Because nobody likes a vague DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to the fantastical Joss Whedon.

What you need to know (for the prologue): Set at the end of NFA, Buffy comes to help end the next apocalypse, when things go horribly awry.

Spoilers: So far, nothing specific.

PROLOGUE PART I:

My Life Closed Twice

My life closed twice before its close-
It yet remains to see
If immortality unveil
A third event to me

So huge, so hopeless to concieve
As these that twice befell.
Parting is all we know of Heaven,
And all we need of Hell.

~Emily Dickenson

†

"I always hoped it would end this way."

Her voice is but a whisper, faint even to him. She knows she has only moments left. Unlike her other death experiences, this time she's caught unaware, but after having died twice, she feels no fear, only welcomes the peace. And like the first time, she's not ready to die, not when everything she's wanted seems to finally be within her grasp. However, this missed opportunity is not surprising. This has always been the story of her life.

For his part, he ignores the suggestion of finality he hears in not only her words, but also in the disjointed flow of her breath.

"This isn't the end. Help is coming. Any minute now."

Her eyes glimmer for a second, and with all sincerity she says, "I always hoped i'd die in your arms. Someone's finally giving me a break."

"You aren't-"

The slight pressure of her fingers on his lips isn't what quiet hims, it's the fact that her fingers are as cold as he is.

"If you're going to lie to me, at least let it be something I want to hear."

The confusion is crystal clear in his eyes.

"Tell me you love me." She says after a moment, to clarify.

He doesn't have time to dwell on the guilt he feels at her words, nor the regret he has for having been stupid enough to have left her that night in Sunnydale, five wasted years ago. Not even enough to explain the depth of what he's always felt for her.

"I love you Buffy. That has never, and will never be a lie."

It's all he can say. He runs his knuckles down the side of her face gently, and the corners of her mouth turn up slightly at his touch. With effort, she lifts her hand and places it over the hand that cups her cheek.

"And I love you, in this life, and in the next."

"Sssssshhh... stop talking like that, you're going to be ok, you just have to stay strong."

His voice cracks because he knows the words are meaningless, but her death is a reality he can't face. Not yet.

"You have to promise me you won't give up, that you'll carry on."

He take an un-needed breath; he can't agree to that. He's faced her death two times too many; lived through it once, and the idea of doing it again is impossible.

"Please don't ask that of me."

The tears that he's been holding at bay, in an attempt to stay strong for her, finally slide down his face. In all the moments he's held her, he 's felt her strength, her warmth. Right now he can barely hear her pulse. The scent of her blood surrounds him and the demon inside him recoils at it. It too loves her, fears her death in the most primal way. He knows she can't hold on much longer, and he won't be able to either.

"I know it seems impossible but someday, we'll find each other again. When it's your time. Til then, I'll wait for you, forever if I have to."

Pain shoots through her, causing her body to spasm and her breath to hitch. It's nearly time.

"Promise me." She barely manages to say.

He hesitates, because he doesn't want to consider life without her, but he has no other choice. He'll do anything she asks of him.

"I promise. But I refuse to let it come to that."

There isn't enough time left to argue, so she simply says, "Kiss me, Angel." Though every word is an effort, she must use her last breath to utter his name, and die with his kiss on her lips.

He can feel her leaving him, and he finds himself cursing the cause that has always taken her away from him. He lowers his head, and softly places his lips over hers. For one clear moment, there is only her, there is only him.

Then she's gone.

He finds himself rooted to the spot. As he looks down at her, as he holds her lifeless body, he's comforted momentarily by the peaceful look on her face. Then it all comes rushing back; eternity without her.

He prays death will find him soon.

A/N: This is my first attempt at a series, so I warn you that it might not be the greatest. But it's an idea that came to me from reading a poem yet to be disclosed, and I wanted to attempt it. The details about how she dies, and what causes it are very vague, but it really isn't important. Some backdrop will be given throughout the story, as flashbacks. So the story jumps around quite a bit. Be ware.

Also, the prologue will be a two parter in order to set the story up.

Please review, and constructive criticism is always welcome. Thanks!