Disclaimers, See Part 1
Email: LunarMyth


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Weeks passed and soon it was only three days before graduation. She hadn't heard back from Angel, but it wasn't the top most thing her mind. No, she was stressing about much different things, like Commencement and the last summer she'd have with her friends and when she'd exactly get around to telling Riley she wanted him to take her away. The closer it got to the day, the more she knew he'd put up a fight. He wouldn't want to leave on the spur of the moment. But the closer the closer it got to the day, the more compelled Buffy felt to make a run for it. She felt confined and that was not a good feeling for a Slayer. Look where it had gotten her the last time.

It was just that her life seemed to be falling apart again. Of course she'd known they would all part ways eventually. Buffy just hadn't thought eventually would come so quickly. In a locked up part inside of her, she'd always hoped they would stay together forever. They could all live in the same neighborhood and have kids who would grow up to be 'Scooby Gang: the Next Generation'. And now it seemed as if the last of her "childhood" dreams were slipping away. It hurt to part with them.

At least she still had Riley. Good, old, dependable Riley. He was like her best friend. "Like." He wasn't supposed to be "like" her best friend. He was supposed to *be* her best friend. But he was a source of reliability, and for that reason Buffy was determined to hold on to him for all she was worth. Stability was the last thing she had to hope for.

"Hey, are you going to Jonathan's party after the ceremony?" Willow asked as she walked into Buffy's bedroom.

Buffy looked up with a start. She'd been resting on her bed and daydreaming for the past couple of hours. "What? Oh, uh, yeah. I think I talked to Riley about it. I think he said yes."

Willow turned to her friend and knelt down by her bedside. "Buffy, what's wrong? You've been so withdrawn lately. I'm beginning to worry about you. What's this about? And when did Riley start dictating where you can and cannot go?"

Buffy sat up and smiled slightly. "He doesn't. And I'm not withdrawn. I'm just thinking. You know, how everything's changing." She stood up and walked to her closet, searching through her wardrobe for something suitable to wear on her date with Riley later that night.

"But you're the one person who should be most used to changes, Buff. You're so much stronger than any of the rest of us. You've been through so much more. I mean, we know everything's changing too. And it scares us. At least you'll still be in a familiar place," Willow tried to comfort her.

"Actually, I won't," Buffy told her, though her voice was muffled by layers of clothes.

"What do you mean?"

Buffy poked her head out. "I mean I'm not going to be around here. I plan on leaving shortly after graduation. I...I just have to get away for a while, Will."

The red head nodded thoughtfully. "I can see your point. I think you're right. Even Slayers deserve a vacation now and then..." she trailed off as she saw Buffy shake her head. "What?" she asked with a feeling of impending dread.

"More. Not just a vacation. And I don't mean that I'm giving up my Slayer duties. I guess you can think of it as going out in search of the world's monsters. I'm going, and I don't expect I'll be coming back for a few years."

"But, but Buffy! This is the...the Hellmouth! We need you here. You're like...like the Sunnydale Army -- you know, if we had an army -- all rolled into one person." Her voice softened as she saw the resolve on her friend's face. "What's going to happen to this place if you're not here to protect everyone?"

Buffy walked out, her movements alive with frustration. "I don't know, Wills. I don't know," she threw her hands up in confusion. "I suppose the same thing will happen here that happens all over the rest of the world. Life -- both good and evil -- will continue. Things will go back to the way they were before I ever came here."

Willow was quiet. "And we both know how Sunnydale would have turned out if you'd never come," she referred to their brief knowledge of a different Sunnydale in a different dimension.

"Maybe," Buffy conceded. "For all we know there are millions of dimensions for every choice we could possibly make. I'm sure in one of them, Sunnydale is a nice, healthy place." She paced around her room. She'd already begun to pack some things into boxes. "Look, all I know is that I can't stay here right now. I can't stay here and watch everyone walk away." Buffy's voice was husky with unshed tears as she turned away from her friend. "I can't go through those feelings again."

Willow's heart ached for her best friend. She'd known that this was coming. Having all of her friends "abandon" her was bringing back memories of Angel. She almost felt guilty before she realized that Buffy had to know that they weren't leaving her like he did. "It's not like that, Buffy. We're all going to stay close. We're best friends. We're your Slayerettes."

Buffy put a smile on for her friend. Better Willow never know the pain that struck so deep in her heart. "You're right," she said with false brightness. "Plus, you're only a few hours away. And there's always the computer, right? If we desperately need your help, maybe you could do some research over the 'Net and send it to us."

"Absolutely. With technology these days, it won't even feel like we're gone. You won't even notice. I promise."

The Slayer walked to her friend and gave her a quick hug. "Well, I'm gonna be late for dinner with Riley, so I need to go hop in the shower. Tell Oz I said hi when you see him later, k?"

"I didn't say I was going to see..." Willow grinned as she saw Buffy's knowing look. "Okay. I'll tell him you said hi."


============


Buffy sat at the table set beautifully with the cafe's finest china, crystal and silver. Two candles glowed on top of their table and the courtyard area was decorated with hundreds of little white twinkle lights and standing candelabras, lending a golden aura to the cool, romantic night.

"I feel like I should be wondering what this is about," she whispered to Riley. He'd reserved the entire courtyard for them only and had it decorated to suit his tastes. It was unlike him, but extremely sweet.

Riley grinned. "It's mere homage to your beauty, Buffy."

She laughed. "Oh, you're bringin' out the big guns now. What'd you do or what do you want?" She noticed how his green eyes darkened at her words and immediately sobered. "Oh God, what happened?"

"Well, I have to tell you the truth, Buffy. I do want something from you."

Millions of possibilities ran through her mind. If he needed to go to all this trouble to soften her up, it must be something bad. Riley stood up and she watched him with the same wariness of a deer caught in headlights.

"I don't know how to say this," he started, his back turned towards her.

Buffy's blood ran cold. No, this was not good at all. With dread she watched him turn around slowly.

"But it's something I've been thinking about for a while. And I guess there's no time like the present to come clean. So...." He walked to where she was sitting and got down on one knee, trying to bite back a laugh as her large eyes opened even wider. He lifted her left hand gently in his own and placed the open black velvet box in her upturned palm. "Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife, Buffy Anne Summers?"

She was stunned. She hadn't seen it coming, though she didn't know how she'd missed the clues. Her gaze drifted to the gorgeous diamond ring in her palm. It was stunning. His wealthy background was evident in the exquisite two carat marquis cut golden engagement ring. Tears threatened to overflow as she looked at him. Her Riley. He was a good man. A wonderful man. And he'd love her. This was what she'd wanted, wasn't it? And yet in that tiny locked part of her heart, her small dreams were pounded to dust by a little sledgehammer.

"Well?" he asked softly, expectantly.

Buffy nodded. "Yes," she whispered hoarsely. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Riley jumped up and let out a little whoop of joy. Then he noticed she was still sitting down and composed himself. "Sorry," he mumbled embarrassedly as realized he'd forgotten to put the ring on her finger. That simple act did it. She was his. He gazed into her liquid green eyes, unaware that his own dark green gaze held in them a soft amazement. "I love you," he told her before leaning forward to kiss her with a sweet passion.

Though she kissed him back recklessly, deep inside Buffy was glad he'd taken away her need to say the same to him.


============


"Married?!?!" Spike and Xander screeched at the same time. When Buffy had returned home she'd found them hanging out with Willow and Oz. The rock on her hand had been rather conspicuous, so she'd had to tell them exactly what happened.

"What on earth would make you wanna go and do that?" Xander asked.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm twenty-two, a Slayer and I'm not getting any younger. Don't even know how much older I'm gonna get, so might as well experience it while I can."

"I think the Boy Wonder means, 'Why him?'"

Buffy glared at Spike. "Because he loves me and this is what I want in my life. Why not him? I know I'm pretty out of it, what with my Slayer duties and all, but really, I don't see any other takers."

Spike flushed. "Doesn't mean we have to like it."

"I don't really care if you like it or not, luv. This is my life," she said, grinning.

Willow stood up and embraced Buffy. "I'm so happy for you," she whispered. With a sniffle, she stepped back. "So," she asked. "When's the big day?"

"Well," Buffy started as she stepped out of her shoes and got comfortable on the couch. "Riley and I both agree it shouldn't be too long after Commencement. I mean, with the honeymoon and me wanting to get away, it just seems like the right time. We both don't see a need for a big ceremony. I was actually considering next Saturday."

"Saturday? Buffy, that's barely more than a week away!" Xander told her.

"I'm aware of that. I told you, we don't want a large to-do. In fact, I'm thinking night time, small group of friends, outdoorsy, justice of the peace type thing."

"Well, I think it's romantic," Willow said, standing by her friend's decision.

"Willow, you'd think it was romantic even if Buff wanted to get married while she was staking half a dozen baddies," Xander said, exasperated.

"Well, I'm so glad that in my time of happiness, I know which friends will stand by me and which ones won't," she said pointedly to Spike and Xander.

"Whatever. Listen to me, I love ya, Buffster. But I just think you're making a huge mistake. Why don't you take a few months and think this over?"

"I don't have a few months, Xander. I appreciate your concern, but I've made up my mind."

Xander shrugged and left the apartment.

"You know, for once I agree with the fool. I don't think you should take this step so quickly, pet."

Buffy shook her head. "I don't care. This is my life. I'm gonna live it the way I want to live it. I'm sorry if it doesn't make everyone else happy. I'm also sorry I had to come home to the Inquisition. I'm going to bed, if you don't mind," she said and walked out of the room.

"You two could have been more accepting," Willow chastised Spike.

"Look, Red. I'm just as evil as the next guy, but you and I both know this isn't what's best for the Slayer. And we also know why she's doing it. But if you want to stand by and condone it, fine with me." He picked up his duster and put it on. "Just don't come to me when she's crying about the bloody mess she's gotten herself into."

Willow sighed and looked down at her boyfriend. "Well, I guess I should at least talk to Buffy. I mean, Spike has a point. But I do think Buffy loves Riley." She sighed in confusion. "What do you think?"

Oz stood up and wrapped his arms around her. "I think you're the best friend Buffy has right now and that you should go talk to her." He kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Willow smiled. "You know it." She watched as the last person left and then made her way to Buffy's bedroom. "Can I come in?" she called out as she knocked.

"Sure." Buffy was laying face down on her bed, her arms covering her head.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Okayyy. Well then, how was dinner?"

"Fine. Peachy keen. Got engaged. The fettucini was nothing to write home about. You know, the usual."

"Cool. Did you have dessert?"

"Umm hmmm. Great tiramisu."

"I'll have to remember that. Oz likes Italian."

"No."

Willow looked up in surprise. "No what?"

"No, I don't think I'm making a mistake. No, I don't know what I'm doing. No, I don't know how I feel about him. No, I don't want to stay here. No."

She nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. "You know, you don't have to rush this."

Buffy turned over, her hazel eyes a dark cinnamon color and red from crying. "Yes, I do. I do because I've got to get away from here. I do, because this might be my only chance to lead a normal life."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" she asked her friend in concern.

Buffy laughed bitterly. "How can I not be? From the moment I stepped foot in Sunnydale, it's all I've heard. I need a normal life. If I share Slaying duties, I can have more of a normal life. If I go to college, I can have more of a normal life. If I don't love HIM, I can have more of a normal life. A normal life is what I deserve. Isn't it?" Buffy asked contemptuously.

"You deserve what makes you happy."

Buffy flopped back down on the bed. "I deserve a normal life, no more, no less. Riley's normal. I deserve Riley."

Willow was frightened by the emotionless tone of Buffy's voice. She leaned down and kissed her head. "Sleep on it. In the morning, maybe things will seem better." Buffy didn't answer her, so she walked out of the room, afraid for her friend's mental and emotional well-being.


==============


"She's doing it," he heard Spike say on the other end of the line. His tone was incredulous, as if even he couldn't believe what he was telling Angel.

"Doing what?" Angel tried to sound bored or disinterested. Ever since he'd received his "invitation" to be at her commencement he'd tried to get Buffy out of his head. But he was used to Spike calling him up at all hours of the morning, merely to report on one of Buffy's new exploits. He vaguely wondered what it was this time. Maybe she'd tried to stake Spike? Now that would have been interesting news.

Spike sputtered. "You-you're not even listening to me, you Great Poof! You are the most idiotic being I've ever met, and I have no joy in calling you my Sire!"

"Woah there, Junior. What's going on? I'm getting the feeling I lost a piece of the puzzle." Angel placed his client's folder on the desk and made a conscious effort to pay attention to Spike, but his thoughts kept drifting. She was graduating in two days. He wondered briefly if he should make an appearance, but it was a useless thought. Nothing good could come of it. Plus, she was leaving. It would make saying good-bye again that much harder. The thought that he wouldn't know where she was any longer scared him; even though he'd disappeared for a while after leaving Sunnydale, he'd always known she would be there. Now she wouldn't. Angel woke from his reverie as Spike began screaming into his ear.

"...YOU BLOODY FOOL! SHE'S THE BEST THING TO COME IN TO BOTH OF OUR LIVES. IF I'D KNOWN YOU WERE A BLOODY PANSY ASSED WANKER, I'D HAVE MADE A MOVE ON HER A LONG TIME AGO! YOU NOT ONLY RUINED YOUR CHANCE, YOU RUINED MINE! NOW NEITHER OF US CAN HAVE HER! COR! I HATE YOU! WITH A PASSION!"

"Hold on, back it up. I think you lost me again. As far as I knew, you never had a chance with her. And even if you did, why is it over?"

Silence spoke volumes on the other end of the line.

"Let me spell it out for you, mate. Buffy. Is. Getting. Married."

Spike's words stopped Angel cold. Married? To whom? When? Why? "When? Where? Who? Why?"

Spike sighed audibly. "And you call yourself a detective? Married. Next Saturday. In Sunnydale. To that snotty Riley man. And supposedly 'cause it's what she wants to do. Does that answer all of your questions?"

"No," Angel balked stubbornly. She couldn't be getting married. "Why didn't she tell me?"

"Yeah, that's a brilliant question. Can I pick an answer? 'Cause you're her ex. 'Cause you left her. 'Cause she loved you. 'Cause you haven't even written her back. 'Cause it's none of your business. 'Cause you don't care. 'Cause -"

"Enough!" Angel roared, drawing stares from both Doyle and Cordelia.

"Oh, but I really could go on."

Angel tried to take a few calming breaths, but they had no effect on him. "If you want her so much, why don't you stop it?"

Spike snickered. "Why? Precisely because I do care about her. I don't think this is the right thing for her, but in a big way it *is* what she wants. As much as I should want to kill her, and many times I do feel that way still, I want her happy. She deserves it. More than any of the piddling fools she's surrounded by, myself included. And yet she's destined to have the unhappiest time of it out of all of us. Too bad someone couldn't have saved her from it. It'll most likely turn out for the best, though. The Slayer will become settled. She'll get sloppy, what with no teacher and protector around. She'll probably pass quickly. It'll just be another Slayer out of the picture," he said callously.

"Damn you," Angel muttered.

"Sorry, I think someone beat you to that," Spike said, grinning into the phone. "So, you coming down here or not?"

Angel thought about it. He had no choice, really. If he couldn't stop her from marrying this Riley person, at least he could see her one last time. He had to have that.

"We'll see," he said and hung up the phone.

"Well, did it work?" Xander asked anxiously. He hadn't wanted to resort to calling up Dead Boy, but it was the only option.

"Oh yeah, he'll come. Just be ready for the fireworks," he said, still smirking.

"You know, you were pretty convincing with that whole 'I'm in love with the Slayer' spiel. Did he really buy it?"

Spike's gaze darkened and he shrugged. "Who's to know. I'd tell any lie to get the wanker down here. It worked, didn't it?" he asked defiantly.

Xander held up his hands in surrender. "Yeah, yeah. I mean, if I didn't know you better, I would have through twice about it myself."

Spike nodded. "Well you do know better. Now why don't you get the hell outta my house so I can get some sleep? It may be breakfast for you, but it's nappy time for me."


===========


"Willow, I haven't seen you this jumpy in years," Buffy chided.

"Oh, stop it. I can't help it. You realize that in less than an hour, our college career is over?" The small red head was practically bouncing off the walls of the ladies' room. They had gotten ready at their apartment before picking Xander and Oz up and making their way to the campus auditorium. The seats were already filling up with family and friends.

"Well, not everyone's. You'll be starting all over again in the fall, Dr. Rosenberg." She smiled as she watched her friend straighten her gown, fix her hair, and fiddle with her cap one last time.

"True. Still. This is like...like a...a milestone in our young lives. It's a turning point. Where we go from here is just a -"

"Chill, Will," Buffy said laughingly. She glanced into the mirror as she applied a coat of lip gloss. "Fighting an Ascension was a milestone. This is a piece of cake. So relax and enjoy it." She smacked her lips together and held out her hand. "Ready to turn the world on its ear?"

Willow smiled and linked her arm through Buffy's. "Don't know that I'm quite ready to take the nation by storm. But I think this is a good first step. You know," she said as they walked out of the bathroom and towards the hall, "for a woman who's getting married in five days, you're pretty calm and collected....."


===============


He stood near the back exit of the auditorium and watched as the girl of his dreams closed the book on yet another chapter of her life. She was remarkable, really. And unmistakable. Even in the sea of black robes, Angel spotted Buffy immediately. She was like a beacon to him, with her golden hair and bright smile, not to mention the subtle grace and poise that all Slayers carried themselves with. It did seem, however, that he was not the only one who noticed how special she was. As the ceremony ended, students and faculty alike swarmed around Buffy and Willow, exchanging good wishes and desires to "get together soon". Neither did he miss the tall, sandy haired man who held her so possessively in the crook of his arm. Just as he himself would have been doing. If he'd stayed.

"Can't even let her know you're here, can you?" Angel heard the annoyingly familiar British voice say.

"Now what good would that do?" he asked.

"So you're trying to tell me you *didn't* come here to win her back?" Spike queried.

"Not at all. She asked me to be here. I'm here. And I'll be leaving shortly." His temper was dark and he was not in the mood to talk to Spike about his feelings.

"But Angelus," Spike started smoothly. "Don't you at least want to stick around to see the bride given away? It's only five days. Saturday night. It won't be a big thing. Just an...intimate gathering."

"I don't want to intrude on Buffy's time," he ground out.

"Mmmm. Of course you don't. You can't bear the thought that she might turn you down flat if she saw you again, can you? Or do you fear that she would hold on to you and never let you go? I don't know. Don't care. Either way you're just a scared bastard."

"I'm not -" Angel started.

"No. You listen to me," Spike hissed. "I used to look up to you. You were my Sire. You embodied everything I wanted to be. And then you had to go and find yourself with a soul again. I was crushed. I had to see my Sire as a sniveling little babe. And I never thought I'd be as disgusted with anyone as I was with you then. But I was wrong." He looked away from Angel and towards the Slayer. "You've far surpassed any amount of disgust I could have had with you then. I might not have a bloody soul, but I can't help but feel a tenderness for the Slayer. I'd do anything in my power to see that feisty spirit of hers again. And I have, haven't I? You're here. She's here. And yet you're too much of a fool to do anything about it. Tell me something, besides yourself, how many people in your unholy life have you *ever* loved?" Spike looked him over with a scathing glance. "Think about that when you walk away this time." With that, Spike disappeared into the crowd of well-wishers.

Angel's gaze wandered over the rowdy mess of people in one last search for Buffy. He turned and slipped quietly out through the exit. Spike was right in assuming he wouldn't leave yet. He had one last chance to see her, and he wasn't going to pass it up.


===============


He hadn't come. He hadn't shown up. She'd seen Cordelia, but there had been no Angel. Of course, the fact shouldn't surprise her. Had she really thought he'd make the effort? After they way she'd ignored him for so long?

Buffy sat on Jonathon's sofa, watching the partygoers mill around and dance and drink. Had she really spent the last four years with these people? It didn't matter. She would be leaving them far behind soon.

Yes, she'd thought he'd at least come to the ceremony. Maybe wave, say hello, and disappear all over again. But that wasn't bitterness creeping up on her, was it? He could have at least said good-bye. Perhaps that was what was getting to her. The fact that soon she'd be gone, and there would be no Angel to save her if she needed help. He would no longer know where to run when she was in distress. She felt...alone.

Which was silly because Riley was sitting right next to her. Very close to her. Practically on top of her.

Buffy stood up suddenly. When she looked down at her fiance -- a word she was still getting used to -- she saw the confused look on his face. "I...I just need to get something to drink," she offered lamely. "Want anything?"

Riley smiled. "Just a beer, if you don't mind, dear."

Buffy nodded and trudged towards the crowded kitchen. Seeing so many people made her feel claustrophobic, so she turned around and headed outside through the open sliding door. The night air was warm and breezy and it soothed the restlessness in Buffy's soul. She walked over to a small tree and climbed into it's limbs, listening to the muffled sound of rock music blaring from the house. When had her life gotten so...trite? Was this the way it would be if she stayed in Sunnydale? Weekend barbecues with the neighbors and grabbing beers for her *husband*? But that wouldn't be her life. No, she was leaving in a few short days and all she had to do was pick a place.

The shadows seemed to move and dance around her, and for once Buffy didn't care if the nasties of the night inhabited them. *He* was out there. Somewhere. If she deigned to admit it to herself, *he* was the fire that had been extinguished in her life. She hadn't died. Life went on living. The world kept spinning. And she found a new meaning to her life, a tenuous thread that let her hang on to the things she used to know. Riley.

She laughed and sniffled at her morose thoughts. She was getting married soon and there was so much she needed to do. There just wasn't time to look backwards.

Especially since he hadn't even cared to say good-bye.





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