Chapter 21 Until Death

A/N: This is the chapter we all have been waiting for since Angel and Buffy met back in the first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

The countdown was coming to end, after all this time it was here. Was the team ready for this? They knew this day would come and it was almost here. They had twenty-four hours now and with passing seconds it made the day more and more real. Buffy couldn't see it and she wanted to, this was one thing she wanted to see but she had to rely on her friends.

"It's not too tight?" Cordelia asked as she stepped back and Buffy looked down to her sides. She didn't have to breathe so that was good.

"What do you think?" Buffy asked and Cordelia smiled.

"It's perfect." Cordelia commented on the white dress. Buffy smiled as the last bit of the dress was hemmed and sown to perfection.

"Angel will like it?" Buffy asked and Cordelia smiled again.

"Buffy you could be in rags and he'll still like it." Cordelia reminded Buffy but the vampire looked sad. "What is it?"

"Wish I could see it." Buffy meant her dress. Of course she has seen it but not on her. The dress was a pearl white with a ball gown style. It wasn't too poufy of a ball gown as Buffy was small. The bottom was all lace and the bodice showed off her shoulders but the dress had sleeves. When she got the dress the sleeves were the same material as the bodice but Buffy didn't like that. So she cut the sleeves off and made her own out of lace. Sometimes the people of the mansion forget she is a seamstress.

"Well, you look like a princess." That's the only way Cordelia could describe it. "And honestly, I like this dress better than Anya's." Cordelia tried not to look guilty or smile about it but the two chuckled a little. "Ok, so, dress meets the standards?"

"Yes," Buffy answered meaning it was time to remove it and put it away for safe keeping until tomorrow. "I'm getting married tomorrow." Cordelia grinned even more. "Hopefully we see another wedding," Buffy looked over to Cordelia hinting.

"Maybe," Cordelia didn't want to imply anything but she had a feeling that after tomorrow Doyle might have some thoughts. Well he's had thoughts already but this might speed up the thought process.

Today was the final rehearsal and they were just waiting for the LA team to come to town today. It was going to be a small ceremony and the potential slayers would be there to witness it. Faith was a little excited to see it and be a part of it. The mansion right now was being decorated for the big day and the amount of potentials they had decorating won't take long. Buffy joined the group and she couldn't help but wear the vale just because she was just too excited. This was a day she never thought would happen to her. Dawn saw Buffy and smiled as Angel was across the room talking to Giles. The slayer then looked up seeing Buffy across the way with the vale on and he smiled. He was excited too.

"Attention," Michael called out to the wedding party. The rehearsal was more for them so they had a small idea how to get through this. Michael seemed to be very laid back and enjoying this. This was something normal, something sweet and something that pushed away the dark storm that was coming. This was hope at it's finest. "Alright, so we have the groom, the Best Man, groom's men, Maid of Honor, the Bride's Maids then the bride and Giles." Michael had the set up of the procession. "We can fill Wes in when he gets here. So, Faith," Faith was given the task of the music. It was all pre-recorded songs on a disk. "Once you see me at the back start the music. Now it's pre-recorded so there's no stopping it."

Michael went on and just then the LA team walked in.

"Sorry we're late," Wes apologized as Gunn and Lorne walked in followed in by someone covering themselves with a fire blanket and it was Victoria. "Demons seemed to be attracted to us." Meaning they had a run in earlier.

"Good, Wes line up with everyone." Michael ordered and Wes jumped in as the rest of the team decided to look on. Buffy was with Giles holding a stirring spoon to practice handing the bouquet. Her bouquet will be here tomorrow. The ceremony was taking place in the living room and the rehearsal was taking place in the transformation the living room. Everything had to be cleared out and replaced with chairs and flowers. The fireplace would be where Angel and Buffy would exchange vows.

"Ok, so music starts," Michael started. "Angel, go ahead." Angel started. "Take your time. Once Angel gets here," Michael was really into this. "Xander, you go and then about every five seconds another groom's men. Then line up behind the groom." They waited for the guys to take their spots. "Alright ladies, same thing just opposite." And the girls did the same. "Then," He looked to Giles and Buffy. "You two come from around the corner and make your way down."

Angel was wondering what he was going to see tomorrow when Buffy was actually dressed for this. Buffy handed off the spoon to Dawn as she was the Maid of Honor. Angel then practiced lifting the vale and thought that wasn't too hard. But tomorrow mostly likely he'll be trembling when he does it.

"So, I'll open with something," Michael started and Angel and Buffy smiled. "Then we do the exchange of the vows which I'll have your cards to read to one another." Angel and Buffy nodded. "Then we exchange rings and then I pronounce you husband and wife and then you kiss. Please, keep a little clean." Michael asked.

"Yeah, save it for later." Xander added in and Angel rolled his eyes and everyone smiled.

"Once done it's the newly wedded couple will leave first, then Maid of Honor and Best Man then we all file out behind them." Michael summed up the event. This didn't seem so hard to do.

"Then party out back." One potential added in. The ceremony was going to be short but that's all that was needed. Angel and Buffy however would be leaving the mansion to a hotel in town to be alone for the night. Of course they wished they could go on a honeymoon. Buffy really wanted to take him to France but that would be asking for too much. This is what they were allowed so they were going to accept it and be more than happy with it.

The hours leading into the wedding seemed calm and quiet but that wouldn't be normal for the town.

Out in the local woods a girl was running for her life. Well at one point she was running but now she was at a walking pace trying to catch her breath. She then heard something in the woods and saw the shadow that was after her. She didn't know where to go though. She felt like she couldn't run anymore. It was daylight hours as well so she didn't have the cover of darkness on her side. So the girl kept running and then in the distance saw a fence. A fence meant a possible home.

The girl made it to the fence and off in the distance saw a huge house and she smiled. She can get help but as soon as she went to climb the fence the shadow grabbed her.

Inside the mansion was chaos as the wedding was approaching. Tomorrow night was the big thing.

"Even though it's just us how big is this?" Faith asked looking around as some of the potentials were bringing in the flowers that were to be placed in the study. The study had fans blowing in it to keep the room cool for the flowers.

"Well," Willow started as she was cutting ribbons. "Well there's three things this could be, a gathering, a shindig or a hootenanny." Willow explained as Cordelia came in with tape and smiled at the comment. However, Faith looked a little confused.

"What's the difference?" Faith asked.

"Well, gathering is brae, mellow song styling's." Willow started to explain as she placed the ribbons on the chairs. "Shindig, dip, less mellow song styling's perhaps a large amount of malt beverages. And a hootenanny well that's a chalk full of hoot and just a little bit of nanny." The witch finished and Faith nodded understanding.

"Well, I hate brae," Cordelia stepped in.

"Yeah, smells like the undead." Faith agreed and Willow continued to smile. This little conversion brought back so many memories. And with the wedding tomorrow, memories were going to flood in. Willow had hoped there was a wedding in store for her and Oz. That was just a thought and a fantasy now. She missed Oz so much and wished he could be here to see this. But there could be another wedding in the future with Cordelia and Doyle.

Dawn was in the kitchen with some of the potentials getting the food prepped for tomorrow. It would all be finger foods. Angel wanted pigs in a blanket and corndogs…not the most fancy thing but it was his day so he'll get what he wants. Andrew was delegating the food prep line. They wanted to get as much done tonight so tomorrow there's little set up. The cake however will be fancy. Angel and Buffy didn't want much when you look at it.

As the day went on Wes and Xander took out the little golf cart Buffy went ahead and bought. She did it last year and it made it easier to roam the land. But Buffy thought it was an excuse just to use the cart to drive and goof off. But to keep up the land you needed to look around. Last week Doyle, Dawn and Angel were out here cleaning up the fences. It was nice to just drive in the little cart around the property.

"Off roading in a golf cart." Xander sounded excited. The cart can barely reach thirty miles an hours but that was fast for a golf cart. Angel was trying to find an engine to make the cart go faster but he couldn't find anything small enough and plus the cart is battery operated not gasoline. Wes kicked up his feet on the dashboard as they started to cruise. It was nice to everyone here, they were a giant dysfunctional, crazy family but it worked. Wes knew Angel wanted him to stay in Sunnydale now that pestilence has been released and it's in LA. But just like Angel, Wes felt that his place was in LA and if the roles were reversed Angel would stay in Sunnydale.

Xander and Wes continued around the perimeter something caught their eyes. Wes sat up trying to figure out what was on the fence. Xander turned the wheel cutting across the field to see what was one the fence. As they got closer the two knew what it was and Xander came to a stop and sighed.

Wes radioed the team back inside and everyone came out to them as the A-Team stood around looking at the dead body. The young girl was hanging over the fence and her throat slit. The first thought is that this was a potential. The only way to tell though was through a little magic test and Willow was already on it.

"Not a potential," Willow confirmed and there was a huge sigh of relief. But they still had a dead girl.

"Maybe it was an axe murderer?" Xander suggested.

"In broad daylight?" Doyle asked and Xander shrugged.

"Wouldn't be the strangest thing we've seen." Xander added because that statement was true.

"So what do we do?" Anya asked as everyone was still standing around.

"It's an attack on us," Giles started and the group looked at him. "It's on the property so…logically…"

"She could have been just running through the woods and this is where it went down." Buffy claimed.

"Maybe we can CSI our way through this one and it not be demon hell related." Cordelia sounded perky and now the group focused on her. "What? We have a wedding tomorrow which we still have tons of prep work, the last thing we need to do is play investigation." She was really getting into the wedding.

"Well, let's rule out demon worship and such." Wesley commented.

"Jumping to a bold statement." Gunn added and Wesley shrugged because demon worship and hellish cases are what they deal with on a day-to-day bases. Angel however had a better idea.

Officer Brookes was at the mansion along with RJ Brookes. The father was off duty right now and trying to have a father son day. The girl's body was on the ground outside on some plastic bags. Officer Brookes was studying the body while Dawn and RJ were standing together.

"Recognize her?" Angel asked as he stood there and Officer Brookes stood up shaking his head no.

"Have you figured out if its voodoo or something?" Brookes asked.

"Going down the list now." Angel answered as Andrew went to cover the body and everyone else went back inside. The only people not upstairs were Spike and Victoria; they were down in the basement because of the sun. But they were being updated every so often.

"You know this could just be the case of the homicides." Brookes went on. "I can call it in, take it off your hands you guys seem…" Brookes looked around. "Busy,"

"Wedding tomorrow." Angel confirmed and Brookes smiled.

"Oh yeah? Who?" Brookes asked.

"Me." Angel answered and Brookes put his hand out.

"Congratulations," Brookes was honest and sincere about it and Angel shook his hand.

"Angel," Faith came in. "Found something," The slayer informed both of them and they headed back into the study where Michael and Willow were.

"It's a witch," Willow didn't bother to dance around the questions. "She's a well was a witch."

"What the hell was she doing out here?" Gunn asked because everyone was asking that question in their heads. Just then Lorne came in and Officer Brooke's eyes widen at the big green thing with horns and how flashy he was dressed.

"If there was a way to make her sing I could tell ya," Lorne then handed Buffy a drink. "Here kitten let me know if you like it." Buffy then sipped on the cocktail and everyone looked to her wondering what she was going to say.

"Wow, that's good." Buffy smiled. "Yes, make this for tomorrow."

"My own recipe." Lorne sounded proud. There was a murder of a witch but the last minute wedding details had to be done; multitasking at it's finest. Buffy then kept sipping on the drink and then she and Angel made eye contact.

"What…" Buffy asked. "It's five o'clock somewhere."

"Just you know sip it." Angel stated and Buffy held up the glass to him as in ok.

"I'm not a light weight." She reminded her soon to be husband.

"Can I try it tomorrow?" Dawn asked.

"No." Everyone said at the same time the teen folded her arms across her chest in that disappointing stands.

"Alright so we have a witch in town, call the Coven see if they know her?" Willow asked and that was a start. Giles nodded. But it started to hit Buffy. This was the eve of her wedding. Of course she didn't ask for much. Buffy has money she could be getting married at some expensive resort out on a beach or a mountaintop in some foreign country. She can have a dress that only princesses could wear and have the finest foods the world could offer. But instead she was having the wedding here at the mansion that over looked some woods. She has a dress that came from a little store in town that was actually on the clearance rack and she even put her own touches into it. And the food was sandwiches and pigs in a blanket. Would it be selfish and not look into this death and just let it be.

The group was talking about the next move but Willow's focus started to draw out of the group. She looked over to Angel as he sat in silences. He looked upset knowing he would have to investigate this on the night before the wedding, before his own wedding. Willow has heard the night before is the calm before the storm and then it erupts until the final kiss is made. Willow then looked over and saw Buffy on the opposite of the room. She too looked the same way as Angel, sad.

"Willow," Angel spoke up and the red head looked over to the slayer. "Once the Coven confirms who she is let me know. We'll see why she came here. If they don't know who she is then we have a witch off the reservations." But Willow didn't nodded in agreement she just stared at Angel.

"We still need to know why she came here." Wes began and Willow looked back to Buffy as she was still quiet. They can never catch a break.

Angel was heading towards the staircase looking at some notes that Giles had wrote. Just as the slayer went to start up the steps he looked up seeing Buffy up at the top in the shadows. She had her face covered and Angel knew in a nano second that she was crying.

"Buffy?" He asked and Buffy looked up and he could see the tears so he went up the steps to see what was happening. Angel sat next to her as Buffy wiped some of the tears away. "Please, tell me you're crying because tomorrow is the big day." Angel begged. Buffy gave him a quick fake smile and then sniffed.

"We're not getting married tomorrow are we?" Buffy asked and Angel didn't say anything he just let out a sigh. "It was too much to ask." Angel scooted closer to her and then wrapped his arms around her to hold her. He felt the same way once he saw the dead body. He just knew the slayer; demon-fighting side would come out. And as much as these two didn't want to find out what happened they knew they had to put the safety and greater good of other's before their own happiness. And with the end creeping in they had to always question what deaths in the area mean. Angel kissed her head and pulled away.

"We're going to get married somehow even if it doesn't happen tomorrow." Angel stated and Buffy wanted to smile.

"You know," Buffy started. "During my travels there's some cultures that you just say 'I'll marry you' three times then you're married." Angel wasn't sure how true that was but right now it was a shot.

"I'll marry you, I'll marry you, I'll marry you," Angel said three times. Buffy then smiled and let out a small giggle. "What?"

"Or maybe it's 'I divorce you' three times and you're not married." Buffy answered but Angel continued to look at her.

"Doesn't matter," Angel then tucked some hair behind her ear. "I'll give you some kind of wedding, even if it's us jumping over a broomstick." Buffy smiled as her eyes were getting glassy again.

"I'll marry you Angel, I'll marry you, I'll marry you," Angel then leaned in for a kiss and maybe that was enough. But down the stairs Willow had listened in on the conversion and felt tears roll down her cheeks.

With Wesley, Gunn, Victoria and Lorne here along with Faith and the A-Team they should be able to figure this out rather quickly. Or could turn out to be too many hands in the pot type deal.

"So she's not like a licensed witch." Dawn asked as the team was gearing up for patrol. A second wedding rehearsal along with the rehearsal dinner was supposed to happen in a moment but with a witch that the Coven is not aware of in Sunnydale where all the potentials are everyone seemed to forget about the dinner let alone what tomorrow was.

"It doesn't mean she's bad but we need to see what she was doing in those woods." Giles stated and everyone nodded. It could very well be an isolated event but they need to be through on everything. Just then Angel and Buffy walked in and stood around. They wanted to say something and both agreed to it. So as they held hands Angel cleared his throat. The crowed room's chatter level went down and everyone looked to the couple.

"We have…" Angel didn't want to do this but it's hard to imagine a wedding tomorrow or anytime soon with what's happening in the present time. "Buffy and I…we talked and…" Angel felt like this was wrong. He and Buffy never wanted much and a wedding isn't much but they are soldiers. "We're postponing the wedding." The whole room gasped.

"What…no." Dawn sounded angry.

"We don't know who this witch is or why she's here. And this could take time." Buffy stepped in. "We need to make sure this has nothing to do with the First and if it is we need to be out there."

"It's ok," Angel started back up. "Buffy and I discussed this and…this is more important right now." Everyone stood there looking at them. "We can try again another day." That's what these two have done since the start but then Willow came forwards. They may have done this since the start but they've asked for anything in return.

"No," Willow declared. "You guys…no," Willow then looked to the team. "We have worked too hard on this wedding and you guys deserve it. Besides we have the final rehearsal with the wedding party and a reservation at a fancy restaurant which is huge because we never have fine dining." Willow had enough of the group being selfless and for once it was time to be selfish. "We have a second slayer, two other vampires with souls, a demon, a hunter and a butt ton of potential slayers."

"Butt ton?" Xander asked looked to Willow and she nodded owing it.

"The wedding party will have their rehearsal and the fancy dinner. The wedding will happen because Faith, Victoria, Spike, Gunn, Lorne and the potentials will go and patrol." Willow was firm on that.

"Can I go?" Andrew asked raising his hand.

"Knock yourself out," Willow had no disagreement. "The wedding is on. It's going to happen because…damnit you guys love each other and deserve it. We're all going to give you two a nice, fun, normal evening tonight and tomorrow even if we have to kill every single person on the face of the earth to do it." Willow finished and both Angel and Buffy had small smiles on their faces looking at each other.

"So, what are we waiting for?" Faith asked. "Come one we all got jobs to do." And everyone was getting in their places.

The living room was pretty much transformed for the wedding just a few things like the flowers and candles which will be in place tomorrow were missing. Buffy was off by the staircase as the rehearsal was about to start. It felt strange as the mansion was so empty. All the potentials were gone and it was just the A-Team. But as Willow said the show must and will go on.

Out in the woods the potentials with Faith, Spike, Gunn, Victoria and Lorne were in the search of where the witch came from if she was camped out near here.

"So you don't care of the wedding happens?" Victoria asked Spike and the blonde vampire shrugged.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my Sire and Peaches but the world is going to end so no not really." Spike answered as he lit up a cigarette.

"It's not because you're in love with her?" Victoria confirmed and Spike didn't responded.

"If he sings I'll be able to tell you." Lorne added.

"I'm not going to sing." Spike stated and Faith smiled.

"Well, if you aren't in love then it shouldn't be a big deal right?" Faith added and Spike glared at them. Spike tossed his cigarette to the grown, put it down and fixed his jacket.

"I am an antichrist, I am an anarchist. Don't know what I want. But I know how to get it. I wanna destroy passerby. 'Cause I wanna be Anarchy. No dogsbody." Spike sung and Lorne nodded.

"Yeah, you're still in love with her Billy Idol." Lorne confirmed and Spike stopped singing.

"Fine, yes I'm in love but I'm happy for her. She's been through a lot and she deserves just a little happiness. Besides bet half these girls here are in love with Angel." Spike pointed out and Faith rolled her eyes. "Oh, I know you're in love with him doll, yours eyes say it." Gunn smiled.

"That wasn't so hard to admit?" Victoria asked and she kept walking.

"I'm nobody's bitch." Spike muttered as the group continued on. Just then Victoria stopped walking and Spike picked up on it too. Faith felt something but it wasn't vampires. Spike snapped his fingers meaning everyone needed to form up and pay attention. Spike went first followed by Victoria, Gunn and then Faith. Lorne stayed behind with the potentials and Andrew.

The two vampires, the hunter and the slayer heard what sounded like music and laughing. They came in view of a bunch of women in white dancing.

"Witches." Faith muttered as they watched.

"How do you know?" Gunn asked and Faith just pointed to them like it was text book slaying, hunting 1-0-1.

"These looks like the happy go luck free ranged witches." Spike started. "So was the other one running and got killed?"

"Bet there's more going on then just worshipping nature." Victoria answered as they continued to watch. Just then out of a tent emerged a hooded figure.

"There's our bad guy." Faith stated.

"How do you know? You've been out of the game for a while." Victoria looked to the slayer.

"Slayer instincts, you never forget." Faith answered and Victoria smiled a little. "So why are they here."

"Twenty dollars it's the First." Spike answered. "That's what this town is, you either work for the First or Wal-Mart." Victoria furrowed her eyebrows at that but Faith smiled a little. "So, full attack? Spy? What?" The blonde vampire asked as Gunn shrugged.

"If they are witches then we need be careful, we don't have Willow." Faith started just then one of the girls walked up to the fire and held out her arms. The hooded figure then walked up behind the girl with a knife, cut her throat and pushed her into the fire.

"Ok…what the hell was that?" Gunn asked and then Victoria's eyes widen.

"It's a ritual sacrifice," Victoria started and then looked to Spike, Gunn and Faith and they knew something wasn't right. "They're breaking a seal." Spike, Gunn and Faith's eyes widen too.

"We need Angel." Spike stated and Victoria shook her head.

"Wedding tomorrow remember?" She asked.

"We need Buffy and Angel if we're going to stop this, these girls will get killed." Faith stated. "The girl that was killed must have wised up or something."

"We can do this or at least try." Victoria insisted because she really did want to give Angel and Buffy some kind of peace for their wedding.

"If we fail Angel will never forgive himself." Gunn stated being honest meaning if they fail and the ritual is complete and Angel was not out here at least trying himself then he'll live in regret until the world ends. Faith and Victoria looked at each other knowing what they needed to do but they didn't want to.

"I can run fast." Victoria stated. "Stall them if you need to." She gave orders and took off.

At the mansion the rehearsal was done and the wedding party was about to get ready to go out and eat. Just as they were getting Victoria flew in and Angel looked up.

"Trust me I don't want you guys to come out but…we might be able to stop a seal." Victoria stated and Angel looked to Buffy meaning he was going to get her permission. Buffy smiled and he smiled back at her. They're going to get married tomorrow regardless what happens tonight. Angel raced to the weapons room to grab his crossbow and maybe they can prevent a seal from breaking and postpone this end at least for now.

Angel made his way out to the woods following Victoria with Buffy right next to him. The rest of the A-Team was behind him and even though this wasn't the planned evening would they really want it any other way?

The team snuck around the potential slayers not wanting to get them involved knowing this could get very dangerous very quickly. Faith looked up seeing Angel coming in with his crossbow meaning the big guns were here. Victoria filled them in on what has happening as Angel looked down into the witches dancing and the huge fire going on.

"How many so far have died?" Angel asked meaning how many deaths since he got here.

"Just the one we saw." Faith answered. She then pointed to tent. "Shadow dude is in there."

"Could it be Cruciate?" Buffy asked but there was only one way to find out.

"What kind of ritual sacrifice is occurring?" Giles asked and Wes nodded meaning they needed to know.

"One with…witches…I don't know." Gunn answered because that's all the information they had at the moment.

"It's not completely for a seal." Willow answered and they looked to her. "This is bad though." She went on. "These are witches meaning they have power in their blood and being just on the edge of town,"

"They're summoning something." Angel finished and Willow nodded. "Well, let's rain on their parade."

"All in, all out boss?" Xander asked and Angel his head no.

"Surround the area, I'll fire the first shot." Angel explained the attack plan. "Willow find whatever is causing the trans and stop it. I'll take out the hooded figure everyone else be on the look out for other things." Angel finished and the attack plan was in motion. The group started to spread out. Angel made sure the scope on his crossbow was ready and he looked over to Buffy. She was going to stay next to him on this because it might take them both to take out the hooded figure.

Angel held up his crossbow knowing the hooded figure was due to come out soon. He focused in on the scope to aim for the head but to get it on the first shoot would be amazing luck so he was prepared for a fight. Angel had his finger on the trigger as he waited while his team was ready. Just then the tent doors opened and the hooded figure came out and it looked to the dancing girls. Angel pulled the trigger and the arrow flew. The hood figure caught the arrow and tossed it to the ground.

"Slayer!" The hooded figure called out and Angel appeared before it. Just then the dancing girls who were in a trans stopped dancing and looked around. The hooded figure turned around seeing Willow had broke the stone.

"Who are you?" Angel demanded and the hooded figure removed his hood showing a black baldhead, red eyes and razor teeth and fangs.

"His servant." The thing answered and Angel nodded and walked up to the thing as the rest of the A-Team was getting the now confused witches out of the line of attack. Angel held up the crossbow and fired again got a hit but the thing ran towards Angel and took a swing. But this was a divergent as Buffy came up from behind with a sword. Angel ducked and Buffy swiped the sword and the thing had no idea what hit him and his head was gone. The night could have gone better or worse as everyone looked to each other. But they weren't sure how much was actually done with this ritual.

Buffy sat on the bed thinking how they did manage to make their reservations for dinner, fifteen minutes late but they made it. Angel came from the bathroom and sat down on the bed knowing the night didn't go as planned but neither do most nights.

"I don't know if I can sleep." Buffy looked over to Angel. "Tomorrow is the big day." She had a smile saying that.

"The wedding isn't until later, we can stay up." Angel added and her smile got bigger. "Nervous?" He asked and Buffy shrugged.

"Excited and nervous…excitedly nervous." Buffy admitted and then it hit her. "I'll have a real last name." Angel looked back to her. "I mean I've changed last names to fit whatever I need but now…this one will be real." She smiled thinking about it.

"Or you're just stealing it." Angel added and her smile continued to grow. They then scooted closer because he was nervous too. But like Buffy it was that excitedly nervous feeling. They then embraced each other while easing back to the bed. This was finally happening something that in the back of their minds thought that would never happen. It was surreal and almost dream like. But tomorrow they will say 'I do.'

The day went without a hitch but everyone was still ready for something to happen because with this town you never know. Angel along with the groom's men were all in the basement getting ready. Buffy had the upstairs with the bride's maids. Giles came over to Angel with his jacket and helped the slayer in. Giles button up Angel's jacket making the tie was tucked in nicely.

"So you ready?" Giles asked as he finished buttoning up the suit and then pinned in the boutonniere. Angel wore a black suit with a black vest and black tie. The grooms' men had a green vest and green tie to match the bridesmaids' dresses that were green.

"Nervous," Angel answered honestly. "Hope I look good enough."

"You look like a million dollars and I bet Buffy looks perfect." Doyle stated as he was almost done.

"Just wish my mom could be here." Angel said softly, that was all that was missing his mom. Doyle nodded in agreement that would make the day beyond perfect.

"She's proud of you Angel," Giles stated as he finished. "I'm proud," The Watcher finished and just then guys heard something and looked up.

"Are you crying Doyle?" Angel asked smiling.

"Oh no just got something in my eye that's all." Doyle defended himself and Angel smirked.

"Hey come on it's becoming a sausage fest in here," Spike added while walking in meaning it was time to get a move on.

Angel came up from the basement and looked over seeing Dawn standing there and she smiled seeing Angel. The bride's maids dresses were purple a very pretty purple. What made Dawn's different since she was the Maid of Honor hers had a white ribbon around the middle and in the back it was tied into a bow.

"You look beautiful Dawn." Angel commented to his sister.

"And look at you." Dawn got closer to Angel. "Wow, you're getting married." As the moments passed by and the time was getting closer it was getting real. Just then Dawn shed a few tears.

"Kiwi what's wrong?" Angel asked as he got closer.

"I'm just happy for you. You're finally getting something you deserve." Dawn answered.

"You're going to ruin your make-up." Angel stated as he wiped a tear away and then hugged her as she tried not to sob but Angel felt her crying. It was overwhelming that this day, this moment was happening. The only thing that would make it perfect would be Joyce to be here. Dawn pulled away and Angel started to wipe some of the tears away and helped to dry her eyes. Dawn smiled looking how Angel was all dressed up ready for the big day. Just then Angel saw Michael meaning it was time.

Angel and Michael walked in first while the party waited. Xander then started the in while all the girls started to tear up especially Dawn.

"Tissues, we're going to need tissues." Cordelia admitted because while she wasn't feeling teary yet she felt it coming. The groom's men were already in and now it was time for Dawn. Giles was the only one who hadn't walked in as he waited by the foot of the stairs and looked up seeing Buffy at the top.

"Wow," Giles commented taking off his glasses as Buffy walked down the stairs with her bouquet. "Wow," Giles was speechless seeing Buffy all dressed up. Buffy smiled with the vale over her and she was getting very excited. They both heard that Canon in D was about to stop meaning it was their cue in just a moment. "You're a beautiful bride."

"Thank you." Buffy accepted the comment greatly. "And thank you for walking me down the aisle." And she meant and Giles put his glasses back on and held out his arm. Buffy linked arms with his and they were ready. The wedding march started and everyone stood up. Buffy and Giles walked in together and it was the picture perfect moment.

Angel saw Buffy walking in and he felt a lump in his throat. She was always beautiful. He can remember seeing at Prom and that was a stunning site. But now as she walks towards him in white he felt his eyes water a little. It was almost too much to handle for him and he felt like the luckiest man ever. She looked perfect in this imperfect world. As Buffy walked in Dawn, Willow, Anya, and Cordelia were all crying happy tears. Xander, Doyle and Wes were just smiling.

Buffy was smiling as Angel went to met her and Giles shook Angel's hand and went to join the other groom's men. Angel then lifted Buffy's vale and he trembled the whole time. He didn't do that yesterday during the two rehearsals. Buffy then handed the purple flowers to Dawn and the soon to be sister in law was still in tears. Angel and Buffy then held hands facing one another ready to start. Michael opened the small book he had and it was time to start as everyone sat down.

"Angel and Buffy," Michael started the much a long awaited ceremony. "The forces of this world for over 200 years has brought you two together. This has caused your desire for one another and to experience life together." Angel and Buffy continued to stare at each other and Buffy could see Angel was fighting not to cry. "There is nothing greater than spending your life with someone you love above all others. You both are proof to that statement time and time again." Michael continued on. Dawn had stopped crying for a moment but she knows it'll start up again. Even Giles had to wipe a tear away.

"You both respected one another and it shows within your friends and I hope that it shows for a future as possible parents with your own kids, grand kids and god willing great grands." Michael paused looking at the coupe but they were still staring at one another. "So as we proceed is there anyone here that knows of a reason why these two should not wed. Speak now or forever hold your peace." The place was quiet as Angel and Buffy continued to stare at one another. Of course there was no objections and it was time to get to the real part. "I will now ask you two to share your vows and devotion to one another and exchanging of rings. Angel, I'll begin with you." Michael handed Angel his card to read to Buffy. Angel took in a deep breath as he opened the folded piece of paper.

"God, I'm nervous." Angel muttered and everyone laughed a little. He's never been this nervous before and he was trying his hardest not to shake. "Buffy," He looked up at her and her eyes were getting glassy with tears. "You are the love of my entire life. You are my best friend and I never want to lose that. I have learned so much about myself because of you. And today I get to marry you, something I should have done a long time ago. You're not going to be my girlfriend anymore you're going to be my wife. I will be there through everything. I will be there for you at your happiest and at your worst. I want to inspire you, encourage you and when there's nothing left I want to be there forever no matter what's to come. I love you." Angel managed to get through it and it ended in almost a near whisper.

Buffy smiled fighting the tears as she took her card from Michael and hoped she had a voice to say what she needed to say. Dawn then started to cry again.

"Angel…I never thought I would see this day. I never thought I would have such great friends or a family. I thought those were just stories." Buffy was able to steady herself and looked at Angel. "I thought that until you hit me in the back of the head." Everyone laughed and Angel smiled remembering the night they first met. It felt like a lifetime ago. "I got to feel happiness, I got to feel what it's like to be loved, I even felt pretty. And that happened because of you. I get to marry you and we can someday grow old together. I will be there with you as I always have. I will be there when our lives are at peace and when our lives are in turmoil. I will be there to pull you up and to never let you down. I will be there no matter what the end is. I love you just in case the sky falls on our heads." Buffy finished handing her card to Michael.

A tear managed to slip from Buffy and if Buffy starts to cry Angel might join her. Michael was then handed the rings from Giles and he gave the small one to Angel. Buffy then saw the wedding bands and it was the claddagh rings from five years ago. They looked different though. Angel had them refurbished and where the hearts where sat a small diamond.

"Repeat after me. I, Angel Liam O'Brien," Michael began.

"I, Angel Liam O'Brien," Angel repeated.

"Pledge here and now this solemn vow." Michael read.

"Pledge here and now this solemn vow," Angel found it getting harder to speak."

"With this ring I do thee wed," Michael went on. She smiled seeing the ring that was almost a time capsule for them and now it was a full one hundred and eighty degrees.

"With this ring I do thee wed," Angel repeated as he put the ring on Buffy's finger.

"With loyal love I do thee endow." Michael read.

"With loyal love I do thee endow." Angel felt himself meant it with all he had.

"As long as I shall live." Michael finished the last part.

"As long as I shall live." Angel finished and Buffy wasn't sure if she would be able to repeat that.

"Buffy, repeat after me," It was now Buffy's turn and she had muster what she had left to make the final vows to Angel. "I, Buffy Ann," Michael began.

"I, Buffy Ann," Buffy repeated.

"Pledge here and now this solemn vow." Michael read again.

"Pledge here and now this solemn vow," Buffy repeated but meant it as she continued to gaze into Angel's eyes.

"With this ring I do thee wed," Michael went on once more.

"With this ring I do thee wed," Buffy repeated as she put the ring on Angel's finger. The bride's maids started to cry again at this point.

"With loyal love I do thee endow." Michael was almost done.

"With loyal love I do thee endow." Buffy felt herself smiling now.

"As long as I shall live." Michael finished.

"As long as I shall live." Buffy finished with a smile on her face and tears of joy in her eyes. It was done, they were married.

"I now pronounce you two husband and wife, you may kiss your bride." Michael stated and Angel reached out to Buffy with no hesitation cupping her cheeks and they kissed. Everyone clapped and cheered. All the bride's maid's were in tears and Victoria sat with the potentials and she cried too. Wes sniffed a little and Giles looked to him.

"Our slayer is all grown up." Wes wiped a tear away and Giles smiled. Giles was misty eyed himself. Angel and Buffy then embraced each other tightly. There was a great relief that hit them. They pulled away to face the guests and Andrew stood up cheering.

"Welcome the new couple mister and misses Angel Liam O'Brien." Michael announced the name. Buffy had a new name completely now. She was no longer Elizabeth Ann, Buffy Ann, Buffy Lerose, or Buffy Summers, it was now Buffy O'Brien. It was truly a new start.

The best part about the wedding was the party afterwards. It was home cooked food with love. Lorne made the drinks while everyone talked and the world that was ending seemed so far away from this. They were in their own little bubble of happiness and for the next few hours it would be the happiest and most at peace the group will get. They had a night of peace like this nearly four years ago when most of them were in high school.

The hours passed and party was slowly winding down, the people drank, danced the Macarena, laughed and had cake. The couple had their first dance together. Angel and Dawn danced in honor of the mother son dance. Buffy and Giles shared a father daughter dance. Cordelia caught the bouquet and Doyle the guarder. Maybe another wedding will be seen soon. But the last few dance numbers were here and one in particular started.

Buffy was talking to Victoria as Angel walked over to her. She knew the song and hadn't heard it in so long. Victoria smiled as Angel held out his hand and took Buffy's into his.

"Dance with me?" Angel asked and Buffy smiled. He had long since got rid of the jacket and his tie was loosen with his sleeves rolled up. Buffy's vale was put away and the train of her dress was removed for easier moving. This was going to be the last dance and the song was the perfect way to end it. Wild Horse played and the now newly wedded couple slowed danced with one another. Four years ago they were just boyfriend and girlfriend dancing to this song on a perfect night now they were husband and wife. But the song seemed to bring them closer together. As they were in each other's embrace a few other people were dancing slowly too.

Cordelia and Doyle of course were together because they danced to this on Prom night. But Willow didn't have anyone well for a moment she didn't. Xander and Willow were dancing together. Anya stood off to the side seeing them dancing together and yet she had no hard feelings it actually looked so perfect. Giles was also standing off to the side with a glass of liquor in his hand watching his slayer dance. Not only that he saw what started the A-Team all out there dancing. Giles took a mental picture of it because he knew he needed to. The moment was as perfect as it could ever be. This was the perfect next to Prom night for the A-Team and prefect nights come few and far in between.

The last of the pictures were taken like one with Angel his groom's men standing in a row, the jackets off, some had their ties loosen around their neck others like Doyle had his tie around his head. The groom and his men all stood in a line with cigars getting one last final happy moment on film. Buffy and her bride's maid took another picture together as well.

The new bride and groom joined up to ride out of here but Angel saw his car. He knew his friends were going to trash it out. There was writing on it like on the back window it said the classic 'Just Married.' The car had balloons filling it so the couple had to dig some of the balloons out. On the dashboard there was some money as well for them.

"Kiss! Kiss!" Some of the people demanded so they complied as Angel helped Buffy into the car and he walked to the other side. But there was one more funny trick the A-Team had up their sleeves and it was Dawn's idea and she was the one who pulled it off. Angel knew something was up when she asked for his keys earlier in the day. He didn't give them up so Dawn broke into his car. Dawn rewired the horn and the breaks meaning when Angel presses the break pedal the horn will go off. Little sisters are the worst.

Angel drove off and did break a little and the horn went off sending everyone off laughing. It was the perfect wedding and night for everyone and reality was far from them.

Angel and Buffy were finally alone. They weren't going to have a honeymoon to Europe but they were going to have the day to themselves tomorrow and of course tonight. They got a fancier hotel room that was a villa as well so they could feel like they were in some luxurious resort. Angel carried Buffy over the threshold as they already checked in earlier and their bags were already there. Basically they get right down to business.

Of course they've consummated their love along time ago and were seasoned vets in the oldest dance of human kind. But they were no longer boyfriend and girlfriend anymore and it was still surreal to them. The long and awaited night finally came but went so by so fast, it was like Christmas. They wanted it to slow down because it was so great.

It didn't take long for them start. It was time to consummate a new beginning for them even if the end was on the way. At least they got to have this small but immeasurable moment that nothing could ever take away. Angel was just happy the Buffy's dress was rather easy to remove, there weren't these tons of tiny little buttons to undo. They had all night and all tomorrow as well. The world outside at the moment stopped for them.

Angel then took a pause looking at Buffy. She smiled at him knowing they just wanted to suck in the moment but time seems to speed up when they're together.

"Just kiss me Angel." She demanded and he complied and their lips met but unlike earlier today where it was just sweet and tender like at the makeshift Alter this one was passionate and filled with love. He pulled her closer hoping to make them one. Angel picked her up placed her on the bed. They lost all control and let the passion drive them and their actions. Buffy wanted to feel him, to feel his body close to hers, to feel circled by him, to feel safe, to feel loved. The empty space that she had with for so many years and was now gone, completely gone, he filled the empty space, that void, that feeling that she was alone was gone, forever. What clothes they had on were gone and it was just flesh against flesh. She would get to hear him whisper those words to her that made her shiver and ache for him even more. Now that they are married in every way there was no way to hold back what the heart wants the most.

Once against their shadows danced with fire's flames as the room was just lit enough so they could see one another. His eyes danced, they were filled with lust and love, the smoldered with it only seeing her, she was his. Her face was flushed as she felt him in her reclaiming her again just like they shared over five years ago. She was in his embrace, safe from the world. She held on tight to him never wanting to let go ever. She called to him as he pressed on.

He melted into her, he would shatter around her, he was under her spell and no matter how hard he tried even if he wanted to he could break free. He looked down into her green eyes that looked liked true green emeralds and they sparkled for him. She then squeezed his shoulders and let it out and he collapsed on her and they both trembled and held each other. They couldn't move but there was not desire too. She placed little kisses up and down his neck to his cheek and then their lips met for tender kiss. They pulled away and looked into each other's eyes that said everything.

"I love you Buffy," Angel whispered into her ear and she fought back the tears, the feeling she just had, that raw emotion that you get when you truly feel that someone does love you and you're the only thing they can see, it hit her.

"I love you." She responded and captured his lips again. Tonight's sleep would be peaceful. She would be wrapped in his strong arms, his body kept her warmer than any blanket ever could. Angel had everything he could want and if the fires of hell do win then he knew he made his peace with the world. But as they kissed they both knew the night was still young. And if the end does come they will go and meet it together.

Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted I bought them for you
Graceless lady you know who I am
You know I can't let you slide through my hands

Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away

I watched you suffer a dull aching pain
Now you decided to show me the same
No sweeping exits or offstage lines
Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind

Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild horses couldn't drag me away

I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie
I have my freedom but I don't have much time
Faith has been broken, tears have been cried
Let's do some living before we die

Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild horses we will ride them someday
Wild horses, wild horses

Wild Horses by The Sundays

They're finally married and you guys thought for a moment I was going to postpone the wedding. I'm evil but not that evil. There's no review in the forum but I hope you could see the homage in this chapter. It's almost the Prom chapter of Book 3 and yes I paid homage to Oz as well. But wait everything is too happy…oh crap right? All I have as for a sneak peek of the next chapter is the title and the chapter song. As warning get ready for the spiral because it's all-downhill from here until the end. 7 more chapters to go and yes that one song in particular I kept mentioning well, let me know what you think is about to happen.

Thanks again guys for reading and commenting and sticking with me this far. We're in the home stretch, the light is there. Love to read your thoughts as always. And once again you readers are completely awesome.

Chapter 22 Abandon all Hope

Oh, Death,

Oh Death,

Oh Death,

Won't you spare me over 'til another year?

But what is this, that I can't see
with ice cold hands taking hold of me.

When God is gone and the Devil takes hold,
who will have mercy on your soul?

Oh, Death,

Oh Death,

Oh Death,

Oh Death,

No wealth, no ruin, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul.

Oh, Death,

Well I am Death, none can excel,
I'll open the door to heaven or hell.

Oh, Death,

Oh Death,

My name is Death and the end is here...

O' Death by Jen Titus