I Loved a Lass by BuffyMeetsSpike

Chapter #1 - One-shot

Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Author's Note: This drabble kept popping up in my head like a whack-a-mole, so I had to write it down. Now I can get back to my other story! ***************************************** He stood in the shadows by the door. Always in the shadows, it seemed. He had come to the church through the crypt, as befitted his state. Forever damned. No matter what I do, how many times I suffer and bleed, I still lose. His long black coat hid him from view as he watched the guests file in. Slayers, in dresses for once, laughing as they made their way to their seats. Tall, ebony skinned Robin, with Faith on his arm sharing a private smile. A few demons, their odd hues and shapes sticking out in the crowd. But no vampires, other than himself. There were only two vampires in her life. Just one now, I guess.   A song started running through his mind as he watched the gathering of Buffy’s friends and relations. The lyrics were aggravatingly appropriate and sprung unasked into his mind.   Oh I loved a lass, and I loved her so well And I hated all others who of her spoke ill But now she’s rewarded me well for my love She’s gone to be wed to another.   His mother used to sing that song. She had been a veritable font of folk songs and ballads, cradle songs and laments. It had been so long since he thought of her. He had avoided thinking of her since that night he had ended her life and snuffed out her songs forever.   When I saw my love to the church go With bride and bridesmaids she made a fine show I followed her on with a heart full of woe She’s gone to be wed to another   Willow came down the aisle, dressed in a royal blue gown, with Xander escorting her, resplendent in his rented tuxedo. Dawn came next, eyes bright and happy like he hadn’t seen her in ages. Did I ever even see her that way? Did the monks put her in my memory that way? His eyes followed the maid of honor toward the altar, narrowing as he saw the groom take his place at the end of the aisle. After all we went through together, she chose him. The second he became human she was his. It’s not right. Don’t I get any say? Don’t I get to speak my piece? I love her too. Always will.   When I saw my love sit down to dine I sat down beside her and poured out the wine I drank to the lassie that should have been mine She’s gone to be wed to another   As he watched Giles take his position at the doors, he almost couldn’t bear to watch. He pulled a flask out of his pocket and took a swig of bourbon to steady himself. Then she appeared. Her blonde hair was swept up in a twist, with delicate tendrils running down her neck. Her dress was a sheath, clinging to her curves and sweeping out into a train in the back. She held white orchids and a smile that would make angels weep. She took Giles’ arm with a little squeeze and allowed him to lead her down the aisle to her husband to be. I had the same right to the Shansue prophesy as he did, he thought bitterly. What did he do that was so wonderful? We both saved the world. I worked harder than he ever did at it. Fucking Powers. Another gulp of bourbon burned its way down his throat.   And the men in the forest, they asked of me How many strawberries grow in the salt sea? I answered them back with a tear in my eye How many ships sail in the forest?   He barely heard the preacher’s words, or their response. Tears of rage and frustration trickled slowly down his face as they spoke their vows, promising to love and honor each other. Love. What does he know of love? What did he ever know of love? He knew obsession, nothing more. Soul or no soul, he never loved her like I did. He wanted to scream, to run in and leap on her groom’s neck and drain his newly human blood before turning his fangs on her. But all he could do was watch helplessly as they slid rings on each other’s fingers and kissed to the joyous applause of their friends.   Oh dig me a grave, and dig it so deep And cover it o’er with flowers so sweet And I’ll turn in and I’ll take a long sleep And maybe in time I’ll forget her.   He turned and stalked off, disappearing with vampire speed down the stairs to the crypt. But as fast as he moved, he couldn’t avoid hearing the preacher announce, “I would like to introduce our newlyweds, William and Buffy Pratt.” Angel threw his flask against the wall with a roar and disappeared. The End ********************************************************* Lyrics from I Loved A Lass, Scottish Traditional