Good evening, All:)

YAY! Another one out on time. It's becoming a trend. It seems odd with that two day delay in there, but after Beneath You, I needed it. Whoa, *brilliant* episode. I cannot put into words.....

I sincerely hope that you like this chapter as it is the last of the happy fluffy chapters for a while. Yes, commence the drama come Saturday. But I think you will like where the story takes you. Please tell me if you do (or if you don't). Your feedback and support here, on BAPS and on Always.Everyday has been astounding and I thank you a million times over.

Enjoy the chapter and let me know how you feel!



*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



Title: Lullabies (Time - Chapter Five)

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, who belongs to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set immediately following Newsflash. Spike and Giles have a conversation about their states of affairs. Anya works a minor miracle on Buffy. Xander discovers an advantage to Takina's heritage.

Lullabies

"So, would you like to tell me what's on your mind, Rupert?" Spike asked as they walked along the sidewalk towards the cemetery.

Giles was silent, rolling a stake back and forth between his hands. It had been a long time since he'd held one of those. Going on patrol with Spike was strangely reminiscent of the summer they had lost Buffy. Tense, but somehow right.

"Rupert?" Spike asked again, trying to jar him from his reverie.

"Uh, uh, yes?" Giles stuttered.

"Is it about Emma? Something you didn't want to say in front of Buffy once you realized..." Spike questioned.

"No," Giles answered. "Although I have translated a few more sections of the prophesy. All I can deduce is that we haven't seen the end of Draconius."

"Not really a surprise there, mate," Spike commented. "Any idea when? Like to know if I'll have Buffy able to fight by my side."

"No indication of the next threat being immediate. I would imagine that he'd try and separate you both again to get at Emma," Giles continued.

"Not a very creative bloke," Spike huffed. A fledgling began to paw through the Earth and Spike staked him before he even broke through the soil. "Trust me, better off," he stated as the startled newly undead burst into dust.

Giles watched Spike work. His reactions were perfect. Exactly like Buffy's. Even the movements were almost the same. "No," Giles answered. "No need to be creative if he has a chance of his plan working. He has no opportunity for success against the two of you together."

Spike was silent, turning to look at the Watcher. "You don't think he'll come while Buffy's..."

"I don't think he has any way of knowing about your son," Giles answered. "But I'd be mindful of the boy once he's born."

"What d'you mean?" Spike questioned, a twinge of fear crawling up his spine.

Giles sighed, not wanting to state what his theory was, but knowing it was best. "This is Draconius. You are *quite* aware that he is capable of anything. Once he learns of William's existence, it would not shock me if he uses William to get to Emma."

Spike exploded,. his body tensing at the thought. His pace quickened and his eyes searched the darkness, desperate for an evil creature to rear its undead head so that he could take his anger out properly. '"Thought that... monster... was shut away in a box."

Giles looked at his feet. "Anya locked him in the box of Oraclese. But there has been news that the spirit has been released."

"Released!" Spike shouted, pounding his hand into the side of a mausoleum. "How? Who?"

"We don't know," Giles said calmly. "It seems that the tunnels below Quentin's estate were ransacked."

"Who?" Spike's face was white with anger.

"I don't know," Giles repeated. "We are trying to find out."

"So, he's likely loose again already and he'll come after Buffy and my son to get to Emma," Spike seethed.

"Again, I don't think he could know about your son," Giles repeated. "No one knows."

"But once he does," Spike boiled, finally catching sight of another Vampire. His thought was cut short. "He won't live long."

Giles watched as Spike fought the older Vampire, trading blow for blow rather than just staking the creature. Spike spun, kicking the creature half way across the cemetery, then hurdling several tombstones in one jump to catch up with it. The Watcher had not seen either of them work since they had been joined and the change in power and grace was astounding. Spike was quicker than any Vampire Giles had seen. His blows were crushing. His agility was utterly startling. In a final flourish, Spike plunged the stake through the Vampire's heart and stood suddenly still, staring out into the night.

Quietly, Giles approached. "Spike?"

"S'alright," Spike panted, his fists and teeth clenched. "Just don't like the idea of someone trying to kill my children is all."

Giles was quiet for a moment. "We cannot change what may come," he finally said. "And we cannot spend out lives worrying about all of the horrid things that may occur. What we *can* do is try and protect them. Learn as much as we can. Stay ahead of Draconius and those that may follow."

"And kill the bastard if he comes near my family," Spike seethed.

"I'd have to agree," Giles added. "I will do it myself, given the opportunity."

Spike studied him for a moment, relaxing just a bit at the thought that he and Giles were on the same page. "You'd kill him? Regardless?"

"He has hurt me too, Spike," Giles answered. "You are not the only one who loves Buffy and does not want to see your children harmed. Not to mention what he did to Anya. To me."

Spike looked away, swallowing his anger. He hadn't given much thought about what Draconius had done to the rest. "I am sorry."

"No need," Giles sighed, laying a hand on the Vampire's shoulder. "I understand that you've a lot on your mind at the moment."

Spike began to walk again in silence. Giles strode quietly at his side. "It's Buffy?" Giles asked.

Still, the Vampire was silent, thinking. "It's been so... hard on her."

"The pregnancy?" Giles questioned. They were walking slowly now, following the moonlit path.

"S'like she's always in pain. Fraid she'd actually upset with me for.." Spike confessed.

"Spike," Giles sighed. "I don't think that's the case. This is Buffy. She'd let you know were that true."

"Dunno," Spike almost whispered into the air.

"What's going on? Everything alright?" Giles was concerned, watching Spike's body tense again.

"The moods I can handle," Spike commented. "Least most of the time. But watching her suffer.... She barely sleeps. She hasn't been able to train or patrol for a few months now and it drives her insane."

"Buffy's a resilient girl. I'm sure she'll work through it," Giles encouraged.

"It's a bit more than that," Spike sighed, sitting down on a marble bench.

Giles sat softly next to him. "What is it?"

"She's almost lost the baby twice," Spike whispered, swallowing. "Each time, it's been after she has been emotionally or physically worked up. It's like a switch flips..."

"And because she can't fight or do much of anything, she's easily upset," Giles deduced, the pieces falling into place.

"Right," Spike agreed. "Caught between a rock and a hard place. Terrified she'll lose her mind and something will happen to her. To William. Couldn't handle that. Can't loose the boy. Neither can she. Think it'd kill Buffy. Neither of us ever expected this, but now that it's real... we love him. Don't want anything else to happen." The Vampire was close to tears as he spoke and Giles watched him closely, wanting to say the right thing, but not sure he knew what that could be.

He laid a hand on Spike's shoulder. "We'll just have to make sure to keep her calm."

Spike chuckled nervously. "You try that one for a while, mate."

"I'll help you," Giles answered. "As strained a start as we had, I've come to respect you, Spike. I promised you before Emma was born that I would help you and that, sometimes, it would take the both of us to handle Buffy and her daughter." Spike smiled, remembering the conversation on the back porch the night Emma was born. Didn't seem all that long ago. "Just seems I'll have to amend that promise to include your son," Giles added.

"I really do pretty well will her. Most of the time," Spike sighed, resigned.

"I've no doubt of that," the Watcher responded. "But if you're worried about Buffy losing her child, maybe it's time you called in back up."

"Thank you," Spike answered, standing once again. Giles followed suit and they began to walk again in silence.

"William?" Giles asked, after they'd walked a few moments in silence.

"Buffy's idea," Spike replied, staring up at the stars.

"After you?"

"Sort of. She's been... remembering.. the In Between." The Vampire knew that what he was about to say would sound...odd. But it struck too close to his own heart to not believe in her.

"Remembering?" Giles' mind worked overtime. Very few people traveled to the In Between and returned. No one had retained their experiences. His academic mind spun.

"Bits and pieces," Spike clarified. "As have I."

"You remember?" Giles gasped. "What... what did you see?"

"More of an impression," Spike continued. "She remembers quite a bit more. But to bring this back round to point, the Powers sent... spirits... to keep her safe there. Her mum was there with her."

"Joyce?" Giles questioned, mind spinning at the idea that the Powers had protected Buffy and that Buffy remembered anything about it.

"Yes," Spike replied simply. "And the second was me. Well, before I was turned."

"William." Giles was wide-eyed. "Your mortal soul."

"Buffy referred to him as 'Polite Spike'," Spike snarked. Giles chuckled, shaking his head.

"Wait," Giles said, the pieces falling together in his mind. "So, Buffy believes that your son..."

"Will be born with William's soul. My mortal soul," Spike completed, before Giles could finish the thought.

Giles ran a hand through his hair, then adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "It is possible, as the soul you gained during the joining was that of the One. William's would still be in the chalice of souls."

Spike was silent, and then stopped, looking at the Watcher. "She's sure of it. When we found that he was a boy, she didn't hesitate. Said William felt right."

"What do *you* think?" Giles asked, studying Spike's face.

"It does feel right," Spike sighed. "Strange, but right."

"Well, we shall soon find out," Giles replied, softly smiling. Spike returned the smile warily. "Shall we head back and make sure that Anya hasn't confused Buffy into a frenzy?"

Spike chuckled. "Good woman," he finally said. "Or demon. But you certainly do like challenging girls."

"I could say the same for you, William the Bloody."

*****

"Anya, what did you do?" Spike gasped, his voice not raising above a whisper. He was at the couch from the open front door in a flash, Giles at his heels.

Anya touched a finger to her lips and Spike stopped. Buffy was curled on the couch, her head on Anya's thighs, fast asleep. Giles smiled and Anya's face lit up proudly. "She's out," the demon whispered as Spike crouched down next to the couch. Buffy looked like a kid, tousled blonde hair in her face, a peaceful little smile on her lips.

"How'd you do it?" Spike whispered, looking up at Anya.

"Chamomile. And I got the knot out of her back. She laid down so I sang and she fell asleep," Anya answered quietly.

"You sang?" Giles asked.

Anya nodded her reply. "And rubbed her back. She was out like a light."

"Got the rubbing," Spike commented. "Think I've worked that one out."

"Right here," Anya whispered, pressing her thumb to the base of Buffy's spine and pulling her fingers towards it. Buffy purred in her sleep.

"That's the one," Spike responded.

"You sang?" Giles repeated, smiling softly down on the girls.

"Yes," Anya sighed, frustrated.

"What?" Spike asked, eyebrow raised.

"Lullabies," she answered simply. No explanation.

"And she went for that?" Spike questioned, his head tilting.

Anya thought a moment. "Oh, I didn't sing for her. I mean, I did. But not *to* her."

Giles and Spike both looked at her as if she had sprouted another head. "Anya, please explain. Indulge us silly men," Giles asked, sitting on the arm of the couch.

"The back rub got her laying down, but the baby... she let me touch. The baby was wide awake. So I sang him lullabies. And I felt him settle down. See?" She took Spike's hand and laid it where hers had been. Where William had been kicking Buffy all night. "Soon as he was calm, she went out like a light."

Giles cocked his head, a smile breaking on his face. "Well done, Anya."

"Bloody brilliant, if you ask me," Spike contributed, sliding his arms under Buffy and lifting her up against him. She snuggled into his shirt and fell straight back to sleep.

"Rupert, if you'd get the tot," Spike asked quietly, leaning in to kiss Buffy's forehead. Anya smiled watching Spike holding Buffy. Giles excused himself to the bedroom to fetch the sleeping baby.

"Did I help?" Anya asked, standing up and smoothing down her skirt.

"You are a saviour, Pet," Spike answered, leaning over to kiss her cheek. She blushed, her grin growing wider. He was quiet, watching her. "Anya, I'm glad.. I'm glad you made it back alright."

Anya smiled shyly. "Thanks. I hope you can understand why..."

"Don't have to explain to me. Just be good to old Rupert. If he gives you any grief, send him my way," Spike chided.

"He won't. He's..." Anya stuttered.

"God forgive me for saying it, but he's a good man, Anya. Won't hurt you like that whelp." Spike blurted.

"Xander didn't mean to," Anya defended, her hands nervously fidgeting at the hem of her shirt.

"Well, doesn't really matter now. You're better off. Demon or no," Spike replied, trying to put her back at ease. She was still Anya, but there was something nervous now about her. Like a frightened animal. She still seemed strong and fierce, in her own way, but really she was terrified.

"Thank you," Anya replied, glad for the support.

"No. I seem to owe you thanks for the minor miracle," Spike whispered, planting another kiss on Buffy's temple.

"You love her," Anya stated, watching the tenderness in his movements.

"More than... she's everything." Spike looked at her peacefully curled against him. She was his everything. His life.

"She loves you too. She's just not as good at saying it," Anya said softly. Spike looked at her a moment, feeling kindred to the demon.

"I know she does," Spike replied. "Slayers are just stubborn. It's in their blood."

Giles appeared, an utterly knackered baby bundled against his chest. Emma was passed out as only a child can be. Her head lolled in one direction, her arms in another, her bunny tucked under her chest.

"I believe that this one is as exhausted as her mum," Giles said softly, a smile on his face.

"Cept Emma sleeps like the dead all the time," Spike retorted, heading out the door. He nodded a goodbye to Anya as he walked past and Giles leaned over to kiss the girl.

"Must take after her father, then," Giles snarked as the door closed.

*****

"Holy mother of weak knees,"Xander panted, flopping back on the warm, soft bed. Takina chuckled, her hair falling like a dark curtain as she laid her head upon his chest.

"Memorable enough?" Takina asked, giggling at the pace of Xander's heart.

"Burned into the old gray matter. Vaulted. Play by play on a nightly basis," he replied, shifting on one hip and settling on his elbow. He looked down on the woman, smiling. "That thing with the.."

"Ummmhumm," she hummed slyly, kissing his bicep.

"How? How in the big, beautiful world did you...?" Xander stuttered.

She laughed again. "There are certain advantages to my heritage."

"I'd have to say uh, yeah," Xander responded, awed by everything about her. "That's a Taraq thing?"

"Most demons can do it," she smiled, tracing lazy circles on his chest.

Xander snorted. "Well that explains it."

"Explains what, baby?" Takina said, still grinning up at him.

"Buffy and Spike," Xander joked. "It's a wonder they leave the house."

Takina laughed again. Warm and rich and sultry. "It seems they've put their capabilities to good use."

Xander paused, thoughtful. "You know, it *is* good use."

Takina furrowed her brow, still smiling. "How do you mean?"

"I can't say that Spike ranks up in my top ten list of people... or whatever he is this week... but he does love Buffy. And Emma is..."

"Emma is near perfect," Takina completed. "And it has very little to do with a prophesy. I've no doubt that their son will be as wonderful."

"Why?" Xander asked curiously. "I mean, you're right, but why?"

"Because they love them. Because they love each other. They stopped asking *why* and got on with it," Takina stated, her eyes dancing up at his, pleading with him to understand.

"Is *that* it?" Xander questioned, a sly grin breaking on his face. "And here I was thinking that it was about the thing with the..."

Takina slapped him playfully. "Seriously, Xander. It's rarely about your ability to justify how you feel. It's simply about the *feeling*. One can ignore emotions based on personal hang-ups eternally, but it doesn't change how one feels. I'm not advocating women in love with axe murderers..."

"Of which there are many," Xander snarked, smiling.

Takina batted playfully at him, yet again. "What I *am* saying is that if one being of any sort is inherently good to another, and their actions leave no room for displeasure nor are they reprehensible by any standard, then that being should be judged on their character alone. Not on where they came from."

"I'm so glad you're smart," Xander joked. "I feel like I just watched Law and Order."

"You know what I mean," Takina sighed, flopping back to his shoulder.

"That you are you and I'm falling for you regardless," Xander answered. "That Spike has, and Heaven help me for saying this, helped us all and he does love Buffy and his babies. And I shouldn't let what either of you *are* get in the way of seeing what you *do*."

"Exactly," Takina agreed brightly.

"If you keep doing that thing, I will never think about it again. As for Spike, I don't think I want to even imagine him.... " Xander shuddered.

"Are you ever serious?" Takina asked, still smiling, feeling that, for once, Xander really did understand.

Xander thought a moment, his face becoming serious. Gently, he brushed her hair from her cheeks. "It's time to tell them."

"Your friends?" Takina asked, her voice relaying her shock.

"Yeah. All of them. No secrets. No hiding," Xander said softly, watching her eyes.

"Xander, most of them know that I am..." Takina began, her voice going soft, afraid.

"Are smart and beautiful and sexy. The rest won't matter to them," He completed, kissing her softly and rolling her back to the bed.

To be contd.

Title: Casualties of Love (Time - Chapter Six)

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, who belongs to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: The Captain develops his plan. Xander and his new love head to Buffy's to tell the gang about their relationship, but who is with Buffy? And how will Xander react? Spike is called to meet with the Watchers and bring Emma. But is leaving Buffy alone a good idea? And who comes to call while he is gone? What else can go wrong? You should know better than to ask.

Casualties of Love

"Today is the day, my sweet," the Captain snarled, rolling over and nipping the back of her neck.

"Are you *sure* it's her? I mean, maybe other people live there now," she commented, her face turned towards him, cheek cradled in the pillow.

"You doubt me? I am hurt," he laughed, tumbling nude from the bed and beginning to dress.

"I just want you to be sure the plan will work," she growled, sitting up to watch him. She had become feral, wild, since he marked her.

"You could be right. But who is more likely to be guardian of a prophesied child than the Slayer," he commented, pulling his jeans over his thighs.

"You still know nothing about the situation," she responded. "Their defenses. Who else lives in the house..."

"We know the little Witch has lost her power. The little Vampire lost his bite. The Watcher lost control years ago, and the rest are functionally useless. I suppose the sister could make me fall into some hell dimension, but what reason could she have?" He stated, buttoning his shirt. "I'm like the brother she never had." His voice changed to the kind, fresh- faced intonation of the boy next door. His mate cringed.

"Well, I hope you're right," she muttered, pulling a robe over her muscular, lean body. Suddenly, her form changed. Shifted from the dark haired soldier to a tall, raven haired woman. "In the meantime," she purred, sauntering closer. "I will work on a plan to distract them."

"That's my little shifter," he whistled, growling into her ear.

The Captain straightened back up, looking into the mirror. A picture of freshly scrubbed youth, dressed in blue jeans, a t-shirt with an open flannel button down layered over the top and tan work boots. "Wish me luck," he chirped, heading for the front door.

"Damn well better be right," she called after him, just as the door swung shut in his wake.

*****

"Get dressed," Xander nearly sang as he bounded from the bathroom, showered and in his Saturday 'I'm-not-always-a-construction-worker' clothes.

"What's the emergency?" Takina joked, sitting on the bed and pulling the sheets chastely over her naked chest.

"We're going to Buffy's," Xander announced, scouting about the room for his shoes.

Takina leapt from the sheets, tearing over to the closet. "What's wrong? How long ago did she call?" Panic set in as she searched for clothes.

"Whoa there," Xander gushed, putting his hands on her bare shoulders from behind her. "For all I know, she's fine. We're just going over to tell them about us. I couldn't reach Will and Tara so they must already be at the shop. Figured we could stop there after Buffy's."

Takina relaxed, slouching back against his chest. "Don't scare me like that," she sighed.

"What? I thought you'd be happy," Xander questioned.

She turned to face him. "I am, baby. But things with Buffy are rather... tenuous," Takina said softly.

"Wait a minute. I knew she was having a rough time, but is it that bad?" Xander asked, concerning breaking in his voice. His eyes were soft.

Takina calmed a bit. "At this stage, my concern is beginning to wane. If she does deliver now, the child is old enough that he would probably survive were we to get them to a hospital..."

"Whoa. Probably? Wait a minute," Xander stuttered. "Why didn't she tell me?"

"Maybe because you didn't ask," Takina replied softly, trying to not be accusatory. "You've been so distant to her be it because of Spike or because of your hurt... you've barely been there. When you are, you just take Emma out in the yard to play and barely say three words to Buffy."

Xander looked thunderstruck. She was right. Completely. And she'd called him to the carpet on it. "Oh God," he muttered, his eyes wide and hurt.

"It's not too late, Xander," Takina whispered, toying with the little hairs along his temple. "She's your friend. She loves you. But you are going to have to start trying to get over your bad feelings about Spike."

"You didn't know him when..." Xander began.

"When what? When he was evil? A true Vampire? It was *years* ago now and he's paid for his actions. But what has he done since Buffy that has been beneath reproach?" She asked, carefully trying to coax the logic out in her lover.

"He ate my mashed potatoes last Thanksgiving," Xander snarked, albeit quietly.

Takina chuckled. "Buffy needs you." She pulled from Xander, beginning to choose clothes. It was Saturday and her long weekend away from the ER. "Let's go talk to them."

*****

Spike woke up slowly, luxuriously. Completely rested. She had slept through the night and barely moved an inch save for pressing herself against him in the most delicious ways. His eyes flickered open. The room was silent. Empty.

He sat up, disoriented. "Buffy?"

She was nowhere in the vicinity. He climbed naked from the bed, grabbing a pair of blue sweatpants from a drawer and sliding them on as he walked from the room. Quietly, he padded shirtless and barefoot down the hall. He paused as he passed Dawn's room. The door stood open. Bed was made. Odd, he thought.

Slowly, Spike descended the stairs and followed the smell towards the kitchen. Coffee. He rounded the corner and there she was, pouring the elixir of the gods into two big mugs with one hand and shoveling cereal into Emma's giggling mouth with the other. She looked fresh. Rosy. Rested. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she was dressed in a cream coloured sundress.

"Morning," she said, smiling over at him as he came in. His eyes were puffy and his hair a tumble of curls shaped by sleep.

"Morning, Pet," he grumbled, walking up to her and kissing her cheek. She handed him a mug and he fell back onto a stool, watching her.

"That creepy shredded wheat stuff is in the bowl. You'll have to bloody it up yourself," she chirped. "Emma is finding smearing food all over herself is far more fun than eating it, so I didn't quite get that far."

Spike smiled, watching her coerce food into the little girl's mouth. Emma giggled nearly constantly, grabbing at the spoon and wiping what she could get off of it onto her cheeks. Buffy was having a hard time keeping a straight face while wiping oatmeal from Emma's ears. "What's got you all bushy tailed this morning, Love?" Spike asked, heaving himself from the stool and heading towards the fridge to pour some blood over his cereal. He popped the concoction in the microwave and walked up behind Buffy, pressing himself against her.

"Dunno," Buffy answered, crinkling her nose. "Slept like a log last night, although Slugger is having at it this morning."

Spike inhaled the vanilla scent of her hair and slid his arms around her waist, encircling her. "Good to see you happy, Pet."

"I am," she chirped, taking one last swipe at Emma's face and hands with a damp towel. "I'm feeling lucky."

She turned in his arms to face him. "Lucky?" He asked, smiling slyly.

"Not that kind," Buffy corrected, batting at his shoulder. "Dunno, I just feel good about everything. About Emma. William. Us. I just feel lucky to have all of this."

His head tilted, studying her features. "Can't say I'm not happy to hear it, Pet, but any particular reason?"

"Nope," she responded, lifting up on her toes and planting a soft kiss against his lips.

Don't question the good, Spike thought. "Fair enough," he answered, returning her kiss. The microwave dinged and he turned back to getting breakfast. Buffy hoisted Emma from the high chair and set her loose on he floor. The child immediately tore over to Pony and prodded him into playing with her.

Buffy sat down across the counter from Spike, sipping decaf as he ate. "Giles called," she mentioned out of the blue.

"And?" Spike asked, between bites.

"He wants you to come by this morning. With Emma. Cyrus will be there too," she answered, taking another sip.

"Why Emma?" Spike questioned, taking a swallowed of coffee. He smiled. She actually got it right this time.

"He *says* he wants to investigate the mark. Compare it to some sketches, but I think he just wants to see her," Buffy responded.

"You alright with that? Give you the morning off?" Spike asked, looking over the rim of his mug at her.

"Yeah. Just if he pulls out any metal tools or prods her with sharp sticks, bring her home," Buffy snarked.

Spike smiled back at her. This is as even as it gets for Buffy, he thought. Probably safe to leave her for a while. "You'll be alright alone?"

"Not alone," Buffy sighed, running her fingers along the rim of the coffee mug. "I'm Anya-sitting."

Spike nearly spit out his coffee. "Anya-sitting?"

"Giles said that she was happy that we'd gotten along last night. That she seemed more at ease. He thought it might help her to hang out here and help me out with the baby's room," Buffy answered.

"I see," Spike commented, polishing off his breakfast. "OK with you?"

"Fine." Cooperative too, Spike thought. Will wonders never cease?

A thought occurred to him. "What about Dawn? Thought they weren't ready to let the rest know yet? What if the others stop by?"

"Dawn is visiting campus with Janice." Spike looked at Buffy like she'd gone insane. "And her mom," Buffy quickly added.

"Good thing. Don't trust that little bint," Spike huffed.

"Well, she's Dawn's friend and they're going to school together. We're going to have to trust that we taught Dawn to do the right thing. Besides, they haven't been in trouble... much... lately," Buffy completed.

"And the rest of them?" Spike asked, scooting his bowl aside and mirroring Buffy, coffee mug between clasped hands.

"Willow is helping Tara at the Magic Box. Xander hasn't been by in weeks," Buffy answered, her voice growing softer. Hurt creeping into her tone.

"He'll come round, Love," Spike whispered, swallowing his own feelings for the whelp in favour of hers. He circled the island and came up next to her, kissing her cheek tenderly. She held him there, her palm along his face, savouring the feel of his skin against hers.

"I know," Buffy answered, her breath blowing in his ear. "But this.. you... are more important."

He pulled away just enough to see her face. "I love you, Buffy. You know that."

"I know." She smiled, lighting her face. "Always."

"Everyday."

*****

Men.

Spike was showered and dressed and out the door with Emma in half an hour. How they do it, Buffy didn't know. Grooming fairies? Like pixies that shaved and gelled them as they dressed themselves and squirming tots?

Mysteries.

Anya arrived shortly after, beaming and chirpy at the thought of a day of painting and changing colour schemes. Luckily, Buffy was feeling rather glow-y herself, so Anya's chipperness wasn't maddening. Yesterday morning, the demon would have found herself locked in the basement.

They sat at the kitchen counter matching paint swatches to boarder patterns when a knock came at the door. Buffy furrowed her brow. No one knocked. Not here. Not ever. She got up slowly, grabbing a knife from the kitchen drawer on her way past.

"Buffy, what is it? Do you need help?" Anya asked, looking at the Slayer with shocked concern.

"No," Buffy answered. "Probably just the mailman."

"Why the knife?" Anya asked, her face becoming a canvas of confused looks.

Buffy looked at her steadily. "You've been away from the Hellmouth far too long."

Anya nodded her agreement. "Guess so."

"Just stay here, Ok?" Buffy added. She turned her attention to the enormous sleeping pooch on the floor. "Pony?" The dog winked to life and trotted to her side, walking next to her to the door.

Buffy stood, knife slightly raised. "Who is it?" Her voice was determined. Strong. Pony scratched at the door with a soup plate sized paw and let out a very masculine "woof".

"Easy, Cujo. It's me. The Xanman cometh," Xander called from his spot on the porch. Buffy lowered the knife, stashing it in the coat rack and unlocked the door without a second thought.

"Oh, it's *you*!" She smiled, tossing her arms around Xander. "And... and Takina." Her eyebrow raised, but she dropped it as coincidence and hugged the doctor as well.

A sudden slap of horror followed by a wave of anxiety washed over Buffy as Xander crossed into the house. Anya. In the kitchen. Suddenly her heart raced and her stomach turned. Not good. Definitely *not* of the good.

"Maybe we should talk outside. It's such a pretty day," Buffy gushed trying to physically turn him back through the open door.

"Buffy, it's about a million degrees," Xander commented, turning back towards the house and brushing past her towards the living room. Oh God. Not the kitchen. Oh God. Her mind reeled. Luckily, he stopped next to the couch. "Have a seat, I have something to tell you." Xander winked over at the pretty doctor.

"Now... now isn't good," Buffy stuttered. She felt her body tense uncontrollably. "Maybe tonight."

"C'mon, Buff. Sit," Xander insisted, ushering her to the living room. Reluctantly, she sat on the couch, facing the kitchen entrance. At least then she'd have a warning.

"What... what is it?" Buffy asked, her face becoming pale.

"Let me get you some water," Takina offered, turning towards the kitchen.

"No!" Buffy panicked. Her back tore in pain and she winced. "No water." She calmed herself as Takina stopped, walking over to Buffy. "I'm fine," she reassured, smiling.

Takina nodded and Xander continued. "Buffy, I know I haven't been around much lately..."

No speech, Buffy thought. Please no speech. "It's OK, Xander."

"No. It's not." He sank to his knees in front of her. "Part of that is me being stupid. About Spike."

The words hit Buffy but she couldn't fully appreciate the apology because of the throbbing pain in her back and the thumping heart. Xander continued anyway.

"Part of it is because I'm seeing someone," he said sweetly.

Buffy snapped out of it and looked at him wide eyed. "What?"

"Takina, actually," he answered, standing up and wrapping his arms around the tall, dark haired woman.

Buffy sat in stunned silence a moment. Suddenly, a streak of fur caught her eye. "Pony!" She screamed as the giant dog raced out the still open door. Buffy struggled up as Takina darted towards the entry hall after him. Just as Buffy made it upright, a small voice came from the corner.

"Xander?"

Xander spun towards the voice. Towards the kitchen. Takina stopped dead, doorknob in her hand. Buffy's heart rate went through the roof and she gasped for air trying to think of how she could manage this.

"Anya?" Xander's voice was detached, confused. Full of relief and anger and hurt, all in the same instant.

Forgetting about the dog, Takina stepped back into the room, staring at the frightened looking blonde girl in the corner. Anya stood, arms crossed, eyes full of tears, staring back at them.

"Oh God," Buffy muttered, feeling weak. Afraid.

"Anya," Xander repeated quietly. "You... you died..."

Anya nodded. "I came back," she answered, her voice quaking, tears spilling from her eyes. Takina stared awkwardly between the two of them.

Xander swung his head towards Buffy. "You... you knew? You didn't tell me?"

"Xander, I..." Buffy started, knowing that there would be no reason good enough. No justification. Her head pounded and her body clenched around itself. "I just found out."

"When were you going to tell me, hunh?" Xander snapped. "Christmas? Easter?"

Buffy's mind froze. "She doesn't like bunnies, so Easter's out," she muttered. When in doubt, try to make a funny. Not good timing, Buff, she thought.

"Jokes, not so good," Xander hissed. Takina put a hand on his shoulder and she shrugged it off. "Buffy, how could you?" His face was tortured and guilt crashed into her, swimming around with fear and pain.

Suddenly, another knock came at the door. It had blown mostly closed in the slight breeze. Buffy struggled to control her body, her mind. "I need... I need to get the door."

Takina watched her, nagging concern in gnawing at the back of her mind as Buffy walked gingerly towards the door. She was in obvious pain, but Takina wasn't sure if it was stiffness or something else.

"Yes," Buffy whispered absently as she swung the door open.

His head was down, scratching the dog's ears. She couldn't see his face. "I found this fella running after a Yorkie down the block and his tag says..."

The Captain raised his head and looked at her. His eyes widened. It was Buffy. But she was... The part of him that was still human pleaded with his body to run, to leave her and her baby alone, but instead, a slow grin broke upon his face.

Buffy's face grew deathly pale, her body shuddering, pain coursing through her in waves. Her hand slapped over her parched lips and Takina noticed her trembling.

"Riley?" Buffy gasped as she fell to her knees on the floor.

To be contd.

Title: Lost Boy (Time - Chapter Seven)

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, who belongs to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set directly after Casualties of Love. Takina rushes to Buffy's aid, sending Xander to find Spike. But only Anya knows where he is and who he is with. Spike is told of Buffy's condition, but how does he react? Xander takes Spike to find Buffy.

Lost Boy

She only heard bits and pieces as she lay on the throw rug in front of the door. Somewhere between sweating and freezing. Asleep and awake. Her body spasmed in unending pain and the darkness came and went like a time lapsed photo.

"Xander, call an ambulance," Takina ordered.

"What happened?" Riley's voice. Why was he here? His voice was full of concern.

"Please back up," Takina snapped. Buffy felt the doctor moving around her shaking body. Her fingers touching Buffy's legs. "Oh God, there's blood." She was silent a beat. "Xander!"

"Got it," Xander called back and Buffy vaguely heard a distant phone conversation.

"I have field medical training," Riley said, dropping down to his knees next to her.

"Blankets. She's in shock," Takina ordered and the floor creaked as Riley got up and dashed up the stairs.

"What can I do?" A strained, timid voice. Shaking. Crying. Anya.

Takina looked up at her, face softening as she saw the fear in Anya's eyes. "Do you know where Spike is?" Takina asked softly. "Is Emma with him?"

Anya nodded. "Yes," she swallowed. "He has Emma."

"Can you get him?" Takina asked, trying to hard to be patient with the girl.

"I... I have no car," Anya whispered. "Is she going to be OK?"

Takina looked at her softly, her eyes growing sad. "She and the baby are in trouble. If we don't get her to the hospital and take him, they might not be OK. But she's going to be scared and she needs Spike. Will you go and get him?"

Anya nodded in response.

"Xander?" Takina called. He hung up the phone and jogged to the foyer.

"What can I do?" He stuttered nervously.

"Anya knows where Spike is. Please take her to him," Takina asked calmly. No time for petty disputes.

Xander looked at Anya, eyes full of hurt and anger. "Can't we just call?"

"Xander," Takina snapped, her eyes blazing. "Would you really want to hear that your wife may be losing your child over the phone?"

Buffy flinched, her eyes flickering. "Oh God. She's awake. She heard you," Xander gasped.

"Go. Now," Takina ordered. Buffy heard footsteps hurry out the door, then the world fell to black.

*****

Riley reappeared, two thick blankets in his arms. Takina grabbed them, wrapping one around Buffy and folding the other under her head.

"How do you know Buffy?" Takina asked, her tone suspicious. Something was wrong about the boy. Even more about Buffy's reaction to him.

"We were friends," Riley answered, hesitating. "We dated. In college."

Takina smiled, but the gesture did nothing to mask her annoyance. "Why are you here then?"

Riley looked at her, controlling his own demon. "Military. Stationed nearby. We didn't part on bad terms, so I dropped by to say hello," he answered smoothly. "I... I didn't know."

"She's taken now," Takina snapped, checking Buffy's pulse.

Riley poured on the charm. "No ma'am. Nothing like that. I'm married myself. Just old friends." He hesitated. "Who... I mean how...?" He nodded down at Buffy.

Takina looked at the man oddly, an eyebrow raised. "She's been with Spike for years now."

"Spike!" Riley yelped. "But he's a Vampire. How?"

"There is no time for this," Takina snarled. The sirens whizzed and whirled down the street. "You will have to talk to Spike about the rest."

"Do.. do they have other children?" Riley asked, cementing his mission parameters. The paramedics burst through the door, falling at Buffy's side. Takina moved up to Buffy's head, stroking her hair.

"A daughter. Emma. She's three. Now get out of the way." They loaded Buffy onto the stretcher and Takina explained the situation to the EMT's.

"Where.. where are you taking her?" Riley called after the paramedics as they hustled down the walk.

Takina was silent. Something felt off about him. Before she could get away, one of the paramedics called out "Sunnydale General."

*****

The car was silent as a crypt. Anya fidgeted, terrified. Scared for Buffy. Scared for herself. Xander was angry. Spike would be horribly upset. All she wanted to do was run and hide. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Not like this.

"Where do I go?" Xander asked, his voice cold as he stopped at a traffic light.

"Right," Anya responded, her voice barely audible above the drone of the engine. "Then a left on Cedar."

Xander turned, his wheels squealing. "Where are we going?"

"Giles. His apartment," Anya whispered.

"Giles?" Xander gasped, mouth agape. "He's back too? What's this? Everybody hide from Xander week?"

"It wasn't like that," Anya answered, her voice still quiet, but growing stronger with annoyance.

"What is it like then, Anya? Hunh?" His car slid as he made a sharp left onto Cedar. She begged silently to just be out of the car.

"Can we not do this now?" She pleaded. "Second building on the left after the telephone pole."

"When would be better, Anya? When we're a thousand? What's a better time?" Xander pulled into a parking space, jerking to a halt.

"How about when Buffy and her baby are not in trouble and when we don't have to walk up there and tell Spike? I think *anytime* is better that this," Anya snapped, jumping out of the car and onto the sidewalk.

Xander was dumbstruck. How? How did his priorities get so out of line at the very worst times? "Anya?" He stuttered, jumping from the car and jogging after her. "Wait. I'm sorry."

Anya paused, looking back at him. "Thank you. But can we get on with this? Buffy needs Spike now. Not when we're a thousand."

She swung open the lobby door and bolted up the stairs.

*****

Xander caught up to the girl as she pounded on the heavy wooden door. They hadn't had time to make a spare key yet. Giles had locked the flat tight while Emma was there. Anya thought her knuckles might bleed she pounded so hard.

The door swung open with a whoosh of air. "Anya?" Giles said, surprised and a bit irritated. The annoyance dissolved when he looked at her terrified, white face. She bit her lip like a child. "Anya, what is it? How did you get here?" His palm rose, cupping her cheek to comfort her.

"I brought her," Xander answered, stepping into Giles' line of sight. Studying the tenderness with which the Watcher handled the demon.

"Oh," Giles gasped, his hand dropping quickly to his side. "How did you...?"

"No time," Anya blurted, a rush of nervous energy taking over. "Where's Spike?"

As if on cue, Spike walked in from the kitchen, a glass of water in one hand. He caught sight of the party in the small entrance hall and froze, staring at Giles, Anya and Xander. "Everything alright?" He called down the short hallway.

"Spike!" Anya called. "You have to go. You have to come. Buffy..." Panic took over her voice, making her sentences full of breath and fear.

"What's wrong, Anya?" Giles asked patiently, his eyes full of concern. Spike began a tentative walk towards them, his heart sinking at the look on the demon's face.

"We were at the house and Xander came and...." Anya babbled, her thoughts spilling out of her mouth in no particular order.

"Buffy," Giles prodded gently, trying to steer her back on track. He put a hand on each of her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. Anya burst into tears as soon as he caught her gaze.

"She got upset or something and she... I don't know... she was on her knees and lying on the floor. There was blood..." Anya sobbed.

The room went deathly silent save for the sound of Anya's tears and the crash of Spike's water glass shattering as it hit the floor. It was almost like the world had moved to slow motion as Xander watched the pieces of the glass bounce up and spray like a water drops from a fountain. He watched Spike's body tense, his eyes growing wide and terrified, caught between fear and anger.

"Where is she?" He said very softly, but Xander watched Spike's hands clench. Unclench. Clench again. Controlling the demon. Cyrus appeared in the hallway, Emma clinging to his shoulders. Spike stared at his daughter, the fear growing like a virus in his blood.

Xander cleared his throat. "Ambulance. Sunnydale General. C'mon, I'll take you."

Spike nodded, his mind reeling, still staring at Emma. Cyrus watched his face. "Go. I'll bring her," her Watcher said softly.

Spike strode over to him, fishing his keys from his jeans pocket. "Car seat's in mine," Spike whispered, not sure what he should be thinking. He leaned down, kissing Emma's head. "It'll be alright, Mite," he whispered into her hair and moving away.

"Daddy!" She called after him, her eyes wide and fearful. How much could the girl understand?, he asked himself.

"See you in just a minute, baby," he answered, brushing his lips against her temple and running out the open door.

*****

Xander tore from the parking lot, his tires leaving thick, black marks on the pavement. Spike was silent, his jaw clenched, sitting on his hands if to force himself still. His eyes were wild, frightened.

"Spike, we just came over to visit and ..." Xander began softly.

"I don't *care* how," Spike hissed. "Not now. You can explain later. What.Happened.To.Her.?"

Xander tensed at the cold sound of Spike's voice. Anger. He swallowed. "There was a knock on the door. She walked over to answer. It looked like she was stiff or something. The door opened. She gasped," Xander paused, blinking, hesitating. "The next thing I saw, she was on her knees and her face was white. She fell on the floor. Takina and I ran to help her. There was... there was a lot of blood." He stopped, swallowing again, trying to be as matter of fact as he could.

Spike looked over at him, closing his eyes. Opening them. Staring. He nodded for Xander to go on.

"I called an ambulance. Anya brought me to you," he finished quietly.

Spike closed his eyes. "Was she awake when you left?" His eyes opened for the answer. Slowly, as if it hurt to lift his lids.

Xander shook his head. "Not really. In and out. But she didn't say anything."

"Was she in pain?" Spike asked, his voice wavering.

Xander wanted to lie. Wanted to plead the fifth. To just not answer. But he was certain it would just make it worse. "Yes," he answered softly.

Spike shook his head hard, his neck cracking. Xander was certain he saw a glint of gold flash across the Vampire's eyes. But Spike held on, biting the inside of his cheek and focusing on the road. "Takina was there?"

Xander nodded. "Yes." Guess this wasn't the time for happy news.

"Wha'd she say?" Spike asked, his voice betraying him.

Xander froze, remembering Takina's admonition about calling Spike. "Spike, please don't..., " Xander begged, clutching the wheel.

"What.Did.She.Say.?" Spike enunciated, his anger growing. Growing out of his helplessness.

Xander sighed, glancing at Spike then back at the yellow line flying past through the car windshield. "She might be losing the baby," Xander finally answered. "But Takina said that he was old enough now that if they could get her to the hospital in time..."

"If," Spike said softly. "My *world* on 'if'."

*****

Riley screeched to a halt in front of the safe house, barely stopping the car before jumping out the door. His feet pounded up the pavement, a high of sheer joy lighting his speed. "Sam?" He called, as he burst through the door.

"What, baby?" Sam responded, appearing in the hall. "Any luck? Was it her?"

Riley grinned broadly. "Yes, it was." His voice lowered, his manner returning to that of the ancient one. "And I think I have a plan."

"Did she see you?" Sam asked, sauntering towards him. Drawn to his power.

"That she did," he answered slyly.

"And you know how to occupy them?" She asked, her fingers clasping behind his neck.

"I do. But I will need your help," he answered, pressing close to her.

"Anything, baby," she breathed, her lips caressing his ear.

"Do you think you can shift at will now?" Riley asked, studying her face. Before his eyes, she became old, young, short, tall, beautiful, heinous, all in the blink of an eye. "Good," he purred in her ear. "And the spells?"

"All in here," she whispered, tapping her temple, her tongue tracing the lines around his lips.

Suddenly, he became still, pulling away. "Then it's time we go."

"Where?" She asked, looking up at him. Eye serious and determined.

"Sunnydale General," he answered. "I'll fill you in on the way."

*****

Spike burst through the double doors of the hospital, nearly tearing both from their hinges. His stride was quick and determined. At first glance, it looked a lot like anger, but as Xander followed, he felt it come off Spike in waves. Fear. Something Xander knew a lot about. Probably his closest friend over the past, oh, lifetime.

The Vampire strode to the desk, slamming his hands down. The clerk looked up with a sharp jerk, about to say something smart. One look at Spike's face caused her mouth to snap shut. Xander witnessed the exchange and jogged over to the counter.

"We're looking for Buffy Summers. She came maybe twenty minutes ago in an ambulance," Xander stuttered, his eyes nervous.

"What sort of injury?" The nurse asked in that nasal, industrial voice.

"She's pregnant," Xander responded. "And there was.. a problem."

The nurse looked down and typed at a keyboard. "I'm sorry, I'm not finding a Buffy Summers..."

"Look a-bloody-gain," Spike snapped, his hand ripping formica from the painted countertop. The nurse jumped, looking back down at her keyboard.

"Summers," she muttered, typing furiously. "No, I don't..."

"Windsor," Spike sighed, closing his eyes, trying to control every emotion that boiled in his veins. "Try Windsor."

The nurse typed again, and then breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Third floor. Maternity," she said, smiling nervously at the men.

Spike banged the counter with his fist and tore off towards the stairs, Xander at his heels.

*****

The doors of the third floor ward flew open as Spike blew into the waiting area like a peroxide tornado. Xander was still on the landing as Spike was reaching yet another counter. Another roadblock.

"Buffy Windsor," Spike snapped at the nurse in blue scrubs behind a thin sheet of hard plastic. The nurse studied a ledger in front of her. Spike's impatience grew with ever second that ticked by.

"They're prepping her," the nurse answered, looking up. Xander jogged through the doorway, making his way over to the counter.

"Prepping her for what?" Spike hissed between clenched teeth, trying to control his temper. The fear coursed through him like white fire in his veins.

The nurse looked at him closely. "And may I ask who you are?"

Xander's eyes flew open feeling Spike reach the snapping point. Against his better judgment, he grabbed Spike's shoulder. Xander hesitated, waiting for Spike to swing, but instead, the Vampire backed away, seeming to deflate as if the air had been let out of his lungs.

The nurse waited for the answer, but Spike just stared at her with tired and defeated eyes. "I'm Xander Harris," Xander interrupted, looking at the nurse and steeping slightly in front of Spike. "He's William Windsor."

"The child's father?" The nurse questioned, her tone becoming softer.

Xander looked over at the Vampire. "Buffy's... yeah. The baby's father."

Spike tuned out the conversation, closing his eyes. Reaching out to her. Trying to feel her anywhere. He could sense her nearby, but all he could feel was a hazy numbness. Like a boring acid trip or smoke blown against glass.

"... surgery," the nurse concluded.

Spike's eyes blinked open. "What?" He asked, shaking his head clear. The nurse looked at him, compassion replacing her former, suspicious glare.

"She's being prepped for surgery," the nurse repeated slowly.

"For what? What kind?" Xander stuttered, one eye on the nurse, the other trained on Spike. The nurse hesitated.

"I need a doctor to explain this," she whispered, looking away.

Spike approached the counter. His blue eyes flashed, but were heavy and wet with tears waiting to spill. "I need to see her. Need to be there."

The nurse broke, almost crying at the sight of the desperate expression on his face. "Her hand laid over his and he looked at her. "You can't. I'm sorry."

"Please," Spike begged. "Please let me go to her."

Xander turned away, partially because he didn't want Spike to know that he saw his tears. Let the man have his dignity. And partially because Xander could feel his body shudder and begin to sob.

The nurse looked tortured. "It's too late," she whispered. "She's already under and it'll just put them in more danger waiting to proceed."

Danger. A word Spike could understand even in the state he was in. He nodded, backing away from the counter. Xander faced the nurse. "Can someone tell us something?" The boy asked.

The nurse nodded. "I'll see if a doctor can come out and talk to you. Just give me a minute."

With that, she disappeared down the corridor, leaving the men alone.

*****

Spike sat in a chair in a corner at the far end of the room. He'd tried to just stare at the sterile, green walls, but they were making his head throb. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees; hands clasped in front of him and began to count the tiles on the floor. It felt like hours he had been sitting there. Furtively, he glanced at the clock. It'd been five minutes.

A door opened next to the nurse's window. Spike looked up at the feel of the air moving against the heavy metal door. Xander was sitting three chairs closer to the counter, hunched in much the same manner, head bobbing up at the sound.

Takina appeared, dressed in slate blue scrubs, a surgical cap on her head. She pulled the cap off, letting her near black hair tumble down over her shoulders in shiny waves. Spike tried to stand, but his legs were weak. Wobbly, like a newborn colt.

There was no demon to fight, no journey to take to save her. Just waiting.

Xander looked at Takina, reading her face, and then looked away from them both. The doctor walked softly, gracefully, across the room and sat in an empty seat next to Spike.

He cleared his throat. "How. How is she?"

"She's in surgery," Takina answered, the physician in her taking over. Quiet, comforting, brutal honesty.

"What happened... to her?" His voice wavered. To Takina, he sounded like a child. A scared one at that.

"I could explain a lot of medical terms, Spike, but basically, her body's stress level raised, her blood pressure went up, until ... she tried to shut herself down to protect the child, but not in time. Something inside of her ruptured. Broke. And she couldn't carry the child any longer," Takina answered, simplifying the matter as much as she could.

Spike swallowed, his eyes closing, and then reopening into deep, dewy blue. "Will she be alright?"

Takina put a hand on his forearm and he swallowed back tears. "It's quite serious, Spike. But we expect she *will* recover as we got her here very quickly."

Spike caught her eyes. He flashed both torture and relief across his face in the same instant. It took her off guard. "What about our son?" His voice quaked, sounding no stronger than a branch blowing in the wind.

Takina looked away, finding Xander's gaze. Drawing strength. She took a deep breath and turned back to Spike. "They are taking him from her. Right now. His heartbeat is weak and... Spike, we don't know."

His heart sank into his stomach and he could feel the bile rise in his throat as if he might be sick where he sat. Slowly, he closed his eyes, a gesture in and of itself, full of torturous, pained, beauty, and bit the inside of his cheek. Distracting himself.

If William died, here, today, Takina was dead wrong. Buffy would never recover. *He* would never recover. Part of them would die here with him.

"Does she know what is happening?" His voice was quiet, but strong. Have to be strong. At least that is what he told himself.

Takina shook her head. "She was unconscious when we brought her here."

Spike looked away, breathing. Just breathing. Then turned slowly back to the doctor. "I should tell her."

Takina wanted to argue the point, to tell him it was best to let them explain, but Spike's eyes begged her not to fight. "Alright. Once she's awake and stable, I'll come to get you."

She stood to leave. Spike grabbed her hand, and she turned back to him. In the instant she had faced away, her eyes had filled with tears as if it was then alright to be a person and not a doctor. "What are his chances? Honestly?" The child's voice was back, full of all of the fear of all of the monsters under the bed that ever were.

Takina glanced at Xander, then back at Spike. "I don't know. We won't know until it's over. We'll just have to wait, and see, and pray."

To be contd.

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