For the first time, Willow realized that Buffy was nowhere in sight. Willow frowned. She had called Giles a few days ago to ask him to come for Christmas. This was her present for Buffy and she wasn't even there to enjoy it. Maybe she's in the kitchen getting goodies.

Willow ignored the Scoobies, who had huddled around the watcher, and ran towards the kitchen.

***

I can't do this! Buffy cried. I can't! You are dead! I killed you! I loved Angel--gave my heart to him---I killed him! I loved Riley and forced him to leave me! Tears now flowed in a torrent down her face and her voice shuddered. I loved my mom and she died. I loved Giles like a father and he left me. I can't do this anymore!

He said nothing as he stared into her eyes.

Buffy broke into sobs. Yes! I loved you! I loved you very much! She paused and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself. But I killed you, she whispered. It was all my fault.

A single tear fell from his eye and slowly made a single wet trail down his cheek. Softly he reached out and brushed a fallen strand of hair from her face. You saved me, he whispered.

Buffy opened her eyes. Saved him? She had been too late! She had seen him---he had died. Hadn't he?

Because of you I found myself. It was your smile, your laughter, that made me fight, Buffy. I loved you when I died. I will love you forever.

I loved you so much, Buffy sobbed again. But I can't have you. I finally found the one, and I can't have you.

Yes you can, luv. He looked deeper into her eyes and more tears fell from his own. His voice shuddered. You gave me life, Buffy! You found what I was looking for--you found your love for me, true love.

It was too late!

No! You found it and you gave me life! His voice was still soft but now held a tone of excitement.

What do you mean? Why do you keep saying that? Buffy asked in a frustrated tone.

I'm no dead anymore, Buffy. He paused and swallowed. I'm human.

***

Willow glanced around the kitchen. Buffy was nowhere in sight, but a scrap of wrapping paper and piece of ribbon on the kitchen floor told Willow that Buffy had been there. Willow looked around the kitchen one more time and found the kitchen door open a crack.

Of course. Willow said to herself. She should have known Buffy would be in the garden.

Slowly Willow walked to the door.

***
The world around Buffy began to spin and she found her breath had left her once again.

Human?

Marry me, Buffy.

Buffy stared at him with shock and anger and frustration. This wasn't funny. Ghosts or spirits or whatever he was were not funny to her. She had lost the love of her life and the Powers That Be wanted to play games with her? It was not fair! You can't be serious.

I am! I will do anything! Buffy, I love you!

Buffy looked away from him and down at the snow beneath her feet. She couldn't look at him anymore. Buffy almost pulled back as she saw his hand reach out and take hers. Again he pulled her close to him and placed her hand upon his chest. The warmth overwhelmed her and the pulsating sensation tickled her fingertips once more.

Look at me, luv. He waited for her to raise her eyes to his. I am real. This is not some kind of nasty joke. I am really here, slayer. I am human. Would I have that beating in my chest if I wasn't? More tears silently made their way down his face.

Buffy concentrated on the faint, rhythmic pulsing sensations. If it wasn't a heartbeat then what was it? She thought briefly about putting her ear to his chest to listen for the soft thumping, but quickly decided against it.

Human!

I am human, Buffy. I swear it. He spoke with silent desperation in his voice. He was telling the truth.

How? How could it have happened? How did she save him? If he tames the power, he will become human. Buffy jumped as Willow's voice sounded inside her head. Buffy's heart leapt to her throat. He had tamed the power! He really was human!

Buffy threw her arms around his neck and cried.

Spike held her closer, thighter, than he had ever held her before. He closed his eyes and let his emotions flow. Sobs wracked him as he buried his face in her shoulder. She loved him!

Don't ever leave me! Buffy pulled away slightly and looked into Spike's eyes. Stay with me forever. She moved up to kiss him.

He whispered before their lips met with the deepest passion. They kissed each other will every ounce of love and strength they had in them. All the love in the world, the universe, could not compare to they love they had for each other.

Suddenly, Buffy's pendant glowed brighter and green bolts of light shot out of the two lovers. The bolts grew bigger and brighter as they encompassed Buffy and Spike who were so into their kiss they didn't notice. The lights entertwined, wrapped around themselves. It was so bright the lovers disappeared within the green glow.

Willow continued to watch from the window in the kitchen door where she had stopped after seeing the two lovers in the garden. Willow smiled, her heart warm with excitement and love for her friends. Merry Christmas, Buffy! Willow wiped a tear from her cheek. Merry Christmas!

***

The End?