Cherish The Day
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Cherish The Day
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Part 9
Buffy had learned so much about Spike.
"William." She told herself. As she walked toward the Darcy's after patrolling. Buffy opened the door to see Mr. Darcy walking through the foyer.
"Ahh Buffy you are home." The man gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Buffy looked at him strangely before putting on an awkward smile. The sixty year old man continued to walk into the living room. He reminded her of her Grandfather who lived in Palm Springs, so he wasn't too bad , they had no children of their own. Buffy followed him into the living room to see Elizabeth and Henry in a heated discussion which immediately stopped when the slayer walked into the room.
"Hello Buffy." Henry Travers said as he stood.
"Hello."
"I think that I should leave you to talk to your Watcher." Henry said his goodbyes and promptly left.
"So what was that all about?" Buffy asked sitting down on chair.
"Some of the council members would like to know more about the future events of the Slayer and things in general. At the Council we are trying to decide what to do."
"Oh. Well maybe I could tell you stuff about the Slayers, but what else? There is so much to know about history. Well, I guess futurey now!" Buffy smiled.
"Yes but there is something else. They want to know about the vampire. The one that saved you. Your relationship with him, and since he is from this time… the council believes that you should . . . . not prevent his turning."
"What?" Buffy asked calmly.
"They believe that if you stop his turning that the future might be changed."
"It's already changed with me being here."
"Yes but . . . . Well the future that you've vaguely described to us does not seem like a bad place but . . . I don't agree with the other Council members." Elizabeth replied softly.
"Good, because I'm going to kill demons and not bother with Council instructions. I didn't listen to them, *then* and I'm not going to now."
Elizabeth listened to the contempt in her voice. "Why don't you tell me all about your time as a slayer and then I'll tell the Council what should done?"
"So if we allow this man to be turned into a vampire he will kill two slayers. One in 1900 and in 1977." Elizabeth said to the Chairman.
"Well that changes things. We shall let this slayer do what she deems best. I do not want to alienate her. Having two slayers is a blessing, but you will keep a eye on Ms. Summers and Mr. Kingston. That is all." His voice droned.
Buffy wandered into the library and soon found William pouring over a pile of books. He looked up when he heard footsteps and she smiled at him.
"Hey." Buffy greeted as she sat down opposite him. William smiled and felt his cheeks flush red. Despite all the time they had spent together he still found himself feeling nervous around her. There was something about her manner and confidence, which made him feel like a nervous, clumsy fool.
"Hello Buffy." He smiled shyly.
"What are you doing after you finish work tonight?" Buffy asked.
William's eyes widened and his mouth opened. He had to remind himself to breathe or he probably would have fainted on the spot.
"Well...I...that is...mother will be expecting me." He stammered, feeling his face flush redder than it ever had before.
"It's just that I have the night off and I was thinking we could maybe go out and do something." Buffy couldn't help but think how adorable he looked when he blushed.
"I don't know..."
"Oh, come on." Buffy urged. "It'll be fun. I'm sure your mom won't mind. I'll even let you choose where we go."
William thought about it for a moment, sighed and then smiled. "Very well."
"Great." Buffy beamed. "I'll meet you here after you finish and walk you home."
"Alright."
"I'll leave you to it then. See you later Will."
As he watched her leave the library it occurred to William that she had just called him Will. No one used the shortened version of his name, yet somehow it sounded right coming from her. With a small smile he went back to his translating.
The Slayer came back an hour later still bored out of her mind. William stopped writing when she walked through the library doors. Her golden blond hair fluttering around her face. A slight smile radiated her aura in volumes. William was fascinated that this beauty before him killed creatures of the night. After Buffy's tale of hunting demons, William search the library stacks and found volumes of books on the female warriors called Slayers. He was even more impressed that someone like Buffy commanded that power and yet there was nothing overpowering or threatening about her. William looked back down as he began to scrawl the last words that popped into his head.
"What's this?" Buffy asked as she perched on the end of the table, waiting for William to finish what he was doing. His eyes went wide with horror as she picked up the piece of paper.
"Buffy, don't. It's nothing." She glanced down at the paper and smiled at the words she saw written.
Her beauty radiates.
Like the sun on a summer's day.
Her smile could warm the coldest regions.
She fills my heart and makes me whole.
Buffy looked up from the paper at William who was blushing furiously.
"You wrote this?" She asked with a smile, trying to imagine Spike, the Big Bad, as a poet.
"Well...I...yes, I did."
"Poetry was one of my favourite classes in school." She said sadly, thinking of the life she had been forced to leave behind. After a moment she collected herself. She had to accept that she was here to stay and stop brooding about it. At the rate she was going, she'd be able to give Angel a run for his money. "Who did you write it about?"
"No one." William hastily replied. "Well...what I mean is..."
"I'm sorry." Buffy interrupted. "I shouldn't be butting into your private life. I'll go and wait in the training room and you can come and get me when you're ready."
"There's no need for you to go."
"It's ok, I could do with a quick workout anyway. I'll see you in a bit." She walked towards the door and turned back to William. "Whoever your 'no one' is, she must be someone very special."
"She is." William said quietly as Buffy walked out of the door. "Very special."
"Buffy, dear, you look lovely." Smiled Mrs. Kingston as Buffy stepped into the house. Buffy was dressed in one of the dresses Elizabeth had bought her, a pale yellow one that reached the floor.
"Thank you." Buffy smiled. "Although I have no idea where your son is taking me. I hope I'm dressed ok."
At that moment William stepped into the room, wearing light brown trousers and jacket with a white shirt. His jaw dropped when he saw her.
"Buffy...you...well...what I mean is...I…"
"Spit it out, boy." Said his mother. "Haven't I taught you that it's rude to keep a lady waiting for a compliment?"
"You look beautiful." He finally managed to stammer.
"Thanks." Buffy replied. "You don't look half bad yourself. Are you going to tell me where we're going now?"
"Well, there's a dance in the Assembly Rooms...I thought if you wanted to...maybe..."
"I'd love to." Buffy smiled.
William returned the smile and went to open the front door. Mrs. Kingston pulled Buffy to one side.
"If that dreadful Cecily girl is there, try and keep my son away from her." She whispered.
Buffy nodded, trying her best to push back the twinge of jealousy she felt at the mention of Cecily's name.
"I'll do my best."
Mrs. Kingston patted her cheek. "You're a good girl. Off you go then, and have an enjoyable evening."
Buffy walked back over to William and took the arm he offered her. She looked back over her shoulder.
"Goodnight, Mrs. Kingston."
"Goodnight, dear."
The dance had already started when Buffy and William arrived. William escorted her to a free table and went to get some drinks while she sat down. He soon returned and handed her a glass of fruit punch. Buffy sipped it and sighed with contentment as the fruit and spices warmed her. If there was one thing she didn't think she was ever going to get used to, it was the cold.
Buffy looked around at the couples dancing and was amazed at all the complicated steps that were involved.
"How do you guys learn how to dance like that?" She asked William in awe.
"It's part of schooling here. Those who can afford it go to Finishing School and part of that is learning etiquette such as how to dance."
"Can you do it?" Buffy asked with a grin.
"I know the steps, but I rarely dance."
Buffy stood up and held out her hand.
"What?" William asked with confusion.
"I want you to teach me." Buffy replied.
His face went white. "Oh, no. I can't."
"Sure you can. Come on." She took his hand and pulled him to his feet. As she was leading him to the dance floor a young man of about William's age stopped them.
"William, you sly dog. Aren't you going to introduce me to your delightful companion?"
"George, this is Miss Summers. Buffy, this is Mr. George Knightly."
He took her hand and kissed it. "Enchanted. Perhaps I can rustle you away from William for a dance later on."
The handsome brunette leered at the slayer shamelessly in front of William. Buffy noticed William's discomfort at George's interest in her.
"Maybe." Buffy said dryly. "I rarely dance."
"That's a pity, but when you get bored of the 'Translator' you can come and look for me" George replied with a wink before spotting someone else he needed to talk to and disappearing into the crowd.
William hung his head low, not daring to look up at Buffy.
"If you would have rathered....."His voice trailed off, "You know, gone off with George."
"Oh God NO!! He's creepy." Said Buffy. "Besides I have you, why would I want to be near him."
"Yes, he's one of the most infamous womanizers in the whole of London." William replied. "Many...."
"Many...?" Buffy searched.
"Many women are quite taken..." He looked down at his feet again shuffling a bit.
"Well, not me. Never mind him, let's dance."
"Buffy I really don't think this is such a good idea." He protested looking into her eyes.
"Don't be silly. Now, what do I do?"
Buffy looked around at the other couples on the dance floor and copied their posture. She took William's hand and wrapped it around her waist. She then wrapped one of her arms around his and took his hand with the other.
"Something like this?"
William felt as though his whole face was on fire but he managed a nod.
"Good. Now what?" Buffy asked.
William had to think. It had been so long since he'd danced with anyone that he could barely remember what to do. Plus he was so nervous, he could barely think straight. He glanced around him and saw that this dance was one of the first dances he had learned.
A little shakily at first he began to lead Buffy in the dance. She was a fast learner and soon picked up the steps. By the time the first one had finished they were in full flow. Halfway through the second dance the people around them began to whisper, asking each other who William's mysterious partner was. No one had seen her before or seemed to know where she came from. Buffy and William were completely oblivious to this, their eyes were fixed on each other and they continued to dance.
They spent the rest of the night in each other's arms, dancing and talking about everything and nothing. When the evening finally ended, they were both a little disappointed but knew there would be another like it soon.
"I had fun tonight." Said Buffy as they stood on William's doorstep. "Thank you for teaching me to dance."
"It was my pleasure." William replied. "I had forgotten how enjoyable dancing was."
"We'll have to do it again sometime."
"Tomorrow?" William asked hopefully. Buffy laughed.
"Sure, why not." She leant up and kissed him softly on the lips.
"Goodnight, Will." She whispered softly before disappearing into the night. William stood there, unable to move. Finally he reached up his hand, touched his lips and smiled. She had kissed him.
"What's this place?" Buffy asked as they walked through London the next night, looking for somewhere to go. They had stopped outside a small building with a sign outside reading 'The Kings Arms'.
"A tavern." William explained. "Not a very respectable establishment."
"I want to go inside." Said Buffy with an excited smile.
William shook his head. "This is not the sort of place a gentleman takes a lady."
"I'm not a lady." Said Buffy as she grabbed his hand. "Besides, I want to see all aspects of life in this time. We'll only stay for one drink, I promise."
Before he could protest, she dragged him inside and found them a table. The serving girl placed two large mugs of beer on the table before winking at William and disappearing into the crowd
Trying to forget the cave girl experience she had the last time she'd drank beer, Buffy sipped it slowly. William watched the other men downing their beers in one go and decided to follow suit. There was no way he was going to look like anything less than a man in front of Buffy. Taking a deep breath he picked up his beer and gulped it down.
Buffy watched in amazement as he downed his beer.
"Take it easy." She warned, but he paid no attention. When the glass was empty he sat back, trying to ignore the fuzzy sensation in his head.
"That's an unusual taste." He said, his voice slightly slurred.
Buffy suddenly regretted bringing him in here.
"Maybe we should go." She suggested.
Suddenly a man stumbled over to their table, glared at William and leered down at Buffy.
"What's a delicacy like you doing with him?" He grabbed hold of her arm. "Why don't you let me show you what a REAL man can do for you."
"Let go of me." Buffy said softly but coldly.
William climbed to his feet, waited for the dizziness to pass and glared at the man. "You heard the lady. Let go of her or...or..."
The man laughed. "You'll do what?"
"I'll do something you will regret."
This just raised more laughter and the man tightened his grip on Buffy's arm, causing her to tense up.
"Very well." Said William. "You have insulted my lady friend and me. I challenge you to a duel."
More laughter.
"A duel? This isn't some snooty upper class place, but seeing as it's you, I'll take you outside and beat some sense into you."
William nodded. "Whatever the means, honour must be satisfied. Shall we?"
As the two of them walked outside, a cheer filled the tavern and everyone ran out to watch. Buffy ran over to William and caught hold of his arm.
"Will, this is crazy." She hissed. He took off his glasses and handed them to her.
"I won't let him get away with talking to you like that." He rolled up his sleeves and took a step forward.
The other man had finished preparing himself and looked over his shoulder, grinning at the crowd.
"This'll be over in a second." William used the distraction and put all his strength into a punch to the man's jaw. The blow spun him around and sent him to the floor where he lay, unconscious. William looked shocked for a second and then stood proud.
"Well guessed." He said before walking back over to Buffy. She looked just as stunned as the rest of the crowd. For that split second when he had punched the guy, she had seen Spike.
"Wow."
She breathed as she handed him his glasses. "That was...wow."
William smiled, ignoring the pain in his hand.
"Are you ready to go now?"
Buffy nodded, he wrapped his arm around her and the two of them walked back towards his house. Same as the night before, they stopped on his doorstep. He reached up his hand and brushed her cheek, she gasped. "Will, your hand."
He looked down and saw that his knuckles were red and already starting to swell and bruise. Buffy opened the door and pulled him inside. He sat down and she went into the kitchen to look for something to put on his hand to reduce the swelling. Of course this was 1880 so there was no way of keeping ice in the house. Buffy settled for soaking a rag in cold water. She walked back into the living room and smiled at what she saw.
William had removed his jacket and tie and was sitting fast asleep in the armchair. She walked over and wrapped the damp cloth around his hand. He didn't even stir. She picked up his jacket and placed it over him to keep him warm.
"My hero." She whispered before kissing him and leaving for home.
For the next few weeks William and Buffy were inseparable, they went out together every night. Sometimes they went dancing, or out to dinner, or to the theatre. It didn't matter what they did as long as they were together. One night it struck Buffy, she was falling in love with him, and she was pretty sure he felt the same.
The Slayer sat down in the hard wooden chair and slammed the thick book closed and stretched herself.
They had been sitting in the library researching the latest demon reeking havoc on the streets of London. Buffy, Elizabeth and William had wasted most of their day looking for this 'Croec' demon but not much was written about it in any book. It's powers and weakness were virtually unknown.
"This is tiresome." William sighed" Did you have to do this often?"
"Well I had my friends.... to help."
"Sorry." He replied as he noticed the look of sadness in her eyes.
"No it's ok. It's getting a bit easier." Buffy watched he loosened his tie and continued to read. Then William stretched and fix his glasses and sighed.
Buffy stood up and grabbed another book.
"I am not helping am I?" He sighed as Buffy stood behind and set down a book next to him. Suddenly her slim fingers began to gently kneed into his sore shoulder muscles. He moaned slightly enjoy the relaxing sensation that she was providing and then straightened up quickly realizing the impropriety of the situation.
"Just sit." Buffy whispered into his ear.
"But, but...."
"Shush." Buffy commanded.
The Slayer continued to work her magic until William grabbed her hand. "Research!"
Buffy looked at him, his voice sounded strong and confident like Spike's.
"We must do this, because I don't want anything else to happen to you." He guided Buffy toward the chair next to him and kissed her fingers.
"Research, good." Buffy gushed with an slightly apologetic smile.
Part 10
Spike laid his injured body down in his crypt. If every bone in his body wasn't broken it certainly felt like they were. battling Glory and The Knights was not a fun event. He didn't even bother taking off his blood soaked clothes.
He heard a heavy knock on the door and it slowly opened.
"What do you want, Wicca?"
"I just came to tell you that Kiora and Faith are out of the hospital. And Dawn's been asking about you."
"So?"
"Spike, you did a real amazing thing out there. You helped save the world."
"It ain't nothing new."
"Yes it is. You did it with out any ulterior motives."
"I DO have an ulterior motive. I couldn't fail her twice. I couldn't let that Hell-bitch get Dawn. And after what she did to you."
Tara smiled slightly, "I've never been happier than when you opened that portal and booted her in there."
"Thanks, T. But I need to sleep."
"Ok." Tara began, "Any more memories?"
"A couple."
"Well it's been two months since..." Tara stopped as she looked at the pained statement on his face. "I'll leave you to sleep."
Tara walked toward the crypt door.
"T...thanks for the check-up and update on the Slayers, and Nibblet." Spike groaned before his eyes shut quickly.
Tara could tell that he was asleep. She knew that he wanted to dream.
Spike was on automatic pilot as he walked through the cobblestone streets following the Darcy's servant who had awoken from bed. When he entered the Darcy's lavish house, there was an eerie silence but he could hear hushed whispers in the living room. As soon as he stepped into the room, they all stopped talking. Mrs. Darcy walked into the room; he had only gone to her once before to deliver a book, but this time was different. He didn't exactly know what he was saying but he was quickly ushered up the mahogany stairs, by Elizabeth.
"She's very sick, William." Elizabeth began, "We don't know much about the demon that attacked her but...we aren't sure that she'll make it through the night."
Spike could feel his eyes begin to tear up when the look on Elizabeth's face confirmed the seriousness of the situation. He walked into the room, which was dimly lit.
* * *
Buffy opened her eyes weakly to see William standing next to her bed.
"Hey you." Buffy said in a tired voice.
"Buffy?" William's voice conveyed the panic that he felt in his heart. He quickly sat down next to her. There was a bandage that covered her shoulder soaked with blood. "Oh my God."
"William?" Something seemed off about him, but Buffy shook it off.
"Yes, Buffy?" He brushed the hair away from her eyes, he could tell that she had a fever and that it was high.
"If I die..."
"No... no...It's not going to happen." His voice commanded.
Buffy looked at him strangely again, wondering if...but she quickly erased the thought from her mind.
"You'll be just fine. I promise, Buffy." William's voice softened. "I love you too much to let you go."
Buffy smiled slightly, before her body started to convulse. William's utter panic stricken face made Buffy want to cry, not for her, but for him. Before the blackness engulfed her.
* * *
Spike looked down at the slayer's sleeping form and then wiped the tears from his eyes. He looked up in the mirror on the dresser to see himself, well, actually William looking back at him.
"It's not going to work out is it?" He sighed looking into the mirror at a long forgotten face.
"Pardon?" The mirror asked slightly confused at the figure reflecting back at it.
"You and me and her."
"No. I think not. So what is going to happen?"
"It depends, I guess...on her." He passed his hands through his short blond hair.
"And you? Will you leave?"
"It's not my place. I can't stay."
"You love her too?"
"Yes."
"She never told me about you."
"I figured as much. Why would she? She can't love me fully for the demon that I am in our time. She was hurt badly and never wanted to go through that again."
"I think I understand."
Buffy stirring on the bed halted the discussion briefly.
"She will be happy here." He reassured the man.
"I hope so." He stared at the reflection. "You are a lucky ponce, you know that?"
"I know."
"You have her. You make sure that she's happy. Seeing her cry is too . . ."
"Heartbreaking." William finished the sentence for Spike who smiled. "This demon. Croec. Have you heard of it in your time?"
"Yes a nasty bugger. They can poison you with a bite or a scratch and the effects last a day or so but other then that they are harmless. Is that what happened? A Croec."
"Yes. I'll take care of her and thanks."
Spike nodded to his counterpart. "And don't write any of that bloody awful poetry for her." Spike warned.
"She likes it."
"Bloody hell!!! Why didn't I use that then?"
William smiled slightly at Spike before he disappeared.
"Will?" Buffy gasped feverishly. William dashed to her side and grabbed her hand.
"Yes, Buffy, I am right here." He stroked her hair off of her forehead and could feel the heat from her forehead.
"I never said it to you." Buffy swallowed. "I love you too. And if I d..."
"Don't talk like that. Just rest. Please."
Buffy began to protest but the look of sadness in his eyes prevented her from continuing as she fell asleep again.
Elizabeth slowly crept into the room as she had done many times that night to check on Buffy and William after he had told her the information that he found out about the Croec demon.
Buffy was sitting up in the bed and William was sleeping, his head resting in her lap. She watched as Buffy gently stroked his hair and caressed his face. Buffy looked up at the door to see Elizabeth standing there.
Buffy mouthed 'Good morning' to her watcher.
Elizabeth smiled and mouthed 'How are you feeling?'
'Fine'
Elizabeth could see a happiness that she'd never seen in the Slayer before.
'Good. I'll come back later.' She smiled as she quickly closed the door leaving the couple alone at least for a couple more hours.
Spike woke up feeling like he was floating. He could feel her hands strumming through his hair and tracing his cheekbone. He never remembered feeling this happy. Feeling this content. He prayed that it wouldn't end that he could dream this dream forever. That he could wake up in her arms every morning for eternity.
Slowly his eyes opened and the reality hit him. He was in Sunnydale. There was no Buffy and it was a memory.
But a memory that was new. He thought that Tara was crazy, even though she had explained to him what had happened so many times. But he never truly believed her, he just thought that he was grieving or something.
His eyes adjusted to the slight glow of sunlight that filtered into the crypt and sighed, smiling.
William woke up looking up at her bright hazel eyes and smiled when she smiled back at him. Her shoulder was practically healed and the colour had returned to her face.
"How are you feeling?" William asked.
"Great compared to last night." Buffy continued to strum her fingers through his hair.
"Good. And last night...."
"Last night we finally didn't hold back from each other. Let's not make it under dire circumstances when we finally admit our feelings to each to other." Buffy said seriously. "I love you, William Kingston."
"I love you, Buffy Anne Summers."
* * *
Part 11
Buffy had saved the blue lace dress, which Elizabeth had bought her for a special occasion and it seemed that she was finally going to get the chance to wear it. A group of William's friends were having a party and of course he'd asked her to go with him. Despite everything, she was actually a little nervous. She'd never met his friends before and she wanted to make a good impression. She checked her hair one more time before going downstairs. William had hired a coach and was going to pick her up from the Darcy's.
Elizabeth and her husband smiled when Buffy walked into the room.
"William is a very lucky man." The Watcher smiled as she fastened a flower to the front of Buffy's dress and kissed her cheek. A knock at the door signalled that it was time for her to leave. Giving the couple one last smile, she opened the front door and climbed into the coach.
Once Buffy had sat down, William took her hand and kissed it.
"It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful you are."
Buffy smiled and squeezed his hand. "Thank you."
He smiled in return and the rest of the short journey was made in silence.
As they stepped into the warm house, Buffy made sure she stayed close to William. He handed his coat and Buffy's shawl to the butler and guided her into the main room. It was full of people, all talking and laughing amongst themselves. They made their way around the room and William introduced her to a load of people whose names she was sure she was going to forget.
Finally a man approached them in his early forties. "Ah, William, just the person. Perhaps your lady friend could spare you for a moment. Robert and I are having a spot of bother with a Greek book we've purchased. Thought you could lend a hand."
William glanced at Buffy and she nodded her approval. She didn't really want to be left alone, but she could see he was needed. She watched as he disappeared into the crowd and looked around. Everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations. She sighed and looked down at the floor.
"Excuse me." Said a female voice from behind her. She turned to find herself facing a young girl who was about the same age as her. "Didn't you come here with William Kingston?"
"Yes I did." Buffy replied.
"I thought so. I'm Mary Elton. William has told me so much about you, would you care to join me and my sisters?"
Buffy smiled. "I'd love to."
William cursed under his breath as he walked out to the stable. He couldn't believe he's managed to leave it in the coach. He just hoped the footman hadn't found it and made off with it. Stepping into the coach he reached his hand into the pocket of the door and sighed in relief. He pulled out the small bag and slipped it into his pocket. Climbing out of the coach he turned to the door and jumped.
"Oh, Miss. You scared me." There was a dark-haired woman stood between him and the stable door. "Are you lost?"
She took a step closer to him. "I'm not lost, but you are my sweet thing. I can be your guide."
"I don't think so." He replied nervously as the woman looked at him strangely. "If you'll excuse me, my friends are waiting for me."
"They know nothing of you, of what you can be. I can unleash your full potential. You will be my knight, and I will be your princess."
William shook his head, sure now that this woman was insane. "I have to go."
The woman took another step closer and they were now only about a foot apart. Their eyes locked and William suddenly found himself unable to look away.
"Be in me." She said softly and slid her vampiric features into place. William wanted to scream, wanted to run, but he was helpless. The vampire took a step closer, her fangs bared ready for the kill.
Part 12
"Well Miss Summers, you and our William seem quite taken with each other." Buffy spun around to George Knightly standing behind her.
"Yes we are *taken* with each other." Buffy replied rolling her eyes, she was so tired of hearing that word.
"I really don't think that he deserves a creature such as yourself. You are far too much of stunning a beauty to bother with him and his mediocrity." The George continued making sure to flash his gold cuff links.
"Get a life! He's more of a man than you'll ever be. And if you call being kind, compassionate, loving and sensitive 'mediocrity', then paint me mediocre." Buffy replied as she left to find William. She turned the corner and almost ran into the middle of a conversation.
"I am so glad that this 'Buffy' girl has come along. For a while there I thought that William was in love with me. Could you imagine ME and Him? Good Lord not in this century or any other for that matter. I was planning on letting him down gently."
"Gently?" The other young brunette asked incredulously, "Telling some one that they are beneath you is not gentle."
"I know Constance but I have to get the point across. I do not want him. I certainly don't love him. I don't even like him."
"Cecily, you never given him a chance. He is a gentle soul.... A bad poet. Actually a bloody awful poet. But George is so..."
Buffy shook her head as she realized what party this was. This was the party the night that William died. The night that Spike had described to her. Buffy began to panic as she frantically
searched for William.
Buffy entered the main room and saw Robert talking to another young man.
"Robert!"
The quiet man nearly jumped at the shrillness in her voice. "Buffy."
"Where did he go? Where's William."
"Well uhm...ehmmmm..... Well."
"WHERE?" Buffy growled.
Robert sighed, "He went to the stable."
"The stable," she thought aloud as she rushed out the door. A horse drawn carriage delayed her slightly as it passed down the cobblestone road. She ran toward the stable, looking out for Darla and Angelus in the process.
Buffy stopped as she reached the door. She saw the vampiress begin to sink her teeth into William's neck.
Buffy grabbed the vampiress by the shoulders and hauled her off William.
He watched in amazement as she backhanded the raven-haired girl and then pulled a small vial out of her purse and splashed the vampire's face.
Drusilla screamed in agony as the holy water burned her skin. She jumped back yelling and screaming.
Buffy dropped the purse and hitched up her dress and gave the vampiress a scissor-kick to the face and then pulled out a stake strapped to her inner thigh.
William's eyes popped open at the sight as he sat back stunned, holding onto the slight scratches to his neck, which had already stopped bleeding. Dru pushed Buffy who narrowly dodged impaling herself on a pitchfork. William grabbed another bottle of the holy water from Buffy's purse and threw it onto the vampiress hitting her hands as she lunged for Buffy.
Dru turned running out of the stable screaming. "It hurts. It hurts. Daddy? I want my daddy."
Buffy ran out after the vampiress who quickly disappeared into the night.
* * *
William took a deep breath and smiled at Buffy.
"Well, it was lucky you came along when you did."
She scowled, marched over to him and hit him. The blow sent him staggering back and he reached up to touch his jaw, which hurt, not just physically but in his heart.
"What the hell were you doing here?" Buffy yelled angrily. William flinched; he couldn't bear to think of her being angry with him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think…" He said quietly.
"No, you didn't." She continued to shout. "You could have been killed."
"But I wasn't." He said. "You saved me."
"Don't you get it, William?" Buffy asked, her voice starting to crack. "You know the sorts of creatures that are out there and I can't be around to protect you all the time. I just can't believe you were stupid enough to come out here by yourself after dark."
She looked around the stable and her brow furrowed in confusion.
"What were you doing out here anyway?"
"I forgot something." William said meekly.
Buffy's eyes blazed with anger once more.
"You forgot something?!" She yelled. "You nearly got yourself killed because you forgot something? What the hell was it? The Crown Jewels?"
William lowered his eyes and reached into his pocket. Pulling out the item he'd retrieved earlier he walked over to Buffy and took her hand.
Just feeling his skin against hers made Buffy's anger fade a little.
"What?" She asked, trying to keep her voice stern. William said nothing and merely handed her a small velvet bag. With trembling hands she opened it and pulled out a small diamond ring. Her eyes went wide, more so when William dropped to one knee.
Her eyes went from him to the ring and back to him again. Her mouth opened but somehow she couldn't find the words to speak. "Buffy, I love you. Will you be my wife?"
She gazed into his love-filled eyes for a moment before bursting into tears and dropping to her knees beside him. He brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"I was hoping for a straight forward 'yes'." He said with a small smile.
Buffy paused for a moment before throwing her arms around him. "Will, I love you so much. Of course it's yes."
Filled with joy, William pulled her into a passionate kiss, which Buffy returned. As their mouths warred with each other's, Buffy pushed William's jacket off his shoulders and began to loosen his tie.
"Buffy, people might see." William panted between kisses, not really wanting her to stop.
"Let them see." Buffy replied. "I want everyone to see how much I love you."
She leant over and blew out the light in the lantern.
"I love you too." Said William, and in the darkness of the stable they showed each other just how much.
Part 13
Spike sat happy as the vibrant thoughts filled his mind. All he had ever wanted over this last year was happening then, but he could feel it. He remembered. The song played softly in the background of his crypt.
You're ruling the way that I move
And I breathe your air
You only can rescue me
This is my prayer
If you were mine
If you were mine
I wouldn't want to go to heaven
Cherish the day
I won't go astray
I won't be afraid
You won't catch me running
You're ruling the way that I move
You take my air
You show me how deep love can be
Everything about the memory of Buffy and that night was intoxicating to Spike. The taste of her skin to the smell of her hair. Their intimacy filled with love and warmth.
You're ruling the way that I move
And I breathe your air
You only can rescue me
This is my prayer
Cherish the day
I won't go astray
I won't be afraid
You won't catch me running
Cherish the day
I won't go astray
I won't be afraid
Won't run away
Their passionate uniting was soft and tender and yet extremely profound. Their artful display was naturally bliss. Precious, immeasurable perfection.
You show me how deep love can be
You show me how deep love can be
This is my prayer
Cherish the day
I won't go astray
I won't be afraid
Won't run away
Won't shy
The tranquillity that he felt at that moment, he knew could only be felt with her. The picturesque smile that appeared on her face, was the precious happiness that he'd always wanted for her. The serene peace had finally engulfed him. Spike smiled and closed his eyes for the last time.
Cherish the day
I won't go astray
I cherish the day
I cherish the day
Cherish the day, cherish the day, cherish the day
Tara watched as the song ended and Spike ceased to exist. She walked inside the crypt.
"Seven seconds." Tara whispered to herself.
She smiled as she waited for the ripple effect to pass through time and change everything and everyone. The world would be a different place. She might not be with Willow. Her mother might be alive.
"Three."
The whole world was going to be effected by this change. She sat and waited. She would remember. Tara smiled again to herself as her digital watch flashed 0:00.
The End
Cherish The Day Drawings
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