Title: For Better or Worse
Author: Imogene
Disclaimer: All the characters for the BtVS verse and the AtS verse belong to Joss Whedon, Marti Nixon, David Greenwalt, UPN, WB etc etc. New characteurs all belong to me.
Distribution: Beth's site "First Time For Everything", anyone else, just ask
Dedication: To Beth for all her help and ideas, I couldn't have done it without her
Summary: Its Wesley and Freds big day, but will it go the same way as Xander's?
Notes: This is going to be like a season of Angel, set 2 years in the future (hence season 5) Ive got a lot of back-story of whats happened to all the significant characters both Scooby Gang and the A-Team thats important to read to understand whats going on. This takes place anytime after "Couplet" - the prophecy "The father will kill the son" never happened, Connor is still with Angel, fully human and now 2 years old. If you really can't be bothered to read it, you at least need to know Dawn's been living with Angel for the past 2 years and Wesley and Fred are engaged
Rating: PG-13, in this ep. There will be possible higher rating for later episodes.
~~~****~~~****
"Flowers!" shrieked Cordelia, as she ran into the next room, throwing everything in her path out of the way. Fred looked at Cordelias manacle searching with apprehension, but Buffy and Faith shrugged it off "She's gotta look perfect for the wedding" Faith shrugged.
"But, its kinda not her wedding" Fred said nervously.
"That's not the point - Queen C's going to be going up that isle with you, lots of people looking and shes gonna look her best - come hell or high water" explained Buffy, giving her make-up one final check-over. Despite her happiness for Fred she felt a deep ache in her heart. She wanted to be the one in the white dress and veil, to be walked down an isle and marry the man she loved with all her heart. Of course that wasn't how her life went. Her life sucked. Period.
Even as the thoughts ran through her head she knew that they werent true. She had the man she loved - sort of. Things were still difficult around him. Emotions were raw, and of course there was Connor. Sweet innocent Connor. Buffy loved him as much as she would her own child, and it was easy enough to imagine Connor was her own son. He'd never known Darla, and for that Buffy was glad. The vampire that had brought Angelus into the world had died to save hers and Angels child, the ultimate sacrifice. That hurt, that Darla had actually loved Connor enough to give up her own life to allow Connor to live. It would have been so much easier if Darla had just left or been staked by Angel, but she hadn't. Her death had created a bond of love that nothing would be able to remove, and she resented that. Darla had never had Angel's heart - that had been solely hers, yet she had been able to give Angel the one thing she so desirably wanted to - a child.
Every time she looked at Connor, she felt closer to him, and her heart broke more. In just these past few months she knew she would willingly give her life up for Connor to protect him just like a mother would - like Darla did came a voice from inside her head, one tinged with sadness.
"Hey, you O.K.? " a concerned voice came from the back of her, as someone laid their hand on her shoulder. Buffy spun round, her heart pounding. It was Faith. She saw the glossy shimmer in Buffys eyes. "I-Im fine" she stammered
"O.K. once more with feeling B" she gently reprimanded. Buffy sniffled.
"I'm sorry, its just I-"
"You always guessed i'td be you up there in the meringue dress?" finished Faith, sympathy evident in her eyes. "We all dream for that - the fairytale romance - the handsome perfect prince sweeps us off our feet, takes us back to his castle marries us and we live happily ever after. Then we grow up. Freds lucky - but even she didn't get her knight in shining armour or her fairy tale. Fred wasn't the princess - Cordelia was. She was the servant girl trapped in an evil kingdom, her knight was a souled vampire who she fell in love with - only to find her prince wasn't hers, he belonged to a girl with blond hair - who when they returned the prince found she was dead. None of us have had it easy B. Least of all you and Angel, thats why your loves gonna last. Youv'e beat every obstacle thats come in your way, but youre back together, and thats how its gonna stay. Trust me - your time will come. Oh, and B when you marry Angel?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm not gonna be wearing a pink, frilly dress" she grinned. Buffy laughed at the mental image-freaky. But she was right. "When did you become so wise?" Buffy joked, Faith regarded her seriously for a minute "That would be prison, it leaves you with a lot of time to think" she said, her vice unnaturally quiet. Buffy never failed to be amazed at just how much prison had changed her sister-slayer. Her bravado had gone, along with some of her cockiness and the fire in her eyes had dimmed, but she was still the same Faith. Ready to bounce back from whatever life threw at her, and for the first time in years Buffy was glad to have Faith around. "I've missed you" she admitted, looking and Faith, a small wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth
"Feelings mutual B - but dont' let it get around" she grinned. The dead was done, and the healing rift between the two girls was more prominent than ever.
"Hey, have you seen my silk handbag?" came Dawn's voice from the corridor.
"Have you checked your room?" Buffy yelled automatically.
"Yes mo-ther" Dawn snarked. Why Buffy still treated her like a baby was beyond her, then again it was nice that Buffy hadn't entirely changed. "It's not in my room, I've checked everywhere" Dawn cried melodramatically "It's gone!"
"What about the car?"
"Car?"
"You know that thing your drive in - the one which you happened to be in last night with your purse" grinned Faith, Dawn simply rolled her eyes, but instead she mentally kicked herself. "I kinda wanted to come up here anyway." Dawn admitted "It's murder back there - Freds getting all panicky and babbley, and its really annoying Cordelia, who hasn't even done her own make-up yet, and Fred keeps moving so she has to keep re-doing it. Not the best place to be" she admitted
"You're safe from Cordelia here " teased Buffy, as she inspected Dawns outfit - a long sapphire coloured silk dress, with small pink. The V neckline gave it an air of sophistication, while her jewelled dangling earrings and necklace added the finishing touches. A flower braid was arranged in her hair, which was pilled up on her head, looking careless yet elegant at the same time. Even Faith was wearing a dress, Cordelia has insisted apon that. Despite her initial discomfort she looked good, her dress was long, strappy and black, with gold threads sewn in here and there for affect. Her hair was pulled up in an elegant bun at the back on her head, and her make-up was more natural than usual. In short, it suited her. Buffy herself was wearing a strapless sliver dress with a slight train at the back and a slit up the left thigh. An elegant choker was round her neck, while her hair was left tousled with a jewelled clip in it. They really didnt look too bad - a hell of a lot better than they had looked at Xanders non-wedding anyway. Horrible bright emerald green dresses - way too garish to contemplate. Thankfully Fred wasnt bothered about bridesmaid or identical outfits, shes said that with Cordelia, Faith, Buffy and Dawn it'd be difficult enough to find decent bridesmaids dresses, and they were too old, so theyd agreed on evening dresses, and it was a good gamble.
~~~***~~~
"Oh my hair is never gonna be right!" sighed Fred, clearly frustrated
"Well it won't if you don't hold still" sighed Cordy, exasperated. Could the girl keep still for two minutes? "Well I'm kinda nervous y'know, its not like have done something like this before -in front of all these people, I'm getting all jittery" Fred admitted. Cordelia almost rolled her eyes "Fred all those people consist of your parents, me, Gunn, Dawn, Buffy, Angel, Lorne and Faith - trust me not a huge number. Just be grateful your not having a society wedding - you'd need at least 200 guests - and thatd just be at the church"
"200?!?" squeaked Fred, her eyes growing round "M-maybe me and Wes shoulda just eloped - saved a lotta time and bother, not counting expenses, cause when you calculate your normal outgoing, there at least tenfold for a wedding what youd normally spend in year and I can see I'm boring you so I'll shut up" Fred trailed off sheepishly "Sorry ah-"
"Just nervous" Cordelia finished off, sighing. Gazing at Freds make-up, she began to apply a fine shine of lip-gloss. "Y'know Fred, I'm kinda jealous" she admitted, that caused Fred's head to bolt up, smearing the lip gloss.
"You're jealous of me having Wes?!?" Freds voice rose shrilly, complete disbelief masking her features and Cordelia almost wanted to burst out laughing. "Oh God, NO!" she sniggered "I meant just the fact you're actually getting married. I swear if Gunn doesnt hurry up I'm gonna have to dump him or propose myself. He can be so slow sometimes, it's unbelievable. He can be mister I'm-so-tough-guy but he still hasn't worked up the courage to ask me yet" she grimaced. Cordelia fiddled with her diamond earring and sighed "At least Wes had the courage to ask you, I'll be still waiting when I'm 50!" she complained. She took some of Freds long hair and wrapped it round a circling tongue, as she thought about what her own wedding would be like in 3699!
***~~~***
Wesley, Angel, Lorne and Gunn were waiting in the Cathedral "Is it always like this?" asked Wesley securing his cufflinks, for something to do "What do you mean?"
"This weird feeling....like..." Wesley tried to explain, not quite able to find the right words
"Butterflies?" supplied Angel, Wes nodded
"I believe you're referring to what scientist call the "pre-wedding jitters" its nothing to worry about, almost all guys get em, before the big day. I get em big time when I even think marrying Cor, but that just might of been fear of Cordy herself- not the wedding" admitted Gunn "Eloquently put as ever" offered Lorne
"Not having second thoughts?" asked Angel, he prayed Wes was'nt about to do a Xander, Fred wasnt asresilient as Anya.
"No, I want to be with Fred, of course I love her - I'm still questioning whether I deserve her" he sighed. Gunn and Angel looked at each other in a long-suffering way. They'd been giving Wes pep talks for the last half hour, reassuring him he was good enough to marrying Fred "Look English, the way you're going you're gonna end up like our broody vamp friend-"
"Hey!" interjected said vampire "I'm not constantly broody - I have layers" he added hurt
"Sure you do cupcake, but believe you me your whole brooding thing, is a hell of a lot cuter than your over-cutesy act you had going two years ago" grimaced Lorne, as pictures of frolicking Angel assaulted his mind. "Ughh! Don't remind me" moaned Angel, he tried to be so happy - really happy after Connor's birth, it hadn't worked and in the end Lorne had told him to snap out of it. That had worked. "His point Watcher Guy is that if you dont think your worthy of Little Miss Texas, than who is? The girls been hurt - five years in my beloved home - not easy. She wanted a Prince in shining armour, instead she got an English guy with a love of books. You're her knight honey, so take your chance" Lorne said. Gunn seconded it with a slight nod
"Exactly what weve been tryin to tell him" he insisted, at Wess incredulous look "Just in a quicker way" he amended.
~~~***~~~
"Hey! Are you guys ready yet?" yelled Faith as she and Buffy stood outside the door, impatiently waiting for Cordelia and Fred to emerge, as they had been waiting for the last forty-five minute. "Just a minute!" came Cordelias supremely irritated voice. "Do you know how long it takes to curl Freds hair?!" she demanded through the door "And I haven't even started on my make-up yet" she half-whined through the door
"Cordy, let us come in and help" sighed Buffy, they heard the door click, and walked in. "Cordy you get on with your make-up, me and Faith can do Fred's hair" she offered. Cordelia gave a long-suffering sigh as she walked over to the mirror "I swear wedding better happen - I'm not going through a whole Four Wedding and a Funeral deal, not when this dress cost me a year's salary. I keep telling Angel to give me a raise" she snarked. "He's hardly your boss any more" Buffy pointed out
"That's beside the point, I'm his seer - I deserve some recognition!"
"I'm his girlfriend and the slayer do I get special treatment too?" snapped Buffy. They were supposed to be at the church in thirty minutes and she could do without Cordelias moaning "Touchy! I was just saying" huffed Cordelia, as she applied the finishing touches to her make-up. Turning round, Fred's hair was finally finished. At that moment Dawn walked in with Connor holding her hand. He was dressed in a little tartan three piece suit that Buffy hadn't been able to resist buying when she saw it. As she predicted he looked adorable in it. "Hey Connor" she cooed "Don't you look grow up!" she gushed, as she picked him up in her eyes, he giggled as she tickled him gently. "You already for your Uncle Wesley's big day?" she asked
"NO!" he yelled smiling. No was pretty much his favourite word at the moment, as Buffy had discovered. She grinned at him "C'mon you get to ride in a huge car" she persuaded , Connor's eyes grew large at that statement "Big car?"
"Really big" Buffy affirmed. "Do you want to ride in a really big car?" Buffy asked. Smiling Connor nodded frantically from his position in Buffy's arms. He snuggled into her arms. It always amazed her how much Connor had taken to her in the last few months shed been here. It was like hed know her all his short life. "Are we finally all done?" asked Buffy, hardly daring to hope as she shifted Connor on her hip. "yep that everything" sighed Cordelia, as they walked out of the house, to the large limousine Lorne had booked for them. "Big car!" yelled Connor happily, Buffy as she carried him down the steps "See I promised a big car." As she got into the car, with Connor happily perched on her lap she let herself relax. Everything was done and dusted. Nothing could go wrong now, right?
~~~***~~~
"Have you got the rings?" asked Wesley, a sudden urgent look crossing his face. Angel had to bite back a grin. For a second he was almost tempted to pretend hed forgotten them. But he couldnt. A guys wedding was probably the most nerve wracking day of his life, along with when his kids are born - he at least knew that was true. Thinking of Connor he prayed he wasn't kicking up for Buffy, that would be all they needed.
"She's here" announced Gunn, who had just seen the car drive up. The men hurried to their positions waiting the their women to arrive.
Roger gazed at his daughter fondly, she looked radiant with happiness. He always dreamed of this day, giving his little girl away, then she had disappeared for five years and he believed he would never see her again, but here she was alive and well, about to marry a wonderful man. He couldn't have been more happy as he took her arms ready to lead her up the alter. Buffy, Faith, Dawn and Cordelia entered the room before Fred and her father, walking in time with the music. Dawn threw the rose petals on the floor as she walked. The church was old was huge and was lit with large. Stained glass windows depicted various events in the Bible. Statues of the Virgin Mary, Joseph and Jesus were there. Roses had be carefully wounded round the wooden beams. There were beautiful bouquets of white roses at the front of the alter. Sweat smelling incense was burning. Then the pianist started playing a stream of beautifully haunting music, as the door opened and Fred and Roger walked up the aisle. Fred felt everyone watching here whispering about how beautiful she looked. Wesley gazed at Fred, almost hypnotised. He had never seen her look so beautiful. Not just her natural beauty but something else she was glowing with happiness, making her look more beautiful than ever. Fred smiled shyly at Wesley as she walked up the alter to join her husband-to-be. Wesley smiled at her, the door suddenly creaked open, to admit a respectable elderly looking gentleman, who stood at the door.
Looking who had arrived late, Wesley's smile suddenly froze and slipped off his face. It shouldn't be, he prayed to himself. He couldnt face seeing him, not today - especially not today. But there was no mistaking his outline, back ram rod straight, walking with ease and grace - it was him alright. Wesley felt chill rush through him just at being in the same room as him, funny how he always affected Wesley even now. He couldn't understand why really.
Angel noticed his friends horrified expression, then looked over the room to see an elderly man walking towards them. Fred nervously glanced up at Wesley and moved closer to him. She didn't know this man but was immediately wary of him, perhaps he was from the Watchers Council?
"What's wrong Wes?" prompted Angel gently, his friend looked like all the life had been sucked out of him "It's my father" he whispered hoarsely.
***~~~***
Fury boiled up in Wesley, what right did he have to come here?! Even now with his father just - standing there it was causing him pain. He was good at that. He knew he had to get away, things were getting to confusing. "Wesley, what's going on?" whispered Fred in a frightened voice, but he didn't answer her. "I-Im sorry" he whispered, and he backed away from Fred, he knew he was hurting her but he couldn't help it. He turned away from Fred and silently clenched his fist. His father was not going to ruin this day for him, because he wasn't going to stay here. He felt anger rise in him. "I-I can't do this, I'm sorry" he muttered. Tears began to trickle down Fred's face.
"Was it me?" she whispered, a tremble clear in her vice. Wesley couldn't look at her. Wouldn't allow himself to. He refused to break down in front of his father, and give him yet more ammunition to throw at him. "No, it's not you" he whispered "I just - I can't do this right now. I need to clear my hand" he rushed. Then without looking at Fred, he left the shocked Fred, Roger and Angel at the alter, as he walked - almost ran down the aisle to met his father. "Congratulations Wesley" came his fathers voice in the clipped voice he had learned to hate
Wesley gazed at his father, unbelieving. "What the bloody hell are you doing here?!" he demanded to the older man. The congregation was immediately silenced, everyones eyes were on him and his father, but he didnt' care. This was something he needed to do, should have done a long time ago, and hed be damned if this audience was going to put him off.
Reginald Wyndam Pryce simply smiled coldly and shrugged his shoulder "It's my sons wedding, Im family, so Im here" he replied simply. The look on Wesley's face would have been comical if it hadnt have caused such sorrow among his friends. They knew little about his childhood, little snippets here and there but Wesley had never been fourth-coming about his family.
He hadn't changed at all. Immaculately dressed a in crisp dark blue suit, his white hair carefully combed back, a quiet assurance in his manner - English gentleman to the core. He was the embodiment of everything the Watchers Council prized, and he had tried so hard to be like his father - cold and collected in the most dire circumstances, and failed miserably. He wasn't able to emotionally detach himself - it just wasn't in his nature. He had always been the bullied child at school - physically weak, always buried in a book of some kind, he'd hated his school. He'd always remember his first day - his "initiation" to Harchester - his head pushed down the toilet. Still it had been welcome compared to home.
He remembered his fathers scathing words is that the best you could do, only 98%?
Failed again eh? Well what more could I expect of you? Speak up boy! Wheres your courage, I will not have a coward for a son! You will never cry in my presence again the thoughts whirled round in his head. He didn't know how his father had even heard about his wedding
"All my childhood, I was terrified of you! I will not tolerate cowardice in my children do you remember that?! I may not have been the best son, but I sure as hell didnt deserve what you did to me. All my life, all I wanted was to make you proud of me - for you to just once say well done, but you never did. You despised me, and Melissa and Nicholas. None of us could ever do anything right in your eyes. You drove Melissa to become what she is today. Nick wouldn't come because you were here. I don't know what youre trying to achieve, but I wont tolerate it any more!" Wesley said calmly, but internally he was seething.
Why are you so surprised? He could always reduce to a quivering wreak - you were never good enough for daddy - were you? Never made daddy proud. He doesnt need to hit you anymore - look what he's done in 30 minutes, he ruined the best day of your life. By just being here an internal voice taunted. Wesley wanted to crumpled under his fathers gaze-this man who had dominated so much of his lifehis power had seemed over-whelming to Wesley as a child, a force of law and order. No one had dared ever challenged his authority. Until now.
"I don't know why you even bothered having children, you can't stand them" Wesley snapped. Reginald looked completely unaffected by Wesley's accusation. "I deemed it necessary to continue the Wyndam Pryce family line. No more no less." He replied. Wesley wanted to be horrified, disgusted, but in truth he didnt feel anything. He was beyond expecting anything from his father. The man who had given him lifehe was father in name only. He thought back to his own childhood, one of fear and apprehension. Then looked at Angel and Connor, and his heart ached. Angel was the perfect father.
He loved Connor unconditionally, no matter what happened or what he did, Angel was always there for him, always proud of him, and Wesley felt jealous. It was ridiculous of course, he was a grown man on 31 and he was jealous of a two year old who had lost his mother and was usually an attempted sacrifice every other week, all because he had the father Wesley had always longed for.
Cordelia on the other hand had no such acceptance of Reginalds words "You bastard! How can you say that to your own SON?!? He's your flesh and blood and you had him justjust to continue a family name. You don't have a child to continue a family name - you have one because you want to create new life - for something to love. You DONT EVER - EVER tell a child they are wanted - not at 3 years old 33 or 103 - you just DON'T. It's the unwritten code of parents - and oh yeah PLAIN DESENCY!!!" she yelled. She was furious, not only with Reginald for his cold indifference to his children, but furious with and for Wesley. Why didn't he speak up for himself?!? Was he going to let his father beat him down, tell him how worthless he was? Well she sure as hell wasn't going to let that happen!
"What wrong Wesley? Can't speak up? You'll let this child yell at me because you can't handle it. I always knew you were weak - useless waste of a son. You couldn't ever do anything right - fired by the council-Rogue demon hunter - another failure. Virginia left you - as has every other girl, perhaps her time in Pylea made your fiancée truly insane. It would explain a lot. A madwoman for a daughter-in-law - wonderful. Truly Wesley you have even surpassed my own expectations of you - you don't just fail in life - you fail spectacularly, and for that I must commend you.. You think you have achieved something? You're in a battle you will never win. Never can win, because you dont make the necessary sacrifices. Your too weak-hearted. You cry at an injured puppy." Reginald sneered, looking at Wesley's hung head he felt anger flaring up inside him "What you've got nothing to say boy? No more bravado? I must say Im disappointed my son - although not entirely"
Angel knew what Reginald was doing, provoking a reaction. He recognised the sheer defeat in Angel's posture, he was crumbling - giving in to his fathers bulling. Just as Angel had once. He knew what Wesley was going through and it infuriated him. He steeped closer to Wesley, but he knew he wouldnt do anything - this was Wesley's battle. Cordelias rant had only worsened situations. For all her good intent, Wesley had to face his father on his own. They would stand by him there was no doubt of that - give his support but only Wesley himself could free himself of his father's control - rid himself of his personal demons, it was going to hurt. But it had to be done or he would be forever disabled by this experience.
Fred hung back in the corner. She hadn't said a word et, and looked too frightened to. This wasn't the Wesley she knew - her Wesley had fought some of the most hideous creatures from hell without blinking. He could charge into a throng of demons or vampires without flinching, but he couldnt handle his own father. Fred felt a fury building up inside of her, that scared her. She didn't like anger - it wasn't good for the soul, but sometimes one needed anger, strength to stand up - the flight/fight response scientists called it. She just prayed Wesley would chose fight. Please Wes, dont let your father get to you, she prayed silently.
Wesley wanted to crawl into a hole, disappear from sight. He felt so ashamed, hed failed his father yet again. He couldnt stand another rebuke - not in front of his friends. This should have been the happiest day of his life - he was going to marry the woman he loved and wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He saw Angel move close, and felt more of his ego deflate. His father was right - he couldn't fight his own battles. Cordelia and Angel stood up to his father - because he could not.
They fought the one battle Wesley couldn't. He had been so sure of himself yesterday, feeling he had truly put his childhood and father behind him, why shouldnt he - it had been seven years since he had last seen his father. Yet in a few minutes he had reduced him to a nervous wreak. Why did his father have such power over him? Why couldn't he love him? Questions whirled round in his head, of which he had no answer to. Giving up again? Taunted the voice You're useless - daddy's right you cant do anythingthe voice kept taunting, goading him. Shut up!! Pleaded Wesley, internally. He couldnt show any weakness in front of his father - but what have you done but shown weakness?! The voice demanded Don't worry - he doesn't expect anything else of you
"They say a man is measured by his friends. An accurate statement - what does it say about you - your friends? A vampire with a soul, two rogue slayers, a singing gay demon, a spoilt brat gifted with The Sight, a street child playing at hunting vampiresand a mad woman who cant stop talking for your future wife, I'm extremely impressed" sarcasm dripped from his words, the sneer all too distinct for Wesley to ignore. It caught his attention. Hed dismissed his friends - the people that had always been there for him no matter what - had accepted him without qualm or hesitation they were his family now, and his father had the nerve to insult each and every one of them
Wesley raised his head, looking at his father. Insulting him was one thing - but these were his friends - his family in many ways and Wesley wouldn't tolerate them being mocked
"These people are my friends - my family. They've stood by me through everything. I doubt you can boast having friends like that. It doesnt matter what they are or where they come from - I trust them with my life - and the mad woman is the woman I love - so I suggest if you want to get out of this place in one piece you stop insulting them" Wesley said calmly. This time he looked his father straight in the eyes. Why did he find his father so intimidating? It was willingness to be a victim - Wesley had always submitted to that role. He had faced the worst friends of hell, Angelus AND Cordelia - what more assurance did he need?
"You know all my childhood, I was terrified of you. You were this all powerful force of discipline that no one dared cross. Things change - Ive changed. You think youll be able to crush me again -and for a while you did, I'll give you that much credit, but I dont tolerate you insulting my friends. You dont know them - anymore than you know me. Im not your terrified son anymore, I've changed and Im not going to be intimated by a bloody dictaitorist nazi!" the last bit came out in a yell. He never once took his eyes off his father. He wanted his father to know that he refused to be intimidated by him anymore. "No one ever stood up to you because they were too afraid to - only Nick tried once - look what happened to him. Six weeks in intensive care - falling down the stairs doesnt leave imprints of finger marks in them. I put up with your abuse because I wanted to be needed - loved, wanted. Even if it meant I put up with someone who hated me - made my life a misery. You were the one thing I could never face. Ive face spawns of Satan that would terrify people - yet I couldn't face my own father. Strange really. Or not so. Sometimes the worst monster is human dont you think. Consider child killers, paedophiles, rapists, murders - all are human with souls which they choose not to use. That's there choice, you choose not to use yours with your children. Thats not my problem - if you have issues with affection you go to a psychotherapist you dont take it out on a scared eight year old, trying to hide under the stairs, terrified of their own FATHER!" Wesley turned to his friends and smiled slightly. "Family support each other - they don't constantly demand success or berate you. They're simply there for you" turning back to his father he regarded him calmly they suddenly punched him in the face. Shocked Reginald grabbed his face, blood pouring from his nose. Wesley had never hit him. He'd never had the courage. "That was for everything you ever put me through" Wesley spat. Looking at his father, slumped on the floor, blood coming from his nose, he no longer looked intimidating, he look pathetic. "I didn't invite you to my wedding. You weren't wanted or needed. I suggest you leave now - or youll find out exactly why Angel was the Scourge of Europe" Wesley stated grimly. Reginald stood up, and looked around, his friends surrounding him, forming a protective barrier between him and Wesley. Angel had his vamp face on, Buffy and Faith moved into fighting mode, as did Gunn. Lorne looked uncharacteristically grim and Cordelia was glaring daggers at him. Wesley himself looked composed, but underneath it was clear he was seething. He knew he was out-numbered and began to turn, when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He spun round at the gesture to face Fred?
"Why did you do it?" she asked quietly "Wes is a good man - he didn't deserve that, no one does. Your family should always love you no matter what. My folks still loved me even when Id been trapped in a terrible demon dimension and I thought I was a monster. They still accepted me. That's what you should've done and I'm sorry you couldn't " she whispered, sympathy clear in her eyes. "Oh I forget -" she began, and slapped Reginald across the cheek "T-that was for saying ah talk to much - ah reckon if you didn't have any one to talk to for five years - ah think you'd talk too much too - you greatbully!" she stuttered, doing her version of angry. Slowly Reginald gathered himself together and walked out. No Wesley wasn't his son - not anymore
"Are you OK?" Cordelia asked, gazing concerndely at her friend. She was glad Wes had stood up to his dad. She heard the man was mean - but up close he was just - evil. Not even the fact he had worn an Armarni suit could have saved him in Cordelias eyes. "I - I think so, yes. I've never really - well never period stood up to him before." He admitted, now embarrassed.
"Hey, Wes you did good" Faith insisted "Really, its good to exorcise your inner demons, believe me"
"I hate to interrupt this lovely Kodac moment, but is there gonna be a wedding - I just adore these shindigs" Lorne asked, looking from Fred to Wesley. Fred looked at Wesley for a moment "You- still wanna get married?" a slight nervousness tinged her voice, as she gazed at Wesley in trepidation. An absolute silence came over the room while they waited for Wesleys reply. "I think so, yes. After all this place wasnt cheep to rent" he smiled. Freds eyes lit up. "Ahm glad you stood up to your dad - oh and ahm sorry for hitting him - but he just got me so mad." She admitted, looking at Wesley sheepishly.
"Oh please - he SO deserved that - spoilt seer - yeah right!" snorted Cordelia indignantly, as they made their way back to the aisle. Buffy stopped for a moment, as she adjusted Connor in her arms. Angel hung back "You know, exactly the same thing happened to Xander - his parents wreaked him, only he ran away. Wes stood up to him" she sighed sadly, looking at Fred and Wes gazing at each other. "Xander really loves Anya and he left her because he couldnt handle his family."
"They're still together" Angel pointed out gently.
Yyeah, living in sin with a child. But Xander couldn't stand up to his dad, and he lost his chance to put his past behind him because he couldn't. I couldn't stop Spikes emotional abuse, because I felt so worthless, I know how Wes felt, and I wanted to kill his father. Both me and Xander have been through it - so have you. We know how emotionally draining it is and how difficult it is the break the cycle - but Wesley did. He should be proud of himself - cause I am" Buffy sniffed, a tear trickling down her cheek. Angel pulled her close to him, allowing Connor to rest on his shoulder, while Buffy snuggled into his chest "It's OK. Xander and Anya are still happy, so are Wes and Fred - and you got away from Spike. You were in a bad place, it wasn't your fault" he insisted.
"I know, I shouldn't be crying its supposed to be a happy day - but I just keep remembering Xander's face when he left Anya. I'll never forget the looks on their faces."
"Shhh, shhh. Its alright. We all mess up Buffy - its part of being human - or vampire" he grinned. "Come on, we've got a wedding to attend to, and Wess kill me if were not there on time."
"Have you got the rings?" Buffy asked, an anxious look on her face, that would just be the icing on the cake - Angel forgetting the rings! "Yep, right here", he took a sleepy Connor from Buffy, holding him against his shoulder, as he took Buffy's head and walked to the ceremony.
Buffy took her place in the front row, as Angel handed over Connor to Buffy, he yawned slightly and snuggled up to Buffy. Buffy gently brushed his dark hair out of his eyes. Considering he was only two he looked incredibly like Angel. She smiled as Angel took his place next to Wesley.
A gentle fanfare announced Freds entrance. She looked beautiful in a simple gown of white. Her long hair pilled on top of her head, stating her natural elegance. She looked radiant, happiness was shinning out from he, gazing at her father she grinned and he squeezed her arm affectionately. He knew Fred couldnt have found a better man than Wesley. Wesley caught his breath at the sight of her as he waited patiently for her to join him.
Neither heard much of what the vicar said until he turned to them. "Do you Wesley Matthew Wyndam Pryce take Winnifred Claire Berkley take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold for better or worse, for richer for poorer and in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do" he simply replied
"Do you Winnifred Claire Berkley take Wesley Matthew Wyndam Pryce this man to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold for better or worse, for richer for poorer and in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do"
"I know pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride" the vicar smiled as the couple embraced, following several cat-calls and wolf-whistles. Buffy gazed at Angel who smiled back - someday they would do doing this - of that she was certain
***~~~***
At the reception Lorne was singing a gentle love song as couples danced. Buffy was sitting with a sleeping Connor laying on her chest. Angel came up towards her and smiled. "Hey" he whispered, she smiled at him, to tired to make any witty comebacks. "You want to dance?" Angel offered.
"Love to but the Munchkins kinda fell asleep on me" she grinned.
"I'll take him!" offered Dawn immediately. Buffy grinned. She could tell Dawn would be a good mum. The way she constantly fussed over Connor was a sure sign "Thanks Dawn, careful - make sure you support his head, don't wake him!" ordered Buffy
"I know how to handle babies. Besides Connor loves being with me, don't you little guy?" she cooed, and was rewarded with a sleepy yawn.
Angel took Buffy's hand and lead her out to the dance floor as a slow romantic song began to play. "I'm so glad they got married" Buffy sighed.
"Yeah it would have been a bummer - all this preparation and no wedding" he grinned. With a contented sigh, she rested her head on Angel's chest, as he pulled her closer to him, it felt like Buffys senior prom all over again, only without the heart ache. He felt a warm, fuzzy feeling come over him as they gently swayed to the music. Cordelia came up to Dawn, who was gently rocking a sleep Connor, both looked at Buffy and Angel on the dancefloor. "They are so going to get back together" exclaimed Cordelia quietly
"Yep, I give it two weeks" Dawn predicted proudly
"Oh, screw two weeks, I swear if theyre not back together within a week, I will make it my personal mission to get those two back together - by any means necessary!" she vowed. Dawn simply smirked, as she watcher Buffy and Angel sway to the music. As Lorne crooned out another love song, Fred gazed at Wesley "I love you" she whispered "And I'm glad we got married"
"So am I" he whispered, as he gently kissed her forehead more than you'll ever know he added silently to himself.
