Chapter 7

"Well that was a little different," said Buffy, as she lay on the bed, propped up on one elbow.

"You can say that again, why didn't you tell me, being pregnant made you feel extra horney?" asked Spike

"I wasn't talking about that, I was talking about making love to a pregnant man," she smiled.

"Yeah, guess you could say it was kinda of a world's first," said Spike.

Buffy sat up in the bed; she leaned over and kissed her husband.

"Well William, hate to love you and leave you, but my slayer duties call, and I intend to get as much in as possible over the next seven days," said Buffy.

She got off the bed and quickly dressed, she looked over at Spike.

"Now stop with the pout, it won't work on me this time, be a good boy until I get back, there's plenty of blood in the fridge" said Buffy.

She gave him another quick kiss and disappeared up the ladder.

"Silly bint, she's dafter than I thought, if she thinks I am gonna stay put until she gets back," said Spike.

He sat up in bed, looking around for the shapeless sweat pants, he'd loaned from Giles.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"So you remembered where you work then Spike?" asked Willie.

"Fancy yourself a bit of a comedian to do you?" Spike replied

"What do you expect, you're only two hours late for work," said Willie.

"Well that couldn't be helped, got a problem with that?" asked Spike.

Spike slipped on his game face for good measure.

"No that's good Spike, barrels need changing," said Willie nervously.

"Sorry mate, can't do any heavy manual labour," said Spike.

Willie looked at Spike, confused.

"What's going on with your stomach?" asked Willie.

Spike pulled his shirt down self-consciously.

"Had a bit of a feeding frenzy, might have overdone it on the blood," said Spike.

"Human?" asked Willie.

"Wouldn't you like to know," grinned Spike wickedly.

Both Spike and Willie looked up as sounds could be heard coming from the alley outside, seconds later the doorman came sailing through the entrance, crashing to the floor unconscious, closely followed by a furious looking Buffy. She marched up to Spike and glared at him, her hands firmly on her hips.

"Slayer! Nice to see you, but could you make it a short visit, your presence tends to make the customers a little nervous," Said Willie.

"Don't worry, Spike and I won't be staying long," said Buffy, her eyes never leaving Spike's for a second.

"Now hang on slayer," said Willie.

Buffy interrupted the sweaty little man.

"In fact, don't expect him in for the rest of the week, he's taking a sickie," Said Buffy firmly.

She looked at Spike.

"Get your coat, we're leaving," said Buffy.

"What if I refuse?" asked Spike cockily.

Buffy got her stake out of her pocket.

"Wanna start an argument with Mr Pointy?" she asked.

"You're not gonna do anything to me," said Spike smugly.

Spike turned his back on her and started to remove empty glasses from a nearby table. Buffy put away the stake and walked up behind him, she spun him round and lifted him off the ground and flung him over her shoulder. His weight was not much more than a feather to her slayers strength.

"He'll be away for the rest of the week," said Buffy to Willie.

Loud raucous laughing rang through the bar, as the demons all laughed at the sight of Spike being marched off by his missus.

"She has really got you whipped Spike," shouted one.

"The slayer and her pet vampire," called another.

Once they had exited the bar, Buffy put Spike back down.

"Bleedin' hell Buffy what was that for? I am going to get the piss taken out of me something rotten, next time I show my face there," said Spike.

"You've said it yourself, Willie's bar can get dangerous, I followed you here, I knew if I left you alone, you'd be up to no good, besides, you've done it to me twice," said Buffy.

"I needed to make some money, if you haven't already noticed, we're not exactly living on Park Avenue," said Spike.

"And you're pregnant, if you haven't noticed," she replied.

"How could I forget, and who do I have to thank for that little miracle?" he asked.

"I was just trying to earn us some extra money too," said Buffy, clapping her hand over her mouth as she realised what she'd said.

Damn that truth demon she thought, no wonder they were considered such dangerous little critters, and judging by the look on Spikes face, it had just caused World War 3.

"So that's how you met that Hallie, through a job, doing what? Dare I ask," said Spike.

"I was only working at the college crèche, at least I wasn't serving blood and alcohol to dangerous demons," said Buffy defensively.

"It's not the same thing, I have to keep this job, in a few days you get the baby back, but I still have to provide for us after that," said Spike.

"I didn't think about it like that," she said.

"You never do, I'm sleeping at your mum's tonight, if you want me, you know where to find me," said Spike striding off angrily into the night.

"Spike," she called after him.

"Slayer," a voice said from behind.

Buffy turned, damn vampires, they do pick their moments she thought angrily, she sighed and turned.

"Ok, as a special favour to you, let's make this quick," she said.

The vampire lunged at her like a bull; she easily deflected his punches and planted the stake in his chest before he even knew what hit him, she looked around for her absent husband, but she could already sense that he was long gone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Xander and Anya had just left; Joyce closed the front door and walked back into the lounge.

"Well Rupert alone at last, what shall we do?" asked Joyce.

Giles patted the empty space next to him, on the sofa.

"Come here and I'll show you," he smiled.

Joyce smiled back and started to walk over to him, her progress halted by the loud banging on the front door. Giles sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Do we never get a break?" asked Giles.

"I guess not," sighed Joyce, going to answer the door.

She opened it, to reveal a very sorry looking son-in-law.

"Spike! What are you doing here?" asked Joyce in confusion.

"Could you put me up for the night mum?" he asked.

"Don't tell me, you and Buffy have had a falling out?" asked Joyce, opening the door wider to let him in.

"Maybe," he answered sheepishly.

Spike looked at Giles.

"Still here then old mate? Hope I wasn't interrupting anything," asked Spike raising an eyebrow.

"Chance would be a fine thing," muttered Giles.

"Can I get you anything Spike?" asked Joyce.

"A mug of your famous hot chocolate and maybe some mini marshmallows?" asked Spike hopefully.

Joyce disappeared into the kitchen.

"I was hoping to catch up with you Spike, it's about what happened at the doctor's this evening, in light of what occurred I think it's best you and Buffy get another doctor, one used to dealing with unusual couples like yourselves," said Giles

"What do you mean?" asked Spike.

"I know an excellent doctor, she's half demon herself, so there wouldn't be any awkward questions," Giles replied.

"Yeah maybe you're right Rupes, that was a bit of a close one this evening, but if you could have seen the look on the doctor's face," said Spike laughing.

Giles tried to keep a straight face, but lost the battle, he chuckled at the word picture Spike had painted. Joyce came back in with the tray.

"What's so funny?" she asked secretly pleased to see her two favourite guys getting along so well.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy wandered aimlessly among the tombstones. The slaying hadn't been as much fun as she'd thought, all she seemed to do these days was have arguments with Spike. Buffy was still feeling a little guilty over the vengeance demon thing, Spike could be as pig headed as most guys, but she knew he didn't deserve what had happened to him.

Now she'd had time to think about it, he must have been pretty humiliated by her high-handed behaviour at Willie's bar, especially in front of all those demons. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but no so much now, especially as she'd had time to think about it.

Buffy turned the corner, quickly hurrying home to their crypt, eager to apologise for earlier. She opened the door and was greeted by darkness and silence.

"Spike?" she called out.

No answer. Buffy walked into the room and lit a couple of candles. The upper chamber was empty, so she descended the ladder, thinking he must have gone to bed. She switched on a lamp, the soft glow revealed the bed, perfectly made, but empty. Buffy felt the anger start to boil up with in her. Fine if he wanted to be like that she wasn't going to go chasing after him, she got undressed for bed and got into it. She tossed and turned for several minutes, she sat up and thumped the pillows in frustration. She had to know Spike was safe, she got out of bed again and went to her jacket and took out her cell phone and dialled her mom's number.

"Hi mom, is Spike there?" she asked.

"Yes honey, he arrived here a couple of hours ago, do you want to talk to him?" asked her mom.

"No, just wanted to make sure he was ok, bye talk to you tomorrow," said Buffy.

She slipped the phone back in her jacket and got into her very big empty bed. There was no husband and no baby, a lone tear trickled down her face, she had never felt so alone in her whole life. She closed her eyes wishing for sleep to come. Her eyes flew open as she felt the left side of the bed depress.

"Spike, you came back, that was quick," she said in surprise.

"You know us Vamps, speedy little buggers when we want to be," he replied.

"I thought you were staying the night at mom's," said Buffy.

"Well I was, but the baby and I missed you," he smiled sadly at her.

"I missed you both too," said Buffy.

He looked at her seriously.

"Sorry about the job thing, it was my pride talking, if you really want the crèche job, go for it," said Spike.

Buffy sat up in the bed and hugged him.

"Sorry about the vengeance demon thingy, that was just my big mouth doing too much talking as usual," said Buffy tearfully.

"That's okay pet, I shall be a lot more understanding from now on, I came back because I couldn't bear the idea of spending one night away from you," he said.

"Yeah we've been together nearly eleven months now, it's been quite a ride," she said.

"Yes you've been quite a ride," said Spike mischievously.

Buffy elbowed him in the ribs.

"Hey watch out for the baby," said Spike.

"Oh that was no where near it," said Buffy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy smiled at Willow and Oz as they met in the corridor outside Walsh's class.

"Ready for another lesson in life from the evil bitch monster from hell?" asked Willow.

"Yeah maybe we need psyche help, for taking her class in the first place," said Buffy.

"You guys, she's not so bad, give her a chance," said oz.

"And you didn't hear how unsympathetic she was to you, when you decided to go A.W.O.L," said Buffy.

"Point taken," said Oz.

They entered the lecture room, and sat together. Professor Walsh entered a few minutes later, followed by a new teaching assistant, he looked vaguely familiar to Buffy, and realisation dawned on her that it was Riley's friends Forrest Gates. They had only spoken a few times; she had always got the distinct impression that Forrest wasn't too fond of her. His gaze was cold and analytical as it skimmed over the room.

The lesson passed without incidence, the students quickly shuffled out of class. Professor Walsh and Forrest were the only occupants of the room.

"I want Buffy Lovejoy observed at all times, she is carrying hostile 17's child, it could be of great importance to the mission, a link to the demon world, and a chance to breed a race of super beings for the government military programme, the genetic possibilities are endless." said Walsh emotionlessly.

"Yes ma'am, but are you sure she's pregnant? She didn't look so much so to me" said Forrest.

"Just have her watched, okay," said Professor Walsh as she gathered up her papers and exited the room.

TBC

Date Night

Chapter 8

Spike was up early, happily whistling as he made the morning coffee, he put his mug of blood in the microwave and sat on one of the stone coffins and waited for it to finish. He patted his tummy fondly.

"Well baby it's seven days today, guess you will be going back where you belong soon, as much as I love you little one, will be kinda glad to get my body back to myself," he said

The baby answered with a strong kick. Spike wondered what Buffy would think if she knew about his one sided conversations with their offspring, he grinned, she would probably think him an idiot. The microwave pinged and Spike carried on with his preparations.

Buffy stirred in their bedroom, she had awoken to Spike's whistling, then some incoherent mumbling. She smiled fondly to herself, Spike was talking to their baby again, and she had often listened in on "their" conversations the past week. Little did he know, she had done it herself a few times, since she'd been pregnant. Spike slowly came down the ladder with two mugs in one hand holding on with the other.

"Wow, we're up and about early this morning, what's the occasion?" she asked.

"Don't tell me you've forgot, it's Tuesday," said Spike

Buffy felt dread start to arise inside her.

"Tuesday? Oh God what's happened now? Bad things always happen on a Tuesday," she said.

"Calm down luv, nothings happened, well at least not yet, it been a week since the curse remember?" he asked.

Buffy breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh yeah silly Buffy," she said

"Hurry up and drink up, and then we can get on with it," he said.

Buffy took the mug from him and sipped the hot liquid.

"Get on with what?" she asked

Spike arched an eyebrow.

"Remember last week? You came home from college, we had incredible sex, fell asleep and the baby switched places," said Spike.

"That doesn't mean that's how it will change back, if you want me, you only have to say, or even better show me," she said

"Oh that's quite an ego," he said.

"Not really, I just know my special skills," she said playing the game.

"Most of which I taught you," said Spike.

Spike quickly finished off his drink and took a quick sip of hers to get rid of his blood breath. His face was still lumpy.

"Give me a minute, until these go away," he said touching his lumpies.

Buffy pulled him down on the bed, gazing into his yellow eyes.

"When you gonna learn William, I love you for who you are not what you are?" she asked

"So the cold hard muscular body doesn't interest you at all?" he smiled, exposing his fangs.

Buffy's hand travelled lower and he gasped.

"Oh it does, especially this part," she said kissing him hard on the lips.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two hours later Spike awoke to see Buffy looking at him.

"Did it work?" he asked hopefully.

"You bet ya, look!" she said exposing her stomach.

Spike breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh yeah! There is a God and he loves me after all," said Spike.

"I think the jury is still out on that one Spike," she said wryly.

"I can't see, do I have any stretch marks?" he asked

Buffy rolled her eyes at his vanity.

"No, starting to be glad you don't cast a reflection, otherwise I think I would have serious competition for the mirror in the mornings," she giggled.

Buffy rose out of the bed, she went over to her closet and took one of her new maternity dresses out of it.

"No more jeans for a few months now, or anything unless it resembles a tent," she said sadly.

"Do you have to go into college today luv, it seems you are always loving and leaving me these days," Spike asked.

"This is important and I can't let Vickie down, she'll go mad being left with all those screaming babies, also I think I am getting my first assignment in my poetry class today, all important stuff," she replied.

Spike came up behind her still naked, he wrapped his arms around her, touching her belly.

"Glad our little one is back in it's rightful place with it's mummy, can't have been very nice for it, being inside of me, I know I like it inside mummy," he said wickedly.

Buffy flushed, and turned around in his arms.

"You're a pig Spike!"

"Got you slayer! I love seeing you blush, any one would still think you still an innocent, but we know better don't we?" he asked.

She kissed him quickly on the lips and pulled out of his arms before he could deepen it.

"Stop with the delaying tactics, I shall miss my bus," Buffy said.

She quickly finished dressing and ran a brush through her hair and grabbed her books.

"Bye William. Have a nice day," she said blowing him a kiss and quickly disappearing up the ladder.

Spike touched his once again flat stomach.

"Don't worry luv, I will," he said going back to bed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Hey Willow, Oz, great day isn't it," asked Buffy.

"Buffy, you're positively glowing, Oh you're pregnant again," said Willow, giving her friend a hug.

"Yep, it's wonderful, I really missed him or her," said Buffy.

"I bet Spike's more than a little relieved," said Oz.

"You could say that," said Buffy.

"Although the idea of Spike giving birth," said Oz, a little smile on his face.

"Oz!" said Willow warningly.

"Gotta go guys, poetry class calling, see you later at lunch?" asked Buffy

"Sure have fun," said Willow.

"Oh yeah, starting to regret signing up for it already," she replied.

Buffy turned and walked away, she bumped right into Forrest Gates, knocking her books from her arms, he quickly apologised and bent down to pick them up for her. Was it her imagination or did he seem to be everywhere these days? He handed her books back to her, smiling at her in a strange way.

"See you in Psych," he said as he walked off.

Buffy shrugged off her feelings of unease and continued to her class. She sat through the lecture lost in the magic of the words her teacher spoke, she sighed blissfully. Until he shattered her calm and set the class assignment, Buffy's smile slipped from her face.

"The assignment is to write a poem about the most important thing in your life, it can be an object, it can be a person and I'd like you to bring that person or object to class, so we can see what you saw when you wrote the poem," he said.

"Oh crap," said Buffy under her breath.

"What was that Ms Lovejoy?" asked the professor.

The bell rang signalling the end of class, Buffy was spared an explanation as all the students left the room in a big rush. She could hear their chatter as they walked by her.

"I am going to write a poem about my playstation," said one guy.

"Man get a life, that is so lame, I am gonna write a poem about Reece Witherspoon," his friend replied.

"Oh like she'll ever agree to come to class with you, loser," said another.

Buffy walked off towards the crèche facility, she knew what she'd write about, but whether it would agree to come to the college as a visual aid, would be another thing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy returned home to find Spike watching "Passions" He had his back to her.

"Hi Spike," she said coming up behind him in his favourite green chair. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the top of his head.

"Hello luv," he said

"Spike?"

Buffy came round the front to look at his face.

"What?" he asked

"You've been crying at passions again, haven't you?" she asked

"Well it's not fair, last year they stuck Timmy down the bloody well, now he's just been told unless he has a brain transplant with his pet monkey, he will die," said Spike defensively.

Buffy looked at him and giggled.

"Hey it's not funny," he said.

"Spike, you watch way too much daytime TV, I think you are starting to lose IQ points,"

"So how was your day?" he asked.

"Could have been better, got to write a poem about the most important thing in my life, my shoe collection," she smiled.

Spike pretended to look hurt. Buffy kissed him.

"Of course it will be about you," she smiled. She decided to leave out the needing him to be there for the actual recital.

"Want to go out tonight luv? Willie's not expecting me back until tomorrow night," he asked

"Do I ever, we haven't been out on a date for ages, but we don't have a lot of money, can we afford it?" she asked.

"A couple of drinks at the Bronze is hardly going to break us, and I thought we could have a Buffy is pregnant again celebration," he said.

"Music, dancing a couple of non-alcoholic drinks, you might even get lucky," he purred.

"That's not luck, that's inevitability," she replied.

"Oh, are you asking for it missy,"

"Always," she replied as she disappeared below stairs to get ready.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike and Buffy entered the Bronze, hand in hand. She looked at him, her excitement obvious. Looking at her, he sometimes forgot just how young she was, but she seemed as truly contented with their life as he was. He'd been dead nearly 120 years, but since being with her, he'd never felt more alive. Buffy saw Willow and Xander and Anya all seated around a table.

"It's my friends lets go say hello," said Buffy.

They walked over to the table.

"Spike! And now my night is complete," said Xander sarcastically.

Spike totally ignored Xander.

"Hello ladies, where's teen wolf tonight?" he asked looking at Willow.

"Oh he's backstage, Dingo's ate my baby are playing tonight," Willow explained proudly.

A slow song started up and several couples got on the floor. Spike took off his leather duster: he threw it in Xander's face.

"Look after the jacket Harris," said Spike leading Buffy on to the dance floor.

"Spike, you are too bad," sighed Buffy as she wrapped her arms around him.

"You wouldn't have it any other way," he said as he nuzzled her neck.

Xander watched the couple on the floor.

"Someone please knock me out," he pleaded in mock horror.

"You never dance with me like that Xander," Anya complained.

"Uh oh, I feel the sudden need to go to the bathroom," said Willow making a hasty exit.

Anya yelped in surprise as Xander grabbed her and hauled her onto the dance floor.

"Let's show them how it's really done," he said gathering Anya in his arms.

Forrest came out of the shadows: he had followed Buffy and hostile 17 from their crypt. He scanned the room and walked over to where the subjects discarded coats lay. He had one last look before quickly clipping on the almost invisible bugging devices to their jackets.

Spike and Buffy swayed slowly to the soft music, She looked up seeing Forrest hovering near where her friends had been sitting. She frowned, maybe she wasn't so paranoid after all, she watched as he looked quickly around the room and walked off.

Forrest was forgotten as she felt her husband shake with laughter. She pulled out of his arms and turned to see what he found so funny.

"What?" asked Buffy in confusion.

"I thought the whelp was gonna show us how it's done," said Spike laughing at the tangle of limbs that was Xander and Anya.

"The only thing Xander does well is the snoopy dance, " she replied.

"Now that's something I would pay good money to see," said Spike

TBC

Chapter 9

A Touch Of The Poet

"No way! Not a chance in hell," said Spike.

"Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top," Buffy pleaded.

Buffy pouted at him.

"Sorry that's not going to work on me, pout away all you like," he replied.

"But it's for a good cause, you want me to fail my course?" she asked.

"Course not, just don't fancy the idea of 30 spotty kids gawping at me like a side show at a circus, that's all,"

Buffy sighed sadly and turned her back to him.

"Buffy?" he asked.

No answer, he let out an impatient sigh and turned her round to face him. Tears trickled down her face; he wiped them away with the tips of his thumbs.

"If it means that much to you, when and where do you want me?" he said defeated.

Buffy gave him a brilliant smile and hugged him.

"Tuesday afternoon, right before lunch," she said happily.

"Careful there slayer, will be hard for me to come to your poetry thing with a couple of broken ribs," he said.

He had the distinct feeling he had just been very badly emotionally black mailed. He always had hated the sight of tears on his lady, whether it was Buffy or Dru. God! He really was love's bitch he thought to himself.

"So how's the poem coming along? Is it an epic tale about how hot I am?" he asked.

"Hot, you're more like room temperature," she giggled.

"You're always trying to get a rise out of me," he said huffily.

"Well that's not very hard is it?" she asked.

"Well it could be, with a little help" Spike said seductively.

"Sorry no snugglies, I have an assignment to finish," she told him sternly.

He pouted at her, hoping to get to her to cave, the same way he had.

"Sorry William," she said blowing him a kiss and disappearing below stairs.

He'd never understand women if he lived a thousand years, he thought to himself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy sat in the middle of their bed, a growing mound of screwed up paper balls surrounded her. She sighed,

"When you gonna face the fact Buffy Lovejoy, you suck at poetry?" she asked herself aloud.

Buffy turned as she heard someone coming down the ladder. She smiled as she saw it was Willow.

"Talking to yourself Buffy? Ya know it's the first sign of madness, but then you are married to Spike," she joked.

Buffy frowned.

"Just kidding Buff honestly," said Willow.

"It's not that, I have two days to write a poem about Spike and not shame him or myself, it's hard especially with Spike being a poet himself," said Buffy.

"Oh right, maybe in another lifetime," Willow giggled.

"You could kinda say that, when he was William the human, said he'd even been published," said Buffy.

"You're serious? Why don't you ask him to help you?" asked Willow

"I wanna do this on my own, you know?" asked Buffy

Buffy looked at Willow.

"Know any poetry spells?" she asked.

Willow looked at Buffy

"Thought you wanted to do this on your own, anyway magic has kinda been a non event for me lately," Said Willow.

"You're not STILL stressing over your last fiasco, are you?" asked Buffy.

"Thanks for being tact girl, It's just I haven't got a very good track record, my spells are always messing things up," said Willow.

"Hey don't be so hard on yourself, we all make mistakes," said Buffy.

"Not like mine," said Willow.

"True! Where's Oz?" Buffy replied.

"Oh he's upstairs with Spike," said Willow.

"Bet their just getting along like a house on fire," said Buffy.

"Well at the first sign of smoke you're calling 911, not me," Said Willow.

"Fair enough," smiled Buffy.

Willow looked around Buffy and Spike's bedroom.

"Cosy in a gothic horror sorta a way," said Willow approvingly.

"Thanks, Spike did it all himself," said Buffy proudly.

Willows gaze was fixed on the far wall.

"Nice chains, what are they for," she asked.

Buffy flushed.

"Oh nuthin' about this poem," said Buffy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike and Oz sat above stairs in awkward silence. Oz looked around the room, Spike shifted about in his seat, desperately trying to think of something to say. What did you say to the guy, whose girl you had once kidnapped? Then there was that nasty business last year with the gem of Amara, real non-icebreakers in any one's opinion. Spike decided to stick to the safe subjects.

"Enjoyed your gig last week mate," said Spike.

"Thanks, although it wasn't that great, six months away and anyone would be out of practice," said Oz.

"No it was good really," Spike replied.

"Thanks," muttered Oz

Another couple of minutes passed uncomfortably.

"Can I ask you a favour?" said Spike

"You can, but it depends what it is," said Oz, warily.

"Well, I wasn't going to ask you if you wanted to murder half of Europe, besides already done that," grinned Spike.

Oz raised an eyebrow.

"When are you playing at the Bronze again?" Spike asked.

"Some time next month, why?" asked Oz.

"Buffy and I have been together a year next month, thanks to the Wicca, wanted to mark the occasion, wondered if I could sing a little something with the band, for Buffy," said Spike hopefully.

"You?" said Oz incredulously.

"Yeah, Buffy likes my voice, I have to believe her, she does not lie, well not any more," said Spike.

Oz considered his request for a moment.

"Well, you will have to try out and Devon being lead singer has the final say, you can come to our rehearsals, we practice mainly on the weekend, and no funny business," said Oz.

"Thanks, and you don't have to worry, Spike's a good puppy now, well sort of," he said.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy sat in her poetry class, nervously chewing her lip. After wasting enough paper to make a whole tree, she'd finally managed to piece something together. She just hoped Spike would like it. Buffy glanced at her watch, there were only two other students that had to read before her, ok she didn't exactly consider her self a word smith, but after having to sit through a lame poem about Reece Witherspoon's bouncy blonde hair, she felt ready to slay the entire class, that and plus the fact a certain peroxided vampire was still a no show.

He would be here, she believed in him when he'd promised to attend, she was just worried that Giles had somehow screwed it up, he was Spike's ride to the college. It wasn't like Giles had anything better to do, since the high school had gone bang, she thought resentfully to herself.

She sat lost in her thoughts, when the professor called out her name, she didn't hear him at first.

"Ms Lovejoy," he repeated loudly, causing several of the other students to giggle.

"Uh, sorry," she apologised.

Buffy pulled the folded sheets of paper from her bag and made her way to the front of the class. She looked at the door again and looked ahead at the class, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice. She opened her mouth, about to speak, when Spike came crashing through the door.

"Sorry I'm late, had car trouble," he said looking at Buffy.

Buffy beamed back at him.

"Before I start, this is my husband, William Lovejoy and my poem is about him," she said proudly.

A couple of girls in the front row let out dreamy sighs.

"Oh that's so cute," said another girl.

Buffy cleared her throat; she looked at Spike as she began.

I thank the stars you were sent to me, For you and I were meant to be, We have a bond too strong to break, We have a love no one can take.

In you I have found a love so true, That my heart is bursting with love for you, Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat, You make me whole, and my life complete.

My love for you grows more each day, The thought of your gorgeous face, takes my breath away, Those blue eyes fill my soul with happiness, Those luscious lips I long to kiss.

The day when I became your wife, Was the happiest of my life, Thinking of that day, makes me smile, I'm so glad that I walked down that aisle, For on that day a dream came true.

For always and forever, I will love you.

The class was silent.

"Um that's it," said Buffy uncomfortably.

The group of girls in the front row, began clapping enthusiastically.

"Thank you Ms Lovejoy, very good, although, I'm not sure if it was your poetry that impressed every one or, you're ahem, visual aid," said her professor, raising an eyebrow at the class.

Spike had been moved by Buffy's poem, he had to resist the urge to kiss her right there and then, so he contented himself by squeezing her hand.

Buffy looked at her teacher.

"Is it okay if William stays for the rest of the lecture?" asked Buffy.

The professor looked around the room at the hopeful female faces.

"Well as long as he's not too distracting," he said.

"Oh, his accent is so sexy, Oh my God, did I just say that out loud?" asked a red faced girl in the seat next to Buffy's

Spike grinned and winked at the girl. Buffy frowned and elbowed Spike in the ribs; he looked at Buffy and mouthed a silent "Ow" at her.

"What was that for? You don't have to be jealous baby, you know you're the only one who gets me hot," he whispered in her ear.

Spike's hand rested on Buffy's knee under the table, making slow circular movements on the bare flesh, Buffy's face flushed, her breathing started to quicken as his hand rested on her thigh. Her teacher looked at her.

"Are you okay Ms Lovejoy, you're looking a little hot and bothered, would you like to be excused?" asked her teacher.

"Yes she would mate," said Spike grabbing up her books and quickly shoving them in her bag, he took her hand and hauled her down the aisle of the class.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They stood outside the class; Spike looked at her and grinned.

"You're evil," she said.

"That's what I keep telling you luv," he said

"Last time I bring you to college," she pouted.

"Why?" he asked

"Did you see they way all those girls were looking at you?" Buffy asked

"Yeah, a couple of them grabbed my ass as we went by, one even tried to give me her phone number," said Spike smugly.

"Right that's it!" she said

She grabbed him by the collar of his leather duster and pulled him along until she found the place she was looking for, the janitor's storeroom.

"In there!" she demanded.

"I unlive to obey," mocked Spike entering the dark room.

Buffy switched on the light and locked the door behind them.

"Think you need a little reminding just whose guy you are," said Buffy pushing him down on an upturned bucket.

"Like the romantic setting love, not complaining here, your poetry got me pretty hot, want to kiss my "luscious lips"? He asked quoting her poem.

"Oh I have every intention of doing that and more before I am finished with you," said Buffy.

"Giles is waiting for me," said Spike.

"Oh like you care," said Buffy.

"True, now tell me again what you think of my blue eyes," he replied grabbing a hold of her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Forrest sat in Walsh's office, listening intently on his headset. He started as the professor came in.

"A little more discretion soldier, I could have been a civilian," she berated him.

Forrest slipped the earpiece from his ear.

"Any thing new to report?" she asked.

"Hostile 17 is still on campus, Buffy wrote him a lovely poem," sighed Forrest

Professor Walsh frowned

"Keep your mind on the mission, Agent Gates," said Walsh hard-heartedly.

Walsh exited her office; Forrest resisted the urge to make a face at her as she left. He slipped his headset on again, and quickly pulled it off when he heard the sounds coming from it.

Dammit, those two were like bunnies in heat, he thought disgustedly to himself, but he was kinda starting to like them, this mission was beginning to weigh heavily on his conscience, but he was a guy to follow orders, wasn't he?

TBC

Chapter 10

It had been nearly a month since Spike's field trip to UC Sunnydale, things had been going very well for Buffy and Spike, the baby was happy and healthy inside it's mother. She was now six months pregnant and her tummy had swollen considerably in the last month. It was only a few days until their first anniversary as a couple; it would have been their first anniversary as husband and wife, if they hadn't let others influence them.

The dawn was fast approaching as Spike lay down on their bed. It had been at busy night at work, hence the lateness of his return. He spooned up behind Buffy; she stirred slightly in her sleep and let out a soft contented sigh, almost as if she could sense his return. He put an arm protectively around her waist and was rewarded with a little kick from him/her that nestled inside its mother's tummy. Buffy rolled over onto her back, Spike shifted to accommodate her new position, he watched fascinated at the little movements their child made within her body, he leaned forward to kiss her belly and a little foot kicked his face.

"Oh yeah, definatley a little chip off the old block, kicking me in the head was mummy's favourite trick, once upon a time, Oh the bedtime stories I could tell you about us," said Spike

"I don't think so, unless you want our kid to be in therapy all its life," said Buffy regarding him sleepily.

"Hello love, didn't know you were awake," said Spike, surprised.

"Well, you weren't exactly stealthy, God knows how you ever managed to creep up on one of your victims," she said rolling her eyes.

"Didn't need stealth, I have my vampire's thrall," he said looking at her intently.

"Funny, could swear that's the expression you use when you're wanting a shag, God I'm starting to talk like you!" Buffy exclaimed

"Wasn't quite what I was trying to portray, but if you're up for it?" he asked hopefully.

"Lucky for you, that you married a slayer, otherwise any normal girl would have died from sexual exhaustion by now," she smiled.

"Ah, but I knew when I first clapped eyes on you, what kinda of girl you were, or should I say are," he said smugly.

"Oh yeah, and what's that?" she asked curious.

"Buffy the Vampire Layer of course, now about that shag?" he reminded her.

"And they say romance never dies," she said poking her tongue out at him.

Spike put his hand under the bedcovers, touching her naked skin.

"Black nightie, sexy," he whispered in her ear.

Buffy gasped.

"I think I am starting to get the whole thrall thing," she breathed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy knocked on her friend's dorm room door.

"Come in," Willow said.

Buffy opened the door.

"Willow, I would have thought you would be a little more cautious as to who you invite in these days, remember what happened with Spike, if it hadn't been for his government chip," Buffy reminded her.

"Sorry, my bad, had my mind on other things, I can't decide what to wear tonight on my date with Oz," said Willow.

Buffy looked at Willows entire wardrobe sprawled all over her bed; the garish mix of colours made her eyes hurt. She smiled fondly at her friend.

"Ow," said Buffy clutching her side.

Willow immediately looked up at her friend in concern.

"What is it Buffy?" asked Willow.

Buffy smiled.

"Oh it's nothing, just Spike junior kicking me in the ribs again, wanna feel?" asked Buffy.

She placed Willow's hand on her belly, and the little person inside performed on cue.

"Oh Buff, that's amazing, I almost feel a little envious," said Willow.

"Well don't get too envious, If you start to get broody, even Oz would lose his famous cool," said Buffy

"Yeah, but it would be something to see, wouldn't it?" asked Willow

"So, will I be seeing you at the Bronze on Saturday night? Spike has the night off from work," said Buffy.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Dingoes is playing remember?" asked Willow

"Could I ask a favour?" Buffy said.

"Sure anything to help," said Willow.

"It's our first anniversary as a couple on Saturday, I wanted to do something special for Spike, something he'd appreciate,"

"Wow is it really a year ago already since I, you know..." flushed Willow.

"Yep, how time flies when you're in the relationship of your life," smiled Buffy.

"Any ideas on what you are going to do for Spike?" asked Willow

"Well, I was thinking, with you being the internet whiz, maybe you could have a look see, if there's anything on the net about the poet William Lovejoy, I know he wasn't a major poet, but who knows he may have had some sort of cult following," said Buffy.

"Ok, I'll get on it and get back to you ASAP," said Willow

"Thanks, I knew I could count on you, gotta run, crèche duty calls," sighed Buffy.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy decided to stop by her former watcher's home, upon entering she was not surprised to see her mother there, but this time thankfully not hiding in Giles's bed.

"Hi Mom, Giles," what ya doing?" asked Buffy.

"Well I am in the middle of making a romantic dinner for two and Giles has his head stuck in one of his dusty books as usual," said Joyce with a slight frown on her face.

"Ah, Buffy glad you called round, was going to phone you anyway, got some important information on the mysterious soldier boys seen patrolling in the area," said Giles.

Buffy sighed, not really interested.

"Does it involve lots of research?" said Buffy crossing her fingers.

Giles looked at her disapprovingly.

"No, it's all word of mouth from a very reliable source," he replied.

"Ok let's have the big bad," she said

"Thought that's exactly what you'd already been doing for the last year," Giles mumbled.

"What was that?" asked Buffy

"I said the sooner we get started the sooner you can get out of here," said Giles quickly.

"Oh ok, let's hear it then," said Buffy

"Well, we already know they are into demon control, from the sketchy information Spike gave us, but it also seems they have another side line, demon genetic engineering," said Giles

"Dangerous territory, what exactly do you think they are up to?" asked Buffy.

"Nothing good, and there is talk of a secret project in a room, I think its room 314," said Giles gravely.

Joyce walked back into the lounge.

"Everything ok?" she asked, looking at the solemn faces.

"Yeah, its just slayer stuff," said Buffy.

"Which is nothing to do with the expectant mother," said Joyce sternly.

"Course not mom, as if I would, so all set for Saturday night then?" asked Buffy trying to change the subject.

"Of course honey, wouldn't miss it for the world," said her Mom, giving her a hug

"What's on Saturday night?" asked Giles, puzzled

"Well, I told you about it a month ago, then two weeks ago, and yesterday," sighed Joyce.

"My first anniversary with Spike remember?" asked Buffy.

"But you only got married six months ago, that much I do remember," said Giles

"Well it's time to brush the cobwebs off your dancing shoes, any way have to go, my other half will be going out soon," she kissed her mom on the cheek and was gone.

"Do you think we should have told her?" asked Joyce concerned

"Let's get this weekend over first," don't want to steal her thunder," said Giles patting her hand.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, touching the diamond solitaire that rested there.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Hi Spike, how was your day?" Buffy asked giving him a lingering kiss on the lips.

"Just got a whole lot better for seeing you," he said.

He took her by the hand and led her over to the armchair; he sat down and pulled her onto his lap. Buffy looked around the room.

"Nice job with the cleaning, not a leaf or cobweb in sight," she said

"Well considering all the fuss you made, last time a tiny spider came in here, I have great self preservation instincts," he chuckled.

She touched his face.

"Sorry about that black eye," she said.

"All mended now, besides it kinda reminded me of our glory days, when we used to beat the crap out of each other," he said

"Yeah, they were some crazy times, remember our first brawl at the parents evening?" she asked.

"How could I forget, you started it and Mum finished it, had a dent in my head for weeks," he said.

"What about that silly Halloween curse when you went all 18th century missy on me, if your annoying friends hadn't turned up, we'd be travelling the world together right now," he said smugly.

"You were going to turn me?" she asked slightly horrified.

"Big bad here remember, it's what I do, or rather what I did," he amended

She giggled.

"What?" he asked: slightly mystified.

"Just thinking about the last time we tried to end each other's existence, our only daytime venue," she said.

"Ah what a fight, the only time I came genuinely close to kicking your ass, once and for all," he said fondly.

"Well if it hadn't been for your tacky ring, you would have been ash tray material by now," she said looking at him.

Spike looked thoughtful.

"Love's a funny thing, they say it's the flip side of hate, if we hadn't realised what we were really feeling I think one of us would have succeeded eventually, instead of ending life we have created it," he said

They clasped hands together over the, the swell of their child. Spike looked at the watch on Buffy's wrist.

"Bleeding, Hell! I have to be somewhere else," he said.

"But it's barely sunset," she complained.

"Willie wants me there early tonight, expecting a large party of kabala demons, one of those tourist parties that come hoping for a glimpse of the hell mouth," he explained.

"Oh well if you must, just seems to be a habit of late and have we seen any extra money coming in for your bosses liberties," she said.

Spike held up his hands before gently lifting her off his lap. He grabbed his trademark coat and slipped it on. He quickly kissed her and was gone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike ran through the graveyard, quickly burning up the distance to the Bronze, having no breath was a bonus sometimes he thought to himself.

He entered the Bronze; it was empty except for the band practising on the stage.

"You're late," said Oz.

"Really?" said Spike sarcastically.

Spike looked around.

"Where's Devon then?" he asked

"Some where in Western England if I am not mistaken?" drawled Oz

"Very cute, I should know England, was born there," said Spike

"Bit of a problem, Devon has gone down with the flu, he's lost his voice," said Oz.

"That is a problem," said Spike.

Oz continued to stare at him.

"Oh, no, you're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?" asked Spike.

"Well, you've surprisingly proved yourself an able singer, besides you owe me and the guys, no singer and we don't get paid," said Oz.

"The old saying, stuck between a rock and a hard place, kinda springs to mind right now," sighed Spike,

He shrugged off his jacket and joined them on stage, took the microphone from its stand.

"I still get to do my song for Buffy right?" he asked.

"Of course," said Oz as he began strumming on his guitar.

TBC

Chapter11

Spike lay next to Buffy, he was propped up on one elbow, and he watched her sleep, she stretched and yawned, her eyelids fluttering open. She looked into the brilliance of his blue eyes.

"Morning Mrs Lovejoy, happy anniversary," he smiled at her tenderly.

"Happy anniversary to you too darling," she smiled back and caressed his cheek.

Spike leapt off the bed and went over to the chest in the corner of their room, he lifted the lid and extracted a couple of brightly wrapped parcels, one was tied with a big red bow, he walked back over to the bed.

"Pressie time," he said,

He passed them into Buffy's eager hands.

"Ooh, presents, I like presents," she said excitedly.

Spike watched her face, keen for her response to his gifts. Buffy tore the paper off of the biggest present first, it was a large hardback book, and she turned it over and read the title.

"Sexual positions for the expectant couple, nice Spike, trust you to take care of the essentials," she grinned.

"What about the other present?" he asked.

Buffy unwrapped the gift, a little cautiously; she smiled with pleasure at the silver framed photo of them. It was the photo Joyce had taken of them at their engagement party. They both wore silly grins on their faces, not that it had been a very big celebration, with most of the scoobies missing at the time.

"Awww, that's so sweet Spike, it will be even better this year, we will have all our friends round us to celebrate with us," said Buffy giving him a big hug.

"Yeah all the scoobies together, what a bonus," he said sarcastically.

"Spike! Behave," she scolded him.

"Now I know you liked the picture, so what did you think of the book," Spike asked.

Buffy picked the book off the bed and leafed through the pages.

"Oh my, I thought we'd already tried everything," she said.

"Well how about as we have the whole day to ourselves, that I prove you wrong on that subject?" he asked

"With diagrams?" she asked holding up the book.

"No with actions, I've pretty much memorised the whole book," he grinned

"Well why do we need the book?" she asked.

"It's for you, you know what a slow learner you are," he teased.

She held the book over his head.

"Also useful for clubbing your spouse to death," she replied.

Spike removed the book from her grasp and opened it to page 22.

"Think you can manage that one love?" he challenged

"You bet ya, slow learner indeed," she mumbled flipping Spike over onto his back.

"Never one to back down from a challenge, I love it & I love you," he gasped, as she touched him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They had spent most of the day in each other's arms, but the sun had begun to set, and they knew they would have to leave their little world and join their friends at the Bronze. Buffy took out a new maternity dress she had bought especially for the occasion, it was a silky red dress with short sleeves which left her tanned arms bare. Buffy pinned up her hair and let a few little wisps escape to gently frame her face. She applied her make up with great care, wanting to look beautiful for Spike and their special occasion. Buffy slipped on her low heel red sandals and checked her self in the full-length mirror. She jumped as a pair of cool hands rested on her arms.

"Oh Spike you startled me, it's not fair, no reflection to warn me you were there," she smiled, still looking the mirror.

It was strange, she could feel him all around her, but when she looked in the mirror she was alone, she found the thought slightly depressing and quickly dismissed it from her mind.

"You look beautiful Buffy, I have never seen you look more lovely, motherhood becomes you," he said reverently.

"No, you become me Spike," she said turning around in his arms to face him.

She put her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for a kiss. They parted lips after several moments.

"Oh, I almost forgot, your present," she said, leaving the circle of his arms.

She went over to their bed and knelt on the floor, struggling to retrieve a small package from beneath it. She struggled to her feet and handed it to him.

"Thanks pet, wasn't expecting a gift too, after all you have been very giving with yourself all day," he leered.

Buffy watched him as he opened his present; he looked at her while he carefully removed the paper.

"The best of the Ramones! Thanks Buffy, one of my favourites, it got burned up when Harm. It er got burned up," said Spike awkwardly.

He gave her a quick kiss; glad she hadn't noticed the slip.

"I have another present for you, but you can't have it until later," she smiled.

"Is that a promise? There are still a few pages of your present I want to try out," he asked hopeful.

"Nothing like that, get your mind out of the gutter, just something I asked Willow to get for me," she replied.

"Sounds like a night of surprises all round then," he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Surprise, whole idea is to not know what will happen college girl," he mocked.

"We'd better get going if we don't want to be late," said Buffy.

"Yeah, that would not be of the good," he said grabbing his coat.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Forrest followed the couple from their crypt, keeping to the shadows as best he could. They were really starting to intrigue him; hostile 17 was totally unlike any demon he'd come across, since working for the Initiative. He'd always had the opinion that demons were the scourge of the earth and enemies to all human kind, but over the last few weeks, he'd witnessed such tenderness devotion, exhibited by H17, that would put most human's to shame. He was starting to think differently about his mission; one thing he was sure of, whatever Maggie Walsh's plans were, regarding Buffy and her baby, he didn't think he could carry them through. He made a mental decision to appear to follow orders from now on, feeling he could be more help to the couple, on the case, rather than off it.

Buffy and Spike arrived at the Bronze, oblivious of the dangerous undercurrents which threatened their way of life. Spike held open the door.

"After you my lady," he said in his best imitation of an English gent.

"Thank you kind Sir," she mocked, as she walked through the door.

"See, the gangs all here," said Spike

"Yes, and you are going to play nicely tonight," she warned.

"Ok, it's just that Xander gets my back up, with his snarky little comments," he replied.

"Oh, now does that remind me of any one I know intimately?" she asked.

Spike looked up, Oz held up a hand to get Spike's attention.

Spike gave Buffy a quick hug.

"Look I have to go do something for a mate, you'll be okay for a little while?" he asked

"Sure, I'll go and sit with my friends, don't be long," she said.

"I'll try not to be," he muttered under his breath.

Spike disappeared back stage after Buffy walked off to join her friends; Oz joined him a few moments later.

"So, all set for the big debut?" asked Oz.

"If I still needed the bathroom, I'd be crapping myself by now," said Spike nervously.

"Nice," said Oz sarcastically.

"I mean it was okay when it was only one song, but a whole gig," said Spike

"Don't let me down now man," said Oz.

"Don't worry, I'm not about to back out," Spike reassured him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Wow, Buffy you look beautiful tonight," said Xander admiringly.

Anya glared at Xander.

"What?" he asked confused.

"You didn't tell me I looked beautiful, Xander Harris,"

"Well of course you do," he said quickly.

"Do you still have feelings for Buffy?" she asked, ignoring his earlier comment.

"Don't be silly, you know you're the only girl for me," Xander replied

Anya turned her back on Xander, he sighed heavily.

"Sorry," Buffy mouthed silently at him.

"Hi Mom, Hi Giles, you're both looking very happy tonight," said Buffy.

"Oh we're just happy to join in your special occasion," said Giles giving her a hug.

"It's a little harder to get my arms around you these days," he joked.

"Yeah, I hope little Spike isn't going to be a big baby, just thinking about all those stitches makes my eyes sting, could you guys excuse me for a minute, I think I need a bathroom break," Buffy replied.

"Buffy, Buffy, Buffy, it's always about her, sure you don't want a party to celebrate her going to the bathroom?" asked Anya.

"Come on now sweetie, we don't want to ruin the evening," said Xander.

"I'm just saying, why does it only seem to matter what Buffy does around here? Does any one ever have secret Birthday parties for you or I?" She complained.

Willow joined them at the table.

"There's a lot of sour faces around here, who died?" asked Willow

"No one, yet," said Anya glaring at her boyfriend.

"Good, just talked to Oz, the Dingoes will be playing in a moment, got a new band member for the evening, apparently Devon is sick," said Willow.

They all looked to the stage, watching as the guys set up the instruments on stage.

"So where is he then?" asked Xander

"Oh he's waiting back stage, he'll come on when they start their first number," Willow explained.

"Any one we know?" asked Buffy standing behind her friend.

Willow spun round.

"Oh, hi Buff, you look nice, the guy who's taking Devon's place, I think Oz said his name was Will Love," said Willow.

"Oh very original, one of those crappy stage names I'm sure of it," said Xander.

Buffy opened her mouth to speak, silenced as the lights went down and the band members came on stage and took up their instruments. Oz went up to the mike.

"Hi guys, great to be back, sorry Devon couldn't make it tonight, but I am sure you will be more than happy with our replacement, he is, Will Love!" said OZ.

Oz replaced the microphone and began the first strains of their opening number. Cheers went up around the room. Spike closed his eyes, made a silent prayer that he wouldn't bollocks the whole thing up and walked forward onto the stage.

Six people sat at the their table frozen in shock, Buffy dropped her orange juice on the floor. Xander was the first to recover.

"It's a joke right?" asked Xander.

Buffy looked at Willow.

"Did you know anything about this Will? Asked Buffy.

"No, I mean Oz mentioned a few weeks a go they were trying out this guy, but I'd never thought in a million years it would be Spike," said Willow.

"My night just got better, watching Spike humiliate himself, my favourite," said Xander, settling back in his seat.

Spike took the mike, Buffy held her breath, he began to sing,

"Not bad at all," said Giles

"Hidden talents, eh Buffy," said Willow

Buffy smiled in pleasure at the sound of her husband's voice and looked at Xander smugly.

"He's pretty good," Xander mumbled.

"What was that? Xander," asked Buffy feeling a little vengeful.

"I said he's good," said Xander loudly.

People got up on the floor and started dancing.

"That large group of girls at the front of the stage seem to like him too," said Anya

Buffy frowned and looked to the front of the stage, she recognised most of the girls from her poetry class at college.

"Looks like you have a little competition there, Buffy," joked Willow.

Buffy didn't smile, she made her way to the front of the stage, and she arched an eyebrow at her scheming spouse, and then gave him a brilliant smile. Spike was a little wary, as he's seen Buffy approach; her smile chased away all the fears he'd had about singing tonight, and he winked at her. The girls around Buffy let out a collective sigh, but they may as well been invisible for all the notice Spike took of them.

Willow joined Buffy at the front of the stage; she brought a stool with her.

"Thought you could do with a seat Buffy," she said

"Thanks Willow, is it just me or is he wonderful?" asked Buffy awed.

"No, I think he could definitely give Devon a run for his money," said Willow.

Buffy sat there absorbing every word.

"How did the search on William go?" asked Buffy.

"I'll show you some time, his poetry is er, interesting to say the least, but I got you this, no charge, call it an anniversary gift," said Willow.

She handed Buffy a gold gift bag. Buffy opened the bag and pulled out a sepia coloured print of a scholarly looking man with wild hair, and bookish little glasses.

"I asked you to look up something on William, not give me photos of Giles's ancestors," she joked, looking at the picture.

"Uh uh, look harder Buffy," said Willow.

Buffy's eyes widened.

"This is my William?" she asked

"Yep," said Willow.

"He looks so cute, in a Giles kinda way, thanks Willow you're the best," said Buffy.

"And don't forget it," said Willow, as she went back to watching Oz again.

Buffy giggled.

"What?" asked Willow wanting to share the joke.

"Does this make us groupies?" asked Buffy.

"And now for the final number of the night, I'd like to dedicate this song to the one I love, you know who you are," he said looking at Buffy.

Her face flushed with pleasure.

"This is a one off, but it's a sweet song and a favourite of my girl's, so here you go," he said

How do I. Get through one night without you. If I had to live without you. What kind of life would that be. Oh I, I need you in my arms, need you to hold. You are, My world, My heart, My soul. If you ever leave. Baby you would take away everything good in my life.

And tell me now. How do I live with out you. I want to know. How do I breathe with out you. If you ever go. How do I ever, ever survive. Oh how do I, how do I live. Etc.

Spike finished the song, Oz looked truly pained, hoping this wouldn't ruin the Dingoes reputation permanently. He looked into the crowd and saw Buffy's tearful face and decided it had been worth it. They had played well and the audience had been appreciative. Spike replaced the mike and jumped off the stage. Buffy hopped down off her stool. They went into each other's arms and kissed.

"That was beautiful, Spike," she said.

"Not nearly as beautiful as you, but I'm glad you liked it, nearly chose "Wind beneath my wings," but I valued my unlife too much to risk it. He grinned.

"Oh, remind me of that lapse of taste, why don't you," she said slapping his rear hard.

"Ow what was that for?" he asked

"For being a bad boy," she said.

"Oh that's ok then," he said.

Slow music started up and Spike took her onto the dance floor.

"We'll take this easy love, wouldn't want to tire you and the baby out," he said gently.

"Didn't seem to have a problem with that earlier," she said, resting her head against his chest.

Spike laughter rumbled deep in his chest. Buffy smiled contentedly.

"You really are my world, my heart and my soul," she said quoting his song lyrics of earlier.

Spike kissed the top of her head.

"Mine too, except not quite maybe the soul bit, but you give me soul Buffy, enough for the both of us," he replied.

TBC

Seriously

Chapter 12

"It was a wonderful night last night, most of that was thanks to you Spike," she said

Buffy sat in the green armchair enjoying the fact it was a Sunday morning, it was her favourite day of the week, Spike was busy making breakfast for them both, not that his took a lot of effort. Sunday was their day, College, Willies and everything else was left behind for a few hours and they could just be themselves.

"Hey I didn't do it all by myself, in fact a lot of it was teamwork if I remember rightly," he grinned touching his tongue to his bottom lip.

The microwave pinged, and Spike took his mug out of it and placed it on the tray next to Buffy's breakfast. He walked towards her, she got up off the chair so he could sit down, and she sat back down on his lap.

"This is my most favourite place in the whole world," she said contentedly.

She took a bite of her toast, watching as Spike took a sip of his warm "drink" and his game face slipped on.

"If this is your most favourite place in the whole world then I must be slipping," he smiled baring his fangs.

They both sighed with pleasure. The loud banging on the crypt door startled them both, Spike sloshed his blood all over the front of Buffy's nightshirt, she shot up from Spike's lap and the plate of toast went crashing to the floor.

"Aw, bloody hell!" exclaimed Spike.

"Definatley bloody," said Buffy, holding the bloodied nightshirt away from her skin.

"Sorry about that Buffy, look I'll get the door and rip the head off who ever it is," he grumbled.

"Wait, I want to get this off first," she said quickly slipping off her nightshirt letting it drop to the floor and disappearing naked below stairs.

The pummelling of the crypt door continued.

"Alright, alright this had better be good unless you want to be six feet under," said Spike.

He opened the door.

"Oh it's you," he said

Xander looked at Spike, still in full vamp face.

"Can I come in, I need to speak to Buffy urgently," said Xander.

"Now's not a good time, she's had a little accident," Spike replied.

Xander shoved past Spike into the main room, he spied a small puddle of blood and Buffy's discarded nightshirt on the crypt floor. He turned to Spike.

"You bastard! What have you done to her?" demanded Xander grabbing Spike by his t-shirt.

Spike's face morphed back to his human self.

"Nothing mate, she's fine," said Spike.

Xander balled up his fist about to strike Spike in the face, when Buffy came up behind him and held his hand fast. He turned his head in surprise.

"Oh, Buffy there you are," said Xander lowering his fist.

"Yes, let me guess you put two and two together and made five?" she asked looking pointedly at the bloody nightshirt.

"Sorry?" he said looking at Spike.

Xander shrugged apologetically.

"Well he was all bumpy and there was blood everywhere," said Xander

"Bloody wanker," said Spike

"What brings you here, this time of the morning?" asked Buffy frowning at him.

"Tried to get you on your cell phone, but it was switched off," said Xander

"Maybe that's because we didn't want to be disturbed," said Spike pointedly.

"Went round to see Giles this morning, he found some top secret files had literally been left in his apartment, says it's important, otherwise I wouldn't have come, as it is, Anya is going to be mad at me, I was only supposed to be gone an hour,"

"Well sod off then," growled Spike.

Buffy started putting on her jacket.

"Sorry Spike I have to go," she said sadly.

Spike sighed. Buffy put her hand in her pocket and felt the gift bag Willow had given her the night before, she took it out, it was a little crumpled. She handed it to Spike, hoping to cheer him up with the forgotten present.

"What's this? Think you can buy me off with shiny gifts?" he asked

"No, I meant to give it to you last night, open it when I've gone, call it a little blast form your past, hope you like it," she smiled.

Xander looked at his watch impatiently.

"What's the matter? Afraid Mommy Anya will spank your bottom for being a bad boy?" asked Spike.

"Well you like it when I do it to you Spike," said Buffy opening her mouth to say more.

Spike quickly grabbed her and kissed her, silencing her before she could say more.

"Hurry back sweetheart," said Spike.

Buffy and Xander turned to go, but not before Xander gave him a smug smile. Left alone in the crypt, Spike set about cleaning up the earlier mess. He sat down, curious to see what his other gift from Buffy could be. He opened the bag and took out the photo; he frowned at it at first, then his eyes widened, as he looked on a face he hadn't seen in a very long time.

"What the hell?!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy entered Giles's apartment alone, having parted company with Xander who was eager to get back to Anya. She found him sitting at his research table, poring over several files.

"Hey Giles, what's happening?" asked Buffy cheerily.

"This," said Giles, looking at the files.

Buffy sat down at the table, a sinking feeling settled inside her chest, she had a feeling this was going to be a long day.

"Seems the soldiers in the area, belong to a government organisation called the Initiative, my original source was correct about the demon engineering, there's something I have to tell you," he said gravely taking Buffy's hand.

Giles held up a large bulky folder.

"This contains detailed files on Spike or Hostile 17, as they call him, and you," he finished quickly.

Buffy looked confused.

"I can understand there being some record of Spike, but why me?" she asked.

Giles looked at her affectionately, concern etched on his face.

"Just tell me Giles, we've been through enough together over the years," said Buffy insistently.

Giles sighed.

"Ok, they know you're the slayer, don't ask me how, these government types seem to know everything," said Giles

"But I still don't get it," said Buffy anxiously.

"There's no easy way to tell you this Buffy, I only hesitated because of your condition, remember when I told you about room 314?" he asked

"Yep, I think I was listening at the time," she said

"Well, their top-secret project, it's you and your baby," he told her.

Buffy paled and she felt the room start to spin. Giles rose out of his seat.

"Buffy!" he exclaimed rushing forward to catch her as she would have slumped over in her chair.

Giles picked her up out of her seat and carried her over to the sofa, gently laying her down on it, he brushed the hair from her face in a gesture of fatherly concern. After several moments she stirred.

"Spike?" she said groggily.

"No, Giles, you fainted remember?" he asked.

It all came speeding back to her, the reason for her fainting spell.

"Giles!" she wailed miserably.

"I know, I know," he said trying to sooth her.

She placed her hands protectively over her swollen belly, tears falling down her cheeks. Giles gathered her into his arms and held her.

"Don't despair Buffy, we have to find out exactly what they are planning and stop them, my guess is they won't make any real move on you until it's nearer your time, but until then we have to be vigilant, I'll tell the others," he said

"Spike, I don't want him to know," she said firmly.

"Why ever not?" he asked

"I don't want him to worry, he thinks with his heart first and his head second, I don't want him doing anything rash that might put him in danger," she said Worriedly.

"I understand, I'll tell the others not to say anything," Giles replied

"So it won't do us any good to run then?" she asked.

Giles shook his head.

"Better to stay here, I'm pretty sure you're being watched, if all the details are anything to go by, and I still don't know where all those files came from," said Giles.

"Could it be from the inside? Maybe a pissed off worker or such?" she asked.

"Maybe," said Giles thoughtfully.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy returned home to their crypt, surprised to find that Spike was not alone. As glad as she was to see her mother, the events of the last couple of hours were still sinking in.

"Hi Mom," she said tiredly.

Joyce frowned in concern.

"You're looking a little pale Buffy, are you ok?" asked Joyce.

"Just a little tired," said Buffy, which was no lie.

"You're sure luv?" asked Spike

Buffy opened her mouth to speak, before she could answer him, Joyce spoke and the moment was forgotten.

"My goodness where did you get this from?" asked Joyce as she found the picture of William on the TV table.

"Yeah, that what I'd like to know too," said Spike looking at Buffy.

Buffy was glad of the subject change.

"I asked Willow to look up some stuff on the Internet, wasn't sure she would find anything, you do like it don't you?" asked Buffy

"Yeah, of course I do love, it just was a little weird that's all, haven't seen my face for a long time, for me it's like digging up past uglies, I am that person, but I'm not, you know what I mean," he replied.

"Oh while, I remember, have you two made any plans for Christmas, it's only a month away, I thought we could have a nice family dinner, you two, me and Giles. If you don't want to, I understand, I know it's your first Christmas as a married couple, if you want to be alone?" said Joyce.

Buffy looked at Spike, he smiled back at her.

"That would be great mom," beamed Buffy.

"And you two could stay over night on Christmas Eve, you could use your old room," said Joyce enthusiastically.

"How about it William, it would be like old times," said Buffy

"Yeah, why not I have some fond memories of that bedroom," said Spike, kissing Buffy's hair.

Buffy giggled, almost forgetting her worries. It had been a Godsend, her mother's invitation, Christmas would have been pretty lean this year without it. She looked at Spike, he was looking painfully thin these days, with all the hard work he did, and she knew he sometimes skipped meals, just to make sure she ate enough. Her job had made things a little easier, but with the coming baby, there would be new expenses.

"Ok, that's settled then, just think next year, we will have an extra little someone to share Christmas with," said Joyce touching her daughter's stomach.

Buffy smiled sadly to herself and hugged her mother.

"Well I'd better be off, Giles is taking me out for a drive," said Joyce.

"Well, in his car you'd need to get an early start," said Spike sardonically.

Joyce looked thoughtful.

"Hmmm, maybe I'll suggest we take my car, anyway take care you two," she said

Joyce kissed her son in law on the cheek and squeezed her daughter's hand and then she was gone. Alone at last with Spike, Buffy slumped down in the armchair.

"You look shattered love, maybe you should go and lie down, the scoobies can't keep putting on you in your condition," he said annoyed.

"That sounds like a good idea, will you come with me?" she asked.

"Well I wasn't planning on staying up here alone, c'mon," he said grabbing her hand and leading her over to the ladder.

"And we're not answering that door, even if an apocalypse comes knocking," said Buffy resolutely.

"Shame you've got so big, otherwise I'd give you a piggy back ride down the ladder," he smiled.

"Hey is that your way of telling me I am fat?" she asked.

"Only in the most beautiful way possible, because you are carrying out child, but I'd love you either way, you know that right?" he asked.

"Yeah, same for me too, even if you got a blood belly," she giggled.

They settled down together on the bed, Buffy soon fell asleep, but Spike stayed there watching her sleep, he felt she hadn't told him everything, he knew fear when he saw it. Hell he could even smell it, and smelling it on Buffy was something he'd never experienced before. It made him afraid too, afraid for the unknown.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The unflappable Maggie Walsh was in a blinding rage, several of the files pertaining to hostile 17 and Buffy Summers/Lovejoy were missing. She had a feeling she knew who was responsible for their absence. Maybe it was time to call in someone else, some one who had been rotting in a South American jungle the last six months.

TBC

Next