Title: Million Dollar Bachelor 3/Epilogue
Author: Forsaken2003
Pairing: William/Xander, William/Lindsey, William/Gunn
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I own none, all belong to Joss Whedon
Comments: Always welcomed!
Summary: William Pratt is a successful author of books about adventures of a vampire named Spike. He has decided that he needs something more in his life so he has decided to invite three strangers into his home hoping to find the person he has been looking for.
Warnings/Spoilers: Human Verse and a rip off of reality show The Bachelor
Beta'd by: Whichclothes

Part Three

A week later Xander was wondering if he was making a stupid mistake. What if he was just wasting his time? What if William thought he was boring? Xander was almost ready to unpack and forget it but he couldn't help the small hope that William would like him and he liked William? Could he really miss out on that because of a few doubts? Maybe in the end they could at least part as friends. With a nod and a deep breath Xander picked up his suitcase and Sparky's leash and they headed out the door.

They walked out to Xander's truck which was just recently washed and all the garbage thrown out. He opened the truck door and waited patiently as Sparky jumped up. It always took him a few tries but he'd do it. "Let's go!"

William was pacing, wondering if he was making a stupid mistake. Allowing three strange men into his home? Was he insane? He was about to call Liam and tell him the whole thing was off when the doorbell rang. William groaned before straightening himself up and made his way to the door. He could do this.

With a deep breath William opened the door and was greeted by a handsome black man. "You must be Charles," William said with a smile.

"Gunn," Gunn reminded up with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Will."

"Same, please come in." William allowed Gunn to walk in. "You're the first one so we should be expecting the others shortly.

Gunn chuckled. "You're actually that polite?"

William frowned. "I'm sorry?"

"Dang, I didn't mean to insult you. I just meant I didn't think you were actually that polite," Gunn tried to explain, looking sheepish.

"Oh. No, I'm not usually this polite it's just first impressions and all."

Gunn smacked William on the back. "Dude, just be yourself. We've only got a week. I'm sure I can speak for the others and say we want to get to know the real you."

William laughed. "Thanks for the advice." He led Gunn out to the patio. "Would you like a drink?"

"I'll take a beer if you've got. Any kind is fine by me," Gunn said as he lay down on a lawn chair. This would be a great life. William was handsome and nice. Shockingly nice for a rich white dude!

William called Liam and asked him to bring out two beers. "Damn! You've got a butler too?" Gunn asked.

"Yeah, though I'm mostly showing off right now." William laughed. "Feel free to get anything from the kitchen. It's fully stocked."

Liam came out carrying two beers. "Will, you have another guest. Lindsey MacDonald."

A man with longish brown hair walked past Liam almost knocking the beers out of his hands. "William! It's so nice to finally meet you," Lindsey said, pulling William into a hug and giving him a peck on the cheek.

Gunn sat there wondering if he should have done that. But that wasn't his style; he didn't kiss someone he didn't know. He smiled at Liam in thanks for the beer.

"Lindsey, I am glad you could make it," William said with a bright smile. "I'd like you to meet Charles Gunn. He prefers to be called Gunn, though."

"Nice to meet you, man." Gunn said with a fake smile. Something was off about Lindsey.

Lindsey nodded but didn't say a word to Gunn. He guided William to the table and they sat down beside each other. "Wow, I've got to say you are much better looking in person! I didn't even think that was possible."

William blushed. "Thank you."

"So where's this other guy you picked out?" Lindsey asked looking around. He checked over Gunn. He wasn't much of a threat to Lindsey. The bald look was not sexy.

"He should be here shortly," William replied. "I hope you brought your swimming trunks. It's supposed to be hot and sunny all day."

Lindsey ran his hand over William's arm. "I can't wait to see you without your shirt on."

Gunn had to stop himself from gagging. "I didn't. I'm not much of a swimmer."

"Oh," William said with a frown. "We don't have to be in the pool."

"I'm sure Charles wouldn't mind staying poolside while we have some fun," Lindsey purred.

This time Gunn couldn't stop the shudder that went through his body. "I'm not one to ruin a good time. As long as Will spends sometime with me." He gave William his most dashing smile. Fuck if the other guy was anything like Lindsey Gunn might have to kill himself. "When's this other guy getting here?" he wanted to size up his competition.

"Right now," Xander said. He startled them all by coming from the side of the house.

William's mouth dropped open. Xander was gorgeous. All of them were but there was something more to him. He stood, leaving Lindsey's side, not seeing the scowl on his face or hearing a chuckle come from Gunn. "Xander, it's nice that you could join us." William met them half way. He looked down to see Sparky half hiding behind Xander. "And this must be Sparky."

"Yeah, sorry he's a little shy," Xander said and patted Sparky's head. "It's nice to finally meet you, William."

"Will, please," William said with a smile. "Come, we were just getting to know each other."

Gunn stood and made his way over to Xander. He was a little caught off by Sparky and his missing eye and leg but that didn't stop him from introducing himself to Xander. After all, a guy would take in a mangled dog couldn't be all bad right? "Hey, I'm Charles Gunn. Call me Gunn, though." He held out his hand.

Xander accepted the hand. "Only if you call me Xander. And this shy little guy here is Sparky."

Lindsey decided to join them only to hide behind William's slight form. "Jesus, are you sure that thing is even alive?"

Sparky let out a low whimpery growl. He already didn't like Lindsey.

"There is nothing wrong with him," Xander said with a growl. He turned to William. "Do you think I could go get him some water, though? It's pretty hot out here."

"Of course," William pointed to the patio door. "It leads right into the kitchen."

Xander smiled and tied Sparky's leash onto a table leg. "Now you behave, or no treat tonight!" Sparky pulled the big puppy dog eye routine out, which made everyone but Lindsey laugh. While Xander wandered into the house William and Gunn tried giving Sparky attention but he just crawled under the table.

"It's all right, little one," William said in a soft voice. "I'm shy around new people too."

"You seem to be doing pretty good right now," Gunn said encouragingly.

Xander walked into the kitchen a backpack over his shoulder. He saw a young girl maybe twenty-five with her head in the refrigerator grumbling to herself. Xander coughed and she jumped up. "Geez, sorry I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, sorry I wasn't expecting anyone to come in here," Buffy said. "Is there something Liam or I can get you?"

"Oh no, I was just hoping to get Sparky some water," Xander explained and pulled a blue water dish out from the pack.

Buffy smiled. "Sure! Do you think I could meet him later? I love animals!"

Xander couldn't help but smile back. "Yeah, but if he's shy don't take offence to it."

Lindsey suddenly came in with a scowl. "What the hell does it take to get a drink? Do you want Will's guests to die of dehydration?" he said dramatically.

"I'm sorry, Liam didn't tell me you asked for something," Buffy said. "What can I get you? A beer? Lemonade? We have bottled water."

"We?" Lindsey said with a snort. "What I want is a paralyzer. Now!" He then turned and walked back out.

"Well isn't he a ray of sunshine?" Xander asked sarcastically. He filled Sparky's dog dish.

Buffy nodded with a frown. "Could I bring you anything?"

"I'd love lemonade if it's no trouble. Or I could come back and get it," Xander hurriedly said.

"I'll bring it to you when I bring Lindsey his drink," Buffy replied with a smile. "Now get back out there. You're wasting time with me when you should be with Will." She then proceeded to shoo Xander out carefully so he didn't spill any water. Buffy decided she liked Xander.