Disclaimer: I don’t own anything. I used a scene from A Walk To Remember and another scene from a book so, if you read that book or watched AWTR you’ll know I don’t own ‘em:)
Spoilers: Completely AU
Summary: I don’t know just read:)
Authors Notes: Thanks to everyone who sent feedback, you guys are awesome! Please note that I am NOT from the states and so I don’t know how long it actually takes from LA to Las Vegas by plane:) Thanks:) I am having a sequel…I think;) I just need some good feedback) Once again note I used a scene from AWTR and a book I read! I do NOT own ‘em!
Author’s note2: I have a site! A huge thanks to Beth for making it for me:) http://truebalove.tripod.com/
Dedication: To Beth and Janet:) And to everyone else who sent feedback! Really sorr if I didn’t reply!!!
Feedback: PLEASE!!! Flames send to Spike in hell:)
Rating: PG

Prologue

“Faith. What are you doing here?”

“I was getting sick of New York and decided to come to LA and you live here so I knew I wouldn’t be alone,” the leather clad brunette replied with a smile.

“You should have called first. And how did you even know where to find me?”

“I asked Daddy to call your father and ask for me. Mitch was more than happy to give out the information.” Faith replied.

Angel sighed and glanced toward his bedroom, hoping his fiancée wouldn’t wake. The last thing he needed was for Buffy to find out the potential threat of their relationship of the past was in town.

“Um, Faith. Why don’t you give me the number to the hotel you are staying at and I’ll be sure to call you tomorrow.”

“I’m not staying at a hotel,” she replied. “I was kinda hoping you’d let me crash on your sofa for a few nights.”

“Angel, honey, who’s at the door?” Buffy suddenly appeared at his side, clad in his silk shirt and nothing else.

He slid a protective arm around her waist and turned back to Faith, “I’d like you to meet my fiancée Buffy. Buffy, sweetheart, this is Faith.”

His fiancée stiffened in his arms and her eyes turned cold as she stared at the brunette. “Hi. I’d say it’s a pleasure meeting you but it’s really not.”

“Feelings mutual.” Faith replied acidly then smiled sweetly at Angel. “So about the couch…?”

“Um, I really have to discuss it with Buffy and-“

“Discuss what with Buffy?” the blonde interrupted.

“Faith was hoping I’d – *we’d* - let her crash on the sofa for a few nights.”

Buffy was ready to retort a quick ‘over my dead body’ but then paused. She knew that was the petty jealous side talking and she was better than that, but she also knew that she didn’t want her future husband alone with the potential threat.

Sighing, she closed her eyes and muttered, “Only a couple of nights. A week tops.”

“Fine.” Faith nodded and picked up her duffel bag and entering the apartment.

“Don’t look so shocked,” Buffy giggled as she kissed her boyfriend on the cheek and headed for their bedroom.

Chapter 0ne

“Are you insane?” Jenny and Cordelia demanded at the same time, the following morning at @Café.

“What?” Buffy questioned as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Buffy, honey. What in the name of God possessed you to let that slut stay at your place for a few days?” Cordy asked.

“Well, my first instinct was to say no, but then I got to thinking that if I say no Angel will just think of me as a whiney, jealous girlfriend – fiancée – and then I figured if I let her stay it will let him and her know that I’m not in any way feeling threatened and I trust him.”

“But you are feeling threatened,” Jenny pointed out.

“And you don’t trust him,” Cordy added.

“Actually I do trust him. I mean, he told me that nothing happened, they just went to a few nightclubs together. No kissing or any kind of bodily fluids were exchanged. And that’s all that matters to me.”

“What about the potential threat?” Jenny asked.

“I admit, there’s a part of me –a very small part- that is afraid he might leave me for her. But he’s with *me*. He loves *me*. He proposed to *me*.” Buffy grinned widely as she stared at her engagement ring. “I can’t believe I’m getting married.”

“It’s so exciting,” Cordy agreed as she hugged her best friend.

“What’s so exciting?” Willow asked as she and Oz joined them at the counter.

Buffy pulled away from the brunette and beamed widely at her other best friends. “I’m getting married!”

“Oh My God!” Willow shrieked and hugged her tightly. “That is so incredible!”

“Congrats.” Oz almost let an expression show.

“Wait, when did this happen? I mean 24 hours ago you were weren’t on speaking terms with Angel,” Willow said.

“He proposed last night.” Buffy replied.

“So, everything’s cool between you two now?”

“Yeah.” Buffy nodded while Cordelia and Jenny snickered. The petit blonde sent them a warning look.

“What?” Willow asked, looking from Buffy, to Cordelia, then Jenny and back again.

“Can I be the one to explain?” Cordy asked eagerly.

“Whatever.” Buffy replied.

Chapter Two

“Are you insane?” Both Anya and Willow exclaimed a half hour later.

When Cordy began to explain things to Willow Anya and Xander had arrived and Buffy announced her engagement to them. They were pleased then Jenny told Anya she needed to be in on the girl talk.

Xander and Oz had left to find Doyle and Angel, leaving the girls to talk.

“Why do people keep saying that to me?” Buffy whined.

“Might do with the fact that you are insane,” Anya replied, earning a dirty look.

“I think what I did was very hospitable.” Buffy protested.

“And stupid,” Cordy added.

“Bite me.”

“Buffy, I’m all for being hospitable,” Willow said gently. “But letting Faith stay at your place for God knows how long is just plain wrong.”

“But she’s not staying long. I said a few days. I’m pretty sure she’ll be gone in a week, two at the most.”

“But what if in that week, or two, she makes a play for Angel?” Jenny asked.

“I don’t really care, because for the millionth time I TRUST Angel.”

“And that’s good.” Willow said. “But do you trust her?”

“Of course I don’t.”

“Then kick her out of your apartment.” Anya said.

“Angel will understand.” Cordy added.

“You owe Faith nothing.” Jenny furthered.

Buffy sighed, “I-I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because when Angel was explaining why he was acting the way he was when he returned from New York, it was because he was guilty for having a female friend and he wad pissed off because he felt guilty. He wants to know that he can have any kind of friend without disrupting our relationship.”

“Hey, I’m all for Angel having female friends or any kind of friends.” Cordy said. “But to let said female friend live with you, is extreme.”

“I agree.” Jenny said before Buffy could reply. “I mean, honey, you are not going to be with Angel 24/7 and you won’t be in that apartment 24/7. There is a huge chance that he will be in that apartment alone with her and she makes a move. And I love my nephew very much but lets face it, he is a guy, a typical guy who might give in to temptation and ruin the best relationship that has ever happened to him. Then what will you do?”

“I don’t know.” Buffy was now depressed. //I thought the day after you’re proposed to is supposed to be exciting and fun//

“So do yourself, and Angel a huge favor and tell him to ask that whore to leave.” Willow said.

“Willow Rosenberg, such bad language from you,” Angel said from behind them and they all jumped in surprise.

“A-angel! W-what are you doing here?” Buffy stammered, as he sat down at the counter. She then noticed Faith sit next to him.

“Breakfast,” he replied as her friends and future-aunt-in-law eyed the leather-clad brunette with disdain. ”And I missed you.”

Buffy smiled and leaned over the counter to kiss him softly.

“What can I eat?” Faith interrupted, before the kiss could deepen and Buffy reluctantly pulled away.

“I don’t know. Maybe you should try reading the menu.” Buffy snapped. “Or are the words to big for you to understand?”

Cordelia was unsuccessful in hiding her laughter, and Jenny elbowed her in the ribs to shut her up.

Faith shot Buffy a murderous look as Angel quickly picked up the menu and said, “Pancakes sounds good. I’ll have the pancakes.”

Buffy wrote down his order and turned to Faith, “Eggs and bacon.”

“And to drink.”

“Chocolate milkshake.” Angel replied.

“Orange juice.” Faith added.

While Buffy went to place the order Angel turned to the others, “Guys, this is Faith. Faith my friends Willow, Cordelia and Anya. And my aunt Jenny.”

“Hi,” Faith said.

Cordy rolled her eyes, Willow managed a smile, and Anya walked over to Kate, who was talking to one of the busboys.

“Hi,” Jenny reluctantly said.

“So, uh, who were you calling a whore?” Angel asked, the redhead.

“Nobody,” she squeaked, blushing slightly.

Cordelia rolled her eyes again, “If you must know, it was F-“

“Cordelia,” Buffy interrupted, quickly clamping her hand over her best friends mouth. “I, uh, think it’s time you started on that can inventory.”

“What can inventory?” the former cheerleader demanded, while Buffy dragged her to the back.

“So, I gotta go.” Jenny said suddenly, not liking the uncomfortable silence. “I’ll see you later Angel and I want to know all the details of how you plan on telling your parents about your engagement.”

“Oh, please don’t leave me here alone with…” Willow begged then noticing Angel staring at her, covered “With my very bad thought of shopping for bondage and kinky sex toys.”

“Sorry, Will, but this an alone thing I have to do.” Jenny replied, suppressing a grin.

“What do you have to do?” Angel asked, after shooting Willow with a weird look.

“Oh… uh… it this… um…well you see…I have to… I have to go.” Picking up her purse she hurried out of the restaurant.

“That was weird,” Angel commented to Willow, who just nodded.

Silence.

“Oh! I never got to congratulate you yet on your engagement.” Willow said, suddenly. “I’m so happy for you,” she hugged him.

“Thank you,” he replied, returning the hug.

Silence…again.

“So, uh, I was thinking.” Angel began. “That maybe, you and Buffy, Cordy and Anya, could show Faith around LA. Give her a girls perspective.”

“Um, yeah, we could…” Willow trailed off. “Gotta go.”

She rushed to the back.

“Your friends are really weird,” Faith commented.

“You just gotta get to know them.” Angel replied, watching as Anya also disappeared into the personnel area.

“Excuse me for one minute,” he stood and began walking to the employee’s door, when Buffy came rushing out.

“Sorry, I forgot about you drinks,” she quickly poured O.J for Faith when Cordy came out to. “Buffy, we weren’t done.”

“Yes, we were Cordelia,” she replied. “Get Angel’s milkshake.”

Fine,” Cordy replied. “But we are going to talk later.”

“I really think the discussion is over. I’ve made my decision and I’m sticking to it.”

“But-“

“I mean it, Cordy.” Buffy said, firmly.

The brunette sighed but nodded.

“What discussion?” Angel asked, curiously.

“Nothing,” his fiancée replied.

“Buffy.”

“Trash.” Cordy answered.

“Huh?” he asked.

“We were arguing about trash,” she made a pointed look at Faith who was gazing around the restaurant.

Buffy glared at her and Angel sighed. “Oh, that’s why you all disappeared so quickly. You all know what happened don’t you.”

“Of course we do. And Angel, if you didn’t propose last night I would have skinned you alive.” Cordy replied.

He made a face at her before turning to his fiancée, “When are we telling our parents?”

“We’re not,” Buffy replied placing the tall glass of OJ in front of Faith.

“We’re not?” Angel repeated.

“No. We’re going to send them a postcard from our honeymoon…where are we going for our honeymoon?”

“I don’t know,” Angel replied. “Where do you want to go?”

“Italy.” Buffy responded immediately. “Or maybe France or Switzerland.”

"Hawaii?” Faith offered suddenly.

“Totally overrated.” Cordy didn’t bother looking at her.

“And we went there two summers ago,” the blonde added.

Angel squeezed his fiancées hand and she looked at him, “Why aren’t we telling our parents we’re getting married?”

“Cuz they’d probably object and I won’t have my perfect wedding.” Buffy responded.

“And anyway, if they were to approve and be happy about your plans, Joyce and Diane would take over everything and Buffy will watch in disgust as they make some old fashioned suck-fest wedding,” Cordy added.

“Have you set a wedding date?” Faith asked, trying to get into the conversation.

“No.” Angel shook his head.

“Well I heard spring weddings are supposed to be the best,” she said.

“If you think you’re going to be invited to the wedding you got another thing coming,” Buffy muttered under her breath.

Cordy heard her and chocked back laughter.

“What?” Faith asked.

“Nothing.” Buffy said as one of the chef's yelled. “Order up.”

She sighed and went to get the meal. “Come on Buff, spit in her food.” Anya urged as she and Willow came out from the back.

“Don’t tempt me,” the blonde grinned.

Chapter Three

“As much as I hate to say this but I think Faith is right,” Buffy said a few weeks later as she, Jenny, Willow, Cordy and Anya sat on her living room floor going through bridal magazines.

Although she and Angel had yet to set a date and their were swamped with classes starting again, she was still in her ecstatic phase of getting married so in all her spare time she spent it planning her perfect wedding.

Her friends and aunt stared at her like she had grown a second head. “A spring wedding will be amazing,” she explained.

“Totally,” Jenny admitted.

“And when does Angel want the wedding?” Anya asked.

“He doesn’t care when the wedding is, just as long as I walk down the aisle and become his wife.” Buffy grinned as her friends sighed.

“And as long as it’s not during the Super Bowl,” she added with a giggle.

“Where is Angel?” Willow glanced around the apartment.

“Out with Faith,” Buffy rolled her eyes. “I’m totally regretting allow her to stay on that couch even though it’s been almost two months since she’s been here. But Angel assures me that as soon as she gets an apartment she’ll move out and I’ll never have to see her again.”

“Do you honestly think that once she moves out you’ll never see her again?” Cordy asked dubiously.

“Not a chance,” Buffy replied. “But if I pretend long enough, hopefully it will.”

“Hopefully what will?” Angel asked as he and Faith stepped into the apartment.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to eavesdrop on other peoples conversation?” Anya asked as Buffy stood and slid into his embrace, their lips meeting tenderly.

“Good God get a room,” Jenny said good-naturedly as the couple’s kiss deepened.

They reluctantly broke apart and Buffy returned to her seat on the floor. Angel joined her, leaving Faith standing awkwardly.

“Well, sit down. The floor’s not gonna bite,” Buffy snapped after a moment causing Anya and Cordy to laugh out loud.

Faith glared at them but sat down.

“You still haven’t decided on anything?” Angel asked glancing at all the bridal magazines and he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Buffy shook her head, then paused, “Actually I have decided on who I’m going to ask to be my maid of honor.”

“You have?” Angel, Cordy and Willow asked simultaneously.

Buffy smiled, “Yes and I’ve thought about this long and hard.”

“Well?” Angel prodded gently.

“Since I don’t want Cordy or Willow to resent each other and I haven’t known Anya that long, it won’t be any of them.”

“It won’t?!” the three girls demanded.

Buffy smiled again, “I was actually hoping Jenny would be my maid of honor.”

The older woman’s eyes widened, “Buffy. I would really love that…but are you sure?”

“I’m positive.” Buffy said firmly.

“Then, hell yeah,” Jenny grinned and hugged her future niece.

“You guys don’t mind, do you?” Buffy asked her best friends.

“Not at all,” Willow replied.

“Good, cuz I still want you to be my bridesmaids.”

“Just as long as we don’t wear ugly dresses, we’re your girls,” Cordy giggled.

“Scouts honor,” Buffy promised with a smile then turned to her fiancé. “Have you made a choice on whose going to be your best man?”

Angel shook his head, “I’m not sure, I might ask Doyle but I’ve known Oz and Xander longer and they do know me better than Doyle does…I might just flip a coin.”

Buffy giggled, “Well, whoever you decide I will be totally cool with…as long as you don’t go all weird on me and decide out of the blue on Spike,” she shuddered.

“I’m not that crazy.”

Chapter Four

Stepping into @ Café, Angel immediately searched for his petit fiancé.

"I don't think she's in here." Faith said, looking around the restaurant.

The place was packed, high school kids, stay-at home mothers with their screaming babies and what seemed to be a half of LA filled every booth, table and counter. There were several people waiting at the door.

"Hey, Miss! We ordered a veggie burger!" an annoyed voice called and Faith and Angel turned to see Buffy rushing over to the table. Two twenty something year old guys were frowning into their food.

"That is a veggie burger," Buffy responded trying to keep her voice calm.

"It looks like turkey," the other guy said doubtfully. "I don't eat anything that ever had a face."

"Tofu does not smile, so you're safe," Buffy replied, and hurried to the next table while Angel and Faith went to sit at the counter, even though it was crowded. Angel quickly poured him and Faith coffee.

"Buffy, your order's up!" Spike called from the kitchen.

"Ma'am, coffee?" a woman called as Buffy rushed past her.

"Miss, my check? This is the third time I've asked you," another woman called.

"Yeah, yeah," the blonde muttered as she went behind the counter. "What are you doing here?" she asked her fiancé, not bothering to acknowledge Faith.

"Sipping coffee," Angel responded with a grin.

She rolled her eyes before sighing, "Please tell me you're here to work because last time I checked, you still worked here. You only took time off to go to New York three months ago."

"Actually I'm here to see if you've called your mom back. She's left like 5 messages on our answering machine." Angel replied.

"I don't have time to call her back and to be honest I don't want to call her back because I have this feeling that she found out about our engagement and I'm so not in the mood to deal with her right now." Buffy responded as she thrust an order pad and a pen into his hands and directed him to a table.

"Buffy, table five says they've been waiting for you to take their order for twenty minutes," Kate said, loading a tray with orders. "And where the hell is your friends?"

"I don't know where they are and if I did I'd kill them. "Buffy snapped. "And how about you take their order. It's *supposed* to be dead in here! I'm *supposed* to be planning my wedding!"

"Can I help it if everyone in LA got hungry and decided to come here?" Kate retorted as Spike dropped pickles onto burger plates and loaded them onto a tray before handing it through the order window to Buffy.

"Go," he grunted as he quickly flipped another burger patty, muttering under his breath, "I hate this job."

"I live to serve," Buffy groaned, lifting the tray and walking away as Kate went to the other end of the counter to take orders.

Faith turned around to survey the noisy restaurant. Annoyed customers were telling off both Buffy and Angel while Spike was the only one behind the grill and Kate tried her best to serve the impatient patrons at the crowded counter. Two women came in with a bunch of noisy preschoolers and they quickly settled into a booth that was just vacated by fed-up customers.

On impulse, Faith grabbed an order pad and a pen and approached the table. "Can I help you?"

"Ten pieces of chocolate cake, " one of the woman said as the kids crammed into the booth and the other woman pulled up two chairs. "And ten glasses of milk and two cups of coffee. Black."

Across the restaurant Buffy watched in surprise and met up with the brunette as they put their orders in. "This will probably be the first and last time I say this to you, but thank you."

Faith smiled slightly, "You're welcome."

Chapter Five

"I thought this day would never end," Buffy moaned as she gladly flipped the sign to 'CLOSED' at the entrance of the café.

"Why the hell did you ever take this job?" Faith asked, sipping her coffee as Buffy sank onto Angel's lap, pulling out her backpack from under the table and she tugged out English lit. notes that Faith recognized as Angel’s handwriting.

Briefly scanning a page, the petit blonde answered, "I was tired of living off of my parents and I needed cash and Angel was always paying for our dates and…well the list can go on."

"And why did you take this job?" Faith glanced at Angel.

"I wanted to spend time with Buffy," he responded before gently nudging her girlfriend’s waist. “You’re never going to be ready for that exam tomorrow if you’ve just started studying now.”

She shot him an annoyed glance, “Shush.”

"Alright I'm off," Kate said as she came out from the back. "You guys okay with locking up?"

Angel nodded and she quickly called over her shoulder, "Spike, baby, hurry up!"

Buffy's eyes widened as she shared a look of disbelief with Angel as Spike came into the main room and slid his arm around Kate's shoulders and led her out the café.

"No..." Buffy began.

"Way," Angel finished.

Faith arched an eyebrow at their surprise.

A cell phone ringing interrupted before they could explain. It was Buffy's.

"Hello?"

"So you think you're getting married?"

Buffy froze instantly, "Mom? What…who told you?"

“I have my sources,” Joyce responded. “Why didn’t you tell me Buffy?”

“Angel and I are still getting used to the idea and we haven’t even told anyone. Y’know except for the gang and that’s only because we see them everyday.”

“I am your mother Buffy. I should have been told right away. I would have understood if you’d waited one-two weeks after he proposed but it’s been *three* months,” she sounded hurt and Buffy sighed again. “Mom, I’m sorry. I just… Angel and I were going through a rough time before he proposed and we had a lot of stuff that we had to work through.”

“What happened?” concern was evident on Joyce’s voice.

“It’s not important anymore,” Buffy replied. “I’m guessing Dad, Diane and Mitch know?”

“Yes and they are all very upset you didn’t call to tell us the news.”

“I’m sorry,” Buffy apologized again. “But Angel and I will come visit soon okay?”

“Alright,” Joyce responded. “Hey, maybe you could come next weekend and Diane and I will host an engagement party.”

“An engagement party?” Buffy repeated, glancing at Angel. “That would be nice. I’ll call you tomorrow okay?”

“Okay. Bye honey.”

“Bye mom,” the petit blonde pulled the phone away from her ear but hearing her mothers voice again, listened once more.

“Buffy?”

“Yeah?”

”Congratulations honey.”

She smiled, “Thanks mom.”

Chapter Six

A brusque knock sounded on their apartment door, around six thirty the following morning.

Buffy briefly opened her eyes and closed them again, rolling over into Angel’s arms.

The knock came again, more insistent.

She let out a moan of protest and nudged her fiancé.

“What?” he asked sleepily.

“Someone’s at the door.”

“That’s nice,” was his response. After spending the majority of the night helping his fiancé cram for the English literature exam he was beat and in no way wanting to get out of bed.

She glared at him and proceeded to get out of their warm bed. Slipping on her robe, she groggily made her way into the living room as Faith opened the front door.

“Good morning,” Buffy heard a British sounding man say. “Sorry to bother you so early but I am looking for Jennifer Calendar. I hope I’m at the right place.”

“You are,” Faith said as Buffy came up next to her.

“Come in,” the blonde said. “I’ll go get her.”

She quickly went into Jenny’s bedroom. “Jenny.”

“Hmmm?” the thirty-two year old barely glanced at her before pulling the covers over her head.

“Jenny!” Buffy called more insistently as she shook the brunette.

“What?”

“There’s someone here to see you.”

Jenny rolled over to glance at the clock radio, “At 6:42am?!”

“Yeah,” Buffy pulled the covers off of her. “Now get up. You don’t want to keep him waiting.”

The older woman sighed and staggered out of bed, running a hand through her disheveled hair.

Buffy followed her out the room and started when a squeal of delight escaped her future aunts lips before the brunette launched herself into the man’s arms.

Angel stumbled up behind Buffy, slipping his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. Placing a kiss on her neck, he asked, “Who’s that?”

“Don’t know. He just arrived. I think it’s that guy from England she was telling us about.”

Jenny finally extracted herself from the mysterious man and turned to them, a large grin playing on her face. “Buffy. Angel. Faith. I’d like you to meet Rupert Giles.”

Buffy smiled in greeting as Angel murmured a ‘hey’ and Faith just nodded.

“You guys can head back to bed; you need to rest before your exam,” Jenny said, gripping Rupert’s hand tightly.

“Okay. It was nice meeting you,” Buffy said to their new guest as she led Angel back to their bedroom.

Chapter Seven

“So what do you think of Jenny’s boyfriend?” Cordy asked as she and Buffy sipped at their cappuccinos, that afternoon.

“He seems nice and Jenny practically glows around him.” Buffy responded, glancing through the menu for something light to eat.

Cordy nodded, then at attempt at casual, “What’s happening with Faith?”

The blonde lowered the menu to look at her, “I’m not quite sure. Angel said she might’ve found an apartment.”

“That’s great!” Cordy clapped her hands, causing Buffy to giggle.

“She’s actually not that bad.”

Cordy stared at her as though she’d just admitted she was a maphrodite, “Excuse me?”

Buffy glanced around the café, refusing to look at her best friend and said nothing.

“Buffy? Did you just say what I think you just said or do I need to go have my ears checked?”

The petit blonde sighed, “Look, I know I should be all uber-bitch when it comes to Faith but lately she hasn’t given me any reasons to hate her.”

“B-but-“ Cordy stuttered.

Buffy cut her off, “She hasn’t flirted with Angel at all and from what she’s told me is she met some lawyer guy and they’re going out tonight.”

“So that’s it?” Cordy demanded. “She tells you she met some guy and you think she’d just going to leave Angel alone?!”

“Cordy-“

“You don’t know what she does when she’s alone with Angel! I mean she left New York for Angel-”

“No she didn’t-” Buffy began to protest.

“Oh really?”

“She left New York because she wasn’t getting along with her stepmother and she thought LA would be a good place to start for her.”

“And the fact that Angel conveniently stays here was just a coincidence?” Cordy rolled her eyes, “Honey, please don’t play into the dumb blonde roll.”

Buffy glared at her but said nothing.

“Buffy, you can’t trust her.”

***

Sighing softly in her sleep, Buffy unconsciously reached for her love and woke when she only felt the cold sheets.

Blinking awake she squinted in the darkness of their bedroom and glanced at the clock radio. She frowned when she saw it was almost 3 in the morning. //Where is he?//

Hearing the soft sound of the TV in the living room, she pushed the covers away and stumbled out the room.

//Oh My God. Oh My God. Oh My God// A gasp of pure agony escaped her lips as she watched Angel and Faith in a passionate kiss.

Her heart broke into tiny pieces and she barely held back a sob in anguish.

They sprang apart when they heard her, guilt marring Angel’s face.

“Buffy-“ he began.

She took a step back, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry,” was his only response.

Trying to control her sobs, she gasped for breath, as she backed out the room. But it was fruitless, Angel started walking towards her.

“Stay away from me.”

A gasp tore her throat as she sat up in bed, tears streaming down her cheeks; glancing around the room wildly.

“Buffy? Honey, what’s wrong?” Angel sat up next to her.

She stared at him for a long moment before sinking into his arms, squeezing him tightly.

“Buffy?” he held her closely, concern apparent in his voice.

“I-It’s nothing. I just had a bad dream,” she responded, her voice muffled by his chest.

“Want to talk about it?”

She shook her head and squeezing him harder.

Gently lowering her down onto the bed, Angel spooned her body, holding her protectively. “You’ll tell me tomorrow?”

“No.” she turned over to flash him a watery smile.

“Buffy...”

“I’m fine. It was just a dream.”

“A dream that’s obviously upsetting you.”

She sighed softly, “You kissed Faith.”

“What? I didn’t!” he protested.

“In my dream you did. I-I was sleeping and when I woke up you weren’t there and I went into the living room and found you kissing her.”

“That’s one messed up dream,” he replied. “And I promise I haven’t nor would I ever kiss Faith cuz that’s just...ugh” he shuddered and Buffy smiled, burying her head in his neck.

Gently stroking her hair, he said, “You wanna know who I do want to kiss right now?”

She raised her head to look at him and feigned innocence, “Xander?”

He rolled his eyes and Buffy to giggle and he reached over and captured her lips in his own.

Chapter Eight

“Mom, this is, uh, this is pretty big.” Buffy announced two weeks later as she surveyed the Summers’ home, staring at the many people standing around. “Uh, and although Angel and I totally appreciate that you and Diane are hosting our engagement party, we, uh, think maybe you guys went a “little” overboard.”

“What do you mean?” Joyce was oblivious.

“Well, uh, who are these people?” the petit blonde gestured to the guests.

“They’re family.”

Buffy quirked an eyebrow, “They are?”

“Yeah, that man in the green shirt is your uncle Bob-“

“I have an uncle Bob?” Buffy involuntarily wrinkled her nose.

“He’s your aunt Francis’ cousin.” Joyce responded.

“I have an aunt Francis?” Buffy quirked an eyebrow. “Uh, mom, once again I’m glad you and Diane hosted this but, uh, you do realize none of these people are going to be actually invited to the wedding.”

“What?” Joyce looked confused. “Why not?”

“Because we don’t know these people!” Buffy felt like whacking her mother on the head and took a deep, calming breath. “Look, mom, we decided that it’s just going to be close friends and family.”

“This is your family!” Joyce protested, gesturing to the guests.

“Immediate family,” Buffy responded. “As in you and dad. Diane and Mitch. Grandma and Grandpa and Angel’s grandmother. That’s it.”

“But honey-“ Joyce began to protest.

“But nothing,” Buffy cut in firmly. “I’m sorry to disappoint but I’ve made up my mind.”

“Fine,” Joyce relented. “But you’re the one who’s going to be explain it to all these people.”

Buffy’s eyes widened and began to protest but her mother had already disappeared into the crowd.

***

“So, I thought your boyfriend was going to be here tonight,” Angel said to the leather clad brunette as they walked through the Summers’ crowded living room.

“He is, but he’s been tied up in court all day and he called and said he’d be a little late.” Faith responded.

“He’s a lawyer?” Angel asked and she nodded, “Works for that big law firm; Wolfram and Hart.”

“Do you realize that’s the most information you’ve ever given me about him.”

Faith smiled, “Yep and that’s the last you’re gonna know.”

“Aw, c’mon, at least tell me his name.”

She opened his mouth to reply but Jenny interrupted them, “Angel, your fiancé’s about to throw a tantrum.”

Angel raised an eyebrow but followed his aunt to the kitchen, which was surprisingly empty bar his girlfriend, who sat on the floor, stamping her legs against the tiles, like a child who had not gotten her way.

“Honey?”

She looked up at him, a pout on her lips, “I’m going to kill her!”

“Who?” he gently took her arm and pulled her up.

“My mother!” she snapped. “Do you know that everyone who turned up for this party has been invited to our wedding?!”

“What?” his eyes were wide.

She nodded, “I know! What the hell was she thinking?! And you wondered why I didn’t want her to know about our engagement. God! This bites the big one!”

Jenny who had been silent during this exchange spoke up, “I have an idea.”

The couple and Faith looked at her curiously.

“You have just gotten engaged but that doesn’t mean you have to be engaged for a long time” Confusion etched on their faces and she elaborated, “Instead of waiting till spring to get married, why don’t you get married soon. Like in tomorrow night?” She was surprised the idea wasn’t immediately ruled out.

Chapter 9

“Why exactly are we in here?” Cordelia asked as she was ushered into her best friend’s bedroom.

She dropped down onto the bed next to Willow and Oz, while Doyle, Anya and Xander got comfortable on the floor.

Buffy shut her bedroom door and glanced at Angel before saying, “Angel and I are getting married-“

“We know that, hence the engagement party,” Anya cut in.

“Tomorrow night,” Buffy finished. “We’re getting married tomorrow night.”

”What?!”

“Joyce…and my mother, have invited everyone downstairs to our wedding,” Angel explained.

“But I thought you wanted a small wedding,” Willow said.

“We do,” Buffy replied. “And the only way we’re gonna get that is if we elope. So Jenny and Giles have gone to get us plane tickets to Vegas and Faith is downstairs covering for us incase my mom or Diane are come looking.”

“Vegas?” Cordelia repeated. “But what about your dream wedding?”

“We can still have that.” Buffy responded. “We’re going to go to LA tonight. You remember that bridal shop we went to a couple of days ago?” They nodded and she continued, “Well I just called them and they’re still open and the gown I was so close to buying is still there so we’ll go pick it up and the tuxes and bridesmaids dresses. Then as soon as we get to Vegas Jenny’s going to call every flower shop and Giles’ gonna handle getting a wedding cake.”

“Then, we figured we’d have the reception in our hotel room.” Angel finished.

“I really think we can pull this off,” Buffy stated. “All I need to know is you guys are in this with us.”

“Of course we are,” Cordy said, getting off the bed and hugging her. Willow and Anya joined in the hugging.

“Okay so lets go,” Buffy said when they broke apart and moved to open the door.

“Uh, I hate to be a downer but…what about your parents?” Willow asked.

“What about them?” Angel queried.

“Aren’t they gonna be…mad for being excluded from this?”

“Oh, they’re gonna be furious,” Buffy replied. “But I don’t see why they have to know? I mean Angel and I could easily tell them we got drunk and found ourselves already married.”

Jenny suddenly burst into the room, Giles behind her. “We got a flight for 1 am, that gives us about 5 hours to get to LA and get everything we need. So Buffy, Angel go downstairs and say your good-byes.”

The couple rushed downstairs, in search of their parents, while the others rushed to their cars.

“Mom!” Buffy called, pulling her away from a group of people. “I hate to do this but Angel and I have to leave.”

“What? Why?” Joyce demanded.

“I, uh, I have a headache and, uh, well, Angel…has to work tomorrow!”

“I thought you both had the day off,” Joyce was puzzled.

“We do, but, uh, our boss just called and begged Angel to work tomorrow…because his wife just went into labor…and he didn’t have anyone responsible handling the restaurant.”

“Oh,” Joyce sounded disappointed and Buffy felt a bit guilty.

“I promise, we’ll visit next weekend. Where’s Dad?”

“With Mitch out back,” Joyce responded.

“Okay. I’ll see you next week. I love you,” Buffy kissed her cheek and rushed to the back yard and found Angel saying good-bye to both men and Diane.

“Buffy,” Diane hugged her. “I’ll see you next week. It’s a shame you have to leave so early.”

“Yeah,” Buffy nodded and went to hug Mitch and Hank. “Bye.”

Angel took her hand in his and together that darted to their car.

“Wow, I expected they’d keep you longer,” Faith said as Angel slid behind the wheel and Buffy upfront.

“So did I,” Angel replied, starting the engine.

“The others gone?” Buffy glanced at the brunette.

“Yeah, they said they’d meet you at your apartment,” Faith replied.

“Wait, what about your boyfriend?” Angel questioned, pulled out of the driveway and raced down the street.

“He’s gonna meet me in LA,” Faith replied, slipping her cell phone back into her purse. “He said I could stay at his place tonight.”

“You’re not coming to the wedding?” Buffy asked, turning around to look at her.

“I, uh, I didn’t think you’d want me there. And it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

“But I do want you there,” Buffy protested. “I mean, you’re not as heinous as I thought you were and anyway, it’ll be fun. You can even bring your boyfriend.”

“Are you sure?” Faith asked. “I don’t want to crash your-”

“You won’t be,” Buffy cut in and glanced at Angel. “Will she?”

“Know you won’t be,” Angel replied.

***

“You’re gonna get us killed!” Buffy snapped, as she clutched the seat tightly.

Angel shot her look, “No backseat driving.”

“Whatever. But if I died before I get married I’m gonna be really mad at you!”

He laughed as he swerved the jeep from narrowly missing another and she winced. “Buffy, I’m trying to get us to LA as soon as possible so we can have more time getting ready.”

“I know but, like I said before – if I die before I get married I’m gonna be really mad at you!”

Faith giggled from the backseat, earning a glare from the blonde. “Sorry,” she mumbled, hiding a grin.

“How much longer till we get there?” Buffy asked, after a long silence.

“About 20 minutes,” Angel replied.

“That soon?” Buffy glanced at him in surprise. Usually, it took 2 hours to get from Sunnydale to LA but with Angel’s fast driving it looked like they’d get there in just under 1 hour.

“The sooner we get there, the more time we have.” Angel replied.

***

The jeep came to a abrupt halt in front of the couple’s apartment building, lurching Faith, Angel and Buffy forward, but thankfully the seatbelts pulled them back.

“Congratulations, I think you just beat Cordy as being the worst driver ever,” Buffy mumbled as she got out of the car.

Angel ignored her remark and they rushed into the building. Buffy headed for the elevators but he tugged her toward the stairwell, “It’s quicker this way.”

Out of breathe and tired, they reached their floor and ran to their apartment, finding a tall man dressed in a suit standing by their door, hand poised to knock.

“Lindsey! Hey,” Faith smiled. “These are my, uh, friends, Buffy and Angel. Guys this is my boyfriend Lindsey.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Buffy said as she fished in her bag for her keys.

“Like wise,” he replied as he shook Angel’s hand.

“Y’know my aunt used to date a Lindsey,” Angel remarked as Buffy unlocked the door and they stepped inside.

“Oh yeah?” he queried.

“But she was in high school when they dated,” Angel responded.

“Honey, chat later, we gotta hurry,” Buffy said, tugging him into their bedroom, leaving Faith and Lindsey alone.

“So I was thinking we could stop by the video store on the way to my place and just hang out. That sound okay?” he asked.

“Actually, uh, there’s been a change of plans,” Faith smiled sheepishly. “See, Buffy and Angel are leaving for Vegas; they’re eloping and they’ve invited me along…and you, if you want to come and I’ll totally understand if you don’t want to but…”

“I’d love to come,” he smiled, and leaned over to kiss her softly.

She smiled widely, “Great! I just gotta pack some things. Think you could call the airline to get us tickets?”

“Jenny already got you tickets,” Buffy said as she rushed into the living room, carrying her wedding dress, covered in plastic to prevent dirt and grime. “I assumed you’d say yes to coming so she bought ‘em for you.”

“Thanks Buffy,” Faith replied.

“No problem,” the blonde responded. “Angel! We gotta go get your tux!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” he came out the bedroom carrying a suitcase, which held his and Buffy’s clothing.

“Do you need us to do anything?” Faith asked.

“Uh, yeah, please call Willow and tell her Angel and I are going to that boutique over on Olympic and to meet us there with the others.”

“Sure, anything else?”

“Uh, no that’s it. Thanks,” Buffy flashed her a smile as she picked up her purse and tugged Angel out the apartment. “We’ll meet back here before heading to the airport okay?”

Faith nodded, “Alright.”

Chapter Ten

“Wait, I’m confused,” Willow whispered as she, Cordy and Buffy huddled together at the airport, half an hour till their flight took off. “Faith’s dating Jenny’s ex-boyfriend? The bad boy from high school?”

Buffy nodded, “But Faith didn’t even know Lindsey and Jenny knew each other. She met him a few weeks ago, when she was apartment hunting.”

“And what did Jenny do when she saw them or rather him?” Cordy asked.

“Nothing. She just stood there mouth hanging open,” Buffy replied. “And then Lindsey explained that he was her ex and awkward silence filled between them, including Giles who looked so jealous. And then you guys arrived and we left for here.”

“Wow, talk about drama,” Cordy murmured and glanced to see Faith and Lindsey talking quietly. “Do you think Lindsey knew Faith knew Jenny and wanted to cause trouble?”

Buffy shook her head, “Doubtful. He looked just as surprised as Jenny.”

“And is everything cool between Giles and Jenny?” Willow asked, glancing to look at the older couple.

Buffy nodded, “In the cab she said it was fine with having Lindsey here, it was just a little disconcerting. I think she and Lindsey ended badly back then that’s why it’s awkward.”

“I so want details on that,” Cordy said with a smile.

Buffy giggled, “I know, so do I.” She glanced around the waiting area, “Where are Xander and Anya?”

“Probably in a closet somewhere screwing,” Willow responded with a grin, earning a giggle from the blonde and a smirk from the may queen.

“Hey, whose Angel’s best man?” Cordy asked suddenly.

“I think Doyle,” Buffy responded. “He hasn’t confirmed it yet.”

“Well he has to cuz they have to prepare a speech for at the reception,” Cordy pointed out.

Buffy shrugged, “I’ll ask him on the plane.”

***

“And we’re off,” Buffy said happily to Cordelia as the plane took off. The brunette had insisted that the soon-to-be-newly-weds didn’t sit next to each other, as part of the not-seeing-the-bride-before-the-wedding and after a lot of convincing the blonde reluctantly agreed, only after having Cordelia promise to let him sit in front of them during the flight.

The gang had all been separated during the flight, Willow and Oz had were several seats back, Jenny and Giles way upfront, Xander and Anya close by the older couple and Lindsey and Faith way at the back, leaving Doyle and Angel in front of their girlfriends.

The blonde was unhappy that Cordelia shot gunned the window seat, leaving her to sit next to a huge, bald man with too much aftershave on. “We are so swapping half way through,” she hissed to the brunette.

Soon the stewardess was handing out drinks and the large man beside Buffy ordered a series of brandies, and then fell asleep, snoring loudly.

“Oh God.” Buffy whispered suddenly.

“What?” Cordelia asked in concern.

“I really need to pee,” Buffy responded, panicking and glancing at the snoring man. There was no way she could squeeze past him. He took up his entire seat, half of hers and most of the space in front.

“Wake him up,” Cordy replied casually.

“What if he gets mad?”

“You can’t exactly pee in your pants!” Cordy snapped. “Just wake him and he’ll be back to sleep in no time with all that booze he’s downed.”

Buffy sighed, and prodded him. Nothing happened. She shook his arm and said loudly in his ear, “Excuse me!”

He slept like the dead.

“I’m going to climb over him,” Buffy announced. “He’s so dead to the world, he won’t notice”

“Buffy, don’t!” Cordy hissed but it was too late.

As soon as she stood and put a foot on his armrest, she regretted it, but she wasn’t going to chicken out. She heaved herself up, holding onto the headrest for balance. Slowly, carefully, she reached across his sleeping form with her other foot and rested it on the far armrest. She put her other hand on the other side of his head.

It was a dodgy position to be in. To put it bluntly she was straddling him. She tried to let go and jump sideways but for some reason she couldn’t move.

“Jump!” Cordelia hissed. “Buffy quick! You look like a pervert!”

“I’m…I’m…I’m…” she stammered.

“Buffy, you’re gonna get arrested! Jump!”

“I can’t!” she squeaked. “I’m stuck!”

People started to turn and look at her. Some were laughing and Buffy could see Willow and Oz trying desperately to keep their laughs in. She could also see disapproving faces and heard a hissed, “They really shouldn’t serve alcohol on these flights!”

She felt her face grow hotter and hotter and beneath her, the big guy continued snoring loudly.

“Cordy! Help me!” she cried.

“How?!” Cordy demanded, feeling as panicked as Buffy felt.

An arm slid suddenly, slid around her waist and she heard Angel say soothingly, “It’s okay honey, I’ve got you, just fall toward me.”

She did as she was told, gratefully and he set her down on her feet in the aisle.

“You okay?” he asked in concern.

She nodded, refusing to meet his gaze; her face bright red, “I h-had to got to the bathroom and he wouldn’t wake up.”

He placed a kiss to a forehead, “Go.”

Flashing him a smile, she quickly hugged him, and caught a glimpse of Xander and Anya laughing at her and felt her face grow hot again. In a flash, she hurried to the bathroom and locked herself in the cubicle.

Feeling like she was about to die of embarrassment Buffy stayed in the cubicle for twenty minutes before she heard a knock on the door.

“Buffy?” It was Angel.

She quickly unlocked the door and let her fiancé in. “I was getting worried,” he said as she embraced him, burying her head in his neck. “And I know you don’t want to but you have to get back to your seat.”

“Are you kidding?” she groaned. “People will start laughing as soon as I step out there.”

“No they won’t,” Angel assured her. “Xander, being the food pig he is, choked on some peanuts and all the attention is on him.”

“I’m still not going out there.”

“Okay, then if you’re gonna stay in here then I’m gonna stay in here with you.”

“Yeah?” she smiled up at him.

He nodded, then grinned devilishly, “Since we’re in here...wanna join the mile high club?”

She giggled and he lowered his head to hers.

Epilogue

“Buffy, you look amazing,” Jenny complimented as the blonde joined her and Cordy and Willow at the back of the Elvis chapel, while Giles, Faith, Lindsey and Anya took their seats and Xander, Doyle and Oz stood by the groom. Angel had decided on having Doyle as his best man.

“Thank you,” she replied, grinning from ear to ear, as Cordelia brushed a stray hair out of her face. Her gown was a white silk, off the shoulders dress. A low v-neck cut that showed enough cleavage that made her look elegant instead of slutty. It fit her like a corset from her upper body while it flowed outwards, elegantly, from her waist down. White floral imprints showed on her bodice and skirt of the gown.

Buffy absolutely loved it.

“Buffy,” Willow said gently. “We know this isn’t exactly how you wanted your wedding…”

“But it’s what I wanted,” the blonde responded as she caught Angel’s gaze and smiled.

Jenny handed Buffy a bouquet of white roses as the wedding tune started and each bridesmaid walked down the aisle, and then finally Buffy. Angel thought she’d never looked more beautiful.

As she reached his side, he took her hands in his and mouthed ‘I love you’ to her.

Her smile widened and she mouthed it back as the priest began the ceremony.

“Love is always patient and kind.

It is never jealous.

Love is never boastful nor conceited

It is never rude or selfish

It does not take offence and is not resentful

Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins

But delight’s in the truth

It is always ready to excuse; to trust; to hope

And to endure whatever comes.”

“I Angelus Liam O’Connor...”

“I Buffy Anne Summers do solemnly swear...”

“...do solemnly swear to take Buffy Anne Summers...”

“To take Angelus Liam O’Connor...”

“As my lawfully wedded wife...”

“As my lawfully wedded husband...”

“To Honor and To Cherish her...”

“All...”

“...the days of my life.”

“...Of my life.”

The couple exchanged rings and with the final words, they were married and their lips met passionately as they friends watched on in joy.

NOTE: The Wedding Dress Buffy wore, I was trying to go for Julia Roberts’ FINAL dress in Runaway Bride:)

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