Well, folks, this book is almost coming to an end. Perhaps one more chapter. I've been so caught up in this story I've been ignoring the other projects in my mind. Don't worry, gentle reader, there will be a sequel so stayed tuned for the adventures of Buffy: Slayer of the Vampyres! (ok, don't mind my Andrew impression. Bad me.)

Beep…beep…beep…beep…

White walls, quiet whispers, the alcoholic smell of sterilization.

Beep…beep…beep…beep…

Sunrise, squeaking shoes, another push of medication into the IV.

Beep…beep…beep…beep…

Buffy pressed her nose to the window of his room. Visiting hours were over. Or not yet begun. She'd lost track of time in the days she camped out in the hospital. She didn't leave. She took a shower in the nurse's station because the nurses felt sorry for her. Xander brought her clothes before work and food after. Willow came by when she didn't have classes. The blond lost interest in everything else. During visiting hours she curled up in his bed. She whispered to him the whole time, holding his hand and trying to be strong. Though it was against hospital policy the staff knew better than to ask her to move. Occasionally they even allowed her to fall asleep there with him.

The minute she was allowed she crossed the line into his room and went to his bedside. "Hey!" she whispered brightly, taking his hand. She climbed onto his bed and drew her free hand down his cheek. "How was your day?"

Little did the blond know, she was being watched by a doctor and a nurse outside. They stared at her behavior, unmoving. "How long has she been in there?" the doctor asked. The nurse, the same one who watched this routine everyday responded in a sad voice. "Today? She's only been in there a few minutes. Poor baby." She shook her head, her white streaked hair bouncing around her chin. "She's been here for weeks since he came in. I don't think the poor thing's gone home. She's really shaken up."

The doctor eyed the young woman skeptically as she lay next to the older man and talked to him, tears streaking her cheeks. "What's her father's condition?" he asked.

"That's not her father. It's her lover, I think. Her poor heart, breaking for a man twice her age at least. His body just gave out as far as we know. His chart says he's in a self induced coma."

The doctor started, looking closer at the situation. "Her lover? And she's been indulged like this? Why hasn't anyone gotten her out of that bed?"

"You ever tried to separate a young heart from the one it loves?" she clucked her tongue. "Best to not even try. Whatever it is, it's a forever love in there. Young minds wander before too much time passes. This one's stayed right where he is."

The doctor sighed and watched as the blond placed a kiss on the brow of her lover, using her free hand to smooth through his hair and comfort him with light touches. The nurse next to him sighed as well, but for a different reason. She'd watched this routine for weeks and her heart broke for them. Whatever brought them together had to have been strong and whatever was driving them apart was stronger.

"Sure is a shame about that baby."

Again the doctor looked skeptical. He looked from the blond to the old nurse and then back again. "How on Earth do you know she's pregnant? Has she taken a test or gotten blood work done?"

"You can see it in her." She replied. "That girl's been in here for the better part of two months and she's been throwing up like a bulimic and she's been weak like a kitten. Sad thing is she doesn't even realize it; she's so focused on him."

The old nurse shook her head again and turned away, figuring she'd intruded long enough into their lives. "Doctor, stop staring." She reminded softly. He blinked and moved off to the left leaving the young woman and her lover alone in their room.