Story Notes: Written for the EF April 2023 Challenge Month, as a response to the excellent challenge by mcgnagallsarmy.  The perimeters include: Spike dying at the end of Chosen, and he believes Buffy when she says she loves him. He doesn't end up in hell, but rather a desert that he must cross. Along the way there are images or challenges he can interact with or have to get through, and in the end, he doesn't appear through the amulet, but wherever Buffy is. It has such a unique twist on the post-series reunion, and I've been personally challenging myself to write more straightforward romances. And it can't get any more romantic than braving a desert to return to the one you love, right? Un-beta'd, all errors are mine. Banner created by me! 
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.