Chapter 49 - Always

When Spike awoke, quite a few hours after daybreak, he felt a cool breeze tickle over his exposed flesh from the open window. He was flat on his back, uncovered, but with a supple, fluffy pillow under his head. He tried to move and sit himself up, but his body rebelled and demanded he lay still. He ached all over, from neck to ankles and everywhere in between. The flaccid length of flesh between his legs felt like it had been wrung out through an old fashioned washing machine, but it was also satiated unlike any time before. He calculated the time in his head, he and Buffy had gone at for 12 hours straight, a new record for them. He smiled wickedly contemplating trying for 13 someday. Who needed Tantric sex when there's a vampire involved? He groaned, a charlie horse making itself known in his left calf. He winced as he tried to work it out, when suddenly the door to the bedroom burst open and Buffy came in with a laundry basket under her arm and humming brightly to herself.

"Oh! You're awake! Good morning honey," she beamed as she went about putting fresh sheets on the bed, stepping over and around him as she went about her task,"How are you feeling?"

"Like I was hit with a bloody Mack truck, or one petite Slayer. Buffy, I think I'm broken."

"Oh pffft, get some blood down you and let the vampire healing kick in, you'll be ready for another round tonight." Spike covered his face with his palms and whined. Buffy ignored him and went about tidying from the previous night's shagfest.

"Love, how can you be so bloody chipper? I'm probably spending the day right here on the floor and you're buzzin' around like a busy lil' bumble bee."

"Because Spike, I had sex for 12 hours straight and it was so freakin' amazing I don't think anything could wipe the smile off my face. I've got a few kinks and I'm sore in a few choice places, but it's of the good kind." She stood over him, legs apart and on either side of him, her long thin denim skirt billowing slightly when the wind rushed out from under the drawn curtains. He looked up at her and smirked, biting at his bottom lip and staring in wonderment at the firecracker of a wife he had all to himself. She crouched down over him and scraped her nails over his pectorals."Spike..." she said huskily,"You were incredible, lover..."

"Mmmm Buffy...." he craned his neck to kiss and her tongue darted out to lick the tip of his nose before she swooshed away and went back to putting away the laundry,"Aww...come on pet..."

"You can't possibly want to make love again, you can't even get up off the floor!"

"'So what if only one part of me can get up, vampire here, bloody sex machines we are....well, I am..."

"Irrelevant, yay for me, but irrelevant. The twins will be home in less than an hour."

"And how are my lil'uns? Behave for aunties?"

"They were good. Apparently they did pine for us, breaks my heart, but they were okay. I just want to snuggle them for hours."

"Good plan..." She finished her chores and sat down on the edge of the bed facing him.

"Sweety...can we talk?" Her tone had become quite serious, prompting him to sit up on his elbows, giving her his full attention.

"What is it? Nothing wrong is there?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong. I've been thinking about what you said. You wanted us to leave Sunnydale and move to England. Is that still what you want?" He closed his eyes and nodded his head."I decided that I want that too. I want the quiet, simple, safe life we deserve." She moved down to kneel beside him and he sat upright to look at her with awe.

"You won't regret it, I promise you that."

"I know I won't, I've been thinking about it constantly, but I didn't want to say anything until I was certain, I am. Where would you like us to live? In Bath, with Willow, Tara and Giles?"

"Devonshire..."

"Where Allegra lived? Somehow I knew that's where you'd pick...just a lil' hint of your soul coming to the surface. It's nice to see you more comfortable with it. Makes me feel very good inside."

"Am I doing alright? I don't know sometimes. When I hold one of the babiesn I'm at peace, it's so lovely...but then an image will flash behind my eyes and it'll be a memory..."

"Of kiilling?" He ran a hand over his face and nodded solemnly.

"I killed children, Buffy. Here I am holding my own child who I wouldn't wish a moment of pain or fear upon...yet I've done the very worst to someone else's child...and...I....I...and then I have to put William or Allegra down because I'm scared I'll contaminate them. I hate myself for being afraid to love my own children, Buffy, they don't deserve a monster for their father." He'd begun crying, his bottom lip trembling, he cried so easily now. He didn't cry often, mostly he kept it inside himself, trying to spare her his melancholy, but she knew it was there. She could help him forget with concentrating on caring for the twins, or sending him out on patrol, or hanging out with their friends. For twelve hours the night before they'd had nothing but bliss. But now it had all come down upon him as heavy as a safe dropping from a tenth story window. She snuck her face under his, which had fallen forward and began to kiss him, tender and soft. He pulled away, smiling sheepishly, reaching out to graze his knuckles under her chin."And then you go and remind me that it's not supposed to be easy...but it is worth fighting for. Oh, Buffy, love, I'm one sorry ass git, aren't I?"

"Maybe just a little, but I have a thing for 'em. Spike, you're my husband, you're the father of my children and you're my regular soul and demon soul mate...so as far as I'm concerned you're just about the greatest thing since strawberry and rhubarb crumble."

"Are you making fun of me?" She planted a wet kiss on to his forehead and got to her feet pulling him up with her despite his moans of protest. She gave his bare bottom a smack and pointed him towards the bathroom.

"Nah, just that Mom's making some later, with whipped cream. Take a shower, put on something pretty, we're gonna have ourselves a real good day." She headed back towards the hallway.

"Buff?" She turned back to see the grateful look on his face."Thanks."

"Always."

"Whipped cream, huh?"

"Go have your shower dear."

to be continued.....

Chapter 50 - To Family

"What is that sound?!" Faith exclaimed for the umpteenth time,"I swear it's like like bone against bone, then this pop!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Buffy replied innocently from her position of laying stretched out on the couch, both twins sound asleep on her chest, each claiming a breast for a pillow. She lightly patted their bottoms while they slept, keeping to her word to snuggle all day long. Spike made a pass from the kitchen to the dining room as he went about preparing lunch with Willow and Tara. The vampire had become quite domestic these past couple of months, domestic, not domesticated as he was adamant to make clear.

"There it is again!"

"Yeah?"

"Hey blondy, get your ass back in here!" Spike came to the dark haired Slayer's caterwaul.

"Yeah, love?" the vampire asked, unassuming. Faith flashed him a wry smile and dismissed him with a gesture.

"Nothing, Spikey, just wanted to make you come." Buffy burst into giggles, her chest shaking, waking both babies in the process. The twins looked at their smiling mother both with sleepy blue eyes.

"Oh honey, I think William needs a change," said Buffy. Obligingly, Spike rescued his son from the jelly of his mother's chortling torso, making a face at the confirmation that a fresh diaper was indeed in order. Meanwhile Faith was making an overt spectacle of craning her ear to listen for the persistent popping sound she'd been on about. After Spike had disappeared Faith exploded in laughter.

"You minx!" the Slayer burst out,"B, you broke him didn't you?"

"The sound will go away eventually, vampire healing and stuff. But he is really favoring his left hip, nah, he'll be fine. There was mutual breakage..." The blond Slayer sat up and lay Allegra out on her knees, taking up Spike's favorite activity and rubbing her tiny feet.

"Okay...just between us girls...details!! I want 'em!"

"Details? What kind of details?"

"Don't tease me! I want measurements, clocked time, technique, acrobatics, special extras, positions, orifices..."

"Gee...pervert much?"

"I've been in prison."

"Thought that was one place sex was guaranteed."

"Very funny, bitch."

"In the order you specified, larger than an NBA player's shoes; 12 hours; Chinese contortionist, this rolling wave trick he does with his tongue; kama sutra; and everywhere it would fit. Satisfied?"

"Are you? And by everywhere you mean...?"

"Everywhere."

"B, when did you become such a slut?"

"When I discovered the beauty of monogamous vampire/Slayer marriages. But there is more to my husband than his twelve inch personality...." Faith started involuntarily choking, Buffy continued,"He's genuine, he's strong, he's tender and sensitive. He's a wonderful father, better than mine ever was and he's just such a bad ass, I can't resist his sinister charms."

"Or his personality."

"Get your mind off my husband's personality."

"No problem, I'm thinking about some else's...um...personality."

"I noticed. You two have been patrolling alot lately."

"Well, Xander's a good fighter...a damn good fighter."

"Is it a thing yet?"

"There's a thingness to it...not officially, yet."

"I think there's potential...you know, people in the workplace, sometimes it happens. Faith, there's something you should know. This morning Spike and I decided that we're leaving the Sunnydale and moving to England."

"Oooh! Does that mean I get the Hell Mouth all to myself?"

"You want it?"

"I wants! Buffy do you have any idea how much this would mean to me? A a couple of months ago I was a fugitive with no ties to anywhere...now the Council's put me back on the books; I've got friends...and I may even have the Xanman...."

"Then congratulations, you're now the proud owner of one unpredictable, unstable and generally nasty Hell Mouth."

"Yay me!" The front door opened and the sound of laughter filled the house. Xander walked in, flashing a quick smile in Faither's direction, towards the kitchen with grocery bags in tow, shaking his head and giggling like a school girl. Giles and Joyce followed in after, nearly falling in over each other with their hysterical laughter and completely oblivious to the funny look Buffy was giving them. The continued on into the kitchen with the bottles of soft drinks and wine. "Hello...looks like someone else's got a thing."

***

With Allegra comfortable against her shoulder Buffy made her way upstairs in search of Spike and William. She found father and son in the nursery, Spike sitting in the comfy chair with William held out in front of him by his two strong arms."Whatcha doin'?" Buffy asked, moving into the room.

"We were just having a conversation...father and son stuff," Spike replied,"I've also been tellin' him about Devon...about some of the things I did when I was a boy...I'm remembering more and more if it, Buffy."

"Because you have your own soul back?"

"I think so...I really think so...guess the ol' thing's not too bad after all, I don't feel so lost sometimes." William smiled and squirmed when he saw his mother and sister, much to the delight of both his parents.

"Come on, lunch is ready...well, the obscenely massive feast everyone's been working on. This was a good idea you had."

"Just wanted the family together now that every one's happy....feels weird, doesn't it?"

"I'm not saying a word, avoiding possible jinx is vital."

"Then I'll just say I love you."

***

There were many times in Spike's life when he'd been certain he was at his happiest. When he and Drusilla had finally broken free from Angelus and Darla, to carve out a reputation for themselves. After that he was secure in the notion that he would be the only man in Dru's heart and bed. When he'd killed his two Slayers he'd been euphoric. Seeing Buffy coming down her stairs the night of her resurrection, that had been nirvana. Hear her first I love you had unmade him and built up again. The night they'd conceived the twins, the miracle of it; their wedding; watching Buffy grow as the children did within her; the birth; the reunion those few weeks ago back at home. There was also last night, spent tangled in unbridled rapture. But no, this very moment was the happiest.

He sat at the head of the table, his table, as the man of the house. To his Victorian sensibilities, his position was one to be very proud of. He wondered how his mother would think of the fact that it only took him over a century to get here. To his left sat Tara, Willow and Giles, to his right were Xander, Faith and Joyce; and opposite was his wife, the light of his soul, Buffy. The children slept soundly behind her in their bassinets, safe and content. Before them was an impressive spread of food that they had all lent a hand in preparing. There was good food, good wine and good company. They were a family. Feeling bold, Spike took up his glass and rose to his feet, easily gaining everyone's attention.

"Um, sorry to interrupt the meal n' all...just that there's something I wanted to say." He was surprised at himself for being incredibly nervous. Buffy admired him and caught the gleam in his eyes, returning it with pride at the man she'd married,"Right, now bear with me, this is the first time I've ever done this. I know that even a year ago you basically all hated me, with just cause. I won't make excuses for myself, but I want you to know that before I became what I did one fateful night in an alley way in north London, that William Dashel Bainbridge was a good man." He had never told them his real name, not even to Buffy. Upon hearing it she had tears in her eyes, looking at him with fascination, he continued,"Yeah, well, I was also over sensitive and a bloody sentimental fool. Um, nothing can amend a century of murders, but because of all of you, because of Buffy I wanted to change. Somehow, God, the On High or whatever saw fit to give me a wife and two children I love beyond all rhyme or reason and out there in the middle of a war he restored my soul. I don't deserve any of this, but I need to tell you all how grateful I am that we can all be here together - that we're safe and happy. Right, on with it then Spike...I was never this long winded before the soul! A toast - to family!"

They raised their glasses and proclaimed in unison,"To family!" For a moment, Spike was basking in the goodness of the moment, but then an image flashed before his eyes in a display of deja vu. Suddenly he was eleven years old again, sitting at the dinner table dressed in his best suit, surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins. His father stood where Spike now did, head of the household with his glass raised in salut to the family...moments before his heart seized and he collapsed, dead, to the horror of all those present. Perhaps that was the reason why Spike had forgotten until now the significance of the date.

Spike faltered and Tara lurched to catch the wine glass as it slipped from his fingers,"Spike?" Buffy asked, getting up from her seat and moving quickly to his side,"Honey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, love...just a memory. I'll tell you later. I'm alright."

"Are you sure?" He nodded his head and kissed her quickly to reassure her.

"Positive." He looked over everyone's concerned faces and decided to salvage his reputation by being flippant,"What's everyone bloody lookin' at? Eat up! Celebrate! I just remembered it's my 145th birthday today!"

That night was spent embraced in Buffy's loving arms as for the first time since he was eleven years old he cried because he missed his father.

to be continued.....

Chapter 51 - Welcome Home, Spike

It had taken considerably longer than anyone had expected to relocate the Summers family from Sunnydale, California to a seaside village in Devonshire. The logistics of transplanting four American citizens and one British whose identity was falsified due to his death 123 years previously required some cunning legal wrangling. Not to mention the fact that they also had to find somewhere to live. Spike had diligently stepped aside after Buffy had asked to be the one to choose the new family home. Giles, Willow and Tara had returned to Bath not too long after Spike's impromptu birthday celebration. Finally after the months of planning and shipping their belongings ahead, the Summers left California and the Hell Mouth behind. The mouth was now in the hands of the dynamic and very much in love Faith and Xander.

They had been meandering along the coast in the Range Rover that Spike had purchased prior to departure, having it ready and waiting when they'd landed. Two days after arriving in London they were almost home. The vampire was behind the wheel, dreading even the very thought of his wife driving in England. She was watching out the window at the shore of the of the ocean winding with the road they travelled. The twins were sound asleep in the carseats in the back, with Joyce sacked out in between them. For the first time he could remember, his family was truly safe and independent from the Hell Mouth.

Buffy turned back to sit forwards, stretching out her flexus body. Spike watched her out of the corner of his eye."Are we there yet?" she asked as impatiently as a small child.

"Nearly there love."

"I'm excited, I'm so glad we get to settle in before Christmas."

"Sweetness, Hallowe'en was last week, plenty of time to get the house up and runnin'."

"Can you guess what I want us to do our first night in our new home?"

"I can guess, does it involve..."

"You probably don't want to complete that thought with your mother in law listening," Joyce piped up from the back seat.

"Oh! Sorry mum, but to be fair, Joyce, it wasn't me who started it."

"Of course not Spike dear, Buffy has always been a problem child."

"Hey!" Buffy protested.

"Oh I know it, mum," Spike continued.

"Frankly, I think you're a saint for marrying her," Joyce echoed.

"Not funny!" Buffy protested.

"Just teasin', pet," Spike apologized, smiling wide enough to show his dimples.

"You guys always gang up on me...sometimes I wonder whose mother you are. At least my babies love me best."

"Right now, my precious, they love apple sauce and the Clash." He reached across and brought her hand to his lips to bestow a kiss.

"Oh honey, look!" Sure enough, coming up on her left was a huge old cemetery covered by the looks of things in tall headstones, mausoleums and tombs.

"Just like home, eh love?"

"Hopefully."

"Y'alright, sweetheart?"

"Hmmm? Yeah, just nervous anticipation."

"Sorta like today is the first day of the rest of your life?"

"Exactly."

"But you're happy?" She turned her hand over in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Of course I'm happy." The rover came over a hill and descended into the town. The place was a bit of a contrast of sorts. A new grocery stone for example was situated right next to an old Victorian brick building which now housed a WH Smith bookstore. The houses looked either as though they'd been built no more than 20 years ago, while other had obviously been the foundation for the town. As Spike wound the car through the streets full of shops and homes there was a look of bizarre concentration on his face. He had the strangest feeling of deja vu.

"What's our address, love?"

"Keep driving, it's a little way out of town." Spike nodded and continued on, taking note of the metaphysical store situated between a solicitor's and a green grocer's. Perhaps the town had a bit of character afterall if it required a magic shop. He was eager to see the house Buffy had chosen, she'd kept the details from him as a surprise. It also seemed that Dawn had used her skills to fiddle with their bank account, money would never be an issue. Truth was, he was likely more nervous than she. Ten minutes after they'd passed through the two, Buffy asked him to slow down."There we are, 1360...huh, there's a coincidence, 1360 Greenman, it's up this driveway." He turned the rover down the narrow loose gravel path, either side flanked by thick gatherings of trees.

He liked the house on first glance, it was Tudor style and slightly larger than the one they'd left in Sunnydale. There was a pastoral front yard as well, landscaped beautifully, as much as he could tell in the dark. Off to the side at the edge of the back of the property was a small cottage. Spike pulled the vehicles up along the little step before the path that leas to the front door. Buffy and Spike each tended to retrieving their sleepy ten month olds, the father taking up his daughter and the mother her son,. Joyce followed behind.

"I called Mrs. Macanalley, the housekeeper, before we left London - the movers got everything into the right rooms and all our boxes arrived safe, total miracle," Buffy explained as they stepped on to the walk.

"Buffy..." Spike gasped, stopping half way along. He held Allegra a little closer, hugging his daughter as the emotions washed over him. Buffy and William came to him, his wife with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Did I do good?

"It's m'gran's house, it's Allegra's house."

"Our house now."

"I've not been back in over a century."

"It's been waiting for you to bring your family home." Threading his hand in the long tresses of her hair he held her to him as he kissed her.

"You're going to make me cry again. I hate crying!"

"William Dashel Bainbridge Summers, welcome home."

Chapter 52 - Invitations

"I'm bloody crying now! Way to go Slayer!"

"Aww...come on inside, you can give me the grand tour."

"Buffy, you're perfect, you know that?"

"Yep...and you can spend forever reminding me." She took his hand and began to pull him along, just as the front door opened and a portly, elderly lady stepped out. The light form inside the house cast long shadows and also illuminated the pentacle that dangled around her neck, she was a witch.

"Mrs. Summers?" she asked as Buffy arrived at the door first.

"Yes, hello Mrs. Macanalley."

"It's only Heather, dear, I'm not one for formalities."

"Well, then call me Buffy. My husband Spike, the twins are William and Allegra and this is my mother Joyce."

"So lovely to meet you all, won't you come in?"

"Pet, take our girl, I'll get the bags from the car," said Spike, handing the baby over to her mother. He gave the older woman a nod and a sliver of a smile and went back down the path.

Sometime later, after having a cup of tea and scones with jam courtesy of Heather, in the kitchen situated below the house, Buffy became quite worried when she realized Spike hadn't returned. She excused herself, leaving the children with her mother. She scoured the downstairs and there was still no sign of him,"Spike? Honey?" There was a light rapping on the front door, Buffy didn't like the sound of that in the least. Reaching into the pocket of the coat she'd hung in the entryway she drew out a stake and went to the front door. She opened the heavy wooden door quickly, attempting to surprise the person or think on the other side. She was startled to merely find her own husband standing before her, she dropped the stake.

"There you are! How long does it take to unload a couple of suitcases?" There was a hint of annoyance to her tone,"If you needed help you could've just called."

"I knocked hard, but I remember you can't hear a thing when you're down in the kitchen, the heavy wooden beams above n' all. Uh, Buffy, love, does my name appear on the deed to the house?" He was being uncharacteristically reserved, he was almost shy and withdrawn.

"I...lemme think. You did let me handle everything."

"I never signed anything."

"Then, no, I guess not, just my name."

"Ah."

"Why?" He held up his hand to the threshold of the doorway and tried to push through. There was an invisible barrier preventing his entrance. He wasn't prepared for Buffy's reaction, he simply wanted to come inside. Ever the emotional jelly fish, she'd burst into tears, gasping, 'oh god' repeatedly. He'd reach for her, but she was on the other side.

"Sweetheart, come now, just ask me in."

"NO! You mustn't invite him in!" Heather warned, having followed after Buffy and taken up the stake,"I'm sorry, dear, but he's not your husband anymore."

"Blood hell," Spike grumbled,"I am so her husband."

"No longer - evil, souless, undead! Where is your sire?"

"On a dusty road in Utah for all I know. You're right on one score, I am undead."

"Heather, I know Spike's a vampire," Buffy clarified,"He's always been a vampire, but he's a good vampire. He got his soul back, after I married him. Please come inside Spike." He passed though with a sigh of relief, but Buffy started to cry again, launching herself against him and wrapping her arms tight around his waist."Please forgive me." Heather left them alone, returning to the kitchen to ask Joyce for an explanation.

"It was just a mistake, pet, legal and mystical semantics. It's not your fault, I'm not fussed." He hugged her and kiss the top of her head.

"I ruined your homecoming."

"No you haven't, our family is all here, our beautiful children, your mum and by the looks of things a spitfire of an old witch who's not spooked of taking on a vampire. But if you'd like to make it up to me there is one thing."

"Anything."

"Anything? Hmm well, in that case..." She pouted and slapped his backside,"Just what I had in mind, pet. Make love with me tonight. For hours and hours, let that be our memory of our first night home."

"I was gonna to do that anyways."

"Then it works out nicely then."

Chapter 53 - Progenic Portents

The sounds of Buffy and Allegra laughing together with the splashing of the bath water filling the hallway was a definite solace. Heather had cooked them an amazing dinner and was nothing by kind to him after Joyce had shared the family story. Not that the vampire didn't still receive a few nervous glances from the elder witch. However seeing him hold William on his lap and feed his son apple sauce for dessert definitely softened her opinion of him. She'd since retired to her cottage. Joyce had also turned in already, mentioning something about calling Giles in Bath. Presently Buffy and daughter were sharing a bath, William's turn was next. Until then it was just he and his father. The boy himself was a veritable giggle machine as he crawled around his parents bedroom at his top speed while Spike pretended to chase him.

"That's right lil' poppet run from the big bad vampire!" Spike heightened their game by wearing his vampire face. Just as William dashed around a bedpost, Spike caught him and scooped up the boy and held him high. Spike nearly dropped his son when he turned him over and looked up at the child's face.

William's eyes were as blue as ever, but to match his father, the child's brow was pronounced with ridges and pin prick fangs had come down. Spike's own vampire face vanished and he was overwhelmed.

"Spike!" Buffy called,"You can bring William for his bath now!" A ripple of fear spread through Spike, while William continued to squirm and laugh, unaware of his father's turmoil."Spike! Allegra's turning into a cute little prune!" Spike cringed at the thought of showing his wife the affliction he'd passed on to her son,"Spike is something wrong? Are you there?" With William now snug in his arms, Spike reluctantly made his way to the bathroom. Hhis hand over his son's face he entered. Buffy and Allegra were playing tug of war with a wash cloth. The Slayer spotted the new arrivals out of the corner of her eye."Hey! Allegra's daddy's here!" The little girl released her end of the cloth and turned to her father with arms outstretched for him.

"Da!" she exclaimed. Spike closed his eyes, coming down to the floor in front of the tub.

"Spike?"

"I'm sorry," he lamented, unable to look her in the eyes.

"Sorry for what?" Buffy replied. He moved his hand away from their son's face,"Oh."

"I never meant for this to happen...I never meant to fail you again..."

"DA!" Allegra shouted, trying to climb over the rim of the bath.

"Allegra did it two weeks ago," Buffy smiled, while Allegra became increasingly frustrated with not being able to reach her father.

"You didn't tell me."

"No, I didn't. It wasn't because I was ashamed or scared..."

"DADA!!!" Allegra persisted before her shouts turned to pitiful crying. Buffy reached over bedside the tub for a bath towel, draping it over the side and on the floor before obligingly lifting the girl out. Once deposited on her feet she managed to remain standing, a first. There was another first right after, taking three quick steps she walked to Spike.

"Oh! Spike did you see that?!" Allegra grabbed on to his shirt, steadying herself and giving him the brightest most proud of herself smile. He brought the towel from where she'd left it and wrapped her up to keep her from catching cold,"Let's have William, he needs a bath too before bed." Silently, one arm now around the upright Allegra, Spike undressed his son for his bath and divested him of his diaper before helping him into the water with his mother. Buffy kissed the ridges on William's face as if it were nothing out of the norm."They're the happiest most perfect babies in the world, they're not demons. Are you going to stop loving them because they've inherited a few of your more interesting characteristics?"

"No! Of course not!"

"Well, duh, no kidding. I think it's beautiful, it only makes me love them more because they're so like you, don't be upset, sweetheart." Allegra looked up at him adoringly,"Let her show you her face, change for her." His game face reappeared at Buffy's will and Allegra squealed in delight and changed to match. He smiled back at his darling girl, the pair of them with fanged teeth and all.

Chapter 54 - A Thousand Years

When Buffy came into their bedroom after settling the twins down for the night across the hall, she was met by romance. Classic clichéd, but oh so loved romance.There was a fire roaring and crackling in the hearth and no other light. Between the fireplace and the foot of the bed lay her husband. Under him was a supple sheepskin rug, something to sink into to, no doubt as soft as his skin. He was stretched on his side, surrounded by all sorts of cushions and pillows, laying nude under a billowing and heavy quilt. One hand cradled a half snifter of brandy, swirling the dark amber liquid around in the hollow of the glass. She left the door ajar, so they could hear the children across the hall should they wake in the night. She slipped out of her bathrobe and lay it over the arm chair in the corner. There were still unpacked boxes strewn all over the place, all over the house, but for now they had a small space just for them. He lift the quilt for her to slip in next to him and she lay contented on her back with her hair out behind her.

He shifted his body until their skin touched and he propped himself up on one elbow, his hand tangling in her hair. He sipped the brandy while she looked up at him, her delicate fingers stroking his chest, breathing softly, smiling sweetly."Thank you, for earlier, with the children," he said quietly,"It was just shocking, I didn't know what the bloody hell to do."

"I understand. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure how to tell you. They only seem to do it when they're happy, I think it's adorable, but I am biased."

"No, I could see it in their eyes, they're hoping we're proud of them for being able to do it...I think I am. This means they'll be strong, able to protect themselves. We just need to teach them to control it, otherwise kindergarten's gonna be one hell of a mess." Buffy laughed, then reached up to take the brandy from him, sitting up to take few sips of her own. She placed the snifter out of the way and snuggled up to her husband.

"They love you so much you know, whenever they see the vamp face they get ecstatic, for them it's not a demon, it's just daddy playing games."

"Yeah, but I'm wondering how they'll take hearing the truth, our past."

"We've got years to think about that, so don't worry. They're just perfect lil' vamp babies."

"That they are, and their mother...god, she's...everything."

"Mmmm...sweet talker." He smirked, and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before reaching behind himself for something.

"Got something to show you, but you can't laugh."

"Laugh? What is it." He had it folded in his hand, a piece of card.

"Heather had this, went down to her cottage for it n' some others. Seems her family's been here for ages and knew us, Allegra and my grandad that is. Somehow her grandmum got a hold of a few things from the house when it passed to the next owners." He opened the black card to reveal an old photograph. It was a young boy, no older than 12, with longish dark blond hair and spectacles perched on his nose. Buffy traced the dark line of the boy's cheekbone, the picture had faded to sepia and the contrast favored the darker shadows, but the boy's identity was obvious.

"William..."

"Yeah, quite the little poof eh?" She smiled and cupped her palm over her mouth to stifle a cry just as tears burst from her eyes,"Sweets, I know I was a bit of a sissy, but bursting into tears is a tad of an insult." She slapped his chest.

"No, you idiot. I just fell in love with you again...you were so handsome, so smart looking. I'm going to have this framed." He snatched back the picture and tutted his tongue on the roof of his mouth.

"You're too much of a bloody romantic, Slayer. I'll be tossin' this on the fire if you keep saying things like that."

"Don't you dare! It's my picture now. Are there any more?"

"A few, of other folks in the family too. Photography was barely makin' a head then, cost an arm and a leg for the few that were taken of me."

"I'll cherish them...my William when he was a boy."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Who knew he'd still be kickin' around in almost 2004."

"Fate has a way of bringing people together."

"Fate's got a weird sense of humor."

"Don't I know it...but I was worth waiting a century for, right?" It was Spike turn to laugh as he moved on top of her, nuzzling behind her ear and down her neck, pressing sweet kisses to her skin. Her arms went around his torso and hugged him close.

"I'd have waited a thousand years alone for one minute of your love..."

"Come inside, Spike, I'll give you a thousand years."

to be continued.....

Chapter 55 - Longing

"Yes, of course I'm disappointed Giles, but we can't do anything about it can we?" Buffy sighed angrily into the phone,"No, no, I'm not angry with you. You've been nothing short of amazing. I just got my hopes up and I shouldn't have." She sank back into the arm chair she was perched on in the sitting room. They'd come to Wales for midsummer; her, Spike, the children, along with Tara and Willow. Spike and Buffy had returned to the place where they'd been married, Betwys-y-coed, to celebrate their fifth anniversary. They'd rented a house on the far outskirts of the village for two weeks vacation. Buffy had been impatiently waiting for Giles' phone call for the past four days.

Spike listened in the hallway on the other side of the closed door. He knew he shouldn't be eavesdropping, but this concerned him too. First it had been a Shaman in the Pacific Northwest, then a new age guru back in Los Angelos, followed by and Incan priest in Peru who said he could make it happen. Each time Giles had diligently gone to research the viability and each time he had come back with bad news. This time it was a set of Egyptian scrolls.

"Are you sure there's nothing we can do?" she continued,"Please?....I'm sorry too. Thank you for everything, for trying. I appreciate it more than I can say. No, I don't need to talk to mom, I'll be fine. You two have to pack. Your honeymoon in Cancun will be wonderful, so nice and hot this time of year. Mom's always wanted to go. Okay, I love you too, bye Giles." She keyed off the phone and put it by the lamp on the table and exhaled. She willed herself not to cry, but her emotions got the better of her and the tears came. Burying her face in her hands she began to sob.

Spike lay his hand on the wooden door, gathering the courage to go and comfort her. Just then he felt someone tugging on his pant leg. He turned and smiled, although with a twinge of sadness, at William and Allegra. They were already dressed for bed, his daughter clutching her stuffed dolphin, the replacement from Uncle Xander after the original was lost, and William with his teddy. They looked more and more like each other as the years went by, perfect angels with curly sand blond hair and bright blue eyes, the perfect combination of both parents.

"Mommy's sad," Allegra stated,"We heard her crying." Vampire hearing Spike figured.

"Why's mommy crying?" asked his son.

"Oh, loves, mommy got some sad news from Grandad Giles," he replied, kneeling down and pulling them both into his embrace,"But I'd wager hugs from her darlings would make it all right as rain." He scooped them up in his strong arms, giving them each a kiss on their chubby cheeks.

"Will mommy be okay?" Allegra asked.

"Mommy will be fine, pretty pet, so long as she has you two to love." Awkwardly, Spike opened the door, it creaked loudly as it swung wide. Buffy looked up quickly and wiped away her tears.

"Mommy?" questioned William upon seeing his mother so distraught. Spike let them both down and right away their little legs sprinted them to Buffy. They each climbed into her lap and she wrapped them in her love,"Don't be sad mommy."

"I'm not, Wills, just a little disappointed. How could I be sad when I have you two?"

"And daddy!" Allegra added. Buffy looked over to her husband who was standing in the doorway still. He mouthed I'm sorry to her and she nodded in acceptance.

"Yes, daddy makes me very happy."

"Come, my hearts," said Spike,"I believe Auntie Willow's made some cocoa downstairs in the kitchen.

"With little marshmallows?" their daughter piped up, Spike nodded.

"Go on, I'll come tuck you into bed in a little while," Buffy promised. The twins slid off her lap and ran out of the room and in excited giggles. Their parents shared a knowing smile. Spike walked over to his wife and offered her his hand. She grasped it, letting him pull her up. He took her place in the armchair and brought her back down to sit in his lap. His arms locked around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder. She was still crying, but comforted.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, truly sorry," he sighed.

"Me too. I shouldn't have got my heart so set on it."

"Nothing wrong with having hope."

"I wasn't being realistic. Humans and vampires can't make babies and Dawn is gone for good. So it is hopeless."

"It'll be alright pet, I promise. We have our twins, our miracles."

"I know, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful for what we have. I just wanted so badly to give our family another baby. And I miss my sister more now than I did that first year she was gone."

"I imagine it's also a bit harder with Rupert n' Joyce having one on the way themselves."

"It's not right to be jealous, but I am. I want another baby, Spike. I can't have one and it hurts."

"Technically, you still can. It's me that's the problem...if you want to go about having a kid another way, I promise I'd love it just the same as Wills and Allegra."

"I could never have a child that wasn't yours."

"But, love, if you want a baby..." She stopped his words with a kiss.

"I want your baby." He nodded and hugged her tighter, his own sadness creeping over him.

"I'm sorry I cannot give you another one."

"You've already given me two. There's something else...I starting to feel old, I'm the older than any Slayer has ever been."

"Old? Are you off your bloody rock? Buffy you're 27 years old, that's not old, even by mortal standards!"

"I know that, logically, but I can't help thinking about the future. Some day I'll be really old, with gray hair and wrinkles. You'll be beautiful and I'll be all gross."

"Let me get one thing straight you silly bint, you will never be gross, you will always be beautiful. I will never stop loving you, you don't know me at all if you think I will just because you grow older."

"I'm sorry, I know you're not going anywhere...but I am."

"And then I will want to follow you, but I won't, because William and Allegra will still want me around, and then their children might...and so on and so forth."

"You'll really do that, keep on protecting them all?"

"I'll become this legendary patriarch, I can see it now."

"Fall in love again, if you get the chance. I couldn't bear the thought of you being alone."

"Nah, there'll never be anyone but you for me."

"Hmmm, then I'll just have to get reincarnated."

"Yes, please do. How will I know it's you?"

"That's easy, we'll probably hate each other."

"Even when I hated you I loved you."

"Sure yeah did, Mister I'm gonna kill you on Saturday. Come on, let's be happy, it's our anniversary."

"Five years, glorious! I'd never believed you'd give me five minutes."

"Neither did I." She smiled coyly at him, a joy returning to her heart.

"You're terrible to me, Slayer."

"And you love it!"

to be continued.....

Chapter 56 - Eternity

Buffy's teeth were chattering as she emerged from the cool stream that ran through the deepest part of the forest. Spike followed after her, the light of the moon making him appear as if his pale body was glowing. He was invigorated and refreshed, the skinny dipping had been his idea. He was at her back moments later, cold, wet lips sucking and kissing her neck and shoulders. One hand mauled her breasts and the other insinuated itself between her legs, cupping and rubbing hard at her sex.

"You..you're c..c..cold," she shivered.

"Warm me up." His fingers worked in between her labia, searching for her little nubbin and drawing down her moisture to aid in his work. Buffy ground her backside against his groin, feeling him harden behind her. Her hand reached around to grasp at his flesh and pulled him close.

"SPIKE!!" He'd pinched her clit between his thumb and forefinger and sparked all sorts of amazing spasms through her abdomen. She gave him a wicked twist and he groaned, both in pain and pleasure. In response, he penetrated her with his fingers and she caved forwards, releasing him and grabbing for his hand. She pushed him in deeper, sinking herself down on his cold invading fingers."Drink.."

The vampire's fangs breached the skin at her throat and into the artery. His mouth closed over the punctures, but he did not suck, merely let a small amount of her blood pool in his mouth. The second penetration into her body sent her into a spiral, an intense orgasm ripping through her and lasting only a few moments. He pulled out fingers and fangs, his tongue laving over his marks, ceasing the blood flow. He swept her off her feet, holding her tightly against him, his mouth playing roughly over her chest and neck. Buffy, still swooning from her first climax, held on to him, kissing the back of his neck, sometimes biting him as she liked to do.

It wasn't far to where they'd been earlier, eating and drinking, celebrating their love and the years of marriage they'd shared. At first they talked, reminisced about their first encounters and all the ones that had come since; the incredible turn around from hating to loving; and then came the twins, the perfect encapsulation of what true love could create. They were alone, stretched out under blankets upon an ancient slab of stone that had laid there for thousands of years. It had once been a gathering place for worshippers of the Goddess, carved with spirals symbolizing eternity.

Spike lay his wife back down upon the altar, holding himself above her in order to look upon her, the slim smile on her face, the desire in her eyes. She drew him down, opening her legs for him to cradle his hips between her's, and becoming something other than herself when he slid inside. When they made love they became one with the other as the old adage went. It was the pull of their souls as the two melded together and whenever they'd parted they left something behind with the other. Slowly, over the years, they'd mixed into a singular spiritual entity, separated into two bodies, coming together again and again.

He moved within her now with assured rhythm, deep and measured, long and tender. He supported himself with one hand spread beside her head, the other under her backside, bringing her up to meet his thrust. She held on to his shoulders, caressing him, looking into his eyes, though sometimes a unanticipated ripple of pleasure would make her close them and she'd gasp. He made her flesh hum, awaken and sing for him. He stroked every excitable nerve, touched every degree of love, made her want him endlessly.

"Closer," she bade and he slowed until he stopped moving entirely, hilted inside her. Lowering himself to let his weight rest upon her, Buffy wrapped her legs around his waist and arms around his neck. The only sound was that of their breathing as they held each other. She tightened her inner muscles around him and held them suspended on the edge until the pressure exceeded both and they came. There was first a downwards surge beginning in her womb, reaching down to draw him up and in deeper, pulling his release out of him. When he climaxed with a strangle cry, their entire bodies were overcome by the mutual orgasm. She felt herself spiraling into a space void of all sensory perception save for that which pulsed and throbbed around him. He was mindlessly pulling blankets more over them as consciousness faded, joining her in restful, satiated sleep under the moon and in the open air. Remaining joined with her, even as he softened, he turned them on theirs sides, her face hiding nestled to his chest and his limbs coiled possessively around her.

***

The presence of newcomers was announced by a soft misty green glow filtering through the trees and into the clearing where the lovers slept. Walking hand in hand, the pair came to look upon Spike and Buffy, vampire and Slayer unaware they were no longer alone.

"Buffy's as beautiful as ever, don't you think?" Dawn asked of Michael.

"She is indeed. I know how you have missed your sister."

"But she's happy, she and Spike love each other so much."

"Just as I love you. Are you sure you want this, Dawn? We cannot reverse it, the Key of Creation will be no more."

"That's the point, Michael, that way the world can never be undone...are you sure you're willing to give up yourself too?"

"For you, anything. We will be together again."

"We will, so it's all good. And hey, it'll be fun for you, being human."

"Indeed." She nudged his ribs playfully.

"Oh don't be such a worry wart, human is pretty okay as far as creatures in the universe go."

"I shall trust you."

"Good. Hmm, you know, I am kinda nervous. Okay, first things first..." She brought out the small black sphere that hung upon a chain around her neck. She'd had it for 6 years now, always with her, it's power contained.

"The Key of Immortality."

"I'm giving it them, to Buffy. Spike and I talked sometimes. We had this one conversation not too long after they got pregnant with the twins, he told me he was terrified of losing her. That's totally understandable, but he was talking about the future, when she finally just died from old age. He said he was afraid of being alone, because he knew he'd stay with the children and probably all his progeny that came after that...but he was afraid of the loneliness, how he'd handle being alone at night with no one to hold him."

"That is very sad, the immortality of a vampire and the burden of a soul, few can carry this weight. I find him admirable."

"Yeah, and he's just so wicked cool...I mean, the leather and the hair, totally hot. I hope I inherit those cheekbones! You know, I probably shouldn't refer to my father to be as totally hot, right?"

"Mmm, likely not. So, the Key of immortality..." Dawn held the sphere aloft in her palm and then crushed it in her fist. A purplish shower of lights danced from her hand. It swirled and dissipated and was absorbed by the two sleeping.

"There, problem solved. Buffy's immortality is bound to Spike's, she'll only die when he does."

"Will she know it, though, I wonder?"

"When the kids are teenagers and she's still the most righteous babe on the PTA I think she'll grab a clue."

"What of the children? Will it not pain her when they surpass her age?"

"Vamp babies, doncha know...lil' bit of longevity there too...I don't know how long we'll live, but way more than normal humans, it's a perk."

"I think it's time." Dawn sighed, standing up on her tip toes to kiss him, moments later he was gone. Dawn walked close to the sleeping pair and lay down next to Buffy and kissed her sister's cheek.

"Congratulations...mommy." And then Dawn was gone too. Spike stirred suddenly, pulling his head up and looking around, he was sure he'd felt a presence.

"Dawn?" he muttered sleepily.

"Spike?" Buffy whispered, waking aswell."Baby, what is it?"

"Hmm? Oh um..." He looked around, seeing the horizon lighten in the distance."Nothing, nothing, sweetheart. We should head home, dawn's coming."

Chapter 57 - Full Circle

Buffy relaxed and leaned back against her husband when he came up behind her. His hands supported the expanse of her sixth month of pregnancy, massaging all over,"How's my lil' bit doing?"

"Rolling around like and Olympic gymnast, thank you very much, typical of your daughter."

"You're one to talk, pot, kettle, black, my lovely."

"Mmm hmmm..." She closed her eyes, waning a bit. She was always in want of a nap during this final trimester. She spent a couple of hours every afternoon sound asleep, curled up under a nice warm blanket. He'd usually spend that time watching her, if the twins didn't need attending to. Buffy never looked more beautiful than in those quiet hours. He'd listen to their two heartbeats, her's and the little one's, music to him. Then he'd reach down and lay his hand on her stomach and let their warmth radiate out and into him. Sometimes Buffy would wake and catch him, he'd always be a little embarrassed, but she'd always take his hand and invite him to lay with her. They'd undress and make love, or they'd talk about the past and the future. Often they fell asleep together, inevitably to be wakened by William and Allegra, or sometimes find the twins asleep on the bed with them. Spike never really believed he'd earned such a beautiful life, but he accepted it and cherished it.

"Mummy! Daddy!" two voices exclaimed in unison. He and Buffy turned to welcome their raisons d'être. The twins came running down the long corridor of the hospital in Bath, followed right after by aunts Tara and Willow trying to keep up.

"Slow down lil' mites," Spike admonished, halting the rampaging five year olds by wrapping them up in a hug,"And we must keep our voices low, mothers and their little ones are sleeping." Tara and Willow came upon the scene huffing and puffing.

"S...sorry," Tara apologized,"They wanted to see you. I...d...didn't know they could run so fast!"

"No worries, pet, it's the vamp n' Slayer combo, makes 'em wicked fast. Now my treasures, who would like to meet the new addition to our brood?"

"Me!" the twins exclaimed.

"I wanna see mummy's baby," Allegra persisted as she had for weeks now.

"Soon, poppet, the little bit's not quite ready to make her appearance. But she'll come ready for your birthday, alright?" The little girl nodded then held out her arms.

"Up!"

"Pet, aren't you getting a tad big for daddy to carry you around?" She pouted, the well established Summers women pout. Spike crumbled inside of two seconds and scooped her up. Allegra kissed his cheek and hugged around his neck. He was in heaven. Buffy yawned, stretching out, prompting William to extend his arms around her pronounced middle. Buffy wrapped her arm around his shoulder and held him close.

The room they'd all been waiting outside of finally opened its door and a rather obnoxiously happy Rupert Giles emerged,"Ah! Good, you're all here!" he beamed, dressed down in a shirt and jeans,"Come, come inside and meet my son!" One by one they entered the dimly lit and comfortable looking room. Joyce was seated in the bed with a small bundle wrapped in blue snuggled in her arms. They stood reverently around the newborn Giles, taking in his caramel colored features.

"Oh mom, he's beautiful!" Buffy remarked, a mist of tears appearing in her eyes,"Does he have name yet?"

"Michael William Giles," Joyce replied,"After our fathers." The sounding of the name was silently acknowledged by Buffy's baby thudding a solid kick inside. When the newborn opened his eyes, Spike and Buffy both realized the miracles that were being wrought within their own family. The hand of Spike's that wasn't supporting their daughter on his hip when again to his wife's pregnancy. Michael William Giles had the most ethereal eyes of peridot green.

"The On High certainly works in mysterious ways, doesn't he, my love?" he whispered in her ear. Her hand went over his in response.

"Speaking of names, have you two discussed names for your new one?" Joyce inquired. Buffy smiled inwardly before answering.

"Dawn, we're going to call her Dawn."

The End