Chapter 9
Sunnydale 1999
Graduation was everything that the Slayerettes had expected and more. The demon-mayor was destroyed as was Sunnydale High. The class of 1999 would be the last class graduating from the school that had the highest mortality rate in the country. A lot of students had died in the fight against the vampires, but even more had survived and most of them were at the Bronze for the big graduation party.
Willow, lost in her memories of her youth, was sitting at the table reserved for the Slayerettes watching Xander and Anya make out on the dance floor. Faith was out patrolling, rounding up any vampires that had escape the mayhem of graduation. Oz was up on stage with the rest of the Dingos. (There's been so much that has happened to all of us. We discover that the demons of our nightmares are real. Ms. Calender is killed. Buffy disappeared.)
At the thought of the missing slayer, Willow felt herself grow angry. She had given up her search for her former best friend, realizing that the girl just did not care about anyone but herself. They knew that she was still alive, because no slayer had been called in her place. Willow knew that Buffy had gone through a lot and that being the Slayer had taken it’s toll on the teenager, but Willow couldn’t get over her anger over the slayers leaving Sunnydale to fend for itself against the evil in the night.
Her musings were interrupted when she felt a pair of lips nuzzling her neck. Without turning around, she reached her hands up to draw the offender toward her face. He was more than willing to follow.
"Hello sweetheart," Angel said.
"Hello yourself," Willow answered back. She reached up and brought Angel’s head to hers, kissing him passionately. (Mmmmm, I love the feel of his lips on mine. I can never get tired of this.) Ever since the night of the prom, Angel and Willow spent every waking moment together. They became lovers, as well as friends. Her parents had only been home a total of 10 days in the 2 months since the dance, so Willow had basically moved into the mansion. The only things left in her room were just some basic items so her parents wouldn’t be suspicious if they came home unexpectedly. But they never even noticed that she didn’t live there anymore.
"So," Angel grinned, finally breaking off the kiss, "how do you like your party?"
"Very nice. Thank you for giving it to us."
"Hey, anything for you," he said, giving her another light kiss. "Anyway, figured, what’s the use of owning a place if you can’t take advantage of it sometimes." The gang had been surprised to find out that Angel was the owner of the Bronze, but quickly learned that there were some advantages to knowing the owner. "And after everything that happened today, I would say that this group deserves a party."
"I heard that Deadboy," Xander quipped as he and Anya joined the table. Xander turned to Willow, "So, Wills, finally graduated. How does it feel?"
"It feels real good," she grinned. "Just wish my folks could have come see it." Xander and Anya gave Willow a "I’m sorry" look while Angel took her in his arms to comfort her. Angel hated the way Willow’s parents just seemed to put everything else in front of their daughter’s happiness. (I can't believe that her parents didn’t even want to come to her graduation. Instead they decided to go on some cruise.) He made a promise to himself to always make her know how important she was in his life.
"Dance with me?" he asked.
"I would be honored," answered the red head. He took her hand and the two of them walked to the dance floor. Angel wrapped his arms around the witch and she leaned into him, enjoying the feeling of his warmth against her body. She never thought that she would be this happy with anyone, let alone someone like Angel. (He’s everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s my dream come true.) It didn’t hurt knowing that Harmony and her followers were still trying to figure out how little, mousy Willow snagged a man such as Angel. The two of them moved in time to the music, their bodies in tune to each other. They only parted when the song ended and Oz took the mic.
"Hey everyone," he said in the mic. "Congratulation on graduation." The audience broke into wild applause. "I am here to introduce you to your host for the evening who has a very important announcement he wants to make." Oz pointed to Angel. "Angel, my man, it’s all yours."
Willow looked up at Angel, confusion clearly in her eyes. (What’s going on? He never takes the spotlight.) Angel kissed her forehead and gave her hands a gentle squeeze, before going to the stage and taking the microphone from Oz. Willow noticed a conspiratoral look pass between the two men.
"Hello everyone. I want to thank you all for coming tonight. Tonight’s party is to celebrate all of your achievements, not just today, but over your lifetime." The teenagers applauded again. Angel waited for them to quiet down before continuing.
"Okay, now that I said that, there is a very special girl in the audience tonight. Most of you know her as the brains of the school, many having had her as a tutor or a teacher. To me, though, she is the reason for me to get up every morning." Angel looked over, catching Willow’s gaze and not letting it go. "She’s everything that I have every dreamed of in a woman. She’s beautiful, kind, caring, trusting and downright sexy." Willow blushed at Angel’s description as she caught some of the looks that the other girls were giving her. (He’s talking about me. And they’re jealous. Hmm, liking this.)
Angel started walking toward Willow. "She’s been through a lot. More than most people should ever have to go through and yet she still remains strong and optimistic about what life will bring. She’s seen me through my own personal hell and still loves me through it all." Angel finally reached Willow. Taking her hand, he bent down on one knew. Willow’s heart sped up as her breathing stopped. "And that’s why I would like to ask you, Willow Rosenberg, if you would consent to be my wife?" Angel slipped a ring onto Willow’s finger. She looked down at it and then at the man in front of her. Tears were in her eyes as she bent down, her face now level with his, and kissed him with all the love that she felt.
"Yes, I would be honored to marry you, my love." (Thank you goddess for giving him to me and I promise to cherish him always.) Angel picked Willow up and spun her in his arms while the graduating class of Sunnydale High cheered around them.
Two Months Later
"Oh my god Willow, you’re gorgeous," gushed Cordelia as she entered the room.
"Thanks, Cordy. I hope Angel likes it," replied Willow.
"If he doesn’t, than that man does not have the brains it takes to be married to you," teased Cordelia.
It was two months to the day since Angel had proposed to Willow and today was her wedding day. The Slayerettes had joined Angel and Willow in Sedona for the wedding. Angel had agreed with Willow for a traditional handfasting, instead of the religious ceremony that her parents wanted. (And now they won’t even come. Oh well, they were never there for me before, why should now be any different.) Willow looked into the mirror in her room and studied her reflection.
Willow’s gown was of a soft pink, she having opted not to be married in the traditional white. The top was off the shoulders, while the skirt was full in the back. Instead of a veil, Willow had decided to wear a maroon cape that attached to her dress. In her hair was a ring a summer flowers that emphasized her red hair.
"Although I don’t think you’re marrying him for his brains," continued Cordelia as she sat Willow down and started to apply her make-up. Willow’s nerves were beginning to get the better of her. She knew that Angel loved her, but all of her self-doubts were starting to come back.
"Cordelia, what if Angel’s changed his mind?" she asked the brunette nervously.
"If Angel even thought of changing his mind, Xander, Oz and Giles would kick his ass," Cordelia answered honestly. The three men were extremely protective of Willow and would do anything if it ensured her happiness. "But, considering that Angel is out there, looking extremely attractive might I add, I don’t think you have anything to worry about." Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
"Wow, everything looks great out there," stated Anya as she entered the room. "Is this what I’ve been missing all those years as a demon?"
"Yup. Pretty neat when you don’t have to worry about punishing the guy isn’t it," Willow smiled at her unlikely friend. At first, Willow didn’t trust Anya because of how the girl had tricked Willow into doing the spell that brought her vampire self to their reality. Over time though, and with Xander’s help, Willow learned to accept Anya and even help her in adjusting to life as a human.
"I know. I wonder if I’ll ever get to do this."
"Same here," answered Cordelia. "One day though, we’ll both get as lucky as Willow." Willow just smiled.
"Not possible. There’s only one Angel." Cordelia looked down at her watch. Suddenly the door to their room opened and in walked Giles.
"Girls, it’s time." Cordelia and Anya gave Willow a hug before going out to watch the service. Giles just stood there a moment to take in the sight before him. "You look marvelous, Willow."
"Thank you, Giles. And thank you for agreeing to give me away."
"There’s no need for thanks," he said as he walked over to take the hacker into his arms. "You are the daughter that I always wanted. I am proud that you even considered me for this honor."
Willow just looked up at the man who was her mentor and friend. "There is no one else who I would like to do it. Not even my real father. You’ve been more like a father to me than he ever was." Music was heard coming from the outdoor area where the wedding was being held. After another quick hug, Giles offered his arm to Willow and led her out to the man she was about to marry.
Willow couldn’t have asked for a better day to be married. The sun was shining with not a cloud marring the blue of the sky. All around she could hear the sounds of nature. The red rocks gave the ceremony a beautiful background and Willow could feel the mystical energy that was Sedona all around her. (Thank you goddess, for your blessings. I am honored by what you have given me.)
Angel’s heart stopped as he got his first glimpse of his bride in her gown. (She’s the most beautiful creature I have ever had the fortune of seeing.) He didn’t know what he did to deserve such an angel, but whatever it was, he hoped to do it again and again if it meant that she would always be by his side. Angel found himself fidgeting as he waited for Giles to complete the journey up the aisle with Willow. Finally she was by his side. Giles leaned down, kissing Willow on the cheek before placing her hand on top of Angel’s. Willow and Angel looked into each other’s eyes before turning to the Priestess who would be performing the ceremony.
"I love you Willow."
"I love you Angel."