Rating: G to PG
~Part: 11~
Willow sighed at the sight of the long line ahead of her. It was her fault she had to stand in line though, if she had listened to Spike months ago, she could have registered by mail or the Internet but she kept putting it off. Now she was doomed to standing here for hours.
She still wasn't sure she should be going back now, but Spike was right, the longer she waited the harder it would be to go back. Knowing that didn't make leaving Breanna any easier though. She knew Spike could take care of her, he really was turning out to be a great father.
"What's up Will?" Buffy asked pulling Willow out of her thoughts, "You're like a million miles away."
"Sorry." Willow said, "Just thinking."
"'bout what?" Buffy said, "Don't suppose it's about what a jerk Spike is?" She finished hopefully.
"Opposite actually." Willow said as they moved forward in line. "I was thinking about how wonderful Spike has been. Buffy he's turning out to be such a great father for Breanna, and. You know what, you don't want to hear this."
"If you're going to say you love him. You're right I don't want to hear it." Buffy said, "Sorry Will, I can deal with you being with Spike if I have too, but do we have to talk about it?"
"No." Willow said, "I guess we don't."
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Spike groaned when he heard the crying coming from the nursery again. She hadn't even slept for fifteen minutes this time. Spike knew she needed a nap, that's what all the crying was about problem was she didn't seem to want to sleep. As he headed for the bedrooms, he wondered for the hundredth time since Willow had left a few hours before what he had gotten himself into.
Spike made his way to the crib and picked Breanna up. As soon as she was lifted up the crying stopped. Sighing he held her close to his chest.
"You're just gonna keep crying unless I hold you aren't you?" Spike said patting the baby's back.
Smiling at her soft cooing he walked back into the living room. " Okay then Pet, let's watch some television." He said picking up the remote control and flipping through channels as he felt her breathing even as she drifted back to sleep.
Once he was sure she was asleep he turned and set her down next to him on the couch. No point in taking her to the crib, he thought, she'll just wake up again anyway. When she started to fuss he gently patted her stomach, murmuring softly until she drifted back to sleep.
As he watched her sleeping he began thinking again about when exactly his life had changed so drastically. The chip had changed him, sure but, it didn't make him want to find an apartment and be a daddy did it? The chip stopped him from killing people, but when did he decide he wanted to raise one. It didn't start with Breanna though, because if he hadn't already started to change long before now, he never would have been around for her birth. Funny, now he couldn't imagine not being a part of her life. Or Willow's, hell he couldn't imagine not being a part of all of their lives, even Harris.
He thought about how much Breanna had changed, so quickly. She wasn't even three months old and she was so different from the baby they had brought home from the hospital. She recognized him now, he was sure of that. She smiled too, a lot, well Willow insisted it wasn't always a smile but. She could hold her head up by herself now. She could even stay sitting now, leaning against something anyway, but it was a start. She was growing so fast. Everyday she seemed to learn something new. He was sure she had said Daddy the other day, though Willow told him he was wrong, he just wanted to hear daddy.
"We're back Spike." Willow said shaking Spike out of his thoughts and hugging him from behind. "Any trouble while I was gone."
"No. We got along great." Spike told her, knowing he couldn't tell her about the trouble getting Breanna to sleep, she would just use it as an excuse to avoid going back to school.
"Glad to see the big bad can handle a little baby on his own." Buffy said from behind them.
"Great you brought the slayer home." Spike muttered.
"Don't worry I'm not staying." Buffy said.
"Thank god. Wouldn't want you scaring the little one." Spike said turning to glare at Buffy over Willow's shoulder.
"Know what, I don't have time for this. I have to get to work." Buffy said, "Thanks for talking me into taking a class Will." She finished as she opened the door.
"See you for class next week then?" Willow said.
"Yeah. I'll stop here on my way and we can walk over together." Buffy said.
"Sure see you then." Willow said closing the door as Buffy made her way down the hall.
~Part: 12~
Spike walked out of the kitchen carrying a mug in one hand and a bottle in the other. As he made his way into the living room he glanced at the spot next to the couch where Breanna had been a few minutes ago when he went into the kitchen to get the blood and bottle. Frowning he set the items down on the coffee table and began to look around the room.
"Bloody hell." He mumbled, "Where could she possibly be?"
Moving slowly around the couch he surveyed the floor for the baby. "She moves bloody fast for someone who can't crawl." He muttered still searching for the missing child. "Breanna Luv!" He called then waited a moment as if expecting an answer.
Sighing he continued looking. She couldn't have gotten far, he thought, It's not like she can walk. Hearing a noise from the dining room he turned and headed in that direction. Walking into the dining room he immediately spotted the pink clad infant sitting next to the table trying to pull the table cloth from the table.
"Don't think so Pet." He said scooping up the child. "How the hell did you get all the way in here?" He asked, "Better not have been magic, don't think we can handle that yet."
Carrying the child back into the living room he set her down on the floor taking a seat next to her. Handing her the bottle, he picked up his mug and watched as she began drinking immediately. "Getting into stuff makes you hungry huh?" He said smiling over his mug at her.
She quickly threw the bottle down and rolled over to her stomach. Spike watched in silence as the child began alternating between rolling over and pulling herself with her arms across the room toward the hallway to the bedrooms.
"No magic there is it?" He said getting up to retrieve the child before she was out of sight. "Okay then, baby gates for you tomorrow." Spike said laughing at the disgruntled sound coming from Breanna when her progress had been stopped. "Sorry Luv it's for your own safety."
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"Spike!" Willow yelled from the kitchen, where she was making a grocery list.
"Yeah, Luv?"
"Question about the baby food." Willow said recounting the jars. "Why are all the fruits and desserts gone. But only a few vegetables and meats. Which seem to be the ones I gave her?"
"Well she doesn't seem to like the veggies, and meats." Spike explained walking into the kitchen carrying a squirming five month old. "Hold still Luv. Can't be trusted in the other room alone anymore now can you." He said tightening his grip on the child.
"She doesn't like them." Willow said turning to face the vampire. "Okay Spike I realize that a balanced diet has been blood from a variety of sources for a long time for you. But surely you've heard of the four food groups. Or that nutritional pyramid thing. She needs more than fruit and dessert to have a healthy diet."
"But she makes the most awful faces when I try to give her the other stuff." Spike said, "But she does like Mac and cheese and she likes those sweet potato things." He finished in his defense.
"Spike she has to eat the vegetables and meats every day." Willow said making a list of baby food to buy. "Promise me you'll start giving them too her. Or else you're going to rot her teeth before she even has them."
"Hey now she has teeth." Spike said kissing the baby's forehead.
"Okay then you're going to rot the four she does have." Willow said turning away from the vampire. "Want to come shopping with me?"
"Sure." Spike said, "I'll go get her dressed." He said leaving the room.
~Part: 13~
"Dawnie?" Willow asked opening the door.
"Hey Will." Dawn said, "Not busy are you?"
"No actually my last mid-term was today so I'm pretty much free 'till Monday. Well except for the baby." Willow said stepping aside to let the teenager in.
"That's why I'm here." Dawn said, "Where's Spike?"
"Okay well I want you to explain the reason you're here but follow me first." Willow said taking the girl's hand and pulling her down the hall motioning for her to be quiet.
Pulling Dawn into Spike's bedroom she again motioned for the girl to be quiet as a small giggle escaped Dawn's lips. Spike was on the bed laying on his back with Breanna curled up next to him her head resting on his shoulder and his arm draped across her. From the doorway only the small shock of red hair and little pink tennis shoes were visible next to the vampire. Spread around them on the bed was an array of small stuffed animals.
Pulling Dawn back out of the room and closing the door behind them, both Willow and Dawn burst into laughter. Together they walked back to the kitchen. Grabbing cans of soda for both of them Willow led the girl to the couch.
"So what did you mean that's why you're here?" Willow said sitting down.
"In a sec. They are so cute. How long have they been laying like that?" Dawn asked.
"'Bout an hour. But they take a nap like that every afternoon. I really have to get pictures one of these days." Willow answered. "Now about why you're here."
"I thought you may like to go out." Dawn said.
"Out?" Willow asked.
"Yeah. Out. You know dinner, movie, Bronze." Dawn said, "Whatever."
"Dawn I can't just go out. I mean Spike loves Breanna but I can hardly leave him here with her while I go have fun."
"That's why I'm here." Dawn explained, "I'll stay here and baby-sit. You two go out."
"Dawn I don't know I mean I haven't left her except for with Spike and."
"Will she knows me. It's not like I'm a stranger and I have baby-sat before. And most importantly have you even been out since she was born?"
"No I guess not." Willow said, "But."
"But what?" Dawn said, "You didn't go out for months before she was born either because of Ethan and Amy. So go wake up Spike and go out tonight."
"Where?" Willow asked, she could use a night out. A night alone with Spike.
"I don't care." Dawn said, "But I told Buffy I was going to spend the night so you don't have to rush back."
"Honey are you sure?"
"Yep. No go wake your vampire before I change my mind." Dawn said hugging her friend.
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Walking into the bedroom quietly, Willow approached the bed. Spike was laying toward the center leaving plenty of room for Willow to crawl onto the bed beside him. Laying down next to him Willow propped herself up on her elbow and leaned over his face, smiling at how peaceful the two of them looked. She had found them sleeping this way every afternoon when she came home from school.
She softly ran her free hand across his cheek. He shifted slightly but didn't wake up. Lowering her face she placed soft kisses across his cheeks and jaw moving slowly toward his mouth. She smiled when his head turned toward hers, finding her lips and returning the kiss. His free hand moved up to stroke her back as her hands moved across his chest.
Spike began to slowly wake as he felt Willow's lips meet his. As the kiss continued to deepen he tried to roll toward her, feeling the weight against his other side he groaned and pulled away from the kiss.
"Uh, Luv. We have company." Spike whispered.
"I know. Actually I just came in to wake you." Willow said pulling away and sitting up.
"Why?" Spike asked then smiling, "Not that I mind being woke up that way."
"Dawn's here." Willow said moving away as he tried to pull her back down. "She say's she'll baby-sit so we can go out."
"What?"
"She'll stay here with Breanna so we can go out." Willow repeated.
"Can we do that?" Spike asked, "Can she do that?"
"Sure she's almost seventeen. More than old enough to baby-sit. And she knows about the magic and stuff so she won't freak if stuff starts moving." Willow said, "And she's right we need to go out. Have some non-baby time."
"You sure I mean what if something happens?" Spike asked nervously glancing down at the sleeping baby.
"She has my cell phone number, she has Giles number, and Xander's and obviously Buffy's." Willow said, "It'll be fine."
"If you're sure then I guess we should get ready." Spike said sitting up and holding Breanna against his chest, "I'll just go put her in the crib."
~Part: 14~
Willow followed Spike into the small restaurant. If possible he had been even more nervous about leaving Breanna than she had been. He explained every little detail of taking care of a baby to Dawn, ignoring the fact that until the last few months he had no experience at all with an infant. Taking Spike's hand they waited patiently for someone to notice them.
"She's going to be fine with Dawn, Spike." Willow said quietly, knowing the vampire was still nervous.
"Of course she is." Spike said sounding more confident than he felt.
"Can I help you?" A young woman asked approaching them.
"We have a reservation for Rosenberg." Willow said smiling at the girl.
"Sure right this way." She said before leading them to a table in the corner.
Willow and Spike read the menus silently until the waiter approached to take their orders. The waiter returned quickly with their drinks and then disappeared into the restaurant leaving them alone.
"You know as much as I love her, I'm kind of glad that we could get away tonight." Spike said. "Not that I don't love taking care of her but."
"A child free night to ourselves is great." Willow said setting her drink down. "It's normal Spike. We've spent every minute with her since she was born. We need to do grown-up things sometimes too."
"We do grown-up things Luv." Spike said smirking at her.
"That's not what I meant." Willow said blushing slightly. "And I say no more baby talk tonight. We get to only discuss things that don't involve responsibility tonight."
"Got it." Spike said, "One night to be totally irresponsible."
"That's right." Willow said. "Tonight's just about us."
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"So Breanna whatcha want to do tonight?" Dawn said carrying the squirming baby into the living room. "We've got a parent free night. Might as well enjoy it."
Sitting down on the floor, Dawn set the baby next to her. Looking at the child next to her covered in pink Dawn shook her head. "We have got to find you some cooler clothes soon. You look like bubble gum." She said to the child.
Dawn switched on the television and began flicking through the channels looking for something of some interest to watch. Quickly discovering nothing was on, she turned back to the baby who had grown quiet while she was had been looking at the television.
"No, no, no." Dawn said loudly jumping to her feet and grabbing toys on her way up. "No floating toys." Dawn finished grabbing the last of the toys that were hovering near the now crying baby.
"No wonder Willow's freaking about this." Dawn muttered throwing the toys back into the playpen. "That was too weird."
"So you want to play. Fine, just had to say so." Dawn said picking up Breanna and choosing a few toys from the playpen before sitting on the couch.
Dawn picked up a small stuffed bear and began making it dance in front of Breanna who was now giggling and reaching for the toy. Then Breanna turned her head and glanced at a stuffed dog laying next to her and the dog quickly began moving to the same rhythm as the bear Dawn had.
"No." Dawn said again. "You're not supposed to do that." She finished grabbing the dog from the air and placing it in the child's hand. "You're supposed to hold it."
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"Great I suppose we have to talk to them?" Spike said seeing Buffy, Anya, and Xander at a table across the bar as they entered the Bronze.
"We do." Willow said taking his hand, "And please try to be nice."
"I'm always nice." Spike said as the girl pulled him across the dance floor.
"Hey Guys." Willow said they approached the table.
"Hi Will." Xander said looking up from his conversation with Anya. "Spike."
"Hey." Buffy said hugging her friend quickly then sitting back down.
"How did you guys get to go out?" Anya asked.
"Dawn's baby-sitting." Spike said taking a seat then pulling Willow down in the chair between him and Buffy.
"Anyone need more drinks?" Xander asked standing up.
Xander and Anya made their way to the bar to buy drinks. Buffy left the table to dance, leaving Willow and Spike alone again.
"Wanna dance Spike?" Willow said shouting over the music.
"What the hell?" Spike answered standing up and grabbing her hand to pull her to the dance floor as a slow song started to play.
Spike pulled Willow against him on the dance floor and began to move to the music as she rested her head on his shoulder. "This is so nice isn't it." Willow said softly.
"Yeah. We never did these things before and now there's no time." Spike answered.
"I know, but hey," Willow said looking up at the vampire, "Maybe we can get Dawn to baby-sit more often. Then we can do this again."
"Sounds like a plan. We can talk to her tomorrow." Spike said smiling at the idea.
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"Thank God she's asleep." Dawn said collapsing onto the couch. "I had no idea someone so small could have so much energy."
Dawn stayed on the couch for several minutes, deciding what she wanted to do next. Not moving until morning sounded good, so did watching television, and of course, dinner. She never did find time to have that. Then as she surveyed the room, she decided that all of those things were going to have to wait. First she needed to clean up the mess they had made. She stood up and began gathering toys. Dropping all of them into the playpen. No way was she going to risk going back into the bedroom and waking up Breanna.
Glancing at the clock as she put away the last of the toys she decided to skip dinner. It was late no point in eating now. Grabbing the backpack she had brought with her she went into Willow's bedroom and quickly changed clothes. Pulling a book out of the bag she went back into the living and turned on the stereo, sitting down on the couch and opening the book.
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Willow walked into the apartment followed closely by Spike who kept trying to pull her against him.
"Spike stop it." Willow said pulling away from the vampire, "Dawn might still be up."
"Fine." Spike said, "But later."
"Oh." Willow said stopping as she entered the living room. Dawn was laying on the couch a blanket pulled over her legs, a book laying on her lap. Willow walked over and shut off the stereo. "Spike can you put her in your bed. I don't want Breanna to wake her up in the morning."
"Well, then where would I be sleeping then?" Spike ask leering at the redhead.
"On the couch if you don't watch it Buster." Willow said smiling back at him.
Spike walked over to the couch and lifted Dawn easily and carried her to the bedroom placing her on his bed, before pulling the blankets over the sleeping girl. He shut off the light on his way out and headed to the nursery to check on Breanna. The sight that he found in the crib almost made him laugh loud enough to wake the sleeping child. Leaving the room he found Willow in her room changing clothes.
"Did you check on Breanna yet?" Spike asked trying to hold back the laughter.
"Not yet why?"
"Seems that her and Dawn had themselves a girl's night." Spike said letting the smile increase.
"What?"
"Go look."
Willow pulled the night-shirt over her head and walked through the door to look at the sleeping baby. Spike lost control of his laughter when he heard Willow's gasp.
"Black." Willow said returning to the bedroom glaring at the laughing vampire. "She painted her nails black!"
"Just the toenails Pet."
"But it's black." Willow said indignantly.
"Told you that you should buy nail polish." Spike said again trying to force back the laughter, "Mine was probably the only color Dawn could find. 'Sides it shows good taste."
"Whatever." Willow said getting into bed and turning her back to the vampire.
~Part: 15~
Willow grabbed her book from the small hands reaching for it yet again. Studying with a now crawling baby wasn't going to be easy. She was thrilled that Breanna could crawl now and was pulling herself up against the furniture, as a matter of fact she had thought it hilarious last night when the child kept pulling the remote control away from Spike. But it wasn't as amusing when she was trying to do her homework.
The changes she watched her child go through still amazed her. It was hard to believe that this little girl was the same infant they had brought home from the hospital seven months ago. She was starting to eat regular food now, not a lot but she did like soft foods, and cookies. She was crawling and even starting to try to walk a little. And Spike swore she said daddy the other day, Willow wasn't sure she believed that but it made Spike happy so she kept her skepticism to her self.
"Breanna you need to let Mommy read the book honey." Willow said as she moved the book out of the child's reach. "Daddy'll be back soon to play." She finished offering another cookie, smiling when Breanna shook her head and sat back down on the floor reaching for a nearby toy.
Well at least she's reaching for it today instead of moving it, Willow thought, returning her attention to her book. She had finals in a couple days, she needed to study. Unfortunately it was also only a week until Christmas and Spike had been out shopping a lot. She had a horrible feeling that they would need to move to make room for all the things Spike was buying. She had tried to explain that being Jewish she really didn't do the Christmas thing, but he had said that all kids should have Christmas and found a tree and decorations, with Dawn's help. She knew this was important to Spike so she let it go. It wasn't like she was against Christmas, she did sort of celebrate it every year with her friends anyway.
"I'm home." Spike said pushing the door closed with his foot, hands full of bags from the mall.
"God, Spike what the hell did you buy?" Willow asked staring at the bags. "You're room is already full of stuff, she doesn't need this much."
"Tonight I only found one thing for her. And she should have everything she wants by the way. This stuff is for you, and Dawn. And I even found some things for the rest of the Scoobies." Spike said heading to his bedroom.
"No more shopping 'kay Spike." Willow said as he came back in the room.
"Sure." Spike answered, bending to pick up Breanna who was laughing and pulling her self up against his leg. "Say daddy again Luv. Your mum doesn't believe you said it." He said smiling at the giggling child. "Come on say daddy." He said when she wrapped her little arms around his neck.
"Let me know when you get her to say it." Willow said, "But I really need to study so if you don't mind." Willow said standing up and heading for her room.
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Willow collapsed on her bed staring at the book in front of her. She didn't know how women managed this alone, she at least had Spike to help with the baby, if not the school work, and she didn't have to worry about money. How women worked full time jobs and took care of their children, with out help amazed her.
The worst thing was that part of her was tempted to use magic to help her. There were so many simple spells she could use to help with housework and help her memory to make studying easier. She also knew that using those spells weren't harmless for her anymore. She had used magic to protect Breanna, and told her self it wouldn't happen again. Protecting her child was special circumstances. Being tired was different, she had to deal with that normally. Besides how could she hope to teach Breanna not to use her power if she saw it everyday.
"Willow, Watcher's on the phone." Spike hollered from the living room.
"Got it." Willow said picking up the receiver in her room. "Hi Giles what's up?"
"Willow, um, I think I may have found something." Giles said hesitantly.
"Found what?"
"Something to bind Breanna's magic." Giles explained, "It's just there might be a problem."
"Of course a problem." Willow said disappointed, "Because we wouldn't be us if there wasn't a problem."
"Yes well." Giles began. "You may have to do the spell."
"I.but.magic." Willow stuttered.
"I understand, and if you want us to keep looking we will."
"Why would I have to."
"The spell takes a great deal of power." Giles explained. "We would essentially be asking the powers to take back the powers they gave her. It's not a simple thing Willow. Anya and I can try to do it together and see if that's enough. I could probably even get Wesley back here to help but."
"You might not be strong enough." Willow said dejectedly.
"Exactly." Giles said, "I'm sure you would be able too. That is if you were strong enough to bring Buffy back."
"Then binding my daughter's power should be nothing." Willow said.
"Well yes."
"I think maybe you, Anya, and Wesley should try first. I mean it's not dangerous right? It isn't that it would be safer for me to do it myself." Willow said.
"No the spell is safe. If we fail there shouldn't be consequences." Giles reassured.
"Then can we try it that way first. If it doesn't work then I'll try." Willow said hopefully.
"Of course I'll contact Wesley right away." Giles said.
"Thanks Bye Giles." Willow said.
"I'll let you know what the plan is soon." Giles said before hanging up.
Sighing Willow replaced the receiver. She silently hoped she wouldn't have to do this herself. She hadn't really had to call on that much power to fight Amy and Ethan, but it sounded like this would take a lot more, and she wasn't sure she could come back from it again.
~Part: 16~
"Hey Will. So the toy store exploded in here this morning?" Xander said standing walking into the apartment and stopping to stare at the living room filled with toys.
"I thought the gifts were supposed to be under the tree." Anya said moving beside Xander.
"They are. But try telling Spike that." Willow said motioning to the vampire in question who was sitting on the floor attempting to show Breanna how one of the new toys worked.
"I think it's sweet." Dawn said walking in and surveying the sight in the living room. "And uh, where do you want these?" She said raising the two bags of gifts she had in her hand.
"Ask Spike to find a place somewhere in toyland." Willow said.
"I told you Red. She should have everything she wants." Spike yelled from his place on the floor.
"And I told you she is way to young to want all of this." Willow answered, as the others made their way into the toy filled room.
"Is not."
"Spike are you really trying to tell us Breanna wanted a bike." Buffy said noticing the small bike sitting in the corner.
"She might." Spike said still playing with the baby but now joined by Dawn who had found an empty spot for the new gifts.
"Oh, the bike is nothing." Willow said coming into the room carrying a tray with several glasses and egg nog on it. " Look at this."
Willow set the tray on the table and was heading for a pile of gift boxes in the corner when there was another knock. "Probably Giles." Willow said as Buffy went to open the door. When Buffy returned with Giles following Willow pulled out the box she had been looking for. "You have got to see this."
"There is nothing wrong with that outfit Pet." Spike defended before she had a chance to open the box. "It's even got pink in it."
"Told you she wouldn't like it." Dawn said giggling, knowing which outfit it was that Willow had in the box.
"You knew about this?" Willow said facing the teenager.
"Well yeah. But I told him you wouldn't."
"Gonna let us see it?" Xander asked happy to see anything that could make Willow upset with the vampire.
Sighing Willow returned her attention to the box. She pulled off the lid and set it aside. Removing the tissue paper surrounding the clothing she pulled out first a small white T-shirt with a picture of Hello Kitty on it and held it up.
"Well, personally I don't like Hello Kitty but." Xander began.
"Oh this is the good part of it." Willow said setting the shirt down and pulling out a small pink leather jacket. Buffy and Xander immediately started laughing. "There's more." Willow said pulling out a pair of leather pants that matched the jacket and a tiny pair of leather boots.
"These are adorable." Buffy said grabbing the boots from her friend. "What's wrong with these? I think I have a pair like them at home."
"You're not a baby." Willow said, "And they're leather."
"That's what she's been saying all morning." Spike said, "They're leather."
"I hate to agree with Spike on anything Will. You know that, but it is cute." Xander said picking up the jacket and pants.
"It really is." Buffy said, "Where did you find these?" She said turning her attention to the vampire.
"Motorcycle shop." Spike said quietly hoping Buffy had forgotten Dawn's earlier comment.
"They have baby clothes there." Buffy said, "You took my sister in that place."
"And I made it home alive." Dawn said, "And don't worry the place is scary. I'm not going there again."
"Spike I can't believe." Buffy began.
"She's fine Slayer." Spike answered angrily.
"Stop it now. Both of you." Giles said stepping between them. "It is Christmas. You two can manage to get along for one day."
"Fine." They both responded in unison.
"There's a couple things I need to do in the kitchen and then we can open gifts." Willow said standing up.
"I'll help." Dawn offered standing up and following the older girl.
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"Buffy I wanted to ask you something." Willow said as Buffy followed her into the kitchen with the last of the dishes from dinner. "I haven't said anything to Dawn yet, cause it's up to you and if you say no."
"Say no to what Will?"
"You know that tomorrow we're leaving for L.A. right?" Willow asked.
"Yeah. Anya and Giles are going too." Buffy said.
"I thought maybe Dawn would like to go." Willow said not sure how her friend would feel about spending the week alone. " And Xander was going to drive up on New Year's eve. You could come with him. Then we'd all drive back together."
"L.A." Buffy said, it would probably be good for Dawn, she thought. The time alone would be nice for her too. Things were slow slaying wise right now, so a little quiet time would be great.
"If you don't want her too, its fine Buffy. I just thought that you could use some time to yourself." Willow said quickly, not wanting to pressure her friend.
"No, that's not it. I just didn't think." Buffy said. "You guys are going to do that spell right? I mean is it a good idea for Dawn."
"The spell is safe Buffy. I'm sure of it. Giles, Wesley, and Anya all checked it out too. The worst thing that can happen is Breanna will still be moving her toys around. Nothing can blow up or call a demon or anything."
"Then I guess if Dawn wants to go." Buffy began.
"If I want to go where?" Dawn asked walking into the kitchen.
"To L.A. with Willow and Spike." Buffy answered.
"Are you sure Buffy, I mean Giles and Anya are going too. You're gonna be kind of alone." Dawn asked, hoping Buffy was okay with it.
"Yeah. 'Sides I won't be alone Xander'll be here too. And we're going to drive up for New Year's." Buffy said.
"Thanks Buffy. Going to L.A. will be so much fun. You know getting out of Sunnydale for a while." Dawn said excitedly hugging her sister.
"Just please stay out of trouble Dawn. Angel has enough to deal with already." Buffy warned.
"I know. Thanks Buffy." Dawn said again hugging her sister, then turning to Willow, "Thanks Will. This is going to be so much fun."
"Okay lets see if we can find a place to sit in there you know someplace not covered by toys." Willow said heading out of the kitchen.
~Part: 17~
"Wow." Dawn said standing in the doorway of the large hotel. "They live here?" She finished turning in a circle as she moved to the middle of the room.
"Of course they do." Spike said following the teen-ager "Angelus always liked to show off."
"Wonder if anyone's here?" Willow said sitting down on the couch and laying the sleeping baby next to her.
"Hello." A voice said from the top of the steps. "You must be the Sunnydale people."
Everyone turned to stare as a tall, thin, green demon came down the steps wearing a brightly colored suit.
"Um yes. Hello." Giles was the first to speak. "You must be Lorne."
"Yeah. Angel and the others should be back soon. They had to go fight some evil." Lorne answered. "Now let's see. You must be Giles."
"Yes. And this is." Giles replied.
"No let me see." Lorne interrupted, "This must be Willow, Anya, Dawn, and you must be Spike." He finished greeting each one in turn. "Now I'm sure you must all be tired. I can show the rooms if you'd like. Or if you're hungry the kitchen."
"Hungry." Willow and Dawn responded together.
"Right this way then." Lorne motioned for the group to follow.
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Willow finished putting the last of their things away, as Spike came out of the bathroom. She had been thinking about the spell they were going to do tomorrow. She was worried that it wouldn't work. It had taken a lot to come back from the magic last time. She almost didn't, and now she had another person depending on her. Of course the reasons for the magic are very different. She knew the spell was safe, still it worried her that something could go wrong, somehow Breanna could be hurt.
"What's wrong Luv?" Spike asked walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her.
"Nothing. Just thinking." Willow said turning to hug the vampire. "Angel's back. Giles wants us all downstairs talk about tomorrow."
"Let's go then." Spike said walking first to the crib Angel had erected before they arrived, to check on the sleeping baby. "Can we hear her downstairs?"
Willow smiled and held up the receiver to a baby monitor. "Angel and Cordy thought of everything."
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!
"If the child's magic is harmless why are we binding it?" Connor asked. "Magic can be used for good."
"Yes it can." Willow said looking at the teen-ager sitting next to Cordiela. "But sometimes if you aren't careful magic can become dangerous even for good people."
"Still it might not for her." Connor argued, "You may be limiting a great good power."
"We aren't doing it forever." Giles answered, "Just until she's old enough to learn to control it."
"I still don't understand."
"A couple years ago Willow became addicted to magic. And it was bad." Dawn explained, "She doesn't want that to happen to Breanna."
"Now if we can move on." Wesley said glancing at the teen-agers. "Tomorrow Giles, Anya, Angel and I will try to perform this spell. We should know within twenty-four hours if it worked. If it didn't then Willow, you'll have to try."
"I don't know." Fred said from the corner. "Isn't that dangerous for Willow if she's addicted."
"Yes." Willow and Spike answered in unison.
"It's a risk I'm willing to take." Willow said. "Breanna is moving more and bigger things all the time. She's too young to explain it to her and I don't want her hurt. If the only way for this to work is for me to do it then I will."
"And we're all here for her." Cordiela said, "If something does go wrong I'm sure we can handle it. It's not like she's doing dark magic right?" She finished glancing at the two ex-watchers.
"Exactly it's a safe spell. It may make the urge to use magic strong again, but it won't do the damage it did before." Giles said.
"So then we do this tomorrow afternoon." Cordiela said. "Now I think we all need some sleep.
~Part: 18~
Wesley and Giles made the final preparations for the spell while Willow finished feeding Breanna her lunch. Anya went over the spell once more with Angel. Everyone wanted to be sure this would work. No one wanted to find out if Willow could handle doing this spell herself and then giving up magic again. Cordiela was in the office doing some last minute paperwork and taking phone calls. Gunn and Fred had left to deal with a case that couldn't wait.
While everyone was busy downstairs Connor watched quietly from the top of the stairs. Smiling as he watched Spike go into the office once again and say something that caused Cordiela to throw yet another book in his direction.
"They still fighting?" Dawn said coming up behind Connor and seeing Spike leave the office smirking as Willow gave him a warning look.
"Yes. Do they always fight like that?" Connor asked facing the girl.
"There's a lot of bad memories between them. And I think they couldn't be anymore alike." Dawn answered moving next to him and leaning over the rail to watch. "And of course Spike is bored and worried. He wants to piss someone off and Cordy's the easiest target."
"I noticed that too." Connor said. "Do you think this spell will work?"
"It has too." Dawn said simply, "So is there anything we can do this afternoon while their doing this."
"Angel says I should stay away from you. Your sister has enough problems already."
"Yeah, My sister said the same thing about you and Angel." Dawn said laughing, "So movie or something?"
"He's not going to let us go."
"They are way too busy to notice." Dawn said grabbing his hand, "Let's go."
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Anya lit the last candle as everyone gathered in the circle placing the sleeping baby in the center. Having decided the baby would be more cooperative asleep than awake. Willow quietly pulled Spike and Cordiela away from the others as they began chanting the spell.
"What's going to happen?" Spike whispered only to be shushed by the two women.
They watched in silence as a light began to glow in the center of the circle over the baby. The light began to glow a light green as it lowered over Breanna. Spike began to protest when he saw the light touch the baby.
"It's fine Spike." Willow whispered placing a hand lightly on the vampire's arm.
The light now appeared to be coming from inside the baby. The people surrounding her continued whispering softly. Breanna woke now and began to cry.
"Red." Spike whispered urgently.
"It's fine."
As Spike watched the light began to leave the baby. He watched in silence as the light raised higher and higher until it disappeared above them. As silence filled the room, Giles reached over and picked up the crying child, holding her close to him.
"Did it work?" Spike asked moving quickly to take the child from the watcher.
"I think so." Willow said, "But we really don't know yet. I would say it's safe to say if she doesn't move anything within the next day or so that it did work."
"Let's hope." Cordiela said and began gathering the candles and other ingredients that were scattered on the floor.
Spike walked slowly back and forth away from the others, gently rocking and whispering to the crying child. As he walked he felt her heart begin to slow and the crying subside.
"He's really good with her isn't he?" Cordiela said to Anya.
"He takes the father thing very seriously." Anya answered.
"Okay so how about some dinner now." Cordiela asked, "I can order pizza."
Cordiela called and ordered the pizza after getting everyone's approval.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!
"Connor, Dawn." Angel yelled as he closed the door behind the pizza guy. "Pizza's here."
Angel set the boxes down on the counter and waited for an answer from upstairs. After receiving none he called again.
"They aren't up there." Lorne said coming down the steps. "Oh, pizza." He finished making his way over to the boxes on the counter.
"What do you mean they aren't there?" Cordiela asked.
"I mean I haven't seen them in hours." Lorne replied helping himself to a slice.
"Well they aren't down here." Willow said. "When was the last time anyone saw them?"
"I saw then this morning. When we were preparing for the spell." Anya answered, knowing this wasn't going to be an answer that would make them happy. "I thought I saw them going outside."
"They left." Angel said staring at Anya.
"Well yeah." She answered returning his glare, "Is that a problem."
"Yes." Angel, Cordy, Spike, and Giles all answered at once.
"There is no telling what kind of trouble Dawn can find out there." Spike said angrily, "It's L.A."
"And Connor was specifically warned to stay away from Dawn. Buffy doesn't need him leading her to trouble."
"Trust us Angel. Dawn finds trouble on her own." Giles said.
Cordiela opened her mouth to say something but stopped just as the door opened and the teen-agers in question walked through the door.
"Where the hell have you been?" Angel asked approaching the two laughing teens.
"You were wrong he noticed." Connor said smiling at Dawn.
"The movies. You were all busy with the spell and we went to the movies." Dawn answered. "And don't get all mad at him Angel. He told me you said to stay away from me, and I pulled him along with me anyway."
"It doesn't matter. He should have." Angel began.
"Dawn, do you have any idea what could have happened to you out there." Spike said.
"What. It's the middle of the day. No vampires. Few if any dangerous demons, at three in the afternoon. And Connor has all the cool vampire traits, without the sunlight and blood problems."
"Still." Spike and Angel both started.
"I'm seventeen, he's eighteen. At our ages you guys were out every night fighting vampires." She said glancing at Willow and Cordiela. "You were a demon Anya. Yet you don't think we're capable of going to a movie in the middle of the afternoon."
"She has a point guys." Cordiela said stepping between the vampires and the teen-agers. "How about we let it go, but next time tell us you're leaving 'kay."
"Deal." Dawn and Connor responded.
"Let's eat then." Willow said wanting the confrontation over and knowing that both kids were capable of dealing with an afternoon out.
~Part: 19~
Willow sat in the rocking chair slowly rocking Breanna. She had long since fallen asleep, but she was enjoying the quiet of the room. So many people living at the hotel created a lot of commotion and noise. Connor spent a lot of time arguing the last couple days with Angel about Dawn. The two kids liked each other. As far as Willow was concerned everyone was worried about nothing. They were only going to be together a few more days so why not just let it go. Spike was spending his time, when not fussing over the baby, aggravating Cordiela and playing big brother to Dawn, which meant Dawn and Spike were arguing a lot.
Fortunately everyone else was reasonably quiet, though the ones that weren't made enough noise for everyone. Which was why she was hiding in her room, pretending to put Breanna to sleep. She needed time to think. Buffy and Xander would be here day after tomorrow. It had been three days since they had done the spell. So far it seemed to have worked. Nothing had been moving on its own lately. But she couldn't be sure that it had worked and not that Breanna just hadn't been trying to move anything. She began humming softly when she felt the baby stir slightly in her arms.
"I can read her and tell you if you'd like Sweetie?" Lorne said from the doorway.
"What?" Willow said looking up at the demon.
"Sorry. Habit. I walked by and read." He said shrugging and walking into the room.
"How? Breanna I mean." Willow said quietly moving to put the baby into the crib, "I -I thought you could only read someone when they sang."
"It's easier. I can read someone singing without trying." He said sitting in a chair across from her, "Without the music I have to touch the person and well, it's just more work for me."
"So you would know if she could use her magic."
"I think so. Do you want me to try?" Lorne asked, "I've never tried to read a baby before."
"It won't hurt her?"
"Of course not Honey. I wouldn't have asked if I would hurt her."
"Then please I would feel so much better if I knew for sure." Willow said, "Can you do it now? With her sleeping?"
"Sure." He said moving to the crib and setting his hands gently on the child's forehead. Holding his hands there for a few minutes he stood quietly. Then removing his hands he turned back to Willow who was standing nervously behind him.
"Well?"
"The magic is there Willow. I'm not going to lie." He said taking her and leading her to the chair. "It's in her. A lot of it. But."
"So I am going to have to do the spell?" She interrupted.
"No. As I was saying the power is there. But I sense a lot of frustration in her. She can't use the power. She's trying. And she may one day break through the spell. It's possible. So you need to be ready for that. But for now she's going to be a normal child."
"Oh thank God." Willow said standing up and hugging the demon. "You have know idea how much this relieves me. I was so worried that. I mean you have know idea what happened the last time I tried to use magic. It was horrible."
"When you stopped those people at the hospital?" Lorne asked, from what he had been told she hadn't had a problem with that.
"Oh I was talking about before that, but that was bad too. For weeks I would have to talk myself out of using magic to make things easier. But I meant before that when Tara."
"Oh then. Well nothing to worry about Sweetums. She's fine for now." He said, "Now join us downstairs, tonight was Angel's turn to pick a movie."
"Let's go." Willow said feeling better knowing that the spell had worked.
~Part: 20~
Willow set Breanna down in her crib, finally asleep. She glanced at the clock. She needed to hurry everyone was probably already downstairs. They were having their own little New Year's Eve party. She quickly changed into a clean skirt and blouse and headed downstairs to join the others.
"Will. Anya was just telling us that it looks like the spell worked." Buffy said hugging her friend.
"Looks that way. Though Lorne says she's fighting the spell and could break it eventually. But Giles and Wesley don't think that'll happen for a long time if ever." Willow said hugging Buffy then turning to hug Xander, "I missed you guys."
"Missed you too." Xander said embracing his friend.
"I see Dawn and Connor are getting along. She hasn't been causing any problems has she?" Buffy said watching her sister and Connor in the corner talking.
"Actually the one causing the problems are Spike and Angel." Anya said joining in the conversation.
"I am not the problem." Spike said walking up behind them.
"You are always a problem." Buffy responded.
"If they'd stay away from."
"Drop it Spike. We're leaving tomorrow. They won't see each other after that." Willow said not wanting to have this discussion again.
"Right this is a party so I say lets party." Xander said taking Anya's hand pulling her off to dance.
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Giles, Xander, and Spike loaded the last of the luggage into the two cars, as the women finished saying their good-byes in the hotel.
"Did Dawn come with this much luggage?" Xander asked putting the last of the bags in the trunk.
"No. Her and Connor spent a lot of time at the mall." Giles said pushing the trunk closed, before following the other two into the hotel.
"E-mail me guys. A lot. I'm home most of the time with nothing to do." Willow was saying as she hugged Wesley and Cordiela one last time. "And I'll send you that book." She said to Fred.
"I can find things we can do if you're bored Pet." Spike said coming up behind her. "You ready to go?" He asked picking up the sleeping baby from the couch.
"Yeah. And that's not what I meant." Willow said.
Everyone said their last good-byes and got into the cars to leave. Dawn choosing to ride with Spike, Willow and the baby. Leaving Buffy, Giles, and Anya to ride back with Xander.
"So Will when is your graduation?" Dawn asked.
"Next weekend. You're going to come right?" Willow answered.
"Of course." Dawn answered. "Spike you going?"
"Wouldn't miss it." Spike said, "Though hers is easier than yours. At least Red's is at night."
"You better be at mine." Dawn said punching his arm.
"I will, we'll figure it out." He said smiling at the girl, knowing he would do whatever was necessary for to be at both graduations.
~Part: 21~
"Spike you sure you can handle bringing Breanna by yourself. I'm sure Dawn would." Willow shouted from the bedroom as she finished pinning her hair around the cap.
"I said I could handle it. Now are you ready to go?" Spike said, "You are going to be late for that sign in thing."
"I've got time." Willow said, "Don't forget to bring a bottle in case she starts crying and." she began as she grabbed the gown and her purse and headed for the door nervous that she may have forgotten something.
"Go." Spike said pointing toward the door. "We will be fine. I'll see you there right after sunset." He finished kissing her quickly then pushing her toward the door.
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"So Willow what are you going to do know that you have the degree." Xander asked sitting on the couch at Buffy's house where everyone had gathered after the ceremony.
"Wow, guess I'll have to get a job now uh?" She responded smiling. "Actually I have a job offer already that would allow me to do programming at home. Which would be great, I could work at my own pace and Breanna would need daycare." She said smiling as Breanna turned at the sound of her name.
Everyone began to talk again about Willow's future plans as Breanna crawled toward the table and pulled herself up against it. Tired of being ignored Breanna let out a small yell. When all eyes had turned toward the child she let go of the table and took a step toward Spike.
"Da." Breanna said before falling back on her butt.
"See she said Dad." Spike said scooping up the laughing child, "And she walked!" He shouted excitedly.
"Yes she did." Willow said laughing as everyone gathered around trying to get her to repeat either the word or the step when Spike set her back down.
Dawn walked over to hug her friend. "See everything is going to be fine." She whispered.
"Yeah. As long as the magic doesn't come back, nothing else could go wrong." Willow said smiling wanting to believe that Dawn was right.
read the sequal 'Prophecy's Child III: Daddy'