It Happened One Night
By: Golden Buffy



Summary: Giles and Buffy made up and she admitted that she had planned to tell Spike about the baby soon. Dawn celebrated her fifteenth birthday with her family then at the Bronze later that night, where she made her birthday wish, causing Buffy to tell the truth to Spike. He blew up at her and left her standing in the rain as he stormed off into the night.

Disclaimer: The only person I own in this fic is Amanda, everyone else belongs to Joss. Now that everyone knows read on.

Author's Notes: Thanks for the awesome reviews. (does happy dance.) Hope you enjoy this chapter as well. And as always thanks to the lovely Just_Sue for working her magic and waiting so patiently for me to get finished with this and sending it to her.



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Chapter Thirteen: Pickles, Chocolate, and Heartache

Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.
Al Franken, "Oh, the Things I Know", 2002

If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down.
Mary Pickford

When you make a mistake, admit it. If you don't, you only make matters worse.
Ward Cleaver


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She'd been a wreck from the moment that Xander and Anya had come to pick her up. Dawn had inquired about Buffy. Why hadn't she picked her up? Why were Xander and Anya there for her instead? She was secretly hoping that she was in a walking nightmare, that Trinity hadn't whispered those two bone chilling words in her ear. 'Wish granted.' Now, Dawn frantically wished she could take back what she'd uttered in her head. Maybe she was over reacting. Xander had only told her that Giles called him asking if he could pick her up, and that Buffy was at Giles' apartment and wouldn't be able to retrieve her. Maybe her sister got sick while on patrol and couldn't make it to pick her up, or even back to her dorms.

Fat chance!

Dawn was ready to cry. “Why were you on your way to the Bronze?” she had asked the couple, when Anya burst in with an explanation; she now remembered who Trinity was and they wanted to get to Dawn before something bad happened. The teen's stomach lurched as she thought about the ex-demon's reply. Something bad had happened and now she was desperate to get to her older sister to find out just what it was.

Dawn sat in the back seat of Xander's car biting on her thumb nail, her eyes glancing once in a while at the windshield wipers as they wiped away the rain. Why couldn't the car go faster? It seemed as if they would never reach her house. Just when she was about to complain and ask Xander to put the pedal to the metal her block appeared, then her house. Dawn's stomach flipped again, nervous butterflies taking flight.

Xander pulled up in front of the house as Dawn flung the back door open then quickly jumped out. She plowed up the stairs and burst through the front door.

Her voice was scratchy and vision blurred from unshed tears that she refused to let fall. “Buffy! Buffy!” she yelled, hope beyond hope that her sister had come home.

Joyce came running from the kitchen. “Dawn, what's the matter?”

Dawn cast her watery gaze onto her mother before her tears began to fall. “It's all my fault. I need Buffy.”

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(ten minutes earlier)

Joyce had just finished cleaning and disinfecting Spike's bloodied knuckles as he told her everything that transpired between him and her daughter. Now he was done and she rose, placing the first aid kit back in the kitchen drawer. Returning to the table Joyce glanced over at the worn vampire, a frown creasing her brow.

Her hand traveled the small distance between them and rested atop his. Spike lifted his eyes to take in the worried expression on the woman's face. With a defeated sigh he slumped back in his chair. He'd known the moment was coming, he had beaten around the bush for the past ten minutes but now Joyce Summers wanted her most important question answered. She wanted the fear that was oppressing her heart liberated. But was he ready to admit it to himself? Spike hardly had time to adjust to the information himself and now the Slayer's mother was looking at him for reassurance.

Spike clenched then unclenched both his fists, flinching a bit at the sting from his damaged knuckles. He was about to open his mouth when he heard a flurry of footfalls on the steps outside, followed by the front door being forcefully opened. There was no doubting who it was when Dawn's shrill voice began screaming for her sister. Spike jumped up and followed Joyce as she exited the kitchen. He stayed back, framed in the doorway, but still keeping a keen eye on the Niblet.

“It's all my fault. I need Buffy.” Dawn sobbed, falling to her knees. Xander and Anya rushed into the foyer as she collapsed.

Joyce ran over to her daughter, encircling Dawn in her embrace. With bewildered eyes she turned to the other two humans in the room.

“What happened? Where's Buffy? And what's the matter with Dawn?”

“I...I don't know. I'm really not sure, just got a phone call from Giles asking if I could pick up Dawn,” Xander supplied. He looked at the two Summers on the ground before his gaze landed on the vampire standing in the doorway.

“What's he doing here?”

The tone in his voice caused Joyce to sharply look up at the young man. Her eyes narrowing as his words sank in and she realized whom he was referring to. She really wasn't in the mood for this. Her youngest daughter was currently huddled in a ball on the floor crying her eyes out, screaming for her sister, and her oldest daughter was M.I.A. All Joyce wanted to do was get to the heart of the matter. Besides which she'd just calmed down a very irate vampire who'd discovered about his impending fatherhood. Sighing, Joyce placed a quick kiss upon Dawn's head before rising to her feet.

“Xander, I really don't have time for this crap tonight. If you haven't noticed I need to tend to Dawn and track down Buffy. Need I remind you that you are a guest in my house, and so is Spike. If you don't like the company I keep then there's the door,” she said calmly, raising her hand to indicate the still open front door. Xander blanched at her comment but quickly shook his head.

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Summers.” Joyce nodded her acceptance then turned back to her crying daughter.

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Buffy had emerged from the bathroom and was now sitting on Giles' sofa. Her watcher observed her from the kitchen doorway for a few moments.

“Are you going to stand there all night or are you going to come sit down?” she questioned, not bothering to look at him.

Giles cleared his throat before walking towards his ward, tea tray gripped tightly in his hands. He gently placed the serving tray down atop the coffee table before sitting down himself.

“I feel I deserve an explanation in regards to your behavior tonight, but I did say I would wait till morning. You should at least call your mother, Buffy, to let her know where you are.”

“I don't have to call her. Hello, college girl, living the college life... on campus. I sleep at a dorm there is no mom callage.”

“Buffy, you were supposed to pick your sister up tonight and deliver her safely to your door. I'm certain that your mother will notice that Xander and Anya are not you.”

Buffy jumped up off the couch and started to pace. The older man didn't say a thing, only followed the irritated girl with his eyes. The slayer walked a few paces around the small living room before turning worried eyes on her watcher, nibbling her bottom lip in trepidation. She so didn't want to call home, she knew what her mother would ask her. It was only logical that Joyce Summers would want an explanation as to why Buffy hadn't brought Dawn home. The Slayer didn't feel like crossing that particular bridge tonight.

“Please, Giles, don't make me. I'm... I don't... I'm not ready to face her. Please call her for me. Please.” Buffy tossed in a pouty lip and a flutter of her doe eyes. With a weary sigh Giles stood and walked towards the phone. He dialed the number and was surprised when it was answered on the second ring.

“Buffy?”

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“Come on, baby, stand up.” Joyce whispered into Dawn's ear as she slowly eased her daughter to a standing position. Dawn's crying had calmed a bit and she was now hiccupping, trying to center her breathing. The nausea had ebbed away but her throat hurt from her wailing. She felt like crap and just wanted to crawl into bed and fall fast asleep. Who knew, maybe she was already in bed fast asleep and this was nothing more than a sugar induced nightmare.

“Mommy, it's all my fault,” she cried into Joyce's shoulder. This had to be a bad dream. Denial was a wonderful place to visit, she now understood why Buffy spent so much time there. Dawn clutched harder at her mother's arms as she lifted her head to gaze into her eyes.

“Tell me what happened, sweetie.”

Anya was doing her best to bite her tongue but she was starting to get a pretty good idea of what happened between the time the teen left for the Bronze and them picking her up. They had been to late and Trinity had already shown her true colors. Dawn must have wished for something. Something involving Buffy and Spike. Her eyes traveled to the blond vampire casually standing in the doorway of the kitchen. He might have been playing it cool but she could tell he was troubled, and if Dawn didn't stop with the cry-fest the ex-demon was pretty sure she would start explaining what she thought happened at the club.

Dawn took another deep breath before pressing forward. “I... we... we were at the Bronze and there was a cake, and Owen said to make a wish... oh God..” she hiccuped trying to control the sob that threatened to break through. “And I wished, in my head... and then Trinity...” Dawn paused once again, her eyes traveled around the room, first landing on Xander then Anya, before passing on to her mother then moving to Spike. It was the first time she had noticed him that night and her tears burst through the small dam she had erected.

“Oh, God. It's all my fault. Spike... I... I'm sorry.” Dawn broke away from her mother and ran up the stairs to the sanctuary of her bed room. From the sketchy picture Dawn had just described Joyce thought the worst, what with the crying and the mentioning of another young boy. What happened? Did he do something to her?

Spike wanted to go after the young teen to get to the bottom of what she was saying, but some how he knew that she had something to do with what had gone down that night, not Red. And, for the moment Spike couldn't will his feet to move from their spot.

Joyce was about to head up the stairs after her daughter when the phone rang, slicing through the silence left in Dawn's wake.

Joyce ran to the phone hanging in the kitchen. “Buffy?”

“No, it's Rupert, Joyce.”

She took a moment to catch her breath. “Well, where is she? Is she okay?”

“Yes, she's quite alright. Um, she's sitting here on my sofa.”

Joyce frowned, “Then why isn't she the one on the phone with me? What's going on Rupert?”

“Well, the thing is... Buffy's had a bit of a night and she asked me to call you to let you know that she was staying here.”

“I know what kind of night she's had,” Joyce commented dryly before adding, “Put her on the phone.”

“Yes, hold on.” Giles removed the phone from his ear cupping his hand over the receiver. “Buffy, your mother would like a word with you.”

Buffy eyed the phone being held out to her and shook her head. She really didn't want to talk to her.

“It would appear that she doesn't wish to talk.” He grimaced, not wishing to bare the brunt of Joyce's wrath.

“Would you kindly hold the phone in Buffy's general direction, please?”

Giles held the phone back out to Buffy.

“I don't have time for this tonight young lady. I want to get to the bottom of this. What exactly did you tell Spike, and why is Dawn so upset? Quit hiding out at Rupert's and get you butt home right now, or so help me, I'll drive over there myself and pick you up.”

Spike couldn't help the smirk that spread over his face at Joyce's words. The tiny gasp he heard through the phone line didn't help matters either. He could just imagine the Slayer's face, slack with fear at her mother's command.

Buffy snatched the phone from Giles, her palms sweaty. How did she find out so quickly? Stupid vampire. He went crawling to her mom and most likely twisted the whole story making Buffy look like the bad person. “Mommmm, I don't wanna.” Buffy whined into the phone.

“Don't you mom me, Buffy.” Joyce's voice took on a softer tone. “Look, honey, I know you're tired and confused, but we all need to get to the bottom of this. Obviously some things have happened tonight and we need to discuss them, or we'll never be able to fix it.”

Buffy uttered a defeated, “Fine” before hanging up the phone.

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Giles' old clunker was slow, but not slow enough for the reluctant slayer, and they were soon parked in front of the Summers' residence. Buffy didn't remember exiting the car, but she obviously had, as she was now trudging through the front door. Buffy scanned the foyer for her mom before she popped her head into the living room to see if she was in there; nothing. Buffy had decided to head up to her sister's room to find out what was going on with Dawn when Giles' voice stopped her.

“I think you need to check in with Joyce first before you head off on your own,” he gently offered to her.

Buffy shook her head in agreement before descending the two steps she'd climbed and heading for the kitchen. She pushed the door open and immediately noticed her spidey senses tingling. If Buffy had been paying attention to her surroundings the moment she returned home she would have felt Spike's signature. Of course since she was absorbed in self pity she hadn't noticed. Would it have been too much to ask that the blond vampire would have headed back to his crypt for the night? This so wasn't fair, not only would she have to deal with the Joyce Inquisition, but she'd have to endure sitting in the same room as Spike. Buffy began to pout.

“Hey, Buffy.”

“Hi, Buffy.”

The greetings were offered by Anya and Xander. Joyce looked up from the stove, giving her daughter a small smile. She was busy making some warm milk to hopefully steady Dawn's nerves.

Giles had swept past the slayer and joined the couple at the table, Buffy took that moment to glance around the kitchen, quickly noticing that Spike was nowhere to be seen. She still felt him though. Maybe he was trying to avoid her. The thought made Buffy's stomach hurt.

“So, ah, what's the what? Is Dawnie okay?”

“No, Dawn isn't okay, and the what is, we were waiting on you.” Joyce replied matter-of-factly. She stretched out her hand holding the steaming mug towards the blonde. Buffy took it, leaning in to ask, “Where's Spike?”

Joyce's thin lipped expression was all the answer Buffy needed. Her mother clearly thought it was best that Buffy didn't have any contact with Spike until they got things straightened out. No doubt the suspense was killing the older woman. She knew the vampire's tale of events but now she wanted to know her daughter's as well. With a parting glance Buffy exited the kitchen and headed up the stairs.

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Dawn had her head buried under one of her pillows trying to will herself into sleep. She needed sleep. She was quite sure that after a good nights rest she'd feel better in the morning. She was just about to drift off when a light tap sounded at her door. Growling in slight frustration she decided to ignore it. She had had enough drama for the evening, thank you very much. The tap came again, but harder this time. Obviously who ever it was didn't get the I'm-not-answering-the-door-so-piss-off ignoring. Dawn found herself wondering if it was even okay to use a Spikeism when she was certain the blond vamp was mad at her.

“Dawn, open the door,” drew her from her musing as the teen pushed herself up and off of the bed.

“You look like crap. What's wrong?” Buffy asked walking inside the darkened room and plopping down on the bed, before handing her sister the warmed milk.

Dawn accepted the offered drink before taking her place next to the slayer. The two sat in silence for a few moments. Dawn took a few sips of her drink, drawing out the need to speak.

“Okay, enough with the stalling. Spill.”

“Why didn't you come get me, Buffy? What happened?”

Buffy's shoulders slumped in defeat; there was no way of getting around this disastrous night. “It's just... well... complicated. Besides I should be the one asking the questions here.”

Dawn sighed once again - the action was starting to get old and fast. But she found it was the only means of staving off the tears that still wanted to fall. “Well... I kinda made a wish...”

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“Should I ring Willow?” Buffy heard Giles ask as she entered the kitchen once again, Dawn trailing close behind.

“Nah, I don't think we'll need her tonight,” she replied stopping in the doorway. Spike had reappeared while she was upstairs and now it was as if there was an invisible barrier erected preventing her access to the rest of the room.

Joyce made her way over to the two and scooped the brunette up in her arms. “How are you feeling? Any better?”

“Not really, but the milk helped with the sore throat.” Dawn tried to make light of her situation but fell flat.

“So, what'd I miss?” Buffy inquired, chancing a quick glance around the room, she was trying to act as normal as possible but it was hard. The slayer was furious. Just where did her little sister get off interfering in her life? Granted, it wasn't an actual interference, but still. There had been meddling of the mental kind which some evil demon like thingy in the form of Trinity had been eavesdropping on. And now Spike was pissed at her. Life totally sucked at times.

'Should've come clean when you had the chance. Then you wouldn't find yourself in this predicament now.' Did she ever mention just how much she hated logical Buffy? 'Cause she did.

“Anya's my little old fountain of knowledge,” Xander joked before continuing. “she remembered that Trinity's a fairy.”

Buffy frowned at that. Fairies weren't evil little creatures that shot your life to Hell. They were cute and loving and dusted people with sparkly fairy dust. It also didn't mesh with the story that Dawn had just shared with her. “Well, that can't be right. I mean... Dawn tell them what you told me.”

Dawn sighed, she really didn't want to repeat the horrid story again, and Spike standing in the same room with her didn't help much either. The girl leaned against the wall mimicking the vampire leaning against the basement door, arms folded across his chest. “There's really not that much to tell. After the three of us arrived at the Bronze we met some guys from school, including Owen... he is super cute and dreamy, and so not the point. Anyway, after we danced and stuff the band sang me happy birthday, which was way cool, and I got a cake. Owen said to make a wish and I did. Then everything went crazy and now I'm home.”

“Dawn,” Buffy growled next to her.

“Fine! God, demanding much? I made the wish in my head. It... I... I wished that Buffy would quit being a baby and fess up and tell Spike the truth. Then I blew out the candle. Trinity goes all “Wish granted,” then poof, up in smoke.”

Dawn risked a look at Spike, who had been abnormally quiet since she'd entered the room. His gaze was locked on her sister, and she frowned. She couldn't help it. Dawn knew Buffy was the main cause for all the badness that had happened so far tonight, but she still couldn't shake the small feeling that she'd played a role in it too. If she'd never made such a selfish non-selfish wish Spike still wouldn't know about the baby, but at least they would be friends again. She'd really screwed this up big time. 'Way to go, Buffy!'

“Amazing. In all my years of research, never have I heard of a vengeance like fairy,” Giles commented, absently cleaning his glasses as his fingers itched to find some paper to document this conversation.

“So, what, fairies aren't these cute little magical creatures that flutter around like butterflies and spread fairy dust?” Buffy queried from her new location in front of the open refrigerator as she helped herself to a huge slice of chocolate cake.

“Have you ever seen the movie Labyrinth?” Buffy jumped slightly at the unexpected sound of Spike's voice.

“Yeah. But what does that have to do with Trinity and her evil self?” She refused to turn around and instead dragged her finger across the top of the cake, gathering up icing.

“Remember the part were that goblin Hoggle is squirtin' fairies?” Spike paused, waiting for Buffy's answering nod. “and he prattled on about them being down right nasty little bugger, and then one went a bit Sarah?”

“Wait, are you telling me that the Goblin King is real?” First evil fairies and now the King of the goblins was real. How much drama could Buffy take in one night?

Anya could see the frustration starting to spread over the vampire's face so she jumped in. “No, Buffy, he's only fiction. But fairies aren't friendly beings looking to make friends with others. They're nasty and mean, and when little they like to bite, but there are different species. You have the tiny ones like in the movie. They can't cause much harm except for a nasty rash if they bite you. Their saliva contains a poison like a mosquito. Then you have those that control certain aspects of the weather. And you have those like Trinity that can assume human form when they find their target. Their only goal is to grant Birthday wishes.”

“So Trinity was a birthday granting evil fairy, who had targeted Dawn specifically because of the wish she wanted?” Buffy asked before continuing her assault on the cake.

“Yes, obviously this was something that Dawn wanted to see rectified. Trinity's type of fairy only grants vengeance style wishes that don't cause bodily hard. That's the difference between what she does and what I did. I killed, she doesn't.” Anya finished her explanation with a slight shrug.

Everyone in the room fell silent for a few moments. Buffy stuffed the last piece of cake in her mouth and chased it down with a glass of chocolate milk.

Xander was the first to break the silence. “Okay, could someone please explain to me why Dawn wasted her wish on something that trivial when clearly she could have wished for, oh, I don't know - Say, Spike turning into a big ol' pile of dust?”

Spike swiveled his head around to glare at the Whelp. Bloody prick had a lot of nerve. First thing he was going to do once he got the chip out was peel Xander's skin from his bones. See how he liked them apples.

Three “Shut up, Xander,” followed behind the growl. Buffy's sounded more like a muffled “Smut up, Pander,” since she was trying to speak around a full mouth, but the brunette got the message. “Geez, I was just saying. Not that I meant it.” 'much,' he added under his breath.

The vampire rolled his eyes before returning them to Buffy. He hadn't taken his eyes off her since she'd come back down stairs, and now she was stuffing her face like eating food was going out of season. Come to think of it, this was the most he'd ever seen the bint eat in one sitting. But that wasn't what kept his attention focused on her. Spike was enthralled with Buffy, and over the course of the last few minutes he was treated to what he had been looking for. The magical lotion was on a time release it seemed and now it had worn off. It also appeared that the two witches had included a glamour along with the spell. Now Spike had no problem hearing the faster beating heart, or noticing the heavier frame the slayer was now developing. Even through her baggy sweat pants he could tell her bum was rounder, and her breast were fuller through the shirt. Other than those signs, one would never know that Buffy was with child.

And, in that moment, it all really began to sink in. William the Bloody, Slayer of Slayers, was going to be a father. As ridiculous as it sounded it was true. Even more strange, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the bane of his existence, the thorn in his side, the love of his unlife, was carrying his child. He couldn't stop the small smile that spread across his face, and which Buffy happened to catch as she was sneaking a peek his way. Caught, he lowered his gaze before deciding he needed some fresh air.

“Buffy, sandwich, now.” Joyce commanded, pointing to the plate of food she'd made for her daughter while she was up stairs.

Buffy scrunched up her face. “But I don't want a sandwich, I want my whipped cream.”

“That's not really healthy, Buffy. Have you even eaten anything nutritious today?”

“Yeah. I had a slim jim with cheese whiz. See, meat and cheese, both part of the food pyramid.”

Joyce sighed before pointing back at the plate. With a pout Buffy snatched it up giving it a quick sniff. This so wasn't fair, she was the slayer, she should be allowed to eat whatever she wanted to. The sight of a deli pickle added a smile to her lips as she reached for the Miracle Whip.

“So, what's the game plan on the Trinity front?” Xander questioned, reaching for his own sandwich.

“Nothing, I suppose. Her job is finished. Therefore no reason for her to hang around,” came Giles' simple response.

“Well, that's not fair. No post screwing up my life ass kicking.”

“Buffy, language. And if I might add, Trinity isn't the one who messed with your life.”

The slayer mumbled under her breath. She really did hate it when her mother proved right, but, hello, bad night. She could let her off the hook for once.

“Speaking of which,” Joyce added, her eyes trailing to the back door. Buffy knew what she was hinting at, but was she ready to head out there? She shouldn't have to; it was wet and still a bit cool from the rain.

Spike sat on the stoop leading off the back porch. He watched transfixed as the grayish white ribbons of smoke that curled from his cigarette danced into the damp night air. They seemed alive in their own right, twirling, swirling, and rising further to the heavens. Funny thing, Fate. You never knew its plans, not until they were staring you right in the face. Spike couldn't help but wonder if Dru had known. If she knew before Miss. Edith started to whisper to her, before the stars had started to dance. Before her ashes speech?

Buffy opened the back door slowly before glancing out to spy on Spike. He appeared to be deep in thought, his cigarette burning closely to its filter. She peered up at the night sky, still a bit cloudy from the rain but the moon had peeked out from behind them.

Spike raised the white stick to his lips taking a long drag before blowing it out. “Gonna stand there all night?”

The slayer walked further out onto the porch, letting the door close behind her until she reached her destination. “Mind if I sit?” she asked, biting her bottom lip.

He didn't bother to turn around and look at her, just taking a final hit before flicking the fag out into the damp lawn. “It's your porch, can sit where ever you like.”

“Smart ass.” Buffy remarked before taking a set next to the vampire. The two sat in silence, as Buffy busied herself with the item she brought outside with her. She had Joyce make her another smoked turkey and cheese sandwich. One plus to being pregnant you get fawned over by your mom. She had it smothered in chocolate syrup. Chocolate made everything taste better.

Once she was done the quiet stretched between them, not quit sure where to start. “Spike, I'm sorry.” The words flew out of Buffy's mouth before she could stop herself, and this time she couldn't blame it on a evil fairy. The admission startled Spike as well. He still wasn't used to her apologizing to him. She waited for him to say something but he didn't. “I'm sorry... for everything... for not telling you. It was wrong and selfish. I was acting like a huge baby in not telling you as soon as I knew.” Buffy paused frowning. “You know you can stop me at any time.”

Spike gave a small smile before replying. “Yeah I could, but you're doing a right good job describing yourself.” That earned a snicker from the slayer.

“Well I am... sorry. Not to sound like a broken record, but I'm human and... and I do human things. Sometimes they turn out to be stupid things. It's not as if I set out to do them it just happens, and then they turn out kinda bad.” Buffy babbled, she suddenly found herself too nervous to ask the question she desperately needed answering. Taking a deep breath she pressed forward. “So, uh, yeah. Are you mad? Surprised? Super surprised?”

Spike could hear the uncertainty in Buffy's voice, giving pause to his reaction. He knew he only added more to what she was feeling. She had to have been scared and nervous when she first found out that she was pregnant, coupled with the fact that she had no idea how he'd react, then he went a blew up at her tonight. “Surprised doesn't began to describe it. It's bloody well ludicrous.”

“Okay, so not what I wanted to hear,” Buffy spat before starting to get up, tears already forming in her eyes. Spike rolled his eyes, the chit was always jumping to conclusions, but his explanation didn't come out the way it sounded in his head. Reaching up the vampire grabbed the slayer by the wrist, pulling her back towards him.

“Calm down, yeah? I didn't mean it. Didn't come out the way I wanted it to.” Buffy started to rip her arm free but decided to listen to him instead. She did owe him that much. Flopping back down on the step she crossed her arms over her chest then glared at him.

“By ludicrous I meant in a totally unfathomable way, but not in a bad sense. It's just... I'm dead, Buffy. Put the idea of children behind me once I crawled from my grave, never thought this would or could happen.”

“So you're not mad then?” Buffy asked in a small hesitant voice.

Spike laid his hand on her shoulder before looking her in the eyes. Buffy swallowed. “No, Buffy, I'm not mad. I think it's kinda neat,” he added with a smile.

Buffy was able to exhale the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. “That's good, cause I think it's pretty neat, too.” Her face took on a serious note. “But do you forgive me, for being a big wuss?”

Spike withdrew his hand from her shoulder then pushed up off the step. This was going to be hard. He'd never actively avoided the slayer, even when he was trying to kill her, but this time it was different. He needed space. “No, not right now. I just can't. Need some time to clear my head. You did a cruel thing, Buffy. Can't be forgiven in one night.”

Buffy's bottom lip began to tremble. “Ho...how much time do you think you'll need?”

“Not sure. But if you need me you know were to find me.”

Buffy watched as Spike exited the backyard and vanished into the dark shadows of the night.

Once she was certain Spike wasn't coming back Buffy wiped at her eyes before retrieving her plate and standing up. She began to walk, frowning as her damp sweat pants stuck to her butt. With a sigh she entered the kitchen.

“Where's mom?” the slayer asked looking around the kitchen.

“She went off to bed.” Giles responded.

“Nothing's wrong with her is there?” Fear started to lace its way through her heart. Buffy knew it was uncalled for. The doctors has caught Joyce's tumor early and removed it without fault, but still...

“She's fine. Just a headache, but it's late. Nearly three in the morning, and I think it's time we all headed home.” Giles was always the voice of reason Buffy thought with a snicker.

Walking the trio to the door they all said their goodbyes before heading off towards their homes and their beds. Buffy closed and locked the door behind her. She was starting to think maybe she should move back home. She was spending a lot of nights there after all.

“So, how did things go with Spike?” Dawn asked.

“Not so good. I mean, he's all cool with the baby idea but not so much with me and keeping secrets.”

“Yeah, I get that.” Dawn gently placed her arm around her sister. “Don't worry, Buffy, he just needs time. He'll be back. He's like the Terminator, only shorter and no longer on a mission to annihilate you, and a way better accent.”

The two laughed before heading up to bed.

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AN: Reviews are great and make me happy. You do like me doing the happy dance don't you? lol