Meet me in the Graveyard
Chapter 2: Februrary 2001
"I got another one," was the first thing Willow said to Buffy that morning.
Buffy gasped. "Another one? That's the how-many-ith thing Mister X has sent you?"
"The tenth thing, but then I'm not counting the rose that first night," Willow replied without hesitating. "He has sent me four roses, three pairs of earrings, a box of chocolates, a bar of my favourite soap, and a book on witchcraft in Europe."
"What did he send you this time?" Buffy couldn't hide her curiosity.
"This." Willow held out her arm and showed her friend a beautiful silver bracelet. It had several small rubies in it, all grouped to look like hearts.
"Wow, that's beautiful!" Buffy sighed. "Your secret lover has money. And taste ."
"He's not my lover, Buffy! He's just an admirer. No love going on here," Willow said, blushing deeply.
"Yeah, right," Buffy answered, clearly not believing a word she said. "If that is so, why are you blushing?"
"Look, this is what he wrote." Willow handed Buffy a small, off-white card, ignoring her last question.
"This is a present in three parts. Part two will come next week, part three on Valentine's Day," Buffy read. She looked up at Willow and smiled. "That's so romantic!" she swooned.
"Yeah, I know," Willow blushed. "But you know what? I wish I knew who's doing all this. It just doesn't feel right, accepting all these expensive gifts and not even being able to say thanks." Willow wrinkled her nose in concern.
"I understand it's frustrating, but there's nothing you can do. You don't know his name, you don't know where he lives, you don't know anything about him," Buffy reasoned. "Apparently he doesn't want to be thanked."
"I guess not," Willow answered, "but I really want to thank him. I have to figure out a way."
"You can figure out a way while we pick out costumes for the Valentine's Ball," Buffy said to distract Willow. "Look, it's a theme night and we're all supposed to wear costumes and masks. 'Famous couples throughout history'. Looks like someone's been watching 'Never been kissed' a few too many times."
"Hey, a Valentine's Ball? That's perfect! I'm sure Mister X will ask me to the Ball. He's got to. It's the perfect opportunity." She took the anouncement off the bulletin board and put it in her bag. "I'll put this on my desk, so Mister X will read it next week."
***
He paced up and down the room restlessly.
It's been a week since I gave her the bracelet. Tonight it's time for the earrings. He looked at the small jewelry box on the table. I'm becoming a real nancy-boy. Buying gifts for Willow, writing notes. He knew it wasn't totally true. He'd always had a thing for romance, only he had pushed it away for years. But now a certain red-headed witch had brought his romantic side to the surface. He would never admit it to anyone, but she had given him a goal. That goal was to hear her surprised shriek, followed by a happily whispered 'thank you'.
Last time, when he brought her the bracelet, he had decided that he would let her know it was him. He had taken a card and a pen with him, but hadn't planned on using either. He had wanted to wait till she got home. He was determined to tell her how he felt about her, and he was a good looking guy, so surely Willow couldn't resist him?
When he had put the gift on the desk, however, he suddenly hadn't been so sure he would conquer her. Sure, she liked his presents, but she still was the Slayer's best friend. She had been taught vampires were bad. Not in the world to be loved. Aside from souled poncy vampires like Angel that is. He had waited about five minutes, getting more and more nervous, not quite sure what to do, not wanting to give in to his urge to run, but not wanting to stay either. In the end he had written a short note on the card, and he had fled from the house, into the safe darkness.
But this time it was going to be different. This time he would really tell her who he was. He wouldn't care about whatever discourageing remarks his mind would think up. He'd stay there and tell the redhead that he loved her.
He snapped out of his rêverie and put on his coat. It was time to make the redhead smile again.
***
When he reached her house, he checked if there was anyone there. They were all gone.
Good. I need time to prepare.
He swiftly climbed up to her window. It was open. For a moment he thought she was in her room. He waited and listened. Not a sound. He climbed into her bedroom and walked to the desk on his right. As he put down the gift and card, he saw a pamphlet. "Valentine's Ball" it said in big, curly letters, surrounded by hearts. "February 14th. Starting at 20.00 hrs. Theme: Famous couples throughout history." He snorted. Very original…not. "Costumes and masks compulsory." Next to the text, he saw someone had written something.
"Dear Mister X,
I know this isn't your real name, but I don't know what to call you. I would like to meet you at the Valentine's Ball. Will you be there?
Love,
Willow"
He considered the possible consequences of whatever answer he was going to give. He had wanted to tell her that night. But deep inside he didn't want her to know who he was. He was thinking of just ignoring it and leaving. He wouldn't go to the Ball. Only, if he didn't go she'd be unhappy. That was the last thing he wanted. Besides, if they were obliged to wear masks, he had nothing to fear. He'd just play a Cinderella before the masks had to come off. He grabbed a pen from the stand on her desk and quickly wrote one word before he disappeared into the night.
***
"Buffy Summers," a sleepy voice said.
"Hi Buffy, it's Willow. Sorry to call you so late at night, but I just had to tell you. I'm so happy!"
"Uhm…. That's nice Willow, but why exactly are you so happy?"
"He said yes!"
"Er…"
"Mister X said yes! I just came home from the library and I saw a box and card. He didn't write anything in the card, but on the anouncement he wrote a big YES!"
Buffy was awake at once. "Willow, tell me all about this," she said as she sat up straight.