Good evening, All:)

Barely making this one! Whew :::Nim wipes brow:::: But here it is. Chapter Eight of Time. Please enjoy. I have a feeling this one might elicit a tear or two, but there is a little relief in site before I whap you over the head with the angst paddle again!

Please let me know what you think!

*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: One Tiny Moment (Time - Chapter Eight)

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 Lost Boy. Spike and Xander are joined by the rest of the group, but even their strength cannot defeat the pain of waiting. Riley and Sam arrive at Sunnydale General, but comfort is not their mission. Takina delivers news to the crew, and Spike is granted one tiny moment of peace.



One Tiny Moment.

The doors to the waiting room opened with a whooshing of air. Giles came through, Cyrus and Anya at his heels. Anya was carrying Emma. Why? Why did they bring her here?, Spike asked himself. Because there is nowhere else for her to go.

They stopped, taking in the scene. Spike was curled in the chair, knees drawn to his chest, staring blankly at them. Through them. Xander sat a few chairs away, alternating between watching Spike and the grey-green tiles on the floor. The boy glanced at the new arrivals and then back at Spike.

"I'll talk to them," Xander said softly. Spike nodded, never looking away, afraid that if he moved, if he spoke, all hell would break loose inside of him.

As Xander walked towards them, Anya moved away. At first, it looked as if she was just avoiding confrontation, but something else flashed across her face as she walked towards Spike. What was it? Compassion? Mercy?

She sat silently in the chair next to him, Emma clinging around her neck, staring with startled little eyes at her father. Spike swallowed, forcing himself to turn to them. To look at them.

He felt the hot tears burning behind his eyes. Anya shook her head softly, nodding at Emma. "Why don't you take her a while?" She whispered, loosing the toddler from her arms and shifting her towards Spike.

Spike stared at Emma in her little orange pants and her white sunflower shirt. It was her favourite. "I... I can't," he answered, the dam almost breaking. His voice hitched as he spoke. "She can't see... She can't know..."

Anya stood, moving in front of the Vampire. Slowly, she lowered Emma onto his lap and clasped his hands behind the little girls' back, then sat back down next to him. "Spike, you have to be strong," Anya whispered, watching him watch her. "*She* needs you to be strong. So will Buffy. So will William."

Spike looked at her, then back at Emma. Quietly, he chuckled. "Who will be strong for me?" A tear escaped his eye and Emma reached out, putting her plump little palm on his cheek.

"We will," Anya answered. "But *they* need you, Spike. Alright?" She was right. And wise. Maybe the opposite of Vengeance was as natural to her as her art. Or maybe she'd become more human along the way.

Spike nodded, taking a deep breath and pulling Emma against his chest. As soon as her face rested against his shirt, she began to cry. Soft, quiet tears, as if she felt all the pain and loss as well, but was waiting for it to be alright to hurt. To know she was safe.

He held her against him, stroking her pretty blonde hair. "S'alright, Mite. Everything'll be right as rain." Softly, he kissed the top of her head and murmured into her hair.

Anya watched, trying not to cry. Failing. Wanting to go back to last night where it was all beautiful and made sense. Pain was the one part of humanity that she didn't care for. But it was also the very thing that made beauty and pleasure stand out all the more.

"Spike?" Xander stood a few feet in front of him. Spike looked up from his daughter and caught the boy's gaze. "I'm going to go find Willow and Tara. They would want..."

"They should be here," Spike completed, his voice gaining strength. "Could you ask them if they'd track down Dawn? She's either at the University or her friend Janice's house."

"Yeah," Xander said, nodding. "You going to be OK?"

Spike adjusted Emma in his lap. She looked up at him with wet, tired eyes. "I'll have to be," he answered.

Xander nodded, glancing softly at Anya, then turned for the door.

*****

The black jeep shuddered to a halt near the emergency room entrance. Riley looked over at Sam and smiled. "You ready for this?" His teeth gleamed an almost unearthly white as the grin grew broader.

"I'm not the one that has to walk into the lion's den. I doubt they'll he happy to see you," Sam responded, twisting her hair into a loose bun.

"I can handle myself," Riley answered. "Just don't take too much time on your end."

"Little scared there, Finn?" She joked, punching his knee playfully.

His face changed suddenly and he growled. "Don't call me that, Witch." He hissed. "I may look like him now, but I am *not* that pathetic waste of air."

Sam sighed, unphased by the outburst. She'd been dealing with this since the First. "You will have to call yourself *something* around these people. I'd imagine the name that matches the face might be your best bet."

Riley stared at her stone faced for just a moment, and then grinned again. "Shall we?" With a click, he opened the jeep door, slamming it shut behind him and rounding the car to let Sam out like a gentleman. Together, they disappeared through the ambulance bay doors.

*****

Spike paced nervously, prowling the perimeter of the room like a twitchy jungle cat. Emma had cried herself to sleep and was curled up on his chair with a blanket wrapped around her. Spike's eyes never left the girl. Watching her breathe. Studying her little movements. With those big blue eyes closed, she was a tiny Buffy. Everything about her was like her mum. The cute nose. The tumble of wavy blonde hair. The golden skin. Even the smell of vanilla. A tiny, beautiful girl, and like her mum, she was his. Or more correctly, he was hers.

Giles and Cyrus spoke quietly in the corner, watching Spike pace. Watching Emma sleep. Anya was folded in a chair, legs tucked under her, head resting on Giles' shoulder. He stroked her hair absently as he talked. Spike wondered if he did that. Touched Buffy without even knowing he was doing it. Probably. He touched her as much as he could.

The doors from the outer hall swung open again. Xander came in, Willow and Tara in tow. They looked at Spike softly. Like he was dying and they didn't know what to say. Part of him was. Part of him didn't know what to say. Before the door glided shut again, she appeared. Her face was lost, her eyes huge and scared. Spike stopped pacing, turning towards her.

"Niblet?"

As if on cue, the dam broke and her eyes began to rain heavy teardrops. She half ran, half stumbled at him, latching her arms desperately around his neck. Spike felt his own tears start again. What Emma could not understand, Dawn could. He felt safe for a moment. Safe enough to feel.

"Is she OK?" Dawn whispered, never moving away.

Spike swallowed. "Dunno, Nib."

"How long has it been?" She asked, her shaky breath on his neck. Spike turned his head, glancing at the clock. "Bit over two hours," he answered, the tears still flowing against her dark hair.

Dawn backed away, putting her hands on his shoulders. "She'll be OK."

"Pet," he hitched, "What if she's not?"

"She will be," Dawn answered, her tears still rolling down her childlike cheeks. Spike nodded at her, pulling himself back together. "She's stubborn."

Spike chuckled. "That she is."

"Can you feel her?" Dawn asked. Spike closed his eyes, concentrating. Inhaling a breath.

"She's here," he answered, a little relief creeping into his tone. "But I can't... I can't tell..."

"About William?" Dawn asked, backing him towards the chair next to Emma. He sat as the wood hit the backs of his calves. She knelt in front of him. Softly, he nodded his response.

"We'll know soon," Dawn sighed, climbing into the chair on the other side from Emma. She let her head loll against Spike's shoulder. He looked over at his daughter curled next to him. He was absently stroking her hair.

*****

The clock ticked

Three hours, twenty-seven minutes.

A lifetime.

A door opened next to the desk.

Nine heads wearily rose to the sound. They were all exhausted, huddled like emotional refugees. How does one get tired from sitting?, Spike thought randomly.

Takina strode through the door, freshly pressed and clean. She changed her scrubs, Spike noticed. The earlier set smelled of blood. Buffy's blood. These smelled of industrial detergent and shampoo.

Slowly, Spike rose from the chair. He felt old in that moment. Decrepit. Dawn scooted over next to Emma, pulling the toddler into her lap. For who's comfort, neither was sure. Takina's walk was steady, slow, silent, measured.

She stopped a few feet from Spike. Her eyes met his in a torrent of midnight blue meeting sapphire. A stand off. Neither wanted to start. Neither was sure where the beginning had run off to.

Spike cleared his throat. "How is she?" He thought it came out quiet evenly, considering he felt as if his insides had been ripped to shreds.

A slow grin moved across Takina's face like the sun moving through the sky. "She's still under, but she is in recovery. She looks good, Spike. I think that physically, she will be just fine."

The room seemed to sigh with relief. If it hadn't, it was certain that all nine occupants had done it in the room's stead. The relief was short lived.

Spike's back stiffened and he drew in a deep breath through his nostrils. "The baby?"

Takina hesitated a beat and the room held its breath. "He's premature," she began. "So, he's going to need some help. His lungs have not finished developing and he will need a feeding tube for a while."

Spike stood stock still. Waiting. Listening. Terrified.

"But, he's stronger than any of us expected. It's early, but it looks to me like he'll be out of here in no time flat."

The muscles of Spike's shoulders loosened to jelly and he slouched where he stood. A veil lifted from the room as if darkness had turned to day. "Can I see her?"

"Not yet," Takina answered softly. "The nurses have to get her cleaned up and settled."

"Need to be there when she wakes up," Spike retorted. "She'll be frightened alone."

Takina laid a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be a while yet." She watched frustration play at the corners of his eyes. The twitch of his mouth as he held his cheek between his teeth. She smiled. "But if you'd like, I can take you to see your son."

Spike looked at her, his eyes so endlessly blue. "You..."

"He's in an incubator and he looks a bit worse for wear, but he's doing well," she commented, her slow grin returning.

The Vampire glanced over at Dawn and Emma, then back to Takina. "Shouldn't.." he began, not knowing what to say. "Shouldn't Buffy be the first...:"

"I don't think she'd mind," Takina reassured him.

"Spike, Go!" Dawn prodded, Emma still cuddled in her lap. Spike watched the girls a moment, and then turned to Takina. Slowly, he nodded.

*****

Over a century of existence could not prepare him for one tiny moment in time.

He had refused to be the first to hold the child. That was for Buffy and that he wouldn't take away.

Takina had lead him into a space full of small plastic cubes, most of them empty, clear tubes and wires and lights everywhere. She was walking towards the back of the room. The setting was surreal. Like a science fiction movie.

Behind the cubes and tubing were walls painted cheerful pinks and blues. Stuffed animals were perched in silent watch on stools. For a moment, Spike thought of Mr.. Gordo. The pig still sat on a chair underneath their bedroom window. He'd wondered when she'd gotten him. Was she this small?

Takina stopped short of the rear wall, turning a sharp corner. She stood still. He wondered why they had stopped moving. But he joined her and lifted his eyes from the pink elephants and blue bears.

A gasp caught in his throat.

Nothing that little had ever looked at him with such enormous, bright eyes. The colour of the sky in the summer, they pierced Spike's heart. Big, dancing eyes. Wondrous, perfect blue. He was wrapped tight in a blanket, but his arms and legs strained against the fabric, squirming to be free. A tiny body. A tiny, perfect face. *His* face a hundred years ago. What his mum must have looked upon when she first had held him.

Except, Spike thought, I couldn't have been as beautiful.

Spike stepped forward, crouching eye level with the cubicle, pressing his hand to the glass. The boy strained towards him, tiny lips sucking at the air. Tiny nose sniffing. What must the world smell like when you first step into it?, Spike thought.

A hand touched his shoulder and he turned his face from his son. Takina stood above him, smiling broadly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He's a good looking boy, " she said softly.

Spike turned back to the glass, suddenly desperately wanting to touch. To hold him. To feel that soft skin and smell that clean smell. He closed his eyes, imagining it. It wasn't until he opened them that he realized he was weeping.

There was a little sign on the corner of the glass. Balloons. But someone had drawn a face on the yellow one. The face had little fangs. Spike chuckled soundlessly, his fingers tracing the letters.

William Windsor II.

His son.

Him.

Takina touched his arm again. "Are you sure you won't hold him?"

Spike stood, straightening himself, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand. "I... I would love to. But it needs to be Buffy. She deserves that."

Takina nodded. "She should be waking up soon. Do you want to go?"

Spike looked back at the child, his breath catching in his throat.

"You can stay here. I can talk to her," the doctor said softly, watching him study his son.

"No, no," Spike corrected, turning back to her. "I need to be there. I want to let her know it's alright."

"It *is* alright," Takina repeated.

Spike nodded, swallowing. "When can she see him?"

"As soon as we're sure she's stable," Takina answered. "And as soon as he's been fed."

Spike nodded again, tears starting to build for reasons he couldn't fathom. Was there even this much water in a Vampire's body? "Can you please take me to her?" His voice wavered, trembling.

"Of course," she answered, her face soft.

Before he turned, he kissed his palm, touching it to the glass. "Until we meet again, my son."

*****

Riley ducked back behind the cover of the wall as the doctor and the Vampire came out of the ward. Sam waited behind him, catching his gaze as he swung himself out of the line of sight of the doorway.

"She's the target," Riley stated.

Sam peeked around the corner. "Who? Tall, dark and luscious?"

"Stay focused," Riley snapped. "It looks as she has a relationship with Spike and Buffy. She has access to their daughter, their house..."

"Well, won't it be obvious if suddenly there are two of her?" Sam demanded, glaring back at the insufferable man.

"Use your head. Dispose of the good doctor and take her place. They'll be too worried about Buffy and the new rug rat to notice," Riley commented.

Sam grinned, her face devious. "You're wicked."

He pulled her hard against him. "And so good at it," he growled, and then pushed her away, resuming the fresh faced farm boy demeanor. "Who'd a thunk it?"

Sam giggled. "I can buy it."

Riley became serious a moment. "Work fast, my Witch. You'll have to be sure it will distract them to the point of carelessness. I need to be able to get the girl away from them without them noticing. But you'll have to be free in time to take her."

"Have I ever let you down, Finn?" Sam chirped, punching his shoulder.

"No," he answered. "And don't start now."

To be contd.

Title: While You Were Sleeping (Time - Chapter Nine)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

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

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

Summary: Set directly after One Tiny Moment. Spike tells Buffy what happened while she was sleeping. But how will she react. Also, Emma questions her father about her place in their family Takina delivers a surprise to Buffy while she visits with Spike and Emma.

While You Were Sleeping

Spike stood outside of her room, breathing. In. Out. In. Out. She didn't know. She had no idea of any of this beyond collapsing at the house. Buffy had fallen asleep in pain, but with her child safely inside of her. When she wakes up, he'll be gone. Frightened. She'll be afraid.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather..." Takina began, watching him muster up the courage to walk through the door.

"No." His voice was definitive. "Should be me. 'Sides, she's the Slayer. You want to face her when she's afraid and brassed off?"

Takina chuckled, gesturing at the door. "Have at it."

Spike smiled at her. He liked the girl. Honest. Forthright. "Hope you can teach Harris some manners," he quipped, watching Takina's face blank.

"How...how did you...?"

"Oh, please," Spike groaned. "I'd recognize the longing looks and furtive glances a block off."

She blushed her response. "He knows. That I.."

"That you're a demon?" Spike said. "You can say it. Not a dirty word. Not really, at least."

"Yeah," she answered, looking at the door, then back at Spike.

"And he stayed?" His face showed his genuine surprise.

"That he did," Takina answered, blushing again.

Spike reached for the door handle. "And here I thought you'd only worked one miracle today."

*****

Buffy's head lolled restlessly back and forth as Spike entered the room. He walked to her bed, forgoing the chair and slipping softly onto the edge. She looked so tiny under all of those blankets. Not some larger than life superhero. Just Buffy.

Ha, he laughed to himself. That's like saying 'Just Sunshine'.

Buffy moaned, her face contorting in a grimace and her head still shaking as if some nasty haunted her sleep. Slowly, he leaned forward, cupping her cheek in his palm. She stilled, quieting, eyelids flickering but not quite opening to him.

"Buffy? Love?" Spike whispered, kissing her forehead tenderly. He felt her relax, and then begin to swim her way to the surface.

"Spike?" She moaned, groggy from the anesthesia, but at least coherent.

"Right here, Pet," he answered, his thumb skimming over her cheek. "Always here."

Buffy's eyes opened and she smiled. "Hey."

"Hello," he answered, returning her grin and backing up enough to study her face. The loss of contact made them both shudder. He found her hand and let his thumb trace the contours of her palm.

"Where am I?" Buffy asked, trying to focus her hazy green eyes.

"Hospital," he answered. "Can't tell by the lovely vomit green walls?" Spike smiled down at her again, watching her struggle back to the harsh light of day.

She crinkled her nose. "Oh God. No vomit talk," she whimpered, chuckling. Instinctively, her hand went over her stomach as her nose crinkled at the thought.

Spike stopped, steeling himself, watching her face change. Suddenly, she went from blissfully, if nauseatingly, unaware to absolute, alert horror. His grip on her hand tightened as reality came crashing down on her and confusion played around her eyes and the corners of her mouth. The confusion soon replaced by despair.

"Buffy, Love, it's all right," Spike began, his voice both nervous and soothing in the same instant.

"What happened?" She was trembling, panicky.

"Shh, Love," he whispered, leaning forward again, stroking her hair. "Everything's fine."

Buffy planted a palm in his chest and shoved him away. He rocked back and steadied, looking down at her horrified face. "Everything's *not* fine. What happened to my baby? Where is he? What.." The anger was melting faster than she could produce it. "What did I do?" Her voice was quaking, almost inaudible. Tears began to roll in silver rivers down her cheeks.

Oh God, Spike thought. She thinks... "Buffy," he soothed, managing to stretch himself out next to her on the bed. He took her shaking arms and tucked them against her sides, and then pulled her tightly against him. The tears rained down as if the world had suddenly ceased to be.

"Spike," she wailed between her sobs.

"Shh, Pet," he whispered, kissing salty tears from her cheeks. "Everything's fine. You're fine. Baby is fine."

Buffy stopped, craning her head towards him, nose to nose on the pillow. "He... he's alive?"

Spike brushed her hair from her face; letting his lips touch hers as softly as butterfly wings. "He's doing well," Spike answered. "Wee thing, but he's perfect."

Her smile was more beautiful to him than any sunrise in all of history. "You've seen him?"

Spike nodded, his nose touching hers as he moved. "That I have, Pet. But I... I didn't hold him. Thought you should be the one."

Buffy leaned forward, pressing her lips hard against his. "Really? He's okay?" Her mouth stayed on his and he could feel her breath blow against his tongue.

"Love, he's beautiful," Spike answered. "Or should I say handsome?"

Buffy giggled against his soft lips. "You.. You didn't hold him?"

Spike shook his head slowly. "S'for you, Pet. You took the beating. You should be the first."

"When... when can I see him?"

"Soon as you're checked out. Bit of a close call. No time, I'm sure. Promise," Spike answered, feeling her heart slowing its frantic pace against him.

The tears rained down her cheeks again, but this time they weren't filled with horror and despair. "I love you, Spike," she whispered, brushing his lips again.

"Always, Pet," he answered, his hand on the back of her head, pulling her face closer into his.

"Everyday." Her voice was music in the darkness of life. She melted against him, hands touching, lips, foreheads, minds, hearts. Of two beings, there is but one soul.

*****

The waiting room had become a completely different place when Spike came back to it from the inside. The surgeon had returned to check on Buffy and had asked for privacy. Spike had to chuckle at that. Surgeon was a smart bloke. Must have had some concept of what they'd done to get her in this mess to start with. There wasn't a part of Buffy he hadn't experienced with all five senses, and a spare. That, he'd made sure of.

But he left her and returned to the rest of the entourage. Takina must have beaten him to the punch, as the mood was that of a birthday party rather than a funeral. In reality, that is what it was. A birthday.

Xander had ordered a pizza. Dawn was yapping on a pay phone. Giles and Anya spoke lovingly in a corner. Willow and Cyrus were chatting and laughing about something probably so intellectual that no one else in the room would have found it intelligible, much less amusing. And Tara was stretched out on a blanket on the floor playing with several stuffed toys and a giggling Emma.

"So, I suppose you've all been told," Spike's voice boomed as he walked into the room, trying to conceal his own pride and pleasure.

All voices stopped. Dawn's abruptly hung up the phone and she stood, looking at the man who'd come to be like her brother. A smile broke over her face. One of those contagious numbers with lots of teeth and dimples.

"YAY!" She squealed, running at Spike and nearly tackling him to the tile. "Yay! Yay! Yay!" Spike had to laugh as she jumped in place while her arms strangled his neck.

"Easy, Niblet," he chuckled, grabbing her forearms before she popped his head clean off.

"She's awake?" Giles asked, a relieved little smile playing over his lips. Spike nodded over Dawn's bouncing head.

"Alright, then?" Cyrus asked.

"Have a bruise on my chest. She must be feeling fairly well," Spike joked, rubbing the spot where Buffy had shoved him.

"Can we go see the baby now?" Dawn babbled, hopping a step back to face him.

Spike looked at her with perfect blue eyes. "Think we should let your sis have her moment first, don't you? Mean, she didn't quite get the hugs and puppies this go round."

Dawn looked faintly disappointed, but her smile returned all the same. "Alright," she whined.

"So, how does he look, Spike?" Tara asked from her spot on the floor.

"Tiny," Spike responded. "Handsome chap. Must take after his dad."

Xander groaned, his mouth full of pizza. "Spike, you're using up all your Be-Nice-to-Spike points in like a ten second span."

"Give him a break," Willow defended, grinning up at the Vampire.

"Why thank you, Red," Spike chirped, his smile now inescapable.

"Besides, he is kind of hot," Tara directed at Xander, nudging Willow's foot. Spike smirked at her sarcasm, dropping down on the floor next to the girls.

"How's my first baby?" He asked, looking over at Emma.

"Hi, Daddy," she answered smiling. That smile could melt glaciers, Spike thought. "Mommy and Will'em right rain."

Tara giggled. "Teaching her Brit-speak already?"

Spike smirked again. "S'right, Mite. You understand you aren't the only baby now, do you?"

"I'm the big girl," Emma said, somewhat indignantly, planting little hands on her hips like a miniature Buffy. Spike had to chuckle.

"That you are, Pet," Spike agreed, scooping her up.

She looked at him, studying his face as if she were older than time itself. "Will you and Mommy still love me?"

Spike blinked at her, eyes wide with shock. The room quieted, waiting. Spike stood up, balancing her on his hip, and brushed the wild blonde tumble of locks from her face. "Of course," he answered, loud enough for the rest to hear. "You'll always be my girl," he continued into her ear.

Emma giggled, her eyes as bright as stars. "Daddy's girl."

Oh, here we go, Spike thought. Another one winding me round their finger. "I will love you Always, Mite," Spike told her, watching her pretty face dance and light up the room.

Then she shocked him, going for the emotional jugular. "Everyday, Daddy?"

He smiled. Emma paid better attention than they knew. Would definitely have to watch what was said in more uninhibited moments in the room next to hers.

"Everyday, Mite," he agreed, kissing the tip of her nose.

*****

"Spike?" Takina's voice chimed from the doorway.

He was stretched out on the floor next to Tara, indulging Emma's fascinating game of something involving the deluge of stuffed toys the hospital staff had brought to her. "Yeah?" he asked, looking up. Takina giggled. He was holding a plush pig in his right hand and a stethoscope in his left. "Wha?" He asked her, shaking his head.

"Oh, nothing," Takina chuckled. "Just never seen a Vampire playing doctor with a stuffed pig, a toddler and the Good Witch."

Tara smiled, looking over at Spike and laughing. "You do look funny," she contributed.

Spike rose to his feet, dusting himself off indignantly. "Man's gotta make concessions," he lectured. "For the good of the tot and all."

"I think it's sweet," Takina cooed.

"Very cute," Tara agreed, baiting him further.

Spike stiffened, feeling his manliness at issue. "Sod off! Not cute. Manly." He looked at the stuffed pig in his hand and tossed it down onto the floor with disgust.

"Quite," Takina joked, broad grin on her face. "Anyway, Buffy's asking for you."

Spike became serious, tensing as if ready to attack. "She alright?"

"Fine. Restless," Takina answered. "Might do her some good to have a bit of company."

Spike walked towards her and then stopped, looking back to the group in the waiting room. "You think it's be alright if I took Emma with me?"

The doctor smiled. "Yeah," she answered. "But no more than two at a time. Besides," she whispered, "Think Emma might want to meet her brother."

Spike looked at her, his head tilting. "He's up here?"

"I'm off to get him now," Takina said quietly. "Haven't told her though. I thought she could use a pleasant surprise for once."

A look of relief and of joy crossed Spike's face. "Thank you. Think she'd love that."

"Grab Emma and head back. Be back in a few," Takina said, patting him on the shoulder. Spike walked back to the spot on the floor, scooping the little girl from the blanket she had been playing on.

"Ready to see your Mum?" Spike asked, pulling her shirt down and tucking her against his side.

"Mommy!" The little girl cheered, clapping. Spike chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"Say goodbye to Tara," Spike whispered in Emma's ear.

Emma looked down at the woman stretched on the floor, gathering herself and becoming very serious. "Terribly sorry. Have to go see my Mummy." Spike looked at Emma, shocked, an eyebrow raised in her direction.

"Quite alright," Tara answered in her best Queen of England voice. "I'll keep them company." The grin played along Tara's lips as she tried to be serious for Emma's sake.

"Thank you," the little girl answered, her voice stately and clear. She looked up at Spike. "Daddy?"

"Oh," Spike chuckled. "Of course. Your chariot awaits, Princess."

*****

Spike pushed the door open with his free hand, hanging onto the squirming tot with the other. Buffy was propped up now, looking restlessly about the room like she might explode if something didn't serve to distract her.

"Mommy!" Emma shouted, struggling towards the bed, nearly squirming out of Spike's grip. He managed to settle the girl over the edge of the bed before she broke free, scampering up the blankets to throw her arms around Buffy.

"Think somebody missed you a bit, Pet," Spike joked, leaning down to kiss Buffy's forehead.

"Hey there, baby girl," Buffy cooed, peppering Emma's face with kisses.

"I'm the big girl now," Emma retorted in her best 'Didn't-you-hear?' tone. Buffy glanced up at Spike.

He shrugged. "She's a bit chatty today."

"I see," Buffy commented. "Yes, you're the big girl." She agreed.

"But Daddy said you'd love me always," Emma continued in the lilting, child voice.

Buffy smiled. "Well, he's right." She leaned in and whispered in the girl's ear. "He's right about a lot of things, but don't tell him."

Spike smirked down at her as Emma giggled wildly, telling stories to her mother about her vast experiences in the waiting room, including Daddy and the pig. Buffy nodded intently, trying to hold back laughter, shooting Spike glances every so often that made her eyes dance and shine like emeralds in sunlight. They were beautiful, Spike thought. Perfect. His girls. Always.

Emma finally settled and curled herself between her mother's arm and side, lying nearly still and toying with Buffy's hair. A knock came at the door.

"Up for another visitor?" Takina called in.

Buffy looked over at Spike who was sitting on the edge of the bed, running his fingers over her calves and making the world melt away. "Think we're having a little family time," Buffy called back.

"Might be room for another, Pet," Spike commented, his hands tracing the soft undersides of her knees, then skimming to her ankles in lazy circuits.

Buffy sighed. "Sure," she finally called out. "The more the merrier."

The sound of wheels squeaking against the floor and several sets of shoes made Buffy crane her head towards the door. Sitting up was still too painful. A group of nurses wheeled in something she couldn't see, but Spike never even turned his head to look. Just watched her. Waiting.

Takina was blocking the cart and she turned, back to Buffy, leaning over. When she faced Buffy again, she held a tiny blue bundle, complete with pink face barely showing from one end.

A breath caught in Buffy's throat as she studied the scene a moment, trying to come to grips with it all. Trying to fathom that what the doctor held in her arms had been the same little boy that had been inside of her just a few hours ago. The same soul that had cared for her in the In Between. The tiny beautiful creature was her son. Theirs.

Tears started fresh, her pretty eyes wide in wonder. Emma watched nearly as intently, cuddling into the crook of Buffy's arm. "Will'em?" The little girl whispered.

"S'right, Mite," Spike said softly, moving up next to her. Buffy's hand fumbled for his and he grabbed it, feeling her tremble.

"Can... can I?" Buffy stuttered, reaching towards the boy.

"Of course," Takina whispered, carefully bringing the baby to Buffy. Slowly, she settled the boy in Buffy's arms and stepped back. "I'll give you a few minutes," she warned Spike. "He shouldn't be out too long, alright?"

Spike looked at the doctor, nodding, his own eyes wet from watching Buffy. The nurses and Takina left without another sound.

Gently, Spike disentangled Emma, freeing Buffy, and laid down next to them, Emma snuggled against his chest.

"You did well, Pet," Spike whispered, nuzzling Buffy's cheek. Tasting the salt of her tears.

"He's so tiny," Buffy answered, her voice all awe and wonder, her fingers tracing the baby's face.

"No doubt he'll grow," Spike snarked, kissing away a tear. She chuckled.

"He's alive," she gasped. "Real." Her face studied the boy. His blue eyes blinked up at her. Sleepy but alert. Watching her. Loving her. Buffy glanced over at Spike. "I wonder if this is what you looked like?"

"Don't think I was quite so perfect," Spike answered, settling his cheek against hers. Emma watched from her perch on Spike's chest.

Buffy turned back to the boy. "I don't know," she said softly. "You're pretty perfect to me."

Spike leaned across, kissing her lips softly on the way past, and pulling the blanket back just enough to see his son's face. "Let's hope he does a little better this time round." His fingers brushed the baby's chin.

"No dark alleys for you," Buffy warned, leaning down and planting a gentle kiss on the child's forehead. "We won't let anything happen to you," she continued, turning her head to look at Emma. "Either of you."

"No," Spike agreed. "We won't. Promise you that, Love."

She turned to Spike, "You ready?"

He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

Buffy shifted, pulling Emma towards her with one arm and gently offering the child with the other. Spike slid up against the pillows, a hand under the boy's head, an arm under his body, and took the boy against him, staring at his tiny, sleepy face.

Awe took over as he watched the boy. Amazement. Even doing this once before didn't take away the wonder of it. The thought of holding his child, knowing in his heart that this was one of the few truly amazing things he had done in all his existence. The embodiment of love. The product of his devotion, his adoration, of the One Girl in all the World.

Spike heard her breath hitch and looked to his love. She stared up at him, weeping, her eyes trapped in his. "Love," Spike whispered. "Don't cry."

She giggled through the tears, reaching up to touch his cheek. "You're one to talk."

Her fingers traced his lips and he tasted the salt of his tears. Of hers. Emma reached up, touching the baby with uncommon gentleness. Grace beyond her age. She scooted to her knees between her parents and Spike lowered the baby so she could see.

"Love you, baby," she whispered, brushing her lips against her brother's forehead. That was the end. Both Buffy and Spike turned into mush watching her love him.

Spike studied his daughter's face. Buffy's. William's. If every trial that they had ever suffered was necessary to bring them to this moment, it had all been worth it. For this... this was all he wanted. All he had ever wanted. To love. And to be loved.

To be contd.

Good evening, All:)

Well, I decided to ease you into the drama, but don't get to comfortable, because it is coming ::::insert evil grin:::. This chapter should give you an idea of what is to come, and I know I will get hate mail about how it ends. But you love me, right?

Right?

Next chapter on Thursday. Hope it's not too hard to wait! Let me know what you think.

*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: Blows (Time - Chapter Ten)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

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

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

Summary: Set directly after While You Were Sleeping. Takina returns to take the infant back to the ICU. Spike goes back to the waiting room to find an unwelcome visitor. Xander is confronted about what actually happened at the house that morning. But will he tell Spike the truth? Sam puts the plan to distract the One and steal Emma into motion. But what does that plan entail?

Blows

There was a gentle rap at the door. Buffy had the baby curled against her, cooing as his drowsy eyes flickered, straining to keep looking up at his mum. Must be a hereditary trait, Spike thought.

"I truly hate to do this," Takina began as she entered the sanctuary, " But I need to take him back to the ICU."

"Can he please stay here?" Buffy pleaded, looking up at the doctor with soft, wide eyes. "You can put him back in the ... box thing... if you have to, but I want to be able to see him."

"I'd love to Buffy, but he needs a little extra care for the next few days. Then you can both go home. Alright?" Takina answered softly.

Spike leaned over, brushing Buffy's cheek with the back of his hand. "Best do as she says, Pet." His hand dropped to the boy, letting his fingers rest against William's cheek. "Stop giving your mum those eyes. Trick I shouldn't teach you for years."

"It's a thrall!" Buffy mocked, gasping. "I *knew* you had a thrall." She kissed William gently and let Takina ease him from her arms, tucking him back into the incubator.

"S' not a thrall, Pet. Just my natural charm," Spike snarked, laying his head back on the pillow so his breath blew in her ear.

"Oh, please," Buffy groaned. "Stomach already of the queasy." She turned back to Takina. "When can I see him again?"

The doctor glanced at her watch. "If he stays this stable, I'll bring him up before you go to bed."

"Thank you," Spike said, nodding. Takina began to move through the door and hesitated before she drifted from their line of sight.

"I know that several of your... group... are anxious to see you," she commented, smiling. "You can only have two visitors at a time, but you are more than welcome to have them back."

"Two including Emma?" Buffy asked, her eyes wide and innocent, tucking her daughter closer against her side.

"Two and a half then," Takina corrected. "I'll take William down to the ward and, if it's alright with you, show the rest where they can look at him through the glass."

"That'd be fine," Spike agreed. Takina nodded, taking William through the door. When Spike turned back to Buffy, the tears had started anew.

"S'alright, Pet," Spike whispered, relaxing against her, sliding his arm under her shoulders and pulling her closer.

"I know," she said so softly that only his hearing could pick the words out. "Just doesn't seem right like this, you know? He should be with me. With us. So we can watch him."

Spike sighed, kissing her nose. "He will be soon, Love."

"I just.. he's all alone down there in a *box*," she gasped, blinking big, wet, green eyes up at him. Now, who was it that had a thrall?

"Think of it this way, Love," Spike comforted. "Box is there to protect him 'till we can. As for alone, do you have any *concept* of the merry band in the waiting room? The boy's going to have an ego the size of a Jynarax demon by the time they're done fawning all over him."

Buffy smiled. "Will you make sure someone stays down there? At least where he can see them?"

"Don't think I'll have to do much coercing there, Pet," Spike answered, kissing away a tear from her cheek. "Now, I think that your sis and the rest of the tribe might want to visit. You up for that?"

Buffy looked up at him, a weary smile on her lips. "Think I'll manage." Her voice became quiet again. "Do you have to leave?"

"Not leaving. Be right outside. Take all night if we don't let them go two by two," Spike joked. "Besides, must be getting sick of old Spike by now."

"Never," she giggled, pressing her lips to his. His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, losing himself in her for just a moment. Emma giggled between them, causing Buffy to grin against his lips. "Think she's on to us."

"That she is," Spike responded, leaning down to kiss the little girl's nose.

"Mind if she stays with me? I'd kind of like to have *one* of my babies nearby," Buffy asked, letting her palm skim over his cheek.

"Dunno. Kind of like to have *one* of my girls nearby," he sighed, staring into her eyes. Hers closed slowly, capturing him. Feeling her wrap around him inside. Taking away the pain. The fear. "But, as you've had a rough day, I think I can let you win this once." He sat up slowly, pecking Buffy's forehead as he rose.

"Let me, hunh?" Buffy chided as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and reluctantly stood.

"Leave a man his dreams."

*****

Spike felt... good. Safe. Wasn't often they'd run into something horrifying and walked away relatively unscathed. Buffy was, if uncomfortable, recovering at an alarming rate. Well, alarming if one wasn't used to the whole Slayer healing gig. His son, tiny and unexpected as he'd been, was safe and right as rain.

It'd almost been too easy.

Don't question the good, he reminded himself as he approached the door into the waiting room. He swung it open with relative ease. The room was silent. "Buffy is up to..." Spike began before noticing the silence and looking up to scan the room.

In the far doorway was the soldier boy, all pressed and flushed and farm- boyish, holding a handful of daisies and looking overwhelmed.

It occurred to Xander, as Spike flew across the room, that he hadn't quite remembered to tell him that part of the story. Note to self: add a zillion more be-nice-to-Spike points to the tally, if he lets me live long enough to use them.

Giles caught Spike just before the vampire made contact with Riley. "Spike!". The Watcher's voice was nearly calm. Reasonable. "This is not the time nor the place."

Spike stopped his advance, clenching his fists and growling. "What are *you* doing here?"

Riley looked at the peroxide Vampire with equal parts fear and amusement glinting in his eyes. "I'm stationed in the area and I stopped by earlier to say hello. I didn't know that..."

Giles tightened his grip on Spike's shoulder as Spike's body pulled forward. "You... were at my house?"

"I didn't know," Riley stuttered. "She collapsed and I thought..."

Spike's head swung around to Xander. Those points clicked into piles in his head like quarters in a Vegas slot machine. "Harris?" Spike hissed.

"He came to the door as as Anya... When I found out...I'm sorry," Xander blurted.

Spike looked at the whelp in disgust, then turned back towards Riley. "*You*," Spike snarled, lunging against Giles' grip yet again. "S'your fault she's here. Your fault she..."

"Spike," Giles reprimanded again, catching the Vampire's attention just as a right hook made contact with Riley's jaw. The boy dropped like a drunken sailor. "Enough!" Giles demanded. "I understand that you're upset and I can't say that I blame you, but there are better ways of handling this."

Spike panted with range, eyes flashing yellow to blue like a broken strobe light. "*He* is what upset her, Watcher."

"Understood," Giles replied, releasing Spike's shoulder. "But you need to concern yourself with Buffy and your son. Riley and I will have a little heart to heart in the meantime." The Watcher pushed open the door, gesturing to the bruised young man as he slid his way back up the wall.

"I... I'm sorry, Spike," Riley stuttered as Giles ushered him out. "I didn't know."

"Get him out of my bloody sight," Spike demanded, disgusted. "Leave her alone, mate, or I will kill you."

Riley stared at him a moment, nodding, and then ducked out the door.

Spike took several deep breaths, straightening his shirt, pulling himself together. Cyrus caught his gaze, giving him a place to focus. One he didn't want to pummel into raw meat and shiny bone.

"You alright then?" Cyrus asked as Spike deflated like a cat who'd stepped away from a territorial dispute.

"*Hate* that git," Spike muttered, inhaling, and then turning on a heel towards the rest of the room. The girls sat in stunned silence, Xander tucked in the middle, afraid, for the moment, to speak. "Sorry ladies... Harris," Spike apologized.

"Shoulda kicked his ass," Dawn commented.

"Dawnie," Willow nudged.

"Later, Pet. Buffy's feeling a bit lonely back there. Doctor said you can visit two at a time. Suss it out amongst yourselves. Harris? Talk to you a moment?" Spike's voice was calm. Metered.

Xander gulped. He knew it wasn't going to be as easy as the car ride. Spike was *not* going to like the story in its entirety. But, Xander thought as he stood and walked like a willing lamb to slaughter, he did deserve the truth. Damn Takina. Making me all mature, the boy thought.

*****

Takina rolled the incubator to a spot right next to the viewing window, hooking monitors and tubes and alarms to the boy and the box. She hated to take him down here. Alone. But she knew the faster they could stabilize him, the more likely it was he'd be home this week. Hope he inherited accelerated healing with a Slayer for a mother and a Vampire as his father.

"Night, Prince William," she cooed, shutting the door. The baby blinked up at her. Once. Twice. Three times and he was out.

The doctor spoke briefly to the ward nurse and slipped out the back towards the locker room. Her long weekend off, she chuckled. Needed to put on some normal clothes.

The locker room was quiet as she dug through her endless supply of clothes and toiletries in order to find something comfortable. Locker just isn't enough space to put a week's worth of clothes, she mused, grabbing a yellow button down and jeans. Takina slipped her top off, tossing it in the laundry bin. And that's when it hit her.

Literally.

She heard a loud crack and felt her head snap forward before the world slipped to black.

*****

"Right then," Spike announced, tossing Xander up against the wall outside the waiting area. Xander sighed. Nothing cracked or broke or even really hurt as he hit the wall, so Spike wasn't going to be *too* hard on him. Maybe Riley would take more of the anger, Xander hoped. This was followed quickly by the thought, is it bad to think that?

"You're going to tell me *exactly* what happened before Buffy collapsed," Spike clipped, half-heartedly holding Xander to the wall by the shoulder. Well, half-heartedly for a creature of supernatural strength, which meant that Xander's shoulder throbbed under Spike's grip.

Xander considered, for a moment, lying. Or rather omitting the bit about his little Buffy rant. But Takina would be disappointed. Not to mention that there was a brutally honest Vengeance Demon present at the time. "Alright," Xander whined. "What do you want to know?"

Spike dropped his arm at Xander's compliance. "Start from where you came in," Spike commanded, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm assuming you came by to tell Buffy about you and the good doctor..."

Xander blinked, wide-eyed. "How ... how did you..."

"What is it with you people?" Spike huffed. "Vampire. I can smell her all over. you. Not to mention, I already talked to her."

"She told you?" Xander gulped.

"Oh, relax," Spike sighed. "I cornered the girl. She's a good one, Harris. Don't bugger it up because you're particular about demons."

Xander opened his mouth to debate Spike's opinions of his personal life, but thought the better of it. Spike could be pummeling me, he thought. Talking is of the good. "Right," Xander agreed. "We stopped by to tell her."

"How was she when you got there?" Spike questioned, cocking a leg out and pulling his arms tighter to his chest.

"Happy!Buffy," Xander answered. "All with the glowy, I'm-having-a-baby look."

"Alright. That's how I left her," Spike responded, looking pensive. "Then what?"

"When I came in, she got pretty wigged. I didn't know why. Just thought she was being moody," Xander continued. Spike thought to say he should've just left, but Xander had a point. Hard to tell what was going on in her mind.

"Alright, then what?"

"We talked. I told her. She looked stunned, but mostly fidgety. Not quite the 'that's great' I was going for, but it'd do," Xander went on.

"Mind on the bird in the kitchen," Spike mused, watching the drama unfold in his mind.

"I guess," Xander answered. "Anyway, the door blew open and the dog ran out. Takina went to chase him and lo and behold, my *dead* ex fiancée comes out of the kitchen."

"And Buffy panicked," Spike thought out loud. "You know she only kept it quiet because Rupert asked her to. Just came in last night."

"Well, wasn't thinking too straight what with the *resurrection*," Xander snarked. Spike felt his anger rise, but chased it down, wanting to hear the rest of the story. Couldn't really blame him for being caught off guard.

"Alright, and?" Spike settled on saying.

Xander tensed. "Then...," he began. "Spike, I didn't even know I was doing it..."

"Doing what?" Spike snarled, his hackles up.

"Yelling at Buffy," he said, his eyes dropping, voice full of guilt and remorse. "I freaked and Buffy,... she should have told me... we are best friends..."

Spike grabbed him by the throat, pinning him against the wall. "You *were* til you decided to abandon her like every other bloke who came trotting through. But you've got issues with me, so you left her out there, Harris. She doesn't owe you a sodding thing."

Xander stared at the Vampire, blinking at the anger in his blue eyes. "I know that, Spike. That's why I came. I screwed up. I'm sorry."

Spike studied him a moment, then dropped his hand in disgust. "What kind of man yells at a pregnant woman anyway?"

"Not a very good one," Xander agreed, his eyes dropping back to the floor. "Don't you think I feel like hell for this? If I could've taken it back, I would've. But I couldn't. All I could do was help her and get you."

Spike looked away, taking a deep breath. Collecting himself. "You owe her, Harris. If anything had happened to her.... if William had died."

"I wouldn't have been able to live with myself, Spike. You forget. I've loved her longer than you've even known her." The boy's voice dropped, his eyes searching the tile floor. "But she's yours. And I have to live with it. But I'd never hurt her, Spike. Never."

Spike sighed, shuffling his feet. "Summers girls get under your skin," he finally said, feeling sorry for the whelp for a fleeting moment. "But you've got to work on your control. Not easy thinking of the Slayer as helpless, but she *is* in a lot of ways. Put her up against the biggest bad, she'd tear 'em to shreds. Give one of her precious Scoobies a sodding paper cut and she's shattered. Need to be a little more mindful of her."

Xander snorted. "This lesson brought to you by Captain Peroxide Evil Boy."

"Oh, yes. Who's dastardly plot includes destroying the universe with pink pigs and stethoscopes," Spike snarked. "Get over it. Not all demons are horrid beasties. For example, your girl..."

"What d'you know about her?" Xander snapped defensively.

"Precious little," Spike responded. "But she's Taraq. You know what Taraq's do?"

Xander flashed to the feat of wondrous amazement in her bed, and then shook the thought off. "They're healers," he muttered.

Good," Spike patronized. "Know of what?"

Xander shot him a patented what-the-hell-are-you-getting-at look in response.

"You *stupid* git," Spike huffed. "They heal *everything*. Demon. Human. Matters not to them. Almost like angels, really. All soft and glowy and white. Point *being*, doesn't matter to her that you are a lesser being, with all manner of hang-ups. Who are you to hold it against *her* that she's descended from a line of mystical demons who, shudder gasp, heal things?"

Xander looked at him, shaking his head. "You're a weird... VampMan, Spike."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Alright. After you were done publicly berating a pregnant woman...," he chastised.

"There was s knock at the door. Buffy got up. I didn't think much about it since I figured she wanted to get away from yell-y old me. She looked stiff. But she answered the door. I saw Pony come back in and then looked up, saw her gasp, then fall. Riley was standing at the door," Xander continued. "After that, I called an ambulance and hitailed it to Giles' place with Anya to find you."

Spike rolled the idea of telling Xander about Giles and Anya in his head, but thought that vengeance was not something one served with other peoples' news. Besides, the git was paying for his idiocy in guilt and karma. "So, Riley's the one that sent her sprawling?"

"That's when she collapsed," Xander confirmed.

Spike nodded. "I'll deal with him."

Xander thought about saying something, but he wasn't quite sure what. "That's everything."

Again, Spike nodded. "Right then. Go in. See Buffy. Don't upset her," Spike snarled. "If she so much as sneezes because you're there, I'll rip your throat out."

Xander had a million come backs, but let them all slide in favour of the current position of his larynx. "I'm sorry."

"Don't tell me, tell her," Spike responded, stalking away down the corridor.

*****

Slowly, Sam dressed herself in a yellow shirt and jeans. She took a moment, admiring herself in the mirror. Perfect, shiny, almost black waves, curling down around her shoulders. Eyes the colour of summer storm clouds. Pouty, ruby lips and some honking great cleavage. Takina Noel was one girl she could get used to being.

She shut the locker, strolling over to the janitor's closet, and peeping inside. The good doctor lay sprawled on the floor, only her undergarments for cover. Her arms and legs were tied. Her mouth taped. A pretty stream of crimson winding down the back of her neck and dripping to the floor in tiny rivulets. Alive, but out cold, Sam mused. No need to off her. Least not now.

Sam closed the closet door, locking it behind her and tucking the key into her jeans pocket. Whistling, she sauntered into the hall and towards the neonatal ICU. The ward nurse looked at her with an odd little smile as she swung open the door.

"I thought you'd signed out," the nurse asked as Sam signed herself into the ward.

"Thought I'd check on our little prince one last time," she answered, flashing Takina's perfect smile.

The ward nurse chuckled. "He's asleep, but go ahead in."

"Perfect," Sam answered, returning the smile and pushing the door open as the nurse buzzed her through.

To be contd.

Good evening, Everyone:)

OK, here goes. I read the chapter and it's not that evil, although I imagine I will receive hate mail about where I leave you tonight! Bear with me, it'll be ok... eventually.

The next chapter will be out on Saturday. Please keep reading and letting me know what you think. You guys *rock* and are the whole reason I am still writing this story.

So, sorry about the ending, but more soon;)

*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: Seven (Time - Chapter Eleven)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

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

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

Summary: Set directly after Blows. Giles confronts Riley about his intentions. The Scoobies visit with Buffy. Willow has a heart to heart with Xander about his behaviour. Giles fills Spike in on the Riley situation. Takina executes the plan to distract Spike and Buffy.

Seven

"You'll have to forgive me if I just do not take your story at face value," Giles said, lifting the paper cup brimming with Lipton's, to his lips. How do Americans drink this piss? He asked himself, looking over to the boy across the table.

"What?" Riley answered sarcastically. "Can't believe I just happened to be stationed in Sunnydale and dropped in on an old.... friend?"

"No," Giles answered simply, watching Riley's honest face lit by the glow of the vending machines around them.

Riley thought a moment. "Guess you're still the brains of the operation," he joked, fiddling nervously with his plastic bottle of coke.

"So what *are* you doing here?" Giles asked, leaning back in the chair, sizing up the soldier boy. The question was honest. Non-confrontational. But it had been years since Riley had shown his face in Sunnydale and Giles could not help but question why.

Riley sighed. "The information that I am about to share, my mission, is top secret."

"I assure you, I have kept my fair share of confidences. However, please note that anything you say to me will be relayed to both Buffy and Spike." Giles leaned forward, elbows on the table, waiting.

The boy looked down at the grain of the faux wood table. "I work for the Supernatural Investigations Unit. It's a covert military branch designed..."

"Yes, I'm aware of them," Giles interrupted. "And this information is of no surprise to me."

"Checking up on me?' Riley asked, trying to drown his annoyance under a fresh-faced smile. How the Council managed to get a hold of so much classified information was an enigma.

"It's my job to protect the Slayer. Know your enemy and your friend," Giles answered, his face as still as stone.

"Which am I?" Riley asked, forced grin still painted on his face.

Giles stared at him for a long moment. "To be honest, I'm not sure. I'd like to think you mean no harm."

Riley returned to study the wood grain, smiling shyly. " I don't. Last week, I received orders to return to Sunnydale."

"Your mission?" Giles asked, his head quirked in anticipation of the response.

"The Peacemaker."

The room felt silent save for the buzz of vending machines. The wheels spun in Giles' head, trying to come to grips with what Riley was telling him. They watched each other like chess players anticipating the next move.

"What does the government want with Emma? Her welfare is not a matter of domestic law," Giles questioned, trying to keep his anger in check. The concept that legal bodies now sought involvement in Emma's future did not bode well in regards to the child's privacy.

"Yes, but the future stability of the worlds *does* depend on her. This makes her an... asset. One that needs to be protected," Riley answered, watching the Watcher's face change at his words.

"She cannot be played like an ace in the hole by any body of government. She is *not* a pawn," he growled, his annoyance getting the better of him. "Her future is far grander than her use to your military."

"I think you misunderstand," Riley corrected, calmly. "If the dimensional wars escalate, then *all* of the worlds fall into chaos. Including ours. Including this country. Protecting the Peacemaker until her destiny is fulfilled is just common sense."

Giles took a deep breath, removing his glasses, swiping them across his shirttail. "If you've not noticed, she's quite well protected. I understand your wish to be a part of that, but I do think that we are well equipped to take care of the task at hand."

"Can never have too much back up," Riley chirped, flashing that wholesome grin, trying to win the man over. His face was earnest and wholesome, like Uncle Sam's favourite son.

"Of course," Giles responded, trying to assuage his frustration. He was quiet a moment, turning the paper cup in his hands. "Riley, I don't think it a stretch to warn you that Spike will not let you *near* Buffy, much less Emma."

Riley chuckled. "I get that." He rubbed his jaw, feeling the tender skin swelling. "Sam is stationed here with me. I'm really no threat to his domestic bliss."

Giles sighed, feeling sorry for the boy. "You've never quite grasped the extent of Spike's love, or his protectiveness, over Buffy and now his children."

Riley's eyes flashed away, then quickly back to Giles. "I'm just here to add another layer. I don't need to be in the house, or even near the Peacemaker. We can watch from afar. But I have to be here. Those are my orders. And I'm staying."

Giles stood, pacing behind his chair, caught between nervousness and pity. A nagging doubt itching at the back of his skull. "Don't look to me for approval. Nor protection for that matter, " he stated, his hands digging into the vinyl of the chair. "I assure you, even one questionable move and either of them will not hesitate to kill you."

Riley's face looked shocked for just a moment. "Buffy wouldn't..."

It was all the Watcher could do not to laugh. "You forget, she is a mother now. You know that she has always been fiercely protective over her friends. Magnify that by her own flesh and you cannot *fathom* to what lengths she will go to protect those children," Giles commented, pacing again.

"Will you talk to them? Help me explain?" Riley's voice was soft and almost afraid, his eyes pleading with the Watcher for help.

Giles stared at the boy. "*I* don't approve of the military's involvement in Emma's affairs. Why would I try to convince either of them to accept it?"

Riley stood, stretching his tall frame, shadowing the glowing vending machines behind him. "Oh, to cut down on the bloodshed. Mostly mine. And because I will be here either way and it would just make sense that we at least come to an understanding."

Giles sighed, his shoulders dropping. "I will talk to Spike and explain what you have told me, but I won't influence his reaction nor his decision regarding how to handle this."

"Fair enough," Riley said, holding out his hand.

Giles stared at the gesture a moment, but he took Riley's hand, shaking . "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to visit with Buffy now."

*****

"So, then he asked me if I'd go to the prom with him," Dawn squealed, bouncing Emma on her lap gently and brushing Buffy's hair with her free hand.

"What did you say, Dawnie?" Tara asked.

"Yes!" She screeched in reply.

"Easy on the ear splitting." Buffy cringed away from the sound. "And I dunno, Dawn. We haven't even met this Bryan kid and..."

"Yes you did! He came over and took me to the movies with Janice and Tom," Dawn retorted, flashing disapproving look at her sister.

"Oh yeah," Buffy muttered. "He was cute. But..."

Dawn's face dropped. "But what? Prom is in, oh, six days. Running out of options."

"Spike wasn't there that night," Buffy answered. "You think he's going to just pop you in a limo heading for Hellmouth High in the slink-o-rama dress you talked me into buying with some guy he hasn't... run through the America's Most Wanted database and sniffed for contraband?"

"Oh, I can handle Spike," Dawn replied, waving the hairbrush in front of her.

Tara giggled, watching Buffy shake her head. "This I'd like to see."

"You underestimate the sheer annoying power of the Master Vampire," Buffy lectured. "Just wait."

"Whatever," Dawn snapped. "I'm eighteen and I can do whatever..."

"And you live in our house," Buffy interrupted, sounding all the world like her mother. "And I'm not saying *no*," she relented. "You just might want to at least let Spike sniff around him."

"Fine," Dawn conceded, sighing. "I'll bring him by before Saturday."

"Good idea," Tara contributed, smiling slyly at the teen.

Buffy yawned, cringing as she stretched.

"You OK?" Dawn asked, studying the pained expression on her sister's face.

"Just tired. And a world of 'ouch'." Buffy's hand poked gently at the stitches just inside her hipbone.

"We should go," Tara commented, looking at Dawn. " I know Willow was waiting for Xander. Then Giles and Anya might want to pop in."

"A regular parade," Buffy yawned.

"And Spike will want to come back," Dawn commented. "He was losing it."

Buffy was silent. "Is he OK now?"

"The phrase 'proud as a peacock' leaps to mind," Tara grinned. Buffy returned the smile warmly.

'"Keep an eye on him," she said softly. "And make sure someone stays near William. So he can see them."

"We will," Dawn answered, leaning in to kiss her sister. "Promise."

*****

"Oooh, how'd it go with Spike?" Willow questioned, crinkling her nose at Xander as he stumbled back into the waiting room, rubbing his shoulder.

"As far as encounters with Vampires go, not so bad," Xander responded, stretching his arms and cracking his neck.

"You really should at least consider that he lives among humans now. He has basically *become* a man," Cyrus corrected. "It may... aid you... in your dealings with him."

"I know, I know," Xander huffed, falling into a chair next to Willow. "Not an easy thing to do. He's... well, he's *Spike*."

Willow patted his knee. "Come on. He's not so bad. Kind of like the *much* older brother you never had. Except with fangs. And bumpies."

Xander shot a weary glance at the girl. "Leave me a shred of dignity."

Willow smiled. "Just today. Shredding recommences tomorrow." She paused, looking up at his face. "So, how *did* it go?"

"Well, I'm still alive, so pretty well," Xander responded. "He's upset, which I get. Yelling at Buffy like that was definitely *not* the right thing to do."

Willow shook her head. "It was mean."

"Thank you, best friend o' mine. I know." He sat forward, clasping his hands in front of him and looking up at the red head. "Have I always been so... All.About.Me.?"

Cyrus, deciding that this conversation had moved into areas to which he was not privy, stood, crossing the room, and settling next to a napping Anya. Quickly, he absorbed himself in a Scientific American, leaving the pair to talk in peace.

"Not so much," Willow answered. "More since... well, since Buffy and Spike. And then the whole Anya thing. And..."

"Do you think I'm an ass?" Xander asked, looking at Willow's eyes. Her's shot open in a wide eyed, questioning stare.

"No!" She answered, putting an arm around his shoulders. "You just don't think before the mouth moving sometimes. It's like... well, we all have things we don't like. Take the thing at Thanksgiving for example."

"Not the mashed potatoes incident," Xander groaned, remembering the smack down that occurred when Spike had lifted a spoonful from his plate and testosterone had gotten the better of them.

"No, before that," Willow mentioned. "Everybody made something, and most of it was really good. Except Buffy made that pudding-y stuff,"

"Eeewww," Xander remembered. "At least Spike tried to warn us."

"Right. But what did he do? He ate it. We all did. Because, like it or not, Buffy meant well. And to tell her it tasted like.... shoes.... would've hurt her feelings."

"Check. No dumping on Buffy's cooking," Xander recited, nodding.

"Bigger picture," Willow corrected. "Sometimes we don't like something or someone, or we do or see things that upset us, but before we go all scream- y yell-y, sometimes we have to think if saying something will just hurt more than help."

"So, we don't talk?" Xander questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"No," Willow drew out. "We just think of a gentler way to say it."

"Like Spike did with the pudding?"

"Right," Willow answered. "Pointed out that maybe it wasn't the best compliment to turkey, but they'd work on it."

"Met her half way," Xander deduced, a light blinking on in his noggin.

"Right," Willow repeated. "She got the message and the whole feelings thing only got a little ouchy, but she ended up laughing about it. She wasn't half as hurt as if Spike had spit it on the floor and made the yucky face."

"And it was a tempting thought."

"Resist," Willow snarked, as Tara and Dawn emerged from the back. "It's about all of us. And whatever it takes to keep us together. Even Spike."

*****

"Spike?" Giles called, watching the Vampire disappear around the corner towards the stairwell.

Spike turned, stopping. Giles trotted up to meet him. "Just going down to..." Spike began.

"Check on William," Giles completed. Spike nodded his response. "I was going to fetch Anya and take her down in just a moment."

"Had a chance to talk to the whelp about you and his former?" Spike questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Alas, no. I was saving the soap opera for a less stressful environment," Giles answered. "Were it anyone other than Xander, I would assume he'd figured it out. But I believe a talk is in order."

Spike chuckled. "Selling tickets, because that I'd like to see."

Giles attempted a smirk and then fell silent. "Speaking of talks, I've just had a chat with Riley."

"Hope you told the bloody git to run back to the potato farm," Spike snarled. "You know he's the one that upset Buffy. Put her here. Weren't for the whole moral consciousness bit, I'd've ripped his throat out."

Giles sighed. "Not worth the paperwork," he snarked. "But his departure will prove more delayed than expected."

Spike quirked an eyebrow at the Watcher. "What d'you mean?"

"He's here on government orders," Giles replied, wiping his glasses.

"What *orders*?" Spike stiffened, studying the Watcher's face.

"Apparently, he's been assigned to guard the Peacemaker."

Spike's eyes flew open. "The government? Guard Emma? Don't want that git anywhere *near* my girl. What do they want with her anyway?"

"To many... organizations... she is an asset. The most powerful interdimensional force that ever was," Giles answered, his voice more of a sigh than an explanation.

"Well, to me, she's a little girl. *My* little girl. And *I* don't want the bloody Soldier Boy, nor any of his little military playmates, near her," Spike snarled, his eyes flashing with fury.

"To be honest, I'm not fond of the idea either. But until we can come up with a way to exclude the government from Emma's affairs, I'd imagine he's the least of the evils. He was a friend to most of them for quite some time. It's likely we would get more information from him than any other agent," Giles answered, unhappy with having to express even that much complacency.

"I don't like this, Rupert. Don't trust him. Never will," Spike snapped, beginning to pace in small circuits down the corridor.

Giles watched him, feeling the wrongness of the situation as well. "I'm not fond of it myself, Spike. But until we find more information, I suggest we play this close to the chest. Find out what they *truly* want with her. Why they are so interested in a three year old who won't fulfill her destiny for years to come."

"Be nice to the git," Spike sighed. "Not going to happen."

"Just don't kill him," Giles responded, smiling. "I'll handle the rest."

*****

The woman cloaked in Takina's skin scrubbed her hands, then headed to the incubator nearest the window. Slowly, she opened the box, reaching in to touch the boy. He was soft. Tiny. Beautiful. Gently, she stroked his head.

"That's right, sleepy little man," she cooed, tracing a design upon his forehead. "It's all right. Just sleep."

She traced the dragon over and over, her mind drifting. Settling. Searching.

'Sands of Time and Winds of Change Bring thee Youth and Bring thee Age Capture thy Moment as Points in a Line Take this Boy and Keep him in Time.'

The chant was soft. Nearly inaudible. A lullaby, stilling the child into slumber. Seven times it was repeated. Seven dragons drawn.

The boy lay still, entranced. Caught. Helpless.

"Goodnight, sweet prince," Sam whispered, closing the door to the incubator and taking a last look. "Sleep well."

She turned, heading to the door. Signing out. The ward nurse wished her a good night and promised to keep an eye on the boy. Sam smiled Takina's pretty grin and left.

As she rounded the corner to the stairs, the ward sirens began to wail.

To be contd.

Title: The Poet (Time - Chapter Twelve)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

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

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

Summary: Set directly after Seven. William is trapped in time. But what does he see? And what is real? Is this the way? And can he ever set it right.

The Poet

Spiraling though twinkling lights. The only way to describe it, really. Although, at that point in life, descriptive adjectives are few and far between. But, in hindsight, or rather foresight, that is what it was. Spiraling, and thudding into reality. Some reality. At least, that is how it seemed.

"Ooooooowwwwww," he screamed, and then the building, wailing, moan that only children can generate, just before the water works kick in. "Mmmmuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmy!"

Footsteps barreling down the hall. Feet used to running to save the world. Although, he didn't know that. Not yet. Not then.

Then another set. Heavier. Stampeding up the stairs like Armageddon had arrived.

He fell onto his behind with a thud, tears streaming, mouth agape, wailing in hitching, childlike sobs. She stood in front of him, pretty little hands on pretty little hips, staring down with wild blue eyes. "You're *such* a baby," she huffed, turning on a bare heel, just as Buffy appeared in the doorway, concern crinkling her face.

"What happened?" Buffy asked, running over to the sobbing little ball of blonde hair huddled on the floor. She scooped him up, pulling him against her.

Spike stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, taking a deep breath after sussing out that no one had fallen through a portal or lay bleeding on the floor. "Everything alright?"

Buffy bounced the boy, shh'ing him. He laid his head against her shoulder and sobbed endlessly into her shirt. "Emma, what happened?"

"Mum, he *always* comes in here and takes my stuff. He had Bunny," Emma whined. Seven, Buffy thought. Not the most selfless age.

"Emma," Spike said firmly, but his eyes betraying his softness for the girl. He lowered until he crouched at her eye level. "You've got to learn to share."

Emma's lip jutted out into a pout that could break a demon's heart and did on a regular basis. "Not Bunny," she said quietly, the lip trembling. "I wouldn't mind so much, but he gets them all smelly." Her tears began to fall at her father's disapproving glare.

Spike glanced over at Buffy and rolled his eyes. Emma stood still, teary eyed and staring at her father. "All right," he broke, lifting her into his arms. "But what'd you do to make him all soggy?"

Emma looked over at her mum and pesky little brother and sighed. "I pushed him."

William began to wail again, forcing Buffy to bounce him harder.

"Emma," Buffy said, her voice annoyed but somehow still patient. "He's only four. You can't just push him down ..."

"You *always* side with him," Emma snapped, venom lacing her words.

Spike took her chin gently in his hand and turned her face towards his, forcing her to look at him. "Don't *ever* talk to your mum like that. She's not siding. Besides, you're bigger now. Shouldn't push him round. Know why?"

Her lips trembled, her wide eyes frightened at his relative anger. "Why... daddy?"

Stop *doing* that, Spike thought. Ruining a perfectly good parental lecture with big, wet, doe eyes. "Because one day he'll be bigger 'en you," he snarked, causing her to giggle just a bit. "And because he's your blood. When it comes down to it, that's what's most important."

Emma looked at him, her eyes becoming ageless once again. Her face reasonable. "OK," she replied softly. "But please tell him not to take Bunny anymore."

"Right," Spike answered, setting her down. "Now, think you've got dishes to do." He patted her shoulder and she sulked out the door.

"Think she'll listen?" Buffy asked as William began to calm against her, his little blond head lolling against her shoulder.

Spike chuckled. "Bets on about an hour."

"Fun," Buffy snarked, stroking the little boy's hair.

"And you," Spike commented, loosing William and taking him from Buffy. "Gotta learn to stand up for yourself. Can't let the girls get the better of you."

Buffy giggled. "Oh yeah. Great role model there."

Spike smirked over at his love.

"Daddy, she push me," the boy said softly.

"You know what you do then?" Spike asked. Buffy quirked an eyebrow, waiting.

"Push back?" William questioned, wide eyed.

"No!" Both Buffy and Spike answered in unison.

"You stand up, brush yourself off, then stalk away," Spike answered. "Give her a *mean* look. Like this." Spike glared at the boy with those piercing blue eyes and the child shuddered. "Works every time."

"She's your sister, Will," Buffy continued. "She loves you. She's just going to be tough on you sometimes. It's in the sister handbook."

"But," Spike added, setting the boy on his feet. "You're to stay out of her things, alright? You've got a room full of toys of your own. Leave hers be."

William looked up, a miniature clone of his father, down to tiny black jeans and black high tops as Doc Marten hadn't catered to the toddler market. "B'I like Bunny."

Spike sighed. "Sometimes we don't always get what we want." He looked over at Buffy. "And sometimes what we get is better."

William looked at his mother and smiled, then looked back to Spike, an enormous yawn escaping his tiny mouth. "Wanna nap?" Buffy asked, grinning at his amazing cuteness.

Instead of answering, the little boy stretched his arms skyward, waiting to be picked up. "With ya kid," she uttered, yawning herself. "If we go lay down, do you have Miss Priss?"

Spike nodded, kissing Buffy's cheek. "Bet she's just like you at that age," Spike snarked, grinning slyly. Buffy attempted a smirk, but a yawn got in the way. "Sleep well, Pet."

"Bed," she muttered, padding into the hall, baby clutched to her hip.

*****

Falling, really. Like Alice through the rabbit hole. Except with scores of dancing silver pixies. Or something of that nature. Beautiful, really, if it weren't for not knowing why or when or how. And for that feeling of being alone in it all.

"Will?" A pat on the back of the shoulder woke him. He shook sleep from his head, craning his neck to look around.

"Hmmm? What?" He looked around. A room full of books. A round oak table. His head buried between an American Lit textbook and Mc Nally's guide to the Occult. A journal of what he recognized as his own writing lying in between.

"Dozed off for a moment," the kind, even voice said.

William looked at the man, disconcerted. "Uncle Rupert?"

Giles laughed. He was older now, graying, but his eyes still danced underneath thicker glasses. "You alright, Will? Difficult day in class?"

William looked at the books below him, then his hands, and his conservative button down shirt. His voice cracked as he spoke. The sign of boy becoming man. "Where's mum?"

"In the training room with your father," Giles answered. He paused, removing his glasses, swiping them on his shirttail. "Will, I know you've been of great help to Cyrus and I with research. But you're thirteen now. I think you might benefit from a spot of training with your parents. Emma wasn't fond of the idea either, but it could prove to.."

"I've no use for such things," William interrupted, pushing his own glasses up the bridge of his nose. "The barbarian tactics are best left to those possessed with supernatural strength."

"Emma has no strength in comparison to your parents. Less than you, physically," Giles retorted. "But she has learned to defend herself. It's the world in which we live, William."

"I'm much more suited to this," the teen answered, gesturing at his books. "And Emma has proved several hundred times over that she is no ordinary teenager. She needs no physical strength to accomplish her mission."

Giles sighed. "Perhaps you're right. And we do value your assistance here and respect your desire to write. But she is your sister. And there will come a time when she will need..."

"My parents are her protectors," William cut in. "I want to help her, but I am more of a liability than an asset in battle."

"William, it doesn't have to be that way," Giles commented, thinking back to William's one attempt to defend his sister in a far less sinister environment. School. And coming home tattered and bloodied, broken glasses and shattered pride driving him back into his journal. "Even without your parents' strength or your sister's power, you can learn to be of service in the field of battle. Look at me. I've no particular physical prowess. Far less than you have inherited just by being the child of two supernatural people. And your Uncle Xander..."

"I'm of more use here," William sighed, flopping his head down on the open occult text, sandy brown hair falling into his eyes. As his face buried in the pages, the door swung open with a jingle, garnering his attention.

The girl strode through the door, all legs and blonde waves and startling blue eyes as deep as the sea. An unearthly grace all around her like a halo. "Hey, Uncle Giles."

"Hello, Emma," Giles answered, grinning and kissing her cheek.

"Will," she grinned, throwing her arms around him from behind the chair. He growled, but there were few things more dear to him than her attention. Many a poem had been written about the sweetness of his sister. "Where's daddy?" She asked, letting him loose.

"Beating up mum," Will snarked, turning his attention back to the books.

Emma laughed and the sound was deep and rich and lyrical. "Doubt that. Either she's got him pinned to a wall or they're all kissy-kissy and pretending like they're training."

Giles blushed. Emma understood her parents better than most. "You may think to knock before you set off.."

"Always," Emma laughed, rolling her eyes. "I *so* don't need to see that." She turned her attention back to her brother. "Will, wanna come? You can watch me try and kick dad and he'll climb up the wall to get away. Kinda cool."

"Pass," William answered, smiling at her. "Maybe next time."

"Suit yourself," she answered, striding off towards the training room door. William sighed, letting his head fall back into his arms.

"Tired," he mumbled, as the world became a hazy shade of grey.

*****

The lights were fast and furious this time. Buzzing like ecstatic fireflies all around him. The tumble to the bottom was rough, as if he slammed to the ground rather than thudding gently.

"William! Baby, are you alright?"

His eyes flickered open, a horrid buzzing in the back of his skull. The ground shook and tumbled underneath of them, spewing molten lava onto the macadam. "Mum?"

"Baby, run!" She pleaded, kissing his cheek. "Please run. I love you." Her hand cupped his face, her green eyes catching his. She was so beautiful. As beautiful now as she had been eighteen years earlier when he had first stared up into her eyes.

"Mum?" He gasped, panic in his voice.

Her tears fell, carving silver rivers down her cheeks. "Run," she whispered, letting go of his face and bolting up, running.

William tried to scramble to his feet, nearly crab walking down the alley, the Earth bucking and yawning beneath him. His eyes were hazy. His glasses gone. But he saw a light that glowed with more beauty than he could ever imagine. Than he ever could have penned into words.

"Emma?" He gasped.

She floated above the Earth, sheathed in white light. Her eyes lowered to him and tears caught in her gaze. She didn't speak. William wasn't sure that she could. But her hand raised and a ball of white light grew, flying from her towards him, surrounding him in her light.

He could hear her voice in his head. "It's me they want. You will be safe here, William."

Then nothing.

William was paralyzed, surrounded in the globe of light, somehow separated from the world around him. He watched her hover, glowing, peaceful. Their mum, sword in hand, battling in front of her. Their father behind. The pair circling like lions protecting their cub.

He could hear the faint snicker-snack of blades as they battled. The flash of bared teeth. The glint of his father's demon eyes. Rarely had Spike shown them his darker nature, but as he fought, moving around Emma in a dance with his lover, Spike's eyes glowed golden, his fangs dipping at the corners of his mouth.

William punched the ball, driven to them, but trapped. The demons were but shadows and darkness. How does one kill the darkness? They rose and fell around them like a dark tide, herding the three towards the opening in the Earth. The place where Hell met their world. They were after Emma. Trying to wrap around her. Destroy her light. Pull her in.

His parents, warriors of legends, would never let that happen. Not as long as either of them lived.

William's eyes shot nervously around. It wasn't until then he noticed them. All of them. Wounded. Dead. Everywhere. Uncle Rupert. Aunt Willow. Tara... Oh, God. Why were they here? "No!" He screamed on deaf ears, the sound bouncing and echoing in the bubble.

A shadow crept behind his mother, lapping up to Emma like a dark flame. Buffy spun, lashing out at it with her sword and it grabbed her. Spike lunged towards his love as she began to disappear into the Earth.

"Buffy, no! Please, no!" He could hear his father's screams as she sunk into blackness.

Emma's tears fell. Hopeless and helpless. Watching Spike chase Buffy, trying to pull her from oblivion, hanging onto her hand as if it was all there was left in the world. The shadows took the opening and circled Emma, darkness moving to overcome her light.

His sister's face. All beauty and dignity and grace. She stared at William, locking eyes. Spike turned his head and saw the darkness devouring his little girl. Torn between pulling Buffy from the ground. Fighting the battle to save Emma.

Spike looked at his lover's face. She said something wordlessly. He let go of her hand. No! Don't let her go! William screamed in his mind. Gone.

Like that, his mother was gone.

Spike fought his way up, tears streaming, throwing himself at the darkness in a tornado of rage and grief. Cutting through the shadows to loose his daughter. He turned, locking eyes with William and at that moment, William knew. Knew he could have helped. Knew that his father loved him. Knew that there was nothing he could do.

William watched them die. The darkness devouring them both, inch by inch. Spike grappling, fighting, falling for her. To save her. Until the shadows overcame him.

And Emma's light. All that was there was the glow and her eyes. And her tears.

And then darkness.

All that was left was him.

To be contd.

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