{Thx to all who have reviewed and to Trunks-Gal my inspiration to this story!}



"So tell me again what I have to do? And slow down!" Buffy pleaded with Spike.

"Luv, all you have to do is get me to start working on my poetry. Then, I think that's all you have to do." What Spike said was simple enough, save for the actually doing it part. "Then you leave and we watch me die in the shadows."

"Absolutely not!! I won't watch you die. Not in my lifetime. I'll tell you to work on your poetry, and that's it. You can see yourself die, for all I care." They were walking to the party and the closer they got the more resolute Buffy became to save her baby boy. They walked in silence from then on, the laughter and music streaming from the building they were nearing. Spike slowed to a stop and Buffy followed in step, fear shining in her eyes, the only spot of true light in the dank alley they hid themselves in.

"Now, Luv, please be careful in there. Those people are animals."

"I thought they were your friends," Buffy playfully threw at him.

"They're more my friends than demons, although I can't really vouch that they aren't that either." Buffy silently laughed and took his face in her palm.

"If you worry for one moment about me, then I will keep you in a little clay jar at home with the words: 'Ex-boyfriend' on it."

"I'm your boyfriend?" Spike whispered, a smug smile playing around on his face.

"On occasion. Now I have to go be a good boy. If you see Drusilla do me a favor throw a rock at her, possibly a boulder. Spike laughed and gave Buffy a peck on the lips a sign of his devotion. Buffy gave one identical to it back to Spike. With that Buffy walked out of the ally and into the muddy street, where the party goers walked.



Buffy shyly entered the room full of people and scanned the room for William. She was getting many complimenting looks from the male section of the party. Timidly, she stepped over to the middle of the room to see better around her. She was stopped by a boastful young man, who was wavering between drunk and sober.

"I say miss I know everyone here but you and I must know everyone here for I am the host. So, tell me what is your name?"

"My name?"

"Yes can't you hear?"

"Umm, my name is Liana." Buffy hoped he didn't hear the wavering in her voice.

"Liana? That's a strange name for a beautiful woman like yourself. Maybe you should change it?"

"Henry! Be kind! You're scaring the child!" A new person appeared on the scene to save Buffy from the torment this man was imposing on her. "Please forgive him, he's becoming drunk. I'm Elizabeth, and I over heard that your name is Liana. Pleased to meet you."

"Thank-you. Would you please tell me where I might find a William? I have business with him."

"Oh yes, he's right over there." Elizabeth waved her hand in the direction opposite of Buffy.

"Thank-you" Buffy turned and saw the man she was to kill.

TBC