Title: The Rules Have Changed - part 7
Author: Michelle
Rating: FRAO
Buffy sat on the bed beside Giles and watched Wesley, Willow and Angel bustle around the room, preparing for the spell. Glancing at the clock, she asked, "What's taking so long? You've been in here for an hour. Aren't you done yet?"
Stopping for a moment to look at her, Wesley answered, "Everything must be precise, Buffy. There is no room for error."
Buffy sighed loudly. "I know. I'm just -" Biting back a sob, she scooted closer to Giles who wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
"Buffy, I know this is difficult for you," he whispered. "If there was another solution, I wouldn't put you through this."
They watched in silence as the others double and triple checked their preparations. When they were finished, Buffy started to leave, but Giles stopped her. "I can't do this without you." He kissed her briefly. "I need your strength." He gave her a sly grin. "Plus, there is something else to do before we start." He turned to Willow. "Is Robson here?"
Before Willow could answer, a voice sounded from the doorway. "I'm here, Rupert. Although, I never thought I'd see a day where you wanted to marry someone."
Buffy was speechless for a moment as she stared at the newcomer. "Marry?" she squeaked. "You mean now?" she asked.
"Unless you've changed your mind," Giles teased.
"But how?" she asked, confused. "There's all kinds of rules and waiting periods, and we don't have any of the forms."
Giles quieted her with a finger on her lips. "It's best not to ask. The Council does still have some influence in the world, and Robson is quite skilled at cutting through red tape when necessary."
Robson winked at her. "One just needs to know the right people."
"Oh," Buffy said quietly as Willow pulled her to her feet.
"Come on, Buffy," Willow urged. "We don't have all day."
* * * * * * * * * *
It was a blur - the wedding ceremony, then the spell. The only thing Buffy remembered was holding Giles' hands and losing herself in his eyes. Giving him her strength, making sure he survived the spell, was all that mattered. When the spell was finished, Giles released her hands. Suddenly, she stumbled and collapsed into Angel's arms.
"What happened?" she asked as Angel laid her on the bed.
Giles leaned over her and brushed a lock of hair from her brow. "You need to rest. You gave more of your strength than we expected. You'll be better soon."
"Did the spell work?" she asked weakly.
"Only one way to find out," Wesley answered.