Title: Million Dollar Bachelor 10/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 Ten

William was up early the next day. He had hardly slept, trying to figure out just what to say to Xander. It wasn't that he was overly mean was he? He had just become defensive. That wasn't much of an excuse though. The point was he obviously hurt Xander and he needed to apologize and explain. So William found himself at Xander's bedroom. He knocked several times but received no answer. Finally William just opened the door to find it empty. No Xander or Sparky.

Fearing that Xander had decided to leave, William rushed down the stairs almost running straight into Liam. "Have you seen him?"

"Seen who?" Liam asked. There were a few 'hims' staying in the house.

"Xander!" William exclaimed. "He isn't in his room. Did he leave? Did he say anything?"

Liam looked bewildered. "Yeah. He said he wanted to take Sparky out for a walk before leaving for the fair."

William let out a sigh of relief. "So he didn't leave?"

"Why would who leave?" Buffy asked. She heard William in a panic and wanted to make sure he was all right.

"Xander," William said. He then explained what happened the night before.

Buffy couldn't help herself. She punched him in the chest. "He was interested in your work and you got pissy with him?" She was able to contain herself from actually yelling. "What's wrong with you?"

"He's read my books," William said and was just stared at. "I didn't want to date a fan. They don't want to get to know me. They want Spike."

"Did you indicate that you were not interested in fans?" Liam asked. He wasn't going to admit it but he liked Xander. Xander was a good guy but Liam had made a promise to keep his opinions to himself.

William was silent as he realized that no, he hadn't. "Well bugger me."

"You owe him an apology, mister," Buffy said and poked William in the chest. "Besides not all fans believe fictional characters are real. Now, you better make things right with Xander." With that she huffed and stormed into the kitchen.

"Xander should be back soon. Why don't you go wait for him in the backyard?" Liam suggested. "I'll go wake up Gunn and Lindsey in half an hour. That should give you enough time to sort things out."

William smiled in thanks and went into the backyard making himself comfortable on the patio furniture. He fidgeted and chewed his thumbnail. After what seemed like hours Xander and Sparky finally came from around the side of the house. William watched Sparky's tail wag and the dog barked at Xander who just laughed.

"Xander," William said interrupting. He watched as both Xander and Sparky looked at him. Sparky's tail stopped wagging.

"Hey," Xander said as he tied Sparky up. He'd have to remember to bring out food and water for the day. "You're up early."

William made his way over to them. "I was hoping I could talk to you before the others woke up."

"Yeah, sure," Xander said worriedly. He finished tying up Sparky who was eyeing William. "What do you want to talk about?"

"About last night," William replied. "Let's sit."

Xander nodded and made himself as comfortable as possible. "About last night. I just wanted to apologize."

"You have nothing to apologize for. I should have made myself clear when I started this whole thing," William said, and then cleared his throat. "I'm not him."

"Um…you're not who?" Xander asked with confusion.

William waved his hand around. "You know. Spike."

Xander scratched his head. "Yeah, I know. What I don't know is why you are telling me that."

"You're a fan. You've come here looking for something that isn't real," William replied sadly. He had been looking forward to getting to know Xander.

Realization dawned on Xander. "You think I'm some whacked out fan who thinks Spike is real?"

"You're not?" William asked.

"Fuck no!" Xander said with a laugh. "I only read your books after I got your email. I thought it would be good to know what it is you write."

William suddenly felt like a bigger ass then he had the night before. "So you aren't a fan?"

"I don't know," Xander said with another look of confusion. "I thought the books were great. It seems weird to be a fan of someone you might date, doesn't it?"

"Yes," William said with a sigh. "I didn't mean to be rude last night. I was just thrown off by your question. Gunn was right, I was an idiot."

Xander's eyes widened. "Gunn called you an idiot?"

"Well no, but he might as well have," William said with a small smile. "I'm sorry." He grabbed Xander's hand. "Forgive me?"

"Well…" Xander said considering William. He grinned. "Only if you promise to tell me your idea. But while we're making pizza."

William sighed. The main reason he got so upset was that his idea was so dumb. "Deal."

Xander smiled and it made William smile. It made him want to kiss Xander just because such a little thing made him so happy. William decided to throw caution to the wind and began to lean in. He did a mental happy dance when Xander started leaning in. Their lips just met…