Good evening, All:)

Well, here it is. The beginning of Book Five. As I start, I would like to thank everyone for all of the wonderful feedback. You have been so supportive and so helpful. Without your kind emails and reviews, I would never have written this installment. Please, please keep it up. It helps me to know what you want to see, and that you like the story.

Also, many of you have asked if I have a mailing list or some notification system. Well, you asked for it. If you would like notification of upcoming fic, and a pretty laid back place to relax, please sign up for my notification list at Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com. The perk - you will get instant email notification when I update or release a new fic. Please come by!

Thank you again for all of your words of support and your great reviews. I am so happy to have found you all.

*Cheery Vibes* Nimue

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

Title: The Lioness and The Stars (Chapter One of Time)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For Fic notification and discussion, please see Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

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

Summary: Set 3 months post The Epilogue of the Evil Within. Dawn aids Spike on patrol, putting her training to the test. Buffy's situation is far more complicated than originally expected. Spike and Buffy have a conversation which uncovers a revelation for Spike. And the Captain requests orders to be assigned to protect the Peacemaker.



The Lioness and the Stars

"You've become quite good with a stake," Spike commented as the last Vampire burst into the wind in front of him. The warm, late May night had been thankfully slow. Only a few fledglings rearing their newly undead heads. Good thing, really. In the last few months, Spike had realized exactly how much work it could be to hold the title of Lone Slayer of Sunnydale.

"Thanks," Dawn panted, leaning over to press her hands to her knees and catch her breath. She drew a long pull of night air, and then stood to face him. "I know you just brought me along for the company, but it's good to put all the training to the test.

Her face glistened, rosy with the exertion of battle. Dawn was not Buffy, but she had learned well and improved vastly. Almost truly helpful in battle. "Glad for the back up," Spike encouraged, dusting off her back from where she'd been knocked to the turf. "Bout ready to head back? Think the nasties are pretty scarce this evening."

"Back to study hell?" Dawn whined, pouting.

"Thought you'd been accepted to University?" Spike began back down the cemetery path, craning his head to look at Dawn over his shoulder.

"Still have finals in order to receive that little piece of paper of high school freedom," Dawn declared. "But yes. Seven, thanks to the essay help." A proud smile broke on her face.

Spike considered blushing, but held his ground. "You did all the work, Niblet. Just helped you polish them up, is all."

Dawn elbowed him softly. "Thank you all the same." She was quiet, pensive. Purposely, she had avoided the discussion of where she would attend until it was too late to change her mind. "I'm staying in Sunnydale, though. To help out." The announcement was quiet, but Spike did not miss the importance.

He looked at Dawn, studying her closely. He knew she'd been accepted to several universities out of state and had almost hoped she would go. Not because he hadn't wanted her around. Quite the opposite. Spike loved her as one of his own, but she had the chance at a normal existence if she got out of the Hellmouth. Dawn deserved at least the opportunity that fate had robbed her sister. Spike smiled to himself. Buffy had certainly made the best of it, hadn't she? At least, he'd like to think so.

"You don't have to stay here, Niblet," Spike finally responded, his voice soft and sincere. "You can do anything you want to. Your sis'd understand."

"What, and miss all the fun and excitement?" Dawn chided, hooking her elbow through his.

Spike chuckled, knowing that she was not really referring to the creatures of the Hellmouth. "You talking bout our little family, Pet?" Spike responded, a smile in his voice.

"Well, yeah," Dawn said, a bright smile breaking across her childish face. "That and all of the demons and goo and fun stuff. Besides, best of both worlds. I'll be living on campus so I can get away from *you* people." Spike grabbed his heart in mock offense, but Dawn laughed him off. "But I will still be around if you need backup." Her voice was serious, the smile becoming neutral.

"Keep that in mind," Spike responded, nodding at her.

Dawn sighed, regretting the words about to form before they ever escaped from her lips. "Not to mention *occasional* babysitting."

"Only occasional?" Spike questioned, lifting an eyebrow.

"If that boy is *half* as big a brat in the world as he is being to Buffy, you'll be lucky," Dawn warned, eliciting a sly smile from Spike.

"He caused his share of trouble," he responded. "Slayer's a bit worn down. Missed most of Emma so..."

"This is *nothing* like Emma," Dawn complained, long legs covering ground nearly as quickly as Spike's. "Emma was a breeze. Cookie here. Ice cream there. Occasional crying fit because you were in hell and she never had the chance to tell you how she felt." Dawn changed her voice, mimicking her sister on the last bit and Spike could not help but laugh. "But other than that, smooth sailing." Dawn's hand gestured through the air like a sailboat bobbing on water.

"Really?" Spike asked curiously. "No... explosions?"

"Really," Dawn answered. "In her defense, Emma didn't beat the hell out of her..."

"Language," Spike chastised.

"Sorry," Dawn blushed. "Anyway, she wasn't sick all the time and she wasn't always hurting. I'd probably be cranky too, if I was her. Not to mention you *know* she isn't good at being still. Not training, no patrolling, I'm assuming no..."

Spike did blush this time. "None of your business."

"Spike, I'm 18 now? Hello? I am aware of where babies come from," Dawn chided.

"Not discussing this with you," Spike snapped, completely out of his element. Dawn had the singular talent of completely derailing him. A talent that only one other person possessed. Buffy.

"Whatever," Dawn answered, smiling victoriously. It was fun to watch him squirm. "I just think we will all be happier when he is born."

"Probably so, Pet," Spike answered quietly. "Not much longer. Month and a bit?"

"Thirty nine days," Dawn commented. "Thank everything good in the world." Spike snorted, then had to agree. It'd been a long road for all of them of late. Especially Buffy.

They had reached the front walk and were heading up the stairs when Dawn spoke again. "I have to study for finals, Spike. You think you've got it on your own?"

Spike wanted to laugh. Sodding big bad master Vampire and a little high school girl wants to know if he needs help with his own five foot nothing human. He *wanted* to laugh. He couldn't. She had a point.

Bloody hell.

"Think I can manage, Nib," Spike sighed as she opened the door. Dawn peeked into the living room. All the lights were off.

"Locking self in bedroom," Dawn announced, turning back to Spike. "Good luck and Godspeed, William the Bloody." She giggled, patting him on the shoulder compassionately.

Spike smirked at her. "That's right, Niblet. Send me to the bloody lions with a grin on your face."

"Just one little lioness," Dawn joked, holding up one long finger and giggling uncontrollably. "And it's your fault anyway."

"Got me there, Pet," Spike sighed, watching her dart up the stairs. Spike headed to the kitchen to grab a snack before checking in on Emma and then tossing himself willingly into the coliseum and facing his most challenging opponent.

*****

Spike was lost in thought as he went through what had become a nightly routine. He and Dawn may have given Buffy a bit of a hard time when they patrolled, but it really was just venting. Both he and the Niblet had watched Buffy go through hell in the last three months. Every minor complication, and some not some minor, had plagued her of late. Horrid morning sickness, nearly crippling back pain, complete inability to sleep, not to mention two extremely close calls with losing the child. It hadn't helped that their son was also practicing to be the future kickboxing champion of the free world. Seems the only time that Buffy got any rest was when Emma, with her uncanny ability to settle all of them to docile puppies, curled up with her mum and managed to settle William as well. But Emma was three. Keeping her still any length of time was a miracle unto itself.

Buffy had come off patrol much earlier this time round. Even training with Spike had to stop well over a month ago after Takina's trip to the Magic Box to visit Buffy in excruciating pain and far too close to delivering. Nothing had been easy or peaceful for the girl. And this seemed to be the one thing that the One could do nothing about. He could just hold her and try to be patient and spend countless hours working kinks from her back. Not that he minded. Anything for her. Always.

Buffy had bucked up better than any of them thought she would. Spike had to give her that. She rarely complained. Just cried without saying why. Or screamed. He'd come home one night to the utter destruction of their bedroom and Buffy so upset and angry that she was crumpled in the corner in labour. Takina's second emergency visit. Since that little horror, she'd been trying. Still, he never knew what he was coming home to on any given night. Some evenings she was happy, excited Buffy. Others she was angry and frustrated Buffy. And the worst of all was weep an ocean Buffy. That one killed him every time.

As he popped a mug of blood into the microwave, he noticed the back porch light was still shining brightly into the night. Spike strolled over, thinking someone had let the dog out and simply forgot to shut it off. As he reached for the light switch, a flash of blonde caught his eye. Slowly, Spike pulled side the curtain and saw her huddled on the steps looking all the world like the night her mum took ill.

Forgetting about the snack, he slipped quietly through the door into the night air. Either he was remarkably silent despite Doc Martens on a wooden deck, or she was so lost in her thoughts that she barely noticed him until he sat down next to her.

Spike was quiet, waiting for her to lead. Waiting to figure out which Buffy was his tonight. But she said nothing. Just stared up at the stars and seemed almost unreadable.

"You alright, Pet?" Spike asked, brushing her hair behind her ear. Buffy lowered her head and looked at him as if he'd appeared from nowhere. Softly, she smiled.

"Yeah," she answered quietly, nuzzling her cheek into his palm. He relaxed. Thoughtful Buffy. This one had been missing in action for quiet a while. This one he could handle. He could talk to her all night.

"Something up there I am missing?" Spike asked. She looked confused for a moment and he pointed back at the sky.

Buffy chuckled softly. "Na."

"Gotta be something, Pet. Sitting here all alone at one A.M., staring at the stars." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she leaned back against him.

"Couldn't sleep," Buffy answered. "And who said that I was out here all alone?"

"Right then, where is he?" Spike chided, feigning getting up. Buffy laughed and the sound was musical in his ears. She didn't laugh nearly enough.

"Unless he has a forklift and a truckload of Ben and Jerry's, he's not moving me," she giggled, whistling into the night. Pony trotted up and sat obediently at her feet. Spike smiled. She'd fought the dog more than anyone and now they were inseparable. He constantly had to coerce the monster pooch off the bed so that there was room for him and, usually, Emma. Most mornings, their bed resembled a public bus.

"Little scamp, moving in on my girl," Spike joked, absently scratching the dog's ears. "And as for you, woman," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "Stop with the forklift remarks."

Buffy sighed, pressing her hand to the side of her belly and immediately getting a foot to the palm. "I'm so over this. Remind me to never let you do this to me again."

Spike looked over at her, feeling that she was close to melting down again, but she smiled. "Kidding," Buffy chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Although we are going to have to look into birth control since, obviously, the whole one time miracle theory is completely *wrong*."

"I dunno, Love. Could have Harris build an addition. Double 'em up. Produce a little tribe," Spike snarked, his hand moving over hers and feeling the force of another jab.

"A world of no," Buffy groaned, sitting back up. Spike chuckled, his hand moving to her back to steady her. She was as tense as wire.

Spike was quiet again, looking at her. She was so perfect. So beautiful. "So, Pet, you going to tell me what you were thinking about?"

Buffy sat still, staring at the stars. Her mouth opened, and then closed, and then opened again as if she couldn't find the words. Spike felt her mind grapple with it, but she didn't seem upset so he let her search. "I think I kind of remember."

"Remember what, Love?" Spike's fingers wound through hers as she tried to formulate an explanation.

Buffy sighed. "I don't know." Spike looked at her, eyebrow raised, questioning her. "I mean, I don't know what I am remembering. Or even if it's a memory at all."

"Might help if you clue me in on what's going on in there," Spike said softly, brushing his fingers over her temple, then trailing softly down her cheek. "I know how you're feeling most of the time, but I can't quite read your mind."

"Most of the time," Buffy answered, smiling. He returned it, waiting. Buffy stayed quiet for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I remember the stars singing."

Spike's head tilted, watching her. "Not sure I follow, Pet."

"I remember the starts singing and then waking up in a meadow. It was so perfect. And the ocean..." Buffy continued, eyes still trained on the sky.

Spike was silent, the itch of a memory in his own mind as she spoke. "This the In Between, Love?"

"I think so, " she answered, taking another long breath. "And my... I think my mom..."

"Was there," Spike completed. "And a house like ours. Well, hers...."

"Yeah," Buffy agreed, turning towards him. "I don't remember anything specific, but I keep getting little bits of it. Sometimes when I sleep. Sometimes when I am... quiet."

"Is that why you're out here? Trying to remember?" Spike asked, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her fingers softly.

"I saw the stars out the window upstairs and I thought it would make more sense if I were under them," Buffy answered, hesitantly.

"What is it that you're trying so hard to remember?" Spike questioned, studying her puzzled expression.

Buffy sighed, looking back up to the sky. "You."

Spike turned her face to his, cocking his head to study her. "I was there, Pet. Remember?"

"You said you came," she answered. "You were all in white. I remember seeing you by the ocean."

As Buffy spoke, memories began to trickle into his own mind. Things he had forgotten he had known. Suddenly, he had a picture of her in palest yellow silk, standing barefoot in the sand. She glowed, backlit by the moon, looking all the world like an angel. His heart beat faster at the thought of her there and his excitement of recalling any of it. "Do you remember anything else?" He asked her softly.

"There was another you," Buffy answered, knowing it sounded ridiculous. "Except it wasn't. I mean he was like... polite you," Buffy joked.

Spike rolled his eyes. "I'm bloody polite," he whined.

"Get over it, Spike," Buffy responded, leaning over to kiss his cheek. He met her half way as her body had long since become uncooperative in the bending, leaning arena.

"Right then. Tell me more about your precious, polite version of this horribly evil, insensitive Vampire," Spike snarked.

"You forgot impolite. Oh, and soulless thing," Buffy shot back, grinning.

"I have a soul," Spike huffed indignantly. "Shared one, but it's bloody mine. Prophesied and everything."

"Oh. Right," Buffy corrected.

"The other me?" Spike joked, spurring her along.

Buffy was quiet, thinking. She looked to the stars and back at Spike. "He wasn't really. You, that is."

Spike thought a moment, a vague image resurfacing. "Some bloke on the beach with you."

"Yeah," Buffy answered, wistfully. "He looked like you. Well, a kind of ... dorkyish... you."

"Foppish," Spike corrected. "Never dorky."

"Whatever," Buffy giggled. "But he was sweet. Kind. And he loved me. I could tell. Like you, but not. Still, for no reason he loved me."

"I have my reasons, Pet," Spike commented, pulling her back to him and kissing her nose softly. She settled her head in the crook of his arm, toying with the buttons of his shirt.

"You know what I mean," she replied. "But he was different. Like a shadow of you or one part of you. Not you. Does that make sense?"

"Depends, Love," Spike commented. "How did you feel?"

"Safe," she answered, softly. "But he made me realize that it was all of you that I love. That I need. The big bad and the horrible poet."

"Awful," Spike corrected. "I had my moments." A thought occurred to him and he shifted Buffy so that he could see her eyes. "Buffy, what did he call himself?"

She was quiet. Pensive. "I... I'm not sure."

"William?" He asked gently. "Your mum was there to watch out for you. From Heaven. Do you think....?"

"That it *was* you? I mean the you before you were turned?" Buffy finished.

"Well?" Spike asked, studying her pretty green eyes.

"William," she whispered, looking back at the stars. Her hand pressed against her belly and in a stream of nearly incoherent thought flooded her. But suddenly, everything made sense, and she gasped, jumping. "William!" It came out more as a yelp than a declaration.

"Buffy?" Spike asked, concerned by her reaction.

She looked at him. The endless, perfect, blue of his eyes. The sweet, kindness within. The toughness layered over it all. "Spike," she whispered, letting her lips brush against his. "It *was* him. You. And I think..." Her words trailed off as he let him add the pieces together.

"You think?" He asked, touching their unborn child.

"I think," she answered, nodding.

"The name?" Spike asked.

"It feels right. Now I know why," Buffy answered.

"My soul?" Spike asked, watching Buffy's eyes sparkle. He could feel her contentment, like some part of her settled.

"Yeah," she said. Her smile became soft, beautiful. "Maybe we all get second chances."

"Maybe so, Pet," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her belly, then moving up to her lips This one he would have to think on before he knew how he felt. "Bed?"

"Bed," she sighed, putting her hand on the rail to pull herself up. Before she could, he scooped her up and carried her into the house effortlessly.

"See, love," Spike said, kicking the door shut as Pony followed them in. "No forklifts. Just me." Softly, he kissed her lips. "And you." Another kiss.

"Better stop," Buffy agreed. "I really. *really* miss... yummy research."

Spike smiled slyly, staring down at her beautiful face. "Let's see what we can do."

*****

"General?" The soldier strode into the room, long legs covering the ground between the door and the heavy wooden desk in seconds. He stood at attention. The dark haired woman stopped just behind him.

"Captain?" The general responded. "Your report said you have news of the Peacemaker?"

"She needs protection, sir," the Captain responded, dropping his hands behind his back and spreading his feet. "We have reason to believe that Draconius has been released from the Watcher."

The General was quiet, swallowing a gasp. "Do you know where he has settled? The new host?"

"No, sir," the Captain sighed. The woman shuffled her feet nervously. "But I feel our recent missions make us singularly qualified to identify the threat and neutralize him before he does any harm to the girl."

The General stared as his soldier. A trusted, experienced officer. But the information on the location and identity of the girl was a matter of the utmost security. "Captain," he sighed. "I understand your drive, but this is not information I can just hand you on a whim."

"Yes, sir," the Captain answered formally. "I understand, sir."

The General watched him for a moment and sighed again. "I will contact the tribunal. If they agree, I will send you the information via courier." The Captain relaxed, smiling. "Understand, soldier, if the information comes to you, you must leave right away and *no one* can be told. Not your unit. Not your family. Just the two of you."

"Yes, sir," the Captain agreed, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"I'm trusting you with this," the General warned. "Don't disappoint me."

The Captain smiled. "No, sir. Never."

To be contd.

Title: Discoveries (Time - Chapter Two)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For Notification of Fic Release, please see Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

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

Summary: Set the morning after Chapter One. Spike receives a surprising phone call. Willow and Tara figure out a small mystery. Xander wakes up in a woman's apartment, but who is she and how did he get there? Spike helps Buffy to relax but ends up giving her a piece of his mind. A surprise arrival makes its way into Sunnydale. Or should I say two?

Discoveries

The phone rang shrilly. Once. Twice. Three times.

Spike opened an eye. Nine A.M.. Niblet in school. One more ring. Spike closed his eye as the call rolled over to the answering machine. He pulled Buffy closer and she mumbled happily in her sleep, pushing herself against him. As his arm rested over her belly, he felt a small leg. Slowly, Spike lifted his head and found Emma curled against Buffy's chest, her tiny legs sprawled over her mum's tummy. Spike chuckled. Buffy must have brought her in after... S'alright, he thought. Least Buffy was asleep. Spike settled in again, letting his arms encircle them both. Softly, he kissed Buffy's bare shoulder and closed his eyes once again.

The phone rang again. Once. Twice. Three times. Four. Spike relaxed, feeling his girls safe and the world peaceful.

It rang again. Once. Twice.

Bloody hell.

Spike rolled over, grabbing the phone and nearly tearing it out of the wall. "What?" He grumbled into the receiver. So much for polite Spike, he mused.

"Are you always so cordial?" A familiar, formal voice said into the other end of the line. Spike sat, shaking sleep from his brain.

"Rupert?" The Vampire asked, incredulously.

"Yes. Now get out of the bed and leave the girls to rest. We need to talk," the Watcher ordered, listening to Spike disentangle himself from his peaceful world, rise form the bed and pad into the hall. Giles didn't speak again until he heard Spike shutting the door behind him.

"Are you out of earshot?" Giles asked as Spike began towards the steps.

"Rupert, what's wrong?" Spike was halfway to the kitchen when Giles spoke.

The Watcher sighed. "Why must something always be awry?"

"Start with the simple fact that you've been missing in action since you found that Buffy had returned safely from the In Between," Spike countered, a surge of annoyance rising in his voice.

"I've had my reasons," Giles answered. His voice was quiet. Guilty. Hiding something. Of that, Spike was sure.

Spike remained quiet for a moment. They had their own secrets. Unless Rupert had spoken to Cyrus; he had no idea about the second child. He thought about saying something. Even to the point of opening his mouth to speak. But Buffy needed to tell him. Buffy would want to be the one.

"Rupert," Spike said softly. "A lot has happened since you've been away."

"You're right," Giles agreed. "Quite a lot. And we need to talk. All three of us."

Spike felt certain there was more at this point. "What is it, Rupert? Emma?"

"There are some translations that we need to review. But no, this is of a personal nature and it needs to be discussed in person," Giles replied.

"In person?" Almost habitually, Spike was making decaf coffee and Emma's cereal.

"I'll be there this evening. Can you pick me up at the airport at six?" Giles asked.

"Tonight?" The surprise in Spike's voice was evident.

"Yes," Giles answered softly.

"Uh, sure," the Vampire agreed, stuttering. "Do we need to make you a room?"

"No," Giles replied. "I've rented a flat. Just be sure to bring Buffy. This concerns you both."

"Rupert, I don't know if she'll be up for that," Spike replied, hedging the reasons.

"What do you mean?" The Watcher's voice was concerned. Hesitant.

Spike shook off the question. He'd just have to talk to her first. Prepare her for the shock. "We'll be there."

*****

Willow sat at the counter of the Magic Box, loading textbooks into her messenger bag. Tara had taken over day-to-day operations of the store until Giles returned. It had worked out perfectly. She had graduated in December and had not had much of an opportunity to job shop. This kept them in an apartment and food as Willow while Willow went to medical school full time.

"You home late this evening?" Tara asked as she puttered around the store, changing the sign to open.

"Not too late," Willow answered. "Be home after lab. Want me to meet you here and we can go grab dinner?"

"Sure," Tara said softly, kissing her lover on the cheek. "What about Xander?"

Willow thought for a moment. Since Anya had... gone... the man had spent almost every night with the girls. In the last few weeks, however, he'd been going out. Spending his evenings elsewhere. Willow had begun to suspect he was seeing someone, but wasn't quite ready to admit it. "I'm thinking..."

"He has a girlfriend?" Tara completed, smiling slyly.

"Yes," Willow agreed brightly, pulling Tara towards her.

"I'm glad," Tara agreed. "Any idea who our mystery girl could be?"

Willow furrowed her brow. "Nope," she answered simply. "But I'm sure he'll tell us when he's ready."

"I hope he's as happy as we are," Tara whispered, her palms on Willow's cheeks.

"*No one* is as happy as we are," Willow answered, leaning in for a kiss.

*****

A gentle nudge on the shoulder brought an eye flickering open. "Xander?" The voice was rich. Tactile. He could almost taste the smoothness like chocolate or good coffee.

Coffee.

He sat up, finding a mug of the steaming elixir in outstretched hands before him. Pretty hands, attached to creamy long arms. Slowly, he took the cup, raising his eyes to the woman. God, she was beautiful. Standing there in an ivory camisole and silk shorts. Long, perfect legs seeming to last forever. She smiled down at him and her cherry lips lit up her whole face. Tousled, near black locks, falling over her shoulders in loose waves. And her eyes. Like storm clouds in summer.

"Wake up, sleepy. You have to be at the site in an hour," she said, smiling down at him like an angel from heaven.

"Yeah," Xander replied, a little dazed. He looked around the well- furnished apartment. Waking up in foreign places, in only boxers, no less, was always a bit disconcerting. He sat on the couch, trying to put together the pieces that had dropped him here.

"Um... Did we...?" Xander asked, gesturing at her attire and then his.

She laughed. It was warm and bright, like sunlight. "Oh, yes," she chided. "And it was simply *that* memorable."

Xander looked up at her, not sure if he should be embarrassed by the question or the answer. "And I say, hunh?"

"No, silly," she sighed, sitting next to him on the blanket covered couch. One long leg curled under her like a bird tucking its wing. "We were up late. I got a call and had to run out. I came back, and you were asleep," she answered, ruffling his hair softly. "I would *never* take an advantage of a man in that position."

"What position would you prefer?" Xander joked, leaning in to kiss her impossibly soft cheek.

"The awake kind," she answered, returning his kiss, only placing it softly on his lips. She stood, unfolding like a beautiful swan. "Now, get to the site. I've got to work." She smiled again and he felt a wonderful, drowning, feeling. Like he was falling into her.

"Yes, ma'am," he answered, sipping his coffee. She leaned down and kissed him once more on the cheek.

"I assure you," she whispered in his ear, "When you *do* wake up the morning... after... you won't be on the couch and you won't be questioning what... was... done." Each sultry word was punctuated by her lips brushing his ear. His body buzzed at her closeness.

With that, she spun on one bare heel and sauntered back towards her bedroom. Xander watched her perfect backside sway as she walked. He gulped, taking another sip of his coffee. The thought of Anya crossed his mind and he closed his eyes.

We don't ever stop loving people. But we do move on. Her voice was clear in his head.

Move on.

******

"Spike?" Buffy called into the bathroom. She could hear the water running in the shower. No answer. So much for Vampire hearing, she thought. Slowly, she padded onto the tile, lifting herself onto the counter top.

"Spike?" She called again.

His head popped out from behind the curtain. "You alright, Pet?" The look on his face was suddenly concerned.

"Fine," Buffy chirped. His head disappeared behind the curtain again. "Why?"

"Don't normally call on me in the shower, is all," he answered. "Less, of course, you'd like to join me?" He leaned out enough again to wink at her.

Buffy laughed. He loved that sound. "Caught one while you were making breakfast," she answered.

"Ah, but you didn't have the multi-purpose wet/dry Vampire in that one, Love," he snarked. She closed her eyes, humming at the thought. If there was one part of being this... pregnant... that drove her mad, it was the inability to do exactly what she wanted with said wet/dry Vampire.

"And there you are right," she sighed. "Oh so sadly right."

The water clicked off and she watched him grab a towel, wrapping it around his waist and walking out onto the mat. She stared him at slack jawed for a moment. Does he have any *concept* of how beautiful he is?, she thought.

His hair was a tousle of damp blonde curls and his skin was glistening from the shower. She gulped. Damned hormones. One of the things that she was told *not* to do was anything athletic. Sex with Spike, even at its most tender, was an Olympic event. One in which they both always won the gold. He'd done his best to scratch her every itch without pushing her too far, but too far was everything she wanted. Especially with a glistening, perfect, Vampire mostly naked in front of her.

"Please put some clothes on. Like burlap or something," Buffy whimpered.

Spike smiled slyly, sauntering over to her perch on the counter. "Waz wrong, Pet? Bored of old Spike?"

He slid his body between her knees and planted his hands next to her hips, leaning so close that she could feel his breath on her skin. "N...no," she stuttered, her body tingling despite not feeling her most attractive. "No boredom. Opposite of boredom."

His fingers trailed lazy circles up and down her bare arms and goosebumps popped up in their wake. "Then why the burlap, Pet?"

Buffy swallowed hard, trying to control her reaction to him. "Because I want what I can't have," she whispered, her voice trembling and breathy in his ear.

"There is *nothing* of mine you cannot have," Spike breathed against her soft, golden, cheek.

"Spike," she almost moaned. "You have to stop. You know we can't..."

"Last night not help?" He questioned, letting his lips brush her temples.

"World of help," Buffy hummed. "Need more help."

Spike was quiet for a long moment, letting his lips explore her face. Her neck.. "Doctor just said nothing physically.... aggressive... correct?"

"Umhumm," Buffy hummed, her lips catching his.

"Where is Emma?" Spike questioned, his tongue tracing her jaw line, nipping right behind her ear.

"Cyrus took her to the park with Pony," Buffy whispered, her lips catching his.

Spike pulled away and smiled. Buffy returned it, her eyes questioning him. "You up for a little research?" Spike asked, sliding his hands to her hips and pulling her forward. Her legs latched around his waist, her arms around his neck.

"Spike... I.... we...," she muttered, her brain completely taken over by need.

"Shh, Pet," he whispered, lifting her from the counter and carrying her back into the bedroom.

"Wha... what?" Her heart was racing as he set her down on the bed, sliding the strap of her blue sundress down and kissing her shoulder. He moved back to her lips and then kissed her eyes closed. Gently, he laid her back against the bed, stretching out beside her.

"Spike, we can't," Buffy feebly protested, trying to put together a rational thought.

"You forget, Pet," Spike whispered in her ear. She shuddered in response. "We don't even have to touch." His lips found hers again and she felt him reach into her mind and her body explode in little bursts of pleasure.

*****

Buffy's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the door opening downstairs. His face was above her, blue eyes glittering down. A sly smile spread across his face. His towel was long gone, as was her dress, and she was curled against him, tucked into his shoulder. "Feeling better, Love?" He pressed his lips to her forehead, softly.

Buffy smiled. "Endless better. Heaven better. You?"

Spike chuckled, flopping onto his back. "You've got a naughty mind, Pet. A beautiful, filthy little mind. Not to mention... other talents."

"Why didn't we do that, oh, a *million* times before?" Buffy sighed, contented.

Spike rolled back on his side to face her. "Didn't want to hurt you. Take any chances with him," he answered, honestly. "Been too many close calls as it is."

Buffy sighed, knowing he was right. "So, why now?"

Spike thought about how to frame the answer. "First off," he began, tracing her collarbones with smooth fingers. "You were so tense, I thought you might be better... served... this way than letting you work yourself into a frenzy again."

"Guess I'm sort of unbearable some times," Buffy said, crinkling her nose.

"No, Love. Just challenging," Spike whispered, kissing her nose.

"What else?" Buffy asked, her fingers tracing his cheekbones.

"Because *I* was so tense from being round you all the time, from looking at you, and not being able to touch you. You're so beautiful, Love." Spike continued, his hands skimming her skin.

Buffy laughed sarcastically. "You've already made it better. No need to lie."

"Alright," Spike said, a tinge of annoyance creeping into his tone. "This is the *last* time I'm going to say anything bout this because I understand that you aren't feeling yourself. But I am bloody sick of this sodding attitude you have about yourself." Buffy gulped, her mouth opening to respond, then snapping shut again at the warning glare in his eyes.

"You have *no* right to tell me what I think about you. If you want to go round thinking you're useless and a houseboat, then I can't stop you. But *I* feel differently. I think that the purpose you're serving now is *more* important than hunting demons every night. You'll be back to that far too soon as it stands. As far as what you do to *me*, it wouldn't matter what you looked like, I'd still love you. When you were beaten to a bloody pulp, you were the most beautiful woman on the planet. When you were a schoolgirl and fighting me, you were perfect. And now," Spike continued, fully on a roll, his hand tracing lazy circles around her abdomen. "You are more beautiful than ever. More perfect. Because you glow, Pet. Even when you don't feel well, you look content. And you're carrying a child. *Ours*. There's nothing more beautiful than that. So please stop telling me that you aren't. You're gorgeous. Everyday."

Buffy looked up at him, melting under the hot, blue light of his eyes. "I... I'm sorry. I just... I don't see how... I'm not me and I don't want you to stop thinking about me like you're lover and just think about me as a mother."

Spike furrowed his brow. "Pet, you're both. You'll always be both. You'll always be Emma... and William's.... mum, and I'm endlessly grateful for that, but you're the single sexiest woman I've ever met. I have no doubt that you will always stop my heart just watching you move."

Buffy chuckled. "You haven't always had a heartbeat," she snarked.

Spike grinned slyly. "There are other... reactions... I have to you, Pet," he whispered. "Just trying the whole polite tact."

She smiled up at him, making his heart light. It was incredible to him to be responsible for a smile like that. To contribute to beauty like hers. "I think we'd better get moving. Cyrus is home," Buffy said softly, desperately not wanting to move from her little corner of Heaven.

"Right then," Spike replied, kissing her nose. He got up, pulling on a pair of jeans and grabbing her dress from where it had been tossed on the chair. "We have one other thing to discuss," Spike said hesitantly as he dressed her carefully.

"What?" Buffy asked, concern creeping into her tone. She watched his eyes and they flickered about, never directly making eye contact. Once her dress was back on, she pulled his face to hers, capturing his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's *wrong*, Love," Spike said gently.

"Then what's with the no eye contact?" Buffy quipped, catching him in the act.

He sad down on the bed next to her. "Actually, Pet, it's good news."

"Spill." She nudged him softly.

"Giles is coming back," Spike began, figuring it was best to just cut to the chase. "Tonight. We pick him up in a few hours."

"Giles?" Buffy gasped. "Really? He is?" Her excitement was short lived as the ramifications caught up to her. "Is it Emma?"

Spike sighed. "He says there are some translations to review, but nothing to worry about. Still..."

Buffy nodded. "I know. It seems odd."

"Says he has news he needs to tell us in person," Spike continued.

"Which is rarely of the good," Buffy agreed.

"Don't worry too much, Pet. He didn't seem upset," Spike countered, hanging onto her hand, his fingers toying with hers.

Buffy gasped, a sudden realization striking her. One which she had had nearly eight months to get used to. "Does he know?" Her hand rested on her belly.

Spike was still, and then slowly shook his head in response. "I thought you might want to be the one to..."

Her eyes were huge. Afraid. Would he be happy? Would he be disappointed that she'd been off Slayer duty? That she wasn't formally married, even though what she and Spike had was far more of a commitment? That she hadn't tried to tell him before now?

Finally, she let a breath out. This was Giles. No matter what, he would love her. He would accept it. At least in the end. "Okay," she sighed. "Good."

"You sure, Pet? I can tell him if you'd rather," Spike responded, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"No," Buffy responded, suddenly confident. "I want to tell him about William. I think that he'll figure it out," she joked, her hands roaming over the front of her dress. "But I think he'll be happy. At least ... eventually."

The doorknob twisted and the door swung open. Little feet padded at record speed across the carpet. "Mommy!" Buffy turned, just in time to see a bouncing flash of blonde hair. Spike scooped the child up and pulled her into his lap.

"Daddy," Emma giggled, showering his face in tiny butterfly kisses.

"How could he not approve?" Spike questioned as Emma turned and latched onto Buffy, giggling and kissing her face.

*****

"Ah, Spike! Where are Emma's shoes?" Buffy whined, her head craned around in the car seat.

"Pet, I'm sure they're probably on the floor where she always kicks them. I'm driving at the moment, but as soon as we're there, I'll find them, alright?" Spike sighed. She'd been hot and cold since they're talk. Right now, the emotional yo-yo was set to full jumpy.

"What's Giles going to think if we can't even dress the one we've got?" She was panicking. He took a deep breath, laying a hand on her shoulder.

"Buffy," Spike breathed. "It'll be fine, Pet. Emma is perfect. And even if she's utterly *shoeless*, I think that Rupert will be able to tell she hasn't been locked in a closet for months."

Buffy looked at him and he smiled. She took a deep breath and giggled. "Ok. Panic over."

"Good," he replied, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it softly. "You're a wonderful mum. Anyone could tell that, Love."

"You think?" Buffy asked, her nose crinkling.

"As good as your mum. And she holds the record in my book. Cept for mine. Biased there," he replied.

Buffy smiled at him. A huge bright smile that lit the whole car. "Thank you. You're a great dad."

"I'm afraid you've not much basis for comparison there, Pet," Spike said softly.

"Sure I do," Buffy replied, still studying his profile. "You're even better to Emma than Giles has been to me. That's a lot."

Spike took his eyes off the road just long enough to look at her. Her eyes were soft and beautiful. "I appreciate that, Buffy," he said quietly. "Thank you."

She looked out at the familiar streets, then back at him. "I'm glad it was you."

"What, Pet?" He asked, pulling into the airport parking lot.

"Who stayed. Who loved me. Who gave me Emma. And William," Buffy said, her voice sincere and quiet. Spike was struck dumb. She'd been far more open about her feelings since Emma, but she'd never actually said she was glad for her life. For him.

Spike reached over, finding her cheek without looking. She nuzzled into his palm. Life, or unlife, did not get any more beautiful.

*****

They walked through the airport towards the British Airways baggage claim. It was packed with summer travelers and Spike held Emma with one arm to avoid losing her in the crowd. Buffy clung to his other. She was nervous, her hands trembling and clammy. Spike wasn't sure how much of it was excitement and how much was fear, but he held onto her all the same.

"We're late," Buffy stated, scanning the crowd. "Do you think we missed him?"

"No, Pet. I'm sure..." Spike's words trailed off and he stopped dead, his jaw falling open. Buffy walked forward a few steps further then stopped, a gasp escaping her lips. Not ten feet in front of them, Giles was standing, his hands on a woman's face. He was kissing her. Passionately, at that.

"Giles?" Buffy stuttered.

The Watcher spun, taken off guard. The woman faced them. "Anya?" It was Spike's voice almost yelping the name.

Giles looked at his charge; the girl he loved like a daughter. He stared at her startled face, and then scanned down her body, stopping at her swollen middle. "Buffy?"

To be contd.

Title: Newsflash (Time - Chapter Three)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

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

Summary: Set immediately following Discoveries. The Captain gets his orders. Spike and Buffy hear Giles' tale of the missing months. Willow and Tara run into Xander and his mystery woman. Xander finds out something about his new friend that he never wanted to know.

Newsflash

A sharp rap at the door roused him from his thoughts. He stood, straightening his uniform slacks, and strode to the door of his apartment. Crisply, he opened the door to find a young officer standing at attention in the hall, carrying a dossier.

"Captain? General Conners sent this for you," the man said, handing the locked dossier to his fresh faced superior and resuming attention.

The Captain smiled kindly. "Thank you. Dismissed."

The younger soldier scampered away as if frightened.

The door clicked shut and he made his way to the couch, setting the dossier on the coffee table. He studied it for a moment, eyeing the seal. The security precautions. Slowly, he unlocked the soft leather case and opened it, removing a single envelope. He slid the long steel opener underneath the flap and pulled out a small slip of paper, no bigger than a note card.

On it was a name.

Windsor.

And an address.

In Sunnydale, California.

He jumped at first. He knew the address, but not the name. Then a slow smile broke on his face. She was married now. Or someone else was in the house. Or changed her name. Or she was running scared. This was going to be easier than he thought.

"That the messenger, baby?" A female voice called into the room. She padded in, her hair still damp from a shower.

"Indeed it is. You packed?" He responded, turning to face her. She was beautiful, powerful, standing there in just a towel.

"Packed and ready, sir," she answered, grinning and feigning a salute.

"You understand what this mission entails?" The Captain asked, walking towards her.

"I do," she whispered in response, her voice breathy at his approach.

"Good," he answered, turning her back to him. The mark of the dragon glowed on the nape of her neck. Throbbing with his power. His glory. He leaned down to kiss the mark, then patted her behind. "Get dressed. We leave in fifteen."

"Yes, sir," she answered, almost absently. "Where are we going?" She craned her head over her shoulder to look at him.

The Captain smiled. A grin that would have scared her before... "We're going back to Sunnydale."

*****

"What... what's the special occasion, baby?" Willow asked, with both arms wrapped around Tara. They strolled through the doors of the finest restaurant in Sunnydale, arm in arm.

"You've just been working so hard, Will. I thought you deserved a night on the town," Tara answered, leaning over to kiss her lover.

"Tara, you're doing enough paying for the apartment and food and ... and... caffeine... " Willow bubbled as the head waiter walked them towards a corner table.

Before she could respond, Tara paused, her body tensing.

"What is it?" Willow asked, stopping with a slight jerk next to her. Tara nodded her head to a candlelit table in a dark corner of the restaurant.

"Is.. is that Xander?" Tara asked. The redhead squinted and then nodded slowly.

Tara looked again and the woman that he was dining with turned her head, nearly catching her gaze. Tara gasped, pushing Willow forward with her hip. Willow stumbled, but headed towards the table. "Could you make out who he was with?" Willow asked as the host seated them both and walked away.

"Y...yes," Tara answered hesitantly.

"Well, who?" Willow pushed, a grin spreading across her face.

Tara was quiet and her lover's smile dropped at the sudden silence. "Will, I don't think this is good."

"Why? Is it someone evil? Some Meanie Mc Meaniepants?" Willow asked, concern lacing even her lighthearted words.

"No. Not that," Tara answered. "Actually, she's great. Smart. Funny. Independent."

"Sounds like *you* might be interested," Willow chided, smiling.

"Never," Tara replied, a reassuring smile breaking over her lips.

"Then what?" Willow took a sip of water and waited for Tara to explain.

Tara fidgeted with the linen napkin. "Will, you know how Xander has some... issues... with demons?"

"Demons bad. Humans good," Willow answered, mimicking Xander.

"Right. Which we know isn't true. Look at Spike. At Clem," Tara stuttered.

"I think Xander got it from Buffy," Willow mused, becoming more serious.

"And for her, it's understandable. I mean, with her job, she can't spend a whole lot of time questioning the nature of a demon or she'd be lunch. Still, you know she doesn't fully believe that or Clem wouldn't baby-sit her daughter and she wouldn't be about to pop from her second child with a Vampire," Tara reasoned.

"Tara," Willow said quietly. "Where are we headed here?"

"The woman Xander is with," Tara breathed, "Is half demon. A hybrid." The last bit came out in a rush of air.

A look of shock and then worry crossed Willow's face. "Are you sure? How do you know?"

"Because," Tara answered. "I know her. We all know her."

The redhead studied her a moment. "W... who?"

"Takina," Tara said softly.

Willow's eyes flew open like blinds in a cartoon. "The doctor Takina? Tall, dark and beautiful Takina?"

"Who sounds interested now?" Tara snarked, smiling.

Willow was beyond joking, the shock of it hitting her full force. "Xander? And Takina?"

"Looks that way," Tara commented. "And she *is* perfect for him, but I wonder if he knows..."

"It really shouldn't matter," Willow replied softly. " I mean, if he likes her and all."

"Agreed, but you know...." Tara rearranged her fork and knife nervously.

"That he won't get that," Willow completed. "I wonder if we should tell him?"

"No," Tara said confidently. "Let her handle it when she's ready. Maybe she has already."

Willow chuckled. "I thought you said Xander was still at the table with her."

"Not funny," Tara giggled. "I mean, maybe he learned something from Buffy and Spike. From..."

"Anya?" Willow questioned.

"Yeah," Tara answered. "I mean, life's too short to question love."

Willow lifted Tara's hand to her lips, kissing it softly. "Which is why I am so glad for you."

*****

The car ride to Giles' new apartment was utterly silent. They had all tried to find a place to start, but there was far too much to go over while cramped in a car. Even Emma was mostly quiet, save for a short conversation with her bunny and the sound of her shoes hitting the floor.

They had decided to go straight to Giles' new apartment. In the few words he had said in the airport, he had told Spike that he'd rather not let the rest of them know of their arrival. At least, not yet.

Spike pulled the car to the curb of a complex not far from Revello. The engine shuddered and died into silence. "Rupert, let's get your luggage. Buffy, can you...?"

"I've got Emma," Buffy completed, unbuckling and awkwardly climbing out of the car.

"I... I can help. If you want," Anya said shyly. Buffy turned her head and smiled.

"That'd be great," she replied. "Just, um, unhook her. Don't worry about her shoes, but *don't* leave the bunny." Anya cringed at the site of the stuffed critter and Buffy shrugged. Still, the demon unhooked the little girl from her car seat and scooped both her and the fuzzy juggernaut into her arms.

The apartment was on the third floor. It was large and Giles had had it furnished before he arrived. It was appointed in rich leather and dark wood with carpets of hunter and burgundy and gold.

"Well," Anya said, carrying Emma in behind the men. "It's a nice apartment, but it could use a woman's touch."

"I'm quite sure you'll take care of that, dear," Giles responded, setting down her suitcase and kissing her softly, Emma pressed between them. Buffy appeared in the doorway, shaking her head as if to clear an odd thought.

"Ok. Weird, much?" Buffy said as she moved across the room and sat gingerly in an oversized love seat. Spike watched her a moment, trying to judge her mood and deciding that curiosity was more her concern. He walked to Anya, looking at her as if he'd seen a ghost, and gently took Emma back, thanking her for carrying her up the stairs.

"It seems we have quite a lot to discuss," Giles commented, taking Anya's hand and leading her to the couch across from Buffy. Spike followed, taking a seat next to his love and letting Emma down to the floor. Immediately, the little girl took her bunny and headed towards an open patch of carpet, losing herself in her own world and leaving the grown-ups to sort it out.

"It seems we do," Spike responded, calmly.

"Where do we begin?" Giles removed his glasses, wiping them on his shirttail as he spoke. Anya was quiet, tucking her legs underneath her, alternating her gaze between the horrible stuffed rodent, Giles' hand and Buffy's stomach.

"Let's start with mystery Giles showing up macking on Anya, who we thought was dead," Buffy blurted.

"Buffy," Spike said quietly, stroking her arm. "Let's hear them out, alright?" He leaned closer, speaking nearly inaudibly into her ear and brushing his hand over her belly, "Let's not be so quick to judge."

"I... I'm sorry," Buffy amended nervously. "Shock value... right up there near yikes."

"I understand," Giles replied, putting his glasses back on. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"No," Buffy sighed. "Not upset. Weirded out, maybe. Surprised."

"I could say the same," the Watcher retorted. Spike shot him a glance, warning him to take it easy. The Vampire almost wished he had told Giles before this meeting. The way things were going, one more good jolt to Buffy emotionally and she might end up in the hospital.

Anya looked up. "I'm very happy for you, Buffy."

Buffy's eyes shot open. Either someone who looked a lot like Anya came back with Giles, or seven months with him had changed her completely. "Th.. thank you," Buffy stuttered. "I'm glad that you're OK. I guess I just wish we had known. I mean... there was a memorial service and..."

"You guys had a memorial for me?" Anya asked, tears in her eyes.

"Well, yeah. I mean you were... are... our friend," Buffy replied softly.

"Thanks." The demon smiled, genuinely touched by the thought.

"Anya," Giles began, "Survived the ritual of the First."

"How?" Spike interrupted. "I... I was there. I saw..."

A look of terror crossed Anya's face. Giles wrapped an arm around her shoulder, shooting a glare back at Spike, similar to Spike's previous warning. Immediately, Spike fell silent. "I know what you saw," Giles continued. "But Anya had made a deal prior to the events..."

"D'Hoffryn promised to return me if I...," Anya stuttered.

"Got your vengeance on," Buffy deduced. "So, you're a demon again?" It was an honest question, but she could almost feel the inadvertently accusatory tone she had taken. Spike squeezed her hand softly. "I mean, you had to go back to work?"

"Mostly, I'm a demon," Anya answered, shifting nervously.

"Mostly?" Spike questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Quite like you, Spike," Giles responded for her. "She has a heartbeat and normal human physiology, as well as a soul."

"A *human* soul?" Buffy asked. Spike leaned forward, his face curious and interested.

"Same one," Anya replied softly.

"Doesn't that make vengeance tough?" Buffy questioned, looking closely at the girl.

"It's not so bad," Anya answered. "Just more of the eternal paper cut route than killing and dismembering. I can sleep most nights."

The room was silent. Both Buffy and Spike habitually glanced over at Emma, but she was playing happily on the floor with the rabbit. Finally, Buffy broke the silence. "So, what about...?" She gestured at the two of them.

"Us?" Giles asked.

"How?" Buffy questioned, trying to wrap her mind around it.

Giles explained the months in the cottage and how the relationship had just... happened. That Buffy, of all people, should understand that one rarely knows why or how they fall in love. It just eventually occurs to them that it is *right*. Buffy nodded in agreement, feeling Spike watching her. Feeling how much he loved her, despite their relationship being possibly the single *least* likely on the planet. She grabbed Spike's hand as Giles spoke and felt Spike relax into her. Melting. As if they were really just One.

When the Watcher finished, Buffy looked at him closely. "I get it. I really do. And I'm really glad you're happy." She paused a moment, trying to phrase the last thing on her mind. "I just have one other question."

"What is it?" Giles asked softly.

"What about Xander?"

*****

"Takina," Xander said softly as they walked down the street towards her apartment. Something told him that they might be taking a significant leap in their relationship tonight and he wanted to be sure that she knew that he cared. More than cared. He felt like he'd met his match.

"What is it?" She smiled. She was so beautiful. Exactly his height with smooth, creamy skin, long, beautiful legs, and a tumble of dark, shiny hair. And those eyes. Those stormy gray-blue eyes caught him off guard every time he looked at her. They made his heart stop.

Xander took her hand and lead her to a park bench. His hands were strong. Everything was now. Once he'd started seeing her, he decided to get his act together. Eating well. Working out. Stopping after one beer, if he even drank that. She had changed him, or rather, he changed himself for her.

"There's something I want to... that I'd like to..." Xander stuttered.

"Xander," Takina interrupted in that purr of a voice. "There is no need. " Her hand found his again and her thumb traced the contours of his palm.

"There is," Xander said quietly. "I feel like I've been running since she... since..."

"Anya," Takina completed, encouragingly. "Xander, I know you loved her. You can say her name. You *should* still care. Still hurt. It's alright. I would be more worried if you didn't."

Xander smiled at her, cupping her cheek in his palm. "Why are you so... perfect?"

She laughed. A deep, rich sound. "I am *far* from perfect. I just understand love. It's not about *what* we are or where we have been so much as *who* we are and where we are headed."

"That... that's what I'm trying to say," Xander sighed, toying with her fingers. "In an oh so manly and eloquent way."

She laughed again, the sound lighting up her face. "What is?"

"Takina, I... I think I'm... oh, hell, I'm falling in love with you," he blurted, his eyes watching her face. She flashed a nervous glance at him before she turned away, studying the hem of her skirt.

"Xander, we need to talk." Her voice was trembling. Sullen.

"Ok. Not the reaction I was hoping for," Xander snarked, his hand running nervously through his hair.

"No, no. It's not that," Takina answered, still looking towards her knees. "My feelings are much the same."

"Then what? Why?" He was looking at her as she studied her shoes.

Takina sighed. "There is something about me that you need to know before you make statements like that."

His brown furrowed. "Takina, baby, there is *nothing* about you that can change..."

"Xander," Takina interrupted. She looked up at him and her eyes were glowing. A soft white light replaced her stormy gray eyes, brightening her face in an almost angelic haze. He blinked, trying to understand.

"Takina?" His first reaction was to run, but the tears drizzling from the corners of the perfect eyes stopped him dead.

"I'm a hybrid, Xander," she whispered, looking away. When she caught his gaze again, her eyes were normal.

"A... a hybrid?" Xander questioned.

"Half demon. My mother is human. My father a Taraq demon," she answered as matter of factly as she could manage.

"Taraq?" His voice was shaking, his mind reeling.

"Healers," the woman chuckled nervously. "Thus my line of work."

"But... but you are human?" Xander asked, torn between being repulsed and in love.

She shook her head. "I am both. I am human, but I am also demon."

Xander stared at her closely, watching her heart stopping eyes. Trying. Searching. Finally, he looked away.

*****

Anya sighed. Giles looked at her closely, then squeezed her a little closer. "I loved him," she finally said. "But, Buffy, he really didn't love me. Or at least not the way that I needed him to. I can say forever that I'd get over what... he did... but I couldn't. I can't." Tears filled her eyes and Giles looked away. Spike tried to keep eye contact, but he could not watch either. He'd always liked the girl and watching her suffer was like stabbing the chivalrous part of him straight through the heart.

Buffy seemed to agree. "Anya... you don't have to explain to me..."

"No," Anya continued, wiping her eyes. "I do. I mean, I want you to understand. He couldn't accept me as a human and you know how he feels about demons..."

"Not so good," Buffy commented.

"Understatement," Spike mumbled. Buffy nudged him softly with her knee.

"And Rupert," Anya went on, her face brightening, "Showed me that it was what I did that mattered. Not what I am. He believes in me. No one ever believed in me."

Buffy looked away, a wave of guilt crashing into her. "Anya, I... I'm sorry."

"No," the demon replied. "Don't be. I'm happy now. I feel... good. Like this is all worth it. So, in the end, it all worked out."

"I'm glad," Buffy said softly, looking her in the eyes. "Are you going to be OK talking to Xander? I mean, if you want, I can..."

"I'll talk to Xander," Giles interrupted.

Anya looked at them both. "No," she said strongly. "I'll handle it. He should hear it from me."

"Anya," Giles sighed.

"Rupert, please. He deserves that much. We lied to them," Anya argued. She turned her attention back to Buffy and Spike. "Buffy, I know we lied to you both as well. Rupert only did it because I begged him. I wasn't... I wasn't ready. But this is where he belongs. With you and Spike and Emma and..." she nodded at Buffy's unborn child.

"William," Buffy said softly.

Anya smiled. "William," she repeated. "And I hope you'll forgive us and that maybe we can be... friends again?"

"Nothing to forgive," Spike interjected. "You did what you had to do."

Buffy looked at Spike, then back to Anya. "It's a little weird for me, but hey, weird is kind of normal. I think."

Spike chuckled, pulling Buffy closer. She settled against his shoulder and he planted a kiss on the crown of her head. She heard him whisper in that barely audible voice "That's my girl."

The room was silent again. Emma crawled back onto the couch, curling in next to her mum. Giles looked at the odd but strangely beautiful little family. "I do believe it's your turn," he said, gesturing at the pair. "I see that you have news as well."

To be contd.

Title: Love and Luck (Time - Chapter Four)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

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

Summary: Set immediately following Newsflash. The Big Bad arrives in Sunnydale. Xander makes a decision that will effect the rest of his life. Buffy and Spike catch Giles and Anya up on personal events. Spike and Giles leave to patrol, leaving Buffy to have a very personal conversation with Anya.



Love and Luck

The unmarked military plane landed at an airstrip just outside Sunnydale. A similarly bland jeep picked up the Captain and his partner, taking them to a safe house in town. There was no talk. No discussion of the mission. What the Captain has been given was top-secret information. The fate of the World, of all the Worlds, quite literally depended on it.

There was no team backing them. The location of the Peacemaker was unknown to all but the elite of the Special Investigations Division, portions of the Council of Watchers, and the inner sanctum of the child's family and friends. Oh, and, of course, the Evil who had been searching for her since the First. The Captain smiled. The rest did not need to know the last bit.

The pair settled into the safe house, unpacking their sparse possessions. Home sweet home, the Captain thought. He'd gone over and over in his head just *how* he was going to get close to the Peacemaker. How he'd manage to distract her parents long enough to deal with the child. The specifics escaped him, but, as he looked out into the moonlit street mere miles from his target, he decided that he'd start by knocking on the Windsor's front door.

*****

They walked home in silence. Takina was a smart girl. She knew what that meant. The only time that Xander had ever criticized Anya was in regards to her past as a Vengeance demon. When Takina had questioned Xander about why he had such a difficult time accepting Buffy's relationship with Spike, it always boiled down to Spike's vampirism. It wasn't about Anya. It wasn't even about Spike. It was about demons.

That's why she'd held off so long in telling him her secret. She'd fallen for him the first time she'd met him. On Buffy's porch as she left from a visit and he tripped over the front steps as he watched her walk away. She'd rushed back as he yelped and hopped around holding one ankle. The thought made her want to smile, but she couldn't. Not now.

Somewhere, she had known that it didn't matter if she were smart or funny or attractive, or even if he'd already developed feelings for her when she finally came clean. What would matter was her heritage. The thought made her furious and sad at the same time. Takina knew that he was walking her home now only to be polite. Their fancy dinner, their professions of feelings, were all in the past. She bit her lip hard trying to hide the anger and the fear. Everything in her wanted to tell him there was no need to walk her to her apartment. That she could handle herself. At the same time, she didn't want him to leave this last time.

They reached her apartment too soon. She fumbled in her purse for the keys, then unlocked the door, popping it open with a click and a hiss of wood against carpet. "You're welcome to come in," Takina said, unconvincingly.

Xander looked at her briefly, then looked away. "I... I'd better not," he stuttered. "I have... I need to think."

"Yes," Takina sighed. "Well, don't think too hard, Xander Harris." She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "Some things aren't about thought. They're about feeling. Until you learn to trust your heart, you'll always be alone." She ran a palm over his cheek and he smiled sadly back at her.

"Takina," he breathed, losing himself in her beautiful, violent eyes.

"Goodbye, Alexander." The door clicked quietly shut.

He stared at the door for a moment, then turned, walking down the hallway to the stairs feeling exactly the way he had felt when he'd walked away from his wedding to Anya. Confused. Scared. Depressed.

Mistaken.

Wrong.

Xander turned on a heel and jogged back down the hall to her apartment, slamming his fists against the door before he had time to think. There was no answer. God, not too late, he thought. Not too late already. He pounded now until finally the door cracked open and he saw her profile against the darkness of her apartment.

"What?" Her voice was choked. He could hear her tears.

"Takina, open the door," he panicked.

"Please, just go," she whispered in response.

"Open the door!" He demanded, his own voice shaking as tears started to build. "Please!"

She unlatched the chain and opened the door just enough for him to see her perfect shape in the doorway. Her tearstained cheeks were red as if those stormy eyes had burst.

"Xander... I..," she stuttered.

He grabbed her shoulders, pulling her hard towards him, letting his lips crush against hers until all of his anger and fear and confusion melted against her buttery soft lips and she crumbled against him. Xander pulled away, stroking her hair back from her face. "Takina, I'm in love with you. I'm going to need some... help... understanding. But I can't screw this up. Not with you. I'm so sorry."

She stared up at him with wet and childlike eyes. "Stay with me," she breathed, her voice needy and low.

Softly, he kissed her again, backing her into the apartment and kicking the door shut behind him.

*****

"So, is it that obvious?" Buffy joked, pushing herself from Spike's shoulder. "I'll give you three guesses. Four in case you're jet-lagged."

"How?" Giles asked. "Emma was prophesized, but this.. it shouldn't be... possible."

"Oh, it's possible," Buffy groaned, shifting uncomfortably.

"You alright, Love?" Spike asked as her faced blanched.

Buffy's attention turned back to Spike. "Yeah. He's just doing that spin/kick combination." Spike nodded, brushing her hair back off her shoulders.

"Not quite sure, Rupert," Spike answered. "It certainly was... unexpected."

"Yes," Giles concurred, wiping his lenses yet again. "There's no indication of a second child from the union of the One. I'm not sure how this could be."

"Well, it's *obvious* how it happened," Buffy interjected, trying to lighten the conversation. "I mean, logistically speaking."

"Is it different? I mean, when you have sex and that sex makes you pregnant, does it feel different? Do you know?" Anya asked, her head tilting.

"Anya," Giles said softly. "A bit personal for this stage."

"I'm sorry," Anya corrected. "I just wondered about the mountains moving part."

"Mountains always moving. Regular mobile Everest for us," Buffy answered, pacifying the demon for the moment. Giles blushed. Spike chuckled. "Anyway, I don't think that there *is* any prophesy. Any foretelling or missions or 'One Boy in All the World'."

"You mean, he's a regular kid. A baby?" Anya responded, smiling her understanding.

"Pretty much," Buffy answered. "A really active one." She shifted again and Emma crawled into her mum's lap, resting her head on Buffy's belly. Instantly, they both settled.

"How much longer?" Giles asked.

"Thirty eight days," Spike answered, stroking Buffy's shoulder. The concern was back in his eyes.

"Not soon enough," Buffy added, running her fingers along Emma's back. The little girl yawned and stuck her thumb in her mouth. "It's been much harder this time."

"How so?" Giles asked, studying Spike's face uneasily.

Buffy moved to speak but Spike interjected. "Love, it's getting late. I need to patrol." She looked up at him, nodding. "Want me to take you home first or would you rather stay here and I'll fetch you on the way back?"

Buffy looked at Giles. "Is there somewhere I can lay Emma down a while? It's way past her bedtime."

Giles nodded. "Of course. You can lay her in our bed. Spike?" He turned towards the Vampire. "I'd quite like to go with you, if that's alright."

Spike smiled at the Watcher. "Missing the nightly spot of violence?"

"Not particularly," Giles replied. "But you should probably catch me up on your routes and the local demon population." Spike looked at him, knowing that there was more.

"Right then," Spike answered, standing up and picking up Emma. Softly, he kissed Buffy's forehead. "I'll put her in Giles' room and be back in a bit."

Buffy nodded, looking up at his perfect blue eyes. "Beat something up for me," she pleaded, smiling.

"Always, Pet," he answered, returning her smile and ruffling her hair.

*****

"Want some tea?" Anya asked, rummaging through boxes on the counter. Giles had sent their possessions along ahead of them. She pulled several small boxes out of the moving crate. "We even have herbal. No caffeine."

"That'd be great." Buffy smiled softly at the girl. Anya put on the kettle and walked back in, settling on the arm of the couch.

"I know this is weird for you, Buffy. I mean with Giles and... I know that you must be mad that we lied. And Xander is your friend so it's even more complicated." Barely cogent thoughts tumbled restlessly from Anya's lips.

"It's OK," Buffy answered quietly. "I can't really say I know how I feel about... any of it... yet. But I get it."

"Giles has been good to me, Buffy. I love him." It was simple. A fact. Buffy saw her contentment. It was a look of peace she hadn't seen when Anya had been with Xander. At least not since the wedding had been called off.

"I'm glad," Buffy finally replied. "Just don't let him down, Anya."

Anya smiled. "I won't."

Buffy studied her a moment. Anya looked at her as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. "What's wrong?" Buffy asked, watching Anya's expression.

"I... I guess the only real downside is that I am still... I won't age," Anya added, her voice almost a whisper. "And I don't want to watch everyone go. Especially not Rupert."

Buffy was silent, feeling her hurt. She remembered having the same conversation with Spike when Tara had been killed. Before he had changed. He'd cried that night about burying them all. Even Buffy. Even Emma. But he was mortal now and at least had a chance of just falling asleep one night and drifting away. Buffy hoped she'd go with him if he did. "I'm sorry," she finally said. " I guess my mortality has always been a little obvious. What with the dying every few years."

Anya chuckled in response. Buffy looked at her more closely. She needed answers. Needed to deal with this. "Maybe you can talk to Spike about this. I think he might... I don't know. At least he'd understand," Buffy completed.

"You.. You wouldn't mind?" Anya asked.

"Mind what?" Buffy responded, furrowing her brow.

"If I talk to him. About the whole demon in love with a human thing?" Anya questioned.

Buffy sighed. "No. Anya, what Spike... what we have is beyond anything. Just don't worry about it. Talk to him."

"Thank you," Anya answered, her voice relieved.

The kettle whistled and Anya made her way to the kitchen, pouring two cups of tea. She brought them in, setting one on the table and one in Buffy's hands. Buffy thanked her and shifted again uncomfortably. Anya sat down across from her, curling up on the couch.

"So, what about you? Are you happy?" Anya asked, smiling cheerfully.

Buffy chuckled, setting her cup on the side table, both hands traveling to her child. "Ask me again in thirty eight days." The baby was thrashing inside of her again and her back throbbed in response. Buffy closed her eyes, willing herself to relax. William settled a bit but shifted again as soon as she was comfortable.

"Don't you like... I mean, don't you feel... happy? That you have a baby growing inside you? I would think you'd be so content," Anya questioned, her eyes curious.

Buffy thought a moment. Despite all of the frustration and pain, there *was* something she loved about being pregnant. Maybe it was knowing that she and Spike had made something incredible. It was part of them both. And she got to protect him at the very beginning of his little life. "I am," Buffy said softly. "It's just getting past the sick part, the kicking, the never being comfortable and always being hot, the no fighting, no sex..."

"No sex?" Anya asked. Buffy giggled. Now this was the Anya she knew.

"Now," Buffy clarified. "Not at the beginning. And more for me because this one hasn't wanted to stay put so I'm not supposed to do anything athletic or get really upset. Or excited."

"So you could? Before?" Anya asked, her face very serious as if the world depended on the answer.

"Yes," Buffy finally said. "And that is a good thing, because the hormones... wanting of the sex. At least me." Buffy's hand nearly jumped from her stomach as a kick hit home. She groaned. "Although, not on my top ten list right this minute."

"What... what happened?" Anya asked, her eyes trained on the bulge of Buffy's abdomen. It was all very odd to Anya. The Slayer was so tiny. Her arms and legs and face were almost exactly the same. Lean. Small. But she looked as if she'd swallowed a beach ball and her breasts strained against her dress. Spike must like that, Anya thought.

"That would be a roundhouse, I think," Buffy snarked, grimacing.

"The baby kicks that hard," Anya asked, crinkling her nose. Buffy nodded, rubbing her side. "Does it hurt?"

"The kicking?" Buffy asked.

"All of it," Anya questioned.

"Sometimes," Buffy answered, thoughtfully. "Sometimes, it hurts a lot. The kicking is bad. And the back thing. And my skin feels all stretched out. Good thing for Slayer healing or stretch mark central. But sometimes it feels really... amazing. Sometimes, I feel him curl up and sleep and I feel so complete. Full. Loved."

Anya's face was soft. "You are loved, Buffy. I mean, Spike..."

"I know," Buffy whispered, her face lighting in a smile. "He's really... he can barely contain himself about his son," she laughed. "You'd think it was the second coming." Buffy giggled to herself. It sort of was.

Anya stared at the stretched fabric of the dress over Buffy's stomach, fascinated. It might have seemed rude, but Buffy knew that Anya was trying to come to terms with everything. "Do you want to touch?" Buffy asked, as William kicked her again. Buffy rubbed the spot sorely.

"Do.. do you mind? I've never known any human that I could ask. And last time, Xander would not have approved," Anya stuttered.

"Not at all," Buffy said softly. Anya stood, rounding the coffee table and sitting on the couch next to Buffy. Buffy shifted so that she was turned towards her and took her hands.

"His head is about.... here," Buffy explained, placing Anya's hand a little lower than the midline of the right side of her belly. Anya's eyes grew wide, feeling the baby seemingly under the fabric of the dress. Buffy smiled at her awe. "And the feet of doom are here. At least for the moment," Buffy placed Anya's other hand on the middle left of her stomach.

William kicked, hard, and Anya felt the foot to her palm through Buffy. Instinctively, Anya rubbed the spot as if to soothe Buffy's aching side. "That was the baby?" Anya asked.

"Yep," Buffy answered. "He's definitely *our* son."

Anya's hand brushed over the side of Buffy's belly, feeling the baby move. "That's... incredible. There's a person in there!" She gasped, completely overwhelmed.

Buffy chuckled. "A very small, yet fully functional one," she joked. "You can hear him too. His heart. Kind of hard unless you're a Vampire, but you can at least hear him move."

"Can I?" Anya asked, looking up at her with wild and childlike eyes.

Buffy leaned back, her shoulders on the arm of the couch and her tummy stretched forward. "Just put your ear up against me."

Anya leaned forward, her hands still pressed to Buffy's sides. She let her ear touch the silky smoothness of the dress, resting her head, and closing her eyes. As the background noise disappeared, she could hear the child moving inside Buffy and the steady thump of Buffy's heart. In the background, Anya could hear a soft, fast beat.

"Buffy," Anya gasped. "This is amazing." She lifted her head and looked up at Buffy's face. Anya's eyes were damp. "Do you know how amazing that is?"

Buffy smiled, letting her hands roam over her child. "Yeah, " she answered. "I do."

"You're *very* lucky," Anya commented, her face so serious. "One perfect little girl. A little boy inside of you. A man who loves you and would die for you." Anya's hand rested once again on the fabric of Buffy's dress.

"I am lucky," Buffy mused, watching Anya's amazement. "Thank you for reminding me."

To be contd.

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