BACK
He could see them from the shadows where he stood. Smiling. Laughing. Talking.






If I should stay
I would only be in your way here





It hurt. Seeing her again opened old wounds that had never fully healed. Wounds that never would.





So I'll go
But I know
I'll think of you every step of the way





He wanted to go to her. He wanted to see her smile at him. Laugh with him. Talk to him. Be with him.





And I will always love you
I will always love you
You, my darling, you





But in the shadows he stayed. He had been the one to leave her, knowing it was the best for both of them, even though his heart had been ripping into a million pieces.





Bittersweet memories
That is all I'm taking with me





He would never be able give her what she needed. He knew it. She knew it. And it tore him up inside.





So goodbye
Please don't cry
We both know I'm not what you need





When he had left that final time, he didn't even say goodbye. It hurt too much. He just stared at her, drinking in her beauty. He had tried to convey to her with his eyes that, even though he had to leave, he would always love her.





And I will always love you
I will always love you





He had barely been able to walk away. His entire being was screaming at him to turn around, run back to her, take her in his arms and never let go. Instead, he had kept walking away from the best thing that had ever happened to him.





I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you dreamed of





Now, he was standing in the shadows, watching her. She had moved on and, although it hurt, it also made him happy. Happy for her.





And I wish you joy and happiness
But above all this,
I wish you love





She smiled at the tall man standing beside her. It was a smile she used to give him when she wanted to let him know she loved him.





And I will always love you
I will always love you





He could feel his lips turn up in response, telling her he loved her, too. He saw the man bend a place a quick kiss on her lips and, despite the pain in his heart, his smile grew.





I will always love you
I will always love you





She was happy. She was in love. She was loved in return. That was all that was important to him.





You, darling, I love you
Oh, I'll always...





"I'll always love you, Drusilla," Spike whispered. Then he turned and disappeared back into the night.





I'll always love you



End