Never Leave Me

Author: Ariane

Rating: NC-17

Credits: to Joss & M.E.

Spoilers: "Lies My Parent Told Me"

Summary: William/Buffy AU fic. from ba_gutter challenge - write some lovely William!Smut. What would Buffy do to save the vampire she

loves? sex/angst/love.

Archiving:  posted at Dark Dreams

 “William! Are you there, dear? Please come and meet Miss Summers. William?!”

William, having only heard what he thought was his Mother’s cry for help, rushed from his study, a frown of concern marring his usually tranquil face. His hair was tousled and unkempt; a streak of black ink emphasized the very distinct angle of his cheek.

“Mother! Are you…” He came to an abrupt halt when he saw the girl –a radiant vision of loveliness in lavender silk and pale cream lace.  An angel, he wondered to himself, suddenly overcome with shyness. He felt the blood rush to his face. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.

Buffy stared at him, unconscious that her direct gaze would be perceived as forward and unladylike.

He’s so beautiful, she thought with surprise. And so pink.

“Miss Summers, I’d like to introduce you to my son, William. William, this is Miss Elizabeth Summers. She’s Professor Giles’ niece, visiting from America. She’ll be staying with us for a few weeks.”

Anne gave her son a smile and nodded to him in encouragement. He just stood there, frozen and absolutely speechless, his lips slightly parted.

Buffy gazed at his mouth with fascination as he nervously licked the soft curve of his lower lip. He tilted his head and shivered as if trying to come out of a dream. His eyes fixed upon the voluptuous swell of her bosom, displayed and emphasized somewhat erotically by the hidden corset beneath her gown. 

“William?” his mother prompted, raising her eyebrows at her suddenly uncommunicative son.

“Staying… here? Oh… Delighted…I …It’s my pleasure, Miss Summers,” he stammered and then blushed furiously.

“Just call me Buffy.” She frowned and tugged at the waist of her dress, twisting her body in pain as one of the stays of her corset jabbed her in the ribs. “Damn,” she muttered under her breath.

“Beg pardon?” William wasn’t sure that he’d actually heard a profanity come from the lips of the beautiful girl. Perhaps she was tired from her long journey. But…there was something a little odd about her. The way she was wriggling around in her gown, massaging her waist. Quite…rustic…yes, that was the word. He blushed again.

“Buffy. It’s short for Elizabeth. Um…do you have a bathroom or anything? Gotta get out of this dress!” She was sure the stay had pierced her skin and soon she’d start bleeding all over their very elegant Persian rug.

Anne gave Buffy a shocked look and broke into a coughing fit. William rushed to his Mother’s side. “Should I get you some water? Your pills?”

“No. No. But would you show Buf…Miss Summers to her room? I’ve asked Gladys to air out the guest suite.”

She bent closer to her son’s ear and whispered, “Please be patient with her, my dear. My, she does seem peculiar, but Professor Giles has been so very generous. You know we need the money.” She coughed again and looked down, afraid to meet his eyes. “You’ll have to share the washroom with her. I’m very sorry. You’ve been working so diligently on your little book of poems, and this will be a great distraction, but the money…”

“Say no more, Mother. Of course. I’ll take care of everything. Of her…” He flashed a quick glance at Buffy. His mouth dropped opened in horror.

Good God! The girl has her hand down the front of her dress! Is she touching herself? Does she have fleas?

* * * * *

William helped Gladys carry Buffy’s trunk upstairs to the guest suite which was right next to William’s bedroom. William showed Buffy around the room, discussing the various amenities of the elegant chamber. He pointed out the locked door which stood between the two rooms.

“I’m right next door.” He gave the doorknob a slight tug. “As you can see this door is firmly locked. You’ll have complete privacy, but if you need someone during the night…” He stammered and blushed again. “What I meant is if the occasion should arise…”  He had a momentary vision that was stunningly erotic.  He looked over at her and then realized, to his dismay, something, indeed, was rising. “Just ring for Gladys if you need anything,” he muttered over his shoulder as he rushed out of the room.

* * * * *

Buffy and Gladys eyed each other warily, sizing up the enemy. Gladys broke the silence first.

“So…you’re a lady?” Gladys asked, her voice dripping with suspicion.

“Last time I checked,” Buffy grimaced. “Hey, help me out of this medieval torture device will you? I think I might faint.”

Gladys smiled to herself.  A fainter, is she? Perhaps she’s a lady after all.

* * * * *

Later that evening, Buffy sprawled naked on the lumpy mattress. She ran her hands over her stomach and swore to herself that the corset would never come within ten feet of her body again. And then she thought of Giles and Willow and swore a little more, this time out loud.

“This is so not going to work. The man is a complete wuss. I’ll never get him to…” she muttered. “Great plan, Giles.” 

She moaned and rolled over onto her stomach, thinking about Giles and Willow’s scheme for removing Spike’s trigger. Could she hate Giles more?

He’d been perfectly frank with her.

“Either Spike’s trigger is removed or he’s dust. You can’t protect him forever, Buffy. I’m deadly serious.”

Willow gave her a cheerful smile. “So we send you back in time with this cool spell Dawn translated from the Carpathian Gormlac Compendium she stole from the school library, and then you just have sex with Spike and poof! The trigger is gone.”

“Don’t worry, Buffy. My great-grandfather, Rupert Giles the First, will take excellent care of you and see to it that you return here safely. The key to the trigger is just horribly apparent.” Giles shuddered. 'How could you use a poor maiden so?'  Obviously, William suffered from severe sexual dysfunction, which on the surface, I must say, he seems to have recovered from quite well this century. But the problem is in the past. It’s surfacing now and is being exploited by the First.”

“Your great-grandfather was the First?” she’d asked him.

Giles had let out a deep sigh of disgust and exited the room, leaving Willow and Dawn to do the dirty work.

* * * * *

Still undressed, she fell asleep on top of her covers. A few hours later she was awakened by muffled sounds from the next room. A surge of adrenaline rushed through her body. She lay completely still and tried to figure out just what the noises were. It sounded like an animal – a bear? A pig? A dog? Something was making growling and grunting noises in the next room.

She slipped from the bed and tiptoed over to the door which connected her bedroom and William’s. The sounds grew louder. Deep growls accompanied by long moans and a few gasps and grunts. Was William being mauled by wild dogs? She knelt down beside the door and peeked through the large key hole which afforded her a full view of the bedroom, and in particular, William’s bed.

She gave a soft gasp. A single candle, placed beside his bed, illuminated the room. He lay on his bed, completely naked in the candlelight, his left hand moving in a sensuous rhythm up and down the long, thick length of his cock. His head was tilted back, and she could see the glitter of his eyes beneath the dark lashes of half-closed lids. His lips were parted and from his mouth came the long, low growls, moans and grunts which had awakened her. Dark blond curls damp with sweat cascaded across the pillow. The tip of his cock shone rosy red as he strained to come.

Poor guy, how long has he been at it?

A sudden ache rose between her legs as she, herself, became swollen and wet at the sight of him stroking his cock. She gave a loud cough, and his hand froze. He glanced nervously toward the door.

Buffy stood up and purposely let out a loud groan. She heard him slip from his bed and pad softly to the door. Listening to his soft, panting breaths, she could almost feel the heat of him. She groaned again and heard a sudden movement as he knelt beside the door to peer through the keyhole into her room.

She turned her back to the door and slowly bent over, spreading her legs slightly, displaying herself seductively to him.

Ok, William. Now’s your chance. Go for it! She smiled to herself. Hey, this was going to be a piece of cake. Get him all hot and bothered and lusting furiously for me and presto! Spike sex…uh…William sex. And I’m back in Sunnydale in my comfy bed. Spike is home free. And no corsets in sight!

She slid her hand between her legs, rubbed her fingers lightly over her clit and slowly parted the plump, red lips. Another low growl came from behind the door, and then she heard that particular, slapping rhythm of his hand upon his cock begin again. She stroked her clit in syncopation with his motions, and just as she was about to come, she shoved her fingers inside her, pumping them in and out with quick, fucking motions.

A loud, gulping cry from the next room let her know that he’d found his release at last; and she finished herself off, whimpering as a long orgasm swept through her. She fell to her knees and then rolled over onto her back on the soft rug— her knees slightly bent, her legs splayed wide in luxurious abandon.

Now that was nice, she thought dreamily. Mmm. Can we do that again?

William looked with dismay at the sperm splattered door and floor before him. What had he done? Oh, God. I’ll be punished. Burn in hell. Oh, God. Then he noticed that some of his spendings had trickled beneath the door into her room. Oh, dear God. What will she think of me? And then, curiosity overcoming his guilt and shame, he peeked through the keyhole once more.

She’d begun to fondle and stroke herself again, this time mindless of the man behind the door. One hand was cupping her breast and teasing the bright pink nipple into a stiff peak; the other hand busy between her legs.

Need to come a few more times and then I can sleep.

She imagined William pumping slowly inside her, filling her up with his lovely, warm cock.

“Bloody hell, what’s she doing now?” he murmured, his hand involuntarily reaching for his cock again.

* * * * *

The next morning, Buffy took a long bath and then dressed herself in a tight fitting, pink gown. It was a difficult struggle, as she’d abandoned the corset and had shooed Gladys away when the maid had offered to help her dress. The plunging neckline of the dress was covered demurely with pale pink gauze; a dark rose collar of satin ribbon, fastened tightly around her neck, gave the dress the false appearance of modesty.

The conversation at breakfast was awkward, to say the least. William’s mother was bright and cheery, asking them both how they’d slept. William blushed all through the meal, taking surreptitious glances at Buffy’s breasts, and in particular, her nipples which seemed to be permanently erect beneath the flimsy fabric of her dress.

He didn’t think she was wearing a corset. He blushed again, thinking about all that unbound flesh beneath her gown. He groaned. How could he think about suckling those delicate, firm rosebuds, with his mother sitting at the table? I’m a bad man, he thought.

As breakfast was being cleared, William’s mother informed them that she’d be visiting her sister today and hoped that both of them would get along together.

“Do find something pleasurable to do today,” she smiled.

William started choking on his toast.

“Dear, don’t be so greedy!” She gave her son a look of disapproval. “Perhaps you could show Miss Elizabeth the sights. I’m sorry, but Gladys will be accompanying me. I’m unable to travel alone, my health being in such a delicate state. But Gladys has prepared a meal in advance for you. Her meat pies are a blessing from God!”

William looked nervously at his mother. “Do you think that’s wise, Mother? Leaving us un-chaperoned? I wouldn’t want to do anything that might tarnish Miss Summers’ reputation.”

“Oh, William. Don’t be silly. It’s just for the day. I’ll be home later this evening. I trust you’ll protect the honor of our fair maiden, Elizabeth.” She smiled at Buffy.  “I do know my son. He’s an honorable and sensitive man. You’ll come to no harm under his care.”

* * * * *

“So what’re we gonna do now?” Buffy stood at the top of the stairs, leaning nonchalantly against the front door and eyeing the despondent William as he watched his mother drive off in the carriage.

“I…uh…think it would be best if we took a little walk. A long walk,” he said emphatically.  “Fresh air and sunshine. Good for the appetite…I mean, it’s a shame to waste such lovely weather.”

Buffy looked up at the sky which was rapidly turning grey with a thick covering of rain clouds. Several fat drops of rain splashed against the stairs, coloring the stone a dark, rich red.

William stared at the splashes of red.

Blood? Blood from Heaven? It’s a sign. I’m a bad man.

Buffy took William gently by the arm and led him back inside the house. “Why don’t you and I try to get to know each other better?” She let her eyes rake down his body and linger at his bulging crotch.

Well, at least someone is definitely interested in getting to know me better, she thought.

“Aren’t you just a little curious about American girls?” She leaned against his shoulder.

He let out a low groan as he felt the soft mound of her breast pressing up against his arm. He shoved her away abruptly. “You know, I have a terrible headache. I think I’ll lie down for a while until it settles. Why don’t you make yourself at home? Do you like to embroider?” He gestured towards his mother’s large sewing basket. “Mother won’t mind if you use her things.” With that said, he ran up the stairs.

Buffy plopped down on one of the overstuffed couches in the parlor and stared glumly at the sewing basket.  Maybe there was a nice, sharp knitting needle in there she could poke him with.  The golden opportunity had presented itself. They were home alone. And he had a headache. Well, desperate times call for desperate measures, she thought.

* * * * *

William checked the door between their rooms three times to make sure it was locked. He paced about the room. He was in torment— his mind flooded with the erotic sights and feelings which had overcome him last night. He couldn’t be in the same room with the girl and not see her spread out on the floor before him in all her glorious, wet voluptuousness. And her breasts! So round and plump; soft, white, glistening mounds of paradise. Tipped with the most delicious buds, just waiting for him to taste. He slipped his hand over his raging erection. He’d been hard all morning. Had she noticed? Oh, he was a bad man.

He flashed a quick look at the adjoining door, and then quickly stripping off his clothes, he flung himself upon his bed.

* * * * *

Buffy climbed silently up the staircase and entered her bedroom. Sure enough, the muffled, low groans and growls were coming again from William’s bedroom. Her annoyance faded, and she actually started to feel sorry for the poor man. All these years with such a passionate heart and no one to touch. And she, above anyone else, knew just how passionate his heart was. What if she just told William the whole story?

No. No, he’d think she was a mad woman. She had to do this. Had to do it for Spike. He’d understand. They’d laugh about it later. He’d forgive her. She had to do it for Spike. But a momentary doubt crept into her mind. Wasn’t William, Spike? And Spike, William? So what’s to forgive? And then another thought occurred to her. What if what she did changed the course of his entire life? What if making love to him changed him forever, and he never met Dru or was turned?

What was Giles really up to? She thought, with a sinking feeling, that she was caught in a trap.

Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. Damn, now I have a headache.

So she girded her loins and did what any good Slayer would do under the circumstances: she went into deep denial and ignored the whole problem.

Undressing quickly, she pulled a white lace negligee out of her trunk and shimmied into the soft silk.

“Battle armor on. Check. I say it’s time for guerilla tactics.”

She slipped out into the hallway and slowly opened the door which led into William’s bedroom.

He was naked, lying on his stomach crossways upon his bed. His undulating hips and buttocks were facing her as he rutted against the satin coverlet upon his bed. She stepped quietly behind him, watching in fascination as the muscles of his strong back flexed with each thrust. Positioning herself between his thighs, she placed her palms lightly on his buttocks, slowly caressing the expanse of plump, white flesh. He twisted beneath her touch, rolling over onto his back.  His sudden movement caused her to tumble across him, falling against his chest.

“What are you doing in here?” he moaned, his face burning with shame. “You mustn’t be here. It’s wrong!”

“I’ve come to help,” she whispered, climbing up his body, and straddling his stomach.  Letting her negligee slip from her shoulders and fall to her waist, she then bent over him, her forehead touching his, the tips of her breasts swaying with a tantalizing motion just a few inches from his lips.

“I know you want me. Take me. Taste me,” she begged, lowering her breasts to his lips.

He let out a long, deep growl, which she felt rumbling through his stomach and chest beneath her. She rocked her hips against him, against the sweet vibrations of his body, rubbing the soft wetness of her cunt on his stomach.   He licked each of her nipples with furtive, tentative strokes.

“Harder. Taste me!” she cried.

He gave her a startled look and then without further encouragement, began suckling her in earnest. Licking, sucking, tasting each nipple until they were bright red.

Hard and sweet as cherries, he sighed.

He felt a warm, liquid heat seep across his stomach as she rode him; his cock, achingly hard, thrusting blindly against her buttocks.

She was overwhelmed with a feeling of intense tenderness for this man beneath her. This was Spike. This tender, soft boy of a man was Spike, all the years of darkness ahead of him. All the loneliness. All the terrible acts.  She didn’t think she loved him more than at this moment, when he was so innocently surrendering to her seduction.

She pushed her hands against his chest and sat up, trying to catch her breath. There were tears in her eyes.

“Oh, William. I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would be this hard. For me, that is.”

He gently rolled them both over so that they were laying side by side, bodies entwined.

“I’ve never been with a woman. I’m sorry. Have I hurt you?” He kissed her nose and gave her a gentle look of concern.

“Oh, no. It’s not you. It’s just…would you kiss me? Like you love me?” she whispered.

“I do love you! Since the moment I saw you, standing there all glowing and beautiful. I love you,” he murmured and leaned in to kiss her.

* * * * * *

It seemed to her they kissed for hours; long, languid kisses, sweet and deep. His tongue, now gentle, now fierce, claiming her, possessing her. His lips, so firm yet yielding, opening up to her, devouring her. The wet ache between her thighs became unbearable, and she gently spread her legs, opening herself to him.

He gave her a questioning look, and she nodded and smiled up at him.

“I want you, too, William.”

Needing no more encouragement, he nestled his cock between her thighs, pressed against her soft, welcoming warmth, and penetrated her with slow, gentle strokes. She arched her hips beneath him until he’d sheathed himself completely inside her, the hard width and length of him stretching her almost painfully. Growling with deep pleasure, he began to fuck her; slowly at first, and then fiercely as the delicious sensations of the warmth of her body and the creamy, silkiness of her flesh enveloping him, made him lose all sense of control.

She was astounded by his heat. His body glistened with sweat as he rode her, pounded her into the bed with mindless energy. He was lost in her. Lost in her body. He stared down at her, fixing her eyes with a passionate, burning gaze. Never losing the rhythm as he drove her to climax. She shuddered beneath him; pulling him down against her as she bucked into him,  drawing out her release in long, sweet waves as he continued to move inside her. He cried out her name, and she felt him come in short, fierce bursts, drenching her, filling her with his love.

Afterwards, he wouldn’t let her move. His cock still buried deep within her, he held her in his arms, possessively, kissing her face and the soft curve of her neck. Whispering against her skin, “I love you, love you. I’ll never let you go.”

They spent the day and early evening lost in exploration of each other. Finding ways to please and take pleasure; sleeping lightly, skin bonded to skin with sweat and salt, they bathed in the musky fragrance of their mutual love. He delighted in taking her from behind, the soft flesh of her buttocks rubbing voluptuously against his groin as he mounted her, plunging his cock into the sweet, liquid heat of her, with her beautiful, silken back stretched out before him in submission.

He was ravenous for her and had her in every conceivable position, losing count of how many times and in how many delicious ways.  They finally collapsed and nestled together, falling into a deep sleep.

* * * * *

They were awakened by the sound of loud knocking on the front door and a coarse shout. William climbed out of  bed and hurriedly slipped on his dressing gown, looking down at her with concern. She smiled up at him, breaking his heart with her sweetness. He couldn’t bear to be separated from her for even a moment.

“Wait here, love. It can’t be Mother making that loud racket.”

He opened the front door, and a young boy handed him an envelope, looking up at him expectantly. He reached into his pocket and handed the boy a coin. Shutting the door, he leant back against it and ripped open the envelope. It was from his mother.

My Dearest William,

I’m terribly sorry to inconvenience you, but I find that I’m unable to return home this evening. I’m not feeling well. I think perhaps I’ve caught a chill from traveling during the terrible rainstorm we suffered this morning. You must take Miss Summers over to Professor Giles’ quarters this evening. I’m afraid that it would be highly inappropriate for her to stay under the same roof with you alone tonight. Please forgive me.

Your loving Mother.

His first thought was ‘I’ll have a whole night together with her’, and then he felt guilty for putting his desire to be with Buffy before his concern for his Mother’s health. What to do?

Returning to the bedroom, he sat down on the edge of the bed next to Buffy and ran his hand down her smooth thigh. She stretched and purred under his caress.

“Mother’s not coming home,” he said. “And you have to leave.” He gave her an anguished look and quickly stripped off his robe.  “I don’t want you to leave,” he cried and fell upon her, clasping her wrists in his strong hands, pinning her to the bed. “You mustn’t. I won’t allow it.”

“Okay, what is it?” she laughed. “Go. Stay. Come?” She smiled up at him mischievously. She wrapped her legs about his waist, giving him a little squeeze with her thighs.

“You’re quite athletic for a girl. How did you get to be so strong?” he sighed. His erection throbbed against her; he eagerly sought to enter her again, but she held him tightly between her thighs, shifting her hips away from his probing cock.

“How badly do you want me?” she asked.

“Badly,” he groaned, thrusting futilely against her.

“Bad enough to disobey your mother?”

“Oh, yes. God, yes! Let me in, damn you!” he growled.

She relaxed against him, raising her legs and bending her knees until they pressed firmly against her shoulders, framing her breasts. “Just how deep do you want to go?” she whispered.  

“I want to drown in you, Miss Summers, drown in you!” he cried as he arched above her and thrust home.

* * * * *

Later that evening, she taught him the delicacies of oral pleasuring, as he called it. At first he was horrified that she wanted to take him into her mouth, but when her soft lips molded themselves around the head of his cock and she flicked her tongue over its tip, he forgot everything.

What that tongue could do, and those lips! A man could just die and go to hell a happy man. He asked her to repeat the amazing feat several times, until finally, he lay back on the bed happily exhausted and watched in delight as she licked his come from her lips.

“Tasty,” she murmured.

“I’m the perfect picture of absolute bliss. And you’re my beloved angel.” He stretched out his arms to her. “Come to me, sweetness. Come to me, my sweet girl.” 

“Not so fast. It’s my turn now.”

“I beg your pardon? Whatever do you mean?”

She stretched out next to him, pulled him over onto his stomach and gently nudged him down the bed until his head rested against the lower curve of her hip. With a quick motion, she swung her leg over his head, and he suddenly found himself positioned between her thighs, staring directly at the seat of his utmost pleasure. That secret, pink grotto which he’d been ravishing so gloriously and thoroughly all day long. He tore his gaze away from the delicious sight and gave her a puzzled look.

“It’s absolutely beautiful, glowing, love. But what do you want me to do?”

“Your tongue. Use your tongue.” Slipping her hand down her stomach, she used her fingers to part the dark curls, revealing to him the plump, moist lips and the tender bud of pink flesh which was growing rosy and firm in anticipation of a good servicing by his very long and exquisitely soft tongue.

“Your tongue. I need your tongue,” she groaned with rising frustration at his hesitation. “Lick me.”

“Lick you?” his voice rose to a high-pitched squeak. His cock surged to life again at the thought of slipping his tongue into her very private place. Deliciously nasty. Oh. God, I’m a bad man, he thought. Please God, let me be bad for a long, long time. He buried his face in her curls and began to lick her in earnest. The scent and taste of her was intoxicating, raw and musky with sex. He’d never felt so naked, so free.

“Slow down. Softly. Just there. There. Yes. Long, soft strokes. Ahhh…”

He gazed up at her with concern, his tongue still busy with the job at hand. Her face was absolutely glowing with pleasure. And I’m the one making her feel this way, he thought with deep satisfaction. I’m her man. Her man. I’ll make her come a thousand times.

She shivered beneath his tongue’s soft caress, her hips undulating in a sensuous motion, as the slow wave rose inside her. He slid his hands up over her hips, across the silken length of her stomach and cupped her breasts in his hands, kneading them gently, tracing his fingertips over her aching nipples. She came with shuddering gasps of pleasure; he crawled up her body and gathered her tenderly into his arms.

“My love. My sweet, sweet love. Never leave me. Never,” he whispered against her cheek.

* * * * *

She sat in the dusty, book filled office, staring at the old man who bore such an eerie resemblance to Giles.  Professor Rupert Giles the First raised an eyebrow and frowned at her appearance. She looked exhausted, but though she had dark circles under her eyes, her skin had the soft, translucent tone of someone who’d been thoroughly and well loved.

“I assume your mission was successful?”

“Yeah,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“You’re prepared to return now?”

“Mmm,” she nodded.

“I trust you haven’t left a mess behind for us to take care of?” he asked.

William’s pleading face rose before her.

“Don’t leave me,” he’d cried. “Don’t leave.”

She gave the old man a fierce look. “No messes. Just get me home.”

She closed her eyes. In the end, she’d had to be cruel. Because it was Spike she’d come to save, not William. She had to cling to the thought that it was Spike that needed her, not William.

William would be fine… William would be….William....She started to cry.

* * * * *

“It’s very strange that she should run off so quickly without saying goodbye. But Professor Giles sent me a note assuring me that she was fine. It seems her father was taken desperately ill, and she had to cut her visit short. Well, it was quite generous of him to give us the full amount for her stay. And now you won’t be bothered with her. You can concentrate on your little book.”

Anne gazed up at her son, who was pacing about the room, a look of utter despair upon his face. “Do be still, William. Come. Sit by me. Rest.”

He sat down beside his mother, and she began to sing to him.

Early one morning, just as the sun was rising,

I heard a maid sing…

William jumped to his feet and turned to her, his face suffused with anger. “Please, Mother. I’m not a child anymore. I’d prefer that you didn’t sing to me as if I were a baby.”

“Why, William. I’ve never heard you speak in such a manner. It must be the weather. Why don’t you go out? Why don’t you attend the little soiree that Miss Cecily Adams is holding this evening? I know you’re sweet on her. Such a fine young lady.”

* * * * *

He stood before Miss Cecily Adams’ brightly lit house and took a deep breath. Turning on his heel, he walked back into the night. He’d find her. Someday he’d find his glowing girl, his angel. He’d make her love him again. Somehow he’d find his way back to her.

But in the black, dismal alley, as the sharp teeth bit into his flesh and the demon entered him, he forgot her and would not remember her again until a hundred years had passed.

* * * * *

Epilogue

When Buffy opened her eyes, she was back in her bedroom. Willow and Dawn sat on the bed on either side of her.

“Where’s Spike?” she asked.

Willow and Dawn exchanged a guilty glance.

“Where is he?”

“Um…we don’t exactly know. He left as soon as he found out what we’d done,” Willow replied. “So…did you…?"

Buffy closed her eyes again. “Don’t want to talk about it. Go away. I’m tired.” She curled up under the covers and listened to them leave the room. Two lives destroyed now. She didn’t think she ever wanted to wake up again.

* * * * *

In her dream, she heard him calling her name. She was in a long, dark tunnel and couldn’t reach him. Couldn’t find him. Soon his voice faded, and she awoke with a start. The room was dark, but she sensed she wasn’t alone.

“Spike?”

There was no answer. She sat up and flung the covers off and stumbled from the bed.

“Spike?” she called again.

He was sitting on the floor, leaning back against the door. Guarding her room like a golden Cerberus. For she was surely in hell. How could she face the man she’d completely destroyed twice?

“William?”

She thought she heard a low growl as he stood up and came to her side. Her heart skipped a beat in sudden anticipation. She looked into his eyes as he silently stood before her. And she smiled.

He pulled her into his arms, hugging her with a fierce joy, and whispered softly, “My sweet, sweet love. My glowing girl.”

~fin~

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