Universal by BuffyMeetsSpike
 
 
Chapter #1 - Prologue/Chapter 1
 
Universal by BuffyMeetsSpike
 
This story takes place about a month after The Ghost in You. It is helpful, but not necessary to read that story first. The story takes place in an AU version of Season 6. Spike and Buffy are together, living in her house and caring for Dawn after Buffy was brought back from the dead. Their newfound peace is due to be shattered when they become pawns in a battle between the Powers that Be and a race of demons hungry for power.
 
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy own all the awesome characters.
 
Reviews are most helpful and welcome!
 
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Prologue
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Their realm was one of infinite light, glowing and shifting in shades of white. From this, their stronghold, the Powers That Be watched and listened to the currents of the worlds. They saw as one stream threatened to overspill into another, causing chaos, or noticed when the slight redirection of one flow could strengthen another, and another, like tiny mountain streams forming a great river. They watched, and they conversed, and weighed their choices.
 
The dark ones are growing stronger. We must bring forth the new power.
 
It will cause them pain. They have suffered much already.
 
It cannot be helped. Only they can bring forth the One.
 
They are strong.
 
Are they strong enough? They are still so weary.
 
It cannot be helped. If we spare them, we may lose all.
 
It cannot be helped.
 
It cannot be helped. We are of one accord. Let it be done.
 
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Chapter 1
 
“Hey, I’m home!” Dawn shouted as she banged her way in the back door. She tossed her backpack on the kitchen counter and followed the sounds of the television to the living room, where Spike was enjoying the last few minutes of Passions.  “Spike? Earth to Spike?”
 
“Shh!” he hushed her. “I need to see how this comes out. Although they always leave it on some bloody cliffhanger.”
 
Dawn laughed. She found it endlessly humorous that the Big Bad was completely addicted to the world’s sappiest soap opera. “Where’s Buffy?” she asked, heading for the kitchen.
 
“Grocery shopping, now quiet!” he snarled. Bint always has to interrupt the last ten minutes. He had truly grown very fond of Dawn over the entire summer, and that feeling had only increased since he had moved into the Summers home. But there was a limit to his patience.
 
Dawn knew exactly how exasperating she was being, and decided for once to have mercy on the vampire. She pulled out an apple from the fridge and munched it while she sorted out her homework. Algebra, French, Literature. Not too bad, I guess. She flipped open her Algebra book and started working on the list of problems while she munched.
 
Ten minutes later, Spike came sauntering in to the kitchen. He made himself a mug of blood and sipped it while he looked over Dawn’s shoulder. “Double check number 6 there, Nibblet. Think you made a subtraction error.”
 
Dawn saw that he was right, again. Spike’s homework help had really allowed her to catch up from her weeks of ignoring homework and skipping school. But it was really, really annoying how he was always right. “Were you, like, a total geek in high school?” she asked sarcastically as she erased.
 
“Didn’t have geeks in my time. Only well educated English gentlemen, like myself,” he said, affecting an upper class accent for Dawn’s amusement. She stuck out her tongue at him and went back to work.
 
The back door banged open as Buffy came in with the grocery bags. Spike set down his blood and hurried to relieve her of the bags and steal a quick kiss. She went back for the last couple bags as Spike started putting things away. “You having a party, pet?” he asked, wondering a little at the larger than usual pile of food.
 
“Social services is visiting for the follow up tomorrow, remember?” Buffy said. “Don’t want them to think I’m starving anyone.” She still had nightmares sometimes about losing Dawn again. Although she had mostly adjusted to being alive once more, she still had some moments of panic, and social services was one of those panic buttons.
 
“It will be alright, Slayer. Bit and I will help you clean up later. Right, Bit?”
 
“If I must,” sighed Dawn. Buffy fixed her with a stern look and Dawn said, “Ok, ok, you know I’ll help.”
 
“Good. ‘Cause I really like having you around, for reasons that I can’t fathom sometimes,” she teased. The sisters simultaneously stuck their tongues out at each other and laughed.
 
The evening passed pleasantly. Buffy made dinner – she had figured out that quiche was actually pretty easy if you bought premade pie crusts – while Spike helped Dawn with the finer points of French verbs and Shakespeare. They sat down and enjoyed their meal, with Spike insisting all the while that real vampires did not eat quiche. After dinner, Spike and Buffy geared up for patrol, while Dawn settled in for some quality TV time. “Remember, keep the doors locked, don’t let anyone in,” Buffy warned.
 
“As opposed to the last 50 nights, when I was supposed to keep the doors locked, and not let anyone in?” Dawn answered.
 
“Watch it, Missy,” said Spike. “Or I’ll make a midnight snack out of you.”
 
“Promises, promises,” said Dawn. “You guys be careful too.”
 
“Be back soon,” said Buffy. They stepped out onto the porch and Buffy uttered a quick phrase in Latin that Tara had taught them. Tara had remained in touch with Buffy and Spike as they slowly rebuilt a life for the two of them and Dawn. She had put protective wards on the house so that Buffy and Spike could patrol without worrying about Dawn. Buffy merely had to activate the spell when she left and deactivate it when she got back so that Spike could come in. Tara wasn’t quite good enough to make it that specific, so the spell kept out all demons when activated.
 
Willow probably could have made a more specific spell, but Buffy had still not reconciled with her or Xander. Tara had left Willow for using magic on her without her permission, and Willow was still struggling with her addiction to magic. Anya occasionally called to say hello, but Xander was still angry about Buffy’s relationship with Spike, and seemed unable to fully understand how hard Buffy still struggled with being alive. Buffy assumed that someday she would be ready to deal with them, but someday wasn’t there quite yet. She was content to have Dawn back, to keep in touch with Tara and Anya, and to be living with Spike.
 
She glanced over at him as they walked through the cemeteries, looking for fledglings and demons. His face was completely healed from the holy water burns he had sustained at Xander’s hands, and she found him beautiful in the moonlight.
 
Thanks love. Not so bad yourself, you know. Buffy smiled as Spike’s thoughts floated into her mind. When they had first claimed each other, they had felt each other’s emotions, but not much else. After a few weeks of constant togetherness, they gradually became able to read each other’s thoughts. At first it only happened when they were making love, or when Spike drank from her. But it had developed to the point that they now had to make a special effort not to broadcast their thoughts to each other all the time. They made a point of not deliberately invading each other’s minds, but unless they were careful most of their thoughts seemed to travel almost instantly between them.
 
Flattery will get you nowhere, she returned. Their pleasant, if nonverbal, banter was interrupted by a scream. They followed the sound to find a woman being pulled by a couple of vampires toward an open crypt. “Hey, look,” one of them said. “If we grab her too we won’t have to share.”
 
“Good luck with that,” Buffy said, pulling out a stake. The vampires’ eyes widened briefly, then they dropped the woman and launched their attack. Buffy and Spike waited until the last second, then as one unit they stepped aside and staked the vampires in the back as they passed. I think that was a new record, love, Spike thought as the dust settled.
 
Like shooting fish in a barrel, Buffy agreed. “Are you ok?” she asked the woman, as she shakily got to her feet.
 
“I’m fine. What… what happened to those guys?” the woman was nearly as frightened of Spike and Buffy as she had been at the vampires.
 
“All you need to know is that they’re gone,” Spike said. His warm accent had its usual affect on the woman, calming her and making her unconsciously adjust her clothes and run her hands through her hair.
 
You are SUCH a flirt, Buffy scolded.
 
What can I say? I’m irresistible. But you know I’ve only got eyes for you, Slayer. He turned those eyes to her and they shared a long look before they returned to their task. They made sure the woman got to a cab, and made sure the cabbie had a heartbeat before bidding her goodnight. They finished their patrol, dusting a couple of fledges here and there, then headed for home.
 
Buffy muttered the spell that allowed Spike access and they went inside. Dawn was talking on the phone to her friend Janice as they came in. Spike hung up his duster as Buffy put away her stakes. “We should probably straighten up for the inspection tomorrow,” she remembered.
 
“Right. You want the upstairs or the downstairs?” Spike said. He was never going to enjoy the whole housekeeping aspect of living with two women. However, he wanted Buffy happy and Dawn around, so he accepted it.
 
“Dawn and I will take the upstairs,” Buffy said. Then raising her voice she added, “As soon as she gets off the phone!” Dawn heard her sister’s tone, and cut her conversation short.
 
“What’s up?” Dawn said.
 
“Home inspection. Tomorrow,” Buffy said. “Let’s go upstairs and tidy things up so that you don’t get shipped off to foster care again, ok?”
 
“Fine,” Dawn huffed. Having registered her token protest, she proceeded to clean up her room while Buffy worked on the bathroom. Spike did the dishes, carried the weapons chest downstairs to the basement where it was less conspicuous, and generally looked around for anything that betrayed his presence. Technically, no unrelated adults were supposed to be living in the house unless they went through a criminal records check. Spike had gotten some fake documents to give himself a checkable background, but they hadn’t gotten around to testing them yet. This inspection was the first one since Dawn had come back, and they felt it was easier for now to have him just quietly stay out of the way when the inspectors came. After they had gotten another good report on the record, then they could consider broaching the subject of Buffy’s ‘boyfriend William’ moving in.
 
Within an hour the house was back in order. Spike’s clothes were stashed under the spare towels in Joyce’s bedroom, which was now a guest room. All the suspicious weaponry was tucked away out of sight, the floors had been vacuumed, and the kitchen was clean and well stocked. Buffy made the three of them a celebratory cup of cocoa when they finished. As they sipped and chatted, Buffy felt a moment of deep, perfect contentment. Her longing for the warmth and peace of Heaven had never completely gone away, but times like this came very close.
 
Since Dawn’s return they had found themselves falling into an easy domestic routine, and even though Spike grumbled about the tarnishing of his Big Bad persona, he was secretly as happy as he had ever remembered being. Buffy usually got up early to make breakfast, make sure Dawn got off to school, and do laundry and such. Spike had a hard time letting go of his nocturnal habits, so tended to make his first appearance around lunch time. They would share lunch, usually make love and share a shower, then putter around until Dawn came home. They would spar in the basement, often as a form of foreplay, or have long conversations about Spike’s past experiences. Buffy was starting to research the idea of going back to school, but she was in no hurry. Although the panic attacks were becoming less frequent, she still felt she needed more time to really feel 100% back to an even keel before she went back to college. After dinner and patrol, they would hang out, make love some more, and fall asleep in each other’s arms. The routine was comforting, and Buffy often felt that this constant, easy connection they had was the most important factor in her return to the land of the living.
 
“I’m going to bed,” Dawn announced. “See you guys in the morning.” Spike and Buffy murmured their goodnights and Buffy got up to wash out the mugs.
 
“When are the inspectors coming tomorrow, love?” Spike inquired.
 
“Sometime in the morning. So I guess you’ll have to get your lazy self out of bed before noon,” Buffy responded.
 
“Well then I guess we’ll just have to turn in early so I can get my beauty sleep,” Spike purred as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her neck distractingly.
 
“Mmm,” she sighed. “Just let me put these dishes away and I’ll take you up on that.” She made short work of the dishes and turned to Spike, drawing him down into a passionate kiss. They broke it off when Buffy got desperate for air and they practically chased each other up the stairs.
 
Buffy’s bedroom was much the same as it had been, with a few subtle differences. The curtains had been replaced by much darker, heavier ones to protect sleeping vampires. There were more candles scattered around, and next to Buffy’s white fluffy bathrobe hung a slightly faded black silk one. Although they had to keep Spike’s presence hidden from the authorities for now, they both felt that this was ‘their’ room, and right now they were eager to get into their bed together.
 
Spike closed and locked the door behind him while he watched Buffy strip off her clothes. See anything you like yet, she teased. The telepathy had proved to be a boon when it came to having sex with Dawn just across the hall. Spike’s tongue curled behind his teeth in anticipation as Buffy slowly shimmied out of her jeans and pulled off her shirt, facing him in her lacy bra and panties with her hand on her hip. How about now?
 
Two can play at this game, he thought as he pulled off his own shirt. Buffy felt a wave of heat run through her as she watched his muscles flex. Ok, you win, Buffy grinned as they moved to meet each other in the center of the room. Their hands made swift work of the rest of their clothing as they kissed, jeans and undergarments scattering the newly cleaned floor. They moved in concert to the bed, and Spike relished the sight of his Slayer laid out in all her tanned and blonde glory.
 
Spike slid his caressing tongue down her body to zero in on her clit, causing her to arch her back and sigh aloud. “Never going to get tired of that,” she moaned softly.
 
Me neither, Spike replied. The combination of not needing to breathe or speak made for endless possibilities. His attentions to her sex went on and on, her feelings echoing deliciously in his own mind, intensifying his arousal. At last she could hold back no longer and she cried, “Spike!” as she convulsed in her orgasm.
 
Beautiful, Spike thought as he worked his way back up her body, slowly entering her on his way. Dear God, I love you, Buffy. This is my home. Right here, between these hot little thighs of yours.
 
Love you, Spike. Love you, love this. Never stop, oh God never stop. Buffy’s thoughts grew more and more incoherent as her arousal grew once more to the tipping point.
 
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In that white realm, the Powers were aware, and watching.
 
Now is the time.
 
It must be done.
 
Now.
 
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As Spike neared his climax he vamped out. Buffy turned her head, offering her neck to her lover, her mate, the man she loved. With infinite tenderness he sank his fangs into her neck while she bit his shoulder with her blunt teeth. My slayer, my Buffy, always mine…My vampire, lover, always… Their orgasm crested with its usual lightning strike intensity and the sensations spiraled up and up. This time, however, the intensity seemed to grow exponentially. They felt a sudden heat flowing through both their bodies. To Spike it felt like someone had opened the window on him at sunrise, but without the pain. Buffy felt like her blood was at the boiling point, flying through her veins and speeding her heart rate up until she was sure she would explode. The sensation went on and on, then vanished as suddenly as it had started.
 
The lovers gasped at each other, open mouthed. Spike melted back into his human face and asked, “What the bloody hell just happened?”
 
Buffy shook her head, “I have no idea. It was so… hot. Like I was burning up.”
 
“Same for me,” Spike muttered. “Don’t get me wrong, it was incredible, but…”
 
“Weird. Highly weird,” Buffy finished. Spike lay down beside her and they held each other close. “Could someone have done a spell on us?”
 
Spike pondered that. “I suppose. Although magic has a sort of… smell to it I guess you’d say. I can usually tell when a spell has been done nearby, and I don’t really get that sense. Still, I suppose someone could be messing with us from a distance or something.” He looked at her carefully, “Do you feel ok?”
 
Buffy nodded. “I feel fine. Better than fine. But that was just…”
 
“Odd,” Spike finished. Buffy nodded again and then snuggled into his chest. She felt unusually sleepy. I guess we can figure it out in the morning, she said as she drifted toward sleep.
 
Works for me. Sleep tight, love.
 
You too. Then they both succumbed to their drowsiness.
 
…Blood. So much blood. Everywhere. Soaking the carpet, splashed on the wall, staining a stuffed animal. He was standing in the room with his demon face, watching Buffy sleep. Then her eyes flew open to reveal their golden hue…
 
…The room was filled with demons. She fought and fought, Spike at her side, but there were so many. Too many. They couldn’t get to the altar in time. The bell was tolling and they fought harder but it was too late…
 
The two lovers snapped awake in terror, both sitting bolt upright. Buffy’s heart was racing and Spike was breathing hard, a sure sign of intense emotion. “Buffy? You alright?” he asked, stroking her cheek with a shaking hand.
 
Buffy nodded, returning the gesture. How about you?
 
A little shaky, he admitted. Was that my nightmare, or yours?
 
I think it was both of ours. Did you dream about fighting a room full of demons?
 
No. I dreamed…Spike hesitated. I dreamed you were a vampire. I don’t know, but I think it was me who turned you.
 
Buffy shivered, and Spike gathered her close. That felt way too much like a Slayer dream for comfort, she said.
 
Shh, pet, Spike soothed. I can’t think of any circumstances under which I would turn you. Maybe the same forces that were heating us up earlier are messing with our heads now.
 
I guess we’ll have to look into it tomorrow, Buffy replied. Then they settled back down and eventually went back to sleep.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #2 - Chapter 2
 
Disclaimer: All the characters are Joss Whedon’s. I’m just borrowing them.
 
Thank you for the reviews so far!
 
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Chapter 2
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Buffy hit the alarm clock the next morning and then turned to elbow Spike. “Hey, sleeping beauty, rise and shine. Inspection day.”
 
Spike groaned and rolled over. “ ‘S unnatural for a vampire to be up at dawn.”
 
“Well it’s also unnatural for a vampire to be living with the Slayer, so not sure why that should matter,” she quipped. “Come on, get up!” she repeated, whacking him with her pillow.
 
Spike growled a bit, but relented and hauled himself out of bed. Together they made the bed and picked up their scattered clothes. Buffy heard Dawn taking a shower, so she and Spike wore their bathrobes down to make breakfast. Spike made what Buffy still thought was a revolting mixture of half blood, half coffee, and sat down to drink it. Buffy thought he looked adorable with his riotous curls completely untamed and his pale chest framed by dark silk. Not adorable. I’m a bloody vampire. Vampires don’t come in ‘adorable’ models, he grumbled silently.
 
I should remember not to admire you before you’ve had your coffee, Mr. Grumpy, Buffy shot back. Spike smirked and went back to his morning brew.
 
Dawn came down by the time Buffy had whipped up some scrambled eggs and toast for everyone. “Wow, Spike awake before noon. How’d you manage that?” Dawn jibed.
 
“She told me I could have you for breakfast if I got down here before you went to school,” Spike said. He let his eyes go yellow briefly, then went back to his usual smirk.
 
“Ha ha. Funny,” said Dawn. “Like Buffy wouldn’t dust your scrawny British hide in five minutes.”
 
“I’m gonna have to do something to your scrawny American hide if you’re late to school, so eat up,” Buffy cut in. They all helped themselves to breakfast and enjoyed it with their usual morning chatter. When they had finished, Buffy gathered up the plates while Dawn got ready to go. A horn sounded outside. “There’s Janice’s mom. I’ll see you later!” Dawn chirped as she headed out the door.
 
“I’ll take care of the dishes. Why don’t you take the first shower so you can stash your stuff,” Buffy proposed. Spike agreed, still half awake, and made his way back upstairs. Buffy tidied the kitchen and made one last check of the first floor, making sure there was nothing suspicious in view. As she passed the phone, she had a thought, and dialed Tara’s number. After a few rings she heard Tara’s voice say, “Hello?”
 
“Hey Tara, it’s Buffy.”
 
“Hi there! What’s going on?” Tara was genuinely glad to hear from Buffy. Although she knew the separation from Willow was for the best, she missed the camaraderie of the group and hoped they would all work their issues out eventually.
 
“Have you heard anything from Willow of late? Is she throwing spells our way again?”
 
“Why do you ask?”
 
“Last night Spike and I were, um, in bed,” Buffy stammered, suddenly embarrassed. “Anyhow, we felt this weird, unnatural heat or something. Then later we both had nightmares. Slayer type nightmares about fighting demons and me turning into a vampire.”
 
“I spoke to Willow a few days ago. She said she had managed to go two solid weeks with no magic, and I’m pretty sure she was telling the truth.”
 
“Hmm. Well, if you hear of anything, let me know, ok?” said Buffy.
 
“Will do. Talk soon!”
 
“Bye!” Buffy hung up.
 
“Who was that, love?” Spike asked as he entered the room. He was showered and dressed in his usual uniform.
 
“Tara,” Buffy replied, going over to wrap her arms around him and revel in the scent of freshly washed Spike. “I was asking her if she knew if Willow had done any magic that could explain the weirdness last night.”
 
“I’m sure we’ll figure it out if it was something important,” Spike said. “Why don’t you go shower, and I’ll make one more pass through the house before I split.”
 
“Where will you go?” Buffy asked.
 
“Was going to pay a call on Clem. See how he’s doing in my old digs.” Spike had offered his floppy friend use of the crypt when he had moved in with Buffy, and Clem had jumped at the chance.
 
“Tell him I said hi,” Buffy said. She kissed him sweetly and went upstairs. True to his word, Spike checked around upstairs, made sure all his things were hidden, then grabbed a blanket and dashed for the nearest sewer opening.
 
Buffy had finished getting dressed and was reading a magazine when the doorbell rang. “Hello Mrs. Davis,” Buffy said, as she greeted the middle aged social worker. “Come on in.”
 
“How are things going for you, Ms Summers,” Ms. Davis asked warmly.
 
“Things are going well. Dawn’s grades are getting back on track, and she hasn’t been late or absent even once.”
 
“Splendid. And how are your finances?”
 
“All the bills are paid up. I’m trying to figure out how I might be able to go back to college soon, so I can improve my job prospects, although that money from my anonymous benefactor is plenty to keep us going for the next several years.”
 
“And you never found out who gave you that money?” asked Ms. Davis curiously.
 
“No idea,” Buffy lied. It had been one of the most helpful things Spike had done for them to date, but she had promised to keep it quiet.
 
“Well, let me take a quick look around,” said Ms. Davis. Buffy led her on a tour of the house. The social worker noted the orderly housekeeping, the well stocked kitchen, and the continued lack of unauthorized housemates. “It seems everything is in order, Ms. Summers. I am going to recommend that you be taken off probationary status, barring any future problems.”
 
“Thank you. That’s quite a relief,” Buffy sighed. “Can I ask you a question?”
 
Ms. Davis turned to look at her. “What is it?”
 
“Well, I’ve been dating a very nice man of late,” she said. “It’s someone I’ve known for a while, but we’re getting rather serious. What… what sort of hoops would we need to jump through if he wanted to move in with me?”
 
“He would have to submit to a criminal records check and get fingerprinted, to make sure he’s not in the system anywhere with a record. Provided he’s clear, and his presence isn’t going to impact your finances detrimentally, it should be no problem. If you decide to make that move, just have him come down to the office with you some day and we’ll do the paperwork.”
 
“Thanks again, Ms. Davis. I’m… I’m not sure when we’ll be ready for that, but I’ll bring him by if it gets to that point.” And if I can figure out how to get him there during business hours without him bursting into flame or otherwise attracting too much attention.
 
“It was good to see you, Ms. Summers. Keep up the good work.” With that, Ms. Davis shook hands with Buffy and left. Buffy closed the door and leaned against it, giving a sigh of relief. She didn’t really think they would take Dawn away again, but the nagging fear was hard to shake. Buffy spent the next hour or two in the basement, practicing with weapons and otherwise training. She missed her training room at the Magic Box, but she really didn’t want to risk running into Willow and Xander yet. I suppose at some point I’ll have to talk to them. Still, she didn’t feel like that point had to be today.
 
Spike came home mid-afternoon, dashing into the house and smoking slightly as he took off the blanket. “Hey, babe, how is Clem doing?” Buffy asked as she greeted him.
 
“Just fine. He invited me to join in a poker game on Friday night. Regular poker this time, not kitten poker. I told him I’d have to ask the missus,” Spike said with a grin.
 
“You make me sound like a controlling battleaxe,” Buffy laughed. “You need your time with your demon friends. Besides, Dawn and I can use some girl time as well. So go play poker. Just don’t lose your shirt or come home with 15 kittens.”
 
“Yes ma’am,” he said. Then he pulled her close and started nibbling down her neck. “How much time do we have before the Nibblet gets home?”
 
“Enough for this,” Buffy replied as she coasted down his body to kneel in front of him. She teased his zipper down and took his cock out, smiling as he hissed at her touch. She took him in her mouth and made him moan with pleasure. By tuning in to his emotions, she could feel when something she did was particularly effective, and do it again, and again. Within minutes he had his hands buried in her hair and his head thrown back, calling her name like a chant, “Buffy, Buffy, oh God, oh fuck!” He convulsed as she swallowed every last drop of his spendings, and he nearly had to grab the wall to keep from collapsing in a quivering heap.
 
Buffy smiled, kissed the tip of his cock, and tucked him back into his jeans. He pulled her up into a kiss and groaned at the taste of himself on her lips. They paused to stare into each other’s eyes. Fucking amazing, love, he thought, wondering again at his good fortune. I’ll expect payment later, she responded, kissing him again. Their kiss was interrupted by the sound of Dawn at the back door, and they moved apart reluctantly to greet her and carry on with the rest of their evening.
 
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A few weeks went by in their usual routine. Gradually Buffy and Spike forgot about the weird overheated night and the disturbing dreams. Tara had called back a few days later with nothing in particular to report. Spike had asked around discretely at the demon bar and at his poker games, but had heard nothing. The poker game had become a regular Friday night event, and Dawn and Buffy used Friday nights for giving each other manicures in front of the sappy, girly movies that Spike rolled his eyes at.
 
One Saturday morning, Buffy woke feeling vaguely unwell. Her stomach seemed to be disagreeing with her rather unpleasantly. She had allowed Dawn to pick the pizza toppings last night, which was always a risky proposition. Dawn had experimented with anchovies, onions, ham, and feta cheese, which wasn’t Buffy’s first choice at all. That is the last time she gets to order the pizza. Buffy got up and went to the bathroom, downing a couple of antacids on the way out. She went downstairs to make some tea and some toast to settle her stomach. Dawn usually slept in on Saturdays, and Spike was his usual unconscious self at this hour, and Buffy enjoyed the little bit of solitude. Her stomach continued protesting as she ate her toast, making her wonder if she was coming down with some bug or something. But in the end she finished her breakfast and things started to settle down.
 
Buffy drifted into the living room to curl up with a magazine. Why am I so tired today? she yawned. She found herself desiring nothing more than to stay on the couch all day. Eh, it’s Saturday. I don’t suppose there’s anything in particular I need to do. After a while, her magazine dropped to the floor as she dozed off.
 
…Screaming. Someone was screaming and then it stopped, suddenly, and the silence was even more frightening. They were coming for her, and there was nowhere to hide…
 
“Buffy! Wake up!” Buffy startled awake to find Spike gripping her shoulders, a concerned look on his face. “You ok? You were screaming. Scared the both of us half to death. Well, more to death in my case.” Buffy noticed that Dawn was behind him looking worried and frightened.
 
“Another one of those Technicolor Slayer dreams,” Buffy explained as she listened to her own racing heartbeat. “Someone was coming for me, but I don’t know who, or why.”
 
“I felt your fear, but nothing else,” Spike said. Buffy stood up, and reeled a bit. Spike caught her and steadied her. “You look a little shaky there, pet.”
 
“I’ve felt a little off all morning,” Buffy admitted. “Woke up feeling nauseous, and really tired. Maybe I’m coming down with something.”
 
“Well don’t give it to me, whatever it is,” Dawn piped up. Buffy knew that her flippant remark masked genuine concern, and she smiled reassuringly at her sister.
 
“I’ll be ok,” Buffy reassured them. “I could go for another cup of tea though.”
 
Spike raised his eyebrows. “Tea? For Mrs. Coffee herself? Didn’t know that being British was catching.”
 
“Ha, ha,” Buffy retorted. “Just because I had a taste for something different doesn’t mean I’m going to start using all your weird slang and caring about soccer.”
 
“This is how it begins,” Spike teased in a low voice. “First a cup of tea, then next thing you know you’re singing ‘Rule Britannia’ in the shower.”
 
“Given that I don’t even know the song, I think I’m safe from that,” Buffy replied as she got the tea down.
 
“Give it time, love, give it time.”
 
“Any plans today, Dawnie?” Buffy asked as she waited for the kettle to boil.
 
“Tara was going to take me to a movie, remember?”
 
“Oh yeah, I forgot. Any idea what you plan to see?”
 
“Nah. Figure it out when we get there.” Dawn still enjoyed Tara’s company. She sort of wished that Willow and Tara would work it out and get back together though. “Do you ever miss the Scoobies?”
 
Buffy grew thoughtful. “Sometimes.” She lapsed into thoughtful silence until the kettle whistled. She poured tea for herself and Spike. “I know I should try to reconnect with them. It’s just so, awkward, you know? I mean, the last time I saw Willow I nearly strangled her and the last time I saw Xander I broke his nose.”
 
“You were provoked,” Spike muttered. Taking a sip of tea, he continued, “But I think you’re right. You’ll probably feel better if you at least get things out in the open with them so you can all move on.”
 
Buffy sighed. “I suppose you’re right.” How exactly do I go about this though?
 
No idea pet. But we’ll think of something. For now, just drink your tea. Buffy smiled at him and Dawn rolled her eyes. “You know, there’s probably some etiquette rule about not using telepathy when other people are there!” They had explained the whole claim concept to Dawn in order to allay her fears after she noticed the mark on her sister’s neck. At first Dawn had been grossed out by the concept, but she seemed to understand the bond they shared, and by now she was so used to the idea that she ribbed them about it at every opportunity.
 
“Believe me, Nibblet, you don’t want to know all our thoughts,” Spike said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
 
“Ew! Ok, I’m going to go bleach my brain now.” Dawn cleared her place and went upstairs to take a shower.
 
We should stop teasing Dawn all the time, Buffy chided. She’s gonna get a complex.
 
It’s all part of my sinister plot to keep her out of trouble, Spike replied silently. She’ll be so grossed out by the idea of sex that she’ll never want to date, and I’ll never have to kill her boyfriends for touching her.
 
Overprotective much? Buffy smiled.
 
Nobody messes with my women, Spike responded. He got up and helped himself to some blood to go along with his tea. They hung around for the rest of the morning, reading the paper, chatting, and silently teasing each other with various erotic thoughts. Driving each other crazy while Dawn was around was one of their favorite pastimes, particularly when they knew she would be leaving soon. When Tara finally pulled up and blew the horn, they waved to Dawn, watched the car leave, then tackled each other to the living room floor.
 
Bathrobes are a wonderful invention, Buffy thought between kisses. Easy access without constantly destroying clothing. Spike chuckled. They had gone through a fair number of t-shirts and undergarments since their relationship started. At one point, Spike had to go bare-chested for half a day until Buffy could get to the store for some replacements. They rolled until Buffy was on top, easing herself down onto Spike with a sigh and closing her eyes. Oh yes, I needed this.
 
With her eyes still closed and a wicked grin on her face she stared working him with her inner muscles, making him groan and arch his back in ecstasy. Fuck, kitten, you’re gonna pull it off someday with those muscles.
 
Now that would be a terrible shame, Buffy thought back. She opened her eyes to watch him as his lips parted and his eyes widened. She began to move on top of him, rising so that he was almost completely free of her and then falling so he was battering her cervix. After more long minutes of this torture, Spike growled and rolled them so that he was on top. He pounded her, nibbling her breasts until he heard her hiss slightly. Love? he inquired, slowing his thrusts somewhat.
 
Breasts are just a little tender for some reason. Mmm. Don’t stop the rest though.
 
Yes, ma’am, Spike replied, picking up the pace once more. As he neared his climax he vamped out and claimed her neck, bringing them both over the edge screaming.
 
Afterward they lay on the floor, with Buffy nestled against Spike’s chest. Spike was, as usual, jonesing for a cigarette, but he had long since agreed not to smoke in the house. He ran his tongue over his lips, gathering a few stray drops of rich Slayer blood. Odd, he thought.
 
What is?
 
This is going to sound weird, but you taste a little different today.
 
Different how?
 
Dunno. Like a different note in a bottle of wine.
 
So what, I taste like oak or something? Buffy sat up and looked at him. Could it be me coming down with some stomach bug?
 
No, you don’t taste sick, really. Spike couldn’t quite place what seemed off to him. Anyhow, he continued as he eased her back onto the rug, I’ll just have to taste you elsewhere for comparison. He licked his way down her flat stomach to nuzzle her curls, then settled between her legs. He admired the view for a moment or two before he dived in, teasing her clit and thrusting his tongue into her. But after a moment he stopped.
 
Are you trying to drive me crazy? Buffy asked with a frustrated groan.
 
Buffy… when did you last have your period?
 
Buffy propped herself up on her elbows and looked at him curiously. Not sure off the top of my head. Why do you ask?”
 
It’s just… Spike paused, realizing how absurd this was going to sound. You taste… pregnant.
 
What? Buffy guffawed. And how exactly am I supposed to manage that with a vampire boyfriend? And what do you mean I taste pregnant? That’s kinda gross.
 
Your blood, your quim – changing hormones change a woman’s flavor.
 
Well, that’s impossible. I mean I’m not due to… Buffy stopped and did some calculations in her head. Actually, come to think of it, it has been a while. Last time was a couple weeks before… Buffy’s eyes got wide with realization. That spell. That weird heat and Slayer dream combination. My last period was a week or two before that.
 
Spike sat up and looked at her closely. That… how is this possible?
 
It can’t be possible, Buffy responded. There’s been no one but you since I came back.
 
I’m well aware of that, love, Spike replied. Even without the claim, he would have smelled another man on her if she had been with one. But they had scarcely been apart more than a couple of hours at a time since she returned from the grave.
 
Look, let’s not jump to any conclusions here, Buffy said. I’ll go get one of those over the counter test things and we’ll see what it says.
 
Sounds like a plan, Spike agreed. He thoughtfully ran a hand over her flat stomach. But what if it’s true?
 
Buffy looked at him with a mixture of love and fear. Then I think our lives are about to get very, very complicated.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #3 - Chapter 3
 
Disclaimer: Vampires, slayers, and the rest all belong to Joss Whedon. Thanks for sharing Mr. Whedon!
 
Thanks for the reviews, all you stellar reviewers!
 
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Universal – Chapter 3
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Spike paced restlessly outside the bathroom. Again he was up early in the morning, but this time it hadn’t been much of a struggle. Buffy had gone out and bought a pregnancy test the day before, but the directions said it worked best first thing in the morning. He had found himself barely able to sleep all night. Now he found himself crawling out of his skin with anticipation. Any results yet? he asked, concentrating on the closed bathroom door.
 
The door opened and Buffy came out, wordlessly handing him a white stick with a blue dot in the window. Spike’s eyes widened. Holy shit.
 
That’s what I thought, Buffy responded. Spike could feel the fear starting to creep in to her mind. Spike what does this mean? How can I be pregnant? I mean… is it human?
 
Shh. Don’t panic, pet, he soothed, taking her in his arms. One step at a time.
 
Buffy calmed in his strong embrace. Maybe I should make a doctor’s appointment. I mean, it could be the test giving a false positive, right? she thought hopefully.
 
Perhaps, but somehow I don’t think so. Someone or something is playing with us.
 
At that moment they heard Dawn stirring. Buffy dashed back into the bathroom to hide the evidence. We should keep this to ourselves for now, she thought to Spike as she buried the garbage at the bottom of the trash can.
 
Agreed. He mulled the whole strange situation over as he headed back to the bedroom to get dressed and Buffy went downstairs to get breakfast going. Spike had no idea what to think about this possibility. Vampires were never meant to be parents, but unless he was completely mistaken, that is exactly what was going to happen. How did this come about? he puzzled. One hell of a powerful spell to make a dead man fertile again. He also found himself worrying about Buffy. A pregnant Slayer was a target for all sorts of nasties. Once word of her condition got out, she would have a bull’s-eye painted on her back as big as all outdoors. They weren’t going to be able to handle this alone.
 
*************************
 
“Well, there’s no doubt about it. You’re pregnant.”
 
Buffy sat in her doctor’s office, stunned. She had made the appointment the moment Dawn had left that morning, and they had been able to fit her in for a blood test later that day. Now two days later she was back, with her friendly young doctor staring at her intently, waiting for some sort of response. “Ms. Summers? Are you alright?”
 
Buffy shook herself. “Yes, I’m fine,” she said distractedly. “I mean, no, I’m really confused. Are you sure?”
 
“These tests have a very low false positive rate. I take it this is an unexpected pregnancy?”
 
“You can say that again,” Buffy replied, running her hand through her hair nervously.
 
“What form of birth control were you using, if any?” Dr. Miller hadn’t known her patient for that long, and the topic had never come up. Ms. Summers rarely came in for regular checkups, being generally healthy as a horse. But clearly, this pregnancy was not part of any plan.
 
“None, actually,” Buffy admitted. “My boyfriend found out a while ago that there was something wrong with his, um, sperm production. He was told he couldn’t have kids, so we didn’t worry about it.” Ok, not exactly a lie. He found out about 120 years ago that being dead sort of got in the way of sperm production, along with several other essential body functions.
 
“I see,” said Dr. Miller. “Do you trust him?”
 
“Yes. I know he’s not lying, if that’s what you mean.”
 
“Well, sometimes these things happen,” Dr. Miller said. “Even we doctors get things wrong sometimes.” She looked closely at Buffy. “What do you plan to do next?”
 
Buffy laughed nervously. “Well, I guess my first task is to tell Sp… William that he’s going to be a father. Then I guess we’ll figure things out from there.”
 
“So you plan to continue the pregnancy?” Dr. Miller pressed. “Because there are some vitamins and such you should take if you do.”
 
Buffy took a deep breath. “For now, I guess I am. Continuing the pregnancy, that is.” Although knowing exactly whatI’m carrying is a key piece of information that would be nice to have. She had no idea how to broach the concept of ‘possible demon child’ with her doctor without her doctor calling for a straightjacket. Another thought occurred to her. “How long will it be before it shows?”
 
“Well, based on how far along things are, I’d say about four months, give or take. Might be less because you’re so petite. Why do you ask?”
 
“There are some people in my life who are probably going to freak about this. I want to know how long I have to get them used to the idea.”
 
The doctor looked at her with kind understanding. “You just make sure you take care of yourself and find a good support team. Don’t let anyone stress you out. Bad for you and the baby.”
 
Buffy nodded. “Thanks, Dr. Miller.”
 
“I’ll write you a prescription for the prenatal vitamins, and here’s some literature about nutrition and other related topics.” Buffy took the proffered pamphlets with a sense of unreality. This can’t be happening. This is not physically possible. How can this be? What in the name of God are we going to do? Buffy’s hands trembled slightly as she took the prescription and tucked it in her purse. Dr. Miller noticed her nervousness and said, “Do you have a good relationship with the father?”
 
“Yes. A very good relationship.” Buffy couldn’t help smiling faintly at the thought of her lover.
 
“Then you’ll be ok,” the doctor reassured her. “Half the battle is having a partner.”
 
Buffy thanked her again and left thinking, I sure hope that the other half of the battle isn’t an apocalypse. She walked home in a state of shock. I’m pregnant. With child. In a family way. Bun in the oven. Knocked up. Holy. Fucking. Crap. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to stave off the panic. Her brain was keeping up a constant barrage of questions. What does this mean? How did this happen? What are we going to do?
 
A block away from home she became aware of Spike’s thoughts as he waited in the house. They found that their mental link was expanding. At first they could only read each other’s thoughts if they were touching, but now they could get a block or so away from each other and still hear each other, if they concentrated hard enough. But Spike seemed lost in his own musings. Who could have done this to us? How am I going to keep her safe? His thoughts were as confused and worried as her own.
 
She kept her thoughts shielded as she entered the house. Spike had been sitting in front of the TV, changing channels every 30 seconds, not able to concentrate on anything. He stood up when she came in, coming over to put his hands on her shoulders and look into her eyes. “What’s the verdict?”
 
“I’m pregnant, Spike. Sometime end of next July, you’re going to be a father.”
 
Even though Spike had strongly suspected that this was the case, he still found himself utterly floored by the idea. He gaped at her open mouthed for a moment before he whispered, “They’re certain?”
 
Buffy nodded, then stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest. I’m afraid. This shouldn’t be possible.
 
I know pet, he thought as he stroked her back and rested his head on hers. How do you feel?
 
Physically? A little nauseous, but otherwise ok, she responded. Mentally? I’m completely confused.
 
We’ll figure this out, Buffy, he reassured her. There must be some explanation.
 
I think we should keep this to ourselves until we do some research, Buffy thought. If we tell Dawn she might blab to the wrong person, and I don’t really want it getting around to Xander and Willow right now.
 
How long before we can’t hide this anymore, love?
 
Probably about four months or so. Might be sooner because I’m ‘petite’, as my doctor put it.
 
Well, you are barely a mouthful, he smiled, looking into her eyes. He bent down for a long, lingering kiss. Then aloud he said, “I love you, Buffy. I know you’re worried. So am I. But I will do everything in my power to protect you, and the little one.”
 
“I love you too. And I do hope I stop freaking out sometime before this kid is in college,” she said. Spike could sense her utter terror at the whole pregnancy idea, and he held her close for a few more minutes, stroking her hair and soothing her with his presence. Finally, Buffy felt enough in control of herself to let go of Spike and move into the living room to flop on the couch.
 
“So what should our next move be?” she asked Spike as they both leaned back and put their feet up on the coffee table. Buffy rested her head on his shoulder and linked her hand with his as she waited for his reply.
 
Spike ruminated for a while. Then he said, “Best bet would be to hit the books, I think. See if there is anything on demon-human crossbreeds that would apply, or any spells that could do something like this. At least give us a place to start.”
 
“I guess that means going to the Magic Box,” said Buffy, frowning. “I’m still not completely ready to deal with Xander and Willow yet.”
 
“We could call Anya and ask her when the place will be free at night. Better chance of keeping this to ourselves for now.”
 
“We could go tonight after patrol maybe,” Buffy agreed.
 
Spike didn’t reply right away, and Buffy could sense him closing off his thoughts. What? she thought, probing his mind gently.
 
Spike took a deep breath. “I want to say I’m not sure you should patrol any more, but I don’t want to have my ass handed to me by a pissed off Slayer,” he said at last.
 
“What do you mean, I shouldn’t patrol?”
 
Spike leaned his head on the back of the sofa and stared at the ceiling. Sometimes being a man in the present era just sucked. If you expressed concern you were being misogynistic or patronizing, and if you said nothing you were uncaring and insensitive. Can’t bloody win either way. “Buffy, if you’re pregnant, you’re going to be a magnet for every demon in California. They may not be able to smell it on you just yet, but soon they will, and when word gets out you’ll have an even bigger target on your back than before. I don’t want to lose you.”
 
Buffy probed again with her mind, to get at what he was feeling. She felt his love, his fear for her, but no feeling that she couldn’t handle it or was somehow weak. She stroked his cheek until he turned to face her. “I understand, Spike. I know what you’re saying. But I need to keep patrolling right now, if only to keep anyone from thinking something is up. I’ll be safe enough for now. I know you’ll protect me. But let’s figure out what this thing is before we do a radical change, ok?”
 
Spike sighed. There was no arguing with the Summers women. “Alright, love. But if I see you taking any stupid risks I will personally drain you myself.”
 
“Yessir, Mr. Big Bad,” Buffy teased. They fell into another long, deep kissing session that would have escalated into more had Dawn not arrived home.
 
Dinner and homework was the same as it ever was, with both Buffy and Spike doing their best not to give anything away. While Spike was giving Dawn a few more pointers on her French homework, Buffy called up Anya at the Magic Box.
 
“Magic Box, how may I help you?”
 
“Hi Anya, it’s Buffy”
 
“Oh, hello Buffy,” Anya said. “What can I do for you?”
 
“Spike and I have some research we’d like to do, but we’d rather not involve the others. Are they likely to be there tonight?”
 
“You’re in luck. We were planning on going to the Bronze tonight. Do you still have your key?”
 
“Yep. And I’ll lock up when we’re done.”
 
“Anything I can help you with? I could pull out relevant books if you can give me a topic,” Anya said helpfully.
 
“N…no, that’s ok,” Buffy said. “We’re still a little vague on what we’re looking for. But we’ll let you know if we run into any snags.”
 
“Ok then. And tell Spike to keep his hands off the Burba weed. He still owes me money for that.”
 
Buffy rolled her eyes, but said, “I’ll tell him. Bye.” Anya signed off and they both hung up.
 
By this time Dawn had finished her homework and was diving onto the couch for some well earned vegetation. Buffy and Spike joined her for some sitcom, sitting on either side of her but with neither of them paying much attention to what was on the screen. They found themselves having a quiet discussion while they pretended interest in the show. Can you really tell someone is pregnant from a distance? Buffy wondered.
 
Not at first, Spike replied, but after its heart starts beating then sure. Plus like I said, different hormones mean different tastes and scents.
 
Have I mentioned how weird the vampire smelling thing is lately?
 
Spike smirked at her over Dawn’s head. You may have said something a while back. I guess I wasn’t listening. Too busy smelling your hot little…
 
Watch it, Mister. No fair getting me all riled up with my sister in the middle. Buffy gave him a mock frown, which Dawn caught out of the corner of her eye.
 
“Jeez, would you two stop the silent conversation thing! It’s creeping me out!” she said.
 
Spike laughed. “What, do you think we’re talking about you, Nibblet?”
 
“No! You’re probably thinking about sex, again, and really, you guys need to find another hobby.”
 
Buffy reddened a bit, but Spike just laughed again. “All part of our plan to warp you forever,” he teased.
 
“Well it’s working,” Dawn said good-naturedly. “Don’t you guys have a town to patrol or something?”
 
Spike looked apprehensively at Buffy, but she just stood up and said, “I guess you’re right. Come on, Vampire, up and at ‘em. Dawn, make sure you…”
 
“Lock the doors and don’t let anyone in. Yes. I know,” she sighed in an exasperated tone.
 
Buffy rolled her eyes to the ceiling as she went to get her shoes on. The two warriors left, with Buffy pausing to put the magical wards on the house as she went. They walked side by side toward town, not saying or thinking much. Finally Buffy said, “Should we research first, then patrol?”
 
“Sounds good,” Spike agreed, and they turned toward the Magic Box. They found it deserted, as promised, and went in. They turned on the lights and went over to the book shelves, wondering where to start. Spike took the lead, and found several books on demon-human crossbreeds. They sat down and read, but after an hour they were no wiser. “If I wanted to mate with a Fyral demon I could find twelve different books to tell me what to feed the spawn, but doesn’t look like anyone else has succeeded in mating with a vampire,” Buffy said, tossing the book on the table in defeat.
 
“Not very surprising, I suppose,” Spike mused. “Given that we’re deceased and all.” He closed the book he was reading, having also struck out. He put the books back and looked at more titles.
 
Buffy had a thought. “Could it have anything to do with the claim?”
 
Spike scratched his head. “Doubt it. But then I don’t know of many vampires who have claimed a human mate, so it’s possible.” He pulled out a few books on vampire mating rituals and they flipped through those for a while. But they could find no reference to vampires and humans mating at all, let alone a vampire and a Slayer. Stumped, they put the books back and left, confused as ever. They began to patrol through the cemeteries, discussing what they had read, but getting nowhere.
 
In the third cemetery they heard noises coming from one of the larger tombs. Peering in through a stained glass window, they saw a nest of five vampires trading war stories. Please let me go in first, pet? Okay? Spike begged silently.
 
His concern and fear for her rippled across their link. She was a bit annoyed at being treated as fragile all of a sudden, but decided that now was not the time to argue. Alright. But you be careful too, clear? Spike nodded, and pulled out a stake for each hand. 1…2…3 they thought together, then Spike kicked in the door. They fought in a coordinated flurry, with Spike taking down two vampires before the other three even knew what was happening. Buffy spun into a hooking kick to knock one of them flat to the ground before leaping and staking him. Spike grappled with the two remaining vamps. He dusted one, but the other leaped onto his back, trying to throttle him into submission. Buffy got up, feeling slightly dizzy, then scooped up a stake and jammed it into the last vampire’s back. Dust flew as Spike rubbed his throat and coughed out, “Thanks, pet. You ok?”
 
“A little dizzy, but otherwise fine,” she said. “I hope my spinning kicks aren’t going to make me feel nauseous all the time like that.”
 
Spike frowned a bit. “Slayer, do I have to chain you up again to keep you safe?”
 
“I’ll be fine,” she insisted. “Come on, let’s finish patrolling.” They caught a couple of fledges in the remaining cemeteries, which Spike dispatched with little effort, then headed home.
 
Buffy was yawning by the time they got in the house. Sleepy tonight, she thought as they headed upstairs.
 
Been a big day for us, Spike agreed. They both stripped and got into bed, twining around each other like a couple of vines. Their lips found each other, initially intending a simple goodnight kiss, but quickly intensifying into a sweet, slow, and satisfying lovemaking session. Spike pulled Buffy’s thigh over his as he slowly entered her. They remained side by side, making barely visible movements while Buffy worked her inner muscles to bring them both to the edge. Christ, Slayer, how do you do that?
 
You mean this? Buffy smiled wickedly as she squeezed him tight again, making him groan in pleasure. He quickened and intensified his own movements, nibbling his way down her neck to her breasts while he did. Buffy gasped at the feeling of his teeth on her nipple. He vamped and gently sank his fangs into her breast, pulling her over the edge with a gasp and following her down a heartbeat later. He licked the wounds closed and lay next to her, both of them panting with emotion. Buffy rolled onto her back with her eyes still locked with his and a contented smile on her face. That was amazing, lover.
 
You’re going to dust me with those muscles someday, he thought as he ran his hand down her body. What a way to go, though. His hand traveled until it came to rest on her stomach. Buffy put her hand on his and watched him as he stared at it.
 
What are you thinking? Buffy wondered.
 
Just can’t suss out how this can be. Being a father’s something that’s not crossed my mind since before I was turned.
 
Do you want to? Be a father?
 
Spike’s thoughts were a blur. He spread his hand out on her abdomen, watching the contrast between her tanned skin and his pale fingers. I think I do. I know it’s impossible and dangerous for all of us, and I’d probably be about the last person anyone would consider as a responsible parent. But the thought that we made this new person, you and me together – it’s something I can’t quite describe.
 
I’m still so worried that it won’t be human, Buffy thought, resting her head on Spike’s chest. And if it is human, how am I going to take care of a baby, and Dawn, and slaying? I don’t know anything about babies!
 
Come on, Slayer. You’ve averted how many apocalypses and crises? You’ve returned from the grave twice! I think you can handle a couple of wet nappies.
 
Buffy was grateful for his support and confidence in her. I hope it has your eyes, she thought as she proceeded to fall asleep. Spike stayed awake for some time, watching her sleep and stroking her stomach, and thinking.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #4 - Chapter 4
 
The usual disclaimer: Mutant Enemy and Joss Whedon have all the rights to everything. I just have fun with his characters
 
Thank you reviewers! You inspire me to write faster!
 
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Chapter 4
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A tall, dark skinned, distorted form moved down a stone corridor, followed closely by a smaller, shrunken form. The corridor was lit with torches, and was constructed of some reddish black stone that made the walls look as if they were painted in blood. At the end of the hall the tall creature pushed open a heavy metal door which groaned on its hinges, then stood to the side to allow the smaller figure to pass. The smaller figure hobbled along, leaning on a twisted staff. A close look at its face showed black skin, tightly stretched over a vaguely humanoid frame, but with a startling feature. The creature’s eyes were stitched shut, old scars healed over red cording. Despite this, the figure seemed to have no trouble navigating into the large space that had been revealed.
 
The room was filled with similar demons, arranged in concentric rows around the circular space. At the end opposite the door was an altar with a dais behind it which held a massive throne, made of some dark gray metal. The throne was occupied by a female creature with long stringy hair falling back from a ridged forehead. As the elder shrunken creature came in she sat up and spoke in a ringing voice saying, “What do you have to report, Seer?”
 
“The veil between the worlds grows thin,” croaked the Seer. “Since I was chosen I have watched for the signs. A time will come soon when we can cross to the other realm. A sacrifice done in that realm will increase our power in all realms. We will be able to thwart the powers of light.”
 
“But what of the other prophecy? The One who can destroy us?”
 
“Ah, but there is the beauty of it, Ruler. For the One will come in the form of a child. A child born of power, at the intersection of light and darkness. If this child is sacrificed to our cause, its power will add to the powers of darkness. The birth of the child and the thinning of the veil will coincide. It can be done.”
 
“Are you certain of this, Seer?” the Ruler asked sternly. “You are ancient of days, and it can be that your mind is not what it was.”
 
“My mind is the same as the day I took my vows and gave my vision to the service of all the Dwak Dlam. I have foreseen this child, born of a demon and a champion of the Powers. I have calculated the moment when the sacrifice must be performed, on the precise day and time when the veil between our worlds is the thinnest. There is no error.”
 
The Ruler sat back, thinking for a moment. Then she stood and thundered, “Let all the Dwak Dlam hear me. We will prepare for the sacrifice. Our Seer has foretold our ascendance into ultimate power. Let everyone among you hear what must be done, and obey.” A great shout came up from the assembly, echoing in the giant stone room. The Ruler sat back down, well pleased. Our time will soon be at hand.
 
********************************
 
…Black figures chased them down the hall. Buffy clutched the small bundle which squirmed in her arms. If they could reach the doorway, they would be able to get out, but the figures were gaining on them and they were out of time….
 
Buffy sat up, gasping. Her movement woke Spike, who blearily sat up as well, trying to focus. Another nightmare, pet? Spike asked.
 
Yeah. Those black demon things again. Chasing us and trying to get the baby. It was horrible… She shuddered and Spike gathered her close, rocking her gently. The nightmares didn’t happen every night, but they seemed to be more frequent and more troubling every time. Two weeks had passed since they had learned of their impending status as parents. They had done a good job of maintaining their usual routine, but had supplemented it with more late night visits to the Magic Box, researching possible causes. They had even started researching demons like the ones in their dreams, but had struck out there as well.
 
Buffy gradually got back under control and disentangled herself from Spike. Thanks, honey.
 
No problem, love, he replied. He squinted at the clock. It’s six in the morning. Are you going to go back to sleep?
 
I think I’ll get up. Can’t sleep after that anyhow. How about you?
 
Could use a bit more kip. Do you mind?
 
Course not. She got up and moved around to the other side of the bed. Bending down, she planted a kiss on the parted lips of her vampire. Sweet dreams, lover. Spike took her hand and kissed it before settling back into the pillows for a few more hours of sleep.
 
Buffy showered and got dressed before heading downstairs. She had toast for what felt like the eighty-fifth day in a row – anything else in the morning seemed to upset her stomach these days. She had also quietly switched to decaf coffee. This baby might or might not be fully human, but given the way Spike reacted to too much caffeine, she thought cutting down would probably be a good thing. She finished her breakfast and cleared her place, but then was at a loss for what to do. After a few minutes thought, she scribbled a note to Spike and Dawn, and headed out the door to the Magic Box.
 
She had never been much of a lover of research, but she felt driven by a greater need. It would be a few months before they could see anything much with an ultrasound, and she felt like she would go crazy waiting until then. What was growing inside her? What would it do to her? Who was messing with them? These questions pounced on her the moment she got up every morning and at every dull moment throughout the day. If she didn’t get some answers soon, she was going to go nuts.
 
The Magic Box was closed, but Buffy let herself in with her key. She started out by spending a half hour in the training room, practicing with the weapons and targets that she had no room for at home. Then she sighed, and started looking through various demonology texts again. She skipped over any demons that weren’t black, or weren’t sufficiently humanoid, but that still left too many possibilities. She continued flipping through book after book, getting absolutely nowhere, and completely losing track of time. Her fruitless search continued until it was interrupted by the bell above the door.
 
Buffy looked up as Anya walked in, followed closely by Xander. Buffy slammed the book nervously and stood up. “Um, hi,” she said awkwardly. “I was just doing some research. I’ll get out of your way.”
 
“You don’t have to leave if you’re still working,” said Anya as Xander froze next to her.
 
“No, I was just finishing up, it’s okay…”
 
“Buffy, how are you?” Xander interrupted.
 
“Um, fine, but I really need to go,” she stammered. She found herself unprepared to deal with Xander. His presence brought back to mind those first few painful weeks after she returned: the panic, the worry about Dawn, the terror of nearly losing Spike to Xander’s overzealous stake. She found herself struggling to keep calm as she walked toward the door.
 
“Buffy, wait,” said Xander, moving to block her exit. “I haven’t seen you since…”
 
“Since you tried to kill my boyfriend?” Buffy snapped. “Amazingly, I had some issues with that.”
 
“Look, I made a mistake,” he said, trying to find some way to keep her there. “How was I supposed to know he hadn’t turned you?”
 
“Like I said then, you could have asked first, instead of assuming,” Buffy replied. “Willow assumed I was in hell, you assumed I was a vampire, Angel assumed that I would want to rush into his arms the moment I got back. The whole lot of you could, I dunno, go crazy and talk to me before you go jumping to conclusions. Wild idea, but it could actually work, you know.”
 
Xander was taken aback, and had no answer at first. He swallowed and said, “Buffy, we were all so messed up when you… died. We wanted you back so bad, we didn’t think clearly. But now you’re back and we still miss you. Are we ever going to get a chance to make it up to you?”
 
Buffy stood with her arms folded, looking at the ground. Finally she said, “Xander, I don’t want to shut you guys out forever. But I don’t want to fight you either. And as long as I’ve got to worry about you insulting or staking the man I love, I’m better off on my own.” She stalked off toward the door.
 
“Buffy, wait,” Xander said, grabbing her arm as she passed. “I’m sorry, about the whole thing. It’s just… with the history, and what happened with Angel, you’ve got to understand that we’re having a lot of trouble with this.”
 
“Spike isn’t Angel, Xander,” Buffy said quietly, staring him down. “Until you really, completely understand that, we have nothing to say to each other.” With that she pulled her arm out of his and left.
 
Xander stared after her, watching the door close. Anya had moved over to the table and was looking at the books Buffy had been reading. “Looks like she must be trying to identify something,” she remarked as she started closing up the books and putting them away.
 
“Ahn? Am I really that far off the mark here? I mean, it is normal to be worried about your friend dating a vampire, isn’t it?” he asked.
 
Anya took a deep breath. “Xander, sit down,” she said. They both sat at the table and she took his hands. “Do you know what I did for a thousand years?”
 
“I know you were a demon, Anya. But you’re human now. I don’t hold all that against you.”
 
“Xander, do you really understand what I did? I made people suffer. Sometimes I made people die. I left pain and chaos in my wake in the name of vengeance. How is it that you can look past that?” she said, fixing him with a searching look.
 
“I didn’t know you when you did all that. You haven’t done anything like that since you’ve been human. Why should I be mad at you for stuff you did before my grandparents were born?” To Xander the concept was completely obvious, and he wondered where she was going with this.
 
“Since before Buffy died, Spike has been helping her and us. Ok, he killed a lot of people in his time. He sorta has to in order to live. I never had to kill anyone. I did it because I wanted to. I changed because I was forced to. He changed because he loves Buffy.”
 
Xander scoffed. “He changed because he had a chip shoved in his brain. If it ever stopped working he’d be on us in a second!”
 
“His chip hasn’t worked on Buffy since she came back. And yet the Slayer of Slayers hasn’t hurt her. Instead he paid off her mortgage and supports her and her sister.”
 
“He tried to turn us against each other, threatened to kill me and Willow, and I’m supposed to forget all that?”
 
“But he changed, Xander. He had no reason to stay this summer. No reason at all. He stayed out of love for Buffy and Dawn. And he would have sent her back to heaven, regardless of the cost to himself, if we hadn’t gotten in the way.”
 
Xander was exasperated. “But I still don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do here!” he cried.
 
“Nothing,” said Anya firmly. “You’re going to do nothing. You are going to accept that Spike and Buffy are a couple. You are going to treat him with respect, or at least keep your mouth shut when they’re around. And you’re going to do it because if you don’t Buffy will never let you back into her life. You screwed up her chance for eternal rest and peace. You owe her this much.”
 
Xander looked down at Anya’s hands, clasped in his. He suddenly wondered what it would be like if, say, Giles had decided an ex-vengeance demon could not be reformed, and should be done away with. Or if Willow spent all her time getting in digs about his girlfriend’s past. “I’m never going to like that guy,” Xander said at last.
 
Anya squeezed his hands. “Hey, I didn’t say you had to like him. Just leave them be,” she said. Then she added, “Besides, it is a real turn off to have my boyfriend spend all his time worrying about another woman. Doesn’t do much for our sex life.”
 
“And the real reason for this heart to heart comes out,” Xander said. “Alright, Ahn. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
 
“Good. Because I think it would hurt me more than you if I had to withhold sex to get you to see reason.” Xander blanched at the thought, but resolved to at least give it the old college try.
 
**********************
 
Buffy walked home feeling nauseous, and not just because of the hormones. Are they ever going to let up? Am I going to spend the rest of my life wondering if this is the day one of them decides to stake him? She was so tired of their interference in her life. A part of her just wanted to wash her hands of them entirely.
 
But there was this…thing growing inside her, and the mystery of how that came to be weighed on her mind. At some point, they were going to need some help to sort all this out. What was going to happen when they couldn’t hide it anymore? How was she going to keep Dawn safe once every demon in Sunnydale got word that the Slayer was pregnant? If social services found out she was an unwed mother, would they take Dawn away again? Gah! I’m so sick of questions! My brain can’t generate anything else lately!
 
Well, I don’t know. Seems to generate some interesting positions in the bedroom. Spike was in the kitchen, enjoying his breakfast, when her thoughts came barreling into his mind as she came down the street.
 
Ha, ha. Out of my head, vampire, she shot back as she turned up the driveway.
 
Make me, he retorted, and he conjured up some extremely pornographic scenes from a few nights back that had her blushing and moist between the legs by the time she got in the door. She took in the sight of him, lounging at the kitchen island in his bathrobe, and sighed happily.
 
“Good morning, Mr. Sleepyhead,” she said, moving into his arms for a kiss. “Nice of you to join the land of the living.”
 
“Well, the unliving in my case,” he said, providing the kiss she sought. “Dawn got off to school alright. What were you up to?”
 
“Did some weapons training and then tried hitting the books some more to identify those demons. No luck.” She frowned a bit and added, “Xander came in before I left.”
 
Spike raised an eyebrow. “How did that go?”
 
“Still pretty tense there. I let him know that he needs to get over the whole ‘Grr, kill the vampire’ thing if he wants to patch things up.”
 
“Thanks for that little requirement, love,” he said, nibbling her neck slightly. “I do think you’re going to want to patch things up with them at some point though. I’m starting to think we’re going to need some help with our little mystery guest here.” He rubbed Buffy’s still flat stomach for emphasis.
 
“Yeah, I know,” she sighed. “I’m just not sure how to break it to them. I’ve got to worry about their reaction, social services freaking out, Giles would probably clean his glasses completely out of existence – it’s all just so hard to face.”
 
“Hey, none of that now,” he said, cupping her chin and capturing her gaze. “I’m not gonna let them harass you, you know that. And I’ve been investigating on the whole social services front, and I think I might have some ideas on how to deal with that.”
 
“Really? How?”
 
“Let me get a little more information, then I can explain it all at once, okay?”
 
Buffy looked at him intently. He seemed to be guarding some of his thoughts from her. What are you hiding? Are you trying to do something illegal or something?
 
No, love, I promise. I just don’t want to tell you something that isn’t going to work, ok? In truth, Spike did have a secret he was keeping from her, and it took all his effort to keep it locked away in the back of his mind. But he hoped that when the secret was out she would forgive him.
 
Buffy searched his gaze one more time, then relented. “Ok, I guess I’ll have to trust you. But don’t keep me waiting too long. This whole thing is really stressing me out.”
 
Spike stood up and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry love. I promise I’ll get it sorted out soon.” He rinsed out his mug and put it in the sink for later. Turning back to Buffy he said, “Clem’s out of town tonight so there’s no poker game. I called Tara and asked if she would take Dawn for the night. She said she’d love to spend some time with her, and I know Dawn’s been asking for a while as well. Maybe we could go out, just you and me, and not have to worry about hurrying home.”
 
Buffy brightened at the idea. “A date? People are going to think you’re my boyfriend or something,” she teased. But Spike could feel the pleasure coming over the link, and it thrilled him to no end.
 
Buffy spent the rest of the morning reading a book on pregnancy that she had gotten out of the library and kept carefully hidden from Dawn. Spike spent his time doing more research in an effort to figure out what sort of demons they kept dreaming about. Spike found after a while that his gaze kept drifting to read over Buffy’s shoulder. He realized that he actually knew fuck-all about pregnancy and all that. Such things were simply not discussed among the menfolk when he was alive, and they concerned him not at all after he was turned. Pregnant women were occasionally dinner, but otherwise didn’t register on his radar. He found himself fascinated by the whole biology of the thing, amazed that women put up with it. After a while, a voice in his head said, Do you want to trade books already? Buffy looked up at him with an amused smile.
 
Sorry, suppose it’s rude to read over your shoulder. But then, creature of evil, you know.
 
Yeah, I know, you big softie, she teased. The more I read about this stuff the less I fear demons. This stuff scares me more than Glory I think.
 
Spike wrapped an arm around her and drew her close. You’ll be fine, love. You’re strong and fit. Kid will probably come flying out at sixty miles an hour.
 
You’d better be there to catch it then.
 
Spike grew slightly more pale than normal. I don’t bloody have to watch all this, do I? I mean, the father gets to pace and smoke cigarettes in the waiting room, right?
 
Buffy laughed. Oh no you don’t. I need a labor coach. I need someone to swear at and to let me squeeze their hand and all that. Not getting out of this one, William Pratt. Buffy laughed again at the utterly horrified expression on his face. So you can make up a quarter of the Scourge of Europe, but you wimp out when it comes to childbirth?
 
Spike swallowed. Just give me some time to read up on this. And perhaps plan a business trip for July. He ducked as Buffy swatted him with a throw pillow and then got up.
 
I have faith in you. You’ll survive. She took the book and went upstairs to stash it where prying teenage eyes couldn’t see it. Spike found himself pondering the whole situation further. It wasn’t so much the childbirth aspect. If he could watch Dru making out with a chaos demon, he could stomach damn near anything. What really bothered him was that his girl was going to be in pain, there would be nothing he could do to stop it, and it was sort of his fault that she was in pain in the first place. He was going to be a basket case worrying about whether she would be okay. Did women die in childbirth anymore? Used to be common in his day, but he honestly hadn’t really kept up on that. Guess I’ll have to do my own research on this subject, he thought to himself. And lay in an enormous supply of whiskey.
 
I heard that, came the voice in his head from upstairs. He smirked, shook his head, and went back to the demonology text.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #5 - Chapter 5
 
Disclaimer: Mutant Enemy and Joss Whedon own all the characters. I’m just playing with them.
 
Thanks to those who took the time to review! It spurs me onward.
 
**************************
Universal – Chapter 5
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Tara arrived at six o’clock to pick up Dawn. She hadn’t been to Buffy’s house in several weeks, although they tended to talk on the phone from time to time. Buffy greeted her and said, “Come in. Dawn’s still getting her stuff together.”
 
“How are you guys doing?” Tara asked as they went to sit in the living room. Tara looked curiously at Buffy. Something was somehow off about her aura. There was a different shade shifting in the center somehow. It was faint, but there. Wonder what would cause that?
 
“We’re doing fine. Thanks so much for taking Dawn tonight. Spike is taking me out for some special dinner, the location of which he is keeping an annoying secret.”
 
“So, a demon restaurant then?” Tara said with a twinkle in her eye.
 
“Heard that!” came a call from upstairs.
 
“Stupid vampire hearing,” joked Buffy. “How are you doing, Tara?”
 
“I’m ok,” she replied. “I actually had coffee with Willow this morning.”
 
Buffy sat up a bit. “So are you two making up?”
 
“Hard to say. I really miss her. But I really want to be certain that she’s got the magic under control. She says she misses you and Dawn as well.”
 
Buffy frowned. “I had a few words with Xander today. I told him he really had to get over the fact that Spike and I are together. Hopefully Willow will figure that out too.”
 
“The subject didn’t come up today, but I’ll try to find out where she stands on that when I see her next,” Tara promised.
 
Dawn came bounding down the stairs with an overnight bag on her shoulder. “Hey, Tara!”
 
Tara smiled and stood up. “Hey, Dawnie. Ready to go?”
 
“Yep. I believe I have everything necessary for an evening of junk food and female bonding,” Dawn said.
 
“Easy on the junk food, but indulge in as much bonding as Tara can stand,” Buffy instructed, giving her sister a hug.
 
“I’ll have her back sometime tomorrow afternoon,” Tara said, and they made their way out.
 
Buffy made her way upstairs to get dressed. Spike had finished his shower and was carefully taming his white-blond curls in front of the mirror. “So what’s the dress code for tonight, since you refuse to tell me where we are going?” Buffy asked.
 
“Well, think fancy, but still able to ride on the back of the bike,” Spike hinted, still guarding his thoughts so as not to give anything away.
 
“This had better be good,” she remarked. “You’re driving me crazy here.”
 
“All part of the master plan, love,” Spike said with an evil grin. He dressed in the nicest of his pairs of jeans, and actually put on a blue silk dress shirt instead of his usual t-shirt. “I’ll wait for you downstairs, okay?”
 
“Be down shortly,” she said, admiring the view as he left the room. Buffy looked through her wardrobe and chose a black skirt that was short, but not so short that it would be impossible to ride the motorcycle behind Spike. Guess I should wear this while I can, she mused. She paired it with a red off the shoulder blouse and silver earrings. She grabbed a purse, added lipstick and a stake, just in case, and went downstairs.
 
Spike whistled appreciatively. “Bloody hell, Slayer. Dress like that and we’ll never get to the restaurant. They’ll be too many men strewn in your path to move.”
 
Buffy smiled and kissed him. “You have my permission to drive over them,” she said. “But only in a strictly nonfatal way.”
 
“Killjoy,” he replied. Then he held the door for her and led her out to his motorcycle. Although she knew it was a bad example to set, Buffy decided to forgo the helmet and climbed behind Spike as is, wrapping her arms around his midsection and pressing herself close. Spike kicked the bike to life and sped off.
 
Their dinner destination was a relatively new French restaurant. The waiter led them to a secluded corner and Spike gallantly pushed in her chair for her. He helped translate the menu, and ordered an appropriate wine for himself, and a ginger ale for Buffy. When the drinks arrived, Spike proposed a toast. “To us,” he said simply.
 
“To us,” Buffy replied. “May we never have to interrupt a date for an apocalypse.”
 
“Oh now you’ve done it,” said Spike in mock exasperation. “We’ll be fighting off demon hordes before dessert.” They laughed and drank, looking deep into each other’s eyes as they did.
 
The dinner was a long, enjoyable, and delicious one. Buffy engaged in one of her favorite pastimes, asking Spike about various points in history that he had witnessed. She had never been all that interested in history as it was taught. But to learn about, say, life in the 1920’s from someone who had been out experiencing it was fascinating.
 
At the end of the meal, Spike paid the bill, then took her hand and led her back to the motorcycle. “I’ve got one other destination in mind, if you’re willing,” he said.
 
Buffy thought she detected a faint nervousness in his tone, as if he wasn’t sure she was going to like something. Intrigued, and wanting to reassure him, she said, “Lead on, Mr. Pratt. I’m at your mercy.”
 
Spike growled slightly. “Do you use my last name just to annoy me, or because you love me?” He never had liked a last name that was also an insult.
 
“A little of both,” Buffy said with a grin. Spike growled playfully once more, then got on the bike. He once again reveled in the feeling of her warm breasts pressed against his back, her hot little hands gripping him with a delicious force. He fought his rising arousal as he started the bike and headed out toward the coast. They sped along under a full moon until they reached a wild, deserted section of beach. The beach here was rocky, and lousy for swimming, but was truly beautiful in the moonlight, with the waves crashing and the wind ruffling the beach grass. Spike led her to a little promontory that jutted out over the sea and they stood there, arms around each other, watching the waves and the moonlight dance.
 
They turned to kiss each other long and deep. Buffy broke the kiss to admire her man, marveling at how dark his eyes were in this light and how the faint light seemed to make his white hair glow. “Thanks for bringing me out here,” she said. “It’s so beautiful.”
 
“You’re welcome, pet, but I had some ulterior motives as well.” He released her and smoothly drew a small box out of the pocket of his duster. “I know we tried this before, but I figure it was time to try again.” He went down on one knee and opened the box to reveal a delicate silver ring. He took a deep breath, and in a low voice like a caress asked, “Will you marry me?”
 
“Oh, Spike,” Buffy breathed, taking the ring from the box. It was beautiful, with three braided strands of silver crowned with a delicate oval diamond.
 
Spike took it from her gently, and slipped it onto her left hand. “You’re my mate in the eyes of the demon world. Will you be my mate in your world as well?”
 
“Yes. Oh God, yes,” she said as she drew him up for a kiss. The kiss went on and on, and she barely wanted to break it to come up for air. Spike finally scooped her up and jumped down to a small patch of sand. He set her down, pulled off his duster for a blanket, and together they sunk down to the ground, shedding clothes as they went. The waves formed a backdrop to the sound of their lovemaking, and their thoughts flowed between them like an endless river. Love you… Oh yes, so good… Yours. Always yours… Yours… They claimed each other again with teeth and bodies and minds, and it was so good Buffy thought she would cry from the intensity of the sensation. Heaven. You remind me of heaven, she sang in his mind, and he screamed her name to the sea as he came.
 
They floated forever before coming back to themselves, with Spike propped on his elbows, looking down at the beautiful woman beneath him. So that’s what you were hiding from me? Buffy asked when she finally had enough working brain cells to form sentences.
 
Yes. Wanted to surprise you and all. Do you like it?
 
It’s beautiful, she reassured him. What made you decide…?
 
Well, other than the fact that I love you? Buffy smiled and Spike kissed her before he continued his train of thought. For one thing, I found out that if we’re married, we don’t need to go through as many hoops with social services. No longer an ‘unrelated adult’, you see.
 
Buffy was surprised. Never really thought of that. Was that the only reason?
 
No, he admitted, stroking her hair. I guess my inner Victorian had a problem with my child being born a bastard. She felt the embarrassment coming over the link. I know it’s ridiculous, and I understand if you want the child to have your last name. I just…
 
Don’t worry, she soothed, kissing him gently. If your fake ID’s stand up enough for us to get a marriage license, then they’ll stand up enough for our baby to be a Pratt, if that’s what you want.
 
It’s stupid, I know. But my family died out with me. You have no idea the indoctrination that you got in that era. Your sworn duty to God and country was to generate an heir to pass on the family name, and the world would surely come to a screeching halt if you didn’t. Funny that I still feel that obligation, but there it is.
 
It’s ok, Spike. She looked deep into his blue eyes and ran one hand through his curly hair. I want to be yours, forever. And although I’ll probably keep my name, I truly don’t mind the baby having your name. I understand – it’s a different form of immortality, isn’t it?
 
Spike reveled in the feeling of being understood. Having someone actually understand him was something he had lacked his entire life. He still marveled at the irony of finding this understanding in his former mortal enemy. I love you. Even if the baby wasn’t in the picture, and no matter what happens, I want to be tied to you, for all time. You’ve always treated me like a man. The man in me wants to marry you. Not fair for the demon to have all the fun.
 
I love both of you. And although I’d really, really prefer a baby who looked like the man, I think I can survive whatever we end up with, as long as I’ve got you for a partner.
 
I don’t deserve you, he sighed happily. They fell back into caresses until dawn threatened and they headed for home.
 
***************************
 
They awoke late the next morning, deeply content, their sleep for once unpunctuated by nightmares. They made their breakfast and while they ate it, made their plans.
 
“So, still want ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ for a first dance?” Spike teased, reminding her of their last engagement.
 
“Am I ever going to live that down?” she asked.
 
Spike considered. “No. Never. I’ll remind you every anniversary for the rest of your life.”
 
“Time to start rooting for the vampires then,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Seriously, though, I was thinking something really small. I don’t think I can deal with the stress of some big shindig.”
 
“Are you sure, love?” Spike asked. “I mean, don’t you girls have your weddings planned out to the minute from the time you’re eight years old?”
 
“Maybe once upon a time,” Buffy said with a twinge of regret. “But after everything I’ve seen since then, and with those dreams we’ve been having, I’m thinking quiet and intimate is the way to go.”
 
Spike understood. “We could just go to City Hall. Bring Dawn and Tara along as witnesses and call it done,” he offered.
 
“Don’t we have a bit of a problem with your sunlight allergy?” Buffy wondered, imagining the looks they would get if the groom came running in the door smoking.
 
“City Hall is connected to the tunnels. I could meet you there fairly easily. We could have a little celebration here afterward, just the four of us.”
 
“I’d like that,” Buffy said, smiling. The thought of a wedding with no drama, no protesting Scoobies or disapproving Watchers was highly appealing. “So since you obviously did the investigation, what do we have to do?”
 
“We have to go down with identification and all that and apply for the license. If everything checks out, they issue the license, and we can go pick it up and either bring it to whoever is doing the ceremony or just have the clerk marry us there. Takes about a week, I think.”
 
“I guess we have a date for Monday morning then,” Buffy said, moving over to stand between his knees as he perched on the stool. “What do you think Dawn’s going to say about all this?”
 
“I am imagining a squeal that is so high-pitched only werewolves can hear it,” Spike said, grimacing at the thought.
 
Buffy laughed. Then she added, “So should we wait until after the wedding to tell them about our other news?”
 
“Probably. Who knows, maybe Tara can help us out on that one,” Spike said, kissing her again. He worked his way down to her neck, nibbling lightly on the mark from the claim, sending shivers down her spine as he did.
 
“Mmm,” she sighed, losing her train of thought entirely. “What were we discussing anyhow?”
 
Must pay attention, Slayer. There’ll be a quiz later. Spike’s hands began roaming lower when they heard a car door slam. Nibblet’s back.
 
Guess we should break the news then?
 
Guess we should, Spike agreed as they reluctantly moved apart. Tara and Dawn came in the front door, and Spike and Buffy came to meet them. “Hey guys, how was your date?” Dawn asked cheerfully.
 
“It was really great,” Buffy said, in what had to be the understatement of the decade. “How was your evening?”
 
“I believe we both exceeded the USRDA for popcorn, chocolate, and chick flicks,” Tara said with a grin.
 
“Do you have a minute, Tara? We’ve got some news for both of you,” Buffy said, feeling a little nervous.
 
“Sure, what’s up?” Tara said, wondering what it could be. Spike led the way into the living room where they all sat down, with Buffy and Spike next to one another on the sofa.
 
“Well, we, um…” Buffy found herself tongue tied. This was so much easier when we were under a spell.
 
Spike chuckled softly and took over. “I’ve asked Buffy to do me the honor of being my wife, and she has accepted,” he said. The old fashioned phrases were spoken with such clear devotion that they came out like poetry, rather than like outdated language from a bygone age.
 
“You’re going to get married!?!” Dawn shrieked excitedly. Spike winced a little as her exuberant exclamation completely overwhelmed his vampire hearing. Knew that would happen. Dawn practically tackled both of them in a big hug. “That is so awesome!”
 
“Congratulations!” said Tara, who was equally pleased to hear their news, if slightly quieter about it.
 
Buffy disentangled herself from her sister to show off her ring. “It’s beautiful!” Dawn exclaimed. “When will it be? Where will we have it? Can I pick out the bridesmaid’s dresses?”
 
Buffy laughed. “Slow down, Dawn. Spike and I want to do something quiet at City Hall. We planned to just have you and Tara there, and then celebrate here afterward.”
 
Dawn looked disappointed. “But aren’t you going to tell Giles? And the others?”
 
“Dawnie,” Buffy said in a serious voice. “I’m really happy about this. I’m afraid that Giles and the others are just going to give us a hard time. It’s still so hard sometimes, being back. I just don’t want a fight.”
 
“But this is your wedding!” Dawn cried.
 
“And it will be lovely as it is,” Tara put in. “We’ll make sure there is cake, and anything else Buffy wants. And if Buffy wants a small wedding, I think we need to honor that.”
 
Buffy shot Tara a grateful look. “We’re going to go see about the license tomorrow. If it all goes well, we’ll go to City Hall the week after that. Are you free that Friday, Tara?”
 
“I’ll make sure I am,” she said warmly. She came over and hugged Buffy and Spike in turn. “I really am happy for both of you. You complement each other.”
 
“Thanks, Glinda,” Spike said. “Good to have you in our court.”
 
“Can I please help with party preparations?” asked Dawn.
 
“Ok. Just don’t go overboard, ok?” Buffy pleaded.
 
“I won’t,” Dawn promised. But you are not getting married without some sort of celebration. Not happening, she vowed silently.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #6 - Chapter 6
 
Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing, all is Joss Whedon’s.
 
Thanks again reviewers!
 
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Universal – Chapter 6
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Buffy stood in the lobby of City Hall on Monday morning, tapping her foot and waiting for Spike to arrive. Where the heck are you? she asked, projecting her thoughts to see if he was in range.
 
Right behind you, he shot back, as he stepped in from the stairwell. As promised, the basement of City Hall connected to the tunnel system, and there were few enough people on that level that Spike was able to make his way up unnoticed.
 
Buffy turned and pointed meaningfully at her watch, causing Spike to look exasperated. Buffy finally stopped teasing him and asked, “Do you have the stuff you need?”
 
“Hope so,” he said, holding up an envelope. He hoped that the passport, birth certificate, and green card that he had paid an inordinate amount of money for would stand up to scrutiny. Otherwise he was going to have to remove a few appendages off a certain demon he knew.
 
“Well, let’s go then. Third floor.” They boarded the elevator and rode up in seeming silence, holding hands. Do you notice how few windows there seem to be in the public spaces? Place seems designed for vampires, Spike commented.
 
Given that the mayor was a giant demon snake who employed them, doesn’t surprise me, Buffy replied, shuddering a bit at the memory of the mayor and her graduation. The doors opened on their destination and they stepped out. They stood in line behind two other couples waiting at the marriage license counter. Buffy’s hand was sweating as she held Spike’s.
 
Nervous, love? Spike inquired, looking down at her tenderly. Not getting cold feet, are you?
 
Just having one of those panic moments. What if your documents don’t work? Or what if the others find out and decide to go after you again?
 
Relax. You’re gonna drive yourself mad if you keep this up. We’ll just take it as it comes, ok?
 
Buffy wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. Sorry. Between the hormones and the regular resurrection side effects, I’m pretty jumpy these days.
 
‘S okay, pet. I’ll keep you anyway. Pretty sure you’re over the legal limit, he ribbed her, which provoked a smile at last.
 
“Next”
 
Taking simultaneous deep breaths, they stepped up to the counter.
 
*********************
 
The bell jingled over the Magic Box door as Dawn entered. She had come over after school to consult with Anya about possible wedding gifts. Although Buffy had wanted to keep things quiet, Dawn figured that Anya could be trusted. Besides, Buffy spoke to Anya fairly regularly, so it didn’t seem right to keep her in the dark. “Hey, Anya! How’s business?”
 
“A little slow today,” she sighed. “I don’t know what it is about Mondays that keeps people from shopping. I mean, shouldn’t you celebrate the beginning of the work week with a ritual spending of your capitalist gains?”
 
“Um, yeah, I guess.” Dawn didn’t always know what to make of Anya and her business related ramblings. Just as Dawn was about to bring up the reason for her visit, Xander came up from the basement with a large box.
 
“These are the last of them…” he began, stopping when he noticed Dawn. “Dawnster! Haven’t seen you around in a while.”
 
Dawn felt a little uncomfortable. She had always liked Xander, and missed him. But the clash of personalities between Xander and Spike made for a touchy situation, more so now that Spike was going to be her brother-in-law. She smiled noncommittally and said, “Just stopped in for some browsing. How have you been?”
 
“Pretty good,” he said. “We’ve really missed you guys.” Maybe Dawn could get Buffy to give us a chance to start over.
 
“I know. Buffy’s still having some adjustment issues. She gets panicky over little things. Spike has really been helping her cope though,” she added, hoping Xander would get the subtle hint to get over the Spike issue.
 
Xander caught a meaningful look from Anya and bit his tongue. “Well, it was good to see you. Say hi to Buffy and… Spike for me.” He ground out the words as if it caused him pain to wish anything other than a dusty end to the vampire. “I’ll go take all those empty boxes to the recycling center for you, hon,” he said to Anya.
 
“Thanks, Xander,” Anya said, kissing his cheek. Xander headed out toward the alley door, where he had parked his car so he could load it up with all the empty packing boxes that had been stacking up. He opened the door and was about to leave when he remembered. Need to ask Anya if we need anything from the store. The door slammed as he turned to go back into the main room.
 
As soon as Dawn heard the door slam she said, “Anya, I need some help but you have to promise me to keep it a secret!”
 
Xander was about to enter the main room when he heard Dawn’s excited voice. Curious, he paused out of sight to hear what she was so excited about.
 
“What’s the big secret?” Anya asked.
 
Dawn leaned in conspiratorially. “Buffy and Spike are getting married next week Friday!”
 
“Married?” gasped Anya. “When did they decide this?”
 
“They told me and Tara the other night. They’re at City Hall today applying for their marriage license. They’re just going to get married at City Hall, nothing fancy. But I really want to get them something nice for a present. Problem is, what do you get a Slayer and a Vampire? Especially when you’re a high school kid with next to no money who will gladly scrub floors in order to help pay for it?” Dawn added with her most ingratiating smile.
 
“Hmm. I might be able to cut you a deal, since it’s Buffy we’re talking about. Maybe some enchanted candles for romance on their honeymoon…”
 
The girls moved over to investigate the possibilities on the shelves. Xander quietly crept back to the door and held it so it would close silently. He got in his car and drove to the recycling center, mulling it over. Buffy is marrying Spike. How can they even do that? How do you get the state of California to issue a dead man a marriage license? Did she come back completely insane? Should we really be ignoring this? Xander was at a loss for what to do with this information. Finally, as he neared his destination he decided, I should talk to Willow, maybe it’s another spell. I know Anya said to let it go, but… married? Xander shook his head in bewilderment at the very idea.
 
***************************
 
Xander hurried to answer the door when the bell rang. “Willow, hi, come in,” he said.
 
“What’s the emergency?” she asked. Xander had called her saying he needed to see her, in person, right away.
 
Xander led the way to the living room and sat down on the couch. Willow took her place on a nearby chair and looked at him curiously. Xander took a deep breath and said, “Willow, have you been casting any spells lately?”
 
Willow looked taken aback, and a little hurt. “I told you – I’m really working hard at getting away from too much magic. I’m doing everything I can to fix my relationship with Tara. How could you even ask me that?”
 
“I’m sorry, Wils,” Xander said apologetically. “It’s just that, I overheard something in the Magic Box today that gave me a sense of déjà vu. Remember that whole ‘your will be done’ incident?”
 
“Hard to forget, since people seem to need to keep bringing it up,” Willow commented with a frown.
 
“Well, like I said, I was in the Magic Box today. Dawn was in there, and was asking Anya’s help in finding something for a wedding present for Buffy and Spike.”
 
Willow’s jaw nearly hit the ground. “Wedding present? Is this some kind of joke?”
 
“I don’t think so,” Xander said. “Dawn said they’re getting married next week Friday. That’s why I wondered if this was some sort of spell gone wrong.”
 
Willow shook her head. “If it’s a spell, it’s not mine,” she said. She felt completely floored by what Xander had said. “Married? Can they even do that? I mean, can they do it for real with Spike being, well…”
 
“Dead?”
 
“Yeah,” Willow said. She had no idea what to with this information. She got the fact that Buffy liked having Spike around, but married? “Is she having a ceremony and all that?” Willow asked finally, not knowing quite what else to say.
 
Xander shrugged, “Dawn said it was just going to be at City Hall, with just Dawn and Tara invited.”
 
Willow bit her lip, thinking. “It’s kinda hard to know that she didn’t invite us.”
 
“Willow she is marrying a vampire! And you’re worried that you’re not invited?” Xander yelled, getting up to pace the room. “Shouldn’t we be doing something to stop this?”
 
“I don’t know, Xander,” Willow responded doubtfully. “As far as I’ve heard from Tara, she’s really happy, and finally adjusting to being alive again. I’m not sure what’s going to happen if we go in there and try to break things up.”
 
Xander paused, with his arms crossed, looking at the rug. Anya’s advice to say nothing echoed in his head. “I don’t want to hurt her anymore either,” he said finally. “But it just seems awful sudden. I mean, she’s been back for only a few months, and she’s marrying Spike? How do we know he’s not doing something to coerce her or something?”
 
“I wish Giles were here,” Willow sighed. “He always seemed to be able to figure out what to do when it came to Buffy.”
 
Xander stopped pacing. “Why don’t we call him?” he proposed. “Maybe he can call Buffy and get some more information or give us some advice on this situation. In any event, he should know. He’s practically like a father to her – he should know if she’s getting married.”
 
Willow considered. “Do you think Buffy’s going to get upset with us if we call him?”
 
“She can’t be any more upset with us than she is now,” Xander reasoned. “Besides, we can explain the situation to him and ask him to be tactful. Just try to find out what’s going on.”
 
“I guess that makes sense,” Willow conceded. She checked her watch and did a quick mental calculation. “It’s about ten in the evening there. Should we try calling him now?”
 
“No time like the present,” Xander agreed as he picked up the phone.
******************************
 
The Kratash demon stood nervously in the hall of the Ruler of the Dwak Dlam. The Kratash were known for having two fundamental qualities. First, they had the ability to leap easily between dimensions. Whereas most beings could only leap through magically generated portals or during specific times, the Kratash were essentially interdimensional beings, who could hop between worlds on a whim. Their other key feature was that they would work for anyone provided they were well paid – they had no scruples, and no particular loyalties. Furthermore, they were shape shifters, with an ability to blend into any world they arrived in. They were physically weak, not a warrior people, but they had adapted by becoming the most sought after spies in the demon realms.
 
The Ruler of the Dwak Dlam was in need of a spy. She towered over the Kratash and fixed him with a cold stare. “I have a mission for you. You will be paid handsomely.”
 
The Kratash gulped and said, “Tell me of the mission, great one.” He had learned that deferring to the larger demons was a way to stay alive longer.
 
The Ruler glowered at him. “Do not waste my time with flattery, spy,” she hissed. “I need you to go to the human realm. We are looking for a pregnant female.”
 
“A pregnant female?”
 
“A child has been foreseen. One who will wield great power and who could destroy us. If this child is sacrificed at the appropriate time, this power will be ours.”
 
“What is your bidding then?” asked the Kratash, silently wishing she would get on with it so he could leave this oppressively dark place.
 
“There is a rent between the worlds. Our Seer has been told that the child will be born near there, to a creature of light and a creature of darkness. You will locate this couple and watch them. You will inform us when the birth of the child is near. We will issue further instructions as is warranted.”
 
The Kratash said, “You wish to find an unusual couple, expecting a child, who live near a Hellmouth. Am I correct?”
 
“You are correct, Kratash,” said the Ruler. She leaned forward, her beetle-black skin gleaming evilly in the torchlight. “If you are caught, they must not learn that it was we who sent you. If they do the penalties will be… severe.”
 
The Kratash swallowed nervously. “I will send agents who know only what to look for. They will report to me, and only I will report to you.”
 
“That is acceptable,” said the Ruler. “Go now, and find what we seek.”
 
The Kratash bowed, fighting the urge to roll his eyes at the arrogance of the Ruler, and left at a pace that was just slightly faster than strictly necessary. Outside the door, he breathed a sigh of relief. He murmured the incantation that would take him to his home world, where he could recruit some help to narrow down the search. As he faded from sight, he grinned to himself. If I succeed, my future is certain.
 
*******************************
 
Giles was staring at his phone again.
 
For two days now he had been staring at the phone, trying to decide what to do. Xander and Willow had called two days prior, telling him what Xander had overheard. Buffy and Spike were planning to get married. He had been disappointed at the immaturity Xander had exhibited by eavesdropping. But he was even more disappointed in his Slayer. He kept going over and over it in his mind, and could find no possible, logical reason why Buffy would do such a thing.
 
The Buffy you knew wouldn’t have done such a thing. But do you really know her now? Giles took another sip of whiskey as he thought about it. Buffy had not wanted to see him when she got back from the dead. She was angry at him having left Dawn, and had made it clear that she was relying on Spike for support. He had called her a few times, but she seemed to have little to say. It was clear that Spike was living with her, and that she would not discuss any other alternative. She had never mentioned marriage in any of her conversations, but then it was like pulling teeth getting her to talk anyway. He tried to grasp what it must be like, to have been pulled out of heaven, to be forced back into a world she had thought herself finished with. But to shut out him and the others and then marry Spike seemed an overreaction.
 
Finally, after belting down one more shot of whiskey for courage, he picked up the phone. It was about noon in California, and he hoped Buffy would be home and willing to talk. He listened to the ring and groaned inwardly when a familiar British accent said, “Hello?”
 
Giles almost hung up but gathered his courage and said, “Yes, good afternoon, Spike. It’s Giles. Is Buffy there?”
 
“Rupert!” said Spike. He always detected a slight uncomfortable note in the Watcher’s voice when he answered the phone rather than one of the ladies. He rather enjoyed toying with Giles as often as he could. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”
 
“I just realized I hadn’t spoken to Buffy in a few weeks and was wondering how she was getting on,” Giles said.
 
“I’ll see if she’s available,” Spike said. Half covering the phone he yelled, “Oi! Slayer! Watcher’s on the line.”
 
In his London flat Giles winced and pulled the phone away from his ear. He could swear that Spike did that on purpose to be annoying. She can’t really be marrying him, could she? Good lord. After a few moments the phone made a few clattering noises followed by Buffy’s voice saying, “Hi, Giles, what’s up?”
 
“Hello, Buffy. I was just calling to see how you were doing.”
 
“I’m doing fine, Giles,” Buffy said noncommittally. She was torn. She saw Giles as a father figure, but she still felt hurt and betrayed about the fact that he left them. She wanted to share her happiness about her impending wedding, but didn’t want the day ruined by disappointment and accusations.
 
“Anything… unusual going on in Sunnydale?” Giles asked in what he hoped was a nonthreatening tone.
 
“Not really,” Buffy responded. She made up her mind then and there to tell Giles after the deed was done. Hard for him to argue about it then.
 
“I was thinking of coming for a visit soon,” Giles said. In truth, he had just decided that he must visit the Slayer and see her with his own eyes as soon as humanly possible. He had always harbored some doubts about whether she might have come back somehow defective or wrong after Willow’s spell.
 
“When?” Buffy asked. “I… I need to know if I’m going to have a house guest.”
 
“Well, I was considering flying out next week,” he said. “Would that be alright?”
 
Shit, thought Buffy. Aloud she said, “Well, I am going to be out next Friday and Saturday. But I could be available Sunday night if you needed a ride from the airport or something.”
 
“Let me take a look at the airline schedule and then I’ll let you know,” said Giles. He felt slightly hurt that she was not more enthusiastic about his visit. Something must truly be wrong with her.
 
“R…right. Okay Giles. I, um, have to go right now. Talk soon, okay?”
 
“I’ll call soon. Take care, Buffy,” he said.
 
“You too, Giles,” Buffy replied as she hung up the phone.
 
In London, Giles hung up the phone and stared at it for a few moments. Then he picked it up and dialed his travel agent. “Hello? Yes, I need to get to California by Friday morning of next week…”
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #7 - Chapter 7
 
Disclaimer: All the characters are Joss Whedon’s, not mine.
 
Thank you once more to all the reviewers, who inspire me to shun housework in favor of writing!
 
***********************
Chapter 7
************************
 
…She struggled but strong arms held her. A distorted face loomed over her. Pain ripped through her abdomen as an evil voice in her mind growled,” The child is ours.”
 
Buffy jerked awake clutching her stomach. In an instant Spike was there, holding her. Buffy, what is it? You were in pain, I felt it.
 
I don’t know, she answered. It was another nightmare. I don’t know if the pain was real, or part of the dream. She rubbed her hands over her still flat stomach thoughtfully. What if… could I be having a miscarriage?
 
Spike looked her over. I don’t smell any blood or anything, pet. I think you’re ok. They lay back down, entwined in each other’s arms. Child isn’t even here yet and it’s keeping us up all night, he mused.
 
I’m just so worried, Spike. What are all these dreams about?
 
Dunno, pet. He stroked her for a while, trying to think of something. Maybe it’s not a bad thing that the Watcher’s coming out. Maybe he could help us figure out what the fuck is going on.
 
I guess. But is he going to stake you if he finds out we’re getting married? The conversation with Giles earlier that day still weighed on her mind.
 
We can delay that if you’re worried, love. You know I’ll still be here whether we’re official or not.
 
But I want to marry you! Buffy stroked his face and looked deep into his blue eyes. I love you. And I don’t care if the others know. I just… I want to make my vows to you, without having to stop every other word to explain myself or fight off someone who thinks they know better than me what I need!
 
Shh. Don’t fret, Slayer. We’ll exchange our vows as we planned, and face them together afterward. And if they give you a hard time, I’ll eat them or something.
 
Buffy cracked a half smile. You know I can’t let you do that. Besides, the chip would give you a headache and you’d be in no shape to enjoy your honeymoon.
 
True, he agreed. Still think we can go away for the weekend like we planned?
 
Tara said she’d stay with Dawn. Tara could go get Giles if he needs a ride, I guess. She could bring him here - he and Dawn can bond or whatever. But I think that cabin in the hills sounds lovely, and I am not giving it up so that I can be lectured and disapproved of.
 
That’s my girl. He kissed her deeply, and they curled up together until they fell back to sleep.
 
*********************
 
The week passed in a flurry of preparations, some obvious and some clandestine. Buffy called on the Monday before their chosen day and found to her delight that their license had been approved and that the clerk was available for a small ceremony on Friday at eleven. Buffy and Spike guarded many thoughts from each other, as they each prepared vows, chose clothing, and picked out rings for each other. Buffy had found a simple silver band for Spike, and had it engraved with the words: BS & WP Yours, Always. It seemed fitting to have the words of their demon marriage on the symbol of their human one. Tara and Dawn had planned some delicious finger foods and ordered a small but attractive cake with red roses on it. They had asked Anya to help with the food, so that it would be ready when they returned, and Anya had graciously agreed. Spike had, unbeknownst to the women, actually gone out and purchased a black suit and tie, with dress shoes to match. Buffy had left the dress code up to him, but he felt the occasion demanded something special.
 
Giles had called Xander to tell him that he was due at LAX at eleven o’clock the evening before, and needed a ride. Xander had agreed, while trying to keep his voice down so that Anya, who had been in the kitchen, would not hear. He didn’t really want to admit to her that he had been eavesdropping, and was also more than a little miffed that she hadn’t confided in him when she heard the news. Willow’s parents were going to be away, so Giles could spend the night there. Willow had used a little subterfuge to find out when the ceremony was. She had asked Tara if they could get together on Friday. Tara had said, “Well, it will have to be in the morning. I’ve got somewhere to go at eleven.” Willow had said that regretfully, she was busy after then, and had hung up, then phoned Xander with the news.
 
It was Willow who actually ended up driving to LAX on Thursday night, so that Anya wouldn’t ask questions. Willow was also hurt that Tara had kept this a secret. She knew that she still had a lot of bridges to rebuild with Tara, but she thought they had come further than that. I’ve been so much better about the magic. I know I screwed up with that. You’d think she could at least give me a chance. And what about Buffy? She hasn’t called or anything! I know that coming back was hard, but if she is over it enough to get married, then why can’t she at least talk to me? All the way up to LA, Willow kept turning these things over in her head. At one point it occurred to her that they didn’t know quite what they planned to do. Should they barge in and disrupt the ceremony? Should they get there ahead of time and try to reason with her? What should they do about this? With any luck they could at least talk to her before she did this to try to understand why.
 
Willow pulled into the parking garage, grabbed her purse, and headed into the terminal. It was nearly eleven, so she felt rushed. To her dismay, she saw the word DELAYED after Giles’ flight number. With a sigh, she sat down to wait.
 
*****************************
 
For once, Spike was awake before Buffy. He lay beside her, watching her sleep, examining every curve, every strand of golden hair, and marveling at how this had come to be. Today is my wedding day. She agreed to marry me. An actual human female, agreeing to marry William Pratt. Mother would be beside herself is she were here. He didn’t often think of his mother. The memory of her turning and her subsequent behavior was a memory better repressed. But now he remembered a day when he had been reading some awful poem about Cicely to her, and she had glowed with happiness at the idea of her boy finding a good match. Well, Mother, it ended up taking a fair bit longer than we expected, but I hope you approve.
 
Buffy stirred and woke, smiling at the blue eyes which were studying her so intently. Good morning, lover, she greeted him silently. He pulled her in close for a gentle kiss. Good morning, beautiful, he replied. He ran his hand through her hair. Big day, today.
 
Not getting nervous, are you? Buffy inquired.
 
Never been more certain of anything in all my days, he reassured her. You’re already my mate. Being your official spouse isn’t much of a leap at all.
 
I love you, William. Her thoughts filled this hole inside him that he hadn’t realized was there. Maybe it was the hole left by his missing soul, but all he knew is that Buffy filled it with her love and trust.
 
I love you too, Buffy. Should we get up and get things ready you think?
 
She smiled. Someone’s eager, isn’t he?
 
You know me. I’m just trying to get to the wedding night. He growled suggestively and she giggled. After sharing one more lingering kiss they got up and went to share a shower.
 
Dawn was up reasonably early as well. She watched her sister and the vampire moving around the kitchen, sharing little smiles, acting as a team to get things and do things, seemingly without even thinking about it. She couldn’t remember a time when her sister looked so happy. Buffy had spent that whole long year with Glory being angry, upset, worried, and generally bowed under the weight of all the responsibilities piled on her. Dawn had been struck by the peace on Buffy’s face as she had lay broken at the foot of the tower. It had been a look Dawn hadn’t really seen before, and it had broken Dawn’s heart to know that death was the only thing that had given her sister that peace. Now Dawn was seeing that peace again, but this time mixed with joy, and obvious love. The change in the vampire was striking as well. That whole long summer Spike had worn a mask of weary grief. He had spent the whole time beating himself up for having failed Buffy, and she knew very well that he probably would have dusted himself if not for his promise to look after her. Now he looked years younger. He smiled easily, and had a sweet, pleasant laugh that she hadn’t heard before. She couldn’t forget what he was – the blood stained coffee mugs were a dead giveaway – but he seemed more human and alive than anyone she had known. Dawn found herself grateful for the chance to have a somewhat stable home life at last.
 
At around nine o’clock, Spike put on his duster and grabbed an old blanket kept by the door. “I’ve got a few things to do at my old crypt before the ceremony. But I promise I will be there on time.”
 
“What sort of things?” Dawn asked.
 
“Secret,” he grinned, keeping his thoughts hidden from Buffy as well.
 
“Be careful. And don’t you dare be late!” Buffy said, kissing him lightly.
 
“Wouldn’t dream of it, love,” he responded. Then he opened the door and dashed for the sewers.
 
Buffy and Dawn tidied up and got things ready for their little celebration. Buffy had secretly invited Clem to come by, knowing that Spike would be pleased to have his best demon friend there to fend off the house full of females. Buffy took her time getting dressed, doing her nails and hair, and putting on her makeup. She was happy, but nervous. What if it doesn’t go right? What if the others try to stop us or something? She did her best to stifle these thoughts, knowing that they were just the latest manifestation of the ‘back from the dead’ panic. But it was still so hard sometimes, especially when she was away from Spike. His constant presence calmed and anchored her, and she was grateful for that presence every day.
 
She finally came downstairs to find that Tara had arrived and was chatting with Dawn in the living room. “How do I look?” she asked nervously.
 
“You look beautiful,” said Tara warmly.
 
“Spike is going to flip,” Dawn agreed.
 
Buffy smiled. “Thanks guys. It’s about 10:30 now. We should probably head out soon.” Just then Anya knocked at the back door and Dawn let her in. “Hi, Anya. Thanks for coming.”
 
“Wow! So you decided to go for white, despite the whole virginal symbolism thing?”
 
Dawn rolled her eyes, but Buffy said, “Well, it’s traditional. And I already owned it, which helped.”
 
“Well, it looks great. You guys should get going though. I’ll take care of the refreshments. You go get married!” Anya bubbled, shooing them out the door.
 
Tara drove them in Joyce’s old car. They had blacked out the windows in the back so that they could bring the newlyweds home together after the ceremony. They pulled around into the back of City Hall, where there was a handicapped accessible entrance that opened onto a small, shaded side street. Tara brought a camera and an umbrella for good measure, to shield Spike if needed on the way out. Dawn carefully guarded the box holding Spike’s ring, while Buffy carried a small red rose which she intended to pin on whatever he wore, whether it was a tux or a t-shirt.
 
They made their way up to the license office, and Buffy gave her name at the desk. The woman behind the counter smiled and said, “The clerk will be with you shortly. We have a small private room for the ceremony. I believe your groom is already here.”
 
Buffy and the others followed the woman into a small antechamber. Buffy walked in and gasped at the sight of Spike, resplendent in a black suit and tie, with gleaming black leather shoes and his hair carefully tamed. Spike, on his part, whistled appreciatively at his bride-to-be. Her hair was swept up in an elegant twist, and she wore silver drop earrings and a matching silver necklace. Her dress was a simple white affair, strapless and hanging in flowing layers down to her knees. She blushed, and he nearly melted. You are the loveliest creature I have ever seen, bar none.
 
Buffy walked up to him and pinned the rose on his lapel. My handsome vampire. You do clean up well. Spike handed her two long stemmed red roses, bound with a red velvet ribbon, and she smiled as she closed her eyes and drank in their scent.
 
“Ahem,” Dawn said, drawing their attention to the fact that they were not actually alone in the room.
 
“Hello, Nibblet, Glinda,” Spike said cordially. “Good of you to come.”
 
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Tara replied. Just then the door opened and a thin, older gentleman walked in. He had a kindly face, and a warm voice, and he introduced himself as John Barnett, Justice of the Peace.
 
“Are we ready to begin?” he asked.
 
“I believe we are,” Spike answered. He held his hand out to Buffy and she took it, moving with him to stand before Mr. Barnett.
 
“We are here today as witnesses to the marriage between William Pratt and Buffy Summers. Do you both come here of your own free will?”
 
“Yes,” they responded as one.
 
“Do you have vows you would like to say to each other at this time?”
 
They turned to each other, and Spike took both her hands. “Buffy, I take you to be my wife. I promise to love you with all I am, and never to leave you. I will protect you and yours with everything I have, in all worlds, in all times, until I fall to dust.” He released one of her hands and brought out a silver wedding band to match her engagement ring. “Take this ring as a sign of my eternal devotion.”
 
Mr. Barnett was struck by the odd, if poetic, choice of wording for Spike’s vows. It was clear that this young Englishman was head over heels for his lady, and had a rather lyrical way of expressing it. He turned to Buffy and said, “Ms. Summers?”
 
Buffy took a deep breath and said, “William, I take you to be my husband. I take you as a partner, as someone who is beside me and with me, and never beneath me. I love you with everything in me, and I always will. I will be yours for as long as I live, and beyond.” Dawn handed Buffy the silver ring she had picked out for Spike, and she slid it tenderly onto his left hand. “Take this ring as a reminder of my love for you.” Spike had to fight back tears at the words ‘never beneath me’. He felt as if many old wounds of rejection had been healed by those words.
 
Dawn found herself close to tears as well. Their words were laced with emotion, and their connection was obvious. Tara wondered at their auras, which shifted constantly, each one wrapping around and merging with the other. They were meant to be together, this was clear.
 
Mr. Barnett, who had seen hundreds and hundreds of couples, was also moved by the blond couple in front of him. They were striking to look at, and so evidently in love with each other. He smiled as he said, “By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” With a twinkle in his eye he added, “You may kiss the bride.”
 
Spike caressed Buffy’s face with infinite tenderness as he bent down and met her lips. They kissed slowly and delicately, while their thoughts merged and blended. Mine, you’re mine… Yours…Forever yours…” Finally they broke the kiss and opened their eyes, both of their faces lit up with utter bliss.
 
“Congratulations,” said Mr. Barnett. “May I have the license to sign?”
 
Spike handed the paper over while Tara and Dawn hugged Buffy, sharing in her glowing happiness. Then Dawn tackled Spike. “Congratulations, brother-in-law!” she squealed as she hugged him.
 
“Thanks, Nibblet,” he said happily. “Glinda, thanks again for all your support.”
 
Tara gave him a hug as well. “You’ve more than earned it,” she said.
 
“You are all set,” said Mr. Barnett. “I will file this straight away. And once again let me offer my congratulations. You make a fine couple.”
 
“Thank you sir,” said Spike, shaking the man’s hand. Spike held out his arm to Buffy, who squeezed his elbow happily with both hands. “Time to go home, Mrs. Pratt?”
 
“Lead the way, Mr. Pratt,” Buffy said. Oh, God, Spike I can’t remember ever being so happy.
 
Nor can I, Spike replied, beaming down at her. Gonna dust from sheer joy, Slayer.
 
No dusting, she admonished silently. I have plans for you tonight.
 
Oho! Do you now… Spike and Buffy had led the way out of the small chamber and down a short hall into the main office. They were focused completely on each other, radiant and content when they heard a male voice say, “Buffy?”
 
They pulled up short. “Giles.”
 
TBC 
 
 
Chapter #8 - Chapter 8
 
Disclaimer: Mutant Enemy and Joss Whedon own all. I just enjoy playing with their creations.
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my encouraging reviewers!
 
*****************************
Chapter 8
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Willow had ended up spending the night in LAX, as Giles’ connecting flight from New York to LA had been seriously delayed by bad weather on the East Coast. He had finally disembarked early in the morning, to be greeted by an extremely disheveled and tired Willow. “Hey, Giles. Nice of you to finally get here,” she said, giving him a brief hug in greeting.
 
“Hello, Willow. Believe me, I was considering getting out of the airplane and walking. Would have been faster I think.”
 
“We should get moving. We’ve got a long drive, and we don’t have a lot of time.” Willow led the way, pausing only briefly at a pay phone to let Xander know they were on their way.
 
Giles had followed Willow to her car and soon they were on the freeway heading toward Sunnydale. “What do you think we should do, Giles?” Willow asked once they were underway. “I don’t know if we’re going to get there in time to talk to Buffy beforehand.”
 
Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He was jet-lagged, haggard, and suddenly not at all sure what he was doing here. Buffy hadn’t wanted him around when she came back. That still stung, and although he was inclined to chalk it up to the trauma of being resurrected, a nagging little corner of his mind conceded her point. He had fled back to England like a coward, unable to face her sister’s grief, too exhausted to lead the Scoobies anymore. He had just wanted to be away from the streets where he had walked with her, from the Magic Box where they had trained and researched, and from the house where she had once lived. When she returned, she had been devastated to find that her Watcher, the closest thing she had left to a parent, had bailed on them all, and she had yet to forgive him for it. “I’m not sure what we should do,” he answered Willow after a long pause. “Have you heard anything more about how this came about?”
 
Willow shook her head. “They’ve been living together since Buffy came back. But they only invited Tara and Dawn to come with them today.”
 
“And Tara hasn’t confided in you?”
 
“N..no,” said Willow. “Tara and I are spending some time apart right now. We’ve been trying to patch things up, but it’s slow going.”
 
Giles looked sharply at Willow. He hadn’t heard this, and wondered what could have happened to cause a rift between the two witches. “May I inquire what happened between you?”
 
“I’d rather not talk about it right now,” said Willow shortly, and Giles dropped the subject.
 
“I guess we’ll have to attempt to talk to Buffy and try to understand why she would take such a radical step out of nowhere,” Giles decided.
 
“Could it be a spell, or some sort of thrall?” Willow wondered.
 
“I’ve no idea,” Giles sighed. “Spike has never shown any signs of having thrall abilities. Have you been casting any spells lately?”
 
Willow bit back a sharp remark, reminding herself that Giles didn’t know the whole story. “I haven’t cast any spells for several weeks now. I’m trying to get away from overusing magic.”
 
Giles looked searchingly at the witch, who was steadfastly focusing on the road. He had an inkling that the magic use had gotten her in trouble once too often. “Well then, we’re all in the dark,” he responded. “We’ll just have to wait until we get there.” With that they both lapsed into silence for the rest of the ride.
 
When they arrived in Sunnydale they went straight to Xander’s, who was pacing in front of the building impatiently looking for them. “G-man! About time you showed up. It’s already eleven o’clock,” he said as he got into the car.
 
“Xander, how many times have I asked you not to call me that?” Giles said in a long-suffering tone. Willow headed toward City Hall, tapping her fingers impatiently on the steering wheel at every red light.
 
“So what do we do?” Xander said. “Should we pull Buffy out of there? Should we be thinking stakes or what?”
 
“Xander, I would like to request that you remain calm,” Giles admonished. “We will gain nothing by charging in there without knowing the whole story. We will also be in a public building, and do not want to make a scene. You must control yourself and be patient.”
 
“Giles is right,” Willow said. “We need to give Buffy a chance to explain what is going on.”
 
“Sorry,” said Xander. “I’m just concerned. The more I think about her becoming Mrs. Deadboy, the more my brain refuses to believe it. It just seems so wrong.”
 
“Let’s just remember that Buffy has had a rather traumatic experience, being pulled out of Heaven, and that this may have clouded her judgment. She needs our understanding, not our condemnation.” Giles said firmly. Admonished, Xander attempted to keep a lid on his temper.
 
They pulled up in front of City Hall and got out, rushing into the building. They searched the directory for the marriage license office and scrambled into the elevator. Upon reaching the office, Giles said to the secretary, “We’re looking for a couple that is getting married today. Buffy Summers is the name of the bride.”
 
The secretary smiled. “Oh yes, they’re a handsome couple. They should be done shortly. Are you relatives?”
 
“No. but we are close friends,” said Giles.
 
“Well they should be out any moment now. Why don’t you have a seat?” The secretary moved into another room to make some photocopies.
 
The three of them looked at each other, unable to come up with a reason to go bursting in on the ceremony. Not wanting to make a scene, they sat down to wait.
 
After a few minutes they heard voices approaching a door next to the secretary’s desk. The door opened on the radiant couple. Spike was in a suit, which caused Xander’s jaw to drop to the floor. Buffy was beautiful in her wedding dress, the red roses a bright splash of color against the white. They were looking deep into each other’s eyes, laughing and smiling, oblivious to anything except each other.
 
Giles stood up and said, “Buffy?”
 
Buffy and Spike stopped, and their joyous demeanor turned off like a switch. Buffy’s face drained of color and became a mask of apprehension. Spike felt his mate’s panic and pulled her close, a low rumble starting deep in his chest. “Giles,” Buffy said in a flat voice. She couldn’t make her tongue work any further, and she burrowed firmly into Spike’s side.
 
Giles found his heart breaking at the change in his surrogate daughter. She hadn’t looked that happy in years. It tore at him to see that light drain out of her eyes, and to know that it was a reaction to his arrival.
 
“What are you guys doing here?” demanded Dawn.
 
Xander at least had the decency to blush slightly. “I, um, heard you telling Anya at the Magic Box. I thought Giles and Willow should know.” Tara gave Willow a look that conveyed disappointment at their need to interfere with Spike and Buffy’s day.
 
Giles finally found his tongue. “Buffy, I just… I needed to see you. This is such a big step and I wanted to know…”
 
Spike interrupted. “Pardon me, but you are upsetting my wife on our wedding day,” he growled. “I’ll thank you to bugger off so that we can go and celebrate.”
 
“Spike, it’s alright,” said Buffy in a quiet voice. She faced Giles and took a deep breath. “I love him, Giles. We’re married and we’re…mated. If you aren’t here to congratulate us, we have no business with each other.” That’s my girl. Don’t let them bully you, Spike thought with pride.
 
Giles’ eyes widened as he noticed the mark on her neck. “Mated? As in a mating claim?” he asked in shock.
 
“Yes,” Buffy said, her voice growing stronger with Spike’s silent encouragement. “We’ve been mated for a couple months now. And we’ve kept Sunnydale safe, and we’ve taken care of Dawn, and we’ve been very, very happy. So please, just let us be. That’s all I want. Just let us be.”
 
Xander looked confused, and Willow found herself looking at the ground, ashamed at having so obviously upset Buffy on her wedding day. But Giles looked floored at this revelation. “Buffy, I… do you know what you’ve done?”
 
“Yes. I’ve joined myself to a good man. Now please let me by.” With that she took Spike’s arm again and led him past the three interlopers, followed by an indignant Dawn and a quiet, saddened Tara. As Tara passed Willow the red haired witch touched her arm. “We were just worried about her, that’s all,” she said, pleading for understanding.
 
“Willow, you’re still not listening, to me or to Buffy. That needs to change.” Tara bit her lip and followed the others out the door.
 
The three of them stared at the door as it closed. Xander finally said, “What does it mean, this mating claim thing?” he asked, turning to Giles.
 
Giles sighed deeply. “It is a vampire mating ritual. It forms a psychic link between them. They would be able to sense each other’s emotions, possibly read each other’s thoughts.”
 
Xander was outraged, “And you’re not going to put a stop to this? Who knows what sort of suggestions he could be giving her? He could be controlling her for any evil purpose he has a mind to!”
 
“Is there a problem?” The secretary had reentered the room and was puzzled by the raised voices. “Did you miss your friends?”
 
“Um, no, we just need to follow them,” stammered Giles. They quickly hustled out the door. As they walked down to the car, Giles explained further. “As far as I’ve read it’s not mind control. More like… a union of souls, although obviously Spike has none.”
 
“But why are you so upset?” wondered Willow.
 
“A mating claim cannot be broken,” said Giles. “If one member of the couple dies, the other usually dies soon after. They literally cannot exist without each other.”
 
Xander stopped and turned to Giles. “So let me get this straight. If we dust BleachBoy, Buffy will die?”
 
“I am not certain, since she is a human, but it is a distinct possibility.” Xander had no response to this pronouncement, and lapsed into broody silence as they reached the car. They climbed in, subdued. Willow asked, “Where to?”
 
Giles found that part of him wanted nothing more than to go to Buffy’s house and beg her forgiveness for his thoughtless past behavior. But it was clear that he was not wanted at present, and neither his Watcher training nor his British nature would permit him to bend that far just yet. “We should probably give them some space. I think I may need to stay here for a while. Willow, can we go to your house? I can arrange more long-term housing from there.” They rode the rest of the way to Willow’s house lost in their own individual thoughts.
 
*********************
 
Buffy and Spike had made their way down to the side entrance, and waited while Tara brought the car as close as possible. You ok, love? Spike asked, rubbing her arms and looking into her eyes with concern.
 
I’ll be alright, she said, managing a faint smile. Just a little shaky. I really thought we had managed to get away without them ruining it.
 
Hey, we’re not going to let them ruin our day, he thought, kissing her forehead. I still have the most amazing wife in the world, and I won’t let those wankers upset her.
 
You’re a good man, William Pratt. I love you so much. She drew him into a kiss that would have lasted half the day if Tara hadn’t pulled up. Dawn held the umbrella so Spike could dash into the darkened car unscathed. Buffy followed him, slamming the door quickly as he started to steam slightly. “Thanks, Nibblet,” he said. “Sunlight allergy can be a bit of a chore some days.”
 
“Anytime, brother-in-law,” Dawn said, giving the vampire a grin. Spike returned the grin, then cuddled his bride close in the back seat. They shared a long kiss that went on until Tara teased, “Hey, impressionable teens in the car. Save it for your honeymoon.”
 
“Spoil sport,” pouted Buffy. She was calming down from the confrontation and reclaiming that perfect contentment that she had experienced as they made their vows. She kissed Spike demurely once more and then rested her head on his shoulder for the rest of the ride.
 
They sprinted together into the house, shaded by the umbrella and a blanket that Dawn provided. When they got in the door, laughing and tossing off the coverings, they stopped and looked around in wonder. Anya had brought in several vases of flowers, a large white banner that said ‘Congratulations Spike and Buffy’, and seemingly enough hors d’oeuvres to feed an army. Clem stood up from where he had been sitting on the couch and said “Spike! Congratulations man!”
 
“Clem?” said Spike, surprised. “What the devil are you doing here?”
 
“Your missus thought that you might need some male support,” said the floppy eared demon. He came over and shook Spike’s hand heartily.
 
“Thanks for coming, Clem,” said Buffy warmly. She gave him a peck on the cheek that had Clem blushing in embarrassment. Buffy turned to Anya and said, “This is amazing! How did you do all this so fast?”
 
“I’ll never tell,” said Anya with a grin. “But now, let’s eat! Weddings call for libations!”
 
The six of them had a lovely afternoon. Buffy risked one small sip of champagne for the toast before quietly switching to soft drinks. Dawn played DJ, and at a signal from Spike put on ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, which caused Buffy to fold her arms and shoot a dirty look at her husband. Spike smirked, and pulled her into his arms, guiding her expertly around the living room as the others laughed and encouraged them. When Tara brought out the cake, it was Spike’s turn to laugh out loud. Per Buffy’s instructions, Tara had found a cake topper consisting of a blond couple, to which she had added a few tiny drops of red nail polish dripping down from the lips of the groom. “That’s my girl,” he said, giving her a squeeze before they cut the cake.
 
When night finally fell, Clem and Anya finally decided it was time to go. They were thanked profusely and hugged repeatedly before the door finally closed. “So are you guys packed for your honeymoon?” asked Dawn with a slight leer.
 
“That’s enough of that, missy,” said Spike with mock sternness. “I’m the official man of the house now, so you better mind.”
 
“Yeah, as if,” said Dawn. “You know Buffy wears the pants around here.”
 
“Fine, then I’ll be the one to send you to your room,” said Buffy, frowning at her sister for a whole ten seconds before bursting into laughter. “Come on, Mr. Pratt. Let’s get our stuff together.”
 
They went to their room to change and grab a small duffel. They reemerged in their normal clothes - black leather for Spike and denim for Buffy. “You sure you two will be ok for a few days?” Buffy asked, concerned about leaving Dawn.
 
“We’ll be fine,” Tara said. “Remember, I’m the one who put the wards up. We’ll be perfectly safe, and if there is any problem we’ll call. Now get out of here!” She guided the newlyweds to the door. More hugs were exchanged and then finally, the couple climbed on Spike’s motorcycle and sped off into the night.
 
*****************************
 
Buffy nestled into Spike’s back as they sped along out of town. So where is this place? she asked, grateful again not to have to shout.
 
About two hours away, so let me know if you need to stop. Clem’s cousin told me about it. Little vacation cabin, just big enough for two.
 
Sounds nice, she thought, breathing in the smell of him and the leather of his coat and the night air. They stopped after an hour at a gas station since, as Buffy put it, “Some of us do still have a few vital body functions working.” They continued on, and just when Buffy was in danger of drifting off to sleep, lulled by the rumble of the motor and the solidness of her boyfriend – husband, she corrected herself – they turned onto a narrow, twisting road that headed up into the hills.
 
Spike parked the bike in front of a small log cabin. Buffy got off gratefully, having gotten a little stiff in the last half hour. Spike grabbed the duffel off the back and they went in, unlocking the door with a key that Spike fished out of the pocket of his jeans. They found the light switch and were instantly charmed by the little space. It was one big L-shaped room, with a fireplace on one wall, a small kitchen in another corner, and a ladder to a sleeping loft on one end. A door opened onto a largish bathroom with an enormous Jacuzzi tub. The fridge was stocked with blood and food, there was firewood neatly stacked next to the hearth, and the bed was made with a fluffy down comforter and numerous pillows. “It’s perfect,” Buffy sighed happily.
 
“I hoped you’d like it,” Spike said, pleased that Clem’s cousin had come through with the supplies.
 
“I’ll be right back,” Buffy said as she slipped into the bathroom. Spike took off his coat and pulled the shades down on the two windows. He pulled off his shoes and socks and sunk his toes into the soft faux fur rug in front of the fireplace. He knelt and built a fire, finding everything he needed close to hand. He stepped back to view his handiwork just as Buffy came out of the bathroom. He turned and gasped appreciatively at the sight.
 
She had let her golden hair down, and she wore a spaghetti strap red silk nightie that barely covered the matching red panties underneath. She set a candle on a small side table and lit it. It had been one of Dawn’s wedding gifts. It consisted of a red and a rose colored candle, twined around each other, with two wicks at the top. It was meant to clear away distracting thoughts and enhance romance. Buffy was skeptical about the magical properties, but she had appreciated the thought. Spike now moved to hit the light switch, leaving the room bathed in flickering firelight. He came to her, hardly daring to touch her, completely blown away by the idea that this gorgeous, strong, amazing woman was his. His wife, his mate, his lover. Buffy moved to touch him, sliding her hands up his chest to caress his face and pull him down for a kiss. He hesitated for the barest second, drinking in the sight of her, then their lips touched and he was lost in her.
 
Their coupling was by turns tender and wild, and they reveled in the fact that there was no teenager to wake up or come home and disturb them. They took each other again, and again, rolling on the fur rug, leaning on the couch while Spike took her from behind, all the while roaring and screaming each other’s names. It was nearly dawn when they finally wore each other out. Spike was sitting cross-legged on the floor, with Buffy riding him, hardly able to move from exhaustion. They came together with one last shudder, and Buffy collapsed panting onto his shoulder. He rested his head on hers for a long moment, then kissed her as they disentangled themselves. Buffy lay back on the rug, eyes half opened as she watched Spike get up and blow out the candle. She soon found herself cradled in his strong arms as he carried her up to the bed. Tired, she thought, nestling against him as they slid between the sheets. Same here. Love you so much, Mrs. Pratt.
 
Love you, William, she responded, and then she utterly passed out, with Spike following her a moment later.
 
**************************
 
They woke sometime in the early afternoon. Buffy rolled over to look at the sleeping man beside her. Her eyes lingered on his wedding ring, on the hand that rested possessively on her abdomen. I’m married. I’m not even 21 yet, and I’m married. She wondered at the impossibility of that fact. The fact that she was a Slayer and had reached her twenties was pretty amazing. But to be a Slayer, still alive, and married? And not only married, but to William the Bloody, who also happened to be the father of the completely impossible child she carried? Could my life get any weirder?
 
If you’re going to talk to yourself all morning, at least think more quietly, came an intruding voice in her head. She looked up to see a pair of ice blue, bemused eyes on top of a familiar smirk.
 
What do you mean morning? Buffy shot back. It’s nearly one in the afternoon!
 
Morning is relative, Spike retorted. He stretched, planted a kiss on his wife’s lips, then sat up. ”I’m famished, pet, how about you?”
 
Buffy realized that it had been quite a while since she had eaten when her stomach growled in response. Laughing she said, “I think you’ve got at least two votes for breakfast, or brunch or whatever.”
 
They got up, fished their robes out of the duffle, and proceeded to feast on the blood, juice, coffee, and omelets that Spike whipped up. “How do you feel after nearly 24 hours of marriage?” Spike asked with a grin as they attacked the food.
 
“Like I ran a marathon,” Buffy said, sipping her decaf. “I think we broke some sort of world record last night.”
 
“You wear a man out, Slayer, make no mistake,” he said. “Met my match in you, love.”
 
“I’ve gotta say, nice to not worry about damaging my bed partner,” she said. Then she stifled a belch. “Ugh. Sorry. Seems like the kid doesn’t like omelets or something.”
 
“You’d think that would be counterproductive,” Spike mused. “I mean, what’s the bloody point of a process that prevents the mother from eating when she’s got a parasite to feed along with her own needs.”
 
“Believe me; I’m not really fond of the whole mechanism myself. And did you just call our child a parasite?” Buffy said indignantly.
 
“I meant it in the nicest possible way,” Spike said apologetically. “Besides, at this stage it’s not like we can make it out to be anything in particular one way or another. “
 
“True,” Buffy agreed. They worked on finishing the rest of their breakfast, with Buffy managing to eat about half of it before the heartburn got too bad. As they cleared up, Buffy said, “I would love to check out that enormous tub.”
 
“Want company, pet?” Spike purred.
 
“Definitely,” Buffy said. She reached up and nibbled on his lip until he groaned, then broke off, grinned wickedly, and led the way to the bathroom. Spike followed, sporting a hard-on that his robe could barely conceal. Buffy started the water and added some bath oil that Dawn had included along with the candle – guaranteed to enhance your romantic feelings toward your partner. Buffy dropped her robe and slid into the tub with a deep, contented sigh. Spike dropped his robe as well, and stepped in. “Sit up a bit, love,” he said. When she did he knelt between her legs and pulled her hips toward him, entering her slowly. They settled into the tub, and Buffy luxuriated in the scent of the oil, the bubbling jets of water, and the hard length of Spike filling her.
 
Spike groaned in contentment. He had always loved hot baths. Although temperature made little difference to a vampire in terms of survival, it was sometimes nice to recapture the feeling of being warm. For once there was no contrast between the temperature of his skin and that of the woman beneath him. The only thing that betrayed his vampire nature was the lack of heartbeat. He felt alive, inside and out, and it was an incredible sensation. Love you. Never wanted to be human again after I was turned, but now I think it might not be so bad. To share this heat with you…
 
Don’t need you to be human, lover. Buffy groaned as he touched a particularly delicious spot deep inside her. Just need you to be mine. As the sensation built up she clutched him tighter, moving to meet him, and finally bit hard into his neck as she came. Mine. Be mine. Love you. Be mine, she chanted silently as his coppery blood touched her tongue and drew out her orgasm further.
 
Buffy, oh Buffy, fuck yes yours I’m yours, always. He vamped and roared, sinking into her neck as he thrust up into her, pulling in her essence as he spilled his.
 
They came down from the high and rearranged themselves. Spike drifted to the bottom, with Buffy on top of him, leaning her head back against his shoulder as his arms wrapped around her. They floated in the sea of bubbles and scented oils, basking in the afterglow and conversing.
 
“That was so incredible, honey,” Buffy sighed, stroking the hands that rested on her stomach.
 
“Need to please my lady,” Spike said, kissing her neck. A thought occurred to him. “We’re not gonna injure the little one with all this, are we?” he asked in a worried tone.
 
“No, he, or she, will be fine. I did some reading about that. Might be a little awkward toward the end, but as long as you’re not hurting me, you’re not hurting the baby.”
 
“Glad to hear that,” Spike said. After a few more minutes of basking he asked, “What do you think we should call him, or her?”
 
Buffy considered. “I do like the name William for a boy. And since we call you Spike all the time anyway it’s not like there will be confusion with two Williams in the house.”
 
“I suppose we could just christen him Spike junior,” joked the vampire, nibbling further at her neck.
 
“Well when he decides he hates his name, I’ll tell him you chose it so he knows which parent to stake,” Buffy retorted. “What if it’s a girl?”
 
Spike was quiet for a second. “Could we… Could we call her Emma?”
 
Buffy turned to look at him, wondering why he seemed so quiet. “Why Emma?”
 
“It was my younger sister’s name,” he said, closing his eyes at the memory. He hadn’t thought about her in so long that her face was fuzzy in his mind. “She died young. Influenza took her when she was eight years old. Broke my mother’s heart. Broke all our hearts. Sweet, pretty little thing she was, had the whole house wrapped around her finger. I had always thought to name a daughter after her. When I was alive and thinking of such things that is.”
 
“It’s a lovely name,” said Buffy, feeling the depths of emotion the name had conjured up in her mate. “Could her middle name be Joyce, after my mom?”
 
“Emma Joyce. Has a nice ring to it.” He smiled and kissed her neck again. “I rather hope it’s a girl. All beautiful and fierce like her mother.”
 
“I don’t know, another male in the house would balance things out a bit,” Buffy countered. “But I guess we have to just wait and see.” They relaxed once more into the blissful warmth, letting the conversation lapse into peaceful quiet.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #9 - Chapter 9
 
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon’s vampires, not my vampires. Or Slayers. Or assorted other folks.
 
You reviewers are awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time!
 
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Chapter 9
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Dawn slept until eleven the morning after the wedding. She woke up feeling strangely content. Her sister was married. Spike would stay around. No one would leave. For the first time in forever, she felt like her caregivers were actually going to stay, not run off with a secretary, or die, or break up. The idea relaxed some deep knot of worry inside her that she hadn’t even realized was still there. She bounced out of bed and down the stairs.
 
Tara had been up for a while, reading in the living room. “Morning, Dawnie!” she said brightly. She smiled at the teen’s obvious good mood. “Thought you were going to sleep all day!”
 
“Well, someone had mentioned pancakes last night,” Dawn hinted.
 
“Regular or funny shapes?” Tara asked with a grin. They made their way into the kitchen to whip up some of Tara’s specialty. After breakfast Dawn worked on some homework for the weekend, grumbling that weddings should entitle one to a get out of homework free card.
 
“Sorry, Dawn, but given that it wasn’t your wedding, I don’t think the teacher will buy it,” Tara sympathized.
 
Dawn was just finishing up when the doorbell rang. Tara looked up from a spellbook she had been reading and glanced at Dawn. “Who could that be?” Dawn asked.
 
Tara went to the door and looked out. There was Giles on the front porch, with his hands in his pockets, looking ill at ease. Tara opened the door and said, “Giles? What can we do for you?”
 
The Watcher shifted awkwardly. “I had hoped to talk to Buffy,” he said.
 
Dawn came up behind Tara. “She and Spike are away on their honeymoon. You know, that traditional thing you do after you get married?”
 
“May I come in?” Giles asked. “I would like to understand the situation better. I’m rather at a loss.”
 
Tara looked closely at him. Giles had always carried a quiet air of authority, but at present that seemed to have temporarily vanished. In its place was a deeply puzzled and hurt man, trying to figure out how things had gotten to this point. Tara made up her mind. “Come in, Giles. Would you like some tea?”
 
“Thank you, I would,” he replied. He followed them into the kitchen and sat down. Dawn sat down next to him, torn between wanting to hug him because he was back and wanting to sock him one for leaving in the first place. In the end she did neither, and just waited for him to speak.
 
After a few minutes Tara served the tea, and sat down as well. Giles took a sip, then said, “I’m having trouble understanding how this all came about. Did you know about the claim?”
 
Tara shook her head, but Dawn said, “I did. They explained it to me.” Both adults turned to the teen, listening intently. “Spike got hurt pretty bad trying to send Buffy back to heaven. Xander burned his face with holy water – he couldn’t see out of one eye for nearly a week. Buffy gave him some of her blood to heal. Then when Xander tried to kill Spike again with a crossbow, Buffy gave him some more.”
 
“Buffy allowed him to drink from her? But how could he do that without triggering the chip in his head?” Giles asked.
 
Dawn shrugged. “The chip doesn’t work on Buffy anymore. Works on other humans, but something in the resurrection spell must’ve done something weird to Buffy.”
 
Giles found himself growing alarmed, “But then he could hurt her, or drain her if he was badly injured! How could she let him live here if he is capable of harming her?”
 
“But that’s why they claimed each other, Giles,” Dawn said, wondering why someone so educated about demons was so dense sometimes. “The way they explained it, a demon can’t harm his mate. They claimed each other partly because then Spike never would lose control.”
 
“But surely there were other, less drastic ways of preventing Spike from harming her!”
 
Tara spoke up at this point. “Giles, you’re forgetting one key thing. They love each other.”
 
“But demons can’t love!” said Giles, exasperated.
 
“I don’t think I believe that anymore,” said Tara with conviction. “Spike would face anything to protect Buffy. He would have sent her back to heaven, even though it was breaking his heart to do it. He paid off all her bills and her mortgage, and he keeps her grounded. Buffy’s been a mess since she got back. She goes through panic attacks, she has nightmares – she needs him.”
 
“You don’t see them every day, Giles,” added Dawn. “They are barely ever apart. They are constantly doing that telepathy thing, which is really annoying sometimes, but it’s not like Spike is giving her evil ideas. They patrol together, cook together, train together – they’ve become a total unit.”
 
Giles did his best to process this information. “But for the Slayer to be depending so heavily on a vampire, that just can’t be a long term solution to her problems. She needs to stand up on her own feet.”
 
“But she is, Giles!” Dawn insisted. “She’s been dealing with social services and my school and bills and all that. She’s just doing it with someone to support her. I mean, jeez, don’t married couples, like, do that all the time? If other adults have people they rely on, why can’t she? Just because she’s the Slayer she has to do everything alone?” Dawn couldn’t believe how obtuse Giles was being.
 
“You saw her yesterday,” Tara put in. “You saw how happy she was. Now tell me – do you remember the last time you saw her that happy?”
 
Giles once more felt a deep sense of shame. She had been happy. And truthfully, he had never, ever seen that unbridled joy before. Not even when she had been in love with Angel before everything went south. Could he really deny her that, for the sake of some Watcher related sense of propriety? “I don’t know if I remember when she last looked like that,” he admitted finally. “I just feel like I’ve failed her somehow.”
 
“Giles, I know that you were hurt that she wouldn’t confide in you,” Tara said gently. “But she’s been struggling, daily, just to get back onto solid ground. She’s happier with Spike than she’s ever been. She’s afraid that you and the others are going to wreck that, so she’s keeping her distance. If you ask her to choose between the group and Spike, she’s going to choose Spike, every time.”
 
Giles drank some more tea and contemplated for a while. “Tell me,” he said after a moment. “Do you feel comfortable with their relationship?”
 
“Of course,” Dawn said. “For the first time in, like, ever I have two adults in the house who aren’t fighting, who pay attention to me, and who help me out and all that. My sister isn’t all stressed out and bitchy, and I have a cool brother in law. What’s the problem?”
 
“Giles, it doesn’t really matter if we feel comfortable with it,” said Tara. “She’s an adult. It’s her life. She knows vampires, and she has seen the way Spike cares for her. He’s changed for her. She could really use some support, but she really doesn’t need interference. Like she said – I think you just need to leave her be when it comes to Spike.”
 
Giles sighed, and then stood up. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. When are they returning?”
 
“Tomorrow night,” said Dawn.
 
“I’ll try to call Buffy sometime next week then,” he said. They walked him to the door. As he turned to go, Dawn said, “Giles?”
 
“Yes?”
 
“Please, could you just… let her be happy?” Dawn pleaded.
 
Her simple request tugged once more at Giles’ heart. “I’ll try,” he responded. Then he turned to go.
 
*************************
 
It was with great reluctance that Buffy and Spike left the little cabin on Sunday after sundown. “We’ll have to come back here again sometime,” Buffy said as they climbed on the bike. They had reveled in each other’s presence, making love hour upon hour, talking about life, the baby, and anything other than slaying and Sunnydale. It had been a perfect honeymoon, despite its simplicity.
 
“That we will, pet,” Spike agreed. He started the motorcycle and they headed back toward Sunnydale.
 
Do you think Giles will still be there? Buffy wondered, switching to telepathy once the road noise kicked in.
 
Probably, pet. You really should talk to him you know.
 
I know, she sighed. It was just such a shock, seeing him t”here. I’m just so tired of the ‘disappointment face’. Between that, and Willow’s ‘forgive me, even though I fucked up your life with magic’ face and Xander’s ‘kill the vampire’ face, I just want to tell them all to take their faces and…
 
Bugger off?
 
Yeah. Although I don’t have the colorful British slang, that’s exactly how I feel sometimes.
 
What about the other times? Spike probed.
 
I do miss them. I want them back, but I’m just so tired of fighting them and justifying myself to them. Not to mention that I keep having panic attacks about them staking you.
 
Never happen pet. And now they know we’re claimed, so they’ll let me be, if only to keep you alive.
 
Let’s hope so, Buffy thought doubtfully. They’re going to freak about the baby.
 
You don’t know that, Slayer, Spike thought. You really should give them a chance. You’ve got to admit that we are no closer to figuring out what happened to us.
 
Buffy sighed again. Can we just wait a little longer? At least until after my next check up?
 
Ok, love. Don’t fret. Spike drove on, trying to figure out how he was going to reconcile his desire to support Buffy in her continuing struggle to readjust to life and his utter fear of losing her. Despite his reassurances, he could feel that something was going to come to a head soon.
 
***********************
 
In a deserted alley in the seedier part of Sunnydale, the air shimmered oddly for a moment, like heat above a highway. Then with a rush of air, a figure appeared out of nowhere, frightening a stray cat who hissed and fled. The Kratash demon had taken on the appearance of a nondescript man in his early thirties, with short brown hair, wearing jeans and a short black leather jacket. He looked like any one of a dozen similar men, who could be found haunting bars and clubs at night in Sunnydale. If you looked into his eyes for too long, you would start to feel ill at ease, and sometimes black clouds seemed to flit across the brown irises. But at first glance, he seemed like just another guy.
 
The Kratash was one of several who had been sent to scour the human world, trying to find the pregnant woman sought by their unknown client. The Controller who had met with the client had been sworn to secrecy, so the agents were only told that they were looking for a couple, a human female joined to some sort of demonic mate, who was expecting sometime in midsummer, and who lived near a hellmouth. The agents had first gone to Cleveland, but after several weeks of searching it seemed as though they were at a dead end. This agent was the first to leave Cleveland to start scoping out Sunnydale, but the rest would follow soon.
 
He made his way out of the alley, trying to get his bearings. This part of town seemed the right place to start looking for demons that might have a human mate. He continued on, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings. He passed a couple of homeless people, a vampire whore slinking off to her dive, and a stray Lei-Ach demon who saw the Kratash, nodded, then vanished into the shadows. After a few blocks he noticed a vampire heading into a bar – ‘Willy’s’ it said on the door. The Kratash went in and took a seat at the bar. “What’ll it be?” asked the proprietor.
 
“Do you have any Chorago spirits?” he asked. The bartender dug out the bottle from the back – not many of his customers could stomach Chorago spirits – and poured a shot. The Kratash thanked him and turned partially around to survey the room.
 
“You’re not from around here, are you?” The vampire who had come in before him was now sitting to his left, drinking beer and eyeing the Kratash with curiosity.
 
“Just got in tonight,” he said. “Anything I should know about this place?”
 
The vampire shrugged. “It’s a Hellmouth, so that’s always a good thing. But we’ve got a Slayer in this town too, which always sucks.”
 
“She any good, this Slayer?”
 
“She’s been at it a few years, far as I know. Not sure what she looks like, but I’ve heard stories about her taking out five, six vamps at a time. She used to date a vampire, believe it or not – Angelo? Something like that. But that was a while ago. Someone said that she died at one point, but there’s been a lot of vamp dust flying lately, so I don’t know if I believe that.”
 
“Thanks for the warning. I’ll try to keep my head down,” said the Kratash. A Slayer with a thing for vampires? Now that would be worth looking into. He turned back to the bar and finished his drink while making his plans.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #10 - Chapter 10
 
Disclaimer: All the recognizable characters belong to Joss Whedon. Just playing with them.
 
Thanks again reviewers!
 
*************************
Chapter 10
*************************
 
Buffy and Spike got in very late after their honeymoon, and didn’t see Tara and Dawn until the next morning. Buffy went downstairs to see Dawn off to school, leaving Spike in bed in his usual early morning dead-to-the-world state. “How was everything?” Dawn asked as she, Buffy, and Tara shared breakfast.
 
“It was heavenly,” said Buffy. “It was this great little cabin with a Jacuzzi and a fireplace up in the hills. We didn’t want to come back.”
 
“Well, glad that you did,” laughed Tara. “I think we would have missed you after a while.”
 
“Especially when the vampires started stacking up,” joked Dawn. She cleared her place and gathered her things. “See you after school,” she said. Buffy gave her a quick hug, then she was out the door.
 
“So what did you guys do all weekend?” Buffy asked as she and Tara finished their coffee.
 
“Dawn did her homework, we watched a bunch of movies, ordered pizza, the usual,” said Tara. She paused, then added, “Giles came over on Saturday.”
 
Buffy tensed up a bit, but kept her voice calm as she asked, “What did he want?”
 
“He just wanted to talk to you. He ended up asking me and Dawn about how this all happened.”
 
“What did you tell him?”
 
“We told him that you were happy, and that Spike was helping you, and that he shouldn’t worry about you two.”
 
“Did he buy it?” Buffy wondered. She wanted so much to reunite with Giles, but not if it was just going to mean more stress.
 
“I think he felt bad that you were so upset,” Tara said. “And he wants to understand what happened between you and him.”
 
“Guess I should go see him, huh?” said Buffy reluctantly.
 
“I think that would be the best thing,” Tara agreed. “You’ll be less anxious if you just clear the air.”
 
Buffy took a deep breath. Tara was right. I should just get this over with. “Do you know where he’s staying?”
 
Tara got up and went over to the phone. She handed Buffy a scribbled note. “He’s at a hotel until he decides how long he’s staying.” Buffy took the paper and picked up the phone, dialing the number with slightly trembling fingers.
 
“Hello?”
 
“Giles? It’s Buffy.”
 
“Buffy!” said Giles with trepidation. “How… how was your weekend?”
 
“It was good,” she said. “I think we need to talk. Can I come over?”
 
“Of course,” Giles said, relieved that she would at least talk to him.
 
“I’ll see you in about an hour, ok?”
 
“See you then,” he responded. He set down the phone and rubbed his face. He hoped with all his heart that they could find a way to sort this out.
 
Buffy took a shower and went to her room to get dressed. Where are you off to then? Buffy turned to see Spike watching her dress with a faint smile.
 
“I’m going to go talk to Giles,” she said, coming over to give him a good morning kiss. “Wish me luck?”
 
“It’s Giles, love, not a Grathnar demon,” he said. “Give him a chance.”
 
“I’ll try,” said Buffy. Think good thoughts at me, ok?
 
Sure you want that? Spike leered. He remembered their wedding night in vivid detail until she turned scarlet.
 
You keep those thoughts to yourself, mister, Buffy shot back. She smiled at her husband, and added, “You always know how to make me laugh. No one else seems to be able to do that as well as you these days.”
 
“Just give them time, Buffy,” Spike said. “Now go on, and don’t let him upset you.” Buffy kissed him once more and left, as Spike went back to sleep.
 
Tara dropped Buffy off at Giles’ hotel on her way home. “Thanks, Tara,” she said. “And thanks for watching Dawn for us.”
 
“My pleasure,” said Tara. She drove away, leaving Buffy to take a deep breath and walk into the hotel. She made her way up to room 210, and knocked hesitantly on the door.
 
Giles opened the door. “Buffy,” he said. “I… that is… won’t you come in?” He found himself torn between wanting to embrace her and beg her forgiveness and wanting to shake her for taking such a drastic step. He felt she had put him in quite an awkward position. Even though he was no longer her official Watcher, the idea of his Slayer in a mating claim with a notorious vampire set his teeth on edge on general principles. This wasn’t something that would go over well in the Council of Watchers if it ever got back to them. At the same time, he longed to just take her into his arms for the first time since her resurrection and thank all the gods there were for her return. For the moment, he simply stepped back and let her in.
 
“Thanks, Giles,” Buffy said nervously, as she went in and sat down, perched on the edge of an armchair.
 
“Would you like something to drink?” Giles asked, trying to put her at ease.
 
“No thanks, I’m good,” she said. “Tara said you came by this weekend?”
 
“Yes, I did,” he said, putting his own drink down and sitting back. “Buffy, I just want to understand how you could allow this to happen.”
 
“What do you mean, Giles?”
 
“I mean, a mating claim? With the Slayer of Slayers? Whatever were you thinking?”
 
Buffy looked down at the floor. “Giles, I love him. I loved him before the claim, and I love him now that we’re married. Why is this such a problem?”
 
“I understand that he helped you through a very difficult time,” Giles began. “But to join yourself to a vampire, for the rest of your life? Do you really understand the ramifications of that?” Giles struggled to keep his voice calm, but he found himself getting agitated at the very thought that she had once again let herself get involved with one of the creatures she was supposed to be slaying.
 
“Do you know what the claim does, Giles?” Buffy asked, looking into his face. “I mean, have you any idea what it’s really like?”
 
“I know that the books say it conveys certain psychic abilities, and that mated demons often do not survive if one of the pair dies.”
 
“That’s all true,” Buffy said. “But it’s more than that. I know what he’s feeling, as if those feelings were coming from my own brain. We can hear each other’s thoughts, all the time, unless we work at hiding them or we’re too far away. When he’s not in the house, it’s like there’s this static-y place in my head that just buzzes until he’s back in range. When we patrol, we fight like one person. When we’re, um, together,” she blushed, but continued, “It’s like nothing I ever experienced. I can’t give that up, Giles. I won’t.” She stared straight at him with her intense green eyes, firm and unwavering.
 
“But what will you do if he starts killing again?” Giles persisted. “If the chip doesn’t work on you, how soon before it stops working entirely?”
 
“He wouldn’t do that,” Buffy insisted. “He kept me from throttling Willow and Xander when I first came back. He’s been pushing me to come make up with you. He cares about me, and he won’t do anything to make me need to stake him. I know this.”
 
“But are you certain that all this isn’t some sort of reaction on your part? Being dragged back from the dead was a traumatic experience that could have severely clouded your judgment.”
 
“Giles, what do you want from me?” Buffy asked, suddenly sounding tired and miserable. The very thought of having to fight this battle again and again wore her out.
 
Giles’ heart ached as he looked at the small woman before him, pondering the answer to that question. “I want to be certain that you are acting of your own free will,” he said after a long pause. “I want to know that Spike isn’t taking advantage of you, and that you have thought this through. I want to know that you are not forsaking your calling because you’ve tied yourself to a soulless demon.”
 
“That soulless demon was the only one who could see me when I was a ghost, Giles,” she said quietly. “He almost got himself killed trying to help me. He loves me, he takes care of me and Dawn, and he helps me patrol. When we patrol we get the job done in half the time since we can read each other’s thoughts, and I’ve always got someone watching my back. I’m safer now than I’ve ever been since I was called.”
 
Giles felt himself wavering in the face of her arguments. But he found it very hard to stop being a Watcher; the training was just too deeply ingrained. “I just don’t want to have to lose you again because you trusted a vampire,” he said in the end.
 
“Giles, what you see with Spike is what you get. He doesn’t lie, and he’s not going to lose his soul and turn evil, since he has no soul to lose. The only way he would hurt me is if one of you guys dusts him and it kills me too.” Buffy stood up to go. “I really don’t want to fight with you, Giles, but I will not leave Spike, under any circumstances.” She turned to walk out.
 
“Buffy, wait!” said Giles. She turned back and he could see the hurt mixing with the determination in her eyes. He realized he was not going to win this battle, and he would lose her forever if he didn’t back down. Taking a deep breath he said, “Buffy, I’m sorry. I keep forgetting that you are no longer a teenager. I don’t want to cause a permanent rift between us. Can we please just… start over?”
 
His plea touched Buffy. She slowly moved over to stand before him, searching his eyes for any sign of rejection. Then she tentatively stepped in and hugged him. “I missed you, Giles,” she said.
 
“I missed you too, Buffy,” Giles responded. He held her like she was the prodigal returned, and he found himself willing to do almost anything not to lose her again. “I shouldn’t have gone. I hope you can forgive me. And I promise, I’ll try to keep an open mind about all this.”
 
“Thank you,” Buffy whispered. She squeezed him tighter.
 
“Buffy? Can’t breathe,” Giles gasped. Buffy let him go sheepishly. She had been with Spike for so long she forgot her effect on normal humans.
 
“I need to go now, Giles,” Buffy said. “But I promise we’ll keep in touch, ok?”
 
“Until later then,” Giles said. Buffy turned and left, leaving Giles both relieved and concerned. I do hope she knows what she’s doing, he thought, as he leaned against the door and polished his glasses.
 
****************************
 
Spike was enjoying a mug of blood in front of a soccer match on TV when Buffy got back. “How did it go love?” he asked.
 
She joined him on the couch. “I think I finally got him to understand how I feel. He’s still very much in Watcher mode though. You know ‘sacred duty, soulless demons, blah blah blah’. But you’re right, he’s coming around.”
 
Spike raised an eyebrow. “Did you mention your delicate condition?” he asked.
 
Buffy knit her brows for a moment, “My delicate…? You mean the pregnancy, right?”
 
“Sorry love, the Victorian era phrases never did get purged from the memory banks entirely. Yes, I mean our impending status as parents.”
 
“I, um, well…”she stammered.
 
“Didn’t tell him, did you?” he said, frowning sternly at her.
 
“No,” she said guiltily. “By the time I finally got him to the point of actually grasping that yes, I know what I’m doing, I just seemed the wrong time to bring it up.”
 
“Slayer,” Spike growled. “We can’t keep this in the dark forever, you know.”
 
“I know,” she sighed, leaning on his shoulder. “I’ll tell him soon, I promise.”
 
Spike drew her close, slipping an arm around her shoulders and leaning his head against hers. They lay there for a while, the soccer game a quiet babble in the background. In a few moments the game ended and Spike clicked off the remote without disturbing their embrace. They sat there a moment, holding hands and enjoying each other’s presence. Then Spike became aware of a new sound. Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump. It was a rapid, faint little beat, barely audible even to a vampire, but it was there.
 
What is it? Buffy wondered, noticing a change in her husband’s emotions.
 
The baby. I can hear its heartbeat. The wonder he felt flowed across the link as he put his hand gently on her stomach.
 
Buffy sat up, surprised. “Really? You can hear it already?”
 
“Well, you’re just about two months gone, right? I think your pregnancy book said that most of the organs were up and running by then.”
 
“I guess,” Buffy said, idly rubbing her belly. “Does… does it sound human?”
 
Spike put his head to her belly and listened. “Sounds like any other pregnant woman I’ve ever noticed. No odd scents or anything. Far as I can tell, all’s normal.” Spike sat up and looked at her with concern. “I don’t suppose there is any chance I can convince you to stay home and let me patrol tonight, is there?”
 
“Spike, you have to be on top of me to hear it. I doubt the fledges will be able to hear it yet.”
 
“You are, without a doubt, the most annoyingly stubborn bint on the planet,” Spike growled. “I am going to get some Slayer-proof handcuffs one of these days, if only for your own safety.”
 
“Spike, I know you’re worried, but I’ll be fine,” Buffy assured him. “I’m still in top shape, and I need the exercise anyhow. I’ll be okay. Promise.”
 
“Just don’t want anything to happen to you, pet, that’s all,” Spike said.
 
“Then you’ll just have to follow me on patrol and make sure nothing does,” she said. She pulled Spike into a kiss and for a few hours they managed to forget their troubles.
 
*****************************
Dawn came home as usual, right on cue to interrupt the last ten minutes of Passions. “So did they get Timmy out of the well or whatever, Mr. Big Bad?” she teased.
 
“Buffy? Can I eat her yet?” Spike asked in a state of mild annoyance.
 
“I think there was something in the marriage vows about not eating my relatives,” Buffy called from the kitchen. “Although Dawn, if you have enough energy to tease Spike about his TV addictions, then you have enough energy to do the dishes.”
 
“Alright, alright. I’ll leave the vampire to his scary soap opera,” Dawn said. Spike growled slightly, and Dawn decided she had won that round, and left the field of battle to join Buffy in the kitchen.
 
“Grab that dish towel and dry these, would you?” Buffy asked.
 
“Yes, ma’am,” Dawn said. “Do you feel old now that you’re married?”
 
“Do you want to live long enough to experience it for yourself?” Buffy shot back. Buffy knew that Dawn’s sassy teasing was her way of expressing how comfortable she felt with the situation, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t annoying.
 
After a few minutes of working in silence, Dawn said, “Buffy?”
 
“Yeah?”
 
“I’m really sorry that Xander overheard me in the Magic Box. I didn’t mean to give away your secret and cause trouble.” Dawn bit her lip and looked at her sister with contrite eyes.
 
Buffy dried her hands and came over to give her sister a hug. “Xander was in the wrong, not you. Not your fault.” Buffy released her sister and picked up the dishrag again. “I went to see Giles today.”
 
“How did that go?” Dawn asked nervously.
 
“Okay, I guess,” Buffy said, shrugging. “It’s really hard for him to stop acting like a Watcher though. I tried to explain that I’ve been a much better Slayer since I teamed up with a vampire, but it’s hard to get him to see that. I think we’ve managed to make a new start after all was said and done.”
 
“Well, at least he didn’t stake your husband or anything, so that’s something,” Dawn offered.
 
“A big something,” Buffy agreed. Spike came into the kitchen at that point. “Anything I can do here, or should I just snack on the Nibblet and go about my business?”
 
Dawn stuck out her tongue at him, and Buffy said, “I swear, do I have to separate you two? Just because the terms ‘brother-in-law’ and ‘sister-in-law’ now apply doesn’t mean that you should start acting like actual siblings.” And if you have all that extra energy why don’t you take the laundry downstairs and throw in a load? Buffy added silently.
 
Rather conserve my energy for something else, Spike responded with a leer. Buffy rolled her eyes and Spike relented. “I’ll go take the laundry downstairs.”
 
The three of them passed another evening in simple tasks. Buffy made burgers and a salad for dinner, Dawn did homework and asked Spike for some history help. Spike sipped his blood along with an extremely rare burger and watched his wife and her sister chat and laugh together. Love them both so much, he thought to himself.
 
Buffy caught the thought and smiled at him across the table. Feeling’s mutual, lover. Dawn rolled her eyes good naturedly at their silent conversation, mumbled something about manners, and got up to clear her place. “I’m gonna watch a movie, want to join me?” Dawn asked.
 
“I’d like to get patrol done early today. I’m still tired after the long drive back last night,” said Buffy. Not to mention the weekend long sexathon, she added silently.
 
Naughty Slayer, thinking that sort of thing in front of the Nibblet, Spike returned, curling his tongue behind his teeth suggestively. Aloud he said, “Sounds like a plan. Shall we then?”
 
They got up, got their slaying supplies together, and left, with Buffy magically locking the door behind them. They walked down the street holding hands, unaware of a figure down the block. The Kratash demon slipped out from behind a tree, keeping to the shadows and following them from a substantial distance. He had judged the autumn breeze so as to keep himself upwind of the vampire as much as possible.
 
He had been poking around for a few days now, haunting various demon bars and other hangouts, trying to find out about this Slayer. One vampire, heavily in his cups in a seedy dive that made Willy’s look like the Ritz, went into a ten minute tirade about master vampires who were total sellouts, killing their own kind. After sufficient application of whiskey, he was able to pry the name “Spike, or something like that,” out of the drunken vamp. A bit more poking had confirmed Spike, aka William the Bloody, as a vampire seen frequently working together with the Slayer. He was clearly the target of both the grudging respect and the animosity of most of the demonic types in town. He was called a traitor and a sellout, but no one wanted to cross him. He had the reputation of being a ‘vicious son-of-a-bitch’, according to one bitter vampire whore. When one slightly less cautious demon had referred to him in low tones as ‘the Slayer’s pet bloodsucker’, the Kratash decided it was definitely time to find this Slayer.
 
Finding the Slayer proved to be fairly difficult, given the fact that most of those who encountered her ended up as piles of dust. He finally found a demon with a grudge who had furnished the name Buffy Summers. A few minutes with the phone book was enough to find her house, and now he was finally able to trail his quarry.
 
He noted the house, and the magical wards that made it nearly painful for a demon to walk past it. Clearly this Slayer was either a powerful witch, or had friends who were. He watched, fascinated, as the Slayer walked off down the street hand in hand with a Master Vampire, with whom she obviously had a very intimate relationship. He followed them through the cemeteries, always at a distance to avoid being seen. There was no way if he could tell if she was pregnant from that far away, but he could say with authority that they were a couple. About half way through their patrol the Kratash stopped following and headed for a deserted alley. He looked around, and seeing no one, muttered a quick incantation. He shimmered out of existence thinking, Time to let the boss know what I’ve found so far.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #11 - Chapter 11
 
Disclaimer: As always, I’m not here to make money, just here to play with Joss Whedon’s vampires and such.
 
Keep the reviews coming! I appreciate every single one!
 
******************************
Chapter 11
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Patrol was relatively uneventful for once, with only a few vampire fledglings, no nests, and no demons. Once or twice Spike had felt a strange tingling at the edges of his senses, but he didn’t really smell or see anything odd. You seem jumpy tonight, Buffy commented.
 
Keep thinking there’s something out there, but I don’t see anything, he replied, scanning the area for the ten thousandth time.
 
You’re not worrying about me again, are you? Buffy admonished. She found his constant concern touching, but a little annoying. She was the Slayer after all. She usually did the worrying about everyone else.
 
Always, pet. I know it drives you batty, but now that I can hear the heartbeat, I’m just paranoid that someone else will and it will be open season on you. He hesitated before adding, I really wish you’d tell Giles about it.
 
I know, I know, she sighed. I just can’t bring myself to tell him yet. He’s gonna freak to high heaven, or insist I get rid of it or something.
 
I really don’t think he would do that, pet. He cares about you. I thought you two were patching things up?
 
We are, sort of, she answered. They were approaching Revello Drive again. Can I think about it in the morning?
 
Fine, Avoidance Girl. But pretty soon I’m going to get fed up and tell him myself. Gotta get more information here. He couldn’t quite contain a low growl of annoyance at her stubbornness.
 
Please, just… let me think about it another day, ok? she pleaded.
 
Spike took a deep breath and consented. Buffy lifted the wards and they went inside. Dawn was finishing up watching a movie, and they all ended up turning in at a reasonable hour. Buffy snuggled up next to Spike with a kiss and said, “Mind if I jump you in the morning? Not sure if it’s the honeymoon or the baby, but I am just beat tonight.”
 
“Well, alright,” he responded, kissing her back. “But I do plan on collecting on that, missy.” Buffy smiled contentedly and drifted off in his arms, and Spike just basked in her presence until he eventually fell asleep as well.
 
He was running, faster than he had ever run. Buffy was screaming and screaming, and it tore through his mind like a dagger, and if he could just run fast enough he could get there…
 
“No!” he cried, waking up in utter panic. He sat up, rubbing his face with shaking hands. Buffy was still asleep next to him. Bint must have really been tired, he thought, lying gently back down next to her. His body still trembled as his eyes traced every line of her sleeping face. God, I can’t lose her again. Can’t bury her again. Can’t… The dream had shaken him deeply, and he made up his mind. He was going to bring in some outside help, whether she wanted it or not.
 
*******************************
Giles was flipping through TV channels in a desultory manner when he heard a knock at the door. Who could that be at this hour? He looked through the peephole and saw the platinum blonde head of Spike, who was in the process of finishing his cigarette. Giles opened the door and said, “Spike? What in blazes are you doing here?”
 
“Need to talk to you, Rupert. May I come in?” Spike had waited until Friday to see if Buffy was going to get up the urge to talk to Giles on her own, but she had continued to find things to do other than call the former Watcher. Spike had had another terrifying dream involving the huge black demons, and although he couldn’t remember the details this time, he did remember the bone-chilling fear that the dream had left behind. Unable to stand it another day, he took the detour to Giles’ hotel on the way to his usual poker game.
 
“I didn’t think you needed an invitation to a public place like a hotel.”
 
“Just being polite,” Spike said. “So, can we talk?”
 
Giles pursed his lips in annoyance, but stepped aside and said, “Come in, Spike.” Spike swept past him and planted himself in one of the two armchairs, propping his boots up on the coffee table. Giles took the other chair and said, “Now what is it?”
 
Spike took an unnecessary deep breath. “Slayer needs your help, and she’s too stubborn and too emotional right now to ask you for it. I’ll probably be sleeping on the couch for a week when she finds out I told you, but I don’t care. I’ve got to keep her safe, even if I piss her off.”
 
Giles sat up. “Keep her safe? Safe from what?”
 
“She’s pregnant.”
 
Giles’ mouth dropped open, completely thunderstruck. “I beg your pardon?” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
 
“She’s pregnant, Rupert,” Spike repeated. “She’s a little more than two months along.”
 
“Good lord,” Giles exclaimed. He took off his glasses and polished them in stunned silence for a moment. Then he had a sudden realization. “Is this why you married her so suddenly?”
 
“Partially,” Spike admitted. “Still got a bit of a Victorian streak in me I guess. But I had been thinking on it even before we knew she was expecting.”
 
“But, does the child’s father know? I’m fairly certain that most men would object to their child being raised by a vampire.”
 
Spike had to restrain himself from smacking the Watcher upside the head. Did he really think Buffy would be sleeping around? With a bit of a growl to his voice he said, “Rupert, I am the child’s father. She’s not been with anyone else since she got back.”
 
Giles’ eyes widened impossibly. “How… what?” His words completely failed him.
 
“Now you see our problem,” Spike continued, running his hand through his hair. “She’s pregnant, despite the fact that this is completely impossible. We don’t know who could have done this to us. But she and I have both been having Slayer-type dreams about demons coming after her and the child.”
 
“But this is absurd,” Giles insisted. “Vampires can’t have children.”
 
“You think I don’t bloody well know that?” Spike snapped, sitting up and leaning forward to explain. “All I know is that we were shagging, and there was this… heat or something. Both of us felt like we were burning up. About two weeks after that we figured out she was expecting.”
 
“So you think it was a spell? Was it Willow again?” Giles asked.
 
Spike shook his head. “We asked around. Willow was on the wagon at that point, Tara doesn’t have that kind of power, no demons or other enemies we know about. Can’t figure it out. We’ve been researching best we can, but we’ve pretty much exhausted the library at the Magic Box to no avail.” He fixed his blue eyes on Giles, and his voice dropped lower. “Pretty soon every demon in Sunnydale is going to figure out that the Slayer is pregnant and come gunning for her. I can’t let that happen, Rupert.”
 
Giles marveled at the slight quaver in the vampire’s voice. Spike was afraid. William the Bloody, a quarter of the Scourge of Europe, Slayer of Slayers was terrified at the thought of losing Buffy. Giles was stunned at the revelation, but he was in complete agreement on that one thing: he didn’t want to lose her again either. “Are we sure it’s a human child? What could possibly result from the union of a Slayer and a vampire?”
 
“Don’t rightly know,” Spike admitted. “But its heartbeat sounds human, and her pregnancy seems to be pretty typical.”
 
Curiosity got the better of Giles and he said, “You can hear its heartbeat already?”
 
“Yeah, as of a couple days ago. I have to be pretty close to hear it at this point, but in a couple weeks it’s gonna sound like a bass drum to the local demon population.”
 
Giles fell silent again for a moment then quietly asked, “What do you want me to do?”
 
“I know you’ve got access to more sources than we do. And I love Buffy with all my heart, but research isn’t exactly her strong suit. We need to find out how this could have happened to us, and we need to know what these demons are we keep dreaming about.” He fished a piece of paper out of his duster pocket. “I did my best to sketch one, but they’re not very clear in the dreams.”
 
Giles took the drawing, which showed a tall, black skinned demon with a ridged forehead. It looked totally unfamiliar to him. His head was spinning. Buffy was pregnant. Spike was the father. Either of those thoughts was impossible, but the combination was completely preposterous. Another thought struck him. “What will you do once this child arrives? How can a vampire expect to parent a human child?”
 
“Guess we’ll figure that out when it comes time,” Spike said as he stood up. “For now, we need to worry about keeping my wife and child alive long enough for the parenting to become a problem.”
 
His wife. Giles was still unable to quite understand how that came about. The Slayer was the wife of this cocky creature of darkness. The Watcher in him still bristled at the very idea, but he bit back any comments. Buffy needed help, and he couldn’t find it in him to deny her that help. “I’ll see what I can turn up. In the mean time, keep me informed of any further developments.”
 
“Thanks, mate,” Spike said. He paused in the doorway and turned back to fix Giles with those ice blue eyes once more. “I know things are still a bit tense between you two. But I have the feeling she’ll come round soon. Just give her time, yeah?”
 
“I will,” Giles promised, and Spike turned and disappeared into the night. Giles closed the door and went over to a side table where he poured himself a glass of scotch. He sat down to drink it, pondering where to begin.
 
**************************
 
The next morning found Buffy enjoying her usual Saturday morning peace and quiet, as the teen and the creature of the night slept until noon. Buffy had some yogurt along with her toast, which she supposed was something of an improvement. As soon as this kid comes I am never eating toast again. Ever. She finished her coffee and belched. Ew. Hey, junior, quit with the heartburn, ok? She found herself pulling her robe aside to stare at her stomach. She couldn’t see any physical changes yet, but the idea was firmly fixed in her mind. There’s a baby in there. Our baby. Mine and Spike’s. If she was honest, part of the reason she was reluctant to tell anyone is that she didn’t want to share. To bring in Giles and the others was to turn this miracle into a problem or another impending apocalypse or something. As it was right now it was this pleasant, if bewildering, secret between her and her man, and the others weren’t involved. Buffy sighed and closed up her robe. Need to tell the others, especially Dawn. Maybe at Christmas time? That would probably be the right time. She’d be three months along then, less chance of miscarriage, more time to assure themselves that it was human. Christmas it is then. Best invite them all over and get it over with. It seemed like a sound idea, although she had trouble generating a lot of enthusiasm for it. It still felt more like something vaguely unpleasant that needed to be done – like a dentist appointment.
 
She cleared her place and went upstairs to see if Spike was awake yet. He had come back late from his poker game, and had seemed to be guarding some of his thoughts the night before. She idly wondered if he had lost money and didn’t want to tell her. She found that he was still sleeping, and she paused in the doorway to take in the sight. She never got over how young and almost delicate he looked when he was sleeping. His muscles were still there, carved and rippling, but his face relaxed into such a peaceful, sweet expression when he slept that the poet underneath was clearly visible. Really wouldn’t mind a boy with those eyes and curls, she thought, rubbing her stomach unconsciously. She drank in the view for another few minutes, then quietly got some clothes out and got dressed.
 
She went down in the basement to train for a while, working on kicks and punching the heavy bag that Spike had rigged for her. The spinning kicks were gradually getting a little less difficult, as the nausea slowly improved, but they still weren’t what they had been. She started experimenting with ways to get around them – she imagined that they were going to become well nigh impossible once she started to show. Not like Spike is going to let me use any of these kicks once I start to show, but I should be able to defend myself.
 
After an hour or so she felt that little buzzing in the back of her mind that signaled Spike’s waking state. Good morning, she hailed him as she came up the stairs to the kitchen.
 
Spike was making his way down to the kitchen, still tousled and drowsy looking in his bathrobe. “Morning, love. What’ve you been up to?”
 
“Training. Trying to figure out how self defense is going to work once I start looking like someone grafted a beach ball onto me.” She grabbed a bottle of some sports drink out of the fridge and sat down to drink it while Spike heated his blood.
 
The microwave beeped, and Spike sat down. “You do know that there is no way in hell I am going to let you patrol once you pop, right?”
 
“Somehow, I knew you were going to say that, and not just because I can read your mind,” Buffy said, frowning. “I don’t suppose you could go crazy and, I dunno, let me decide when I can’t do it anymore.”
 
“Slayer, I’m not doubting your physical abilities. I’m just saying that it seems foolish to put you and the child in harm’s way when you get to the point that your body is fighting against you.”
 
“And I’m just saying that I think I’m a better judge of when that is,” Buffy retorted.
 
Spike ground his teeth slightly in frustration. “So, what, I’ve got no say in this? I did have a hand in bringing this whole situation about, you know.”
 
Buffy could feel the fear that lay beneath the surface of his aggravation, and tried to understand. But it just felt like another case of ‘we know what’s best for Buffy’ to her, and she was tired of that attitude from everyone around her. “Look, I understand you’re worried about me. Just, don’t let that worry translate into bossing me around, ok?”
 
Spike sighed. “I’m sorry, pet. I just…“ He couldn’t even say the words out loud. Can’t lose you, Buffy. I’ll die without you.
 
Buffy came over and pulled him into a hug. You won’t lose me. I promise. Spike held her, desperately hoping that her promise would hold.
 
**************************
 
The rest of the day passed normally, on the surface. But there was a small undercurrent of tension between them that was unusual. Even Dawn noticed it, when she finally got up. Spike dashed out about mid-afternoon to go get some cigarettes, as he had not fully managed to ditch that habit. Dawn noticed that Buffy seemed preoccupied and asked, “Are you ok? You seem really quiet today. Both of you do.”
 
“We’re ok,” Buffy said. “We just had a bit of a disagreement this morning, that’s all.” Buffy shrugged and laughed a bit. “I guess every marriage needs to have its first argument.”
 
Dawn looked concerned. “Just as long as you don’t break up. I’d like to have one adult relationship actually survive in my life.”
 
Buffy came over and gave Dawn a hug. She knew exactly what Dawn was talking about. “Look, Spike and I aren’t just married, we’re mated. We literally can’t break up. And unlike Dad, Spike can’t cheat on me without my knowing. He was just going all overprotective on me, and it irritated me. That’s all.”
 
Reassured, Dawn said, “Good. Because if you guys even try to break up I’ll… duct tape you together or something!”
 
Buffy laughed. “Duly noted.” Inside, she was still concerned about what Spike wasn’t telling her. She could sense him guarding his thoughts, and it nagged at her. Relax. If you start demanding he share everything at all times you’re going to push him away, she told herself.
 
When Spike came back home an hour or so later, smelling of cigarettes and looking calmer, Buffy greeted him with a hug and a kiss. Sorry I snapped at you this morning, she apologized. The past history got in the way again.
 
Love you, Buffy, he responded, deepening the kiss and moving his hands down to grip her hips. And if I start smothering you, you need to let me know. Don’t want to push you away. Their tongues searched each other’s mouths until they heard a voice say, “Ugh! Get a room already!”
 
“Watch it, Nibblet,” Spike growled, reluctantly having broken off the kiss. “You just wait until you start bringing boyfriends home. I’ll have my revenge.”
 
“Oh yeah? What are you going to do?” Dawn challenged.
 
“I’ll just answer the door like this,” he said as he vamped out. “Boyfriend problem solved.”
 
“Do I have to stop the car?” Buffy scolded.
 
“He started it,” said Dawn. She stuck out her tongue, then grinned, while Spike shook off his game face and grinned back. Dawn was relieved that Buffy and Spike had apparently made up their quarrel.
 
Dinner time finally rolled around, and Spike offered to cook. Buffy raised her eyebrows – it was a rare occasion indeed when Spike volunteered to cook, but he was actually not bad at it. An hour later, three steaks and some baked potatoes made their way to the dining table. Granted, Spike’s was incredibly rare, as he liked it, but the girls’ were cooked to perfection.
 
“I don’t get how someone who doesn’t actually need to eat is such a good cook,” Dawn said, digging into her dinner.
 
Spike shrugged. “I like human food, so I figured out how to cook the stuff I like. At least some of it. Just don’t ask me to do anything too complicated. Not a bloody chef here.”
 
Buffy did her best to enjoy the food in front of her, but the nausea was making it difficult. Ugh. Why do they call it morning sickness if it goes on all damn day?
 
Spike looked at her with sympathy. Poor Slayer. Eat what you can, don’t worry about offending the cook.
 
Dawn looked at Buffy as she picked at her food. “Are you ok? You’re hardly eating!”
 
“I’m ok,” Buffy assured her. “Just have a bit of upset stomach, that’s all.”
 
Spike looked at her again. You know, we really should let Dawn know sometime soon. She’s gonna figure it out eventually anyhow.
 
Not now. Christmas. I’ll tell everyone at Christmas. She looked at him meaningfully, warning him to silence.
 
Dawn cleared her throat. “Ahem? Silent conversations are still rude when I’m here!”
 
“Sorry,” they chorused. Then Spike asked Dawn about the movie she and Buffy had watched last night and the conversation began flowing to safe topics.
 
When dinner ended and the dishes were cleared, Buffy and Spike geared up for patrol as usual. Dawn said, “Have fun!” and grabbed the phone to settle in for a long Saturday night gabfest with Janice. The two blonds stepped out on the porch, Buffy put up the wards, and they walked off into the night. Unseen, the Kratash demon stepped out of the bushes and followed them.
 
*****************
 
“Blech!” said Buffy, spitting vampire dust out of her mouth. “Stupid wind!” They had come upon three vampires chasing a girl across the UC Sunnydale campus. They had caught up with them easily and engaged in a brief battle. Spike had taken out two of them before Buffy even managed to get in a blow, and when she had dusted the third one a gust of wind had blown the remains right into her face.
 
“Hope vamp dust isn’t bad for pregnant women,” Spike said, half jokingly, after they had sent the co-ed on her way.
 
“I’m pretty sure it isn’t listed under things to avoid in the ‘What to Expect’ books,” Buffy replied, brushing her clothes off.
 
“We might need to look in some other books,” Spike said. As he said it, he involuntarily wondered if Giles was having any luck.
 
Buffy stopped and turned to him. What were you thinking about just now? She had caught some of that thought, and found herself suddenly suspicious.
 
Shit, Spike thought. Busted. Realizing he would just make things worse by trying to cover it up, he took a deep breath and said, “I went to see Giles last night. I told him about our little problem.”
 
“You did what?” Buffy yelled. “After I specifically asked you not to? After I said I would handle it in my own time?”
 
“Oh, and when exactly would that be?” Spike snapped back. “When the kid is ten? Or do I just get to explain to Giles after some demon kills you?”
 
“So you just decided that this was your decision to make?” All the irritation of the morning came flooding back again as she glowered at her husband.
 
Spike was livid as well. “You don’t seem to understand the danger you’re in! I had to do something! It was for your own good, you stupid bint!”
 
Buffy’s eyes widened, and Spike knew instantly that he had gone too far. Certain phrases had incredible power for them. For Spike, the phrase beneath me would always reduce him to that pathetic poet, crying bitterly in an alley. For Buffy, the phrase for your own good was always going to conjure up Angel, Riley, and the rest leaving her, deceiving her, and acting unilaterally without consulting her. Buffy’s fists clenched in anger. “So now it’s your turn? You get to decide what’s best for Buffy now? Figures. Managed to get Angel, Giles, and the others out of my hair, so obviously someone had to fill the void. No way I could actually make decisions for myself or anything.” Her eyes filled with tears of rage and anger as she turned and stalked off.
 
“Buffy, wait, I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean it like that,” he said, starting to follow her.
 
“Just leave me alone,” she snarled, stalking off across campus with Slayer speed.
 
Goddamn stubborn… Spike turned and kicked the nearest tree in anger. Just then the wind shifted again and Spike caught an unusual scent. Whipping his head around he scanned the area, and saw it. A figure was melting into the shadows next to a building. Spike took off in the direction Buffy went, but then dashed for cover behind a tree and waited. Soon the dark figure came out of the shadows, looked around, and started off following Buffy. As soon as the figure passed him, Spike silently crept out from behind the tree and with a roar, tackled him to the ground.
 
“What the fuck are you doing, mate?” Spike growled. He sniffed again. “You’re one of those spying Kratash bastards. Can tell by the smell.” Spike stood up and hauled the creature to its feet, twisting its arm behind its back and slamming it into a tree. “Why are you following her?”
 
Buffy had been heading back toward home when her own anger was interrupted by the sudden surge in emotions from Spike. She felt his anger at her turn to curiosity, then felt the complex mix of mental sensations that popped up when he was hunting. She heard him think Kratash? What do they want with her? She slowed her steps, then turned and sped back toward Spike. A sense of danger, mixed with rage, was flowing over their mental link and all of a sudden she was afraid. She fled toward him, imagining him being attacked by something. Spike? What is it?
 
She returned to where they had parted to find Spike with what looked like a human up against a tree, twisting his captive’s arm practically out of the socket and saying, “Talk, or so help me I’ll rip it off!”
 
“Spike! What are you doing?” she yelled. How can you be attacking a person? Your chip!
 
“Not a person,” he growled. He spun the figure around and held him by the neck. “Show your true face, if you want to live any longer.”
 
The Kratash struggled for a moment, then slackened. Buffy’s eyes grew wide as she watched the figure slowly melt from a human to a gray thing. It was humanoid in shape but featureless. Its face was a gray circle, with only the black, swirling eyes unchanged, and a thin slit of a mouth. “What the hell is that?” she sputtered.
 
“This,” said Spike, slamming the creature against the tree again. “Is a Kratash demon. Shape shifting little weasels who happen to be some of the highest paid spies in the demon realms. And I want to know why he’s spying on us.”
 
The Kratash writhed a bit more before giving up. “If I talk, will you let me go?” it gasped.
 
“Depends on how I like your answer,” Spike growled. He let up slightly on the creature’s throat so it could speak.
 
“I was sent to find a pregnant woman. She was supposed to be living near a hellmouth, with a demon mate. We tried Cleveland, but we found nothing. I was the first one sent to check this place out.”
 
“Who are you working for? Why do they want to find this woman?” Spike snarled.
 
“I don’t know!” Spike vamped and throttled him again, but the Kratash squeaked out, “I only report to my controller. He’s the only one who knows the real client. I was just supposed to find any likely candidates and report back, then keep an eye on  her and let the controller know when the child was due to be born. I swear that’s all I know!”
 
“Have you made your report yet?”
 
The Kratash hesitated, which caused Spike to twist his arm again even more painfully. “I just let them know I had a possible target! I said I didn’t know if she was pregnant or not! I swear!”
 
“How many more of you are in Sunnydale?” Spike demanded, cranking the creature’s arm up another notch.
 
“Just me! The others will come later!” the Kratash gasped.
 
Spike, I think he’s telling the truth. Buffy was completely dumbstruck by all the demon was saying.
 
I think he is too, Spike replied. Then with a roar he snapped the Kratash demon’s neck and dropped its body to the ground with disgust.
 
Buffy was somewhat shaken by the scene. “Spike what…?”
 
He turned to her, shaking off his gameface. “I sensed something was following us the other day, but I didn’t see him then. After that, and another one of those fucking dreams I went to Giles. These things,” at this point he kicked the corpse angrily, “Are the best spies in demonkind. They charge a premium for their services, and they usually deliver. Someone is after you, someone big.”
 
Buffy felt the anger and fear rolling off Spike in waves. She came up to him and tentatively put her arms around him. I’m sorry. I didn’t understand. I forgot you’re not like the others and I overreacted. Please forgive me. Please. She buried her face in his chest.
 
Spike wrapped his arms around her and held her close. I know I went behind your back. I’m just so afraid of losing you again. I’d rather have you alive and hating me than have to bury you again.
 
Buffy picked her head up and kissed him softly. “I don’t hate you,” she whispered. “I love you. You were right. I should have told Giles. You were right.”
 
“Love you, Slayer. Always. But we’ve got to have some help with this, yeah?” Buffy bit her lip and nodded. Spike gathered her to his chest and held her tight, emotions flowing back and forth between them like a flood. When they finally straightened up both of their eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Come on, pet. Let’s go home.” Buffy nodded again and they walked home with their arms around each other.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #12 - Chapter 12
 
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. If they belonged to me, the show would still be on the air…
 
Curse you reviewers for inspiring me to ignore housework and write! (No really, thank you ever so much!)
 
***********************
Chapter 12
***********************
 
“Do you realize that Christmas is in two weeks?” Dawn asked the next morning at breakfast.
 
Buffy turned from where she had been finishing the scrambled eggs she was making. “True. With the wedding and the…” She stopped abruptly as she realized that she had almost blurted out their secret without thinking. “A…all the other stuff going on, I nearly forgot.” Thanksgiving had been a rather rushed and cursory affair with just the three of them, since they were in the middle of wedding preparations at the time, and Christmas hadn’t really been considered yet.
 
“Are we going to have a tree and all that?” Dawn wondered, not noticing Buffy’s hesitation.
 
“Of course!” Buffy said. “Anything you really want for Christmas?”
 
“Something in the clothes family is always appreciated,” Dawn said with a cheesy grin.
 
“Does that mean you might actually stop raiding my closet constantly?” Buffy asked pointedly. Dawn affected an innocent air and went back to her breakfast. Buffy turned off the stove and joined her. The nausea had settled down somewhat, and she found she could stomach eggs this morning. She was grateful – another day of toast was going to put her over the edge.
 
Buffy wondered what she should get her husband for Christmas. What do you get for someone who’s 130 years old? She would have to think about that. Dawn broke in on her thoughts by wondering, “Does Spike celebrate Christmas? I mean, do vampires even pay attention to it since it’s sort of a religious thing?”
 
“Only if we get to nibble on Santa Claus,” said Spike as he entered the kitchen. “Morning, ladies.” He came over to kiss Buffy before going to get his usual blood and coffee.
 
“But seriously, Spike, do you celebrate Christmas?”
 
Spike hit the buttons on the microwave and leaned against the counter. “Different vamps have different opinions about all that. Me, I always liked a few Christmas carols, some eggnog, and someone to eat under the mistletoe.” The microwave beeped and Spike grabbed his mug and went to sit down.
 
“What religion were you when you were alive?” Dawn asked curiously.
 
“Church of England,” Spike responded between sips. “Wasn’t a whole lot of choice among my social group. Think something like Catholic, but with no pope.”
 
“We’ve never really had any sort of religion in particular,” Dawn went on. “Kinda weird that the only person in the house with any sort of religious background is the demon.”
 
“One of life’s little ironies,” Spike agreed.
 
Buffy had been watching the easy banter between Dawn and Spike with pleasure. Dawn had never had much of a father figure, even in her implanted memories. Spike just seemed to naturally know how to deal with the sometimes moody teen, and Buffy was grateful for it. You’re going to be an awesome father, she told him silently.
 
Spike smiled at her. Thanks love.
 
Buffy looked at her sister, who had gotten up to clear her place. I think we should tell her, she decided suddenly. She should know before anyone else does.
 
Spike’s eyebrows went up. Do you mean right now?
 
No time like the present. I need to get over the whole secrecy thing anyhow. Aloud she said, “Dawn, can you come back here for a moment? We’ve got something to tell you.”
 
Dawn noted the nervous expression on her sister’s face as she sat down and said, “What is it?”
 
“Nothing bad,” Buffy reassured her. “Just sorta unexpected. We… well…” Buffy took a deep breath and tried again. “I’m pregnant. Spike and I are going to be parents.”
 
Dawn’s mouth dropped open in astonishment. “No way!” she said. “When did this happen?”
 
“I’m two and a half months along, due next July or thereabouts.”
 
“Sort of why I felt the need to make an honest woman out of her,” Spike put in, reaching out to clasp Buffy’s hand.
 
“But, how can vampires, you know…” Dawn sputtered.
 
“That’s one mystery we haven’t solved yet,” Buffy admitted.
 
“I mean, is it going to have your eyes and his fangs?” Dawn asked.
 
Spike shook his head bemusedly. “Don’t know yet, Nibblet, but it seems human so far.”
 
“Wow. A baby.” Dawn tried to get her brain around that. “I’m going to be an aunt. That’s going to be so weird.”
 
“Dawn,” Buffy said, growing serious. “We think someone might be after us and after the baby. We’ve been having dreams, and there’s been some demon following me. We are really trying to keep this quiet until we know more. We told Giles so he can help us research, but please, please don’t mention it to anyone. Not Tara, not Anya, not anyone. We’ll let them know when and if they need to know, but we really don’t want this information to spread.”
 
Dawn looked worried. “Are you in danger?”
 
Spike spoke up. “She might be, Bit. That’s why we need you to keep mum about all this. But we thought you should know what’s going on.”
 
“I won’t even tell my diary,” Dawn promised. Then she got up and pulled the others into a group hug. “Congrats, you guys.”
 
“Thanks, Dawnie,” said Buffy. She met Spike’s eyes and thought I guess that wasn’t so terrible.
 
You did fine, he assured her. They broke up the hug and got up to continue their day.
 
****************************
 
The doorbell rang that evening near dinnertime. Buffy went to answer it, finding her watcher standing on the front step. “Come in, Giles. Dinner is almost ready,” she said, stepping back to let him by. After breaking the news to Dawn that morning they had decided that Giles should know about the Kratash demon, and so had invited him to dinner. Buffy and Giles regarded each other awkwardly for a moment.
 
“Why don’t you come into the dining room,” Buffy said at last.
 
“Thank you for having me,” Giles said. He was still reeling from the string of new developments – the claim, the wedding, the pregnancy, and now some hint of trouble. He followed Buffy into the dining room where Dawn was setting the table. “Good evening, Dawn.”
 
“Hey, Giles,” said the teen. She came over and gave him a hug. “Glad to have you back again.”
 
Giles returned the hug gratefully. “It’s good to be back.”
 
Spike came in bearing a tray of lasagna that he and Buffy had put together. “Evening, Rupert,” he said, putting down the hot pan. He pulled off the oven mitts he had been wearing and held out his hand. Giles hesitated, then shook it firmly. Steady now, he told himself. Remember to keep an open mind.
 
Buffy had disappeared into the kitchen and emerged with a salad while Spike poured wine for himself and the Watcher. Dawn served herself and Buffy sodas, and they all sat down to enjoy the meal.
 
“So, Buffy told you about the baby?” Dawn said after a few minutes.
 
Giles spluttered and choked. Spike slapped him on the back and said, “Easy does it there, old man. Buffy knows I told you, and we filled Dawn in this morning.”
 
Taking a drink to calm his choking fit, Giles finally managed to say, “Well, I’m glad we’re all on the same page with all this.”
 
Buffy asked, “Have you found out anything yet?”
 
Giles paused while he finished his mouthful. “My preliminary searches have unfortunately been as unsuccessful as yours have been. I have arranged to have more of my books sent over from England. They should be arriving in a few days.” He had another bite and added, “You sounded like you had something to report when you called me.”
 
Buffy looked at Dawn. Should we be talking about this in front of her?
 
Better for her to have the whole story, pet. Half truths are just going to get her in trouble.
 
“Agh! You’re doing it again!” Dawn groaned. She turned to Giles. “They do this all the time. They have these side conversations that only they can hear and it’s annoying!”
 
“Sorry,” chorused Buffy and Spike. Then Spike addressed Giles’ question. “A couple nights ago I thought something was following us, but I didn’t see anything. Then last night I caught a Kratash demon stalking Buffy.”
 
Giles frowned. “A Kratash demon? I vaguely recall hearing that name, but I can’t recall any details.”
 
“Shape shifters. Spies. The one I caught said that he was sent to find a pregnant woman, mated to a demon of some sort, living near a Hellmouth. He didn’t know why someone wanted to find her. He was only told what to look for, not who the client was.”
 
“Are these Kratash demons dangerous?” Giles asked.
 
Spike shook his head. “Physically, Dawn could probably take one out. But like I said, they shape-shift. This one looked like a human male. They sometimes have odd looking eyes – black and swirling sort of. But otherwise, unless you have a demon nose, you could be standing right next to one and never know it.” Buffy shuddered at the thought.
 
“So if they’re so wimpy, why worry about them?” Dawn puzzled.
 
“These guys are highly sought after for spy work, and they charge a bloody fortune. If someone went to the trouble of hiring the Kratash, you can be damn sure they are not going to stop until they get what they want.”
 
“Where is this Kratash creature now?” Giles wondered.
 
“Dead,” Spike said bluntly. “It’s fairly easy to make them talk – they’ve got no tolerance for pain. This one had reported a lead to its superiors, but so far, he was the only one of his kind in Sunnydale. But you can be sure more will be on the way to follow up.”
 
“So what do we do?” Dawn asked in a worried tone.
 
Giles thought for a moment. “I’ll have to do some research on these Kratash demons. And perhaps with the additional information we can narrow the search for those other creatures you’ve been dreaming about. It seems safe to assume that the demons in your nightmares hired the Kratash.”
 
Buffy spoke up then. “For right now, they won’t have much to report. I mean, they’re looking for a pregnant woman, and they won’t be able to tell I’m pregnant yet.”
 
“That’s not going to last for much longer, love,” Spike said.
 
“Is there some way we could, I don’t know, mask the pregnancy?” Buffy asked.
 
“Hmm,” Giles thought. “Perhaps some sort of spell could do it.”
 
“I’ll not have someone experimenting with magic on my pregnant wife, thank you very much,” Spike growled.
 
Buffy laid a hand on his arm. “I’m not too keen on the magic either, hon. But I was thinking of something like the ward spell we have on the house. Is there something like that that could keep these things from knowing I’m expecting?”
 
“It is possible,” Giles said. “I’ll have to read up on that.” Giles hesitated for a moment before adding, “I hate to say it, but it is something Willow could probably help with.”
 
Buffy toyed with her food for a moment. “You’re probably right. But the last couple spells she did on me didn’t work out so hot. I really don’t want her trying anything without thinking it all the way through.”
 
“Perhaps I could talk with her and Tara,” Giles began.
 
“Before you do,” Buffy interrupted, “I want to talk to Tara alone and let her know what’s going on. She’s been a real help through all this, and she might be able to talk Willow around.”
 
“Alright,” Giles said. “You talk to Tara. I’ll try to get more information on these demons and narrow down the search.”
 
“One more thing,” Spike added. “Any clues yet about how this all could have come about? I still can’t figure that one.”
 
Giles shook his head. “I haven’t gotten very far on that, but a preliminary look didn’t turn up any curses or spells that would make such a thing happen. I’ll keep looking, of course.” They went back to finishing up their meal. After it was over and the table was cleared, Dawn gave Giles a hug and went upstairs to do some last minute studying for a test the next day. Buffy went to show Giles out. “Thank you for the meal. It was delicious,” he said.
 
“You’re welcome,” Buffy replied. They paused awkwardly again in the front hall. “Giles?”
 
“Yes?”
 
“Are you… how long will you stay, this time?” Buffy bit her lip and looked up at him. She desperately wanted his help in all this, but didn’t want to rely on him only to have him bail out on her again.
 
Giles saw the vulnerability in her eyes and it broke his heart. He gathered her into his arms and said, “I will see this through with you. I promise. I never should have left before. Please forgive me for that.”
 
“Thank you, Giles,” Buffy whispered into his chest. They straightened up and Giles took his leave, as Buffy waved goodbye with a hopeful smile.
 
A pair of strong arms came around her from behind as she closed the door. “That went well, don’t you think?” Spike said as he drew her close.
 
“I think so,” Buffy said, turning to kiss him. “It does look like we’re going to have to bring in some of the others though.”
 
“We’ll work on them one at a time,” Spike proposed.
 
“I really don’t want to think about them right now,” Buffy said, kissing him further. The kiss grew deeper and hotter, until with a gasp she broke away and said, “Bed. Now.”
 
“Yes, ma’am!” Spike grinned and followed her up the stairs, chasing her happily into the bedroom.
 
****************************
 
“What have you to report, Kratash?”
 
The Kratash agent stood once more in front of the Ruler of the Dwak Dlam. He did his best to appear fearless, but there was no denying that these enormous creatures terrified him. Nevertheless he bowed low and said, “We have investigated one Hellmouth in the human realm. No couples were found to fit your description. We have sent one advance operative to a second Hellmouth. He has reported that there is a Slayer in that town who seems to live with a Master vampire. The operative has not yet determined if the woman is pregnant, but so far they are our best lead.”
 
The Ruler pondered this information. “A Slayer and a vampire,” she mused. The Seer had mentioned a Champion of the Powers and a creature of darkness. “This is the couple you should track. This and no other. They must be the ones of the prophecy,” she stated with authority.
 
“As you wish, Ruler,” said the Kratash. “I am waiting for another report as we speak. After I have heard more information, I will send further agents to determine all there is to know about them.”
 
“Do so,” said the Ruler. “You must be thorough. A Slayer is a powerful enemy, and one who is in league with a master vampire is not to be trifled with. Do not fail me.”
 
The Kratash bowed and scurried once more from the throne room.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #13 - Chapter 13
 
Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Joss Whedon. All the money is his too.
 
Thanks ever so to all the faithful reviewers. Here is another chapter for your perusal.
 
*****************************
Chapter 13
*****************************
 
Tara was curled up on her couch with a book when she heard a knock on the door. She wasn’t expecting anyone in particular, so she put an eye to the peephole. There on the doormat was Willow, with a forlorn expression on her face. Tara opened the door. “Willow?”
 
“Hi, Tara,” said Willow in a nervous voice. “Can I come in?” She twisted her purse in her hands while she spoke.
 
“Sure,” said Tara noncommittally. It had been ten days or so since the wedding, and Tara hadn’t spoken to Willow in that time. Willow had left a few messages on the machine, but Tara had refused to reply to them. Now that Willow was standing on the doorstep however, she wasn’t able to avoid this conversation any longer.
 
Tara sat down on one end of her couch while Willow perched awkwardly on the other end. “I just wanted to explain what happened,” Willow began.
 
“I’m listening,” said Tara. Truth be told, Tara was still rather fed up with Willow, but was too kind to not hear her out.
 
“When Xander told me that she was getting married, I wasn’t sure what to think. I just called Giles to get some advice. I didn’t realize at first that he was going to come out here. And I didn’t think we should go barging into their wedding, it just all sort of… happened.”
 
Tara sighed. “Willow, were you really worried about Buffy, or worried about yourself?”
 
Willow shook her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”
 
Tara took a deep breath. “Willow, I know you’re still feeling guilty about pulling Buffy out of heaven. I just think that maybe you were worried that somehow Buffy came back wrong, and that’s why she was marrying Spike. It wasn’t about Buffy – it was about clearing your own conscience. Instead of talking to Buffy first or just, I don’t know, staying out of it, you and Xander went running off to Giles.”
 
“But we don’t know if something really did happen to her,” Willow said. “Since she’s been back…”
 
“Since she’s been back she’s been struggling, yes,” Tara interrupted. “But since she and Spike joined forces she’s been happy, Willow. After all she’s been through she deserves to be happy, and if Spike makes her happy then we should respect that.”
 
“I know,” Willow said quietly. “It just seems so wrong.”
 
“Willow, two women dating is wrong to some people,” Tara said. “But when we dated, Buffy respected that. She didn’t try to talk you out of it, or interfere. We owe her the same courtesy.”
 
“But I wasn’t dating someone who ate people!”
 
“Willow, Spike can’t hurt humans. And even if he could, he wouldn’t, because he loves Buffy. They have this claim thing going, and if she dies, he dies and vice versa. He won’t do anything to make her have to stake him, and she won’t allow it anyway.”
 
Willow didn’t respond right away, but sat staring at her hands. Finally she said, “Tara, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for the magic, and I’m sorry I hurt you, and I’m sorry I almost ruined Buffy’s wedding day. What can I do?” She looked up at Tara with eyes filled with tears.
 
Tara wanted nothing more than to take Willow into her arms and comfort her at that point, but she held firm. “What you need to do, Willow, is go talk to Buffy and Spike and tell them you are sorry. They’re the ones you need to ask forgiveness from.”
 
“Will you… Will you come with me?” Willow asked.
 
Tara considered for a moment. Was Willow being sincere, or was this a ploy to try to win her back? Finally she decided that in either event, getting Willow and Buffy talking was probably for the good in the long run. “Alright,” she conceded. “I’ll come with you.”
 
***************************
 
Never get tired of this view, love. Spike was on his back watching Buffy as she lowered herself again onto his waiting cock. They sometimes found themselves making love in silence, even when Dawn wasn’t home, as a way of concentrating more deeply on the sensations. Golden goddess, you are.
 
Makes me wish Dawn was in boarding school sometimes, Buffy responded, closing her eyes and stilling for a moment to feel every inch of her man inside her. I could do this all day. She tossed her hair back and worked her inner muscles, squeezing him deliciously until he groaned.
 
Probably going to crush the kid with those muscles, he thought.
 
Well I guess I’ll have to practice my… control. She made him groan again until he couldn’t stand it any longer. With a growl he rolled them over, hoisting her knees onto his shoulders and thrusting deep into her.
 
“Fuck, Spike, yes, oh so good, oh yes,” Buffy babbled aloud, losing control in her ecstasy.
 
“My girl, my Slayer, my wife,” he chanted as he pounded into her again and again.
 
“Don’t stop oh God gonna come gonna…” Buffy shrieked out her pleasure as the orgasm took her.
 
“Shit, Buffy, ah fuck, yes,” Spike shouted as he convulsed and shot inside her. He collapsed on top of her, both of them panting and shuddering with the aftershocks. “My sweet Mrs. Pratt, that was…”
 
Spike’s post-coital ramblings were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. “Who the fuck could that be at this hour?” Spike grumbled.
 
Buffy laughed, “What, you mean one o’clock in the afternoon?”
 
“Exactly! Prime shagging time.” The doorbell rang again. “I guess I’ll go see who it is,” he sighed, reluctantly letting her go and heading toward the bedroom door.
 
“Um, Spike? Pants?”
 
Spike looked down. “Oh, right. Although I suppose that would get the point across that this is not a good time.” He quickly pulled on a pair of jeans and went downstairs, bare-chested with his hair completely untamed. He opened the door just as the doorbell rang a third time. There on the doorstep stood Willow, looking nervous, with Tara behind her looking as solemn and stern as the gentle witch could muster. “Glinda? Red? What are you doing here?”
 
Who is it? Buffy asked from upstairs.
 
The witches. Both of them.
 
Willow spoke up saying, “I w… wanted to talk to you and Buffy. C… can I come in?” Her stutter was almost as bad as Tara’s had once been.
 
Do you want to talk to them, love? Spike asked, as the witches looked at him curiously.
 
I suppose I should. Let them in, I’ll be down in a sec. Buffy sighed and got up to find some clothes.
 
To the witches Spike said, “Come in. Buffy says she’ll be down in a minute.” The two women looked at each other, puzzled, having heard nothing. Noticing their confusion, Spike added, “Telepathy. Drives Dawn batty. Anyhow, come into the kitchen and sit down.”
 
Willow followed Spike and sat down, blushing a bit at his half dressed state. “I hope we didn’t interrupt something,” she said with considerable embarrassment.
 
“Nah, we were just getting up anyhow,” Spike said. “Tea?” Tara and Willow both assented, and Spike busied himself with the kettle. Buffy came in a moment later in sweats and a t-shirt with her hair in a careless ponytail. “Hey,” Buffy said in a neutral tone. “What’s up?”
 
Tara once again noticed that odd shade in the center of Buffy’s aura. If I didn’t know it was her, I’d swear she was pregnant or something. Like another person inside her. “Hi, Buffy,” Tara said.
 
“Hey,” said Willow awkwardly. They all sort of looked at each other, not sure what to say. The kettle whistled and that provided a welcome distraction for a moment while Spike poured tea for everyone.
 
“Is this a hen party, or should I stay around?” Spike asked, trying to lighten the mood.
 
“No, stay, I… I need to talk to both of you,” said Willow. Spike sat down next to Buffy and they waited for Willow to collect herself. “I wanted to apologize to both of you. I shouldn’t have tried to interfere with your wedding, and I shouldn’t have let the others do it either. I’m so sorry.”
 
Neither Buffy or Spike knew how to respond. The silence stretched out until finally Willow couldn’t take it anymore and blurted, “Look, I know I screwed up! But I’m so lonely, and I don’t know how to make this right! Tell me how to fix this, please!” She looked at them with tear filled eyes.
 
Buffy finally responded, “Willow, I know you thought you were doing the right thing. Bringing me back from the dead, I mean. But it was, and sometimes still is, hugely painful. Then I almost lost Dawn, and that still stresses me out. You put me in a coma and…”
 
“I know it was all my fault,” Willow whispered. “I… the magic is like a kind of high. That power… I convinced myself it was for your good, but it was for me. To make me feel good.” She covered her face at the admission.
 
Buffy leaned forward and gently pulled Willow’s hands from her face. “Willow, I want you to listen to me.” Willow sniffled, but focused on Buffy’s intent green eyes. “I want you to look at this man beside me.” Spike’s blue eyes were also intent on the red-haired witch. “Spike saved me. I couldn’t have gotten through all that without him. He loves me, and we will quite literally die without each other. I will defend my right to be with him to the death if need be. If you want back into my life, then I need your absolute assurance that you can deal with that. If you can’t, then you need to leave now, and we’re done. One chance. What’s it going to be?”
 
Willow paled a bit at the steel in Buffy’s voice. She looked at Spike, and tried to see beyond her memory of the vicious killer. His eyes never wavered, waiting for her to make her decision. Buffy held her breath, and Spike gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. It was that silent gesture that made Willow’s mind up for her. “I can deal,” she said quietly.
 
Buffy stood up and went over to Willow, pulling her from her chair into a tentative hug. “I missed you too, Wils. Can we start over?” Willow nodded, sobbing and unable to speak. Tara got up and rubbed Willow’s back, causing her to release Buffy and hug Tara as well.
 
More to break the mood than anything, Spike grumbled, “Feeling left out here.” Willow laughed a little and gave Spike a quick hug as well. “Sorry, Spike,” she said. “No worries, Red,” he replied, patting her back awkwardly.
 
Buffy made a decision right there. “Tara? Willow? I am going to have Giles over for dinner on Christmas Day. Would you two like to join us?”
 
“I’d love to,” said Tara warmly. She was amazed that Willow had actually admitted her guilt and had apologized without reservations. It was a definite start.
 
“I’ll be there too,” said Willow. Buffy hugged her once more, while to Spike she silently said, I guess we only need to deal with Xander now, huh?
 
We’ll bring him round. We need the allies, pet, Spike responded. Buffy agreed, looking at him over Willow’s shoulder. The witches soon gathered themselves to go, but for the first time in months everyone present felt connected once more.
 
************************
 
The air in the alley shimmered as before, but this time two figures appeared. One Kratash had taken on the appearance of a Latino man, with short cropped black hair and light brown skin. The other appeared to be a medium height Caucasian woman with brown hair in a short bob. They both had the dark, occasionally swirling eyes that betrayed their demonic nature. The woman spoke first, “When did the first agent make his last report?”
 
“A week ago,” the man responded as they headed out of the alley. The controller had waited for a further report from the first agent, but after being unable to contact him, had sent two more spies to investigate this Slayer.
 
“Who are we looking for again?” the woman asked. They walked swiftly down the streets of Sunnydale. It was about five o’clock in the morning, and the town was unusually quiet. Sunrise was still an hour or more away, but they seemed to be the only creatures stirring.
 
“Her name is Buffy Summers,” said the man. “Her house is on…” here he checked a note out of his pocket, “Revello Drive. I take it that the house is protected by magical wards.”
 
“And apparently she lives with a vampire,” added the woman. “Perhaps he is the reason we haven’t heard from the first agent.”
 
“It’s a distinct possibility,” agreed the man. They continued walking until they reached Revello Drive. They found the house and studied it, carefully noting cover nearby, and the fact that the wards did not seem to be up.
 
“They must need to take the wards down when they come home, to let the vampire in,” mused the woman. “Perhaps they could be overpowered when the time comes.”
 
“We still need to find out if this Slayer is with child,” the man said. “If she isn’t, then we’re looking in the wrong place, regardless of what the controller thinks.”
 
“We’ll have to keep watch for a while then.”
 
“Agreed.”
 
*****************************
 
“Anya, honey, it’s been two weeks. How long is it going to take until you forgive me?”
 
Anya had come home on the day of the wedding furious, having heard about the disruption from Tara in hushed whispers during the celebration at Buffy’s house. She had absolutely refused to allow Xander into the bedroom that night, locking him out and turning a deaf ear to his pleading. She had spent two weeks now getting up early and going to the store, coming home and barely speaking to him. After the first night she had grudgingly allowed him back into the bedroom, but he might as well be sleeping on the couch for all the affection she had shown him. Now he had decided enough was enough, and he had called in sick at work in order to come to the Magic Box and try to find some way to get back into her good graces.
 
Anya stopped, and decided it was time to try to get through to his thick skull once and for all. “I will forgive you when I honestly, truly see that you understand that what you did was wrong. Not a mistake, not an accident, wrong. ´
 
“Anya, we’ve been over this. I was just trying to look out for Buffy. She’s been so weird since she got back, I just thought something had to be really wrong.”
 
Anya rolled her eyes in complete exasperation. “Xander. Can you just once explain to me why it is your job to look out for the Vampire Slayer? I mean, seriously?”
 
“She’s my friend! I worry about her!”
 
“Then act like her friend! Support her! Don’t try to wreck her wedding and threaten to stake her husband!” Anya yelled. “Let’s say you had succeeded in breaking up her wedding. Do you honestly, really think she would thank you for it later? Did you imagine that she would come to you and say, ‘Yes, of course, you were right to stake the man I love. Thanks so much’?”
 
Xander was about to reply when the shop door rang and the door opened. They both turned to see Buffy, the aforementioned Vampire Slayer, stalking in with a determined step. She had gone to his job site, but on hearing that he had called in sick had gone to the Magic Box on a hunch. Xander edged unconsciously backward as she advanced. “Buffy, hi!” said Anya. “I haven’t seen you since you got back. How was the honeymoon?”
 
“It was really great,” Buffy said with a small smile. “Thanks again for that awesome party.”
 
“My pleasure. What brings you here?” Anya wondered.
 
Buffy turned to Xander. “We need to discuss some things. Now. Once and for all,” she said menacingly.
 
Xander gulped. His nose still ached on rainy days where she had broken it when he tried to kill Spike, and he had to fight the urge to rub it now. “What… what sort of things?” he asked nervously.
 
Buffy pulled a photocopied piece of paper from her back pocket. “Read this. Tell me what it is.”
 
Puzzled, Xander took it. It was a copy of the marriage certificate for Buffy Anne Summers and William Henry Pratt. His last name is Pratt?? Xander tucked that thought away for future reference. “This is your marriage certificate.”
 
“Right,” said Buffy. She stepped forward until she was right in front of him and held up her left hand. “And this is my wedding ring. Spike. Is. My. Husband. Do you understand that?”
 
“Y..yes,” he said, wondering what was coming.
 
“Good. Now do you see this?” she pulled aside her hair to reveal the mark on her neck. “That’s a claim. That means that I am mated to Spike. Bound for all time. We read each other’s thoughts, and if one of us dies, the other can’t survive. Got it?”
 
“Um, yeah. Giles explained all that after… after the wedding,” he stammered.
 
“Good. Glad you understand,” she said. She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close. “Do you also understand that if you ever hurt him, try to hurt him, or even think about hurting him, I will kill you?”
 
Xander’s eyes got wide and frightened. All he could manage was a frantic nod.
 
“Fine,” Buffy said, releasing him. “Now that we have laid all that out on the table, I have an invite for you both.”
 
“An invite?” Anya asked. On the one hand, she was a bit alarmed by Buffy’s fierceness. On the other hand, someone had to shake some sense into Xander where Buffy was concerned. Might as well be Buffy.
 
“I am having Giles, Tara, and Willow over for dinner on Christmas Day. I would love for you to join me, Anya.” She turned to Xander. “I would also like to have you join us, but only if you can be civil to the man I married.”
 
Xander started to reply, but then caught a fierce glare from Anya. Swallowing he said, “Buffy, I’m… I’m sorry for the way I acted toward you and Spike. I don’t know if I’m ever going to learn to like him, but I really don’t want to be your enemy anymore.” At that point the doorbell rang again, and they all looked to see a man and a woman walk in. The dark skinned Latino man said, “Do you believe this stuff?” in a low tone to his companion, who giggled as they browsed.
 
Buffy turned back to Xander. “You don’t have to like him, Xander,” she said in a softer tone. “But I won’t have you insulting and threatening him. Especially in our house.” She turned and walked toward the door. Over her shoulder she said, “The invitation is there. Come if you feel you can.” Then the door opened with a jingle and she walked out.
 
Xander sat down, shell-shocked. “What brought that on, do you think?”
 
“I have no idea,” Anya replied, shaking her head. “But it seems to me you’ve been given a chance to redeem yourself. Don’t blow it by running your mouth, or you’ll be on the couch for a month.” Xander sighed and hung his head, defeated by two of the scariest women he knew. The browsing couple took another cursory look around the store and left, their swirling black eyes scanning the street for their quarry.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #14 - Chapter 14
 
Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. I still have to work my day job.
 
Endless thanks to the reviewers who spur me on!
 
*************************
Chapter 14
**************************
 
Buffy was halfway home when she heard Spike thinking, Wonder how it went? She had told him her plan, and although he had raised an eyebrow doubtfully, he conceded that she knew Xander better than he did, and could handle him. I think I may have shocked him into behaving, she thought back.
 
Spike, who was in their kitchen reading the paper over a mug of blood, smiled when her thoughts came into his mind. Where are you, love?
 
About halfway home. I think our range is expanding.
 
You coming straight home?
 
Nope. I got some Christmas shopping to do, so get out of my head, nosy vampire!
 
In the kitchen, Spike grinned. He had some Christmas ideas of his own that he planned to execute at the nearest opportunity. For now, he went back to his paper and his blood.
 
Buffy stopped in a few small boutiques but found nothing that looked like the right thing for Spike. She idly went into a small book and stationary store and after browsing for a while found the perfect thing. She picked up a beautiful leather bound journal, with a red cover and creamy, gold edged pages. She held on to it, and in looking further around the store found a gold fountain pen set. She imagined his elegant handwriting covering these pages, and it made her smile. She paid for it and set off for home. The two Kratash demons watched her from in front of a coffee shop across the street.
 
“Do you think she’s pregnant?” the man asked quietly.
 
“If she is, it’s too soon for me to tell,” the woman answered. “I didn’t get close enough to her in that magic shop.”
 
“Perhaps we’d have a better chance if we found a way to listen at her house.”
 
“How do we get in there? A vampire during the day, and wards when they’re out.”
 
“We’ll have to consider,” the man said. He drank some more coffee while he did just that.
 
**************************
 
“Bloody hell! Watch it there, Slayer, or you’ll be celebrating Christmas with a pile of dust!” Spike growled. They were in the process of wrestling a Christmas tree off the roof of the car, and Spike was understandably nervous about all the pointy wooden things near his chest.
 
“Well then go around to the stump end. Less pointy,” Buffy said as they switched places. Together they managed to wrestle the spruce into the house. She and Dawn held it in place while Spike fussed around underneath it, screwing in the bolts that held it to the base and cursing as the branches caught in his hair and scratched his arms.
 
“I can tell the bloody Germans came up with this custom,” he grumbled. “Right bastards they always were.” He finally got the tree secured and pulled himself out from underneath it, dusting needles off his clothes.
 
“Oh, quit your grumbling, you big sissy,” Dawn said. The three of them surveyed the tree, which took up half the living room. “Where are the ornaments and stuff?”
 
“In the basement. Spike, could you give me a hand?” Buffy asked.
 
“Yes, Mistress,” he said mockingly. She stuck out her tongue at him as he followed her downstairs. Fifteen minutes later it was Buffy’s turn to grumble and curse as she wrestled with the lights. “Why is there always one strand that blinks? Is it some national law or something?”
 
“We could use candles like they did in my day,” Spike offered.
 
“Um, from someone as flammable as yourself, that’s kinda the worst idea I’ve ever heard,” Dawn said, coming over to help Buffy.
 
Spike shrugged and went to get a beer out of the fridge. For all his grumbling, he was enjoying this whole scene. He went over to the stereo and put on an album of traditional English Christmas carols that Buffy had found. He put up his feet on the sofa to listen to the choir of St. Paul’s in London sing ‘Good King Wenceslaus’ as he hummed along.
 
“What’s that?” Dawn asked, wrinkling her nose a bit at the old fashioned sounding music.
 
“Real Christmas music, not some monstrosity like ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’.”
 
Buffy smiled at him. “Glad you like it.”
 
Spike grinned back. He finished his beer, and got up to help them with the decorating. He realized as he did that the child’s heartbeat was louder now. He could hear it from the other side of the tree. Heartbeat’s getting louder, pet.
 
Is it? Buffy looked down unconsciously, then back up at him. I guess it’s good we’re bringing the others in. Maybe they can help figure this out.
 
Hope so. Their Christmas dinner party was the day after tomorrow, and they had been preparing all week. Presents had been bought and hidden, food had been planned, and they had decided together that this was definitely the time to let everyone else in on the whole baby deal. The house was festive, with mistletoe hanging in the hallway, and garlands on the stairs. They were so focused on their decorating that they didn’t notice the car across the street.
 
The Kratash had access to many magical aids, but for now, given how little they knew about the Slayer’s access to magic, they decided on plain old binoculars to observe the occupants currently laughing and passing each other ornaments in the front window.
 
“They seem to be getting ready for a celebration,” the woman remarked.
 
“Some religious festival, I believe. She mentioned a meal when they were at that magic shop.”
 
“Perhaps we’ll get an opportunity then.”Unseen, they kept up their observation until the Summers girls and their vampire went to bed.
 
**********************************
 
“I’ll get it!” Dawn called when the doorbell rang. Christmas Day had come, and they had collectively had their best holiday in years. Spike had loved the journal and pen, along with some new silk over shirts. Dawn and Buffy had gotten him a collection of classic black and white horror movies that he laughed appreciatively over. Dawn had been buried in new clothes, as well as a book of poetry from Spike. “You may not appreciate it now, Nibblet. But someday you will.” She had hugged him almost as tightly as her Slayer sister could. Spike had gotten Buffy a beautiful silver bracelet with amethysts set in it, as well as some new bubble baths and oils for her to luxuriate with. He had also given her a slinky satin something from Victoria’s Secret that she blushed over and quickly covered up before Dawn could get a good look at it. Dawn had gotten a small stuffed pig that was an exact copy of Mr. Gordo and had given it to Buffy with the explanation, “I know you’re not going to share when the baby gets here, so I thought I would get the kid their own.” Dawn had also provided Spike with a book of baby names, ostensibly to prevent him from inflicting some stuffy English name on her niece or nephew. Buffy and Spike had both laughed out loud and thanked her. Now they were rushing about getting the food ready and setting the table as their guests began arriving.
 
“Merry Christmas!” Anya bubbled as Dawn let her in. Xander followed close behind, smiling, but a little nervous.
 
“Hi, Anya, Xander,” Buffy called from the kitchen. Make yourself comfortable in the living room. I’ll be out in a minute!”
 
“Demon girl! Harris! Can I get you something to drink?” Spike said, not able to resist needling Xander just a little. Behave yourself! Buffy warned silently.
 
“I’ll take a beer if you’ve got it,” Xander said. Anya requested one as well, and soon Spike was handing them around as the doorbell rang again.
 
Dawn bounced over to let in Giles, Tara, and Willow. “Merry Christmas!”
 
“And Solistice!” grinned Tara.
 
“And Hanukkah!” said Willow. She too was a little nervous, and was glad to see that Xander was there. Spike fetched some eggnog for the witches, spiked liberally with rum and nutmeg. “Giles, this is for you, from me and the missus,” Spike said, handing Giles a fine old bottle of Scotch.
 
“Well, that will do nicely,” Giles said appreciatively. “Fancy joining me in a glass?”
 
“Can’t say I’d mind,” Spike replied. He came back with two glasses and soon they were toasting the season in true British fashion.
 
Anya and Tara went into the kitchen to help Buffy, while Dawn chatted with Giles. Xander and Willow sat awkwardly on the couch, still not completely sure they felt comfortable. Spike finally went over to them and sat down across from them. “Look you two. It’s Christmas. Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men, witches, and vampires, yeah?” He held out his hand to Xander, who hesitated, then shook it.
 
“Truce, Deadboy,” Xander said with a hint of a smile.
 
Spike nodded and held out his hand to Willow. “Red?”
 
Willow smiled, despite herself. “Truce, Spike.” With that the awkwardness gradually started to pass and the conversation started to flow.
 
“Ok everyone, dinner’s ready!” Buffy called. They all trooped in to a candlelit table, set with Joyce’s wedding china and piled with food. Christmas music played softly in the background as they passed dishes and enjoyed themselves. Buffy was profoundly grateful that her nausea had taken a hiatus and made up for a couple of weeks of barely eating anything. I think Junior decided to let me eat for Christmas, she remarked, smiling at Spike across the table.
 
He’d better, or I’ll ground him, Spike returned, grinning back. He would be the last to admit it, but he also enjoyed having the gang back together. He had gotten used to their company over the long summer without Buffy, although being treated as something other than muscle would have been nice. Still, it felt like a family reunion or something, and Buffy looked more relaxed than she had in a while.
 
After dinner they moved, groaning, into the living room, everyone laughing and talking. Tara lingered for a moment under the mistletoe and caught Willow for a quick peck on the cheek. Dawn noticed and smiled – it seemed that relationship was on the mend. They all flopped onto chairs and couches and the floor as Buffy and Spike stood in front of the tree. Should we do this, love? Spike asked silently.
 
No time like the present, Buffy replied. “Hey guys? We’ve got an announcement to make.”
 
The others quieted down and looked at each other and at the blond couple. Tara noticed that Dawn was grinning ear to ear and wondered what could possibly be up.
 
Spike wrapped his arms around Buffy from behind, and said, “Never thought I’d be making an announcement like this ever, but it seems that Buffy and I are going to be parents.”
 
“Ha! Good one, Spike!” laughed Xander. But his laughter died when he saw the seriousness of Buffy’s gaze. “You’re serious?”
 
“So that’s what it is!” Tara burst out. Everyone turned to look at her quizzically. “Your aura,” she explained. “There’s been this… different shade in the center of your aura that made no sense. But I guess now it does. Congratulations!”
 
“But how?” Willow sputtered. “Spike can’t be the father.”
 
“He most certainly is,” Buffy put in, looking up at him. “We don’t know how this happened, and we could really use some help in figuring this out, but rest assured, Spike is the father.”
 
“When are you due?” asked Anya. “Although if it’s some sort of demon hybrid things might be weird.”
 
“Um, I’m due in July, and so far we don’t really know what it is,” Buffy admitted. “But Spike says its heartbeat sounds human at least.”
 
Xander had finally recovered his jaw from its location on the floor somewhere and said, “This is impossible! You’re pulling our legs, right?”
 
“It’s true, Harris,” Spike said, affectionately rubbing Buffy’s still flat tummy. “And like the Slayer said, we could really use some help. Turns out there’s someone poking around after Buffy and the little one, and we need to find out who’s behind it.”
 
“Are you in danger?” Tara asked, somewhat alarmed.
 
“We’re not sure yet,” Giles put in. “Buffy and Spike have been having dreams about large black demons coming after them and the baby. There was also a demon spy following them. We can only assume that more will be out there.”
 
The others were stunned to various degrees by this announcement. Willow finally said, “What can we do to help?”
 
“Tonight, nothing. We’re going to celebrate,” Buffy said, smiling at Spike once more. Then looking back at the others she said, “But we have three questions to answer. How did this happen? Is it human or something else? And finally, who’s after us? Any help we can get with those questions would be great.”
 
“Otherwise, we’ll just be asking you to keep this to yourselves, yeah?” Spike put in. “These Kratash spies that are out for Buffy can make themselves look like humans. They could be anywhere, anytime. Need to find some way to keep them from finding out she’s expecting.”
 
As they continued talking, the aforementioned Kratash demons were once again watching, this time from some nearby bushes. Although they couldn’t hear the conversation, they saw the possessive way the vampire rubbed his mate’s midsection, and the smiles they exchanged. “Looks like we’ve finally got something to report,” said the woman quietly, putting down her binoculars.
 
“Let’s go see the controller then,” answered her companion. They shimmered out of existence while all around them Christmas continued uninterrupted.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #15 - Chapter 15
 
Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Joss Whedon, but he shares, which is awfully nice of him.
Hope this update is fast enough for all my loyal reviewers!
 
******************************
Chapter 15
******************************
 
“Just like old times, huh?” said Willow as she looked around the Magic Box. She was seated at the table next to Tara and Dawn, while Anya counted the till and Giles pondered the bookshelves. Xander was quiet, leaning against the wall and thinking. I will be supportive, he told himself. I will not say that I think this is an absolute abomination. I will be supportive. He stood up straight as the door rang and Buffy and Spike entered, fresh from patrol.
 
“Ah, good to see you. How was patrol?” Giles asked in greeting.
 
“Quiet night on the ol’ hellmouth,” Buffy said, taking off her jacket and sitting down. “Just a couple of fledges, not much else.”
 
“Any sign of those whatdoyoucallems?” Dawn asked.
 
“Didn’t sense any Kratash, if that’s what you mean,” Spike answered, sitting down next to Buffy.
 
“So, where do we start?” Tara asked. It was a few days after Christmas, and Giles had gathered them all there to start to tackle the problem.
 
“I think the first thing we need to do is to figure out how to keep Buffy’s condition hidden,” Giles reasoned. “If we can keep all the demons in Sunnydale from learning of her pregnancy, we’ll have some breathing room to figure out the rest.”
 
“How do we do that then?” Spike asked. He was still leery of them using magic on Buffy, but he saw the logic of Giles’ words.
 
“I have an idea,” Willow said. They all turned to face her. “Remember when I used that glamour spell to look like Buffy?”
 
“I remember,” Tara said. “You said that it could be dangerous to keep up for a long time.”
 
“Well, that was only because I was trying to be someone else,” Willow explained. “What if we did a spell to make Buffy look like herself, only not pregnant?”
 
“But wouldn’t demons still be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat like Spike can?” Buffy wondered.
 
“I don’t think so. The spell works on all the senses.”
 
“But how can Buffy keep up the spell like that?” Giles inquired. “She doesn’t have the magic that you do.”
 
“We could put the spell on an amulet,” Anya offered. “That way she can wear it when she wants to hide the pregnancy and take it off other times.”
 
“Good idea, Anya,” Giles said. “Willow, can you and Anya work on this?”
 
“Hang on a minute,” Spike interjected. “Are you certain this isn’t going to hurt Buffy or the baby?”
 
“I know you’re worried, Spike,” said Tara gently. “But in this form the illusion will affect the viewer, not the person wearing it. It won’t hurt them.”
 
“I think we should try it,” Buffy said, squeezing Spike’s hand. Spike searched her green eyes for a moment, then nodded his assent.
 
“I suppose the next thing we should figure out is whether this thing is a demon or not,” Xander said. It was the first time he had spoken, and although he was trying to hide it, it was clear he wasn’t fully comfortable with the situation.
 
“Told you, it sounds as human as any other pregnant woman,” Spike said shortly. He could see that Xander was not accepting this news as well as the others, despite Xander’s best attempts at hiding it.
 
“Nevertheless, we should investigate all possibilities,” Giles declared, also sensing the tension. “We need to read up on demonic pregnancies of all kinds. My shipment of books arrived the other day from England. Xander, if you and Spike will accompany me, I could use your help in bringing the boxes from my hotel room to the shop. Tara, why don’t you and Buffy start writing down all the things Buffy can remember from her dreams. It might give us a clue.”
 
Spike kissed his wife lightly and got up to follow Giles to his car, with Xander trailing behind. When they got to the hotel, they found that Giles’ room had been taken over by five large boxes of books. Spike hoisted one effortlessly and headed down to the rental car, while Xander and Giles struggled for a few minutes to heft theirs.
 
“Should we really be encouraging this?” Xander asked Giles as they started to make their way out of the room.
 
“Encouraging what?” grunted Giles as he tried to get a good grip on the box.
 
“This pregnancy. Shouldn’t she… I mean, it might be better if she got rid of it.”
 
“What do you mean?” Giles said, turning to face Xander. “An abortion?”
 
Xander shrugged. “It just seems to me that a lot of these questions would be solved right away if that happened. We don’t know what this is, or how it happened. How do we know it’s not going to spawn some new apocalypse?” Xander carried his box out the door and ran straight into Spike, who had been down to the car and back with vampiric speed and had heard everything.
 
The box of books thudded to the floor as Spike grabbed Xander by the shirt and shoved him up against a wall, wincing at the shock in his head. “Let’s get one thing clear, mate,” he said in a low, menacing tone. “If you ever even think about saying anything like that in front of my wife, I will see to it personally that you never reproduce.”
 
“I didn’t mean…”
 
“Girl’s got enough to worry about without you telling her she’s carrying the devil himself. You’ve got no proof of that, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you upset her again. She forgave your sorry ass. Now shut your mouth and help her.” Spike let him go, grabbed the box of books and shoved it into Xander’s arms. Xander and Giles made their way down to the car with their burdens, while Spike grabbed the last box and shut the door. He got down to the car close behind them and silently loaded the trunk alongside Giles, while Xander stood nervously to the side.
 
Slamming the trunk, Spike whirled to face Xander again. “Are you with us or against us? Make up your mind. If you’re not with us, then leave us the fuck alone. If you are with us, get your ass in the car and make yourself useful. Which is it?”
 
Xander gulped. “I’m with you,” he said grudgingly. The three men rode back to the store in silence.
 
**********************************
 
“Godammit, Buffy that was too fucking close!”
 
Spike was vamped out, furious, and making no effort to hide it. He faced his wife across a pile of dust in one of Sunnydale’s numerous graveyards. A few days had passed, and they had gone out on patrol as usual, but had run unexpectedly into a larger than usual nest. The battle had been furious, and Buffy had been off her game. One of the vamps had gotten around behind her and had slammed her face first into the wall of a crypt. Even worse, his last words were, “Hey, this one’s a two for one deal!” before Spike had managed to dive through the throng and dust him. Buffy had recovered and helped finish the job, but Spike was still shaking with fury and fear.
 
“Look, I just had a bad night’s sleep last night,” she said. “I was just a little slow. I would have gotten free in a minute.”
 
“Bullshit!” Spike spat back. “He practically had his fangs in you!” And he could tell you were pregnant! he added silently, in case anyone was listening.
 
“I’ve had bad nights before this,” she countered. “Nothing’s changed.”
 
“That’s bollocks, and you know it,” he snarled. He paced away and kicked a tree angrily. He kicked it a few more times in rapid succession before he leaned against it, pounding his fist in frustration.
 
Buffy walked up behind him and tentatively put her hand out to his shoulder. Spike. William. Look at me.
 
He turned and she was ashamed to be the cause of the moisture in his eyes. Won’t lose you. Won’t go through that again. He shook off his gameface and leaned against the tree, giving her a desperate, longing look. She felt his love and his terror and she moved over to comfort him. At first he kept his hands in his pockets stubbornly while she wound her arms around his waist and leaned against his chest, but he was only able to hold out for a moment before he succumbed and drew her in. Love you, Buffy. Love you so much that the thought of losing you causes me physical pain. God, don’t ever leave me.
 
Buffy was deeply moved. She had always been the one who got left. Every male in her life, not to mention her mom, had left her. But here was a man, her man, begging her to stay. I won’t ever leave you. I’m sorry if I scared you. I’m… I just don’t know how to stop being a Slayer. It still seems so unreal sometimes.
 
What does? Spike asked, picking his head up to look down at her.
 
This baby, our marriage, it just still blows my mind. Not that I don’t want it, she quickly reassured him. But it all seems so up in the air still. In some ways I guess I’m still in denial about the pregnancy thing.
 
Think that’s normal, pet, Spike soothed, rubbing her back. Mystical pregnancy or not, all parents must go through that. One of those universal things.
 
Yeah, but other parents don’t have to save the world every night on top of it, she said, with a touch of bitterness.
 
Spike bent his head and kissed her. Hope Willow finishes that amulet soon. I’m going to be a basket case until she does.
 
Shall we check out the progress now? Buffy proposed. Spike concurred, and they took off toward the Magic Box. Upon arrival they found Willow and Anya bent over a spellbook, debating some last minute details about the spell they wanted to use. Giles and Tara were in another corner, comparing notes on possible spells that could be used to cause a demonic pregnancy to come about. Xander and Dawn were nowhere to be seen.
 
“Hey guys, how goes the research?” Buffy said. “And where’s Dawn?”
 
“She and Xander went to pick up pizza,” Tara remarked. “As for the research, it’s still pretty slow going.”
 
“Is that amulet ready yet?” Spike asked. “I’d feel a lot more comfortable if I knew the missus wasn’t advertising her condition every time she stepped outside.”
 
“I think we’ve got it worked out,” Willow said. “The amulet should make anyone around you, demon or human, think you’re just your ordinary, unpregnant self.”
 
“Good. What do I have to do?” Buffy asked. Just then Xander and Dawn came in bearing the pizza. Xander put the pizza down on the table while Dawn lugged drinks.
 
“I guess we should hold off on the spells until after we’ve eaten,” said Giles. They all dug in, and discussed details while they ate.
 
“We’re sure this spell isn’t going to harm me or the baby, right?” Buffy asked worriedly.
 
“We’ve checked,” Tara reassured her. “It’s really just a simple illusion.”
 
Xander spoke up. “But is it going to work if the kid isn’t human? I mean, we’re making a lot of assumptions here.”
 
Spike narrowed his eyes at Xander, but it was Dawn who said, “We’re not really going to know if it works until we try it, so we should just try it, don’t you think?”
 
No one could really argue with the teenage logic, so they finished their meal and cleared away the leavings. Willow cast a circle with herbs and sat in the center, holding an amethyst on a silver chain over a candle. Upon her instruction, Buffy stood in the circle as well. Buffy was understandably nervous – Willow’s last two spells had left her in physical pain and a coma, respectively. She tried to stay calm, but Spike could hear her heart racing. Steady on, sweetheart. You’ll be ok, he soothed silently. She smiled a crooked smile at him and tried to slow down her breathing.
 
Willow began chanting in Latin and a swirling mist soon surrounded her and Buffy. At a word, the mist coalesced into the amethyst and the spell ended. “That’s it?” Buffy asked.
 
“Should be,” said Willow. She stood and held out the amulet. “I guess you’ll have to try it on to be sure.”
 
“Here goes,” she said. She slipped it over her head and turned to Spike. “Well? Anything?”
 
Spike listened, but the child’s heartbeat was no longer audible. He found it rather disconcerting and said, “Take it off, so I can see the difference.” Buffy took the amulet off and set it on the table, and Spike was relieved to hear the steady patter of the baby’s heart once more. “I think it worked, pet.”
 
Buffy felt his worry and his relief and went over to fold him in her arms. Turning back to Willow she said, “Thanks, Wils. I think this will allow us both to rest a bit easier.”
 
The meeting broke up soon after and Buffy, Spike, and Dawn headed home, once more with an unseen pair of Kratash following at a distance.
 
“Do you feel that?” the woman remarked.
 
The man nodded. “She seems to have a spell on her or something.”
 
“Could she be hiding her pregnancy?”
 
“Seems likely. Our first agent must have been discovered. We’ll have to let the controller know.”
 
“He’s not going to like this,” the woman sighed. “The first agent had no business getting close enough to get caught.”
 
“Maybe he didn’t count on the vampire,” the man mused. “We’re going to have to track her by day, when he’s not around. See if there’s some way to get past that spell.”
 
“Well,” said the woman, “Guess we should go break the news.”  The man agreed and they headed out for a sheltered place to vanish unnoticed.
 
****************************
 
The two Kratash agents stood in front of their controller. In this, their home dimension, they all looked identical, gray and featureless to the human eye. But in the small chamber, one gray creature sat behind the local approximation of a desk while the other two stood before him making their report.
 
“It would appear,” the male agent was finishing, “That they are somehow alerted to the fact that they are being watched, and have chosen to mask the pregnancy by mystical means.”
 
“How did they become alerted to your presence?” the controller said with a slight menace behind the words. The Kratash prided themselves in not being caught. For a spy to blow their cover was a serious offense indeed.
 
“We don’t believe that our presence is known,” the female agent said swiftly. “We have found no trace of the previous agent, although he had been seen in some of the demon bars. We can only assume that the vampire sensed him and killed him.”
 
The controller pondered this. “Our client is anxious to know when this child is due. Can we get an estimate?”
 
“The human female was not visibly larger just prior to this masking spell,” ventured the female. “My research indicates that this would mean she is still within the first three or four months of the gestation period.”
 
“However, it must be far enough along for those with enhanced hearing to be aware of the child,” the male agent added. “Otherwise, why do the spell at this point?”
 
“Your reasoning is sound,” the controller agreed. He sat and thought about it for a while. “Good work. I want you to keep up your surveillance. I want to know if they leave town, or if anything else develops. I also want you to look for ways to get around their protective wards. Find a way for our client to get to her when the time comes. They will be difficult to overpower, so we will need all the information we can get.”
 
“Thank you, sir,” the agents chorused. They bowed slightly and vanished to get back to work.
 
************************
 
Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. It had been three weeks since this research project had started and he felt like he was getting nowhere fast. It was like trying to believe six impossible things before breakfast. Vampires couldn’t reproduce. Every source, not to mention common sense, seemed to agree with that. Dead sperm equals no baby. But Buffy was pregnant, and Spike was the only person she had been with. He had asked her point blank about that when he had her alone at one point, but she was adamant, and he had to admit that there was no way she could have been with anyone else in the time she’d been back. He felt he was grasping at straws.
 
He went over his notes again. The only clue they had was the heat during… whatever had happened. But no spells related to reproduction mentioned that effect at all. Maddening. Absolutely maddening.
 
The bell rang over the Magic Box door, disturbing his early morning peace and quiet. He came out of the office to see Willow, Anya, and Xander strolling in. “Morning, Giles,” said Anya.
 
“Good morning, all of you,” Giles responded. “Do we have a plan for today?”
 
Willow sighed. “I don’t know where to go from here, Giles. It just all seems impossible! I can’t find any impossibility spells!”
 
“I share your frustration,” Giles said.
 
“I know this is going to piss people off,” Xander said. “But I’m going to say it again while there’s just us here. Should she even be having this kid at all? If we don’t know what it is, and what it’s going to do to her, or to us, why aren’t we trying to convince her to end this?”
 
“Xander!” Willow said, shocked. “You don’t just go up to a pregnant woman and say ‘Your kid might be evil, you should have an abortion’. You just don’t!”
 
“Besides,” Anya put in. “She and Spike would both probably rip you several new orifices for the very suggestion.”
 
“But she could be carrying Rosemary’s Baby for all we know!” Xander cried. “I mean, what if the thing turns out to be some massive demon that kills her in childbirth or something!”
 
“Xander, you must control yourself,” Giles said sharply. “We cannot make the mistake of…”
 
“Wait!” Willow said excitedly. “I just had an idea! Exorcism!”
 
“What?” Xander said. “You mean like, creepy priests and Buffy’s head spinning around and all that?”
 
“No, nothing like that,” Willow explained. “Look, there are all sorts of rituals meant to get demons to show themselves. We can do a ritual on Buffy to get any demon residing in her to come out. That way, if the baby is demonic, we can see the demon and know what type it is, and if the baby is human, there should be no effect one way or the other!”
 
Giles thought about that for a moment. He found himself once again on a mental tightrope. Willow was a powerful witch. They needed that power. At the same time, he was well aware from his own youthful indiscretions how addictive that power could become. Was Willow able to control this? Would there be unintended consequences? Were they missing something? “It seems too simple,” Giles said finally. “I just want to be sure that no harm will come to Buffy.”
 
Willow swallowed back the hurt at not being fully trusted, but said, “Can I show you the spell I’m thinking of? If we go over it together, step by step, will that make you more comfortable?”
 
“Yes, I think that would,” said Giles. He put his glasses back on his nose, and sat down next to Willow. For the next ninety minutes they pored over the texts, arguing line by line until Giles was at last satisfied.
 
“Very well. You’ve convinced me that no harm will come to Buffy or a human child. We’ll have to discuss it with her at the next opportunity.”
 
“Why don’t I give her a call?” Willow offered. “Maybe we could try it this morning if she’s free.” Willow went to the phone and dialed the Summers’ residence.
 
“Hello?”
 
“Hey, Buffy it’s Willow,” she said. “Are you around this morning? We may have found a way to see if the baby is demonic or not.”
 
Buffy swallowed, her hand tightening on the phone. “Um, sure. Should I come over now?”
 
“If you can,” Willow answered.
 
“Ok. I’ll be there in a bit.” She hung up and stood with her hand on the receiver for a moment. She did want to know what she was carrying. But part of her didn’t want to wreck the happy fantasy of a baby with Spike’s eyes. One they could cherish and enjoy. If she found out it was part demon, how would she feel about it? Would she still be able to love it? Would the others start pressuring her to get rid of it? She chewed her lip repeatedly, thinking it over. In the end, she decided that knowledge was probably power. Spike was still asleep, so she left him a note: Went to the Magic Box. Join me when you get up. Love, Me. She grabbed her jacket and was out the door before she could change her mind.
 
She entered the Magic Box as a group of Goth looking teens left. Wonder if I’m going to have to deal with that phase someday? She found these thoughts popping up in her head a lot these days. Must be hormones. “Hi guys,” she said to the others. “What’s the situation?”
 
“Buffy, good to see you,” Giles said. “We think we have found a way to reveal if there is a demonic presence in you in any way.” He briefly went over the idea of the spell, while Buffy listened, frowning slightly.
 
“Ok, but are you sure it isn’t going to hurt me or the baby?”
 
“I have personally gone over it,” Giles said. “If the baby is fully human, it will have no effect.” He paused for a moment. “If the child is demonic, however, there is a chance that it will not survive the extraction of its essence.”
 
Buffy hesitated. She felt the child was human, and so did Spike. But there was always the nagging doubt that they were mistaken. What if the baby was half human? Would the human side be enough to keep it going if somehow the demon side were revealed or ‘extracted’ as Giles said? She thought about consulting Spike. I don’t want to worry him. He says it’s human. He seems sure. At last she decided. Perhaps they would see that the child wasn’t demonic and the Scoobies would finally get off her case about that. In any event, she needed to know.
 
“Alright,” she said reluctantly. “What do you need to do to me?”
 
Giles flipped the closed sign on the door and they went into the training room. Willow told Buffy to take off her protective amulet while she drew a pentagram on the floor. She put particular herbs in each corner of the pentagram, and lit candles at precise locations. Buffy stood in the center, trying to steady her breathing as Willow began walking counterclockwise around the circle, chanting in Latin. Giles, Xander, and Anya looked on intently, ready to note any demons that might manifest themselves.
 
A particular demon was making his way through the tunnels to the Magic Box as they began, enjoying a cigarette on the way. Spike had woken up when Buffy left, grumbling about women and their tendency toward slamming doors. When he saw the note, he decided to head over to the Magic Box to see what the urgent message was about. It’s not that I don’t trust the Scoobies, he thought. Ah sod it, I don’t trust them. Probably give Buffy an extra arm or something if I don’t keep an eye on the magic slingers. As he made his way through the sewers, he probed to see when he would pick up Buffy’s thoughts. Their range was increasing daily. He wondered it if it was related to the pregnancy at all. Slayer? You out there?
 
Willow’s chanting was getting louder, and a wind seemed to come from nowhere, swirling like a tornado with Buffy at its center. The wind blew Buffy’s hair, but nothing else seemed to change. Must be human after all, she thought happily. Suddenly, she felt a tug, centered somewhere around her heart. She cried out, first in shock, and then in pain. Her scream grew in volume as she twisted and jerked. A wraith-like mist poured gradually from her mouth, coalescing into a figure before her.
 
Spike had been ambling through the tunnels when suddenly he grabbed his head in agony. A wordless scream pierced his brain, and he realized that it was Buffy’s pain he was feeling. He staggered, then gathered himself up and ran toward the Magic Box. Buffy! he called to her. Hold on, I’m coming! As he ran he had to grind his teeth to bear the torment she was enduring. It felt like her very soul was being torn from her body. Dear God, what are they doing to her? Buffy!
 
The Scoobies looked on in alarm as the mist continued flowing out of Buffy’s tormented form. The mist was turning into a figure, with wild eyes and black shaggy hair, primitively dressed and fierce. Warning bells started going off in Giles’ head as Anya said, “There is a demon! What is it?”
 
Giles’ answer was cut off by a roar as Spike came bursting into the room. He took in what was happening and leaped across the room, tackling Willow and scattering the herbs and candles in one fell swoop. He immediately clutched his head as the chip fired, but managed to stagger to his feet. He lurched across to where Buffy had fallen to the floor unconscious and knelt down next to her, shaking. “Buffy!” he cried. For a long moment she didn’t seem to be breathing, but then she gasped and moaned, still unconscious, but clearly alive. Spike listened carefully with his heart in his throat until he heard the second heartbeat as well. They were both ok. He stroked her forehead gently, then stood up to face the others.
 
“What did you do to her?” he growled. His eyes flashed yellow as he struggled to control his demon.
 
Xander had helped Willow to her feet, glaring at Spike. She brushed herself off and answered shakily, “It was a spell to make visible any demon residing in Buffy. Sort of an exorcism to draw out the demon if the child was demonic. If the child was human, there should have been no effect.”
 
“Seems to me we’ve got proof that it’s a demon in some form,” Xander said with a trace of smugness.
 
“You fools,” Spike snarled. “You bloody, bloody fools. I would expect this from the children, but you should have known better, Watcher.” He fixed Giles with angry, accusing eyes.
 
“What do you mean?” Giles asked. He once again had this nagging feeling that there was something he had overlooked.
 
“A Slayer is part demon, you git. Isn’t that part of your Watcher training?” Spike snapped.
 
“What do you mean, a Slayer is part demon?” Xander asked. “Buffy’s a force for good. How can she be a demon?”
 
Spike struggled to keep his cool. Addressing Giles he asked, “You ever read the Thurkill Codex?”
 
Giles looked at him as if he had just asked for a lemming. “What?”
 
“The Thurkill Codex,” Spike repeated. “Has all sorts of rare demon lore. Including some info about the origins of the Slayer.”
 
“I’ve heard of it, but I’ve only seen some partial translations of it. I had heard it was lost.”
 
“Well, yeah, to you guys,” Spike said contemptuously. “Demons have their own scholars you know. When I heard about the Slayer for the first time, I did some research on the whole history. Found a copy in the original demonic tongues. Not sure how it happened, but the original Slayer was said to be a girl crossed with a demon for strength.”
 
Willow’s eyes got wide. “So we were drawing out…”
 
“The Slayer in her,” Spike finished.
 
“Of course,” Giles said. “What we saw. It was the First Slayer. Buffy described her after her vision quest last year.”
 
Spike was kneeling down next to his wife again, checking her vitals. “You could have killed her,” he said. He tried to sound angry but his voice broke as he realized how close he had come to losing her again.
 
“Oh God, I didn’t know,” Willow said, shaking her head in horror. The full impact of what she almost did crashed down on her and she sat down abruptly on the training room couch, covering her face.
 
“This is my fault,” Giles said. “I should have known.” He too was shaky at the thought that his ignorance could have killed his Slayer again.
 
“But I don’t get it,” Xander persisted. “How can she go about slaying demons if she is a demon?”
 
Anya rolled her eyes. “Xander, there are demons, and demons. They’re not all evil you know. I mean, angels are a form of demon for heaven’s sake.”
 
“But we still have no idea what sort of demon she’s carrying,” Xander continued, wondering why this seemed obvious only to him. “I mean, what if they combine somehow? If a slayer demon was turned into something evil…”
 
“Why do you lot always assume that it’s going to take after me?” Spike growled indignantly. They all turned to stare at him. “Kid’s got two parents, right? Have any of you even considered the possibility that it’ll take after Buffy? Haven’t you figured out yet that good pretty much always wins in the end? It may not be a pretty victory, and there can be a lot of collateral damage, but speaking from personal experience, evil tends to get its ass kicked nine times out of ten.”
 
The others were struck dumb by the notion. One by one they all realized that they had been looking at the problem in terms of protecting Buffy and the world from some unknown evil spawn. They had literally not even conceived of the idea that this child could be a new force for good. Spike turned his attention back to his wife, who was still out cold. He looked up at Giles. “Can you get her home? I can go through the sewers and meet you there.”
 
“Should she see a doctor?” Giles asked with concern. “Is… is the child alright?”
 
“Heartbeat seems fine,” he said, stroking her hair. “Her breathing and everything seems fine. We should get her someplace she can rest. Don’t fancy explaining to the ER that she’s out cold because someone tried to extract a demon from her.” The others saw the logic in his statement.
 
“I’ll help, Giles,” Xander offered quietly. Giles went to bring his car around the back of the store, and together they carried Buffy into the car.
 
Spike watched them like a hawk, then turned to Willow. “Look, I know you were trying to help. But no more spells on her. Ever. You can put all the wards on objects and houses that you want. But I won’t stand for you risking my wife’s life anymore.” He spoke quietly, but with a definite menace behind the words. Willow had no response but a shaky nod. Spike turned and made his way back to the tunnels, while Anya sighed and started cleaning up.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #16 - Chapter 16
 
Disclaimer: The vampires and other characters belong to Joss Whedon, so he gets all the money.
 
Thanks for the reviews!
 
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Chapter 16
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Buffy didn’t wake up until after sunset. Giles and Xander had brought her home and gotten her up to her room by the time Spike caught up with them. Giles had wanted to stay until she woke up, but Spike had politely but firmly asked him to leave, promising to call when she woke up. Giles had wanted to protest, but he realized that, like it or not, Spike was Buffy’s husband, and he had no right to force his way into their home. When Dawn came home, she was frightened and alarmed by what had transpired, but Spike’s reassurance calmed her down. Neither of them wanted to leave her side to eat, but finally Spike shooed Dawn downstairs to fix herself a sandwich or something.
 
Spike returned to Buffy’s side and stroked her hand, running his thumb over her wedding band. Come back to me, love. My mind’s all empty without you. At last the silence in his mind became a hum, and a blur of images. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him in confusion. “Where..?”
 
“You’re at home, love. Spell went a bit wonky.” He helped her sit up, then fetched her a glass of water from the bathroom. She drank it down gratefully, still looking a bit bleary. “What do you remember?”
 
“They were doing that spell,” she said slowly. “All of a sudden it hurt. Like something was being pulled out of my brain or something.”
 
“I felt that,” Spike said, wincing at the memory. “They nearly pulled the Slayer out of you.”
 
“Huh?” Buffy said, uncomprehending.
 
“I tried to explain to the others,” he began. “A Slayer’s a girl crossed with a demon of sorts. Or at least the first one was, and somehow that demonic nature gets passed down. So a spell to pull demons out and make them visible is about the last thing you want to do to a Slayer you want to keep.”
 
“Demon? I don’t get it,” Buffy said. “Does that mean I’m not the Slayer anymore?” Her thoughts were thick with worry.
 
“Demon’s what makes you so strong, so fierce. A demon on the side of good is a powerful tool. Using the enemy’s weapon against him, that sort of thing. But I’m pretty certain that I stopped the spell in time. If I hadn’t, I’m not sure you’d be here speaking to me.” He shuddered a bit at the thought.
 
Buffy shook her head, trying to clear it. Suddenly she panicked. “The baby? Did it hurt the baby?”
 
“Shh. Little one’s unchanged, as far as I can tell.” Buffy relaxed, leaning back against the headboard. Spike took her hands and rubbed them gently. “Buffy, I don’t want Willow doing any more spells on you. This is the third spell in a row that went badly for you, and..”
 
She put a hand to his lips. “Don’t worry. I’m in full agreement on that one.”
 
“I know you want to know what the child is,” Spike said. “But we’ll just have to find out some other way.”
 
“No,” Buffy said firmly. “I used to think the worst thing was not knowing. Now I think I’d rather risk the unknown than risk losing it.” Spike looked up sharply, meeting her intense stare. “This child is ours, Spike. Whatever else it is, it’s ours, and that’s all that matters to me.”
 
“Oh, Buffy,” he breathed. He cupped her face and kissed her gently, closing his eyes and resting his forehead on hers. No one has ever loved me like you do, pet. No one. Don’t bloody deserve it, but I am grateful for it every day.
 
She cupped his face in turn and kissed him back. You do deserve it. I love you, William Pratt. And I’m proud to be carrying your child. Then they heard Dawn coming up the stairs and separated reluctantly.
 
**********************
 
And so it begins, Buffy sighed one morning about a week later. She had grabbed a pair of jeans out of her drawer, and found to her dismay that she could no longer button them at all. They had been mildly tight the last time, which she had attributed to shrinkage in the wash, but now there was no doubt. She was starting to show.
 
“Problem?” Spike asked, coming in from the bathroom with a towel around his waist.
 
“Just parting company with the skinny jeans for the near future,” she said ruefully. She peeled the jeans back off with a sigh and folded them back up.
 
Spike came over and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He nibbled on her neck as he ran his hand slowly down her body. She sighed as his hands lingered over her breasts, teasing her nipples before continuing downward to caress her belly. The bulge there was slight, but a definite change from her usual taut, flat stomach. “No worries, love. You can just go naked until summer as far as I’m concerned.” His hands continued downward, sliding under her panties, bringing a moan from her lips.
 
“Spike…” she sighed. “Scoobie meeting, remember?”
 
“Plenty of time,” he purred. He continued caressing her, working her underwear slowly off of her and bending her forward. He entered her smoothly as she leaned forward to grip the dresser, gasping at the welcome intrusion. Such a goddess, he thought as she gripped him with her inner muscles.
 
Buffy moaned again, shaking the entire dresser as she vibrated in pleasure. Spike increased his pace, teasing her nipples and her clit in turn until they both cried out their release. Groaning, Spike pulled out of her and she turned to pull him into a melting kiss. ”There may be something to that going naked thing,” she said with a devilish smile.
 
“Never have to wear clothes on my account, just remember that,” he said with his usual smirk. After a few more minutes of kissing they sighed and went back to the task of finding clothes. Finally dressed, he said, “Join me on my run through the tunnels, or meet me there?”
 
“Meet you there, I think. I have a call to make first,” she answered.
 
“Oh? To whom?”
 
“Secret,” she said, smiling. “But I think you’ll like the surprise.”
 
“I’d better,” he growled playfully. “Don’t like being kept in suspense.”
 
“Won’t be for very long. Now scoot, and tell the others I’ll be there soon.”
 
Spike kissed her, grabbed his blanket, and dashed for the sewer. Buffy made her phone call, wrote ‘6 pm’ on the calendar for a day about a week later, then left to meet Spike and the others at the Magic Box.
 
Spike had arrived in the middle of a discussion between Tara, Anya, and Giles, who were all proposing various demons they had found as the ones in Spike and Buffy’s dreams. “Ah, Spike, good that you’re here,” Giles said when he noticed the vampire. “We have some possible suspects for the demons you dreamed about. Any of these look familiar?”
 
Spike came over and looked at several books, along with a printout from some website. He studied them intently for a while, but finally had to shake his head. “No, none of these look right.”
 
“But what do you mean?” Anya said. “I mean, large, black, shiny, it has to be a Rath’nar!”
 
“Yes, but Rath’nar’s don’t have hands. They’ve got these pincer-like things.” Spike pointed to the book, which clearly showed something that looked like a cross between Bigfoot, a beetle, and a lobster. “The things in the dream clearly had hands. One was holding a knife.”
 
“Oh, right,” said Anya. “Are you sure you remember those things correctly? I mean, you were dreaming.”
 
“Bloody well right, I remember them,” he snapped, suppressing a shudder.
 
Giles pulled a notebook out of the pile. “We should go over what you and Buffy remember from your dreams again. Maybe we’re missing something. Where is Buffy anyway?” he asked, looking around.
 
“Had a bit of a wardrobe crisis,” Spike said. Upon seeing the confusion on their faces he added, “She’s starting to show.”
 
Giles turned a bit red at the thought and cleaned his glasses. “Quite. Well, as soon as she arrives we can… ah, Buffy, there you are.” Giles was relieved to change the awkward subject as his Slayer walked in.
 
“Hey Buffy,” Anya chirped. “Spike was saying you’re starting to have trouble fitting in your clothes. That’s exciting!”
 
“Um, yeah, I guess.” Thanks for nothing, Mr. Pratt. Spike shrugged apologetically. “Anyhow, what are we up to?”
 
“We wanted to hear again what you’ve been seeing in your dreams,” Giles said. “We’re trying to see what we’ve overlooked.” They all sat down around the table, with an open notebook containing the previous notes.
 
Buffy began. “The dreams all seem to have these demons in them. In the first dream Spike and I were trying to get to some altar in this room full of them. It was like… I had to get there on time. There was some consequence for not getting to the altar, but I don’t know what it was.”
 
“Did it seem like you were trying to rescue someone or get something?” Giles asked as Tara jotted things down.
 
Buffy shook her head. “I don’t know. There was another dream where I was running down some hallway and I definitely had the baby in my arms, all wrapped up in something black. I was with Spike again, and there was some door we were trying to reach, but all those demons were behind us. In another dream some voice was saying ‘The child is ours’ and something was holding me down and there was this terrible pain across my midsection.” She shuddered with the memory.
 
“I felt it too,” added Spike, grasping Buffy’s hand to steady her.
 
“Was it the demons holding you down?” Tara asked.
 
“I think so. It wasn’t as clear. But the voice and the pain, those seemed very real.”
 
“Were those all the dreams you remember?” asked Giles.
 
“There was another one, but it was just screaming. Someone else was screaming, a woman. I remember being terrified, because I knew they were coming after me, and I couldn’t get away.” Buffy’s voice quavered a little. Steady, love, Spike reassured her. Just dreams at this point.
 
“No idea who the woman was?” Anya put in.
 
“No.”
 
Giles looked at the notes and scratched his head. “Was there any sense of order in these events? Did it seem like one thing definitely came before another?” Buffy’s reply was interrupted by the door opening to admit Willow and Xander, bearing a tray full of cups of coffee.
 
“Sorry we’re late,” Xander explained. “But we brought caffeinated goodness for all.” He had actually bought only enough for the humans in the bunch. Giles, Anya, Willow, and Tara each reached for a cup, leaving two behind.
 
“You can have mine, hon,” Buffy said, handing a cup to Spike. “I tend to stick to decaf these days.” She gave Xander a hard look, and he looked away, taking the last cup of coffee for himself.
 
“Thanks, love,” he said, toasting Xander with a smirk before taking a sip. “Now, where were we?”
 
“I was just going to say that I don’t know what the order of events was in the dreams. They’re all just scenes. Flashes really. The only common thing is the fear and those demon things.”
 
“Spike? Tell us about your dreams again,” said Giles. He and Tara had heard them, but the others had been busy on other projects, and Giles wanted everyone to be on the same page.
 
“I’ve only had a couple that I can remember in detail,” Spike began, pausing for another sip of coffee. “In the first one, there was this room, blood everywhere. It may have been our bedroom at home, I don’t know. There had been a big fight – things scattered everywhere, and all over blood. Buffy was in the middle of all of it, lying there with her eyes closed.”
 
“Was she… was she dead?” Willow asked.
 
“Not sure,” Spike replied. “In the dream her eyes opened and they were yellow. Like a vampire.”
 
“So you really got the feeling she had been turned?” Giles wondered. He shuddered at the thought.
 
“Yeah,” Spike said. Reluctantly he added, “I woke up with the feeling that it was somehow my fault.”
 
“You turned her, you mean?” Xander snapped, looking agitated.
 
“Xander, calm down,” Buffy said. “It was a dream, and he didn’t say he definitely turned me. He just said it was an off feeling.”
 
“Were there other dreams you recall?” Tara asked, looking up once more from the notebook.
 
“Just one where Buffy was screaming bloody murder. I was running to get to her, fast as I could, like I knew I had to get there to save her from something.”
 
“But what about the demons? Didn’t you dream about them too?” Anya said.
 
“I see them, but it’s all disjointed. Battles, demons on all sides. I know they’re large – taller than me. Black. Shiny skin. All ridged and distorted in their faces. One of them was holding a knife in one of the dreams.” He closed his eyes, trying to remember. “The knife was coming down on something. Couldn’t see what it was, but I felt like I needed to get to it.” He shook his head in frustration.
 
“Any thoughts from anyone?” Giles asked. They all sipped coffee while they passed the notes around, trying to come up with an idea.
 
“Have we looked up any demonic rituals that require a sacrifice?” asked Anya. “I mean, given the altar and the knife, that sort of screams ‘blood ritual’ to me.”
 
“Good point,” said Tara. “Maybe we’ve been going about it wrong looking for the demons. Maybe if we sort it out by rituals the rituals will point us at the demons performing them.”
 
“We also gotta remember the wealth factor,” Spike added. “These things can hire the Kratash. That takes resources.”
 
“Have we been looking into demons from other dimensions?” Willow asked. “I mean, these things clearly aren’t common to our world, or we should have been able to find something about them.”
 
“Another good point,” said Giles. “Although my own library may not have what we’re looking for. I may need to look farther afield.”
 
“But what about Spike’s dream,” Xander said. They turned to look at him. “Don’t we need to worry that Spike could turn her? I mean, if that happens it won’t matter if there are demons out to sacrifice Buffy or the baby – she’d be dead already.”
 
Spike glared at Xander. “Listen, whelp,” he growled. “I would never turn Buffy. She’s my mate. And I will rip apart any demon or anyone else who lays a finger on her. Clear?”
 
“Besides, Xander, anything that kills me would drive Spike to suicide,” Buffy added. “Not something you have to worry about, so just drop it.” Her steely voice made Xander gulp quietly and fall silent. Clearly, no one was going to listen to his continuing concerns about this whole Slayer-Vampire relationship.
 
“Have we heard about any more Kratash demons?” Tara asked, changing the subject.
 
“No, although I’m sure they’re around somewhere,” Spike said. “They must’ve figured out that the first one bought it, so they’re being even more careful this time.”
 
“How has the amulet been working?” Willow asked.
 
Buffy shrugged and stood up. “Well, you tell me. Do I look like I’m starting to show?”
 
“You still look as fit as ever,” said Anya.
 
“And I can attest that the heartbeat and all that isn’t audible, even when I’m right next to her,” said Spike.
 
“Then even if the Kratash had been around, they won’t have too many particulars about Buffy’s progress,” Giles said. After a moment he had a thought. “Is there something we can do to detect the Kratash if they’re near?”
 
“Other than looking for women who want to date Harris?” Spike teased. Xander narrowed his eyes at the vampire who smirked and drank more coffee.
 
“Behave, you,” Buffy scolded. “But that is an idea. Is there some way to make them visible?”
 
“I’ll have to look into it,” Willow said. “Maybe a charm of some sort.”
 
“Alright. Willow and Tara, figure out how to detect the Kratash. Anya, I want you to start looking at rituals. Xander, I may need you to give me a ride in a few days.”
 
“To where?” Xander wondered.
 
“To L.A.”
 
“No!” cried Buffy, jumping out of her seat. “You are NOT bringing Angel into this. I am not dealing with him going ballistic because I am married to Spike and carrying his child. Not. Happening.”
 
“Buffy, calm down,” Giles said sternly. “I have no intention of telling Angel anything. But Wesley Wyndam-Price has quite a collection of books that involve demon prophesies and rituals that might be of some assistance. I am merely going to ask him if I can borrow some of them without explaining the details.”
 
Buffy stared him down, looking for any sign of deceit. “Fine,” she said at last. “But if Angel shows up on my doorstep all pissed off and stake-y, I am holding you personally responsible.” She turned to face Xander. “And if you even think about thinking about going to Angel behind our backs they will never find all the pieces, do you understand?”
 
Xander held his hands up in surrender. “Ok, Buff. Jeez. I am on your side, you know.”
 
“Are you?” Buffy said. “Because I sometimes I’m not so sure.” She glared at him for a moment more, then turned back to Giles. “Is there anything else I can do?”
 
“Just keep yourself safe, and let us know if there are any more dreams,” said Giles.
 
“Alright.” She turned to Spike. “I’m going by the store on the way home. Do you need anything?”
 
“Getting low on blood, come to mention it,” he said.
 
“I’ll pick some up,” she said, kissing him gently. “Meet you at home.” She waved to the others and headed out the door.
 
“I’ll be getting along home as well,” Spike said. “Just want you to know I appreciate all the research.”
 
“We all care about her, Spike,” said Tara. “We won’t let you guys down.” With a nod, Spike turned to go down to the basement to get into the tunnels.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #17 - Chapter 17
 
Disclaimer: As always, not my vampires. Joss Whedon’s vampires.
 
And also, as always, reviewers rock my world.
 
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Chapter 17
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“Don’t I get to know where I’m taking you?” Spike asked. Buffy had ordered him to drive her somewhere soon after sunset on a night about a week after their last Scoobie meeting.
 
“No. What part of surprise are you not getting here?” she responded.
 
“Bloody maddening, you are,” he grumbled. She had clearly been keeping a secret from him since the night of the meeting. Although he sensed that it was a good secret, it was still driving him crazy with anticipation. “Where am I going again?”
 
“2439 Springside,” Buffy said, consulting a card from her purse. Spike wound his way through the streets until they came up in front of a small medical building.
 
“What’s this then?” Spike asked, bewildered.
 
Buffy grinned. “I managed to find a place to schedule my first ultrasound that has evening hours,” she said happily. “Apparently, I’m not the only woman whose husband is only available in the evenings.”
 
Spike’s eyes widened and his face burst out in a beautiful smile. “Ultrasound? You mean I’ll get to see it? Tonight?” He honestly hadn’t expected that he could be at any of the big doctor’s appointments, given his sunlight problem.
 
“Yep,” said Buffy. “I know you want to be involved. And I want you here. If anything is… unexpected, I need your support.”
 
“Oh, sweetheart,” Spike said, pulling her in for a kiss. Don’t know how much this means to me, pet.
 
I think I do, she thought back. The kiss went on for another minute until she reluctantly broke it off. “Come on so we won’t be late.”
 
“Hey, better give me that amulet,” he remembered. “Otherwise they won’t see anything.”
 
“Right, I forgot,” said Buffy. She pulled the chain over her head and gave it to Spike for safekeeping. They walked off toward the office, arm in arm. On the other side of the street the Kratash spies watched them from their car.
 
“Look!” said the male Kratash. “She just took something off and handed it to the vampire.”
 
“Can you see if she’s pregnant?”
 
“Too far away,” he said. “Her clothing seems looser though. She might be hiding her pregnancy under there.”
 
“What is this place?” asked the female Kratash, peering at the sign through the darkness.
 
“Some sort of medical building. We’ll have to find out what goes on here.”
 
“We should probably wait until later. Don’t want the vampire to sniff us out.”
 
“Agreed,” said the male. He started the car and drove off.
 
Unaware, Buffy and Spike went in and gave Buffy’s name at the reception desk. A few moments later, a nurse showed them into a room. Buffy was instructed to put on a hospital gown, and she ducked into a changing room while Spike paced around, idly examining equipment that he knew nothing about. When Buffy came back out in the unflattering gray gown he resisted the urge to snicker aloud. “Lovely getup, pet,” he said, trying to keep a straight face.
 
“Shut up, vampire,” she said with a mock frown. “Or I’ll schedule you for a prostate exam.”
 
“Oi! Don’t even joke about that, Slayer!” Spike said with a shudder. Buffy laughed and got comfortable on the examining table.
 
After a few minutes a young female technician came in. “Good evening. I’m Cathy,” she said cheerfully. “You must be Buffy?”
 
“Yes, and this is my husband William,” she said, trying to relax. She found herself very nervous all of a sudden.
 
“Now, just relax,” Cathy said, noticing her nervousness. “This is totally painless. Just getting a picture of how the baby is developing.”
 
“Will… will we be able to see if there’s anything wrong with it?” Buffy asked in a worried tone.
 
“Yes, but I really don’t think you have anything to be concerned about. According to your records, you’ve got nothing unusual going on and you’re healthy and fit. Now just relax, and we’ll get started.”
 
Buffy got settled and Spike moved over next to her to hold her hand. Gonna be ok, love. Don’t fret.
 
I’ll try, Buffy responded. “Ooh!” she squeaked as the technician squirted the lubricant on her belly.
 
“It’s not cold, is it?” Cathy asked.
 
“No. Just surprised me.”
 
“Ok, let’s see what we have here.” The technician adjusted some dials and soon a gray fuzzy image appeared on the screen. “Well, so far, I think it all looks good. See, here’s the head…” She pointed out all the features one by one.
 
Spike was utterly fascinated. “Can’t believe how much detail you can see,” he said in a voice full of wonder.
 
“I don’t know, it all looks sort of… blobby to me,” said Buffy doubtfully.
 
Spike laughed. “Blobby? Did you just call our kid blobby?”
 
“We actually hear that comment a lot,” Cathy laughed. “Do you want to know the sex?”
 
Spike and Buffy looked at each other. Do you? Buffy asked. I don’t think I can wait.
 
Me neither, he responded, smiling at her. Looking up at Cathy he said, “We can’t wait. We need to know.”
 
“Well, right now I would say that I am ninety percent sure it’s a baby girl,” Cathy answered. She proceeded to point out the evidence on the scan, but Spike found his brain fixating on that fact. A daughter. I’m going to be the father of a daughter. Bloody hell. A daughter. “Sir?”
 
Spike shook his head, realizing that she had asked him a question. “I’m sorry, I got a little distracted there.”
 
“It’s alright. I just asked if you had any more questions for me.”
 
“No, I think I’m ok. Buffy?”
 
“So everything looks normal? Healthy human baby and all that?” Buffy asked, still trying to shake the worry.
 
“All systems go,” Cathy said. “I’ll make sure your doctor gets a copy of the results. Why don’t you get dressed while I print out some shots for you to take with you, okay?”
 
“Thank you,” Buffy said. Spike thanked her as well. As soon as the technician left the room he scooped Buffy off the table and swung her around happily, setting her onto her feet and kissing her breathless. A girl! I can’t believe it, he thought.
 
Buffy melted at the joy and pride coming out of his mind. Love you so much, William Pratt.
 
Love you right back, Buffy Summers. After another kiss he wondered, Disappointed it’s not a boy? I know you had your heart set on another man about the house.
 
Not disappointed, she assured him silently. Completely relieved that it seems normal, and very happy. Not disappointed in the slightest. Although you may think otherwise when there are three Summers women bossing you around.
 
Risk I’ll have to take. He broke off the kiss, grinning from ear to ear before reluctantly let go of her so she could get dressed. He went out to the waiting room while she changed, and the technician found him there.
 
“Here’s the pictures. Congratulations, Mr. Summers.”
 
“I’m Mr. Pratt, actually, but thank you all the same,” he said. Buffy came out then and they said their goodbyes, with Spike holding the door for her to go out. He handed her the amulet. “Best put this back on, love. Gotta protect my girls.” She smiled and complied, holding his hand as they walked out to the car.
 
*******************
 
“A girl! That’s so awesome!” Dawn squealed. They had patrolled after the appointment, and had found Dawn passed out on the couch in front of a movie when they came home. Now Buffy was sharing the pictures with Dawn over breakfast to the delight of the teen.
 
“Spike is beyond thrilled,” Buffy said. “He really wanted a girl. I would have taken either.”
 
“I can’t wait to do all the girl stuff with her!” Dawn said excitedly. “Although I hope she looks less like a bean or something when she gets bigger.”
 
Buffy laughed. “I thought she looked like the Blob, but the technician assured us she’s a normal baby girl.”
 
“I don’t see any horns or fangs, so I guess she’s right,” Dawn teased. “What are you going to name her?”
 
“We had settled on Emma Joyce for a girl,” said Buffy.
 
“Why Emma?”
 
“It was Spike’s sister’s name. Then Joyce after mom, of course.” Both girls got quiet for a moment at the mention of their mom. Buffy realized she was going to miss her mom more than ever when this child was born, and her eyes teared up a bit at the idea.
 
“I still miss her too,” said Dawn, hugging her sister. “I bet she would have been an awesome grandmother.”
 
“Yeah,” said Buffy. They held each other for a few minutes until the sadness passed. Sniffling slightly on both sides, they sat up and turned back to the pictures.
 
“What does Emma mean, anyhow?” Dawn asked.
 
“Not sure,” said Buffy. “Get that name book you got for Spike and we’ll look it up.”
 
Dawn went to retrieve the book from the living room and came back flipping through it. “Here. Emma. Says the origin is Latin, and it means ‘universal’.”
 
“Sounds like a heavy meaning for such a short name,” Buffy laughed. “What does Joyce mean?”
 
“Joyce. Well, it can either be Latin for ‘lord’ or an old English name meaning ‘experienced in battle’” Dawn said. “Either way, sounds weird for a girl’s name.”
 
“Well, mom seemed to live with it, so I guess Emma won’t suffer too much with that as a middle name,” Buffy concluded. “So do you like it?”
 
“Yes,” said Dawn. “It’s sophisticated, easy to spell and all that. Will she be a Summers or a Pratt?”
 
“She’ll be a Pratt. Spike has no family left, so he’d like someone to keep the name going.”
 
“Emma Pratt. Sounds very proper and British.”
 
“And she will be a proper British lass if I have anything to say about it,” said Spike as he came into the kitchen. “Big sis told you about our little girl, did she?” He stood behind Buffy, rubbing her shoulders with obvious pride. 
 
“Yeah. Congratulations! I think it will be awesome to have another girl in the house.” Dawn looked at her watch and jumped a bit. “Yikes! I’m going to be late for school. Gotta run! Congrats again!” She snagged her backpack and fled out the door, banging it behind her as she went.
 
“You’re up early,” Buffy commented. “Any particular reason?”
 
“A certain squealing sister-in-law with the power to wake the dead,” he said. “Glad she’s happy about our news.”
 
“Yep. She was looking up our baby name choices in that book she got you.”
 
“Oh?” said Spike, as he rummaged for breakfast. “What did she find?”
 
“Well, Emma means ‘universal’ and Joyce means ‘lord’ or something like that.”
 
“Universal Lord?” Spike said. “Kid’s gonna grow up with a superiority complex.”
 
“Well, names aren’t everything. I mean Buffy means…” She paused to look up her name. “God’s promise. I don’t think that’s all that relevant.”
 
“Well, God’s gift to lovesick vampires, maybe,” he smirked. “What’s my name mean?”
 
Buffy flipped through. “William. Means ‘protector’. Well that one seems dead on,” she said, smiling at him. “You protect me to the point of exasperation sometimes.”
 
“Sorry about that. Can’t help myself. Must be my destiny.” He sipped his blood with a smile. “So what are the plans today?”
 
“Well, I need to go do some grocery shopping, and I thought I would stop in at the Magic Shop to let Giles know the results of the ultrasound. Do you want to come, or stay around here?”
 
“Unless you need me, I think I’ll hang around here for the morning. I’ll even do some laundry. Just don’t tell the other demons.”
 
Buffy laughed. “You’re secret’s safe with me, Big Bad.” She stood between his knees and kissed him deeply. His hands found their way to her tummy, which was most definitely becoming round.
 
“Love the sight of you,” he murmured when they broke the kiss. He looked down with deep affection at her belly, reveling in the fact that it was full of his child. His daughter. Emma.
 
“Hope you still love the sight of me when I’m big as a house,” she said. But she knew full well that he meant every word, and she loved him for it. Their happiness was a feedback loop between them that went on for long minutes until she broke away with a smile. “I promise I’ll hurry home.”
 
“Do that, love,” he said. He went back to his blood and watched her fondly as she gathered her things, put on her amulet, and left.
 
Taking his mug of blood, Spike went upstairs and sat down at the desk in Joyce’s old room. They had moved it in there to provide a place to deal with bills and such, but today Spike sat down with the journal and fountain pen that Buffy had given him for Christmas. Opening it up to the first creamy white page, he began to write in his beautiful flowing script.
 
Dearest Emma,
 
Yesterday we found out that you are to be an Emma, rather than a William. I want to tell you my history, to let you know where you come from. You will probably hear all sorts of things about your father as you grow, some good, some bad, some terrible. But whatever you hear about me, I want you to know that you were conceived in love. Never wanted anything in the world as badly as I want to hold you and watch you grow. I’ve done many things in my long life, but you are the only miracle I’ve ever had a hand in bringing about, and it humbles me to think on it.
 
I was born in London, England in 1852, the eldest child of George and Anne Pratt. My sister Emma, for whom you were named, was born when I was four. My father was a banker. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t the upper crust either. You could call us middle class, but barely. Father was strict, quiet, and hard working. Mother was gentle and kind, and devoted to us children. Even though we had a governess, like every other child in our circle, our mother was involved in every aspect of our childhood. She loved us with all her heart, and we knew it.
 
Then there was our Emma. She was a beautiful little thing with golden curls who followed me about everywhere from the moment she learned to walk. Even my father couldn’t help but smile at her prattling little voice. She was the delight of the household. She charmed everyone, from the groom who cared for the carriage and horses to the scullery maid. She called me ‘Willum’ as a little lass, and never did quite correct her pronunciation. When I was twelve and she was eight, the whole family went down with influenza. My parents and I got better. Emma didn’t. It turned into pneumonia and she slipped away in about ten days. The whole house was in mourning for ages. I remember her in her casket, looking like a sleeping angel, and struggling not to break down into unmanly sobbing right there and then. But I did weep for her. We all did.
 
A few months later I was sent off to boarding school for the first time. I kept to myself for the most part. I know Father always dreamed of me following in his footsteps, but I had no love for banking. I loved languages and words. Your mother will say that’s why I talk so much, but I wanted to be a scholar, and later a poet. Father died when I was fifteen, and the inheritance was enough to support us while I was in school. I found work doing translation after I got out, working for a Barrister’s office. But mostly I cared for Mother, and wrote my poems. I dreamed about marrying a fine wife, and I dreamed about someday having a daughter to name for my sister. The fine wife took considerably longer than I expected, but now I find that the dream of a daughter is to come true. There are no words to express the joy that thought brings me.
 
I will continue to tell my story, while I wait for your coming. I hope someday you will see this and understand me better.
 
Your loving Papa.
 
Spike put down the pen and read what he had written. Generally he cringed at reading anything that came out of his pen. But for once, he was able to read his own words without shame or embarrassment. The words were authentic and true, and came from his heart. Carefully blotting the paper, he put the journal away to continue another day.
 
************************
 
The two Kratash demons sat on a bench, watching the front of the medical clinic. This was their third day of observation, and they noticed some patterns. Certain nurses went out to lunch at a regular time each day. Certain doctors worked afternoons only. They had finally come up with a way to get the information they needed. A pair of pretty young nurses left the building, walking off to lunch. As soon as they were off the property, the female Kratash got up and ducked behind some bushes. When she came back out, she was the duplicate of one of the nurses. “Wish me luck,” she said to her partner.
 
“Just don’t get caught,” he said curtly.
 
The female walked into the clinic. “I thought you went out to lunch, Jen,” said the receptionist.
 
The Kratash smiled. “Left something behind. Don’t worry – I won’t miss my lunch hour for anything!” The receptionist joined her in her laughter, then tended to her ringing phone.
 
The Kratash found the office where the records were kept. Rows of colored files lined the walls in alphabetical order. No one else was around, so she quickly scanned the letters to find ‘Summers, Buffy A.’. Opening the folder, she scanned the contents. The latest entry was for ‘Ultrasound – 20 weeks’. Nodding, she quickly returned the folder and left the building, waving cheerfully at the receptionist on her way out.
 
Outside she walked off in the direction the nurses had gone. Once out of sight of the building she saw her partner in the car at the side of the road. She looked around, saw no one, then got into the car. She morphed back into her usual form and said, “She was there for an ultrasound. The note said twenty weeks.”
 
“Normal human gestation is around 38 weeks,” mused the other Kratash. “Finally we have something concrete to report.” They drove off to find a quiet place to jump back to their dimension.
 
***************************
 
“Do you have news for us, Kratash?” demanded the Ruler. “I grow impatient. We must know if the birth of the child will coincide with the appointed time.”
 
“I am pleased to report that my agents have gotten some definite news,” said the Kratash controller. “A few days ago the woman went to be examined. The records show that she is twenty weeks into her gestation. The child should be born in approximately eighteen weeks.”
 
The Ruler digested the information for a moment. “Excellent work. Continue to keep her under surveillance. We will need to be able to get to the child at the appointed time. Find a way past her wards.”
 
“Very good,” said the Kratash. He left the audience chamber as rapidly as dignity would allow. As soon as the door closed on him, the Ruler called to the guard standing to the side of the door. “Summon the Seer to my chamber,” she barked. The guard bowed and marched off. The Ruler waited, drumming her fingers impatiently on the arm of her chair.
 
After a long wait, the door opened and the Seer entered, tapping her way slowly along the stone floor to stand in front of the Ruler. “You have called me,” she said simply.
 
“The Kratash have determined that the child is to be born in eighteen weeks, according to the flow of time in the human dimension. How will this fit with our ritual?”
 
The Seer pulled a small pouch from her waist and opened it. She took out a strangely carved circular stone and laid it on the floor. She sat down in front of the stone and placed her hands above it, her sightless eyes facing dead ahead. She chanted a series of phrases until the stone began to glow with an eerie red light, turning her distorted, maimed face into a blood red mask. She spoke in a voice that echoed, stronger and lower than her normal aged speaking voice. “The ritual must be done on the night of the seventh full moon of their year. That is the day our gods will be waiting. That is the day the power can be channeled through you, oh Ruler.”
 
“Will the child be born in time?”
 
“It is possible. If not, there are other ways.”
 
“How will we get to the mother?”
 
“The portal spell will work for a small number of warriors for several days before the ritual. The others must wait in the space between for the ritual to occur. When the child has been sacrificed, the barrier between the worlds will be broken for all time.” The Seer angled her blind eyes upward toward the Ruler. “Our warriors will get the child. The ritual will be performed. The Dwak Dlam will triumph. I have foreseen it.” With that the light faded and the Seer folded at the waist, covering her face in exhaustion.
 
The Ruler pondered the Seer’s vision. “The Kratash will find a way for our warriors to get through the wards. The child will be ours,” she said with certainty. She clenched her fists and added silently, the Kratash must not fail.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #18 - Chapter 18
 
Disclaimer: All the characters and such came from Joss Whedon’s brain, not mine.
 
Multitudinous thanks to the reviewers!
 
**********************
Chapter 18
**********************
 
Xander pulled up in front of the apartment building where Giles had finally settled. It was not as nice as his previous one, but it was adequate for his needs, and had a spare bedroom he could fill with books. Giles came down the front stairs and climbed in beside Xander. “I do appreciate the ride, Xander,” he said as he climbed in. He really needed to do something about acquiring a new car, as he had sold his before moving back to England. But there just hadn’t been time.
 
“L.A. here we come,” Xander replied as he made his way toward the freeway. They rode in silence for a while until Xander said, “So how are we going to explain our mission to Angel and company?”
 
“It took me a couple of days to get an answer from Angel Investigations. When I finally did, some girl, had a man’s name…” He wracked his brain for a moment. “Fred. That was her name. In any event, this Fred told me that Angel and Wesley had had a bit of a falling out, although she wouldn’t say over what. I finally convinced her of my legitimacy and she was able to get me Wesley’s number. He said that I could borrow some of his texts, but didn’t elaborate on the situation with Angel either.”
 
“Is Angel back to Angelus mode or something?” Xander wondered.
 
“No mention of that,” Giles answered. “And having encountered Angelus, I am pretty sure that would be something they would have mentioned.”
 
Xander focused on the road ahead of him and said, “How come you can remember Angelus, but then be ok with Spike and Buffy? The way I see it, it’s just another disaster waiting to happen.”
 
“Xander,” Giles began, trying to remain patient. “Spike is nothing like Angel, or Angelus for that matter.”
 
“Could have fooled me! I mean, trying to kill me and Willow, setting us against each other, seems on that same evil continuum.”
 
“Yes, but even I have to admit that Spike has changed,” Giles said with conviction. “He had no reason whatsoever to help us last summer. He had no reason to allow Glory to torture him or to get thrown off that tower trying to help Dawn.”
 
“No reason except that he’s obsessed with Buffy,” Xander put in.
 
“Xander, it’s more than that,” Giles said. “Spike is utterly terrified of losing Buffy. You might not believe it, but when he told me about her pregnancy he was shaking at the thought of something attacking her. He would do anything to protect her and the child.”
 
“But that’s just more of that obsession. It’s not like demons can really love or anything. You said so yourself,” Xander insisted.
 
“I was wrong,” Giles stated quietly.
 
Xander turned to look at Giles with an open mouth before a car horn alerted him to the fact that he was drifting out of his lane. “But… all the books…”
 
“All the books were written by Watchers and other people fighting demons. But just like no book can completely capture the human condition, no book can describe all demon variations. Spike may be an anomaly, but I am convinced that he can and does love her.”
 
Xander shook his head, unable to fathom what Giles was saying. Trying a different tack he said, “If he does love her, then how can he risk her life just so she can bear his child? Especially not knowing what this child is?”
 
“Xander, the child is human,” Giles explained, growing tired of the whole conversation. “Buffy went for an ultrasound. She showed me the results. She is carrying a perfectly normal, healthy human girl.”
 
“Even so, she is in danger because of it. I just don’t see how he can allow that.”
 
“Xander, enough!” snapped Giles, making Xander jump a bit. “What if you and Anya were expecting? Would you abort the child just because someone from Anya’s demon past might take offense? Or because some creature we’re fighting might hurt Anya? No, you’d find a way to protect her and the child. And that’s what we’re going to help Buffy and Spike do – protect her and the child.”
 
Xander gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles went white. After a long pause he said, “I hear what you’re saying Giles. But I just can’t help worrying that this is going to get Buffy killed.”
 
“She goes out every night and risks her life for us and the world,” Giles noted. “If she wants to risk her life for her own flesh and blood, then she will. We can help her or hinder her, but there is nothing we can do to stop her. For my part, I want to help her. She’s like a daughter to me, and I won’t make things worse by getting in her way. It would be well if you did the same.” The two men lapsed into silence for the rest of the journey.
 
*************************
 
Upon reaching Los Angeles, Giles gave a series of directions that led to a dark gray stone apartment building. Giles and Xander made their way to the appropriate floor and knocked on Wesley’s door. After a moment it opened to reveal the former Watcher. Giles couldn’t help gasping a bit at the changes in the younger man. Gone was the prim, upper class, straitlaced bumbler who had once tried to rule Buffy. In his place was a man with three days growth of beard, longer, shaggier hair, and an evil looking scar across his neck that looked barely healed. “Wesley?” he said. “Dear lord, you’ve changed quite a bit.”
 
“Giles, it’s been ages,” Wesley answered, offering his hand.
 
Giles shook it firmly, still marveling at the change in his former co-worker. “Do you remember Xander Harris?” Giles asked, gesturing Xander forward.
 
“Of course,” Wesley said in a voice that seemed slightly hoarse. “Do come in, both of you.”
 
They followed Wesley into his apartment, which seemed dark and dreary, despite the afternoon sun that filtered through the blinds. “Would you like something to drink?”
 
“I wouldn’t refuse some of that Scotch, if you’re offering,” Giles said. Xander settled for soda, since he was driving. Wesley poured out two glasses of Scotch for himself and Giles and sat down opposite them in an armchair.
 
“What brings you here?” he asked. “I should think if you had a problem to solve that Angel would be the one you were looking for.”
 
Giles detected a trace of hurt in Wesley’s voice, but decided not to pursue it just yet. “We’re running into a problem in Sunnydale, and my research has hit a bit of a wall, I’m afraid. Buffy is anxious that we do not involve Angel in this, but I was hoping you might have the resources I lack.”
 
“What sort of problem is it?” Wesley asked curiously.
 
Giles took a deep breath. “Buffy is pregnant.”
 
“Good lord,” Wesley sputtered. Xander had to resist rolling his eyes. Did they teach that phrase in Watcher school or something? Was there a page in the manual that said “In case of unusual situation, say ‘Good lord’?”
 
“Yes, it was quite a shock,” Giles agreed. “And I have sworn not to discuss the details of the child’s origins. But Buffy has been having vivid dreams, very much like Slayer prophetic dreams. In these dreams she is being pursued by demons we cannot identify. We believe they are not from this dimension. In addition, she is being watched by the Kratash. Sp… one of our number killed one of them, but it is clear that he was just an advance scout. We have been unable to determine who hired them.” He was unsure how much Wesley knew about the vampire in their group, and decided that keeping Spike out of it as much as possible was prudent.
 
“The Kratash?” Wesley said, sitting up. “Ran into them once in my wanderings. They are very good. Someone must want your Slayer and her child very badly.”
 
“Do you have anything that can help us? We’re looking for possible demonic rituals, prophesies, demonology texts, anything we don’t have.” Giles explained.
 
“Prophesies?” Wesley barked with a strangled laugh. “You really don’t want to ask me about prophesies.” His eyes grew dark and he downed his scotch and poured himself another.
 
Giles and Xander looked curiously at the man before them. He seemed haggard, broken, exhausted and sad all at once. “Wesley, what happened to you?” Giles asked.
 
“I made a mistake. An unforgiveable mistake,” he said in a bitter voice. “One I would rather not discuss at present.” He gestured toward a bookshelf with his glass of scotch. “Take anything you like. If it’s not there, then it’s at Angel’s. I am no longer welcome there.” He trailed off and lapsed into silence.
 
Giles was alarmed at Wesley’s whole demeanor. But he sensed that he was going to get nothing more from him, so he finished his scotch and went over to the bookcase. He found quite a few texts that he did not have that might prove useful. He loaded Xander up with an armful and sent him down to the car. “Wesley?” he said as soon as Xander left.
 
“What is it, Rupert?” he said with a sigh.
 
“Are you going to be alright?”
 
Another short, bitter laugh came out. “I don’t rightly know.”
 
“If you… need a change of scene, we could use your help in Sunnydale. This situation with Buffy is proving most troublesome.”
 
Wesley produced a half smile. “Thank you for the offer, Rupert. But I have some work to do here, and some things to put right.” Xander came back at that point for another load of books, and Giles dropped the subject. Three more loads of books later and Wesley’s shelves were half empty, but Giles felt he had enough for now.
 
“Thank you very much for the loan of your library,” Giles said. Wesley stood and shook his countryman’s hand.
 
“You’re welcome. I do hope they help. Would be nice if I managed to get something right for a change.”
 
Giles gave him a hard look, still very curious about what could have gone so wrong between Angel and Wesley. But in the end he said, “My offer still stands if you need it.” Xander shook hands with Wesley as well, and they headed out to the car.
 
****************************
 
Buffy was once again up before everyone else on a Saturday. She idly flipped through her appointment book as she drank her coffee. Five months today, she realized, stroking her small but growing bump. During these quiet morning times she could almost forget the demons stalking her, the Slaying, the worried Scoobies and all the rest. She could pretend, just for a moment, that she was an ordinary pregnant woman awaiting the birth of her first child. It was at these times that she allowed herself to fantasize about what this little girl would be like. She could imagine herself reading stories to a curly haired toddler with bright blue eyes, tea parties, first days at school. She had never thought of herself as mother material, and her record with Dawn wasn’t much to go on. But whether it was hormones or something else, she started being able to picture herself doing all that mom stuff. Yelling “Emma Joyce get in here!” when her daughter was in trouble. Kissing boo-boos and making cookies. She knew in the back of her mind that reality, especially her reality, was likely to be far different. But on Saturdays she could dream.
 
Her peace was shattered by the telephone. With a heavy sigh she answered it. “Buffy, it’s Giles,” came the Watcher’s voice.
 
“Hello Giles, what’s up?” she responded, swallowing her irritation at the interruption.
 
“I believe we’ve found a way to detect the Kratash if they are nearby. Can you come to the Magic Box this morning?”
 
“If this involves putting any spells on me, I’m turning right around and coming back home,” Buffy said firmly. “I’m getting a little tired of ending up unconscious here.”
 
“No fear of that,” said Giles. “It’s more in the way of a demon detector.”
 
Suppressing another sigh, Buffy said, “Okay. I’ll be there in a little while.” She hung up the phone and went upstairs to get dressed.
 
“Who was that, pet?” Spike asked sleepily as she entered the bedroom.
 
“Giles. I guess they’ve figured out some way to detect Kratash demons. He wants me to come over to the Magic Box.”
 
Spike sat up and threw back the covers. “I’m coming with you,” he said.
 
“You don’t need to.”
 
“Bollocks. Every other time they try something you end up either out cold or annoyed or both,” he said with a faint growl.
 
Buffy could tell by his tone that he was not going to take no for an answer. “Alright. But try to keep the ‘grrr’ to a minimum, okay?”
 
“Just so long as they keep their magical paws off my girl,” he said. Buffy headed toward the bathroom for a shower, and Spike instantly changed his tone. “Mind if I join you, love?”
 
“Of course not,” she said with a smile. They luxuriated together under the hot water, soaping each other’s bodies while kissing and teasing each other. Spike hissed as Buffy took hold of his cock and it sprung to life instantly. “I suppose there’s no big hurry to get there,” she teased, stroking him until he groaned.
 
“And they say I’m evil,” he murmured, catching one pink nipple in his teeth and eliciting a groan from her in return. They continued their foreplay until Spike could stand it no more. He lifted her around the waist, hoisting her up to lower her onto his waiting cock.
 
“Unh,” she moaned as she started to ride him, gripping him with her strong legs. Spike wrapped his arms even tighter around her, afraid of dropping her, mindful of the slight bulge of her stomach between them. As they reached their climax, Buffy bit his shoulder, drawing blood. He vamped out and drank from her in turn as they cried out their love with the words of their claim. Panting, Buffy slid down until her feet were on the ground, covering Spike’s neck with kisses the whole time.
 
“Amazing, love,” he purred.
 
“Getting a little tougher to do that,” she mused, sighing as he cupped her ass and sealed the wound on her neck with his tongue. “Emma’s starting to get in the way of things.”
 
“We’ll just have to find other ways,” he murmured. He pulled back to look her in the eyes as the water ran down their bodies. “Don’t want to squash the little one.”
 
“I’m sure we won’t,” Buffy assured him. After one last kiss they finished rinsing off and got out. They went through their routine, moving out of each other’s way as needed, in what seemed like a choreographed dance resulting from many mornings shared in a similar fashion. Buffy sat down on the toilet seat to brush her hair as she watched Spike fussing with his hair gel. “I think I’m going to be the one to give her hair advice. You’ll have her stuck in the 80’s with big poofy hair if I let you…” Her teasing stopped as she ran her hands over her stomach in astonishment.
 
“Buffy? You alright?” he asked. “What happened?”
 
Wordlessly, Buffy took Spike’s hand and placed it on her belly. Spike raised one eyebrow in bewilderment for a second, and then both of his eyes widened in surprise. He had felt it. A tiny, fluttering little kick. “She moved! I felt her!” he said in a voice heavy with wonder.
 
Buffy smiled up at him. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” She shared the joy and wonder of feeling this life inside her, the life that they made together. “Not even born yet and she’s got her mom’s kicking talents.”
 
“Hey, her father has those talents too you know,” he joked. But even as he joked his blue eyes sparkled with happiness and he never took his hands off her smooth belly, waiting to feel another little movement from his daughter. Finally, they both realized that they were in real danger of staying in the bathroom all day, and reluctantly got up to finish dressing.
 
**************************
 
Buffy entered the Magic Box still floating on the afterglow of good sex, renewing their claim, and feeling their daughter move for the first time, all before noon on a Saturday. Dawn trailed behind her, having woken up shortly before they left wanting to come along. Tara and Willow were there in their accustomed place at the table, while Giles tended to a customer. “Hey, guys! What’s the deal?” Buffy asked, sitting down beside them.
 
“Hey, Buffy. How are you feeling today?” Tara asked.
 
Buffy waited until the customer left, then answered, “Pretty good. Just felt the baby move for the first time. It was pretty cool.”
 
Giles came out from behind the counter to join the conversation. “That must have been exciting for you,” he said. “But it does tell me that we really need to concern ourselves with protecting you from the Kratash and their clients.”
 
The cellar door opened at that point to admit Spike, who had made his way with as much speed as possible through the tunnels. “I fully agree, Rupert,” he said. “But I want to know what this spell or whatever is about before anyone does anything to Buffy.”
 
Overprotective much? Buffy mused, smiling faintly at her husband. He fixed her with a stern look and responded, Just looking out for my womenfolk, that’s all. Aloud she said, “Okay, my bodyguard is here. We can start now.” He gave her another stern look, then relented.
 
“I put a charm on this bracelet,” Willow said, holding up a thin silver band. In the center was a silver disk with a rune carved on it. “If there is a demon nearby, it will get warm. The closer they are, the warmer it gets.”
 
“How is this going to interact with the amulet she uses to hide her condition?” Spike asked warily.
 
“It should have no effect,” Tara reassured them. “It’s a different kind of spell.”
 
Buffy held her hand out tentatively and let Willow clasp the bracelet around her wrist, muttering a short spell as she did so. When the spell was cast, the bracelet instantly started warming up. “Well it seems to work. Spike, walk away for a moment.” Obliging, Spike retreated into the training room. Sure enough, the warmth subsided somewhat. “It seems to work. Although I don’t see how this is going to help me when I’m out with my husband.”
 
“I guess I assumed that when Spike is along he is your personal demon detector,” said Willow. “You can wear this when you’re out alone.”
 
Buffy saw the logic in that. “Spike? Notice anything different?” She took off her other amulet and said, “Is Emma okay?”
 
Spike came back into the room. He came close to her and looked her over, listening carefully. “Seems like nothing changed, love. Baby’s still the same and all.”
 
Buffy let out a sigh of relief. “Good.” She slipped the necklace back on and turned to Giles and the others. “How is the rest of the research coming?”
 
Giles scratched the back of his neck ruefully. “I’ve eliminated several possibilities, but I am still having trouble finding something that fits all the clues. I believe that your pregnancy and the demons aren’t related. By which I mean, I don’t think that the same entity that is out to get you also somehow put a spell on you. We’re still looking at two different problems there.”
 
“I guess I really don’t care how she got here, Giles,” Buffy said. “I just want to keep her, that’s all.”
 
“I understand that, but I still think that learning the answer to one question will lead to the others.”
 
“You’re probably right,” Buffy conceded. “Do you need any more from me right now? Because despite my magically svelte appearance, I am in desperate need of some larger clothes right now.”
 
“Do you want some shopping company?” Tara asked.
 
“Sure!” said Buffy. “I haven’t had any female bonding with anyone but Dawn in forever. Need you to stop me from buying stuffy mom clothes.”
 
“Do you mind if I come too?” Willow asked a bit nervously.
 
“Of course,” said Buffy. “We’ll do some shopping, and we’ll find some desserty goodness. From the chocolate craving I’ve been having all day I know this kid is taking after me.” She got up and kissed Spike sweetly.
 
“Take care of yourself, love,” he said.
 
“I always do,” she responded. Then the three girls set out for the shops, leaving Spike and Giles alone in the shop.
 
“Spike,” said Giles. “If you have a moment…”
 
“What is it, Rupert?” Spike asked, sitting down and putting his feet up on the table.
 
“I just wanted to know how patrol has been going,” said Giles. “Is Buffy still patrolling with you?”
 
“Yes, although I am about ready to chain her up to get her to stop,” Spike said in exasperation. “She can still fight, but her balance isn’t stellar. She does let me go in first, but I don’t know how much longer she’s going to be able to keep it up without risking herself or Emma.”
 
“So you’ve decided on Emma then?” Giles asked curiously.
 
“Emma Joyce,” Spike said with more than a trace of pride. “Was my sister’s name. Goes as well with Pratt as anything, I guess.”
 
Giles hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Spike, have you given any thought to how this is all going to work? How can you be the father to a human child?”
 
“Same way any parent does it. Figure it out as I go,” Spike said with a shrug.
 
“But surely you see the inherent problems, given your sunlight issue,” Giles said.
 
“Well, I guess I’ll be taking the nighttime feedings then,” Spike quipped. Giving Giles a long look he said, “Rupert, I know you worry about her. And I know I’m about your last choice in a husband for her. But I want this child more than anything I’ve ever wanted. The idea of having this little girl, all beautiful like her mother, it’s a powerful feeling.”
 
“But how will she explain a father who never ages? Who only comes out at night? Who doesn’t reflect in a mirror?”
 
“We’ll work it out, Giles,” Spike said, growing irritated. “Scores of people who shouldn’t be parents manage to spawn every day. Who’s to say that some perfectly normal couple won’t divorce, or have someone die, or something? I’ll never drop dead of a heart attack like my father did. I’ll never leave her like Buffy’s father.”
 
Giles drank in all that the vampire said. “You do have some valid points. It’s just so hard for me to imagine.”
 
“Look, I know you’re a watcher. Training runs deep. But this child is a miracle, and I intend to protect her and her mother as long as I am alive. Someday I’m going to lose Buffy, and that will be the end of me. But I mean that day to be a very, very long time from now.” Spike’s complete conviction touched Giles. The vampire meant every word he uttered.
 
“I think I’ve been misjudging you,” Giles said finally. “Her relationship with Angel ended… terribly. For all of us. We’re all naturally wary of letting another vampire into our circle.”
 
Spike growled, “Angel is a complete and utter bastard. Always was. I’m nothing like him.”
 
“I know,” said Giles. “I think I finally see that.”
 
“Glad to hear it,” muttered Spike. He stood up and said, “I’d best be getting home so someone is there for Dawn. One thing though,”
 
“Yes?”
 
“Had an idea about looking for information on where this kid came from,” he explained. “When I was looking for a way to send Buffy back to Heaven, I had to consult a library at a monastery. Your collection concentrates on forces of darkness, but is pretty light on forces for good. If the child came from a benevolent source, you need to look elsewhere for information.”
 
Giles was startled – the idea had not occurred to him in the slightest. “I see what you mean,” he said. “I will definitely look into it.”
 
“Let me know if I can help,” Spike offered. “Got a knack for languages. Might be able to help you translate.”
 
“What languages do you speak?” Giles asked, his curiosity peaking once more.
 
“Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, Italian, few demon tongues, and bits and pieces of a few others,” Spike said with a shrug.
 
Giles’ mouth dropped open. “Why didn’t you ever tell us this?”
 
“You didn’t ask. I’ll catch you later, Watcher.” Spike turned then and vanished into the cellar.
 
How extraordinary, Giles thought as he sat down and polished his glasses. There is so much more to him than meets the eye.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #19 - Chapter 19
 
Disclaimer: All the characters and all that belong to Joss Whedon. Just borrowin’.
 
If I had a bigger house, I’d invite all the reviewers over for dinner. Thanks so much. Have a virtual pizza on me.
 
***********************
Chapter 19
***********************
 
“What do you think of this one, Buffy?”
 
Tara was holding up the most hideous maternity dress ever made. It was trying to be a Hawaiian print, but in purples, pinks, and oranges that were guaranteed to make the wearer look like a luau gone horribly wrong. Willow, Tara, and Buffy laughed so hard that Buffy was sure she was going to pee on herself.
 
“Stop it,” she gasped. “I swear to God, I’m going to die if you hold up another monstrosity.” Buffy and the others had started out looking for ordinary everyday maternity clothes, but had ended up in a contest to find the most hideous examples of the maternity genre possible. The sales people and other pregnant women were starting to stare at these obnoxious, clearly not pregnant young women.
 
“Ok, ok,” Willow teased. “We’ll just find some ordinary, boring, non-muumuu outfits for you. You can be the most boring pregnant lady on the block.”
 
“If you guys ever reproduce I am so getting revenge,” Buffy said warningly. She gathered up the clothes that she wanted to try on and made her way to the fitting room before they attracted too much more attention. Once the door was shut she pulled off the amulet and was amused as her reflection in the mirror went from ‘skinny California girl’ to ‘probable teenage mom’ in a moment. As she tried on various outfits, Buffy realized that she literally could not remember the last time she went shopping for clothes with girlfriends. Have I even done this at all since I was called? I must have done this in high school some time, didn’t I? She shook her head a little at the thought.
 
As she reached for the last outfit, she felt a warmth on her wrist. Her eyes widened as she realized that the demon charm was starting to warm up. Opening the door a crack she called out “Tara? Willow?”
 
“Do you need a different size or something?” Tara asked helpfully.
 
“No,” she said in a quiet voice. “My charm is getting warm. There must be some demon around. Keep your eyes open while I get dressed.”
 
Tara and Willow looked around with wide eyes at the milling women. Tara in particular started scanning people’s auras. Pregnant woman… pregnant woman… bored husband… Suddenly she noticed a woman near the door who was idly flipping through the racks of clothing. She occasionally looked over at the dressing rooms, as if she was waiting for someone to come out. Unlike the women around her, whose auras were an array of different colors, this woman’s aura was flat gray, like a blank canvas. Tara had never seen an aura like that, ever. “Willow,” she whispered. “That woman by the door with the brown hair. Something’s off about her.”
 
Buffy came out with her clothes and said in a normal voice, “I think these will do.” Quietly she added, “See anything?”
 
“Woman with brown hair by the door. Her aura’s all gray,” said Tara quietly.
 
Biting the inside of her cheek, Buffy went up to the counter to pay for the clothes. Her path took her closer to the mysterious woman, and the charm grew warmer and warmer as she approached. As she paid she happened to catch the woman’s glance, noticing that her eyes were unusually dark. After the saleslady handed Buffy her bag, Buffy said to Willow, “Will you hold this for me?” Willow took the bag, wondering what Buffy planned to do.
 
Buffy pretended she was rummaging in her purse as she approached the woman. The woman looked up, then started sidling toward the door. Buffy closed her purse and increased her pace, as the woman turned and walked quickly out the door. Buffy dashed outside to see the woman sprinting around the corner. “Hey!” she yelled, sprinting after her. Buffy rounded the corner to see the woman diving into a black sedan. She chased the car for a block before she had to stop. Between the car’s increasing speed and the difficulty of sprinting while pregnant, she knew she had no chance. Panting, Tara and Willow caught up to her.
 
“Was that… one of those… Kratash things?” Willow asked between gasps.
 
“Yes, I think so,” Buffy replied. “Must have been another one driving the car. I didn’t see the plate, but it looked like a rental car or something.”
 
“We should probably go back and let Giles know,” said Tara, who had finally caught her breath.
 
“I think you’re right,” Buffy agreed. Collecting themselves, they headed back toward the Magic Box.
 
In the black sedan, the female Kratash agent was also panting. “What happened?”asked her partner, alarmed at her sudden reappearance and her urge to ‘Get out of here, now!’
 
“She seemed to somehow know what I was,” the Kratash replied. “She came walking right toward me and when I left she chased me.”
 
“How can she know? She’s not a demon.”
 
“Maybe those friends with her are witches or something. There seems to be a powerful vibe off the red-haired one, and the other one was staring at me.”
 
“Hmm,” said the male Kratash. “I wonder if they are the source of the wards on the Slayer’s house? Perhaps we should investigate them further.”
 
“I agree. We need to be extra careful around the Slayer though if she can sense us or something,” said the female.
 
“We’ll regroup and make a plan. Maybe the others can help,” he said as they drove away.
 
********************************
 
Spike had gone home from the Magic Box and headed up to the desk in Joyce’s room. He pulled out the journal and pen and started writing, a deep feeling of contentment spreading through him as he did.
 
My dearest Emma,
 
I felt you move for the first time today. I can’t describe how amazing it was, to feel my own flesh and blood stirring inside the woman I love. I spend what feels like hours imagining what you will be like. There is so much I want to teach you, tell you. I guess I’ll keep jotting these thoughts down while I wait for you to make your appearance.
 
I’ve learned a few things in a century of living. As strange as it may sound, coming from a vampire, there are some things that I would never do, and I hope you will learn to act the same. I would never betray someone I love. I loved Drusilla with all my heart (and she is another whole story which I won’t relate here), and would do anything for her, until the day she left me. I tell the truth, as much as humanly possible. I’ve never seen a lie or a falsehood that didn’t come back to haunt the teller. I don’t break my promises. I don’t promise things lightly, but I keep my word. I hope you always will too. I can be impulsive, impatient, and hyper. But if something is really worth doing, I’ll do it completely. When I was your mother’s enemy, I made a study of it. And when I decided I loved her, I made a study of that too. I would never say ‘I love you’ unless I truly meant it, and I won’t be careless with another’s heart.
 
All these things won’t make much sense to you until you’re older and you’ve lived a while. But I hope they will help some time. I hope you will learn to love, and give, and I hope you will be fortunate enough to be loved in return by a good mate.
 
I love you already,
Papa
 
He looked at what he wrote with a faint smile. He was incredibly happy. Some of that came from Buffy’s thoughts. She was clearly having a good time shopping with the girls. Even at this distance, he could feel her emotions, if not detailed thoughts. Their range continued to expand. He supposed at some point they would probably be able to hear each other clear across town, which would definitely be a boon.
 
Spike closed the journal and put it away. He decided to surprise Buffy by actually doing the dishes for once, which was a task he avoided whenever possible. As he muscled his way through the pile left from breakfast, cursing himself for not rinsing his mug when he found all the blood had congealed, he reveled in the pleasant emotions coming from Buffy. He loved to see her happy, and to have her enjoying herself with her mates was a very good thing.
 
All of a sudden, the emotions changed, to apprehension and wariness. He nearly dropped a plate at the lighting quick change. He tried to concentrate, but she was too far away to read distinctly. Her apprehension changed to determination, anger, then settled down again. She seemed confused, irritated, and frightened all at once. But there seemed to be no imminent danger, and her emotions died down to a background murmur. Wonder what all that was about? He thought about trying to find her somehow, but he was hampered by not knowing exactly where she was, and his own sunlight issues. Cursing his vampire nature as an annoyance, he realized he had to stay put and wait. He finished the dishes, hung up the dishtowel, and threw himself on the couch in front of the TV, anxiously waiting for her return.
 
It was at least an hour before Buffy showed up, by which time Spike was crawling out of his skin with concern. He managed to pick up her thoughts after a while, and had projected, Buffy? What happened?
 
Long story. Saw a Kratash. Tell you when I get home, okay?
 
Are you alright? he asked with concern.
 
I’m fine. Just a little freaked.
 
Well hurry home, okay?
 
I will.
 
As soon as she walked in the door, Spike was at her side. “What happened?” he asked, taking her into his arms. “I could tell you were having a good time with the witches, but then you got all upset.”
 
“I was in the changing room when the demon detector started getting warm,” Buffy said as she wrapped her arms around him. “There was this woman on the other side of the store. Tara said her aura was gray, really weird. I paid for my stuff as if I hadn’t noticed and tried to get close to her, but she bolted. She got into a black sedan, with what looked like a man with black hair, but I didn’t get a good look. We stopped and told Giles on the way home.”
 
“So I guess we know there are two of them out there,” Spike mused.
 
“And they saw me in a store that sells maternity clothes,” Buffy observed. “They must know!”
 
Spike was quiet for a moment, stroking her hair and thinking. “I guess they must have sussed it out somehow,” he conceded. “They must be much better at this than that first guy. I haven’t smelled or sensed them at all.”
 
“At least I’ll know when they’re around,” Buffy said. “But we still don’t know who they’re working for.”
 
“If they want the baby, they’re probably not trying to kill you,” Spike reasoned. “So either they want to wait until the baby is born so they can take her, or they want to kidnap you and wait for the baby to come.”
 
Buffy shuddered at both thoughts. “What are we going to do?”
 
“We’ll think of something pet,” he said, although at present he had no idea what that something was.
 
**********************
 
Giles was standing on the doorstep of a monastery, waiting for someone to answer the door. He watched as the heavy oak door swung open on its wrought iron hinges and a small, middle aged man in a course brown habit appeared. “May I help you?” he asked in a deep voice.
 
“I certainly do hope so,” said Giles. “My name is Rupert Giles. I had called yesterday about the possibility of taking a look at your library.”
 
“Ah yes, Brother Michael mentioned your call. Do come in. I’m Brother Andrew.” He stepped aside and let Giles in, closing the door behind them. Spike had told Giles about the monastery, having used the library himself to figure out how to send Buffy back to heaven. Giles had decided to try actually making an appointment with the monks, rather than breaking in during the dead of night like Spike had. He had invented a cover story about being from the University of Cambridge and doing research on certain obscure Catholic lore. Giles felt slightly guilty lying to a man of God, but he reasoned that the real story would be unlikely to gain him admittance.
 
Brother Andrew led Giles down the hall to the library. “Our collection is small, but we have a number of obscure texts,” he said by way of introduction. Handing Giles a pair of cotton gloves he said, “I will be across the hall if you need anything. Please take care with our books though – several are quite delicate and irreplaceable.”
 
Pulling on the gloves, Giles said, “I will be extremely careful. Thank you so much for your help.” Brother Andrew withdrew, leaving Giles to set down the notebooks he brought and look around. Giles felt like a kid in a candy store, librarian that he was, and he ran his hand lovingly across an incredible collection of early Christian writings. He had always been more interested in demons as a rule, but he had also spent some time studying the other side of the coin. He had done some preliminary research and now pulled out several books with stories of miraculous births and other obscure legends. He sat down, settled his glasses on his nose, and began to read.
 
A few hours later he was leaning back in his chair, rubbing his eyes and frowning. He couldn’t seem to come across anything that would help them with their problem. He looked up as Brother Andrew came back in, bearing a tray with a teapot and two cups. “I thought you could use a little refreshment,” said the monk.
 
“Thank you, yes,” said Giles. “I hope I am not overstaying my welcome.”
 
“No, no,” the monk said, setting the tea on a side table. Giles came over to join him and soon the two men were sipping steaming cups of fragrant Earl Gray. “So tell me, what exactly have you been searching for all these hours?” said Brother Andrew curiously.
 
Giles took a sip, wondering how to spin this. “I had come across some obscure reference to a… holy person or saint whose mother was able to tell somehow before birth that the child would be especially blessed. I had hoped to find a better version of the legend, or a similar story. It intrigued me, the idea of a mother knowing she would give birth to a saint.”
 
Giles had been making things up to cover his true purpose, so he was astonished when the monk said, “Oh, you must mean the story of St. Endellion. It’s actually mentioned in this collection of tales of old Irish saints here.” Brother Andrew got up and fished an old book with a faded cover from a lower shelf. “It is unfortunately written in a rather obscure form of Latin – no one here has ever managed to fully translate it. From what I understand though, St. Endellion was a virgin hermit or something, whose mother was told by someone that the child glowed in her womb.”
 
Something in the monk’s story sparked Giles’ interest. He asked the monk, “Is there any way I could get a copy of the passage relating to this saint? I am not certain, but it does seem like the information I was looking for. I have a…” Giles hesitated for a moment, not sure what to call Spike. “Fellow researcher who is better at languages than I am.”
 
The monk thought for a moment. “We do not have a copier of any kind. But if you will leave your name and contact information with me, I think we could allow you to borrow the book for a week or so.”
 
Giles brightened visibly. “That would be extremely kind. Thank you so much.” The men chatted about this and that while they finished their tea, after which Giles gathered his things to go. At the door Giles thanked the monk profusely for his help.
 
“I hope you find what you are looking for,” Brother Andrew said warmly. “Go in peace.” Giles headed to his car, finally feeling like some progress was being made.
 
***************************
 
“I’ve got it!” yelled Dawn as the phone rang a few days later. “Hello?”
 
“Hello Dawn, it’s Giles.”
 
“Hey Giles! I’ll call Buffy…”
 
“Actually,” Giles interrupted. “I was hoping to speak to Spike.”
 
Dawn was puzzled – Giles had never asked to speak to Spike directly. “Hang on, I’ll get him,” she said finally. Putting the phone down she called, “Spike? Telephone!”
 
Spike and Buffy had been watching TV after dinner, and looked at each other curiously. Watcher wants to speak to me? he wondered.
 
Better see what it is, Buffy responded with a shrug. Spike got up and answered the phone.
 
“Spike, are you free this evening? I went to the monastery you spoke of, and found a book that I think might give us a lead in finding out the nature of your child. I have struggled with it for a few days, and I am having great difficulty translating it – the Latin is extremely ancient and obscure. I would appreciate your taking a look at it and seeing if you can help.”
 
Spike was rather surprised, but answered, “I’ll give it a go. I’ll come by after patrol.”
 
“Thank you. See you then,” said Giles as he rang off.
 
“What was that all about?” Buffy asked.
 
“Rupert needs some translation help,” Spike said. “I let it be known that I had some language skills.”
 
“You know more than just French?” asked Dawn, who had been the beneficiary of Spike’s help on her homework a bunch of times.
 
“Yeah. I studied languages at university. Fancied myself a scholar and all that.”
 
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you’re not really a punk,” Dawn teased.
 
Spike smirked and turned to Buffy, “Do you want a night off from patrol? I could do a quick sweep and then help Giles out.”
 
“Are you sure?” said Buffy. Truthfully, she was feeling a bit tired. The dreams had become more frequent and disturbing, and she hadn’t slept well in a couple of nights.
 
“Positive,” Spike answered, coming over to kiss her. “Anything else I could get while I’m out?”
 
“I could kill for some pistachio ice cream,” said Buffy. “Oh, and some nacho flavored tortilla chips. And some olives.”
 
Spike laughed. “Pregnancy cravings my dear?”
 
“Shut up,” said Buffy, nailing him with a throw pillow. “Just get the nice pregnant lady what she wants and no one gets staked.”
 
Spike put his hands up in defeat. “You win. I will never mock the nice pregnant lady again.”
 
“I believe you are mocking me right now,” she said with pretend sternness.
 
“I’ll just be on my way then,” he said. Smiling, he grabbed his duster and headed out. He stalked through the town, enjoying cigarettes in between spots of violence as fledges arose or he ran across other vampires. He kept a sharp eye out for anything unusual, but didn’t sense any of the Kratash if they were around. Must have figured out that I got the first one. He made his circuit through town in record time and turned toward the Magic Box.
 
Giles looked up as the bell rang. “Good evening, Spike,” he said as the vampire walked in.
 
“Evening, Rupert.” Spike looked around. “No Scoobies tonight?”
 
“Anya and Xander went out, and Tara and Willow have midterms to study for, so I was able to have some peace and quiet to do research in,” Giles explained.
 
“A welcome change,” Spike agreed, pulling off his coat and sitting down. “So what do we have here?”
 
“The tale of St. Endellion. Apparently she was an obscure Irish saint, a virgin hermit or some such thing. Her mother was informed somehow of her holy status prior to her birth. I thought it might be relevant to Buffy’s situation if the child is of a non-demonic origin. But the Latin is incomprehensible. Well, to me anyhow,” Giles admitted painfully.
 
“Let me have a look,” Spike said. Giles passed the book over and indicated the passage. Spike studied it intently for a few minutes. Giles was fascinated by the contrast between the British punk persona and the intensity with which he pored over the ancient text. After a bit longer, Spike said, “I think I see what the problem is. Some of these words are really more of a form of Gaelic. Sort of like someone speaking Spanglish. The person who wrote this seemed to be switching back and forth, and wasn’t screamingly literate in either.”
 
“Gaelic?” Giles said, looking over Spike’s shoulder. “How do you know?”
 
“Lived with Angelus for a few decades, mate,” said Spike. “When he was deep enough in his cups, he would slip into the Old Tongue. Would sing too, which is a sound not to be believed.” He shuddered a bit at the memory. “But after a while I got curious as to what the bastard was rambling about, so I took the trouble of learning a bit. He still didn’t make a ton of sense, but what the hell, I picked up a little Gaelic.”
 
Giles was amazed. “So can you translate it?”
 
Spike nodded. “I think so. Got a pen?” Giles handed him pen and paper and Spike went to work.
 
Giles busied himself about the shop and made tea for them while Spike scribbled. Giles found himself continually astounded. Spike always seemed so hyper, but here he was as focused as a doctoral student taking qualifying exams. He would expect the cocky vampire to have an illegible scrawl, but his script was a perfect, if old-fashioned, copperplate hand. Spike also seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, like someone doing a crossword puzzle for entertainment. Unable to contain his curiosity, Giles asked, “Where did you study?”
 
“Cambridge,” Spike answered without looking up. “Studied ancient and Romance languages. Worked as a translator for a bit after I graduated.”
 
“How extraordinary,” Giles said.
 
His tone made Spike looked up with an amused smirk. “What, a vampire can’t be educated?”
 
“It’s not that,” Giles sputtered. “It’s just…”
 
“No worries, Watcher,” Spike interrupted. “I’ve been cultivating this persona for decades trying to erase the memory of who I had been. Not your fault if you didn’t see me as anything but a troublemaker.” Spike turned back to the page and made a few more notes.  “Anyhow, I think I’ve got the gist of it.”
 
“So what does it say?” Giles asked, sitting back down.
 
Spike leaned back and read, “ ‘Endellion’s mother was a God-fearing woman, who had prayed long and long for a child. She went daily to beseech the Virgin for a healthy child, promising that the child would be dedicated to God. As she returned one eve from the church in…’ ” Spike paused, frowning. “Sorry, couldn’t figure the name. Anyhow, ‘the mother met an old blind woman with the sight. The seer said, “The Virgin has heard your prayers. I foresee that the child you bear shall be the servant of the Christ all her days, and will be a light to the sinners. She will burn with the love of the Lord.” Thus when the child was born, the mother named her Endellion.’ “ Spike looked up. “Endellion translates as something like ‘soul fire’ or something like that.”
 
“I see,” said Giles thoughtfully. “Is there any more?”
 
Spike shook his head. “It’s not particularly relevant. Goes into miracles attributed to her and so forth.”
 
“It would appear that someone who truly had the sight could tell the nature of the child,” said Giles.
 
“Well the only person I’ve ever met who truly had that talent was Drusilla, and I certainly don’t want her opinion on the matter,” Spike said, shaking his head. “Besides, she was always so cryptic, she could be telling the absolute truth and you’d never know, because you couldn’t figure out what the fuck she was talking about.”
 
“I know the council has occasionally sought the advice of seers, in order to locate or assist Slayers,” Giles mused.
 
Spike scoffed. “Yeah, and if they find out the Slayer’s with child by William the Bloody, how long do you think they’re going to let either of us live?”
 
“They wouldn’t do anything so dramatic,” protested Giles.
 
“Are you certain of that, Rupert?” asked Spike in a low voice.
 
Suddenly, Giles wasn’t as sure as he thought. As much as it pained him to admit it, the council did not always play fair with the slayers. Uncooperative or ‘unseemly’ slayers had been weeded out in the past, to make way for a new girl to be chosen. Did he trust them enough to risk Buffy and her unborn child? Aloud he said, “I understand your reticence about contacting the council. I am unsure where else I can find a seer we can trust.”
 
Spike thought for a moment. “How about that other bloke in L.A.? Wesley. Does he have any contacts?”
 
“It is a possibility,” Giles admitted. “Yes. I think I will call him and see if he knows anyone on this side of the pond who can help us discretely.”
 
Spike stood up and cracked his neck. “Do you need any further help? If not, I’d like to head home to the missus. She’s got a craving for ice cream and olives, God help us.”
 
“No, I think we have done all we can tonight.” Giles stood up and extended a hand to Spike. “Thank you so much for your help. It would have taken me a month to come up with that translation.”
 
Spike shook his countryman’s hand firmly. “And thank you, Rupert, for going out to the monastery. I didn’t really want to have to meet an irritated monk with a crucifix in the dead of night again. I appreciate all you’re doing for us.”
 
“My pleasure, Spike.” With that the vampire vanished out the door, and Giles went to hunt for Wesley’s phone number.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #20 - Chapter 20
 
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and Mutant enemy get all the money, I just get the joy of writing.
 
The reviewers make me a happy author. Thank you so much!
 
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Chapter 20
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In a dilapidated warehouse in a small second floor office, a meeting of spies was taking place. The two original Kratash agents had been joined by two more male agents and another female agent. They sat around a battered table with pictures and notes spread out before them, the new arrivals listening intently as they were briefed on the situation.
 
“We have established that the child is due around midsummer local time,” the brown haired female was explaining. “The Slayer’s name is Buffy Summers. She lives with a master vampire known as Spike or William the Bloody.” She passed around a picture, taken with a telephoto lens of the two blonds leaving the Magic Box one evening.
 
The Latino looking Kratash took over. “They have a number of known associates. The Slayer lives with a younger sister.” He passed around pictures of Dawn. “We are not certain of her name, but she seems to attend the local high school. She associates with two witches, one of whom is apparently called Tara. We are unsure of the other’s name, but she definitely smells of strong magic. We should be careful with her.”
 
The female Kratash resumed. “The Slayer and the vampire spend a great deal of time at this store, the Magic Box. It is owned by a Rupert Giles and his business partner, Anya Jenkins. She is involved with a young man named Xander, who also appears to be a close friend of the Slayer.”
 
One of the new Kratash, who appeared as a well-built young African American man spoke up. “What are we looking for here?”
 
“We need to know the nature of the wards on the Slayer’s house. Although they are not up all the time, they seem to be up whenever the Slayer and vampire are gone. However, when they are home, they are a formidable pair, and attacking them may be difficult. We also need to know if she is planning to leave town. We know she is aware that we are observing her. She seems to have developed some way of detecting us, and it goes without saying that the vampire can as well,” said the Latino.
 
“How do we go about this then?” said another of the new Kratash, who looked like a typical blonde surfer type.
 
“We have a plan,” explained the brown haired female. “We do not have any reason to believe that either the sister or the friend, Xander, have any way of detecting our presence. We would like you,” she nodded at the black skinned Kratash, “to infiltrate this Xander’s work. He works in construction; try to find a way in.” The new agent nodded his assent.
 
The brown haired female turned to the last new agent, who was small and slight, and looked Asian in appearance. “I want you to infiltrate the younger sister’s school. See if you can befriend her. Find out all you can about her, their living arrangements, whatever you can.” The Asian agent nodded and studied a picture of Dawn, memorizing the face.
 
The Latino continued. “I want the rest of us to spend as much time as we can in that store. They spend a lot of time in there discussing things. I want to know what they talk about. I want to plant listening devices, audio and video. Never go in looking the same twice, and if you see either the Slayer or the vampire there, get out as fast as possible. We must not be caught.”
 
“We should all report here nightly. If anyone turns up anything else, we need to know. Now let’s get to work.” The five agents bent down over the scattered documents, learning everything they could about their prey.
 
**************************
 
A few more weeks passed. Buffy was into her sixth month and was starting to feel a bit like a walking weather balloon. She still looked normal when she went out, thanks to the amulet, but she found her movement getting more restricted by the day. Her balance was off, she found herself getting winded earlier, and she had gone from being unable to stomach anything to wanting to eat the designs off the plates. She was also beginning to admit to herself, reluctantly, that patrols were becoming a bit of a problem.
 
The current patrol was a case in point. She and Spike were walking through cemeteries, but Spike was doing most of the work. She had been able to dust a couple of vamps that decided to rush her, but otherwise she found that her kicks weren’t as high as before, and she kept feeling off balance. She was able to do the job with fists alone, but it cramped her style. She found herself feeling a bit down after the last vamp fell to Spike’s stake and they headed off toward the Magic Box.
 
Something the matter pet? Spike wondered silently as they walked. You seem blue tonight.
 
Buffy sighed. I think I’m going to have to stop patrolling. My balance is just so wonky, and the kicks are getting harder and more awkward by the day. Between that and the lack of sleep, I’m just dragging all the time.
 
You know I’ll take care of patrolling for you. Don’t have to worry about that, he reassured her.
 
It’s not that, she explained. I just feel… useless or something. It’s frustrating not to be able to do everything.
 
Spike stopped and turned to her, stroking her face. “Buffy Summers,” he said tenderly. “You may be exasperating, bossy, and a cold-blooded murderer of the English language, but you are not, and never will be, useless.” He pulled her into a sweet, lingering kiss that brought a smile to her face.
 
“Thanks, Spike,” she said with a smile. They turned and walked hand in hand to the Magic Box. Giles had asked them to stop by after patrol, saying that there was someone he wanted them to meet. They made their way through the dark streets until they were pushing the door open to greet the assembled Scoobies.
 
“Ah, good evening,” Giles said. Standing next to Giles was a small middle aged woman, with short graying hair and light gray eyes. “Allow me to introduce you to Lucy Carrier. She is the seer that Wesley introduced me to. Lucy, this is Buffy and Spike.”
 
“A pleasure to meet you,” Lucy said, shaking hands with them both. She looked quizzically at Buffy, then at Giles. “You said she was expecting?”
 
“Oh, the amulet,” Buffy said. “I always forget when I have it on.” She pulled it off and the others boggled a bit at the sight of her sudden transformation into an obviously pregnant person.
 
“Ah, there we are,” Lucy said. Lucy studied her carefully. Moving close, she held her hands out and said, “May I?” Buffy and Spike exchanged a quick look, then Buffy nodded. Lucy gently rested her hands on Buffy’s bump, closing her eyes and concentrating. Buffy’s skin felt pleasantly warm under the seer’s touch, but she struggled to control her nervousness.
 
Lucy tilted her head, with a look of puzzlement on her face. She concentrated for several minutes, crinkling her brow, as if she were listening intently. Suddenly her eyes flew open as she gasped and released Buffy, stepping back with wide, astonished eyes.
 
“What is it?” Buffy asked. “Is everything okay?” Buffy trembled slightly, and Spike moved over to reassure her.
 
“Yes, just… I need to sit down a moment.” Lucy made her way over to a chair and dropped into it, looking at Buffy with open-mouthed awe.
 
“What did you see?” Spike asked impatiently. Buffy sat down as well and Spike stood behind her, massaging her shoulders reassuringly.
 
“Light,” the seer said in a hushed voice. “I saw light. Endless light. Every shade of white imaginable. Your child will be the source of unimaginable power.”
 
“Was that all you saw?” asked Giles.
 
Lucy shook her head. “There was a shadow, trying to block the light. Like a thousand dark hands reaching for a glowing orb, trying to crush it, block it out. The Dark Ones are after the child.”
 
“The Dark Ones?” Buffy said, her voice soft with fear. “Who are they?”
 
“I don’t know,” said Lucy. “It was like that phrase just came into my head. Maybe it is what they call themselves. The child is a force for good, and they cannot abide it.”
 
“The baby’s not a demon then?” Spike asked.
 
“No. The child is a force for good, but her exact nature is unclear. Not demonic though. Almost too bright to look at.” Lucy looked up at them both. “You must guard this child. She has an important destiny to fulfill. She will save the world.”
 
The Scoobies all stood in stunned silence. Finally Buffy spoke up. “Thank you. I… I needed to know what I was carrying. It means a lot.”
 
Lucy stood up, and so did Buffy. Lucy gave the Slayer a hug and said, “You’ve got a hard road ahead of you. Be strong.” To Spike she said, “Guard them well.”
 
“Until the end of the earth,” Spike promised quietly. Lucy nodded and gathered her things to go.
 
Giles showed Lucy out to her car while the others stood around awkwardly. Finally Xander spoke up in a halting voice. “Buffy? Spike? I… I want to apologize. I haven’t been as helpful as I could have been. I let my past prejudices get in the way of being a friend, and I’ve said some things I shouldn’t have. Can… can you…”
 
Buffy gave Xander a hug. “It’s okay, Xander. And thank you.” She released him and he held out a hand for Spike to shake. Spike took his hand firmly and nodded his understanding. The others felt varying degrees of relief, as if an elephant had finally walked out of the room.
 
Giles came back in and said, “Well, I believe that was worth the effort it took to get her here.”
 
“So who are these Dark Ones?” asked Tara as they all sat down.
 
Buffy turned to Anya. “In your travels, did you ever encounter any race of demons that called themselves that?”
 
Anya shook her head. “No. But there are lots of dimensions out there. I mostly hung out here and in Arashmaharr.”
 
“I just had a thought,” Willow interjected. “These things can’t be from our dimension, or they can’t easily get to our dimension. If they did, why would they have to employ spies? If they really want to grab Buffy or her baby, wouldn’t they just come here and try to do it? So either they’re not capable of getting here, or they are worried about defeating the Slayer or something.”
 
“That is a possibility,” Giles said. “So we can eliminate beings that easily jump dimensions, and we can eliminate pretty much all the common demons.”
 
“That doesn’t help that much though,” Xander said. “I mean, yay, we get to look up demons that don’t exist here so no one has written about them.”
 
“Maybe they need to do some sort of spell to open a portal between dimensions. If that’s the case, they probably need a lot of information to get the spell right,” Tara reasoned. “I mean, if they do it wrong, they could end up anywhere.”
 
“Could the baby be some sort of key, like Dawn was?” Buffy wondered. “Could there be some other Glory-equivalent out there?”
 
Giles frowned. “I suppose we need to consider that.” He seemed to wrestle with his thoughts for a moment, then came to a decision. “I think I need to make a trip to England.”
 
“For how long?” asked Buffy anxiously.
 
“For a few weeks at least,” Giles answered. “The council has extensive resources about this sort of thing.”
 
“I still don’t trust those wankers,” said Spike. “Don’t want them objecting to our marriage with a stake.”
 
“I will keep the true reason for my research quiet, rest assured,” said Giles. “But I think I should leave as soon as possible. We are running out of time.” He looked pointedly at Buffy’s expanding midsection.
 
“Less than three months,” Buffy said, rubbing her belly thoughtfully. Looking up at Giles she said, “Please hurry back?”
 
“I will, I promise,” Giles reassured her. Then the meeting broke up and the Scoobies went their separate ways.
 
************************
 
Dawn rummaged in her locker, trying not to cause an avalanche as she fished her History book from the bottom of the pile. Why is it the rule that whatever you want is on the bottom? Is there some physics thing that I should have learned that explains that? Really annoying! She wrestled the book out and slammed the locker before the rest of the stuff cascaded out, and considered it a temporary victory. Shouldering her bag, she was about to move off down the hall when she noticed an unfamiliar girl standing nearby. She looked Chinese, wearing a baggy sweater and a plaid skirt, and looking confusedly around her. “Are you lost?” Dawn asked helpfully.
 
“Yes,” said the girl, sounding relieved that someone had noticed her. “I need to talk to the guidance counselor, but I have no idea where that is.”
 
“Come with me. I go by there on the way to History,” Dawn said. “I’m Dawn Summers.”
 
“I’m Phoebe Chen,” she said. “We just moved here from near L.A. We haven’t even finished unpacking yet, but my folks are way traditional about the whole education thing, and didn’t want me to miss a moment.” She rolled her black eyes.
 
“I’m a freshman, how about you?” Dawn asked.
 
“Same,” Phoebe answered. “Did you grow up here?”
 
Dawn shook her head. “No. We used to live in L.A. too. We moved here with my mom when my folks divorced.”
 
“Does your mom work at the university? My dad teaches there, and it seems like everyone we’ve met so far works there.”
 
“My mom died last year,” Dawn said with a sad shrug. “I live with my sister and her husband.”
 
“Sorry to hear that,” Phoebe said sympathetically. “Is your sister cool at least?”
 
“She’s not bad. Although she and my brother-in-law are also heavy with the ‘thou shalt go to school’ thing, so no advantage there.”
 
“I guess you can’t win,” Phoebe said.
 
“Guess not. Anyhow, here’s the guidance office,” Dawn said as they arrived. “I’ve got to run to History, but it was nice meeting you!”
 
“Thanks for your help. Nice meeting you too!” said Phoebe. She gave a little wave then watched as Dawn disappeared into her classroom. She turned and walked the other way, her dark eyes swirling as she went to make her report.
 
****************************
 
“Harris! Come over here!”
 
Xander put down the bucket of tools he was carrying and went over to where his boss was standing next to a large, muscular black man. “Harris. This is Joe Baker. New guy. I want him with you working on framing the bathrooms on the second floor.”
 
“Xander Harris,” said Xander, extending his hand. “Follow me, I’ll show you the ropes.”
 
“Thanks,” said Joe. He picked up his tool belt and followed Xander up to the second floor of the apartment building that was the current project. “How’s this guy to work for?”
 
“Jim? He’s okay. He’s a little cranky before his third cup of coffee though. If you want to ask for a day off, bring in donuts in the morning and ask him right before quitting time. He’ll be putty in your hand. “
 
“Good to know,” Joe laughed. They had arrived at their work site and soon they were working together on framing various new rooms. The new guy seemed a bit awkward, but did fine once Xander gave him a few pointers.
 
“Ever work construction before?” Xander asked.
 
“Is it that obvious?” Joe said ruefully. “I helped my dad around the house, but this is my first real construction job.”
 
“Well, you seem to have a knack for it, so I’m sure you’ll pick it up. Do you live around here?”
 
“Just moved down here from Seattle area,” Joe answered. “Got tired of all the goddamn rain up there.”
 
“Well we got less of that down here at least,” Xander said. They lapsed into silence for a while, hammering things and placing two by fours until lunch time. They both brought out their coolers and sat down to enjoy a break in the recently framed room.
 
“So you married or anything?” Joe asked, making conversation as they munched their sandwiches.
 
“Engaged,” Xander said. “Her name’s Anya.”
 
“What does she do?”
 
“She works at the Magic Box. There seems to be a market in this town for people who like to pretend to be witches and stuff like that.” Xander felt no need to explain to this newcomer the reality of life in Sunnydale.
 
“So when’s the big day?” Joe wondered.
 
Xander shrugged. “Haven’t set a firm date yet. She wants to invite all sorts of far flung relatives and friends I’ve never met and she can’t seem to figure out when they’ll all be able to come.” This was true enough. Trying to get D’Hoffryn there was difficult, and Anya refused to even consider leaving him off the guest list. Given that he was pretty much the head Vengeance Demon of them all, it probably was wise not to snub him. Besides, they hadn’t found a good time to break the news to the Scoobies, what with Buffy and Spike and all that, so they really hadn’t progressed very far in their planning.
 
“Makes me happy to be single,” Joe said. After a few more minutes of munching he said, “Where’s the nightlife in this town?”
 
“A lot of folks end up at the Bronze,” Xander said. “They get a lot of good live bands, the drinks are pretty cheap, and the crowd is pretty lively.”
 
“I’ll have to check it out sometime,” Joe said, clearing up his wrappers. “You and your girl go there often?”
 
“We usually go with a group of friends on Saturdays,” Xander said.
 
“Maybe I’ll see you there one of these weekends.” Then Joe got up, stretched, and got back to work. He chatted idly with Xander the rest of the afternoon, talking about his home in Seattle, his move, his desire to find a better apartment, and other small talk. In between he managed to learn that Anya more or less ran the magic shop, together with an older English man named Giles. He learned the hours for the shop, and the fact that they were usually not there on Saturday nights.
 
Xander found the day passing quickly. This new guy was a talker, but seemed easygoing and had less of a ‘me tough guy’ attitude than some of his other coworkers. Xander enjoyed his work, but sometimes found himself on the receiving end of a fair amount of ribbing due to his odd girlfriend and tendency to hang out with his high school friends. He let most of it slide, but he found it a bit refreshing to talk to another guy who didn’t know his history. At the end of the day Xander turned to Joe and said, “Definitely come by the Bronze on Saturday. I’d like you to meet Anya.”
 
“Thanks, man. I’ll see what I can do. See you tomorrow,” Joe said as he picked up his gear and left with a wave. I think the others will be pleased with the report, he thought as he headed off toward the meeting with the other Kratash.
 
********************************
 
Anya rang up another sale and remarked, “Business seems up lately. Is there a full moon or something?”
 
Willow, who was using her laptop to do further research into possible matches for ‘the Dark Ones’, paused and looked up the current phase of the moon. “Nope,” Willow said. “I guess we’re just popular.”
 
“I thought that blond guy was going to handle every item in the store,” Anya said. “I was tempted to pat him down before he left to make sure he didn’t steal something.”
 
“I think Xander would have gotten jealous,” Willow teased. She searched for a few more minutes and slumped back in her chair. “And what kind of name is ‘the Dark Ones’ anyhow? That’s real original. We’re demons and we’re dark. I know! Let’s call ourselves ‘the Dark Ones’. Sheesh.”
 
Anya came over to look over Willow’s shoulder. After studying what Willow had been looking at she said, “Have you tried looking for something that translates to ‘the Dark Ones’? I mean, maybe their name doesn’t have any other human language equivalent, but that’s as close as Lucy’s mind could get. A lot of demon tongues are pretty obscure and hard to translate.”
 
“I’ll try,” said Willow doubtfully. But even with a different focus, Willow found she was getting nowhere. Giles had been gone for a week now, and although he sent email updates from time to time, they didn’t sound terribly encouraging.
 
The door rang and Tara trooped in, flopping in a chair and dropping her bookbag. “I thought my Philosophy professor was going to succeed in actually making time stop. That woman would bore Plato to tears.” She noticed Willow’s frown and asked, “No joy on the research front, huh?”
 
“No joy whatsoever,” Willow sighed. “Giles is striking out too.”
 
The door rang again as a gray haired man walked in wearing a battered tweed blazer and spectacles. Looks like Giles’ long lost brother, thought Anya as she went up to him. “May I help you?”
 
“Yes, I was looking for a certain book of charms,” he said in a high pitched voice. He showed Anya the title written on a sheet of paper and she led him over to the books-for-sale section to look for it.
 
Tara had been concentrating on reading the message from Giles over Willow’s shoulder. She straightened up and took a look at the person talking to Anya. His aura was gray all over, just like the demon they had seen in the store. “Willow, can you come into the training room with me for a moment?” she asked in a conversational tone. Willow looked quizzical, but followed Tara out the door. When the training room door closed, Tara said in a low voice, “That man. He’s one of those Kratash demons. His aura is the same as the other one.”
 
“Are you sure?” Willow asked.
 
“Yes, I’m sure,” Tara answered. “What do we do?”
 
Willow thought for a second. “Call Buffy and Spike. I’ll keep him contained until they get here.” They left the training room, Tara heading for the office to make the phone call and Willow heading back into the main room, where the tweedy-looking man was paying for his book. Willow muttered an incantation under her breath. Her eyes went slightly darker for a moment, and then she said, “Arretio.” The man froze in mid movement like a statue.
 
Anya was indignant. “What are you doing? That’s a paying customer!”
 
“Tara saw his aura. He’s a Kratash demon,” Willow explained. “Do we have something to tie him up with? I can’t hold this spell forever.”
 
Anya looked closely at the man, and saw the telltale swirling black in his eyes. She quickly went into Giles’ office and found some rope. Together she and Tara bound the Kratash’s ankles together and tied his arms firmly to his sides. They tipped him none too gently onto the floor and tied him up further, with him still in an awkward pose, arm extended to receive his change. When they finished, Willow muttered another phrase and sat down, a little tired from the effort of holding the spell. The Kratash struggled a bit, but found himself well and truly caught.
 
“Did you get a hold of the others?” Willow asked as her heart rate slowed to its usual pace.
 
Tara nodded. “They’re on their way. Spike is coming over now. Buffy has to wait for Dawn to get home.”
 
About ten minutes later the cellar door burst open and Spike walked in, duster flapping behind him. “Where is it?” he asked. He then noticed the tied up Kratash on the floor and growled. The Kratash’s eyes widened in fear.
 
“Spike,” Tara warned. “If you kill him we can’t get information from him, remember.”
 
“Don’t worry, Glinda. Not going to kill him. At least not yet.” He got down next to the Kratash and hauled him up by the shirt collar. “But let’s get things straight here mate. You are going to die eventually. The question is whether you die quickly, or slowly and extremely painfully. The Kratash swallowed, but said nothing. Anya went to flip the ‘Closed’ sign on the door as Spike hauled the Kratash up and tossed him into a chair. “Talk, Kratash,” Spike growled.
 
Sweat ran down the human mask of the demon who kept silent but looked completely terrified. Spike lost patience and took hold of the demon’s hand. The women watched in horror as he proceeded to methodically break the demon’s fingers one by one. The creature howled in agony as Spike got to the last finger, and then squeezed the whole hand, grinding the entire mess together. “Please. No more,” the creature begged pathetically.
 
“How many of there are you?” Spike demanded, barely letting up on the demon’s hand.
 
“Five of us. I just got here a couple days ago,” he gasped.
 
“What were you told to do?” Spike asked, looming over him.
 
“My job was to come to the shop, see what you were up to.”
 
The door rang and Buffy stalked in at that point. “This him?” she asked Spike, indicating the tied up, groaning figure.
 
“Yeah. Says he’s one of five. His job was to spy on the shop,” Spike said.
 
Buffy moved past Spike and grabbed the creature by the throat. “What do you want with our baby?”
 
“We… don’t know… the client,” he said with a struggle. “They just… want to know… when the child is due.”
 
Buffy released the demon with a gesture of contempt. “Guys? Conference,” she said. They moved together into the corner, keeping a constant watch on their prisoner. “So what do we do with this guy? Do we keep him alive so he can lead us to the others, or do we kill him?”
 
“I’m all in favor of ripping the bastard’s head off, but you know me…” Spike’s words were cut off by a noise from the Kratash. He writhed and groaned in his chair, straining at his bonds until with a flash he went up in flames.
 
“Fire!” shrieked Anya. Tara kept her head and grabbed a fire extinguisher, playing it over the demon as quickly as she could, but it was too late. Willow was completely stunned, but Buffy happened to look out the window to see a figure turn and flee. She ran out the door and noticed a Latino man walking rapidly down the street. Her demon detection amulet grew warm as she picked up the pace and chased him. He looked behind him, noticed her, and turned quickly into an alley. She ran as fast as her pregnant body would allow, but found the alley empty when she got there. Frustrated, she returned to the store.
 
The fire was out, but all that remained of the Kratash demon was a smoldering pile of flesh. “What the hell was that?” Buffy asked.
 
“Magic,” said Spike. “Can smell it. Whatever you chased out there used some kind of incendiary spell from outside the window. I’ve heard of the Kratash doing stuff like that before – they’d rather kill their own than fail a client. The other guy must have followed this one and acted when he saw that we had him.”
 
“What do we do now?” Willow asked. She was a bit alarmed at the viciousness displayed by both Spike and Buffy, although she understood where they were coming from.
 
“Could we please get this… thing out of my store? I am missing potential customers here!” said Anya.
 
“I’ll dump it down in the tunnels,” Spike said. “But we know there are four others out there. We’re going to need to keep our eyes open.”
 
“Do we need more of these amulets?” Buffy asked. “I mean, Tara can see their auras, Spike can smell them, and I can feel the amulet get warm, but everyone else could be talking to them any time and never know it.”
 
“Good idea,” said Tara. “Willow and I can get to work on that right away.”
 
“I’m going to go back and give Dawn the update,” Buffy said. “Everyone just make sure to keep a lookout for anyone unusual until we get the rest of the amulets made.” She gave Spike a kiss, and he stroked her cheek tenderly. Then he picked up the charred remains of the Kratash and headed for the cellar, while Buffy headed for home. Anya grumbled as she sprayed air freshener and vacuumed the carpet while Willow and Tara started working on the amulets.
 
***********************
 
It was dark when the four remaining Kratash gathered for their nightly briefing. As the Kratash who called herself Phoebe Chen came in she remarked, “We’re missing someone.”
 
The brown-haired woman said, “Our fifth agent was compromised. One of the witches who associates with the Slayer can apparently see auras and recognized him. We had to eliminate him.”
 
“Did he give up much information?” asked the Kratash named Joe.
 
“They know there are five of us, but I was able to get to him before they got much else,” said the Latino. “I very nearly got caught myself. Even pregnant, the Slayer is fast.”
 
“Fortunately, he was able to get into the store under a different guise earlier in the day and managed to plant the camera. We can hear and see everything that goes on there now.” The brown-haired Kratash pulled out a small black screen that no computer geek on Earth had ever seen. She touched a few controls and soon they all could hear and see Anya cleaning, and Willow and Tara bent over spellbooks. “Apparently, they provided the Slayer with an amulet to sense our presence, and they plan to give them to the rest of their associates as well.”
 
“How can we possibly get near them then?” asked Phoebe. “I’ve managed to get some information from the sister, but not enough to break through their wards.”
 
“We’ll have to think of something else,” said the Latino. “Tell us what you found out.”
 
“Her name is Dawn. She lives with just her sister and the vampire,” said Phoebe. “Their father is gone, and their mother is dead. From what I gather, her sister and the vampire are very protective of her. I was hoping to spend more time with her tomorrow, but if they’re going to be making amulets, then I guess not.”
 
“What is your report?” The question was directed at Joe, who said, “I spent the day with Xander Harris. He is engaged to the girl Anya, who helps run the Magic Box with Rupert Giles. They often go out to this place called the Bronze on Saturdays. Unclear if the vampire and the Slayer go as well, but that might be a night to stake out their house, see if we can get inside.”
 
The lead Kratash agents considered for a moment. Then the brown-haired woman spoke up. “I think we need to do a couple of things. You two,” she indicated Phoebe and Joe, “Are going to stake out their house. Stay in the car as much as possible so the vampire doesn’t pick up your scent. We are going to look into some way to defeat all the protective spells on the Slayer herself. If she can no longer hide her pregnancy or detect us, it will restrict her movement somewhat and take away some of her advantage.”
 
“Remember,” admonished the Latino. “Don’t get caught. The Controller’s going to be angry already when he hears that another agent was compromised. All of our heads are going to roll if we screw up any further.” The others nodded in understanding and went to work.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #21 - Chapter 21
 
Disclaimer: I don’t make any money off the characters. I just borrow them from Joss Whedon et. al.
 
Another chapter to (hopefully) make my reviewers happy. Or at least keep them reading.
 
********************************
Chapter 21
********************************
 
Dawn and Buffy were enjoying their Friday night movie and ice cream session as usual. Buffy was eating coffee ice cream with pineapple sauce, which Dawn thought was the grossest thing she had ever heard of. Buffy normally would have agreed, but apparently Emma had other thoughts, and the strange combination tasted so good to her that she shrugged and gave in to the hormones. As she sighed with contentment when the bowl was finished, Dawn decided to strike.
 
“Buffy? Can I go to the Bronze with my friends on Saturday?” Dawn asked, trying not to beg.
 
“Are you serious? With all the vampires, demons and whatnot around here? Not to mention you’re a freshman, and I remember all the things that seemed like a good idea when I was a freshman that got me in huge trouble later?”
 
Dawn gave up and resorted to begging. “Please? A bunch of my friends are going to be there and there is a really great band playing! Besides, we all have those amulets now so the spies can’t sneak up on us and puhleeease?”
 
“Hey ladies,” Spike said as he came home from poker and patrol. “My enhanced hearing detected groveling from the sister-in-law.”
 
“Spike, tell Buffy I’m old enough to go to the Bronze with my friends on Saturday,” Dawn said.
 
“Um, yeah. The vampire’s going to contradict the lady with the stakes and the hormones. Not going to happen, Nibblet.”
 
“You guys are totally unreasonable!” Dawn yelled.
 
Spike caught Buffy’s eye. Fancy a trip to the Bronze, love? Buffy sighed, but said, “The only way I will let you go is if I go too, and you do not leave the Bronze without me.”
 
“Really?” Dawn said, instantly brightening.
 
“Yes. I’ll see if the gang wants to go and hang out. That way we’ll stay out of your way, but we’ll still be there to keep an eye on you.”
 
“You guys are the best!” Dawn cried happily. She hugged them both and raced off to call her friend Janice.
 
From totally unreasonable to the best in thirty seconds. Not bad, I guess, Spike mused with a smirk. He sat down next to Buffy on the couch and kissed her tenderly. He rubbed a hand gently over her belly, smiling as he felt the baby kick.
 
“Kid’s got a good round kick,” Spike said.
 
“I’m pretty sure that was a side kick,” Buffy joked. “But if she doesn’t stop using my bladder as a punching bag she’s going straight to her room the second she gets here.”
 
“Now, now. She’s young. We have to give her a break.”
 
“You’re going to spoil her rotten, aren’t you,” Buffy said with a mock frown.
 
“Absolutely,” Spike said. “Gonna have me wrapped around her little finger from the moment I see her.”
 
“I suppose we’ll have to live with that,” she replied happily. She loved these times, when they could just revel in the reality of this new child, their child. “We’re going to have to think about setting up a nursery sometime,” she remarked.
 
“I suppose your mum’s old room will have to serve,” Spike said, still stroking Buffy’s ever expanding middle. “Have you heard anything from Giles?” he asked, changing the subject.
 
“He is still searching. It’s been a few weeks now. I’m starting to get a bit worried. I mean, I’m seven and a half months. What’s going to happen in another month and a half?” Buffy turned to him with worried eyes.
 
“Other than a lot of wet nappies to change? Not sure,” Spike said. He hesitated, not wanting to piss her off, but then he added, “Do you think you should start putting the wards up when I’m out?”
 
“What?” she said.
 
“I’m just worried about you. The bigger you get, the harder it’s going to be to defend yourself and protect Dawn. If something comes after you while I’m on patrol…” He left the thought unfinished, but Buffy could feel the apprehension in her mate.
 
“You’d blame yourself, wouldn’t you?” Buffy said.
 
“Yeah,” said Spike, pulling her close and resting his head on hers. “Might not be rational, but I would.”
 
“William,” she said, sitting up and catching his eyes. “The only thing about this that is your fault is our daughter, and I don’t think you need to feel guilty about that. The rest of this is just life as the Slayer. Someone’s been after me since I was 15. I’m used to it by now.”
 
“Doesn’t mean I have to like it though,” Spike mumbled.
 
Buffy searched his feelings, and found as always love, devotion, and protectiveness, but no feeling that she was inadequate or helpless. He desperately wanted her, and their daughter, to live. “Spike,” Buffy said at last. “If it will make you less anxious, I’ll put the wards up when you’re gone. I know you’re just worried about us.”
 
“Keep me anyhow?” Spike asked sheepishly. He knew how much she hated being overprotected.
 
“Yeah, I’ll keep you. Besides, you’re an antique. I could probably get good money for you on eBay,” Buffy joked.
 
“Watch it, Slayer, or I’ll eat you myself,” he growled playfully. He got up, watched amusedly as Buffy wrestled her bulky self out of the couch, and followed her up to bed.
 
************************************
 
“Spike! Buffy! Over here,” called Tara, waving from across the crowded room. Buffy, Spike, and Dawn had gotten to the Bronze after picking up Dawn’s friend Janice. Spike quickly scanned the crowd, but detected no vampires or other demons, so Buffy turned the teens loose with strict instructions not to leave the building. Now they made their way through the throng to join the Scoobies at a table that was far enough away from the speakers to talk without shouting.
 
“Hey, guys,” Buffy said, hoisting herself awkwardly onto a tall stool. “Gotta say, the extra passenger makes everything a challenge these days.”
 
“But yet, you look as slim and athletic as ever!” joked Xander. “Ms. Summers, how do you do it?”
 
“Sorry, but if I told you my secret, I’d have to kill you,” Buffy said, deadpan. Then they all laughed, reveling in how good it felt to be a group again.
 
“’M about to die of thirst over here,” said Spike. “What can I get everyone?” He listened to their orders, and came back in a few minutes with an assortment of beers and sodas. They sat and chatted, Spike with one arm around Buff’s shoulder’s and a beer in the other hand as he slouched comfortably in his chair. Willow and Tara were once more holding hands under the table, and Xander and Anya were shoulder to shoulder, leaning in to hear the conversation better. Not so bad, this, Spike remarked privately.
 
Almost like we’re real people, huh? She smiled at him and gave him a peck on the cheek.
 
“Okay, I can see how that would drive Dawn crazy,” laughed Tara. “You’re going to make us all nuts wondering what side conversations are going on in your heads.”
 
“All part of my evil plot, Glinda,” Spike teased with a smirk.
 
“I knew it. He’s corrupting Buffy,” Xander said, completely joking for once.
 
A slow song began playing as Dawn and Janice bounced past. “Can I have some money for refreshments?”
 
Spike pulled out his wallet while Buffy admonished, “You do know exactly how dead you will be if I see you even trying to sneak alcohol, right?”
 
“I am aware of the degree of deadness that will result,” Dawn said. She grabbed the money from Spike, and cried “Thanks!” over her shoulder as they bounded away to join their friends.
 
“Care to dance, love?” Spike asked.
 
“Thought you’d never ask. Be back in a while guys!” Buffy managed to extract herself from her seat with a reasonable approximation of her usual grace and took Spike’s hand as he led her to the dance floor. They swayed together gently, letting the sound and their own emotions intertwine as they closed their eyes and drank in the sensation. You know, you’re the only guy I’ve ever been with who will volunteer to dance.
 
Wankers, all of them, he thought back. He inhaled the scent of her hair and sighed in contentment. Remember how I said that marrying you would make me the happiest man on earth? Understatement of the century. And I’ve been around a century, so I can say that with authority. Buffy snuggled as close to his chest as her invisible tummy would allow and reveled in his touch.
 
**************************************

In the alley behind the Bronze, the two Kratash spies were having a conversation with a man with a scarred face and shaggy light brown hair. “Do you understand what you are to do?”
 
“Yeah. You want me to go in there and find the Slayer and curse her,” he said in a gravelly voice.
 
“She is not to come to any harm. The only objective is to disable the protective charms she wears. If she or any of her associates are harmed, you will not be paid.”
 
“If you’re so concerned then why don’t you curse her yourself?” he said, looking out at them with hooded eyes.
 
“She can sense our presence. It is of utmost importance that we are not detected. Can you do the job with our constraints, or not?”
 
“I can do it,” said the man. “Not going to turn down a hundred grand for one little spell.”
 
“Then see to it. You’ll get the rest when we know it worked,” said the brown haired woman, handing him an envelope. “Don’t disappoint us, Mr. Rack.”
 
“I’ll be right back,” Rack said. He turned and strolled into the Bronze. Standing in a corner he surveyed the scene, his eyes scanning the crowd until they came to rest on the blond couple in the center of the dance floor. He sensed the power contained in the deceptively small frame of the Slayer, and noted with some amusement that her dance partner was a vampire.  Sleeping with the enemy? Rack mused. He maneuvered around the dance floor until he was about ten feet away. He half closed his eyes and murmured under his breath. Then he held out his hand in front of him and spoke the last words as a wave of invisible power rippled out toward Buffy.
 
Spike stiffened suddenly, smelling the telltale trace that magic left in the air. Buffy sensed it too and looked around, scanning the crowd for anything unusual. What was that? she asked.
 
Spike also looked around, but then realized that he could hear the child’s heartbeat again. He looked down, and realized that Buffy looked very, very pregnant. Your amulet. It stopped working.
 
What? Buffy looked down as well and her mouth dropped in shock. How? The two of them turned back to back, looking for anyone suspicious, but Rack had already melted into the crowd and made his way to the exit. Seeing nothing amiss, they made their way back to the table, where they found Willow sitting with wide eyes.
 
“What happened? I felt some sort of magic, but I don’t know who it was!” Willow said. Then she gasped as she realized that Buffy’s condition was visible. “Can I see the amulet?” Buffy pulled the chain over her head and handed it to Willow. Willow examined it and muttered a small incantation, but nothing happened. “It’s not working. The spell has been nullified.”
 
Spike stood up, instantly in predator mode. “Stay here, let me have a look around,” he ordered.
 
“Um, Slayer here. I’m coming with you,” Buffy said, hauling herself once more from the chair. “Can you guys keep an eye out for Dawn?” The others nodded and watched with concern as Buffy and Spike moved off through the crowd.
 
Please pet, don’t do anything stupid, okay? Spike looked at her anxiously.
 
I won’t. Just want to see for myself, okay? They moved around the room, Spike vamping out in dark corners to enhance his senses, but they saw nothing. Moving out into the back alley they stopped and looked around. “They were here,” Spike said. “I can smell them. But they’re gone now. Smells like magic too. Maybe they have a witch or something working for them.” He kicked a nearby garbage can angrily.
 
“We better get back in to Dawn,” Buffy said. Her thoughts were a morass of fear, anger, and confusion, and Spike put an arm around her shoulders to comfort her. They made their way back through the throng to the table. Several people did a noticeable double take as she wound her way through, pregnant women being a relatively rare sight at the Bronze. “Did you catch them?” Anya asked as they got back.
 
“They’re gone,” Spike said. “Think they had a witch or something on their side.”
 
“Are you okay, Buffy?” Tara asked with concern.
 
“I feel fine. But the amulets seem totally dead,” Buffy said. “We’re going to need to figure this out. Spike? Can you find Dawn and Janice? I think we need to get out of here.” Spike ground his teeth in frustration and went to collect the teens.
 
****************************
 
The next day at the Magic Box the group assembled to try to make sense of what had happened. All the others’ amulets seemed be working - Spike’s presence made everyone else’s amulets warm. But when Buffy put Dawn’s amulet on her wrist, nothing happened. “It’s like you were cursed or something,” Willow said. “That magic must have been pretty powerful and focused. It’s like they didn’t want to hurt you, just prevent you from using the amulets.”
 
“But why?” Buffy asked. “I mean, ok, some big bad wants me, or the baby, or both. Why not just grab me or something and hold onto me until the baby comes? Why all this cloak and dagger stuff?”
 
“Let’s think about this,” Xander spoke up. “In your dreams, you felt like you were racing a clock or something. So let’s assume they need you, or the baby, or whatever at a particular time.”
 
“Go on,” said Spike, starting to understand where Xander was coming from.
 
“So maybe whoever hired the Kratash can’t get here yet, or can’t grab you ahead of time for whatever reason because it would mess up their ritual or whatever. But they need to know as much about you as possible, right? I mean, that seems to be what they were paid to do.”
 
“So they want to be able to stalk me and get information on me without me knowing, so they had to defeat the amulets.” Buffy finished. “Well that makes logical sense, but now what do I do?”
 
“Well, I suppose as long as one of us is always with you, we can act like your demon detectors,” said Tara.
 
“Maybe we can increase the wards on the house,” Dawn put in. “That way we know they won’t be able to spy on us there.”
 
“We should probably move the Scoobie meetings to the house as well,” Spike added. “This place is too hard to secure. Too public.”
 
“Hold the phone here, guys,” Buffy said. “I feel like I’m on probation or something. Do I really need to have a chaperone all the time?”
 
Spike took her hand, “You know me, Slayer. You know that I know that you can still kick my ass eight ways to Sunday, even when you’re pregnant. Just don’t want those bastards to find out anything more about you.”
 
“Should we leave Sunnydale until the baby is born?” Dawn asked, clearly concerned.
 
Buffy shook her head. “I am not being chased out of my house by a bunch of demons. Besides, this is familiar turf. I go somewhere else, I’m not going to know what’s safe or who to trust. And no,” she said, looking pointedly at Xander, “I am NOT calling Angel for help, so don’t even ask.”
 
Xander held up his hands in surrender. “Not going there, trust me.”
 
They all looked at each other for a moment. Finally Buffy said, “Ok, here’s what we’re going to do. Willow, can you and Tara see what you can do to strengthen the wards on our house? I’ll call Giles and get updates.” She took a deep breath and said, “And I’ll make sure that I keep in mental contact with Spike whenever I go out alone. Will that make everyone happy?”
 
“Well, it will make me happy,” Spike said. The others agreed.
 
Anya changed the subject. “Buffy, are you guys doing anything next Saturday night?”
 
Buffy and Spike looked at each other. “No, not that we know of.”
 
“Good. We’d like to invite the three of you to dinner.” Anya seemed to sharing a look with Dawn, but Buffy couldn’t be sure.
 
“Okaay…” Buffy said. “But why do I get the feeling that something is up?”
 
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Anya said. On that cryptic note, the meeting broke up.
 
*************************
 
“Buffy Summers?” called the nurse. Buffy looked up from a parenting magazine in the waiting room of the doctor’s office. She was amused at the things other parents worried about. Yeah, I’m gonna have time to worry that Emma is only pooping twice a day when I’ve got vampires to fight.
 
I’ll fight the vampires, you can worry about the other thing, came Spike’s voice in her mind. Their connection had become strong enough that Spike could communicate with her from their living room sofa while she went to the obstetrician. Buffy hauled herself from the chair and followed the nurse in for her checkup. She changed into the ‘gown of infinite embarrassment’ as she had dubbed it and waited for the doctor.
 
“Good afternoon, Ms Summers,” said the pleasant middle aged woman. “How are you feeling?”
 
“Like the Goodyear blimp,” Buffy quipped.
 
“Well, you’ve got about five or six weeks to go, so you’re almost there. Any unusual symptoms or anything?”
 
Buffy shook her head. “Everything seems the same. Baby’s been kicking me constantly, and I think my feet are going to explode if they swell any further, but otherwise, nothing’s changed.”
 
“Well, let’s have a look and a listen,” she said. Buffy mentally relayed the conversation to Spike, who asked, Do they know when she’ll be here?
 
You’re worse than a kid near Christmas, Buffy responded with a faint smile. You have another five or six weeks to wait, she added. She nearly laughed out loud at the mental groan of impatience that came over their link.
 
“What’s so funny?” asked the doctor.
 
“Just thinking about my husband. He seems to think that asking me on a daily basis if the due date is certain is going to make the baby come faster. He’s a bit impatient to be a father.”
 
The doctor smiled, “That’s a lovely thing. A lot of men are terrified of the prospect.”
 
“Wimps,” Buffy joked, and the doctor smiled. Heard that! No maligning my gender, came the response.
 
“Well, the baby is developing just fine, moving into position, everything seems normal. Have you gotten a chance to take a childbirth class yet?” the doctor asked.
 
“Um, no. I sorta forgot to sign up,” Buffy admitted sheepishly.
 
“Well, there’s one going on at the hospital two nights from now. Do you want me to sign you up?”
 
“Sure,” said Buffy. Truth be told, she wasn’t sure how much she wanted to know about the whole thing. Childbirth worried her more than ten nests of vampires. Up for a childbirth class on Wednesday? Buffy asked Spike.
 
Isn’t that your job? Spike’s apprehension was evident.
 
Hey, you had a hand in this. No wimping out now, vampire, she shot back.
 
Alright. But I reserve the right to flee if I deem it necessary.
 
As long as you hold the door for me, because I’ll be right behind you. Buffy smiled again, finished her conversation with the doctor, and got dressed to go home.
 
*******************************
 
Once again the four Kratash agents faced each other around the table in the abandoned warehouse. This time, however, they had been joined by their controller, who was coming to oversee the critical part of the job. “What is the current status?” he asked.
 
“We have succeeded in nullifying the protective amulets worn by the Slayer,” said the Latino agent.
 
“We have also managed to place a listening device in the magic shop they use for their meeting place,” added the brown-haired woman. “But we have heard just today that they plan to increase the wards on the Slayer’s house and use that for their gatherings from now on.”
 
The controller considered for a moment. “How is her pregnancy progressing?”
 
“From what we gather based on her discussions with her associates her child is due to be born in approximately six weeks of their time, but we are not completely certain,” said the agent called Joe.
 
“Her associates have also developed the means to detect us,” put in Phoebe. “Our plan to follow the sister and one of the Slayer’ friends has been abandoned to avoid detection.”
 
“Prudent,” said the controller. He digested the information for a moment. Then he said, “So we know she is due in the next month or month and a half. We know she can no longer hide her pregnancy. Does she still perform her slaying duties?”
 
The Latino agent shook his head. “For the last month or so the vampire has gone out alone. He patrols the town, kills both his own kind and any demons he comes across, then returns.”
 
“Unusual for a vampire,” mused the controller. “So the Slayer and her sister are alone at home in the evenings.”
 
“Yes, although they have recently begun putting up the wards whenever the vampire leaves,” Phoebe remarked.
 
“What do we know about the other associates?” the controller asked.
 
The brown-haired woman looked at her notes. “Anya Jenkins, owns the Magic Box. Seems to know a fair amount about demons and magic, but doesn’t seem to possess any particular magical abilities. Xander Harris is in a relationship with Ms. Jenkins, doesn’t seem to have any particular abilities. Tends to argue with the vampire a lot. Tara Maclay and Willow Rosenberg both appear to be witches. Most of the major spells seem to be done by Rosenberg, although the other witch does seem to be able to read auras. She was the one who detected our agent in the store. Rupert Giles is a co-owner of the magic store. He is currently out of the country, apparently doing research to determine the identity of those who hired us.”
 
The controller made some notes of his own. “Tell me about the Slayer’s household.”
 
Phoebe spoke up. “It is just the Slayer, her sister, Dawn Summers, and the vampire.”
 
“The vampire apparently had quite a reputation previously as the Slayer of Slayers,” Joe added. “He was known as William the Bloody, but goes by Spike currently. It is unclear why he has decided to forgo his previous lifestyle and take up with the Slayer. But they are married, and also mated in the vampire fashion. They seem to share thoughts, and he is clearly the father of the child.”
 
After a few more minutes of scribbling, the controller addressed them all. “The client must get access to the child and/or its mother around the seventh full moon of the earth year. That gives us five weeks. We either need to find a way to defeat those wards or find a way to get the Slayer out of her house and capture her. She must not be harmed until the child is in the hands of our clients. If she is harmed and the child dies, the client will be most displeased. The house must be watched constantly to see if there is an opening. All her comings and goings must be tracked. Let’s get busy.” The Kratash bent over their papers and did just that.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #22 - Chapter 22
 
Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Joss Whedon and that lot. No money for me. Sigh.
 
Here is another chapter to reward my loyal reviewers.
 
****************************
Chapter 22
****************************
 
Spike pulled into the hospital parking lot and turned to Buffy. “Ready for this?” he asked.
 
Buffy took a deep breath. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” she said. They got out of the car and walked hand in hand into the hospital, following the signs to a large room full of other pregnant couples. I must be the only person here under twenty-five! Buffy said, feeling self conscious.
 
Don’t worry. I’m the only person here over a hundred, he joked. They found some seats near the back, and sat down. Spike took off his duster, to reveal a blue silk shirt, actually tucked in for once. He and Buffy held hands nervously, looking around at all the other couples. Spike’s punk exterior raised a few eyebrows from the country club types. Another couple sat down next to them, looking about as nervous as they did. “Is this your first?” the woman asked Buffy.
 
“Yes. How about you?”
 
“Same here. When are you due?” The two women compared notes pleasantly while Spike looked around. He too felt strangely self conscious, which was unusual for him. He found that his inner Victorian was cringing at the idea of having to discuss, in public, with strangers, the details of pregnancy. This simply wasn’t done. But here he was, and all around him women were comparing due dates and stretch mark stories and tales of nausea. He started to long slightly for a good thrashing by Angelus. It was generally over faster.
 
At last a woman at the front called everyone to attention. Spike found himself gripping Buffy’s hand almost painfully as they showed videos of the birth experience. Dear God, you seriously expect me to stand there while all that happens?
 
What’s the problem? I’ll be doing all the work, Buffy responded, squeezing his hand in return.
 
I’ll be feeling it all though. Mated, remember? I assume you’ll get some drugs for all this?
 
Well, I guess it depends on if I need them.
 
Can I get some drugs then? Bottle of whiskey? Anything?
 
I think they frown upon the father getting loaded during labor, Buffy snickered silently. The movie came to an end, and Spike was relieved for a moment. The woman answered a few questions, then another movie came on about c-sections that had the vampire turning even more pale.
 
How come if I disembowel someone I get staked, but doctors get paid to do it? I’m in the wrong bloody profession.
 
It’s not disembowelment, you dope. It’s a caesarian.
 
Looks about the same to me. He shuddered at the thought of having to watch, and feel, his wife go through all that. Mayhem was all well and good when it was being inflicted on someone else, but not when it was the woman he loved. After the movie ended, they all separated onto mats on the floor to practice breathing exercises, with discussions on techniques for the husbands to use to help coach and soothe their wives. I bet none of the other husbands have to worry about their wife ripping their head off during labor.
 
You know I won’t dust you during labor, you big sissy. Now, what are we supposed to be doing here again? I feel ridiculous just breathing here. They went through the exercises, but after a while they realized that they were the only couple not speaking. They had gotten so engrossed in their inner conversation that the couple next to them was looking at them strangely. The leader stopped and asked them, “Is there anything I can help you with? You seem so silent.”
 
“We do that sometimes,” Buffy explained. “We get so engrossed in what we’re thinking that it looks like we’re not speaking to each other. We’re fine though.” The leader shrugged and walked away, while Buffy and Spike rolled their eyes at each other and laughed.
 
The class finally ended, and Spike all but sprinted from the room. “Bloody hell, that was torture,” he said with a shudder. “All those shiny happy California couples all oohing and aahing over that bloody horror movie they showed. Enough to make me want to drain my own neck just to escape.”
 
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Spike, it wasn’t that bad,” Buffy said as they made their way to the car. “At least you weren’t getting the hairy eyeball because you look like a teenage mom.” Halfway across the parking lot they heard a noise behind them. Whirling, they faced a group of five vampires, coming out from behind a dumpster.
 
“Well, if it isn’t the Slayer and her pet. Heard you had a bun in the oven, Slayer, but they didn’t say you were carrying triplets,” the leader said.
 
“Did you just call me fat?” Buffy said. “You are so going to dust for that.”
 
“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Slayer.” As one the vampires rushed them.
 
Spike stepped in front of Buffy, who whirled so they were back to back. Brandishing a stake in each hand, Spike quickly dispatched two of the vamps. One got behind and came after Buffy, who had dropped into a fighting stance. The vamp quickly found that he had underestimated her punches. Although high kicks were a thing of the past, Buffy had been spending lots of spare time on the heavy bag, and was able to knock one vampire out cold almost immediately. Spike had lost a stake and was grappling with another vampire as the fifth rushed Buffy. She ducked at the last second and sent him flying. Snatching up Spike’s dropped stake she took out the one fighting Spike from the back, allowing him to dive onto the one Buffy had tossed. In a few minutes it was over, and the two of them stood panting, surrounded by dust.
 
“Are you alright, love?” Spike asked. He looked her over and ran his hand over her belly. Emma gave a kick as if to reassure them both.
 
“I think we’re both fine. But I guess my secret is out, huh?” They got into the car and locked the doors.
 
“I sure hope Willow’s wards hold. All the demons in Sunnydale are going to be lined up around the block,” Spike said with a frown. They started the car and drove home, worried.
 
*************************
 
Saturday night rolled around, and Spike drove Buffy and Dawn to Xander and Anya’s apartment. Dawn clearly knew that something was up, but wouldn’t divulge a thing. Buffy and Spike were completely perplexed about what this surprise could be, but in the end they had to follow the grinning teen up to Xander’s apartment without any explanation.
 
“Surprise!” cried the Scoobies as the door opened. The apartment was decorated, and a pile of presents was heaped on Xander’s coffee table.
 
“We decided you needed a baby shower,” Dawn said happily. “Anya and I planned it.”
 
“You guys didn’t have to do all this,” Buffy protested, although everyone could see she was pleased.
 
“So this is what you’ve been giggling about for the past week, Nibblet?” Spike said. Dawn whistled nonchalantly until Spike tickled her ribs and she squealed.
 
Buffy and Spike were led to the seats of honor on the couch. Buffy cooed with pleasure over a selection of baby clothes, bottles, and diapers. Dawn had gotten a variety of rattles and teething toys, while Tara contributed a beautiful rose colored baby quilt. A large box proved to be a delicate white wicker work bassinette, with a card that said ‘Love, Giles’. “He said that he plans to be back in two weeks, but he wanted this to get here for the shower,” Anya explained.
 
“We can’t thank you lot enough,” Spike said when they finished opening everything. “It means a lot to us to have your support.”
 
“And I will be over in the morning to do some tweaking to the wards,” Willow promised. “No charge.”
 
“Thanks so much you guys. But if you’ll excuse me for a moment, Emma here seems to be tap dancing on my bladder.” Buffy stood up and waddled as fast as possible to the bathroom.
 
Spike chuckled, “Girl’s been living in the loo last week or so.”
 
“So what was that childbirth class like?” Tara asked curiously.
 
“Scariest thing I’ve ever seen. A room full of very pregnant people talking about body functions that I never had to consider when I was alive, and I completely do not want to consider now,” Spike said with a shudder. “In my day, the father stayed away until the child was there, all wrapped up and shiny, and what went on in the interim was not discussed.”
 
“Ok, if childbirth scares you, I am never spawning anything,” Xander said. Anya gave him a dirty look until he said, “Kidding! You know I’m kidding.”
 
“You’d better be. Because someday I intend to reproduce with you,” Anya said in her usual forthright manner. Xander got wide eyed for a moment, but then Buffy returned from the restroom and they all sat down for dinner.
 
After dinner, the Scoobies helped carry everything down to the car and said goodbye. “Dawn, that was really sweet of you,” Buffy said as they drove home.
 
“Well with all the demons and everything, you sorta haven’t done anything to get ready for this kid. I figure I should help with that,” Dawn explained.
 
“You’re a good girl, Nibblet,” Spike said warmly. “Best sister-in-law a bloke could have.”
 
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself. Even if you do get hair gel in the sink.” Spike growled a bit, and Dawn and Buffy both laughed.
 
When they got home, the three of them ferried all the gifts into the house as quickly as they could, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious as they did. Inside, Dawn and Spike carried everything up to Joyce’s old room while Buffy dashed for the bathroom again. “Sorry I didn’t help,” she apologized when she came out. “This kid is positively determined to stomp my insides into jelly.”
 
“I shall have to give her a good talking too later,” Spike said with mock sternness.
 
“I’m going to bed,” Dawn declared. “Glad you guys liked the surprise.”
 
Buffy gave her sister a big hug. “You’re the best, Dawnie.” After Dawn left, she surveyed the pile of gifts. “We’ve got a good bunch of friends,” she commented.
 
“That we do, love,” Spike said, wrapping his arms around her middle from behind. He stroked her belly gently as they just stood there, reveling in the idea of their daughter.
 
Buffy noticed Spike’s journal on the desk. Have you been using that? she wondered.
 
Yeah. Been writing notes to Emma. Want her to know how I felt while I was waiting for her.
 
Can I read it?
 
Buffy could feel a slight flush of embarrassment ripple through Spike. I guess so. I’m always nervous about sharing my writing. Too much bad history there.
 
You know I won’t laugh, she thought, and he could tell she understood. I’ll read it when you’re not around if that makes you feel any better.
 
Thanks love. You’re welcome to read it any time. And when Emma is old enough, I hope she’ll read it too.
 
Love you, Spike. She turned around and kissed him, her enormous belly making him need to bend over further than previously. They straightened up, smiled, and took each other across the hall to bed.
 
****************************
 
The days passed in anxious tension for the Slayer and her friends. The wards had been strengthened, but Willow still couldn’t make them selective enough to allow Spike in while keeping other demons out. Buffy made Spike happy by putting them up when he went out to patrol, and by letting Xander put extra locks on the doors for when they were home. Buffy busied herself setting up the bassinette in their room, and organizing Emma’s new clothes and supplies in Joyce’s old room. She supposed they were going to need a crib at some point, but they were in no hurry. She dug up her own baby blanket from the attic, along with a mobile that had been used for her and Dawn in succession and carefully saved.
 
A week or so after the baby shower, the phone rang. “Spike? Can you get that?” Buffy called from the bathroom.
 
“Got it,” he called back, picking up the phone. “Hello?”
 
“Spike? It’s Giles.”
 
“Rupert! How’s the old country?”
 
“Very well, thank you,” said Giles. “I believe I have finally gotten some information that can help us. There seems to be a race of demons that can only move into our dimension at certain times. I am not certain yet, but these might be the ones who are after your child.”
 
Spike took an unneeded breath. “Anything we can do?” he asked.
 
“I will be returning the day after tomorrow. I may need some translation help, but I think I will have enough information so that we can prepare to defend against these creatures.”
 
“Call us when you get in then,” Spike said. “I know Buffy will be dying to see you.”
 
“How is she doing?” Giles asked.
 
“Big as a house, and looking like she’s ready to go any moment. Doctor says it’s possible she might go early, but otherwise, everything seems fine.”
 
“Keep good watch over her. I’ll be there in a couple days,” Giles promised.
 
“You know I’ll take care of her,” Spike said. The two men signed off, and Spike went upstairs to fill Buffy in on the conversation.
 
“Giles will be back soon?” Buffy said hopefully.
 
“Day after tomorrow, pet,” said Spike.
 
“Good. Cause I gotta say, I’m getting more than a little nervous here,” Buffy said, wrapping her arms around him.
 
“We’ll be okay. Promise,” he said. They made their way downstairs for dinner, sharing the news with Dawn. After dinner Buffy called to fill Willow in on the news from Giles.
 
“That’s good. I’ve researched my little fingers to the bone and gotten nowhere. Glad to hear he’s managed to find something.”
 
“Let’s hope it’s enough to stop whatever it is,” Buffy said. They chatted for another moment or two, then hung up. Spike went out for a quick patrol, reminding Buffy to put up the wards. Buffy and Dawn took in a sitcom or two, with Buffy rubbing her hand over her belly from time to time. What kind of a life is this kid going to have? Buffy wondered. Is she going to have to be a prisoner in her own home just to keep her safe?
 
Not if I have anything to say about it, Spike responded. He could now hear her thoughts clear across town if he was concentrating. He shared her worry, but tried to keep her spirits up. She’s got two parents who love her who have supernatural strength. She’ll be fine.
 
I know, Buffy thought, but I still worry about her.
 
Another one of those universal parent things, love, Spike soothed. We worry about our young. It’s what all creatures do.
 
Suppose you’re right, Buffy thought. Hurry home?
 
I will love. But please try to relax, okay?
 
Yes, Mr. Pratt. She refocused on the show Dawn was watching and tried to keep her mind off her concerns.
 
Spike came home after an hour or so, brushing vampire dust off his coat before hanging it up. “Clem says hi,” he said to Buffy as he joined the girls in the living room.
 
“How’s he doing?” Buffy inquired, struggling to sit up somewhat.
 
“He’s fine. He asked me to look after the crypt for two weeks or so. He’s going to some family reunion in Wichita” Spike said.
 
“Demons have family reunions?” Dawn asked in a surprised voice.
 
Spike shrugged. “Some do. Although why hold it in Wichita, that’s what I want to know. I mean, if you have to deal with a bunch of relatives, at least go to Vegas or something.”
 
“To each their own, I guess,” Buffy said. They all settled in for a night of relaxation, with Spike stroking Buffy’s belly and feeling his daughter move within her.
 
After a while Dawn started yawning and declared, “I’m off to bed. Good night.” The others said their good nights and turned off the TV. They remained on the couch for a while, feeling the baby kick and enjoying each other’s company. After a while, Buffy pulled Spike’s head down into a gentle kiss.
 
Come to bed love, he thought as their kiss deepened. They made their way upstairs to their room and closed the door. Spike slowly undressed her, pulling the simple maternity dress she wore over her head, caressing every inch of exposed skin. When he had her naked and lying on the bed, he too undressed, and Buffy drank him in with smoldering eyes as his sculpted body came into view. You’re so amazing to look at, she sighed.
 
As are you, he thought back. He slid into bed next to her, running his hand slowly from her neck, across her swelling breasts, to her smooth rounded belly. You’re so incredibly gorgeous like this.
 
I don’t feel gorgeous. I feel like an elephant.
 
No, my love. You’re a fertility goddess. Spike punctuated his thoughts by kissing his way down her body, lingering on her breasts until she moaned, then working his way down to settle between her thighs. Your quim is so ripe and ready, he thought, as he dipped his tongue into her. Could just stay here for hours.
 
Please do, she thought as she writhed in pleasure. Spike took his time exploring her, teasing her, and bringing her to the edge again and again. When she finally fell into her orgasm it was like lightning through her body and mind and she screamed his name in her mind. Spike, oh God, oh my lover, oh God, yes, Spike… Her thoughts lapsed into incoherency as she shuddered and gasped.
 
Grinning, Spike moved slowly up her body, worshipping her full breasts with lips and tongue until she begged, Please. Take me. Please. He knelt and entered her smoothly, lifting her hips to work around her pregnant belly. They moved together tenderly, their lovemaking requiring more finesse these days. But the connection between them was deep and all consuming, and their shared emotions heightened every touch and every movement.
 
Love you, Buffy. Love you. So perfect, so hot, oh God… He too lost control of coherent thought as they reached their climax. With a bit of effort they reached each other’s necks, biting each other and renewing their claim in time with their orgasms. Yes, lover, goddess, oh yes… Their emotions spiraled into an explosion, and they floated for an untold amount of time until they came back to themselves, lying side by side, gasping with their foreheads touching.
 
I never knew it could be like this, she thought, stroking his hair. Never thought it could be so intense.
 
Me neither, love, he responded. I thought I knew what love was, but I didn’t have a clue. Never leave me, Buffy. Be mine for all time.
 
You know I’m yours. Always. Won’t ever leave you.
 
Spike’s eyes shone with emotion as he searched every inch of her face, trailing his hand down to her belly once more. No matter what this child brings, I’ll always remember you this way. Beautiful, perfect, and somehow in love with me. Can’t figure out how that happened, but God I love you.
 
Love you too, William. She kissed him again, reveling in how good this was, this thing they had. They would remember it afterwards as one of the best nights of their lives.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #23 - Chapter 23
 
Disclaimer: All belongs to Joss Whedon.
 
Things will begin to get darker for our heroes from here on out. Be forewarned…
 
************************
Chapter 23
************************
 
“When will Giles be back?” Dawn asked over dinner the next day.
 
“His plane should get in late tomorrow,” Buffy said. “He called this morning with his final flight plans.”
 
“Did he figure out what’s coming after you?” Dawn wondered.
 
“He’s pretty sure it’s some demons from another dimension that can only travel to our dimension at specific times. He wants to show us the pictures he has of them and see if it’s the same ones. If they are, we may be able to disrupt their plans if we can just keep them away from us until this special time passes.” Buffy explained.
 
“Did he mention anything else?” Spike asked in between sips of blood.
 
“The phone connection was lousy. But he’ll be here tomorrow, so we can figure it all out then, I think.” The three of them went back to their meal, unaware of forces moving behind the scenes to bring the whole situation to a head.
 
***********************
 
In the dark cavern that served as the throne room for the Ruler of the Dwak Dlam, a contingent of warriors stood in rows before the throne. The demons were easily seven feet tall, their shiny black skin gleaming in the torchlight, and their twisted, grotesque heads in perfect alignment as they listened for the words of their leader.
 
“You have been chosen as the advance guard,” said the leader in her cold, firm voice. “You must be ready to enter the portal when the Seer gives the command. You will obey her as you obey me. Is that understood?”
 
“Yes, Ruler,” they answered in one deep voice.
 
“Seer! What is your command?” said the Ruler.
 
The crone with the sewn-shut eyes tapped her way forward. “The veil between the worlds is almost at its thinnest. The Dwak Dlam will go to the space between to await the sacrifice. The portal will only open enough for your small corps to go through before that time. We will await a signal from the Kratash spies. When we go through, you must not harm the child. Kill all others you find there, but the mother must be restrained unharmed, lest the child be unfit for the sacrifice. I will perform my duties when you have subdued her. Do you understand?” the Seer asked her aged yet clear voice.
 
“Yes, Seer,” they chorused again.
 
The Ruler stood up. “Assemble all the Dwak Dlam. We travel tonight to the space between. There we will await the coming sacrifice. Our gods will be honored and our power secured!” The warriors cheered and roared, clashing their weapons in a great cacophony. The Dwak Dlam were on the warpath, and none would bar their way.
 
***********************
 
Buffy woke that morning feeling completely unrested. Her dreams had been dark and disturbing, and in between nightmares the baby had been as restless as she was. Spike was awake as well, her mental and physical discomfort having projected into his mind as well. Ugh, she moaned. I feel like someone dragged me behind a truck all night.
 
My poor Slayer, Spike sympathized. You stay in bed. I’ll go see that Dawn gets off to school alright, and then I’ll bring you up something.
 
Would you? Buffy said gratefully. I don’t feel like I have the strength to waddle down there right now.
 
Breakfast in bed, coming right up. He kissed her forehead and got up, putting on his bathrobe and heading downstairs. “Morning, Nibblet,” he said affectionately.
 
“Morning. Is Buffy okay?” Dawn asked. She was starting to get a little anxious for her sister as Emma’s birth approached.
 
“Yeah. She’s just tired. Emma kept her up kicking all night.”
 
“I guess that’s part of having a mom who’s a Slayer,” Dawn said. Spike sipped his blood and coffee while Dawn had her cereal.
 
“Anything big going on at school these days?” he asked.
 
Dawn shrugged. “I’ve got an algebra test tomorrow. Otherwise, just the same ol’ same ol’.”
 
“Let me know if I can help you study or anything,” Spike offered.
 
“I think I’ve got it. Just let x equal x, right?” Dawn joked. She looked at her watch, chugged down her juice and said, “Gotta run. Tell Buffy to take it easy, okay?”
 
“I’ll be bringing her breakfast in bed momentarily,” Spike promised. Dawn gave him a quick hug and bolted out the door. Spike smiled, finished his blood, and set about getting breakfast for his girl. A short while later he went upstairs with a tray laden with eggs and toast, juice and decaf coffee. Buffy had dozed off again, but woke when Spike came in and sat up sleepily. “Your meal is served, madam,” he said gallantly.
 
“Mmm. I could get used to this treatment,” Buffy said. She munched her toast while Spike went down to get himself more coffee before joining her on the bed.
 
“Any particular plans for today, love?” Spike asked as he settled next to her.
 
“I think I will do some heavy duty lounging, followed by loafing, with a heavy dose of lying around,” Buffy said. “I swear, this kid weighs more than I do. I feel like I’m trying to haul a Volkswagen around on the front of me every time I move.”
 
“Hang in there, love. You’ll be back to your own svelte self soon enough,” Spike soothed.
 
“Sometimes I wonder if I’m ready for this,” Buffy mused. “I just can’t get my brain around the fact that there will be this newborn in the house. Like, very soon.”
 
“I can’t wait,” Spike said. “You know me. I’m not one for patience.” He directed his next remarks to her middle. “Emma? It’s your papa speaking. Time to come out now. Enough of this shyness, young lady.”
 
“Don’t think that’s going to help much,” Buffy said with a smile. “If it did, pregnant women would be yelling at their own stomachs in the fifth month.”
 
“Ah well, can’t say I didn’t try to help,” he said with a shrug. The side of his mouth crooked up into a grin as he downed more coffee.
 
They spent the day watching TV, feeling the baby kick, and making out by turns. For some unknown reason, Spike didn’t want to leave her side. He kept looking out the windows, wondering if the spies were there, scrutinizing every car that went past. Buffy finally commented, “You’re way jumpy today.”
 
“Just wish I knew what those Kratash guys were up to,” he said. “Bugs me to know they’re out there. I’ll feel a lot better when Giles gets here later. He’s going to call when he gets in, right?”
 
“Relax, lover. He’ll call when he gets to his place,” Buffy soothed. “Besides, we still have a couple weeks before she’s due. We’ll get everything sorted out by then.”
 
“What if she comes early?” Spike said in a concerned voice.
 
“It’ll be okay. I’ve got my vampire bodyguard, remember?” Spike was gratified by her faith in him, but he wondered if he would be enough.
 
Dawn came home as usual, and the routine of homework and dinner flew past. After dinner the three of them pursued various things. Dawn curled up on the phone in the living room for a chat with Janice. Spike did the dishes and wrestled with the laundry. Buffy was tired again, and went to lie down. She saw Spike’s journal on the bedside table, and picked it up. With her head propped on her hand, she read with growing affection all the messages he had written to his unborn daughter. A recent entry caught her eye:
 
I was raised to believe that the greatest desire of an Englishman should be a son to carry on the family name. But I’ll tell you a secret – I always wanted a girl. Even back when good Queen Victoria was on the throne. I love the hidden power of women. They look so delicate and beautiful, but they can kill you with a smile or raise you to soaring heights with a glance. Never saw women as the weaker sex. I look at all your mother has survived and endured, and how she keeps on going, keeps on fighting and trying and loving, and I know that no other creature I’ve ever encountered has such strength. And to have that strength wrapped in such a beautiful package – that is the mystery of women. I cannot wait to see the kind of woman you will become some day. I know that whatever you turn out to be, I will be proud of you.
 
Love, Papa
 
“I’m going to head out on patrol love,” Spike said as he entered the bedroom. He gave a sheepish smile as he saw what she was reading. “A bit melodramatic, I know, but…”
 
“Spike, it’s beautiful,” Buffy interrupted. “I wish my father had written something like that for me. It’s the most touching thing you’ve ever written.”
 
“You really think so?” he asked hopefully.
 
“I do,” she said with a tender smile. He leaned over to kiss her gently, drinking in her soft, warm lips. “Don’t forget to check on Clem’s place for him,” she reminded him after they reluctantly parted.
 
“I won’t,” Spike promised. “You remember to put the wards up, you hear me?”
 
“Yes, Mr. Pratt,” Buffy said with an eye roll. Then she pulled him down and kissed him again. “I love you,” she said.
 
“Love you too, Buffy,” he answered. He turned and went down stairs, waving to Dawn and heading out the door.
 
Buffy sighed, realizing that she really should get up and put up the wards. Why did they make the spell so I need to be standing at the door to say it? I mean hello? Pregnant lady here! Stairs kinda suck when you can’t see your feet! She lay on her side, reading a few more lines in Spike’s journal, until she found herself dozing off with her head on her arm.
 
Spike did his usual patrol, although he tended to move pretty fast these days. He supposed he was probably missing a fledge here and there, but he figured the extra vampires could be taken out later. As the weeks had gone by, he found himself more and more reluctant to leave Buffy unguarded. He knew that she could probably still hold her own for a while, but she was so close to the end, and so tired all the time, that he was out of his skull with worry whenever they were apart.
 
He finally got to Restfield toward the end of his route. He poked his head into the old crypt, but everything seemed secure. He was about to turn to go when he felt Buffy’s thoughts and emotions surge into his brain. What the hell? Dawn? She was frightened, angry, clearly going into defensive mode. Then her voice screamed in his head, Spike! Help me! Please!
 
Spike turned and sprinted out of the cemetery, running faster than he had ever run. Buffy’s voice in his head ceased to be coherent words and became an endless scream of agony. Hang on, Slayer, he pleaded as he flew through the streets to Revello drive. As he ran up the walk he felt a great wave of power sweep through him, and a great wind sprung from nowhere, knocking him backward. “Buffy?” he yelled as he recovered and reached the door. He burst through and stopped dead, his mouth gaping in shock.
 
Dawn lay on the living room floor, motionless. No… He knelt at her side. She was perfectly still, beautiful and unmarked, except for her clearly broken neck. Nibblet…oh no…Dawn… Then another voice crept weakly into his mind. Spike…
 
“Buffy?” he roared again, dashing upstairs. He ran to their bedroom and once more found himself unable to move.
 
The scene from his nightmare had come to life. Buffy lay on the floor, her bathrobe torn open, the front of her body soaked in blood. Blood had splashed on the walls and soaked the carpet. The little pig that Dawn had named Baby Gordo, intended for little Emma, was splattered in red as well. There were ragged slashes across Buffy’s abdomen, and Spike realized with mounting horror that someone had cut the child from her body, leaving her to bleed to death.
 
In another moment he was kneeling at her side. Buffy, stay with me love, he pleaded.
 
Buffy half opened her eyes. Took her… Emma… heard her cry… Buffy’s thoughts were rapidly becoming unfocused.
 
Who took her, love? Is she alive?
 
Alive… dark ones… find her… Buffy’s eyes closed, and Spike could feel her slipping away.
 
“No, Buffy please, don’t leave me.” Tears rolled down Spike’s cheeks as he cradled his wife’s body. He fought a rising panic. Dawn was dead, his baby daughter was out there, somewhere, and Buffy was dying. Slayer, don’t leave me. I need you. Emma needs you. Gotta tell me who took our girl. But Buffy was so far gone that her presence was like a guttering candle in his mind. He realized that there was no way help could get to her in time. Her breath was becoming shallow, and her heartbeat slowing. If she was gone, he would have no way to find their daughter. He also realized that without her he wouldn’t be able to go on – the broken claim would drive him mad within days. Weeping helplessly, Spike realized there was only one thing he could do, something he had previously ruled out as unthinkable.
 
He vamped, gently moved her hair out of the way, and sank his fangs tenderly into her neck. I love you, Buffy. Forgive me. He drank more deeply from her than he ever had, spurred on by the urgency of her fading heartbeat. Then pulling away he drew his fangs across his own wrist and held it to her lips. Drink love. Need you with me. At first the blood ran into her mouth with no response from her, but after a moment she swallowed, and weakly fastened her lips to his wrist. She swallowed twice more, and her eyes fluttered open for a moment. She fixed him with a long look, then fell back. Spike heard her heart beat once… twice… then stop. He had killed his third slayer.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #24 - Chapter 24
 
Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine – just borrowing them.
 
I hope that none of my loyal readers will require therapy after the last chapter. Thanks for staying tuned.
 
*****************************
Chapter 24
*****************************
 
He was still cradling her cooling body when Giles found them.
 
Giles had gotten back to his apartment on schedule that evening, having rented a car in L.A. and driven with all speed to get to Sunnydale. He had tried to call when he got in and had gotten no answer. Worried, he had decided to drive over to check on Buffy and Dawn. He knew she was the Slayer, but she was very near her due date, and this new information was too important to wait. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed the front door wide open as he parked in front of their house.
 
Apprehensive, he made his way to the door. Stepping cautiously inside he called, “Buffy? Dawn? Anyone home?” Then he noticed Dawn’s body, lying on the rug like a discarded doll. “Dawn!” he cried. As he knelt beside her, he flashed back instantly to the heartbreaking moment of finding Jenny Calendar, neck broken in the same way, laid out on his bed as a grotesque calling card. Shaking his head over and over in disbelief he backed away. “Buffy?” he called again, stumbling up the stairs. He reached Buffy and Spike’s bedroom and gasped. “Oh my God.”
 
Spike didn’t look up right away. He kept stroking Buffy’s hair, gazing into her unmoving, beautiful face. “Didn’t get here in time,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper. “Never seem to get there in time.”
 
“What… Spike what happened?”
 
Spike raised his red rimmed eyes. “Some bastard ripped our baby out of her,” he growled.
 
Giles covered his mouth in horror, fighting a rising nausea. Then he noticed the fresh bite mark on her neck. “Was it vampires that did this?”
 
“I don’t know. She said something about dark ones, and that Emma was alive, and that they took her, but I don’t know,” Spike responded. Swallowing, he looked down at his wife’s face again. “I turned her, Giles.”
 
“What?” Giles exclaimed. He shook his head in disbelief for a long minute before blurting out, “How could you do that to her? You loved her! Yet you would inflict one of her greatest fears on her?” Giles looked ready to stake him on the spot.
 
“Giles, please listen,” Spike begged, once more turning his miserable eyes toward the Watcher. “She’s the only one who knows what happened. If she dies forever, I… I’ll die too. The claim… it hurts, Rupert. The emptiness in my mind where she used to be, it’s almost too much to bear. I can’t live without her. ” His desperate voice pleaded with Giles to understand.
 
“How do you know she’ll even help you?” Giles questioned. “She’ll be a fledgling, fighting the hunger. She may not be anything like herself! You know this!”
 
“She’s a Slayer. Ever wonder why more Slayers don’t get turned?” Spike said. “They keep their Slayer demon along with the vampire demon. They’re driven to feed, but the guilt is too much. They usually end up staking all the vampires around them before either staking themselves or greeting the sunrise. Trying to live with being a vampire drives them insane.” He looked down at her again. “I’ve got to try, though. See if she’ll help, if only to save an innocent.”
 
“And this is what you’ve cursed Buffy with?” Giles exploded. “Grief? Guilt? Madness?”
 
“For God’s sake Rupert, what would you have me do?” Spike cried, his voice breaking. “My whole bloody family is gone…” Spike broke down then, weeping and shuddering as he clutched Buffy tighter.
 
The finality of Spike’s last statement struck Giles like a club. They’re gone. Buffy and Dawn are gone. His brain slowly started to accept the full impact of this truth, and tears welled in his eyes. Giles realized reluctantly that Spike had done the only possible thing. They could not leave an innocent child in the hands of a potent enemy. If there was any chance that Buffy could help them, they were going to have to take it. “What will you do now?” he asked quietly when he was able to speak again.
 
Spike didn’t answer for a few minutes. Then he said in a flat, tired voice, “I think I’ll take her to my old crypt. Got some chains there. I can chain her up so she won’t hurt herself, or me, when she comes to. May be that the claim will help keep her grounded, I don’t know.” He looked up at Giles once more. “Will you help us?” he pleaded.
 
Giles nodded. “Tell me what to do.”
 
Spike tenderly wrapped his lover’s body in her robe. He collected himself and stood up, carrying Buffy in his arms. He carried her down to Giles’ car, and gently laid her in the back seat. Returning to the house, he stopped and knelt once more beside Dawn. Fresh tears ran down his face as he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, then reached up to close her blank, staring eyes. “So sorry, Nibblet,” he whispered. “I failed you again.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, silently bidding her to be at peace.
 
Giles watched as Spike got to his feet like an old man. The larger-than-life vampire seemed shrunken, bowed under the weight of his loss. Spike made his way upstairs and threw some of Buffy’s clothes in a duffle. Shouldering the bag, he looked around at the shattered remains of what they had shared. The white bassinet, ready and waiting for a child that might never get to use it. Buffy’s collection of crosses, which she would never be able to wear again. The beautiful journal she had given him for Christmas, in which he had poured out his heart to his unborn daughter, which now lay ruined in a pool of blood. Whoever did this will pay, he vowed. They’re gonna think Angelus was a fucking saint when I finish with them.
 
Giles was just finishing covering Dawn with a blanket off the couch as Spike came down the stairs. Giles’ face was drained of all color – he too moved like he had aged ten years in a half hour. The two men stared at each other, neither knowing what to say. Finally they turned to go in silence. Spike’s heart broke anew at the sight of Buffy’s bloodstained body in the back of Giles’ car. Giles took the bag from Spike and threw it in the trunk while Spike stood as if turned to stone. ”Come on, old man,” Giles said gently, putting a hand on the vampire’s shoulder. Spike climbed in the passenger side and closed the door, leaning his head against the window and closing his eyes.
 
Giles headed off toward Restfield cemetery. “Will she be needing… that is, will she need to feed, when she awakes?” Giles stammered after a few minutes.
 
“Yes,” said Spike in an empty voice. “If you could bring us some blood after you drop me off, it would help. Human if you can get it.”
 
“I’ll do what I can,” Giles responded.
 
After another long silence, Spike spoke up. “Will you tell the others, Rupert? And look after… Dawn?” He choked on her name.
 
“Of course.”
 
“You’ll need to keep them away from us for a few days. She’ll probably wake up in a day or so, but I’m not sure what she’ll be like. I just hope I can find out enough information to find the little one.” Spike’s voice was hollow and exhausted, all his usual confidence leached out completely.
 
“I meant to tell you both,” Giles remembered. “I was coming to the house tonight because I think I know who we are up against. They are called the Dwak Dlam, which translates as the Dark Ones. They have a prophesy that says they will become a superior power if they sacrifice a certain child on a certain day. That day is five days away.”
 
Spike opened his eyes. “Emma?” he asked, dreading the answer.
 
“It seems very likely,” Giles said grimly.
 
“Where would they take her?” Spike asked. He struggled to remain focused. Fighting the despair of the broken claim was taking all of his energy.
 
“I’m not certain yet. I need to know for certain if these are the right demons. Any information you can get from Buffy will be valuable.” They had arrived at the cemetery. Giles got out and handed Spike his duffel. He swung it over his shoulder and then gently got Buffy out of the back of the car.
 
“I’ll bring the blood as soon as I can,” Giles promised.
 
“Thank you, Rupert. Just leave it upstairs, ok?” He started moving toward the crypt.
 
“Spike,” Giles called. Spike turned, still cradling the limp body. “Take… take good care of her,” he choked out.
 
“Always,” Spike replied. Then he turned and carried his burden to the crypt.
 
*************************
 
The crypt was only slightly different from how he had left it. It still looked like a single man lived there. Clem was more partial to leaving bags of chips around rather than empty whiskey bottles, but otherwise the disorder was about the same. Spike dropped down the stairs to the lower level, vamping out to see better in the darkness. The bed was unmade, but seemed clean enough, so he laid Buffy on it gently. He fumbled for his lighter and lit a few candles. The clutter of clothes, extra boxes to hold kittens, and more food wrappers made it clear that Clem had thoroughly made himself at home. Spike noticed that the bathroom had been enlarged and now included a toilet and a bathtub. He vaguely recalled Clem having mentioned it once.
 
Spike turned back toward the bed and its motionless occupant. He fought the waves of despair as he pondered his next move. After a few moments he nodded and returned to the bathroom, filling the tub with warm water. After pulling off his duster he carefully undressed the Slayer, instinctively trying to be gentle despite the fact that she was beyond pain. Settling her into the bath, he washed all the blood from her small form. He used the soap on her hair as well, since Clem didn’t seem to own shampoo. When the last of the gore had been washed clean, he laid her on some towels and carefully dried her off. He rummaged around until he found a first aid kit under Clem’s sink, and bandaged the raw, gaping wounds as best he could. Back in the bedroom he dressed her in soft sweats and a tank top, and arranged her neatly under a quilt. He hunted in some of the darker corners of the cave until he found his stash of chains and manacles, right where he had left them after that incident with Drusilla. With trembling hands he chained Buffy’s wrists and ankles firmly to the bed frame. Having made all possible preparations he lay down beside her, resting his hand on her stomach. Just yesterday it had been all round and warm, and he had felt the child kicking and heard its rapid little heartbeat. Now her belly was flat again, hard and cold, and as dead as he was. The place in his mind that had listened for her thoughts and felt her emotions was like a great empty well, dry and echoing. No longer able to fight the emptiness, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him.
 
**********************
 
Giles drove back to Buffy’s house, numb with grief. He had intended to walk in, act as if he had just discovered the crime, and call the police. However, when he walked in and saw Dawn lying there again, he had no need to act. The wounds on his soul were ripped open fresh again and he dialed 911 with shaking hands. He gave the particulars to the operator in a broken voice and sat down on the porch to wait. The police found him with his head in his hands, and barely heard his whispered, “Inside.”
 
After a while an officer came to ask him questions. “Who lives here, sir?”
 
“Buffy and Dawn Summers, and Buffy’s husband, William Pratt,” he said softly. “Dawn’s… in the living room. I don’t… I don’t know what happened to them. I just got here from England tonight. William’s my… my cousin.” He figured that Spike’s fake identity would probably come out at some point. Best give a reason to be there.
 
“Can you describe exactly what you found when you arrived?” the officer asked, flipping open a notebook.
 
“The door was ajar. Dawn was… as you found her. The bedroom upstairs was covered in blood. No one else was here.”
 
“There’s a crib upstairs. Is there a baby in the house?”
 
Giles shook his head. “Buffy is eight, eight and a half months pregnant.” The officer asked for Giles’ name and address which he gave mechanically. The officer excused himself to go perform some other tasks, leaving Giles alone with his thoughts. Dawn is dead. Buffy’s a vampire. Emma is missing. I should have come back earlier. These thoughts looped over and over in his mind hopelessly, and he fought against breaking down entirely.
 
After a time the officer returned. “Mr. Giles, you’re free to go. We do ask that you remain in Sunnydale for the next few days. We may have some more questions for you.” Giles nodded and stood up. As he walked slowly down the steps a voice behind him said, “Sir? Excuse us please.” Giles turned and saw that the coroner’s men were carrying out the stretcher with Dawn’s body. His mouth went dry as he watched the small, covered form go by. He swayed a bit in the wake of the stretcher, and a police officer said, “Sir? Do you need someone to take you home?”
 
“No. I’ll… I’ll be alright,” he mumbled. He turned and made his way slowly to his car. He sat behind the wheel for a few minutes, staring blankly at nothing, until he finally shook himself and drove off. He had an errand to do for a vampire.
 
**************************
 
When Giles arrived with a cooler of blood, the crypt was silent. Giles had filled the cooler with a few bottles of human blood that he had managed to get from Willy’s demon bar, along with some containers from the butcher. He set it down, but then found himself drawn to the faint glow from the lower level. He quietly crept down the stairs to behold Spike, stretched out asleep next to Buffy’s body, with tears drying on his face. I could just stake them both, he thought briefly. Maybe it would be better that way. The thought of Buffy coming back as something evil was unbearable.
 
But then his eyes focused on the slim, silver wedding band on Spike’s hand as it lay splayed out against his wife’s now deflated midsection. Spike loved Buffy. Giles had never wanted to credit that love, had never wanted to admit that a demon could love. But he loved her, and had loved and cherished Dawn as well. With a pang Giles remembered the pride glowing in Spike’s eyes as he and Buffy discussed plans for Emma. What will they do if they actually manage to find her? he wondered suddenly. How can two vampires raise a human child? The situation seemed so impossible. At the same time, there was an innocent child out there, a child who was the last of Buffy’s family. And as terrible as the idea was of his Slayer turned vampire, the thought of losing that last shred of Buffy’s humanity was even worse. Giles took a deep breath, and silently left the two dead lovers in peace.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #25 - Chapter 25
 
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and all those folks.
 
Thank you to all the reviewers who have spurred me to edit faster!
 
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Chapter 25
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The wailing cries echoed in the small, torch lit chamber. “Why does it make that horrible sound?” the Ruler asked, regarding the infant who lay before her. The Seer was in the process of cleaning the blood from the sacrifice, making it perfect for their gods. It was always unnerving watching the Seer work. Blind as she was, her powers allowed her to ‘see’ many things, and her powers had increased exponentially as the time of sacrifice grew nearer.
 
“It is hungry,” the Seer said. “I have sent the Kratash agents to obtain sustenance for it.”
 
“It is small. Will it survive until the appointed time?”
 
“It is healthy. Provided it is fed, it will survive,” The Seer finished her ablutions and moved to put the bloody cloths and water to the side. She returned to swaddle the infant in a piece of black silk-like fabric, which seemed to calm it. The wailing tapered off to small whimpers and squirms and its eyes half opened, trying to focus on its tiny fist.
 
A noise behind them caught the attention of the Ruler and the Seer. They turned to see the Kratash controller there. “I have brought the supplies you requested,” he said, placing a box on the floor. “There is milk for a human infant, and feeding bottles.”
 
“Good,” said the Ruler. “You have done very well, Kratash.”
 
The Kratash glowed with pride. It had been one of the most challenging assignments he had ever faced. Toward the end they thought they would never find a way past the wards. But they had gotten lucky, and their constant vigilance had paid off. The wards had not gone up as expected, and they had been able to alert the Dwak Dlam about the narrow window of opportunity. “Do you require any more from us?” the controller asked, his politeness masking an intense desire to get as far away from these creatures as possible.
 
“No,” said the Ruler. She motioned to a chest in the corner. “The agreed upon sum is in there. We are grateful for your assistance in this matter.”
 
The Kratash briefly opened the chest, to see the promised gems heaped inside. These gems were exceedingly rare, and would fetch an incredible price in certain dimensions. Closing the chest, he stood and bowed to the Ruler. “It has been my pleasure.” He hefted the chest in his arms, and in a moment had vanished from sight.
 
The Seer had hobbled over to the box and was rummaging around. After a few moments she stood up, carrying a bottle of formula. She brought it over to Emma, who after a few false starts suckled eagerly. “Grow strong, small one. You will be the source of our greatest triumph,” she said, and the Ruler grinned evilly at the thought.
 
***************************
 
Giles returned to his apartment in a daze. He called Willow and asked her to gather the others and come over. When she questioned the reason, he answered, “Something has happened. I need to tell you all in person.” After he hung up, he poured himself a measure of scotch, belted it down, and poured another. He sat down on his sofa, staring into space and drinking from time to time. At last there came a knock on the door, and he got up to answer it.
 
The Scoobies rushed in, concern painted on their faces. “Giles! When did you get back? What happened?” Tara asked. She had never seen his aura so black and hopeless.
 
“Please, sit down, all of you,” he said in response. Tara and Willow took the couch, while Anya sat in an armchair with Xander perched on the arm. Giles sat in the other armchair, and stared down into his drink, searching for courage. He sat there so long that Willow finally said, “Giles? You okay?”
 
He looked up at them with swollen red eyes. “I don’t want to have to be saying this again,” he said in a cracked voice. “Buffy and Dawn are dead.”
 
The pronouncement was met with stunned silence. Xander shook his head back and forth silently, as Willow put a hand to her mouth and Tara’s mouth dropped open. Anya found her voice first and said, “How did it happen? Was it the demons?”
 
“I… I don’t know,” he stammered. “Spike came home from patrol to find Dawn in the living room. Someone … b…broke her neck.”
 
“Oh, no,” Tara whispered. “Dawnie…” Tara had grown close to the teen, and now the knowledge that she was gone pierced her like a dagger. She covered her face with her hands and wept, while Willow held her.
 
Giles went on, haltingly saying, “Spike found B… Buffy in their bedroom. They had… whoever it was… they had ripped her o… open to get the baby.” He couldn’t continue for a moment. The memory of Buffy’s bloodied body flashed across his memory and he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying desperately to regain control.
 
“Poor Spike,” Anya said softly. “To find her like that…” She shuddered, and leaned into Xander for comfort.
 
“Where are they now?” Xander asked in an uncharacteristically quiet voice.
 
“They, um,” Giles began, but then couldn’t continue for a moment. He wiped his face, took a deep breath and tried again. “Spike got there as Buffy was… dying. She told him that the baby was a… alive. He… um… he…”
 
“Giles, what is it?” Willow asked, dreading the answer.
 
“He turned her,” Giles whispered. “When he knew that he couldn’t save her, he turned her.”
 
“What?” Willow gasped. They all reeled anew at this latest horror.
 
“Buffy is the only one who knows what happened, and Spike won’t be able to help look for Emma if she’s gone. There was nothing else he could do.”
 
Xander leaped to his feet. “And you let him?” he yelled, his voice an equal mixture of grief and anger. “So now we’ll have an evil version of Buffy running around with superhuman strength? How exactly does this help the situation?”
 
Giles sprung from his chair and startled them all by whipping his glass into the fireplace. “Xander we do NOT have time for this!” thundered Giles. The Scoobies’ mouths all dropped open as they watched Giles shaking in rage and grief. Even after the battle with Glory he had seemed more in control. Right now he looked like a man teetering on the edge of madness. “Their child, Emma, is out there. If the information I found is correct and matches what Buffy experienced, Emma is in grave, mortal danger. Spike and Buffy are mated. Spike will literally die without her. We cannot defeat this enemy without him.”
 
“But Giles, how will Spike deal with Buffy?” asked Anya. “When Slayers get turned they tend to freak out on their sires.” All the others turned to look at her. “You don’t live for a thousand years without hearing a few things,” she said by way of explanation.
 
“Spike has Buffy contained until she wakes up and he can assess her state of mind. He hopes their claim can help keep her balanced.”
 
“He hopes?” sputtered Xander. “And what if he can’t manage her? What if she escapes and comes after us?”
 
“I don’t know,” Giles said, deflating like a balloon. He sank back into his chair, hanging his head in despair. “We have no choice. We can’t find the baby without Spike. Spike can’t survive without Buffy. We’ve got to try.” He gave into his grief then, covered his face and wept, for Dawn, for Buffy, and for himself. Anya stood up, went over to Giles, and knelt in front of him. She gathered him into her arms and held him while he succumbed to sorrow.
 
It was a long time before Giles got himself under control and sat up, wiping his face and feeling sick to his stomach. Tara had finally controlled her own tears enough to ask, “W… what do we d… do n… now?” Her stutter had returned with a vengeance.
 
Giles took a deep breath. “Spike said to keep away from them for a couple of days. He will contact us as soon as she wakes and he can tell what she’s like.” He pulled out a handkerchief and dried his glasses. “In the mean time, we need to take a look at the information I brought back about these demons – the Dwak Dlam. I suspect they are what we have been seeking. They will sacrifice Emma in five days, unless we find them and stop them. So let’s regroup, and figure out where they might be.” Still in shock, the Scoobies nodded and moved slowly to their task.
 
*****************************
 
Spike woke with a start. His dreams had been a torturous, endless replay of Buffy’s death – the light going out of her eyes, her heart stopping, her heat dissipating. He had no idea how long he had been asleep. Looking over at Buffy, he noticed that some of the minor defensive wounds on her arms and face were completely gone. Lifting her top, he checked under the bandages to see that the abdominal wound was healing as well. Hopefully, she would wake soon. Spike’s stomach growled a bit. He had no idea how long it had been since he’d fed. All he wanted was to stay right where he was, next to his mate’s body, but he realized that he would need strength to deal with her when she awoke. With a supreme effort he forced himself to go upstairs. He found the cooler Giles had left. It had been packed with dry ice, and was still cold. Looking around, he found that Clem had kept his old fridge, but had added a microwave to the pile of random appliances. Spike heated himself a container of pig’s blood and gulped it down, putting the rest in the fridge for later. Then he went back to his vigil.
 
He lost track of how long he lay there, studying every millimeter of Buffy’s face, every golden strand of her hair. Drusilla had always refused to allow a claim between them. Spike had thought it was just because she was a mad, capricious bitch, but now he had to wonder. With her gift of the sight, could she see what it would end like? If any vampire truly knew what it would feel like, to have half of your psyche replaced by a vast, hollow blankness, then no one would ever claim another. He fought to stay focused, but he found that he just wanted to fall asleep and never wake up. The urge to lie down outside and let the sun take him was so intense that he wondered if he would be able to bear it long enough for Buffy to wake. He only hoped that when she did the claim would somehow be renewed. If it wasn’t, he didn’t know how he would survive.
 
At some point in his lonely struggle, he felt something. At first, it was like a faint distant buzzing, or like the pins and needles from a limb falling asleep. The buzzing increased in intensity, and Spike realized that it was something originating outside his own mind. He sat up, hardly daring to hope, watching Buffy intensely. The buzzing became a roar that he recognized – the Hunger. He had always thought of that deep-seated need in capital letters. The Hunger grew and expanded in his mind until suddenly Buffy’s eyes flew open.
 
They were yellow.
 
The yellow eyes of the former Slayer were unfocused for a moment. Then she vamped out fully and writhed in her chains. She screamed, an incoherent feral cry, and her thoughts came flooding into Spike’s mind. Blood… hunger… kill…
 
Spike recovered from his shock and threw himself on top of her. “Buffy! It’s me, it’s Spike!” he cried, trying to get through to her. She continued growling and struggling until Spike forced himself into her mind. Listen to me. I am your mate, and your Sire. Drink. He palmed the back of her head and guided her fangs to his neck. She viciously bit his jugular, as he more tenderly sank his fangs into hers. Remember, love. It’s me. Your mate, your lover. Forever.
 
After the first few swallows Buffy’s mind began to clear. Spike? Where…
 
Shhh. Drink. Be mine.
 
Yours, she agreed, gaining some degree of control. The claim, which had dwindled to nothing, now grew and expanded and became a lifeline to which they both clung. Spike had no words to describe the feeling of Buffy’s presence filling the howling void which her death had left behind. He was complete once more, and hoped with all his being that he would never have to feel that void again.
 
Buffy pulled back, gasping with shock and confusion. Spike released her and looked into her eyes, stroking her hair soothingly. Where are we? Buffy wondered.
 
My old crypt.
 
Why am I chained up?
 
Was afraid of what might happen when you came to.
 
You turned me. It was a statement of fact, not an accusation, but it still conveyed utter bewilderment.
 
Yes. Spike caressed her bumpy forehead tenderly. I’m so sorry, love. No other way to save us all. Can you tell me what happened? We need to find Emma.
 
Still so hungry. How do you stand this?
 
It’s worst at the beginning. Spike searched her mind and found confusion and sadness, but no hatred toward him. He got up and unfastened the chains, feeling sure enough of her state of mind to trust her. Be right back.
 
Buffy sat up and rubbed her wrists. She felt cold inside, but at the same time she was aware of all the heightened sensations of her new state. She could hear Spike upstairs, opening the fridge, turning on the microwave. She could hear dripping water in the tunnels that led off from the crypt. Her sharpened sense of smell picked up Clem’s dirty clothes, cat fur, candle wax – all sorts of things she hadn’t noticed before. She heard the small ping of the microwave and the distant scent of blood blocked out all else. The demon inside her screamed for it, and she was licking her lips unconsciously as Spike came back downstairs.
 
Spike handed her a large mug and said, “Here love. It’s human, but from a donor. You’re going to need it at first to get strong.”
 
She took it and frowned slightly. The Slayer in her shied away from the idea of drinking human blood. But in the end the vampire demon won the battle and she drank, first tentatively, then deeply, finishing the mug in one long go. She turned to Spike and said, “Is there any….?” Spike was already handing her a second mug, which she also drained without stopping. Believe me, love, I remember what it’s like at first. ‘S why I had you chained up. If you were loose you could have killed someone without knowing what you were doing.
 
Buffy shuddered at the idea that she could have killed Giles or… “Dawn!” she cried suddenly, turning wild eyes to Spike. “Where is she? Is she ok?”
 
Spike took the mug from her and sat down, taking her hands. “Dawn’s dead, Buffy,” he said softly.
 
Buffy shook her head in denial. “No. No, she can’t be. No. No!” Her voice rose to a wail and she struggled in Spike’s arms, pounding his chest with fists like iron.
 
Spike gathered her close and held on against the onslaught. I tried to get to her, to you, he explained, not trusting his voice. God I tried. But I was too late, again. His grief and hers merged into a shared storm of emotion.
 
Buffy remembered every time she had insisted that demons couldn’t love. At this point she desperately wished that it were true. The love she felt for her sister was still there, but twisted into crushing grief. She can’t be gone. Not Dawnie. She finally stopped struggling and simply collapsed into Spike’s arms. It’s all my fault. I fell asleep, and I didn’t put the wards up. I couldn’t get to her, there were too many of them, they just came out of nowhere.
 
Spike rocked her, silently sharing her grief and distress. Buffy could feel his love for Dawn and his horrible guilt for not having saved her pouring out of his mind. Above her own loss she could read his thoughts: They snapped her neck and left her there like some broken toy and she was still warm and if I had just been faster maybe I could have saved her…
 
They rocked together, consumed with their loss for a long time. Finally Buffy spoke up across the claim. Did… did she suffer?
 
No love. Wasn’t a mark on her. It was quick. Buffy nodded and closed her eyes, her gameface finally melting away as she clung to Spike. We need to find Emma, love. She’s in danger, but there’s still time. But we need to know what happened. Can you tell me? In response, Buffy started replaying the scene in her mind as she buried her face in his shirt.
 


…Buffy woke with a start. It sounded as if a wind was shaking the house. Suddenly she heard Dawn scream. “Dawn?” she cried. She got up as quickly as she could but the bedroom door burst open to reveal the first of a large number of huge black demons. She backed away, looking for a weapon, as Dawn’s screams got louder and more frantic, then stopped with a sickening suddenness. The demons reached for her, and she punched one of them as hard as she could in the face, but they came in a wave and overpowered her. Demons held her arms and legs as she thrashed and swore. The throng parted to admit a smaller figure, who was somehow even more terrifying. This figure was clearly old, and her eyes were sewn shut, yet she moved as if she could see everything. She held a long, wicked looking knife in her hand with a black blade. She knelt before Buffy who struggled and screamed. “The child of the prophesy,” she hissed, running her clawed hand over Buffy’s abdomen. With agonizing slowness she stabbed the knife into Buffy, drawing it raggedly from one side to the other while Buffy screamed endlessly. Blood spurted in jets as the knife worked again and again. The clawed hands reached sickeningly inside her, tugging and tearing until at last they pulled forth the wailing, bloodstained form of her child. The blind creature held the squalling infant in her hands, lifting it up in the presence of the warriors and saying, “The child is ours! The Dwak Dlam shall prevail!” A great cheer went up from the warriors, and Buffy passed out from pain, shock, and horror….
 


Oh God, love. Spike was horrified and nauseated by the shared memory of what had happened.
 
This is all my fault, Buffy repeated. I should have got up right away, but I was so tired.
 
Shh, Spike soothed. I’m just as much to blame. I should have waited until the wards were up before I left.
 
How are we going to find her, Spike? Buffy pulled away and looked up at him. Those... things. What do they want with Emma?
 
Giles found something. He found me when I was at the house. He said that the sacrifice will happen in a couple of days.
 
“Sacrifice?” Buffy said aloud. She jumped to her feet. “We’re wasting time! We have to find her!” She started making her way toward the stairs.”
 
“Buffy!” Spike said sharply. The combination of the claim and the force of sire stopped her. “We will find her. But the sun is out. You’re not tuned into that yet, but I can tell you, you go storming out the door up there and you’ll be dust before you can blink. We need more information. We’ll get it. But we can’t go rushing off half-cocked or we’re not going to have a chance in hell.”
 
Buffy realized he was right. “Dammit,” she swore softly. She looked at him with tormented eyes. “How do you stand this?”
 
“I’ve had a hundred plus years to get used to it, pet,” he said. He came up to her and drew her into his arms once more. “You’ve got the Slayer demon to deal with too. You can’t stop wanting to save everyone, and you can’t stop needing to feed to live. Unmated Slayers who get turned usually don’t last very long for that reason.”
 
“This sucks,” she muttered. Her misery was like a veil over all her thoughts.
 
“I know,” he said. “But as long as I’m still walking, I’m going after our girl. Are you with me?” He pulled away and looked deep into her green eyes.
 
Buffy swallowed, then nodded. “I’m always with you.” And despite the weight of all that had happened, they both felt marginally consoled by the thought.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #26 - Chapter 26
 
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Chapter 26
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Buffy spent the rest of the afternoon resting, letting her body heal, and feeding on the blood Giles had brought. It sickened her slightly to realize she had an inherent preference for human versus animal blood, but she filled up on both while her wounds knit themselves together. Spike had gone off to Willy’s to call Giles to set up a meeting for that night. Giles had a thousand questions, but Spike had put him off with, “Just get everyone together at your place, yeah? And don’t invite us in until Buffy sees how she’s handling it.”
 
He returned through the tunnels to find Buffy lying curled up on the bed. She was thinking about Dawn, and Spike could read the pain in her thoughts as she recalled her sister’s laugh, her face, the annoying things she did. He came and lay down behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist silently, sharing in the memories. You loved her, Buffy projected.
 
Yes. She was like a sister to me, and I wanted to protect her. I let you both down.
 
Nothing you could have done, Buffy responded. There were so many of them, and they were strong. You could have been killed as well, and there would be no one left to go after Emma.
 
Doesn’t mean I’m going to forgive myself, he thought.
 
Neither will I. She turned to face him. “When are we meeting the others?” she asked aloud.
 
“Right after sunset. About an hour from now,” Spike said. “They’re going to meet at Giles’ place. I told them not to invite us in right away.”
 
Buffy knit her brow, confused. “Why not?”
 
“Want to see how you react first. Sometimes fledges can’t fight the hunger well at first. Don’t rightly know what’ll happen with a turned Slayer.”
 
Buffy nodded. She let go of him and got up, pacing around with her arms wrapped around her, her thoughts in complete chaos. “What do we do, if we find her?” she asked finally. She looked at Spike, who had cocked his head in puzzlement. “If we save her, then what? How can we raise her?”
 
“Got no answer for that, pet,” Spike admitted softly. “Perhaps Giles’ could take her on, or the witches. Do the things we can’t do in daylight.” She paced around a bit more, then sat on the bed again, totally lost as to what to do. He sat down next to her, equally dejected. All our hopes and dreams up in smoke, he mused. They ended up lying back on the bed, arms wrapped around each other, thoughts drifting until Spike felt the sunset.
 
*******************
 
The Scoobies were assembled once more in Giles’ living room. They were subdued, unable to think of anything to say, and waiting with trepidation for Buffy and Spike to arrive. When the doorbell rang, they all jumped, but Giles took a deep breath and went to open the door.
 
“Spike. Buffy. How… how are you?” The situation was as awkward as any the watcher had ever encountered.
 
“We’re hanging in,” said Spike. “Does this place have a balcony or a patio?”
 
“Yes, there’s a balcony. Why?”
 
“If Buffy and I go up there, we can sit there and meet with you, but not go inside just yet. Let her get used to the sensation, yeah?” He turned to Buffy. “Is that okay, love?”
 
“It’s fine,” Buffy said in a tired sounding voice. Giles nodded and closed the door. He explained to the others and they moved chairs into his bedroom, grouped in front of the screen door to the balcony. Giles opened the sliding doors wide and put out a few snack tables to use as desks. Buffy and Spike walked around to the back of the building, and gathering their strength, made the leap up to the second floor in an impressive display of vampiric talents.
 
The others gasped as the two vampires gathered themselves and sat down in the lawn chairs Giles had placed on the balcony. “Hi,” said Buffy shyly. She heard their heartbeats, racing like they were running a marathon. She could smell the blood in their veins, and the fear they felt. She felt her fangs itching to descend, but she ground her teeth to maintain control. Spike pulled out a flask from his pocket and handed it to her. A bit of O neg to take the edge off. She took a sip of the proffered blood and thanked him silently.
 
Tara spoke first, “Buffy we’re so sorry about D… Dawn,” she stammered.
 
Buffy bit her lip and nodded. “Where… where is she now?”
 
Giles related his summoning of the police. “They will need to hold the body while the investigation is underway,” he said. “I told them I was Spike’s cousin. They may be convinced to let me arrange the funeral, but I’m not sure when.”
 
Buffy swallowed back her tears and said, “So tell us what we need to know to find our baby.”
 
“Right,” said Giles. He handed a photocopy of a sketch through the doorway to Spike. “Is this what you saw?”
 
Buffy looked over Spike’s shoulder and shuddered visibly. “Yes. There were a bunch of them. They had this other one with them who was smaller. Its eyes were… sewn shut or something, but it still seemed to be able to…” She couldn’t continue, and Spike wrapped one arm around her while handing the drawing back to Giles.
 
“Alright then,” Giles said, taking a deep breath. “They’re called the Dwak Dlam. They are a race of warrior demons from another dimension.”
 
“What do they want?” Buffy asked.
 
“Power,” Giles replied. “They are more or less trapped in their dimension. If you think of the different dimensions as rivers, each world flows in its own channel. Some beings like the Kratash can climb over the banks, and some can’t. But sometimes the bank between two channels gets thin enough to break through. The barrier between our world and the Dwak Dlam will be the thinnest it has ever been in a few days, allowing them to be able to get their entire army through to our world.”
 
“But what do they need Emma for then?” asked Spike.
 
“They have a prophesy,” Giles explained. “They believe that if they sacrifice a particular child at the moment that the barrier is thinnest, then the barrier, and many other similar barriers between worlds, will be open to them for all time. They will have the ability to move at will between worlds and destroy everything in their path.”
 
“Where did you find all this stuff?” Xander wondered.
 
“The sources took ages to track down,” Giles said. “The last time the Dwak Dlam were known to attempt this was 1000 years ago. A small number of their warriors got through before the appointed day, just as they did here, but they were somehow prevented from completing the sacrifice. The chronicle was very old, and unclear on that point.”
 
“How do we stop them?” Buffy asked tersely. She was growing tired from the effort of controlling the vampire within her, and she took another drink of blood to calm herself. Anya noticed Buffy’s agitation and unconsciously moved a little closer to Xander. “It’s okay, Anya,” Buffy said when she saw Anya’s movement. “I… I won’t hurt you. It’s just… hard right now.”
 
Giles spoke up again. “The ritual needs to take place on the full moon, which is three days from now. We will need to find them before then.”
 
“Where do we look?” Spike asked.
 
“The sources mention ‘the space between’. I took that to mean some interdimensional location that they can exist in temporarily. We need some sort of locator spell that can go between dimensions.” Giles turned to Willow, “We’re going to need your help.”
 
“I’m on it, Giles,” Willow said. Willow paused for a moment then asked, “Was there something wrong with my spells? Is that how they got in?”
 
Buffy looked away, struggling to keep control. “Wards didn’t get put up,” Spike said softly. “Buffy fell asleep, and I didn’t wait to see if they were up. You’re not to blame, Red.” He squeezed Buffy’s hand, and she silently said, Thank you.
 
“Can you tell us anything more about these things, Buffy?” Giles asked gently.
 
Buffy spoke haltingly. “They’re huge. I punched one… square in the face. It hardly even paused. I couldn’t get to my weapons or to Dawn…” She broke down and covered her face, unable to continue.
 
Tara’s heart broke for her, and she instinctively came out onto the balcony to comfort her friend. “Buffy, it’s not your fault…” she began, kneeling down and putting a hand on Buffy’s shoulder.
 
Instantly the vampire demon blazed to life inside her. It was like she was starving, and someone had put a sumptuous meal in front of her. “Get away!” she shrieked as she vamped out, backing away from Tara as far as the balcony would allow. “Stay away from me!”
 
Tara jumped backward, retreating within the magical barrier of the doorway. The others gasped in horror at Buffy’s transformation. It had been possible to pretend, before this, that she was the same as before. They were all completely horrified at the visible sign of what she had become.
 
Spike leaped to his feet and gathered Buffy in his arms. “Shh, shh, love. It’s alright,” he soothed. She shuddered in his grasp as she fought the hunger as well as the shame of having frightened her friends. Spike spoke to the others, “We need to go now. Buffy’s still too new at this. It can be painful to try to control at first. Please keep us informed about what happens. I’ll stop in at the Magic Box tomorrow morning, yeah?”
 
Giles nodded. “We’ll let you know as soon as we locate them.”
 
“I’m so s…sorry everyone,” Buffy whispered, averting her still vamped face.
 
Xander surprised them all by saying, “We’re still with you Buffy. We won’t let you down.”
 
Buffy nodded. Then she and Spike jumped from the balcony and took off into the night.
 
************************
 
By the time they reached the crypt, Buffy had regained enough control to force her human face back to the fore. They went inside and Buffy headed straight for the fridge. She drank two containers of blood cold before she was able to slow down enough to share in the container that Spike had heated in Clem’s microwave. “Feeling better, love?” Spike asked as she finished the third container and wiped her mouth.
 
“Yeah. Sorry I freaked out there.” She felt completely embarrassed at her lack of control.
 
“’S alright, pet. I don’t know of many fledges who wouldn’t have torn Tara’s throat out rather than back away. You did fine.” He looked her over then said, “Fancy a patrol? Sometimes finding something to kill takes the edge off.”
 
“I think I could really stand to kill something right now,” she agreed. They grabbed some stakes and went out. The cemeteries seemed to be crawling with vampires and demons that night. Apparently word had spread about the attack on the Slayer’s house, and even though no one knew for sure who had done it, many vamps and demons were ready to claim it was their doing. The first group of vampires they encountered didn’t recognize her, and said, “Hey, new girl. Don’t want to be seen with Spikey there. Slayer’s got him totally whipped. Come hang with some real vampires.”
 
Buffy and Spike looked at each other, raised their eyebrows, and drew their stakes. The ferocity of Buffy’s attack almost frightened Spike. Glad I’m on your side, pet, Spike thought as she ripped the head of a vampire with her bare hands. The battle was fierce, short, and dusty for the other vampires. They dusted their hands off and went on. Every group of celebrating demons they encountered thought that a turned Slayer was the funniest thing they ever saw, until she vamped out and destroyed them, Spike joining her in ripping them limb from limb.
 
Buffy would have gone on for hours, but Spike said, “Sunrise in a little while, pet. Best get home.”
 
“How can you tell?” she asked as she fell in beside him.
 
He stopped for a second. “Close your eyes for a moment.” He tried to intensify the sensation in his own head, that odd feeling that came when the sun was threatening.
 
Buffy felt it, and then realized that she too had that strange prickly sensation going on faintly in the back of her head. “That’s awfully useful,” she said, opening her eyes and moving on. As they walked she became more aware of scents as well. She could tell when vampires had been near, could smell small animals in the distant bushes. “I think I’m starting to develop that weird vampire smelling thing as well.”
 
“Happens to the best of us,” Spike answered. They reached the crypt and made their way downstairs. Buffy was grateful that Clem was still away. She didn’t think she could bear being in her own house just yet. “Where are we going to live when this is all over?” she wondered aloud.
 
“Guess we’ll figure that out if we survive,” Spike said with a shrug. They moved about somewhat mechanically, taking off jackets and shoes, all the little things they used to do home. Suddenly Spike sat down on the bed, as if something had switched off inside him.
 
“What is it?” Buffy asked, coming to sit beside him.
 
“It all just… hit me for a moment,” he said, dropping his head into his hands. “Never got to see her. The baby. Don’t know… who she takes after. How big is she? She’s a few weeks early. Will she even make it?” The pain of the dashed dreams resurged, and he fought the rising tears.
 
“Come here, Spike,” Buffy whispered. She lay down on the bed and pulled him after her. They wrapped their arms around each other and held each other close, their tears mingling on their cheeks. She pulled him into a kiss after a moment, and they slowly, hesitantly began to take solace in each others’ bodies. Hands ghosted over muscles and curves, lips met and parted, tongues searched and caressed. Their clothes were discarded slowly, and they felt each others’ cool flesh. Am I… do you still want me? Buffy broke away and searched his eyes, afraid to hear his answer. He had always talked about her heat, the fire of being inside her. Did he still find her attractive now that the fire was out?
 
His eyes gazed steadily back, pulling her into their depths. You are still so beautiful, Slayer, he thought, caressing her face like it was a precious statue. I’ve always loved you, Buffy. Not the Slayer, nor just your body, but you. Buffy. The girl. You will always be the one I love. Never doubt that. He kissed her then, and rolled them over so he could sink slowly into her center. Buffy moaned at the feeling of him filling her. It was like she was somehow whole again, like she had been missing some part of herself until that moment.
 
Their thoughts intertwined, pleasure mixing with the ever-present loss, love for each other mixed with anger at the cruelty of it all. As they reached their climax they both vamped, sinking their teeth into each other and drinking deep. Be mine. Please be mine. I can’t do all this without you, Buffy pleaded as she tasted him.
 
Nothing else matters. Just us, together right now, Spike responded, savoring her blood and the tight grip of her quim. Whatever comes will come. Just be here with me now. You know I’m yours.
 
And you know I’m yours, she replied. Then they fell over the edge, crying out in ecstasy and heartache.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #27 - Chapter 27
 
Disclaimer: All the toys are Joss Whedon’s, doo-dah, doo-dah
 
Ok, getting a little punchy. But here’s another chapter to keep people occupied. Thanks for the continued reviews!
 
*******************
Chapter 27
********************
 
Buffy and Spike slept until late afternoon. Buffy woke up ravenous again, and padded upstairs for some sustenance while Spike kept dozing. She found there was only one container of blood left from the stash Giles had brought. She took half of it and heated it up, drinking it slowly to make it last. She curled up in the armchair as she drank, thinking things out. Outside the sun shone diffusely through the trees, but without generating any dangerous rays in the crypt. I can’t go out there anymore, she realized. I’ll never get a tan again. Never have a picnic on the grass at lunchtime again. She tried to push away the feelings of self-pity, but it was tempting to wallow.
 
After a few minutes Spike came upstairs. “I missed the sun at first too, love,” he said, having caught her thoughts when he woke. “Not as much as you probably. Not like we ever saw the bloody sun in England half the time anyway. But I still miss the sunset now and again.” He heated up the rest of the blood for himself and came over to sit on the arm of the chair next to her.
 
Buffy stared at her mug for a moment. “Do you think I still have my soul?” she asked.
 
Spike contemplated that for a minute. “I don’t know, love. It sounds stupid, but I don’t remember what it felt like. It was so long ago for me, and other than having next to no inhibitions, I don’t remember feeling that much different. I still loved my mum, still enjoyed good food, that sort of thing.“
 
“But killing didn’t bother you.” It was a statement, not a question.
 
“No, it didn’t,” he admitted. “Truth be told, I can’t say it bothers me now. What bothers me is making you unhappy, especially since we claimed each other. Your pain is my pain. I couldn’t live with myself if I did something to hurt you. And since you’d have to stake me if I started killing, and that would mess you up, I don’t do it.”
 
“I guess I don’t know how I feel. Or how I would feel, if I had to… to kill someone to live,” Buffy said, still staring into her mug. “It’s like wanting to eat a whole cake, but knowing that you’re going to have a stomachache when you’re done. I feel like I’ve got this constant battle going on between the Slayer and the Vampire, and it’s all being fought out in my brain.”
 
“It’s one of the reasons that I never wanted to turn you, love,” Spike said quietly. “Slayers tend to go mad from that constant conflict. I didn’t want to inflict that on you. Had no choice.”
 
“I know you didn’t,” she replied, lifting a hand to stroke his face. “I’m not angry at you. Just trying to figure this all out.” He wrapped an arm around her and they leaned into each other, contemplating all this in silence for a while. Finally Buffy said, “What are we doing today?”
 
“I was going to go to the Magic Box this morning. See what I can do to help figure out our dilemma. Do you want to come, or stay?” Spike replied.
 
“I’d like to come, but…”
 
“I know you’re worried about control. We’ll stop by Willy’s on the way and get some of the good stuff. And if you need to leave, you’ll know the way through the tunnels to get back here.” The plan sounded good to Buffy, so they went back downstairs to get dressed and head out.
 
They came up through the cellar at Willy’s to find the bar deserted at this early hour. Willy raised his eyebrows when they entered through the customary door for daytime demonic visitors. “You two have a lot of nerve showing up around here,” he said. “Heard you went on a bit of a rampage last night.”
 
“That’s our business, and none of yours,” Spike said curtly. “Just give me 2 pints of the good stuff and we’ll trouble you no more.”
 
Willy raised an eyebrow. “Thought you were on a no-human diet.”
 
“Didn’t ask for an interrogation,” Spike growled. Willy thought the better of it and got two containers of blood out of the fridge behind the bar. Spike paid for them then added, “As far as you know, we were never here.” Willy nodded, looked hard at the two of them, then went back to drying glassware. Buffy trailed Spike back to the tunnels. As soon as the door was closed behind them she opened one of the containers and drank half of it down.
 
“God, I needed that. How long does this ‘feed me NOW’ stage go on?” she asked.
 
“It settles down after a few weeks. Although it can take a while to really control the demon. I can’t imagine you’ll have much trouble with that though. Demon doesn’t have a chance against a stubborn Summers woman.” He crooked a half smile, which faded as he remembered the fate of the other Summers women.
 
“I miss them too,” Buffy whispered. Her hand crept into his for comfort as they continued through the tunnels. After several more twists and turns they arrived in the basement of the Magic Box and came up through the trapdoor into the cellar. They heard Willow and Giles having a discussion as they came in.
 
“… I just don’t know, Giles! I’ve never done a spell like this before!”
 
“I realize that,” Giles was saying. He turned when he noticed Spike come in. “Spike, good to see you. We could use some translation help on…” He stopped when he noticed Buffy behind Spike. “Buffy. It’s… good to see you too.” There was a long, awkward pause.
 
“I was going to go and work out in the training room a bit, if that’s alright,” Buffy said, feeling self conscious.
 
“Of course,” said Giles. Spike squeezed Buffy’s hand once more for reassurance, before she disappeared into the training room and closed the door. Giles stared sadly after her for a moment, then shook himself and focused anew on the task at hand. “We think we’ve found an appropriate locator spell, but the source is written in a demon language neither of us is familiar with.” He handed the book over to Spike, who sat down and studied it.
 
“Did you try a translation spell on this?” Spike asked without looking up from the text.
 
“I did, and it seems to have only worked partway,” Willow said. “It’s like the list of ingredients translated, but the words of the spell didn’t.”
 
Spike studied it a while longer. “I’ve seen books like this before. Pretty common thing in a lot of demon books. They’re enchanted to keep the white hats out of demon business.”
 
“Is it possible to say it phonetically?” Giles asked.
 
“Suppose so,” Spike said. “But it’s an awful risk. You’ve got no clue what it’s going to do if you don’t know what it says. Could end up sending yourself into a demon dimension or lord knows what else.”
 
“Can you translate it?” Giles wondered.
 
“I can have a go at it,” Spike said. “It’s pretty obscure though. I don’t recognize the language, although it seems to share some elements with Fyral.” He stared at it again. “Do you have any books at all about demon languages? Might give me a clue.”
 
“Whatever we have is over here,” Willow said, moving over to the bookshelves. Spike joined her, and the two of them searched through the titles intently. They brought a selection back to the table and soon were hard at work.
 
After a while, Giles left the table to use the restroom. He hesitated for a moment when he came out, then opened the door to the training room. The target was covered with enough throwing knives to resemble a porcupine. Buffy was in the process of pounding the heavy bag, her kicks and punches so ferocious that Giles was momentarily tempted to slam the door and flee. But he swallowed his fear and entered the room.
 
Buffy gave the bag one more side kick before turning to face Giles. “Hey, Giles,” she said.
 
“Hello, Buffy,” he replied. The awkwardness remained, and Giles went to sit on the couch, trying to think of what to say. He settled on, “How do you feel?”
 
Buffy hopped up on the pommel horse and sat there, dangling her small feet and staring at the ground. “It’s… different,” she said after a moment of thought. “Everything is really intense. Like someone turned all my senses up.”
 
“I meant emotionally,” Giles clarified. “You’ve had a terrible series of shocks.”
 
“Yeah,” she said, still looking down at the floor. “I just need to focus on finding Emma right now. I don’t have time to process the rest.” She could hear Giles’ heartbeat, and the blood rushing in his veins, and her control started to slip a bit. She got up and went over to a small table where she had parked her container of blood and took a big sip to calm her nerves.
 
This small act made Giles very aware that he was in a small room with a vampire. Not only a vampire, but a vampire with Slayer strength and speed. “Is it getting any easier?” he asked.
 
“A little, I guess,” Buffy shrugged. “But the need to, well, to feed is really, really strong. I don’t know that you’d want to be within arm’s reach of me if I didn’t have some blood with me.”
 
“Do you think you’ll be able to patrol? To fight other vampires?”
 
“I did last night,” she stated. “Slayer strength plus vampire strength equals a whole lot of dead demons. Killing things seems to help.”
 
“Will you… do you worry about what will happen when you find Emma?” Giles asked nervously.
 
“I’ll have Spike to help me. He’s got control enough for both of us. We just need to find her, Giles.” Buffy looked up at him with misery in her eyes. “She’s all we’ve got left. Even if we can’t raise her ourselves, I need to know she’s okay.”
 
Giles longed to take her in his arms and comfort her. But he kept his distance and said, “We will find her. I won’t stop until we do.” Buffy found herself comforted by the determination in his voice.
 
*********************
 
By nine o’clock that night, Spike was cross-eyed with frustration. He had dragged out every book he could find, and had studied the text for the locator spell backwards, forwards and upside down, and still he could only figure out about a third of the words. Buffy had gone out to the butchers as soon as it was dark. She had kept in mental contact with him the whole time, and although she had a couple of moments when she had to duck into an alley to regain control, she made it there and back without vamping out on anyone. She rubbed Spike’s shoulders as he bent over the text, until at last he slumped in defeat. “I’ve got to get away from this for a while. I can’t make it out.” His voice was thick with frustration.
 
“Maybe you two should take a break and go patrol,” Giles said. “And with your permission, I’d like to call in some outside help.”
 
“Who?” Buffy asked.
 
“I’d like to call up Wesley Wyndam-Price. He did his thesis on demon languages. He might have some resources we don’t. And given his state the last time I saw him, I don’t think we will have to worry about him bringing Angel into the picture.”
 
“Do it,” said Spike tersely, and Buffy nodded her agreement. “We’re running out of time.” With that, Buffy and Spike left to go work off their tension on the local demon population.
 
The other Scoobies took a break and ordered some pizza, while Giles went into his office and closed the door. He fished around on his desk until he found Wesley’s number and dialed it. “Hello?” came the familiar British voice on the other end.
 
“Wesley, it’s Rupert Giles.”
 
“Rupert. What can I do for you?” Wesley’s voice still sounded tired and wary.
 
“I need your help translating a spell in a demon language. It is literally a matter of life and death.”
 
In his apartment, Wesley sat up straighter, hearing the slightly desperate note in Giles’ voice. “Giles, what’s happened? You sound upset.”
 
Giles took a deep breath. “It’s a bit of a long tale,” he began. Wesley listened with increasing horror to the tale of the true origins of Buffy’s pregnancy, the attack, the murder of Dawn and the abduction of Emma, and the unbelievable news that the Slayer was now a vampire. Giles finished his story by saying, “We need to find the Dwak Dlam, and we need to rescue their child. It may be that the fate of the world depends on it. Can you come to Sunnydale?”
 
Wesley barely hesitated. “I’ll be there as quickly as I can.” They rang off and Wesley started grabbing books off of his shelves. He realized he was being given a chance to redeem himself, and he wasn’t going to blow it this time.
 
*******************
 
Spike and Buffy got home about a half hour before sunrise. Buffy was dripping with the blood of various demons and covered with a liberal coat of vampire dust as well. She had shown no mercy, ripping vampires and demons alike into unrecognizable heaps. Spike had felt the anger and desperate grief pouring out of her with every punch and kick, and his heart ached for her. She had started out reasonably calm, but had grown more angry, frantic, and violent with each passing moment. He had tried to stay out of her way, letting her work it all out, only stepping in when sunrise threatened.
 
Buffy stormed in, still agitated. “Look at my clothes!” she ranted. “These things are never going to be the same!”
 
“Maybe we should go down and get cleaned up, yeah?” Spike suggested.
 
“Guess so,” Buffy said. She went downstairs, shed her clothes in a heap near the entrance to the tunnels, and climbed into the shower. Spike moved more slowly, then realized he was waiting as usual for her to use the restroom before joining her. Guess I don’t need to wait for you to use the loo anymore, huh? he thought as he stepped in beside her.
 
Buffy didn’t respond. Her thoughts were still an angry whirl as she scrubbed and scrubbed at her skin and her hair. She moved in jerky, frantic movements, looking at nothing, forming no coherent thoughts. “Buffy,” Spike said, trying to catch her eyes.
 
But Buffy acted as if she hadn’t heard. She scrubbed and scrubbed at her hair, over and over, until finally she grabbed large handfuls of it and pulled at it, crumpling up at the bottom of the tub and wailing hysterically, “They’re gone. They’re gone, and Dawn’s dead, and we’re dead, and there’s nothing we can do and they’re going to kill my b… baby.” She rocked and keened, practically screaming as she succumbed to complete hopelessness.
 
Spike sank down in the tub behind her and drew her in. He held her, saying nothing, just letting the water run over both of them, mixing with their tears and forming a backdrop to their shared sorrow. By the time Buffy came back to some level of control, the water was even icier than usual, and they were cramped from their awkward position. Buffy sat up, shaking and sniffling. “Sorry,” she whispered.
 
“Don’t be sorry love,” Spike soothed. “As long as we don’t have our breakdowns at the same time, we can spell each other. “
 
“I wanted to be a mother so much,” she said in a broken voice. “I know at first I wasn’t sure but by the end she was such a part of me…”
 
Spike winced slightly at the rawness of her grief. “I know, sweetheart,” Spike said. “Wanted to be a father more than anything. But I’m not giving up yet.” He stood up and pulled her up with him, reaching over to turn off the water. He squeezed her shoulders firmly, looking deep into her eyes. “We’re going to find her. You and me. If we have to kill everything in our path for five miles around. I’m not going to stop trying to get to her until I’m a pile of dust.”
 
Buffy nodded, having nothing more to say. She let him help her out of the tub, and they both dried off. They got into bed and wrapped their arms around each other. Between the slaying and the sobbing, they were both exhausted, and fell asleep almost immediately.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #28 - Chapter 28
 
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon still owns everything. Alas, I have not been gifted with large amounts of money from any of these endeavors.
 
The confrontation grows nearer….
 
*****************
Chapter 28
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Buffy and Spike only managed a few hours of fitful sleep before giving up and rising to make their way through the tunnels. When they got to the Magic Box around ten o’clock they found the scruffy figure of Wesley Wyndam-Price ensconced at the research table. He swallowed once, clearly trying to control his trepidation about being in a room with vampires, but he managed to say, “Good morning.”
 
“Hi, Wesley. It’s been a while,” Buffy said. She made no move to shake his hand, but she smiled a bit to try to put him at ease. “I’m going to go in the training room. Call me if you need me,” she said, as she disappeared into the back and closed the door.
 
“Being around humans is still hard for her. The hunger’s pretty bad when you’re a fledge,” he explained to Wesley.
 
“I quite understand,” Wesley said. “Giles tells me you’ve been working on the translation. I’ve read your notes – you’ve made quite a bit of progress.”
 
Spike shrugged. “Not enough yet. We need to find out where these bastards are so we can interrupt their ritual.”
 
Willow and Tara were there, also aiding in the research. “We’ve had a little bit of luck figuring out what the ritual is about,” Tara said.
 
“Tell me,” Spike said. Buffy reentered the room as well. The others looked up in surprise. “Vampire hearing,” she explained quietly. “Tell us what they plan to do.” She moved over to stand next to Spike, who wrapped one arm around her.
 
“The ritual starts about six hours before midnight on the appointed day,” Willow read from her notes. “They all dedicate themselves to their gods, everyone contributing blood to a big bowl to pour on a sacred altar. Then they have a bunch of chants that they say – basically a really big portal spell variant. Then exactly at midnight, they, um, perform the sacrifice.”
 
“So we need to get there before midnight,” Spike said.
 
“Wherever there is,” Buffy added. “No word on that yet, huh?”
 
“I got here early this morning,” Wesley said. “We’ve gotten farther, but we still have to figure out a couple of key lines in the spell.”
 
“I have faith that we’ll get it done on time,” Giles added. Buffy nodded, bit her lip, then returned to the training room again.
 
After a moment of silence, Spike pulled off his duster and sat down next to Wesley. “Show me what you’ve got then,” he said, and they all went to work.
 
A few hours passed. Lunch was brought in by Anya and Xander – sandwiches for the humans, blood for the vampires. Buffy took hers alone in the training room, feeling self conscious about drinking blood in front of her friends and the Watchers. After lunch they resumed the research. At some point Tara was going cross-eyed from staring at the books and got up to stretch her legs. She wandered around the shop for a bit, then on a whim went in to see Buffy.
 
Buffy was doing a series of gymnastic moves on the pommel horse, her normal athleticism heightened even further by the vampire blood in her veins. She did an amazing flip and landed about two feet from Tara, surprising them both. “Did they find something?” Buffy asked anxiously.
 
“Not yet,” Tara said, shaking her head. “I just needed a break for a moment. Can I t… talk to you?”
 
“Sure,” Buffy said. Tara sat down on the couch, while Buffy sat cross-legged on the floor with her back against the wall.
 
“I just w… wondered how you’re doing,” Tara said simply.
 
“Struggling would be the right word,” Buffy replied. “It’s just so much.” Tara nodded and they lapsed into silence for a moment. Then Buffy spoke up again and said, “I’m sorry that I scared you at Giles’ place the other night.”
 
“It’s okay,” Tara said. “I didn’t understand how hard it was for you. “
 
“It’s hard to get used to,” Buffy said. “It’s like there’s this other driver in your brain trying to take the wheel all the time. I have to fight it almost constantly. It almost hurts sometimes.”
 
“You seem to be in control now,” Tara observed.
 
Buffy shrugged. “I had a good meal not too long ago. Being in here pounding on things helps too. Spike says it’s worst the first few weeks or so.”
 
“The claim must help too,” Tara said.
 
“It does. Puts an extra brake on the demon, having Spike in my head. It’s a little weird, having my husband also be my sire. There’s something about your sire that is really hard to disobey. Makes me amazed that Spike was ever able to break up with Drusilla.”
 
“I guess it did take a hundred years,” Tara observed.
 
“True,” Buffy agreed. They sat in silence for another moment before Buffy said, “Tara? Can I ask you something?”
 
“What is it?” Tara sensed that Buffy was struggling with something big.
 
“If we… if we find her, can you take her?”
 
Tara’s face became a mask of confusion. “Take her? But you’re her parents!”
 
“But we can’t raise her,” Buffy said miserably. “I can’t take her to school, or the doctor, or to the park or anything. We can’t be there for her in the daylight. Living always in the dark - that’s no life for a child.”
 
Tara was floored by the request. “I don’t know what to say. I’m not sure what sort of guardian I’d be.”
 
“You took care of… of Dawn,” Buffy choked on her sister’s name.
 
Tara’s eyes misted at the thought of the teen she had been so close to. “I guess I did. But I don’t think I could take your daughter from you. You need her, and she’s going to need you.”
 
“Could we, at least, make you her guardian? Could you be there for her in the day? I just… I don’t want her to go to strangers,” Buffy said, trailing off to a near whisper.
 
Tara’s heart broke for Buffy, and she understood. Two parents who are legally deceased make a lot of things difficult. “Of course I’ll help,” Tara said at last. “I won’t let anyone take her away from you. But you’ll always be her mother. I can’t take that away from you either.”
 
“Thank you,” Buffy whispered. She got up and walked over to Tara. Tara stood up, slightly warily. Buffy swallowed, then tentatively pulled Tara into a hug. Tara hugged her back, and the two friends comforted each other.
 
********************
 
The research wore on, and on. When night fell, Buffy and Spike took a break for patrol then came back, stopping for some sustenance from the butcher’s on the way. Everyone was poring over books, making notes, and arguing back and forth about translations. Spike joined back in, while Buffy retreated once more to the training room. Finally, everyone had had enough. As midnight approached, Giles was downing aspirin, Xander had fallen asleep on the table, and Tara’s eyes were drooping. Spike looked around at them all, touched that they were working so hard on his and Buffy’s behalf, but also realizing that they were getting nowhere at present. “Everyone stop,” he said suddenly.
 
The others stopped what they were doing and looked at the vampire. “We’re all too tired to think. We need to take a break for a couple hours, get a fresh start.”
 
“But the ritual is tomorrow night,” said Giles. “We are running out of time.”
 
“And we’re going to miss something if we’re all running on empty,” Spike interrupted. “Everyone needs to get a few hours of sleep.”
 
“Spike’s right,” said Wesley. “We’re spinning our wheels at present. Everyone needs to get some rest.”
 
Willow and Tara stood up. Anya nudged Xander who woke up with a bleary look on his face. “Xander, maybe Willow and Tara could come to our house. That way we’re all in one place if we’re needed.”
 
“Good idea,” said Giles. “Get some rest, and come back in the morning.” The four Scoobies said goodbye and stumbled out to get some sleep. “I think I also will go to my apartment for a few hours. Wesley?”
 
“If it is all the same, I may stay here a little longer. I can catch a nap in your office.”
 
“I think me and the missus will stay as well,” Spike said. “Catch some kip in the training room.” Giles headed out, and Spike went to find his wife.
 
Buffy had stretched out on the couch, and was dozing lightly. Spike took off his duster and nestled in beside her. She awoke with a start. “Any news?” she asked.
 
“No. We all need a break for a few hours,” Spike said. Buffy nodded and burrowed into Spike’s chest. They wrapped their arms around each other and soon appeared to all the world to be a pair of entwined corpses.
 
Wesley continued staring at books in the other room for another half hour before sitting back in disgust and rubbing his eyes. What am I missing? he wondered. He dozed right where he was for a while, then woke, rubbed his face, and addressed the pile of books again. For a change of pace he looked over the books Giles had brought from England, which described the Dwak Dlam’s own prophesies. He looked at the phrase ‘the space between’ and was struck with an idea. He pulled another book or two off the stack, and began intently comparing texts.
 

… They were holding hands in front of a great rift in the earth. It was black inside, and it seemed the hole was filled with living beings, moving in a swarm. A light shone forth from the blackness, like a star in an empty sky. But the light started fading and they had no choice but to jump into that abyss…
 
The two vampires woke at the same moment, panicked and breathing unnecessarily. Did we share that dream? Spike asked.
 
Demons in a gigantic pit? With a light inside? Buffy said.
 
Yeah. What do you think it means?
 
Buffy shook her head. I don’t know. It was… Her eyes widened. The hellmouth.
 
Spike’s eyes grew large in turn. Of course. Is that were the demons are?
 
In the other room, Wesley sat up. “Of course. It all makes sense,” he murmured aloud.
 
Buffy and Spike came into the main room. They stopped short – light was streaming in the windows, as the sun had risen. “Wesley? Did you say something?” Buffy asked.
 
“I know where ‘the space between’ is. It’s inside the hellmouth,” Wesley said with a triumphant look in his eyes.
 
“We just had a dream. We saw a pit, full of demons, with a light inside,” Spike said.
 
“It stands to reason,” Wesley explained. “I was looking over the original text of the Dwak Dlam prophesy. The translation ‘the space between’ is not quite correct. It’s more like ‘the well between’. It’s a place where the two dimensions are close together. “
 
“So we need to go in there?” Buffy asked.
 
“It all fits. They need somewhere nearby where they can invade from. They need to be near enough to the human world to get… supplies. To… to keep the baby alive.”
 
“Until the sacrifice,” Spike said softly.
 
“We need to call the others. This is…”
 
“No,” said Buffy. The men turned to look at her in confusion. “I don’t want them with us.”
 
“But why?” asked Wesley.
 
“It’s a suicide mission,” Buffy said. “If we are very quiet and extremely lucky, we may have half a chance of finding her and getting out of there. But only half a chance. The others don’t even have half a chance of surviving that. I don’t want more deaths on my conscience.” Her voice was quiet but firm, and her mouth was set in a grim, determined line.
 
Spike understood her point, and looked at Wesley. “Can you help us keep them out of the way? We don’t want to hurt their feelings, but they’re going to be a hindrance and a worry.”
 
Wesley chewed his lip thoughtfully. “But couldn’t you use Willow’s magic? Or Giles’ know-how?”
 
“Wesley,” Buffy said quietly. “My mother and sister are dead. Emma is the only family we have left. We need to do everything we can to get her back. But I don’t want my friends in the way.”
 
The former Watcher contemplated this further. Finally he nodded. “I see your point. What is your plan then?”
 
“It’s hard for us to move around until nightfall. Let’s get as much information about these things as we can. Their weaknesses, their fighting style, anything that we can find about them,” said Spike. “Can you just… bury this information?”
 
“Alright,” Wesley agreed. The three of them sat down at the pile of books with new focus.
 
***********************
 
The others rolled in around nine, still looking tired, but fresher. Wesley quietly buried the information that pointed to the hellmouth in the bottom of a stack and appeared to be working on the locator spell. He provided Willow with a translation that would render the spell harmless – it wouldn’t work, but nothing untoward would happen. Willow spent the rest of the morning with Tara, reading over the spell and gathering ingredients. Tara thought that Wesley looked off somehow in his aura, but attributed it to his being exhausted. Buffy and Spike were devouring every source Giles had on the Dwak Dlam, while Giles, Xander, and Anya worked on getting more information about the ritual. For several hours they worked in near silence, everyone feeling the pressure of the impending deadline. Xander went out to get some snacks at some point, but hardly anyone felt like eating.
 
In the mid afternoon, Willow decided to attempt the locator spell with whatever information she had. She and Tara cast a circle, and arranged a small enchanted mirror, several candles, and some foul smelling incense inside of it. Willow sat facing the mirror, gazing into it intensely, chanting in a strange tongue. But although everyone could feel the power swirling through the room, nothing happened. Willow repeated the spell, and again power flowed from her, but seemed to dissipate and go nowhere. Finally, she fell back, exhausted.
 
“Willow, honey, are you okay?” Tara asked, moving to help her up.
 
“Yeah. Just dizzy,” Willow said, gratefully accepting Tara’s help to get to a chair.
 
“What did you see, Wils?” Xander asked hopefully.
 
“Nothing,” Willow said, shaking her head sadly. “Nothing happened. I’m so sorry.” She looked up at Buffy and Spike with tears in her eyes.
 
Buffy and Spike seemed strangely unmoved by the failure. “It’s alright, Willow,” Buffy said consolingly. “I know you tried.”
 
Xander wondered if this emotionless response was a product of exhaustion or a side effect of being vampires. Aloud he said, “So what do we do now?”
 
No one said anything for a while. Then with a sigh, Giles said, “We keep looking. There must be a clue somewhere.” The group took a collective deep breath, and dove back into the research.
 
Buffy and Spike reviewed their notes on the Dwak Dlam, all the while having a conversation in their heads. We need to get going. We shouldn’t wait until sunset, Buffy said.
 
Think about it, love, Spike responded. Their ritual takes several hours. Before the ritual starts, they have nothing to do but guard Emma. Once the ritual starts, they’re preoccupied. Plus, if we do manage to get her, we’re going to have to run for it. Pretty hard to do that if the sun’s out.
 
I guess you’re right, Buffy admitted. But this waiting is killing me.
 
Me too, love. But we know they need her alive for this ritual, so we know that she’s still okay. We just need to get to her.
 
We’ll need weapons.
 
We’ll stop by the house on the way, Spike suggested.
 
The day seemed to crawl by. Finally, the sun set and the vampires stood up. “I’m sorry guys,” Buffy said. “I… I need to get out of here for a while. It’s getting hard to deal with…”
 
“We understand,” Wesley said quickly, having caught Spike’s eye. “We’ll keep working.”
 
“If you find anything, call the house. We’ll check there after we eat,” Spike said. Buffy and Spike turned to go.
 
Giles caught up with them at the door. “Don’t give up yet. We still have a few hours.”
 
Buffy turned troubled eyes to her mentor and friend. “I know you’ve all done your best, Giles. But I just… I need to go.” Giles nodded, and the blond couple left, leaving the Watcher staring at the closed door in despair.
 
Buffy and Spike lost no time getting back to Revello Drive. They found the doors locked, but Spike punched in a window in the kitchen door and reached through to unlock it. “I’m thinking that a battleaxe might work for me, but you might want something you can handle one-handed.” He led the way through to the living room where the weapons chest was.
 
Buffy stopped at the entrance to the living room, staring at the floor. Spike felt the twinge of pain float through her mind and turned to look at her. “Is that where you found her?” Buffy asked quietly.
 
Spike followed her gaze to the carpet. His mind involuntarily brought up the image of Dawn’s broken body and sightless eyes, and they both shuddered. “Yeah,” Spike whispered in answer to Buffy’s question.
 
Buffy bent down and put her hand on the carpet, her vampire senses taking in the faint, lingering scent of Dawn and death. She winced as her mind replayed the screams, and the sudden silence. After another moment she stood up and faced Spike with determined, cold eyes. “Let’s go kill those bastards,” she said. Spike nodded, and they both moved as one to the weapons chest.
 
A short while later Buffy and Spike stood in the basement of the ruined high school. Spike had two daggers at his belt and a battleaxe gleaming wickedly in his hands. Buffy also wore two daggers, but carried a short sword in the other hand. Are you ready? Spike asked.
 
Almost. She faced him and pulled his head down for a kiss. Whatever happens, I love you. Don’t forget that.
 
He ran his free hand down the side of her face tenderly. I love you, Buffy. To the end of time, I love you. They kissed once more, then squaring their shoulders they walked over to the edge of the jagged rift in the earth. The bottom wasn’t visible in the darkness, but there was no choice. Taking each other’s hands, they jumped.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #29 - Chapter 29
 
Disclaimer: All the characters and stuff belong to Joss Whedon. Just having fun with them.
 
Thanks again to all my reviewers, both the ones who have been here since chapter 1 and those who just tuned in! Hope you didn’t have to wait too long.
 
********************************
Chapter 29
********************************
 
The Scoobies had spent a long night, desperately seeking something, anything that could help Buffy and Spike. By the time eleven o’clock rolled around, Willow was nearly in tears. “What can we do! It’s almost midnight!”
 
“And where are Buffy and Spike?” asked Xander. “Shouldn’t they be here, helping out?”
 
“I’ll call them,” Giles said wearily. He dialed Buffy’s number from memory. The phone rang and rang until the answering machine picked up and Dawn’s cheery voice said, “You’ve reached Dawn, Buffy, and Spike, please leave a message!” Giles winced at the sound of Dawn’s voice, but said, “Buffy, it’s Giles. We were wondering if you could come to the store so we can make contingency plans. Call us if you get the message.” He hung up.
 
“Where could they be?” asked Tara. “They can’t still be out patrolling, can they?”
 
Wesley made a point of studying the book in front of him more intently, trying not to catch anyone’s eyes. Anya spoke in a worried voice. “If they don’t stop the sacrifice, what’s going to happen?”
 
Giles threw himself into a chair and tossed his glasses on the table. He was at a loss for what to do. His best fighters had disappeared, and they were out of time. “If they are not stopped, the Dwak Dlam will break out into this dimension. They will kill indiscriminately. It may be the end of the world,” he said soberly.
 
“And we’re just sitting here, waiting for it to happen?” Xander cried. He turned to Willow. “Do a locator spell. Find Buffy and Spike, right now! We’re wasting time.”
 
“No,” said Wesley in a low, firm voice. “You need to know that they are doing everything possible to stop the sacrifice. You can’t help them at this point.”
 
The Scoobies all turned to stare at Wesley. “What did you say?” Giles asked, looking at him intently.
 
Wesley sat back and took a deep breath. “They had a dream, while you were all gone. I confirmed their suspicions in one of the texts. The space between is the hellmouth.”
 
“So what does that mean?” Tara asked, not really sure she wanted the answer.
 
“They need to enter the hellmouth to rescue their daughter.”
 
Xander jumped to his feet. “Why didn’t you tell us?” he cried. “We should be there helping them, not sitting here!” Xander grabbed his coat and started toward the door.
 
“Stop!” yelled Wesley, and his voice was so commanding that Xander found himself obeying. “They begged me not to let you go.”
 
“But why?” asked Willow. “We’ve always been a team.”
 
“This mission calls for stealth, and even then there is very little chance of success. They knew this. They didn’t want your deaths on their consciences. If they fail, we’ll know. If we dive in there now, we’ll more likely give them away and get ourselves killed then we will help. This is not our battle,” Wesley explained.
 
Xander turned to Giles, furious. “Do you hear this? You trust this guy?”
 
“Xander, he’s right,” said Tara quietly. They turned to look at her. “These things defeated the Slayer with almost no effort. There are probably a ton of them down there. We can’t help them this time.”
 
Xander looked desperately at all the faces and saw sorrowful agreement. Frustrated he kicked a small trash can, sending it flying across the room. “Dammit!” he cried. He sat down abruptly and dropped his head into his hands. “Dammit all to hell,” he said more quietly. Anya sat next to him, rubbing his back soothingly and putting her head on his shoulder.
 
“I guess there’s nothing to do but wait,” said Giles. The Scoobies looked around at each other with frightened eyes, and waited. They paced and idly flipped through books. The two couples comforted each other while the Watchers drank scotch. They watched as the clock crept slowly toward midnight. At the moment the wall clock started striking the hour, they all tensed, counting the strokes. As the last stroke sounded, the earth rumbled. They grabbed at the table as the room rocked and small items fell over on the shelves. Then all was still.
 
“Was that an earthquake? Or something else?” Anya wondered.
 
“I don’t know,” said Wesley. “We’ll just have to see what happens.”
 
Restlessly they milled about the store, looked outside, called Buffy’s house again, but there was no sign of anything. The night was dead still, clear with a full moon high overhead. Finally after another hour had gone by Giles said, “We don’t know what’s going on. I propose that we all stay here and try to get some sleep. The store is fairly defendable, and we have weapons and supplies for spells. If something happens, we’ll be better off being together than scattered.”
 
The others saw the wisdom in that statement. They all trooped into the training room, pulled out various mats, and stretched out. Despite their fears, they were all exhausted and soon dropped off to sleep.
 
Tara woke first the next morning. She untangled herself from Willow, who was lying on the mat beside her, and got up. She walked into the next room and looked through the window. Seeing nothing amiss she opened the door and stepped out onto the walk. The morning was warming up already, and the first faint pinks and purples of sunrise were painted across the sky. The street was as they had last seen it – no signs of violence or upheaval whatsoever. She returned to the training room to find the others beginning to stir as well.
 
“Did you see anything unusual?” Willow asked sleepily, pushing her red hair out of her eyes.
 
“No. It’s completely quiet out there,” Tara replied.
 
“Is that a good sign, or a bad sign?” asked Xander, getting stiffly to his feet.
 
“I guess we need to go and find out,” Giles said. Gathering themselves together, they left the store, heading for the old high school and whatever they might find there.
 
************************************
 
Buffy and Spike landed hard, after what felt like a two story drop. The space they were in was pitch black, but a faint orange light shone from an opening in the distance. They both vamped out to see better as they moved quietly through the space, stretching every sense to the limit. As they approached the opening, they heard a deep, murmuring noise. A strong odor hit their nostrils at well. I think that’s them, Buffy said silently. Smells even worse with the upgraded senses.
 
They crept up to the side of the door and looked in. They saw a corridor, twisting off into the distance, with torches lighting the way sporadically. They cautiously made their way toward the sound, which resolved itself into a sort of chant in a strange, harsh tongue. Side corridors split off from time to time, some lit, some not. They rounded a corner to see that the end of the tunnel was in sight, but was blocked by two very large Dwak Dlam warriors. They were facing into the room beyond, which seemed to be the source of the loud, echoing voices. They jumped back as they heard the guards respond to the chant, as if a litany was being spoken. Peering around again, they saw that a side corridor opened off a short distance behind them. Stay close, Spike said silently. The next time the guards responded to the litany, they dashed quickly into the side corridor and flattened themselves against the wall, weapons at the ready. After a tense few moments, they decided they had not been heard and made their way down the new hallway.
 
They realized that this new corridor ran around the outside of whatever central chamber there was. They came to a hole in the wall and cautiously peered into the large room. There was a raised altar at one end, with a large demon standing behind it wearing elaborate robes. Next to this creature stood the small, twisted form of the Seer, and Buffy shuddered involuntarily. That small one, with her eyes sewn shut. She’s the one who… who took Emma from me.
 
Steady on, love. We need to concentrate. Spike squeezed her hand, then continued assessing the situation. The room was packed with demons. There had to be a thousand of them at least, all chanting and responding to their leader. There were some doorways beyond the altar, each with a guard in front of it.I think we need to get around in back there somehow. Buffy nodded, and they followed the corridor onward.
 
They got to a junction of several corridors and paused, sniffing the air and peering around. Suddenly, Spike caught a whiff of a welcome scent – a human. I think she’s down this way, Spike said. Buffy caught the scent as well, and they moved off down the corridor.
 
The scent got stronger as they made their way toward the source. Peering around a corner, they saw a guard leaning against the wall of the tunnel, keeping one eye on the tunnel, but being distracted by the sounds coming from the large chamber. Spike gripped his battleaxe tightly. Next time he looks the other way, I’m going to take him out. Be ready to run. Buffy nodded and flexed her fingers on her sword.
 
The chanting grew louder, and the guard turned toward the sound. Spike bounded forward and swung his axe. The guard turned at the last moment, causing the axe to embed itself in its shoulder, rather than taking its head off. Buffy sprang forward and stabbed it through the throat with her sword before it could raise the alarm. She withdrew her sword, watching as the demon coughed and choked. Bringing his axe around, Spike finished the job and left the demon’s head rolling on the floor.
 
Buffy vaulted the body and entered the next room. Another guard stood next to a crude stone cradle. Spike was on him and snapping his neck with a ferocious twist before he could even turn around. Buffy made her way over to the cradle. With shaking hands she reached in and scooped up her daughter. Emma was wrapped in a piece of what looked like black silk. She was tiny and perfect with dark blonde hair. As Buffy gazed in wonder at the baby her eyes opened. She had Spike’s brilliant blue eyes. Spike came over and joined Buffy in her moment of awe. She’s beautiful, Buffy thought. That she is, Spike agreed, gently stroking the baby’s silken hair. But we need to get out of here. Clutching Emma close, Buffy followed Spike into the tunnels.
 
**********************
 
“For millennia we have waited. Make us worthy to hold the power!” chanted the Ruler of the Dwak Dlam in their harsh, grating tongue.
 
“Make us worthy, we beseech you!” responded the assembled demons in one voice. This ritual was ancient, steeped in the earliest traditions of their history. The litany went on and on, invoking their gods. The assembled demons had spent ages filing up to add their blood to a large basin, which was then to be poured on the altar before the moment of the sacrifice. The Seer stood beside the ruler, listening to the sacred chants, the sound wrapping around her like a cloak. That this has been granted to me… to be the Seer at the moment of our fulfillment. The gods have favored me.
 
Suddenly, the Seer felt something. Standing straighter, she reached out with her mind. Something’s wrong. She reached out her bony hand to the warrior next to her. “Check on the child,” she whispered. The guard rushed out, and within seconds was back. “The sacrifice! It’s gone!” yelled the guard.
 
The Ruler stopped dead in mid-chant. Quickly she called to the assembled masses, “The tunnels! Seal them up! Find the child!” She followed the Seer into the antechamber, saw the dead guards and the empty cradle and cursed. “Through the passage! Now! The time of the sacrifice is almost upon us! We must find the child!”
 
Buffy and Spike had been making their way quietly back through the twisting maze of tunnels. Spike was in front, battleaxe at the ready, while Buffy followed close behind, cradling the baby with one arm and clutching her sword with the other. They came to a crossroad, and Buffy started to wonder Which way? Before Spike could answer they heard the rumbling of the chant stop, then the sound of voices raised in wild shouts.
 
Shit. Run!  Spike urged. They fled as rapidly as they could, following their own scent as they made their way along the corridors. Up ahead they saw the opening in the side of the tunnel which looked out on the main room. We’re close to where we came in. We’re going to make it!
 
They rounded a corner and skidded to a halt. The end of the tunnel was filled with demons. When Buffy and Spike came into view the demons roared and came after them. The vampires whirled and ran back the way they came, desperately trying to get to a side tunnel. They had not gone far before they saw the shadows of demons approaching in the torchlight. Back to that opening! Buffy said.
 
They turned once more and ran, hoping that the opening in the wall would afford some means of escape. But they had gone about fifty yards when the mass of demons appeared in front of them. They backed away, Spike in front of Buffy ready to defend her and Emma. Spike behind us! Buffy warned. Back to back they jockeyed for position between the two groups of demons. They were trapped.
 
Buffy backed toward the wall, clutching her daughter to her chest as Spike roared in frustration. One of the demons had had enough and rushed at Spike, and was rewarded by a savage blow to the head from the battleaxe. More demons fell to Spike’s axe and Buffy’s sword, wielded awkwardly while she shielded the baby. The demons seemed stunned at the ferociousness of the two smaller figures, until the Ruler cried, “You are many! They are two! Take them!” The throng surged forward as one and overpowered them by sheer force of numbers. Spike found himself disarmed and thrown to the ground, being kicked and shredded by razor sharp claws. Buffy screamed and struggled, but the baby was wrenched out of her arms and she too fell under the vicious onslaught. Spike struggled to remain conscious and reached out with his mind, Buffy… answer me…
 
Spike, she replied desperately, they took her again… She screamed in agony as one of the multitude of demons stomped on her arm, breaking bones like twigs. The onslaught continued and she started to wonder how much more she could take when that same rough voice spoke in the demon tongue.
 
“Cease!” cried the Ruler. The hordes parted before her as she strode through to stand before the vampires. They were bruised and bleeding, barely conscious. Spike felt like all his ribs had been broken, and Buffy’s arm was crushed. The Ruler reached down and grabbed each of them with a clawed hand, digging the nails cruelly into their flesh as she dragged them upward. They dangled like rag dolls, inches away from the terrible black face of the Ruler. “You will not thwart us,” she said in a mangled version of English. They gasped and moaned as she released them roughly and they collapsed back onto the stone floor. The Seer came forth, bearing Emma, who had started to wail at the commotion. “Bring them,” snapped the Ruler to the nearby demons. “They will witness their failure firsthand.”
 
“There is not much time, oh Ruler,” said the Seer, moving rapidly as possible down the corridor. “We must perform the sacrifice at the appointed hour.” The Seer could sense that the hour was slipping away, and practically ran in her haste to reach the altar. The Ruler followed her, leaving the guards to drag Spike and Buffy in her wake.
 
Back in the main chamber, Buffy and Spike were dumped in a heap in front of the altar. The Seer took her place to the left of the Ruler, holding the wailing infant as the Ruler resumed the ritual. Buffy was vamped out, snarling and weeping at the same time. “Leave her alone you bastards!” she growled. Spike too was vamped out and trying desperately to sit up, his broken ribs grinding agonizingly with every movement.
 
The Ruler was pouring the enormous basin of blood on the altar. “Blood of our people, freely given, now mix with the blood of the One.”
 
“No!” Spike roared. He staggered to his feet, followed by Buffy, and they used every ounce of their strength to rush the altar. But other than knocking aside a couple of guards, they were too battered to accomplish much. A guard thrust his clawed hand into Spike’s midsection, dropping him like a stone, while another shattered Buffy’s knee with a devastating kick. They fell back to the floor, their thoughts a blur of pain and despair.
 
“Hear us, gods of our ancestors!” cried the Ruler. She took Emma from the Seer and held her, naked and squalling, high over her head. “Take this power and make it ours, now and for all time!” She placed Emma on the bloodstained altar and reached for the black stone knife that lay there. Raising the knife in both hands she cried, “Let the prophesy be fulfilled!” Buffy screamed as the knife flashed down.
 
TBC
 
 
Chapter #30 - Chapter 30
 
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon still owns everything. Nothing new to report on that front.
 
Thank you to all the reviewers who refrained from strangling me over that last cliffhanger! I promise to make it all better…
 
******************
Chapter 30
******************
 
Somewhere in Sunnydale, a clock tolled the last stroke of midnight. Time stopped completely for Buffy and Spike. No, my baby, my daughter, God I failed again, no no no no…
 
As they watched in horror, the Ruler’s arm descended. But at the last second, something happened. The knife shattered in the demon’s hand, as if it had struck a rock. A thundering rumble came from the earth, bringing small stones down and rocking the assembled demons. A white glow seemed to be coming from the center of the altar. Their eyes widened as they saw their child bathed in light. The Ruler backed away slowly, bewildered at this unforeseen development. The glow grew and intensified, and all the demons began to back away, shielding their dark faces. Buffy and Spike watched in astonishment as the tiny infant began to grow before their eyes. Emma morphed smoothly from an infant to a toddler to a child, her hair lengthening to her waist and her blue eyes growing larger and more luminous. The transformation continued until a beautiful young woman stood before them, clothed in white, with Buffy’s straight, light brown hair and Spike’s blue eyes and cheekbones.
 
“You have failed, Dwak Dlam,” Emma spoke in a resonant, clear voice. One of the demon guards recovered himself enough to launch an attack toward her and was repelled with a gesture, sending him smashing with crushing force into the wall. “I am of the Powers. The darkness will not prevail here.”
 
“NO!” screamed the Seer. She threw herself forward, intending somehow to finish the sacrifice, with her bare hands if need be. My moment of triumph! My reward for the years of my service! No! But as she reached the altar a beam of light shot out from the beautiful woman on the altar, and the Seer simply ceased to exist. The sight sent the Ruler and the rest of the assembly into a blind panic.
 
Emma raised her hands as the demons started retreating toward the chamber exits. The ground shook again and falling rock blocked the exits, crushing some demons in the process. Instinctively Spike wrapped his arm around Buffy and they huddled on the floor to protect themselves. The light Emma generated grew brighter and brighter, until it flashed blindingly. The demons let out a collective wailing cry, then silence fell.
 
Spike and Buffy remained huddled, faces hidden, arms around each other, waiting for whatever came next. Then they heard the same clear voice again, speaking tenderly this time. “Mother. Father. Don’t be afraid.”
 
Slowly and painfully they untangled themselves and struggled to a half-sitting position, both of them weak from injury and blood loss. They looked with awe and wonder on the beautiful being in front of them. Their daughter. Apart from her, the cave was empty, the demons gone.
 
Spike found his voice first. “Emma?” he coughed painfully. “How…?” He couldn’t comprehend what he had seen, or what he was seeing now.
 
“The Powers that Be required a new being,” she explained, walking down off the altar and toward them. “One that could act at the intersection of the world of darkness and the world of light, as you two have. They regret the pain they have caused you. It could not be helped. To do otherwise would have risked all life on this world. Your sacrifice kept the demons at bay long enough for my destiny to be fulfilled.”
 
“What happens now?” Buffy stammered. Tears rolled down her cheeks at the loss of her baby, her sister, her own humanity. “Will… will you leave us?”
 
“I must,” Emma replied. She was standing in front of them now, and they both gazed in utter astonishment at this higher being that had come from their love. “I do not belong to this realm. But I will not leave you unrewarded. You have given me life. Now I return the gift.”
 
Emma knelt and embraced her parents, who after a moment of shock embraced her back, feeling her warm, solid form for the first and last time. She kissed each of their foreheads, then stood, placing one hand on each of their heads. Her voice spoke again, but only in their minds this time. You will be human, but more than human. Your senses will be the vampire’s and your strength and speed the Slayer’s. You will not age, and sickness will not touch you. You will be mated and linked to each other forever. You are the Champions of the Powers. Fight always for the light.
 
They closed their eyes as a delicious warmth flooded through them. Heaven. It’s Heaven again, Buffy thought. Spike had never experienced anything so pure, so perfect. They felt themselves changing, expanding, and the melding of their minds grew to a perfect unity. I will always love you, said Emma’s voice in their heads. Be at peace.
 
****************
 
They awoke to find themselves lying on the floor of the ruined school basement. They stirred and got up, looking around in wonder. The gaping opening to the hellmouth was gone. Not just there, and closed, but as if it had never been. They stood and looked at each other. Spike’s mouth dropped open as he placed his hand on his chest. “I’m alive,” he whispered. He reached his hand out to Buffy’s chest and felt the beat there as well. “We’re alive.”
 
Buffy stepped close and cupped his face in her hands. “Warm,” she said, astonishment breaking over her face. “Oh God, Spike!” She pulled him into a kiss and they reveled in the heat of each other’s mouths.
 
They broke the kiss and stood, foreheads touching, gasping for breath. Our baby became a higher Power, Buffy wondered. How did we do that?
 
I think we had help, love, Spike replied. Then they were kissing again, but they gradually became aware that things were different. They still had the enhanced hearing they had enjoyed as vampires, and their noses were as keen as ever. Their muscles flexed against each other, and they could feel the Slayer strength in both their veins. Emma was right – we’re alive, but more than we were.
 
Oh Spike, I’m going to miss her, Buffy as tears came to her eyes.
 
Spike held her close and stroked her hair. Me too, sweetheart. They clung to each other in the ruins, relief and sorrow fighting for first position in their minds.
 
After an untold time, they realized that they could sense the dawn approaching. “Do you think… is it okay for us?” Buffy asked.
 
“Only one way to find out,” Spike said. Taking her hand, they moved through the rubble, pausing at the edge, where the sunlight shone on the other side of an overhang. Taking a deep breath, they stepped as one into the light.
 
*****************************
 
The sun had just risen, bathing the world in shades of orange and gold. Spike closed his eyes and basked in the warmth of his first sunrise in nearly a century and a half. He opened his eyes and looked down at Buffy, seeing the sun in her hair for the first time at close range. Buffy watched how the sun made Spike’s eyes glow, and how his white hair caught the light. They drank in the sight of each other for a long minute before Spike bent to kiss her, slowly and tenderly.
 
The sound of running feet hit their ears and they broke off the kiss, turning to see the Scoobies and Wesley making their way toward them. Their friends stopped short, hardly grasping what they were seeing. “You’re… you’re outside!” Xander stammered out at last.
 
“We’re alive again,” Buffy said simply. She and Spike stood with their arms around each other’s waists, facing the astounded group.
 
“How is this possible?” Giles asked in a voice filled with wonder. “And where’s the baby? Where’s Emma?”
 
Tears sprung up in Buffy’s eyes at her daughter’s name. Spike was the one who said, “Our girl turned out to be a higher power. She destroyed the Dwak Dlam, and sent us back to the land of the living.”
 
“But where is she?” Willow asked, deeply confused.
 
“She’s gone,” Buffy said softly. “She… doesn’t belong here. She belongs with the Powers.”
 
The others stared for a long minute, mouths gaping and eyes wide. Then Giles recovered himself and stepped forward, pulling Buffy into a warm embrace. “Oh thank God,” he said. “You had us all worried.” The others crowded around, hugging Buffy and Spike, laughing with relief. After the excitement died down, the couple pulled away again.
 
“I still don’t understand,” Anya said. “How could a baby do all that?”
 
“Can we go somewhere where we can talk?” Buffy asked. “It’s a long story, and I know you want to know what happened, but it’s a lot for us.” The pleading tone to her voice touched them all, and they realized they were overwhelming her again.
 
“Of course,” said Giles. “Why don’t we go back to my apartment? We can have some breakfast and try to make sense of all this.”
 
Spike found himself unexpectedly hungry for something other than blood, for the first time in a very, very long time. “Sounds good,” he said. You okay with this?
 
Best to explain it once and get it over with, Buffy responded. Aloud she said, “Let’s go then.”
 
Spike and Buffy walked in silence, arms around each other, as they made their way to Giles’ place. The others were clearly relieved that the crisis had been averted, but their happiness was tempered by occasional worried glances at the blond couple. No one knew what to make of the newly resurrected pair, and they felt both awe and a small amount of fear in their presence.
 
When they reached the apartment, Giles set about making coffee and tea, and Willow and Tara pitched in to produce pancakes for everyone. The table was not big enough for them all, so they ate perched here and there around the apartment.
 
Spike took a bite of his syrup laden pancakes and closed his eyes, nearly crooning. “I thought human food tasted pretty good before, but the vampire taste buds really don’t do it justice. My God, this is delicious.” He was equally enraptured by the coffee. “Has coffee always been this good?”
 
The others laughed a bit at Spike’s near-orgasm over human food. “Just wait until you try pizza,” Xander laughed.
 
“Or buffalo wings,” added Tara, remembering Spike’s penchant for those at the bronze.
 
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand it,” Spike said. “But I will make a valiant effort.” He helped himself to another pancake and Buffy smiled as she passed him the syrup.
 
After the pancakes had been demolished, they retired with coffee and tea to the living room. Buffy and Spike told the tale, taking turns and stepping up for each other when the telling became difficult. The transformation of their daughter from helpless infant to higher power astounded their listeners, but pained Buffy and Spike deeply. “She told us,” Spike was finishing, “That we would be human, but more than human. I guess we’re immortal, sort of a combination of vampire senses and Slayer abilities.”
 
“I get the idea we can still be killed in combat,” Buffy put in. “But I guess barring that, we’re some sort of immortal Slayers or something.”
 
“Incredible,” Wesley said. “Think of the possibilities.”
 
“But how do you feel about all this?” Tara put in quietly.
 
Buffy bit her lip. “Overwhelmed, to tell you the truth. I don’t know what we’re supposed to do now. I don’t know how to… do this. Forever, I mean.”
 
Spike squeezed her hand. “I think what we mean is, we need to figure out what this new status of ours is for.”
 
“I shall have to report all this to the Watchers’s Council,” Giles said. “This could have tremendous implications for the Slayer line.”
 
“Please,” said Buffy in a small voice. Giles stopped and turned to look at her. “I need some time. I have to bury my sister.” Her statement brought them all back down to earth in a moment.
 
“I’ll help with that,” Giles promised. “There are sure to be questions from the police if you two show up to claim the… the body.”
 
Buffy struggled to maintain control, and Spike picked up on it. “Look, everyone, we need a day or two to get our bearings, yeah? We’ve got a lot of adjustments to make.” Spike stood up, and Buffy followed. “We’re going to go home. We’ll call you in a day or so.” The others nodded their understanding, and after a few more hugs from the gang, Spike and Buffy turned to go.
 
As they walked Spike kept turning his face toward the sun, utterly reveling in the sensation of the warmth and light on his skin. Christ it’s been so long. Didn’t remember what it felt like.
 
You don’t mind? Being alive again? Buffy wondered. I know you always liked being a vampire.
 
It’s more that I hated being the hopeless git that I was, he explained. I was always so weak, a nobody. As a vampire I had strength, I had power, I had a reputation. I guess now I still have the strength and the power, but I’m not that pathetic wanker anymore. And of course, I have you my love.
 
What do you mean?
 
The connection. This claim – I’ll put up with anything to have this, with you. I love you so much, Slayer.
 
I love you too. And hey, aren’t you sort of a Slayer too now? She looked up at him with a half smile.
 
Got a point there, he admitted. He squeezed her a little tighter, and they turned onto Revello Drive. They walked up to the house, slowing their pace unconsciously. Apart from the quick weapons grab, they hadn’t been inside since the attack. They both took a deep breath before they opened the door.
 
They both froze at the entry to the living room, staring at the rug where Dawn had died. Their grief resurfaced as they both realized the house would never have the bouncy, smart, sometimes annoying teen in it again. Side by side, with Buffy’s head on Spike’s shoulder, they silently mourned her, memories flowing freely between them. Buffy turned to Spike after a while and wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to the thump of his heartbeat. What do we do now? Buffy wondered.
 
Try to pick up the pieces, I guess, Spike answered. They went and stood at the bottom of the stairs.
 
“I don’t know if I can go in there,” Buffy said, her mind replaying the horrible attack in their bedroom.
 
“No need to just yet. We can sleep in your mum’s room for now, yeah?”
 
“Yeah,” said Buffy. They were both suddenly exhausted – mentally and physically. They went upstairs, and Spike went ahead and closed the door to their bedroom to shield Buffy from the sight. Spike then realized with bemusement that he really needed to use the restroom for the first time in a few generations. “Pardon me, love,” he said with slight embarrassment as he ducked in and closed the door.
 
Buffy drifted down the hall to Dawn’s room. She walked in, gently running her hands over the evidence of her sister having lived. Dawn’s journal, lying on her desk. The posters of various teen stars. Her stuffed animals. Buffy picked up her pillow and inhaled her sister’s scent. She sat down on the bed, clutching the pillow to her chest as the tears came again. Spike came in a minute later and sat down next to her. He held her and let her cry, then handed her his handkerchief. Come on, pet. Let’s get some rest, yeah?
 
“Spike,” Buffy began, speaking more to Dawn’s pillow than to him. “I don’t… we have to worry about… we’re both human now and…” Spike was puzzled, and couldn’t quite follow her thoughts. Buffy took a deep breath and blurted out, “We need to get some sort of birth control. I don’t want to risk getting pregnant again right away.” She gave him a worried glance, not wanting to hurt his feelings.
 
“I feel the same, love,” Spike reassured her. “We need some time to grieve Emma before we can try again.”
 
Buffy was grateful for his understanding. “I know she isn’t dead, not really, but I still wanted her so badly.”
 
“Me too,” he said, rubbing her back. Buffy set Dawn’s pillow back in place, smoothing it tenderly. She got up and excused herself to the restroom for a moment. Spike wandered across the hall. Steeling himself, he opened their bedroom door, needing for some reason to face it head on. The room was as he last saw it – covered in blood, their possessions ruined and scattered. He wandered over to the bassinette, which had mostly escaped destruction, and ran his fingers along the edge. He brought up the memory of his daughter’s silken hair. She had my eyes. At the thought he lost the battle with his tears and stood there stricken, staring at the empty cradle. Buffy gasped when she saw the bedroom, and Spike hurriedly turned to block her view of the rest. “I’m sorry, love. I just needed to see… I don’t know what.” They embraced again, both trying to make sense of it all.
 
Is this why we were saved? So that we can never stop grieving? Never stop patrolling? Do I have to fight and lose people forever? Buffy wondered with a tinge of despair.
 
Her despair touched Spike and he straightened up to look into her green eyes. “No. That’s not what we’re going to do. I’m not going to allow that. We’ve been given a gift, not a curse, but I think we need to take charge of it.”
 
“What do you mean?” Buffy asked.
 
“I mean that I think we need to get out of Sunnydale,” Spike explained, making up his mind in that moment. “There is so much bloody world out there, you know? You haven’t seen anything but this little slice of it. I’ve been around more than a century and I haven’t seen all of it, and most of it I haven’t seen in the daylight. We can fight evil anywhere. Evil isn’t confined to Sunnydale – it’s universal. But the crisis here is over, the hellmouth is gone, and I don’t see why we need to stay here to wait for the council to poke us and prod us and order us about.”
 
Buffy slowly brightened at the idea. “Could we really? Just leave it all?”
 
“No reason to think otherwise,” Spike said.
 
“But Giles? And the others?”
 
“We’ll leave them a note, and we’ll figure out how they can get a hold of us if there’s an emergency.”
 
“What about… Dawn?” she asked quietly, fixing him with troubled eyes.
 
Spike thought for a moment. “We can put her to rest. You and I, before we go.”
 
Buffy bit her lip, struggling with the whole idea. “I feel like I’d be… leaving her behind. Abandoning her.”
 
Spike kissed her forehead. “She’ll always be with us, pet. We’re putting the shell in the ground. The important part’s here.” He put his hand on her beating heart. “But I think we deserve some rest so we can heal. I want to walk down the Champs-Elysees with you on a summer afternoon. I want to see the bloody pyramids in Egypt, and watch the sunrise on some tropical island. I’ve never been on an airplane. You’ve never seen London, or Rome, or Vienna. We have so much we can do together, Buffy. And I don’t think the Nibblet would mind.”
 
Buffy heard the truth in his words, and looked into her husband’s blue eyes. “William Pratt, I love you. And I will follow you anywhere.” She kissed him deeply for long minutes, then they broke apart, and started putting their plans into action.
 
*************************
 
After three days with no word from Buffy and Spike, Giles began to get a bit concerned, but he resolved to give them the time they needed. Then on the fourth day, he received a call from the Sunnydale Police, saying that the body of Dawn Summers had been stolen from the morgue. After repeated calls to Buffy and Spike went unanswered, he finally went with Willow and Tara over to the house to see if something was wrong. They knocked on the door, but then found the door was unlocked. “Hello?” Giles said as they walked in. “What in blazes?” he murmured in surprise.
 
The living room was stacked with boxes. Taped to one of them was a note addressed to Giles. He took it down and read aloud:
 
Dear Giles, and everyone,
 
We need to leave Sunnydale. This town and house carry too many painful memories. We need to get away, to heal, and to move on. We will let you know how you can contact us soon. In the meantime, we have made arrangements to have our things stored.
 
We put Dawn to rest, next to my mom. We know that there would be too many questions with a regular funeral, but we needed to say our goodbyes in our own way. We won’t forget her, and we’ll never forget all you’ve done for us. Please give our regrets to the Scoobies, and understand that we both love you all very much. If there is ever a bigger fight than you can handle, we will be there.
 
Love,
Buffy and Spike
 
The three of them looked at each other and at the boxes in stunned silence.

 TBC
 
 
Chapter #31 - Epilogue
 
Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.
 
Thank you so much to all the reviewers who stuck with me through this fic!
 
*********************
Epilogue
*********************
 
Autumn in Vancouver tended towards rainy, but when the sun broke through and illuminated the surrounding mountains, it was worth every wet umbrella. Buffy paused in her task of setting the table just to lean on the edge of their balcony, looking out over the harbor and enjoying the breeze in her hair. “Lovely tonight, isn’t it?” Spike said as he joined her in admiring the view. He rested his hands lightly on her hips as Buffy leaned her head back contentedly against his shoulder.
 
They had wandered for many long years before they came to Vancouver, and they had both fallen in love with it. They had purchased a small condo with an enormous view. Although they had sometimes rented it out when they traveled in the early years, now it was the closest thing they had to a permanent home. Buffy turned and kissed Spike, bustling back inside to put the finishing touches on dinner. Spike followed, her, finding a pair of wineglasses and uncorking an exquisite Sauvignon Blanc that he had bought earlier. He brought wine and glasses to the outdoor table, pouring himself a glass and enjoying it while he watched his wife through the sliding glass door.
 
Buffy came out with a salad, and then went back for a puffy cheese soufflé. Her cooking had improved over the decades, and Spike found himself salivating with anticipation. A few more touches and they were both able to sit down. Spike handed Buffy a glass of wine and proposed a toast. “Happy thirtieth anniversary, to the woman who will always be the wind beneath my wings.”
 
Buffy rolled her eyes and touched her glass to his. “Sometimes, you make immortality seem awfully long, you know that?” But she grinned as she said it and added, “Happy anniversary, Mr. Pratt.”
 
They enjoyed candlelight and the sunset as they shared their meal, talking and laughing. It had taken a long time for them to overcome the pain of their losses. Before leaving Sunnydale, they had broken into the morgue in the middle of the night, and had spirited Dawn’s body away. They had laid her to rest with tears and tenderness, digging her grave with their own hands. After packing up their things they had taken Joyce’s car and driven across the country. They acquired some camping gear and alternated between hotels and campgrounds. For months they drifted wherever their whims took them, trying to put Sunnydale behind them. They watched sunrise over the Grand Canyon, celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and snorkeled off the Florida Keys. They dispatched any demons or vampires that crossed their path, but otherwise didn’t look for trouble. Eventually they acquired a laptop to keep in touch with the Scoobies by email, but often went a week or more without checking it. Because of this, they didn’t hear about the crisis Angel’s team faced in L.A. until it was too late. They grieved the loss of Wesley, who had helped them so much, and of Angel, who had been a part of both of their lives for better or worse. But they still had no desire to return.
 
After that they’d left for Europe, roaming the world the same way they had roamed the country. Buffy laughed as they recalled Spike’s first plane trip – he had been white knuckled and terrified from take off until almost halfway to England. Their travels had taken them to every continent short of Antarctica. They had come back after a couple years for Xander and Anya’s belated wedding, and sent cards and gifts from exotic locales to their children. Willow and Tara had gone to England with Giles, working for the Watcher’s council. Although Buffy and Spike had occasionally checked out trouble spots for them, they flat out refused to form any sort of formal working relationship with the council, wanting no part of their machinations any more. Giles was in assisted living now, crippled in body but still sharp in his mind, and they corresponded with him from time to time.
 
Word had come after ten years or so that Faith had been killed in prison. A riot had broken out, and someone had gotten a hold of one of the guard’s guns. Faith had been shot while disarming the rioter, and another Slayer had been called. Three other Slayers had followed in succession – Buffy wasn’t completely sure of the current one’s name, but she was fine with that.
 
They finished their meal and cleared their places. Buffy put away this and that, while Spike bent to build a fire in their fireplace – the one thing he had insisted on in their condo. He retired to the couch when he finished, and Buffy joined him there, handing him another glass of wine. She put her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. “This is so nice,” she purred.
 
“That it is,” he agreed, kissing her blonde hair. He had decided to let his hair go natural at some point, but he still kept it relatively short and tamed. Buffy turned to kiss him, running her hands through his soft curls.
 
“Spike?” Buffy said when she next came up for air.
 
“Yes, my love?”
 
“How would you feel about trying again?”
 
Spike pulled back a little and looked at her in astonishment. “Are you sure?” he asked. For many years they had avoided even talking about having another child. When they finally acknowledged it at all, either one or both of them felt the time wasn’t right, or a crisis came up and the issue went onto the back burner again. But Spike felt Buffy’s longing and determination coming across their mental link, and he knew the answer before she spoke.
 
“I’m sure,” Buffy said. “We’ve got a stable place here, the council doesn’t need us, and things have been good for a while. How about you? Do you think we should?”
 
Spike kissed her in response, and smiled, stroking her hair and gazing into her green eyes. “I’d like nothing better, Buffy. Emma was a miracle of the first order. But I think I’d like to try for a garden variety miracle this time.” Then the two lovers melted together and set about making it happen.
 
The End.