The sequel to Scorched <scorched.htm>

Chapter 1 - Crazy Love

Spike sauntered up the driveway at their home with a definite spring to his step, humming an indefinite but merry tune to himself. That night's patrol had been a roaring success, and quite a lot of fun too. He'd taken out a nest of fledgelings, after of course letting them puff out their big bad feathers and mock his reputation as the Slayer's lap dog. It came to quite a shock to them to suddenly find themselves exploding into dust. Spike chuckled to himself the rest of the walk home. He made a quick stop at the mailbox, figuring that Buffy nor Dawn had bothered to collect that day's post. He was correct, finding a credit card bill, bank statements, a flyer from the Neighborhood Watch, a letter from England and much to his delight a bill from Sugar Daddy's, a lingerie shop Buffy had discovered not long after they'd returned from the mother country as newlyweds.

As he waltzed up the path to the front door, reading over the credit card bill and noting that half the purchases weren't made by William Summers, but by the lovely Mrs. Summers to innumerable shops around town. It was a very good thing that Dawn was an infallible source of money, considering every purchase Buffy had made throughout their pregnancy was done in double. Spike however didn't mind in the least, in fact every time he was reminded of the impending birth of his twins he virtually burst from the joy of it. He had to admit, he was too happy to even begin to define it. He was living the proverbial life of Riley...though not the blighter who'd inconvenienced him for two years and who was hopefully under an anaconda in the Amazon or something equally as deserving. The vampire continued to to sort through the mail as he walked inside, spying Dawn stretched out on the living room couch.

"Hey, Nibblet, how goes it?" he asked, somewhat rhetorically, as he tossed the papers on the coffee table and slipped off his black leather duster and heavy boots.

"It's not my fault," Dawn replied casually, a hint of annoyance tingeing the answer to his question,"I tried to stop her, but you know what she's like."

"Oh bloody hell....are you serious?"

"She did it again....your turn to clean up the mess."

"Bloody.....bloody......stupid....inconsiderate bint! You know one of these days she's gonna drive me around the bend!"

"I know, I'm surprised you've lasted this long, you sure she's worth it?" Spike sighed and looked skywards, mouthing why me?

"Of course she's worth it."

"It's your funeral."

"Don't stay up too late, pet, still got school in the morning."

"I don't think all powerful instruments of creation need to worry about the intricacies of the Crimean War, do you?" Spike ignored his sister-in-law's ever present disdain for academics.

"Wish me luck....you still have to go to school on the morrow."

"Make your own luck, sunshine, I don't know who that woman is, but she's not my sister."

"Hormones, still with the hormones....and need I remind you that your the one who's responsible for getting her in the family way in the first place?"

"Like you had nothing to do with it, Mr. DNA Sample. You're avoiding, suck it up, vampire, pun intended, and go attend to your crazy wife." Spike steadied himself and started up the stairs, each pace bringing him closer to the impending doom that was a very very very pregnant and hormonal Slayer. He'd thought the violent mood swings had ended somewhere near Christmas, but evidently not. He loved her madly, but this was the forth time this week. Getting his tempers in check and gathering courage he tentatively opened the door to their bedroom. His shoulders sagged when he saw her, curled up in the middle of a pillow fort, her favored lime green chenille blanket around her shoulders. There was also a mountain of used kleenex pilled up like snowballs in preparation for an after school war amongst the seventh graders. He sighed and flipped on the overhead light, making her lamp lit atmosphere of self indulgence null and void.

"Slayer," he said with the respect one owes to their local mob boss. He disappeared into the bathroom and came back with the thrash can, hauling the pile of tissues in with last night's. Afterwards he sat down at the foot of the bed and looked at her as she stared at him through puffy eyes and trembling bottom lip. He looked in and amongst all her cushions and pillows for the culprits, eventually amassing them in a pile, evidence before his judge and jury. All told there was half an eaten white chocolate Toblerone, a Danielle Steele novel, and the biggest evil of them all, a copy of Terms of Endearment - DVD, letterbox edition. She hiccuped and Spike lost it."Why!?! Why do you do this?!" He was on his feet and angrily pacing in front of the bed."Do you even know why you're crying?" She looked guilty and turned away from his scrutiny, baby tears trickling down her hot cheeks."This is the last time, I bloody swear it.....I'm gonna take these blasted films n' burn 'em! Along with all those infernal Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos CDs!!!"

"No! You can't!" she blasted back at him, kicking all the pillows away and struggling to her feet, giving him a grand eyeful of her abundant pregnancy.

"Oh I bloody well can! Trust me, pet, I can and I will!" He opened up the doors to the entertainment center where the tv and DVD player were located and began to pull out her copies of Ghost, West Side Story, Steel Magnolias and Romeo and Juliet (at least it was the Zeferelli version).

"Put those back!"

"Make me, Slayer...I'm at my wit's end with you! Every bloody night this week! I go out on patrol, I slay vampires and demons and I come home to what? To this....this....silly chit who wastes her tears on bad romance novels, stupid lame ass soppy movies where everyone ends up either dead or grief stricken! Why do your torment yourself, pet.....why do you bloody torment me!!" He got on his hands and knees and began pulling out old VHS copies of other films of the same genre out from under the bed, along with more Danielle Steele novels.

"Not the books!"

"Oh yes the damn books....havin' m'self a bonfire tonight!"

"Spike, no, not the books....they were my mom's, please." That stalled him, the invocation of Joyce's memory was a cunning play on her part.

"Fine, I'll box them up then." He was on his feet again, the old paperbacks overflowing his arms and falling on the floor.

"Why are you being such a jerk?! I really hate you sometimes."

"Yeah, well, give yourself ten minutes and you'll be beggin' for it."

"Bastard! What's it to you if I need a good cry...this is hard." He was not in the mood for a guilt trip, to be sure he wasn't even thinking about the situation, only how frustrated he was with it.

"Good to hear that the carrying of my children gives you such joy, Buffy." That struck a definite chord and it was one Spike ought to have realized was not a good one to touch upon.

"Oh...oh....oh that's it......get out! Out of this house! Go now!" She pushed him, hard, nearly right off his feet, sending the books flying. He stood his ground, looking down on her with jaw clenched tight, teeth grinding, demon's eyes threatening to bring forth the rest of him. The Slayer didn''t flinch or cower for a second,"Get out." He huffed at her, cocked his head just so, then leaned in close to stare her down. He moved passed her, taking long strides and flying out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind him. Spike roared down the hallway, grumbling obscenities under his breath and gaming for another patrol, anything to vent his frustrations upon. He jumped down the stairs two at time, only to come to a staggering halt when Dawn met him halfway. He was about to speak when she gave him her patented eye brow raise and hairy eyeball. His mouth clamped shut and she made a dismissive gesture, telling him in no words whatsoever that he was being a cad and should crawl back to his wife on his hands and knees and set things right. When he didn't react immediately her eyes flashed a glowing green.

"Lil' Bit, don't treat me like that, it's rude," he scolded.

"She's an idiot, and you're the idiot who married her. Go be idiots together and stop making me play the heavy.....act like the adults you claim to be. I have a life I would like to get back to and am not your referee. Got it?"

"Yes, Nibblet."

"Go." She flailed her hands at him and he turned back.

"Bloody hell....as if my rocks weren't already bronzed and sittin' on the mantle."

Chapter 2 - Every Night I Save You

Coming back to the bedroom door made him feel like he was about to break the seal a mummy's tomb and receive the cursing of a life time. However, it was his wife that did the honors, still looking worse for wear, but welcoming and quiet, extending her hand to him. He accepted it, threading his fingers in between he's and letting her draw him over the threshold and back inside. He closed the door behind him, turning off the lights, letting the soft amber hue of the solitary beside lamp be their only illumination. Buffy sat awkwardly down, the mattress sinking under her weight as Spike sunk to his knees before her."Buffy, love, I'm so sorry. I didn't want to be mean to you, I shouldn't let myself have so short a fuse. It's just when I come home and I find you've been cryin' up a storm like that...it hurts inside and I wonder why you're not happy....I wonder if it's me that's done something bad. Do I not make you happy?" Buffy looked away from him, large round tears spilling anew from her eyes, but soon her fingers all were running through his hair, stroking his head as if he were a large cat.

"Oh Spike." She sighed and looked down at him,"I am happy, I promise, and it's all because of you. Plus, babies, happy, healthy babies....that I love all the more because they're yours. Thing is, I'm feeling weird, I think I'm in my nesting phase, and...I miss my mom."

"Of course you do, it's only normal you'd want Joyce here when your about to be a mum yourself."

"I've read all those baby books....but I want to know what she did with me when I was a baby, you know? What did she sing to me? How did she wrap my blanket around me...stuff like that. The books and movies are the ones she liked."

"And you thought revisiting 'em would help you feel close to her again?" She nodded.

"But I'm still all.... and I loathe the term....I'm all hormonal still and they make me cry, alot."

"Noticed that."

"So, it's not you okay?" He closed his eyes and accepted her placation, he hoped it wasn't him."Spike..."

"Yes...my precious?"

"Stand up..." He obeyed and she held her hands out for him to pull her to her feet again. She stood before him and scrutinized his face, there was still something wounded inside him, something she'd have to set right. She turned her back to him and moved her long hair to one side and tilting her neck to him,"What do these marks mean to you?" He traced lightly over the scars and their tactile qualities on the pads of his fingers sent a shiver through him. On first glance one might miss them, slight round discolorations dotting all over her neck and shoulders. They all healed very well, but they were there, a vampire's claim. His claim.

"That you belong to me....that I am yours."

"You haven't fed on me since our wedding night."

"Because you would taste too sweet...and I would never take anything away from the babies....after they're are born, perhaps."

"I miss it." The atmosphere had changed, she swayed in that too sultry way she knew enticed him.

"I know you bought us a little something from the lingerie shop, got the bill today in fact." She curled a strand of hair around her index finger, coyly sucking her bottom lip into her mouth. He closed the gap between them, slinking down behind her. His hard muscled body pressed flush against her round and supple one. His hands moved up her thighs, her satin robe falling back down as a cascade once passed over. With fingers splayed, his palms took took possession of the abundant expanse of her pregnant belly, warmth radiating from it and into him."Are you wearing it now, pet?" She shook her head, raising her hands to untie the knot of the sash that was secured just under her breasts.

"I bought it for afterwards, when I'm back in shape."

"I like your shape now, love, like it very much." He pulled her robe away and off her shoulder revealing her nude body. Breasts that had once been perky and petite were now heavy and fat. Substantial weights that overflowed his palms when he held them. Everything about her was different now. She was rounder and hotter in temperature, more malleable and erotic.

From the perspective of a dead man, the changes she'd gone through since their wedding were magical. Knowing that this small but powerful woman was creating children that should not have even been conceived both terrified and enthralled him. Vampires weren't meant to fall in love with the servants of good and they certainly weren't meant to make babies with them. But here and now as he held her, with his large hands exploring the softness of her body, he thought himself to be only a man.

"Do you really, Spike?"

"Yes, Buffy...I think I like you best like this, round and plenty as they used to say. You make me feel alive...three heartbeats to make up for my having none."

"Do you hear them now?"

"Like music, they are - two very fast and one slower, all at the same time, turning into music." He moved her towards their bed and lowering her down to the mattress after pulling the quilt away."

"Spike?" She watched him undressing, feeling her skin flush with desire.

"Yes, my sweet?"

"Do you love them?" He wasn't quite sure why she'd asked him such a question, but chose not to let it bother him that she didn't know his answer already. He encouraged her to give him space on the bed, then lay with her, a hand placed atop her stomach.

"They are the greatest love I have ever known." The answer pleased her, her smile to him bright and giving.

"Oh! I love you!" she exclaimed, reaching for him and bringing his lips to her for a fiery kiss. As they engaged each other in the precursor to making love, Buffy blindly arranged pillows at her side. Consumed with lust, Spike became increasingly urgent with his attentions upon her. His hand found its way between her legs, rubbing the perpetually swollen area, finding the protruding bud and batting it until it was hard and pronounced. After a time he rolled her to her side, shifting her into into the optimum position. The fingers of one hand moved to play lightly over her back and ribs, while the other gathered her very long golden locks away from her shoulders and neck. Buffy felt his growing erection against her backside and reached behind her to take hold of it."Want it now..." she commanded, giving him a squeeze.

"All in good time pet...but it's not leaving for hours."

"Hours...yes....need you Spike....always."

"You have me Buffy." He grasped the inside of her thigh and raised it apart from the other, putting it over the back of his. He scooted down and under her bottom to carefully enter her. The end of his rigid length butted at her soft masses of flesh, letting her flow coat and run over him. With one purposeful push he was home. Buffy let out a sound he couldn't quite define, something akin to the din of a ghost passing though a wall. She melted back against him, the coursing of her blood surging through her and centering between her legs. They'd become experts at this, coupling with him at her back and doing all the work. This left her to be the receptacle for all the pleasure, him drawing the orgasms out of her slowly.

Once just as they were entering the 5th month of gestation, he'd had her on her back and was thrusting vigorously when she'd suddenly cried out and made him stop. After a panicked visit to the ER that night it was determined that a simple potassium deficiency giving her cramps was to blame and had nothing to with with Spike's use of her, pure coincidence. Nonetheless he'd been scared witless and refused to touch her again. After two weeks and her ravenous sexual appetite reaching a boiling point, Buffy had tackled him on the the floor in their bedroom one night just after he'd returned from patrol; stripped him naked and ridden him like he was a wild stallion until she'd broken him into submission. From then on it was strictly Buffy on top. That was until a month and a half ago when the effort became too great for even the Slayer. So here they were, adapting as she neared the end.

He snuggled in tight until no space was left between skin and skin. His chin dug into her collar bone at the same time his cock gave her a sharp jab. She gasped, eyes widening from the jolt. She reciprocated by tensing and releasing around him until she had him purring like a cat full of heavy creams. He began a methodic pumping in and out, the gentle thwapping of his abdomen audible each time it slapped against her backside. Buffy's hand had come to lay on his cheek, caressing and sometimes the fingernails grazing when he did something even more right. She was well aware of how he worshipped her, always making her feel beautiful and sensual no matter how she thought of herself these passed months.

The hand that held her thighs apart lessened its grip to inch down to where they were joined. With his index finger he toyed with her clit, igniting second waves of pleasure between them. She made the sounds he recognized as the onset of her climax and stilled his motions, continuing to polish the nub. She contracted and held him, coiled as tight as a serpent around its prey. She shuddered, but the tension she'd cause him did not diminish. Buffy was holding herself at the cusp of orgasm, it both thrilled and pained him."Come on big bad, give it up," she taunted, choking him inside her.

"You first, Slayer," he grit out, pressing and rubbing her more violently. Spike surged against her, pressing in as far as he possibly could. With a strangled she was forced to give in, simultaneously taking him with her. With the thrum of beating inner muscles and a cool stream from him, they fell into bliss,"Hours....Slayer.....hours...."

"Oh god yes....." And they continued on.

Chapter 3 - Homecoming

"Spike?" Buffy uttered half asleep, half in waking. She certainly had no desire to part from the vampire body wrapped around her's but somebody's foot was pressing into her bladder."Help me up, please." This had long since become routine for the expectant father. Still laying on his side, he gave her a hand up to sit. It wasn't too much of a struggled from there for the Slayer to get to her feet, so long as Spike made sure she didn't lose her balance and fall back down. She pulled on her robe and reached down to give his blond curls a scruffle. She caught the smile threatening to curl his lips and laughed softly. He really was adorable first thing in the morning,"About 20 minutes okay?"

"Yes, dear," he mumbled into his pillow. She selected her outfit for the day and made her way to the bathroom. Switching into her mother's old room after returning from England pleased Buffy to no end. There was the bonus of the en suite as well as the larger bed. She finally felt that this was her house now - her's, Spike's, Dawn's and the children's. Standing under the warm spray of the shower, Buffy was perfectly content with everything. After she'd dressed, she passed by the bed again.

"Five minutes!"

"No worries, pet."

"Thank you."

"Always, my precious." Now began the merciless trek down the stairs. Waddling more than walking, she carefully took each step one at a time and kept a firm guard on the bannister. Fortunately the Slayer strength provided her with a well of endurance. She definitely pitied other pregnant women who didn't have that luxury. She opened the front door and took in the phenomenal beauty of the early morning, bringing the dewy air into her lungs. She felt even more grateful to be alive. That was of course until she saw the paperboy had had tossed the morning paper on the door mat instead of in the mailbox on the door like she requested.

"I'm gonna set the vampire on that kid," she sighed. An initial attempt to reach down and retrieve it failed with Buffy stomping her foot like a petulant child in frustration. Second time around she took things slowly, crouching whilst balancing herself between the door frame. However once she was down at the paper's level, she found she couldn't quite reach it. She growled just like Spike did before staking a vamp and continued to stretch her arm out, but to no avail.

"Lemme get that for you, Buffy," a man's voice spoke as he jogged up the front steps. Beginning with his black leather boots, Buffy looked up to the top of his head his shoulder length hair. Buffy rose to her feet and threw her arms around his neck.

"Xander!!" He hugged her back,"You came home!"

"Yeah.....about time, huh?" He pulled her close, or at least tried to, suddenly becoming aware of a very large impediment to Slayer huggage. He moved her back and held her at arm's length, staring at his friend with saucer eyes,"Buff! Buffy! You're....you're...!!!"

"I know." She patted her stomach, smoothing out the long sleeved black shirt she had stretched over it."Married too." She waved her left hand for him to see the wide platinum band that encircled her finger.

"You're married?! Oh my god, Buffy that's amazing! You're happy?"

"I'm happy, so happy!"

"You look it, you look beautiful, Buffy.....uh, how long?" He made a gesture at the healthy expanse in front of her.

"About three weeks to go, but sometimes twins can come early, so we'll see."

"Twins?" She nodded and took his arm, leading him inside.

"It's twins, a boy and a girl, or so the ultrasounds tell me. I'm just about to have breakfast, want to join me?"

"Sounds good....I can't believe this all happened to you, never thought it ever would...oh, what I mean is..."

"It's okay, I know - Slayer, plus husband and kids - not mixable, but I'm mixing! I'm the uber-mixy girl." She saddled herself on a stool at the kitchen island and Xander sat across from her, still marveling at the sight of a very pregnant Slayer. He set down the duffle bag he had with him on the floor and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl."

"So, tell me about him, the man that won the fair Buffster's heart."

"Well, he's older than me for one, quite a bit, but it's not an issue. He's smart, funny, devastatingly handsome...bit of a beast when he wants to be. Totally down with the Slayer gig, he's actually been patrolling for me ever since we found out I was pregnant."

"Where is he? At work? I wanna meet this guy, give him a good talking to about treating my best friend right."

"He sleeps during the day.....but usually gets up to make me breakfast. Other than that he's pretty nocturnal....works graveyard shift."

"Oh yeah? What does he do?"

"Supernatural stuff, kinda Gilesy in that way. But the best part is....I love him. He loves me, he loves Dawn and he lives for our babies, takes very good care of all of us. Life's pretty much prefect , even more perfect now that you're home. I've missed you."

"I've missed you two Buffy, missed everyone.....well, except Spike." As if on cue, the vampire, still in a sleepy fog, meandered into the kitchen. He was bare from the waist up and wore a pair of dark gray jogging pants below - mandatory after Dawn caught sight of him naked one night when each had gone downstairs for a midnight snack. The vampire wasn't sure what haunted him more, he initial scream or her laughs afterwards. He yawned and scratched his abdomen, also giving Buffy's belly a tickle as he passed by. He got down two bowls from the cupboard and a new box of weetabix. Laying two cakes in each bowl, Spike then retrieved a carton of milk and a pitcher of blood from the fridge. Each bowl was given a drench from their respective liquids before Spike then chose a banana from the fruit bowl, peeled it and with a knife, lay coins of the white fruit over the cereal. His final task in preparing breakfast was the setting down of a placemat in front of Buffy, along with a spoon and a glass of orange juice. He placed a bowl in front of her, gave her cheek a kiss and took up his own breakfast, heading back to where he'd come from.

"Spike....honey...." Buffy called after him. Upon first bite of his cereal he realized his mistake and turned around. He switched his milk for her blood and resumed his path."Thanks babe!" Spike grunted, already shoving lumpy weetabix into his mouth. Buffy sighed and held her hand to her heart. Her moment was interrupted by a heavy breathing sound from Xander. She looked at him curiously whilst taking a mouthful of breakfast,"You okay?"

"That was Spike!!!"

Chapter 4 - Down From Wudan

"Keen powers of observation you've got going there."

"You're married to SPIKE!?"

"Don't forget pregnant too."

"Woah...woah....how's that......vampire!?!"

"We saw a fertility specialist."

"For demons?!"

"Not exactly. You should try and breathe, you look like you might pass out." A thundering sound came from above in the form of the younger Summers girl,"Spike must have told her you were here." Dawn came barreling into the room, throwing her arms around Xander's shoulders and squeezing the life outta him.

"Hey, Dawn!" he said, returning her affections. Eventually the teenager released him and was smiling enthusiastically.

"Wow! You look really good!" she beamed. Dawn was right, Xander looked better than good in fact, he looked like a new man from the one that had left Sunnydale eight months ago. He was lean and fit, almost as tight bodied as Buffy's husband. He looked healthy toned in skin of bronze, there was also a palpable change in his aura. It was as if he'd gone through a metamorphosis and emerged a stronger, better man on all accounts.

"How are you? Not dating a vampire I hope."

"I'm terrific - but you be nice about Spike!"

"I'll....um...I'll work on it?"

"Good enough, so where have you been all this time?"

"Long story....loooooong."

"We've got nothing but time, I remembered it's a professional day at school. Buffy and I would probably just go do baby shopping, but now I wanna know all about where you've been!" Xander exhaled and looked back and forth between the two young women, a smile creeping across his face.

"On top of a mountain in China."

"Well, that's a new one," said Buffy, rather amazed.

"After the fallout with....with everything that happened I just ran and kept on running, until I ended up where I ended up and was ready to stop being a coward."

"We never thought you were."

"I was, I left without ever finding out what happened to Willow or you two...."

"Willow's in England with Giles. She lives in Bath now, as part of a coven of White Witches. She serves a Goddess, does only good - you'll be so proud of her...she's taking the tests to become a priestess soon." The relief that washed over him was clearly evident.

"Oh thank god....I thought about her all the time."

"And you were always on our minds too."

"Buy hey!" Dawn proclaimed,"She n' Giles are flying in next week! Willow's gonna do this cool protective atmosphere thing for the birth."

"The whole gang back together again," Buffy smiled.

"Anya?" Xander inquired solemnly.

"Still at the Magic Box, most of the time. She goes to Arashmahar alot. But she's doing pretty good, even doing good demony wise - I mean it - justice all the way. She was very angry for a really long time, but it's no so bad. We're not close or anything..."

"I have some amends to make, I hope she'll listen, give me a chance to say I'm sorry properly."

"Don't be surprised if..."

"She tries to melt my face off?"

"Something like that. You have somewhere to stay?"

"No yet, came here straight from the airport."

"We renovated the basement..."

"I renovated the basement," Dawn reminded her sister.

"Yes...Dawn did the basement, perfect for houseguests?"

"Twist my arm.....okay, I'll stay. Dawn, how did you do it all by yourself?"

"Oh it was easy, I'm a screwdriver!"

***

It wasn't until after lunch that Xander was finally caught up on all that had occurred in the lives of the Summers over the past almost year. Buffy told him about Xuxael; Dawn told him of her awakening to her true self and both women told the tale of how Spike came to be so integral a part of their lives. That story wasn't accepted so readily, especially when Buffy dropped the fact that she started sleeping with Spike shortly after her resurrection.

"You have to try and understand, I felt like I was still in my coffin every waking minute after you guys brought me back, I was in Hell. When I was with Spike, being here was easier. He didn't have any expectations or demands, he let me be sad and angry....he let me cry on his shoulder, let me be stupid and drunk....let me vent my frustrations on his poor face."

"But sleeping with him Buffy? How could you let him take advantage like that?" Xander asked, incredulous.

"Xander......I jumped his bones." Xander sputtered and choked on his lemonade while Dawn laughed. Buffy simply smiled and ran her hands over her abdomen,"The only time I felt alive was when he made me....now I'm full of life, full of love."

"It doesn't bother you that he has no soul?"

"Sure he does, in a way....I gave him mine, on our wedding day."

"That's another thing! You actually married him!"

"On midsummer's day...well, night. There's this place in Wales, he was there as a child. In the forest there's this altar, been there since ancient times. A priestess from Willow's coven married us, walked us around a sacred fire and bound us together. I promised my soul to him and he said that wherever his soul was and whatever was in him now belonged to me forever. Willow and Giles were there, so was Dawn."

"She looked so beautiful in her dress," Dawn recalled,"And Spike wore this leather tunic - he looked like a warrior. Willow said the Goddess was there in the form of a deer on the edge of the clearing.....I think it was my favorite day....er....night ever!" Xander let her words settle in, trying to work their way around his preconceived notions and prejudices.

"And now, you're having children," he sighed.

"They're our miracle...thanks to Dawn," Buffy beamed.

"Right....all powerful creator of the Universe."

"Just one of them, and I'm not all powerful," Dawn informed,"Otherwise Spike wouldn't be able to make me do my homework every night."

"Can you accept that this is our lives? That Spike is good now and we love him?" Buffy continued.

"Those who know honor but practice humility will be as a valley receiving all the world into it."

"I think that's a yes. You quoting Confucius or something?"

"Buddha."

"Pick that up in China? Were you really in China?"

"Yes. In the monastery on the top of Wudan in the Kunlun Mountains, where I trained with the Shaolin."

"Holy moly! You're a monk!?" Dawn burst out, to which Xander chuckled.

"No....no....just a Buddhist, how's that for wiggy? Just trained, learned their philosophies.....I'm a new person, and I think I can tell you that I can understand about Spike and I can accept him. Won't be easy, but if one does not begin with a right attitude, there is little hope for a right ending."

"You're gonna do that kinda thing alot aren't you?" Buffy asked.

Chapter 5 - Sid n' Nancy

Spike made his way downstairs shortly after 4pm. His hair was still soaking wet from his shower and his t-shirt still untucked from his beltless, low riding dark gray slacks. His bare feet slapped noisily on the hardwood floors as he made his way to the kitchen for a mug of blood. As he stood watching the countdown on the microwave, Xander emerged by way of the basement. Spike took his mug upon its finishing heating and turned, leaning casually against the counter to face his old nemesis. "Harris," he acknowledged.

"Spike," Xander replied coolly.

"They gone out for their shoppin'?"

"Yeah. You should know, Buffy's invited me to stay."

"Figured she would, couch in the basement's pretty comfy."

"Spike.....look...I think...."

"Save it, whelp....I don't need the you're a souless demon, Buffy should've staked you long ago rant n' lecture. In case you didn't notice she n' I are married, not to mention she's about ready to pop! And another thing, don't get all pissy and offensive with me - the bloody chip's gone, doesn't work anymore - can't sucker punch me and not expect to get the thrashing of your life in return!"

"Spike....wait a minute, okay? I wanted to apologize to you."

"Huh?" The vampire was dumbstruck.

"I spent the day talking with them. They told me everything - about Africa, you and Buffy, Dawn and the creation key thing and I've realized that if I want to be welcome in this house and back into their lives you and I have to mend some bridges.....right?"

"Um, right....so...oh....um.....how?"

"Congratulations on the twins, Spike." The vampire smiled widely at the mention his soon to come offspring.

"Bloody amazing innit?!!" Suddenly Spike was very excited,"Shoulda seen me when she told me! Vampire's senses thought somethin' was up, yeah, but when she said the words....I started bawlin' like a bloody poofter! Kept kissing her tummy and tellin' her how much I loved her.....total cream puff....don't matter...what love's all about, right??"

"Yeah, it's pretty great. I can see Buffy's happy, that's all I need."

"All I need too."

"So...where you been? She's missed you, I know. Dawn too."

"China."

"Yeah? Fun place that, good food."

"Ha ha ha. Wudan Mountain....with the monks, training."

"You do look...um.....less..."

"You can say it."

"Not so doughy, look like you could be smart in a fight. There's lotsa room downstairs for sparrin'."

"I was thinking maybe you'd like some help on patrol tonight. Buffy said you've been doing it alone since she found about about the pregnancy."

"Yeah, alright...we can catch up...maybe. Actually, truth is I never really paid too much attention to what you were doing, 'cept when you were screwin' up."

"Well, that goes for me too."

"So we should probably try n' get along then....for their sake."

"Absolutely, for their sake." The sound of the front door opening was detected and the laughter of Buffy and Dawn filled the house. The came into the kitchen with arms laden with shopping bags and grocery bags. The afternoon's spoils were unceremoniously hauled up on to the island and both girls exhaled lung fulls of breath. Buffy pouted and took off her shoes, reaching down and trying to rub her feet. Spike inspected the pink and blue bags from Sweet Caroline's, Buffy's baby store of choice, drawing out yet another pair of outfits, little black t-shirts and new born sized denim jeans.

"I ordered those last month, aren't they perfect for your kids?" Buffy smiled, taking the clothes from him and laying them over her stomach,"They have little leather jackets coming in next week.....got two on hold already."

"Woman, you're gonna put me outta house n' home," Spike admonished, starting to put away another army's worth of food into the fridge.

"What are you worried about...it's Dawn's magic key money anyway.....honey, I bought grapes." Spike ginned from ear to ear.

"I know, love." Xander caught their exchange and the peculiar looks they were giving each other. Dawn took his arm and pulled him aside.

"You don't wanna know...I'm pretty sure it's a sex thing...they have alot of sex things around here. Be careful, you never know what'll set them off," Dawn whispered in his ear.

"Nibblet, reminding you of the vampire hearing," Spike shot out as Buffy melted into his arms."So....grapes...um.....shall we?"

"No...we need a to have a meeting," Buffy replied.

"Just what I had in mind, pet."

"A meeting to discuss names again, we don't have much time and I don't wanna call 'em Baby XX and Baby XY anymore....we need to decided what we're naming them."

"I thought my ideas were pretty spot on."

"We're not naming our children Sid and Nancy."

"What about the second idea?"

"We're not naming our children Joey and Ramona."

"Buffy..." She put her finger to his lips to silence him, he reciprocated by kissing it.

"Sweetheart...."

"Back rub?"

"That's blackmail."

"That's taking good care of my wife."

"We're not naming them Iggy and Siouxie either."

to be continued.....

Chapter 6 - In the Family

Dinner was in the oven, store bought five cheese lasagna, Buffy had a yen for it. Spike obligingly agreed to another session of naming the twins, he and Buffy forming their two bodies around each other on the couch. Mostly Spike wrapped himself around her, laying his cheek against her's as Buffy held on to several baby books and what had become a binder full of options that had been suggested and categorized. Xander and Dawn sat in the armchairs, surveying the expectant couple with amusement. With a pen in his left hand Spike scribbled a few more names down on the pages of loose leaf paper in the binder.

"Sirona, Ophelia and Cymbeline.....those are the ones I thought about today," Spike ruminated.

"They're beautiful names....but again with the Shakespeare? Pretty big names for such a little girl."

"Sirona's not Shakepeare...she's a goddess." Buffy made a face.

"Mmm...anything remotely god-dy makes me think Glory...boy's?"

"Byron...after Lord Byron of course.....Titus, Titus Andronicus...poweful name that."

"I like Randy....let's call him Randy."

"Don't be ridiculous!"

"You're one to talk......Titus Andronicus? Shakespeare, am I right? Get a new hobby."

"Perfectly decent names all of them....what about some of the British ones again? Rufus, Basil?"

"You're just setting him up for playground bullies to pick on."

"Love, his mum's the Slayer and his father's a vampire...I'm betting he can bend the monkey bars with his bare hands."

"I'm going back to my first and only choice - William - unwavering protector....it's what I want, it's the only name for my son."

"But, pet, it's so bloody...."

"It's your name. It was also my grandfather's name, my mom's dad...that makes it a family name too. Please?" He nodded his head placed his hands over the round swell in front of them.

"William it is then, still kinda partial to Rufus though."

"William Rufus Summers. Now for our little girl.....why don't we keep in the family too...what was your mother's name?"

"Mary....too plain for our daughter..."

"Your grandmothers?"

"Constance...crazy ol' ninny that she was, mum's mum.....it was lead poisoning...made her go all poxy. I think not, love."

"What was your father's mother's name?" For a moment there was a glimmer in Spike's eyes and a deepening of his emotions.

"Her name was Allegra. A rare beauty, like you. Spent summers with her after my father'd died, out in the country and away from London. I like Allegra."

"Me too....Allegra Summers..."

"Allegra Joyce Summers."

"Perfect."

"Woah, woah, woah.....hold up one second there," Dawn interrupted,"You two have been fighting over names for months...you....you have a binder full.....you have umpteen zillion books and in the span of five minutes you suddenly decide!? You're insane, the pair of you....totally stark raving bonkers."

"Nibblet, come now, be nice. Be pleased we've settled. Don't you like the names?" Spike countered, if not a little patronizing.

"They're nice...I like them.....but...oh nevermind.....too much effort." Spike and Buffy returned to their reverie, placing their hands over where the twins were nestled.

"William and Allegra," Spike repeated to the room, then kissed Buffy's cheek and hugged her. It was one of those moments of perfect bliss he'd been having for months now, each time was an epiphany, he wasn't sad or lonely or worthless. He was a husband, a father and a friend, he mattered.

"What's this?" Dawn asked, spying the letter that had arrived yesterday, but remained unopened on the coffee table.

"Oh right," Spike recalled,"From England, give it a read, Nibblet." The teenager tore open the envelope, noticing the return address to Bath and pulled out the pages.

"From Willow!" She read down a few sentences, then her initial smile quickly faded.

"Lil' Bit?" Buffy sat up too, marking the furrowed brow of her sister.

"Do you guys remember Olivia?"

"The woman that came just before the Gentlemen showed up," Buffy replied,"She was very pretty, made Giles laugh and look embarassed...it she coming to visit too?"

"No....um...she's dead." It was a shock to all of them, they barely knew her, but still, a death was never pleasant news."It was a car crash on an...M-way? Willow said would have called or emailed, but she thought a letter was more respectful. They're still coming and Giles is really looking forward to it....but you know....he'll be sad n' stuff."

"Poor Giles," Xander breathed out. Spike threaded his fingers with Buffy's.

"Poor ol' sod," Spike sighed.

"Is there something we should do?" Buffy asked.

"I expect the best thing to set him on the mend will be to see you and the twins, love."

"Life's sure rotten sometimes."

"I know, but sometimes it's very sweet indeed." He patted her belly and gave her a reassuring smile, life for them was sweet indeed.

Chapter 7 - Take the Stake from My Hand Grasshopper

"When we got to China, the first thing we did off the boat was find someone to eat!" Spike told Xander as the two of them headed towards the last cemetery of the night. Thus far patrol had been frightfully uneventful, giving Xander and Spike free range for conversation. Where their perpetual loathing of each other had disappeared to was anyone's guess. It was easy for Spike to be friendly when he was treated the like, it was all he ever needed from people now that he didn't feed on them. As for Xander, the vampire presumed it was his new found Buddhism that was to be credited with the change."Never bothered to really appreciated what I was seein' before me...culture n' what not."

"That's all I could do," Xander explained,"Just stand there like and idiot tourist and stare. I loved everything, especially when I got out into the country. Walked alot....did the Great Wall!"

"Thought about it myself, looked like work. Heard then that there was a rebellion happening, went and joined in with the mayhem....blood, death, you know...."

"The good old days?" Spike chuckled and waved off the comment.

"So after you were done playing tourist, what then?"

"Like I said, I did alot of walking....I was in the middle of no where, Kunlun Mountains actually.....and there was the mountain. Wudan Mountain.....then about a bazillion stairs and two days later was a Shaolin temple and monastery."

"And what? Now you're Bruce Lee?" There was a teasing manner about Spike, mustn't let the whelp, however reformed, get to big for his britches.

"I was lost....and they sensed that, so they didn't turn me away."

"I know what that's like.....needing to find yourself again."

"I ran away, Spike, ran away when things went south. There's alot I could say about you, but you were never a coward."

"Yeah, but where was I when it all happened? Off in bloody Africa!"

"Can I ask you something? Why did you go? Buffy went to find you and you were just gone." Spike slowed his pace and became pensive.

"It's ancient history now, I suppose. She'd called things off and I couldn't deal. I was convinced she loved me, didn't matter that's she'd made herself clear. I got a bit rough one night, trying to convince her. I was half outta my mind, desperate........but then I finally heard her screamin' no at me. I suddenly realized that I was hurtin' the woman I loved and I was disgusted with myself. I didn't know she'd already forgiven me before I'd even walked away. I'd heard there was this demon in Africa....he could do stuff...at any rate I came back after my epiphanies and the first thing she said to me was I love you. It was worth it in the long run, but getting here was agony."

"Too late for me to stake you for it....what with the married and twins thing."

"The wife would appreciate it. I want you to know something - the evil I carried around in me is gone, I left it behind in Africa."

"I can believe that...when Buffy and Dawn look at you and you at them, you're all a family. I envy you."

"Planet must be off its axis if you're envying me. Bloody hell.....you've got the one thing I don't - a soul."

"You know Spike, you don't really seem to need one."

"Easy for you to say. I'm full up with love, happiness and contentment. I couldn't ask for a better life, but there's this void that I feel more and more everyday. I know there's something missing still and I want it back."

"Couldn't you just get Willow to curse you? Like she did with Angel?"

"Excuse me and thank you very much, but sod the soul if I have to stop puttin' a smile on my wife's face every night!"

"At least you have perspective."

"Too rights! Let's head on home, sorry your first night of patrol was such a bomb. It's been real quiet this month. For a Hell Mouth the demon population is dwindling."

"Except for those ones." Emerging from beyond a hedgerow were five vampires come a snarling and looking as fierce as possible. Xander and Spike remained unphazed,"Do you mind?"

"Be my guest." Xander brought out his stake and walked casually towards the vampire. Spike reclined against the wall of a mausoleum. Now would have been the perfect time for a cigarette, if he hadn't long since quit.

Xander hadn't had the pleasure of staking a vamp since he'd left Sunnydale - they were sorely lacking in Asia. The first one lunged and Xander side stepped it, delivering a back kick to send it flying. In a seamless execution Xander staked one vamp and back flipped over another to get him through the back. Spike straightened up to better survey the action, he was amazed to believe this was the same git Harris from a year ago. Xander moved down low with his left leg stretched to one side and his right crouched down. He made fluid motions with his hands to then rest himself in an odd but impressive stance.

"What you got going on there then?" Spike hollered.

"The tiger stalks the jungle."

"Does he now?" The three remaining vampires came at the human and suddenly Xander went from very low to very high. A flurry of crescent and roundhouse kicks to the vamps was unleashed until he had them standing one behind the other, dazed and confused. He plunged the stake right though all three at once. After they exploded into dust he gave a bow.

"He who stands on the tips of his toes cannot be steady. He who takes long strides will not maintain the pace. He who displays himself is not enlightened. He who brags achieves nothing of worth. He who boats will not endure. These people do not bring happiness. Followers of the Tao avoid them."

"Bloody hell! You are Bruce Lee!!"

***

Spike said his goodnight to Xander upon their return home, still awestruck at the whelp's transformation from doughboy to ultimate fighter. The vampire made his way upstairs with one thing on his mind, the only thing that was ever on his mind, Buffy. He entered the darkened bedroom and found her sitting up and still awake.

"You're alright, love?" he asked, peeling off his t-shirt and pulling his belt from the loops of his slacks. She shifted uncomfortably and winced, for a moment he was more than just concerned,"Buffy...is something the matter?"

"No..., I'm fine. Just not having a good night, that's all. I can't get comfortable and my ribs hurt, and I'm having one of those times when I just wanna shave my head 'cause little hairs keep twitching my nose! Also....they won't stop stretching around and go to sleep. Grrrr." He understood, as best a man could, how uncomfortable she must be, her body betraying her with every movement. Coming to her he bent down and hugged her, then drew her to her feet. He lay his head against her shoulder and felt her relax.

"How's about a nice bath, you can float in the water, take some of the pressure off. Let me take care of you...."

"Spike....you haven't stopped taking care of me from the second I told you I loved you....mmm...even before that."

"Is that a yes?" She smacked him on the bottom, it gave him a thrill that manifested itself in a rumble in his throat.

"Get me in the tub!" Shortly afterwards Buffy found herself moaning just a little louder than what could be deemed acceptable as Spike kneeled next to the bathtub, giving her shoulders a deep, bruising massage. He gathered up the water of the bath and let it run down her back before moving to another tensed muscle."I swear this is better than sex..."

"Not quite, pet, which I'll prove once I get you back to bed."

"Oh, sweety, I don't think I'm up to it...I'm just wasted...I don't even think I can stand up on my own."

"Then I'll make you come another way...gentler way..." She shivered and gasped when his cool tongue laved over her upper arm.

"I think I just did..." Spike smiled, nipping at the shoulder with his teeth. In little time Buffy lay in all her splendor on their bed, unable to see her vampire, but keenly aware of his presence. He treated her sex as he did her mouth, kissing with tongue, reaching deep to twist and coil, drawing back then plunging in again. She often wondered if she was being a terrible mother to allow this to be done to her in this condition, but a happy Buffy, meant happy babies when she was relaxed and satiated. When her body tingled and everyone felt warm and close she knew it was perfectly alright. Not to mention the miraculous talent he was only too pleased to show her. She felt a river gush from her, or imagined that's how it was, in truth she was in a delirium, rising to the snap. He nestled close upon her clit, breathing hot and hard on it, then dotting a kiss upon it before close it within his lips and pulling. She sobbed once and went boneless before him as the orgasm flooded through her. Spike traversed the length of her body with mouth and hands and she drew him against her swelling breasts, cradling his head with her arms as both fell into deep repose.

Chapter 8 - Good Morning

There were few things Spike loved more than when Buffy decided to sleep in. Four days had passed since Xander had returned to Sunnydale and he had graciously volunteered, along with Dawn, to meet Giles and Willow at the airport. Therefore Buffy had made the executive decision to spend the few hours until their guests arrived playing another round of Orgasms with the Undead™. At present Spike was suckling at one tit while two thick fingers moved purposefully into and out of her sex. With each withdrawal he deliberately scratched at the gathering of soft nerves along the top of her passage. She squirmed about next to him, pleasure running through her like and electrical current. Her hands fisted maniacally in her hair, anything to keep her grounded.

Spike had begun to groan as he did when he drew blood from her, as if her breast was rendering an intoxicating elixir to him just between her legs or her throat did. She sighed long, realizing that soon this would be how she could feed the twins, that this was all natural. His thumb brushed over her clit and suddenly her hands left her hair and grasped urgently at his shoulders. He sucked harder at her breast and stalled his fingers inside her, thumb now manipulating and pressing on the erect nub. She convulsed around his hand violently and rolled through the courses of her climax.

When she was satiated he removed his soaked digits and massaged her inner thigh, but continuing to feast at her breast."Spike?" she breathed out. He raised his head and the nipple popped out of his mouth with a wet smacking sound. He licked his lips and the corners of his mouth and grinned at her.

"If you're wondering if they work, allow me to assure you, Slayer my love, that the nectar is as sweet as honey."

"What?" She looked and saw that a thin, translucent liquid trickled from her nipple,"Spike! You were drinking from me?! That's just...just...."

"Beautifully erotic." She gave a grumble. She hated it when he did that, making her realize that there was still undiscovered country as far as the scope of their sex life was concerned and she hadn't been the one to discover it, yet again. His attentions returned to the bountiful flesh, kissing the underside as the hand at her thigh now worked over the opposite breast."

"Spike, I think you love me too much."

"No possible," he spoke between kisses all over her well rounded stomach,"I love no one better than you.....and the two here inside."

"This is positively decadent you know......we're not gonna be able to keep this up for much longer."

"Baby, I can always keep it up."

"Don't be cheeky....beast...." He lulled his head upon the top point of her abdomen and faced her, a contented and adoring smile shining down upon her. She reached out and lay a loving hand upon his cheek.

"I know our lives are about to change. I've had more happen to me in the past five years than in the past one hundred."

"Same here.....the five I mean....not the one hundred...hey, you feel that?" He nodded and snuggled in against her where he'd felt the tap.

"Foot?"

"I think so....a heal probably....they've turned, or are starting to. It'll be any day now, I think."

"You scared?" She saw the worry descend upon his face and she reacted by brushing her fingertips over his lips, letting him kiss them.

"No, sweetheart, I'm not scared. This has been an ideal pregnancy, Slayers are very well made for this kinda thing....the birth'll be a snap."

"Think so do you? We'll be lucky if the hospital's still standin' when the Summers pass through there." The thought made her laugh."I love you, Buffy."

"Love you.....now turn me over, I'm ready."

"Crass little bitch, what are you a pop tart? Turn me over, I'm ready?"

"Horny one, Spike.....oh yee of the five hour erection."

"Your wish is my command."

"Shut up and do it!"

***

Buffy nervously tried to make herself look presentable and his the fact that up until five minutes ago, she'd still being doing a marathon of Orgasm with the Undead™. Spike had dressed already, the simplicity of jeans and t-shirt over a tight muscled body."You look perfectly lovely, sweetness," he assured her, taking her hands in his.

"I look and feel like a beached whale," she pouted, opting for black yet again.

"Don't put down the mother of my children."

"Spike, honey, I could be wearing burlap and blood larvae and you'd still think I was pretty."

"True....but honestly, love, you look smashing."

"You're biased, it's not working." He quieted her mouth with a soft kiss upon her lips.

"I think I heard a car door...."

"Why am I nervous?"

"Just excited....they haven't seen you since last summer."

"And now I'm a blimp, fabulous."

"It is."

***

Willow flew into Buffy's arms upon seeing her friend in the doorway. Spike stood back near the stairs and watched the two women reunite. Willow had cut her hair to four inch long wayward tresses that went out in every direction due to gel and kamikaze styling practices. It was good to see the witch hadn't gone totally earth mother. She wore a pale pink sweater and matching pants, the outfit was also accentuated with a quarter sized pentagram silver pendant resting on her chest. Xander and Dawn and Giles filed in around them, putting the luggage down. Spike and Giles gave each other a quick acknowledgment as the Watcher waited his turn to embrace the Slayer. Buffy reached out and grabbed Giles, pulling the stunned man into the an impromptu group hug.

"Oh I missed you guys so much!!" exclaimed Buffy as she squeezed them tight. The hug was released and Willow and Giles got their first good look at the Slayer in all her glory.

"My word!" Giles remarked,"I never expected...I mean I knew of course.....but Buffy, you're..."

"Freakishly huge. I know. Try living it."

"No dear, you look wonderful, healthy...it's just so unbelievable......how far you've come."

"From dead girl to mommy."

"Yes, well, might not have put it quite like that, but yes." Meanwhile Willow was giving Spike his due with a hug. The witch was suddenly picked up off her feet, swung around and placed back down.

"Love the locks, Red," Spike smiled, giving a strand a tug. She smiled shyly, she always did have a soft spot for Spike.

"Thank you....you look good too...so does your wife. That working out for you?"

"Everything's come up roses."

to be continued.....