Sequel AU NC-17: Happily Ever After

[Ice]

I Do!

3 hours until ‘I do’….

Giles had arrived an hour after he hung up the phone to Willow. The Scoobies had been thrilled that he had been asked to give Willow away.

“Will. We’re back!” Blaze yelled as she and Giles came into the small flat. She heard the shower running so offered Giles a drink while they waited for the redhead to finish.
Appearing ten minutes later, dressed in a towel and a grin, Willow hugged Giles. “I want to get to the hotel to make sure everything is going well.” she announced suddenly.
“Willow, we’ve been through this.” Blaze told her, a hint of mild annoyance in her tone. “Everything will be great. All you have to do is remember your vows and enjoy yourself.”
Blaze’s tone left little doubt that there was no way she would be letting Willow leave the flat before she deemed the time was right.


Tara had just gotten out the bath, her long blonde hair dripping water down her back. Emerging into the bedroom, she saw Vince ironing his white shirt. Between her and Blaze, they had sorted out a suit for him and Tara had surprised him with it that morning.
The room looked more like a wedding store than a regular person’s bedroom, Vince’s suit hung from the bed, its protective plastic cover thrown onto a chair. Melissa’s bridesmaid dress hung next to it, the similarity to Tara's was noticeable, the deep claret material dotted rarely with the odd white rose. Melissa had said it was the negative image of what Tara was wearing, and despite the word ‘negative’ Tara had to agree.
Tara's dress was laid out over the bed, its corset had had its hanging ability removed as they had irritated Tara and made her itchy.
Taking in the view, Tara felt her heart race, the magnitude of the day finally hitting her. “I’m getting married!” she said suddenly, “Oh my god, I'm really getting married.” Vince put the iron on its stand before crossing to his friend and hugging her supportively. “Its going to be great Tara, just breathe!” he told her, placing a delicate kiss on her wet hair.

2 hours to go….

Willow was sitting at the dresser in Blaze’s bedroom, regarding her reflection carefully. Her make up was delicate, her eyes highlighted and bright. She had spent a total of three days trying to decide what to do with her hair, and since she didn’t know what Tara was planning, they had eventually decided that she should leave it down. Inhaling deeply, she took to her feet and crossed to the suit that was hanging on the back of a door, piling her hair temporarily atop her head, Willow shrugged out of the dressing gown and traced her fingers over the soft material of the suit.
Behind her, Blaze watched as her ever organised friend fought with nerves and anticipation. “Will?” she asked quietly, causing the redhead to turn. “I have something for you.” she said, as Willow slipped into the fitted trousers, then the long jacket. Having decided that she would go without a shirt, Willow felt the warm material brush against her breasts as she buttoned the few buttons. Looking up to meet Blaze’s eyes, she frowned slightly at the tears she saw there. “Blaze? Are you ok?” she asked meekly.
“I got you something.” Blaze said again, dropping her eyes and fidgeting in the doorway. Extending her hand, Willow crossed to take the box offered to her. In silence, she flipped open its lid and gasped in surprise at what she saw there. A simple white gold chain with a long diamond droplet on the end adorned the box. “It’s for you, to say congratulations.” Blaze told her as she lifted the necklace from its velvet bed. “Oh Blaze, it’s beautiful.” Willow whispered, fresh tears stinging her eyes and threatening her newly applied make up.
As Blaze fastened the catch, she grinned, spinning Willow so that she could be the first to admire her in her wedding outfit. Willow turned willingly, grabbing Blaze and hugging her tightly as she faced her.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you so much!” Willow beamed.
“Yeah, well enough soppy shit!” Blaze announced, wiping her eyes viciously, “Let’s get your hair done and get you married already!!”


Melissa and Tara had banished Vince to the living room, where he had taken to watching cartoons so that they could get dressed and made up in relative peace.
A knock at the door pulled Vince’s attention from the ‘Tom and Jerry’ marathon and he reluctantly got up to answer it. On the doorstep, Chris and Chelsea stood, Chris in his finest suit and Chelsea in jeans and a t-shirt. “Hey! No fair!” Vince yelled as she walked back into the living room. “How comes she gets to wear jeans?” Chris and Chelsea giggled as Melissa appeared from the corridor.
“Her outfit is here!” she explained to Vince after kissing her husband and daughter. “Now sit down and be patient.”

Back in the bedroom, Tara was sitting at her dresser putting the finishing touches to her makeup. “Hey Chelsea.” she smiled as she sat next to her, a huge grin plastered on her young face.
“You look really pretty Aunt Tara!” Chelsea said as she kissed her on the cheek. Tara grinned at the child, brushing her hair back behind her ears.
“Thank you Chelsea.” she replied.
“I’ll do Chelsea’s little bit of makeup and you get into your dress!” Melissa offered, gesturing towards the stunning gown on the bed. Melissa had already applied her make up and done her hair so that she would be on hand to help Tara out.
Inhaling deeply, Tara nodded and crossed to the bed, picking up the gown and grinning.
Stepping carefully into the gown, Tara squeezed her ample cleavage into the corset. “Missy?” she called as she fumbled with the hooks on its back, “Can you help me?”
Melissa had quickly applied a small amount of make up to her daughter and arranged her hair neatly, small slides with tiny crystals holding back any loose strands.
She crossed to her friend, hooking up the corset quickly; she stood back and regarded her friend with love and awe. “You look….” her words lost any power as she drank in the vision before her.


Willow had absorbed the compliments from Giles and was now pacing the living room nervously. “Can we go yet?” she asked for the seventh time. “Well, I guess so.” Giles replied, looking at his watch. “There’s only an hour until the ceremony.” he said, much to Willows pleasure.
With a shriek of delight, Willow grabbed Blaze’s hand. Her friend had opted for a plain and simple dark suit, her pink hair spiked neatly and adding some welcome colour to her outfit.
Heading out the door, Willow’s heart filled with excitement. Today she would become the happiest and luckiest woman on the planet.


“I think you’re done.” Melissa said. They had spent the last half an hour doing her hair and adding small crystals in it.
“Not quite!” Tara replied, getting up and heading to the walk in closet. Standing before the small safe, she twisted the dial and popped the door open. Reaching inside, she pulled out a long box. The memory of receiving this amazing gift from her fiancée brought tears of joy to her eyes and she dabbed carefully at them so as not to spoil her make up. In the box she had placed one of each of the coloured petal from the roses that Willow had carefully laid out across the house. As she fastened the diamond necklace securely, Tara took a moment to look in the full length mirror before returning to the bedroom.

“Oh Tara, you look stunning.” Melissa told her as she re-emerged into the bedroom. Tara grinned at her, she felt stunning.
Walking slowly into the living room, Chris, Vince and Chelsea all looked up from the cartoons to admire their friend.
Chris was the first to speak, leaving Vince in a state of stunned amazement. “Tara, you look, well, you look amazing!” he told her, crossing to hug her carefully.
“Yeah T!” Vince piped up from behind him. “You scrub up pretty good.” he giggled.

Outside, a car horn cut into the moment. “Looks like your ride’s here!” Melissa smiled as she opened the front door. Turning back to her friends, she grinned. “Ready?”
Shaking her head, Tara replied, “Yes!” as Vince took her arm and led her to her awaiting limo.


The guests had arrived and had been shown to their seats with Buffy, Xander and Dawn sitting in the second row. When Willow arrived, she glanced around, hoping that her parents may have changed their mind and made an appearance.
Willow had checked all the arrangements had gone as she had planned, and had met Thomas who had shown her the wedding cake.
Giles was checking out the small marquee and ensuring that the bar and tables had been set up correctly, on Willows instructions of course.
They had organised a bride’s tent and a ‘grooms’ tent, much to the amusement of Blaze.
From her vantage point at the altar, she saw Tara’s car pulling into the drive of the hotel. “Oh shit!” she muttered, rushing down the aisle to grab Willow who was heading for the main marquee. “Tara’s here.” she told her, “It’s tent time!” and with that, she pushed Willow into the grooms’ tent before heading out to find Giles.

Melissa, Chris, Chelsea and Tara were shown to the bride’s tent as soon as they arrived. It had been neatly blocked off from the view of the guests and was furnished comfortably, with a white rose bouquet awaiting Tara.
“I’m so nervous!” Tara said, pacing the tent and checking the time for the millionth time since they arrived. “What if I forget my vows or fall over my dress or twist my ankle in these heels?” Vince was at her side in a heartbeat. “You won’t!” he said simply. “You’ll be perfect.”

Before she had a chance to question him, an usher appeared at the doorway. “Are you ready?” he asked, a huge grin on his face. Tara nodded, it appeared her body was really ready, even if her mind was freaking out. “Great.” the young man said, “You have about 10 minutes!” and with that, he disappeared into the sunshine.

Willow took a deep breath, gripping Giles’ hand firmly. “I’m so nervous.” she admitted as they stood in the doorway of the tent.
“It’ll be splendid!” he told her, patting her arm gently.
As they reached the top of the red carpet, the band began playing the wedding march. Each of the guests turned to watch her descent to the altar, and Willow beamed, her nerves evaporating into the sunshine. On reaching the altar, she stopped and inhaled feeling suddenly vulnerable and on display. Blaze had been waiting for her and squeezed her hand supportively.
Before her nerves had a chance to regain control, the march began again, and she turned with the rest of the guests to see Vince and Tara standing at the top of the carpet. Willow couldn’t believe her eyes, the dress Tara was wearing was stunning and she looked absolutely perfect.
It seemed to take forever for her to reach the altar and when she did so, Willow felt her eyes swimming in tears. “You look so beautiful.” she whispered to the blonde.
Tara grinned, “You do too.” she replied before the vicar stepped in to begin the ceremony.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said loudly, “We are gathered here today to join these women in a bond of marriage and love.” the crowd all grinned, those that were with their partners snuggled in closer or held hands as he spoke. “Willow Rosenberg.” he continued, “Do you take this woman as your wife?” he asked,
“I do.” she replied hoarsely, her mouth suddenly dry.
“Tara Maclay. Do you take this woman to be your wife?” he asked, turning to the blonde. “I definitely do.” she told him.
Turning back to Willow, the vicar nodded.

Clearing her throat, Willow began speaking, forcing her words out as loudly as she could. “I spent my whole life afraid and confused. Scared of letting anyone through my defences, scared of getting hurt.” she began, tears filling her eyes as she gazed lovingly at Tara.
“Everyone was always running around, chasing the fairytale, chasing an impossible dream. That wasn’t me, I’d seen what love had done to people and how they destroyed each other in its name. And then there was you. You showed me why people chase the dream.”
Willow paused, taking some deep breaths and trying to maintain control of her voice, she continued. “In everything we have been through, every mountain we’ve had to climb, you’ve held my hand and we came through - you came through. Without you, I am nothing, I’m a mockery of
the human condition, but with you? With you, I am someone. You made me – you saved me!”
The guests all uttered a resounding ‘awww’ as Willow paused again, turning to take the ring offered to her. Tara raised her left hand and found it quickly embraced with Willows own shaking fingers. “You have taught me everything I know about love and friendship and by wearing this ring, I am yours. Your friend, your confidante and your lover. But most of all, I am humble and honoured to be privileged to enough to take you as my wife.” Willow slipped the simple gold ring onto Tara's finger, and placed a small kiss over the metal, a single tear of joy escaping her eyes as she met the gaze of her wife.

The vicar turned to Tara, indicating she may say her vows. Swallowing noisily, Tara took several deep breaths before speaking. “Willow, I love you, I have from the second I saw and until I met you, I was only half a person. I told myself I was happy and strong and ‘someone’, but I wasn’t.” Vince smiled sadly, the raw emotion pouring from his friend tugged at his heart and he wanted more than anything to go and hug her but realised that she now had Willow to do that for her. “You came into my life and swept me up in a Willow-hurricane, spinning and changing my world in ways I never thought possible. You showed me who I was, and more importantly, who I could be!”
Giggles and ‘awwws’ resounded from the crowd and Tara glanced to grin at them before returning her gaze to Willow. “Together we have faced some truly horrible things and I should’ve been scared. But I wasn’t. You give me the strength to stand up and believe. I know that with you by my side, I’m safe and truly loved!”
Wiping at tears that were falling freely from Willows eyes, Tara smiled softly before continuing. “I tried so hard to tell you exactly how I feel, how much I love you and I just can’t. You are my everything, the other half of my being. I want to give you everything I am, to make you happy and whole.”
Tara reached out and took the gold ring on the cushion before her. Taking Willows hand in her own, she grinned at the redhead. “On this day, in front of all these people, I swear that I will love, respect, cherish and protect you from now until the end of forever!”

By this point, all of the guests had tear streaked faces, some blowing their noses quietly into tissues and gazing lovingly at the women before them.
“By the power invested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you forever united in the bonds of holy matrimony.” the vicar announced. “You may kiss the bride.” he told Willow.
As she leant in and found Tara's soft lips, Willows arms wrapped slowly around her waist, both women trembling in the others embrace as they kissed passionately. The guests rose to their feet, whooping, cheering and applauding as they pulled apart and made their way back down the red carpet for the beginning of the rest of their lives together.

[Ice]

Married Life

Their first duty as a married couple was the reception. Blaze had organised the musical entertainment and the guests were ushered into the huge marquee where a delicious meal had been prepared for them. After being guided to their respective tables, a large, round man with a booming voice called them all to attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” he boomed across the room, hushing conversations and making Dawn giggle. He reminded her of a ring master at the circus and expected tigers or some other animal to emerge from behind a curtain. “May I present, Willow and Tara Rosenberg-Maclay!” he announced loudly, indicating to a velvet curtain that was pulled up, revealing Willow and Tara, hand in hand. The guests cheered and applauded as they entered and took their seats in the centre of the head table.
Shortly after they had seated, the food arrived and the guests tucked in, making variously successful attempts at small talk with the other members of their prospective tables.

With dinner consumed and the conversations in the tent aided by copious amounts of alcohol, the party seemed to be finding its feet…. as was Blaze. Clinking a spoon against her glass, she cleared her throat noisily to gain everyone’s attention. “What’s she doing?” Tara whispered to Willow, the concern for what the DJ was about to say clearly evident in her voice. “I don’t have the first clue.” Willow replied, her tone also replaying her obvious displeasure. “But I might have to kill her for it!”

“Ladies, gentlemen and everyone else.” Blaze called into the crowd. When she was sure all heads were turned her way she continued; “I’d like to say a few words.” she told the crowd, Willow hung her head, hoping that it would be quick, painless as embarrassment free as possible. Next to her, Tara entwined her fingers within the redheads, smiling weakly in support.
“When I first met Willow… Wow! She had a reputation, I’ll say that. I know she’d been hurt in the past and lived by the ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ philosophy.” Blaze began, causing Willows cheeks to burn as red as her hair. ‘This’ll be fun’ she thought sarcastically. “She was fun and spontaneous and on more than one occasion we had to call in a locksmith to cut off the handcuffs.” The crowd laughed raucously, many applauding and cheering. “And then she met Tara and everything changed. I knew that this woman was different. It wasn’t like Willow to tell me to back off, but when it came to Tara, I was firmly shut out!” She said.
Tara looked quizzically at Willow, “You shut her out?” she whispered. Willow racked her brain trying to remember when she had told Blaze to back off and found herself unable to. Deciding that remembering was too hard, she shrugged and they turned their attention back to Blaze.

“Since these two crazy chicks got their love on, I’ve lost my partner in crime, my best cruising mate!” Blaze paused, receiving some sympathetic looks from a handful of people. “But I’m glad!” she continued, making Willow look up at her in astonishment. “In place of that person, I’ve gained a new appreciation for love and relationships, a sense of commitment and a wonderful friend in the form of Tara.”
A few ‘here, heres’ were heard from around the room and Blaze let them die down before she carried on.
“More importantly, I’ve seen the day I never thought I would. I got to see Willow being happy. Not that bullshit happy, but honestly and truly happy.” Taking a large swig of her drink, Blaze took a few deep breaths as she felt all the emotion rise into her throat. “I didn’t believe in true love or love in general, but looking at these two and how happy they are, well.. I mean, just look at them.” She paused, gesturing to Willow and Tara who were grinning crazily at each other. “They radiate love and happiness, may we all be so lucky to find what it is they have. Raise your glasses if you will and join me in a toast. To true love!”

“True love!” the crowd echoed, as Blaze took her seat, tears of joy stinging her eyes. Leaning in to her friend, Willow took her hand under the table. “Thanks babe.” she whispered, placing a delicate kiss on her cheek. Blaze grinned at her before her eyes went wide as she saw Vince take to his feet.
“Ok, since everyone is looking this way, I want to say something too.” he began, his hands shaking as he spoke. “I’m not good with these emotion filled speeches, so I’ll make this short.” Tara took a deep breath, ‘thank god!’ she thought hoping that Vince would behave himself and not say anything too embarrassing. “I’ve known Tara since she moved to L.A and in all that time, I never saw her smile, not really. And then we met Willow. She shook the very essence of my friend and made her shine.” his voice wobbled as tears blocked his throat. “Having been fortunate to have seen this relationship grow and blossom from day one, I can honestly say that, individually, they are great people, both of them have a huge capacity for love, warmth, joy and happiness, but they didn’t show it, no couldn’t show it.” Taking a large mouthful of his beer, Vince wiped at his eyes with a napkin before continuing. “Together, well even a blind man can see that together, they are formidable. If any two people were meant to be together then it’s these two. Whatever ‘it’ is, then they have it.”

A few people clapped quietly, and clinked their glasses. Vince smiled and turned to regard the newlyweds. “Guys, I know I tease you both, a lot, make fun of all the romantic stuff you do for each other but I want to say that I am really happy for you both. I’ve never seen anything so real and strong. I wish you both long and happy lives together. You deserve it!” Turning back to the other guests, he found most of them to be nodding in agreement. Raising his glass high in the air, Vince finished. “Willow and Tara!”

“Willow and Tara!” everyone cheered as they drank their second toast of the evening.

After a brief break for photographs, the guests were ushered back into the tent, where they found the tables had been cleared and a large dance floor had emerged.
While the guests were being shown back to the tent, Tara had gotten changed, presumably so that she may enjoy a dance at her party. She had forgone her stunning wedding gown in favour of a suit, similar in cut to Willows but in white. As the happy couple returned to the tent, the DJ dimmed the lights. “In their first matrimonial dance, I give you Willow and Tara.” he announced and all eyes turned to them. A few people rolled their eyes as the opening song filled the tent and Willow lead Tara to the dance floor.

Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true, yeah

And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
Cuz we got a life of love
That won't ever change and
Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever
Ever, ever, ever


Once everyone had finished ‘cooing’ and taking photos, many other couples joined Willow and Tara in their song.

There'll always be sunshine
When I look at you
It's something I can't explain
Just the things that you do
If you get lonely
Call me and take
A second to give to me
That magic you make

And every day love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you, forever, forever

As the song came to its natural conclusion, it was replaced with Bread’s, ‘Baby I’m A Want You’ and the couples remained on the floor, swaying with the music.
“So, Mrs. Rosenberg-Maclay” Willow said with a giggle, “Having fun?” Tara giggled, her eyes sparkling. “I am.” she replied, her eyes remaining locked on Willows. “I love you!” she told Willow solemnly.
“I love you too.” Willow replied, leaning in to kiss the blonde passionately.
Suddenly, the music changed pace, making them both jump. So wrapped up in their own private moment that they hadn’t realised they had danced through another two slow songs.
All the guests made their way to the dance floor, linking arms with the person next to them and swaying, and singing loudly.

When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.
If I’d been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door,
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-four

Willow found Xanders arm wrapping around her waist. “Hey Will!” he said, his eyes and voice full of love and pride. “Congratulations” he said, nodding at Tara. Willow beamed at him and released her hold on Tara for just long enough to hug him tightly.

You’ll be older too,
And it you say the word,
I could stay with you.
I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone.
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride,
Doing the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for more.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-four.

Various other friends came to hug the happy couple as the song progressed, many of whom had adopted a faux cockney accent. “They do know the Beatles were from Liverpool?!” Giles whispered in Willows ear. Laughing, the red head turned, hugging him and then Buffy and Dawn before they moved over to congratulate Tara.

Every summer we can rent a cottage,
In the isle of wight, if it’s not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera chuck & dave
Send me a postcard, drop me a line,
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-four.

With the drinks flowing freely and time flying by, Willow and Tara danced and sang, their friends surrounding them and helping them to celebrate the first night of the rest of their lives.
Suddenly, the music stopped and the crowd began booing loudly. “Sadly, it’s time that we must say goodbye to Willow and Tara.” the DJ announced. Both women looked confused, they hadn’t organised a honeymoon and so had no reason to be leaving their own party so soon.

Buffy, Giles, Xander, Dawn, Vince and Blaze were all grinning as they approached them, “Your car is waiting!” Blaze told them as the group reached them. Looking suitably confused, Willow and Tara were escorted by their oldest friends to a waiting limousine. The rest of the wedding party trailed along behind, nudging and asking questions.

As they received kisses from the group, they were bundled into the waiting car which pulled away smoothly, leaving the guests grinning and waving behind them.

“Here look.” Willow said, plucking an envelope from an ice bucket.
“What does it say?” Tara asked her, her voice was shaking. If Vince had anything to do with this then who knew where they were heading.

Pulling the contents of an envelope out, Willow found plane tickets and paperwork galore. Finally she found a letter and read it aloud;

“Willow and Tara,

Congratulations!! We didn’t know what to get you so please find enclosed tickets for a two month round the world trip. The plane tickets will get you to the QE2 where you will be basking in luxury. All details are in the file in the green bag in the boot. Everything is paid for, your drinks, accommodation, everything. There is some spending money also in the green bag along with your passports and everything else you will need.
Have a blast and send all us a postcard!

Wishing you the best of happiness for the future!

All our love,
Buffy, Giles, Xander, Dawn, Blaze and Vince.

P.S. Willow, your mom chipped in too, she says ‘congratulations’ and she loves you.”

“Holy shit!!” Tara exclaimed, tears smearing her make up as they fell from her face. Willow was speechless, her own tears running down her cheeks.
Spinning on the seat, they looked out the back window, where the group were still stood, waving and grinning.
“Stop the car, please!!” Willow said. Dutifully, the driver stopped but Willow heard the central locking come on. Above her, the sunroof pulled back slowly.
As she and Tara stood, their heads popping out the top of the car, the group cheered once more. “You guys are the best!!” Tara yelled back to them.
“Thank you so much!!” Willow hollered after her.

Grinning, everyone tried responding at the same time, a huge word jumble reaching Willow and Tara's ears. Finally, Xander managed to get the words out. “Just go and be happy!!” he yelled and with that, the limo began its journey to the airport.



THE END!!!!

[Ice]

Oh my god Dibs

hehe that should keep you going for a while?!

[Willow Watcher]

I love this story and the other one tooo...I love this story and the other one tooo. I love this story and the other one tooo...I love this story and the other one tooo. By the way, did I mention I love this story and the other one too.