Chapter 13

A Few Too Many

Buffy was still sleeping, Spike gently eased his arm out from under her, the hour was late, but night was his day, he quietly dressed and crept up the ladder, swearing softly as one of the rungs creaked, he looked down, Buffy stirred slightly but she didn’t wake up. He carried on, just about to leave the crypt, he thought he’d better leave a note; he didn’t want her prowling the graveyard looking for him. He scribbled a few lines and then he left, headed for Giles’s apartment, he hoped Giles would be there and be alone, he didn’t fancy disturbing a romantic tryst between Buffy’s mentor and his mother-in-law.

Spike soon arrived at Giles’s apartment complex, the place had always reminded him of a retirement home. He saw the soft glow of a lamp from within: at least Giles was still up. Spike knocked on the heavy wooden door; he heard the weary trudge of Giles’s footsteps as he came to answer the door.

“Spike! What brings you here this time of the night?” asked Giles in surprise.

“Can we talk?” asked Spike

“Yes, I am alone, Joyce just left,” said Giles.

Spike entered Giles’s apartment.

“Got a drink mate?” asked Spike, a plan forming in his head.

“Yes why not, just got a new bottle of brandy, I’ll get that you get the tumblers, you remember where everything is right?” asked Giles.

Spike snorted

“Should do by now,” said Spike as he disappeared into the kitchen.

Giles poured them both a generous measure; he sat back on his green couch and sighed deeply.

“Rough day?” asked Spike.

“Could say that,” said Giles

“Wanna talk about it?” asked Spike.

“It’s nothing really,” said Giles.

“It’s ok I get it, secret slayer stuff, but do you think it’s really fair putting on Buffy in her condition? She may be the slayer, but she in her third trimester, she looked terrible when she came back from here earlier,” said Spike.

He noticed, Giles’s glass was empty, so he poured him another. That soon disappeared, with the tiredness and the stress, Giles soon began to feel woozy, and he took of his glasses and laid them on the table.

“Really shouldn’t shay,” said Giles slightly slurring his words.

Spike grinned, it was working a treat, he poured more drinks, tipping his own in a nearby flowerpot.

“Come on mate, I won’t tell a soul, and don’t forget I don’t have one,” said Spike

“True, but Buffy will kill me,” said Giles.

“Have another drink,” Spike encouraged.

“Why not?” said Giles.

“Now what is it, I’m not suppose to know about? Asked Spike.

“The soldiers, the ones who put the chip in your brain, they want your baby,” slurred Giles.

Spike dropped the bottle of brandy on the floor.

“How?” Was all he managed to get out.

“Don’t know, how, but they want your child for some secret project, Buffy didn’t want you to know, “ said Giles.

“Why ever not? For God’s sake!” exploded Spike.

“She was worried about you, afraid you’d do something stupid,” Giles explained.

Spike picked the bottle up off the floor and gulped the liquid down, it burned at his throat, but he didn’t care. It was so like Buffy to put him first, before herself and even her child. He sank down on the sofa as the liquor started to take effect.

“Silly bint,” said Spike slugging back on the bottle.

“Have to agree with you on that one,” said Giles.

“If I didn’t have this chip in my brain, I’d go rip the heads off every one of those Initiative wankers,” said Spike.

“I rather think that was what Buffy was afraid of,” said Giles.

“Gotta get out of here, don’t want Buffy being on her own,” said Spike.

He picked up the bottle of brandy.

“Do you mind?” Asked Spike.

“By all means take it,” said Giles, whose head was starting to ache.

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

Spike weaved in and out of the tombstones, singing and swigging the brandy at the same time, he tripped over a large rock and fell flat on his face, amongst the cool grass, he picked himself up, even though he wanted to just lay there, even with his alcohol fogged brain, he knew such a decision could prove fatal, he dragged himself to his feet and carried on his journey home.

Buffy jumped as she heard the crypt door bang open, she felt the other side of the bed and found it empty. She leaned down and took Mr pointy out from under the bed. There was another loud crash, Buffy’s heart was in her mouth as she quietly ascended the ladder, she peeked over the edge, and saw Spike in a crumpled heap on the crypt floor. She climbed up the rest of the ladder and rushed to his side.

“Was it a demon, were you attacked?” She asked feeling him all over.

“Oh, Buffy you wanna do that some more?” he leered.

Buffy sniffed the air.

“You’re drunk,” she accused.

“Only a little bit,” slurred Spike.

Buffy took the bottle out of his hand.

“I know this brand, you’ve been to see Giles haven’t you?” she asked

“Maybe, why didn’t you tell me Buffy?” He asked.

“You didn’t ask, you know I wouldn’t be able to lie to you,” she replied.

She looked at her spouse, his eyes were closed, he was fast asleep, she put the brandy bottle in the trash and got a blanket and covered him up, they would have to talk later, she wasn’t looking forward to it.

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

Spike woke, his cheek was pressed against the cold stone floor of the crypt, his head felt like all the demons of hell had taken up tap dancing on it.

He saw a pair of slipper clad feet standing next to him, his eyes travelled up her body. Buffy looked at him accusingly.

“Morning Buffy love,” he groaned.

“Head hurt sweetheart?” she asked sweetly.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Good, serves you right,” she said walking off into their kitchen area.

“Spoken like a true wife,” said Spike struggling to his feet.

Buffy shoved a mug of black coffee under his nose.

“Here this might help,” she said

Spike turned slightly green, but took it anyway. He sipped at the hot liquid, feeling slightly better.

“We need to talk,” he said squinting at her.

Buffy sighed.

“Yes, just what did Giles tell you last night?” she asked.

“Everything, but don’t blame him, it was my fault, I got him drunk,” Spike explained

“You’re right, it’s my fault I should have told you, husbands and wives shouldn’t keep things from each other, it was my bad,” said Buffy.

Spike walked over to her, still a little unsteady on his feet, he stroked her cheek.

“Buffy, love, you and the baby are all that matters to me in this world, it is only right that I should want to protect you both, with out you I am nothing,” he said shakily.

“I’m scared Spike,” she admitted.

He picked her up and cradled her in his arms, like the baby she was carrying.

“Sshh, pet, while I am living or should I say unliving, I won’t let them bastards get their hands on you,” he said determinedly.

“Make love to me Spike,” she said pressing her lips to his.

“Might take awhile with this headache, but I am sure I can rise to the occasion,” he replied.

He carried her over to the ladder and set her on her feet.

“We really must get some proper stairs put in here,” she giggled.

“Oh, and deprive me of looking up your skirt when you climb the ladder,” he pouted.

“You are a bad rude man, William Lovejoy,” she smiled

“And don’t you just love it,” he grinned.

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

They lay together on their big bed, the closeness almost a tangible presence. Spike had his arm around her, she stared into space, absentmindedly-drawing circles on his arm. She had decided not to go into college that day, preferring to stay in the safety of Spike’s arms. It was late afternoon, not long before the sun would be setting.

“I’ve been thinking love,” said Spike

“Well that’s a first,” she joked.

“Hey, I’ll let that one pass, this time,” he said

“What about?” she encouraged

“I need to get work, some kind of work that means I can be home at nights, I am not leaving you alone at night, that seems to be the Initiative’s favourite time to attack,” he said.

“So what did you have in mind?” she asked.

“We could have sex all night long so the initiative wouldn’t want to capture us because we would be naked,” he grinned.

Buffy elbowed him in the ribs

“Oh Spike, you’re bad,” she said grinning.

“I’m proud of it too, no seriously, I am thinking of taking up writing again,” he replied

“Poetry?” she asked

“No, I was never much good at that, I was thinking more along the lines of a series of stories based on my life as a vampire, you know before I reformed,” he said.

“Wouldn’t that be a bit icky?” she asked

“Well some of it would, but for the right readership we could make a lot of money, I want to go see Giles, he has an old typewriter hanging about the place, I’m sure he would lend it to me, if he doesn’t I’ll just nick it,” said Spike.

Buffy turned and frowned at him. Spike rolled his eyes.

“Ok, I’ll ask, but it’s not very evil is it?” he replied

“That’s the whole idea, we’d better get dressed and go pay Giles’s a visit,” sighed Buffy.

“Yes and after that, you are coming to work with me, if you stay in the back room, you should be safe, any way it’s always quiet on a Monday night,” said Spike.

“A girl could get used to all this attention,” she smiled.

“Well how about we go visit the old guy later, while I give you some more attention?” he asked.

“Ok, I was feeling rather neglected,” she pouted.

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

Giles opened the door to Buffy and Spike, it was quite dark outside as the hour had run into two hours. Giles held up his hands defensively at the sight of his slayer.

“It’s okay Giles, Spike explained everything to me,” said Buffy.

“Oh, well that’s okay then,” said Giles relieved.

“Haven’t come by to talk about that, well not much,” said Buffy.

“Yeah, wanted to borrow your type writer mate,” said Spike.

“What ever for?” asked Giles.

Spike knocked on Giles head.

“To type with, that alcohol must have killed off your remaining brain cell,” said Spike.

“Spike!” said Buffy warningly.

“Um, yes, of course, I think it’s behind one of those boxes,” said Giles pointing to a corner of the room.

Spike walked over to the many boxes, tipping some of them over.

“Be careful with those,” said Giles getting annoyed.

“Found it!” said Spike triumphantly, blowing the dust off it.

“Look after it, it’s an antique,” said Giles.

“Kinda like me, I am sure I had one of these back in the Victorian times,” said Spike.

“Well we have to be going, I am going to work with Spike tonight,” said Buffy.

“Good Idea, I’ve told the rest of the gang what’s going on, so they will be on the look out too,” said Giles.

“Thanks, it really means a lot to me,” she said giving Giles a hug.

They exited Giles’s apartment, Spike sniffed the air, he silently mouthed to Buffy, she looked where he pointed to, she took her stake out of her pocket, and dragged the person out of the bushes.

“Forrest! What are you doing here? Have you been following us? And if so Why?” she asked.

TBC

Seasons Greetings

Chapter 14

"So are you gonna tell me what you're doing or do I have to slap you around a bit?" asked Buffy.

"Let me have a go, it would be worth the migraine," said Spike.

"I'm here to help," gasped Forrest, he was finding it difficult to breathe with her hand around his throat.

Buffy loosened her grip on Forrest.

"Talk, we're listening," said Buffy impatiently.

"You're one of those Initiative guys, aren't you, I can smell the stink of that place a mile away," growled Spike.

"Yes, I am, but I'm here to help you, it was me who gave those files to your friend Mr Giles," said Forrest.

"Why would you want to help us?" asked Buffy confused.

"Please don't pound on me, when I tell you, I was only following orders," Said Forrest nervously.

"Like a good little soldier boy, you're just like the enormous hall monitor, Riley," sneered Spike.

"Spike! Let me deal with this, you're not helping," snapped Buffy.

"I've been bugging you, listening to everything you've said and done for the last month," admitted Forrest.

Buffy flushing and looked uncomfortable.

"Everything?" she asked.

Forrest nodded.

"You sick bastard," growled Spike.

He raised the typewriter over Forrest's head; Buffy restrained him.

"Ow!" yelled Spike as blinding pain in his head caused him to drop the typewriter to the floor.

"Inclined to agree with ya there Spike, but dead men don't tell tales, well usually," she said looking at Spike.

"Who is your boss?" asked Buffy.

"Professor Walsh," said Forrest.

Buffy gasped, a lot of things seemed to make sense to her now, no wonder she was such an unfeeling bitch, just the kind of person, who would be working for the government.

"We need to have a nice little chat," said Buffy determinedly.

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

Spike and Buffy had dragged Forrest along to Willie's deciding that would be the safest place for them to have their chat. Forrest had removed the bugging devices from their coats, at Buffy's insistence. She still didn't know whether she could trust him, but at the moment, he was all they had. He'd left five minutes ago, and Buffy had gone to sit in the back room at Willie's bar.

"You'll be okay here love, while I serve the customers?" asked Spike.

"I'll be fine, besides there's no windows or exits in this room, no-where to go," she smiled at him.

"Be right back," he assured her, she just smiled.

Spike went back out to the bar, surprised by the appearance of Xander and Anya.

"What brings you two here, too many humans is not good for business, as it is I have had to keep Buffy hidden out back, makes the customers edgy," said Spike.

"Xander thought it would be a good idea, if you had back up, you know protecting Buffy," said Anya.

Spike looked Xander up and down.

"What can you do, build a 10ft wall around the bar, to stop those pesky initiative guys?" scorned Spike.

"Xander's very handy with a trowel, construction work makes him all sweaty, then I want to have lots of sex with him," defended Anya.

"Yeah, but it's not a lot of use in a fight, now is it?" asked Spike.

Buffy appeared out of the back room.

"Thought I told you to stay put," said Spike.

"And when do I ever do what I'm told?" she asked arching an eyebrow at Spike.

"Good point," he sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Hi guys, Where's Willow and Oz then?" asked Buffy.

"They're both on patrol tonight, we'd thought we would just stop by, make sure you're okay," said Xander.

"Willow told me to tell you, that she missed you at college today," said Anya.

"It's okay, I'll be going back tomorrow," said Buffy firmly, ignoring Spike's expression.

"Buffy?" Spike looked at her questioningly.

"Don't look at me like that, besides, I'm not going to do anything different that might draw attention to us, while the initiative don't know that we know, then we have the upper hand," said Buffy.

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

A couple of weeks had passed since Buffy and Spike had collaborated with Forrest, it was now mid December. Buffy was now Seven months pregnant. Buffy was really looking forward to Christmas with Spike this year, although they had spent last Christmas together, it just felt different this year, being husband and wife.

Spike had nipped out to get them a Christmas tree, she just hoped Spike was going to a seller to get it, and was not cutting down some protected woodland. Although Spike had been totally reformed by their love, she was still not blind to his sometimes penchant for things a little on the evil side.

He had been busily typing out his adventures as a vampire, these past two weeks; the book was slowly starting to grow in its thickness. Spike had been reluctant to let her read it at first, he was afraid that she would be ashamed or disappointed in him, some of the things he'd written had shocked her, but she knew what he was or what he'd been and she accepted it, because she loved the person he was now, not the monster he'd once been. There had been stuff about Angel in there too. Spike, Druscilla, Darla and Angel had certainly made a formidable team.

Buffy was shaken out of her thoughts by Spike's return, Xander had fitted state of the art security system on the crypt door, it had been the only way to get Spike to leave her at nights, Giles had paid for it, had called it an early Christmas present.

"Hey baby, got the tree then?" she asked, stating the obvious.

"Yeah, went to the bloke you said, he tried to do me out of a few bucks, cos I was English, by the time I was finished with him, he was trying to give the tree away for free," said Spike smugly.

"Well you couldn't have done a lot, being chipped," she reminded him.

Spiked vamped out into his game face.

"Oh Spike, you gotta quit with that," she said thumping him on the arm playfully.

"Gotta get my rocks off somehow, especially as I am a no violence kind of guy these days, not that I am complaining, there are other compensations, did you miss me?" he asked.

"Terribly, for the whole twenty-nine minutes and thirty-nine seconds," she said mockingly.

"How's my baby doing?" he asked placing his hands on her belly.

Their child answered with a kick, Spike smiled with satisfaction at the movement with in.

"Your baby? I have to do all the work carrying it around, and I helped put it there just as much as you did," she pouted.

"How could I forget that night? Las Vegas, all night long, that was one sweet night," he leered.

She touched his cheek tenderly, smiling at the shared memories.

"All I can say is thank God, I have slayer stamina," she giggled.

"Death by shagging, I know that's how I would like to go, beats a stake any time," he chuckled.

"Probably less painful too," she agreed.

Buffy savoured the moment; there hadn't been a lot to laugh at lately. She got a large cardboard box filled with Christmas decorations, out of one of the stone sarcophagus's. She had to admit, they were good for storage, even if it was a bit icky.

"So, you gonna help me decorate the tree then?" she asked

"Oh, I have to be at work early," said Spike.

"No you don't, now get over here now," she beckoned him.

Spike rolled his eyes and joined her by the tree; he peeked into the box of decorations.

"These are shiny, when I was with Dru, she used to decorate the tree with entrails," said Spike.

"Ewwww! I don't want to know that, and a word to the wise, if you want to keep your Christmas baubles, no more talk of ex's okay?" she asked, gripping him, leaving him in no doubt just what Christmas baubles she meant.

She felt his arousal under her grip.

"Spike! Are you a walking erection?" she asked.

"Only around you pet," he grinned.

"Good, now help me do this tree," she said letting him go.

" I'd rather do you," he mumbled, fishing out a large piece of tinsel from the box.

"Well if you do a good job, you might get a reward," she giggled, kissing him hard on the lips.

They broke apart.

"Keep that up, and I might want an advance on that reward," he breathed in her ear.

"Come on, it won't get done with us rolling around on the floor," she said.

"Sod the tree, come here," he growled.

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

An hour later, Buffy surveyed the mess, that was spread all over the crypt floor, the decorations box had been crushed, it contents had spilled all over the floor. Spike was asleep in the middle of it all, several pieces of tinsel had wrapped themselves around him, Buffy picked up a large decoration, and covered his modesty, giggling as a plan formed in her head, she tucked the Christmas angel in the crook of his arm and placed a tinsel crown on his head. She got out her camera and took a picture, it flashed.

Spike awoke with a start; Buffy quickly put the camera away.

"What was that?" he asked.

"A camera flash," she blurted out. Dammit she thought to herself.

Spike looked down at himself.

"What the hell?" he asked

"Just a little Christmas fun," she beamed.

"Yeah, but at whose expense? Come on give me the camera," he said.

She poked her tongue out at him.

"Can't have it, besides we have to get over to mom's house for the Scooby meeting, Forrest will be there, he can only stay awhile, so we can't be late," she said.

Buffy looked at the tree sadly, it really would have to wait, but there was always later. She disappeared below stairs to get changed.

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

"Hi guys," said Buffy as she entered her mom's home.

Spike just nodded to the assembly of friends and sat down at the table next to Buffy. Joyce walked over to Spike and kissed him on the cheek. A strand of tinsel sticking to her lips,

"Sorry about that mum," said Spike.

Buffy flushed.

"We've just been trimming the tree," said Buffy sheepishly.

Spike looked at her, noticing several strands of tinsel in her hair, he pulled them out.

"Oh so that's what they're calling it these days." Said Anya correctly.

"Oh! Er um, shall we just get down to business," asked Giles.

"Looks like someone already has," grinned Willow, unable to resist teasing her friend.

A knock on the door had them all alert.

"That should be Forrest," said Giles, glad of the distraction.

Joyce opened the door. Forrest looked around nervously before entering the house; he sat down at the table, next to Oz.

"Hey man," said Oz.

Forrest just nodded at him, before beginning.

"Well you guys want the bad news or the good news first?" he asked the occupants of the room.

"Definatley the good news first, don't you think?" asked Anya looking at every one's faces.

"Don't have a preference, just spit it out," said Buffy flatly.

"Ok, the good news is that you are safe, at least until up two weeks before your due date, when is your due date?" Said Forrest.

"February 14th," said Buffy and Spike in unison.

"Awww, how cute, Valentine's day, kinda romantic wouldn't you say," said Willow

"Not getting a happy here," said Buffy.

"And the bad news?" asked Spike sarcastically.

"Agent Finn has been recalled," said Forrest.

Buffy gripped her chair so hard that the back of it snapped off in her hands.

TBC

A Shot In The Dark

Chapter 15

"Come on Buffy Love, you have to calm down, it's not good for the baby," said Spike.

Buffy kept pacing up and down, mumbling to herself, Spike caught a hold of her to stop her movements.

"Huh?" she asked as if suddenly aware that Spike was there for the first time.

" Sit down," he said, walking her over to their sofa.

He put one of the cushions on the arm of the chair and got a blanket off the back of the sofa.

"Come on lay down, and get some rest, you look exhausted," he encouraged.

Buffy let out a big yawn, and stretched.

"But I'm not at all sleepy," she said yawning again.

"Yeah right," said Spike as he lifted her legs on to the sofa and covered her up.

He sat on the floor and stroked a stray lock of hair from her face. She caught his hand and kissed the tip of one finger.

"Love you," she said sleepily closing her eyes.

"As I love you," he whispered.

Buffy soon fell asleep, Spike went over to a battered old table in one corner of the room, and lit a candle. He sat at his typewriter, his fingers poised over the keys; he closed his eyes, willing the memories of his former life to wash over him. He began to type.

It was 1882, he had been a vampire for a little over two years, He had travelled the length and breadth of England with his vampire companions, Druscilla, Darla and his nemesis Angel, they had been in Yorkshire these past six months, picking off the best families from Victorian high society. But the net was finally starting to close in on them, they had been chased out of the last two towns by an angry mob, hiding in a mine shaft...

Spike was brought back to the present as his ears pricked up, he blew out the candle and walked silently to the crypt door, easily able to see in the darkened room. He walked over to the weapons chest and took out a cross bow, then he made his way over to the door, resting his ear against its surface, he heard the faint rustling noise again. Spike punched in the security code and opened the door, looking out into the darkness.

"Hello, anyone there, I've got a bloody great cross bow here and a pointy thing with your name on it," said Spike.

Silence, Spike looked across at a particularly dense patch of shrubs, the hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He held the cross bow out in front of him, and advanced on the bushes, he could smell presence.

"Come out, come out where ever you are," said Spike in a sing song voice.

He rushed at the bushes, just as a dark figure launched himself from it's cover and knocked Spike over, Spike was quick to recover, he flipped himself over and took aim at the retreating figure, he let the arrow fly, it hit whoever it was in the ass. The assailant yelped with pain, but carried on running.

Spike felt white hot pain shoot through his head, he clutched his head and yelled out in agony. Buffy heard his cry and immediately awoke. She rushed to his aid as quickly as her pregnant body would let her.

"Spike, what is it?" she said alarmed.

Spike couldn't speak for a moment, the pain still too intense.

"Some bastard was watching us, shot him in the ass," he managed to get out.

"Human," stated Buffy.

"Yeah, I'd say that was a given judging by my head," said Spike sarcastically.

She let him lean on her as she helped him back into the crypt.

"Any idea who?" asked Buffy.

"I'd hazard a guess, it was your ex-boyfriend," said Spike.

"He was not my boyfriend, we never even kissed," said Buffy defensively , pushing him down on the sofa.

"Well that's good to know," he replied.

Buffy left him and went to their kitchen area, she soaked a cloth in cool water and brought it back over to him, placing it on his forehead. Spike sighed at the relief it brought. Buffy sat on the sofa next to him, holding his hand.

"I'm sorry you missed," she said quietly.

Spike opened his eyes and looked at her in surprise.

"Thought you were the protector of all humans?" he said.

"Yeah, but I wouldn't put Riley Finn in that category, would you, if it came down to choosing his life over that of yours and our baby, he would lose every time," said Buffy.

Spike smiled.

"It was worth the headache, that git won't be able to sit down for days," he grinned.

Buffy giggled and ruffled Spike's hair.

"Hey, not the hair, never the hair," he said in half hearted protest.

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

Riley limped back to the dorm, his ass was on fire from the pain, he had snapped off the shaft of the cross bow bolt, so as not to attract attention to himself. He had radioed Forrest to meet him in his room, he was gonna need assistance to get this out, the seething hatred he felt towards Buffy and H17 had only grown over his six-month absence, blaming them for his reassignment.

He couldn't believe it, back in Sunnydale only one day and he'd been shot in the ass. He entered his dorm, looking to make sure no-one was around, he made it upstairs as best he could. Forrest was waiting inside for him, as Riley entered the room and closed the door Forrest had to stifle his laughter, when he saw the problem, he straightened up his face, just as Riley turned to look at him.

Forrest reached for the large medical kit that Riley had stashed under his bed.

"Drop your pants Finn," he smirked, he was going to enjoy this.

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

Giles knocked at the crypt door, it was his first visit since Buffy and Spike had moved in, and he felt it was long over due. Buffy opened the door.

"Giles! Great to see ya, come in," said Buffy enthusiastically.

"Sorry I haven't come here before now," said Giles apologetically.

"Never mind that, Spike's just getting the manuscript in order, thanks for finding us someone to look it over," said Buffy.

Giles came in and sat down in Spike's favourite armchair.

"Hey move it!" said Spike

Buffy glared at Spike.

"Sit where you like Giles, you are the guest," emphasised Buffy.

Spike shuffled his papers into order and bound them with string.

"This is only the first few chapters, take care of it," said Spike handing it to Giles.

"After facing several Apocalypse's I think I might manage to get this safely to a publishing house," said Giles wryly.

Giles looked at the couple, they both looked tired, but it was something more.

"Is everything alright?" asked Giles.

"Oh bleeding peachy, Buffy's college professor and her evil minions are planning to steal our baby for genetic experiments, life just doesn't get any better," replied Spike

"Spike, Giles was only concerned," said Buffy sternly.

"Sorry mate, just a bit wired right now, we think Riley was here last night watching us," said Spike.

"Why didn't anyone call me?" asked Giles.

"Didn't seem any point, besides Spike got him," said Buffy.

"I'll bet that hurt you," said Giles.

"Like hell, but I think it hurt Captain cardboard a lot more, I'd wager," grinned Spike.

"You killed him?" asked Giles.

Buffy giggled.

"No, he shot him in the ass," she said proudly.

Giles looked at them, they all burst out laughing in unison.

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

A couple of weeks had passed since the Riley incident, it was the night before Christmas eve, Buffy had packed their bags ready for their visit to her mom's house. Buffy's mom had arranged a little party at home, before they got down to a family Christmas. All her friends would be there, she was looking forward to it. Since discovering the Initiative's plans, she was starting to feel a little confined, a few more days, and she was sure should would start to exhibit the symptoms of cabin fever.

Spike and Buffy felt quite relaxed as Forrest had reported to them that the Initiative had all, but shut down over the holiday season and as there had been no re-appearance of Riley, who was at that moment back in Iowa with his family for Christmas, they were looking forward to the next few days.

Spike came down the ladder and put his arms around Buffy's waist, she smiled.

"All packed, you ready?" she asked.

"Yep, switched everything off," he replied.

Spike took the bags up, Buffy followed behind him. Getting up the ladder was becoming increasingly difficult for Buffy, she was quite out of breath by the time she reached the top.

"You okay pet?" he asked in concern.

"Just give me a minute," she puffed.

Buffy got her breath back, she looked around the crypt doubling checking everything.

"Hey, I already did that," said Spike Indignantly.

"Well, was you planning to leave the fairy lights on the whole time we were gone?" she asked disconnecting them.

"Why not? I am sure the Sunnydale light company won't miss it," he replied.

"Let's get going, we're gonna be late," said Buffy.

Spike picked up their case and waited outside the crypt as Buffy locked up.

"Gonna miss our little home," she said sniffling.

"Oh Buffy love we'll only be gone a couple of days," he soothed.

"Sorry, just the hormones in overdrive," she said.

Spike linked hands with her and they walked to her mom's in companionable silence.

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

Buffy and Spike entered her mother's home, Giles was the only occupant in the lounge.

"Where is everyone?" asked Buffy.

"Your mum is in the kitchen preparing party food and everyone else isn't due for at least an hour," said Giles.

"You said be here by eight," said Spike in annoyance.

Buffy disappeared into the kitchen to see her mom.

"Well, I though you might want to know about your manuscript," said Giles, adjusting his glasses.

"Yeah, too right, I haven't fretted this much since Red broke the spell and Buffy left me," admitted Spike.

"I think you going to have a very good Christmas this year Spike," said Giles smiling at him.

Giles took an envelope out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Spike, Spike took it and ripped it open impatiently. He sat down abruptly on the sofa, rubbing his eyes in disbelief

"$50,000!" said Spike in disbelief.

"And there's more where that came from, that's just an advance, to keep you writing," said Giles, slapping him on the back.

Spike recovered himself and whooped for joy, he picked up Giles and hugged him.

"Yes, that's enough, now put me down," said Giles, nervously.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that mate," said Spike almost dropping Giles in his haste.

Spike disappeared into the kitchen to share his good news with Buffy, while Giles busily tried to straighten his clothing.

"Buffy love look," said Spike, as excited as a child.

He handed the cheque to Buffy.

"Oh my God, Your book?" she asked

"Yes!" he said gathering her into his arms for a hug.

She kissed him soundly on the lips.

"I am so proud of you, and not just because of the money," she said

"I know, couldn't have done it without you, you are my muse, my inspiration," he said.

Buffy turned to her mom.

"Get in here for a hug," said Buffy.

"Are you sure there's room?" asked Joyce smiling as she joined the couple.

Joyce just hoped they would take the other news so well at dinner tomorrow night.

TBC

Welcome To The Family

Chapter 16

Buffy and Spike were in their old room at her mom's house, Spike was unpacking their clothes while Buffy rested on the bed, They both couldn't stop grinning.

"Did you pack your entire contents of your wardrobe for the three days that we will be here?" he asked

"Well at least my clothes consist of more than a dozen red shirts and black jeans," she said sticking her tongue out at him.

"Well now we are a little bit richer, maybe you could help me buy some new things as long as you don't shop at the same store as Xander," he replied.

"I feel a shoe craving coming on," she smiled dreamily.

"No you bloody don't, we only have $50,000!" he growled.

"Oh, very funny, I don't spend that much," Buffy pouted.

Spike stopped unpacking and looked at his wife, an expression came over his face that she knew only too well.

"I've warned you about sticking out that bottom lip," he said touching the tip of his tongue to his own.

Buffy felt heat suffuse her body, arrested by his movements and held prisoner by his eyes. Damn maybe the thing about having a vampire's thrall was true after all. Well he seemed to melt her defences like no one ever had.

"Spike we will be down late for the party," she said half-heartedly.

"Well let's make it a quickie," he said, placing kisses along the column of her white throat, his blunt teeth grazing the skin.

She shivered with pleasure.

"Ok, you've convinced me," she sighed wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Always did tell you, you were an easy lay," he grinned.

Buffy thumped him hard on the arm.

"Ow, can't you take a joke? Pain kinda ruins the mood," he said.

"Well I shall just have to give you some pleasure then," she said kissing his arm where she'd just hit it.

Buffy flipped him over onto his back.

"Now you're getting it," he smiled.

"No, we both are, now shut up," she said kissing him hard on the lips.

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

Willow and Oz entered the Summers home; Anya and Xander were already seated in the lounge. Willow smiled at Anya, who looked bored. Willow noticed there was no Buffy and Spike.

"So where's Buffy, Joyce?" asked Willow.

"She's upstairs changing, although why she needs to I don't know, she looked perfectly presentable," sighed Joyce.

"Oh you know, young girls and all," said Giles as he put his arm around Joyce.

"Guess I should by now," said Joyce smiling up at Giles.

"You kids look happy, you're not pregnant are you, has been known to happen, mother and daughter at the same time," joked Willow.

Giles choked on the mouthful of punch, he had just taken.

"Excuse me, while I fix Willow a plate," said Oz, leading her over to the snacks.

"This party is boring, there's not even any music," said Anya rudely.

Xander just flushed uncomfortably at Anya's outspokenness.

Joyce looked at her watch.

"Can't think what's keeping Buffy and Spike," said Joyce in confusion.

(Muffled voices from upstairs)

"Oh yeah, Oh Buffy," groaned a male voice

"Spike, big bad Spike," replied a female voice.

"Er um, I think music might be a really good idea right now," mumbled Giles, as he raced over to the CD player and put on the first thing he could find. A banging started up.

"Please make it louder right now," begged Xander.

Giles turned up the music; Anya dragged Xander off the sofa.

"Come and dance with me sweetie," said Anya.

"Gladly, anything to take my mind off of upstairs," said Xander desperately.

Spike and Buffy came downstairs about twenty minutes later, hand in hand, smiling happily at the assembled guests.

"Hi guys, Merry Christmas," beamed Buffy.

Xander opened his mouth to say something; Giles looked at Xander and shook his head.

"Music's a bit bleedin' loud, hurts a vampire's ears," said Spike.

"Sorry man, we were just getting in the party mood," shrugged Oz.

Joyce turned the music down a little.

"Thank you mum," said Spike.

"Right, now that we are all here, I thought we might start the exchange of gifts," said Joyce.

Buffy rushed over to the tree.

"Not those ones honey, they're for Christmas day," smiled her mom.

"Sorry, getting ahead of myself here," Buffy apologised.

"I'll just go get mine, left it in the car," said Xander.

He returned a few moments later with a large, badly wrapped gift.

"For you Buffy, and Spike," said Xander awkwardly thrusting the present at them, Spike took it out of Xander's arms and placed it on the floor.

"Thanks mate," said Spike, touched by the gesture.

"Can I open it now?" asked Buffy with childlike enthusiasm.

"Yeah, go ahead love, this slushy gift stuff is more your kind of thing," said Spike.

Buffy tore the paper from the present, she looked at the gift, it was a beautifully engraved crib, with the words "Baby Lovejoy" etched on it, tears welled up in her eyes of the beauty of it.

"Xander made it all by himself," Said Anya proudly.

Spike ran his hand along the surface of the crib; it was as smooth as silk.

"It's striking," Spike said gruffly.

Spike went over to Xander and shook his hand and patted his back warmly.

"Oh, look you two are under the mistletoe," said Anya,

Spike shuddered.

"Well don't think you're getting a bleeding snog Harris, even my goodwill doesn't stretch that far," said Spike hastily moving away.

"Wasn't asking," said Xander.

"I'll give you one from the both of us," said Buffy kissing him on the cheek.

"Now that I like," said Xander grinning.

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

They had all spent a pleasant evening together in the company of friends, but now it was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not creature was stirring not even a vamp.

Spike and Giles were stretched out on the sofa, sipping sherry.

"This is very English, isn't?" said Giles.

"Yeah, I suppose it is, ever miss the old mother country?" asked Spike.

"Sometimes, especially when I use words no one else understands," said Giles.

"Funny that, how two nations can speak English so differently, good job you will be getting an English son-in-law," he smiled

Giles's jaw dropped open in astonishment.

"How did you know?" asked Giles.

"Oh, I don't know maybe it's the big rock, Buffy's mum has been sporting on her finger the last few weeks," said Spike arching an eyebrow.

"Does Buffy know?" asked Giles

"No, now if you'd bought Joyce a new pair of shoes, you might have got a reaction," grinned Spike.

Buffy came in from the kitchen, looking at them both.

"What ya talking about?" asked Buffy.

"Family," answered Giles.

"Yeah, having you here with mom, it's like having two parents again," said Buffy contentedly.

Giles flushed with pleasure at her words. Maybe this wasn't going to be so hard after all. Spike pulled Buffy onto his lap; she rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of him. Spike wrapped his free arm about her waist, placing his hand on the swell of her stomach. Her hand joined his, as they both felt their child move within.

"Little Spike, seems active tonight," he smiled at her.

"Well I guess she's just like her daddy," she said, kissing him on the lips.

"She?" asked Spike.

"I don't know, it's just a feeling I have been having of late, when I talk to the baby I have been thinking of it in the feminine sense," she replied.

"Buffy, remember, I don't mind what sex our child is, I am still awed by the miracle you've given me, everyday I look at you and wonder what I've done to deserve such happiness," he said emotionally.

Giles smiled to himself, deeply pleased at the devotion they so obviously had for one another.

"I think I will go and see if Joyce needs help in the kitchen," said Giles leaving them alone, already feeling like a third wheel. The couple on the sofa never even noticed as he exited the lounge, they were too busy drowning in each other's eyes.

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

The four of them were seated around the table, the obligatory Christmas carols playing softly in the background.

"That was a beautiful meal Joyce, it just doesn't get any better than this," said Giles in contentment

"Oh I can think of better things, but then that's just me," said Spike.

Giles got up and topped up everyone's wine glasses, pouring the crimson liquid in each glass. Buffy contented herself with orange juice. Giles looked at Spike and Buffy nervously, and went to stand behind Joyce's chair.

"What's with the long faces?" asked Buffy.

Giles cleared his throat and took Joyce's hand.

"Your mother and I have an announcement to make," said Giles.

"Oh God you're not pregnant are you?" asked Buffy paling.

"Why does everyone always think it's that!" sighed Joyce.

"Oh, so your not?" breathed Buffy in relief.

"No, she's not, but you will be getting a new addition to the family, besides your own," said Giles.

"Ooh you're getting another dog?" asked Buffy.

"I have asked Joyce to be my wife, and luckily for me, she has agreed," said Giles looking at Buffy.

The CD ended, the room was silent, Joyce was sure if she concentrated hard enough, she could hear crickets chirping.

Buffy started crying.

"Buffy honey, I hope they are good tears?" asked her mom.

"Yeah, I think you can safely say they are," said Spike grinning.

Buffy launched herself into her mom's arms, kissing her cheek, suddenly remembering there were two people in this engagement.

"Oh, Giles, I always have thought of you as a father, and now you really will be," said Buffy, hugging him hard.

Giles took his handkerchief from his jacket pocket, he removed his glasses and wiped his eyes, Spike came forward and kissed his mother-in-law and shook hands with Giles.

"Way to go Rupes, never knew you had it in you," said Spike, winking at him.

"Well speaking of surprises, Xander's working on your one, should be finished by the time you get home," said Giles quietly.

"The whelp's not so bad when you get used to him, nice job he did on our Christmas gift, I have to say," said Spike.

The clock in the hall struck nine, Spike yawned and looked at Buffy.

"I'm just about ready for bed Buff, how about you?" Spike asked.

"What at nine o'clock? " she replied.

Spike motioned over to Joyce and Giles sitting together happily on the sofa.

"Maybe they'd like a little alone time," said Spike.

"Oh, okay you go up I will be with you in a minute," said Buffy.

Spike disappeared up the stairs.

"Going to bed now mom, Giles, don't want to be awake when Santa comes," she joked.

Buffy turned and headed towards the kitchen.

"Buffy? I thought bed was that way," said her mom pointing at the stairs.

"I know the way mom, just needed to get something from the kitchen," said Buffy as she left the room.

Buffy went into the kitchen and opened the fridge door; she looked on the food-laden shelves until she came across what she was looking for, Buffy picked up the spray cream from the shelf, noticing the post it note stuck on it's cap. NO, it said in big letters. Dammit grinned Buffy, her mother knew her too well, she sighed and put it back in its place. Spying the chocolate sauce on the next shelf, maybe that would be just as good, she looked at that, another post it note on the packet saying Uh-Uh. Buffy sighed and gave up, closing the fridge; she went upstairs to bed.

TBC

Plans

Chapter 17

It was the day after Christmas day, well night anyway. Spike and Buffy weaved their way through the tombstones, Spike was not quite so steady on his feet as he'd had a little too much of Joyce's special Christmas punch.

"Spike! Watch out for that open.." Buffy stopped mid sentence.

Spike fell forward, bags and all.

"Grave," finished Buffy.

"Ow!" said Spike from the hole in the ground.

Buffy giggled and put out her hand to help him up, they both fell onto the grass, Buffy landed on Spike, cushioning her fall.

"Ow, again," said Spike.

"Sorry sweetheart, I know I am no light weight these days," said Buffy apologetically.

"You're perfect just the way you are, in fact.." He trailed off, running his hands up the back of her blouse.

"Not here, not now," she said looking around, feeling uneasy.

"Why not? It's not the first time we've done it in the graveyard," he frowned.

Buffy scrambled off of Spike, waiting for him to get up,

"Come on, let's get home," she said.

Spike stood up, swaying unsteadily.

"Okay luv, got a surprise waiting for you anyway," he grinned.

Buffy looked at him.

"Spike, for Pete's sake," she mumbled.

"Not that kind of surprise, somehow I don't think I'm the one with the dirty mind," he smiled, picking up their bags, they continued on their way.

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

Riley came out from behind a tree, he'd been following the couple since they had left Buffy's mom's home. Luckily for him, Spike had been unable to sense his presence this time, but he'd broke into a cold sweat when Buffy had looked at the tree he'd been concealed behind. He hadn't fancied another cross bow bolt in the ass or worse. He turned, intent on heading back to the Initiative, he walked straight into Forrest.

"Hey man, what are you doing out here? It's not even your watch," asked Forrest.

"Walsh sent me out, she feels certain other agents might be losing their objectivity on this mission," sneered Riley.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Forrest.

"Oh, just that you seem to be just a little too cosy with the subjects, reporting on poetry readings and gigs and the latest family get together is hardly the information we are looking for, we need hard facts: Not "Days of our lives" replied Riley.

"Have you ever considered the fact that, that apart from their unusual origins, that they are just a family, trying to get by, like the rest of the inhabitants of this planet?" asked Forrest.

"Freaks, the pair of them, and they deserve everything the Initiative has planned for them," Riley said.

Forrest's fury boiled over, he made a fist and before even he knew what he was doing, he planted it in the middle of Riley's face. The force of the blow, snapped Riley's head back and it connected with the tree, causing him double pain. He sank to the ground, nursing his bloody nose.

"And don't even think about trying to pull rank with me and go running to mommy Walsh, things change, I got promoted in your absence, I out rank you," said Forrest smugly, he turned on his heel and walked off.

As Riley watched Forrest walk away, the last little shred of sanity he had been holding onto, snapped in his head.

"You are gonna get yours Gates, along with that bitch and her demon lover," spat Riley.

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

Buffy and Spike stood outside their crypt, Spike was fumbling about in one of the stone urns, that adorned either side of their front door.

"Got it!" said Spike has his hands closed over the keys.

"How did our keys get in there?" She asked confused.

"Long story, but I think you will like the ending," smiled Spike.

Buffy sighed. "I hate all this added security, and before you say anything, I know! It's for my own good, but it just feels like going back to jail,"

Spike opened the door, he walked through first and put on a lamp, he turned back to Buffy.

"Close your eyes," he told her.

"Why, this is silly," she replied.

"Do you want a surprise or not?" he asked her impatiently.

Buffy closed her eyes and allowed him to lead her forward.

"Spike we'd better stop, even with my eyes closed I can tell we are near the ladder, I can feel the slight draft," she said.

She squealed as Spike lifted her into his arms like a baby, she felt them going lower as he continued walking, she couldn't resist a peek.

"Oh! Stairs, real ones," she exclaimed.

"Yep, everyone chipped in, Xander took the measurements weeks ago, we all saw how much the ladder was becoming a struggle for you, and plus I get to do sweeping gestures like carry my lady to bed, just like Rhett Butler," he grinned.

He put her down at the base of the stairs.

"And you are definatley my Scarlett O'Hara," he said kissing her on the nose.

"I don't know who these Rhett and Scarlet are, but I like it," She grinned

"Gone With The Wind?" asked Spike.

"Sorry never seen it," she giggled.

Spike just rolled his eyes.

"Glad to be home anyway, will have to thank everyone tomorrow," she sighed contentedly looking at her new stairs.

"What's so special about tomorrow?" asked Spike.

"Big Scooby meeting remember, we have to draw up plans to stop the Initiative, with only six weeks till our little bundle arrives, it's way past time," She said.

"Let's not think about unpleasant things tonight love, it's just you and me," he said soberly, the effects of the punch having long worn off.

Buffy opened her purse and took out an envelope and handed it to Spike.

"What's this?" he asked

"Well open it and see," she smiled.

Spike took the letter and read it.

"Lamaze?" he said in confusion.

"Yes you know, childbirth classes, I am sure with all your baby book reading, you have heard of them, mom got it for us as an extra Christmas present," Buffy said.

"Remind me to thank Joyce next time I see her," said Spike sarcastically.

Spike noted her pout and continued

"Yes I have heard of them, sounds like ritualistic torture, they make you lay on mats with a cushion stuffed up your top, while you grunt like a pig, and that's just what they get the fathers to do," he said.

"They have childbirth videos, remember how much you liked the one I brought back from college," she reminded him.

"I suppose that it could be okay, all right count me in," he said

Spike smiled remembering the blood and carnage of the loaner video: maybe if he got a moment he could pinch one from the class. He grinned to himself. It rivalled any horror movie he had ever seen for bloodletting except maybe "Dracula"

"You'll be great, besides you will have the inside track on all the other guys, having been pregnant for a week yourself," she smiled.

"Don't remind me! How could I forget that little interlude," he exclaimed.

"Come and lay down on the bed with me William, I have a need to feel your arms around me," she smiled and led him over to the bed.

They lay down together in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. They loved these quiet moments where nothing existed except each other, and their growing child. Spike leant forward and lifted up her blouse and kissed the swell of her stomach, lovingly tracing it's lines. He gently rested his cheek on her tummy.

"Hello little one, its daddy here, you're the luckiest baby in the world, or as your mother thinks, the luckiest baby girl, you have the most beautiful mother in existence, and a daddy who is going to spoil you rotten, I love you so much even though we have never met, you are a part of me and your mum, I want you to know you were made in complete love, I can't wait until I can hold you in my arms and kiss you, you're our little wonder, and no one is ever gonna take you away from us," he finished gruffly.

Spike placed feather light kisses up Buffy's body until he came face to face with her. Buffy wiped away the tears from her eyes.

"Spike that was beautiful, you get me every time," she sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"It only comes from the heart, no one has known me like you do, I love you wife," he smiled.

"I love you too husband, turn out the light," she said sleepily.

She was fast asleep by the time Spike settled down next to her again.

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

Riley returned to the Initiative, close on Forrest's heels. They shared the elevator down to the control centre together in icy silence; Walsh was waiting for them when the doors opened.

"Hello boys, Finn I see you are back, what happened this time?" she asked looking at his bloody nose.

Forrest answered for him.

"We ran into some hostiles, but we took care of them, isn't that right Finn?" asked Forrest.

"Yeah, that's right," Riley, replied through gritted teeth.

"Good, then lets go over the final plans for Ms Lovejoy's abduction," she said tonelessly.

"Abduction?" asked Forrest.

"Why the surprise soldier, how did you think we were going to get our hands on the subjects child?" she asked.

Forrest sat down at the table, listening intently as Walsh laid out her plans for the next few weeks. He glanced at Riley, some thing apart from the usual, bothered him about the expression on Riley's face. It was like the lights were on, but no one was at home. Forrest snapped his mind back to the present; he couldn't afford to miss a detail, if he was going to be any help to Spike and Buffy.

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

"So that's it, your big plan?" asked Buffy in disbelief, looking at Giles.

"You wankers have got to think of something better than that, come on Buffy lets go pack our bags and get the hell out of Sunnydale," said Spike.

"I've already told you, running is fruitless, according to Forrest they have agents everywhere," said Giles.

"Yes, but to just sit around and wait for them to make a move," said Willow.

"Well, I was kind of hoping you could help with that Willow, I know you haven't used magiks in awhile, but couldn't you do some sort of protection spell on Buffy?" asked Giles.

"Oh I, I don't know, what if it went wrong like last time?" she asked

"This is a bleeding emergency red, you think we'd be asking otherwise?" snapped Spike.

Willow's eyes filled with tears, she got up from the table.

"Sorry guys I just can't do this right now," she walked off into the kitchen.

"Way to go Spike, I'll go talk to her, see if I can get her to change her mind," said Oz, following after her.

Buffy glared at Spike.

"What?" he asked

"That was way too harsh," she replied.

Spike sighed.

"You're right, it's just all this pressure getting to me, sometimes I wish I didn't have this chip in my head, then I'd knock them off one by one," Spike admitted.

"Oh that would be a great idea, when you'd finished with them, you could have us for dessert," said Anya.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," said Spike

"Anya does have a point, just because Buffy's giving you a lot of happies, doesn't mean you've turned vegetarian," said Xander.

"Getting off topic here, besides I though you two were getting along better now," said Buffy.

"Harris and I understand each other, half the fun is our snarking at one another, ain't that right?" grinned Spike.

They all looked up as Oz lead Willow through the kitchen door. Her eyes were red rimmed from recent tears. She looked at her friends.

"Okay, I'll do it, I'll perform the spell," she said quietly.

Buffy rushed out of her seat and gave her friend a warm hug.

"Thanks Willow, I knew you wouldn't let me down," smiled Buffy.

TBC

I Put A Spell On You

Chapter 18

Spike sat at his table, typing up a few more pages of his book, to pass the time, while they both waited anxiously for Willow to arrive. Buffy stared at the TV screen blankly, strumming her fingers nervously on the arm of the chair. Spike sensing her agitation came over to her and stilled the movements of her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Come on love, it'll be okay, you'll see," he said.

They were both startled by the knocking on the crypt door.

"That'll be them," said Buffy struggling to get up.

"Stay there, I'll get it," said Spike.

He opened the crypt door, expecting only Willow and Oz; he was surprised to see also Xander and Anya and Giles standing there.

"Whoa, if I knew it was gonna be a party I would have baked," said Spike sarcastically.

"Just brought them along for you know, moral support," smiled Willow.

"That, and I have been dying to see the inside of your crypt, after all anything's better than spending the evening in Xander's stinky basement," said Anya.

"And I love you too sweetie," said Xander.

They all filed in, Xander held back as Spike closed the crypt door.

"Sorry about the other night, you know the bit about not trusting you, it's just that if I don't agree with Anya, she gives me hell for days," said Xander awkwardly.

Spike smiled and slapped him on the back.

"Forget it, why don't we go for a beer sometime, talk over the complexities of the female species," said Spike.

"Yeah, I'd like that," said Xander.

Xander was secretly pleased by the offer of the olive branch, he didn't like to admit it, but he often felt his lack of male friends, it seemed like his whole life revolved around hormonal girls, as much as he liked Oz, he was always too busy with college and the band and Willow, to do any sort of male bonding. He really needed to get a backbone where Anya was concerned, before he turned into a girl himself.

"Xander?" asked Anya.

"Coming light of my life," he replied.

"I know it's been a couple of weeks since you asked me to perform this spell, but I had to do a lot of research and some of the ingredients were a little unusual," Willow told Buffy.

"Plus we had to wait for the full moon," said Oz.

"Well at least your not all hairy and fangy," said Buffy.

"We have to do this outside, it's more effective that way," said Willow.

Spike helped Buffy to her feet, being almost eight months pregnant had robbed her of a lot of her slayer's agility. He put his arm around her as they all exited the crypt. The graveyard was bathed in silvery light; Xander and Oz checked the area was safe before Willow set up a circle.

They all sat cross-legged together in the circle, Buffy had a little trouble getting into the position; she had to shift her belly about to get comfortable.

"You really are getting very fat, aren't you?" said Anya.

"Thank you Anya, I can't hear that enough," said Buffy sarcastically.

As Willow finished setting up the spell, she took her place in the circle, next to Giles.

"Your ready?" asked Giles.

"Ready as I'll ever be, now everyone hold hands," Willow told them.

Spike grabbed Buffy's hand, on the left of him, grinning as he held out his other hand to Xander. Xander took his hand reluctantly.

"Better not tell anyone about the hand holding," said Xander.

"You two, are like a couple of kids in the first grade," said Buffy rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, but you wouldn't have us any other way, Buff," smiled Xander.

"Can you all be quiet, I need to concentrate here," said Willow.

"Sorry," said Spike, making a zipping motion across his lips.

They all closed their eyes to concentrate as Willow started chanting the Spell.

By the dragon's light, On this night, I call to thee to give me your might, By the power of three, I conjure thee, To protect all, that surrounds me, So mote it be, So mote it be.

Thrice around the circle's bound, sink all evil to the ground.

So mote it be.

They all opened their eyes.

"Is that it?" asked Spike.

"Yep, that should do it," said Willow.

"What exactly?" asked Buffy.

"Well it should, warn you of danger before it comes, so you can protect yourself, sort of an early warning system, there other side effects, but it wasn't very specific, but there wasn't any dire warnings of doom," so you should be safe," said Willow.

"Should be? Wills," said Xander.

"Relax guys I trust her," said Buffy smiling at her friend.

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

"You ready yet Spike?" asked Buffy standing by the crypt door, tapping her toe impatiently.

"Coming love, how do I look?" he asked her.

She stood there, her mouth slightly open, and just stared.

"Is there something wrong Buffy?" he asked at her continued silence.

"Um, er nothing," she swallowed hard at the sight of him in a fitted black t-shirt and black leather pants.

"What is it then? Don't you like it?" he asked uncertainly.

"I love it, I'm just worried the other women will go into labour when they catch a look at you, I always wondered how you would look in leather, you know besides the coat," she smiled at him.

"If I had known you have a leather thing, I would have bought some months ago," he leered.

Spike walked over to Buffy and put his arms around her neck, holding her as close as he could, due to the baby.

"As much as I want to jump your bones right now, we are gonna be late," sighed Buffy looking at her watch.

The baby in-between them kicked, bringing them back to the present.

"Uh, she's reminding us it's time to go, a woman who knows her own mind, just like her mother," he grinned patting Buffy's swelling stomach proudly.

They left the crypt.

"Lamaze here we come," said Buffy aloud, sincerely hoping Spike would behave himself.

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

They rode the bus to the class, A few other couples were hanging around outside.

"Bleeding hell," said Spike.

"What is it?" asked Buffy.

"That couple over there, I know them, they were at the doctor's office when Xander and I went for my scan," said Spike.

"Oh don't worry, I am sure they won't recognise you with out the pretty dress and Cher hair," she reassured him.

She took his hand and walked through the doors.

"Hi," she said to the couple Spike had mentioned.

"Hello," said the man, a slight look of confusion on his face.

"Do we know you from somewhere, I'm sure we've met before," said the woman.

"Nah, I just have one of those faces," said Spike whistling to himself as he followed Buffy.

Soon after everyone shuffled through into the classroom. A middle-aged woman entered the class and slapped down various leaflets and books on her table. She handed out stickers so everyone could write their name on them.

There were mats spread out in the middle of the room as well as cushions **my nightmare is coming true** thought Spike. The lady introduced herself to the class, Spike shifted about in his seat bored out of his mind, he looked around the room at the various posters.

"William?" the lady said, noticing that he wasn't paying attention.

"Uh, Yeah?" he said.

"Could you come and help me with a demonstration?" she asked

"Do I have to?" he asked

Buffy elbowed him in the ribs.

"Spike!" she hissed at him.

Spike got up and stood in the middle of the class.

"Where do you want me?" he asked

"I know where I'd like him," whispered a girl seated with a girlfriend who was sitting in for her absent boyfriend.

"Yeah, me too," she giggled.

Spike heard them and winked at the pair.

"William, could you lay down on the mat please, while I instruct these fine people on the importance of breathing exercises?" she asked.

She handed Spike a rounded cushion, "Can you put that up your top please?" she asked.

"This is a new top, it'll get stretched if I do that," he replied.

Buffy glared at him.

"Ok," he said snarkily shoving it up his t-shirt.

Buffy had trouble holding in her giggles, it reminded her too much of Spike's stint as a pregnant man.

"Laugh it up Buffy, it's the last chance you'll get to see me like this," he told her affectionately.

Spike yelped in surprise as the woman came up behind him and laid his head back so he was resting against her. His arms flailed out involuntarily, accidentally slapping the woman in the eye. He instinctively put his hand to his forehead expecting instant pain, there was nothing.

"Ow," said the woman holding a hand over her eye.

Spike's face was a mass of confusion.

"Sorry love," he managed to stutter out.

He got to his feet and walked over to Buffy.

"Come on love, we have to go," he said.

"Why?" she asked.

"Not feeling so good," Spike replied.

"Is it your head?" she asked, touching his forehead.

"You might say that, come on I have to go NOW," he said almost dragging her from the room.

"Spike?" she said

"I'll tell you about it later, we have to go find Giles, now," he said.

They rode the bus back in silence, Buffy going wild inside with all sorts of imaginings, after several attempts to get him to talk she gave up.

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

"Buffy, Spike nice of you to visit, wasn't it your child birth classes tonight?" asked Giles.

"Well it was until William here gave the teacher an accidental black eye and then decided we should cut classes," said Buffy angrily.

"That must have hurt, how's your head?" asked Giles.

"Surprisingly good thanks, kinda why I'm here," said Spike.

Buffy and Spike entered the lounge.

Anya and Xander were seated around the table, playing the game of life, Joyce perked up when she saw her daughter, relieved to be released from playing the game. Spike smirked when he saw Xander, the perfect candidate, he just hoped the boy would forgive him afterwards. Spike walked up to him.

"Hello mate, how's it going?" he asked

"Fine thanks and." said Xander, cut off by Spike's fist connecting with his chin.

Spike stood there, a grin still pasted to his face.

"Spike what are you doing?" asked Buffy.

Giles was quicker on the uptake.

"You're chip, it's stopped working," said Giles.

"Yep, I thought it had, just wanted to test it out on my friend here," said Spike.

He held out his hand to Xander.

"No hard feelings mate? Didn't want to hit the old codger and I couldn't very well hit one of the ladies here, now could I?" asked Spike.

"Old codger! Who are you calling old codger?" asked Giles indignantly.

"But what does it mean?" asked Buffy.

"Must have been that protection spell of Willow's she said there might be side effects," explained Giles.

"I thought Willow said there wouldn't be any doom, Spike's chip not working is pretty apocalyptic for me," said Anya.

"Relax guys, Spike is not about to go around biting anyone, isn't that right William, The spell seems to have adapted so Spike can fight humans, it must be part of the whole protection thingy," said Buffy.

"Well I hope you are all saying that, when he makes us all lifetime members of his fang gang," said Anya.

TBC

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

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