Chapter 12: Caught in the Act

Giles stood in the doorway staring at the scene before him in horror, he had known his son and Buffy were close, he just hadn't known they were that close. Buffy and Spike were still in the bed with the covers pulled up over them. They looked almost as embarrassed as Giles himself; they felt just as embarrassed as well. After a moment, Giles cleared his throat

"Um, I think we need to talk, don't you. I'll meet you downstairs in a few moments" He turned and left the room as quickly as possible. Spike looked at Buffy and saw her face bright red with embarrassment.

"You ok luv" he asked softly

"Um, I'm not sure, was Giles being here a dream?" she squeaked He shook his head no

"Oh, well then I'm not ok" she told him

He looked hurt, he assumed that she regretted what they had done

"I'm sorry" he told her quietly

"For this?" she asked gesturing her had between them. At his nod, she continued "well, I'm not. Spike this was a two-way thing, I didn't have to do it. I could have stopped it but I didn't want to. So if you regret it-"

"No, Buffy of course I don't regret it. I love you" he told her She smiled softly at him and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his lips

"We better go downstairs, he'll be wondering what's keeping us" she told him softly

He nodded and stood up and put his trousers back on, while Buffy slipped on the pyjama's she had in his room. Silently they left the room and went downstairs where the found Giles pacing up and down the living room. He looked up when he heard them enter.

"Sit down you two, we need to talk" he said seriously

"Dad"

"William let me speak please" Giles interrupted as he took his glasses and began to clean them furiously

"Now, I realise that you are both old enough to make your own decisions and technically Buffy there is nothing I can do if you decide to have sex. My concern is that you Buffy, are still a minor, Spike you are not, which makes your sleeping with Buffy illegal.

"Buffy, I like you, I do. I care about you as if you were my own daughter, and if you want to be with William I can't stop you and I would not be entirely unhappy, but it would complicate things rather a lot"

He paused for a moment expecting one of them to say something, but neither did so he resumed his little speech

"And I do not wish to see either of you hurt. William has been hurt before. Now I know he probably hasn't told you in what way he was hurt and it's not my place to tell you but-"

"I know, he told me" she said in what was barely a whisper

Giles was surprised to hear that his son had told anyone of the ordeal he had been through but he knew that he would only tell someone he cared for and trusted, so he continued

"Well, if you know Buffy then you will understand my worry. I don't want to see him hurt again, that incident almost destroyed him and I can't allow it to happen again. I am not saying you would deliberately hurt him, but Buffy, you have a boyfriend" he finished

This statement brought the two crashing back to earth. In truth, Buffy had forgotten all about Riley. Suddenly she had no choice but to remember, and she had to say something, she knew Giles was waiting

"I know, Giles none of this was planned, I care about Spike. I don't even like Riley, I'm only with him because of my father" she tried to explain

"So are you going to break things off with him?" the older man inquired

"No, she's not" Spike spoke for the first time Both Giles and Buffy looked at him, shocked expressions on their faces. Spike continued

"Look, Buffy has no choice but to keep this up a little while longer. Yes, I hate it. Yes, I wish we could be together, but it's not possible just now. It would only make things for Buffy. I love her dad, and I only want what's best for her, so she'll have to keep this up until she finds a suitable way out"

"Can you handle that son?" Giles asked

"Honestly, I don't know. But I love her, so I'll try" he said with conviction He then looked over at Buffy with tenderness in his eyes and a loving smile on his face

"Everything will work out. If it's supposed to" he said softly

Watching the two of them together Giles could see how much they cared about each other. He could see it in the way they looked at each other.

"Well, if that's what you want then I will support you. It's your choice" Giles sighed "Buffy could I speak to you alone for a moment" She nodded and Spike got up to leave, he kissed her forehead before he left. When he was gone, Giles started talking

"Buffy, how much do you care about my son" he asked

"I don't know Giles, I think I might love him. But I've been hurt before too" she told him.

"I understand that, but Buffy he doesn't know the truth, that is unfair"

"Giles I know that. I want to tell him but that is what will lead to his being hurt. If my father found out he would take Anthony away, I don't know what I would do if that happened"

He wiped away the tear that had fallen down her face, and talked soothingly

"Buffy, I think you and Spike could be good for each other, however, I think you need to figure out what you want and how you're going to get it. That includes for your future, you need to decide what will make you happy, before you can be happy" he finished gently

He turned and left the living room leaving Buffy alone in the living room. She sat there all night, alone with her thoughts. Making decisions.

Chapter 13: Milestones

In the weeks that had passed since their night together Buffy had made a lot of decisions about her life. She had spoken to Spike and told him that she thought nothing else should happen until after she had broken things off with Riley. He had agreed knowing that it would be easier on them both in the long run. That was a month ago and it was the day before Spike’s graduation. Riley thought things between them were going great and that she wasn’t hanging around with Spike. He had no suspicions about what had happened. He was getting frustrated though, the furthest he ever got with her was kissing and he was sick of it. He had no idea she was going to Spike’s graduation. The day before everyone was excitedly doing everything that had to be done. The group of friends were going to the Bronze the night of graduation to celebrate, just like nearly every other senior. Spike was grumpy because his father was making him wear a suit under his gown. Buffy thought it was hilarious watching him pout about it.

Anthony was getting bigger everyday, and every day Spike was becoming more and more attached to him. It had come to the stage where he and Buffy would sneak around to take him walks together, so naturally she was taking him with her the next day as opposed to having Jenny look after him, as she had offered.

The next day Buffy got Anthony dressed in a little pair of black cord trousers and a black sweater, he looked like Spike’s own son. Buffy herself was wearing a knee length cream halter sundress, as the sun was shining brightly. She looked in the mirror before picking Anthony up and going downstairs. Giles was waiting to drive them to the graduation; Spike was already at the school as he was meeting Oz beforehand.

Riley walked along the street on his way to Revello Drive. He had decided to surprise Buffy by showing up and whisking her away for the day. He was going to pick her up, walk to the park where he had parked his car, then drive out of town, into LA, and see her parents. He walked up to the porch and rang the bell; he waited a few minutes and rang again, when there was no answer. There was still no answer and he was annoyed, she hadn’t told him about any other plans. He decided to wait until she got back so he sat down on the perch step. And waited.

Buffy sat in the crowd and watched the ceremony with a huge smile on her. The ceremony had only just started and they were listening to the principal’s speech. As she looked around at the students she could see Spike’s blonde head sitting next to Oz, both looking very bored, as she was about to turn away he looked around and flashed her a smile and she responded with a small wave. She sat holding Anthony waiting for them to start handing out the diploma’s. She got very excited when she heard them start to call out the names. She looked on as student after student crossed the stage. And then she heard his name.

Spike had been bored for the entire ceremony, he wanted to be sitting with Buffy, but he was happy when he caught her looking at him. He sat looking at her from the corner of his eye until they started handing out the diploma’s, suddenly feeling nervous and then his name was called

“William Giles”

Buffy watched him walk across the stage and accept his diploma with a smile. He looked at her and smiled again as he returned to his seat. Watching the event had made Buffy feel like she was missing out on something. When she saw him smile it pushed her to make a decision, one she couldn’t wait to carry out.

After the ceremony Giles and Buffy waited out front of the school for Spike and Oz. Buffy saw him walking down the steps and called out to him

“Hey, Spike” she walked towards him with a big smile

“Hi, luv”

“Congratulations” she said as she reached out and hugged him “how does it feel, you’re all grown up now?” He smirked

“You’re here, how could it feel anything but great luv” he answered Buffy blushed and smacked him playfully on the arm

“Come on, you have to see what Anthony’s wearing” she said excitedly “oh, and your dad probably wants to see you” she added He smiled slightly as he followed behind her.

“Look” she squealed “doesn’t he look adorable. Like a mini you”

“He looks great, pet”

She was about to reply when she saw Willow walk out of the school and walk towards them with Oz. When she reached Buffy, she squealed

“Oh my god. I have a boyfriend who’s not in high school. Isn’t it exciting” Everyone laughed at how giddy the redhead was.

Giles walked over with a smile on his face

“I’m very proud of you son,” he told Spike honestly

“Thank you dad” Spike replied, feeling oddly emotional at his father’s pride.

“Congratulations to you too Oz, to both of you” he said Oz nodded in thanks before Giles continued

“So, why don’t we go for a bite to eat and celebrate? On me. I know you kids are going out tonight but this way I get to celebrate with you” he smiled

“Sure” all four replied at once. “Alright then lets go”

They turned and walked away from the school, none of them looking back.

When they reached the café, they sat down wit Spike seated next to Buffy on one side, with Giles, Oz and Willow on the other. The group were all talking excitedly about the boys’ college plans and Willow’s senior year. Buff sat quietly when they spoke of this and it did not go unnoticed by Spike. He leaned over and whispered in her ear

“What’s the matter luv?” he asked

“I’ll tell you later” she whispered back

Spike didn’t like this plan so he turned to the other occupants of the table and told them

“Buffy and I are going to go out for some fresh air, we won’t be long” He stood up and walked toward the door waiting for Buffy to join him. Once they were outside Spike turned to her

“Ok, what’s going on?” he demanded gently

“I wanna go back”

“To LA” he said hurt “why?”

“Oh no, not LA, I wanna go back to school” she told him He broke into a wide smile “That’s great luv”

“Yeah, except that I can’t go back” she told him sadly

“And why exactly not?” he questioned

“Anthony” she told him

“Buffy, you’ve done a great job with Anthony, but if you want to o back to school you shouldn’t let this job stop you. Legally he’s not your responsibility,” he said in a caring voice

Coming from anyone else, this statement would have stung, but Buffy knew he was only trying to help. It was her fault he didn’t know. She wanted to tell him. No, she was going to.

“Spike I have to tell you something” she said

“What is it pet?”

“It’s-“ She was cut off then by Willow coming to the door

“Hey guys, food’s here” After she went back inside Spike turned to Buffy

“You were saying pet”

“Doesn’t matter now,” she said, her confidence completely gone. They turned and went back inside. Both thinking about their earlier conversation.

As Giles’ car drew up to the curb Buffy saw Riley sitting on the step. ‘What’s he doing here. We didn’t have plans today’ she thought

“Riley, what are you doing here” she asked as she got out of the car

“Well, I did come to surprise you with a day out, but you neglected to tell me you wouldn’t be here” he said angrily

“Can we talk about this inside?” she requested

“Fine” he agreed stiffly

“We’ll give you a moment” Giles called as they walked inside. Once inside Riley turned to Buffy, face red with anger “Where the hell have you been?” he yelled

“Out” she told him in a confident voice. She had decided that she wasn’t going to give in to him. He would have to accept her as she was or not at all

“Out where?” he spat

“With Giles, Spike and Anthony”

“Well, I can see that. I want to know where” he said, becoming increasingly annoyed

She had had enough “At Spike’s graduation, not that it’s any of your business” she yelled

“You’re my girlfriend,” he screamed “but him and that brat always seem to come first” She lost it then and slapped him across the face

“You Bitch” he screamed as he backhanded her. Spike ran into the house at the sound of Buffy screaming and pounced when he saw Riley hit her

“You Bastard. Who the hell do you think you are?” he screamed as he punched him square on the jaw

“Fuck off bleach boy this has nothing to do with you” Riley retorted as he threw a punch, which Spike easily dodged

“When you hit Buffy it’s my business”

“And why’s that then?” he questioned “she been spreading her legs for you. Because she hasn’t been spreading them for me” he said snidely. Spike flew at him as soon as the words left his mouth only to be stopped by Buffy.

“You asshole” she told riley, her voice cold but calm “I don’t know who you think you are but you won’t talk about me like that. You are a conceited, obnoxious bastard and I had no intentions of ever sleeping with you. You make me sick.

“And in answer to the question you asked Spike, yes. I slept with Spike, and do you know what? I would do it all over again. In fact, I intend to. You are worthless Riley, I feel nothing for you” she spat and looked at him like he had just crawled out of the sewer.

“You whore” Riley screamed

“Yeah, yeah big deal” she retorted “call me what you want, I really don’t give a shit.” She walked over to him and punched him hard on the nose and she heard the bone crack

“If you ever talk about Anthony the way you did again, it’ll be worse. Now, we’re through. Get out of my house” she said coldly. Spike smirked as he watched Riley walk towards the door holding his nose in pain. When he was gone, she turned to Spike and burst out laughing. She walked over to him, took his farce in her hands, and kissed him, hard on the mouth.

“Well, it’s over” she said happily

“I can see that” he replied with a smile playing on his lips

“So, are you taking me out tonight? On a date I mean” she inquired

“Do you want to go on a date with me?” he asked back

“Yes”

“Well then, try and stop me”

He then leaned in and captured her lips in another kiss. Giles watched from the doorway smiling. It just looked so right.

Chapter 14: The Truth is Out There

Buffy had been excited all afternoon. She would finally get to go on a date with the person she actually wanted to be with. Giles had taken Anthony to Jenny’s for the night after they told him what had happened and that they were going out. His exact words had been “Well, I think Anthony and I need a night away. That and if you two are going on a date I have no desire to be in this house, mostly because have even less desire to walk in on what I saw last month ever again. See you tomorrow” He had left the house as quickly as possible.

Buffy was positively giddy as she chose out her outfit. She wore a tight fitting black dress that tied around her neck. It sat just above her knee. There was a rose embroidered at the bottom of one side in a deep shade of red. There was a small slit at the opposite side. On her feet, she wore a pair of black pointy-toed shoes; her hair was curled and partly pinned back. Her make up was kept natural; she knew Spike liked it that way.

Spike was pacing back and forth in his room. They were due to leave in 20 minutes and he was nervous as hell. He had dressed up a little for the occasion wearing a pair of Black dress trousers and a Midnight Blue shirt. The colour complimented his eyes perfectly. He didn’t know what he was so nervous about, after all, he had already slept with her, why be nervous about the date? The answer was simple, a date meant he finally had what he wanted, meant it would be easier for him to be hurt. But he had faith in her; he trusted that she wouldn’t hurt him.

Buffy and Spike exited their rooms at the exact same moment as soon as the clock changed to seven o’clock, they were out the doors. They both stopped dead in he hall when they saw each other. Spike thought she looked amazing. Young and carefree, a way he had only ever seen her look once before, the night of the prom. Buffy meanwhile, was amazed she wasn’t drooling as she took in how delicious her date looked. Both of them smiled at each other simultaneously

“You look beautiful, pet,” Spike told her as he leaned in and kissed her cheek

“Thanks” she blushed slightly “you look good too”

“Why thank you, I do try” he jokes, eliciting a giggle from her. “Well, we should get going”

They walked into the Bronze hand in hand. Much to the surprise of all their friends. A gasp went around the table as they approached. “Hey guys” Buffy said cheerfully

“Um guys. What’s going on?” asked a confuse Xander Buffy and Spike shared a look and they silently agreed to lead their friends on.

“What this?” Spike asked “nothing”

“Well it kind of looks like something” Willow piped in

“It really is nothing. Just a friend thing” Buffy told her with a straight face Their friends looked thoroughly confused and the two blondes couldn’t hold it any longer, they burst into laugher at the looks on their friends’ faces.

“Don’t worry guys you’re not going crazy” Buffy assured them

“Yeah, we’re on a date” Spike finished

“Uh, Buffy” Willow spoke up “you do remember you have a boyfriend right. His name’s Riley”

“Not any more” Buffy informed her “dumped him today. Yay for me” she grinned.

“Wow, Buff, I wasn’t expecting that” Xander said

“Well it’s been a long time coming,” she told them “I never liked him. I had to go out with him because my dad said so. Today I had enough, and I dumped him.”

“What was it that you told him?” Willow questioned

Buffy looked up at Spike who only shrugged letting her know what she told them was her decision. She decided to go with the truth

“I told him I slept with Spike,” she told them

“Slept with as in in the same bed with pyjama’s on?” Willow asked

“No” Buffy started “slept with as in we had sex” This earned another set of gasps from the tables’ occupants.

“Whoa, when did that happen” asked Xander in shock

“Prom night” Buffy answered sheepishly Willow was hurt Buffy usually told her everything. Buffy could see the hurt in her eyes

“Will. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I was just so confused. I had to sort my head out.” She apologised “It’s ok, just a bit upset for a moment. I understand though” She told her best friend with a smile.

After a round of questions, Buffy and Spike sat down at the table with their friends. They all chatted happily for a while. The Bronze was overflowing with kids. The majority of the graduating class were there celebrating with heir friends, having a good time and being free. Spike’s group of friends had decided they may as well be part of the majority. A band was playing but no one in the group of friends made any move to get up and dance, they were enjoying sitting in their group and chatting, reminiscing about everything that had happened in high school.

“Hey” exclaimed Xander “I have an idea lets play truth or dare” everyone groaned at the suggestion “Oh come on, it’ll be fun” he insisted Eventually everyone nodded their agreement and settled in their seats to play the game

“Ok I’ll start” said Xander “Willow, truth or dare”

“Truth” the redhead replied uncertainly

“Ok, have you and Oz done it yet?” Willow turned bright red and acted like she hadn’t heard the question. “Come on Will, you have to answer” he told her

“evil” she told him as the blush crept up her neck and she sputtered “n-no”

Buffy had never seen Willow look so embarrassed, and Willow looked embarrassed a lot.

“Ok let’s move on” Buffy said trying to help her friend out “I’ll go. Xander truth or dare?”

“Truth” he said confidently She decided it was time for some payback

“Ok, when did you lose you virginity?” Buffy could tell by the look on his face that her theory had been correct. All she had to do was wait for his answer

“Ihaven’tlostityet” he mumbled

“What was that?” She asked, and evil grin on her face

“I said, I haven’t lost my virginity yet” he said blushing Willow couldn’t help the smug look that crossed her face. Served him right for embarrassing her like that “I think that’s enough of that game” Xander said

“Oh come on Xan” Spike said “we haven’t all had a turn” Spike honestly didn’t care if the played or not, he just wanted to torture Xander some more.

“Yeah, I know but hey, why come to the Bronze and play truth or dare, we should be having fun” the brunette insisted

“Ok you win. I’m gonna go to the bar, anyone want anything?” After everyone had placed their orders, he walked towards the bar while the others went to the dance-floor. An upbeat tune was playing. Buffy moved to the beat of the music and Spike couldn’t help but watch her from his place at the bar. She danced for a few minutes before turning to her friends and signalling that she was going back to the table. As she walked towards it, she banged into someone, and looked up and saw a familiar face.

“B, is that you?” Faith asked

“Uh hey” Buffy greeted her old friend, looking anxiously around. She had to get rid of Faith before anyone came back.

“Where the hell have you been B. I haven’t seen you in over a year, since you started seeing Angel” Faith said

“Um, it’s a long story Faith, I can’t get into it right now, but I can tell you that Angel and I are long over”

“Oh well, who are you here with” Faith inquired

“I live here” she told her cryptically, not elaborating on anything

“Since when?”

“about five months” she informed her

“Well what about the months before that?”

“It’s a long story. Look what are you doing in Sunnydale Faith?”

Spike had approached the table and noticed Buffy with his back to her talking to a young brunette. He assumed it was an old friend or something so he continued on his way back. He was very surprised at what he heard upon his arrival

“What are you doing in Sunnydale Faith?”

Faith. Why did that name sound so familiar? Then it dawned on him. Anthony. Something was definitely going on and he wanted to know what.

Buffy was waiting for Faith’s answer when she heard the voice

“I think we need to talk”

Buffy froze on the spot, she took a breath and without turning around, she spoke directly to Faith

“Is there a gorgeous blonde guy standing behind me?”

“Yeah, he’s a hottie B” Buffy cringed and turned and regarded Spike

“We need to talk” he repeated

“Yeah I think we do” she agreed

Seeing that there seemed to be some upset between their friends those, who remained on the dance floor went back to the table in time to hear Buffy say she and Spike had to talk.

“Hey, B, what the hell is goin’ on?” Faith asked, confused.

“Faith you’ll probably wanna hear this too, Spike I think we should go home and talk about this” she said He nodded her agreement and she turned to the rest of her friends

“Can you guys come by tomorrow, I need to talk to you about something, but I think this is something we need to do alone tonight” she said apologetically

Her friends agreed and she picked up her bag, walking out of the club, Faith and Spike right behind her. Spike drove the three of them home in silence. They entered the house and Spike led the way straight to the living room. He sat on the couch and Faith stood by the door

“So what’s going on here luv?” he persisted

“Yeah, B the suspense is killing me” Faith added

“Ok, Faith you may wanna sit down for this” Faith nodded and sat down, before Buffy started Spike spoke

“Ok, I’m confused Faith’s dead, that’s why my father has guardianship of her son” Spike said

“I don’t have a-“suddenly she had an idea what was going on and she knew it was Buffy’s place to let him in on it

“So, what you had two friend’s named Faith?” he asked

“No, there’s just the one” she told him

“But how does that make sense” he asked

“Ok, here goes. Spike, in LA I was a bit of a rebel. I went against everything that my father wanted. I was friends with Faith, she was the bad girl in school, and my dad hated her so I liked her even more.

“Anyway, I met a guy named Angel and I slept with him, I was sixteen at the time and I thought I was in love. I had been seeing him a month when he broke up with me. He told me I was a whore and meant nothing to him, there was a reason for his outburst though and you need to know what that is.” She paused for a moment to calm herself, tears stinging at her eyes

“Spike, Anthony is, he’s my son” she finished quietly

Spike was obviously shocked, Faith however was not

“Damn B, you have been busy”

“Faith, I think maybe you should go. Come by tomorrow and I’ll explain better” Buffy told her

“Ok” the brunette answered as she made her way out of the door. When they heard the door close Spike looked up tears in his eyes

“Why didn’t you tell me, do you trust me that little?” he asked in a pained voice

“Spike that’s not it at all. When I told my father I was pregnant, he was so angry. He was so angry. He wanted me to have an abortion. I refused so he said that he would arrange something. I refused to be separated from him so he got in touch with Giles. He was a colleague of my dad’s up until the year your mother fell pregnant, with you.

“He sent me here but on condition that nobody could know that he was mine. Giles is the only person who knew. I wanted to tell you so many times, I almost did. That’s what I was going to tell you earlier today, at the café, before Willow interrupted.

“Spike, I have no idea what will happen when my dad finds out I’ve told you. He has the power to have Anthony taken from me and he would do it. I was trying to get by until I turn eighteen but I can’t do it any more. On my birthay, when you gave me that picture, I couldn’t help but think how right it looked. I wish it were real” she finished with tears staining her cheeks. Spike had tears rolling down his face also. He didn’t look quite so upset anymore

“Buffy, luv, you could have told me. I love Anthony like he’s my own son. I know it may sound crazy, but it’s true. Buffy I love you, I want to be with you and I understand why you didn’t tell me. But trust me, your father will not take him away from you. I promise”

He stood from his place on the couch and wrapped his arms around her

“Spike can we work this out?” she asked tearfully

“Yeah, I think we can. I love you Buffy” he whispered

“I love you too” she replied He was ecstatic at the words, now that his shock was starting to subside he liked the idea of them being a family, he leaned in and brought his lips to hers, waiting a moment before deepening it, she pulled away gasping

“Spike, make love to me” she requested

He said nothing, just took her by he hand and led her upstairs.

Chapter 15: As Time Goes By

A/N: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed this story. I've been really touched by all the great reviews for my first story. Please keep the reviews coming. Thanks also to my beta Darla Winifred who has been a great help.

The news of Anthony being Buffy’s son had come as a shock to Buffy
and Spike’s friends. They had all thought something strange was going on, however, no one ever thought it could be that. Buffy could
remember their reactions when she had told them.

“Anthony is my son.”

“Great googly mooglie.” Xander cried.

“Ha ha Buff, very funny.” was Willow’s responded quite nervously.

Oz as ever seemed unaffected, and showed no real emotion. The other two teens had looked carefully at Buffy and Spike for some sign that they were kidding, but saw none.

“Guys, come on this isn’t funny.” Xander insisted.

Spike had finally spoken up when he saw the desperate look on the boy’s face.

“Xander, it isn’t a joke. Anthony is Buffy’s son.”

“How? When? How?” Xander was flabbergasted.

“Well, I’m guessing you probably know how.” Oz spoke with a hint of a smile

Buffy and Spike both sniggered at his attempt to lighten the mood and Spike couldn’t resist getting a dig in.

“Well after what he told us last night I wouldn’t be so sure he knows how.” he smirked.

“Hey.” the brunette protested.

“Ok guys settle down,” Buffy said “it happened just over a year ago. I met a guy, thought I was in love and slept with him. My dad’s a powerful guy, big shot lawyer in LA. He wasn’t happy, wanted me to have an abortion, I refused, so he sent me here. On condition I
didn’t tell anyone. He’ll flip if he knows I’ve told you all. So you
can’t tell anyone. Not yet anyway. But I am going to stop pretending now and act like his mother” she told them, an emotional edge to her voice.

 

Willow still hadn’t said anything, but a thought occurred to her and she spoke.

“Um, what does that mean for you and Spike?”

Spike was the one to answer the question.

“All it means Red, is that I’m going to help her out even more now. I love her, I love Anthony, and I want to be with Buffy and take care
of both of them. So that’s what I’m going to do.” He told her.

 

Buffy had tears in her eyes, she was about to speak again when they
heard the front door open and Giles walk in. He looked surprised when he came into the living room and saw all five teens, two of whom looked very emotional, two very shocked and Oz looking, well like Oz.

“Dear Lord, is something wrong?” he asked concerned.

“No, everything’s fine dad.” Spike told him.

“Well then what is going on?”

“I told them.” Buffy said.

She didn’t need to elaborate she could tell Giles knew what she
meant. Just then she had an idea, she whispered something in Spike’s ear, he nodded and both walked to the door telling the others they would be right back.

 

Upstairs Buffy looked very nervous.

“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready pet.” he told her.

“I am. It’s just I wanted to do this for so long, I’m kind of
anxious.” she said.

“You’ll be fine sweetheart. Come on let’s do this”.

They went back downstairs, everyone turned to look at her and noticed she was holding the baby. Both she and Spike wore huge smiles as Buffy began to talk, Spike squeezed her hand and looked at her lovingly.

“Everyone there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is Anthony.”

She paused for a moment as tears threatened to spill from her eyes,
Spike gave her hand another squeeze and she continued.

“This is Anthony, my son.”
 

Everyone noticed that she and Spike looked every inch the proud
parents and Spike never even registered the fact that he wasn’t his
real father. As far as he was concerned he loved Anthony like a son,
and he wanted to take care of him. He wanted them to be a family.

 

When he looked up he saw that everyone in the room wore a smile.

“Well, I guess it’s a bit overdue but congratulations Buff, I’m happy for you”. Willow was the first to speak this time as she walked over to hug her friend.

“Yeah Buff, congratulations.” Xander said next.

Even Oz spoke

“Congrats guys.”

Buffy let her tears fall.

“Thank you all so much for understanding.” she said tearfully.

“Oh of course we understand Buffy, we love you.” Willow told her as she wrapped an arm around her friend.

“I love you guys too. One of you in particular.” she said pointedly
looking at Spike

“I love you too baby”. he told her as he leaned down and placed a
soft kiss on her lips.

He then leaned down and placed a kiss on Anthony’s forehead.

“You too little bit.”

Buffy’s tears increased at the show of love from someone who had no need to accept her son. After all he was only eighteen, he didn’t
need to be a father to someone else’s child. However, she was
ecstatic that he seemed to want to.

 

Buffy was still awe struck at how well her friends had taken the
news. Her father however had not reacted well when he found out she
had revealed all. He had found out courtesy of Riley, that had been
Buffy’s fault too.

Buffy and Spike had been strolling peacefully in the park, Spike
pushing Anthony in his stroller. Her friends had known for a little
over a month and things with her and Spike were going great. Giles
had allowed her to more or less move into Spike’s bedroom. They
couldn’t get enough of each other and Giles saw no point in having
them sneaking around. So he left them to do as they wished. He was
hardly ever home anyway as his relationship with Jenny went from
strength to strength.

 

So they had been walking through the park, Buffy had her hand around Spike’s waist as he pushed the stroller, they were perfectly content until they saw Riley notice them and start to come towards them. There had been no use in trying to ignore him so they waited for him to approach, he looked at them with a sneer as he walked up to them.

“Well if it isn’t the slut and her lap dog.”

“What do you want Riley?” she asked

“Just thought I’d see if you’d had enough of bleach boy here and
wanted to give a real man a go.” he leered at her.

“Um, thanks Riley, but if I wanted a real man I wouldn’t be coming to you,” she said “that and the fact that I have a real man right here. And he has me. God, he had me while I was seeing you. If you know what I mean.” she laughed.

“Just shows what a whore you are.” he said.

“Or it could just be proof that you aren’t good enough, don’t know
how to please a woman, Riley you never managed to get me at all
worked up. Spike can do it with a look. So who’s the real man here?” she laughed at him. He wore an angry look.

 

Spike stood back with a smirk as the scene unfolded. He was proud,
his girl had a razor sharp tongue, and he almost felt sorry for
Riley. But only a little.

“You bitch, you wouldn’t know what a real man was. Want me to show you?” he pulled her hand forward and placed it on his crotch.

Buffy let out a laugh.

“Um Riley, it’s no wonder men have to set you up with their
daughter’s if you think that’s all a real man has to offer. I’m
certainly glad I chose Spike. But I chose Spike even before I was
seeing you. Not that it matters.”

 

Spike let out a laugh, if she said that to him he would be
humiliated, Riley seemed to be getting increasingly angry as he
started screaming and grabbed her wrist.

“Now you listen to me you bitch, no one says that to me or cheats on me and gets away with it. So I suggest you take your freak and the brat and get the hell out of here before you regret what you just
said to me-“

He didn’t get any further, Spike grabbed him by the collar and got in his face.

“What you going to do cardboard?” he asked threateningly “Now I suggest you listen and listen good, don’t ever threaten my girl again or you will be the one to regret it.”

He punched him on the jaw.

“You already said too much about the kid, you don’t get away with
that. And lastly, you lousy piece of shit, lay a finger on her again,
I will really hurt you”. he hit him once more for good measure as he
let him go.

Buffy walked over to him and swiftly brought her knee to his crotch
hard.

“And that brat is my son you asshole.” she yelled.

Riley did now look humiliated. He watched as Buffy and Spike walked away. They would regret what they did, and he knew exactly how to make it happen. He took out his cell phone and made a call.

 

The source of that showed up a few days later. The gang were all at
Giles’ for Sunday dinner. It was part way through the summer, and
Buffy had just told them about considering returning to school. They were all behind her and offered to help whatever way they could. She

decided to wait until Anthony was a year old before making any
decisions. Their discussion had been interrupted by a loud knock at
the door. Giles went to answer it, and everyone looked up to see a
furious Hank Summers storm in.

“Elizabeth Summers, we need to talk in private. NOW!” he screamed.

 

But Buffy wasn’t afraid of her father anymore, she had a support
network, friends and a boyfriend who loved her she could do this.

”No dad, if you have anything to say, you can say it front of
everyone.” she told him confidently.

“Listen to me young lady...”

“No dad, you listen  everyone here knows and is involved, so you can say what you have to say in front of them.” she interrupted.

“Fine, we’ll do this in the sitting room.” he told her angrily.

 

Everyone followed behind Hank. Buffy took hold of Spike’s hand and didn’t let go as they entered the other room. This was not unnoticed by Hank.

“Who is this punk?” he asked “Another of your worthless boyfriends. Slept with him yet, he knocked you up too?”

Spike looked both furious and hurt. Both he and Giles went to answer him but Buffy beat them to it.

“This is Spike, my boyfriend and Giles’ son. And what I do with him
is no business of yours. I don’t live under your roof anymore, so
what I do is nothing to do with you.” she told her father angrily.

“Buffy Summers, I am still your father and you will do as I say.”

“That’s a joke, Giles has been more of a father to me than you ever
were.” she yelled.

“Look Buffy, just pack your things, you’re coming back to Los
Angeles. And before you say anything it isn’t coming with us.”

 

Spike could see tears in Buffy’s eyes and it took a moment before he
registered what the it was that Hank was talking about. When he
realized he refused to remain silent. Buffy could see he was going to
yell and say something and made no move to stop him.

“Now wait a minute, you may be Buffy’s father but to be honest I
don’t care. That child there,” he pointed to where Anthony lay asleep in a crib in the corner “he is not a thing. He is your grandson whether you like it or not. I love that boy like he was my own son and I won’t have you or anyone else talking about him like that. He has a name. His name is Anthony and while you are in my home you will use It.” he shouted.

Hank turned on him then.

“Love him like he’s your own, I bet it just kills you. Because he
isn’t yours. Someone else beat you to it. He will never be yours. Can
you honestly raise and love another man’s child.”

“Yeah, I can,” Spike shouted “because you can’t call his father a
man. A real man would have been there to look after him-“

“You haven’t managed to knock her up yet, bet you don’t feel like a
real man haven’t managed to do what someone else did.” Hank said cruelly.

Spike wanted to hit him, his face was red with anger. But he was
Buffy’s father so he tried to let his anger go. Buffy however did
not. She stormed in front of Spike and started yelling.

“Are you calling Angel a real man. He wasn’t dad. He wanted me for sex and that was all. Spike doesn’t need to take care of Anthony,
doesn’t need to take on another guys responsibility but he does it
willingly. So don’t you dare come in here and talk to him like that.”

 

Everyone else in the room watched in stunned silence. Giles looked
like he wanted to kill Hank for the way he was talking to his son and surrogate daughter. But he wanted to see how they would handle it by themselves. So far, they were doing rather well.

“Buffy get your things we are leaving now. There will be no
arguments. And I’ll say it again it isn’t coming with us.”

 

Buffy looked at him sadly but had resigned herself to the fact she
would be going back. She was still under eighteen she had no choice. She looked at Spike, they both had tears staining their face. She turned and ran upstairs. Spike looked around and saw tears in the eyes of all their friends. Just then Anthony cried, he moved to pick him up. He cradled him in his arms, clinging to him, thinking that he would be all he would have left of the woman he loved soon. Giles had other ideas but he wanted Hank to think he had won first.

 

Twenty minutes later Buffy came down with the one suitcase she had arrived with. Her father immediately got up to leave. Spike handed Anthony to Willow, he didn’t want to let him go, but he had to for a moment. Buffy ran to Spike and crushed her lips to his. He
immediately granted her tongue entrance. The kiss was urgent and
needy, they were trying to pour everything they felt into that one
last kiss. As they finally pulled apart she brought one hand up to
cup his cheek and intertwined the other with his

“I love you.” she told him.

“I love you too, so bloody much, you’re my world. I don’t know what I’ll do without you.” he replied tears rolling down his cheeks.

She led him over to Willow, who held him out for Spike to hold. Buffy placed a kiss on his forehead.

“You’ll take care of him for me, promise me that.”

“I’ll always take care of him.” he promised.

“I’ll be back, I promise, he can only keep me away for a few months, when I’m eighteen I’ll be back. Remember that I love you”.

“I love you too, Always.” he repeated.

 

With tears in her eyes she walked towards the door her friends close
behind, Spike clinging to Anthony for dear life. Buffy was about to
put her suitcase in the trunk when Giles walked out and called to her.

“Buffy”, she looked up “you may want to put that back in the house”. he told her, a smug look on his face.

“What do you mean?” she asked tearfully.

“I mean you’re not going anywhere.” he told her.

“Rupert, I don’t know who you think you are but she is my daughter and-“

“Oh Hank do shut up,” Giles interrupted “you always were a
sanctimonious arsehole. Look, Buffy isn’t going anywhere.”

“I don’t see that as being your decision.” Hank told him “I could
take you to court if you try and stop me.”

“And she could take you. Remember something Hank, when we worked together, you weren’t the best. You were second best.” he turned to look at the group.

“Can anyone guess who he always came second to?”

Everyone looked on in surprise and a hint of pride, Willow was the
person who gave him an answer with a smile.

“You.” she guessed.

“Exactly.” Giles said smugly “I was always better than you Hank. Now let me tell you why Buffy won’t be going back”

Hank tried to protest but Giles put a hand up to silence him.

“She won’t be going back not only because she doesn’t want to, but
also because you won’t make her. If you try and force her she will
apply for emancipation.”

“Rupert.” Hank warned.

“I don’t believe I was finished.” Giles yelled “Now as I was saying,
she will apply for emancipation. She will be eighteen in a few months and I will give her financial support. Also if she told them how you treated her in this situation and with me as her lawyer you can guarantee she would get the emancipation.

“I don’t think that would be very good for you reputation, now would it” he concluded

“Well, I can see we’ve let Ripper out to play”, Hank said “don’t
threaten me.”

“Now you should know by now I don’t make threats, only promises.”

“Fine, you can keep her, little bitch isn’t worth the hassle.” Hank
turned away, Buffy was now crying tears of joy. Spike handed her son to her and whispered an apology in her ear. She wondered why.

 

Spike didn’t care anymore if it was his girlfriend’s father or not,
he’d had enough. He walked up and tapped him on the shoulder when he turned around Spike punched him on the nose

“That is for insulting me.” he said coldly.

He then brought his fist up again and landed a punch on his jaw

“That is for everything you put Buffy through.” he yelled.

He threw another punch which hit him on the mouth

“That is for neglecting to do as I told you, his name is Anthony.” he
stated.

He then brought his foot to his crotch hard.

“and that is just because I don’t like you, you’re a worthless piece
of crap”. he spat as he went to walk away.

 

He saw Buffy standing next to him, Anthony now in Giles’ arms. As
Hank stood up Buffy slapped him across the face.

“Stay away from me,” she spat “you are not my father. Not anymore.”

She took Spike’s hand and they walked away. The group stood in the yard and watched as Hank got in his car and drove away. Spike picked her up and spun her around in joy.

“I love you, Buffy Summers”. he declared as he put her down.

“And I love you, William Giles.” she stated.

She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. Shutting out the
rest of the world. They were brought back by the sound of Giles
clearing his throat.

“I think you two need some privacy, I will take Anthony to Jenny’s
for the night”

at Buffy’s worried look he went on.

“Don’t worry, you have the rest of your life to be his mother.
Tonight just be in love.”

She smiled at his words and nodded her agreement and then Xander spoke.

“Yeah Buff, I think Spike has a problem he needs you to help him take are of.” he teased ooking pointedly at Spike’s crotch.

Buffy blushed furiously and Spike looked like he could spit daggers.

“All right all let’s go.” Giles requested.

He put Anthony in his stroller and everyone but Buffy and Spike made
their way down the street. Together they walked into the house. When
he closed the door Buffy turned to him

“Well, looks like we’re all alone, what do you wanna do?” she asked
in a mocking tone.

“I wanna make love to you all night.” he said .

He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to their room where he
did just that.
 

That had all happened six months ago and it was now the eve of
Anthony’s first birthday. Buffy could hardly wait, and if it was
possible Spike was even more excited than she was. Their relationship
had gone from strength to strength, and Spike loved Anthony to bits.
He had started college and was studying writing. He made time every
night to play with Anthony and always helped tuck him in every night.
They went out every Saturday during the day to the park or something,
and Giles babysat at night so they could go out by themselves. Life
was perfect. Almost too perfect. They felt like a real family though,
so what could go wrong?

Chapter 16: A Year Gone By

It was October 26th and the day of Anthony's birthday. Buffy woke early unable to contain her excitement. They had planned a little party for him. There were a few kids on their street who would attend and also the gang. It was mostly about having all of the people she cared about, who she considered family, there. She sat up and climbed out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. Smiling happily.

Spike woke up and found himself alone in bed. He had known Buffy would be like this today. He was equally as excited but Buffy was Anthony's mother, her excitement showed so much more. Spike thought about the past six months while he waited for his love to return. In the last six months so much had happened that he had never dreamed possible. He had fallen more in love with Buffy, and did so every day. He loved looking after Anthony, he felt like they were a real family. All the hurt left over from Cecily disappeared. It was still painful sometimes that he could have had a child of his own, but as far as he was concerned he loved Anthony as his own and he always treated him as such. He had started college in September, taking a lot of English classes. The people he met there all thought he was crazy wanting to take on someone else's kid when he was still only eighteen, but he didn't care what they thought. The people he cared about knew everything that had happened, they had seen how he felt and he had told them all about the Cecily ordeal. They supported him and that's all that was important. He smiled and came back to himself when he heard the door creak open.

Buffy smiled as she entered the room, Spike was laying lost in thought. He looked gorgeous, his hair still tousled from sleep. He looked positively delicious. He looked up at her with a grin on his face

"Morning sleepy head" she teased as she walked over and stood at his side of the bed

"Good Morning gorgeous" he replied

"So are you going to get up?" she asked her boyfriend

"I was thinking you could come back to bed" he suggested with a wolfish grin

"I really think you should get up" she insisted

"Something's already up baby, so you should really come back to bed, I'm sure I can give you a good reason" he said seductively

She gave him a coy smile as she replied "Well, if you put it that way, how can I refuse?" He took hold of her hand and pulled her down on top of him. He kissed her hard and thoroughly on the lips, his tongue begging entrance which she granted readily. After a moment he pulled away and started kissing his way down her neck. A moan escaped her lips as he reached her shoulders and made his way down to her breasts. Just as he was about to pull her camisole top over her head when the door opened and Giles walked in

"Oh, sorry, um, well, yes, I didn't think" Giles rambled Spike groaned as Buffy pulled her top back down and Spike rolled off her

"What can we do for you dad?" Spike asked trying to hide his annoyance

"I was wondering what you had planned today before the party, and I was also a little excited" he said sheepishly

"I'm excited too" Spike told his father and Buffy could hear the innuendo in his voice.

"Giles" Buffy cut in "we are very excited about today, I'm not sure what we have planned for before the party, but Anthony will be awake soon, so maybe we should go downstairs and get started on breakfast" she concluded

Giles nodded and turned walking out the door. Spike started his ministrations on Buffy's neck again but she pulled away. Spike groaned

"Sorry Spike, but I can't not now with Giles awake downstairs" she said apologetically

"You've never had a problem before luv" he drawled This earned him a playful punch on the shoulder

"That's it mister you're definitely not getting any now" she teased "Come on we should get downstairs"

"You go baby" he told her "I have a date with my hand in the shower" Buffy rolled her eyes as she got out of bed and put on her robe

"Have fun" she called as she left the room. Spike groaned once more as he headed for the bathroom.

An hour later Anthony was awake and was having his own breakfast. Spike had come down from the shower wearing a pair of blue jeans and tight white t- shirt, not his usual attire but he still looked hot. He kissed her on the cheek as he walked by.

"Morning baby" she said

"So, decided on plans for the day yet?" Giles inquired from his place at the table "Not yet" Buffy answered "we'll probably just hang around here"

Anthony finished his breakfast and Spike walked over to lift him from his high chair

"How's my boy today?" he cooed, to be greeted with a smile from the boy. He and Buffy made their way to the living room, to spend some quality time with the person they loved most.

Three hours later at just after noon only Buffy and Giles were left at home. Spike had taken Anthony out for some bonding time. Buffy smiled at the thought, most girls would have been jealous that they didn't have their son with them on his first birthday, but she liked the fact that she had the time to get his party ready and make his day special. And she loved the fact that Spike wanted to spend time with him. He spent as much time with him as possible and loved taking care of the child. Buffy smiled when she thought about it.

Spike sat on the grass in the park on a blanket. He watched as Anthony crawled around at his feet, he had been crawling for a little over a month and Spike loved to watch. He loved seeing him grow a little bit more every day, learning new things. It made him feel like he was a part of something, but he was always afraid that something was going to take it away. But he put that thought to the back of his mind. They weren't going anywhere. He was perfectly content when he heard a voice cut into his thoughts

"Hey man" it was Owen

"Hi mate" Spike greeted lifting Anthony onto his lap

"You spend an awful lot of time with that baby Spike" Owen observed

"That I do, Owen, that I do"

"Why" asked his friend curiously "I thought you said he had nanny"

"So did I, turns out he had a mother with a manipulative bastard for a father. His mother just happens to be my girlfriend" Spike informed him

"Oh man, why get involved with a girl with a kid. You're only eighteen"

"Because I love her, I love them" Spike said

"Are you sure?" Owen asked

"Positive" Spike insisted "Well if you're happy" the other man finished

"I am" Spike said simply, smile on his face.

Spike walked in the door at three o'clock sharp. He walked into the living room, Anthony in his arms. The whole gang was there already. A big pile of gifts sat on the table. In the kitchen was a huge birthday cake. They had decided there would be nothing but the best for this birthday. Buffy greeted them both with a kiss on the cheek

"You're home" she said gleefully

"Yes, I am. You're looking even more excited now than when I left" he observed

"She's been like this for the past hour or so" Willow told him "she's like hyper girl or something"

"The party guests will be here soon" she exclaimed, he excitement evident

"Sweetie, there are only three toddlers in the street. There aren't many guests" he reminded her

"I know that, but still. It's my son's birthday and those three toddlers are coming to his party. This time last year, I didn't think I'd get to experience this" she said softly

He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear "You get to experience a lot more of them baby. And if you still want me I'll be right there with you" he promised. He kissed the top of her head and then took Anthony from his arms.

"Gonna let uncle Spike help you open your pressies later bit?" he asked the smiling child swinging him around in the air.

The group watched the interaction between man and boy. Spike's adoration for the boy was evident, but there was one thing none of them understood. And that was why he referred to himself as Uncle Spike, but none of them ever said anything. They left them be because at least they were happy. The doorbell rang signalling the tart of the party and Buffy swung into hyper mode again. She ran and opened the door for the other parents, greeting them warmly. The next two hours passed with the children crawling around and playing with an assortment of toys in Anthony's play pen. Buffy and Spike watching the birthday boy with nothing but love in their eyes. Five o'clock came and Buffy decided it was time for cake. Giles ran to the kitchen to get the cake while Willow grabbed for her camera. Buffy and Spike were sitting cross legged at the coffee table in the living room, Buffy holding her son on her knee. Giles walked into the room and everyone broke into Happy Birthday. Giles put the cake down and Buffy and Spike helped the child to blow out his candles. She snapped a picture of it, thinking that in that they had never looked so happy or so much like a family. After the cake came the presents. There was an assortment of gifts from books to cuddly toys and other toys that children liked to play with.

"Ok, one last present" Buffy called out over the excitement "but we have to go out back, this last gift is from Spike and me" she told them as they made their way to the back door. Everyone looked on in amazement at the final present, it was a huge children's playground set with a shoot, a special baby toddler swing, and sandbox as well as a few other bits and pieces. They had been saving up to get it for months. Buffy had been working shifts at Giles' shop to earn extra money and Spike done some part time works as well. But they wanted to get the gift so badly they hadn't cared how much work they had to do to get it

"It's amazing" Willow breathe

"Yeah guys, I'm impressed" Xander concurred

"Yeah, we liked it Spike told him.

A few minutes later everyone went back inside and the other toddlers parents took them home. The house was quiet and bit by bit the rest of the gang left too. Leaving just Spike, Buffy and Giles and Anthony, and Giles was leaving soon too. Spike was glad he was hoping for an early night to pick up where they had left off that morning.

Giles was still doing the cleaning up and Buffy was putting Anthony down, he was beat after the long day, and everyone had been gone for about an hour. Spike was sitting peacefully on the couch when the doorbell rang

"I'll get it" he called as he got up

He answered the door to find a tall, brunette man standing at the door.

"Can I help you?" Spike asked politely

"Yeah, I'm looking for Buffy" the brunette answered Spike looked at him curiously

"Can I ask who you are ?" No one heard Buffy come downstairs, she was shocked by the face at the door. She had hoped never to see it again. When Spike asked who he was she answered for the man at the door

"Angel" Spike hadn't expected to here Buffy behind him, but when he did and when he heard what she said his world crashed down around him.

Chapter 17: Daddy's Home

Spike stood frozen in place at the door, staring at the man in front
of him. He was partially aware of Buffy walking the rest of the way
downstairs. He was feeling a wide range of emotions, hurt, anger,
hatred, and the need for violence. But mostly he felt overwhelming
fear, fear that he was about to lose everything.

Buffy stood in shock at the sight of the father of her son at the
front door. She could see Spike’s jaw clench and she wanted to
reassure him. She walked downstairs and put her hand on his shoulder
before stepping in front of him..

“Angel, what are you doing here?” she asked annoyed.

“Hi, Buffy. Long time no see.” he said.

“Don’t joke Angel. Just cut to the chase.” She demanded.

“Ok, well, I came here to see you. To see my son.” he told her.

Spike stiffened when he said those words. He hated thinking of that
man as the father of the boy he loved as his own son, but it was true.

“Why should I let you see him?” she asked angrily.

“Look Buffy, I know that I was wrong. Can we talk? Sort something
out? I really want to explain. If you’ll give me a chance.” he said
in a pleading voice..

Buffy sighed and reluctantly nodded and stood aside to let him come
in.

Spike watched what went on feeling increasingly hurt. He didn’t want
Angel in his house, he didn’t want him to take them away. But he also
knew he had to let Buffy deal with it her way, it had to be her
decision, so he let him through. He was unsure if he should follow
them to the living room. In the end his need to know what was going
to happen won out and he followed behind them. Buffy and Spike sat on the couch and Angel on the seat across from it.

“Ok Angel, explain.” she ordered.

Angel took a deep breath and thought about what he was going to say,
he had been rehearsing it for weeks.

“I’m sorry,” he started “I know that I can’t expect you to forgive me
or even believe me but I am. Everything between us happened really
fast, I got scared. I had never been in a proper relationship before,
I had a lot of one night stands and the like but never a
relationship. What I told you that night was the truth. When I met
you I was only looking for a bit of fun. But the part about not
caring, that was a lie.”

He stopped for a minute. Spike could see the hurt written in Buffy’s
features when she remembered the event Angel was talking about and he had never wanted to hit someone as much as he wanted to hit Angel in that moment. He could tell she was trying to be strong and there was nothing he could do. He looked back at Angel as he continued.

“Buffy, you have to understand when you told me you loved me and then that you were pregnant, I got scared. It wasn’t something I had ever thought about and it all happened so suddenly. I’m sorry about the things I called you that night, I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” she agreed.

“After you left I still thought I had done the right thing, but as I
spent more time away from you I realised how much you meant to me. I wanted to find you long ago, but I didn’t know where you were, and then Faith saw you. It just took me this long to work up the courage to come here. I want you back Buffy, I want my son to be a part of my life. I want the both of you in it.” he concluded.

Buffy stared at him. She had no idea what to say. Sitting before her
were the only two men she had ever loved and she didn’t know what to do. She loved Spike, but seeing Angel had brought back a lot of old
feelings and that brought uncertainty. She knew Spike wouldn’t hurt
her, but she had a son with Angel, they would always be linked by
that. She was so confused.

Spike could see the uncertainty and he could feel her drifting
further and further away from him and he was terrified. He couldn’t
compete with Angel. He was her first love, they had son together and
suddenly he felt it, he had lost her. Suddenly she spoke.

“Angel, I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m
confused. Before today I was happy and content, I was in a great
relationship, I am in a relationship with Spike. Things had been
going great and you being here has confused everything and I don’t
know what I feel anymore. Everything’s mixed up. You’re right you
have the right to see you’re son, but at the same time you don’t know
anything about him. Do you know what day it is today?”

“Um, October 26th.” he said confused.

“No Angel, it’s his first birthday. You’ve missed the first year of
his life. And I don’t know what to do. I need time.”

“Ok.” Angel agreed.

Spike was increasingly nervous, she had not once indicated that Spike
had been there for that year or what he had been there for. But he
kept quiet, he refused to seem desperate, and he  wouldn’t cry. No
matter how badly he wanted to.

“Angel, I need time. And Anthony is asleep now anyway. So you can’t
see him now. But we do need to sort this out. Why don’t you come back on Sunday. We can decide what happens then.”

“Anthony O’Dannaghan. I like it.”

Spike’s heart broke in two at the sound of Angel call him that. He
had never considered that that surname would ever be used.

“No, it’s Anthony Summers. Not O’Dannaghan.” she informed him.

“Oh.”

“Well you  should go. I have some thinking to do.”

She stood up and walked Angel to the door, and said a quick goodbye.
It suddenly occurred to her that Spike had remained silent the entire
time but she guessed that was probably a good thing. She went back to
the living room and saw Spike sitting on the couch with his head in
his hands, still refusing to let his tears fall. She stood in front
of him.

“I think I’m going to sleep in my own room tonight. I need to think.
So goodnight.” she said softly.

Spikes heart clenched in his chest. He said a soft goodnight and
watched her leave. He went upstairs himself a few minutes later. He
closed his bedroom door behind him. He then curled up into a ball on
his bed, and let his tears fall, he cried himself to sleep that night.

Chapter 18: Who’s the daddy ?

Sunday came too soon for Buffy and Spike’s liking. For different
reasons they both wanted to put off what would happen that day, both
were afraid and uncertain. Buffy still hadn’t completely made up her
mind what she was going to do. She had hardly slept, the same points
running through her head constantly. It always came back to one
question, what did she want? And the answer was always the same, she didn’t know anymore. The more she thought, the more mixed up she became. Nothing made any sense to her anymore and she hated it.

Spike had never cried so much in his life, the loss of his own child
didn’t compare to the thought of losing the woman he loved and her
child, a child that he loved and wanted to protect. There had been a
constant flow of tears from his eyes since Angel left that night, he
tried not to think about the negative possibilities. But they seemed
to be all he could think about now. He had thought everything would
work out, for the first time in a long while he had been truly happy,
but something always came along and ruined it. He was resigned to the fact that soon enough he would be alone, but he wouldn’t give up
completely until he heard her say the words.

Buffy had gotten up early and fed Anthony, she dressed him quickly
and strapped him into his stroller. She needed to clear her head but
she couldn’t do it at the house. She knew what time Angel was coming round, she'd make sure to be back. Now she had to make a decision. It wasn’t going to be easy but it was something she had to do. That much she knew. She wandered aimlessly around the empty park, her thought swirling in her head. Anthony had long since fallen asleep so now she was alone with her thoughts. She thought of the events of the past year, she had been happy in Sunnydale sure, but she had loved Angel and that was what confused her. She wasn’t sure how to choose between the two men. She kept coming back to one major point, she had a son with Angel. She wandered for another hour. She had come to a conclusion of what she had to do. But she needed to talk to talk to someone. She pulled out her phone and pressed the first number on speed dial.

Spike had heard Buffy leave a couple of hours ago. Giles was staying
over with Jenny again, so it was just him. He decided to watch some
television to take his mind off things. It wasn’t particularly
helping. His thoughts always drifted back. He understood her
predicament but it didn’t change the fact that he wanted her to
choose him. Maybe it was selfish, but all he wanted was her, for her
to want him. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t imagine living
his life without her. But he knew that there was a distinct
possibility that by the end of the day he would have to face that
prospect. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard the doorbell, he
looked at the clock and upon seeing the time he knew who was at the
door. He went to the door, opened it and returned to the living room.
Ignoring Angel altogether. Angel looked around and frowned when he
saw no sign of Buffy or Anthony.

“They’re out.” Spike informed him without looking up.

“I can see that,” Angel replied irritably “when will they be back?”

“Dunno, she didn’t say.” Spike told him.

“Whatever.” Angel said curtly.

The two men sat in awkward silence for a while before Angel felt
compelled to say something to Spike.

“So are you ready to watch her leave?” he smirked.

“If it’s what she wants, then yes.” he replied honestly.

“Are you that pathetic?” Angel asked him snidely.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Spikes voice was slowly getting
louder.

“Well, you were ok while I wasn’t around and you took her on
willingly and now she’s going to walk away and you’re going to let
her. Like I said pathetic.”

Spike’s jaw clenched as Angel went on, but he said nothing, he simply
turned away, effectively shutting the other man out.

Buffy sat on a bench now, she looked up and saw her friends: Willow,
Xander, Oz and even Giles walk towards her. She had asked them all to come here, she needed to explain everything to them face to face,
help them see why she had made the decision that she had. It was the
hardest decision she ever had to make but she had felt she had no
other choice. The mood was sombre as one by one her friends
approached her, she stood up and hugged each of them. This was a
source of comfort, she needed their understanding in all of this. She
spent the next thirty minutes telling her friends what she had
decided, pleading with them to see it from her point of view. There
had been a lot of tears. And although they told her they supported
her, they didn’t understand, she could see it in their eyes. She was
getting ready to leave, to face the inevitable, when her phone rang.

Spike sat on the chair in the living room, anticipating what Angel
was going to say next. He knew that he was trying to hurt him. Affect
him in some way. For the past thirty minutes there had been constant
snide comments, and it was only going to get worse.

“It kills you doesn’t It.” it wasn’t a question, it was Angel merely
making a statement. Spike knew exactly what he was talking about but
had to ask anyway.

“What does?”

“That he’s not yours.” Angel told him smugly.

“Yes.” there was nothing but honesty in his voice “I love him like my
own son.”

“But he’s not,” Angel said with a self satisfied smile “and he never
will be and you hate it. You know that you’re going to lose, because
whatever she feels for you, it doesn’t compare. Doesn’t compare to
what she has with me, because what she has with me is life. Life in
the form of our son.”

Spike could feel the tears threatening to spill from his eyes and he
was determined not to let that happen. Not in front of him. So he did
the only thing he could, he said something in return.

“No, I don’t have that, and I’m guessing that I never will. At least
not with her. But there’s one thing I do have. I have the memories of
the first year of his life. If Buffy is happy nothing else matters,
that’s all I want for her. I’ll always have the memories of this
year.” He finished. He then sat back down and ignored Angel as
possible.

Back in the park Buffy listened to the voice on the other side of the
phone in shock.

“Ok, bye.” she finished the call.

Her friends all wore worried looks as she turned back to them.

“Buffy what’s wrong.” Willow asked.

“Um, it’s my father.” she told them..

“What about him Buff.” Xander asked impatiently.

“He’s dead.” she said in a shocked voice.

A small gasp was uttered among the group, Willow went to her friend
and wrapped her in a hug.

“Buffy, I’m so sorry.” Willow told her.

“Thanks.”

“Yes Buffy, I may not have liked the man but he was your father and
therefore I am sorry.” Giles said sincerely.

Buffy gave a small smile.

“It’s ok guys. I mean I’m sad that he’s dead he was my father but-“
and suddenly something hit her. A realisation that she should have
thought of long ago.

“Um guys, there’s something I have to do. I have to go and I have to
go now” she ran for the park gates, Anthony still with the others in
the park. And Buffy ran, but she couldn’t go straight home. There was
something she had to do first, something she had been too afraid to
do before now, but now she had to do it. After that she ran all the
way home. She snuck upstairs quietly without alerting anyone to her
presence and did what she had to do. She went to her room to collect
something, then she ran downstairs leaving one of the items on the
table by the door before entering..

Spike looked up to see a red faced Buffy, she looked tired, he could

tell she had been running. However. He saw no sign of Anthony. He
wasn’t sure what to think, before he said anything Buffy greeted them.

“Hi guys.”

Buffy waited as the two men looked at her. Her heart was racing, she  
was nervous, but she suddenly wanted to do this.

“Buffy.” Angel greeted “Good to see you. Where’s Anthony?”

And then she remembered, she had left him with the others, she had to
cover and quick.

“Oh, he’s with the others they’ll be back soon.”

“I was just telling Spike how I couldn’t wait to take you back with me.”

Buffy took a deep breath before speaking.

“Angel, you’re right I made my decision.”
Spike’s heart sank and Angel’s face lit up with a smug grin.

“And my decision is that I’m not coming back with you.” she finished.

Spike almost burst into tears right there and Angel looked furious,
but he reigned his anger in.

No one had heard the group come through the front door just in time
to hear this announcement. There was a collective sigh of relief and
smile within the group. Who stood close enough to hear what would be said next.

“But Buffy, I’m his father. We can be a family” Angel argued.

“Yes Angel you are his father,” Buffy agreed “but you aren’t his dad.”

Angel looked confused so she went on.

“Angel just because your sperm made him doesn’t make you his dad. It makes you his father, but those are two different things. Being a
father is a matter of biology, it’s about genetics. But that’s not
what makes you a child’s daddy.

“What makes you a daddy is loving a child unconditionally. Doing
everything in your power to take care of him, playing with him and
taking walks in the park. Being a daddy is looking after him when
he’s sick, holding him when he has a bad dream. It’s about being
there for the important things.”

“But Buffy we can have that.” Angel insisted.

“No Angel we can’t, because we,” she pointed between Spike and
herself “we already have that.”

A lone tear made it’s way down Spike’s cheek, unable to contain his
emotions any longer. Buffy walked over to the table to retrieve what
she had left there. It was the picture Spike had given her on her
birthday. She held it out to Angel.

“We already have a family. This is what a family is. Spike loved
Anthony even before he knew he was my son. He’s been there for the
important parts. He takes care of him. He took on your responsibility
without a second thought and he did it willingly. You may be his
father Angel, but you will never be his dad.”

She walked over to Spike, looking directly into his eyes as she spoke.

“He already has a daddy. This man here is his daddy.”

She then spoke directly to Spike.

“You are his daddy, you have been there, and that has meant
everything to me. Biology isn’t important, it determines the physical
attribute sure, but you are what will shape the kind of person he
becomes. You are the one who tucks him in at night, you are the one
he knows, the one he loves. You have that.”

She paused for a moment to think about how to phrase what she had to say next, when she was sure she continued as she pulled something out of her pocket and handed it to him.

“And in about eight months or so, you are going to have the genetics
too.” she said emotionally as her own tears began to fall. Spike’s
were falling freely now, and he didn’t care he looked in amazement at
the stick in his hand, with the blue plus sign on it and he never
felt so happy. He couldn’t help himself, he picked her up and spun
her around before asking.

“How?”

“Well I think you know how,” she teased “well you probably noticed
I’d been a little run down lately, but I thought it was just stress ,
with preparations for school after Christmas and all. But I had a
niggling suspicion in the back of my head and I just had to know. I
got a call telling me my father had died and suddenly it hit me, the
difference between a dad and a father and my decision was made for
me. I knew it was you I loved, but I didn’t want to deprive my son of
his dad, but I suddenly realised that’s what I would be doing if I
took him away from you.” she finished tearfully.

“I’m sorry about your dad, sweetheart.” he told her.

“Don’t be.” she replied.

“But Buffy what does that mean for you going back to school now?" He asked worried

“Well when I first decided I wanted to go back, Giles offered to pay
for home schooling because I’d be so much older than the others in my class. If the offer still stands I guess I’ll take him up on it.”

“Of course it still stands.” Giles said from the doorway.  Suddenly
they were alerted to the people in the hall, three of who had tears
glistening in their eyes. Anthony was giggling and kicking his feet
and Buffy went over and took him from his stroller, she walked back
over and handed him to Spike.

“You can’t do this! I have a right to see my son.” Angel yelled.

“You don’t have a son Angel, you gave him up when you told me you
wanted nothing to do with him. That was your choice. Now I think you should go. Goodbye Angel” she said

Angel seemed to be going to say something else but didn’t, in the end
he just turned and stormed out.

As the door slammed Spike let out a whoop of joy

“I can’t believe you chose me.” he cried.

“I’ll always choose you. I love you. It will always be you.” she
promised.

“Oh baby, I love you too.” he leaned down and captured her lips in a
loving kiss. As they parted he didn’t think life could get any
better, until he heard her son, correction their son utter his first
word, a word that made his heart sing and a smile spread across his
face, as they pulled apart he heard his son.

“dada”

A/N; Enjoy the chapter everyone, it's the last one. Please review it

Chapter 19: Epilogue

3 years later

Spike sat in the audience with Giles, Willow, Xander and Anthony. Each and every one of them wore a smile and infinitely proud look on their face. They listened as her name was called

"Buffy Summers"

Spike watched more proud than any of the others as she walked across the stage. She was finally graduating. She looked radiant as she crossed the stage. Be cause of her pregnancy she had missed much of her sophmore year, so she had started her studies from there. She had returned to school for her senior year, and therefore had attended her second senior prom This time she was crowned queen. She had passed all of her classes determined to get into college and follow her dream. She was almost twenty years old.

Spike was going into his final year of college in the fall, his 22nd birthday was soon and he didn't think there was anything else that could happen to make him happier. In the past three years he had found everything he ever wanted. He had a family, that was all he needed.

Buffy beamed as she left the stage. She was proud that she had found the courage to go back to school, she wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. She had been juggling her life for two and a half years to get to where she was, she had made it because of the support of her friends and most importantly Spike. Since that day three years ago life with him had gone from strength to strength, he made her happy, she loved him more every day, with the birth of their own child life had been officially announced perfect. But Spike never made differences between the two. If one got a new toy so did the other, he kissed them both at night as he tucked them in. His love for them both was unconditional.

She smiled as she walked down the school steps walking towards the love of her life. He scooped her up in his arms as soon as she was within reach and spun her around, kissing her as he lowered her to the ground.

"I am so proud of you baby" he said to her with a wide smile

"Thank you" she replied

"But you have to wait until later for your graduation present" he murmured that part seductively in her ear. As he smiled wolfishly at her. She let out a small giggle.

They looked at the people around them all trying to give them a moment alone. Giles was talking to Jenny and Joyce. Joyce Summers had realised she was wrong In her treatment of Buffy and had come to Sunnydale within days of her husband's death, even having him buried there. She had been trying ever since to make things up to her daughter and getting to know her grandchildren. She adored Spike and she was glad that everything that happened, happened.

Xander and Willow who had announced their own relationship 3 months ago were standing together watching the two children run around giggling. Oz had been gone for about a year, things hadn't worked out with Willow and so he had transferred to a British university for a change of scene. Life was good.

Buffy and Spike listened to the sounds of their children's giggles, a sound neither one ever tires of. Spike turns towards them and calls

"Anthony, Abigail come over here" The giggling children run toward them and Buffy scoops their daughter up while Spike does the same with Anthony. Anthony is now almost five years old and first grade in the fall. Abigail is two and looks exactly like her father, both have those blue eyes that would melt any heart and means both always get their own way. Spike had never been so happy as the day he had held his daughter in his arms for the first time, he had cried as he watched her being born, it was the most amazing thing he ever saw. He remembered Buffy's words as the named her

"How about Abigail" she asked looking at him "it means-"

"Father's joy" he cut her off, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips before whispering "it's perfect" And they had their daughter.

Buffy saw the far away look in his eyes and knew what he was thinking about. She had never seen a bigger smile. She looked down at her left hand, looking lovingly at the platinum band on her finger. Spike had proposed to her the night she had chosen him and she didn't hesitate to accept. She knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. He had surprised her with the wedding though. For months he had her making decisions about what she wanted including the dress and had Willow relate everything back to him and he arranged it all. On the day of her eighteenth birthday he had Willow lure her away

"Buffy had no idea what Willow was doing, she had inquired about it many times but never received an answer. She wandered for thirty minutes until they were in the middle of nowhere, she continued to follow Willow until they came to a clearing, there she saw an old church with Spike standing outside, She was still unsure of what was being planned but she would give him a chance.

"What's going on?" she asked curiously He smirked at her before answering

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you're taking me to church" she told him He chuckled

"Do you remember when we started making wedding plans you said I could pick the location? Well I pick here. This place is hardly ever used now but I managed to get permission to use it. This place is like a sanctuary, I used to love to come here and think and be on my own. I always dreamed of getting married here"

"Well then I guess we're getting married here" she smiled

"I'm glad you said that sweetheart" he then dropped to one knee and took her hand in his. Buffy was astonished to say the least

"Buffy, I love you more than anything in the world. This past year and a half has been the happiest time of my life, we are a family and I want you to be my wife, I want you to be my wife today"

"We don't have anything yet Spike" she said

"Well you see, that's where you're wrong. Red's a sneaky little thing, we've been planning this for months so when you picked something out she told me and we arranged it. Don't be mad I just wanted to give you a good birthday, I want to marry you. And don't worry I don't know what your dress is like, dad just gave her the money to pay for everything" he assured her

"So, I ask you again. Will you marry me today Buffy Summers?"

"Of course I will" she exclaimed through the teas that were falling from her eyes. He kissed her and made a whoop of joy before ushering her inside to get ready.

Two hours later Spike and his best man Xander were standing at the alter. His palms were sweating and he was extremely nervous. But then he heard the music start and watched as Willow as Buffy's maid of honour walked down the aisle. His breath caught when he saw Buffy on Giles arm make her way toward him. Her dress was a simple two piece. The top was a corset style encrusted with diamantes at the waist and a simple full, ball gown style skirt which skimmed the floor. On her head was simple diamante tiara. To Spike she was stunning, the picture of pure beauty.

They made their way to the vows and minister informed everyone that Spike had written his own, with a shaky voice he started

"Buffy, since I've known you my life has been wonderful. You turned my life around. You've shown me what it's truly like to be loved by some one other than family. But now that's what we are. We are our own family, and everyday I love you more for giving me that. Buffy, I love you with all my heart, you are more than just my girlfriend or my lover, you are both of those things, but you are also my soulmate and my best friend. So the vow I make to you is to continue to love you, to be there for you and take care of you. I promise to make you proud, because everyday you make me want to be a better person. But the vow I give you now, the most important, I vow to be yours forever" he finished as he felt tears begin to fall from his eyes. Buffy had been crying form the second word. The vicar turned and asked Buffy to recite her vows

"Well I didn't know about this so I'm a little unprepared. I'll give it a go anyway" A giggle sounded through the church at that

"William, Spike, when I met you I was facing the worst time of my life. I felt like my world was falling apart around me, but even without knowing the whole truth about me, you gave me the courage to not give up. You stood by me, defended me when no one else would. You refused to give up on what we had. But you were also prepared to give me up to make me happy, but I could never be happy without you in my life. I thought I had been in love before, but I realise now that I didn't know what love was until I met you. I vow to you that I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I promise to be there for you through anything that happens. I know that life won't be easy, there will be obstacles in our way, but I vow that we will face them together and overcome them. I vow that I will love you for the rest of my life. I vow to be yours forever" she repeated his words at the end simply because it was the truth.

They exchanged rings and then came some of the greatest words they ever heard

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride" And Spike did just that, he kissed her with all the love he felt inside. They were forever.
 

Buffy was torn out of her thoughts by the sound of her friends congratulating her.

"Thanks guys" she beamed

"So Buff, you want to grab your graduation meal. We all had it." Xander said excitedly She looked at Spike who touché something in his pocket as he nodded to her

"That sounds great. But there's something I have to do first" she told them.

Half an hour later Buffy stood in front of his grave. She looked at the head stone, where it was declared

'Hank Summers. Beloved husband, father and grandfather'

Buffy couldn't help but smile at how much of a lie that was but she had to do this

"Hi dad" she started "I really don't know why I'm calling you that, but I just want to thank you. You helped me realise what a father really is. Because of you my life is perfect, my son has a real dad and a baby sister and I have a family. The kind of family you never gave me. I just wanted to say goodbye, because you were still my father" she concluded. Spike walked up behind her and put a calming hand on her shoulder and placed a kiss on the top of her head. She looked at him before walking away and joining the others.

Spike stood before Hank's grave, fingering the paper in his hand that they had gotten without a problem after they had let Ripper out to play. That had happened sixth months after Hank died. Spike remembered his words that one time he met him 'he'll never be yours'. Spike smiled and looked at the papers, he looked where it said Certificate of adoption. Anthony was now Anthony Giles, and legally Spike's son. Spike placed the photocopy in an envelope and laying it on the grave, he said

"You were wrong Hank. I didn't really need these papers to tell me this, but you were wrong. He is my son" Spike turned and went to his wife. He took her hand and lifted his daughter into his arms while Anthony held onto his mother's arms. Together the family and their group of friends exited the cemetery, looking forward to the future.

A/N: well there it is folks what did you think? I am thinking about doing a sequel to this so if you want one let me know and also let me know the kind of thing you wanna see happen. Thank you for reading, hope you all enjoyed reading this story as much as i enjoyed writing it.