She's sitting next to me, looking out the window.
Radiant, powerful, passionate, and beautiful.
She's the love of my life.
And she doesn't even know it.
I almost lost her today.
I love her, and I almost lost her.
We were fighting, side by side.
I moved away, just for a moment.
And in that moment she was stabbed.
I saw the blood.
I saw her fall.
A second later I was at her side, trying to help.
Though feeling I was helpless.
She gave me her weapon, her trust, a sign we were equals.
I made the vamp who hurt her pay.
I made every vamp pay.
Until they overpowered me.
From under the pile I felt her strength.
Her determination, her power, her resolve.
It gave me strength, and I fought.
I fought by her side again.
She said it was a place I was meant to be.
She trusts me now, but does she love me?
I should have told her before, when we talked in her room.
I wanted to tell her, but I was scared.
What if she didn't feel the same?
What if she did?
I hesitated, and I lost my chance.
To pour out my heart to her.
To tell her how I feel.
I should tell her now, before I lose my nerve.
I should tell her what she means to me.
I should tell her now.
I'm going to tell her now.
I gather my courage and speak.
"B?"
She turns to me, and her eyes sparkle in the afternoon light.
Her beauty overwhelms me.
I lose my voice.
I'm nervous.
She smiles at me and my confidence grows.
I start to speak, finding my voice.
"B."
I pause, and try again.
"Buffy. I . . . I love you."
I said it.
Oh my god, I actually said it.
She's looking at me, still smiling.
Is that a good sign?
Her smile grows and she takes my hand in hers.
A gentle squeeze, reassuring really.
I search her eyes, looking for her answer.
What I find amazes me.
I know her answer before I speak.
"Really?"
She nods as her eyes shine.
Tears of joy and happiness.
And then she says it.
The words I've waited so long to hear.
"Faith, I love you too."
And with those words, I feel whole.
And complete.
And loved.
THE END