Disclaimer: All things Buffy, with the exception of Sasha, are the creation and property of Joss Whedon, et al., and Mutant Enemy, UPN & Fox. With their kind indulgence, I use them for my amusement and enjoyment.

Thanks: To Chen (my trusty BETA), Val (who also BETA-ed and provided a very funny and much needed line), and, of course, my fellow story tellers, without whom I would have no where to go.
____________________________________________________________________________

Sasha left Buffy and Spike in the training room and rejoined Giles, Anya, and Xander out in the store. As she shut the door, Giles approached, cleaning his glasses and wearing a look of apprehension.

"Don’t worry so much, Rupert. They understand what is at stake and now we must leave them alone to make their choice." Sasha tried to soothe the watcher as best she could. "And Buffy must make this decision alone. Even if she asks for your guidance, you must not give it to her. Do you understand that, Rupert?"

"Of course, Sasha. Of course. I will stay out of it completely," Giles reassured her.

"Not entirely, Rupert. There is still work for you to do with regard to William. He will need to be prepared for the transition. He will have questions that only you can answer."

"What’cha all discussing over there?" Xander asked from behind the counter.

Lately, he was feeling left out of the loop. When he was included, it was usually about something trivial, or to run an errand, or do research. Those feelings had intensified since the arrival of Sasha. Sure, Xander got to go to England and help with the fight, but when it came to the juicy tidbits, no one told him anything. He was becoming Fight Boy which, he had to admit, was at least better than being everyone’s butt-monkey.

"What was that, Xander?" Giles replied.

"I said, what’cha all discussing over there?"

"Nothing," Giles answered rather distractedly. "Well, not nothing but something we cannot discuss with you."

"That was rather rude, Rupert," Sasha pointed out to Giles. She turned her attention to Xander and walked to where he was standing. "Xander, you are a valuable member of this team. You are an anchor, our connection to the real world. Rupert didn’t mean to cut you out so curtly, but he is correct. We cannot discuss what has happened today. At least, not yet. But when the time is right, we will tell you everything. I promise."

Xander was satisfied with that, at least for the moment. He would probably continue to feel left out, but at least he knew that there was a purpose and a future in being a Scooby.

Sasha looked at the clock and, realizing that it was almost seven, turned to address everyone in the room.

"I am very tired and need to go home. My guess is that Buffy and William will be in the training room for a while." She smiled at them and winked. "Just leave them be. Will you three please meet me tomorrow at one o’clock at the house across from Buffy’s?" She did not wait for answer before going out the door.

*

Sasha went back to her hotel. She was hoping to rest and clear her mind of all things Sunnydale. But when she arrived at the Luxury Suites Inn, there were messages from Gabriel. Twenty of them. He was still off training Raven but needed to know all of the details from London and of her conversations of that day.

Those conversations had been exhausting. At least Rupert had laid the groundwork. Still, Sasha found she had to search for the right words. Sometimes, the words that worked best were from other dimensions. If only Star Trek’s Universal Translator were a reality.

And there was Ripper. Restoring memories was difficult and exhausting. And this restoration spell in particular had taken its toll both physically and emotionally. Ripper wasn’t here for very long, but he had built up quite an impressive résumé. Nothing like William’s, of course, but the Council certainly wouldn’t be putting the Tabula Rasa on him. That would make William’s transition more difficult, but it would be one less spell.

Closing her eyes, Sasha called out to her angel.

Gabriel. This will be brief, so don’t interrupt. I have had a very, very long day. Rupert, Buffy, William. They all know. No decision has been made. As for London, Rupert is working on a full account for you. I’ll let you know when it is ready. I am going to sleep now.

Sweet dreams, Sasha Gabriel replied.

She slept until morning. Lately, she felt the need to sleep for longer periods of time. While she would shift dimensions briefly this afternoon, she hoped there would be time for a longer shift before the final battle. If not, it would make things a little more difficult in the future. She looked at the clock. Ten-fifteen. Time to get moving.

Willow. Tara. Buffy. Sasha reached out with her mind. Meet at the house across from Buffy’s, the one that’s for sale, at one o’clock. Please don’t be late.

She showered and dressed quickly. After a call to the real estate agent and a trip to the bank, she was on her way to 1633 Revello Drive.

*

Buffy sat straight up at Sasha’s call.

"What is it, luv?" Spike asked, still lying on the training room floor.

"Sasha," Buffy replied as she flopped back down on the training mat.

"Ah. Communicating by psychic phone, is she?"

"It’s kinda creepy. Her talking in your brain."

"You get used to it after a few decades." Spike laughed.

"Think she knows we’re still here on the floor?" Buffy asked, suspiciously, leaning up on her elbows.

"Doubt it. She’s not really the snooping sort. Just gets in, says her piece, and gets out. Do you have time for a little more?" Spike asked as he pulled Buffy back down onto the training mat.

"No." Buffy giggled as she pulled away. "She wants us there at one, and I really don’t want to show up straight from here."

"You realize that I am trapped here, right? That it’s daylight? And that Anya is probably by the door just waiting for us to leave."

There was a loud, frantic knock on the door.

"Buffy!" Anya shouted.

"See? Do I know my demons or what?" Spike pulled the blanket over his face dramatically.

"I am an ex-demon, you toothless vampire," Anya continued through the door. "I saw this coming, you know. I tried to tell Xander, Willow, Giles, but they wouldn’t listen. Oh, no. Anya couldn’t possibly know what she was talking about. Sometimes I really wonder if..."

"Anya!" Buffy interrupted her. "What do you want?"

"Oh. Right. I brought you some clothes, because I figured that you would also need to be at Sasha’s meeting. I mean, she wouldn’t have it without the slayer and all, right? I’ll just leave them outside the door."

"Thank you, Anya," Buffy said, going to the door to retrieve the clothes.

"And Xander went for coffee and doughnuts. He should be back soon. And I brought some clothes for Spike, although I am not sure what good it does since all he ever does is wear the same thing anyway, but I thought..." Anya let her voice trail off, realizing that no one was really listening anyway.

Buffy took a brief shower. Spike was already dressed and out in the front of the magic shop when she got out and dressed herself. She was just sitting with them at the table when Xander arrived, coffee and doughnuts in hand.

"Good morning, ladies," Xander said as he entered the shop. "Vampire."

"Carpenter," Spike replied.

"Know what?" Buffy began. "You two are just going to have to learn to get along now. Who knows, maybe you could even be..."

"Not bloody likely, luv," Spike said, cutting her off and pulling Buffy onto his lap.

"Now how am I supposed to work with that attitude?" Xander said, pointing to Spike.

"Well, you started it, Xander," Anya pointed out.

"Yeah, Carpenter."

"Vampire."

"Incompetent Carpenter."

"Impotent Vampire."

"Am not. Just ask Buffy."

"Okay. Right there!" Xander said, jumping to his feet and pointing at the blond undead. "That was too much information."

"You started it," Spike reminded him.

"Okay," Buffy cut in. "I’m thinking maybe we should just go now." She pushed Anya and Xander toward the door. "I’ll be out in a minute."

As they left, she crossed over to Spike and put her arms around his neck.

"I will come back for you when we’re finished. Maybe I can convince Anya to keep the store closed for the day."

"I don’t think that’ll happen, luv," Spike said, kissing her on the nose. "But you can try."

Buffy leaned up toward Spike, gave him a kiss, and then left the shop.

That girl... Spike let his thoughts trail off in several directions as he watched Buffy go. He had almost made his decision.

*

"So, what’s this all about?" Willow asked.

"I’m certain I have no idea," Giles replied.

As requested, they were all standing in front the appointed house. It was the appointed hour. Sasha was late.

"She probably wants to torture us with more news of battles and plots," Xander opined.

"My G’d. How dense can you people be?" Anya began in that all too annoyed tone she usually got when something was right under the Scoobies’ noses. "She bought the house."

"That’s what I like about you, Anya," Sasha said as she emerged from behind the house. "You have the ability to come straight to the point. Follow me, please."

She walked to the front door, opened it, motioned for everyone to step inside, and asked them to be seated in the living room. As Giles passed, she nodded slightly and in an almost inaudible whisper uttered, "Rupert."

The large living room had been furnished courtesy of a little magic. Xander noted that the ceiling was lined with an exquisite molding that appeared to be hand carved. He really did love being a carpenter. The walls had been covered with ancient tapestries, and a Steinway grand piano was tucked neatly in the corner. There were two couches, comfortable, but by no means luxurious, and several chairs. After everyone was seated, Sasha, standing in front of the fireplace, called the meeting to order.

"Give me one moment, and we will begin. I need to call the last member."

William. Are you there?

You’re in my head, Sasha. He replied. Where else would I be?

Then wait just a minute, and I will connect you. She said in her best operator-voice.

Very not funny. Spike added.

Sasha closed her eyes. It took quite a bit of concentration to pull off this type of communication, being speaker phone for someone who wasn’t in the same vicinity. After a few moments she opened her eyes again.

"I first ask that no one interrupt me while I speak. It is difficult to maintain this connection with William. And yes, he will hear you, and you will hear him." She took in a deep breath before continuing. "I bought this house because Buffy’s is becoming quite crowded. Willow and Tara will move in here. Eve will move into their old room. Nate will move to the basement. William, you will move in with Rupert."

"Like bloody hell!" Spike yelled.

"Not again," Giles interrupted. "Please. I beg of you. Once in a lifetime is enough for anyone."

"You will be the death of me, Sorceress," Spike continued

"Actually, I believe I am the key to your salvation. William, you will agree to this arrangement, or I will enable that cigarette to incinerate you where you stand."

"Ultimatum. Ouch." That was Buffy’s voice.

"Shut up, Slayer!" Spike snipped.

"Walk on over here and make me." Buffy shot back, then added, "Oh, I forgot. You can’t."

"Bite me!"

"Later, lover!"

"I so did not need to hear that," Xander said under his breath to Willow and Anya. "Did she say salvation?"

"Everyone, please!" Sasha’s voice raised to a deafening roar, causing everyone to raise their hands to their ears. She took a moment to calm herself and continued. "If you do not wish to follow my instructions, that is your choice, but I warn you that I know torments the likes of which would frighten Drusilla, and I am not afraid to use the dark arts." She paused for dramatic effect. "William, will you live with Rupert or not?"

"Yes," Spike answered reluctantly. "I’ll live with Rupert."

"Don’t ever call me that again, Spike."

"Now. I must shift dimensions for what will amount to one week in this dimension. Rupert will explain that to you. When I return, I expect everything to be arranged." Sasha closed her eyes, took another deep breath, and broke her connection with Spike. "Willow and Tara, would you stay behind? You may go upstairs and choose a room. Use magic to furnish it. Everyone else is dismissed. And remember, you have one week."

The Scoobies unceremoniously departed. Sasha went upstairs shortly after the Wiccans and found them in the last room, which had a sun porch that looked out over the back yard and a private bath. It was completely furnished, as ordered.

"Nice choice," she said as she entered.

"Two rooms for the price of one," Willow quipped.

"We conjured the same furniture," Tara added.

"I thought you would. You are the keys to each other’s power. Willow, your power is stronger, but Tara, yours is more balanced. And that is why you are here. Follow me."

Sasha led them to the basement. This was really the main room of the house. The spell chamber. The fact that it was in the earth gave spells a little more oomph. At least, that was the common belief, although Sasha tended to disregard it having performed spells in almost every conceivable locale. There was an oriental rug of deep rich colors spread on the floor. A laboratory had been set up along the wall to the right of the stairs, and there was a reading area off to the left comprised of four chairs and a table. There were bookshelves everywhere, lined with volumes of spells, encyclopedias, and research; topics beyond the scope of even Rupert’s imagination.

"I’ve died and joined the Goddess!" Willow shrieked as she ran towards the first set of shelves. "Does Giles know that you have all of this down here? When can I start reading? Which should I read first?"

"Down, girl. You will have time to study later." Sasha laughed lightly but continued. "Neither of you is to come into this room without me. Not until I tell you that you are ready. Additionally, neither of you is to cast anything but the most simple protection and location spells until further notice. And even those you must keep to a minimum. Understood?"

Willow and Tara nodded. Sasha hadn’t used the harsh tone she had earlier in the day. Or they were getting used to her way of communicating. The laughing didn’t hurt.

"Please," Sasha said, motioning to the reading area. "Your part in the final battle will be huge and important. But first, we have to work on some preparations and for that you will both need training. I will not give you specific details yet. I want you to try and focus your energy on the training and not the goals. You will have very little time for each other, especially since I am taking Willow with me when I shift dimensions."

Tara and Willow looked at each other, confused. Willow started to ask why but was interrupted.

"I have no intention of explaining why it must be you, Willow. It is the way it is." Sasha stood up and the two Wiccans followed suit. "Tara, stay at Buffy’s while we are gone. They will need your help in moving everything around. And remember, no spells. Not a one."

"I promise. Can we have a moment alone? To say goodbye?"

"Of course. Call me when you are ready to leave, Willow," Sasha answered.

*

They certainly love each other, Sasha thought as she opened her bedroom door. The room contained a simple four-poster bed, night stands on either side on which sat ornate Tiffany lamps, and a single bookshelf, which held her favorite volumes of fiction and poetry. She picked up one of the latter and caressed it gently in her hands.

William?

Yes?

Rupert is the greatest ally you have right now. Listen carefully to everything he tells you. And try not to test his patience too much.

Yes, milady. I promise to try. But that’s a difficult request. It’s so easy to get his knickers in a twist.

I know. But the two of you are more alike that either of you can possibly imagine.

Scary thought, that.

Sasha nodded. The smell of the parchment brought back the memories again. The entire week had been spent reliving old memories. She opened the page which had been dog-eared long ago and began reading. God he was awful.

I heard that.

Wasn’t anything you didn’t already know, William.

I know. Still smarts, though.

I’m sorry.

Are you alright, Sasha? Spike’s thoughts showed genuine concern.

I’m fine, William. Just need to rest a little bit. I’ll feel better when I get back.

"Sasha!" Willow’s voice broke in suddenly. "I’m ready!"

She said goodbye to William and headed back to the basement. Tara had left, and Willow looked apprehensive but ready to go.

"When we return from this journey, a week will have gone by here. It will seem like only a day or two for you."

"I understand. Where are we going?"

"To Xiat," Sasha replied. "You’ll love it."

Sasha placed Willow in front of her. She hummed ever so lightly and spread her cape around Willow. A dim light began emanating from the center of the Oriental rug but quickly spread into a larger circle. Sasha pulled her cape in tight around them and began walking forward, into the light, and within seconds they were in Xiat. When she knew they were safe, she let Willow out and began walking very slowly through the fields that stretched out endlessly before them.

"Wow," Willow exclaimed quietly. "It looks just like our own dimension."

"I know. This is one of my favorites. I have a great many things to tell you, Willow. Things which you will not be able to discuss with anyone who is not directly involved," Sasha started.

"So much for the bright side," Willow added.

"What?"

"Nothing. But can I ask a question before you get started?"

"Of course."

"How come I was able to go through your portal?"

"Because you are my descendant. My a-whole-messa-greats granddaughter."

"Get out!" Willow stopped walking, and Sasha stopped with her.

"I’m out!"

"Really?!" Asked a slightly hopeful Willow.

"No," Sasha laughed, "but I have always wanted to say that. Now, you cannot tell anyone about being my descendant. If it gives you the wiggins at any point, you can discuss it with Rupert, but no one else. Do you understand?"

"Giles knows? For how long?" Willow was slightly shocked that the Watcher had kept this secret.

"I only told Rupert last night. But that is not important right now. I have so many things that I must explain to you, and our time here is limited. So please, continue to walk with me, and pay attention. I do not intend to relive these memories any more than I already have."

Sasha began walking again, and Willow dutifully followed, even though she was still a little dazed.

"I will start by telling you about my beginnings and Gabriel, and then I will move on to William. I think I will save the best for last." Sasha laughed in spite of herself. She enjoyed playing the tease every once in a while.

*

Six days had gone by since Willow and Sasha had gone to Xiat. Things were progressing, slowly. Tara, of course, was already set up at Wicca Central and had cleared all of their belongings from Buffy’s house. Dawn had been spending the nights with Tara so she wouldn’t feel so lonely. Eve had moved in upstairs already.

Spike, however, was still in the basement. He and Buffy were having trouble letting go. They would tumble round the basement, then discuss the decision that faced them, then tumble round the basement some more. When the doorbell to casa del Summers rang at 8 that night, no one expected to see Giles and a rented van.

"Hey, Giles." Dawn gave him a hug as she answered the door.

"Hello, Dawn. Are they downstairs?" He politely withdrew from her arms.

"As usual. Good thing I stay at Tara’s most nights. It’s kinda, well, not quiet, but quiet, ya know?"

"Fortunately, no. Hmm." Giles started for the basement but stopped short of opening the door. "I will knock three times, and then I am coming down. I do not need to see anything that… I don’t want to see." He gave the door the first knock.

"Eww," Buffy said, scrambling out of bed. "That would put a new twist on the title Watcher." She began collecting her clothes and getting dressed.

"Oh, come on. You don’t think he’s really gonna trot down here, do you?" Spike said, moving to a more upright position.

Knock!

"I don’t think he was joking this time, Spike. Get up and get dressed."

"Your wish is my command. But remember, this may be the last time we’re living under the same roof for a while."

"Yeah, yeah. You’ve said that every night for the last week. Now move!"

Buffy tossed jeans and a shirt to Spike, who dutifully began putting them on.

Knock!

Buffy decided to state the obvious. "And that makes three."

The door creaked, and Giles came cautiously down the stairs, with several boxes in his arms.

"Here," he said, shoving the boxes at Spike. "And thank you both for getting dressed. Today is moving day."

"But they won’t be back for two more days. We have plenty of time. It’s not like Spike owns a lot of stuff." Buffy no longer pretended to try and hide her feelings in front of Giles. That ended the night they found out about Ripper.

"Well, I am sorry to inconvenience you, Buffy." Giles was annoyed and not without sarcasm. "As much as it pains me to say this, Spike needs to move today. There is in fact only one day left until Sasha returns.

"He’s got a point, luv," Spike said, moving to Buffy’s side.

"I know. I know. It’s just…" Buffy looked deeply into those deep blues, and her voice caught in her throat.

"I know," Spike said, pulling her into his arms.

"While I am coming to accept your relationship, could you please not do this in front of me?" Giles’ patience was waning. "You will have plenty of time to say your goodbyes after the van is loaded."

They carried up the first boxes and began loading Spike’s few possessions. He had left most of it at his Crypt, and the furniture would remain in the basement for Nate. Buffy didn’t help, figuring that to be the only way to rebel against the situation. But Spike moved swiftly, wanting to get to the goodbye part and have it over with. It took him and Giles under an hour to load the van.

"I am going to wait for you here," Giles said, sliding behind the wheel. "You have ten minutes, and then we are leaving."

"Now look here, Watcher. You didn’t mention anything about ten minutes earlier," Spike said, taking a slightly menacing step towards Giles. "Oh, never mind."

Spike went inside and gently took Buffy’s hand, leading her to the back porch. Neither of them knew what to say. They sat on the top of the stairs, as they had done once before. But this time Buffy let her head rest against Spike’s shoulder and took in the scent of his duster. After a few minutes, Spike started to say something but it seemed to him to be a bit like his poetry and stopped himself. After another few, Buffy tried to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come to her. So, they just sat there looking at the moon.

When the ten minutes were up, Spike whispered, "That’s it then."

He stood up to leave, turned, and brought Buffy to her feet.

"I am going to kiss you shortly and then walk to the van. And you will walk into your house, and neither of us will look back."

He looked into her eyes, leaned in, lifted her in his arms, and kissed her long and hard and deep. True to his word he set her back on the steps and walked away. Buffy turned and went inside.

Dawn was waiting for her in the kitchen, arms open wide, ready for hugging.

"Giles warned me," she said simply.

Buffy ran to her sister and began to sob.

*

"The usual arrangement then?" Spike asked as he got in the van.

"Yes. I buy the Wheetabix, and you eat all of it," Giles answered, making an attempt at cheerful.

Spike was silent for a few minutes, leaving Giles to wonder if perhaps he wasn’t taking things as easily as he had led Buffy to believe.

"You’re taking this awfully well, Spike. Thank you for making it easier than I am sure it must be."

"I’ve been around for 128 years. Not like I haven’t said goodbye before." Spike tried to sound strong but felt his resolve weakening as the minutes passed.

"Yes, but I am sure you feel…something. Pain, maybe. The pain you feel right now is nothing compared to what lies ahead, should you and Buffy decide to go through with this."

"I know that, Rupert."

"No, Spike, I don’t think you do. The hell that awaits you on the other side: you cannot begin to imagine. Not only the physical pain but the mental anguish as well. I can tell you from personal experience that it will be harder than when you were sired. That there will be…"

"Excuse me, Watcher, but can we not talk right now? I’m having a bit of a rough evening, if you know what I mean," Spike said, turning his head to look out the window so that the Watcher could not actually see the tears, even if he did hear them.

"Yes, yes. Of course," Giles whispered. That did the trick. Giles thought. Just start talking him to death.

*

Sasha had told Willow everything. She had explained about Ripper and William and what they intended to do.

"So, why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because we cannot restore a soul to William without your help."

"What’s the plan?"

"Well, the first step requires a decision on the part of Buffy and William. Should they say yes, we would arrange it so that they share a soul for all eternity. In this life as well in others. But, as I said, we cannot do this without you." She waited for Willow’s reaction. There was none.

Too much information. Willow thought as she slumped to the ground. Turning to Sasha she simply stammered, "How am I… wha… who… oh, never mind."

"I know it’s a lot to take in, Willow. Now do you understand why I said that I didn’t want to relive these events any more than I had to? Some of them, Gabriel for example, are painful. But others are just, well, mind-boggling. But what I need to know from you, right now, is: are you in?"

"Yes. If Buffy and Spike are up to it, I’m in."

"Good. And thank you. I have waited a lifetime to correct my mistake with William and Drusilla. You are helping to give me a chance at redemption."

"No big. Just doing what we Scoobies always do. If this is going to require dark magic though, you break it to Tara. She sort of has a thing about me and the darkness."

"Don’t worry. I will take care of everything. Besides, we will ultimately need her help as well. Now, let’s go home."

Sasha stood behind Willow, and just as they had come to Xiat, they went back to Sunnydale. Only this time, they did not appear in the basement room of Wicca Central. When they came out of the portal, they were standing in front of Giles’ apartment.

"Ah. The sun has set. We are just in time," Sasha said as she knocked on Giles’ door.

"In time for what?" Willow asked.

"Their decision."

*

Giles answered the door. "Ah, you’re back. And just in time. Spike and Buffy are having a heated debate in the living room regarding..." He stopped short when he saw Willow.

"It’s okay, Giles. I know everything." She stepped forward and gave the former vampire a hug.

"You told her then?" Giles asked Sasha, somewhat taken aback.

"Yes," Sasha replied, unapologetically. "I will need Willow if we are going to join Buffy and William. I don’t think I could do it alone, even if I was at full strength. We will need Tara, as well, but she doesn’t know anything yet. Buffy and I will tell her later."

"I see." Giles removed his glasses. "Do come in."

When the trio reached the living room, they found Spike and Buffy standing in front of the sofa, pacing in opposite directions. Spike was smoking, usually against the rules at Casa de Giles but allowed on this occasion given the circumstances.

"You’ll have to give up that disgusting habit when you... what’s the word I’m looking for?" Willow asked to no one in particular but in Spike’s general direction.

"Bloody hell, Red! You scared the death out of me." Spike stopped pacing and put out his cigarette. "And if I knew the word you were looking for, I would gladly tell you. But since we aren’t going through with this, it doesn’t really matter."

"We are too going through with this." Buffy was quite angry with her lover and wasn’t going to hide it from anyone. "He’s being pig-headed. He’s afraid that I can’t handle our being joined at the soul, and so he doesn’t wanna do it."

"That’s not fair, Slayer." It came out gruffer than he had intended. "I didn’t say I didn’t want to."

"Look, Spike. I want to spend eternity with you. I don’t mind that I will be giving you half my soul. I don’t mind that I won’t be able to get rid of you. I don’t want to be rid of you. Ever."

"But I don’t think you understand, luv."

"Oh! Oh!" Willow began, raising her hand and jumping up and down. "He’s afraid he’ll become William the Bloody Awful Poet again."

Spike looked at Sasha. "Are you going to tell everyone about my past?"

"No, William. Just Willow. She has to know. Besides, I think she’s right."

"I do as well," added Giles.

Buffy looked at Spike for a moment and considered what Willow and the others had said. At first she thought that they were wrong, but when she saw the pain and uncertainty on the vampire’s face, she knew.

"It’s true, isn’t it? You’re afraid that you’ll become William again."

There was a long pause. Spike walked to the sofa and sat down, slightly embarrassed that true feelings were now laid out for all the world to see.

"Yes. Alright? I’m afraid of becoming that stupid bint again. I know you said we’d remain the same, Sasha, but can you absolutely guarantee that?" He looked around the room and began pacing again. "I know how these magicks work. You witches think you know, but you don’t! I mean, look at all the havoc that Willow’s wrought. Demon hitchhikers, blindness, that bloody wishing spell…although that wasn’t so bad. I mean, really. How do we know that Buffy won’t be rendered feeble and that I won’t become a simpering nancy-boy? If neither of us have anything but natural human strength then…"

"Spike, chill," Buffy said, forcing him to sit beside her on the couch. "Sasha’s doing the spell. Nothing will go wrong. No offense, Will."

"None taken, Buffy. But technically, we’ll be doing the spell. Not that that should worry you. I mean, I’ll just be helping. Sasha will be in total control of it." She looked at the sorceress. "Right?"

"Yes. I will be actually doing the spell. I just need an assist from Willow. And nothing will go wrong." Sasha knelt in front of Buffy and Spike and took their hands in hers. "Everything that I told you is the exact truth. There really is nothing to fear."

Sasha paused. Looking at Spike’s new expression, she stood and cocked her head to one side.

To him alone she telepathed, There’s something else. Isn’t there, William?

Spike simply nodded.

You want to do this in private?

Again, Spike simply nodded.

Buffy will be able to do this soon. She paused, considering his mental state. Ah. That’s it then.

Spike nodded… again.

You have to let her in, William. Right now. In front of Willow and Rupert too. Look at it this way. Nothing will be this difficult ever again.

"But what if she doesn’t love me anymore?" Had he actually said that out loud?

"Excuse me?" Buffy asked, very confused.

Do it, William. Now!

Spike took a deep breath and looked only at Buffy. He tried, as best he could, to block out the presence of Giles and Willow and Sasha. He took Buffy’s hands.

"I am afraid, luv, that you will see the real man behind the curtain and fall out of love with me." He dropped his head so that he couldn’t see her reaction, and she couldn’t see his.

"Is that all?" Buffy said, lifting his chin with her hand. "Spike. William. I will always love you. If our past hasn’t proved that, then nothing ever will and there’s nothing more I can say. Besides," her voice caught in her throat, "what if you’re the one who falls out of love with me?"

"That’ll never happen, luv, and you know it."

"Then why can’t you just say yes?"

Buffy and Spike gazed at each other. After what seemed to be an eternity, Spike finally broke the silence.

"Yes."

"It’s settled, then," Sasha said.

Willow sniffed lightly. "That was, like, a proposal. Shouldn’t you have rings or something?"

Spike laughed at that and handed her a tissue. "I ’spose we should."

Buffy laughed through her tears and added, "That might be taking this a bit too far."

"I don’t think so." Sasha smiled and without fanfare placed simple gold bands around Spike and Buffy’s fingers.

It was only then that they all noticed Giles was crying too.