The Big Day


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Anya and Xander’s big day had finally come and Riley was glad to see that the day had passed without incident. He had had a visit from Xander just the night before – full of wedding nerves – but after a few drinks and a long talk, Xander had left in high spirits, ready for his wedding the next day. Now, Xander was glowing with happiness as he approached Riley, a champagne glass in one hand.

“Can you believe it? I’m married!”

“Congratulations,” Riley replied, toasting him with his glass.

“And thanks, man. For what you said last night.”

“It was nothing.”

Xander smiled broadly, patted him on the shoulder and turned, his gaze fixing on his bride across the room.

“Isn’t she beautiful?”

As happy as he was, Xander didn’t even seem to register the couple talking to Anya: Buffy and Spike. He smiled at Riley again and moved across the room, wrapping his arm around his bride and bending to press a kiss to her hair. He watched Xander exchange words with a nervous-looking Buffy and then she hugged him quickly, before heading towards the bar with Spike close behind.



Riley headed towards the bar as well and intercepted them.

“Oh, hey!” Buffy got out, “Enjoying the wedding?”

“Yeah. You?”

She glanced at the vampire by her side and smiled ever so slightly.

“Yeah.”

“And you haven’t been lynched yet,” Riley pointed out with a smile as they ordered their drinks.

“I think I got lucky with my timing,” Buffy commented, smiling briefly at Spike, “Xander’s been so caught up with wedding stuff, he hasn’t had a chance to attack me yet.”

He laughed and took his drink, taking a sip.

“He’ll be fine.”

“Well, I’m still quite glad he’ll be on honeymoon for a few weeks… and then he’ll be doing all the newly-wed stuff… I’m hoping by then he might have forgotten.”

“Here’s to that!” Riley exclaimed with a smile, holding up his glass in a toast and taking another sip.

“And where’s my drink?”

He smiled as Sam came to his side and handed her the drink he had ordered for her. She took it with a smile and leant on the bar next to him. He looked back up to find Buffy and Spike whispering between themselves, until Buffy lifted her head and spoke up.

“We’re going to go for a walk. See you later, ‘kay?”

He laughed and nodded as they moved off, Spike wrapping an arm around the Slayer’s waist as they headed for the door to the garden. He turned back to Sam and she smiled up at him, placing her drink down on the bar.

“I think you owe me a dance.”

He smiled and reached out his hand with a flourish, taking her hand in his and leading her over to the dancefloor.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Sam had already headed back to her hotel to pack up her things and there was nothing left for him to do now but make his exit. He stood by the door, watching the celebrations – an outsider, for the last time. Anya and Xander danced in the middle of the room, surrounded by friends and family. Just to their right, Willow, Tara and Dawn were dancing together in a small circle, as Buffy, Spike and Giles looked on.

Buffy and Spike sat close together, and the vampire had one arm slung round the back of her chair – marking his territory. Buffy laughed and Riley smiled, glad to see her happy again, after everything she had been through. The last week had frazzled her nerves as she dealt with the fallout of her revelation, but much to her surprise – although not to his – her friends were more supportive than she had expected. He surmised that that was another reason for her beaming smile this evening.

She looked beautiful – even despite Anya’s questionable taste in bridesmaid dress – and he had seen the vampire openly admiring her more than once during the day. They were carefully subdued together – testing the waters, he guessed – but they both looked happy, and relaxed, and he was glad to see it.



Taking one last look over the group, he turned and with a deep breath headed through the door, following the corridor through to the main entrance, where he paused, looking out over the dark street. He was going to miss this place. And the people. At least he had someone to go to though, he thought with a smile. He tucked his hands in his pockets and took a step forward – and was halted a moment later by a strong grip on his arm.

“I hope you didn’t think you were slinking off into the night without a goodbye!” Buffy’s indignant voice proclaimed.

He turned with a smile and took in her raised eyebrow and crossed arms.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Watch it, Soldier Boy,” Spike said with a laugh, “That look means business.”

The Slayer softened – with a quick slap bestowed upon her companion – and turned to him.

“I think you owe me a proper goodbye this time, mister.”

He smiled and stepped forward to hug her tightly.

“Thank you for everything,” she murmured, squeezing him tightly before stepping back.

“Don’t mention it.”

He turned then to the vampire and held out his hand.

“I hope you’ve found someone else to drink with,” he said, shaking the vampire’s hand.

“Don’t need to be drowning my sorrows anymore,” the vampire answered honestly, stepping back and sliding his arm around Buffy’s shoulders.

“Glad to hear it.”

“So, where are you going?” Buffy asked, before frowning and continuing, “Eh, I guess you can’t tell us.”

“Sorry,” he replied, shaking his head, “You’ve got the number I gave you though. If you need me, you can reach me with that.”

Buffy nodded and smiled.



“I still can’t believe you’re leaving,” she said sadly a moment later.

“I’ll be back to visit as soon as I can.”

“With Sam?” she asked with a tiny frown.

He paused and then laughed.

“Yes, probably.”

Buffy paused, pursed her lips and glanced at Spike, then turned her gaze back to him.

“She’s… nice.”

He laughed and Spike soon joined him.

“Thanks for that glowing praise.”

Buffy pouted and elbowed the vampire in the ribs, attempting to stop his laughter.

“Feisty girl,” Spike added with a smile, drawing the Slayer closer against his side.

“That’s how I like them,” Riley answered with a smile at Buffy.

“Likewise.”

“If you two are going to be all guy-like, I’m leaving.”

They laughed and then Riley tucked his hand in his pockets once more.

“I guess that’s what I should be doing.”

“When do you fly?” Buffy asked.

“In an hour.”

They passed a moment in silence and then he straightened.

“Well, time for me to get going.”

Buffy broke away from Spike and gave him another impromptu hug.

“You take care of yourself, mister,” she said sternly.

“I’ll try,” he replied, returning her hug and then pulling back.

He gave Spike a nod and then with a deep breath, he turned and made his way down the steps. Pausing at the bottom, he glanced back at the couple, and then set off into the darkness.



THE END



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A/N: Bye bye Riley. *sniff* I'll miss you! *sniff*

Thank you to everyone for reading and for all of the wonderful encouragement. I have enjoyed this story so much and I have to say, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to bash Riley after this!

THANK YOU!