Hi, I'm sorry for the very short chapter but there is tons more on the way, so please, let me know what you think.

And just so we're clear: Joss Whedon owns: Everything. I own: Nothing.

Chapter four

The steaming hot mug Buffy was clutching between both hands, quickly spread warmth throughout her body. She had to keep reminding herself that she was in London during the winter and she had to learn how to cope with it. Earlier in the evening, during dinner, Anne had told Buffy to visit the library anytime she wished, which was exactly what she was doing. There were a lot of things Buffy needed to figure out but first and foremost Buffy needed to learn more about
Anne Summers and her family history. The blonde Slayer shifted the mug to one hand and knocked on the heavy wooden doors. A young brunette carrying a striking resemblance to Dawn answered Buffy's knock.

"Um, hi, I'm B . . . . . Anne, Miss Carleton's companion." The girl's face stretched into a wide grin and she flung the doors open.

"Oh, Miss Anne, Mistress Carleton told me to let you in. I'm Becky." Buffy found her face stretching to match Becky's.

"Hi Becky, it's nice to meet you"

"You as well, Miss Anne" Going back to her dusting, Becky called over her shoulder;

"Please, feel free to look around, this is your home too now". Buffy smiled in gratitude and turned to browse the shelves. As she examined the multitude of titles, the crackling of the fire and the muffled sounds of Becky working calmed Buffy into a half-sleep. Back when the original Sunnydale High was still standing, the library had been the Scoobies' home base and it had always been a place of great peace and junk food, despite it being perched on the Hellmouth. Buffy was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't hear anyone behind her until they cleared their throat. Buffy whirled around, reaching for the stake she always kept hidden on her person. It wasn't there of course, she wasn't the Slayer in this time period and it wasn't like there was going to be any stakes lying around. She didn't need it anyway, it was only William. Buffy laid a hand on her corset enhanced chest.

"My God, you scared the cra . . . . . . life out of me." William looked down, removed his glasses and began to clean them.

"I'm sincerely sorry, Miss Summers, I didn't mean to frighten you" Buffy smiled at his almost debilitating shyness.

"It's quite alright and my name is Anne or Miss Anne as your mother calls me. But please, not Miss Summers, it makes me feel old." She shot him a half smile. William cocked his head to the side and gazed up at Buffy through his eyelashes. It was a look Spike used many times but it was disconcerting seeing it on William. He gave Buffy a stiff nod and turned away.

"I hope you don't mind my being here, in the library." William stiffened and replied without turning.

"Of course not, this is your home too."

That night, Buffy lay awake under her new covers. It was dangerous, what she was doing. When one visited a different dimension or time, it was imperative that they not form bonds or relationships because when one went back home, there were sure to be questions concerning their disappearances But what if I don't go home? What if I stay here? There's no one back home who will miss me, other than Spike and it's not like my Slayer skills are in high demand now that Faith is back. And also, here, there's already a Slayer so I don't need to fight any battles here other than getting into my corset every morning and bonus, pretty clothes. Buffy tried not to let Spike or William affect her train of thought but he kept slipping in when she didn't expect him. So, long after her candle burnt out, Buffy the Vampire Slayer lay awake, pondering her future.