Zampsa1975:
Hopefully you'll like this one better... Thanks for sticking with me!
abarda: The nerds will be raising their evil heads soon enough, not yet though. Hope you like the chapter!
DaddyCatALSO: The wedding makes you nervous? Hopefully it turns out better than you're expecting... hmm, I'm generally as opposed to dressing up as I can get away with, so I have nothing helpful to say about bridesmaid dresses (The last wedding I was in my dress was black...and the next one I'm in, I'll be standing up with the groom as the best "man" so I have no idea what I'll be wearing...)
rhh21: Yay comment! Dawn can be funny, and fun to write sometimes
Not too much longer, I think...
KiWy: Hey! Cool! Yeah, these are the only two places I'm posting it! No need to review both places
Thanks so much for reading! You're awesome!
WolfDragonGod: Hey, I'm glad you like it!
viximon: No worries, you're all caught up now! Hope you're liking it!
Early update because I'm going to a one year old's birthday party tomorrow! (And she's awesome because she stops whatever she's doing to dance to the Buffy theme song whenever her mom is watching the show - she showed it to me and it's the best thing EVER! She's ONE and she already knows good TV!)
Chapter 5 of 11The redhead continued working on tracing the camera back to the source during any spare moment she had, but they were onto her and made every effort to frustrate her attempts. The Scoobies all found themselves scrambling in the week leading up to the wedding, too busy to bother with the elusive nerds.
The day of the dress rehearsal, Xander picked up Willow from the house while Buffy and Dawn went to collect Tara from the dorm. Xander’s parents were meeting them at the church and they were all changing into their clothes for the wedding once they arrived.
Xander’s car pulled up in front of the church and he exchanged confused looks with Willow as they both noticed the rental car in the parking lot.
“Are any of the out-of-town guests coming to the rehearsal?” Willow asked as she collected the garment bag with her suit in it out of the backseat of Xander’s car. He did the same on his side, shaking his head.
“Not that I know of,” he commented, leading the way inside.
They both recognized their guest before he turned to face them, Giles nodding in approval as he met their eyes. Both of the younger pair were grinning widely and he put his glasses back on.
“It looks very nice. I’m glad you got the money I sent for the flowers,” he commented.
“You’re here!” Willow said excitedly, throwing her arms around him. He hugged her back with one arm, shaking Xander’s hand with his free hand.
“I can’t very well miss your wedding, can I?” he asked, smiling.
“Want to stand up with me?” Xander asked eagerly. “It would make my side more even,” he added when Giles looked surprised. “And better you than any of my relatives. And we sort of used some of that money you sent to rent you a suit that matches.”
“We were hoping you would come!” Willow chimed in happily.
“Anya has already asked if I would walk her down the aisle, but I’d be proud to stand up with you, Xander,” Giles said, nodding.
Xander clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. “Thanks, Giles. I’m glad you’re here. Can you stick around for the rehearsal, or do you have to go to your apartment or something?”
The Watcher shrugged, smiling at them. “I’ve got nothing to do. I’ll stay for the rehearsal,” he agreed.
Xander nodded, still grinning happily. “Thanks, well me and Will have to go get changed, but feel free to wander around. The girls should be here any minute.”
He nodded his understanding and released Willow, smiling affectionately as he watched the witch skip down the hall to the room where she and Xander were getting dressed. The carpenter followed after her, laughing to himself.
Everyone got ready on time, in spite of Anya’s anxious checking and rechecking on everyone. Willow was lingering in the hall while Xander changed into the pants of his tuxedo and she turned to look at him as he came out. His bowtie was in one hand and she took it from him with a smile.
“You look really great, Xander,” she commented, looping the tie around his neck and tying it quickly.
His hands came up to straighten his collar over the tie and he let out a deep breath. “Thanks, Will. Why am I so nervous though? This is just the practice run.”
She grinned, standing up on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. “So this way you’ll be cool as a cucumber tomorrow,” she suggested.
He sighed, squaring his shoulders. “That’s probably it,” he conceded and she laughed.
“You know I’m right!” she declared, curling an arm through his. “Now let’s go see our women,” she said, pulling him with her towards the main hall.
Xander pulled them to a stop after a few paces and Willow turned to face him. “Am I doing the right thing?” he asked anxiously. “I mean, getting married is huge!”
She eyed him carefully. “It is huge Xander, but you love Anya and she loves you.”
“But can I make her happy and take care of her like she needs?” he demanded.
Willow nodded, stepping closer to him and pulling his arm around her back. “You already do, Xander.”
“But can I do it forever?”
She sighed, hugging him. “You’re the only one who can answer that question, Xand.” She looked up at him seriously. “Can you imagine waking up without her tomorrow? Can you live with knowing that you ruined the best thing in your life?” she asked, her own mistakes bringing bitterness to her voice. “Not everyone gets a second chance,” she told him. “I’ve been more lucky than I deserve.”
Xander let out a deep breath, but his eyes were clear. “Thanks, Willow.” He squeezed her gently. “I don’t get where you’re thinking that you don’t deserve Tara though. You made a mistake, true, but she’s forgiven you. Isn’t it about time you did the same thing?”
She let out a sigh of her own. “I’m scared that I’ll hurt her again, that I’ll let it get out of control again, and do something to drive her away,” she confessed, staring down at her reflection on the shiny floor.
“I think the fact that you’re worried so much about it tells me that you’ll never let it come to that. You’d do anything for Tara, right?” he questioned, already knowing the answer.
She nodded quickly. “Anything,” she stated firmly.
“How about trusting yourself?” he suggested. “I know you’re hanging back because you’re scared to hurt her, but just because you’re not sleeping together, or living together, doesn’t mean that you don’t have the power to hurt her, Willow. She’s completely yours, the same way you’re completely hers. I’m not sure what mysterious sign you’re waiting on, but she deserves all of you,” he said.
“She’s given you all of herself. You didn’t know what it was like for her in England. She did all of that expecting that you were lost to her once your memories got returned. She was ready to give up her future happiness to make sure that you were okay, even if you left her after it was all said and done. Now you’re yourself again, and she’s still waiting on you to come back to her.”
He smiled down at her, one hand tilting her head to meet his eyes. “You’ve been so busy making sure you’re not hurting her, I don’t think you’ve noticed that you’re both sort of going nuts. But we’ve all noticed the difference in how you act, Willow. Tara feels it, but we can all see it.”
Willow blinked up at him, her mouth hanging open. “I’m an idiot, aren’t I?” she asked softly, swatting his shoulder when he nodded, grinning down at her.
“Let’s go get our girls,” he said, holding his elbow out for her.
She took his arm, leaning her head against his shoulder briefly. “I’m proud of you, Xander. And thanks.”
He shrugged easily. “Of course, Will. You’re my best friend. I don’t like seeing you torturing yourself.”
The others were milling around in the main hall as they came through the side doors. Xander’s parents had cornered Buffy and Tara, talking loudly at them, and Xander whistled sharply to get their attention, giving his friends an opportunity to escape. Anya appeared to be in a trance, staring at Xander in his tuxedo, and Willow giggled as she moved past the frozen bride toward Tara.
“You look great, sweet…” The rest of Tara’s compliment was swallowed up in Willow’s kiss, the redhead’s arms wrapping themselves tightly around Tara’s waist. Tara’s hands landed on Willow’s hip and hair, holding on tight.
They pulled apart after several moments, Willow’s need to speak overpowering even her desire to keep kissing. “I’m in love with you, Tara,” she breathed, panting for breath. “Come home,” she added. “I’m so sorry it took me so long to realize that I’m an idiot…” Xander coughed loudly from somewhere behind them and Willow corrected herself. “I’m sorry that it took Xander so long to tell me that I was being an idiot, but I need you, baby. Please come home,” she pleaded, her eyes staring into Tara’s, seeing the slow tears welling up in her beloved’s eyes and feeling her heart pounding in her chest.
It seemed to take Tara a moment before she realized that she hadn’t spoken, nodding rapidly and burying her face in Willow’s shoulder. “Of course, Willow,” she spoke quietly into the fabric of Willow’s jacket. Willow’s arms tightened around her as the redhead leaned back, lifting Tara off her feet and spinning them around in excitement. They were both laughing as Willow stopped them, leaning against each other as their friends watched them with smiles on their faces.
Anya stepped forward, patting Willow on the shoulder. “I’m glad you and Tara will be giving each other orgasms again so that you won’t think that you can get them from Xander,” she said when Willow looked at her, genuinely happy for the pair.
Willow was so happy that she couldn’t find room for any frustration and she nodded as she exchanged glances with Tara. “Thanks, Anya.” It suddenly occurred to her that she’d shared her feelings in front of the entire group and Xander’s parents. “Let’s do this rehearsal!” she said, trying to get the night back on focus.
Anya nodded in satisfaction, rushing across the room to retrieve her wedding clipboard. The others were still smiling at the witches and Dawn rushed over to throw her arms around them. Buffy came next, squeezing them both gently and murmuring her congratulations. Xander and Giles exchanged glances before deciding that the more manly thing to do was to smile and nod approvingly so they both did that instead of hugging the girls.
Anya began issuing directions and the others jumped distractedly to obey, lining up in the front, shifting infinitesimal amounts back and forth until Anya was satisfied with everyone’s positioning, and then they practiced their entrances and exits. It was after dark when she declared that she was satisfied and that they were free to change back into their regular clothes.
Willow shrugged out of her suit jacket as she walked back down the hall to where her regular clothes were. Xander was straightening a few of the centerpieces in the reception hall for Anya, so Willow was taking the time to change in privacy. Her free hand moved to loosen her tie and she let out a deep breath, relieved that she wasn’t forced to wear one of the truly horrible bridesmaid’s dresses, but just as glad that it was a rare occasion that she had to wear a tie.
She changed clothes on autopilot, hanging her suit carefully back into its garment bag and leaving the bag in the closet until the next day. Xander was coming in the doorway as she put the bag away, his fingers fighting with the bowtie that she’d put on him.
“Let me,” she said, waving him over. She unfastened the tie safely and he hugged her.
“I’m happy for you, Willow,” he said genuinely, her whole demeanor already different.
“I’m happy for you too, Xander. The wedding is going to be great!”
He grinned. “Anya wants everyone together for breakfast tomorrow, but I told her you and Tara would just meet us at here at noon.”
Willow sighed gratefully. “Thanks Xander. Although it’s slightly squicky that everyone will know…”
He shrugged. “You’re the one who jumped your girlfriend in front of the entire wedding party. And we’re the only ones who’ll know.”
“That doesn’t really help me, but thanks,” she said, smiling despite herself.
“I get it if you guys want to blow off the rehearsal dinner,” he offered, but she shook her head.
“I think we have
some self control,” she said.
Xander laughed. “But she’s not going to be wearing the bridesmaid dress anymore,” he reminded her, laughing at the slack jawed look that crossed Willow’s face immediately. “At least you guys can do it in the bathroom without having to sneak into the same one,” he commented and Willow swatted at him.
“Stop talking! We’re not going to do it in the bathroom at the restaurant!” Willow objected sternly, covering her ears with her hands. “I’m leaving now so you can change.”
“Go get her!” Xander called out behind her as she fled and she could hear him laughing as the door closed behind her.
She moved back into the main hall, seeing Xander’s parents lingering near the back doors, ready to go to dinner so they could go home. She spied a blonde head near the front of the chapel and she let her feet carry her in that direction. Tara was unnecessarily straightening a row of candles and Willow crossed her arms over her chest as she watched, feeling giddy just being close to Tara.
“I don’t think that’s strictly necessary. Didn’t Anya already fix those?” Willow asked, smiling as Tara turned to face her.
Tara shrugged, abandoning the candles to move into Willow’s arms. “It was this or talk more with Xander’s parents.” She blushed. “And after our little display, I picked nonjudgmental candles.”
Willow blushed as well, ducking her head. “Sorry it was sort of public,” she apologized. “But it got us out of having to go to wedding party breakfast in the morning!”
Tara laughed, hugging Willow tightly. “That sounds promising,” she said, arching an eyebrow at her.
“Thanks for coming home,” Willow said. “Well, you know, once we get your stuff moved and everything.”
“Thanks for finally asking me,” Tara said, grinning at her. “I know we’ll be living at the house, but would you maybe want to stay at the dorm with me tonight?” She bit her lip, leaning in to whisper into Willow’s ear and the redhead could feel her heart beat faster in reaction. “We could be alone, no Dawn or Buffy knocking on the door.”
Willow nodded quickly, her eyes closed tightly. “Yes! Please, anything you want.”
Tara’s fingers teased the back of Willow’s neck, her lips pressing slow kisses against her neck. “That’s easy. I just want you.”
Willow snatched the hand from the back of her neck, holding it tightly and suddenly feeling like the room was much too warm. There was a smirking smile lingering on Tara’s lips and Willow let out a deep breath, trying to convince herself that skipping the rehearsal dinner was a bad idea.
“We can wait, Willow. A few more hours won’t kill us,” Tara said, knowing instinctually what was passing through Willow’s thoughts. “And we should be here for Anya and Xander.” She squeezed Willow’s hand soothingly. “We’ve got all the time in the world.”
Willow nodded. “Vixen,” she murmured, but her happy tone took any sting out of what was intended as a rebuke.
“You know it, baby,” Tara said unrepentantly, pulling her towards the back doors of the church as the other Scoobies returned from changing clothes. Buffy seemed amused to see that they were still there, but the Slayer kept her mouth shut when Willow took a seat in the Jeep instead of riding with Xander.
Buffy started the car, laughing quietly to herself as she checked her rearview mirror, seeing that, despite the fact that the bench seat was empty except for the two of them, Willow was sitting as close as possible to Tara, the redhead pressed snugly against her girlfriend’s side.
The trip to the restaurant was made in silence and their curved corner booth gave the witches opportunity for more public snuggling as they climbed in and promptly slid themselves into the corner, sitting close together.
The meal passed in a blur for the witches, a realization of their surroundings finally reaching them when Buffy pulled into the parking lot of Tara’s dorm. The Slayer was smirking at them in her mirror and Tara let them out of the car quickly.
“Good night, you two. Sleep good!” Buffy called after them as they bolted for the door to the dorm, the Slayer’s laughter audible behind them as she drove away.
*****
The sun had risen outside the window and the light in her eyes drew Willow out of her sleep. She was disgruntled by the wake up for about half a second when she realized that there was a definitely female, and equally definitely naked body pressed against her back. Memories from the night before came rushing back and she squirmed closer, feeling the arms around her tighten in reaction.
“Morning,” Tara said sleepily, leaning up on one elbow to press a kiss behind Willow’s ear.
The redhead giggled, turning her head to look up at Tara. “It was morning when we fell asleep,” she reminded her lover teasingly, stretching.
“And it’s morning now,” Tara stated. “Barely,” she conceded, glancing at the clock.
Willow noticed the time and let out a groan. “We don’t have time to snuggle!” she pouted. “We barely have time to take a shower!”
Tara laughed, burying her face in Willow’s neck. “Especially not if we shower together.”
“Do we have to go to the wedding?” Willow asked, squeaking loudly when Tara nipped at her neck.
“You know we do,” Tara said against her skin. “He’s your best friend. We’re both in the wedding party. And you have the rings,” she reminded her.
Willow sat bolt upright in bed, holding the sheet to her chest as she looked around the room at the scattered mess of their discarded clothes. She was distracted as Tara started pressing kisses slowly up her spine. Her eyes finally found her pants and she sighed in relief as she noticed the ring box lying on the floor next to the jeans, the other box poking out of the pocket.
Tara laughed, pulling on an oversized t-shirt and holding a hand out to Willow. “Let’s go see how much water we can save,” she said with a grin, knowing that they were pushing the clock, but not willing to contemplate showering in the same room with Willow without being able to touch her.
The redhead grinned in delight, wrapping a towel around herself as Tara collected her shower bag, letting the blonde pull her down the hall to the bathroom.
They actually made it to the church only a few minutes late, the others greeting them in the reception hall with a standing ovation. Willow bowed dramatically, laughing. Anya was clinging to the superstition of not seeing the groom before the ceremony, but had left strict orders that as soon as Tara arrived, the bridesmaids were supposed to join her in the back of the chapel to start getting her ready.
Dawn and Buffy got up from their seats, looping around Willow and Tara and each taking one of Tara’s arms to lead her away.
“Say goodbye, kids,” Buffy advised. “We’re going in.” She mock saluted with her free hand, the others laughing at her antics.
Willow took Buffy’s vacated seat, glancing around the empty reception hall. “So what do we do until it’s time to go get dressed?”
Xander and Giles exchanged glances and the younger man shrugged. “I have a deck of cards,” Xander suggested, looking over to where his father was already availing himself of the bar.
“We could take a walk,” Giles proposed, following his eyes.
Xander smiled gratefully, nodding. “Thanks, Giles.”
They stood up from the table, careful to put their chairs back neatly, and filed outside. There were some clouds hanging heavily over the town but it didn’t look like it was going to start raining before the ceremony so they felt safe taking a stroll down the street. While they walked, Willow and Xander filled Giles in on everything that had been happening since they got home, Amy’s magical dose and subsequent disappearance, the camera they’d found in the yard, and the pesky and seemingly invisible nerds.
Giles listened to their stories, commenting and asking questions when appropriate. He was concerned for these young people he cared about, but could see that they were growing up and learning to handle themselves as not entirely typical adults without him.
They returned to the chapel with just enough time to change into their suits before the guests started arriving. Thankfully, Buffy and Dawn were sent out to help them deal with Anya’s demon guests mingling with Xander’s relatives and the squabbles that occurred as a result.
Finally, it was time for the ceremony to start and Giles went to get Tara and signal Anya. The girls lined up on one side of the entrance hall while Giles, Willow, and Xander’s father were on the other. Xander was already in his place and bouncing anxiously on his toes.
Mr. Harris walked out first, taking his spot at the front. Dawn went next, and then Giles. The Watcher was only in the front long enough to watch Buffy walk down next and then he was looping back along the side of the room to get back to walk Anya down the aisle.
Willow walked to the front, feeling nervous under the eyes of Xander’s family, the same feeling she’d gotten around them since she was seven years old. She took her spot beside Xander and turned to watch Tara come up the aisle, somehow managing to be radiant even in the monstrosity of a dress that Anya had selected. Willow couldn’t take her eyes off her lover and it took her a moment to realize that Tara was staring straight back at her.
Tara reached the front, holding her bouquet in front of her in suddenly shaky fingers. Willow looked positively charming in her suit and Tara found herself entertaining fantasies of pulling her redhead in by the long tie she was wearing. She glanced up from her flowers to meet Willow’s eyes across the space between them, the pair smiling shyly at each other.
The processional music started and they snapped their eyes up to where Giles was escorting Anya towards the front. She was smiling happily, her eyes locked on Xander and Giles pressed a kiss to her cheek before taking his spot next to Willow.
The priest started the service, the speeches passing in a blur to the wedding party until it came time for the vows. Xander’s voice shook as he recited his vows, but his eyes never wavered from Anya’s face.
“Anya, you’ve been with me for a long time, and I’ve known for a long time that we were going to be together for the rest of our lives. All of this today is just to share that with our family and our friends. I want to promise, in front of all of these people that care about us, to be with you forever, and take care of you when you’re sick, and I promise to love you, and protect you, and give you everything you need, from now until the end of time. I love you, Anya.”
Willow handed over the rings and Xander slid Anya’s into place, a happy smile on his face.
Anya couldn’t restrain herself and jumped forward to kiss him. A twitter of laughter went through the audience and the former vengeance demon was grinning as she stepped back to her place to say her vows.
“Xander, I’ve seen all the ways men could hurt women, and I know that I shouldn’t expect anything different from you, but I’m standing here with you, marrying you, because I know that I do expect different from you. I’ve given you my heart Xander, and I’m trusting you not to hurt it or break it.” He smiled at her, nodding silently, and she continued. “I promise to do the same thing with your heart. I won’t hurt it or break it, and I’ll take care of you the same way you take care of me. I love you Xander Harris, and I will be proud to be your wife for the rest of our lives.”
When the priest finally announced that they were man and wife, the Scoobies led the cheering, Willow whooping loudly and clapping, while Buffy was whistling.
The newlyweds made their exit and Willow realized that it was her turn to escort Tara out. She extended her arm and Tara took it, pressing a kiss to her cheek before they started walking. They reached the end of the aisle and turned to follow Xander and Anya before thinking better of it.
“I know we’re supposed to be taking pictures right now, but I’m sure we don’t want to be anywhere near Anya right now. She didn’t have sex last night, she must be about ready to explode,” Willow commented, shuddering.
Tara nodded her agreement. “You’re not the one who had to talk her out of using the word orgasm in her vows,” she said shaking her head. Her eyes raked over Willow’s form, her smile crooked. “You look very dashing Will, but I have to confess that I have one thing I’ve been thinking about doing with that tie.”
Willow glanced down at herself, adjusting her tie unconsciously. “What’s that?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.
Tara reached one hand toward her, her long fingers stroking lightly over the silk. She let her fingers curl around it, the back of her hand brushing deliberately against Willow’s chest. Tara pulled slowly and Willow quickly got the idea, letting the gentle tugging draw her in.
Their lips met slowly and Willow wondered how she could have denied this woman for so long. She could feel her tie getting wrapped around Tara’s hand and she couldn’t have cared less about the fact the they still had pictures to take. She was kissing the woman she loved and there was nothing like it in the world.
They pulled back slowly and Willow grinned, looking down to where Tara’s hand still had a firm grip on her tie. “What did you think? Was it everything you hoped?”
Tara nodded, a soft smile on her face. “Better,” she breathed.
Willow smirked. “You’re a vixen.”
“I’m your vixen though,” Tara stated and Willow’s heart melted.
“It’s no surprise that I fell in love with you when we were in England,” she commented.
Tara arched an eyebrow, the same soft smile still on her face. “You didn’t love me before that? Because you sort of gave up boys for me.”
Willow rolled her eyes at her lover. “You know better than that.”
Tara nodded. “I do. It’s funny now, but Buffy and Xander both told me that you would love me, even without your memories.”
Willow smiled, nodding back. “Well, they were right. I did.”
“I know.” She bit her lip, her eyes running over Willow’s face. “It made keeping my distance unbearable. I knew that you loved me, that you wanted me, but you weren’t yourself.” As she spoke, she slowly let Willow’s tie slip through her fingers before she began pulling her lover in again.
Willow nodded, watching the fabric pull tight as she moved closer. “I am now though,” she said softly, her face close to Tara’s again.
“And I’m so glad,” Tara replied, leaning in to kiss her again. The kiss was slow, neither feeling the need to push themselves toward anything deeper. They were together again, whole. That was what mattered.
Buffy and Dawn were coming down the hall towards them when they finally separated and they clasped hands, meeting their friends’ smiles.
“Is the photographer ready?” Willow asked.
Buffy nodded. “Yeah, but Xander and Anya are still no shows. Of course…”
The girls exchanged grins and Willow shrugged. “So, should one of us go get them…?”
Dawn and Buffy each threw a hand into the air simultaneously. “Not it!” they declared in unison and the witches exchanged looks.
“I walked into that one, didn’t I?” Willow asked, pouting.
Tara nodded, kissing her on the cheek with a smirk. “I’m afraid so.”
The redhead sighed, squaring her shoulders. “Where’s Anya’s megaphone?” she asked. “Because there’s no way I’m going in hearing range of wherever they are.”
Buffy pulled the megaphone out from behind her back, grinning. “We’ll meet you outside,” she said cheerfully, retreating quickly back down the hall with her sister.
Tara and Willow watched their disappearing friends and Tara leaned back against the wall. “I’ll wait here for you.”
Willow pouted. “You’re not going with me?”
Tara shook her head, a crooked smile on her face. “I love you baby, but it’s Anya’s wedding day. I do not want to be anywhere near any place they can get some privacy.”
Willow wrinkled her nose. “This is so not fair,” she grumbled, squaring her shoulders and setting off down the hall, hearing Tara’s giggles behind her.
She managed to get the couple’s attention with the megaphone while avoiding getting close enough to traumatize herself, and retreated quickly back to Tara. They got their pictures finished and were announced to the guests in the reception hall.
They mingled with the guests, Buffy taking the time to visit with Giles while Xander and Anya got something to eat. Willow and Tara were talking quietly, finding a private corner even in the midst of the crowded reception. Xander’s family had tucked themselves into the hall’s bar, while Anya’s demon guests were gathered apart from the humans, the two sides eyeing each other uncomfortably.
Nervous eyes were cast to Buffy and her Watcher as well, despite neither of them doing anything more than standing and talking quietly to each other. Buffy seemed to notice their discomfort and was subtly and slowly moving herself back and forth in her place, closer and farther from the crowd of demons. Giles noticed what she was doing and sent his charge a look of gentle reproof.
There was sudden silence as a microphone squealed, the disc jockey welcoming everyone and starting a slow song. No one took to the dance floor and Anya shoved him away from the microphone impatiently.
“Willow, Tara, dance now!” she said imperiously, Xander laughing at her side.
The witches were looking at each other, both blushing in embarrassment in their suddenly very public corner of the room, all eyes turning to them. Willow took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders and turning to face Tara.
“May I have this dance?” she murmured, holding one hand out.
Tara bit her lip, nodding slowly and taking the hand Willow offered. “Of course.”
They walked slowly onto the dance floor, Tara letting Willow take the lead. They moved around the floor gracefully, joined after a moment by Xander and Anya. Giles offered his hand to Buffy, the pairs moving around the dance floor.
“Is this what you were expecting when you asked me to teach you to dance?” Tara asked, a teasing smile on her face.
Willow shook her head, bringing a slight frown to her lover’s face. “It’s so much better than I could have hoped for. I’m with you, we’re at my best friend’s wedding, I’m with you, Buffy seems to be feeling better, and I’m with you. If I could catch some geeks and send them to prison, my life would be perfect,” she said sincerely.
Tara smiled as they executed a perfect turn. “You sounded a little repetitive there, baby,” she commented.
The redhead just shrugged, meeting her eyes. “I might have emphasized
some, but only the most important bit,” she responded, smiling serenely and Tara couldn’t stop herself from kissing Willow in the middle of the dance floor, audience be damned.
Their feet stumbled to a stop, a single point of stillness in the midst of the dancers. Tara let her hands slip under the sides of Willow’s coat, curling around her back and holding her close. One of Willow’s hands slid up from where it had been on Tara’s shoulder, over the bare skin of her neck, and curling into her hair while her other hand just tightened its grip on her hip.
The kiss was slow and deep, neither one caring that they were in a crowded ballroom, each just focused on the woman in her arms. As they ended the kiss they only moved back enough to look each other in the eye. They belatedly remembered where they were and Tara found one of Willow’s hands without looking.
“Think that counts as our dance?” she murmured, looking around to where the others were still dancing. She could see Buffy grinning out of the corner of her eye and she squeezed Willow’s fingers gently.
The redhead nodded firmly. “Yeah, do you want to get something to drink?” she asked, already leading Tara quickly from the floor. Dawn was grinning gleefully as they reached the edge of the room and the witches laughed, feeling more relaxed now that they weren’t in the middle of the room.
Xander and Anya stayed on the dance floor, the girls lingering on the edge of the floor and watching their friends, their family, dance around the room. They could dimly hear thunder over the music, but they paid it no attention. They were inside and happy, no storm could touch them here.
by DaddyCatALSO » Wed May 19, 2010 10:01 am 
And bravo for Xander. Should have know he would be able to convince Willow. And hey, there even was a wedding now 
! And Giles was there too. I always wondered why he didn't show up back then that episode. Ah well, you made it better 
