Prologue
"My plane leaves in two days." Buffy stated from her spot wrapped in Spike's loving arms.
"I know." Spike replied as he ran his hand up and down the small of Buffy's back.
"I don't want to go."
"S'not what I want either."
Buffy raised her head from his chest and locked eyes with him. "Come with me."
Spike sat up in the bed and pulled her with him. "What?"
"Come with me."
"Buffy I can't do that." Spike sighed sadly.
"We could get a place together close to UC Sunnydale, and then you can start classes in the spring."
"You know that I can't leave England. No matter how much I would love to go with you, I have responsibilities here. People who count on me to be there for them."
Buffy looked down and started to play with the hem of the silk sheets. "I know..." She whispered.
Spike place a hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. "Do you regret this?"
Buffy's eyes went wide. "Of course not. This has been the best three months of my life. I'll never be able to thank my Father enough for sending me here for my graduation present. I just wish it didn't have to end so soon."
Spike wiped a tear that was running down her face away with his thumb. "Buffy if this was meant to be then nothing is going to keep us from being together."
"I hope you're right." Buffy placed her head back down on his chest. "I hope you're right." She repeated as she closed her eyes and fell asleep with the man who would change her life forever whether either of them knew it or not.