Well it was a very long road, and I apologize for that, but we are finally at the end. At least for now.
As always, the characters are property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.
Epilogue:
Spike slipped silently through the window and trod lightly to Buffy's bedside. He gazed down on her. He loved watching her sleep, had since that day in his hotel. He sat on the edge of the bed and tenderly brushed a strand of hair from her face. Her eyes fluttered open.
"Spike?" she whispered with confusion, though her eyes lit up when she realized it was him. "Is everything okay? Mom said you called and couldn't meet tonight."
"Everything is perfect luv." he smiled down at her.
"I went by the clearing, just in case. Why couldn't you come?" She asked with a slight pout.
"A vampire I knew showed up unexpectedly."
"Dru?" Worry furrowed her brow.
"No." he assured her. "But I wanted to suss out why he was here. Turns out he was looking for you. Don't worry, he's dust now."
She raised herself up onto her elbows. "You don't have to fight my battles." she said defensively.
"I know." He put his palm on her cheek. "He was just a particularly nasty piece of work and I didn't mind seeing him go."
"Okay." she sounded slightly mollified.
"I did mind not getting to see you tonight." He smiled down at her.
"Too bad Mom's in the next room."
"Yeah, but just seeing you is worth the trip."
"Do you want to stay?"
"I was hoping you'd ask. Thought maybe you left the window open for me." He slipped off his coat and removed his boots.
"Always." she smiled.
He slid into bed next to her. "I'll leave just before dawn, or when your mum wakes up."
"Wake me before you go?" she asked as she curled up against him.
He bent his head and gave her a tender kiss. "Always. Goodnight Slayer."
"Buffy." she whispered.
He smiled, "Goodnight Buffy."
She smiled back, "Goodnight William."
Fini
I'll leave them here for awhile. I have a rough plot for a sequel sketched out. But I might work on a few smaller projects in the interim. Thank you for hanging in to the end!