Title: This Look of Love
Rating: PG and that is for a curse word or two.
Feedback: Go for it. This is for all of you not me.
Archive: Copy, cut, paste I don’t care it’s all for pens anyway. No one in my house wants to read it.
Summary: This fic takes place about a year after Willow and Tara graduate. The entire gang is here from S6. Willow and Tara are getting ready for a very big event. MAJOR romance… zero ANGST J
Author’s Note: Some of the events in this fic actually took place in my own life. Of course some did not. You can use your imagination and decide which are which. Enjoy
Copyright Disclaimer: Joss and Company owns all the characters. But they are alive and happy here. So screw ME. Not me, but you know ME.
Chapter 3 Countdown
“I’m heading out back,” Dawn stated to her sister. “According to my itinerary here I’m supposed to make sure the flowers are set up and everything’s ready.” “Buffy, it also says that I should remind you that you are supposed to help me.” Dawn giggled at the little smilie that Willow had inserted into this task. In fact Willow had inserted a lot of them into hers, it made her feel very special.
“Right, I’m ready to roll,” Buffy replied. “Just help me pull up the zipper here on my dress.” Buffy wriggled a bit trying to get it herself.
Dawn gave a quick pull on the zipper, and spun her sister to look directly at her. Buffy was wearing a beautiful ¾ length red velvet dress trimmed with white lace. “Wow Buffy, you look very beautiful. Hey, Tara.” Dawn yelled.
Tara looked up from pulling on her dress. “What sweetie?”
“You have great taste in clothes.” Dawn replied. Anya and Buffy just looked at each other trying to hide their obvious amusement in Dawn’s statement. “You actually made my sister look like a girl.”
Tara smiled brightly at Dawn and laughed along with Buffy and Anya. Buffy and Dawn left the room together to finish the last few tasks on their very large lists of things to do.
Tara and Anya were alone together now putting the finishing touches on Tara’s dress. Anya was remembering the day she and Xander actually got married and Tara was wondering if time could move faster because she wanted to see Willow. It had been less than twenty-four hours since they had seen each other, but it felt like months.
“So there you are.” Anya said with a smile. “You’re all set.” She patted and swiped the back of the dress. “Every button is buttoned, zipper zipped, ready to go. Any last questions you need me to answer before you take the long walk? You know I’ve done this before, twice actually.”
“Yes, I remember,” Tara replied with a grin. “I’m actually Ok. No questions. No worries.”
“Well OK, if you’re sure.” Anya responded with a straight face. “I am pretty sure that this is the point where the butterflies fill your gut and you pray that the groom isn’t running out the back door to hide from the eternally bonding lifelong commitment.”
Tara giggled a bit and looked at Anya. “I am 100% certain that Willow is here and everything is fine and we are going to be married without...” Tara was cut off quickly.
“Don’t say another word,” Anya said sharply. “This is Sunnydale, land of the hell mouth. Don’t tempt fate.”
“Right!” Tara nodded. “I’m ready to go, is it time? I’d really like to see Willow right now.”
                                ********
“I can’t believe that Willow wanted us to leave Tara with Anya.” Buffy said looking at her little sister. “I mean who knows what she could be saying to her. She might scare the crap out of Tara.”
“Tara is fine,” Dawn reminded her sister. “Nothing is going to keep Willow and Tara apart, not even Anya.”
“I guess you are right Dawn,” Buffy replied as she pushed open the doors leading to the courtyard of the cultural center. “WOW,” Buffy said in awe.
“This looks beautiful,” Dawn spoke with wide eyes. “Willow has done a wonderful job out here.”
“Thanks,” Willow said with a broad grin. Buffy and Dawn turned to see Xander and Willow walking from the opposite exit door. “I had a lot of help.” Willow said waving her 35 page master copy of the itinerary. The four of them stood together each holding their own copy of differing size.
“And in a few minutes these will be history,” Xander laughed slapping his hand in the pile of paper. “I’m actually going to miss my weekly updates and additions. I’ve been hauling this around for so long I’m going to miss the extra pounds.”
They all looked at him and laughed.
“Well you know,” Willow replied, “I’m actually updating the software so the lists can be downloaded into a PDA. It just needs a bit of tweaking, I was busy, obviously, but after the honeymoon I’ll have time to finish.”
“Oh, so then no more tree sacrifices for the greater glory of wedded bliss?” Xander added with a sarcastic smile.
“Right,” Willow looked with a disapproving smirk. “And come on I didn’t use that much paper.”
“Who are you trying to fool,” Buffy looked directly at Willow. “Come on Will, you have been sliding these pages under our doors for months. I’m glad the day is finally here so I don’t slip and fall on my ass every time I come home from patrolling.”
The small group just laughed together until they realized the crowd was in place and they were a few minutes from start time.
“Well then don’t all of you look wonderful?” Giles said in a fatherly tone. “And Willow you are such a beautiful sight.”
Willow gave a quick side-to-side spin of her beautiful 3/4-length dress. It was bright white trimmed with red lace around the mid cut neck line. Giles slid in front of Buffy and Dawn hugging Willow tightly.
“Thank you Giles,” Willow replied as they separated. “I should get back inside, it’s just about time. You all have your schedules, so go get in your spots.” Willow turned and walked back into the building. Just as she entered Anya walked out the other door. Anya noticed the Scooby group and she walked over.
“So she all set?” Anya asked.
“Yep, she just went back inside,” Xander answered.
“So did you bring it Buffy?” Anya asked.
“Oh yes,” Buffy said with a gratified smile. “I have been waiting to do this for months.” Buffy moved around the side of the building waving the rest of the Scoobies over. They all stood in front of an ancient urn beautifully adorned with hand painted animal symbols. Giles pulled a match from his coat pocket, lighting the kindling in the bottom of the urn.
“I feel like we should chant or something,” Dawn chimed in. “It’s like the changing of the guards.” She giggled at her words. Buffy looked in confusion.
“Don’t even try to explain,” Giles told Dawn. “We don’t have the time.” They both just gave a smirk.
“I’ll give you a chant,” Anya spat in frustration. “I’m glad to be rid of this friggin wad.” With those words Anya tossed her itinerary into the flaming vessel followed quickly by Xander, Buffy, Dawn and Mr. Giles.
“Good Lord!” Giles stepped back quickly. “I do believe we may have to call the fire department.” They all looked at each other relief falling over them. Laughter consumed the group and they quickly moved away from the now smoldering urn.
“I’ll just move this over into the bushes,” Buffy said waving her hand to keep the smoke out of her eyes. “Maybe I’ll dump a bit of water over it too, just in case.”
Anya, Dawn and Buffy moved through the grass into the courtyard. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of red and white roses, mixed with hundreds of dripping vanilla scented candles. They walked up the cobblestone path to the red and white trellis intricately adorned with a combination of red and white velvet ribbon interlaced with red and white roses. It smelled like heaven, and the yard was filled with peace. Every detail for the day was in order every person took their position.
“You ready?” Xander peeked his head in the door looking at Willow.
“Oh, absolutely,” she energetically replied.
Xander closed the door and looked over at Giles giving the thumbs up. Giles opened his door, peeked his head in and gasped to catch his breath. “Tara, why you look like an angel. I’ve never seen you shine so brightly. I’d have to say you are actually glowing.”
Tara blushed bright red from the compliment and looked directly at Giles. “Thank you Mr. Giles, today I feel like I’m floating on air.”
“Then you are ready?” Giles asked.
“Oh, Yes!” she leapt toward the door.
“Well OK then I’ll signal to start the music,” Giles closed the door and turned to signal Buffy, who in turn signaled the musicians. The music began to play.
The soft sounds of a guitar began to strum as a piano joined in with the dulcet sounds of a flute. With that queue, Giles and Xander opened the doors and Willow and Tara were revealed to the crowd of friends. Xander and Giles each reached forward to take the hands of the ladies guiding each out their door. Simultaneously Willow and Tara turned to look at one another. Overwhelming smiles of love, passion and excitement moved across their faces as they stepped across the cobblestone path.
In the Courtyard a woman stepped forward and began to sing:
Let me say once more that I love you
One more time or just maybe two
That I love the way that you love me
And I want to know more or youTara and Willow walked toward each other. As the two paths met they joined hands. When the two women interlaced their fingers they were visibly strengthened. It was electric. Peace and Love guided them as they walked toward the center of the courtyard.
Let me say once more that I need you
One more time or just maybe two
That my life will always be richer
For the time I’ve spent here with you
Tell me that time can’t erase
The way that my heart sees your faceThey proudly walked together. They noticed a few college friends and coworkers but remained focused on one another. Their hearts were racing and their souls were singing.
“You look so beautiful,” Willow whispered glancing at Tara.
“So do you,” Tara smiled sending her a quick kiss in the air.
You call my name
I look your way
It’s clear you trust each word I say
When life is long and problems come
You’ll always be my only one
Tell me that time won’t erase, this look of love.
I love you… I do I do I do…Willow and Tara reached the center of the rose covered trellis. The music slowly faded. Tara took in a large breath of the sweet scented air. She looked into Willow’s eyes and without making a sound she mouthed the words, “I do.”
“I do too,” Willow silently returned the sentiment.
TBC
Urn of Osiris
_________________**
WILLOW: That's a work ethic! Buffy, you're developing a work ethic.
BUFFY: Oh, no. Do they make an ointment for that
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