It Happened One Night

By: Golden Buffy




Summary: Spike and Buffy exchanged friendship gifts, he a cell phone, and she a gift card to the Gap. And of course Xander blew up because of Spike's gift. (surprised? Not really,lol) Giles revealed to Buffy that he enlisted Wesley and his sister, Amanda, to help him find out more on slayers vampire relations and reproduction. And Anya informed Buffy about a pregnant slayer who had a vengeance wish years before.


Disclaimers: As much as I wish and hope, and sometimes dream, I do not own Spike, Angel, Wesley, or even Xander. Cause if I did... well we can't discuses that here,lol. They as well as Buffy and co. belong to Joss and many other scary corporations who could enslave me as their minion. But they won't cause Joss said to write fanfic!


Author's Notes: Kudos to Just_Sue for working her magic as always. Thanks for the reviews guys. Keep them coming. Song and title by the very talented and very sexy Prince (he does go by Prince still, right?) Okay, this is a way long chapter so I'm posting in two parts. So don't kill me when you get to the end and it's a cliffhanger. The second part is finished so you won't have to wait long. And remember review. It makes me happy. Enjoy.




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Chapter Twelve: When Doves Cry - Part One



I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
Isaac Newton


There are few nudities so objectionable as the naked truth.
Agnes Repplier


The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
Oscar Wilde

Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride

How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold?
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied

Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

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Buffy hesitated at the door for only a moment before knocking. It was stupid really, she and Giles had fallen out in the past, this was just the same. She apologized, he forgave her, and the world kept spinning.

The ex-watcher opened the door smiling as he ushered his slayer inside.

Buffy walked over to the sofa, eyes lighting up as she saw the coffee table adorned with Giles' fancy serving tray, laden down with tea pot and cups, and not to mention those yummy little finger sandwiches she loved so much. She briefly wondered if they called coffee tables tea tables in England.

“I'm getting tea treatment. What's the catch?” she asked snatching up a sandwich.

“Yes, well, I thought you deserved something special. It seems as though I keep sticking my foot in my mouth lately, and in turn, hurting you. I guess this is my equivalent of buying you tickets for some overly priced ice show.”

Buffy smiled. “This is way better. I get fancy snacks and British tea.”

“If you like I can tell Wesley and tell him that we no longer need his help.”

“Nah, that's cool. We can keep him and his sister on board. Oh, before I forget. Anya gave me a date. There was this pregnant slayer back in 1923 who called on Halfrek for vengeance.” Giles arched a brow. “Don't give me that look Giles. You know Anya is totally reliable.”

“Yes, and rightly so,” he mumbled as he got up from the couch looking for his notepad and pen to write the information down.

“I'll get this to Wesley as soon as possible. Now,” he said turning back to Buffy, “I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but don't you think it's time that you told Spike?”

Buffy sighed, slouching back into the couch. “I will, really. I plan on it soon. I've bought balloons and everything. I'm just waiting for the right moment. I have it penciled in for next Tuesday at two o'clock.”

Giles regarded her with a skeptical look before replying. “All I'm saying is, if fatherhood was impending upon me I would like to know.”

Buffy sighed. “I know, and I am going to tell him. Promise.”

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The sun was slowly starting to set as the hands on the clock reached six. Joyce had finished laying out snacks as Buffy and Willow hung the final balloons.

Stepping back Buffy surveyed the living room. “Looks pretty good if I do say so myself.”

Willow nodded in agreement as she took a handful of Doritos.

The tiny tingles racing up and down Buffy's neck announced Spike's arrival at the same time the front door opened admitting Xander and Anya, followed quickly by Giles.

“Where is the birthday girl? I come bearing an assortment of gifts that makes fifteen year olds squeal in delight,” Xander said holding out the large festive colored bag.

“Dawnie isn't here yet, she knows to be here by six. So hang on to those.” Buffy winked.

“Well, look who decided to show up,” Joyce practically sang pulling an unwilling Spike out of the kitchen and into the living room.

“Who invited the Chipped Wonder?” Xander asked quite displeased.

Buffy smiled at the vampire before whipping her head around to glare at her best friend, her eyes narrowing as she gritted through clenched teeth. “Xander, don't make me hurt you on Dawn's special day. Spike's family and that automatically invites him to all things Summers related.”

With that the Slayer turned, took the smirking vampire by the arm and ushered him back into the kitchen to help her finish the punch. She so did not want a repeat performance of Parent/Teacher night with the not adding sugar to her lemonade.

Anya slapped her fiancé on the arm. “I told you not to go and upset Buffy. You know she's all cranky since she...”

Xander cupped his hand over the ex-demon's mouth as everyone turned to her with wide eyes and gasps of fear.

Anya swatted Xander's hand away and shrugged. “What? I wasn't going to say she's pregnant. I was going to say she's all possessive over Spike. Because she is you know, possessive, in the growly sort of way too. God, you people are so jumpy sometimes.”

“Ahn, vampire hearing. Bleach for brains could have over heard you. So exnay on the pregos-ay. Got it?” Xander hissed, nodding his head towards the kitchen.

The blonde only rolled her eyes as she walked over to the bowl of corn chips, grabbing a handful then plopping down onto the sofa.

Joyce breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Anya snack and Xander continue to fuss over her unruly tongue. Shaking her head she made her way back to the kitchen.'It will be all the easier once Buffy comes clean to Spike. Sometimes I'm tempted to tell him myself.'

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The elder Summers entered the kitchen to be greeted by a feuding slayer and vampire.

“I'm telling you that's not enough sugar, you crazy bint,” Spike roared as he tried to snatch the sugar canister away from Buffy so he could add more.

“It is too enough. You're dead, what do you know? Does Kool Aid even taste like it should to you?” Buffy shot back, slapping at his hand.

“Look, Slayer, I drank some of that rancid liquid you called lemonade.”

Buffy's eyes grew wide. “What were you doing drinking my stuff? You were supposed to be there killing me not sampling beverages.”

Spike shrugged. “Got thirsty, but I did make a right mess of your dolies. Now hand over the sweetener.”

“Listen to him, sweetie. Spike knows what he's talking about.” Joyce throw over her shoulder as she opened the fridge.

Buffy snickered before handing over the sugar. Figured her mother would be a Benedict Arnold to the Evil Undead.

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Willow watched with trepidation as the Slayer carried the punch bowl full of the cherry flavored drink over to the folding table in the living room.

Spike followed close behind with a tray full of luncheon meats,cheeses and crackers. Catching Willow's gaze he followed it to the bowl. Placing his burden down he turned to her, a knowing smirk in place, before giving her a thumbs up sign. With a giggle the redhead gave him a small nod of approval.

'Okay, bottle in face grudge slowly lifting.' Willow thought with a chuckle.

Tara leaned into her girl friend intrigued. “What's all the giggling for? Flirting with Spike, huh? Don't think I didn't see that little exchange between the two of you.”

Willow's face paled slightly as she quickly turned to her lover. “No, I...” She paused looking at the amused grin on Tara's face. Willow rolled her eyes playfully. “No, he was telling me the punch is safe to drink.” She waved her hand in the air as if dismissing the tale. “Looong story.”

“Places everyone, Dawnie's coming.” Buffy announced from her perch at the window before going to hide.

Everyone hurried off to their designated hiding place, except Spike. It was just too bloody ridiculous hiding, plus he was a vampire. Vampires didn't do surprise parties . Back to the kitchen he went.

Dawn unlocked the front door and walked inside as she chatted away to her two best friends.

“It'll be quick, I promise. All we have to do is sit down, eat with my mom and sis, then off to the Bronze.”

“Surprise!” everyone shouted as they emerged from their hiding spots. Followed by a few “Happy Birthday, Dawn!” as well.

“Oh. My. God.” Dawn groaned as her head fell backwards. Glancing up at the ceiling she whined, “Why me?”

Buffy walked over to her ever annoying little sister, tapping her on the shoulder and waiting until the teen looked at her before tossing a handful of glitter and paper confetti over her head.

Dawn regarded her with a pained expression before letting out a small shrill of shock.

“Hope you're surprised. 'Cause you almost ruined it with your big mouth.”

Dawn narrowed her eyes for a split second before remembering that her sister was pregnant and all with the hormonal mood swings. She decided to ignore Buffy's rude comment and pressed forward. “Surprised isn't the least of it. God, you know you guys could have warned me. This is so embarrassing,” Dawn whimpered turning towards her friends.

Janice stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Dawn's shoulder. “No biggie. Besides, I think its kinda neat everyone going through all this just for you.”

Dawn responded with a grin, pleased that her friends didn't think she was a total loser because her family still treated her as if she were ten.

Xander clapped his hands together looking back and forth between Dawn and her company. “Who's up to some birthday sugary goodness?”

With enthusiastic nods all around everyone moved into the living room.

The three teens were busy munching away on salty snacks and chatting amongst themselves about later that night, completely oblivious to the blonde who was currently staring them down.

Xander's brow wrinkled in confusion as he looked at his girlfriend. Leaning over he whispered in her ear, “Ahn, what's the evil eye on Dawnie's friend all about?”

Anya sighed exasperatedly, was she the only one who felt unnerved by the girl? “There's something not right about that Trinity person. I can feel it. And it's not just me, Buffy felt it too.” She glanced towards the Slayer but couldn't catch her eye; she was too busy ogling the vampire who had just strolled into the living room licking his finger.

Xander stared at the raven haired beauty for a moment, trying to decipher if he could feel any evil radiating from her. “She looks fine to me. Just a normal fourteen year old. I'm sure if she's as evil as you think she is you would have remembered by now. Now stop with the bad thoughts and make with the partying.”

With a sigh Anya turned from the trio and started to dance with her man.

Buffy had been about to head off to the kitchen in search of Spike when he walked into her line of view. He was casual sucking on his thumb. It appeared to be chocolate that he was removing from it, and god, if Buffy wasn't jealous of that digit. Never in her life had she ever envisioned herself envying fingers, but right now she did.

'Pregnancy makes a slayer horny. Check. Wonder what Faith would say about that one?' Buffy mused to herself as Spike wandered over to her.

Coming to a halt in front of her Spike offered his index finger to her, which was accompanied with a luscious bit of frosting too. Buffy regarding his finger then graced him with a arched brow in silent question.

He smirked, knowing clearly what her answer would be. Buffy was too prudish and all with her virtue all aflutter to do what he'd just dared her to do.

Buffy giggled. He thought he knew her so well, didn't he? she thought before wrapping her hand around his and began to lick the icing off. “Mmmm, chocolaty.” And it was too, a mixture of sweet, spicy, and Spike. The sweet being from the icing, the spicy from the hot wings he'd obviously eaten earlier in the day, and just plan Spike – tobacco, whiskey and, power. Nummy.

Spike's eyes widened comically before he was able to hide his surprise and put on a cool facade. Buffy smirked, licking her lips.

“Got somethin' else you can use your tongue on, Slayer.” He said as he leered at her.

Buffy's eyes widened with surprise. “Pig. No, double pig,” she joked playfully slapping him on the arm.

Anya watched the interaction between the two with amusement. Xander caught her whimsical look and began to turn around to see what held her attention. Deciding now was not the best time for him to start on his bigoted rant about how evil demons were and why was Buffy licking one, Anya grabbed his chin before capturing his lips with hers.

Breaking apart the brunette gazed into her twinkling eyes. “Not that I'm complaining, 'cause hello, sure not complain-o boy. But where did that come from?”

Anya smiled. “That's just a taste of what I have in store for you tonight when we get home.”

After the shock of tasting Spike's finger had worn off Buffy found herself at a loss for words, turning a slight shade of pink in the process. Dawn chose that exact moment to interrupt them. Buffy sent a quick 'thank you' up to the heavens.

“Happy birthday, Niblet,” Spike said as Dawn wrapped her arms around him and gave him a tight hug.

“Thanks. It's cool that you came, now making my party not so lame.”

“Hey, so not lame.” Buffy defended the festivities.

“Hello, earth to Buffy. This is too lame. I mean, you could have given a girl warning first before she brought her friends home with her. I'm fifteen not five. Surprise parties with paper streamers and confetti,” she gestured around the room to prove her point, “so isn't cool.” Dawn finished with a glare.

Buffy sighed before pursing her lips. “Hey, Dawnie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'm just tired and stuff and I was taking it out on you. It's your party and I shouldn't be all Dictator Buffy.”

The younger girl smiled, understanding Buffy fully. It wasn't everyday that Buffy apologized to Dawn. “I totally understand, no problem.” Dawn leaned over giving Buffy a hug, which she eagerly returned.

Spike could feel a poncey smile threatening to break across his face watching his girls embrace, so he did what any self respecting vampire would do in his situation – he cleared his throat. The two broke apart looking at him expectantly. Before either one could speak Spike removed Dawn's birthday gift from his pocket and handed it to her.

Dawn's eyes lit up with excitement as she snatched the gift from his hand.

She hurriedly removed the red bow and black wrapping paper, her eyes glossing over as she uncovered her present. “Oh. My. God. This is way cool. I can't believe it,” Dawn shrieked, flipping the hardback book open to the cover page, her eyes widening in excitement. Spike thought his ears drums were going to bust. “It's signed and a first edition. How... when... wow. This is better than cool, it's awesome.”

All the attention in the room turned to Dawn as she jumped up and down squealing about the awesome gift that Spike had given her.

“And what's so great about a book?” Buffy asked; she hadn't even had the time to read the title to find out what it was. And what did Spike know about books anyway? He'd never told her he enjoyed reading.

By the time Dawn calmed down her guests had circled around her.

“It's one of the best books ever written. Lord of the Rings the Fellowship of the Ring, signed by J. R. R. Tolkien.” Dawn was back to jumping before planting a kiss on the vampire's cheek. “If anyone had any thoughts that you weren't cool this just prove how wrong they are.”

“You mean the movie with Orlando Bloom as a hottie elf? Yeah, that was pretty entertaining,” Buffy commented. She couldn't understand why her sister wanted the book when someone had clearly save her the time from reading and made the movie. And did she mention Orlando Bloom in tights?

Joyce gave a knowing grin, quite sure that if vampires could blush Spike would be doing so right now. He ducked his head at the teen's praise, thrusting his hands into his duster's pockets. If he'd known the Niblet would have reacted like this he would have given it to her in private. Better yet, he would have just left it in the kitchen with a note, saving himself the pain of his ear drums exploding.

“Way to go Dead Boy Junior, ruin the gift exchange for the rest of us,” Xander said sarcastically before turning all fanboy and going on and on about the coolness that was Lord of the Rings.

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“Happy birthday to you,” everyone sang. Dawn was shocked to see Spike had even joined in on the stupid song. Yes, it was stupid, only meant for stupid parties for stupid little kids. Dawn wasn't totally ungrateful; she understood all the trouble everyone must have gone to with hanging the streamers, making the cake, wrapping gifts - but still - didn't they know she was practically an adult now? She didn't want childish parties.

Then Joyce walked out with the double fudge chocolate cake with tiny chocolate chips in the batter and chocolate icing. It was Dawn's favorite, and her eyes lit up with excitement. 'Okay, childish parties do have some perks,' she thought as she blew out the candles. But she didn't make a wish. She was saving that for later in the night.

Anya was still stealing glances at Trinity through out the song and while Buffy cut the cake. It was right there on the edge of her mind but still out of reach. But the ex-demon was quite sure that the identity of this girl would soon come to her. She just hoped it wasn't before something bad happened.

Turning her eyes on the Slayer once more, she noticed Buffy didn't seem bothered by the teen's presence as she had been on their initial meeting. Anya shrugged; maybe she was reading to much into this. Maybe she was looking for something that wasn't really there. If the Slayer wasn't worried why should she be? Deciding to go against her gut instincts, Anya happily accepted her piece of cake.

Joyce had taken over cutting and distributing the cake once Buffy took her slice and sat down to eat. Buffy wasn't being rude, really she wasn't, she just couldn't wait to get her hands on some cake after she'd sucked the chocolate icing from Spike's finger.

Buffy has noticed Anya stealing glancing at Trinity all evening, but she really wasn't a bother to the slayer any longer. After having her discussion with Spike it had laid her fears to rest. Buffy truly believed it was a mixture of hormones and over reacting to the Dawn-napping and almost demon impregnation of her little sister that had her pouncing on the first person that rubbed her the wrong way. Unfortunately, Trinity filled the vacancy and Buffy had suspected her of ulterior motives. Plus she had told Dawn this was her party, so for the evening there would be only birthday fun goodness. No worrying about suspicious looking fourteen year olds with unnaturally golden eyes.

Coming up for air after her second piece of the chocolaty goodness Buffy eyed the two girls, Janice and Trinity, sizing up Spike. To his credit he wasn't paying them any attention, but it bothered Buffy that someone else would have the nerve to even ogle her vampire... and in her home.

'Whoa, just when did Spike become my vampire?'

Ignoring inner Buffy's comment, Buffy decided to scoot her chair over to where the blond was standing eating his cake. She parked herself right in front of him blatantly staking her claim, before turning to face the two teens and sending them a warning glare - which they understood right away. Smiling proudly to herself Buffy turned her attention back to her half eaten dessert.

He stood there enjoying his cake when he felt it. Two sets of eyes upon him. Glancing up he was not surprised to see Dawn's little friends eying him up. He knew he looked good, not like he was going to deny it. Now if only he could get the Slayer to notice all would be right in the world. If you took her little finger sucking stunt as any indication then maybe she already had.

Spike had to muffle a groan at the reminder of Buffy's tongue moving over his finger. Good thing he had his trusty duster on. Off in his fantasy of hot slayer tongue, Spike was caught off guard at Buffy's reaction towards the girls. He watched as her eyes narrowed and her jaw set in determination before she moved her chair in front of him all possessive like. She was making it known that he belonged to her.

Spike found a smile tickling his lips. 'You read way too much into things, mate. The Slayer only looks at you as a friend. Maybe a bit possessive, but still only a friend.

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Spike excused himself after he finished his cake. There were a basket of kittens waiting for him at Willy's. It was his weekly poker game with Clem and some other demons, and he refused to miss it. Buffy scrunched her nose up; she knew what Spike did with those poor innocent kittens. Stupid demons trying to be evil.

After the dishes were cleaned up and all the presents opened Dawn took note of the hour. It was seven thirty and time for her to get out of there, while she still could.

“It's been great. Thanks everyone, really. But the Bronze awaits.”

Buffy frowned, looking at her mother.

“Now don't give me that look young lady. It's Dawn's birthday, and she and her friends made special plans for tonight. I agreed to this two weeks ago and you can't change my mind.”

Buffy sighed; she thought about pouting but knew it wouldn't work not this time, so instead she settled to folding her arms over her chest. “Fine, but I'll be picking you up tonight. Ten on the dot, so be ready.”

“Buuuufffyyyyy, it's my birthday, I only turn fifteen once. Pick me up later, pleeeaaasssseeee?” Dawn whined her question.

Buffy found herself reining in her emotions once again before agreeing with a nod. “Okay, I'll swing by the Bronze after I pa...” she caught herself in mid sentience remembering the other girls present. “After I finish what it is that I have to do. So I'm thinking eleven, that cool?”

“Yup,” Dawn practically squealed. She hurriedly gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and her sister a hug before bounding out the door, shortly after followed by Giles and the Scoobies.

Buffy decided that one more piece of cake couldn't hurt before she headed out on patrol.

“Don't you think five pieces of cake is kinda pushing it?” Joyce asked from the kitchen door.

“Nah, I'm just glad I found something I can keep down. What baby wants, baby gets,” Buffy chirped before finishing off her slice. Guzzling down her glass of milk she placed it in the sink before kissing her mother good bye. There were baddies to slay.

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As soon as Giles reached home he headed straight for his phone. He had put off calling Wesley earlier in the day for selfish motives. After Buffy had informed him of the pregnant slayer from the past, he'd wanted to see if he was able to turn up anything. He'd even used that infernal laptop to access the Internet.

Noting the time, Giles decided it unlikely that Wesley had yet left to go to work. Retrieving his note pad he waited, impatiently listening to the ringing of the phone and mentally urging Wesley to answer. Which he did.

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Dawn stopped a moment to gasp. Their normal table had been decorated with a shiny gold colored table cloth, and with rainbow colored confetti strewn over its top, it glittered in the club's lights. And to top it off, Owen Bradshaw - the new guy Dawn was crushing on but was so taking it slow this time, because she really didn't want a repeat of Lizard man John - was sitting at the table with his two friends, Austin Smith and Guy Richie.

Smothering the sudden attack of butterflies in her stomach, Dawn continued over to the table and sat down. She glanced shyly towards Owen. “Hey,” she said with a tiny wave of the hand.

Owen leaned back in his chair resting his arm casually behinds Dawn's shoulders and smiled. “Happy birthday, Dawn. Hope you enjoyed your surprise?”

Had she mentioned something about surprises being stupid and childish sometime that day? Well she was wrong; surprises were definitely of the good.

“Definitely.” She nodded with a smile.

Rising to his feet Owen took Dawn by the hand and led her out to the dance floor.

'Slow. Keep it slow.' the brunette reminded herself as they started to sway to a slow song.

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Spike was pleased. His night had taken a pleasant turn. He securely hauled the basket of kittens under his left arm as he lit his cigarette with the other. He had won fair and square - well if one considered cheating fair. But who was counting? Clem was walking beside him talking about something Spike wasn't following at the moment. He was too busy thinking about what he was going to do with his earnings. He could pay off some debts he owed, but decided against it. He had better things to do with his kittens. When his ears picked up Buffy's name tossed in between clinic and ran into, he stopped his internal musing and turned towards his companion.

“Mind running that past me again, mate?”

Clem paused in mid sentience, smiled and asked, “What part needs repeating?”

“The part with Buffy,” Spike replied a bit impatiently before taking a drag of his cigarette.

Frowning, Clem searched his brain picking up what he had said. “Oh, okay. I was at the clinic last week with my sister when I bumped into Buffy. And I found myself wondering why she was there. I mean why would you be at a midwifery clinic, unless you needed one?”

Spike stopped in mid stride turning to his friend as he tilted his head to the side. “What would she need a midwife for?”

“Yeah, that was my thought exactly. But then I caught that look on her face and I pretty much worked it out. Buffy's pregnant.” He finished with a nod. “I thought you knew. You know with the whole I'm-friends-with-the-Slayer bit.” Was added as an after thought.

'So that's why All American left town so quickly, it wasn't in reaction to the Slayer finding out he was getting bit,' Spike thought as he tossed down his cigarette butt and smashed it with his boot. He was right miffed too at the fact Buffy felt she couldn't tell him something that life changing for her. He hated to admit it but he was a bit hurt; he thought that they had crossed the bridge on trust.

“Take these back to the crypt, yeah?” the vampire said thrusting the basket into Clem's arms. He didn't wait for an answer as he turned, coat billowing behind him, and stormed off into the night.

Clem continued on his trek to Spike's crypt mumbling about his big mouth and spilling something confidential. He just hoped Buffy didn't come after him with her usual motto, 'slay first, ask questions later'.

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Buffy was lazily making her way through a cemetery near Sunnydale Middle School as visions of chocolate cake twirled and dipped through her head. If she made a quick stop over at the Espresso Pump to get something sweet it still could count as patrolling. She was walking through the neighborhood still looking for demons while heading for something to eat, plus she needed to keep her strength up - she was a pregnant slayer for Pete's sake.

Decision made, she headed out of the cemetery and started for the coffee shop blissfully unaware of the somewhat upset and determined vampire who was hot on her heels.


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A/N: Let me know what you think. Did you like or not> *bites nails*