Wesley was hacking at the sarcophagus that destroyed Fred and brought Illyria.
"Wesley."
Wesley turned, and his expression turned to one of agony. "Lilah." He didn't need this, not now. Being haunted by Fred was enough. He didn't need any more hauntings by Lilah. But, as she had before, the shirt she was wearing had a scarf around her neck.
"Wesley, put that down." She grabbed what he was trying to rid the sarcophagus with and put it on the floor. She straightened and cupped his cheeks. "I may not be the peppy Texas gal with the Southern accent and the big doe eyes whose body was recently taken over by a powerful ancient demon goddess, but I refuse to watch you fall apart. That downward spiral of depression will lead you to the darkest corners of your mind. Been there, done that, it's not fun. Please don't give me that 'you don't understand' bull, because we both know I know you better than anyone else."
"You'll only go away," he murmured in a pained voice.
"Well, out of everyone you've gotten close to, Cordelia, me, Fred – that bitch Virginia, I'm the only one that can come back. And that's partly why I'm here - coming back. Wolfram & Hart is down too many members – the Senior Partners aren't the ones behind this war."
Wesley covered her hands with his. "You're staying?"
"I'm staying. I'll prove it. Close your eyes."
"But…"
"Trust me."
Wesley closed his eyes. When he opened them, she was still there. He hugged her close to him immediately, the tears he'd managed to hide behind the anger coming out.
Lilah held him, lightly rubbing his back with one hand. She murmured, "I'm on your side, Wes. I've always been on your side."
He sobbed. "Lilah, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."
"No, I'm sorry for not coming sooner. You obviously need someone. I love you, just as you love her, so believe me when I say I'm here for you."
He lifted his head and looked into her eyes, placing a hand on her cheek. He took in a shuddering breath. "Can we just forget I ended it with you?" He knew she was all he had, now.
Lilah nodded, a lone tear rolling down her cheek.
Wesley was well aware of the irony that at the beginning of the relationship he needed her to make his fantasies of Fred come alive, and now he needed her to get Fred off his mind.
He kissed her gently, fighting himself to keep thinking about her, instead of Fred.
Lilah returned the kiss, comforting him to the best of her ability while doing so. "We need to get out of here," she murmured, taking his hand.
Wesley nodded.
They went to his apartment, and began what they'd done in the past, only this time was more meaningful. Afterwards, they held each other under the blankets.
"Lilah…" He gently traced her scar.
"You got it right, this time," she murmured. He's slipped up a few times before, which was only to be expected.
"I did, didn't I?" He kissed her forehead. He stroked her hair. "I never recognized it before until it was too late, because my mind was on Fred so much, but I do also love you."
Lilah nodded, her head resting on his chest. "I know that. I also know you still carry that dollar, and you look at it from time to time."
He lightly stroked her forearm with his fingertips. "Thank you."
She didn't have to ask what for. "Anything to help you suffer a little less."
They fell asleep together, both knowing the end was far, and a new beginning near.