A year later Buffy sat at the center table in the magic shop reading a letter. Periodically she'd giggle as she read and Giles finally asked, "Is that another letter from William? What does he say that's so funny?" Buffy was smiling that special way again, like the sun rising and Willow thought to herself that William would be happy to know he made her do this. Buffy answered in a pleasant sing-song, "He's so funny without even trying to be. I'll read you a piece to show you what I mean," and began to read from the letter.

It occurred to me that Harmony was ill-used by Spike and felt compelled to apologize and make amends to her. I tracked her down for this purpose but she was less than thrilled to see me. If I had forgotten that only Spike could take a crossbow to the stomach and walk away, she certainly reminded me. I would write a poem about it but can't think of a word to rhyme with 'gut-wound'. In any case, Angel was furious that I did such a foolish thing that was so badly planned. He backed off when Cordy painted out he wasn't the King of planning himself. Cordy is such a sweet and caring woman who is generally misunderstood.

Buffy laughed loudly saying, "He tries to be reserved but I know he has that same bent sense of humor Spike had and it comes out in all his letters. I just know the first words out his mouth were -Oh bloody hell Harm, why couldn't you get an arm or something?" Giles smirked, " He does seem to chose words to sound nice but make you laugh at the twisted mental picture they raise. You two have grown very close over the last year, haven't you?

" Buffy sighed in contentment saying, "I've become friends with a man I couldn't have imagined being friends with, except it really isn't him. It has been hard to separate Spike and William in my mind, and a little hard to say good-bye to Spike because there were things I enjoyed about him. Since then I've come to know that all the stuff I really liked about Spike; his humor, perceptiveness, frankness, and honesty; are all still there because they came from William to begin with. All that was left that solely was Spike that I liked was his style and William has kept it. He did ditch the duster because he felt bad about keeping a trophy off a Slayer Spike killed. Lately he's been contemplating the name 'Spike". He doesn't like where it came from either but says that people tend to leave you alone if you look like him and are named Spike. I don't know how I feel about this, but I am kind of getting used to the name 'William'. Oh well, I've babbled on enough now."

Giles was happy Buffy felt close to William and had wrapped her mind around the situation. He had gone through the same conflict but knew now that William's love for Buffy was an increasingly good thing in his mind, but Spike expressing William's love would always have been vile to him. He nodded to Buffy that he understood and said, "I am pleased that things are going well between you two. Does he mention if he's going to visit soon?" Buffy got a pouty look and replied, "He's being very mysterious. I never like to wait for surprises and I think that is what he's making me do."

Giles knew well that she was not gifted with patience so he tried to change the subject by saying, "I got a letter of my own today that I think you'd be interested in." Buffy perked up and asked, "So what's the scoop Giles?"

Giles pulled out the letter from his vest pocket and began, "It's from the Watcher's Council. Apparently they have a new person training that has requested to work under me. This man says I am different than most other Watchers because of my innovation, creativity, willingness to bend, and that I often get into the fray. It really is flattering that this man the Watcher's Council praises so highly want to train under me." Buffy knew Giles could be buttered up easily and thought this man had greased exactly the right wheels with him. "That sounds exciting. When does it say he's coming?" Giles flipped over the page and frowned, "It doesn't say. I guess we'll have to expect him at any time. He could have left before the letter for all we know."

At that moment the tinkling of the bell over the door made them all turn that way. Giles began to say, "Welcome to the...," but stopped in surprise at the figure in the doorway. Buffy squealed in excitement and ran to the man, who caught her up in his arms and gave her a swing around. "William, I'm so happy to see you," she gave him a slap on the chest, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" William grinned, "What? And miss seeing this excitement...and that wonderful pouty lip? I can't resist that pouty lip you know." He gave her a little kiss, testing how she would respond but was surprised by her pulling his head down and giving him a long kiss.

"I have missed you so much! I was just having a good laugh over your letter. Let me see the wound," she grabbed his shirt and pulled it un-tucked to reveal a bandaged over area on his stomach. He was enjoying this immensely and let her have his way with him, so to speak. Willow reminded them that they weren't alone by saying, "William, it's good to see you. We were waiting for someone else but I am glad it was you who came through the door." William crossed over to Willow and extended his hand, "Thank-you for helping me the last time we were together. If you had not questioned Spike about his feelings over killing the other Slayers I may not have won my battle." Willow smiled, "Your welcome," and blushed.

He turned and walked over to Giles, "I hope you won't chain me up in the bathtub. Seriously, it's good to see you mate. Now, who is it you're waiting for?" Giles answered, "Actually, the letter from the Watcher's Council gave no name. We are waiting for a new Watcher trainee who is supposed to be quite promising. He has asked to train under me." William smiled, "You sound very pleased at the idea of working with this chap. Did they give you a description so you know who to pay attention to?" Again Giles answered in the negative. "Well, those Watcher folk like mystery don't they? Why don't I end the mystery then," he smiled widely, "I'm the man you're looking for. I am training to be the next Watcher." Everyone in the room gasped and William grinned happily at the success of his surprise.

The End By Rachel (with the assistance of the Bronze role-players) Now I need your help everyone. E-mail me @