Post Chosen. I don't own anything.

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"God, this is heavy"

I didn't think I packed this much. It really had been a good idea to put some of mine and the gang's stuff in storage before the battle with the First went down. It was also a very good idea we didn't put our stuff in the storage place in Sunnydale. I was now lugging a huge box into my newly purchased home just outside of LA that I share with Dawn and Willow. It's in a quiet, little neighborhood. Nice and normal. Which is just what I need.

I finally got that heavy box into my room. I ripped off the packing tape and opened it up.

"Mr.Gordo"

I placed the little stuffed pig on my bed. I pulled out Mr.Pointy, Kendra's old stake and put it on my desk. I took out several more things including my favorite black leather jacket, the crossbow Giles gave me, and a picture of my mom when something caught my eye. I almost didn't see it. It was pushed all the way to the back. I pulled it out. It was a simple white envelope with Buffy written on it in an elegant scrawl. I opened it up and started to read.

Dear Buffy,

I'm sitting here thinking about the battle with the First that will happen tomorrow. You know, I always thought I would live forever. As a vampire, I never had to worry about death. But when I saw you dancing with your friends at the Bronze so many years ago I knew you would be the death of me. And you were. Well . . . more in the figurative sense than the literal sense. And you know what? Even if you are the death of me, I don't care. All you have to do is walk into the room and suddenly the world seems like a brighter place.

I look at this amulet you gave me and I realize the implications of being a champion. You have to be willing to lay everything on the line to live up to the title. And I am willing. I know I'm not going to walk away from this battle. And I'm okay with that.

Now, I wish I could give you some amazing advice about life, but the truth is I can't. I've lived for over a century and I still don't have the answers. I don't think anyone really does.

So, I'll leave you with this instead. I want you to live your life to the fullest. Not very original, I know. But I've watched you grow up, Buffy. I've seen you go from an energetic schoolgirl to a tired 22-year old woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders. But now you have a chance to lead a semi-normal life and I want you to take that chance. I want you to live your life, make up for all the lost time you missed when you were fighting, stopping apocalypses, and dealing with death. I want you to be that bright and happy girl you used to be. You may think that after all you've done and seen that's it's impossible to be that girl again. But you're wrong. You can be happy again and you will be. Otherwise I'm gonna come back and kick you're ass. I can already see you rolling your eyes at me. Well, I'm done with the life is short so don't waste it rant. Just remember Buffy, be happy. I love you.

Yours Always,

William

I had just finished reading when Dawn yelled up the stairs if I wanted to go to a movie with her and Willow. I was about to decline when I remembered Spike's letter. Be happy.

"Sure, just let me get my coat."

I placed Spike's letter on my desk and grabbed my jacket. I left the room with a smile on my face and the words Be happy ringing in my ears.