Prologue
 

Buffy watched as her friends walked into school. *Willow looks pretty good,* she thought. *So does Xander and Giles. They'll be just fine.* With a sigh, Buffy picked up her bag and walked away.
 

Part One
 

"So, pretty girl, where are you headed?"
 

"LA. One-way please," Buffy replied, trying not to shudder in disgust. *I can fight vampires, mummies and all sorts of baddies, but when it comes to men like him - major wiggins.*
 

Buffy paid the man and hurried away from the counter. She took a seat off to one side and looked out the window. *Good-bye, Sunnydale. Can't say that it's been fun.* Buffy sighed, stood up and proceeded to her bus which had just pulled into the station.
 

The bus ride to LA was rather uneventful. Buffy spent most of the time sleeping due to the exhaustion from the past weeks events. She checked into a YWCA and took a roach infested shower before collapsing on the stained bed into a fitful sleep.
 

That night, she dreamed of Angel.
 

Buffy awoke the next morning feeling very suicidal. She had let her friends get hurt. She had almost killed Giles and Willow. She had killed Kendra. She had killed Jenny. All because she could not kill Angelus. Granted, in the end, she stuck a rather large sword into him to close the gates of hell, but still, it was too little, too late.
 

Buffy got out of bed, threw some clothes on and went to find something to eat.
 

Spike parked the car for the day in an underground parking lot in LA. Drusilla was still unconscious. *Come on now, I didn't hurt her that much,* he thought before climbing in the back seat. He tried to get comfortable, wishing for a bed.
 

That day, he dreamed of Angel.
 

Spike awoke that evening with the weird feeling that he was being watched. He looked up to see Drusilla peering down at him from over the seat, an evil smile on her face.
 

"Wake-y, wake-y, Spike," she said in that voice that was really starting to annoy him. "Time for me to kill you."
 

Spike just laughed. "Listen, Pet, the reason I had to knock you out was because…"
 

Drusilla interrupted him. "Now, Spike, I don't want any explanations. You killed my Angel. And for that, you must die."
 

She lunged over the car seat at Spike, striking with her nails. Spike shoved her up towards the ceiling, trying to maneuver himself into a sitting position. He managed to get Drusilla halfway over the front seat again before he was able to collect himself. He quickly got out of the car. Drusilla was right behind him.
 

"You killed my Angel!" Drusilla screamed as she lunged for Spike.
 

"Dru, please, calm yourself down. I didn't kill Angel! The Slayer did!" Spike told her, fending her off.
 

"She would not have been able to do that *if* you didn't tell her where we were!"
 

Spike frowned suddenly. *How did she know?*
 

"Oh, you bad boy. You can't keep secrets from me. I knew it when she showed up and you stopped me from helping my Angel," Drusilla sneered.
 

Spike did not like the look in her eyes at all.
 

"Listen, Pet, why don't we just stop, ok?"
 

"Why, Spike? Are you afraid of me?" Drusilla said, a predator's gleam in her eyes.
 

*Actually,* Spike thought. *I think I might be.*
 

Spike looked around for some sort of weapon. Nothing. Wait. There. In the car. He reached into the front seat and pulled out a doll.
 

"Stay back, Dru, or Miss Edith gets it," Spike said, preparing to shred the doll.
 

"Nooooo! Not Miss Edith!" Drusilla cried. "Please don't hurt Miss Edith!"
 

"Dru, I am going to leave now. I don't ever want to see you again, do you hear?" Spike said, getting into the car while still holding onto the doll.
 

"But Spike…" Drusilla began.
 

"Never again!" Spike yelled as he started the motor. He tossed the doll onto the ground and drove out of the parking garage.
 

Drusilla picked up Miss Edith and dusted her off. "Poor Miss Edith. Did Spike hurt you? He will have to pay for that, won't he luv? And for what he did to my Angel." Drusilla smiled.
 

Buffy's day was rather uneventful. She ate breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts, lunch at Starbucks and had Chinese take-out for dinner. *I'm going to have to stop eating like this,* she thought heading back to her room. *I am going to get fat. Oh, god, I'm starting to sound like Cordelia.* Buffy smiled sadly at the thought. *Cordelia wasn't that bad. In fact, she was rather good for Xander. They had the same outlook on life - never back down and give them your worst. I miss them.*
 

Buffy decided that night that she shouldn't let her slaying abilities go to waste. After all, this was LA.
 

Part Two
 

Dear Giles,
 

Buffy
 

Giles reread the letter in his hand for the third time, wiping the tears from his eyes. *Buffy,* he thought. *You're alive.* Giles took a deep breath and released it slowly. *We thought for sure you had died.*
 

He pulled out a piece of paper and immediately wrote a return letter.
 

Dear Buffy,
 

Buffy wiped the tears from her eyes as she read Giles' letter. She had laughed out loud for the first time in months reading the letter. She thought of Willow and Oz, Xander and Cordelia and their love for one another. *I'm glad they all found each other,* she thought.
 

She put the letter in the same place she kept other momentos. The ring Angel gave to her was there, along with the cross. Also there was pressed flower from Jenny Carpenter's grave, Kendra's knife and a picture of Giles looking stuffy as always.
 

Buffy sighed and stood up. *Work to do. No time for sad feelings.* She grabbed her slaying equipment, as well as the gasoline can, and headed out the door.
 

Part Three
 

The fire took no time in growing to an inferno. Buffy saw no one exit the building as she hung back in the shadows, watching, stake ready for any escapees. She heard fire trucks in the distance, their sirens growing louder as they approached. By the time they arrived, the whole building was consumed in flames. The widows had broken from the pressure, black smoke billowing from them. Buffy watched as the fire fighters attempted to put out the blaze.
 

At that moment, the wind picked up, spreading the flames to the neighboring buildings. Buffy watched in horror as what was to be simply vampire destruction turn into mass destruction. While she was standing there, a police officer walked up to her. Startled, Buffy turned and ran before thinking.
 

"Hey!" the officer shouted, sprinting after her. "Stop! Police!"
 

Buffy did not listen as she turned the corner of the alley. She was so intent on evading the officer following her that she did not notice the figure walking her way. She ran smack into his chest. The figure grabbed her shoulders to them from both toppling over. Buffy looked up.
 

"Spike!" Buffy exclaimed, trying to get out of his grasp.
 

"Buffy! What are you doing here? I thought we had an agreement? I show you where Angel was, you'd let me leave and wouldn't follow," Spike replied, his face turning into its vampire form.
 

"Spike, I don't have to time to fight with you right now! The police are after me! Let go!" She jerked herself out of Spike's arms, pushed past him and continued to run down the street. Undaunted, Spike ran after her.
 

As the two figures ran, they were both unaware of the observer.
 

Buffy did not stop until she was several miles away from the club. She collapsed onto the bus bench to catch her breath. Spike, out of breath as well, although he didn't really breathe, collapsed next to her.
 

"What," Buffy said in between heavy breaths. "Do you want?"
 

"Listen, luv, I just want to know why you are here. Did you follow me?" Spike replied, regaining his equilibrium.
 

"No, I did not follow you! Did you follow me?"
 

"No, I've been here for several months now," Spike said, leaning back on the bench.
 

Buffy, wary of a trap, asked, "Where's Drusilla?"
 

An expression of pain and disgust flashed in his features, to Buffy's surprise. "She's gone. I haven't seen her in awhile. Not to say that I'm sorry."
 

"Oh. Well," Buffy replied not knowing what else to say. "I'm sorry." She knew that Spike had cared for Drusilla in his own way.
 

"There's nothing to be sorry about. Actually, she was becoming rather annoying. ‘Angel, this and Angel, that.' It was enough to make me want to become human again."
 

Buffy laughed. After a few moments of sitting in silence, Buffy stood up. "Well, Spike, I can't say that it has been nice seeing you, but I must be heading to work."
 

Spike stood as well, looking awkward. He could not tell if he was feeling remorse at the fact that she had to leave. *Strange,* he thought. "Good-bye, Buffy. The feeling is mutual."
 

They stood there looking at each other, as if undecided about what to do next.
 

"Listen," Spike began. "Do you want to get together later and chat. Catch up on old times?" Spike couldn't believe the words that came out of his mouth.
 

Buffy couldn't believe it either. "Well…umm…ok, if you really want to, I mean."
 

"What time do you get off work?"
 

"Two a.m."
 

"Well, why don't I meet you at the 24-hour Starbucks."
 

"Ok," Buffy replied and turned to go, unsure of what to make of the situation. "See ya."
 

"Yes, see you later," Spike replied, a weird feeling of bereft overtaking him as she left. *I really need to take a vacation,* he thought as he headed back into the night.
 

Starbucks was crowded, even at two in the morning. The bars had just closed and people wanted to get some coffee into them before heading home. Spike watched to door from the table where he was seated, a cup of coffee in front of him.
 

Buffy entered the coffee shop and spotted Spike. She headed over to him and sat down. "Since when have your tastes changed? Or did Starbucks come out with a Blood-flavored coffee recently?"
 

Spike grinned. "No. This is for you. I figured I get it. For you. That is…," Spike trailed off.
 

"Well, thank you! That was really sweet," Buffy said, a second later she made a funny face. "Wait a sec, did I just say that Spike was sweet? Ugh! Maybe I shouldn't be drinking coffee this late at night."
 

Spike laughed at her. "I do have my moments. After all, being alive as long as I have does tend to cultivate one's manners."
 

They sat in silence for a few minutes, absorbing the atmosphere of the coffee shop.
 

"So, Spike, what's up? I mean, here I am sitting and drinking coffee with you when I should be slaying you," Buffy asked taking a sip. "Mmm. Good coffee."
 

"Oh, I don't know Buffy. Things have been kind of strange since Drusilla and I parted ways. I haven't been alone for several hundred years," Spike replied, looking at the foam mustache on Buffy's face. "Um, Buffy?"
 

"Yeah?"
 

"You have a coffee mustache."
 

Buffy blushed, wiping her mouth with her sleeve. Spike grinned. "Could I be any more embarrassed?" Buffy said.
 

"Well, I could have not told you. Then people would have stared at you and made fun of you behind your back."
 

"So true, Spike. Thanks."
 

Spike didn't know what had gotten into him. First he asks Buffy practically on a date. Then he buys her coffee. Then he goes out of his way to make sure she isn't embarrassed. He shook his head and sighed. *Things have really gone down hill, haven't they.*
 

"So, Spike. What have you been doing while you've been in LA? Anything that I need to take revenge on you for?" Buffy asked, taking another sip of coffee, being careful not to get another mustache.
 

"Actually, I have only ‘eaten' my fill, rather than killing for the fun of it. Mostly transients, so know one would report them missing. For some reason, killing humans is becoming rather dull."
 

*Wow,* Buffy thought, looking at him. *He really is acting strange.*
 

The continued to have a light conversation, neither of them noticing the time, until it was almost sunrise. They talked back and forth about everything from the pollution to demonic activities to what was on the television.
 

"Wow, Spike," Buffy said several coffees later, noticing the time. "The sun is going to be up rather shortly. Much as I would like to keep you here, I think it's time to go."
 

Spike stood up, not believing how fast time went by. He escorted Buffy to the YWCA and up to her room. They paused at the door, Buffy on one side of the threshold, Spike on the other because he could not enter her room unless invited.
 

Spike cleared his throat. "Well, Buffy. It has been a surprisingly enjoyable evening, but I really must run now."
 

"Yeah, I know," Buffy said, unsure of what to do. Suddenly she blurted out "Do you want to do this again tomorrow…er…tonight…er I mean at two a.m. again?" *I can't believe I just did that!*
 

*I can't believe she just asked me that!* Spike thought, stunned. He smiled. "Sure Buffy. I'll meet you there again. The coffee will be waiting."
 

Buffy smiled and said goodnight and closed the door. Spike paused, looking at the door, then turned and hurried out of the building back to his home before the sun rose.
 

Buffy and Spike continued to meet every night after Buffy got off from work. They talked about everything. Buffy learned first hand about different people and places in history. She was fascinated by all that Spike had seen. Spike learned about her childhood, when she realized that she was the Slayer, about the different creatures other than vampires she fought, and about her various friendships in the past.
 

Neither of them ever brought up Angel.
 

One evening, several months later, Buffy asked Spike about what it was like to feed.
 

"Well, it is…hmmm… how do I explain. Ok. Let's say you, as a human, cut your finger. Normally, you'd stick your finger in your mouth and the blood would just taste like copper. But you would still just be tasting the blood. When I feed, the human's ‘essence' is transferred through the blood. It is really difficult to explain," Spike told her.
 

"What's this ‘essence?'" Buffy asked, curious.
 

"I would say that is was a human's collective experiences through life, their feelings. As you know, our feelings are different than human's. Now, as an older vampire, I feel love and hate, jealousy and envy just as humans do. And I can control myself. Younger vampires lack these feelings and control, which is why there aren't many old vampires anymore. I know of several who live up in Toronto, and a few more here and there, who have managed to avoid the Slayer by keeping a relatively low profile, but most of the younger ones are killed."
 

"I have another question for you," Buffy began. "Can you feed on someone and *not* kill them? Do you have that control?"
 

Spike answered immediately. "Yes. We do not have to drain our victims completely. In fact, there is a principle known as ‘renewable resources' among the older vampires. That is to say, when humans were far and few between, vampires would drink just a little of their blood over a long period of time, allowing the humans to live with no long lasting effect, other than needing bandage now and again."
 

"Why don't you do that?"
 

"Well, right now there are billions of humans. A few here and there won't be missed," Spike replied honestly.
 

"But you could use this ‘renewable resource' principle if you wished and not kill anyone?"
 

"Yes."
 

Buffy thought about that for a few moments. She took a deep breath and than asked Spike to do something completely against his normal self. She asked him to stop killing people.
 

Spike shook his head and laughed at her. "Stop killing people. That's a good one, Buffy." He continued to laugh as Buffy just sat and looked at him seriously.
 

"Please?" She asked quietly.
 

Spike looked at her. *What the hell,* he thought. Then an idea came to him. "I'll do it on one condition, Buffy. That condition is that you would become my ‘renewable resource.'"
 

Buffy's eyes grew wide. Spike thought he had her now. She would never agree to let him drink her blood.
 

"Alright," Buffy said.
 

Now it was Spike's eyes that grew wide. "Really? You mean, you would actually do that?"
 

"It would be worth it to save lives."
 

Spike thought about her commitment to saving those pathetic humans. He kind of admired her for that. In fact, he felt some sort of pride that he was associated with someone who would risk their life for others, pitiful as they may be.
 

Part Four
 

Time flew by for the both of them. Buffy continued to write Giles at least once a month, but she did not bring up the fact that she was living with Spike. She read to Spike the letters she received in reply, who found them quite funny. He sometimes helped her write the letters in response, wanting to know more about what had transpired in a particular situation. In fact, from an outsider's point of view, Spike and Buffy acted like friends.
 

Buffy and Spike were sparring with each other on during one of their workouts. Both actually relished in the fact that they did not have to hold back, especially Buffy, who was used to using Giles as a punching bag.
 

Smack. Whap. "Omph."
 

Spike knocked Buffy onto the floor. It had been close to an hour, now, since they started to work out. They were both getting tired.
 

"Listen, Pet, why don't we knock it off for today," Spike said, jumping over Buffy's legs to avoid being taken down.
 

Buffy grabbed the quarterstaff that had been knocked from her hands. "I told you before, Spike," Buffy said as she hit him over the head. "DON'T" Smack. "CALL." Buffy jabbed the staff into his midsection. "ME" Crack. "PET!!" Buffy yelled as she swung the staff as if it were a bat, sending Spike across the room. This was a normal conversation between the two of them. Buffy despised being called ‘Pet.'
 

"Ok, Ok. Sorry, luv," Spike said as he prepared for defense. "What should I call you then?"
 

"How bout ‘Buffy'?"
 

"No." Duck. "That's what everyone else calls you. I want uniqueness." Jump. Elbow.
 

"But ‘Pet' is what you called her." Smack. Kick. Grunt.
 

"Ok, then how about Muffin? Pumpkin? Poonchkin? Angel?"
 

With that last suggestion Buffy stopped fighting and looked at Spike with hurt and fury on her face. Spike, just realizing what he said, apologized quickly and backed away.
 

"I'm sorry, Buffy. I didn't mean…" Wham. Buffy sent a roundhouse kick to his face, causing him to twist into the air and land heavily on the floor. She jumped on top of him, punching him over and over in the face.
 

"Ow! That's hurts! Take it easy, why don't you! How about ‘luv' instead?" Smash. "Or Princess?" Crack. "Or Tiger?"
 

Spike cracked his eyes open to look at Buffy, who had stopped mid swing.
 

"Hmmm. Tiger. I think I like that." Buffy stood up, bringing Spike with her. She started to brush off his clothing. "Tiger is fine with me."
 

Spike smiled at her, relieved that his little slip hadn't killed him.
 

"How ‘bout getting something to eat?" Buffy asked, heading towards the kitchen, exhausted.
 

"I could go for a little Chinese," Spike replied giving Buffy an evil grin.
 

Buffy laughed, knowing that Spike was not referring to Peking Duck.
 

Spike watched Buffy as she took a glass of blood out of the fridge and popped it into the microwave. Spike took a seat at the kitchen table before looking at her again. She took a bottle of water and began to drink it. Spike sat there, liking the way her perspiration had given her skin a shine, her crop top plastered to her, outlining her breasts in a very revealing way. Spike found himself growing hard.
 

The microwave dinged and Buffy took the glass out and put it on the table in front of Spike. She looked at him and noticed that he was shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" She asked, grinning evilly.
 

"Nothing is wrong, Tiger," Spike said and picked up the glass and drank quickly, causing him to choke. Buffy moved closer and rubbed his back. "Are you ok?"
 

"Yeah." Cough, cough. "It went down the wrong pipe." Spike turned his head towards Buffy who was leaning over him and got a close up view of those very same breasts he noticed before. If possible, he grew even harder. He groaned.
 

"No, you are not alright," Buffy said in concern. "Can I do anything?"
 

Spike looked up into her face. He snaked his left arm around her waist and pulled her into his lap.
 

"Spike!" Buffy shrieked. But he shut her up with a kiss.
 

*Oh, this feels so good,* Buffy thought, enjoying the kiss. She wiggled to get closer and heard another groan deep in Spike's throat. Then she noticed she was sitting on something rather hard. She smiled into the kiss, acknowledging her power, and wiggled for a different reason.
 

"Tiger," Spike whispered, breaking off the kiss. "Do you realize what you are doing to me?"
 

Buffy grinned. She leaned over and whispered into Spike's ear. "Do I ever."
 

Spike groaned for a third time. He picked Buffy up and laid her on the table, leaning down on top of her. He brought his hand down to her breast, feeling her nipple peak up underneath the shirt. He cupped her with his hand, loving the weight of it. No longer wanting an obstacle in his way, he pulled away and ripped the shirt apart as well as her bra, exposing her to him. Spike then proceeded to tease her nipples, first the right one, then the left, kissing them, licking them and sucking on them. Buffy arched up to meet his mouth, at the same time pushing his head down with her hands.
 

Spike moved back up to her mouth, shedding his shirt, and then brought his hand down between her legs. He felt the wetness through her shorts. He moved his hand back up and under the waistband of her shorts and panties, feeling her heat, fingering her womanhood. He stuck a finger into her and heard Buffy moan deep in her throat. He continued to stroke her, until she convulsed around his fingers, arching up under him. Spike paused and pulled off the rest of her clothes and his and positioned himself between her legs.
 

"Tiger?" Spike asked, looking deep into her eyes.
 

"Yes," Buffy sighed, moving her hips up to accept him.
 

Spike closed his eyes and entered her with a quick thrust. *You feel so good,* he thought, beginning to move. *So very good. I haven't done this in so long.*
 

Buffy felt the fullness of his manhood as he thrust into her. *Oh, my,* she thought as he began to move. Then she lost all conscious thought as feelings of pleasure took over.
 

Spike built up the tempo, coming closer and closer to ecstasy. He leaned down to Buffy's neck, licking it before sinking his fangs into her, never stopping his thrusting. Her essence flowed into him. He felt her excitement and pleasure as if it were his own. This exited him even more, and with one final series of thrusts, they both burst into a powerful climax. He felt her convulsing around his manhood as waves upon waves shook them, sending a myriad of colors shooting behind their eyes.
 

Spike was the first one to slowly come back to awareness. He removed his fangs from Buffy's neck, noticing that he had stopped drinking after climaxing. He felt her heart pounding beneath his chest, her breathing still rapid. He slowly pulled away from her, looking down at her flushed face. Spike brushed an errant hair away from it and then leaned down and tenderly kissed her on the mouth. He pulled out of her and then stood up, bringing Buffy to a sitting position on the table.
 

Buffy opened her eyes slowly. She had never felt anything that powerful before. It was as if she could feel his excitement and pleasure along with her own. She looked at Spike standing there before her. There was an awkward silence.
 

"Buffy, I'm sorry," Spike said quietly before leaving the room. Buffy heard his bedroom door close.
 

Continued

Part Five





 

Spike and Buffy avoided each other the next couple of weeks. Buffy had asked to be transferred to the day shift so she would not have to see him. She still put filled glasses of blood in the refrigerator and was glad to see that Spike was continuing to use them instead of hunting. The fang marks on her next had healed within hours, leaving no trace of what had transpired between the two of them.

 

However, Buffy could not keep the feelings she had to herself. She wrote to Giles and Willow, telling them what happened, but leaving out the fact that it was Spike.

 

Buffy received a reply from Giles a few weeks later. However, what he wrote was not what she wanted to hear.

 

Dear Buffy,
I apologize for the briefness of this letter, but I feel I must get right to the point.
You are needed here in Sunnydale as soon as possible. Someone has returned.

Love and Godspeed,
Giles

 

Buffy quickly packed some clothes into a bag and was about to leave. She hesitated near the door. *I had better let Spike know where I am going, even if things between us are strained.* She put her bag down and knocked on Spike's bedroom door. "Spike?"

 

She opened the door when she got no response. He was sleeping on the bed, tossing fitfully back and forth. She decided not to wake him and instead left a brief note, which she taped it to the microwave door so he would not miss it. She checked the refrigeration one last time to be sure it was stocked and then left the apartment.





 

*****





 

Buffy stood in front of Sunnydale High with trepidation. She was not looking forward to entering the building. *Better get it over with,* she thought, taking a deep breath. She let it out, and with resolution, entered the school.

 

No one approached her as she made her way to the library. She peered in the windows, seeing all the old Slayerettes sitting around the table. Oz was leaning over Willow's shoulder as she worked on the computer. Cordelia and Xander were sitting across from each other, flipping through books. Giles paced while he read another. Buffy plastered a smile on her face and entered the library.

 

"Hey guys, guess who?" Buffy said as she walked in.

 

The group looked up as one.

"Buffy!" Giles shouted and ran over to her, embracing her in a hug. "It's so good to see you."

 

Willow and Xander ran over and grabbed her next. "Buffy, you're here," Willow said as she hugged her friend. "We missed you so much."

"Yeah, Buff, we've had to do all your work since you left," Xander joked, hugging her tightly.

 

Buffy broke the embraces and went over to Cordelia, who had stood up and was walking her way. Buffy hugged Cordelia, to Cordelia's surprise, and then hugged Oz.

 

"It is so good to see you all," Buffy said with feeling. They all stood there smiling for a moment, soaking in the fact that all the friends were together again.

 

"So," Buffy said, getting down to business. "Who's returned? The Master? Inca Mummy Woman? The bug-man?"

 

"I have."

Buffy turned towards the voice, her heart dropping. "Angel?"





 

*****





 

Spike woke up with a terrible feeling in his heart. It was if it had dropped to the bottom of his shoes. *Something is wrong,* he thought, getting out of bed and throwing some pants on. He made his way into the kitchen, took out a glass of blood, and went to heat it in the microwave. That's when he saw the note.

 

Spike-

 

Had to go to Sunnydale.

 

Buffy

 

He crushed the note into a ball and threw it across the room. It bounced harmlessly against the wall. "Damn it," he swore before a feeling of dread washed over him, causing him to have to sit down quickly. His heart sped up, as much as a vampire's could, as he felt all at once astonishment, longing, loathing and finally pain. "Buffy," he whispered, realizing that he was receiving her feelings. His own fear took the place of her feelings and he quickly stood up and ran to get packed.

 

He was going back to Sunnydale.





 

*****





 

Buffy felt astonishment, longing, loathing and finally pain as she looked at Angel. "How?" she whispered. She then felt something like fear, but distant.

 

"We found a spell and brought him back from hell," Giles replied, looking back and forth at the two of them. "He has been back for several weeks now, actually. But we left it up to Angel to decide when to tell you."

 

Buffy let out a strangled cry, dropped her bag, and then fled from the library.

 

Everyone looked stunned at Buffy's reaction, except for Angel. "I'd better go after her," Willow said, heading out the door. "Me, too," Cordelia replied following.

 

The two girls met up with Buffy in the bathroom. She was crying. "Buffy," Willow asked, embracing her friend for the second time that day. "What is it?"

 

"I can't believe you guys actually brought him back," she whispered as she cried. "After all the terrible things you went through."

 

"Yes, but that was Angelus, not Angel. Since his soul was restored, he is the same as he was beforeyou knowhe turned into Angelus," Willow responded.

 

"Yeah, Buffy. He's been pretty helpful, too, going out and slaying with us. He's even made peace with Xander," Cordelia added.

 

"Then again, Xander said he'd take Angel any day over you, Cordy," Willow said, astonishing Buffy.

"Willow!" Buffy exclaimed, looking at her friend. "I can't believe that you just said that!"

 

"That's nothing," Cordelia said. "In fact, she can be almost as bad as I am when she wants to be."

 

Willow smiled. Buffy shook her head. "I don't know if I am ready for this, guys. I had finally put my life back together and let the wounds heal. I have a good job. I had a good friend" Buffy trailed off.

 

"We did get your letter, Buffy, telling us what happened," Willow said. "That is why Angel decided that maybe it was time to see you."

 

"What!" Buffy yelled. "You showed Angel my letter! How could you!"

 

"Buffy, we didn't show him the letter," Cordelia responded calmly. "We just told him that you were down in the dumps and he suggested that maybe it was time to see you."

 

"Oh," Buffy said, somewhat relieved.

 

"Now, come on, Buffy," Willow said. "You have to do this sooner or later."

 

"Later, please," she asked.

 

"Nope, sooner is always better," Willow replied, turning her friend to the mirror. "Now, wash up. You're beginning to look like Cordelia."

 

"Hey!" Cordelia glared at Willow. Willow smiled evilly. Buffy laughed.





 

Part Six





 

The gang sat out at the table in the library as Angel and Buffy went into Giles' office.

 

"So, Buffy," Angel asked. "How are you?"

 

"Well, up until now, I was doing alright," she replied sarcastically.

 

Angel sighed. "I know this is hard for you"

 

Buffy interrupted him. "Hard for me? You bet your sweet bippy it's hard for me! I thought you were dead! I thought I had sent you to hell!"

 

"You, did, Buffy. But your friends brought me back. And I do have my soul, thanks to Willow."

 

Buffy paced in Giles' small office. "I cannot believe this is happening to me!" She turned and hit the wall, making a big hole.

 

"Buffy," Angel began.

 

"Listen to me, Angel, because I am only going to say this once. I no longer have any feelings for you. Over this past year I have healed, moved on, grown up. You name it, I did it. I even made a very close friend in LA, and we were doing just fine up until a few weeks ago. But that is none of your business, anyway."

 

Angel sat and listened to Buffy tell him off. When she was through, he only said "I'm sorry, Buffy," and walked out of the office.

 

*Great!* Buffy thought, slamming the door after him. *Why did I have to go and pick two vampires who just leave after something important has happened!*

 

Giles opened the door to his office and stepped in. "Buffy," he said. "May I speak with you?"

 

"Sure, Giles," Buffy said sullenly.

 

"I know this is a big shock to you, but we felt it was important that you know Angel returned. It would not have been fair of us to keep you in the dark, especially in light of the fact that he has been a big help."

 

"I know Giles. And you're right. I would want to know. It's just that I had finally healed and moved on with my life."

 

"Willow told me about your relationship problems in LA. Is there anything that I can do to help?"

 

"That's sweet of you Giles," Buffy responded, hugging her mentor. "But no. It is between him and me to solve. We just haven't gotten to that part yet."

 

"Ok, Buffy," Giles said. "But remember, we are all here for you."

 

"I know, Giles. And thanks."





 

*****





 

Spike arrived in Sunnydale early the next morning. He had caught the last bus from LA at two a.m.and worried the whole way there. He grabbed his bag, clanging the glasses of blood together, and went to find some shelter for the day.

 

What he didn't notice was the figure watching from the shadows.





 

*****





 

The next morning, Buffy woke early from a fitful night's sleep. She had stayed over at Giles' house, not ready to face her mother yet. That was what she was going to do today.

 

"Buffy," Giles called up the stairs. "Are you awake?"

 

"Yeah, Giles," Buffy called back. "I'll be down in a few minutes."

 

Buffy cleaned up and dressed and went down for breakfast. "Coffee, please," she asked Giles while settling onto the kitchen chair.

 

Giles gave her a cup and than sat down across from her. "Are you ready to see your mother?"

 

"Yes. I think I am ready. Did you call her and let her know that I would be coming today?"

 

"Yes. She will be waiting for you."

 

"Good," Buffy replied, finishing her coffee. "Then I think it is time to head over there."

 

Giles dropped Buffy off at her mother's house a few minutes later. Buffy took a deep breath and went up to the door. Before she could knock, however, it opened. Her mom was standing there.

 

"Buffy," "Mom," they both said at the same time, before embracing each other tightly. "It's so good to see you," Mrs. Summers said.

 

"It's good to see you too, mom," Buffy replied.



 

The two women went into the house and sat down. "So, Buffy, tell me everything. What have you been doing?"

 

Buffy filled her mother in on her life over the past year, including the problem with Spike without mentioning his name or the fact that he was a vampire.

 

"It sounds as though you have been alright, Buffy," her mother said as Buffy concluded with the events of yesterday. "I am glad that you are ok and have healed. I am only sorry that Principal Snyder expelled you for something you did not do." Buffy's mom went on to explain how she and Giles got Cordelia's parents to speak to Principal Snyder on Buffy's behalf. The result was that anytime Buffy wanted to return to school and pick up her academics where she left off, she may.

 

"I just may do that mom, but I will have to let you know," Buffy said in reply.

 

Buffy left her mom's house later that afternoon, not wanting to spend the night. Joyce Summers understood that her daughter was an adult and had been living on her own for almost an entire year. She told Buffy that if she did decide to return to school, she would have no problems with her living away from home. Buffy smiled at her mom. "Thank you."





 

*****





 

Buffy met the gang back at school after her visit with her mother. They were in classes, so she chatted with Giles while waiting for school to end.

 

"Do you think you might come back, Buffy," Giles asked.

 

"Maybe. I would have to really think about it, especially since Angel is here. Plus there are othercomplications."

 

"I understand," Giles said. "Let me know when you decide."

 

The final bell of the school day rang. Xander and Cordelia immediately entered.

 

"Hey, G-man! Buffster!" Xander said, kissing Buffy on top of the head. Cordelia smacked him. "Ow! What was that for?"

 

"Those lips are my personal property, Mister! They are not to touch anyone else, understand!" Cordelia said, grabbing hold of his ear and pulling.

 

"Ok! Ok! You can let go now, jeez!" Xander grinned goofily at Cordelia and kissed her soundly on the mouth.

 

Giles looked at Buffy and rolled his eyes causing Buffy to laugh. Willow and Oz soon joined them in the library.

 

"So, guys," Buffy said eyeing the group. "Any new prophecy I should be aware of since I'm here in town?"

 

"Actually, yes," Giles replied, excited that he was able to quote from one of his many books. Willow made a face. Oz pretended to shoot himself in the head. The others laughed at them. Xander chose at that moment to bite Cordelia on the neck and Cordelia screeched, batting him away.

 

Giles cleared his throat, glaring at the group. "If I may?"

 

They Slayerettes settled down to listen.

 

"Thank you. Now, this is a prophecy that I have calculated should take place sometime soon. It says:

 

And he shall return from the gates of hell and she shall return to meet him.
Fate shall be on hand, bringing all together.
True love shall conquer all foes and a child shall be conceived,
A child destined to be a balance between good and evil.
This shall happen when the moon is dark and full of blood.



 

"Wow, Giles," Buffy said. "The only thing I understood was 'a child shall be conceived.'"

 

"Well, from my calculations, the last sentence of the prophecy is speaking about the Blood Moon, or the second new moon in a single month. This is a time when supernatural powers are at their peak. I figure it shall be twice as strong since we are here on the Hellmouth."

 

"We figured that Angel was the one returning from the gates of hell, considering that's what he did," Willow said.

 

"And considering that you showed up back here, you must be the one who has returned," Xander added.

 

"Oh, great!" Buffy exclaimed. "Does that mean that I am the one who's going to get pregnant? And by Angel?" Buffy smacked her forehead into the table.

 

"I don't know, Buffy," Giles replied. "There could be numerous explanations. What I do know is that the Blood Moon occurs tonight."

 

Buffy groaned. *Why me?*





 

Part Seven





 

Buffy and the Slayerettes spend the rest of the day preparing for anything. They decided to stay in the library that night for two reasons. One, it was the center of the Hellmouth. And secondly, it was the easiest place to guard.





 

*****





 

Angel walked from his apartment to the library. He didn't notice a figure following behind him in the shadows.





 

*****





 

Spike sat in Buffy's old bedroom, looking out the window. He had spent the day here, knowing that she would be too uncomfortable to do so. He had locked the door and propped the desk chair under the handle to ensure he had no visitors.

 

He was debating where he should look for Buffy when he felt a wave of shock and fear coil through him. *Buffy!* He opened the window and ran into the night, knowing instinctively where to go, as if he and Buffy were linked together.

 

*****





 

Angel entered the library and sighed. He wondered if Buffy was ever going to forgive him. *I wouldn't,* he thought.

 

"Hey, deadboy," Xander called out to Angel. "You're here."

 

"Don't call me that, Xander," Angel said, shaking his head.

 

"Well," Giles said, "I guess the first part of the prophecy is correct. Both Angel and Buffy are here on the night of the Blood Moon."

 

Buffy sneered. "So, now we're suppose to get together and do some hanky panky? I think not!"

 

"You are correct, luv."

 

The startled group turned to the voice in the doorway of the library.

 

"Drucilla!" Angel shouted.

 

Buffy recoiled in shock and fear. *Spike,* she thought, desperately afraid that something would happen, thus destroying their chance together.

 

The Slayerettes quickly stood and pulled their weapons.

 

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't come to play with you tonight," Drucilla said. She walked up to Angel and kissed him on the cheek. "I came to see my Angel." She caressed his face.

 

Angel recoiled in horror.

 

Buffy grabbed a stake and charged at Drucilla.

 

Drucilla stepped out of the way and Buffy stabbed Angel instead.

 

"Nooo!" Buffy screamed as Angel staggered back from the blow. Luckily, the blow landed to low to kill him.

 

Drucilla grabbed Buffy by the hair and slammed her head against the counter, rendering her unconscious. "Now, why did you have to go and hurt my Angel again?" Drucilla started to pull Buffy towards the door.

 

"I have what I came for," Drucilla said to the group, using Buffy for protection. She blew Angel a kiss. "See you later, luv."

 

"Let go of her, Dru," a voice said from behind her.

 

"Hello, Spike," Dru purred. "I have the Slayer here. Do you want to come have some fun with me?"

 

"No."

 

Drucilla turned so she could keep her eyes on both Spike and the rest of the group in the library. "Why not, Spike. She must taste so good," Drucilla smiled evilly. "Of course, you already know that, don't you, luv?"

 

Angel made a strangled noise, misunderstanding what Drucilla meant. He tried to get up, but couldn't. *If he hurt Buffy, so help me*

 

"Now it's payback time, Spike. For taking away my Angel. And I have the perfect way to destroy you," she threw her head back and laughed demonically. When she looked up again, she had her 'game' face on. She exposed Buffy's neck and sank her teeth into it.

 

"No!" Everyone screamed at once, Spike the loudest of the group.

 

Spike charged at Drucilla, his face twisted into vampire fury, and ripped Buffy from her mouth. He pushed Buffy towards Xander who was nearest and then grabbed Drucilla. Drucilla laughed maniacally. Spike threw her across the room onto the wall.

 

The rest of the group watched in disbelief as Drucilla and Spike, the epitome of an evil couple, fought mercilessly.

 

This went on for several minutes before Spike yelled out "Stake!" At first, no one moved to help. Then Angel took the stake that was in him and threw it towards Spike.

 

Spike caught the stake in one hand, holding Drucilla on the floor with the other. "This is for Buffy," he said. And slammed the stake into her. She exploded into a pile of dust.

 

Spike got up off the floor immediately, his face still twisted in vampire fury, and rushed over to Buffy. Xander tried to stop him with holy water, but he pushed him across the room. He picked up Buffy and ran out of the library.

 

Everyone stood there for a moment. Then they took after Spike.





 

*****





 

Spike carried Buffy back to her house and back through the window to her bedroom. He turned on the light and laid her down on the bed and checked her pulse. *Still beating, but for how long?* he thought. *There is only one way to find out.* And he sank his teeth into her neck.





 

*****





 

Angel, mostly recovered from his wounds, stood with the group outside of Buffy's house on the street. They had seen Spike carry Buffy up to her room. Angel, having better vision, saw Spike sink his fangs into Buffy's neck.

 

"No," he whispered, dreading that they were too late.





 

*****





 

Spike felt Buffy's essence flow into him. Her feelings for him almost overwhelming. Spike released her almost immediately, knowing that she would be alright. Drucilla had not taken that much blood.

 

Buffy's eyes open to the sight of Spike's vampire face over her. However, she was not frightened. She had felt an immense amount of love coming from Spike when he sank his fangs into her. She reached up and used her fingers to smooth his brow, his features going back to human.

 

"Buffy," he began.

 

"Shh," Buffy whispered. "Just kiss me."





 

*****





 

Angel felt his heart break into a million pieces when he saw Spike lean down and kiss Buffy. *So, that's what Drucilla meant,* he thought sadly. He turned to the group around him. "She's ok."

 

They looked at him quizzically. "What do you mean, Angel. We just saw Spike take off with Buffy and they ended up here. How can she be alright?" Giles asked.

 

"She is, Giles. Spike is no longer there," Angel lied. "I saw him leave her bedroom, her mom is up there now checking on her. Buffy is awake and looks fine. We should leave them."

 

"Well," Giles says. "You do have better vision than all of us. And her light is on. I agree with you, Angel, we should leave her and her mother alone. Come along, I'll drive you all home."

 

Willow and Xander protested for a few moments until Giles explained how important it was for Buffy and her mother to have some time together. As they all piled into Giles' car, Angel looked back up into the window. *Take care of her, Spike,* he thought. *Or I will kill you.*





 

*****





 

Spike kissed Buffy tenderly. "Are you ok?" He asked, looking into her eyes.

 

"Yes, I'm fine," Buffy said, smiling. "Thank you."

 

"For what?"

 

"For coming after me."

 

Spike smiled down. "You're welcome, Tiger." Buffy smiled.

 

"Buffy, I need to tell you something. We've been together for awhile now, and I have enjoyed every moment of it," Spike said.

 

"I have, too," Buffy replied.

 

"And I am sorry for the way I acted after"

 

"It's ok, Spike, I understand."

 

"No it is not ok. I had bit you and enjoyed it and afterwards I realized that I had hurt you and I couldn't stand to do it again," Spike said.

 

"It didn't hurt, Spike. In fact it felt wonderful," Buffy said with a shy smile on her face.

 

Spike couldn't believe it. *It felt wonderful? It had felt wonderful to him, too.*

 

Buffy pushed his doubts aside by reaching up and pulling him down on top of her. She kissed him deeply, letting all her love show in that one kiss.

 

He stopped the kiss, then undressed them both. She opened up for him and he positioned himself above her. As he entered her, Buffy showed him how much she loved him. She bared her neck.

 

Spike looked into her eyes as he moved in her, he bent down and sank his fangs into her neck. Spike felt Buffy's love wash over him like a tidal wave, causing him to climax immediately. Buffy felt his climax in her mind and in her body, causing her to go over the edge. Spike and Buffy's essences' merged together into one.

 

Spike recovered and pulled away from Buffy's neck. He pulled her over, so they were snuggled together in the bed. "I love you, Tiger," he said into her hair.

"I love you, too."

 

"Who would have thought that fate would have thrown us together again with this being the result?"

 

He felt Buffy's silent laughter as they fell into a deep sleep.





 

Epilogue





 

"She just said for everyone to be here this evening, that is all," Giles repeated for what, to him, seemed like the hundredth time. "No, she did not tell me why, so stop asking."

 

Willow, Oz, Cordelia and Xander sat around the table in the library. They pondered why Buffy would have asked them to come on a Friday night, especially in lieu of going to the Bronze for a party.

 

It had been two months since Buffy's return to Sunnydale. She re-enrolled in school and was getting A's in English and History. She still had trouble with Math. She did not live with her mother, instead staying in a basement level, two bedroom apartment near the community college campus.

 

Buffy walked into the library. She surveyed her dear friends and chuckled at the shock they were about to get. "Hi, guys!"

 

"Hey, Buffy!" They each greeted her in turn.

 

"So, what's the big mystery that led us all here on a Friday night," Xander asked. "I could've been at the Bronze dancing with all those sexy chicks."

 

"Hey!" Cordelia said, smacking him on the arm.

 

Buffy smiled at them. *Here goes,* she thought. "You remember the prophecy a few months ago? The one on the Blood Moon? Well, I figured out what the entire prophecy meant. Giles, you might want to sit down for this one."

"That is ok, Buffy. I think I know what you are going to say," Giles replied, still standing.

*Oh, no you don't,* Buffy thought with a grin. "Well, let me take a crack at it first, Giles." Giles nodded to her. "Well, we all know that the Blood Moon was the second new moon of the month, so that's no big deal. And we figured that Angel was the one who returned from the gates of hell and I was the one who came back to meet him. The way I figure it is that by having both Drucilla and Spike show up, fate brought us all together again."

 

"Very good, Buffy," Giles said. "That is what I concluded as well. I pieced it together that Spike killed Drucilla because she loved Angel and he loved her. Thus, true love conquering all foes. What I do no know is, where does the child fit in?"

 

"Actually Giles, you have that last part wrong. But I shall get to that in a sec. First I wanted to tell you that I know where the child fits in," Buffy said. "I'm pregnant."

 

There was a stunned silence in the room.

 

"Howwho" Giles stammered, completely flustered.

 

"If you have to ask how, Giles, you are never going to make it with the opposite sex," Xander quipped, walking up to Buffy. "Congratulations."

 

"Yeah, Buffy, congrats." Everyone hugged her and touched her stomach. "So, how long have you been pregnant?" Willow asked.

 

"Since the night of the Blood Moon," Buffy replied.

 

"But how is that so? We were all at your mom's house and then left andoh," Willow stopped. "Did Angel come back after we left?"

 

Buffy made a disgusting face. "No way! I wouldn't let him in my mother's house for a million dollars."

 

"Then who" Giles asked. Buffy interrupted him. "You are not going to believe this one guys. Remember my last letter before I came back to town? About the man I was having problems with? He's the father."

 

"You mean, your young chap was at your house that night impreger" Giles started to say.

 

"Yes, Giles. And he was present here in the library that night as well."

 

"We were all here, Buffy, and we didn't see anyone," Xander said.

 

"Except for Angel, Spike and Drucilla. And since we know it isn't Angel, and Drucilla, well, never mind about her," Willow said.

 

Cordelia raised her hand. "I know who it is. It's Spike!"

 

Xander looked at Cordelia with disbelief. "Great deduction, Sherlock. Would you like to say something a little less stupid?"

 

As Xander and Cordelia fought, Buffy went out into the hall. She returned a moment later dragging a reluctant Spike behind her.

 

"Um, guys, you all know Spike," Buffy began.

 

They all turned and looked at her and Spike. Spike smiled and did a little wave.

 

Giles fainted.





 

*****









 

Angel stood in the stacks, listening to the conversation. *Buffy pregnant?* he thought. *And by Spike no less. I guess it is truly over.*





 

*****





 

"Giles? Giles? Are you ok? Giles?"

 

Giles heard Buffy's voice from far away. He came to on the floor in the library, Buffy kneeling over him.

 

"Are you ok, Giles," she asked. "You have been out for a long time."

 

"Oh, Buffy. I had the most dreadful dream. I dreamt that you came and said you were pregnant and Spike was the father" Giles trailed off as he noticed Spike sitting at the table conversing with the Slayerettes.

 

He promptly fainted again.





 

The End




 

And he shall return from the gates of hell and she shall return to meet him. Fate shall be on hand, bringing all together. True love shall conquer all foes and a child shall be conceived, A child destined to be a balance between good and evil. This shall happen when the moon is dark and full of blood.

Prologue

Angel, mostly recovered from his wounds, stood with the group outside of Buffy's house on the street. They had seen Spike carry Buffy up to her room. Angel, having better vision, saw Spike sink his fangs into Buffy's neck.
 

"No," he whispered, dreading that they were too late.
 

Buffy's eyes open to the sight of Spike's vampire face over her. However, she was not frightened. She had felt an immense amount of love coming from Spike when he sank his fangs into her. She reached up and used her fingers to smooth his brow, his features going back to human.
 

"Buffy," he began.
 

"Shh," Buffy whispered. "Just kiss me."
 

Angel felt his heart break into a million pieces when he saw Spike lean down and kiss Buffy. *So, that's what Drusilla meant,* he thought sadly. He turned to the group around him. "She's ok."
 

They looked at him quizzically. "What do you mean, Angel. We just saw Spike take off with Buffy and they ended up here. How can she be alright?" Giles asked.
 

"She is, Giles. Spike is no longer there," Angel lied. "I saw him leave her bedroom, her mom is up there now, checking on her. Buffy is awake and looks fine. We should leave them."
 

"Well," Giles says. "You do have better vision than all of us. And her light is on. All right, Angel, we should leave her and her mother alone. Come along, I'll drive you all home."
 

Willow and Xander protested for a few moments until Giles explained how important it was for Buffy and her mother to have some time together. As they all piled into Giles' car, Angel looked back up into the window. *Take care of her, Spike,* he thought. *Or I will kill you.*
 

"Yes, I'm fine," Buffy said, smiling. "Thank you."
 

"For what?"
 

"For coming after me."
 

Spike smiled down. "You're welcome, Tiger." Buffy smiled.
 

"Buffy, I need to tell you something. We...we've been together for awhile now, and I have enjoyed every moment of it," Spike said.
 

"I have, too," Buffy replied.
 

"And I am sorry for the way I acted after…"
 

"It's ok, Spike, I understand."
 

"No, it is not ok! I had bit you and enjoyed it and afterwards I realized that I had hurt you and I couldn't stand to do it again!" Spike said.
 

"It didn't hurt, Spike. In fact it felt wonderful," Buffy said with a shy smile on her face.
 

Spike couldn't believe it. *It felt wonderful? It had felt wonderful to me, too.*
 

Buffy pushed his doubts aside by reaching up and pulling him down on top of her. She kissed him deeply, letting all her love show in that one kiss.
 

He stopped the kiss, then undressed them both. She opened up for him and he positioned himself above her. As he entered her, Buffy showed him how much she loved him. She bared her neck.
 

Spike looked into her eyes as he moved in her, he bent down and sank his fangs into her neck. Spike felt Buffy's love wash over him like a tidal wave, causing him to climax immediately. Buffy felt his climax in her mind and in her body, causing her to go over the edge. Spike and Buffy's essences merged together into one.
 

Spike recovered and pulled away from Buffy's neck. He pulled her over, so they were snuggled together in the bed. "I love you, Tiger," he said into her hair.
 

"I love you, too."
 

"Who would have thought that fate would have thrown us together again with *this* being the result?"
 

He felt Buffy's silent laughter as they fell into a deep sleep.
 

Part One
 

He looked up into the night sky as he walked, deep in thought. *I have to go back and make sure she is alright,* he told himself, knowing it was a lie. He still loved her, and now she was with someone else. Another vampire, no less.
 

Angel arrived at the house and looked up to her bedroom window. The light was still on, outlining the figures within. He could see Spike sitting next to Buffy on the bed, speaking to her. *I remember when that was me,* he thought, watching the them. He remembered the feel of Buffy's lips on his, holding her in his arms as if it were yesterday instead of almost over a year ago. He saw Spike lean down and kiss Buffy again, pain shooting through his body. He watched with a sick perversion as Spike and Buffy began to make love, unable to pull himself away. His body reacted unwillingly to the memory of loving Buffy, the feel of her skin against his, their bodies glistening with sweat as they joined together. The complete joy and happiness. And then the horror that followed.
 

Angel watched as Spike sunk his fangs into Buffy's neck. He immediately tensed up and started to run to the house. He climbed up to her window, fearing that he was too late. But what he saw through the window stopped him. Buffy had a look of utter pleasure on her face and was holding Spike's head to her neck! Angel watched as the two lovers slowly separated from each other. He saw Spike pull Buffy to his side, holding her against him, a look of joy and wonder on Spike's face.
 

Angel left the Summers residence quietly. He realized that Spike and Buffy had something more than he and Buffy ever did. She trusted Spike with her life, allowing Spike to drink her blood.
 

Angel entered his apartment, sat on the bed, and wept.
 

Part Two
 

The both decided that it was for the best if they refrained from discussing their relationship with Buffy's friends. It was hard enough when she was with Angel and he *had* a soul - Spike did not. Whenever they came over, Spike made himself scarce, either by leaving or locking himself in the bedroom.
 

"What is it, Tiger?" Spike asked feeling her forehead. She felt warm to his touch, but then again, she always felt warm to him.
 

"Everyday, I toss my cookies over and over again, whether I have eaten something or not."
 

"Do you think you still have the flu?" Spike couldn't remember what it was like to be sick.
 

"No. I've had the flu before and this isn't the same thing. Maybe I'll go to the doctor."
 

"That's a good idea, Tiger. I'll call and make an immediate appointment for you tomorrow morning before I go to sleep. Now, why don't you go lie down and I'll make you something. How about some tea?" Spike asked, moving her towards the bedroom.
 

The next morning, Spike made an appointment with the doctor and Buffy asked Giles to give her a ride.
 

"Is everything alright, Buffy?" Giles asked as she got into his car.
 

"Yeah, Giles. I think I may have a virus or something," Buffy replied, her stomach revolting to the movement of the car. Luckily, they arrived at the doctor's office without Buffy hurling all over Giles' car.
 

"You don't have to wait, Giles," Buffy began.
 

"No, I'll wait and then drive you home again." Giles sat down in a chair and picked up a magazine, the issue settled.
 

An hour later, Giles and Buffy left the office. "What did they say?" Giles asked.
 

"They won't be able to tell me until the blood tests come back," Buffy replied, leaning her head against the car window. "That won't be for a couple of days. Until then, I'm suppose to rest." Buffy rolled her eyes at the thought. "Yeah, that'll be the day."
 

"Well, I suppose you can skip patrolling for the next few days. We will take over for you, as we have before," Giles said.
 

"Really? Thanks, Giles."
 

"Do you want me to come in? Or should I call Willow or Xander to come over and stay with you?"
 

"No, Giles. My...um...roommate will help me out." The gang still did not know that Buffy and Spike were together.
 

"All right. I'll call later to check up on you," he replied.
 

"Thanks, Giles."
 

Giles let Buffy off at her apartment. She waved good-bye and entered her dimly lit home. The two small windows near the ceiling had black out curtains on them. Buffy saw Spike sitting on the couch. "What are you still doing up?"
 

"Waiting for you," Spike replied, standing and leading her to the bedroom. "Do they know what's wrong?"
 

"No, and I won't know for a couple of days. Until then, I'm suppose to *rest.*" She rolled her eyes at Spike. "Like that is ever going to happen."
 

"Well, this time, it is, luv. You're health is important to me. Can't beat up a sickly Slayer now, can I? Now let's get you all tucked into bed and get some sleep."
 

"Beat me up? You and what army, Spike?" Buffy asked, snuggling beneath the covers.
 

"Goodnight Buffy," Spike said.
 

Buffy just smiled at him as he left the bedroom. He went back into the living room and settled down on the couch to get some sleep himself. *I don't know why I put up with that girl,* he thought to himself. He shook his head and sighed. *Yes, I do.*
 

The unlikely couple arrived at the doctor's office at the appointed time. Luckily, the sun set early in the winter time, so Spike had no need to worry about the it's damaging effects. The nurse ushered them both in to the doctor's office.
 

"I guess I don't have the flu," Buffy said jokingly, looking nervously around her.
 

"I don't think this is the time to be joking, luv," Spike said, fiddling with his coat buttons. The doctor entered his office, on time for once, and sat down at his desk.
 

"Ms. Summers. And you are?" the doctor asked, looking at Spike.
 

"This is my boyfriend, Sp...er...William," Buffy said.
 

"Charmed," Spike said as he shook the doctor's hand.
 

"Good. I am glad you brought him, seeing as this may concern the both of you," the doctor said. "We have gotten your tests results, Ms. Summers. You do not have any type of illness."
 

Buffy and Spike looked visibly relieved. "So, what's wrong with me then? Did I eat some bad cafeteria food?" Buffy asked. She smiled at Spike, who squeezed her arm, happy that she wasn't sick.
 

"No, Ms. Summers. You're pregnant."
 

Buffy's eyes about popped out of her head. Spike's jaw dropped open, looking at the doctor. "Pr...pr...pregnant?"
 

"Yes, Ms. Summers. Pregnant. I'd say that you were about two months along."
 

Spike looked at Buffy, an evil gleam in his eye. "Now, who in the HELL have you been having sex with, Pet?" he asked, menacingly.
 

The doctor looked back and forth at the two in front of him.
 

"What!? I haven't slept with anyone but you since Angel lost his sou...er...job!" She yelled.
 

"But then how can you be pregnant? Seeing as that *I* can't have any children!?" Spike yelled back.
 

"How do you know that you can't have any children? Huh?"
 

The doctor cleared his throat. "If it's a question of paternity, we can always do a blood test..."
 

"No!" they both shouted at him at once.
 

"Er...that is...there's no need. It is Spi...er... William's," Buffy said. "Can we have a moment, Doctor?"
 

"Yes. I'll be back in a few with some prenatal care information," the doctor said as he left the room.
 

Buffy glared at Spike. "You don't believe me?"
 

Spike shook his head. "Not bloody likely. Vampire's can't have children. It's bloody impossible!"
 

"Spike, we're living on the Hellmouth. If there's one thing I've learned, anything is possible here."
 

"Well, I still don't believe you," Spike said angrily.
 

Buffy pulled her hair off of her neck, leaning it towards Spike. "Here," she said. "You can feel that I am telling the truth!"
 

Spike glared at her, then pulled her to him and bit down on her neck. He could feel the unborn child within her as he drank. He also knew that she was telling the truth. There had been no one but him since Angel.
 

Spike pulled away and looked at Buffy in amazement, his game face still present. "I...we...," he stammered.
 

Buffy nodded, reaching up to smooth his features, smiling. "We're pregnant."
 

Spike jumped up and let out a big war cry. The doctor hurried into the room, worried that something terrible had happened.
 

"Uh...William," Buffy said, still looking at Spike's game face. "The doctor is back."
 

Spike quickly composed himself before turning to the doctor. "Sorry 'bout that, doc. But I'm having a baby!"
 

The doctor smiled at Spike. "Well, technically, Ms. Summers is, but I understand." He looked over at Buffy. "I take it then, there is no question of paternity?"
 

"Nope," Buffy said. She gestured to Spike. "We just thought that it was impossible to have children, that's all."
 

"Well, here is some information for you. I'll need you to reschedule an appointment for next month to see how you are coming along," the doctor said. "The morning sickness will pass. I suggest eating plenty of crackers before you get out of bed in the morning. As for other activities, you are free to do what you normally do without restriction unless told otherwise."
 

"Thanks," Buffy said, standing to leave.
 

"Yeah, thanks, doc!" Spike said, pumping the man's hand vigorously. The two left the doctor's office.
 

"Strange couple," the doctor said, rubbing his hand. "And his hands were cold."
 

"Hello?" Buffy said into the receiver.
 

"Hey, Buffy! How are you?" Willow asked her friend.
 

"Er...Willow! Hi! I'm just fine," Buffy said, looking at Spike.
 

"Did the doctor tell you what was wrong?" Willow said.
 

"Actually, nothing is wrong. I'm healthy as a horse," Buffy said. Spike neighed like a horse and Buffy hit him.
 

"Oh, good. I'm so relieved. We were all worried about you," Willow said.
 

"Well, let everyone know that I'm fine and I'll see you all at school tomorrow."
 

"Ok, Buffy. See you then!" Willow hung up.
 

Buffy looked at Spike. "We're going to have to tell them," she said. "I could hide being pregnant for awhile, but once I started to show..."
 

Spike sighed. "I guess our little secret is no more," he sighed. "When do you want to tell them?"
 

"The sooner, the better. How about tomorrow night?"
 

"I'll be there with bells on," Spike said. Buffy groaned and kissed him.
 

Part Three
 

"Hey, Buffy!" They each greeted her in turn.
 

"So, what's the big mystery that led us all here on a Friday night," Xander asked. "I could've been at the Bronze dancing with all those sexy chicks."
 

"Hey!" Cordelia said, smacking him on the arm.
 

Buffy smiled at them. *Here goes,* she thought. "You remember the prophecy a few months ago? The on the Blood Moon? Well, I figured out what the entire prophecy meant. Giles, you might want to sit down for this one."
 

"That is ok, Buffy. I think I know what you are going to say," Giles replied, still standing.
 

*Oh, no you don't,* Buffy thought with a grin.
 

"Well, let me take a crack at it first, Giles." Giles nodded to her. "Well, we all know that the Blood Moon was the second new moon of the month, so that's no big deal. And we figured that Angel was the one who returned from the gates of hell and I was the one who came back to meet him. The way I figure it is that by having both Drusilla and Spike show up, fate brought us all together again."
 

"Very good, Buffy," Giles said. "That is what I concluded as well. I pieced it together that Spike killed Drusilla because she loved Angel and he loved her. Thus, true love conquering all foes. What I do no know is, here does the child fit in?"
 

"Actually Giles, you have that last part wrong. But I shall get to that in a sec. First I wanted to tell you that I know where the child fits in," Buffy said. She paused and took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."
 

There was a stunned silence in the room.
 

"How…who…" Giles stammered, completely flustered.
 

"If you have to ask how, Giles, you are never going to make it with the opposite sex," Xander quipped, walking up to Buffy. "Congratulations."
 

"Yeah, Buffy, congrats." Everyone hugged her and touched her stomach. "So, how long have you been pregnant?" Willow asked.
 

"Since the night of the Blood Moon," Buffy replied.
 

"But how is that so? We were all at your mom's house and then left and…oh," Willow stopped. "Did Angel come back after we left?"
 

Buffy made a disgusting face. "No way! I wouldn't let him in my mother's house for a million dollars."
 

"Then who...?" Giles asked.

Buffy interrupted him. "You are not going to believe this one guys. Remember my last letter before I came back to town? About the man I was having problems with? He's the father."
 

"You mean, your young chap was at your house that night impreg…er…" Giles started to say.
 

"Yes, Giles. And he was present here in the library that night as well."
 

"We were all here, Buffy, and we didn't see anyone," Xander said.
 

"Except for Angel, Spike and Drusilla. And since we know it isn't Angel, and Drusilla, well, never mind about her," Willow said.
 

Cordelia raised her hand. "I know who it is. It's Spike!"
 

Xander looked at Cordelia with disbelief. "Great deduction, Sherlock. Would you like to say something a little less stupid?"
 

As Xander and Cordelia fought, Buffy went out into the hall. She returned a moment later dragging a reluctant Spike behind her.
 

"Um, guys, you all know Spike," Buffy began.
 

They all turned and looked at her and Spike. Spike smiled and did a little wave.
 

Giles fainted.
 

"Buffy? Have you lost your mind? That's Spike!" Xander said, holding a cross up towards the vampire in question.
 

"Xander, put that down. He's not going to do anything," Buffy said, leaning over the prone figure. "Giles? You in there?"
 

Spike walked over, avoiding the cross, and sat down at the table.
 

"Are you really the father?" Willow asked, looking at Spike with amazement. Spike nodded. "Wow."
 

"Giles? Giles? Are you ok? Giles?" Buffy said.
 

Giles heard Buffy's voice from far away. He came to on the floor in the library, Buffy kneeling over him.
 

"Are you ok, Giles," she asked. "You have been out for a long time."
 

"Oh, Buffy. I had the most dreadful dream. I dreamt that you came and said you were pregnant and Spike was the father…," Giles trailed off as he noticed Spike sitting at the table conversing with the Slayerettes.
 

He promptly fainted again.
 

"I do say, this is rather extraordinary. I have never heard of a vampire being able to have children," Giles said. "This is going to take some very in depth research."
 

"Notice the glee on his face when he said that," Xander said. "Looks like no Bronze for us."
 

"We'd better do a round robin," Willow said, moving to the phone.
 

Xander looked at Spike and then at Buffy, who was perched on the edge of Spike's chair. "I guess if I got use to Deadboy, I can get use to Billy Idol," he said to no one in particular.
 

Up in the stacks, Angel was still listening to the group. He was amazed with Buffy's story, about all she went through while he was in hell. The guilt of the hurt he caused her weighed heavily upon him. He turned and left the library through the tunnels.
 

By Sunday morning, most of the group was sleeping. Xander and Cordelia were next to each other on the floor, heads down on the books they were looking through. Willow had her face on the keyboard while Giles and Buffy dozed in their chairs. Oz was still awake, use to long hours with the band. He saw Spike start pacing the floor in agitation.
 

"What wrong?" Oz asked, looking at the pale vampire.
 

"Bloody hell," Spike said, still pacing. "It's daytime outside and I'm hungry."
 

Oz looked at him with trepidation. "You're not going to eat us, are you?"
 

Spike stopped and glared at Oz. "Not bloody likely. She'd kill me if I did," Spike said, gesturing towards Buffy.
 

"Do you want me to and get you something? I know that stores sell pig and duck's blood," Oz asked.
 

Spike growled. "No." He stomped over to Buffy and woke her up. "Tiger," he said to the groggy slayer. "Wake up."
 

"Wha...what? Spike?" Buffy said, blinking rapidly, trying to wake up. She looked at the expression on his face. "What's wrong?"
 

"I'm hungry," he said, pouting.
 

"Is that all?" Buffy asked, chuckling.
 

"'Is that all?' What do you mean?!" Spike shouted, getting all upset. "You got to eat all weekend! What about me? Oh, no. Poor lil' me, all forgotten. Why should we bother with the vampire?"
 

Buffy shook her head and laughed at his tirade. The others around her started to wake up because of all the noise.
 

"I know that they don't bloody care, the wankers, but *you* should have. Now, it's daytime and I can't go home!" Spike continued.
 

Buffy got up and went over to Spike and stopped him. She moved her hair away from her neck and embraced him. "Here," she said. "Not too much now, or I'll kick your 'bloody' ass," she said, smiling.
 

Spike looked thankfully at her for a moment, then put on his game face and bit into her neck.
 

The rest of the group choose that time to fully wake up and see what was happening.
 

"Hey!" Xander yelled, jumping up from the floor. "Buffy!" Willow and Giles yelled simultaneously, moving to rescue Buffy.
 

Spike stopped drinking and looked up at the approaching trio. "Uh...Tiger..," he said through his fangs.
 

Buffy looked at him with a dazed and pleasurable look on her face. She saw the panicked look in his eyes and turned around, blood running down her neck. "Oh..."
 

"Get away from him, Buffy!" Giles said sharply. They moved to corner the vampire, who started growling at them.
 

Buffy jumped in front of her boyfriend, blocking the trio. "No!" she yelled. "What are you doing!?"
 

"He mistook you for a milkshake, Buffy," Xander said, still advancing. "I knew we couldn't trust him."
 

"Xander...you got it all wrong. I *let* him do that!" Buffy said.
 

The trio stopped moving and looked at Buffy with astonished expressions.
 

"It's true," Oz said from behind them. Willow turned towards her boyfriend. "She let him. I was awake the whole time."
 

"But, why?" Willow asked, confused.
 

"Because, unlike us, he hasn't eaten all weekend," Buffy said.
 

"Well, maybe we should have brought some of the jocks from the football team here for a little snack," Xander said sarcastically.
 

"Guys, he doesn't 'snack' on anyone anymore," Buffy said, moving to hold Spike's hand. He looked gratefully at her, his face back to the human mask.
 

"Does he drink bloodbags like Angel?" Willow asked curiously.
 

"Sort of...," Buffy said. She looked questioningly at Spike, who nodded for her to go on.
 

"Might as well tell them, luv," he said.
 

Buffy proceeded to tell them about how her blood was different than regular people and about the concept of renewable resources.
 

"I have heard of this 'renewable resource' concept," Giles said. "Not many vampires practice it due to the population explosion. I do say, I am surprised that with your history, Spike, you practice this."
 

"Yeah, well, the Slayer's blood packs one hell of a punch," Spike said, grinning.
 

"Plus, I'd kick his ass if he ever tried anything," Buffy said, smiling at him.
 

"Oh, yeah? Not bloody likely," Spike said, cracking his knuckles.
 

Buffy moved in front of him. "Prove it," she said. Then she launched herself at him.
 

The two began to fight, with the gang looking on in amazement. Giles winced every time Spike was hit, remembering all the pain Buffy put him through when they were training together. A few minutes later, a delighted Slayer was sitting on Spike's lap, who was on the floor.
 

"I win," she said. "You know what that means, don't you?" Buffy smiled evilly.
 

Spike looked at her, his face going paler than normal. "You wouldn't."
 

"I would," Buffy said. Spike pushed her off him, jumped up and ran towards the stacks.
 

"Hey!" Buffy yelled, starting after him.
 

The group looked at each other and shrugged. They looked towards the stacks when they heard a loud squeal from Buffy and then laughter. Lots of laughter. From Spike.
 

Soon, Buffy and Spike returned, arm in arm.
 

"What did you do, Buffy?" Willow asked, as the rest of the group went back to work.
 

"Oh, not much. I just tickled him unmercifully," Buffy said, smiling.
 

"Spike? Ticklish? I didn't know vampires were ticklish," Willow said.
 

"They sure are," Buffy said. "Especially if you know right where to tickle them." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
 

"Buffy!" Willow gasped. Buffy just smiled.
 

Part Four
 

Buffy went into labor near the end of her senior year. The gang had decided to go to Sunnydale Community College together to stay near each other.
 

"Um...guys," Buffy said, one evening. Everybody, save Giles, had gathered at the Bronze for a little R & R. "I...uh...think I'm in labor."
 

"WHAT?!" Spike yelled. The people near to their table turned towards them.
 

"Oh, boy," Willow said. "We have to get you to the hospital."
 

Spike picked Buffy up in his arms as the group hurried out the door. They arrived at the hospital shortly thereafter. Willow went to the phone and called Giles and Buffy's mom as Spike and Buffy went into the delivery room.
 

"The bloody father," he said, struggling with the ties. "Is she ok?" He asked, looking worried.
 

"She'll be just fine. I am going to need you to fill out some paperwork..." the nurse started to say, but Spike had turned an ran into the delivery room when he heard Buffy yell.
 

"What?! What's wrong?" Spike asked, grabbing Buffy's hand.
 

"Ooo...it hurts, Spike," Buffy said, slowly relaxing from the last contraction. "Why did you do this to me?"
 

Spike brushed the wet hair out of her eyes and placed a kiss on her brow. "Sorry, Tiger."
 

Buffy was about to respond when another contraction hit. She screamed and grabbed the arm rails on the bed, bending them with her strength. The doctor chose that time to come into the room.
 

"My, my, my," he said, picking up Buffy's charts. "She's a strong one. Ok, Ms. Summers. Let's see how far along you are." The doctor looked between Buffy legs, to her chagrin. "I think it's time," he said, looking up at her and smiling. "Are you ready?"
 

"Yes," Buffy gasped. "I want this out of me!!"
 

Spike grabbed her hand and nodded to the doctor. "You heard the lady, get it out of her."
 

"Ok. When I say so, I want you to push. Ready? Push!"
 

Buffy pushed with all her might, squeezing Spike's hand. Spike looked at Buffy as his hand broke into many pieces from her grip. "Ow!!" he yelled.
 

"Again, push!"
 

Spike no longer had any feeling left in his hand as he watched the proceedings. Buffy's face was contorted in pain and effort. He felt his own face morph as Buffy wailed in agony.
 

"One more time, push!"
 

Buffy screamed as she pushed with all her might. Spike growled loudly because he was unable to help her, looking terrified at her screams. Then silence.
 

"Wahhhhhhhhh!" A loud cry was heard coming from near the doctor. Buffy collapsed back onto the bed as Spike stood there, stunned. He looked down at Buffy and she motioned to his face. He quickly put on his human mask.
 

"Father? Would you like to cut the cord?" the doctor asked, motioning for Spike to come near.
 

Spike walked over to the end of the bed and looked down. He saw the doctor holding a small bundle in his hands, blood and placenta fluid was all over and he saw a bloody cord running from the bundle into Buffy's body.
 

He fainted.
 

Giles took off his glasses when he heard the name and wiped the tears from his eyes. He then looked around the room. "Where's Spike?"
 

"Um...he...uh...had a little accident," Buffy said. "He..uh...kinda fainted in the delivery room and knocked his head pretty hard on the floor. The doctor insisted on sewing his head up, much to Spike's dismay."
 

Everyone laughed at the picture Buffy described.
 

"It's not often a vampire gets stitches," Willow said between laughs.
 

Spike chose that time to walk into the room, a cold compress on held to his head. They looked at him and began laughing even harder. He growled at them, then went over to Buffy's side and sat on the bed, and ran his finger under his son's chin.
 

"Do you want to hold him?" Buffy asked softly, looking at her love.
 

Spike nodded and gently took the baby from Buffy. The baby sighed and snuggled against Spike. Spike looked in wonder at the tiny child in his arms.
 

A little while later, the group left Buffy and Spike for home. Buffy drifted off to sleep and Spike continued to hold his small son in his arms, talking quietly to him.
 

Inside she found a note and a picture from Angel. *Congratulations, Buffy. Your son is beautiful. Angel.*
 

The picture was a perfect rendering of Spike holding the baby.
 

The End
 

What Child Is This?

 

by Saber ShadowKitten
Unexpected Storyline: Part 5

 

 

And he shall return from the gates of hell and she shall return to meet him.
Fate shall be on hand, bringing all together.
True love shall conquer all foes and a child shall be conceived,
A child destined to be a balance between good and evil.
This shall happen when the moon is dark and full of blood.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Part One

 

 

"William Giles Summers! Get yourself in here this instant!"
 

"Ut-oh, William. Sounds like your mom is really mad," Jason said to his best friend. They were sitting on the floor in William's bedroom, playing James Bond on PlayStation. William was a slender, fourteen year old boy, with shaggy brown hair and strange colored eyes. Jason said they looked like mustard mixed with a little mud.
 

"I'd better go see what she wants," the young teenager said. William left his bedroom and ran downstairs. The house was a two-story family home, with four bedrooms upstairs, two and a half bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen and library on the main floor, and a big, open basement that was used as a workout room. There were no mirrors to be seen. There were also no family pictures anywhere. The only picture in the whole house was a hand drawing of Spike holding a baby William.
 

Buffy Summers was standing in the kitchen, hands on her hips. "Yeah, Mom?"
 

The thirty-five year old Slayer glared angrily at her son. Buffy was still the same petite, powerful blond she was fourteen years ago. The only signs to her age were the crow's feet around her eyes.
 

"I just got off the phone with Principal Snyder. Did something happen at school today that I should know about?" Buffy asked.
 

William scuffed the floor with his toe. "Mom, you know how Principal Snyder is always picking on me for no good reason."
 

"He said you were in a fight."
 

"Technically, I was in a fight. But, the other guy started it!"
 

"Technically? Either you were in a fight or you weren't. And I don't care if someone else started it! You could have hurt someone!" Buffy yelled.
 

"What about someone hurting me?" William yelled back, hurt at his mother's comment.
 

"Just answer me this. Did you hit the other boy?"
 

"No. He took a swing at me and I blocked it just as Principal Snyder got to the cafeteria," William replied.
 

Buffy nodded. "Ok. That's what I wanted to know. But no more fighting. Even if the other guy starts it, just walk away. Understand?"
 

"Yes, Mom," William said grudgingly.
 

Buffy hugged her son. "I love you, kiddo."
 

"Love you, too," he replied somewhat red-faced. "Can I go now?"
 

"Yes, you can go."
 

William ran out of the kitchen and back up to his room.
 

"What happened?" Jason asked from the floor.
 

"That Nazi troll, Snyder, called and said I was in a fight. My mom really wigged," William responded, picking up the game controller.
 

"Why? It's not like you started it or anything."
 

"Don't ask me. She made me promise not to get into any fights."
 

"Did you?"
 

"Did I what?"
 

"Promise."
 

"Yeah. I did. But I crossed my fingers," William said with a smile.
 

Jason grinned back.
 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

"Spike, William was in a fight today at school," Buffy said as her love entered the kitchen. The sun had just set and, after feeding using the blood from the small refrigerator and microwave in the windowless bedroom, Spike joined his favorite Slayer.
 

"Was anyone hurt?" Spike asked, a concerned look on his face.
 

"No, thank god. William said he only blocked the other guy's punch when Snyder broke up the fight."
 

"Well, that's good news."
 

"Yeah, I thought I would never say this, but hooray for Principal Snyder," Buffy said.
 

Spike laughed a moment, then became serious. "We've been lucky so far," he said to Buffy.
 

"Yeah, I know. It took him fourteen years to get into any type of fight. Most kids rough house at a much younger age."
 

"I hate to say this, but I'm glad my son is a bookworm," Spike said.
 

"Bookworm? What decade are you living in?" Buffy teased.
 

Spike growled playfully at her, then wrapped his arms around Buffy's waist, nipping her neck lightly. "Wanna fight?"
 

Buffy snuggled up against his chest and nodded. "Sure."
 

"Ok. I'll go up and say hi to William, then meet you downstairs."
 

"Gotcha."
 

Spike went up to his son's room. *My son,* he thought, shaking his head. Spike still had trouble believing it, even after all this time. He recalled the day that he found out Buffy was pregnant.
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

The doctor entered his office, on time for once, and sat down at his desk.
 

"Ms. Summers. And you are?" the doctor asked, looking at Spike.
 

"This is my boyfriend, Sp...er...William," Buffy said.
 

"Charmed," Spike said as he shook the doctor's hand.
 

"Good. I am glad you brought him, seeing as this may concern the both of you," the doctor said. "We have gotten your tests results, Ms. Summers. You do not have any type of illness."
 

Buffy and Spike looked visibly relieved. "So, what's wrong with me then? Did I eat some bad cafeteria food?" Buffy asked. She smiled at Spike, who squeezed her arm, happy that she wasn't sick.
 

"No, Ms. Summers. You're pregnant."
 

Buffy's eyes about popped out of her head. Spike's jaw dropped open, looking at the doctor. "Pr...pr...pregnant?"
 

"Yes, Ms. Summers. Pregnant. I'd say that you were about two months along." Spike looked at Buffy, an evil gleam in his eye. "Now, who in the HELL have you been having sex with, Pet?" he asked, menacingly.
 

The doctor looked back and forth at the two in front of him.
 

"What!? I haven't slept with anyone but you since Angel lost his sou...er...job!" She yelled.
 

"But then how can you be pregnant? Seeing as that I can't have any children!?" Spike yelled back.
 

"How do you know that you can't have any children? Huh?"
 

The doctor cleared his throat. "If it's a question of paternity, we can always do a blood test..."
 

"No!" they both shouted at him at once.
 

"Er...that is...there's no need. It is Spi...er... William's," Buffy said. "Can we have a moment, Doctor?"
 

"Yes. I'll be back in a few with some prenatal care information," the doctor said as he left the room.
 

Buffy glared at Spike. "You don't believe me?"
 

Spike shook his head. "Not bloody likely. Vampire's can't have children. It's bloody impossible!"
 

"Spike, we're living on the Hellmouth. If there's one thing I've learned, anything is possible here."
 

"Well, I still don't believe you," Spike said angrily.
 

Buffy pulled her hair off of her neck, leaning it towards Spike. "Here," she said. "You can feel that I am telling the truth!"
 

Spike glared at her, then pulled her to him and bit down on her neck. He could feel the unborn child within her as he drank. He also knew that she was telling the truth. There had been no one but him since Angel.
 

Spike pulled away and looked at Buffy in amazement, his game face still present. "I...we...," he stammered.
 

Buffy nodded, reaching up to smooth his features, smiling. "We're pregnant."
 

Spike jumped up and let out a big war cry. The doctor hurried into the room, worried that something terrible had happened.
 

"Uh...William," Buffy said, still looking at Spike's game face. "The doctor is back."
 

Spike quickly composed himself before turning to the doctor. "Sorry 'bout that, doc. But I'm having a baby!"
 

The doctor smiled at Spike. "Well, technically, Ms. Summers is, but I understand." He looked over at Buffy. "I take it then, there is no question of paternity?"
 

"Nope," Buffy said. She gestured to Spike. "We just thought that it was impossible to have children, that's all."
 

"Well, here is some information for you. I'll need you to reschedule an appointment for next month to see how you are coming along," the doctor said. "The morning sickness will pass. I suggest eating plenty of crackers before you get out of bed in the morning. As for other activities, you are free to do what you normally do without restriction unless told otherwise."
 

"Thanks," Buffy said, standing to leave.
 

"Yeah, thanks, doc!" Spike said, pumping the doctor's hand vigorously.
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Knock. Knock. Knock.
 

"Yeah? Come in," a voice called from inside.
 

Spike opened the door to his son's bedroom. "Hello, William. Jason."
 

"Hey, Dad." "Hey, Mr. Summers."
 

Spike had decided that it was better if he took the surname Summers as his own last name, to avoid any confusion now that he was a parent. "What are you doing?"
 

"Playing James Bond," Spike's son replied, not looking up from the game.
 

Spike sat down on the bed behind the two boys and watched for a few minutes. He noted that William was an excellent shot, rarely missing the intended target. "You're very good."
 

"Thanks, Dad," William replied.
 

"Well, I just came up to tell you your Mom and I will be in the basement if you need us," Spike said.
 

"'K," William said, nodding, not taking his eyes off the game.
 

*Teenagers,* Spike thought as he left his son's room.
 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

"Hey, William, what do your parents do down in the basement?" Jason asked. They had finished the game and were leafing through various magazines, mostly on electronics and computers. "I've known you since we were in fourth grade, and you've never told me."
 

"Oh. Sorry. But, I don't know what they do. They always lock the door and I have to use the intercom to talk to them," William replied.
 

"Don't you think that's strange?"
 

"Why?"
 

"Well, my parents don't do that and neither does anyone else's, far as I can tell," Jason said.
 

William shrugged. "I guess I just never really cared."
 

"Wanna find out?"
 

William looked at his best friend. He could almost see the wheels turning in Jason's head. Closing the magazine, he stood up. "Ok. Let's go."
 

They boys quietly went down the stairs and listened at the basement door. They could hear music coming from the basement.
 

"Check the door and see if it's locked," Jason prompted.
 

William grasped the doorknob and began to slowly turn it. The still locked door opened under his hand. "Hey! It wasn't locked!"
 

"Shh!" Jason said. "We don't want them to hear us!"
 

William nodded and they went down the stairs just enough to see through the slats into the room.
 

"Do you see them?" Jason whispered.
 

"No. I wonder..." William started to reply. He stopped speaking suddenly when he saw his Mom fly across the room and crash into the wall. His eyes went wide and he was just about to run down the stairs to help when he saw her get up. "What the...?"
 

Buffy shook her head, rubbing the sore spot, and turned to her sparring partner. "Lucky shot," she said.
 

"Ha!" Spike answered from the other side of the room.
 

William and Jason looked at each other with confusion and a bit of fear in their eyes. They turned back to see Spike slowly moving towards Buffy.
 

Buffy pretended to not see Spike approaching her. Just when he was about to strike, she kicked her leg out, catching him in the stomach.
 

Spike grunted and staggered back a few feet. Buffy followed up with a spinning back kick to the head, then a flurry of punches.
 

William and Jason continued to watch as Buffy and Spike fought, their kicks and punches interspersed with teasing comments. When they had enough, both boys quietly slipped back to William's bedroom
 

"Man, that was weird!" Jason said, collapsing on his friend's floor.
 

"No kidding," William replied, flopping onto the bed. He stared at the ceiling.
 

"Did you see the way they were pounding on each other? They didn't look like they were even getting hurt!"
 

"Maybe they were rehearsing," William said.
 

"Yeah, right. For what? A Jackie Chan movie?" Jason scoffed.
 

William didn't answer. He was too caught up in his thoughts.
 

 

 

 

 

Part Two
 

 

 

 

 

 

William shuffled along in the hallway at Sunnydale High School like he did everyday. He was a freshman this year, and, to his mother's surprise, was enrolled in all honors classes.
 

William was deep in thought as he moved through the crowded halls on his way to lunch. He was still thinking about what he witnessed yesterday in his basement. Because of this, he didn't see the person he crashed into.
 

"Hey! Watch it!"
 

William looked up to see the same teen he almost was in a fight with the day before. "Oh...uh, sorry."
 

"You're gonna be sorry, freshman," the other teen said, cracking his knuckles. "This time there are no teachers around."
 

William's mind began racing. *Mom said I was suppose to walk away. But if I do that, I'll be called a chicken and teased for the rest of high school. I don't need that. It's bad enough now being smart and not being allowed to play sports.*
 

But while William was thinking, the other boy was winding up.
 

SMACK.
 

William's head flew back at the impact of the hit. He dropped his backpack and staggered back a few steps, almost tripping over it.
 

Shaking his head, William glared at the teen, his hands clenching into fists. "That was not smart, dude," he said with a snarl. He could feel his face heat up in anger.
 

"What are you gonna do about it, wimp?"
 

William was slightly on the skinny side for his age and he was only 5'-6" tall. But that didn't matter. "This!" William said as his fist connected with the other boy's face.
 

The teen felt as though a sledgehammer had hit him. His whole body twisted with the blow and he fell to the floor, face first, blood pooling on the floor beneath him.
 

William stood there and stared, alternating looking at his clenched fist and the fallen teen. The crowd who had been watching the fight was silently amazed at what they had just seen.
 

"All right, break it up," an authoritative voice said from behind the crowd.
 

William recognized the voice as Principal Snyder's. Not wanting to get caught fighting two days in a row, he snatched his bag from the floor and quickly escaped into the departing crowd.
 

William hurried to his own safe haven, the library, and threw his backpack onto the table. He started pacing.
 

"Oh, hello William," a voice said from the library office door. Giles stepped into the room and nodded towards the boy.
 

"Hey, Grandpa Giles," William responded. Buffy had insisted that Giles become William's honorary Grandfather because he was like a father to her. Giles was more than pleased to accept the offer.
 

"What's wrong?" Giles asked.
 

"Nothing."
 

"Oh, come now. You wouldn't be pacing if something wasn't wrong. I know you too well," Giles said with a small smile.
 

William sighed and sat down. "I mgt na da fdgt," he mumbled.
 

"Sorry? I didn't quite catch what you said."
 

"I got in a fight."
 

Giles' eyes opened wide beneath his glasses. "You what?"
 

"I got in a fight! Jeez! Do I have to spell it out for you?" William snapped.
 

"Um...no. That is...er...with who?"
 

"Same guy as yesterday. Only today we weren't stopped."
 

Giles walked quickly over to William and lifted his face to the light, examining it. "Did he hit you?"
 

"Yeah, but I guess not too hard, cuz it doesn't hurt."
 

Giles didn't see any cuts or bruises on the boy's face. "Did you hit him?"
 

"Cleaned his clock," William responded with a smile.
 

"William, this is no joking matter. How hard did you hit him?"
 

"Hard enough for him to twist around and fall flat on his face."
 

"Oh, dear," Giles replied, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Did anyone, any teacher see you?"
 

"No. I escaped before Herr...I mean Principal Snyder showed up."
 

"Good," Giles said, replacing his glasses. "We can say that you were in here helping me throughout the lunch period." He looked at William. "I'm going to have to tell your mother."
 

"No! Don't do that! I promised her I wouldn't get into a fight!"
 

Giles shook his head. "I'm sorry, William, but she and your father need to know."
 

"Great! Thanks a lot, Grandpa!" William yelled and stormed out of the library.
 

Giles sighed. "Oh, dear."
 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

Buffy had grounded William as soon as she got home from her teaching job as a self defense instructor at the local YMCA.
 

"But he started it!" William yelled as they stood in the kitchen like the day before.
 

"I thought we had this discussion yesterday," Buffy yelled back. "NO FIGHTING!"
 

"But..."
 

"No buts! You promised me you'd walk way. And now someone is hurt! You're grounded until otherwise told, got it?"
 

William stomped up the stairs and slammed the door.
 

Buffy sighed and rubbed her temples because of the headache which had formed. She went up to Spike's and her bedroom.
 

"Spike?"
 

Spike lay on the bed having been woken up by his son's door slamming. "What happened, Tiger?"
 

"William got into a fight. Giles called me at work. Apparently it was the same boy from yesterday."
 

Spike patted the bed beside him. "Sit down."
 

Buffy complied, snuggling next to her love before continuing. "Giles said that William was hit, but didn't show any signs of being hurt. He also told me that the other boy suffered a broken cheek and a black eye due to William's punch."
 

Spike sighed wearily and rubbed his hand over his features. "We were afraid something like this would happen," he said.
 

Buffy nodded. "I know. But that doesn't mean I didn't have hope." She sighed as well, then stood up, holding her hand out to Spike. "C'mon. I called a pow-wow at the library about this after sunset, which is in about half and hour."
 

"Are you sure you want to leave William here alone while we're gone," Spike asked, heading for the small refrigerator.
 

"We have no choice. I want to talk to everyone else first," Buffy said. "To find out our options. After all, we weren't completely sure this was ever going to happen."
 

Spike nodded. "Well, then. Let me finish feeding and I'll get cleaned up, then we're off."
 

 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

 

Buffy and Spike were last to arrive at the library. Seated around the table were the Slayerettes, as Xander liked to call the small group. They still worked as a team, vanquishing the demons and the vampires in Sunnydale, which was conveniently located over a Hellmouth. Although Buffy was still technically the Slayer, due to her 'death' at the hands of the Master in 1997, there had been several other Slayers who had been called, starting with her long dead friend Kendra. The current Slayer, a seventeen-year-old named Caitlin, resided over another Hellmouth in New York with her watcher, Drew.
 

"Hey guys," Buffy said as she and Spike entered the library.
 

"Hey Buff-ster!" Xander said, standing to hug his best friend. "How goes it?"
 

The members of the Slayerettes had decided to stay in Sunnydale when Buffy became pregnant. After attending Sunnydale Community College, Xander and Cordelia got married, as did Willow and Oz. Xander worked as co-owner of the Bronze with Angel. Cordelia had opened her own fashion boutique. They had three children, all boys. Cordelia complained that it was like living in a circus.
 

Both Willow and Oz became teachers. Willow took over Ms. Calendar's teaching position after she graduated. Oz taught private music lessons. They had adopted twin girls after finding out that Oz couldn't have children due to his case of lycanthropy. Although Willow had been approached to become a Watcher, she turned it down in order to stay and help Buffy and Giles.
 

Angel rounded out the group. It took many years for him and Buffy to become friends again. Now, he primarily helped Giles, who was still librarian at Sunnydale High School, with research. Sometimes he babysat for Spike and Buffy.
 

"Ok. How are my darling nephews?" Buffy replied to Xander, hugging him in return.
 

"Almost as bad as their father," Cordelia answered before Xander could say anything.
 

"Hey! I resemble that remark!" Xander said, playfully swatting at his wife. "So, what brings us all here tonight? Another prophecy? Demons coming out of the woodwork?"
 

"William was in a fight," Willow said, replying to the question. She had heard about the fight from some of the students and sought Giles out earlier in the school day.
 

Angel looked worried. "What happened?"
 

"According to William," Giles said, relating the information the teen in question had told him. "The other boy hit him and he struck back. The boy suffered a broken cheek and a black eye. I c-covered for William so Herr Snyder wouldn't suspend him for fighting."
 

"Bummer," Oz said from his wife's side.
 

"Why I asked you all here...am I beginning to sound like Giles or what?" Buffy said. The gang laughed.
 

"What the Slayer is trying to say is that it may be time to tell William about his...er...heritage," Spike said, leaning against the counter with his arms across his chest.
 

It had taken several years for the wariness of the group towards Spike to wear off. After all, he was a demon. He did not possess a soul like Angel.
 

"I agree," Giles said, nodding to Spike. The others nodded their assent as well. "Why don't we meet here again tomorrow night, if you all could get babysitters? Angel, if you could stay and help me come up with a series of tests..."
 

The group departed, leaving Angel and Giles in the library.
 

"Giles, what do you really think?" Angel asked when they were alone.
 

"I'm not quite sure. We've all known about William's rapid healing ability since he was a boy. Now that he is older, he hasn't gotten hurt until this fight. Not even a papercut."
 

"Do you think he has the strength of his mother. Or even his father?" Angel said.
 

"Yes. He did hurt that boy quite a lot this morning. With only one blow," Giles replied. "I'm not so much worried about his strength as I am what else he may have inherited from his parents. After all, there has never been a child produced from a Slayer and a vampire."
 

Angel nodded. "Did we ever find out if he was photographic?"
 

"Buffy managed to keep him out of school on all picture days, and you know they don't take any because of Spike," Giles said. "They don't even have any mirrors, as you know, except for the makeup one Buffy uses."
 

"Has he said anything about having no reflection?"
 

"No. I gather he avoids using the restroom at school. He has done so all his life. Buffy convinced him that they were too dirty and he'd get sick if he did use one," Giles said. "That wasn't very nice of her, but necessary to avoid problems."
 

"What about at friend's houses?" Angel asked.
 

"He hasn't said anything. But, he is alone in the restroom, so he may think having no reflection is normal."
 

Angel shook his head at the implications. "I don't know how they kept him in the dark this long."
 

"Luck."
 

 

 

 

 

Part Three
 

 

 

 

 

 

Giles and Angel spent the rest of the night devising tests for Buffy and Spike's son. Angel left shortly before dawn and Giles went home to get some sleep before that night's meeting. Luckily, it was Saturday and there was no school.
 

Buffy, Spike and William arrived at the library shortly after sunset. William was surprised to see the group in the library.
 

"Hi Aunt Willow, Uncle Oz, Uncle Xander, Aunt Cordy, Uncle Angel," William said, greeting his honorary relatives. After they returned the greeting, William looked questioningly at his parents. "What's this all about?"
 

Buffy looked at Spike, who gestured for her to answer. "It's about the fight you were in yesterday."
 

"Oh, man. Are you all going to rag on me?" William asked, slumping his shoulders.
 

 

"No, William," Giles said to the boy. "We're here to...uh...that is..."

"We're here to tell you why your mother doesn't want you to fight," Angel finished. Giles flashed him a grateful look.
 

"And it takes all of you?" William asked.
 

"Well, not exactly," Buffy said. "Remember when I told you how your dad and I met?"
 

"Yeah. You said you guys use to work together," William answered.
 

There were snickers from the others in the room. "What?" William asked, perplexed.
 

"Tiger," Spike said to Buffy. "Why don't you start at the beginning?"
 

"The beginning. Gotcha," Buffy said, taking a seat on the counter. "I came here to Sunnydale in 1996 with your Grandma Joyce and went to this very school. I met your Aunt Willow, Uncle Xander and Aunt Cordelia immediately. Now, your Aunt Willow and Uncle Xander became my best friends. We didn't get along with your Aunt Cordelia at all."
 

"That's an understatement," Willow said. "We hated each other. We even had a club. I was the president, our old friend Jesse was the vice president and Xander was the treasurer."
 

"And I thought they were the biggest geeks in the world. They dressed horribly, not that now they dress any differently," Cordelia continued with a smile.
 

"I met your Grandpa Giles here, too, that year," Buffy said. "Now here's where the story really starts. Your Grandpa Giles became my Watcher."
 

"Your what?" William asked.
 

"My Watcher. A Watcher is a kind of mentor and trainer," Buffy replied. "For the Chosen One. For the Slayer."
 

William looked at his mother, then at Giles. "What's a Slayer?"
 

"Giles, this is your area of expertise," Buffy said, with a smile.
 

"William, the slayer is one girl in every generation who has the strength and skills necessary to beat the forces of darkness, the demons and the vampires. Buffy is that girl," Giles said.
 

"Ok," William said skeptically. "Demons? Vampires? You guys are putting me on."
 

"That's what I said until we met up with a few vampires," Willow said. "They kidnapped me and Xander, wanting to change us into vampires. They changed our friend Jesse and we had to kill him."
 

"Kill him?"
 

"It was horrible," Xander continued. "To see our best friend as a monster." Xander glanced at both Spike and Angel. "Sorry, guys."
 

"Well, it's the truth," Angel said. "Vampires are an abnormality. Not human. Un-dead. Most are evil creatures who kill for blood with no conscience. They are demons who prey on humans, who love no one but themselves."
 

"To continue," Giles said. "Throughout the next two years of high school your mom, Willow, Xander, Cordelia and eventually Oz, fought a multitude of vampires, demons and other creatures."
 

William raised and eyebrow. "What kind of creatures?"
 

"Bug-men, fish men, invisible girls, bezoars, child killers. You name it, we slayed it," Xander said.
 

"Don't forget Inca Mummy Women and Praying Mantises," Willow said, jokingly.
 

"Hey!" Xander said. "Let's not go there!"
 

Everyone, save William, laughed.
 

"Ok. Let's see if I get this straight. You guys think you're some sort of superheroes?" William said. "And you fight all sorts of creepy crawlies?"
 

"Well, she's the only real superhero," Xander said, gesturing to Buffy. "The rest of us are just her sidekicks."
 

William turned to his mother, still not buying what his extended family was saying. "Can you fly?"
 

"No, William," Buffy said laughing. "But I am exceptionally strong and heal quicker than normal people. Here, let me show you." Buffy took the proffered tire iron from Giles. "Thank you, Giles."
 

Holding it in front of her, Buffy bent the bar into a complete circle.
 

"Cool!" William exclaimed.
 

"Yes, it is," Buffy said. "And this is only one of the reasons why I didn't want you to get in a fight. We think you may have inherited some of my 'powers.'"
 

"Really? That's way cool!" William said. He took the bar from Buffy and bent it back into its original shape. "Oh, man," he said, looking at his hands.
 

William looked up to his mother. "I can understand now why you didn't want me to fight. I must have really hurt that other guy today."
 

"Yes, you did," Giles said. "He suffered from a broken cheek and a black eye."
 

"Man," William said, closing his eyes. "That's too bad."
 

"William? There's more we need to tell you," Buffy said.
 

"More?"
 

"Yes, more. We need to finish the story about how your father and I met," Buffy replied. "Your father came to Sunnydale with his old girlfriend, Drusilla. I was seeing your Uncle Angel at the time. We worked together as partners in slaying vampires."
 

"You were dating Uncle Angel? But you're so old!"
 

Everyone laughed. "Angel is much older than you think, but we'll get to that in a minute," Buffy said. "To continue, your father and I did not get along at all."
 

"That's an understatement," Spike added to everyone's amusement. "Plus, to make matters even more interesting, your Uncle Angel use to date Drusilla."
 

"You guys were really weird," William said.
 

"It gets worse," Cordelia continued. "Something happened between Angel and Buffy, and Angel went back to Drusilla, practically stealing her away from your father."
 

"Then Angel tried to kill us all," Xander said.
 

Cordelia smacked him. "Ow!"
 

"He tried to kill you?" William asked, his eyes wide.
 

Buffy nodded her head. "Yeah. He did. But he wasn't himself at the time."
 

"Um...I'm not following," William said, confused.
 

Buffy looked at her friends and sighed. "I guess it's time to tell him. Gentlemen?"
 

Angel and Spike nodded to her. "William," Spike said. "Angel and I are vampires."
 

William stood there, not believing his ears. "You're WHAT?"
 

"Vampires," Angel said.
 

"Yeah, right, sure. Then why are you here, when mom just got done telling me she was a superhero who destroyed all vampires?"
 

"I said most vampires were bad. I had a curse put on me by gypsies that gave me a soul," Angel replied. "But then I lost it when your mother and I were together, but Giles and Willow managed to re-curse me. So, basically, I am just an abnormal human, like your mother."
 

William just shook his head.
 

"Angel, I don't think he believes us," Spike said.
 

"What do you think guys? Should Angel and Spike show them?" Buffy said.
 

"Show me what?" William asked.
 

"I don't know, Buffy," Willow said. "We don't want him to be afraid or despise his father. Or Angel."
 

"What? What do you want to show me? And why would I be afraid of my father?"
 

"Because I'm a vampire, William," Spike said, placing a hand on his son's shoulder.
 

William looked up and into his father's eyes. "You're not kidding, are you?"
 

Spike shook his head. "No. I'm sorry, but I'm not."
 

William looked to Angel. "Uncle Angel?"
 

"It's true, William," Angel said.
 

"Then show me," William said firmly.
 

Angel and Spike looked at each other, then at Buffy. Buffy gestured for them to go ahead. They allowed their faces to become the demons within them.
 

"Ahhh!" William screamed as he jumped back from the two vampires.
 

Angel and Spike quickly put back their human masks, and Spike went to his son. "William…"
 

"Give me a minute, Dad," William said, distancing himself from his father. Spike looked to Buffy, his face reflecting the pain of rejection from his son.
 

The library was silent. Angel was hurting for both his former girlfriend and his childe, both of whom he loved deeply.
 

"Mom?" William finally said. "How could you love…them?" He gestured to both Angel and Spike.
 

Spike's eyes filled up with blood, a vampire's equivalent to tears. He moved silently away from everyone and took a seat on the stairs. He put his back against one railing, sitting sideways, and stared at the far wall.
 

Angel squatted down next to Spike and whispered to him. "Are you alright, my childe?"
 

Spike did not turn his head. "Did it hurt this much when I rejected you, Father?"
 

Angel did not answer, not knowing what to say. He laid his hand on Spike's shoulder and squeezed before moving away.
 

"William," Buffy began. "I love your father very much. He is one of the best things that has ever come into my life. In fact, this whole room is filled with the things I love most in this world." She gestured to her friends.
 

"I understand that Uncle Angel says he has a soul and everything, but he's still a monster. And what about Dad? Does he have a soul, too?" William asked.
 

"No. You're father doesn't have a soul. He is 100% vampire," Angel said softly, answering William's question.
 

"But then how can he love you?" William said, turning to his mother.
 

"I don't know, William," Buffy answered. "I don't know."
 

 

 

 

Continued

 

What Child Is This?

 

 

by Saber ShadowKitten
Unexpected Storyline: Part 5

 

 

Part Four
 

 

 

 

 

 

The pseudo-meeting went down hill from that point on. Willow, Oz, Xander and Cordelia all left not much later to get home to their children. Giles and Angel proceeded to test William's abilities and explained to him why he didn't have a reflection and the possible other effects of having a vampire for a father.
 

While they were working, Buffy went over and squatted down next to Spike, who hadn't moved. "Spike?"
 

Spike didn't move, the bloody tracks where he had silently wept still stained his face.
 

"Spike, he didn't mean it. Once he learns more about vampires, he'll see how different you are," Buffy said.
 

"You mean how much we are alike, don't you?" Spike answered quietly. "Like Angel said, I'm 100% vampire. No bloody soul in me."
 

"Do you want one?"
 

Spike turned his head and glared at Buffy. "Bloody hell not! I don't want to turn into a wuss like Angel. How can you even ask me?"
 

"I was just…"
 

"You'd probably like that, wouldn't you, Pet. That way you'd never have any worries on whether or not you'd wake up one day dead. Or should I say UN-dead," Spike said. He stood up and stormed out of the library.
 

"Spike, wait!" Buffy yelled, running after her love. But he was gone.
 

Giles, Angel and William were standing together as Buffy walked back slowly into the library. "Are you guys done yet?"
 

"Um…y-yes. W-we have tested the extent of William's capabilities and told him about the duties of the Slayer. As for his vampire genes, it seems that the only things hindering him is the fact that he casts no reflection and he cannot touch holy objects. As we already know, daylight does not affect him and he does not need blood to live," Giles said.
 

Buffy nodded and motioned to William. "Do you have any other questions? I want to take you on patrol with me."
 

"Just one. How come I am alive?"
 

"What?" The three grown ups said at the same time.
 

"I mean, how is it possible that I was born. According to the information you just gave me on vampires, they can't have children. So then, how come I'm alive?" William said.
 

"Giles," Buffy said with no humor in her voice. "Prophecy time."
 

"Yes. You see, William, there was a prophecy that told us that you were going to be born. Most of us thought Angel would be your father…" Giles said, trailing off as he went in search of the book with the prophecy in it.
 

"Then why wasn't he, Mom?" William asked.
 

"I was in love with Spike by then. You see, when Angel and I were together, we made a mistake. We…were intimate…"
 

"You had sex," William said.
 

"To put it bluntly, yes. That act released the curse on Angel turning him into Angelus, a very evil and destructive vampire. He killed Jenny Calendar, one of the teacher's here, who was Giles' girlfriend. He also tried to kill everyone close to me. Then one day he tried to create Hell on Earth. I went to fight him, while Willow and the rest tried to re-curse him. The curse worked, but not in time. I had to send Angel to Hell," Buffy said. She started to cry. "It was the worst moment of my life. I wanted to die."
 

Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy and kissed the top of her head. "Shh. I know. It wasn't your fault."
 

Buffy sniffed. "I know it wasn't my fault, just like it wasn't yours. Anyway, I ran away from Sunnydale. After several months in LA I met up with Spike. We got to talking, at the same time planning how we were going to kill each other. But it never came to that. I guess we sort of grew to like each other. A lot. I moved out of my room at the Y and into his apartment to save money. He stopped feeding on humans, using my blood instead as a ‘renewable resource.' My blood really packs a punch, he once told me. So, every few weeks I draw blood from myself and fill glasses which we keep in the refrigerator. Spike heats it up to body temperature in the microwave and, well, feeds."
 

William listened intently. He had never heard this story before.
 

"Spike and I also would work out together, keeping me in top condition. It's fun to beat up on Giles and all, but a sparring partner that I didn't have to hold back on is really nice. That's what we do in the basement. We fight."
 

"So that's what you guys were doing," William said. "The door was open the other night, and I went down and saw you two, but I didn't know what was happening."
 

"Actually, William, you broke the lock. Just something you get from your parents," Buffy smiled slightly. "To go on, during that time, Spike and I fell in love with each other. Don't ask me how or why, because I don't know. Angel was soon rescued from Hell and, because of the prophecy, we all ended back up in Sunnydale. Drusilla was here, trying to kill me, but Spike rescued me and staked her. Spike and I made up, moved back here, had you, and the rest is history."
 

William looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded his head. "Uncle Angel? Do you still love my mom?"
 

"Yes, William. More than life itself," Angel replied without hesitation.
 

Buffy looked up at Angel, surprised. "You do?"
 

"Of course I do. I also love you and Spike just as much," he said.
 

"Why do you love Spike?" William asked, curious. "After all, he doesn't have a soul."
 

"He's my childe."
 

"Your what?"
 

"My childe. My son. I sired him. I made him into a vampire over 220 years ago," Angel answered.
 

William didn't know how to respond to that.
 

 

 

 

 

Part Five
 

 

 

 

 

 

Spike walked alone on the streets of Sunnydale. This was a hazard for most humans, but Spike wasn't human. *That's right. I'm a bloody vampire.*
 

He felt his face shift into its demonic visage. A couple was walking towards him, hand and hand. He growled at them and they ran, screaming in fright. *Good humans. Run from the monster.*
 

Spike entered the graveyard and pulled out a stake, preparing to get to work any newly risen brethren. "C'mon, you bloody wankers. I'm itching for a fight."
 

Spike didn't have long to wait. Five vampires came out of the mausoleum entrance to the underground sewer system.
 

Spike grabbed the first one immediately and, with force from his pain, ripped his head off his un-dead shoulders. The vampire turned into dust. "Ok. Who's next?"
 

The vamps attacked. Spike kicked one away and the other three were on top of him, knocking the stake from his hand. Number two tried to pin his arms down, but Spike threw his head back, cracking the other vampire's nose at the same time as he used number two's grip to kick out both feet at numbers three and four.
 

Spike fell heavily to the ground as number two let go. He leapt to his feet in time to receive a punch from number one, who he had kicked away first. Blocking the second attempted punch, Spike let go with one of his own. Vampire number one flew back about ten feet.
 

Recovering from the dual kicks, vampires number three and four decided to tag team Spike. Coming up on opposite sides of him, they charged full tilt at the same time. Just before they were about to hit, Spike ducked, and they crashed into one another.
 

He let out a wicked laugh. "Is that all you got? My bloody Dru was a better fighter than you wankers!" Spike grabbed the stake that was knocked from his hand and plunged it into number two, who was still on the ground from the head butt. He instantly turned into dust.
 

While his back was turned, vamp number three tried to sneak up on him, but Spike saw his shadow in the moonlight. He swept his foot out, knocking the other vampire to the ground, and dusted him quickly.
 

Spike looked at vampire number four as he stood up. He tossed his stake from hand to hand, egging the other on. Little did Spike realize that, while he was battling the other vamps, number one had gone for reinforcements. Just as Spike staked his opponent, ten vampires plus the original one, all with their game faces on, came charging out of the mausoleum.
 

They ran at Spike like the defensive side of the Green Bay Packers. Spike was knocked to the ground, his stake once again flying from his hand. A very large, mean looking vampire picked Spike up by the shirt front with one hand. Spike tried to kick him, but the vampire holding him was too quick. He was thrown against the mausoleum wall, cracking the stone.
 

Two new vampires picked Spike up and held him between them. The large vampire walked up to Spike and cracked his knuckles. "So, my brother. You want to play rough?"
 

"I want you to play dead, you sod," Spike said, struggling against his captors.
 

The large vampire laughed. "Listen here, you little maggot, this is my territory. Any trespasser better swear his allegiance to me, or die."
 

"'Swear his allegiance'? What the bloody hell language are you speaking, mate? No one talks like that. And who gave you the authority to take over my territory?" Spike spat back defiantly.
 

"Your territory? Oh, that's really funny," the large vampire said. "And just who do you think you are, hmmm? Count Dracula?"
 

"My name is William the Bloody," Spike ground out between his fangs. "You may have heard of me referred to as Spike."
 

The large vampire paused and looked at Spike thoughtfully. "Spike? You don't say. I heard of you, Spike. You were a great master vampire. Killed two Slayers." The large vampire looked to his minions. "Hey, everyone. This here is Spike. You know, the one who killed two Slayers?"
 

The other vampires nodded and made sounds of recollection, smiling with their fangs. The large vampire looked back at Spike. "Yeah. Spike, the master vampire who killed two Slayers in his lifetime. THEN SHACKED UP WITH THE THIRD!"
 

Before Spike could blink, the large vampire started using him as a punching bag. Left hook. Right hook. Uppercut. Cross. To his face, his gut. Spike tried to bow over in pain, but the two on his arms were holding him too tightly.
 

 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

 

"Mom? Do you hear that?" William asked Buffy as they patrolled together.
 

Buffy stopped and listened, her Slayersense tingling, but she couldn't hear anything. "No. But there are some vampires around here. You must also have better hearing than I do."
 

William sniffed the air. "I smell blood. Lots of it."
 

"Oh, boy. And my Slayersense is going haywire. Let's follow your nose," Buffy said.
 

William nodded and led his mother into the cemetery. Buffy pulled out her cell phone as she followed, and used speed dial to connect with Angel. "Angel. Cemetery. William says he smells lots of blood."
 

William gestured for his mother to duck down as William peered around a large headstone. "I count about ten or eleven vamps. It looks like someone is getting beaten pretty badly by one very large dude."
 

"We need a plan. That's way too many to take on our own. We should wait for Angel," Buffy said.
 

"But by that time, whoever that vamp is using as his personal punching bag will be dead."
 

"When you're right, you're right," Buffy said, ruffling her son's hair. "Ok. A plan. Let's look in my magic slayer bag and see what we can find."
 

Buffy dug around and pulled out a two squirt guns filled with holy water. Next she pulled out a can of hairspray and a lighter. She finally handed her son several stakes, which he hid on his body.
 

"Ready?" Buffy asked, afraid for her son, yet exhilarated at the chance to pummel vampires.
 

"Ready, Mom," William said. The both crept quietly up to the group of vampires watching the action. Before anyone could say "boo," two turned into dust. The ones nearest turned to see what happened, but ended up with either a face full of holy water or flames.
 

The vampires injured started to scream, creating enough noise for the rest of the group to turn and spot Buffy and William. "C'mon, boys. Time to eat wood!"
 

Buffy expertly staked two vampires while William used his holy water guns to blind as many vamps as he could, since he was not trained in any form of fighting.
 

The large vampire stopped beating on Spike to see what was happening to his minions. One was on fire and was rapidly burning up, three were holding their faces in their hands because of the holy water and two were fighting with the Slayer. He turned back to Spike. "Hey, great master. Looks like your girlfriend came to play with me."
 

Spike barely heard him, his face was so beaten. He was on the verge of passing out from the pounding and the blood loss. "No," he croaked, struggling weakly against his captors.
 

The large vampire laughed evilly at Spike.
 

Further in the graveyard, William staked the three victims of his water gun and turned towards the large vampire. What he saw made his blood run cold.
 

"DAD!"
 

Williams saw red. He felt his face heat up and his hands clenched into fists. If anyone were to look at him, they would have seen his strange color eyes glow bright yellow.
 

With a roar, William charged at the large vampire. The vampire turned in time to see William's fist enter his chest and rip out his cold, un-dead heart. He looked up in surprise at William, then turned to dust.
 

William turned to the two vampires holding his father. They stood, petrified, after witnessing what had happened to their leader. He took two steps, and the vampires dropped Spike and ran.
 

Spike lay on the ground in a bloody heap, not moving. "Dad?" William said, kneeling down next to his father. He moved Spike and gasped at the extent of his injuries. "C'mon, Dad. I know you can't be dead. Talk to me."
 

Spike couldn't answer. He had long before surrendered himself into unconsciousness.
 

Buffy staked the vamps she was fighting and saw Angel running up. "Hey! What took you so long?"
 

"Giles' excuse for a car," Angel said. "Where's William?"
 

Buffy turned to look for her son, worried, and spotted him on the ground next to someone. "He's right there. Better get ready for a possible trip to the hospital," she said as they jogged over to her son.
 

Buffy heard her son before she saw him.
 

"Dad? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. I love you. You are the greatest Dad there is. I think it's cool that you're a vampire. How many kids can say that? And Mom loves you, too. She needs you as much as I do. Who's going to help me with my history homework. It's because of you I get A's. Little did I realize that you were alive during most of those times. I bet you could tell me some neat stories about Uncle Angel…"
 

Buffy let out a sob when she saw Spike. She collapsed on the ground next to her love, crying with all her heart.
 

William looked up at Angel. "Isn't there something we can do?"
 

"Yes. Your father needs blood. Cut your wrist and put it to his mouth and let him feed. I'll pull you away when I think he's taken too much," Angel replied.
 

William nodded and quickly cut his wrist. The blood ran down into Spike's mouth, who latched on reflexively and began to feed. Angel pulled him off a short time later, wrapping a strip of T-shirt around the injury.
 

Buffy did the same thing as William, cutting her own wrist and allowing Spike to drink her blood. She would have let him drain her dry, but Angel pulled her away, using the same care on his former love as he did on William.
 

Spike was still unconscious.
 

And Angel did what any father would do for their child- he slit his own wrist and allowed Spike to drink until he was close to passing out.
 

The three helped each other to stand, picked Spike up, and headed for home.
 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue
 

 

 

 

 

 

"Hey, Dad. How are you feeling?" William asked Spike from his perch on the edge of his parents bed.
 

"Been better. Been worse, too. Remind me to tell you about the time I spent in a wheelchair while Angel cavorted around with my Drusilla," Spike said.
 

It had been close to a week before Spike was well enough to speak. His injuries had almost completely healed, thanks to a vampire's rapid healing ability. While he was in bed, William spent all his free time sitting and talking to his father, about everything- from what was happening at school, to his fears about his newly found strengths, to helping his mother on patrol and training with her, Willow and Giles. He also apologized often for hurting his father.
 

"Maybe when you're completely well you can teach me some of your fighting moves," William said.
 

"Of course. It's not like your mother is really any good at fighting. I always beat her," Spike replied.
 

"It's good to humor him, William," Buffy said from the doorway. She joined them on the bed. "It makes it easier to get him to do stuff for you."
 

"Hey!"
 

Buffy and William both laughed as Spike began to tickle them.
 

Angel watched from the doorway, sketching them. The vampire. The Slayer. And the child created from both good and evil.
 

He placed the finished picture on the mantle, next to the one he drew of Spike with William as a baby.
 

Family. It didn't matter how different you really were, as long as you had each other.
 

 

 

 

 

The End

 

 

The Diary of William Giles Summer - Entry #1185

 

 

by Saber ShadowKitten
Unexpected Storyline: Part 6

 

Today, we buried my mother.
 

It was a simple, quiet funeral. It was held at night, of course, in the Sunnydale Cemetery. All of my honorary relatives were there. Grandma Joyce had died last year (see entry 791), which is a good thing. I don't think she would have kept her sanity if her daughter died before her.
 

And the way Mom died - it was horrible. Uncle Angel was the one who found her body. She had gone on patrol without Dad and had been attacked, but not by vampires. By ordinary humans. They shot her multiple times, then cut her up and removed several organs. They were harvesters - black market organ dealers.
 

It hurts, losing my mother. But I don't think I'm hurting nearly as much as my father. When Uncle Angel came over the other night, he and I had been sitting at the kitchen table, studying for my history test.
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Knock. Knock. Knock.
 

"Angelus! What brings you here this fine evening?" Spike said as he opened the door to his sire.
 

Angel didn't know how to break the news. He was still in shock himself, having just found Buffy. Or what was left of her.
 

"Um, Spike, William. I have some...er...bad news," Angel said, emotion starting to thicken his voice.
 

"What, Uncle Angel?"
 

"It's Buffy," Angel said.
 

"What about her?" Spike said quickly, anger and fear in his voice.
 

Angel looked at William then turned to Spike. "She's dead."
 

Spike stood immobile as what Angel said seeped into his brain. His face was a calm, human mask.
 

"D-dead?" William said. Tears began to run down his face.
 

Angel nodded sadly. His cursed soul felt as though it had been ripped in two.
 

Spike just looked at Angel, his face showing no emotion. "Well, I guess that's that," he said, and shrugged. "You win some, you lose some."
 

Angel and William both looked in shock at Spike's casual tone.
 

"Wh-what?" William asked through his tears.
 

"Hey, it's not like I had a curse on me or anything, like Angelus here," Spike said. With that, he turned and walked out the still open kitchen door.
 

William allowed himself to cry fully. Angel walked over and took the boy in his arms, his own bloody tears streaming down his face. "Shh. It'll be ok," he said. But of that, he wasn't sure.
 

After a few minutes, William calmed down somewhat and Angel released him. "Would you like me to call Giles and have him come over?"
 

William nodded.
 

Giles arrived as soon as he could, having already heard the news.
 

"Where's Spike?" he asked, his eyes still red and swollen from crying.
 

"I don't know. He took off about ten - fifteen minutes ago," Angel replied. Then he quietly briefed Giles on Spike's reaction.
 

"I think you better go after him," Giles said.
 

Angel nodded and turned to William. "Will you be alright here?"
 

"Yeah," William said morosely.
 

 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

 

It turned out to be easy to find Spike. He was sitting in the cemetery against the mausoleum wall, eyes closed, arms resting lightly on his bent knees.
 

"Spike?" Angel said quietly as he approached.
 

Spike opened his eyes. "What?"
 

Angel squatted down in front of his childe. "Are you ok?"
 

"Of course I am! Why the bloody hell wouldn't I be?"
 

"Spike..."
 

"Look, Angelus. I thank you for being there with William and his human emotions, but I don't need you. I'm a vampire, remember? A full-fledged demon. So, if you don't mind."
 

Angel shook his head sadly and stood. "Did Buffy mean nothing to you?"
 

Spike shrugged.
 

Angel became furious. "Then what the Hell were you doing with her? I loved her with all my heart and soul, but I stepped aside when she chose you! If you didn't love her, why didn't you let me?! She deserved it!"
 

"Oh, right. And let you win? After taking Dru from me?"
 

"WHAT?!" Angel's face changed to reflect his fury. "You were only with her because of THAT?"
 

Spike shrugged once again.
 

Angel grabbed Spike off the ground and slammed him up against the wall repeatedly. "How dare you!"
 

Spike allowed himself to be beaten, not really feeling anything.
 

"You didn't deserve her," Angel finally said, dropping him to the ground in a bloody heap before storming off into the night. Spike watched him go through swollen eyes, then answered quietly.
 

"You're right."
 

 

 

 

*****
 

 

 

 

Angel stayed with William over the next few days as preparations were made for Buffy's funeral. Spike never returned home.
 

The night of the funeral, grief stricken faces arrived at the Summers' residence. Each person present had loved Buffy completely and without regard for their own safety that came with being friends with the Slayer.
 

They all went together to the cemetery, walking slowly as if in a dream. Buffy's coffin had been buried earlier that afternoon, and the fresh dirt was a grim reminder of all the people turned vampire Buffy had slayed in life.
 

Giles cleared his throat. "I th-think we should begin this ceremony with the reminder that Buffy spent her life protecting others, and she lived much longer than any other Slayer in-in history. I am glad that she was able to have the, er, the happiness she longed for as a teenager, and she left a strong, handsome young man as her legacy -- her son."
 

Giles turned to William, who was standing next to Angel. "I know she was always proud of you."
 

William smiled, the tears streaming down his face. "Thanks, Grandpa Giles."
 

Each mourner took a turn speaking about Buffy. They were turning to leave when Spike appeared.
 

Angel's face morphed and he growled menacingly. "What do you want?"
 

The others looked at Spike with disgust as well, having been filled in by Angel about his callousness.
 

"I wanted to say my good-byes to Buffy," Spike responded dully.
 

"Like she really meant anything to you," Xander said with a sneer.
 

"C'mon guys, let's just go," Willow said sadly. "Just ignore him."
 

As one, they left the cemetery, never once looking back at Spike.
 

Spike ran his hand through his short blond hair as he watched the retreating figures, then he crouched down next to the fresh grave. He reached out and traced the letters on the headstone with one long finger.
 

Angel left the group, telling them he was going to make sure Spike didn't desecrate Buffy's grave. He silently approached and stood several feet away, behind a tall headstone, and waited.
 

"Slayer," Angel heard Spike say. "You were a great opponent. I have never met anyone better than you."
 

Spike laughed quietly as the memories of his first meeting with Buffy. "Even your mum had guts," he said. Then he inhaled the cool night air into his dead lungs, his eyes starting to fill with bloody tears.
 

"Damn it, Tiger. You weren't suppose to die like this. You were suppose to let me talk you into becoming a vampire...with a soul, of course...so we could be together forever."
 

The tears were running freely down Spike's face, his voice becoming thick. "Everyone hates me, love. I gave them good reason to, so don't worry your pretty little head. I didn't want them to know that I actually had feelings."
 

Spike choked up and started to sob, his face morphing into its demon form. Angel moved from the shadows and approached. "Spike?"
 

Spike heard Angel's voice and quickly stood up, turning away. "What do you want?" he said through his tears.
 

"I thought you didn't care," Angel replied.
 

Spike whirled to face him. "I loved her, ok! Me! A bloody demon! In love with a human! And you want to know why I was able to love her? That night, when I killed Drusilla at the library, the Slayer gave me a part of her soul."
 

Angel was stunned. He hadn't realized the true depth of Spike's pain. When Spike had lost Buffy, he had lost his soul, as well.
 

Spike started to leave, but Angel stopped him with an embrace.
 

"I'm so sorry, my childe," Angel whispered, holding Spike tightly.
 

Spike allowed himself to break down in his father's arms.
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Dad came home with Angel and hugged me tightly. He told me he was sorry about the way he acted. I immediately forgave him, of course. We each had to deal with the grief in our own way.
 

I guess it's up to us now. We need to live up to Mom's memory. After all, she was the greatest Slayer that ever lived.
 

She had to be. She got a vampire without a soul to love her.
 

 

 

The End

 

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