January 18, 2008 9:42 AM

Spike leaned forward, resting his forearms along his thighs, and wished someone would say, ‘it was all a mistake. Here is your wife all sane and happy’. But it didn’t happen and he wasn’t really holding out hope. Not anymore. He just wanted to get through each day. Hope for anything else was a luxury he couldn’t afford.

The door opened and he jumped. Sara smiled at him and gestured for him to step into her office. The curtains along the wall were open and he saw Buffy sitting curled in a chair on the verandah. Her gaze remained steadfast toward the ocean, watching the waves as they crashed on the shore. He knew the signs and it wasn’t going to be good news and with a sigh, he sat on the couch.

“Thanks for fitting us in today,” Spike said.

“You’re welcome,” Sara said, taking a seat on the chair across from him. “These abrupt changes need to be addressed as they come up. So, it was good that you did call.”

“So, did she say something?” Spike asked, crossing his legs. “A clue or something that…”

“Will lead to a magic cure and make it all go away,” Sara said, smiling gently at him.

“Yeah.”

Apparently a part of him was still hoping and her therapist was probably amused by his wishful thinking.

“Not here. Not today,” Sara said, leaning back in her chair. Her gaze drifted to Buffy before looking back at Spike. “You know that I work with the knowledge of magic and mystical forces. I have patients that are demons, witches and other things that go bump in the night. And I know that you’ve exhausted all the resources that you can to find such a cause of Buffy’s condition and so far nothing.” She sighed and toyed with her pen for a second. “And I’m not the one who is going to sit here and tell you to stop looking. In the life Buffy has led anything is possible and you should never give up hope.” Her voice cracked and she blinked back a hint of nonprofessional tears. “But all I see is a young woman that carried too heavy of a burden for too long and is finally breaking under its weight. No Slayer has ever lived as long as she has and maybe their psychological makeup isn’t made to withstand a long life.”

Spike laughed even though there was no reason to. All he could remember was what Buffy had said to him the other night that practically echoed her therapist’s words.

“You mean they have an expiration date?”

Sarah smiled. “Yeah, something like that. I’m going to be honest and give you a practical reasonable explanation of her slipping into either of an impersonation or alternate personality based on your former girlfriend.”

“And that is?”

“To hold onto you. Buffy has never been able to count on the men in her life. They’ve all left her at some point. Abandoned her and made her feel unworthy and although you are still with her doesn’t mean she’s certain that you are going to stay.” Sara leaned forward and met his eyes. “You have given her cause to be concerned. She is more vulnerable than she has ever been. Terrified that you will desert her and leave her to exist in a mental institution. You once loved Drusilla in spite of the madness, loved her for almost a hundred years. Somewhere in Buffy’s subconscious she rationalized a way to hold you to her. If she became Drusilla and Buffy than you would have the best of them both and never leave her.”

“It always comes back to me. I did this to her.”

“No,” Sara protested, coming to sit on the table in front of Spike. Her hand clasped his. “You can’t think like that. You actions alone did not make her ill. She is only adapting to your actions to try to survive and she knows that she can’t without you.”

Nodding, Spike looked to his wife. There was a sad vulnerability to her and it made him hurt beyond anything physical. If sacrificing his life would make her whole and healthy again, he would do it without a second thought.

“Spike, there is something else,” Sara said, breaking through his thoughts. She waited until he looked at her before continuing. “If you want me to, I can continue to see her but I’m not doing anything for her at this point. There is something that she is hiding and when she sees me now she plays a game and only tells me what I want to hear. It’s not that I can’t help her but she has to want me to help her.”

Feeling her gaze on him, Spike turned to the window again. Buffy studied with an almost condescending air before a smile twisted those lips. A shiver ran through him as he felt another shackle close around him and he wondered if either of them would ever be free.

~~~~~~~~~

January 19, 2008 11:08 AM

The cabinet door slammed shut just as the back door swung open. Spike looked up with a glass in each hand to see Dawn bounding into the kitchen. Behind her was Willow and after a quick smile he set the glasses on the shelf.

“Hey you two,” Spike said, smiling as he reached for more glasses.

Dawn hopped up to sit on the counter next to him while Willow stood watching him.

“Hi, Spike,” Dawn said, grinning as he had to reach around her to complete his chores. “Is my sister ready for an afternoon of shopping?”

“Don’t know since she’s upstairs and I’m putting the dishes away.”

After setting the last of the glasses on the shelf, he pecked her on the cheek before pushing her out of the way to close those cabinets.

“Is she going to mind me being here?” Willow asked.

“Don’t think so, Red. It’ll be good for her to have someone else to talk babies too,” Spike replied, grabbing the silverware out of the dishwasher and pulled the drawer out. “Maybe you all can do a little baby shopping while you’re out.”

“Is she doing okay today?” Dawn asked.

“So far so good but I haven’t seen her for the last half hour or so. She’s upstairs with Raven getting ready and talking girl stuff.”

The drawer was closed and the dishwasher was closed and Spike leaned against the counter next to Dawn. She looped her arm around his shoulder, her wedding band sparkling next to his face.

“How are you and Josh doing?”

“Good,” Dawn answered. “He’s pretty much living with me again. Well, actually he is living with me again. It’s just that neither of us has made this big announcement of hey, we’re back together.”

“Things going good then?”

“Yeah, we’re good.”

Spike turned and smiled at her. He was glad that the tensions were gone between them. He needed all the friends and support he could get right now. She hugged him and he leaned back against her, relaxing and enjoying the comfort for a moment before stepping away. They turned as Buffy stepped into the kitchen, smiling at finding her sister and friend waiting for her. She looked happy and beautiful, dressed in a pair of brown corduroy pants and a green velour top. Her birthday party was planned for that night and she was excited at being with everyone again. The shopping trip they had planned was for her to find a new outfit to wear.

“Hey, people,” Buffy said, hugging Willow. “We ready to go shopping?”

“I’ve missed you,” Willow said, hugging her back. Her hand caressed Buffy’s stomach when they broke apart. “You’re not mad that I’m crashing the little shopping trip are you?”

“God no,” Buffy exclaimed. “I’m glad you’re here. You will be a voice of reason to counter balance the shopping catastrophe of the truly clueless set. If I black out, I will no longer have to fear what those two would dress me in for my party.”

“Oh, come on, Mum,” Raven said, strolling into the kitchen. “We would dress you so cool. A deep purple leather mini skirt and a red halter…”

“With white go-go boots,” Dawn finished.

“And I’d bite the both of ya for it,” Spike threatened.

They all laughed and it warmed Spike’s heart to see Buffy having fun. It would do her good to get out of the house and just be normal for an afternoon. He crossed his fingers that nothing would happen to change the mood of the day. She deserved to be able to relax and hell, so did he.

He shook his head and returned his attention to the women surrounding him.

“Good, maternity shopping,” Willow was saying. “May as well start seeing what I’ll be wearing soon. Buffy you look so cute so you can tell me where to go.”

“No problemo,” Buffy said. “I still can’t believe you’re pregnant. No, I mean, I can and do believe, it’s just…” She laughed and shrugged her shoulders. “Does this baby have the same father as Jacob?”

“Yep, still the mystery man,” Willow said.

“Xander,” Spike said.

“Giles,” Buffy said.

Raven and Dawn just snickered and Willow laughed at their guesses.

“Xander, no, because Anya would charge us an exorbitant rate for the use of his Daddy makers,” Willow said, turning to Buffy with a grimace. “And, Giles, eew, incestuous much, so no on both counts.”

“Not to be pushy,” Dawn said, hopping off the counter, “but the mall is calling my name. I have credit card and am ready to spend.”

Spike watched as the woman gathered their purses and prepared to leave. Buffy wrapped her arms him and he kissed her forehead.

“Does Raven have the credit card?” Buffy asked, nuzzling his neck.

“Oi, that might help, right?” Spike answered, reaching for his wallet. He rummaged in it until he found the one he wanted and handed it to Raven.

“Hey,” Willow said. “Why isn’t Buffy getting the card?”

Spike tensed up as embarrassment crossed Buffy’s face. Since the incident with the checks, he had kept the checkbooks and the majority of the credit cards away from her. She had a couple with small limits on them in case she wanted to buy something online. And since she wasn’t ever alone it hadn’t become an issue until now. To them it wasn’t a big deal and just another change they had made but not everyone was privy to it.

“Its okay, Will,” Buffy said, turning toward the door. “I’m fine with it.”

“No, it’s not okay.” Willow said. “It’s a bit extreme, don’t you think, that you can’t buy something without asking your teenage daughter if you can. Are you allowed to do anything anymore without asking Spike’s permission?”

“Willow, really it’s all right,” Buffy said, standing a little straighter even though her face was still flushed. “Spike has a reason for doing it. He’s only protecting us.”

“How? By humiliating you?” Willow asked, glaring at Spike.

“Come on,” Dawn said. “She’s going to be with us all afternoon. It’s not like she is going to go spend the national debt in two hours at the mall.”

They didn’t know and they didn’t understand. Buffy was embarrassed because she was feeling incompetent and Spike was furious because they were making him look like a bully. He would do anything for his wife including making hard choices in an effort to protect her. Spike glanced at Buffy and saw that she was slowly fading under their attention and his anger rose because things had been going good for her so far today. He snatched the card back from Raven and headed for his study. He unlocked the desk drawer and searched for another credit card which was given to Buffy.

“It’s got a few thousand on it. Is that enough?” Spike asked, sarcastically.

Buffy nodded and slipped it into her purse.

“Please don’t be angry,” she whispered. “I wasn’t upset by it.”

Spike held her for a moment, rocking them as she clung to him.

“I’m not angry, Love,” he said, telling himself to calm down so she would too. “I should have just given you a card. Wasn’t really thinking and you asked if Rave had the card and I just gave it to her. I’m sorry.”

“Come on,” Raven said, taking her mother’s hand. “Let’s go shopping.”

“You promise that you’re not angry,” Buffy said, standing her ground. “I’ll stay home if you want me too.” She looked around at everyone before nodding her head. “That’s what I’ll do. Stay home. It’s best.”

Sara’s words echoed in Spike’s mind. That she was terrified of him leaving her alone and her fear of him being angry had to stem from that. If he was angry then he might not want to be around her. He sighed and cupped her face between his hands.

“Go, pet, I’m not angry,” Spike said. “You’ve been looking forward to getting out and doing some shopping. I promise I’ll be here waiting for you when you return. I love you. For now and always. Okay?”

“You promise you’ll be here when I get back,” Buffy said.

“I promise. Call me as much as you want.”

It took a couple of more minutes before the girls were able to get Buffy out the door. Spike followed them out and watched as they got into the car. Buffy turned in her seat and watched him for as long as she could. When the car rounded the corner and was gone he breathed a sigh of relief. There was no way that he could have told Buffy that he needed her out of the house for a few hours. Spike walked slowly into the house hoping that Xander would hurry from picking Max up at the airport so they could make the renovations to the bedroom that he wanted to do. And as he thought about those changes he felt like the very epitome of evil that he once was.

~~~~~~~~~~

January 19, 2008 5:45 PM

A long, slow wolf whistle broke through her reverie and Buffy turned to look at her son as he walked through the bedroom door.

“Whoa, Mum,” Sean said, circling her. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” Buffy said, giggling as she made a small curtsy. Anything else was impossible without her toppling over. “I take it you like it?”

“Yes, very nice.”

Buffy waited as Sean fingered the material of her strapless dress that hung to right above her knees. The dress was silk chiffon in a red paisley multi print that molded itself to her blossoming figure. He fingered the ringlet curls adorning her head that were held back by a black band before finally taking in her birthday present from Spike. It was another piece of jewelry from Tiffanys; a Pave Ball pendent with round brilliant diamonds set in a platinum chain.

“Dad is taking care of you in the jewelry department,” Sean commented, stepping back to admire the full view.

“Yes, he knows I appreciate it,” Buffy spat, “unlike some people.”

“Did he do the hair too?” Sean asked, deliberately ignoring Buffy’s tone.

They both laughed because Spike had ended up styling everyone’s hair for the party including Sean’s. Raven had gotten a simple black velvet shift dress and her father had done her long red hair in a french twist giving her a very elegant look for the night. On the shopping trip they had even bought new clothes for the guys. Sean was wearing an ice blue satin shirt with black slacks. His hair had a long braid down the back of it. It was Spike that was the odd man out being the only one with short hair in the family and Buffy had tousled it into the bed hair muss style that she preferred. He was now dressed in a black silk shirt with mandarin collar and black slacks also. Buffy had insisted that everyone dress because they rarely had the opportunity to anymore. And everyone had acquiesced to her wishes since it was her birthday party.

“Of course,” Buffy answered, smiling at her son. “Everybody looks really nice. So, did you just want to see how I looked or was there something else?”

Sean sat on the bed and Buffy joined him taking his hands in hers. He looked nervous and she wanted him to know that she was there for him as much as she could be.

“I invited someone to the party,” Sean said, looking down at their joined hands.

“That’s all right,” Buffy said, before realizing that whoever it was more important than a casual friend to her son by his nervousness. “Is it someone that you’re dating?”

“Yeah,” Sean mumbled. “I didn’t say anything before because of everything that’s been going on.”

“Is he someone that you go to school with?”

“No, he’s Sam roommate at college,” Sean said, looking up at her. “He’s nineteen, Mum.”

“And you didn’t see fit to tell us about him?”

“It’s not that. I just didn’t think that…”

“That we’d let you date someone in college. You were right about that.”

Pulling his hands away from her, Sean stood and looked down at her. “Mum, I really care about him. His name is Bryant and he’s been out since he was fourteen and he’s everything I’ve been wanting.”

“Wanting?” Buffy asked. “Are you and he sexually active?”

“Not yet,” Sean said, turning away, “Mum, he’s a great guy if you’d just give him a chance. He’s the one that wanted to let everyone know about us. He’s protecting me.”

Buffy stood and put her hands on Sean’s shoulders. The love her son held for his young man shone in deep brown eyes but he was wrong for not telling them about the relationship.

“What if this Bryant hadn’t insisted on telling us about the relationship you were in, you’d have kept it quiet?” Buffy asked, shaking Sean just enough to let him know she was angry with him. “Some day down the road you’d tell us about it. What did you think we’d congratulate you on being with him? Did you think that just because you’re a boy we don’t care who you’re dating or sleeping with? Or that upon hearing that you got laid that Spike would slap you on the back and tell you that you’re a man now and hand you a cigar and a beer? Because if you think keeping it a secret was smart then you had better run when your father finds out.”

“Too late,” Raven announced, leaning in the door. “Your friend is downstairs and Dad is giving him the third degree and Max is backing him up like some damn mafia hit man.”

“Oh crap,” Sean mumbled, taking off toward the stairs leaving his sister and Mum to follow him down.

~~~~~~~~~

January 19, 2008 6:15 PM

The young man standing in his foyer was growing more nervous by the moment which was exactly what Spike intended. He stood with his arms crossed staring the invader down with Max standing right behind him. The boy who had introduced himself as Bryant shuffled his feet and waited.

“So, who are you and why are you here again?” Spike asked for the second time hoping that ‘Bryant’ would just leave. They didn’t need anyone else to add to the mix.

“Dad, he’s a friend of mine,” Sean said, leaping off the fourth step to land next to his young man. “I invited him to Mum’s party so he could meet everyone.”

“A friend?” Spike asked. “A friend or more?”

“More,” Sean mumbled, with a classic ‘I’m in trouble’ look on his face. “That’s why I wanted him here so you could meet him.”

“How old is he?” Spike asked, totally ignoring Bryant and dealing directly with his son.

“He’s nineteen.”

“Spike,” Buffy said, from the bottom step. “It’s my birthday and I don’t want everyone miserable. Can we talk about all this tomorrow? Please.”

Tomorrow there wouldn’t be time to talk about this. And Spike didn’t want something else to deal with than he had to so he made a decision.

“Raven, Sean,” Spike said. “I thought I could trust the both of you. I don’t have time to play babysitter to the two of you. You know what’s going on and both of you go off and try to have relationships with people who we wouldn’t approve of. I’ve had it so until the baby is born, you are both grounded. You go to school, go to your activities and come home. And you young lady,” Spike pointed to Raven, “I’m hiring a bodyguard to go patrolling with you. That’s it. End of discussion.” He turned to Bryant and cast a scathing glance over him. “You may as well stay since you’re here but don’t do anything foolish.”

Bryant nodded and smiled at Sean. Spike rolled his eyes and let Buffy drag him into the decorated living room. There were brightly colored streamers and balloons hanging from every corner and piece of furniture. There were also vases of red roses on every surface. Buffy / Dru had wanted the flowers and the scent hung heavy in the air. Crossing his arms, he watched his wife load the stereo with CD’s she had brought down from upstairs. And as the first notes of Dru’s favorite song, Rasputina’s Transylvanian Concubines, floated on the air, Spike knew it was going to be one hell of a party.

January 19, 2008 7:41 PM

It was difficult but Spike managed to ignore the possessiveness, intense jealousy and blinding anger that wanted to take hold of him. Instead he focused on being the loving, understanding husband. The emotions still swirled through his belly and he was only able to maintain the façade because he knew Max feared for his life. And as long as fear echoed in Max’s blue eyes and the scent still wafted from him, Spike would keep his distance and only watch. Watch as Buffy danced with their friend, leaning back against him, her arm curved up so her hand could play with the black curls along his nape and her bottom swished seductively against Max’s crotch. She had danced with every male in the room and Willow but this was the first time she had danced so provocatively, so openly defiant of his role in her life.

His eyes flickered over her body. Her shoes had been discarded awhile ago because they had been causing her ankles to swell. Her legs were bare beneath her dress that flared out when she moved giving flashes of thighs meant to hold a man between them. The strapless dress left her shoulders bare and hung on by some miracle to breasts swollen in preparation for the child she carried. How could one woman exude so much sex while six months pregnant? Spike licked his lips as her hand drifted along her thigh exposing ample skin to him. He followed that hand as it stroked her belly, lingered for a moment on her breast before the tip of her index finger slipped between her lips. Their eyes met and he saw her scheme. She was enticing him to the edge of control with her game of allurement. She wanted the control. She wanted him to lose it so she could bend him to her will. And he knew he was dealing with the Drusilla side of her and he returned her smile. She pouted. She had been found out and she walked away from Max as if he was an insignificant toy that she no longer wanted.

Buffy stopped for a moment to slip her feet into the slippers that Sean had brought down for her before continuing her approach to him. Spike crossed his arms and waited. Her seductive stroll was more of a lumbering gait but she still had the pout and the smoky gaze. Her hands lingered on his hips as she looked up at him. He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose. He glanced around to make sure no one else could hear.

“If you want to play dominatrix,” Spike whispered in her ear, “I’ll let you.”

Buffy giggled but her words were cut off as the front door opened. Cordelia entered the room, dressed to kill in a black satin dress. It clung to every curve with a slit along her thigh. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head in a careless bun but it showed the diamond earrings and necklace that she wore off to perfection. Angel walked in behind her. Nervously he glanced around the room and slipped an arm around his wife.

Giving a delighted squeal, Buffy approached them as fast as she could waddle.

“I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me,” Buffy cooed, her hands wrapping around Angel’s arm. “You came to my party.”

“Look, Buffy,” Cordelia said, pulling Angel back to her. “Or Drusilla or whoever the hell you are tonight, Angel is my husband. We only came here because you cried and begged but keep your mitts to yourself. Understand?”

Everyone in the room had turned to listen to the exchange. As usual, Buffy’s attempted seduction had been told to everyone where it was speculated on and sides had been chosen. The air was tense as they waited for Buffy to reply but she didn’t say a word. She hissed and growled instead. Cordelia’s eyes opened wide and she stepped back but never let go of Angel.

Spike laughed and couldn’t stop. It was pure Dru and coming out of Buffy it was completely hilarious. He stumbled through the kitchen door and ended up on the floor. The laughter continued as it released all the other emotions in him. If he wasn’t laughing he’d be crying so he laughed. Xander and Max stepped into the room eyeing him suspiciously.

“You okay, buddy?” Xander asked.

“I’m fine,” Spike laughed, wiping tears from his face. “My wife has turned into a cat now.”

“Did you take something or drink too much?” Max asked, squatting next to him and shaking his head.

“Bloody hell, mate,” Spike chortled. “Buffy…it’s funny. Laugh with me.”

The three man turned as Buffy walked in.

“What are you doing?” Buffy asked, standing over him. “What’s so funny?”

It was Buffy again and that started Spike off on a new laughing fit. She attempted to squat next to him and her slipper skidded on the tile. Landing on her bottom, her hands behind her to keep her from toppling over completely while her legs flew out in front of her, Buffy looked more surprised than the men around her.

“You okay?” Max asked and reached a hand out to make sure she was steady.

“I’m fine,” Buffy said, shaking her head.

“Careful, Luv,” Spike said. “You don’t want to be showing your knickers to our guests.”

Her hand slid along her thigh and she said, “Knickers? Oops, think I lost them somewhere.”

Xander and Max both looked away as she pulled her skirt along her thigh. Spike caught the hem with his foot before she exposed too much.

“Well, then don’t want to be flashing your fancy, now do you?”

Buffy smiled and snapped the band of her panties.

“Found them,” She quipped, reaching hands to Xander so he could haul her off the floor. “It’s time for cake and presents before Elijah has to go to bed. So, come on.”

They all hesitated as she sashayed to the door, glanced at each other and followed her. There wasn’t much else to do except follow the birthday girl’s lead even if she was intent on giving them all engraved invitations to join her on her trip through the land of insanity.

~~~~~~~~~~

January 19, 2008 8:27 PM

This was much better. Buffy was curled on his lap with an afghan covering her legs and a sweater covering her shoulders. She said she was cold now and he rubbed her back to try and give her a little more warmth. Her presents were stacked on one side of the chair and on the other were the discarded wrappings. Buffy was herself as she unwrapped her goodies. She behaved as she oohed and awed over each one and everyone relaxed under the normalcy of it. Elijah was her little delivery man as he kept bringing her presents from the table. He handed her a brightly wrapped one without a card and Buffy turned it over in her hands before looking up at her friends.

“Who is this from?”

“I think it came with those other packages from LA,” Sean said. “It didn’t have a return address on it.”

“Buffy,” Max said, “Maybe you should let me open it.”

But she was already peeling the pink wrapping paper from it. Her hands ran over the box for a second before opening it. It seemed that everyone had leaned forward to see what it was as she peeled back the tissue paper. When it flipped back and he couldn’t see, Spike pulled it away from the gift and scowled when he saw what it was. Buffy picked the picture up, inspecting it before handing it to him. He didn’t want to see it as anger flooded him. It was a framed photo of him from Miami. He was in a chair by the pool with sunglasses on. His chest was bare and the scar was clearly visible. Buffy handed him the card that was with it.

Happy Birthday. Enjoy him while you can. The scar won’t hold him not when our love is more real than any pathetic infatuation you can offer him. As soon as that brat is born all you will have is this picture to remind the child who fathered it.

“I’m sorry, Baby,” Spike said, taking the picture and note and handing them to Max. “Don’t let it ruin your party.”

Her eyes were closed and he pulled her to him. For a moment she relaxed against him before sitting up again.

“Bring Mummy another present,” Buffy told Elijah. She cast a forced smile out to her family and friends. “It’s all right. I won’t let her win.”

Everyone sighed and leaned back into their seats. Spike couldn’t be prouder of his wife at that moment. He had feared a moment filled with drama with either histrionics from Buffy or a violent threat of retribution from her Drusilla side. But she had come through with grace and dignity and was holding a bracelet up for his inspection. It was a simple silver rope chain from Willow and Tara. He fastened it on her wrist.

“Thank you both,” Buffy said, smiling. She glanced back to the empty table before turning to everyone again. “Is it time for cake yet? I’m starving.”

Her question brought the laughter she wanted and Raven and Connor fetched the cake from the kitchen. It was chocolate with chocolate frosting covered in red roses. It was what Buffy had requested and she slid from Spike’s lap as the cake was placed on the coffee table. He watched as she knelt in front of it and waited for her children to light the candles; twenty-seven with one to grow on and one for the baby. She reached for his hand as she made her wish. Taking a deep breath she blew out the candles. Smiling at the applause Buffy made a slight bow in acceptance of the praise.

“Cut the first piece,” Raven said. “It’s bad luck otherwise.”

Buffy accepted the knife, slid two roses off the cake and deposited them carefully on a plate.

“Would you put these in the frig?” Buffy asked, handing the plate to Connor.

“Like the roses?” Max asked.

With a saucy grin Buffy looked up at him. “They’re for later,” she whispered and winked at him as she leaned back between Spike’s legs.

Spike laughed as a flush covered Max’s face. It was time for the man to get himself a girlfriend because Buffy was going to drive him over the edge with her teasing. He reached and clapped his friend on the back.

“Just breathe, man, just breathe,” Spike said, laughing.

Everyone within ear shot laughed as Max accepted a piece of cake. Buffy continued to hand the pieces to Raven to pass out. Spike relaxed as he watched her play the gracious hostess and was relieved that despite the present from SB maybe things weren’t so bad. After the cake was finished, Buffy returned to his lap with a huge slice on a plate for them to share. For each bite she fed him, she would feed herself two and he patted her belly as he grabbed a forkful passing him by. It was almost too normal and he felt the first twinge of warning sounding deep within his belly. But it was forgotten as Buffy pressed her lips to his, tasting of chocolate and love.

~~~~~~~~~

January 19, 2008 9.51 PM

The party was slowing down and it was almost time for Angel and Cordelia to return home. It was mostly the kids that were left. Xander and Anya had taken Elijah home with them right after the cake had been served. Buffy had accepted the invitation from them to take her son to a fair tomorrow. Angel was glad he wouldn’t be there when she found out the truth. He searched the living room and found Buffy deep in conversation with Willow. Cordelia was conversing with Clem and Max and he smiled, slipping from the room. All evening he made sure that he wasn’t alone with Buffy and hoped she would stay busy with Willow long enough for him to find a moment alone in the bathroom. He needed to shake off the feelings of warning. Concluding that it was from just being around Buffy again, he forced himself to return to the party.

He opened the door and was pushed back by the very person he had been trying to avoid. She locked the door behind her and gave him the once over before smiling.

“You scared of me?” Buffy asked, baiting him.

“No, actually, I’m more afraid of my wife finding us in here together,” Angel answered honestly. “Do you mind if I leave?”

“Yeah, I do,” Buffy said, taking a seat on the toilet lid. She waved to the edge of the tub indicating she wanted him to sit. “I need to talk to you.” A please was added when he hesitated.

Knowing that no good would come out of this no matter what she wanted, Angel gingerly sat on the tub and waited. He pressed his fingers together forming an arch and avoided looking at her.

“Angel, I need your help. Spike…he’s a good man in spite of all his talk. I don’t doubt when push comes to shove what he would do for me but what I need is something colder and more calculating. Something that will come easy to you.”

Angel wasn’t sure if he should be insulted or not. And he wasn’t sure if it was Buffy talking or her illness and he searched her eyes for a clue and got nothing.

“What do you need?”

Her hands caressed her stomach and her face softened with love.

“This baby is going to change everything. For all of us,” Buffy said, looking up at him. “You said at Christmas that you could have taken care of this woman already.” She hesitated and covered his hands with one of hers. They were warm and soft as she wrapped her fingers in his. “I need you to find her and destroy the threat to my family. I’m afraid that when her delusions come crashing down around her that she will try to harm my baby.”

“Buffy, do you know what you are asking me to do?”

“Yes, I do,” Buffy said, laughing softly. “I know exactly what I am doing and who I am asking. Spike couldn’t handle the spilling of blood on his hands now. He is torn between worlds but you understand.”

Angel stalked to the other side of the small bathroom. Yes, he understood exactly what Buffy wanted and what she was alluding to. He just wasn’t sure she understood. She stood and approached him and he could see the darkness that was clouding her eyes and he shivered.

“This is my baby,” Buffy said, taking his hands and putting them on her stomach. “And there is nothing I won’t do to protect it.”

“If I go behind Spike’s back he won’t forgive me,” Angel argued. “We have just come to an understanding. If he agrees then I will.”

“Don’t be weak,” Buffy spat. “You know it needs to be done as well as I do. I’m asking you to protect your family. Are you going to do it or not?”

Someone pounded on the door and they both jumped.

“I know that you two are in there,” Cordelia shouted. “Open this door now.”

They ignored it as they stared at each other. Angel remembered the incident with Nikki and wondered if Buffy had arranged it after all. If he didn’t do as she asked, there was a very real possibility that she would ask someone else. Someone who wouldn’t care about the consequences.

“Consider it done,” Angel said, nodding slowly. He opened the door to an irate Cordelia and a worried Spike.

“Is she trying to seduce you again?” Cordelia asked, turning to Buffy. “I told you to stay away from him.”

“Don’t be so threatened, dear,” Buffy said. “It’s not attractive at all. Besides he was mine first and you’ll always be second choice.”

His wife turned to him with fire in her eyes and Angel took a step back. He looked up to see Spike snickering at him and Max grinning. This was just great and he wondered how long it would take before Cordelia would forgive him. With as much as dignity as he could muster, Angel stepped from the bathroom. At least Spike wasn’t trying to kill him this time. He waited as Cordy kept hinting it was time to go and through her point blank telling him they were leaving. He waited until Buffy had gone upstairs before grabbing Max. Pulling him outside to the backyard, he told Cordelia to watch out for Buffy and let them know when she came downstairs again.

Angel shoved Max against the side of the house and held him there with his forearm pressed against the human’s throat with just enough force to make him think about breathing.

“Listen carefully,” Angel snarled. “I’m only going to say this once. Buffy is scared. Buffy is worried that something might happen to her baby. She doesn’t need that on top of everything else. You have one…one week to find that crazy bitch and lock her up or I’ll do it. Do we understand each other?”

Max nodded. Angel stepped back. Their eyes met briefly before Max walked back into the house.

“So, what exactly are you going to do?”

It was Cordy standing on the edge of the porch. Angel hated doing this to her. Worrying her with actions that she knew could eventually ruin the life they had carefully constructed. She had tamed him in so many ways. She was the sun that he orbited around and had kept him from following instincts that could only stem from Angleus. This time Buffy was right. Spike had more to lose than he did. And it was ultimately his place to protect them. With a sadness and hope that it wouldn’t come to that, he met his wife’s eyes.

“Take care of my family.”

January 20, 2008 9:10 AM

Buffy’s arm fell across Spike’s chest and woke him from his slumber. He turned sleepy eyes to his wife who was turning this way and that way as she roused herself from the night. He was surprised when she grabbed his hand and put it on her stomach. A delighted smile lit up his face as he felt his baby move.

“Your daughter is definitely Slayer material as much as she is kicking,” Buffy said, still holding his hand. “Oh, sorry, need to interrupt this moment because she just bounced on my bladder.”

Spike settled back against the pillows as he watched Buffy leave the room. She was dressed in the new pajamas that Raven had given her for her birthday; a pink tank top and long pink bottoms with white kittens splashed all over them. The clothing along with her mussed up hair, Buffy looked about twelve until she turned around and he could see the clear evidences of her womanhood. He continued to lie in bed as he listened to Buffy moving around the upstairs. As soon as she returned he needed to tell her about Elijah. It wasn’t going to be easy but it was the best choice he could have made and he hoped that Buffy would understand.

Suddenly the door flung back and slammed against the wall. Spike closed his eyes knowing that his chance of explaining calmly was gone.

“Where is Elijah? I went in his room and most of his clothes are gone. Books and toys are missing. Where is he?”

Standing up, Spike grabbed his jeans and pulled them on before going to her. He took her hand and tried to lead her back to the bed so they could talk. She yanked her arm away from him and he sighed in frustration knowing he should have said something last night instead of letting himself be seduced by roses made of frosting.

“Baby, let’s talk,” Spike said trying to stay composed. “Elijah is going to stay with Xander and Anya for a little while.”

“Why?”

Buffy sounded so hurt with that one word and Spike wondered if he had made the right decision.

“I think with the new changes and everything that he would be less confused with them.”

“Confused by what?” Buffy asked. “I take good care of him.”

Spike brushed her hair back and cupped her face. “I know you do, Pet, but with the games that he’s played…”

“I stopped playing with him just like you told me to,” Buffy pleaded, her hands clutching at his forearms. “I’ve been a good girl; please don’t take my son from me.”

“I know you did,” Spike said, looking over her head and searched for the words to explain. “He’s confused. He thinks he’s the only one protecting the baby. That’s too much of a burden for a little boy.”

Tears had started to fill her eyes and a part of him wanted to give in to her requests but he knew he couldn’t.

“You don’t understand, Spike. There are things that you don’t know. I need him home with me.”

“Explain so that I do understand. I can protect you if you’d just tell me what’s going on. These secrets of yours are scaring me, Baby.”

Everything in him silently begged her to open up and tell him. Most likely it would be nothing more than the ravings of her insanity but at least he’d know how to handle things. She seemed to be struggling with herself and she closed her eyes before leaning against him.

“Please, tell me. You know I’ll take care of you.”

Her hands clutched at his chest and he could feel his chest getting wet from her tears. He relaxed as he pulled her closer and his hands ran along her back.

“Give me back my son,” Buffy screamed and pushed at him with everything she had.

Spike flew across the room hitting the wall before slumping to the floor. Shaking his head he looked up to see her advancing toward him. He told himself to move but his body wouldn’t cooperate.

“These are things that you cannot understand.” Buffy hissed, pushing the dresser over. She stepped carelessly over the mess she had made. “Everything is almost ready for the day when it will all come right again. You have been a very bad boy and now you will lose your chance to play.” Reaching down she tore apart a drawer. She took the front part of it and swung at him. Spike just managed to roll before it crashed against his head. The wood slammed into his back and a screw from the handle tore into his flesh. He groaned and arched his back as the pain registered with his brain. “Now you stay here while I’ll go and make things all better.”

Her voice was calm as she turned to leave the bedroom. In the doorway was Raven and Max. Sean hung back in the hallway.

“Do you think that you can stop me?” Buffy asked with a smirk.

Taking advantage of the situation, Spike grabbed her from behind and pulled her toward the bed. Startled by his movements, she didn’t fight him as he pushed her down and straddled her thighs. He held her hands above her head.

“Buffy, stop this. It’s not good for the baby.”

She laughed. “You should have thought of that before you stole my child.”

“I didn’t steal him,” Spike said, trying to maintain his hold as she struggled to be free. “He’s a little boy and deserves to be a little boy. I’m trying to do what’s best for him.”

“Help me, please help me,” Buffy pleaded and started to sob. “Spike, don’t do this. I’ll do whatever you want just let me go.”

It was his Buffy again and he loosened his grip on her. As soon as he did her face twisted in a mask of pure evil as she took advantage of his sympathy and threw him off. Spike fell backwards and rolled off the bed. He looked up to find her peering at him over the edge of the bed. Her laughter was a haunting melody that resounded of darkness and death.

“Silly boy never did understand, did you?” Buffy taunted. “There are things you don’t know. Things that were set in motion that very night when you died. The stars whispered of your fate, of this child, and you can’t change the way it will be.”

“Bloody hell I can’t,” Spike said, pushing off the floor and looking at Raven and Max. “Help me.”

Buffy started to back crawl along the bed but Spike came around the one side and grabbed her arm.

“Raven, hold her arm down. Max get her feet. Be careful.”

His instructions were carried out while Buffy fought them with everything she had. Max was trying to hold down his wife and Spike decided that her feet would be first. Still clutching her hand he knelt and reached under the bed and pulled out a restraint attached to a chain.

“Put it on her ankle now,” Spike said, glancing up to see his daughter sobbing. “Its okay, Raven, it’s only until she’s quieted down.” He reached under and grabbed the one for her wrist.”

“Please, Spike, I’ll be good. I promise,” Buffy cried. “Don’t do this to me, please, please, don’t, I can’t stand it. Not after the coffin. No.”

The restraint was snapped around her wrist. Spike hurried down to help Max and went to grasp Buffy’s free leg when she pulled it back and kicked Max in the face. He flew back into the pile that was the dresser. Spike fastened the restraints on her ankles ignoring his friend for the moment. Finally he reached under the bed for the last chain and handed it to Raven.

“Daddy, I can’t,” Raven pleaded. “She’s my mother.”

Nodding he brushed her aside and did it himself. Like always. It was him that had to make the tough choices even if it did tear him to pieces.

“Raven, take Max downstairs. Call Kate if he needs it,” Spike instructed. He waited until they were out the door before turning back to his wife. “These chains are fastened to concrete that was poured beneath the floorboards. You can probably tear the bed apart but you won’t be able to break the chains.”

Buffy spit in his face and he wiped it away.

“Do you really think that this will hold me?” Buffy said, pulling on the chains.

“The only way to break the chains free would be to bring the bed down on top of you and I’m hoping that your love for our child will prevent you from doing it.”

“You’re pathetic and weak having to resort to chaining your wife.”

Her face was moist with perspiration and Spike pushed her hair back from her forehead. She glared at him with rage simmering in her eyes. Needing an excuse to get away from her a moment, he hurried to the bathroom. He filled a basin with warm water and a dash of bath oil with lavender. Grabbing a washcloth he threw it in the water and as he prepared to leave the room, Spike caught a glimpse of his face in the mirror. It seemed to him that he had aged since the night before. His eyes closed as he gathered his resolve to do what had to be done.

Buffy’s eyes were closed when he entered the room. He sat the basin on the nightstand before lighting candles that were meant to encourage relaxation. The curtains were shut and the room was bathed in the warm glow of the candles. Spike sat on the edge of the bed. He wrung the washcloth out and starting with her face, he bathed the sweat from her. Each stroke was rhythmic and soothing in its motion. She watched him from under her lids and he could feel the cold stare all the way through his soul.

“Oh, my Sweet, you try so hard but it always ends the same,” Buffy whispered. “You have become so domesticated. A pathetic lapdog for the Slayer is such a sad fate for a creature such as you. You scorned Daddy when he was in caught in her flame and now you wallow in his leavings.”

He faltered as her words. They twisted into his soul but he forced them away. He pushed her shirt up and her pajamas down. He ran the cloth in small circular strokes over her stomach.

“She grows bored with you. Did you know? There is no monster left in you. Only a wretched shell of the evil she once adored and clung to. You have grown fat and lazy in your obsession for the girl.”

Spike straightened her clothes and dropped the cloth in the water. Her words were peeling away the security that he clung to. He blinked his eyes and looked up at her.

“You try so hard not to believe me. It takes no pixie dust to know the truth that shines as bright as the sun. If she loves you so much why did she want to be with Daddy? Why does she turn to him to save her?”

“What do you mean?”

Buffy laughed. At first it was a giggle like she knew a secret he didn’t.

“Buffy, what are you talking about?”

The laughter turned to a taunting cackle. Spike chose to ignore it. Buffy loved him. It was clear that she was trying to provoke him. It was the why that confused him. Did she think that if she hurt him enough that he would release her? Would take her life? Shaking his head, he stood and reached for the bowl.

“I’m not going to play this game,” Spike said. “When you have calmed down I’ll let you go.”

“Do you think that I will ever forgive you for taking my child from me?” Buffy asked. “Do you think that I will bend to your will? I won’t. Not now and not ever. As soon as I am free you will pay for what you have done.”

Spike laughed and exited the room. Of course she wouldn’t bend to him. She never had. He left the bowl in the bathroom and sat on the top step. He listened as Buffy cried. Every once in a while she would call for him and he wrapped his arms around his knees rocking back and forth. He fought everything in him that wanted to let her go but he knew that if he did she would attack him again. Raven came to him and cleaned the cut on his back. She held his hand for awhile but when Buffy returned to cursing him Raven retreated downstairs where she couldn’t hear.

Since the incident with Angel, the personality switches were becoming clearer. Almost as if once her secret had been found it didn’t matter anymore. Listening to his wife he knew when she was Buffy and when she was ‘Drusilla’. Eventually the cries and curses slipped into mad ramblings and he found himself shaking.

“Spike, drink this,” Max said, sitting next to him.

Trying to focus, Spike took the glass from Max. It was blood and he took a sip but found that he only gagged on it. The glass was set on the floor next to him.

“What time is it?” Spike croaked out.

“It’s almost one,” Max said. “Why don’t you go down and talk to your children? Raven is pretty shook up.”

In the hours he had been listening for her it was as if he had forgotten the rest of the world even existed. Spike looked at Max. His friend turned from him but Spike put his fingers on his chin and forced Max to look at him. The left side of his face was bruised leading up to an almost swollen shut black eye. Spike let his fingers drift from the chin over the bruising to corner of the eye. The touch was almost a caress that was broken when Max winced from pain.

“I’m sorry,” Spike said. “I am asking too much of my friends.”

“No,” Max said. “That is what friends are for. A lot of the things she says are true.” He laughed, low and humorlessly. “We’ve all been on the receiving end of her mouth. But when you think about it most of it is nothing more than brutal honesty. Like me. She said I was weak. I am. I’ve let you down twice. Since Bri I’ve run. Lost myself in my work and didn’t let myself get close enough to anyone to have to be responsible for them. You…this family have destroyed my solitary oath. I won’t let you down again.”

It was comfort because it was the truth. Max was one of them now. In another lifetime he would have been made a favored Childe but now he was a friend. A brother. He would never be the same as Xander but the feelings were almost as strong because Max knew his secrets and weaknesses. Spike leaned against him for a moment. Shoulder to shoulder.

“I know,” Spike said. “I’m going to check on my children. You’ll be all right?”

“Yeah.”

Spike made his way downstairs. Raven and Sean were in his study playing on the computer.

“Hey,” Spike said.

Raven ran to him and he crushed her to him. He opened one arm and held it out to Sean who followed more slowly but came to him nonetheless.

“Is she all right?”

“I think she’s going to sleep,” Spike said. “Hopefully when she wakens she’ll be…I’ll be able to free her.”

The phone rang and Raven slipped away to answer. After saying hello, she handed the phone to him.

“Hello,” Spike said.

“Spike, its Xander. We have a problem.”

~~~~~~~~~~

January 20, 2008 12:54 PM

Max was startled to see Willow and Tara step through the front door. If they had knocked he hadn’t heard them. His mind was occupied by the changes in his life and by the woman chained to a bed. The life he had carefully constructed had been shattered when he had met Buffy that day at the motel. He wasn’t sure if he liked the fact that his heart was healing and he wanted to belong somewhere again. That he wanted to be more than Agent Maxim Rochester of the California branch of The Guardians.

He watched in amusement as Candy ran to the witches and sniffed playfully at their feet.

“Hello, pretty baby,” Tara said, reaching down to scoop the small dog up in her arms.

When she straightened she saw him and her eyes flew open then filled with pity. She and Willow made their way up the stairs.

“Max, what happened?” Willow asked sitting next to him while her companion sat on the other side of him. Again fingers were run over his face and he basked in the care that was shown to him.

It wasn’t his place to explain so Max shrugged and said, “I got in the way.”

“Must have been something pretty big,” Tara said.

“Tara, Willow is that you?” Buffy called.

“Yes, it’s us,” Willow replied.

“Don’t go in there,” Max said. “It’s been a bad day.”

The two women glanced at each other and ignoring his words went into the bedroom. Max followed them knowing that one good yell would bring the vampire so watching out for the women seemed like the better idea. Willow pulled the curtains open and she gasped when she saw Buffy chained to the bed. Tara was calmer and sat on the edge of the bed next to Buffy letting the dog loose to curl next to her mistress.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” Buffy said.

“I’ll let him know,” Max said, slipping from the room but didn’t have to go far because Spike was already on his way up the stairs.

Max returned to leaning against the doorjamb as Spike entered the bedroom. He sat on the other side of Buffy and searched her face.

“I’m…please…” Buffy said.

Nodding, Spike undid each restraint before picking her up in his arms and taking her to the bathroom.

“Did Buffy do that to you?” Tara asked.

“Probably when he was helping to chain her down,” Willow said, her eyes flashing and as Spike’s turned gold when teetering on great emotion, the witch’s eyes were flickering black.

“You don’t understand, Will,” Max explained. “She was trying to hurt Spike.”

“Honey, you need to let Spike tell us what happened before we judge,” Tara said, taking her lover’s hand. “Why don’t we wait downstairs for them?”

The two women made their way downstairs before the bathroom door opened. Buffy supported by Spike made her back into the bedroom. After a dismissing glance from Spike, Max joined them in the living room. Raven and Sean were sitting close to each other on the couch while Willow and Tara were seated in Buffy’s chair.

“Was she that bad?” Tara asked.

Max leaned forward, his fingers smoothing the frown lines on his forehead. There wasn’t really any easy way to answer her. To someone who hadn’t been here the truth would only look like Buffy had been provoked into defending what she considered hers. Her right to have access to her child and that had been taken away. With the child not talking about what was going on between his mother and him, Spike really hadn’t had a choice. Either way both were right and both were wrong and it was only a small boy whose safety mattered in the end.

“Yes, she was violent and at the moment we chained her she was dangerous,” Max said.

“Don’t even judge me,” Spike snarled. He stepped into the room and towered over the women. “You humiliated Buffy yesterday and hurt me. This whole bloody mess is your fault for not leaving her alone. All of you had to have Buffy to complete your damn world. Without her to center around none of your miserable lives were worth living. And when she didn’t perform as expected you disappeared like you have now. Only around when the pickings are good and the rest of the time leave her to the vampire to clean up your mistakes.”

Grabbing his arm Max turned Spike to him.

“Don’t,” Max implored. “You are going to say things that you regret.”

“Especially since you were the one who said if we brought her back as not quite human that you wouldn’t let us destroy whatever it was as long as part of it was her.”

Everyone turned to look at Xander in the doorway. In his arms was cradled Elijah.

Spike nodded.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t have and I still wouldn’t,” Spike said. He turned back to Willow. His eyes were scathing in their perusal. “Willow stay here for one day and not just for a few short hours and see the reality. Don’t think that we are making it up or exaggerating. Everyone in this house is living in the world that exists only in Buffy’s head. So, don’t judge the decisions we make to protect her or us.”

Dismissing them, Spike took his son from Xander’s arms and made his way upstairs.

“I just don’t understand the need for chains,” Willow said. “I didn’t mean to be all judgey and superior but…”

“You were, sweetie,” Tara said. “Look at Max’s face. Look at Raven and Sean. They didn’t do it to be cruel but to protect themselves.”

When Xander perched on the other side of the red head, Max felt left out of a group of people that had been through so much together. He knew Spike and Buffy welcomed him but there was so much history he wasn’t a part of. He glanced back at the two teenagers who were not only feeling as out of place as he was but still shaken from the morning’s events. Standing he reached for Raven’s hand.

”Let’s go pick up some lunch and get you two out of the house for awhile.” Max said. “I think things have calmed down enough.”

Raven and Sean smiled gratefully and he felt a rush of love for them that amazed him with its intensity. Whatever reservations he had about leaving his heart open again was gone as he led the two from the house. However things were resolved this afternoon he knew Spike would let him on it later. For now the kids were taking precedence.

~~~~~~~~~~

January 20, 2008 1:15 PM

The door clicked shut and Xander moved to occupy the spot where Max had been sitting. He took a moment to study his best friend. Willow meant well but in the last few months she had been changing in ways he wasn’t entirely comfortable with. And it was because he saw those changes in himself. It was like Sunnydale was casting its spell over their adult selves making them forget the forces that they once fought so hard against. They were letting the fight pass from their hands into the younger generation and blinding themselves to the truth.

“Spike had a reason to do what he did,” Xander said. “I was so arrogant when I took Elijah. I would be the one fix everything for that little boy. And in a few short hours he made me remember everything and see what is happening to Buffy so much clearer.”

“What happened, Xan?” Willow asked.

“Elijah tore my house apart,” Xander said, passing a hand over his face. “I was standing there in my living room trying to explain to this child why he couldn’t be with his mommy and the next thing I knew the lamp had hit the wall.”

“I’m sorry, Xander,” Tara said, giggling. ”But I could’ve told you what might happen.”

“Well, it wasn’t funny as everything in my living room ended up in a pile on one side before I got Spike on the phone,” Xander groused. “Anya didn’t seem to mind much because Spike said he’d replace everything. Now, she gets to spend someone else’s money on a new living room set and I get dragged from store to store while she decides.”

“He didn’t hurt anyone, did he?” Willow asked.

“No, he wouldn’t hurt anyone,” Tara interrupted. “He has too much control for someone to be in the way and too much empathy to injure anyone without hurting himself.”

“Yeah,” Xander said. “He actually had Aidan and Jessy behind him when he started it. Every time he’d say take me home and when I tried to explain why he couldn’t something else would go flying.”

“Did he say why he had to be home?” Tara asked, settling back against Willow. Her fingers interlaced with her lovers.

“That was the thing that got to me,” Xander said, sitting up again. “He said that he couldn’t miss it. And that the baby was going to change everything.”

“I’ve heard Buffy say that before,” Willow said. “At least the part about the baby changing everything.”

“It was the way that Elijah said it that got to me,” Xander said. “It was like he had to be in a certain spot at certain time in order for something to happen.”

“Like Dawn with Glory?” Tara asked.

“Exactly,” Xander said. “Exactly.”

~~~~~~~~~~

January 20, 2008 1:05 PM

His son was in his arms again. Spike hated to admit it but it felt right to have the boy home. Without Elijah a piece of their home was gone. Maybe Buffy was right and he was the essential Ace that held their fragile house of cards together. He opened the door, peering into their room to see what Buffy was doing before putting Elijah down. She was pulling her hair through a scrunchy and he set the child on his feet. Leaning against the spot Max had earlier; Spike watched as his wife held out her arms and caught their son.

“I’ve missed you, my little prince,” Buffy crowed, wrapping her arms around him.

“I missed you too, Mummy. They didn’t want me to come home.”

“I know but you’re here now,” Buffy said. “Everything is right again and we can celebrate your return.”

“Celebrate?”

“Yes,” Buffy replied, shaking her head for a moment. She clasped his small body to her again. “I’m glad that you’re home.”

Spike watched as she stood and took Eli’s hand. She passed by him and he could have sworn that when she did he could see a look of utter defeat in her eyes.

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