Disclaimer: I own nothing. Joss owns all. Bow down to the great lord of the Buffy-verse.

Dedication: This is for my Beta, Luxie. She is awesome. My story is nothing without her. Also for Meg and Ana. You guys are so wonderful.

Spoilers: Anything in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is fair game. I'm not sure how much will be revealed yet.

Rating: PG-13. Might be a little strong, but better safe than sorry.

A Gift of Hope By Tace

"I love you."

"No you don't, but thanks for sayin' it."

Buffy Summers cringed at Spike's refusal to believe in her love for him. She watched as her Spike, her love, slowly died, before running as quickly as humanly possible from the building. Unshed tears filled her eyes, blurring her vision. Spike was gone forever.

* * *

The Powers that Be finished watching the sweet yet terribly sad happening. They looked at Joyce Summers, kneeled before them. After a moment of silence, one of the powers spoke.

"What is it that you wish for us to do? He is gone from that plain of existence."

"Please, I beg of you. Help them see the error of their ways. Their love is unique. It could last forever. You could make it last forever."

The Powers nodded, before they all quickly left the room, reconvening in a small room off to the side.

A second Power spoke. "She has a point. If he would only believe in her, their love would not die away like all of the others."

The first Power spoke again. "How could we make him believe in her love? We have tried before, and nothing has worked. Those loves faded, just like all the others."

"I have an idea." A third Power cut in.

It portrayed its concept to the others. After a few minutes of discussion, the Powers had agreed that it just might work.

They walked back into the room. Joyce turned to look at them expectantly. The hope in her face brought them peace in their choice,

The first Power spoke. "We have considered your request, and a verdict has been reached. We will help you in your mission. And so, we bestow upon Buffy Summers the greatest gift of all. We offer her the gift of Hope."

* * *

When Buffy Summers woke up the next morning, she could not have known what was in store for her future. The twists and turns in her path ahead were never part of her battle plan.