Chapter 5

Five Months Later in Madrid...

Thoughts of William the Bloody

Sodding hell. I don't know what's wrong with me. It seems no matter how far I seem to go, I can't escape her. First it was little things. Little, highly disturbing things, mind you- like dreams about her, all the bloody time. Then one night, I made a slip up with Harmony's name, while we were.... I tried to act as if it was nothing. But of course, I failed horribly.

"Oh Buffy..." I inadvertently murmured into her blond hair.

"Oh my god." she said calmly as she pulled away from me.

"What is it?"

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. I said- I said bunny. You know, a pet name like poodle or kitten or-"

"No. At first I thought it was just me. But you say her name often in your sleep. You dream about her all of the time, don't you!" she rightly accused. I distanced myself away from her by getting out of the bed.

"What are you yammerin' about? You're off your bloody nut is what you are!" I shot back.

"No, I'm not. Like every other night, I hear you moaning to yourself, and I would hear you say 'Schlayer' or what I assumed was 'Bunny,' but you've been saying Slayer and Buffy all along, haven't you?!" she said, completely outraged.

"Well, it's not like I can control my subconscious, luv." I spat derisively.

"Ppft. Yeah, your subconscious. But you were fully awake just now, Spikey; fully conscious. You have no right. You-"

"What does it bloody matter anyway? It's just a bloody fantasy. It doesn't mean anything. You talk about other blokes all the time and I never complain." I argued.

"Maybe not, but I never slept with any of them. But that mystery girl you slept with... Buffy?"

Instead of even bothering to answer, I reached for my lighter and pack of smokes, pacing as I lit up.

"Can I say eew? God Spike! What the hell were you thinking? She's a nobody. I mean, yea she's got cool super powers, but so do I. And at least I'm a natural blond. You could do so much better." she sneered. I stared at her long and hard before replying with carefully measured words. I said slowly (for impact and so she wouldn't miss anything)," You know what? You're absolutely right. I can do better- a helluva lot better. Good-bye, Harm." I finished as I hastily began redressing.

"But I- Spike! I didn't mean me!" she pleaded. She begged me not to leave her. I would have just dusted her and put the silly bint out of her misery, but it was just so damned funny! I told her she was now the lady of the villa and thus in charge. I left all of the minions with her. What the hell did I need them for? As long as I had the Gem, I didn't need anyone or anything else... Besides, they slowed me down with the whole "no sunlight" thing.

That was three months ago and I've been wanderin' around Europe ever since, and it's only gotten worse. Being the sexy bloke that I am (don't mean to brag, but a fact is a bloody fact), I've never had a problem with women- well, in my unlife anyways. I still don't currently. Go to a bar and they're all over me. But they're never good enough.

At first, I thought it was just some sorta insatiable appetite. But it wasn't that, it was her. And I was seein' her everywhere.

Five Months Later- The Slayer's Thoughts

So much has happened these past few months. Revelations and epiphanies, new relationships... Where to start? Well, a year and a half since the band candy incident, Mom and Giles finally got together- officially that is. At first, it was majorly weird, but they're happy. Plus I always thought of Giles as my father, type guy anyway, so I guess it makes sense.

Then there's Willow and her new, uh girlfriend Tara. At first I was relieved (cause it took all of the attention away from me and she was happy again). Everyone's okay with it. But it got pretty strained when Oz came back...

He found a way to cure himself- to keep the wolf inside. But when he found out, it was like he had no control over it. He was soon captured by those commando guys. That's when we found out the truth about them. The commando guys are actually Riley, Ms. Walsh and the Initiative- some secret government agency.

At that point, Riley and I had become somewhat close (not in a hot and heavy sort of way, but a serious, more than friendly friendship). I told him about the pregnancy and surprise, surprise, he didn't run away. But the whole Initiative thing kinda threw me. Oz being captured... Riley turned out to be way prejudice, border lining the lines of being a bigot. He helped Oz get out but ever since, his little "demon's are bad" speech, things have been pretty strained between us. Especially the whole part about me being the Slayer ( six months pregnant and I can still kick his ass with my eyes closed. So not good for the male ego). I decided on not telling him the truth about Spike and our child.

My "ass kicking days" are over temporarily. It would have been stupid for me to continue to patrol and risk hurting the baby. Besides, with the Initiative crew out and about, it's easier for the Scooby gang to help maintain the peace in the cemeteries.

But aside from all of the craziness, this has been the most amazing thing that's ever happened to me. To have this little person growing inside of me and to feel it moving inside of me... I don't know if it's a boy or a girl, yet. The baby was turned around so the doctors couldn't see. But I don't care, as long as it's healthy, and possibly not all "Grrr. Argh" coming out of the womb. Wouldn't do to scare the doctors. But I hope it has his eyes. He had the most beautiful eyes...

Six months since he left, and I often wonder if he's okay. Then I think "of course, cause he has the gem" but it's like I need to see for myself; I need to prove to me with my own eyes that he's okay. I know I sound crazy, but my hormones are all outta wack. Plus Giles seems to think that we accidentally bonded or mated or whatever. I wonder if he feels the same way about me...

I'm really sensitive and sometimes cry for no reason, or over stupid ones like when I accidentally broke one of my mom's plates. It' not like it was even the good china. My first few months into pregnancy, I was totally insane. I was tempted to go out and find him. But luckily, the gang was there to talk some sense into me.

Then sometimes, I think it's best that he doesn't come back. After all, it can only complicate things further. He probably wouldn't believe me anyway. But even so, I miss him all the same. I hate the fact that he's not here with me during all of this. But, chin up now. Gotta get in a happy mood. Willow and Xander planned me a surprise baby shower, and I have to act all surprised. Wouldn't want to disappoint.

2 days earlier...

Faith knew that when Buffy fought, she could get down right dirty if need be. The last time they fought, she ended up in a coma for a year. Faith was not going to make the same mistake twice. "An asleep slayer is a compliant slayer." Faith said to herself as she doused a rag heavily with chloroform. She had been staking out the Summers' home, and saw that the Slayer was indeed alone, and very much pregnant. But she still had slayer powers, and since she looked as if she was going to drop the kid at any moment, it shouldn't be too hard. Stealing Buffy's life and body should be a breeze.

"Oh yeah. Definitely five by five." she murmured to herself. She hid behind the large tree in front of the house and waited patiently for Buffy to come out.

****************

Buffy decided to wear her new baby blue jogging suit to the "meeting" at Giles' house. Meeting being code name for her surprise baby shower. She only got maybe five paces away from her porch steps before someone came up behind her and forced a foul smelling cloth over her nose and mouth. She thought of her unborn child as everything around her turned dark.

Faith half carried half dragged the unconscious slayer to a car she had stolen previously. She planned on taking her to one of the abandoned warehouses downtown. Just as she opened the door to the back seat of the car, she found herself sprawled on the asphalt from a strong blow to the back of her head.

10 minutes earlier

After ceremoniously rolling over the "Welcome to Sunnydale" sign, Spike decided to drive by 1600 Revello drive. But for some reason, he was oddly nervous. He decided to park the old DeSoto on 1500 Revello Drive and go for a stroll. He took a swig from his silver flask and headed towards the 1600 block of Revello. It was then that he noticed the dark haired girl lurking about the Summers' home.

Well, well. Looky what we have here he thought. Whatever the bird is doing there, it can't be good. He continued to observe her as she observed the house before finally taking her place on the side of the tree. A few minutes later, his Slayer came out of the house in her golden... Bloody hell! She's pregnant! Spike felt a pain constrict his heart at this.

"Son of a bitch." he said quietly. Now he definitely had to put offin' that Parker bloke on his agenda. Before he had the chance to have anymore gory, murderous thoughts of tipping out the boys entrails, the lurky bint crept out from her hiding spot and but something over Buffy's face, causing her to pass out.

"Shit." he muttered as he stealthily crept closer. The dark haired bitch then proceeded to drag the pregnant Slayer towards some car. That was when he made his move. He crept closer with the stealth only a master vamp could acquire. When close enough, he punched her hard in the back of her head, causing her to cry out and fall to the ground.

"Now, just what the hell do you think you're doing? When the Slayer comes to, she'll probably be mightily pissed, I'd wager."

Though her head hurt like hell, Faith picked herself up from the ground and faced her attacker.

"Who the hell are you? Some Billy Idol reject?"

"Hey, no need to insult. Just thought I should warn you, if you go against the Slayer and hers, you'll lose. Especially now that I've signed up for the team."

"Yeah, well I don't much care. Besides, I've got no reason to be afraid of B. Especially the state that she's in now."

"Ya know what? I'm through talking." he advanced upon her with a hard left that she blocked, then kicked him hard in the torso. He briefly stumbled, blocked her raised knee and hit her hard in the chest with the palm of his hand. The action stunned her and she backed off.

"What pet? Big bad scare ya?" she gave him a scornful look before she ran in the opposite direction. He didn't give chase, however. There were more pressing matters at hand.

"Buffy? Buffy luv?" her pulse was still steady and strong. There didn't appear to be any damage. But because of her condition, he didn't want to take any chances. He carefully picked her up and walked back to his car. He was taking her to the hospital. As he carried her, he felt this strong sensation inside of him; something was calling to his demon. He pushed the strange feeling aside and continued his jog down the block to his car.

******************

Giles' Flat

"Giles, she should have been here by now. I mean, I know she's only twenty minutes late but-"

"Well since she's late anyway, can we start eating now? Just because she's late, we shouldn't have to starve." Anya rudely interrupted Willow.

"Well maybe she's just taking awhile because she couldn't decide on what to wear. You know how she's always going on about looking fat." Xander commented.

"Besides, Mr. Giles. I know its dark out, but the streets are relatively safe, what with the Initiative capturing the hostiles." Riley said.

"I think that I'll just call the house and see if she's left yet." Joyce said in a voice that attempted to downplay her concern.

"Well if she's not here in another ten minutes, I'll drive around." Giles said.

"She's not home. No one answered." Joyce said in a cross between dejection and happiness. The uncertainty of whether Buffy was okay or not left her feeling indecisive.

"It'll be all right I'm sure. I'll go look for her now." Giles said, kissing Joyce on the forehead before heading out.

"I hope so." Joyce whispered to herself as he closed the door.

******************

"So she'll be alright then?" Spike asked the doctor.

"Yes. There were no injuries. Whatever it was that knocked her out, my guess chloroform, won't cause any damage. The baby is fine. She should be awake in the next hour or so. Are you the father?" Spike visibly wilted at the question before putting on a false smile.

"No, just a close friend of the family. Mind if I go in and sit with her until she wakes?"

"Oh sure. Is there anyone I can call?" the bleached haired man appeared nice enough, but the doctor felt it best to have an actual member of the patient's family.

"Um yeah. I'll call in a moment." Spike went to check on the sleeping slayer first. She looked so peaceful lying there. Then he felt it again- some invisible force pulling at his demon. He ignored it again as he stared intently at her rounded belly. He was fascinated by it yet upset at the same time.

Oh, if only.... he thought to himself.

He reached out a tentative hand and let it hover over her stomach. The invisible force appeared to grow stronger. When he finally made contact with his open palm, the feeling became stronger and refused to be ignored. He gave a loud audible gasp. The feelings coursing through him were indescribable. His demon was filled completely with elation. Tears of joy and shock streamed down his face as he made the physical, mental and demon connection.

"Oh god, it's mine. It's mine." he said hoarsely as he burst into sobs.

**************

Buffy awoke to harsh white lights shining in her eyes. As she attempted to get her bearings, she felt the presence of the silent figure next to her before said person gently grasped her hand.

"Are you alright?" she turned her head and was convinced that she was either dreaming or hallucinating.

"You're not here." she said as she desperately hoped she was wrong.

"Sorry to disappoint." he said with a sad grin.

"No, not disappointed. Just shocked and... where am I?"

"Hospital."

"Why? What happened?"

"Some chit tried to kidnap you. Knocked you out with a dose of chloroform. Bloody strong too."

"Is, is my baby okay." she said, locking eyes with him.

"S'fine. It'll be just fine." he said solemnly, returning her stare. As she gazed at him, she knew that he knew.

"How'd you find out?" she asked.

"Why, were you gonna tell me?" he said, the hurt showing on his face. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"I didn't know where you were. I wanted to find you but.... I'm sorry." she said quietly.

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been such a wanker and left in the first place."

"But I told you to go."

"Doesn't matter. Besides, I'm usually never good at following orders." she gave him a small smile in response.

"But no worries, luv. You're stuck with me now." he said.

"I'm glad. But, how did you know about the baby being..." she trailed off.

"Damnedest thing. Um, my demon could feel the baby's- demon. We were.. almost like connecting I guess. It's a similar sensation that I have when I'm with my uh, family." she remained quiet and continued to stare at him.

"What? You expectin' me to do a trick or something?" he said more nervous than sarcastic. She reached up and cupped hi cheek.

"No, it's just that I missed you." she replied softly. He removed her had and gently kissed her knuckles and then her palm.

"Missed you too pet. Missed you everyday."

Chapter 8

About an hour later, Giles arrived back at his apartment expecting the "expecting" Slayer to be there. To his dismay, the gang had not heard from her yet.

"Rupert, I'm really worried. Something must have happened. Otherwise, she would be hear by now." Joyce said, wringing her hands nervously. Before anyone else could get a comment in, Riley was on his cell phone.

"Yeah, I want the location of one Buffy Summers. About five foot three, long blond hair, and six months pregnant. Leave no stone unturned. Check the hospitals too." he whispered the last sentence. Unfortunately, it didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh god, Giles!" Willow started.

"Now wait. Let's all stay clam." Giles said, though inside he was a wreck.

"My people should be calling me back in a few minutes. If they don't come up with any- " Riley was interrupted by the shrill ring of his cell. Everyone was deathly silent as they awaited the news.

"Yeah. I'm on my way." he finished. They all watched him closely as he remained quiet with a pensive look on his face.

"Well come on Riley! The suspense is killing me. Figuratively speaking of course." Anya interjected.

"She's in the hospital. But she's okay." he added quickly.

"Good lord. How'd she get there?" Giles asked.

"I don't know. Some guy brought her in. They're there now."

"Well come on. Let's rock and roll down to the hospital." Everyone looked at Xander for his totally lame comment.

"Well, driving could be good too." he quickly amended.

************************

Giles and Joyce decided it would be best if the others waited in the lobby until they mad sure everything was okay. they agreed, albeit reluctantly. Joyce rushed in ahead of Giles. Her audible gasp made him fear the worst.

"Mom?"

"Hello Joyce."

Giles tentatively stepped into the room. He knew the first voice was that of Buffy's, and he was relieved that she was okay. But the familiar sound of the second, male, British voice was the one that troubled him.

" 'ello, Rupes." Spike said.

God, please deliver us from this evil... Giles thought.

"Spike, what are you doing here?" Giles asked tersely.

"Came to see the Slayer of course. But then, there was a lil' bit of a fight."

"Buffy, you were fighting?! Spike how could you? Especially in her condition and-" Joyce ranted.

"No mom. I was sleeping the sleep while Spike was fighting the fight against my attacker. I was unconscious." she clarified.

"From the description Spike gave me, I think that it was Faith."

"Faith? But she's in a coma. How can you be sure?" Giles blustered.

"Besides the description, she referred to me as 'B', if that helps at all." Buffy said.

"Wait a minute. You didn't see her?" Joyce asked.

"No, she came up behind me and knocked me out with chloroform."

"Yeah, see then I stepped in and-"

"Then? Only after she's attacked you step in? How courteous of you to let the lady strike first." Giles said snidely.

"No. I didn't know what the bint was gonna do, did I? 'Sides, I was taken aback by the large beach ball stuffed up the Slayer's shirt." he said sarcastically.

"Look, I know you don't like Spike being here" Buffy said addressing Giles," but he is the father. And if he hadn't been there tonight, god knows what would've happened." she finished pointedly.

"So, what exactly are you saying Buffy? Is Spike here to fulfill his fatherly duties, or does his interest lie solely in you?" Giles asked. Buffy scrunched up her face in confusion.

"Hello. Sittin' right here, Watcher." Spike said.

"What about Riley?" Giles continued.

"What about the blighter? Hey, who the hell's Riley? And what kind of a poofy name is that?" Spike ask Buffy.

"Well, I think that it's good that Spike is here. Riley is a nice guy, but he isn't the father. This baby is going to have to deal with things that only Spike and I could teach it. Besides, Buffy and Riley were never romantically involved. You can pretty much write it off as a friendship anyway." Joyce commented.

"Joyce, he won't take this lying down. Though I know Buffy doesn't love him, he indeed loves her." Giles said.

"What? Who told you that?" Buffy asked.

"He did, of course. He felt it necessary to have some sort of man to man talk with me. I think he wanted... my blessing?" Giles said.

"Yeah, well, his services are no longer need. So you can just tell 'em to piss off. Right luv?" Spike said to Buffy. She rubbed at her eyes irritably.

"Spike, when has it ever been that easy?" Buffy said tiredly.

Chapter 9

Thoughts of Riley Finn- 2 Weeks Later...

I can't believe it! No one in their right mind would do such a thing. The hostile must have contaminated her in some way. After all, they did share blood, and god knows what that would do to you.

Two weeks ago, my life became a living hell. Buffy totally gave me the brush off; as if all of our time together could've been chalked up to a mere "friendship." It was more than that. I never felt that way about anyone before... That vampire must have put her under some sort of a thrall. I mean, why else would she sleep with that thing?

Thoroughly concerned she was under some sort of hypnosis, I decided that I had to save Buffy from herself. It's not like I'm the only one who sees how wrong this is. Xander and Giles feel just as I do. Though Giles never says it verbally, his silence is much louder than words. Xander just sticks to his usually quippy comments, but I can read between the lines. That was when I decided to form a plan to stop the insanity. However before I did, I decided to do what any man would do. I went to a bar to drown my sorrows. That was when I met her...

A true goddess; my dark haired angel. We met a week after the bleached moron debacle. At first, it was probably just the excessive liquor talking, but everything just came pouring out of me- demons, Buffy, the Initiative, Buffy's demon child (obviously, I was drinking a alot). In fact, she knew Buffy. As it turns out, she's a Slayer too. I knew that whole "I'm the only one" was just ego on Buffy's part. Anyway, she told me that Buffy was endangering herself and those around her because she was possessed. She said she just came in from L.A. to put a stop to it all. She explained how no one could know she was there, or Spike would probably try to kill her, or even Buffy because of the spell or whatever. But I couldn't believe it. Buffy could never be that far gone (could she?), but I kept the secret anyway. Something happening to Faith is something that I can not allow.

I just became so taken with her. Four days after we met, we made love, and I was hooked. These past three days have been the best of my life. She is the best of everything. When we were first together, she was hesitant- so innocent and pure. I made sure to be extra gentle. She seemed confused at first and asked what did I want from her. I told her I wanted nothing, but just to hold her. Her eyes became a little watery. I thought she would cry, but she held it back. Then the next day, she was business gal. I love that about her! How she can push the emotions away and get to the problem at hand. I was thinking of bringing her into the Initiave, but she said that now was not the time.

She had the most brilliant plan- to have the Initiative capture Spike. Once he's out of the way, Buffy wouldn't be under his influence and easier to decontaminate. Also, we would be able to see how it's possible for he, a vampire, can walk into the sun and create a child.

Though I still love Buffy, maybe it would be best if we were just friends. After all, Faith respects me, cares about me and believes in me. Besides, with Buffy having the spawn of a demon inside of her all of that time, I fear that I may already be too late...

And this is how,
you remind me
Of what I really am
This is how,
you remind me
Of what I really am

~Nickelback~

5 Days Later...

Two weeks ago, things were perfect. For the time being, spike stayed at our house (though Giles feared for our safety. He often had my mom stay over at his house, keeping her "busy" with things I so don't wanna know). Two days after I was released from the hospital, we became intimate again, and again, then intimate some more... Oh come on let's face it; he's totally hot and the pregnancy's made me all horny- but only for him. Up until five days ago, my life resembled close to a utopia. Well, for a slayer anyway.

Spike began helping the gang out on patrols and stuff. Then we started going over baby names. William Rupert Wordsworth if it's a boy ( yeah, Wordsworth I know. Sounds really uptight), or Joan Constance Summers if it's a girl ( Constance was his mother's name). But soon after, things went straight to hell all because I had to question him. It started out innocently enough but...

"So, how exactly do you curb your urges to go hunting?"

"Well, there's many answers to that pet. Helping your Scoobies out with slaying gets rid of all of the pent up energy to kill, especially with the more challenging demons. And I told you, I only go for the challenge. Killing weak, insipid humans day after day is in no way a challenge. 'Sides, I can get human blood when I nick blood bags from the hospital."

"Well yea. But don't you just miss-"

"Hey, look at me." he said with his eyes full of... I couldn't tell. "'S not the only reason. Because of you I couldn't- I've known for a long time now that if I were to go back with the killing of innocents and what all, it would hurt you. Honestly I don't give a sod about bloody humans. Well, 'cept you obviously, and Joyce, the lil' bit and maybe Red... Anyways, I wouldn't hurt you 'cause I love you."

"What?" something I've been waiting to hear, but I still couldn't fully comprehend it. Seep down, I knew he cared, and that I could trust him with my life and the people around me. But I was too damned stuck on the "no soul" thing. I was a fool. I should have known better. I do now, but now may be too late.

"What what? 'Bout me loving you?"

"Spike, it's not possible."

"What? well 'scuse me. Am I not supposed to have real feelings just because I don't have a soul? Is that it then! Just because bloody Angelus was a crazy, psychotic bastard, I have to be one too then?"

"That's not what I meant."

"You know, I feel bloody sorry for you. Jesus, you'd think that after all this time and from first hand experience that you can always trust what I say. I was never the one to shy from the truth. And there's many shades of gray. I'm one of them. Always have been, always will be."

"I didn't mean for it to come out like that. Can we please just forget about it?"

"No. Don't feel much like cuddling anyway. Why should I? I don't have feelings after all."

"Spike wait. Spike!"

But he left anyway. I figured it was just to blow off some steam, and when he came back, I would apologize properly to him. Tell him I was wrong because I was. Spike has been atypical since we first met. And if he says he honestly loves me, then I believe him. When he first said it, he caught me off guard. Or maybe subconsciously I was picking a fight on purpose. On purpose because I know that I love him too (though I've said nothing to him or anyone), but I'm just afraid that somehow my love for him will be turned against me. But it doesn't matter. He didn't come back that night, and hasn't been back since.

Though I haven't seen Riley in awhile, I figured maybe the Initiative could help look for him. But then I came to my senses and decided to think of a better, less life threatening of Spike plan.

I asked Willow and Tara to do a locator spell , and it kept landing in this one spot close to the campus. But he obviously wasn't there.

"Well, maybe someone managed to get the ring off of him and dusted him there." Anya said. She thought she was helping! I couldn't stop crying for over an hour at that horrific thought. But then I surpassed the hormones and pulled myself together. Spike would never be so careless. He was still alive. I could feel it. But then why would...

"Willow, can you see on your computer just how far the Initiative spreads out?" Willow nodded her head in agreement.

"What are you thinking Buffy?" Giles asked.

"The locator spell. Maybe Spike is in that spot. But not above ground..."

Anyone who had a heart, Would look at me And know that I love you. Anyone whoever dreamed, Would look at me And know I dream of you... Knowing I love you so- Anyone who had a heart Would take me In her arms and love me too... ~Luther Vandross~

5 days earlier...

"That bloody bint! How could she even think that- of course I feel. Of course I meant it. Soddin' Angelus just had to ruin everything, doesn't he?! I wasn't the one with the sick mind games. Just cause he's a bastard doesn't mean that I'm one too. Bollocks. It's not like I meant to fall for you! Why don't you jus' rip out my heart, Slay- Aaah!"

"Hostile is now incapacitated. We are now in position to move."

"Alright, let's bag and tag and move out."

Well, what can I say? I was piss drunk. Didn't hear those soldier boys creepin' up behind me; didn't know what the hell happened when they zapped me in the back. Wankers. Can't a bloke just mope about drunkenly bout his woman? If you're a vamp, guess not. Now I'm stuck in this bleeding cell. They sedated me, but I was still vaguely aware of what was happenin' to me. They kept trying to cut into me. But every time they tried, the cut would seal back up before you could say "bloody hell." They thought I was some sort of a "demon messiah." But then I got to thinkin', what if they strip me of everything? Then the open/close wound thing wouldn't work on me anymore and I'd be another lab rat. So as soon as they put me back, I swallowed the ring. It's not like they'd be able to cut me open long enough to get it out, even if they knew it existed. But it didn't matter, cause next time the fuckers opened the door, I was gonna escape. Wouldn't want to keep the little lady waiting.

Chapter 11

"Okay. Explain this to me slowly. Agent Forrest, Agent Finn, and Agent Graham- you are my most competent soldiers. I expect the others to follow your example. I trust you with my most important assignments. So, how exactly did Hostile seventeen manage to elude you, my supreme officers and their team?" Professor Walsh said to the three shame faced men.

"Professor Walsh, he fooled the doctors into thinking he was drugged. Then he used Winters and Andrews as shields, so we didn't have a clear shot to tase him." Riley replied

"Yeah, and it's not like he had a chip or anything. He could've killed any one of us and-"

"But he didn't. Do you understand how important he was to me? To this entire operation?" Walsh said cutting off Forrest's explanation.

"I want him back, and I want him back now." she said with finality as she stormed away.

"This totally sucks, man. With that much of a head start, and no tracking device, it could be anywhere." Graham said dejectedly.

"Not this time, guys. I know exactly where it's going." Riley said eerily happy.

********************

"Buffy, you're right. The Initiative is pretty big. He's probably been down there all along." Willow said.

"Well, we have to go down there. We have to go down there. We have to go down there now." Buffy said frantically.

"Buffy, do calm down. There's no way we can get down there this very moment. We have no idea what's down there and I for one do not want to be shot." Giles said.

"But Giles, we're running out of time; Spike's running out of time." she said with the beginnings of a pout.

"I agree with G-Man, err uh, Giles. Only if we had a friend to help us infiltrate into their system... oh wait! We do." Xander said sarcastically.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea, Xand. Riley and I have kinda been on the outs since we "broke up" or whatever."

"But, if he is there, then wouldn't Riley know by now? Ya know, since he's there everyday and is one of the like, head soldiers or whatever. I mean, who knows, maybe he even orchestrated the entire capture in a horrible fit of jealousy. I've seen it happen many a time in vengeance days." Anya said thoughtfully; glad that she could contribute to the conversation. Everyone looked pensive for a moment, letting the information marinate into their thoughts.

"No, but Riley wouldn't- would he?" Buffy asked more to herself than the others.

"I mean, he just seems so honest and non-vindictive. And not so much with the big evil secrets." Willow said.

"Well, the point of a secret is to keep it a secret, Will." Xander pointed out.

"Yeah, and- and it is plausible. I mean, since he was, I mean prejudice of demons. And the, the thought of losing you to a vampire probably sent him over the green edge of jealousy." Tara said. Buffy's face slowly began to harden at this new revelation.

"Well if that's true, then I am so gonna hurt him." she said determined.

Before anyone else could comment, they were all interrupted by someone hastily coming through Giles' door.

"You need to give me asylum." Spike said while still facing the door, appearing to try to compose himself.

"Spike? Oh god, what happened to you?" Buffy said as she ran up to him and flung herself at him.

"Hey, luv. Didn't suspect you to be here. S'not safe. Soldier boys are after me."

"So, you decided to come here and endanger me?" Giles asked.

"Well, yeah. But also 'cause I need a bit of help. Lousy bastards been trying to poke and prod at me. But thanks to my trusty gem, they couldn't cut me." he said triumphantly. Buffy breathed a sigh of relief and glanced down at his hand to admire his mystical savior, and saw that it wasn't there.

"Spike, did you drop it or something? It's not here."

"Well no, it is here. Just not on me anymore. It's inside of me. I swallowed it just in case of a really dire situation." he explained.

"But I mean, will it still work?" Buffy questioned.

"Well, appears that way, since, its blinding sunlight all around out side and I'm not a blowin' in the wind."

"Now, when you said the soldiers were following you, are they on their way here now?"

"Oh, um no. I lost them ways back. But you never know."

"Well, unless one of the soldiers was Riley and therefore knowing exactly where Giles and Buffy live." Anya added.

"Oh yea. That bloody bastard was there right along with 'em, trying to electrocute me and such." Spike said. Buffy's grip instinctively tightened on him.

"Oh, that's it. I am so gonna-"

"Hold on there, pet. That's not exactly the smartest or safest thing to do." Spike said as he lightly grasped her hips.

"Buffy, as crazy as this may sound, but Spike is right. The type of manpower they have, and the uh, condition that you're in," Giles paused as he briefly cleaned his glasses. " I think the best solution is to go far, far away from here."

"But Giles, I never run away from-"

"If you want your child as well as yourself safe, you'll do as I say."

"But they're not even after me, Giles. Why do I have to leave?"

His typically, stubborn, pseudo daughter. She surely isn't going to like what I'm going to say he thought wearily.

"Not yet, but they could be. Riley knows that Spike is the father of your child. If he's alarmed the others at the Initiative that... It's not safe, for either of you here. Here as in Sunnydale." he finished a bit more harshly than he intended.

"Well, if that's the case, shouldn't we all make ourselves a bit more scarce around too? I mean, I for one don't wanna be captured and tortured just so those idiot soldiers can find out where Buffy and Spike are. That would be highly unpleasant." Anya said.

"Well, Riley knows where we all live, except for Xander. What are we gonna do, Giles?" Willow asked worriedly. And then the gears in Giles' mind quickly began turning as he formulated a plan; a highly feasible plan that worked itself out in more ways than one. The tiniest hint of a Ripper like grin appeared on his face before he said, " Well, we could always..."

" Of all of the bloody places on the bleeding planet, why the hell did we haveta go there?" Spike said as he harshly gripped the steering wheel.

"Because it's like a safe haven. It's all full of safeness. None of the people after know where it is, and extra muscle is always of the good." Buffy explained cheerfully.

"I don't want you anywhere near Peaches muscle. Ever." he said as glared steely at the road in front of him. He'd been in a pissy mood ever since they left. She didn't know that he felt that threatened. She gingerly placed her hand on his arm.

"Spike, pull over please." He gave a sigh of exasperation and did as she asked, mentally preparing himself for the lecture he was so sure he was getting.

"Look, we haven't had much time to talk since we left, and considering the way we left things the last time we saw each other... I just wanted you to know that I'm- I'm sorry." she said as she began to fidget with her hands. He looked at her with a quite puzzled _expression.

"Whatever for, pet?"

"It's just, I got so scared when you- and I didn't want to- and I was just understanding how I- but you see how I mean, 'cause-"

"Well actually I don't. Mainly 'cause I didn't catch one soddin' sentence. Mind backin' up a bit and actually completing a thought?" he said in a teasing voice. She gave him a slight glare before continuing.

"I'm sorry for being scared at your admission to loving me, and the fact of the matter is, I was just plain scared of, scared of realizing that I love you back." she said, resuming to look down at her lap.

"Buffy-"

"No, let me finish. I also thought it would be a good idea if I mentioned that you have nothing to worry about. Angel is so in the past. He'll always be in my heart, but I think it's fair to say that I have definitely moved on." she said as she gave her belly a gentle pat.

"But Buffy, you don't know how possessive he can be. He doesn't know about you, me, and the bit. This whole thing might cause him to go round the bend several times over. I mean, it would have been easier if we could've called or something. Bloody phone taps." he muttered. He then reached into the glove compartment and took a generous swig from his flask.

"He's gonna throw it in my face, and yours bout how I'm evil, don't have a soul; how I'm all unbroody and unrepenting for my sins... Blah di blah... Then he'll probably try and stake me."

"You know I won't allow that to happen. I mean, attempting to kill the father of my child would totally piss me off. And an angry Buffy is a totally insane and therefore irrational Buffy. Especially with the added hormones."

"Yea. Just hope you and Rupes are right." he said as he began to shift gears.

"I just hope they're all okay."

**********************

Summer's Residence

"Sorry Ri, but looks like they cleared out. And no one's at the Giles residence either." Forrest said.

"Damn it! Where the hell are they!" Riley slowly wiped his face in a attempt to calm himself.

"If we don't find them, Maggie's gonna have all of our asses." Graham said.

"Well, they didn't just disappear. They have to be somewhere." Riley said, looking around as if they would just pop out of the walls.

"Where do we start?" Forrest asked.

"I think I might have a lead. You guys go do recon at the campus. I have to go check something out." Riley said as he headed out. Faith's bound to know something he thought.

**********************

Xander's Basement

"Do you think they got away okay?" Willow asked.

"I'm sure they did. Besides, when Giles gives us the word, we'll meet 'em up there." Xander said.

Giles' plan was to send Buffy and Spike to the Hyperion for their own protection while he and Joyce took a trip to merry old England to see one Quentin Travers. The others were to wait at Xander's place.

"Somehow, I just don't see this plan working. The Council's main purpose is to rid the earth of demons. But with a whole agency of demon hunters, why would the Council feel obligated to stop them?" Anya asked.

"Well, you've never seen Giles in his 'Angry Ripper' mode. Quite intimidating. Plus with angry mom Joyce, their case should prove worthy." Willow said.

"Yea, and besides, once they bring up the whole 'threatening the line of the slayers' with their weirdo scientist tests schemes, that should surely piss off the Council. Their main concern may to be to rid the earth of demons and such, but their main priority is of the Slayers, and their part in saving the world. Pretty much broken down to ego." Xander explained.

"Well, now that that problem's temporarily outta the way, what about Spike?"

"What about him Ahn?" Xander said dismissively.

"Well it's just, I don't think that Angel's gonna take his presence in his home too well. Especially with an impregnated Buffy." Xander thought this over briefly before saying, "Dead boys will dead boys with their crazy pissing contests. Or would it be blood contests?"

Chapter 13

Author’s note- I’m pretending as if Angel’s in his second/third season, while Buffy’s still in S4. You’ll see.

Riley's Dorm

"Hey shotgun. Where ya been?" Faith asked in a coquettish voice.

"Not now, Faith. They're gone." he said, his voice full of frustration.

"What?"

"Buffy, the vampire, her friends, Giles, they're all gone- not at his apartment, dorms, her house..."

"Well, I say party all around. What exactly is the problem? Now the only Slayer you haveta worry 'bout is me." she said as she got up and walked towards him seductively.

"No, you don't understand. Professor Walsh says-"

"God, what is with you and that old bag? All I here is 'Professor Walsh' this and 'Professor Walsh' that. What is she, your keeper? And when ya do take a breather from quoting the 'Almighty' Walsh, all you talk about is Buffy." she yelled.

"Look, they were a very important study. I mean, a vampire that can go out into the sun for christ sakes! And Buffy with her demon child?! How can we possibly ignore that?" he said, trying desperately to reason with her.

"Oh, I think that should be very easy..." she said as she cupped his groin.

"Faith, I thought you would be more than happy at bringing them down." he said in a husky voice, all the while attempting to keep his thoughts focused.

"Well right now, I'm more concerned with bringing someone else down..."

It took Riley a moment before he righted himself and pushed her away again.

"No, business now. Professor Walsh would not be pleased. This is a business, Faith. And I have to do my job. It's expected of me. Maggie trusts me to do my assignment. And I'm sorry, but you'll just have to wait." he said with a pleading look of understanding on his face.

Faith just sneered at him, feeling disgusted with herself for feeling anything for him at all. He was just a live vibrator after all.

"Yea, right. You know what, I'm tired of playing second fiddle to those two bitches. See ya around,soldier." she said as she spun quickly on her heel.

"But Faith-" he started as he grabbed her arm.

"Don't touch me!" she yelled as she knocked him into the wall and ran off. Riley let out a large sigh as he contemplated his days events. He couldn't find the hostile, the slayer, and worst of all, Faith had run out on him. On top of that, Maggie would have his head.

"Damn." he muttered as he finally went after his dark angel.

The Hyperion

"Hello, Peaches. Glad to see- ow! Bloody hell, you ponce!" Spike yelled in outrage. As soon as he came through the door, Angel punched him in the nose. After righting himself, Spike immediately returned the favor.

"Hey, hey! Stop it. Angel, Spike, stop it." How does he already know about us? Buffy thought as she stepped between them. Which was a bold move, considering.

"Oh, sorry, I've just been in a foul... Buffy, what happened?" Angel said as he stared intensely at her belly. The broodiness was now on full overload.

"Well, gee, and you'd think something like that would be obvious." Spike said sarcastically.

"So, you don't know the story?" Angel slowly shook his head at her and eyed her in confusion.

"Well, then why did you hit Spike?"

"Well, cause it's Spike and I was angry. And why did you think I hit Spike?"

"Hey Angel, what's all the - geez, Buffy? Oh god, you're - Spike?! What the hell are you doing here?!" Cordelia said as she glanced wide eyed at them.

"Hey, Cordy. How ya been?" Buffy asked nonchalantly.

"Fine, and what have you been up to? Or whom?" she returned.

"Yeah, Buffy. Care to explain your condition and why you decided to drop by with the bleach wonder no less?"

"Sure, fine, but cliff's note version only, and I think you all might want to sit down." Buffy said as she headed for one of the couches. Angel glared at his child. He had a sneaking suspicion where this was going. He could smell them all over each other. He could feel that at any moment his demon was going to snap from all of the pent up anger.

*****************

Angel just couldn't wrap his brain around it. The entire situation was insane. And to top it all off, the whole Dru/Darla thing was the icing to the Angel torment cake. He didn't know exactly how he was able to sit still during Buffy's little tale with frequent interjections from Spike. But once they were done, he promptly lunged for the younger vamp and began to hit him mercilessly. The ladies were smart enough to stay back, but yelled for him to stop the entire time.

He just couldn't stand the unfairness of it all. He was the one who killed his own sire for the greater good. He was the one repenting for his sins with a cursed soul for a hundred years, yet one slip up and he gets sent to hell by his first love. And just when he thinks he's just being paranoid, the Powers That Be prove him wrong. They indeed have been screwing with his mind. Oh, it was terribly obvious now- bringing back Darla, as a human, no less, just so she could be dying from a disease that caused her to be a vampire in the first place. Then for him to be forced to watch as Dru makes her a creature of the darkness once again. But for Buffy to come waltzing in with Spike (who is now invincible), carrying the child of his childe... all he could see was red. And his hits were pointless anyway. Anytime he broke skin, it just healed right back up. For Spike of all creatures to be able to created life with- and to be able to walk out into the sun whenever he damned well pleased... It was all too much.

"You lousy- son of a- bitch!" Angel yelled as he punched him repeatedly in the face. Spike finally had enough and grabbed his hands.

"I don't think that my mum or Dru would 'preciate that very much. Are you done yet? It's not like you can hurt me." he said with no hint of sarcasm. Though Spike didn't know of the happenings of Darla, he figured the blow about he and Buffy was good enough reason to let Angel get his frustrations out on him. He didn't really have a grudge against him anymore. Being with Buffy made him far happier than Dru ever did, so in his mind the score was settled. He had the Slayer and was happy- Angel wasn't. And he wondered if he ever would be.

Chapter 14

Watcher's Council Headquarters

"Damn it, Quentin! Don't you see what's happening? Sure, it may be good that they are taking care of the demon population, even though their motives are highly questionable, but now they are after the slayer- my slayer." Giles said in exasperation.

"Yes, a problem indeed. However you forget, Rupert. You and your charge quit the council well over a year ago." Travers said in slowly in a very infuriating way.

"That may be true, but even though we officially quit the council, we still fulfill the duties of a slayer and her watcher. We fight the good fight. Every night she's out there- still risking her life and gaining nothing in return. She may have quit the council, but she did not by any means quit her destiny, which now lay in grave danger, mind you, by these scientists who question her mere ability of existence." Giles felt it necessary to leave out that Buffy was pregnant with a notorious vampire's child. And though she had not patrolled lately, it helped in her credibility that she was still actually performing the duties of her job.

"Quentin, if they get a hold of her, then who will be your slayer then? You can't find Faith, and if they get a hold of Buffy, I can assure you they will more than likely keep her alive for testing purposes, which would leave you without an active slayer who isn't insane to continue slaying. So why don't take your ass off of your shoulders and help her, you insufferable burke." Giles finished with a Ripper glare. He knew that Travers knew that no matter how much they disliked each other, Giles was right. Though Buffy did not officially work for the Council of Wankers, they still needed her. Plus with all of the clout the Council had, there was no real reason why they could not assist Giles.

"Okay, Rupert. What is it exactly that you want us to do?"

"Simple, really. Just take the Initiative out of the equation completely. By whatever means you feel necessary, of course."

"Are you mad?! You mean you want us to take down their entire operation?!" Quentin blustered.

"Well it's up to you of course. Just, exactly how important is the slayer legacy to you?" Hook, line and sinker Giles thought. It was common knowledge that in order for the Watcher's Council to have an actual purpose, they needed a slayer.

*******************

I will make it go away

can't be here no more

Seems this is the only way

I will soon be gone

these feelings will be gone

these feelings will be gone

Now I see the times they change

leaving doesn't seems so strange

I am hoping I can find

where to leave my hurt behind

All this shit I seem to take

all alone I seem to break

I have lived the best I can

Does this make me not a man?

Korn

Once Angel reigned control over his emotions, he quickly stormed out onto the unsuspecting streets of Los Angeles. The whole thing was insane. It was like he was in hell again. At least the torture there was justified. I mean talk about your irony. Spike? Spike!? What did do to deserve any of it? A chance at having a life with... And Buffy. The only reason he left in the first place was so she could have a shot at somewhat normal life. That and Joyce asked him to. But then again, what was so abnormal about it? They were in love and having a child together. But for crissakes! Of all of the creatures on the friggin' planet, it had to be him.

"Well, well. Fancy seeing you here, Angel. Small town I suppose." Angel turned around to see his sire (or is it grand childe now?) behind him. Still the same old Darla, with her deceiving innocent features and her blue eyes and blond hair. Dressed to kill in a red dress. Though a deadly killer, she was still radiant.

"What do you want, Darla?"

"Well it's just, with all of Dru's incessant ramblings, I had to get out alone for awhile. I never could handle it without you or William around. Besides, I never got the chance to spend any quality time alone with you. In fact, we haven't been alone for what? Nearly a century and a half now? Don't you just miss the good old days?" she said as she moved closer to him. When she got close enough, she began to trace imaginary patterns on his shirt clad chest. He let her do it for a few seconds before grabbing her hand.

"Darla, look-"

"Oh come on. Don't you just miss it? Don't you miss us? The fun times we had?"

"I'm not that person- that thing anymore." he said while his eyes bore into hers.

"You sure about that? The demon will always be apart of you, Angelus. Why fight it? Be free, if only for tonight." she said as she pressed her body against his. With all of the anger and confusion he was feeling, he could feel his resolve being broken down piece by piece.

"Just tonight Angel. Remember what it's like to be free?" she said as she reached up and slowly pulled his head down, grazing his lips with hers. Angel became deathly still in that moment and he closed his eyes. He tried to think of all of the reasons to not do what he was thinking, but if the PWB was going to screw with him, it was time they got a dose of their own irony. With that thought in mind, he roughly pulled Darla closer and never looked back...

I got my head but my head is unraveling

cant keep control can't keep track of where it's traveling

I got my heart but my heart's no good

you're the only one that's understood

I come along but I don't know where you're taking me

I shouldn't go but you're wrenching dragging shaking me

turn off the sun pull the stars from the sky

the more I give to you the more I die

and I want you

you are the perfect drug