~Chapter Nine~

AN: LoL, I did ask my mom for help with some stuff about pregnant women, though, I do know for the most part. If I do get something wrong, bare with the silly virgin girl here and feel free to leave me a friendly note. Cause yeah, my mom hasn't had a baby since my baby sister who is about to turn 20 and my dad is a doctor, but you know... he's a GUY so still not the bestest source of info except for the technical stuff like when they came out with the 3d sonogram machine, hehe

The house was quiet as Buffy headed to the closet to pull on a pair of jeans with an elastic waist, good for her growing tummy. She then pulled on one of her new tunic tops, also good for her round tummy. She wasn't big enough for the circus tent clothes. She sat down to put her shoes on, noting that she was already feeling a bit of pressure when she tried to bend over... she wondered if that meant she was going to have to start asking Spike to shave her legs. She was so not giving the baby rug burn when he was born and not to mention all the people that would be looking down there. She rolled her eyes and got up, heading downstairs to where Marie was waiting for the door for her.

The younger slayer had apparently her own style for patrolling from Buffy's just-make-sure-its-comfortable-and-you-can-move philosophy. She looked like that Tomb Raider chick or something. She had on short black shorts and a dark blue sleeveless shirt with dark coloured sneakers. Her hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail and all her piercings were taken out. She had done something with an utility belt so that it now held a couple stakes along with a pouch for holy water. Earlier. Marie had come asking about a dagger, but Buffy had just waved it away and told her she normally didn't need one on patrol.

Who was this girl's watcher before Giles, Rambo? She didn't think Giles would turn her into commando Barbie like this... he had tried with Buffy for a bit, but had eventually given up... and that far in the future she figured the British man would have mellowed even more.

Buffy eyed her then motioned for the door. "Let's get going. There's a little errand I want to run while we're out... I know of a nest of vamps that we can take care of."

"Sounds good to me... but are you sure we should be taking on too much with you... you know?" Marie arched a worried brow as she followed the other girl out the door. "And speaking of, maybe you should take a jacket... Giles keeps reminding you that you need to keep warm for the baby since vampires don't have body heat."

"It's fine. It's not a big nest, and anyways... I can still fight... not THAT far along." Buffy rolled her eyes and took the jacket she was handed. "And yes, mother, I'll wear a jacket." She shrugged into it and turned to lead the way, missing the funny look on Marie's face.

The two slayers made their way across town, chatting lightly here and there. Buffy hoped that the business Spike was dealing with would keep him away long enough to keep him from spoiling her plans. He wouldn't like that she was out patrolling in the first place, even if it was with Marie. And, he definitely wasn't going to like the plan she had in mind for where she was taking Marie. This so called nest of vampires she wanted to take out. She wasn't even sure Marie would agree to go through with it once they got there.

They arrived at the mansion and sure enough, Marie was beginning to look at Buffy suspiciously.

"This place looks familiar," the younger slayer commented. She reached for one of her stakes then glanced over at Buffy. "What do you know about this place... do you know about how many vamps are gonna be in there?"

"Four, though-" she was cut off by a mental prodding she felt over the link with her mate. She sighed. Busted.

His voice came next, curious and concerned. //Where are you, pet? Why aren' you at home restin' like you should be?//

//I'm barely halfway through this pregnancy. I don't need to be resting and I can go out like a normal person, thank you very much.// She snapped back in annoyance. //I finally stop hiding in bed and you want to send me right back?? What is wrong with you?//

//Elizabeth Ann...// He said patiently. //Where are you?//

She grumbled. //I'm out patrolling with Marie. I'll be home when I'm good and ready.//

//She can handle it on her own, luv. Please come home.//

//No.//

//Come home or I'm comin' after you...//

//I'm not scared of you... you... you big poof!// She shot back then quickly shut down the claim, knowing she didn't have long now. Spike had warned her cutting off the link would make them sick. Not to mention she was sure he was going to run out of the house and come looking for her. She looked over at Marie. "We need to hurry before they run off, sensing us near their nest."

Marie nodded and followed her towards the side door, giving her a suspicious look after watching the emotions that had raced across the elder slayer's face when she had suddenly cut off from what she had been saying. She knew enough about vampires to know Buffy had most likely been communicating with Spike over their claim. She was curious as to what had went on, though, but sudden urgency in Buffy along with the mood swing... aside from her usual mood swings brought on by her hormones.

They crept into the mansion and down the hall silently, Buffy leading the way as she seemed to know her way around. This made Marie even more curious about Buffy's plans.

The two came to a study and Buffy motioned Marie back for a moment then went to peer around the corner. She frowned and Marie moved to look as well finally. Angel was sitting in a large chair reading, or at least trying to read as the three vampiresses that formerly belonged to Dracula crowded close. Anichka was stretched over the arm of the chair to rub against him like a large cat while Kriszta's hand was venturing up his thigh dangerously high. Angel growled when it got too high and shoved them both away again.

Marie pulled Buffy back and looked up at her with wide eyes. "You want to slay Angel?" She hissed softly.

"No.. I began to say we would only be slaying three of the four, but I tuned out. I'm pretty sure he'll help us get those demon whores..." Buffy turned with a frown to head into the study but when she turned around she ran into a solid chest. She looked up slowly, already knowing who it was before green eyes encountered blue.

"Buffy..." Spike's jaw clenched. "Unblock the soddin' claim now."

She did so immediately. "Spike, please don't stop me. I need to do this. I'm sorry I shut off the claim, but I didn't want you getting in the way. I'll make it up to you later, but please don't stop me." She grabbed at the edges of his duster and looked up at him pleadingly.

"Pet, I sympathize, I do, but you can' go chargin' in there in your condition," he shook his head and reached out to touch her cheek.

She stepped back away from his hand and growled at them both, releasing his duster. "If either of you tells me I can't do something because I'm pregnant or uses that friggin' phrase 'in your condition' on more time I'm going to crack your skulls together!" She glared between them.

Marie took a frightened step back, paling at the outburst, but Spike held his ground. He growled right back and grabbed her by the arm, jerking her back to him.

"That's my lil' bit growin' in you, too!" He ground out, eyes flashing gold. "I won' have you endangerin' my daughter's life with your foolishness. An' don' you growl at her either." He motioned towards the young slayer watching them both with nervous wide eyes. "She's jus concerned 'bout you an' tryin' t' help."

"You can't stop me!" She shouted at him and jerked her arm free, spinning to head towards the study with determination.

Angel stepped out of the room before she got there and she came to a halt. "If you were hoping for stealth, all that bickering blew your cover."

"I hope you're not planning on trying to stop me, too." She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head with a sigh.

"I'll help you if you really want to go through with it, but I don't want you just charging in, either. Let us help. Just don't run half-cocked into a dangerous situation in an attempt to prove yourself to us. We all know you're a good fighter and can still fight, but we don't want you to harm yourself or the baby." He took a step forward and would have put a hand on her shoulder if there hadn't been a growl from the irate vampire behind her.

Buffy rolled her eyes and looked away, lip poking out in a small pout. "You're all against me."

"No. Buffy... I said I'd help you if you let me." He looked down at her with concern creasing his forehead.

"You let them run off, though," she whined, stepping forward to motion into the empty study.

"I'm sorry. When they heard you out here coming to kill them, they got agitated then fled when I told them I wouldn't protect them and would actually be helping you stake them. They may not be back because of the, understandably." He sighed. "But I promise to help you find them, unless they leave town completely."

Her lips pressed together and she turned to stalk down the hall towards the front door. She was pissed that her plans had been ruined. Marie looked up at the two vampires worriedly after watching the elder slayer stomp off. The whole situation made her very uneasy and she wasn't sure exactly where to turn to for comfort in this time.

Spike looked down at her and gave her an understanding smile. "It's just the hormones, punky." He used his new nickname for her to bring a smile to her face. "She's a bit moody t' begin with an' with her bein' pregnant, it's goin' t' be even worse. Run along after her t' make sure she doesn' get int' anymore trouble. It's okay. She'll cool off an' won' maim you."

"Okay," she nodded with a grin then turned to head off. She waved over her shoulder, "See you back at the house."

Marie jogged out of the mansion. She figured Buffy had forgotten about patrolling  and was heading back home so she started hurrying in that direction to catch up with the other slayer. The younger girl was still a bit wary of intruding on Buffy's mood even after Spike's pep talk. The outburst and threat had shaken her since she looked up to Buffy so much. Buffy wouldn't really hurt her, would she? Even in a fit of pique? It amazed her how Spike and Buffy could be so similar, yet so different to the way they were in her time.

She eventually caught up to Buffy. "Hey, wait up." She called to get attention. "So... patrol's off, huh?"

"Yeah, patrol's off," Buffy gave her an annoyed look.

"Why don't we go get something to eat... a pizza and some ice cream?" Marie looked at her hopefully, so eager to help. "Comfort food. It'll make you feel better."

Buffy sighed and ran her hand over her round tummy. "I guess that sounds nice," she looked down at her stomach for a moment before beginning to head towards main street with the other girl. "I'm a horrible mate, aren't I?" She bit her lip.

"Huh?" Marie looked up from her feet, startled by the sudden comment. "What are you talking about?"

"I treat Spike horribly. He's so nice and patient and caring with me and I throw it back in his face." Her chin started to quiver as her eyes watered. "I don't deserve such a good mate. He's going to be a great father and I'm going to screw the child up."

"Oh, nonsense! You're a great mother! Please don't cry, B-buffy!" She looked around, unsure what to do with a crying pregnant lady on her hands. She motioned down the street. "Let's get you some ice cream and head home. Spike will meet us at the house and you can talk to him. He loves you. He doesn't think you're a horrible mate or a bad mother."

Buffy sniffled and wiped at her face with the back of her hand. "I want lots of peanut butter fudge..."

"We'll get you lots of peanut butter fudge." Marie smiled and let out a relieved breath. She hoped these mood swings didn't get any worse or she would be too exhausted to stop Glory.

They turned to go, Buffy still sniffling a bit and Marie rubbing her back awkwardly. They got some ice cream then started back towards home, Buffy eager to get back to apologize to Spike. She had already started planning her make-up for being so difficult the other day when she apologized to Spike for hiding in bed for so long. Her plans needed to be even better now. That and she would have to put them into action soon, eager to see the look on Spike's face.

Both slayers froze halfway home as they sensed a vampire. Buffy knew it wasn't Spike or Angel. Spike was at home and Angel would probably be off brooding after her outburst or off already searching for the brides. What vampire would be stupid enough to try to get the jump on a slayer, not to mention TWO slayers??

Marie moved closer to Buffy and glanced around. "I can handle this. You should try to get home."

"Didn't I already give you the speech about telling me what to do?" Buffy frowned at her.

"At least do a mental call to Spike to tell him we ran into some trouble. Please."

"Fine... just so you stop being so annoying. We'll probably have the thing dusted before he gets here, though." She sighed then sent out //We're on our way home, Spike. A vampire's tracking us, though, and Marie is worried. Wanted me to tell you...//

//I'll be on my way just in case.//

She rolled her eyes and then looked around. "Come out, come out, wherever you are..." she called out boredly.

"Always were a bit lame with the banter thing, weren't you?" Riley sniggered as she stepped out into the road ahead of them. "And who's this? Vampire whore in training?" He looked the younger slayer over appraisingly.

Marie glared at him. "I'm a slayer, stupid. I thought you vampires could sense that."

"He's just a fledge, though. Don't expect much from him," Buffy told Marie, not taking her eyes off Riley. "I'm pretty sure he's dust in your time, so I'll explain. He's my ex, Riley. He was part of this army thing that pumped him up with lots of steroidy stuff, so you know his dick is small. So he's pissed that he wasn't big enough for me and that I chose Spike over him. He does the immature name calling thing to compensate for his insecurities and all that... not to mention its a bit hypocritical to call me a vamp whore when he's the one who was going around letting skank vamps bite him for cheap thrills."

"Ahh... I think I've heard of him..." Marie smirked. "He's the one who was threatened by the fact that you were such a badass, fighting his battles for him and could easily kick his ass."

Riley was growling and finally vamped, snarling at them both.

"And the military does like their soldiers brainless, don't they? Easier to control that way and boy is a very good soldier. Picking a fight with two slayers where he is definitely going to get his ass kicked."

"That's okay. I got my own back-up," he nodded to the side where Graham and Forrest now stepped out, fully vamped. "Just to even things up."

//Okay, Spike, maybe we really do have some real trouble here. Apparently Riley has made minions of his commando buddies to help take us down.// Buffy sent worriedly.

//Don' worry, luv. I'm almost there.// He replied and did his best to soothe her over the link.

Moments later, he appeared behind Buffy and pulled her close protectively. He pressed a kiss to her temple briefly before turning gold eyes towards the soldiers. He vamped and let out a low warning growl.

"Most vampires know better than t' mess with another bloke's mate," he warned. "Claims aren' taken lightly."

Riley snorted. "I don't care about your whore. I don't want her after she has your stank all over her." He ignored the louder growl from the girl in question's mate. "But that child must be destroyed. The child of two vampires is surely the sign of an apocalypse. I can't let you destroy humanity with that creature."

"Hey! You shut up!" Marie scowled at Riley. "Do you hear the crazy shit coming out of your ugly mouth? I mean really. I know this is the demon speaking, but what sort of defective demon did YOU get?"

Spike glanced at Marie, studying her for a second before looking towards the three fledglings again. "She's right. You've obviously crossed the line, mate. Our child isn' goin' t' bring on some apocalypse. She was given t' us as a gift an' is completely innocent. You're just jealous an' off your bloody rocker. If you don' use what sense you got left an' leave, you're goin' t' get you an' your friends dusted."

"I can't just let that abomination be born," Riley shook his head and took a step forward.

Buffy stepped away from Spike, glaring up at Riley. "How dare you bring an innocent child into this. This has nothing to do with my baby, you're just making excuses. You just hate that I chose Spike over you and am having with him what you could never have with me. I realized I'm having with him the normal stuff that I wanted that blindly led me to date you. I'm married-somewhat, I'm pregnant, and I've got a lovely house. Most of all I got love. You got two buddies who share a brain cell between them." She smirked and motioned between them, "Do you all do the butt monkey thing to amuse yourselves since you can't get a nice girl to-"

She didn't get to finish the barb as suddenly she had an angry vampire barreling at her, knocking her off her feet. It was a good thing she no longer needed to breath as the air was knocked from her lungs. She looked up at Riley and her eyes flared blue as she went to bring up her legs to kick at him.

Spike and Marie rushed forward to help, but the other two vampires intercepted them. Spike grappled with Graham, a flurry of punches and twirls interspersed with kicks. Too bad there was no one to appreciate the skilled fighting.

Marie was pinned to a light post, Forrest lifting her up by her neck. She struggled and clawed at his arm with little grunts, then brought her foot up to kick him in the side of the head. He grunted and nearly dropped her, but straightened with a snarl to raise her higher as she struggled. She brought up her legs again and wrapped them around his head, squeezing with her thighs. She wasn't strong enough or quite in the right position to break his neck like that, but it did annoy him enough that he tossed her into the lawn of the house behind them. She landed hard on her arm and heard a pop, grimacing in pain as she went to sit up.

Meanwhile, Riley finally pinned Buffy's legs with his own while grasping her wrists in one of his large hands to stretch them above her head. She spit up into his face when he leaned close, which earned her a hard smack across the face. Her lip split and she whimpered slightly at the pain, but forgot about it when once again his attention turned to her stomach.

"I'm sorry about this, Buffy. I really am. But, I'm not crazy and your child must be stopped. The people at the initiative found a prophecy talking about the child of vampires and how its birth lead to an apocalyptic event. I understand how it must be so hard to give up your child, but you used to care about saving the world. In the long run you'll realize this was for the best." He lifted his hand with purpose.

Marie looked past Forrest as he lifted her again, seeing what Riley was about to do. She suddenly struggled wildly and started screaming loudly. It even startled Forrest into pausing.

It also got Spike's attention who glanced first at Marie then at Buffy. He growled and tossed Graham into the hood of a car, impaling the vampire on the antenna so he turned to dust. Spike was already running towards Buffy and shoving Riley off his mate just as he was swiping at Buffy, leaving slashes across her stomach but at least the baby was intact. The two vampire rolled around on the ground, snarling and clawing like animals angrily while Buffy laid there taking an unneeded breath of relief.

Marie went limp with relief as well, but was reminded of her predicament by a fist to the face. She groaned and spit out blood from her cut lip right into the vampire's face. "Hey, asshole, didn't your mother ever tell you not to hit a girl?"

"Nope," he drove his fist into her stomach then tossed her to the ground where he kicked her in the ribs.

She groaned and started crawling away. She had lost her little belt of goodies during the fight and she needed to find something quickly, not to mention she would have to fight him off and stake him one armed. Oh god she was screwed. Hopefully, Buffy would get off her ass or Spike would make quick work of Riley so he could come save her ass next.

There was a fallen branch a couple yards in front of her and she tried to hurry over to get it. Forrest came up behind her, though, and kicked her again then stomped on her back. Her broken arm was pinned under her and she shrieked in pain at the pressure he was applying to it. Black spots started to swim in her vision as his foot pressed more. He leaned down near her face and smirked, grabbing her hair to yank her head back painfully before bringing his fist across her jaw.

"Daddy..." she whimpered softly as she started to lose consciousness from all the pain, even as she suddenly felt Forrest wrenched away.

Spike sighed and looked between the two blonde slayers after the dust that had been Forrest settled to the ground. Buffy was sitting up gingerly and looking down at her wounds to see how bad they were. She looked towards him and gave him a reassuring smile then looked down to where Marie laid by his feet.

"Is she okay?" She asked.

"Yeah, just passed out." He nodded and tilted his head. "Can you get up... not too bad is it, pet?"

"I'm good. It's not deep... that's why it's bleeding so much. Going to need to feed a good bit to replace it all, but it's already starting to heal." She got to her feet slowly then made her way over to him. "Well... that's one threat gone, at least..." She looked up at him with a small smile.

"Let's get her home an' I'll feed so you can feed off me." He kissed her slowly, so glad to have her whole. "Call Red an' Glinda on the way so they can come do some healin' voodoo for her."

He bent to scoop up Marie, shifting her when she groaned in pain from him jarring her broken arm. "She seems t' have a broken arm, though..." He looked up at Buffy with concern. "We can' take her t' the hospital, can we? She's... they'll ask questions. Should we call your Watcher?"

"Yeah, I'll call Giles then Willow. He'll surely be able to think of something." She pulled out her cell phone, glancing towards Spike as she wondered about his reaction. Had he come to like this girl so much in such a short time? She wasn't worried. She knew he wasn't attracted to the younger girl or anything. But, still...

*****

Marie woke up slowly and looked around at the white, sterile room and instantly knew where she was. She had been in one enough times in her young life. Her head rolled to the side and she saw some nice smelling herbs on her pillow. Willow was here. She smiled and tried to sit up, groaning when she forgot and tried to use her broken arm. The groan brought the others heading in when they realized she was awake.

"You took quite a beating," Giles said and looked her over.

"I took my attention off him and he took advantage of it. I'm so stupid. You taught me better than that..." she pouted and looked down.

Buffy reached out and touched her shoulder. "We all have off days." She had allowed Dr. Hardy to wrapped her stomach when he had happened to spot her in the hall. He already thought she was strange enough, but now... She sighed inwardly and shoved that thought aside for later. "We're just glad a broken arm is the worst of it."

"Yeah... wouldn't be much help if I got myself killed..." she grumbled and picked at the blanket.

Spike frowned. "You know that's not the reason we're concerned. We do care about you, you silly bird."

Her eyes lifted to looked up at him through her lashes. "Really?"

"Really, Punky."

She grinned. "So when can you take me home?"

"I think the doctor wanted to look you over once you woke up, but after that it's okay to go home." Buffy nodded, looking between the two again. She looked over towards Willow as if to say, 'See, that's what I was talking about.'