Chapter 14

"You know?" asked Spike.

Buffy nodded.

"How?"

"It was that dream I had last night. Well more of a nightmare actually," admitted Buffy

"Tell me about it, I'm listening," encouraged Spike.

Buffy looked at him, not quite sure how to begin.

"I was in the middle of having a baby, your baby to be exact, but when was born, it turned into a vampire. He/She was all fangy and with the yellow eyes. You were busy doing the proud father bit, and then Travers came along and staked you. He took our baby and killed you Spike, well made you deader," said Buffy.

She shuddered at the memory; and Spike put his arm around her.

"Yeah, but it was only a bad dream, nothing more," said Spike.

"Sometimes, my dreams become reality," she replied.

Spike looked at her regretfully.

"I'm sorry Buffy, I should have thought to protect you," he said.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up about it. Neither of us was exactly thinking with our heads. And last time I heard, it takes two to make a baby," said Buffy.

Spike shook his head.

"Not the way Travers had it planned. What I have to tell you, it can't wait until we get home," said Spike.

"Okay, hit me with the bad news," sighed Buffy.

"Travers intended that I would drink the demon blood, which would return me to a semi human state. In other words make me fertile again," said Spike

Buffy blushed.

"Why would he want to do that?" she asked.

"Lets just say, the chip wasn't the only thing of mine that he was after," said Spike.

"Ew! And what was he going to do when he'd got what he wanted?" asked Buffy, growing angrier at the second.

"That's where you come in. We were the whole cornerstones of his genetics programme. He wanted to use us to make some kind of super being. A slayer and vampire hybrid," said Spike.

"You skipped the bit, where Travers totally forgot to ask if he could use me as a baby making machine. Let me out of the plane I want to bust his ass, and I don't care how old he is. I still don't get the why," said Buffy angrily.

"Last year, a watcher found a dusty old bit of paper in a cave somewhere," said Spike.

Buffy frowned. Almost knowing what was coming next.

"Not the old prophesy crap," said Buffy.

Spike smiled at her mockingly.

"C'mon love you know how seriously these watcher types take their ancient prophesies. Travers probably panicked. It was his original intention to use the other slayer. Faith; I think that what he said her name was," said Spike.

"Faith! Oh, so I was second choice?" asked Buffy indignantly.

Spike looked at her in disbelief, but continued.

"These crusty old scrolls said something along the lines of, in the year 2020, blah blah, would arise a mighty evil. Lots of mayhem etc, etc, unless a child born of a slayer and vamp, was brought forth to defeat them with a mighty army. Standard stuff really, sounds interesting," said Spike.

"You have a strange idea of interesting, Spike. We've played right into Travers hands, looks like he got his way after all," said Buffy.

"We don't know that yet, and neither does he," said Spike

"That's why we need to find out as soon as possible. Maybe Willow knows of some 'hey your gonna be a mom spell' I could ask her," suggested Buffy.

"Not in this lifetime. No offence pet, but look what happened the last time she decided to use her magiks," said Spike.

"Okay, then we'll just have to play the waiting game," said Buffy.

"Wait for what?" asked Spike in confusion.

Buffy arched an eyebrow, not really wanting to go into the details of her monthly cycle with Spike.

"Oh, right got you now," he replied awkwardly.

Buffy's shoulders sagged with exhaustion. She was finally able to relax a little, knowing they were safe for now.

"I am so tired, it's hard to believe it was only a week ago that we left Sunnydale," yawned Buffy.

"Yeah it's been some week. You sit here, I'm gonna try to find the makings of a bed," said Spike.

He walked over to a palette of boxes. He tore the top off one of them and peered inside.

"I don't bleedin' believe it!" he exclaimed.

"What now?" Buffy asked

Spike put his hand into the box to retrieve a brightly coloured stuffed toy.

"We're sharing a plane ride home with the sodding Teletubbies. England must be inflicting them on the US, now there is an evil scheme. Almost makes me ashamed to be English," he said

Spike lit up a cigarette.

"Oh I don't know, I think they're kinda cute, like you," said Buffy mischievously.

He choked, as he exhaled.

"Take that back!" Spike replied in mock horror, as he continued to sort through the contents of the box.

Taking several packages and a couple of the offending Teletubbies, he disappeared behind some crates, in a far corner of the plane. Spike reappeared a few minutes later, and led Buffy, to where he had been working earlier.

"Now don't get excited, it's not exactly our bed at the Savoy," said Spike.

Buffy burst out laughing. Her eyes alighted on what he had created. Two of the Teletubbies had been arranged as pillows and several layers of bed covers, printed with the same characters, were spread over the floor of the plane.

"Gotta give you ten out of ten for effort," she smiled.

"I'd rather have ten out of ten for other efforts love, but it will have to do for now," he grinned saucily.

Spike peeled off his jacket and lay down on their makeshift bed. Buffy tried to suppress the laughter, which bubbled up in her throat at the sight of him, reclining on the garish bed covers. She removed the brown suit jacket, to reveal a sensible cream coloured blouse. Her eyelids grew heavier by the minute, as she joined him on their bed. Buffy snuggled up next to him pulling the covers over them both.

"That outfit really is very sexy on you," whispered Spike into her ear

"This is nice," Buffy sighed contentedly, and smiled drowsily, as she nuzzled into his neck.

"Yeah, it is at that," Spike replied, as he stroked her hair and they slowly drifted off to sleep.

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

Buffy didn't know how long they had slept for, but the plane was no longer flying. Spike was awake and by her side, sitting cross-legged on their 'bed'

She smiled sleepily at him.

"Hi gorgeous," she said.

"Hi yourself, hungry?" he asked.

Buffy's tummy growled. She grinned at him.

"Sounds like it," she replied.

Spike opened the bag from the store they had stopped at the previous day. Making several noises of disgust at the contents of the bag, he threw a pack of potato chips to her.

"God woman, if that's how you shop normally, it's a wonder you don't weigh 500lbs!" said Spike, shaking his head.

"There wasn't a lot of time," she pouted defensively.

Spike held out a hand, a small packet rested on his open palm.

"Well, you found enough time to buy these. And they say a guy has sex on the brain every three seconds. Guess someone was holding out on me," said Spike mockingly.

Buffy eyed the condoms, and blushed, having forgotten all about her earlier purchase.

"Well, it's a long plane ride and I thought we might get er, bored," she stammered.

Spike growled low in his throat.

"I like your idea of in-flight entertainment love," said Spike.

Buffy felt her mouth dry up, at the heat she read in his gaze. She squealed in surprise, as he hauled her onto his lap, and trailed kisses down the sensitive skin of her neck. She could feel his arousal pressing at her, as she wound her arms around him. Her hands crept into his hair, as Spike gently laid her down on the bedding.

"What about the pilots?" Buffy gasped in-between kisses.

"Didn't plan on making it a foursome pet," he grinned, as he worked the buttons of her blouse.

"I mean, what if they catch us?" asked Buffy.

"Left the plane awhile ago. They told me not to expect them back, for at least another two hours. Which gives me plenty of time to do all that I want to do, to this gorgeous body of yours," he replied.

Buffy pulled his head back down to hers. She peeled off his t-shirt, running her hands over his chest. There was an unspoken desperation to their lovemaking, as they were both sensitive, of what they had almost lost.

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

Giles sat behind the wheel of the hired vehicle, Willow sat next to him in the passenger seat. They were parked up outside Xander's home, waiting for Xander and Anya to emerge. Neither of them willing to meet Xander's parents. Giles glanced at his wristwatch impatiently.

"I'll give them five more minutes and then we're gone. It takes at least a good two hours to get to LAX from here," he said.

Willow sighed, she looked up and spotting the missing couple, as they hurried across the lawn. They both got in the back seat of the car.

"Hey guys, sorry we're late. Mom wanted me to put another the load in the dryer before I left," said Xander apologetically.

Anya frowned.

"Why don't you just tell your friends the truth Xander?" asked Anya.

"I don't know what you are getting at sweetie," said Xander.

"You know, how you were all worked up and worried about Buffy. And I told you how I could help with that, by removing your pants and."

"Anya, please do not finish that sentence, I beg of you," implored Giles.

"I don't see.."

"No!" Giles insisted.

Anya fell silent, and Willow, shot Giles a grateful look. At that moment, Xander was silently praying for the ground open up and swallow him whole. The rest of the journey was taken in comparative silence. All of them lost in their own private thoughts, each concerned for the safety of their friend.

They pulled into the parking lot of LAX a couple of hours later. Giles switched off the engine.

"We're here," he announced to the occupants of the car.

Willow undid her seatbelt, and turned to look at the others.

"Aw, they're sleeping, lets leave them," said Willow.

"I have no problem with that at all. If I have to hear anymore of Anya's sexual revelations.." Giles trailed off, as he got out of the car.

Willow giggled.

"Yeah, she sure is an original. C'mon we have a Buffy to get," said Willow as she linked arms with him.

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

The co-pilot entered the cargo area, to inform them that they were making their descent to LAX. It was not the joyous news that it should have been, to either of them.

" Well this is it, we're home. Spike, do you think it's gonna be okay?" asked Buffy.

"The thing with us, or Travers?" asked Spike.

"A bit of both I guess," she sighed.

"Look, when we see your friends, I think we should play it cool," said Spike.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I think it would be best if we pretended that nothing has changed between us. That we are still loathing the sight of one another. It would be too much for your friends, to get their heads around right now," Spike replied.

"I don't know if I can to that," said Buffy.

"Oh, come on, you were always good at it in the past. That mean streak is still lurking in there somewhere," he teased.

"I'm not mean, I'm the nicest person you could wish to meet," she replied indignantly.

"Yeah, right, unless you happen to be the victim, and on the other end of one of your pointy wooden things," said Spike.

"Guess it could be fun, kinda like our little secret," she grinned at him.

Buffy leaned in to kiss him; it was a sweet and gentle exchange. She leant her head against his chest, an arm wrapped around his lean waist.

"You're mine Buffy," he growled softly, against her hair.

Buffy looked up at him, the possessiveness of his gaze warmed her.

"Spike, that morning in the alleyway, when Robson told me that you'd been taken by the council," she began.

"Yeah? Missed that bit, due to being tied up with other things," he grinned.

"It made me realize something," Buffy replied.

"And what was that? You can't live without me after all?" he joked.

"Don't laugh! I thought that I was gonna lose you," she said quietly.

Spike sobered up.

"Sorry, I wasn't mocking you. I think you know how I feel about you Buffy," he said.

"I know that you want me, and care about me," she admitted.

"That doesn't even begin to cover it. I want to be the kind of man that you deserve. One that you can be proud of. The funny thing is that I actually want to be a good man, and not because of that chip, they shoved in my head. There's no other way of saying this except; Buffy, I love you," he said.

Buffy whitened in shock, the tears started to well up in her eyes and fall down her cheeks.

"Buffy, what is it love? I'm sorry, if you don't want me to love you."

"Shut up Spike!" she replied, silencing him with a kiss.

They broke apart, and he looked at her in confusion.

"And you say you're not a man! You certainly have the brains of one! I think I've been in love with you, ever since our first night together, after our 'real' first night. When we made love, it was the most beautiful thing that I'd ever experienced," she replied.

It was Spike's turn to look shocked.

"Bloody hell!" was all he managed to get past his lips.

They kissed again, so engrossed in each other, that they didn't even feel the bump, as the plane landed on the tarmac. It wasn't until Buffy felt a sharp tap on her shoulder, that she realised they were no longer alone.

One of the pilots stood there, a big grin on his face.

"I believe this is your stop, you need to go, there will be staff coming to unload the plane soon," said the pilot.

They thanked the man for his help. Spike scooped up one of the Teletubbies.

"Mind if I keep one of these buggers?" asked Spike.

Buffy looked at Spike in askance.

"Sure go ahead, there's plenty more where they came from," he said, as he walked off.

"Why on earth would you want one of those?" asked Buffy, shaking her head.

"Souvenir of course. Now are you ready to pull off the biggest deception in your life, my love?" he asked, emphasising the last two words.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she said, as she took his hand.

"C'mon then woman," he replied.

"Oh!" said Buffy as a thought occurred to her.

"What now?" asked Spike impatiently.

"Willow knows about us! Well, she knows about that time that I thought we, you know did it," said Buffy.

"Red's a smart girl, I'm sure she'll be happy to follow our lead," said Spike.

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

Willow was at that moment, hovering around in the main area of the airport, both she and Giles were on edge. The wait was becoming more unbearable by the second.

"Maybe we should split up, or something?" suggested Willow.

"No, best to stay here. They have more chance of finding us this way," said Giles.

Willow turned to see Buffy, quietly sneaking up behind them. Her eyes widened at the sight of her friend. Buffy placed a finger on her lips, as she put her hands over Giles's eyes.

"Guess who!" said Buffy.

Giles swiftly turned around and caught Buffy up in a big hug.

"Buffy, oh my dear girl," he said, trying to hold back his tears.

Giles looked over his shoulder at Spike.

"Oh, and you're back too," said Giles unenthusiastically.

"Nice to see you too mate," snarked Spike.

Willow held out her hand.

"Welcome back," she said uncertainly.

Spike looked at her in surprise, but took her hand. Willow moved on to Buffy, the two girls hugged and cried.

"I must look a mess, I need to find a washroom, come with me Buffy?" asked Willow.

Willow led Buffy off with her, she looked over her shoulder at Spike as she went.

"Looks like it's just you and I for the moment," said Spike.

"And now my evening is complete. Anywhere you'd like me to drop you off on the way home Spike?" asked Giles hopefully.

"Sunnydale if you don't mind," said Spike.

Giles sighed heavily, as they awaited the girl's return.

"I thought as much," he replied.

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

"C'mon Willow, I know that look of old, you have something to say," said Buffy, as they entered the restroom.

"I have a million things to say Buffy, but I only have one life time," said Willow.

"Well what's on your mind?" asked Buffy.

"You know when you called me, and told me that you'd slept with Spike?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, but that was a total false alarm, nothing happened," grinned Buffy.

Willow looked relieved.

"I was so worried, especially when I heard about Spike being infected with demon blood, just imagine if you'd slept with him after that!" said Willow.

"Oh, but I did sleep with him after that, several times in fact," Buffy admitted.

TBC

Chapter 15

Willow continued to stare at Buffy. She was speechless at her recent revelation, eventually finding her voice.

"You're kidding right? If you're trying to give me heart failure, then let me tell ya, it's working," Willow replied.

"Damn it! I wasn't supposed to say anything. I promised Spike that I wouldn't. You can keep a secret Will, can't you?" asked Buffy.

Willow looked slightly hurt at the question.

"Probably better than you! As if you would have to ask. I didn't say anything about the other thing," said Willow.

"Sorry Willow, it's just that it's been a bit of a week," Buffy replied tiredly.

She hugged her friend.

"Why did you do it Buffy?" asked Willow.

"Do what?" asked Buffy.

"Sleep with Spike of course. If I'd never cast that spell, then maybe, you would never even had any naughty Spike thoughts," said Willow.

Buffy shook her head.

"Being alone with Spike, it just made me face up to a few things, that's all," said Buffy.

"Like, that you had the hots for the source of all evil?" asked Willow.

"Yes, no! It's more than that. I've seen a different side to him this week. One that you couldn't even begin to imagine," sighed Buffy dreamily.

"Or, would even want to," said Willow, quietly under her breath.

"Now, we have to go back out there and pretend we never had this conversation. I don't want Giles catching on," said Buffy, as she opened the washroom door.

"Fine, but just tell me one thing, before we join the others," said Willow.

"Sure, ask away," said Buffy.

"What is this thing between you and Spike? Some holiday fling, or are you a couple now?"

"It's love Willow," said Buffy.

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

Buffy and Willow found the others, more or less, where they'd left them. Giles was sitting on a seat, and looking decidedly depressed. As Buffy approached, Spike gave her a wink. She smiled back at him. Willow noticed the little exchange, and frowned at Spike.

"Everything okay? Er, not that I care," Spike amended quickly.

"When do you care about anything, but yourself Spike?" asked Buffy.

Willow blushed, as she realised that she had been staring at Spike. Spike scowled at her, as he lit up a cigarette.

"No Smoking," said Giles, as he pointed to a sign. A self-satisfied expression on his face.

"Smug bastard, let's get this car ride over with. Now whose hospitality will I be scrounging off, when we get home?" asked Spike, as he put his lighter and smokes, away.

"I'll be having that doubtful pleasure," said Giles, looking less than happy.

"I hope you've stocked up on the blood and Weetabix then, mate," said Spike.

"I live to serve," said Giles, rolling his eyes.

"Well, you gotta be good for something. Pretty damn useless for anything else," Spike smirked at him.

"I've missed our conversations," said Giles sarcastically, as they walked out to the parking lot.

"Hey, where's Xander and Anya?" asked Buffy.

"Waiting in the car, they fell asleep on the ride up here," said Willow.

"Thank God for small mercies, only could stand the git when he was sound asleep," said Spike.

They arrived at the car, and Giles unlocked it.

"No one cares what you think Spike, just get in the car and shut up," said Buffy.

She got a hold of his arm and roughly, pushed him onto the back seat.

"Ow!" he protested.

"Sorry," she mouthed silently at him.

An evil grin spread across Spike's features. He took the stuffed toy, that he had been holding, and placed it on Xander's lap. It was positioned so that it faced him. Xander stirred, but he remained asleep.

"Spike!" hissed Buffy, warningly.

"What? Just having a little fun with him," said Spike, trying to look the picture of innocence.

Buffy sighed, getting in next to him, she closed the car door, and Giles started up the engine and they drove off. Spike looked around the darkened interior of the car, in bored appreciation.

"Gotta say, this is a great improvement on that old rust bucket of yours. What happened, did you crash it?" asked Spike, hopefully.

Xander, turned and opened one eye. Looking into the face of a wide-eyed creature, that was perched on his lap.

"Arrrrgh, it's a demon!" shrieked Xander.

Anya woke up at Xander's scream.

"Gees Xander, it's only a toy, see?" asked Anya, impatiently.

Xander was glad that no one could see his red face.

"You did that, didn't you? You bastard," said Xander, as he glared at spike.

He wound down the window and threw the Teletubby out.

"Yeah, worked like a charm, didn't it?" asked Spike.

"Giles, hand me a stake, please," begged Xander.

"There will be no staking," said Buffy firmly.

"Buffy! You're safe! Sorry, was too busy doing battle with the undead," said Xander, as he leaned across Spike, to hug Buffy.

"Hey, watch where you're putting those hands of yours, Harris," growled Spike.

"Xander, are you doing naughty touching with Spike?" asked Anya.

Xander groaned, of course his life was taking a downward spiral, after all Spike was back. What else could possibly go wrong?

Buffy was glad of the dark, for once. It gave her the opportunity to hold Spike's hand, unnoticed. Her heart felt heavy, and she sighed. In a couple of hours, they would have to part, when all she really wanted to do was spend the night in his arms. Spike heard her little sigh, and he squeezed her hand. He guessed her reason for it, as he was having similar thoughts at that moment.

Spike wished they were alone, so, that he could kiss that pouty little mouth, and breathe in the scent of her hair. No, instead he was going to have to stay at Giles's fusty old apartment. Being bored into unconsciousness by his tales of glory, as a young watcher in London.

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

Giles turned the car into the campus parking lot. Willow got out and waited for Buffy.

"Thanks Giles appreciate the ride. So, we'll all meet at your place tomorrow night?" asked Buffy.

Giles nodded.

"Yes, we can go over all we know. Make some kind of plan for when Quentin decides to show up. Which he will Buffy, you know that don't you?" asked Giles.

"I'm counting on it, I owe him big time," said Buffy.

Buffy looked over at Spike, their moment of parting had come too soon for her, she wasn't ready to say goodbye. She could read the same pain in his eyes.

"Spike, can I talk to you, alone, for a moment?" asked Buffy.

"Not unless you have a twenty," said Spike.

Buffy looked at him sternly, trying hard not to laugh.

"Okay slayer, but make it quick," he replied.

Xander tried to hand Buffy the stake.

"I can make it quicker for you if you like?" asked Xander.

"Bugger off," said Spike, as he followed Buffy out of the car.

Willow looked at them both awkwardly.

"I er better be getting back to my room, see you there Buff," said Willow, as she walked off quickly.

"What's eating red? She been acting strangely ever since the airport, when you two went off..Buffy you told her didn't you?" asked Spike.

Buffy looked down at the ground.

"Sorry," she said quietly.

Spike sighed, unable to stay angry with her for long.

"Never mind it's done now. How did she take the news?" he asked.

"Better than I thought she would anyway. At least if she knows about us, it won't be so risky if we want to use my dorm room," said Buffy.

"And why would we want to do that?" he purred, licking his lips.

"Spike, they're watching us!" whispered Buffy.

Spike turned to see Xander's face pressed up against the window of the car.

"Well, lets give them something to look at then," he grinned.

"What do you have in mind?" Buffy asked.

"Just follow my lead," said Spike.

He grabbed Buffy, carefully twisting her arm behind her back, so as not, to hurt her or set his chip off. Buffy got a hold on his arm and threw Spike to the ground. She quickly straddled him and punched his nose for good measure, trying not to use her full strength.

"Ow!" he moaned.

"Sorry, did I hurt you baby?" she asked.

"Nothing I can't handle, can we stay like that this for a little while?" he asked lifting his hips a little.

Buffy groaned and Spike chuckled.

"Not fair," she hissed in his ear.

"Hey, Buffy need some help?" asked Xander.

"Bloody whelp, ruining my fun, as always," Spike whispered in Buffy's ear, as she got off him.

Spike struggled to his feet. Buffy had to resist the urge to help him.

"Everything okay?" asked Giles, in concern.

"Just a little disagreement, but Spike saw it my way in the end," said Buffy, as she folded her arms for effect.

"You'd better behave yourself when you're staying with me Spike," warned Giles.

"Or what?" Spike challenged.

"Or, you will be chained to the bathtub again," said Giles.

Buffy frowned.

"That's a little harsh, er a little too good for him, any way must be going," said Buffy.

She threw Spike one more glance, before walking off in the same direction that Willow had taken. Not wanting anyone to see the tears that had started to form in her eyes.

Spike sighed and turned back, to face three pairs of hostile eyes.

"Nice to be among friends again," he grinned at them, as he got in the front seat of the car.

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

Buffy flopped down on her bed and stared at the ceiling.

"You okay Buffy?" asked Willow.

"Just a little tired," she admitted.

Buffy turned over on her side and faced the wall. She was no longer able to bear the pitying looks, which Willow was unconsciously directing her way.

"We need to talk Buffy," said Willow.

"Can't it wait?" asked Buffy.

"Not really, I hate having to push you, especially after all you've been through, but I think there are things you haven't considered," Willow replied.

"Oh, I think I have, you really want to know what this is all about?" asked Buffy, as she turned back to face her friend.

"Yeah," Willow answered quietly.

Buffy told her all that had happened during her time in London, but leaving out the more intimate moments of the trip. After Buffy had finished telling her friend, all that had occurred, she sat back and waited for her response.

"Oh, Buffy that's horrible, that man!" said Willow.

"Yeah, Travers has a lot to answer for, and he will," said Buffy.

Willow looked at her friend.

"I know that expression Buffy, there's something else on your mind," said Willow.

Buffy sighed.

"You know everything, well almost, but there's something I need to know. It's been bothering me, ever since there was a possibility that it could happen," said Buffy.

"I think I know what you mean. You want my help in the magical sense?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, but Spike's against it. I can't wait a whole week to find out if my life is going to change forever," said Buffy.

"There is a spell, but are you sure you want to know, on top of everything else? You look exhausted," said Willow.

"Is that a round about way of saying that I look like a hag?" asked Buffy.

Both girls giggled. Buffy sobered up first.

"If you think you can help me, then there's someone else I need to convince. I won't do it unless he agrees. It's his child too, if there even is a child," said Buffy.

"You two really are joined at the hip aren't you? I saw how he looks at you Buffy, it's as if he wants to devour you, but not in the drinking your blood and turning you kinda way," said Willow.

"Yeah I know," sighed Buffy, longingly.

"You have it bad, girl. Anyway, you need to get working on that er, vampire of yours. And I need to ask a friend for some help, it a big spell, I can't do it alone," said Willow.

"So you're not the only witch on campus? I thought that group you belonged to was a waste of time," said Buffy.

"There is another like me. We have become close friends, but she is a little shy. Gonna have to do some persuading of my own," said Willow.

"Well, what are we sitting here for?" asked Buffy.

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

Spike sat down on Giles's sofa, and put his feet up on the coffee table.

"Do you mind, Spike?" asked Giles, as he eyed the heavy boots.

"Not at all," said Spike, as he put his arms behind his head and sat back.

Giles sighed, as he went off to the kitchen to brew some tea. With him gone for the moment, Spike dropped his act. He stared at the rug on the floor, his head bowed.

"Sod this! I'm outta here," said Spike.

Spike knew where he wanted to be, it wasn't here, and he wasn't going to torment himself for a moment longer. He got up and walked out the front door.

"Spike?" asked Giles from the kitchen, as he saw Spike pass him by.

Giles shrugged and carried on making his tea, knowing there was little point in trying to find him. He really wasn't in the mood to go on a Spike hunt either. Spike was harmless with the chip and maybe he'd even decide to leave, thought Giles, hopefully.

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

Buffy walked along the dark street, any other girl would have taken the more trodden path. She knew she was not any other girl, so Buffy paid little heed to the safety of her surroundings.

She also knew she could have done the spell without Spike's permission, but she was still having a guilt trip, about breaking his trust earlier. Besides, she needed his input on the situation. Buffy giggled at the irony of it all. It was his "input" they were trying to find out about.

A pair of arms closed around her. Instead of going into fight mode, she leaned back in the arms.

"Wondered how long it would be, until I ran into you," she smiled and turned round to face him.

Buffy leaned her head against his chest.

"I'm sorry, I tried to stay away, but I missed you," Spike admitted.

"Me too, do you know how hard it was for me to walk away from you, as if I didn't care?" asked Buffy.

"I have an idea," he replied.

"Willow seems to be coming around to the idea of us," said Buffy.

"I always did like her. Well, a little bit anyway. She's quite biteable," grinned Spike.

Buffy looked up at him and scowled.

"Oh, but not as biteable as you," he replied, a teasing light in his eyes.

"Talking of Willow, she knows a spell that can help us," said Buffy.

Spike shook, his head.

"How did I guess that was coming?" he asked, arching an eyebrow at her.

"Just hear me out, okay?"

"Do I have a choice?" asked Spike.

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

Buffy dragged a reluctant Spike back to her dorm room. A couple of girls whistled, as he went by.

"That Summers gets all the hotties," complained a girl to her friend.

"Yeah, hey leave some for me Buffy," called out the other girl.

"Not on her life!" growled Buffy.

Spike smiled to himself, as Buffy opened the door to her room and quickly pushed him inside.

"Can't wait to get me all to yourself?" he asked, as he crushed his lips to hers.

They were both nearly knocked to the floor, as the door opened.

"Sorry," said Willow, as she entered the room.

Another girl entered the room, behind Willow. She smiled uncertainly at Buffy and Spike.

"Guys, this is Tara. She's going to help with the spell," said Willow.

"Hi, and thanks in advance," said Buffy, as she smiled at Tara.

Spike put out a hand, and Tara shook it.

"Oh, you have cold hands," she exclaimed.

"You know what they say love, cold hands warm heart," he grinned.

"Shall we get this over with?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, the not knowing is kinda killing me right now," said Buffy.

"Well it would be killing me, if I wasn't already dead," said Spike.

Buffy and Spike sat together on her bed, while the two witches worked, setting up the charms needed for the spell to work.

"I think that's about it," said Willow, as she got out a pair of scissors.

"What are they for?" asked Spike, in alarm.

"To cut off those parts, that got Buffy in this mess in the first place," said Willow.

Spike got up from the bed.

"Sit down Spike, she's kidding," said Buffy.

"We need hair, from both of you," said Tara.

Spike relaxed and sat back down.

"Okay, but from the back and not too much," said Spike.

Willow took the hair from them, and placed it in the bowl.

"You ready?" asked Willow.

Buffy looked at Spike, he squeezed her hand and nodded.

"Yep, we're ready," said Buffy.

"Okay, nothing happens, then there's no baby," said Willow.

"And if there is?" asked Buffy.

"You'll know," said Willow.

Willow and Tara sat in the magic circle and held hands. They both closed their eyes and began to chant.

"Looks like nothing is happening," whispered Spike.

"Ssssh!" warned Buffy.

They both turned to look, as a white light started to build within the bowl, and floated up towards the ceiling.

"Bugger!" said Spike.

Willow and Tara opened their eyes, just as the light split into two.

"That's not supposed to happen," said Willow, as she anxiously consulted her spell book.

She scanned the page, her face turning white.

"What is it Willow?" asked Buffy, urgently.

Willow looked up from the page, at her friend.

"Just say it, for God's sake!" snapped Spike.

"Okay, how do you feel about multiple births?" asked Willow.

TBC

Chapter 16

“Multiple births, as in relation to what?” asked Buffy, feeling a little hysterical deafness taking over.

“I think, what Willow and her friend are trying to tell us, is that there is more than one bun baking in your oven,” said Spike.

He rose from the bed on shaky legs and walked over to the other side of the room, his arms folded protectively around himself.

“Again, I say what?” asked Buffy, as she focused on Spike.

“Twins, you’re having twins,” Tara explained.

“I need a cigarette,” Spike groaned.

Willow glanced at Buffy and then at Tara.

“Maybe we should leave you two alone for awhile,”

“You can stay in my room tonight, Willow,” suggested Tara.

Willow nodded gratefully, as she gathered up a few of her belongings and stuffed them into a bag.

“Are you gonna be okay Buffy, I can stay if you want me to?” asked Willow, uncertainly.

“No you go, I‘ll stay here with Spike and cling to the shreds of my sanity,” said Buffy.

Buffy looked over at Spike, he had been pretty quiet about the whole thing. She needed to know how he was feeling. She still didn’t know how she was feeling yet.

She wanted her mom, but oh God, how was her mother going to take the news? She had sat through a rather embarrassing lecture on safe sex, just before she had moved out. Now Buffy was sitting here contemplating the fact she was having a baby, no make that BABIES, her inner voice screamed back at her.

“Nice meeting you both,” said Tara, shyly.

“I’ll be back first thing in the morning. If you need me before that, I’ve left the number to Tara’s room on the pad over there,” said Willow.

Buffy nodded absentmindedly at her friend’s departure, she glanced over at Spike and sighed. He turned to look at her, now that they were alone. She was shocked to see tears running down his face. He wiped at them with his sleeve. Buffy got up from the bed and walked over to his side.

“Spike! What is it? Apart from the earth shattering news that we are going to have babies?” asked Buffy dryly.

“I’m sorry. All this time I had hoped that it would be good news for you. I’ve royally fuc...ruined your life, but I’m a selfish git too,”

Tears started to well up in her eyes, and threatened to spill. She wrapped her arms around him.

“Why would you ever think that?” she asked a little confused.

“Because, try as I might, I cannot be anything, but overjoyed, because you’re having my children,” he finished.

Buffy looked up at him with a watery smile.

“Even if it means that Giles and Xander will wanna stake you on sight?” asked Buffy.

Spike smiled back at her.

“We’re not going to be able to keep this a secret forever, babies have a way of making their presence felt,” said Spike.

“I do know. I attended health class along with everyone else. Jeez, I even know how babies are made,” said Buffy sarcastically.

“No need to get your knickers in a twist love, I was just saying,” said Spike.

“Well, maybe if I’d kept those ‘knickers’ on, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now,” said Buffy.

Spike looked hurt.

“Are you saying that you regret what happened between us?” he asked.

Buffy sighed and slumped back down on her bed.

“That’s not what I am saying. Oh, I don’t know what to say, or to think any more,” she replied.

Spike knelt down in front of her, he touched her chin, and she looked up at him. He searched her face.

“You don’t have to have these babies, if you don’t want to Buffy,” he said quietly.

Her eyes widened, she looked at him slightly horrified.

“Are you suggesting, what I think you’re suggesting?” she asked angrily.

“It was just a idea. Your happiness is more important to me than my own. You must know that,” he said sadly.

She touched his cheek tenderly.

“The babies may be nothing more than a couple of tiny blobs right now, but they’re a part of you and me. I’m keeping them. Besides what are the chances of you ever knocking anyone up again, ever,” she said firmly.

Buffy gasped as she thought of something.

“What is it pet?” he asked.

“Travers! When he finds out, he’s gonna try and take our babies away,” she cried.

“Not in your lifetime he won’t. I’d kill him first, chip, or no chip. The headache would be worth it,” said Spike.

He looked at the pallor of her face; Spike could see that she was exhausted.

“C’mon, you need to get a good night’s sleep in a soft bed,” he said.

Buffy knew he was right. Maybe she would be able to deal with the coming changes after some rest. She started to remove her clothes and Spike turned away.

“What’s with the sudden coyness Spike? There’s nothing you haven’t already seen or touched before,” she said.

“I was trying to play the gentleman....” he huffed, and turned back to face her.

He stopped mid sentence at the sight of her nakedness. She slipped a nightshirt over her head and climbed into bed. Buffy patted the covers.

“Well, are you coming to bed or what?” she asked impatiently.

Spike didn’t need asking twice. He removed his clothes and got into bed beside her. Buffy snuggled up next to him, resting her head on his bare chest. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. His hand slipped down, to rest on her flat stomach.

“I love you Buffy Summers,” he sighed softly.

“And I love you, all three of you,” she replied as she placed her hand over his.

Buffy smiled, as she realised the truth of her statement. She had only known about her impending motherhood for all of half an hour, but already the babies were as vital to her as breathing.

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

When Buffy had awoken the next morning, Spike had already gone. She had touched the dent in the pillow next to her, the only proof he had ever been there. That, and the slow gentle lovemaking, they had shared in the early hours of the morning.

It was a Sunday morning; at least there were no classes to attend. She smiled dreamily to herself and walked over to the mirror. Buffy looked at her reflection, she still looked the same old Buffy, apart from the changes that were going on inside of her.

She grabbed a pillow off Willows bed and stuffed it under her nightshirt, turning in all directions and patting her cushioned belly.

There was a hesitant knock on the door. Willow poked her head around the door. Buffy blushed bright red at being caught, as the pillow fell on the floor.

“Hey,” said Willow, as she entered the room and picked up the fallen pillow.

“Hey right back at you.” Buffy smiled at her friend.

“Hope you don’t drop it when it’s a baby,” said Willow, as she placed it back on her bed.

Willow looked at Buffy.

“You seem a little brighter this morning, good night?” asked Willow.

“Kinda, best as it could be, under the circumstances,” said Buffy.

“Sorry I ran out on you last night, but I think it was for the best,” said Willow.

“Well, it gave Spike and I a chance to make a few decisions,”

“Anything you wanna share?” asked Willow.

“We’re keeping the babies. We’re not telling anyone for now at least, except you of course. Can your friend keep a secret?” asked Buffy.

“Yeah, Tara is pretty cool,” said Willow.

“I liked her,” said Buffy.

Willow looked at her tentatively, not sure how to begin.

“Good, cos there’s something I need to tell....”

The phone rang and Willow sighed at the lost opportunity.

“I’d better take this,” said Buffy.

She picked up the handset.

“Spike! Hi,”

Willow cringed, as she had no choice, but to listen to the one sided conversation of sweet nothings. Buffy replaced the handset and smiled at Willow.

“I’m going over to Giles’s, want to come with?” asked Buffy.

“No, besides two’s company three’s a crowd and I need to get a shower,” shrugged Willow.

“Not if I beat you to the bathroom first you don’t,” said Buffy, as she grabbed her towel and ran off giggling.

Willow shook her head, smiling at Buffy’s surprisingly light-hearted attitude.

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

Buffy got a ride over to Giles’s with a classmate who was going into town. She really knew that she should go and see her mom, but Buffy was feeling a little vulnerable. She also knew if she saw her mom now, she would want to tell her everything. That was something that she wasn’t ready for.

It was as if she was finally having the chance to be a normal person, with a ‘man’ as well the chance of a family of her own. Okay, so, the man wasn’t exactly conventional, but neither was her life. She knew that Spike had it in him to be good; he just needed to be given the chance.

Buffy walked up the path to Giles’s apartment. She was surprised to see Giles was just leaving, as she arrived at his door.

“Buffy! This is a nice surprise, anything wrong?” asked Giles.

“Do I have to have a reason to visit?” asked Buffy.

“No, it’s just that the meeting isn’t until this evening. Why don’t we go somewhere for a coffee?” suggested Giles.

Buffy sighed inwardly. Not wanting to arouse suspicion, she decided to go with him.

“Sure, why not,” she said as she looked longingly over Giles’s shoulder.

As they turned to leave, she noticed a movement at the window. Spike stood there, looking at her with puppy dog eyes and a little pout on his lips. A giggle almost escaped her lips.

“Buffy?” asked Giles.

She walked away and got into Giles’s car.

“So, how’s the evil undead behaving himself?” asked Buffy.

“If you mean Spike, he disappeared soon after we got back last night,” said Giles.

“Any idea where he went?” asked Buffy.

“Best not to ask. He came back just before dawn, reeking of some cheap perfume or other,” said Giles.

“Hey, It was not cheap....er how like Spike. I bet she was some vampire ho from Willy’s bar,” Buffy rambled.

Giles took his eye off the road to glance at Buffy.

“Are you sure you’re okay Buffy?” he asked.

Buffy did a fake yawn.

“Yeah, just a little jet lagged, that’s all,” she replied.

“Have you had a chance to talk to Joyce yet?” asked Giles.

“No, my bad. You didn’t tell her what happened did you?” asked Buffy.

“Thought it best not to. No point in worrying her unnecessarily,” he replied.

Buffy nodded at him gratefully.

Half an hour later, they sat together at the Espresso Pump. Buffy drew patterns in the foam of her latte. Her mind far away, on Spike.

Giles looked at the distant expression on Buffy’s face and sighed.

“Do you have to be somewhere?” asked Giles.

“Nope, but now you’ve reminded me, I have to call Willow. Something she wanted me to pick up for her in town. Be right back,” lied Buffy, as she went off to use a public phone.

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

Spike paced back and forth across the living room of Giles’s apartment. He should be sleeping in the daylight hours, but sleep just wouldn’t come. Buffy had been coming to see him. They could have spent the day together if it hadn’t been for Giles leaving, just as Buffy had arrived.

He slammed his fist in frustration and knocked over one of Giles’s favourite glass lamps. It shattered into a thousand pieces.

“Bugger!” he exclaimed as he hid the remnants in a desk drawer.

He kicked the remaining pieces under the rug. The phone rang, and he started guiltily. Spike picked up the handset.

“The boring git’s residence,” Spike drawled.

“Spike!” said Buffy warningly.

“Buffy, where are you?” asked Spike.

“At the Espresso Pump, with Giles,” said Buffy.

“So you bailed on me for your surrogate dad?” asked Spike.

“What’s the matter? You sound a little cranky,” asked Buffy.

“I can’t help it, I’m tired, but I can’t sleep. All I can think about is you, every waking moment. Even my dreams are haunted by thoughts of you,” said Spike.

She smiled.

“I feel the same way, do you think it could be because of the babies? I just know it hurts when I am away from you,” sighed Buffy.

“You want me to come down there?” asked Spike.

“Yes, more than anything, but you can’t it’s still daylight,” Buffy replied.

“Which is why Sunnydale has an excellent sewer system, I’ll meet you in the mall in half an hour,” said Spike.

With that, he was gone. Buffy walked back over to her table. She looked at Giles’s apologetically as she drank down the rest of her coffee.

“I have to go, but I’ll see you and the others tonight,” Buffy offered as in way of amends.

Giles looked at her, the disappointment was evident on his face. She felt bad for cutting their time short, but the pull of Spike on her emotions was too strong for her. She gave him a hug, thanked him for the coffee, and walked off in the direction of the mall.

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

Buffy stood inside the main entrance to the mall, glancing impatiently at her watch. Spike was five minutes late, she was worried that maybe he had changed his mind about the whole thing. A hand tapped her on the shoulder and her face lit up as she saw the object of her affections smiling at her.

She kept her hands at her side, resisting the urge to kiss him in public.

“Spike,”

“Slayer,”

“So, what shall we do?” asked Buffy.

“Now there’s a leading question. If we did what I’d like to do, then we would run the risk of being arrested,” drawled Spike.

Buffy looked over her shoulder.

“Oh look they are having a shoe sale!” she exclaimed.

Buffy walked off past Spike.

“Ditched for a pair of bleedin’ shoes! Vanity, thy name is Buffy,” mumbled Spike.

He trailed off after Buffy, his own attention caught by a baby-clothing store. It was next to the one that Buffy had disappeared into.

He stopped in front of it to gaze at the contents of the window. Spike felt a lump form in his throat; somehow, the idea that he was going to be a father had seemed a little unreal until that moment. His eyes travelled over tiny jumpsuits and frilly little dresses. He looked around self- consciously, before he entered the store.

Buffy was in the middle of trying on her third pair of shoes, before she realised that Spike hadn’t followed her in. She placed them back in the box and apologised to the sales clerk.

She looked out at the crowded mall for his familiar blonde head. Seeing nothing, she looked in a couple of other stores. Buffy came to a dead halt outside the baby store. She spied the blonde head that she had been looking for. Spike was looking among the baby clothes and toys, and laughing with a pretty young salesclerk. She marched angrily into the store.

“Spike, what do you think you are doing?” asked Buffy.

“I don’t know what you mean?” he asked.

“Advertise much? Why don’t you just make an announcement in the paper and have done with it!” snapped Buffy.

She looked at what he was holding in his hands. All her anger melted away at the sight of the tiny pink dress in his large hands. Buffy felt the tears well up in her eyes.

She stroked the soft material of the dress and smiled up at Spike. They were both lost in their moment, as the salesclerk sighed wistfully at their obvious devotion.

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

Joyce Summers idly sipped her take out coffee, as she walked past yet another shoe store. It had been hard, adjusting to living alone when Buffy had moved out. More than anything, she missed their trips to the mall. She had to get used to the fact that Buffy had a new life now and was a grown woman, but it didn’t stop her missing her only child. Joyce never felt it more than now, knowing that Buffy was thousands of miles away in England.

She took another sip of her coffee and looked up. Her mouth full of coffee spraying out, as she saw her daughter in a baby-clothing store. Joyce grabbed a tissue from her bag and wiped at herself. She looked again; Buffy was still there, checking out what looked like toys.

Joyce paled; it could only mean one thing in her book. She threw her coffee in the trash and marched into the store.

“Spike, look how cute is this?” asked Buffy as she held up a toy dinosaur.

Spike turned to look at the toy, he straightened up as he saw Joyce enter the store.

“Don’t look now love, but...” he never got to finish.

“Buffy!” said a familiar voice.

Buffy looked at Spike, she took a deep breath and turned around.

“Mom,” she replied.

TBC

Chapter 17

All three of them stared at each other. The seconds ticked by. Buffy’s mind was working desperately, trying to think of a reason for her being there. Joyce stood there, tapping her toe, waiting for answers. She glanced at Spike, not sure whether to find the nearest weapon or to pass small talk with him. She considered their current surroundings, and she decided on the latter.

“Spike? I didn’t know you were back in Sunnydale,” said Joyce.

Spike smiled self-consciously.

“I, er yeah, been back here for a few months, on and off,” he replied.

“I don’t know if I should be speaking to you. Especially after what you did to Willow and Xander last year, but they are both okay. So, I guess no harm done. Did things work out with that girl?” asked Joyce.

Spike smiled at Joyce. She always had treated him more fairly than he deserved and he knew it.

“Well, here’s the thing, I’ve met someone else now,” Spike replied.

“Really? Anyone I know?” asked Joyce.

“Um, well...” Spike began.

“Spike’s with me. Oh, but not in that kinda way,” said Buffy quickly.

She noticed her mother’s look of concern.

“Which brings me back to why you are in a baby clothing store, honey. Oh, Buffy you’re not pregnant are you? Don’t say that my lecture on safe sex was ignored? Was it that guy you were seeing, what’s his name Riley?” asked her mom.

Buffy looked flustered at her mother’s direct questioning. Spike tried to keep a straight face at Buffy’s discomfiture.

“Riley and I are so over. Don’t be silly, I am here because...”

“She’s here because of me,” said Spike, thinking that at least it wasn’t a total lie.

“I don’t understand,” Joyce replied.

Joyce looked at the toy dinosaur that was still in her daughter’s hand. Buffy quickly threw it into a nearby display crib and folded her arms across her chest.

“Spike has been staying with Giles. He can’t fight or bite anymore, someone fixed him. He disappeared and Giles sent me out to look for him,” said Buffy.

“Thanks for telling the world and his wife that I’ve been neutered, slayer,” he growled.

“I thought you were still in London, what happened?” asked Joyce.

“Oh, we had to cut that little trip short, got back last night,” Spike replied.

“We? You went with her?” asked Joyce.

“No! He meant me. Look mom, it’s great seeing you, but I have to get this escapee back to Giles, before I give in to the urge to stake him. I’ll call you, I promise,” said Buffy.

Buffy hugged her mom, and pulled Spike out of the store by the sleeve of his duster. She was awash with guilt at her mother’s disappointed expression. She really had neglected their relationship of late. She also knew that she was going to need her mom, more than ever in the coming months. Buffy made a mental note to not be such a stranger at the family home.

“Nice seeing you again, Buffy’s mum,” Spike muttered, as they passed Joyce.

“Er, you too Spike. Drop round for some hot chocolate, I still have some of those mini marshmallows,” she smiled at him.

They disappeared into the crowd, and Joyce stood there contemplating a chubby baby. Her fears still far from quelled.

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

“Boy, that was a close one, but my mom is smart. We have to tread more carefully, unless we want everyone to know our little secret,” sighed Buffy.

“Which one? The fact that we secretly shag like bunnies? Or, the other one, which involves the slayer having a vampire’s babies?” he drawled

Buffy pulled a face at his crudity.

“Trust you to sugar coat it, Spike. Take your pick, on those options, either is pretty controversial!” she replied.

Spike glanced over her shoulder.

“Oh, bloody hell! It’s the whelp and his unthinking girlfriend. I give up, and I’m running out of excuses. I’ll see you tonight,” said Spike.

He squeezed her hand and disappeared into the crowds of busy shoppers. Buffy felt disappointed and very alone now that he’d gone. She pasted a smile on her face, as Xander and Anya strolled up to her.

“Buffy settle an argument for me, please,” said Xander.

“Sure, what is it?” asked Buffy.

“Anya, swears blind that she just saw you with Spike. Tell her how ridiculous that is,” said Xander.

“Anya, you must be seeing things. Me wanting to spend time with Spike? The idea of it! The only way I’d want to be with him would be me, sweeping up the dusty pile that used to be him,”

“See, told you hun,” said Xander smugly.

“Well, I know what I saw,” huffed Anya.

“Let it go sweetie,” said Xander. He turned back to Buffy. “All set for tonight then?” he asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, see you guys later,” said Buffy.

“Did she seem a little off to you?” asked Xander, as he watched Buffy walk away.

“No more than she usually is,” shrugged Anya.

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

Spike lay out on the sofa and covered himself with a blanket, just as Giles arrived through the front door. The latter sighed and slammed the door. Spike shot up off the sofa.

“How’s a person supposed to get any sleep around here with all this noise?” demanded Spike.

“You’ve had long enough, besides the place needs cleaning before tonight. Meeting remember?” asked Giles.

“Well, if you think I’m going to lend a hand, then you’re more stupid than you look,” said Spike.

“I didn’t expect it any other way. The actual idea of you earning your keep! I need a bath,” said Giles wearily.

“Yeah, run along and get a scrub. Wouldn’t want you stinking up the place anymore than you already do,” said Spike.

Giles shook his head and walked off to the bathroom. Spike waited until he heard the lock slide into place. He started by tidying up the piles of books scattered on Giles’s research table, and he moved on to the vacuuming and doing the dishes.

Spike stopped mid-dish, and frowned heavily. Contemplating where, exactly, his new domesticity had come from. Buffy was having a positive effect on him, and he actually liked it, he realised with surprise. In addition, an alien feeling of guilt had come over him, and that, he didn’t like so much.

He was starting to wonder if Buffy had been right, that maybe some kind of invisible connection was between him and Buffy because of their babies. Either that, or love was making him soft in the head, he thought.

Spike finished dusting off the last coffee stain from the surface of the occasional table, when he heard Giles emerge from the bathroom. Giles rubbed at his hair with the towel, he looked around the room in surprise.

“What happened here then?” asked Giles.

“The cleaning fairy paid a visit. What do you think happened?” asked Spike.

He raised an eyebrow at Giles.

“Don’t tell me that you’re actually trying to earn your keep,” said Giles incredulously.

Giles walked off to his bedroom, more confused than ever. There was definitely something going on behind the scenes with Spike. The vampire was more complex than he appeared, but Giles was determined to find out what it was. Maybe tonight’s meeting would answer a few of his questions.

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

Eight ‘o’clock soon came round. One by one, the scoobies started filing into Giles’s apartment. Giles was busy, preparing food in the kitchen.

“Guess I’m not the only one you have to bribe. I would know Xanders diet of fast foods anywhere,” smirked Spike.

He removed a blood bag from the fridge and popped it in the microwave.

“Oh, go dust a table!” said Giles in annoyance.

Xander and Anya walked in at that moment.

“What’s this I hear? Spikey been doing a few household chores? How much did you have to pay him?” asked Xander.

“Nothing, just moved a few things about, that’s all,” Spike snapped defensively.

Xander looked at him speechless. He took Giles over to one side.

“What’s with Spike, going all new man on us? It scares me, he’s up to something,” whispered Xander.

“I can hear you! Vampire hearing remember?” asked Spike.

Buffy entered the apartment with Willow.

“Hi, guys, we’re not late are we?” asked Buffy.

“Well, you’re not too late for food, better tuck in before Harris pigs the lot,” grinned Spike.

“Hey!” said Xander, his mouth full of popcorn.

Giles ignored the interchange and turned to face them.

“Let’s not waste any more time. As you are all here, let’s begin,” said Giles.

They sat around the research table, while Buffy and Spike gave an account of all that had occurred on their London trip. Both smiling at each other briefly, as they told her friends the edited version.

“Oh, that’s so romantic! So, Spike let himself be tortured rather than give away Buffy’s location?” asked Anya.

Xander scoffed at the idea.

“More like, he kept his mouth closed so they wouldn’t dust him, and ugh, the idea of being forced to have Spike’s baby!” replied Xander.

Buffy felt cut to the quick at her friend’s words. Was Xander ever going to think outside of the box? She wondered.

“Xander! Why must you always see the worst in him?” demanded Buffy.

Xander looked across the table at her.

“Hmm, let me see. Maybe because, until recently he was a bloodthirsty homicidal maniac,” he replied.

“I used to be one of those too sweetie, does that make me unredeemable as well?” asked Anya, her lip started to tremble.

“It’s not the same with you,” he assured her.

“Why?” demanded Buffy.

“Why what?” asked Xander.

“Why is it different with Anya? She just admitted that she used to kill people, mess up their lives. She gets a second chance. Seems like it’s one set of rules for everyone else and another for Buffy,” she snapped.

“What exactly did they do to you in London?” asked Xander. “Because this Buffy, the one who defends Spike, is freaking me out,” he replied.

Willow looked at Buffy in alarm, she could visibly see her friend’s anger rising. Spike didn’t look any happier; in fact, by his expression he looked as if nothing would make him happier, than to drain Xander dry.

“Hey, no one is on trial here Xander. Maybe you should back off a little. Buffy has been through a tough time, not to mention all the usual slayer duties she has to deal with,” said Willow.

Buffy rubbed at her forehead tiredly, an ache was starting to form in her temples. She looked across at Spike, surprised to see that he was doing the same.

“Buffy, are you okay?” asked Giles in concern.

“Nothing a little Tylenol won’t cure,” replied Buffy.

“Oh, but is that a good idea? It might not be safe for the ba....Buffy,” stammered Willow.

“I think that if Buffy can come back from the dead, then a couple of headache pills aren’t likely to do any damage Willow,” said Anya.

Buffy looked at her friend’s faces, they were all a mixture of concern and expectation. She couldn’t take it anymore. She needed to be alone to think. The enormity of the situation was starting to come over her.

“Look guys, you know the facts, why don’t you all chew over them. Besides, I need to patrol. Sunnydale has been without a protector for over a week. The place must be crawling with vamps by now,” lied Buffy.

“Running off are we slayer?” asked Spike.

“Well, after a week alone with you, anyone would need a vacation!” Buffy returned.

She grabbed her coat and scarf from the peg.

“Do you want one of us to come with?” asked Xander.

She eyed her friend, barely able to hide her hurt and anger.

“No, you stay here and live in your narrow little world with your nymphomaniac girlfriend,” snapped Buffy.

“Thank you for the sweet compliment Buffy,” beamed Anya.

Xander looked crushed at her brush-off. Buffy sighed, deciding to exit the apartment, before she said something that she really regretted.

“Something is really wrong with Buffy. I think that we all need to keep a close eye on things. Willow, you live with her, anything out of the ordinary occurred since she’s been back?” asked Giles.

Willow glanced at Spike.

“If you’re going by hellmouth standards, then not really. I won’t spy on her, if that’s what you are asking,” Willow replied.

“Save me from defensive females. Anyone else notice the hormonal overload in this room?” asked Xander.

Anya looked across at Spike.

“Spike, are you crying?” asked Anya.

All heads turned to look at him.

“Don’t be bloody stupid of course I’m not crying!” snapped Spike.

Spike frowned and touched his face. He felt the wetness, a thought occurred to him. He shot up from his seat on the sofa, grabbed his duster, and run out of the front door.

Giles rose from his seat to close the door.

“Isn’t that the part where we should have tried to stop him?” asked Xander.

“No, probably just drowning his sorrows at the local demon bar, besides we have more important matters to deal with,” said Giles.

“Like what?” asked Willow.

“Well, if Buffy had stayed around long enough, then it would have given me the chance to tell her something very important. Specifically that Mr Travers has sent several of his agents over here to observe her every move,” said Giles solemnly.

“If they are anything like our old friend Mr Wesley Wyndam-Price, then I’m not too worried,” said Xander confidently.

Giles looked far from comforted.

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

Spike searched the streets of Sunnydale; the tears were still running down his face. He wiped at them as he tried to pick up Buffy’s scent. He caught it on the slight breeze and followed it to the park. He spied the tiny blonde figure he was seeking. Buffy was sitting on the swings, her head bowed.

“Buffy?”

She quickly wiped at her face and presented him with a false smile.

“You’ve been crying,” he stated.

“Of course not, don’t be silly, what would make you think that?” she asked.

Spike stepped out of the shadows, the streetlamp shone on his face, highlighting his own tears.

“Spike! What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Do you think there may be some truth in your earlier suggestion? It seems we are connected in someway. I even helped Giles with the chores earlier, how strange is that?” asked Spike.

Buffy sighed.

“All of this is so new. My life has changed so much over these past few days. I feel like I have lost control,”

Spike smiled at her understandingly.

“And control is important to you, isn’t it?” he asked.

“Yeah, more than most I guess. How did you get so smart?” she asked.

“Since I had the good sense to fall for you,” he replied.

She smiled at him.

“Flatterer, but I can’t hear that enough. What of my friends though? You heard how Xander reacted. I am starting to think that the keeping of secrets is a bad thing. Besides, the longer we conceal the truth the harder this is all going to get,” she mused.

“What do you have in mind?” asked Spike.

“Well, first we need to discover, if there is some kind of psychic connection between us, and if it is to do with the babies. I am going to need Giles’s help for that. I don’t suppose there have been many vampire/human pregnancies to compare notes with. Secondly or maybe, should I have said firstly, I ought come clean and tell everyone the truth starting with my own mother,” she replied.

“Do I get a say in all this?” asked Spike.

She looked at him.

“If we are connected, then can’t you tell the answer to that?” she asked.

“I don’t need psychic abilities to guess the response to that one. So, shall we go pay your mom a visit then?” asked Spike.

“You’re going to come with me?” she asked in surprise.

Spike frowned at her.

“Of course! You didn’t make those babies all by yourself. So what makes you think that I would leave you alone to face your mum and friends all by yourself?” he asked.

She went into arms, and kissed him.

“Let’s go face the music then,” she whispered in his ear, before taking his hand and they walked off.

“Hope your mum doesn’t have any fire axes to hand when we tell her the good news,” mumbled Spike.

Both of them lost in their thoughts, neither of them noticed the presence of the car with darkened windows as it slowly followed their progress down the street.

TBC

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