and it was time for the couple's first dance as husband and wife.

Buffy and Sebastian hadn't been able to agree on a first song, and finally left it up to Dawn to arrange. They both shared a smile as the tunes for "Unforgettable" started to play. As Sebastian turned her around the floor, Buffy mouthed "thank you" to her sister. They'd worked for a week on the steps, Buffy wanting to do more than just sway out in front of everyone, so Sebastian had taught her to waltz. Her skirt gently swished about has she moved, the short train buttoned up in back so the hem wasn't dragging on the floor. She thought Sebastian looked particularly drool-worthy in his tuxedo and vest. My own James Bond, she thought, giggling.

"What's so funny, my love?"

"Nothing. I was just thinking of how handsome you look today. Dawnie did a great job today, huh?"

"Yes, she did. Everything's gone perfectly, and they all look to be having a good time. I can't wait to secret you away, though."

"Is that so, Mr. Pierce…"

"Oh, absolutely. I've hardly seen you all week. Tonight, we leave for our honeymoon, and you are not getting out of bed until I say so," he whispered hotly. "I can't wait to see what you've hidden under this gorgeous gown."

"Sebastian! You're making me blush in front of everybody…" she admitted. He rarely talked so openly in public about their life in the bedroom, and this was making her insanely hot.

"I don't care. You've been glowing like an angel since I first laid eyes on you today, and I'm proud to have such a beautiful wife. I love you so much, Buffy. I'll never forget seeing you walk down that aisle. One last twirl, my dear. The song is almost ending."

She could stay in that moment forever, but then, it was time to dance with Giles, while Sebastian danced with her mother. After that song, the floor was opened to all couples, and was soon crowded. Sebastian and Buffy couldn't be parted. Sebastian introduced her to all his colleagues, though there were so many, she couldn't keep the names straight. Buffy had always been bad with names. Dawn kept the DJ on schedule, and soon it was time to cut the cake. It was chocolate, of course.

The couple posed with hands on the knife, ready to slice into the cake, as more pictures were taken, then cut out a piece for the both of them. Sebastian couldn't resist dabbing her nose with a bit of icing, before placing the bite of cake in her mouth. Buffy scowled, then dipped her finger in the icing and smeared it on his cheek, with a grin.

"You're supposed to feed it to me, love."

"Then certain people shouldn't play around with the icing," she replied, low enough for only him to hear. "At least, not until later."

"Vixen. How much longer do we have to stay?"

"Eat cake, make sure we say hello to everybody, and I toss my bouquet. We can skip out and leave the rest to party until the hall closes."

"Great. Let's get on with it." The couple took their pieces of cake and started moving about the room, thanking everyone for coming. Buffy received endless compliments on her dress.

Dawn must have been watching the clock, for she grabbed the mic from the DJ to make an announcement.

"Hi, everyone. Okay, before my sister and new brother-in-law leave to catch their flight, Buffy is going to toss her bouquet, so single ladies – line up!" She tugged Willow and Tara out on the floor with her, as the other women came up.

"Are you ready?" Buffy yelled. She turned around, back to them. "One! Two! Three!" The bouquet went flying, sans Slayer strength, right into Cordelia's hands, who almost dropped it in shock. "Hey, look who's next?" Buffy teased.

"I – uh – here…" Cordelia handed it to Willow, and the surrounding ladies laughed.

Buffy started giving all her girls hugs. She and Sebastian were going to be gone for two weeks.

"I'm going to miss you guys! Thank you, Dawnie, for arranging all this. I couldn't have imagined a better wedding."

"You're welcome! Now, shoo! Go enjoy your honeymoon! If you call to check up on the Hellmouth, I'm going to hit you."

"Okay, okay…Honey! Dawn's shoving us out the door…"

"Then, we should take the hint. Everything in the limo?"

"Yep. All taken care of. Just go!" they said.

Mr. and Mrs. Pierce waved to their guests, then disappeared out the door.

"Okay! DJ, crank up those tunes!" Dawn yelled. She had a boyfriend to dance with.

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Sebastian and Buffy were kissing and touching the instant they were inside the limo. It was an hour ride to the hotel next to the airport, where they would spend the night before catching their flight in the morning.

"Is this suit a rental?" Buffy asked.

"No…"

"Good, then we won't get in trouble if I happen to rip it off you tonight," she said saucily.

He continued trailing kisses down her neck. "I don't think my tailor would appreciate that, sweetheart," he chuckled.

"Mmm…you have your own tailor?"

"Mmm-hmm…you smell delicious, you know that?"

"I try…so, will you tell me where we're flying to, yet?"

"Nope. You'll find out when we get on the plane."

"But, baby! You know I don't like surprises…can't I have a little hint?" she asked, pouting.

"Pout all you like, my love, but I'm not telling you. You'll just have to have patience like a good girl. I plan to have you much too distracted to worry about it, anyway…"

"Ohhh…keep doing that," she moaned. "God, I want you, Mr. Pierce."

"Patience, Mrs. Pierce…we're almost to the hotel." He nibbled on the spot on her neck that made her shiver again, teasing.

"You're enjoying this way too much."

"Just savoring the moments, darling. I have a whole lifetime to worship you. Love you so much, Buffy. It's like a dream still…imagining waking up next to you every morning. I kept pinching myself this morning to make sure it was real…and now you're mine…"

She kissed him fervently, touched by the emotion in his voice. "I know what you mean. Becoming a Slayer made me think I could never have all this, but you've already given me so much. I love you, too, so much. I want to know everything about you. This has been the best day of my life."

"Mine, too, sweetheart. Mine, too."

They paused making out long enough to get the key to the honeymoon suite and follow the porter up to the room. As soon as the man had dropped off their bags and left, Sebastian and Buffy picked up where they left off, kissing with an urgency they hadn't felt since the first night they'd made love.

Sebastian's jacket and tie were tossed on to a chair, before he stopped Buffy's wandering hands long enough to start undoing the buttons on her dress. His breath tickled the back of her neck as he worked, raising goosebumps, until the dress slid off her shoulders to pool to the floor. She stepped out of it, and waited as he draped it carefully over the other chair. Dawn was picking it up tomorrow.

"My goddess…" he breathed, drinking in the sight of her. Buffy wore an embroidered lace merry widow with matching accessories, including the thigh-high stockings attached to the garters.

"Someone's still wearing too much," she murmured. He stood mesmerized as she unbuttoned his waistcoat, then his shirt, and pushed them to the floor. She loved how sculpted he was, a few faded scars altering the otherwise perfection of his torso. The heels she was wearing enabled her to reach his neck, where she started giving him the same treatment he had been doing to her in the limo.

"Buffy…" he moaned. They'd probably done this hundreds of times, but tonight felt new, different. It had been a week since he'd last touched her, and his hands itched to feel her soft curves. He reached around her back and started unhooking her lingerie. It fell to the floor, and he pressed her bare skin to his, tilting his head to kiss her breathless.

Buffy's hazel eyes darkened with lust, little whimpers escaping her throat as he worshipped her breasts. If he wasn't inside her soon, she was going to go insane.

"Sebastian, please…I need you, baby…"

"All in good time, precious. I'm not done exploring, yet." He reinforced his point by burying his face between her legs, making her scream, with the sudden stimulation.

She was barely coming down from her first orgasm when she felt him slide home, and moaned. It was heaven, it was home, it was forever…she could stay wrapped around him until the world ended, and not notice. There had never been such heart-wrenching bliss.

They sighed happily, sated for the moment, and drifted to sleep before the first of many more rounds.

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"Where are we going!"

"You'll find out on the plane."

"This isn't an airline terminal."

"Nope. Private jet lounge."

"You have your own plane?"

"I have one at my disposal. Now, quit your gawking and hurry up! We're on a schedule."

"Yes sir, Captain Pierce," she cheekily replied. He swatted her bum as she passed through the doors.

"Good morning, sir. Pre-flight check status is normal, and we are cleared for take off," the pilot said.

"Excellent. How's the weather look?"

"Clear skies the whole way, sir."

"Good. We're ready when you are, then." Sebastian guided Buffy through to the passenger section. "Grab a seat, sweetheart. You'll need to buckle in until we're in the air."

"Can I know where we're going now?"

"Not yet. Soon."

"Do I have to beat it out of you?" she asked in exasperation.

"I don't know. Are you trying to turn me on?"

"Pig. You've been hanging out with Spike too much," she huffed.

Sebastian just laughed. "I'll tell you once we're in the air."

"Promise?"

"Of course, darling. Now, take a seat so we can leave."

Buffy flounced over to a captain's chair and buckled in. She pulled out a magazine and tried to ignore him. It was adorable.

She twitched when the plane started rolling towards the runway, trying to hide it by turning the page. Flying still made her nervous, and this plane was much smaller than the commercial jet they'd last been on.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was taking pleasure in watching her squirm. She'd check her watch, flick her eyes over to him, pretend to read the page, all the while tapping her little foot. His wife had never been known for her patience. She'd be asking a question in 3…2…1…

"When are we taking off? We've been sitting on the runway for 5 minutes!"

"Patience, dear. We just have to get clearance to go. Everybody has to wait their turn."

"Well, why does it have to be so busy?"

And, he was chuckling at her again.

"You're having way too much fun today," Buffy pouted. "It's just plain evil."

"Wanting to surprise my wife is evil?"

"Making your wife wait for the surprise is evil."

"Ah, I see. Well, if the surprise is evil, I guess you won't want it, then."

"Sebastian!"

"Yes, dear?"

"Never mind!" she grumbled. He was sitting across the plane from her, or she would have kicked him. "I suppose my bag was packed with the appropriate clothes for wherever we're going?"

"Yes…your sister took care of that. Probably with a bit of input from Willow."

"Do I have time to go look?"

"No."

"Damn."

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"Alright! Here! That's where we're going for a week." Sebastian tossed her a brochure and sat back in his chair, arms crossed.

"What happens for the other week?"

"I'm not telling you. Just look at the damn brochure."

"Are you mad at me?"

"No. You were just getting annoying."

"I don't have to look right now…"

"Buffy…just settle your curiosity. I don't want to be arguing about this the whole bloody flight."

She unfolded the brochure, enthralled by all the pretty pictures. "Fiji? Where's that?"

"The South Pacific. We have a week of complete privacy and all the pampering you could ask for. You can relax to your utter heart's content. No demons, and no interference from the outside world."

"Wow…and what happens after that?"

"I'm still not telling you," he replied, smiling.

"Okay. This looks great. Thank you."

"I love you, Buffy. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to make you smile."