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