Hello, All(

Well, here begins Book Six of the Peacemaker Chronicles. That ficlet that keeps on giving. I never planned for it to go this far, but here it is. I owe those of you that have read and given me comments since the beginning, many, many thanks. The story would have stopped long ago were it not for you.

As many of you know, I lost my grandfather on Thursday. We were very close and it has been a hard week for me. I asked my list which they would rather I do; release what I have written with no guarantees of when I could release more, or wait until I could put out a few chapters a week. The only answer I received was release now. So, here we go.

Because of my personal circumstances, I cannot say, with all certainty, when the chapters will be released. I *can* tell you that there will be one more before Christmas and probably yet another later next week. But bear with me. I do have family needs, and emotional ups and downs, to contend with. I do promise, however, that I will not give up on the story. I will see it through until it is done.

With all that said, welcome to Book Six. I could use some reviews right now. Something else to think about. So, if you read this on ff.net, please review. If you read it on BAPS or AE, let me know what you think. Some feedback would really help my day.

Again, thank you all for your kindness throughout this story. I would not, nor could I, do this without you.

*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue

"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002.

PS - Joyous Yule to those who are celebrating.

Title: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Chapter One of The One)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Welcome to the beginning of Book Six of the Peacemaker Chronicles. This book is set about 2 1/2 years after the ending of Book Five, which puts us in about December of 2008.

Just to give you a little timeline of the Peacemaker story to date, which I had to do anyway to start up again, here are some dates of major events. This story breaks AU after Normal Again, in April 2002. In Book One, Buffy finds out that she is pregnant with Emma. Emma is then born in Book Two in what would be October 2002 (the date being 10/29/02). William was born in Book Five when Emma was three, which makes his birthday 05/30/06. In the meantime, a few other additions to the Scooby fold have come into being. River Harris, daughter of Takina and Xander born 03/9/07 and Randolph (aka Randy) Giles (yes, you got that right), son of Rupert and Anya, who insisted on the name, on 11/25/07. This story is then set in December 2008. Buffy and Spike have been together for six years and hand fasted for two (August 2006). They live in the same house on Revello. Dawn is a junior in college and lives on campus, although is home during the holidays. Xander and Takina are married. Officially. Giles and Anya are not. But they do their own thing. She sort of decided that the dress was too much anyway.

Things have been relatively quiet in Sunnydale since the last round with evil in Book Five. Just the run of the mill apocalypses. But Emma has been left alone. That is until now. Not to mention that the One, the thing that mystically binds Buffy and Spike, has suddenly intensified. What happens to them is not what is supposed to happen. It is something manipulated by outside forces. But what are they? And will they be able to make things right before everything crumbles again?

Welcome back to Sunnydale. Christmas Eve 2008....

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

"Emma, stop that, all right? Will, leave River alone," Spike huffed, walking behind a wake of destruction leading to a Christmas tree. He was calm now. Composed. Through the momentary lapse which almost had his fist through a wall and four very small children in varying states of humanity locked in a closet until roughly their eighteenth birthdays.

What in the bloody hell were the lot of them thinking depositing all their rug rats here while they finished shopping? Spike wondered as he pulled William off the side of a playpen containing the youngest member of the brood, Randy. Nice touch of humour there, Spike thought. Even more amusing was the love his life deciding that it was a good idea to leave him alone with them all while she ran to the store to get last minute food for tomorrow's supper. Something he had already done once today. Buffy just wanted to escape the real horror. Four children, high on sugar and Santa and more tenacious than any demon he had ever met.

"Daddy, daddy, daddy," Emma chanted, running circles around his legs, William chasing her on wobbly ones. Spike tried to grab him before he stumbled like a punch-drunk fighter after a match, but he missed and his son tripped, falling over River in a heap. He began to cry. River began to wail. Randy just gurgled to himself in his little pen. Emma continued to blaze through the house, dancing and singing and being generally annoying. Spike could feel his head about to explode.

"That's it!" Spike boomed, grabbing Emma's wrist as she darted past and settling her gently on the couch. He leaned down, picking up William and depositing him next to her. River sobbed, her huge eyes the size of saucers at the sound of Spike's voice. He just picked her up and held her. Randy gurgled some more.

"I've had about enough of this lot," Spike continued. Emma stared at him with big wet eyes, her lip trembling. William looked up reaching towards his father and trying not to cry. River still wailed.

"Give," William muttered, reaching up at Spike. Spike raised an eyebrow and looked at the boy. William was dressed in his favourite outfit, or at least Dawn's favourite outfit for him. Black jeans and a black t-shirt with his hair combed back off of his face. Buffy had tried to coerce a Christmas sweater over the boy, but he peeled it off within seconds.

"What is it, Will?" Spike asked, crouching down in front of the couch. William leaned forward and touched River's arm.

"Give," he repeated.

Spike loosed the wailing girl from his arms and sat her down next to William. Will wrapped his arm around her and looked back up at Spike, her crying stopping almost immediately. Again, Spike raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Harris is going to love this," he muttered to himself.

"Daddy?" Emma said, her teeth still firmly gripping her lip.

Spike melted like he always did when looking at her. She was the spitting image of her mum, save for the colour of the eyes. Long blonde hair. Big doe eyes. Pretty pouty coral lips and a little girl halo around her as if she could do no wrong. "What, Mite?" Spike asked, his voice now soft and full of love. He was usually the more patient with his kids. But today had been a whole new level of excitement and both Emma and Will were now old enough to understand it.

"I'm sorry," Emma said. "I'm just 'cited, is all," she muttered, her eyes ready to spill over.

Spike looked at the floor, guilt crashing over him. They were kiddies, for Heavens sake. Christmas is the real gig. Sort of like the good Apocalypse for tots. "S'alright," Spike answered, pulling her off the couch and scooping her into his arms. "Just got the better of me a bit, is all." She blinked at him, blue eyes flashing apologies like a neon sign. "You think you can be good if I let you and your lot down again? You're the oldest. You're in charge."

Emma looked at him, proud as a peacock that she was the one in charge of the rest. "Yes, Daddy."

Spike set her softly on the floor. "Go on, then." He leaned down to the couch and lifted William onto the floor and held him there until his wobbly legs steadied, then set him loose like a colt on a racetrack. Slowly, he lifted River to the floor, gently setting her out of the way of the galloping hordes. There was nothing he could do. The sinister attraction of Santa and his minions were too much for wee folk to resist. He slumped into the couch, watching their quiet play degenerate into screaming, singing, and destruction within three minutes. Honestly, he was surprised they had lasted that long.

The front door opened with a creak. Had to fix that, Spike added to the mental checklist of things undermining his formerly potent mysteries. Now he spent more time fixing things and potty training and walking dogs and tots than fighting evil. He couldn't even remember *being* evil. It was sort of like a very blonde, very light Addams family. Somewhere, he knew he loved this life a million times more than anything he had before.

A chuckle came from the open door. Followed by a full out giggle. Slowly, Spike lifted his weary head and eyed her standing there, a brown paper bag clutched to her hip. Her face was so beautiful, her smile the size of the room. "Don't know what you find so 'musing, Pet," Spike sighed, his head still propped on his hand.

Buffy laughed again, walking towards him and setting the bag on the side table. "Oh, nothing," she taunted, flopping down next to him on the couch.

Spike glared at her, blue eyes throwing phantom daggers. "No, Love. What is it that you want to say?"

She sidled in next to him, her breath caressing his ear. "My big bad. My fearless warrior. My tireless lover. And you've been conquered by four little kids." She nipped the shell of his ear as the final word slipped from her lips. It was everything she could do to avoid giggling again.

He had to contain a smile. "They're a right dastardly lot, Pet. Not a one is fully human. Demons all, they are," Spike complained half heartedly as his hand found her knee and slid up the length of her graceful thigh. She shuddered, melting closer to him. "Seems I've got a handle on you though, doesn't it?"

"Ummm," she hummed, kissing his cheek. "This is what got us to a room full of little terrors to begin with."

"True," he chuckled, turning his face to kiss her sweet, bubblegum lips. She tasted of roses and sugar and peppermint. Always beautiful. "But, despite their rousing rendition of tear the house down, I think it has been worth it." His breath tickled her mouth as he spoke, making her smile against him.

"Ummhumm," Buffy hummed, letting her fingers trace the soft hairs on the back of his neck. "Worth it."

Spike felt it thrum through him like the greatest power in existence. His love for her. His desire. It had never faded. Not one iota. If anything, it just got bigger, more powerful, every second of their lives. There was nothing he ever wanted, ever needed, that he couldn't find in her. In them. His mouth found hers again, her palms moving to cups his cheeks.

"Eeewww," Emma giggled, standing on the opposite side of the coffee table, little hands on little hips.

A chorus of giggles rose from the three eldest, the fourth just gurgling in the background. Spike turned his head, shooting the mock evil eye at his daughter. "Eww, what?" He growled.

"You're *kissing*," she taunted, shifting her weight onto one hip.

"So?" Spike answered, indignantly. "What's it to you, Mite?"

Buffy smiled at the exchange, watching Emma search for a comeback. She was pretty sharp nowadays, and had a much greater idea of the love her parents had for each other. That is expressly why they had moved her bedroom from adjacent to theirs to the furthest room away. After being confronted about certain noises in their bedroom, Spike was inclined to prevent having to make up another story about fighting off the dreaded grunting beast of Valhalla.

"It's *gross*," Emma finally countered. "Kissing, kissing, kissing," she chanted, dancing around the room.

"Kissin'" William chimed in.

Buffy shook her head, pushing herself off the couch. "That's enough," she said, trying to hide the smile. "I'm allowed to kiss your daddy."

"Worked hard enough for it," Spike mumbled, trying not to just stare at Buffy's backside as she stood in front of him. She was perfect. Everything about her.

Buffy turned her head and smiled. "Later," she winked. She turned back towards the brood. "Emma, come with me. We're going to make cookies. Will, you need to go walk Pony with your dad. Spike," she continued, her voice dropping from general mode to lover mode. "If you help me get River into the playpen with Randy and move it into the kitchen, you can go off and do the manly bonding thing for a while. Just be home in time for supper."

Spike smiled at her. Even when it was just over kid juggling, he loved it when she got her commanding attitude. Reminded him of some of the more interesting things that they had done without the wee ones around. "Anything you wish, Pet."

Buffy smiled back at him. A smile full of promises and love and desire. "I have a little early present for you later. If you're good."

Spike stood, all lean muscle and marble statue good looks. "Aren't I always, Love?"

A sly grin spread across her face. "Later," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him. "Now go do big bad dad things."

*****

"Well ain't that a pisser?" Luke sighed, stepping back from the form crumpled and chained to the wall. "We just can't seem to maker her evil."

Draconius sighed, blowing a smoke ring from his pipe. "Of course not, you ninny," he complained. "Don't they teach you anything in the lesser hell dimensions?"

"Hey!" The indignance on Luke's face was tinged with hurt. "We may only be the human Hell, but I think we do pretty well on the evil and torture and other fun stuff," he continued. "I mean, trapping souls in rocks is..."

"Child's play," Draconius answered. He prowled the room like a cat, the decimated woman staring up at him with flickering eyes. For years she had been here. For years she had been tortured. But they couldn't win. Wouldn't. She would not let them.

"She is a creature of Heaven," Draconius continued. "One that had been in the realm of goodness in both her human and otherworldly lives. We cannot make her soul fundamentally evil."

"Can we take it then?" Luke quipped, almost jumping for joy.

Draconius thought a moment. "Possibly temporarily. But the Powers up above own it. We could not truly possess it." The fanged man rubbed his chin as he paced as if the gesture was necessary for thought. "But what we *could* do is steal it for a while. Just harness it until the little Heavenly beasties figure out what we have done and give it back. It might buy us enough time." The wheels turned inside the creature's head.

Luke frowned. "But if we steal her essence for even a little while, that just means she's devoid of humanity. Doesn't make her fire and brimstone, let-the-good-times-roll-evil."

Draconius shot his counterpart a frustrated glance. The leader of this hell dimension was like a well dressed, handsome, annoying Chihuahua on crack. "No," Draconius drew out. "But were we to, help her along."

"Ooh!" Luke chirped. "How?" He danced around the room in his red three- piece suit, happy at the thought of causing even an evil itch on the human realm.

"Can your smiths forge an amulet, a charm?" Draconius asked.

Luke quirked a brow. "Hello! Hell God! They can do whatever I tell them to do." The indignance was back. Luke might be out for a good time, but he wasn't a moron.

"Good," Draconius said, softly. "Have them form a bracelet. With one charm. The mark of the dragon. When it is prepared, I will have my Witch bespell it. Fill it with all we want done."

The Hell God clapped his hands together joyously, and then stopped in his tracks. "And what exactly *is* that?"

Again, Draconius sighed. This would be a tenuous alliance at best. "To throw the balance of the essence of the One into oblivion and take advantage of their weakness to procure Peace."

"Oh," Luke answered, nodding. "You know, she was here. That vanilla- smelling little vixen. The Peacemonger or whatever she goes by."

"The Peacemaker, you git," Draconius shouted, slapping Luke on the back of his head. "And I am aware of this. You let her go. Your *incompetence* is what let her ride out of here with the Slayer and become the most well protected bit of Prophesy in all existence."

Luke grimaced at the thought. "Oh, right," he said. The handsome, devilish smile returned quickly though. "Can't win 'em all."

Draconius turned his eyes from Luke, watching the crumpled form on the wall. "Just go. I want the amulet in the next few hours."

"I think I am the reigning God here," Luke snapped, crossing his arms across his broad chest. The look in Draconius' eyes made even him shudder. "But as I agree with the plan, I'll be off to go have an amulet made."

*****

"Are you sure you want to do this tomorrow, Buffy?" Takina asked, taking River from Buffy's outstretched arms. The toddler cooed and grabbed her mother's hair, kissing her wildly on the cheek. "I mean, having us all here."

Buffy chuckled. "What, we can handle an Apocalypse, but we can't handle Christmas dinner?"

"Something like that," Takina answered, looking over Buffy's head and watching Spike get hog tied and bounced on by his own children as they chirped happily about what Santa might bring.

Buffy followed Takina's eyes and smiled again as Spike grabbed William with one escaped wrist and pulled the giggling boy into his lap. It was like watching a lion play with his cubs. "It'll be fine. Be here around ... one?"

The Doctor smiled warmly. "We'll be here. Will the rest be coming as well?"

"The whole gaggle of them," Buffy joked. "Actually, I think Willow and Tara are staying here tonight. They offered to baby-sit while we patrol and I think that they really feel like they're missing out a bit since we all..."

Takina frowned softly, her pretty face conveying concern in way that Buffy found fascinating. She was a great doctor. And a good friend. Her body language was almost as telling as her words. "Kids," Takina continued for Buffy. "They have options, you know?"

Buffy sighed, leaning a hip against the open door. "I know. I think they just have to decide what they want and we'll help them any way we can." She looked at Spike a long, lusty moment and corrected herself. "Well, almost any way."

Takina laughed. "I think that is more my concern than yours," she joked. "But we are family. Whatever it takes."

"Whatever it takes," Buffy agreed, kissing River's cheek softly. "See you later, little girl."

"Affer Sanna," River answered, putting a chubby palm on Buffy's cheek.

As Takina turned to leave, Willow and Tara started up the stairs hand in hand, grinning as they always were. "Hi, there," Willow said waving. "Ready for the rescue?"

Buffy chuckled. "Yeah, I just have to untie Spike. See ya, Takina."

Takina waved from the walkway, calling out her goodbye. "Untie Spike?" Tara questioned, coming in the door. Emma and William were now running a rope around him, giggling insanely. Spike was pretending to be completely defeated. It brought back fond memories of holidays past.

"Ready to patrol?" Buffy asked, walking into the living room. "Or has your butt been whooped enough for one night?" She stood, an amused smile playing on her lips. Spike looked at her, seeing what lie beneath the amusement. A sly, sultry little grin, full of wicked little thoughts. They really didn't need to patrol tonight. Not much going on in Sunnydale and most people were indoors and out of danger. Something else was on his girl's mind.

"Think I might need a bit of rescuing first, Pet, but after that, ready for a little rough and tumble," he answered, the same sly wickedness purring underneath his words. Tara blushed, peeling William off of him.

"So, this is going to be a longish patrol?" Willow asked, grabbing a giggling Emma as Buffy untied him. Part of Buffy kind of liked him all trussed up like her very own Christmas prezzie. But that was for later.

"Don't wait up," Buffy answered, pulling Spike to his feet. "Do you mind?"

"No!" Tara answered, dancing around the room, holding William as if she was waltzing with the smallest partner at the ball. "Not at all. Our pleasure."

"A few hours alone with that lot might change your tune," Spike chuckled, tossing Buffy her jacket and passing the weapons chest without a second look. He wasn't going to need a stake or an axe for tonight's battle. That was something he knew in his bones. The thought made him shudder with delight.

Willow smiled, tickling Emma. "Go! Be off into the night you fierce warriors of goodness you," she joked. "Before I change my mind."

"Right then," Spike said, nodding curtly and swinging open the door. He gestured at Buffy to lead the way. "After you, Love."



to be contd.

Title: It's a Wonderful World (Chapter Two of The One)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike). Lyrics by Louie Armstrong.

Summary: It is Christmas Eve in Sunnydale and the Windsor's are about to have an enormous gathering the next day. But there are some presents that are best given in private. Tara and Willow watch the brood while Buffy and Spike remind each other what gifts really are.

It's a Wonderful World.

They walked in silence, taking their normal route though town. Spike watched her looking around at the lights and the decorations like she was no older than Emma. Then again, he was barely feeling the weight of nearly a century and a half of existence tonight. Something about being around the tots, but more just being around her, had a way of making him feel like he had never died. That all of the years between that alley and her smile were just a strange delusion. This was his real life. Funny how it only took on meaning when she first looked upon him in the school. Even though they were enemies, that was truly the first time he felt his heart again.

"Quiet tonight," Buffy muttered as they walked out of the first of three graveyards they checked each night.

"That it is, Pet," Spike answered, capturing her little hand in his. She slid her fingers through his like they belonged there. They did belong there.

Buffy sighed. "Not really in the mood to kick anything's butt anyway," she continued, sadly.

Spike chuckled. She was always in the mood to kick something's hind end into eternity. It's part of who she is. The Slayer part of the Buffy package. The first reason he fell in love with her. Many, many others came after. "Sorry to disappoint."

She smiled, looking up at him with eyes the colour of emeralds in sunlight. He couldn't help but return it. "I have something to give you."

"Not Christmas yet, Love," Spike answered, giving her hand a squeeze. He pointed up at the clock tower. Eleven-thirty P.M.

"It doesn't have to be," she answered, still studying his face in the moonlight. Spike was as perfect as he was hers. It had taken her far too long too see it. The way the razor sharpness of his features, the fire under the vivid blueness of his eyes was just covering what was soft and kind and sweet. Like some evolutionary defense mechanism. Hiding the fact that one is truly full of gentleness by looking so hard. Truth was, there was nothing hard about him. She smiled wickedly at that thought and quickly amended it. Nothing inside his heart that was hard.

"Still," Spike answered, his voice velvety and smooth, like dark chocolate or fine brandy. "I've got a little something I'd like to give you first. While we're alone."

Buffy's eyes lit up like a child in a toy store. "Oooh, prezzie for me?" She giggled.

He smirked back at her. "Forget all about the giving when you think you're going to get. That how it is, Love?" Spike asked, sarcastically.

"That's me. Take, take, take," she chanted, holding out her palm.

Spike waggled a finger at her, batting her hand back down to her side. "Won't fit in that pretty little palm of yours. Least not the one you're getting tonight."

"Oooh, bigger?" Buffy giggled, sidling in closer to Spike.

A raise of an eyebrow and a wicked smile answered that. "I should hope so."

Buffy shook her head and smiled. "Spike," she cooed. "No games, I want to knnnooowwww," she whined.

He cringed at the sound. "You're regressing to your sis," Spike joked. "In due time, Pet. But," he said, slipping a hand into the pocket of his duster and producing a black scrap of satin. "In the meantime, you'll have to indulge me in a little game."

Buffy eyed the scrap of fabric warily. "Um, here?"

Spike rolled his eyes. "Wicked, girl. Not yet. But you'll ruin the surprise if you don't let me do this and God knows, I can't trust you to close your eyes that long."

Selective hearing. "It's going to be long?" She whimpered as they stopped and he stepped behind her and tied the blindfold over her eyes. Part of her was disappointed. Part of her was flooded with memories of times past involving a blindfold or two. She shuddered in delight.

"Ten seconds be too long for you," Spike quipped, taking her hand again and leading her down the path. "Can't see in there, can you? Be honest, Pet."

"No," Buffy huffed. "This better be good. What if the demons come out and see a blindfolded Slayer being lead through a cemetery by a Vampire?"

Spike thought about that a moment and chuckled. "S'pose they'd think it bloody Christmas, Love."

*****

The Bronze was quiet. Officially, it had closed for business at nine, but Spike had pulled a string or two and spent a few nights protecting the alleys around the establishment in order to cash in a favour. Really, all he needed was the building. But he got a few extras from a grateful manager who he'd pulled out of an altercation with a particularly nasty demon. And made a call to an old friend of the Scoobies.

Buffy was whimpering and whining as he opened the door and led her in. It was dark, save for one table set in the middle of the dance floor, a soft light illuminating it from above. Spike checked the scene thoroughly before even thinking about taking off the blindfold. It had to be right. He had to please her. Give her half of what she had given him.

Slowly, he stepped behind her, sliding his nimble fingers under the knot in the blindfold. "Now, don't think me all soft," Spike whispered into her ear as he lifted the cloth from her eyes. "Just thought you deserved a little something that didn't come in a box."

Buffy's eyes fluttered open as the silky fabric slid from her face. She blinked, taking it all in. The Bronze. But it wasn't. He had changed it. Made it something else. Made it hers. Theirs.

White Christmas lights adorned the stage and the balcony and the stairs to the upstairs lounge. Rose petals littered the floor in scattered patterns. A bottle of champagne was sitting on the table with two delicate glasses. White lilies and one red rose sat in a crystal vase on the table. Buffy blinked again, her heart pounding in her chest.

"S...Spike?" Her voice was like a child. Soft and willowy like satin. She turned her head and looked up at his quiet blue eyes.

"It's not much on the material, but I thought you could use an evening out," he answered, letting his thumb trace her cheek.

Buffy turned back to the tableau. It was like something that rich girls got for a first date. Not what old marrieds with rug rats got for Christmas. Then again, he wasn't your normal partner and theirs wasn't your normal life. "I... I..." Buffy stuttered.

His hands touched her shoulders, turning her towards him. "Do you like it, is all?" Spike asked, watching the stunned expression on her face with grateful amusement.

"I... I...," Buffy stuttered again. "You did this?"

Spike nodded, taking her hand and leading her towards the table. "Still have a little of the old romantic in me now and again," he quipped, pulling out her chair. "My lady?"

Buffy looked up at him wide-eyed and sat primly in the chair as he scooted her in and walked to his own. The place looked wholly different. It smelled of cinnamon and jasmine and pine boughs and the lights made it look like they were in a palace and she was the queen. And he was her king. Always her king.

The bottle of champagne opened with a pop and he lifted her glass to pour some of the bubbly. His eyebrow quirked as he looked at the crystal and he stopped. "Pet, I think there's something wrong with your glass."

"What?" Buffy asked, snatching it from his hand and sticking her face right up to the rim. Something clinked and she tipped the glass into her palm. A small silver locket fell into her hand, on a thin glittering chain. "What?" She asked again, setting down the glass and opening it slowly with trembling hands.

Inside the locket were two small pictures. One was of Emma with William sitting on her lap. It was a bit blurry from where one of them had fidgeted. The other was of her and Spike. She had never seen it before. But there was a pale purple sunset in the background. She was looking at Spike in the photo and he was looking at her and his eyes were so full of everything. Every conceivable emotion and those that no one had made a name for yet. It was from the night on the beach.

"From the tots," Spike said softly. "They thought you might want something to keep 'em close when you're not there."

Tears welled up in Buffy's eyes. "Where did you...?"

"Harris took the other one at the beach. Had it in my pocket for years. Just love the way you look in it. Happy, and all that," Spike answered, pouring champagne into her glass. "Didn't mean to get you all misty, Love," he whispered, leaning across the table and touching her face with amazing softness. She looked up at him and smiled, her eyes wet and saucer wide.

"It's... this... Spike, no one has ever... wow," Buffy stuttered, captured in his crystal gaze. "Thank you."

"No," he whispered, pulling her back up and over to him. "Thank you for saving me," Spike answered, pulling her to him. "Happy Christmas, Pet."

"Merry," Buffy corrected, smiling up at him.

He rolled his eyes. "Americans."

"British Vampire men," Buffy quipped back. His lips pressed softly to hers, brushing against them as light as butterfly wings.

"I love you, Pet. Always."

Buffy hummed against him, drinking in his scent. His flavour. Her body was on fire by his touch. "I love you, Everyday. And thank you," she whispered, her lips brushing against his.

Spike loosed the locket from her hand and spun her around towards the stage. She lifted her hair as he fastened it around her, placing soft kisses on the nape of her neck before turning her back towards him. He handed her a glass of champagne and took his. "You look beautiful, Pet."

Buffy blushed as if she were in high school again and the hottest guy in the senior class was hitting on her. He always made her feel like they had just met and she was the Queen of the world. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" Spike asked, his brow furrowing.

"Make me feel all not demon killer-y, diaper chang-y, lunch pack-y girl?" Buffy asked, sipping her champagne and sliding her arms over his shoulders.

"S'at what you think you are?" Spike asked, coiling his arms tight to her waist.

"Isn't it?" Buffy asked, her eyes serious.

Spike blinked. She had no idea. No concept of what she meant to the world, or to her family. Or to him. Had to work harder to make sure she knew. "Buffy," he sighed, smoothing her hair down her back. "You're everything. Yeah, you have the whole mum bit on, but I don't see you letting yourself go and forgetting that there's more to you. So much more."

"Oh, really? Like what?" Buffy asked, her body pressed dangerously close to his. She sipped a bit more champagne and looked into his eyes for her answer. There she found it. Sometimes she thought that every answer was there. Maybe it was.

"You're the Slayer, to start with," Spike began, backing her towards the center of the floor, feeling her body melting in to his. "So, you're the saviour of most of the free world."

"Would have bit it years ago without you at my back," Buffy countered.

Spike smiled. "Was there, Pet. Doesn't count. One in the same, we are."

"We are," she answered, hips swaying against his. "What else?"

"You are the strongest woman I know. Raised a kid sis. Kept yourself afloat. Fought the evil hordes, never gave up. Right stubborn bint you are," Spike continued, a half smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"Not sure if that's a compliment or not," Buffy retorted, tiling her head. At that moment, there was nothing that she wanted to do more than kiss those beautiful lips. "Go on."

He chuckled. "But most of all," he said, pulling her tight against him. Feeling her heat burn them in an eternal inferno. "You're my beautiful, golden goddess. Perfect as the sunrise. Light as the Heavens and as deep as the sea. You are my entire universe, Pet. And every other after. That is what you truly are," Spike answered, looking her dead in the eye. "My forever."

Buffy pushed herself on her toes, letting her lips brush to his. "You did it again," she whispered, her breath tickling his lips.

"Did what?"

"Made me feel like a Queen," she answered softly.

He pulled away, looking at her. "You are, Love. You are my Queen."

A voice came from the darkness at the edge of the stage. "It's all set, Spike," the familiar voice spoke quietly. Buffy's head turned, searching the darkness.

"O... Oz?" She asked, shaking her head.

A small figure appeared just at the edge of the light and waved. "Catch up with you later, Buff. Be at your house tomorrow."

Buffy stared at the figure and then up at Spike, eyes dazed and confused. "How did...?"

"It's all set," Oz repeated. "And the building is yours. Leaving now."

He disappeared into the darkness again, leaving Buffy to stare enigmatically at her partner. "What was...?"

"Trust me, Pet," Spike said, quietly. "And I'll explain later. Okay?"

Buffy stared at his beautiful face, drowning in his eyes. "All right," she agreed, reluctantly. "But what is ready?"

Spike pulled himself away from her for a moment, and then walked to the edge of the stage, pushing a small button. Slowly, he walked back to Buffy, holding out his hand. "Care to dance?"

She smiled, sliding a palm into his and thinking how cute it was that he bowed down to kiss her fingers. "I would love to." The sound system purred to life as he pulled her close, wrapping a strong arm around her waist and cupping her hand softly in his. Like people were supposed to dance. Like they did when he was young.

"I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom for me and you And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces of people going by I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?" They're really saying "I love you"

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow They'll learn much more than I'll ever know And I think to myself, what a wonderful world Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Oh yeah"

The kiss ended as the last note sounded and he looked at her with soft and willing eyes. They way she stared back was everything he could have hoped for and everything he needed, all in a sea of green. It took what little composure he had to find words.

"Thought you said you had something for me, Love," Spike asked, pushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear.

Buffy smiled, warming him inside and out. "I do."

"Thought you were in a rush to show it to me," he asked, pressing her to show her hand. She smiled slyly at him, and then took a step away.

"Sure you want it? Here? Now?" She asked, standing a few feet away, little feet immersed in a sea of rose petals.

A confused and impatient expression crossed his face. "Any reason I wouldn't, Pet?"

"I hope not," Buffy answered, reaching for the top button of her blue blouse. Slowly, with a little shimmy of the hips, she unbuttoned it. "I mean, I hope that *I* don't disappoint."

He stared at her, head tilted in curiosity as the second button popped in her hand. Then the third. She watched his face change from confused to interested to downright lusty as she pulled the fourth and fifth through their holes. Slowly, she opened the shirt, exposing a little black merry widow, so lacey and filmy that it barely covered skin. Like a sheer satin glove, pushing her breasts up to look like ripe golden peaches. Spike swallowed, imagining what might lie below.

"I'm even wrapped. There's a bow. You'll just have to find it," Buffy said slyly as he walked towards her with that sway of the hips that promised more satisfaction than one girl could stand. Spike stopped just inches away, perfect, muscled chest almost close enough to feel through the filmy, black material. He leaned forward, placing a kiss atop where her ripe breasts swelled from the fabric.

"I think I'd like to try," he purred, his lips tracing up her neck. "Think this fits rather nicely with the rest of your gift," he continued, taking her hand in his and leading her Spike stopped by the stage to grab the little remote and pulled her behind, up the magically lit stairway to the upper level.

Buffy had to blink again at the site before her. The beaten and nasty upper floor lounge had been transformed. Lights were everywhere, twinkling in white sparkles. A huge, brass four poster-bed was positioned in the middle, covered completely in soft, red rose petals. "Thought you might like a complete night out," Spike purred, finishing the buttons on her shirt and pulling her close again. She stared at him as if he could read her mind. This was perfect. This was all she could have wanted.

"Sp... Spike," Buffy stuttered again as his hands trailed down the wisp of black fabric covering her.

"Shh," he whispered, fingers finding the button to her skirt. "Don't want to hear another word until I find the sodding bow."

To be contd.

Title: Sundae Saviour (Chapter Three of The One)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Christmas day in Sunnydale. The Scoobies enjoy one last day of peace before their world is thrown into chaos again. But then again, with several families mixed, even this gathering is a bit chaotic on its own. Not to mention, an unexpected guest. Meanwhile, Draconius and Luke continue their plan to weaken the One.

Sundae Saviour



It was something akin to the field of battle. Wrapping paper lay like colourful skins strewn about the floor. Pajama covered warriors battled with plastic Knight in Armour kits on stuffed horses. William thought himself quite dapper in his new little leather coat that Auntie Dawn had bought him. It was too big. Came down to his feet and he tripped over it as much as he wore it, but he was proud. Tara had commented to him that it went so well with his blue fuzzy footies and that maybe his dad should dress like that more often. That got a groan from Spike.

Emma was the princess to be saved. Except that she had her mother's drive and was no weeping damsel. Yet she sat on her "throne" made of boxes with her pretty crown atop her head nearly as queenly as her mother had felt last night.

Giles and Anya had come early to share the festivities. Randy was too young yet and something about watching Emma and Will opening presents and acting out what life should have been like made everyone feel all right. The end of the World, for the millionth time, was a distant memory. Giles was the older step father with his step grandchildren and a new young life. It made Buffy smile the way he fawned over her kids and his own. Made Buffy wish that he had been her father all along.

Despite Spike's grumblings all morning, it didn't take more than a few minutes from the time the plastic swords came out until he was on his knees in the sea of wrapping paper, dueling with William over the heart of the fair Princess Emma. Emma batted her suitably long eyelashes and cooed at the display as wobbly legged William thrust his plastic sword at Spike, catching him firmly in the shoulder. Spike's face went blank, a look that scared Buffy even in jest, and he toppled to the floor. William looked down at him for a moment, nervous that his sword had magically become real and Spike winked up at him. William giggled, jumping up on his back.

"I'm da bi ba!" The little boy proclaimed, tossing miniature arms in the air and looking too much like his father for words.

"What was that, Will?" Giles asked, as Anya chuckled. Buffy slapped a hand to her mouth, her eyes laughing for her.

"I'm da bi ba!" William repeated, giggling. Buffy could see a shudder course through Spike's body and then hear a strangled laugh from his defeated position under his son.

"Did he say what I think he said?" Tara asked, smiling. Willow just chuckled.

"Sorry," Giles said. "Not sure I'm getting the joke."

Buffy moved her hand from her mouth, biting her lip. "I think that translated into 'I'm the Big Bad'," she clarified, chuckling, her eyes almost watering.

Giles blushed, lowering his head. "Quite funny, really."

Emma stood from her throne of honour and walked towards the heap of men on the floor. "You're not the big bad," she said, taking the sword from William. "You're like daddy. You're the handsome Prince. Now save me already."

Spike couldn't control it anymore and rolled over on his back, eyes watering. "Mite's too much like her mum," he chuckled. "Can't even wait for a good saving."

"That's enough out of you, Big Bad," Buffy snapped, her eyes still dancing with amusement.

"What d'you plan to do bout it, oh great Princess Buffy?" Spike mocked, still lying on the floor. William had run off to let Emma show him how to save her.

Buffy stood, stalking towards him, trying to control the smile. "Kick your butt," she answered. "I get saved well."

Tara chuckled. "You're not good at getting saved, Buffy. Saving, you're a pro."

"I am too," Buffy pouted, grabbing a discarded plastic sword and tossing it to Spike. "So, get on with it and save me already," she joked, watching the look in his eyes change from laughter to something closely akin to desire.

"Don't need this to do that," Spike asked, tossing aside the sword and sweeping under her feet with one leg. She stumbled, not ready for the move, but he caught her mid air and pulled her gently down next to her. "Wasn't so hard, was it?" He asked as her warm body, settled in next to his.

"You saved me from the floor?" Buffy quipped, looking over at his beautiful blue eyes. The look behind them was always the same, even when their expression changed. No matter how or when or why, in battle or in bed, his eyes always loved her. Worshipped his Queen.

"Among other things," he said, leaning over to kiss her cheek softly.

Dawn stumbled down the stairs, yawning, still in her little girl flannel pj's. It was funny to see her that way now. Like she was caught between child and adult. "What's going on, down here?" She asked, sleepily, making her way to the couch.

"I believe it's Christmas," Giles answered, finally finding words again. Dawn stopped next to his chair and kissed his cheek. Again, he blushed.

"Can I?" Dawn asked, gesturing at Anya. Anya shifted, handing Randy to her. Dawn liked them that age. Spike had a theory that once they got to Emma's size, they reminded her too much of the years she spent stuck in the land of whining.

Dawn settled down into the couch, cradling Randy, and looked at Buffy and Spike on the floor like overgrown versions of Emma and Will. "Whatcha doing?"

"I believe I was saving Princess Buffy from the floor," Spike answered, looking up at her. "Morning, Niblet. Home a little late last night?" The paternal tone amused Buffy. He'd be ready for Emma when she got to her teens. Nah, she corrected in her head. Nothing would prepare him for that.

"Least, I beat you," Dawn snarked, folding her legs under her. "What did you two *do* last night?"

The rest of the crowd looked at the two on the floor intently, an eyebrow raising, a brow furrowing. "And that would be worlds of none of your business," Buffy responded, pushing herself up on her elbows. "Get all nosey and I'll take your presents back."

Dawn smiled. "Plan went well then, Spike?" She asked, looking at him with amused eyes.

"You knew?" Buffy gasped, her eyes following his to Spike.

He sighed. "Only bout the beginning part," he answered. "Helped me with the set up?"

Buffy's eyes grew wide. "But not about the..?"

Spike chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Love. Not that."

Dawn smiled again, devious and true. "You have two kids. I think I can figure out where they came from," she joked making Giles blush yet again. This time Tara joined him.

"Dawn!" Buffy snapped, throwing a wadded up ball of wrapping paper at the girl's legs. She would have pegged her harder, except she was holding Randy. "Not talking about this."

Again, her sister smiled. "Gee, Buffy, is that a rose petal in your hair?"

Spike had to laugh as Buffy ran her hands through her golden locks and came out with at least three rouge rose petals. "Spike," she sighed.

He nuzzled her ear in response. "I think we've been found out," he whispered, nipping her softly.

Just then, an onslaught of a now organized attack from the two mobile tots came running at them, little voices giggling out game plans as they thundered across the room. Spike looked up, just in time to see Will trip over his new leather coat and grabbed him with one hand, the other pulling Buffy out of the way of the now new and improved Warrior Emma.

Emma fell in a giggling heap next to her mum, laying her head over Buffy's lap. The others looked at them. It was odd how it had all worked out. Two mortal enemies. Natural enemies. But, when all was said and done, they had fit together more perfectly than anything else in existence. And this is how it should be. These moments were what made the rest of what they lived through every day worth it.

And this is what made the Slayer the best Slayer that had ever been. Her Vampire had taken away her death sentence and commuted it into life with benefits.

It was almost time. Buffy stood, leaned against the counter in the kitchen, stealing cucumbers from the salad. Spike slapped her hand as he moved past her, setting rolls on the counter behind her. "Stop doing that, Pet," he sighed, grabbing her fingers and pulling them to his lips. He kissed each one softly. "Going to spoil your supper."

"Me? Never," Buffy said, moving closer. Deliciously close. Her body pressed against his, conforming to his every muscle. "Besides, I want some more desert."

A wicked smile spread across his features. "Quite the appetite, Love."

"Ummhmm," she hummed, as he pressed her back into the counter, his mouth finding hers with a hunger that made all others seem pale and wan. She melted, holding herself up with her white-knuckled hands clutching the countertop. Damn, he's still sexy, she thought, visions of all the naughty things they had gotten away with last night, dancing through her head. "Think it would be impolite if we went somewhere a while?"

Spike smiled into her lips. "What itch you need scratched might take a bit longer than five stolen minutes," he whispered, sucking her pouty lower lip into his mouth and nibbling down on it. She sighed, completely lost in him. "Got guests," he continued. "Don't think you'd want them to hear the racket."

"Don't care," she sighed, nearly putting her hand in a pumpkin pie to steady herself. "Want."

"Greedy girl," Spike answered, running his fingers through the edge of the whipped cream and then tracing her lips. She lapped it up like a cat with a bowl of milk, cleaning off his fingers as well. "Keep doing that, Love and I'll tell them all to leave now."

Buffy sighed, trying to regain control. "It's Christmas," she whispered. "Not very holly jolly for me to tell everyone to get out while I act out another little fantasy." She stopped, considering it. "Not to say it wouldn't be worth it."

He smiled, licking the last of the whipped cream from the corners of her mouth. "That's the beauty of it, Pet," Spike whispered, his lips trailing lazily over her cheeks. "Not going anywhere. Happy here. With you. Never leaving."

She smiled. That was the one thing that had made him so different from everyone else. He never left. He never gave up. No matter what or who came between them. She knew he never would. Not then. Not now. Not ever. There was plenty of time to steal moments, although the thought wasn't all that consoling as her heart pounded in her chest and her knees felt like jello.

"Tell you what," Spike said, his voice a low purr. "I will hang onto this," he continued, holding a can of Ready Whip up in front of her, pairing it with a deliciously wicked smile, "And we'll bribe your sister into staying home tonight. All right?"

Buffy nodded, a wicked grin of her own forming. "Don't forget the cherries," she chimed, her voice low and sultry. "And I think there's some chocolate sauce in the fridge." She pulled herself away, walking towards the door. "I think I might just be in the mood for a Vampire Sundae."

His eyebrows raised, a sumptuous smile of anticipation lying on his lips. "Don't fill up on supper then," he commented as she sauntered out into the living room.

A knock came at the door. Buffy looked around, surveying who was there. Takina, Xander and River were sitting on the couch, Tara and Willow on the floor below them, chatting away. Dawn was sitting Randy as Anya helped Spike in the kitchen. She'd become quite the demonic homemaker since her son had been born. Although they had had to hire a permanent nanny to stay with him as Anya's job was a bit unpredictable.

Giles was gone during normal business hours now. The Watcher's Council had decided to form a branch office in Sunnydale, as it seemed to be where most of the action was anyway. Buffy had wondered why they hadn't done it years ago. The good thing about this incarnation was that Giles and Cyrus were in charge and they often called Spike and Buffy in and actually *asked* what would be the best course of action when facing a foe instead of just making up a plan and having their muscle fight the battle.

Buffy opened the door to see the other Watcher standing before her, a mountain of presents shadowing his face. "Sorry I'm a bit late, Buffy," Cyrus said, shifting the gifts to see his hostess. "Had to accept a call from the Council this morning."

"Anything going on?" Buffy said softly, taking the top of the mountain for Cyrus and letting him through the door.

He thought for a moment. "Nothing," he answered, deciding that discussions could wait until after the holiday. "Normal Council buggery."

Buffy sighed relief. "Good."

Just then, Emma streaked in, finding her Watcher like a moth to flame and tackling his knees. If Buffy hadn't been standing next to him and caught his shoulder, he probably would have been knocked to the floor. "Hello there, Emma," Cyrus chuckled, trying to pat her head with the back of his hand. "Let me put these down and then we can see what I found that Santa left at my flat for you."

"For me?" Emma squealed, letting go. Her smile then dropped. "But. but what about Will?"

Cyrus smiled. "Think he left some for your brother as well."

Buffy sat the gifts down just in time to hear another knock. She scanned the room again, thinking that she had everyone. Apparently not. She jogged back to the door, trying to avoid the mass of toys on the floor, and swung it open.

In front of her stood a familiar face. Buffy had almost forgotten seeing him last night as the rest of the evening had sort of overshadowed rational thought and memory. He stood before her, barely taller, his face friendly and warm. A bottle of wine was in one hand and two stuffed animals in the other.

"Hey, Buffy," Oz said softly.

"H.hi," she stuttered back.

He handed her the bottle of wine. "For you," he said. He took the two stuffed animals and held them up. Two little wolves, one pink and one blue. "Spike said you guys had kids. Congrats."

Buffy chuckled, taking the toys and realizing the irony. "Yeah, Emma and Will. Can't miss 'em." She paused a moment. "Come in." She didn't move from the door. "Um, before that, does. does Willow know you're back? In town, I mean?"

Oz smiled. "No," he said quietly. "I mean, I know about her. And Tara. It's cool. Spike and I talked. I helped him out with the Bronze last night. Music and lights and stuff. He filled me in. I'm not here to screw things up for her." He paused a moment, looking at the cheery welcome mat on the front stoop and smiling. "Actually, I'm kind of here to help."



"It's about bloody time," Draconius reprimanded as Luke strode into the room, carrying a small silver bracelet in his hand. "Did they have to send out for silver?"

Luke cringed. "Well, the smiths were in this dirty poker game with the guys who torture the new souls and I couldn't just interrupt it. Poetry in motion when they get going," he said, musing about the game where the stakes were generally fire branding the newly dead evil.

Draconius thought about the million ways he'd like to torture Luke, but decided they were already behind schedule. "Give it to me," the older man said, his voice edged in steel. Luke dropped the bracelet into Draconius's hand and took a long step back. Draconius walked over to a tall, raven haired woman, standing against the wall.

"Is this the charm?" She asked, her voice purring from her ruby red lips.

Draconius nodded. "You have taken her soul, already?"

"We can only borrow it," she corrected, fingering the amulet around her neck. She pulled it off of her chain and fastened it to the bracelet. "As soon as the spell has been broken, it will return to her."

"But she will remember what she has done in the meantime?" Draconius asked, smiling. The Witch nodded, taking the dragon charm in her hand.

"Fire of Hell and Spark of Night. Torture, Darkness, Death and Fright. The One will Cross and Chaos will Rule. Peace will come to be our Tool."

The Witch dropped the amulet back into Draconius's palm.

"That's it?" Luke asked, staring over the Old One's shoulder. "Sing a little ditty and poof, evil plan in action?"

Draconius spun on a heel, staring at the hell god. "You truly are a moron," he spat, walking towards the woman still chained to the wall. "My Witch is part of me. She is made of the original evil. The most potent of all. She does not even have to say the words, merely think them, and the spell is done."

Luke looked back at the raven haired woman. She stood, staring at him, a smirk on her pretty lips. "Wow," Luke sighed, lust in his eyes.

"She is mine, Lucifer," Draconius snarled, affixing the bracelet to the woman's arm. "Now, when this one arrives back in her dimension, she must take on human form. Can you do that?"

Luke looked at him a moment. "As long as she doesn't have a soul, I can make her into Queen Elizabeth, including the wave."

Draconius sighed. "She must remain in this form to have impact. You can control her, correct?"

"Sure," Luke said, pulling out what looked like a palm pilot. It had a small video screen. "Just have to tell her what to do and we can even watch her do it. Ooh," he continued in childlike happiness. "We can even watch her naked."

The Old One shook his head. "This is not a game, Luke. We must weaken the One and retrieve the Peacemaker. Is that clear?"

The hell god stomped his foot. "You are no fun," he complained, walking to the woman and unchaining her. She slumped to the floor in a dirty, defeated heap. "At least let me clean her up before we send her out. No use watching her like this."

Draconius nodded, watching Luke pick up the woman from the ground. She was tall and looked as if she had been quite beautiful when she was among the living or floating along in Heaven. Now she was dirty and frail, clinging to existence for some reason foreign to Luke or Draconius. Love? Determination? Even without her soul, she was not one of them. She never would be. But she also would not be able to fight them anymore.

Luke gave the woman to his elfish minions, quietly ordering them to make her presentable. They spoke back to him in a language Draconius did not recognize. They scurried quickly from the room, taking the defeated woman with them.

"She will be ready to go tonight," Luke said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Work for you?"

Draconius smiled. "Perfect."

To be contd.