Chapter 18

The walk to Revello drive had ended all too soon. They stood at the door to Buffy’s home and paused to look at each other.

“You’re absolutely sure this is what you want to do?” asked Spike.

Buffy nodded.

“They have to know sometime, I am going with the soon rather than the later, secrets have a way of coming out in the end,” said Buffy.

“Okay, I trust your judgement, I think, but somehow I doubt that your mum will feel like handing out tea and sympathy after we’re finished,” said Spike.

“No, I guess not. When she invited you over bet she never guessed how and why you’d be paying her a visit!” said Buffy.

She raised her hand and knocked on the door, feeling uncomfortable with using her front door key.

“Just a minute!” called out her mother’s voice.

The door opened, Joyce was wiping her hands with a towel.

“Sorry, I was just doing the dishes. Buffy! This is a nice surprise, a visit,” beamed her mom.

She hugged Buffy, noticing that Spike was with her again.

“Oh, and Spike too, you didn’t run off again did you?” asked Joyce reprovingly.

“Not this time, Joyce. Buffy got a yen to see you and I decided to tag along,” he shrugged.

“Well come in, it’s nice to have some visitors,” said Joyce.

Buffy’s face flushed guiltily, she could hear the loneliness in her mother’s voice. She led Spike over to the couch and they sat down. Joyce sat in an armchair opposite them, noticing the twin expressions of preoccupation on both of her visitor’s faces.

“As much as I am pleased that my only daughter has decided to pay a visit, are you going to tell me what you’re so obviously bursting to say?” asked Joyce.

“Um, er, yeah....” Buffy suddenly felt tongue-tied, she looked over at Spike in appeal.

“Buffy and I have some news for you, and well, oh God! This is so difficult,” groaned Spike.

“It’s not bad news is it? Like maybe I should leave Sunnydale because the world is about to end?” asked Joyce.

“Nope nothing like that. Oh, there is no easy way to say this,” Buffy took a deep breath. “Mom, I‘m having a baby,” she blurted out in a rush.

“Make that babies,” Spike added.

Joyce paled and stared at her daughter in stunned silence.

“Baby, babies? What do you mean?” asked Joyce.

“Come on Joyce, you know the facts of life, when a man and a woman...”

“Spike!” Buffy halted him, and turned to her mom. “Mom, I’m sorry, I really am. Spike was trying to tell you that we’re having twins,” sighed Buffy.

Joyce found her voice.

“We are...who? It is that Riley boy? When I catch up with him, he’ll wish he was never born,” Joyce ranted.

Spike scoffed.

“Oh, like he’d ever be capable,” said Spike.

“I’m sorry that I lied to you this morning in the baby store. I’ve already told you, haven’t seen Riley in a while now. I’m with Spike, only you and Willow know,” admitted Buffy.

“But, you still haven’t told me who the father is,” said Joyce.

“He’s here,” said Spike.

“Where?” asked Joyce.

“It’s Spike, mom,” said Buffy.

“Spike, but how? You’ve told me enough about vampires for me to know that’s impossible. Oh Buffy you’re not starting up with another vampire again are you? Didn’t all the problems with Angel teach you anything?” asked Joyce.

Buffy sighed.

“Spike is capable, or rather he was capable of fathering a child. When we were in London together, the Watchers council tampered with his blood supply, he was semi human for nearly two days,” Buffy admitted.

“So you did go to London together! That was only last week, how can you know you are pregnant after a week?” asked Joyce.

“Yeah, Spike did go to England with me. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry about me. I’m sure that I’m pregnant because Willow did a spell,” Buffy replied.

“You waltz in here, telling me you are having babies with a vampire and I am not supposed to worry?” asked Joyce in amazement.

Spike took Buffy’s hand in his and looked at Joyce.

“I can understand your reservations, but I won’t run out on her Joyce, not like Angel did. I fully intend to support her,” said Spike.

“How?” asked Joyce.

“This is all new to the both of us, we haven’t worked on the details yet. Still kinda getting over the shock factor here,” said Buffy.

“Buffy, you’re only eighteen years old. What about college?” asked her mom.

“Nearly nineteen mom, and lots of girls my age have babies and still get an education. Look, if you cant be the tiniest bit happy for me then I guess I’d better go,” said Buffy defensively.

“Buffy, come on give your mum a chance,” said Spike.

Buffy got up from the sofa to go; Joyce quickly rose to stop her from leaving.

“Don’t go, not in anger. I just need a little time to get used to the idea, the same way you both do,” said Joyce.

Joyce took her daughter in her arms. Buffy didn’t respond at first, but then she relaxed and hugged her mom back. Spike stood up, and Joyce moved on to Spike, she looked up at him.

“Both of you have no idea what you are getting yourselves into, but I am here for the pair of you. It’s too late for regrets now, there’s no good crying over spilt...er milk. You have created new life between you and there are going to be tough times ahead, so I guess that the last thing you need is a lecture from me,” sighed Joyce.

“Thanks mum,” beamed Spike.

“Don’t push your luck Spike,” said Joyce

Spike sobered up at Joyce’s expression.

“This doesn’t mean that I am happy about the situation, but we have to make the best of it,” Joyce continued.

“Just think mom, you’re gonna be a grandma,” said Buffy.

Joyce smiled, realising the truth of her daughters words, now she had gotten past a little of her anger and shock. It was a few years earlier than she had hoped. Buffy had told her not to hope for grandchildren ever due to her daughter’s vocation in life. Joyce was not a stupid woman, she knew that Buffy took risks and faced dangers that she never shared with her.

Not an overly emotional woman, Joyce was surprised as she felt tears spring to her eyes at her daughter’s words.

“I didn’t think of it like that,” said Joyce softly.

“We have to go mom,” said Buffy, as she checked her watch.

“Been nice seeing you again Joyce and I’m sorry for the big shock,” said Spike.

Joyce looked at him seriously.

“As long as you treat Buffy with the respect that she deserves, you’ll always be welcome in my home Spike,” said Joyce.

“Thanks mom, that means a lot to us,” said Buffy.

Spike put out a hand to Joyce she took it. Spike and Buffy took their leave soon after.

“See told you that your mum has a soft spot for me,” grinned Spike.

“In the words of my mom Spike, don’t push your luck,” said Buffy.

“I have the pair of you wrapped around my little finger, admit it woman,” he growled as he leaned in to kiss her.

“I don’t know what dimension you’re living in Spike, but I thought I was living in the vampires are only good for one thing dimension,” said Buffy.

Spike put his arms around her; letting his, hands slowly travel down her back to rest on her rear.

“And what would the one thing be?” he purred.

Spike pressed himself against her, and her brain fogged with desire. She found it hard to construct her sentences as his lips travelled down the length of her exposed neck,

“Spike, we can’t make out in the street, someone might see us,” groaned Buffy.

He wrapped his arms around her more tightly.

“What does it matter? We’re going public after tonight anyway,” said Spike huskily.

“Ok, you’ve convinced me,” sighed Buffy as she relaxed into his embrace.

Her hands crept under his duster as their kisses deepened. Spike looked over his shoulder as he began to nibble at her ear lobe. His eyes widened as he saw a parked car at the end of the drive. The window was wound down, and he saw the unmistakable flash of a camera.

“Bloody perverts!” snarled Spike.

“Huh? Who...?” asked Buffy in confusion.

Spike gently put her to one side as he ran off at Speed at the car as it screeched away from the sidewalk. He tried to catch up with it until the driver put his foot down on the accelerator. Buffy caught up with him seconds later.

“What was that all about?” she asked.

“Someone was taking photos of us while we were kissing,” growled Spike.

“But who would want to?” Buffy put her hands to her mouth in realisation. “It’s started already, Travers has sent out his spies to watch us,” said Buffy.

“Well, I guess that’s what watchers do love,” he said.

“This is no time for jokes Spike, this is serious. Our best line of defence up until now had been the fact that Travers had no idea that we were together. We’d better get back to Giles’s; everyone should still be there. It’s only been an hour since we left,” said Buffy.

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

“Maybe one of us should go and find Buffy and warn her that she may be being watched,” suggested Xander.

“Feeling the guilties for earlier harshness are we Xander?” asked Willow, her eyebrow arched at him.

“No need guys I’m here,” announced Buffy as she walked through the door with Spike.

She flung her bag on the table and sat down.

“Oh, and the evil one too,” said Xander, as Spike flopped down on the sofa.

“Someone just got snap happy with Spike and I, any one have any suggestions to the why?” asked Buffy.

“A few, but the main one would probably be agents for the watchers council. They didn’t waste any time, if you hadn’t made such a hasty exit I would have told you that agents have been sent here,” sighed Giles.

“Dammit, the crap is really gonna hit the fan when Travers gets a hold of those photos,” groaned Buffy.

“So Travers got a couple of shots of you beating the crap out of Spike, that’s not exactly straying from the norm,” shrugged Xander.

“Yeah, well maybe it would be if it wasn’t for one tiny little problem,” said Buffy as she looked at Willow.

Willow looked at her friend’s face questioningly. Buffy nodded at her and Willow sat back, as Buffy prepared to tell the others the truth.

Giles removed his glasses and stood waiting for Buffy to speak. She took a deep breath, and looking at Spike, she began.

“Sorry guys, there is no easy way to say this....but I’m pregnant,” said Buffy.

A heavy silence fell on the room, until Xander burst out laughing, his face turning a deep shade of red. Anya looked at him in alarm.

“Breathe honey,” she said as Xander’s laughter turned to choking and Anya patted him on the back.

“Were you er pregnant before the trip?” asked Giles; he was having trouble forming the words

“No, I was definitely not with child before I left the US,” said Buffy.

Giles frowned. “But that would mean....oh Buffy, why didn’t you tell us that Travers had succeed in his plans?” asked Giles

“He didn’t per se, this was the result of something else,” Buffy replied.

Xander found his voice again. “If you’re not pregnant through bleach boy’s evil seed, then how did it happen?” asked Xander.

“Buffy slept with Spike,” said Anya.

Xander looked at Anya pityingly.

“Oh please! Like that would ever happen, tell her Buffy,” scoffed Xander.

“Why not? Look at Spike, he’s nicely packaged. Okay he’s a vampire, but I can spot what a girl might see in him,” said Anya.

“Buffy?” asked Xander uncertainly.

“Anya’s right. I did sleep with Spike, but that’s mine and Spike’s business, no one else’s,” said Buffy warningly.

Xander shot up off the sofa and he grabbed Spike by the lapels of his duster.

“Get off me you big ponce,” growled Spike.

Xander raised a fist to punch him, but his hand was stayed by Buffy.

“You wanna hit Spike, then you have to go through me first,” said Buffy.

Xander looked at Buffy in disgust.

“How could this happen? It’s because of that spell Willow cast isn’t?” asked Xander.

“Leave Willow out of it,” said Buffy angrily.

“Sweetie, just sit down before you have a heart attack or something,” soothed Anya.

Xander sat down beside her in defeat. Giles glanced at Willow; apart from some mild alarm at Xanders actions, her expression had changed very little during the whole scene.

“This isn’t news to you is it Willow?” asked Giles.

Willow shook her head as her eyes fixed on the rug on the floor.

“I took Willow into my confidence last night. It was thanks to her that I know about the babies, she performed a little spell for me....” trailed off Buffy.

“Oh, because that always works out well. I thought I was your best friend too Buffy,” accused Xander.

“Not at the moment your not, you’re more like a prize ass Xander. Your reaction is exactly the way I anticipated it would be too,” snapped Buffy.

Spike got up from the sofa to stand beside Buffy, he put his arm around her, ignoring Xander’s glare.

“Buffy and I are together Harris, get over it. She’s going to need your love and support over the coming months, try thinking of her for a change. Buffy and the babies...”

“Did you say babies?” asked Giles.

“Yeah, the twins,” Spike replied.

“There’s two of them?” asked Xander.

“The boy can count, oh happy day,” said Spike sarcastically.

“Yes, we’re having twins, someone be happy for me, for us,” said Buffy quietly.

“I think it’s kinda cute. Oh, but babies cost lots of money, and they like to puke a lot, then there’s the sleepless nights. Congratulations!” said Anya.

Xander got up and shrugged his jacket on.

“I think I’d better be going, come on Anya. Buffy, I need a little time to digest all this. I mean it’s Spike we are talking about here. Seething hatred remember? And now you’re starting a family with him, pardon me for the intense denial phase I am going through right now,” sighed Xander.

“I understand, well at least I am trying too,” said Buffy.

Xander waited at the door for Anya to catch up with him.

“I’ll talk to him for you,” said Anya as she passed Buffy.

Buffy nodded gratefully.

Willow looked at her watch. “Boy, is that the time? I need to get going,” said Willow as she hastily grabbed her things.

“Okay, catch you later at the dorm,” said Buffy.

“I don’t think I’ll be back tonight Buff, gonna work on a few spells with my friend Tara,” said Willow.

Willow hugged Buffy “So you two will have the room all to yourselves tonight,” whispered Willow into her ear, just before releasing her.

“Be careful Willow. Unsupervised magiks can be dangerous for an apprentice like yourself,” warned Giles.

“Oh, it’s no big, just working on a little illumination spell with my friend. She is way cool, I want you all to meet her sometime,” smiled Willow.

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

“And then there were three,” said Spike after Willow’s departure.

“Unfortunately yes,” said Giles.

“So, out with it Giles’s I know you have something to say,” said Buffy.

“I could shout. I could moan. I could say Buffy, what on earth were you thinking, but it’s all a bit of a moot point right now,” said Giles.

“A moot whatty?” asked Buffy.

“I mean it’s all too late for recriminations and warnings. What’s done is done. Exactly what did Travers spies get pictures of?” asked Giles.

“Buffy and I were kissing,” said Spike.

“Dear, oh dear. Travers will have a field day with this. Buffy we have to get you out of Sunnydale and tonight,” said Giles tiredly.

Buffy and Spike both looked at each other, then at Giles.

“Are you completely mad?” asked Spike.

TBC

Chapter 19

“I’d have to go along with Spike on that one. Are you mad Giles?” Asked Buffy, echoing Spike’s words.

“You don’t seem understand, it’s not safe for you here any more. Quentin will have those photos on his desk by the morning and then it will only be a matter of time before he derives a conclusion from them,” said Giles.

Buffy folded her arms in defiance.

“I’m not going anywhere, this is my home, and I won’t let some puffed up British guy make me leave it. I’ve done enough running,” said Buffy.

Spike put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall.

“Where would we go anyway? Have you thought of that one?” asked Spike.

“Of course I did. I am not used to blurting out haphazard comments without anything to back them up,” said Giles indignantly.

“Oh, I don’t know…” said Buffy.

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. I like to think of myself as a little more organised than the pair of you,” said Giles.

“Was that a dig mate? Because we really don’t need it right now. Although Buffy could do with a little more objectivity from the man who is the closest thing to a dad that she’s ever had,” said Spike.

“Well, give me a few millennia and then maybe I will have warmed up to the idea,” said Giles wryly.

“So, where did you have in mind Giles?” asked Buffy.

“It’s a little town on the coast, called Eureka. I have been there once before, a couple of years ago during the summer break. Have you heard of it?” asked Giles.

“Can’t say that I have, but what would we do there? Not that I’m going,” asked Buffy.

“Lay low for a couple of weeks, until we can figure out how to deal with Travers. Besides, with you gone for a few days, he might lose interest if he thinks you have slipped the net. A friend of mine has a cabin up there. It’s a large enough community, with a big enough tourist trade, to not question the presence of newcomers to the area,”

“I didn’t think you had any friends outside of the scooby gang,” said Buffy.

Giles adjusted his glasses.

“Yes, well contrary to common belief, I do have some adult friends outside of Sunnydale,” he replied dryly.

“Still not going and certainly not tonight, or ever,” said Buffy mulishly.

Spike looked at the set of Buffy’s face, he knew that look. There would be no moving her. He just hoped the cost to the both of them would not be too high a price to pay. He felt strange protective feelings wash over himself as he touched his muscled torso, he looked at Buffy, and she was doing the same. It reminded him of the other reason they had decided to go public on their relationship.

“Buffy, hadn’t we better tell Giles about the connection thing?” asked Spike.

Buffy looked puzzled for a moment, her face clearing. Giles looked pensive for a moment at Spike’s words.

“What connection?” he asked.

“Well it’s certainly not the rainbow connection is it?” asked Spike mockingly.

“ Huh? Anyway moving along… have you ever heard the song “I feel sad when you’re sad, I feel glad when you’re glad,” asked Buffy.

Spike rolled his eyes.

“Not recently thank heavens,” said Giles.

“Well, what Buffy and Barry Manilow were trying to say, was there is something weird is going on with us,” said Spike.

“Apart from the obvious?” asked Giles.

“Not helping Giles, what I have been trying to say and not too well, is that we think there may be a psychic connection between Spike and I, because of the babies,” explained Buffy.

“And you were hoping I might shed some light on it? If your brain were in anyway connected with Spike, it would explain many things. Let me look into it for you, ” said Giles, with heavy irony.

“Just what are you implying mate?” asked Spike.

Giles ignored Spike’s indignation, to turn to Buffy.

“Are you sure you won’t consider getting out of town for awhile Buffy?” Giles pleaded.

“No, my mind is made up. So, I was snapped kissing Spike, what’s the big? Travers can make what ever he wants from those photos,” said Buffy firmly.

“And he will. If I cant convince you to leave, then just promise me that you will be vigilant,” sighed Giles.

“Sure, have you ever know me to be otherwise?” smiled Buffy with a yawn.

Giles pressed his lips together, deciding not to comment.

“Tired love?” asked Spike.

“Yeah, its been a bit of an emotional day, but at least everything is out in the open now,” she replied.

“And strangely the saying “ignorance is bliss” springs to mind,” Giles returned.

Buffy stood up and removed her jacket from the back of the chair and she shrugged into it. Spike put on his duster and took Buffy’s hand. They both walked over to the door.

“Night Giles,” said Buffy.

“Please be careful, and my offer remains open,” said Giles.

Buffy broke away from Spike and gave Giles a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks,” she replied as she walked out of the door.

“And don’t wait up,” grinned Spike as he followed her.

Giles walked over to the door to watch them leave.

“Now, how did I guess you were going to say that?” asked Giles aloud.

He shook his head and closed the door, and walked over to his extensive collection of research books. Selecting a couple of the older tomes, he seated himself at the table and began looking for answers.

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

Buffy was curled up fast asleep on her bed. Spike laid along side her, but sleep still wouldn’t come. His mind was on Buffy and that bastard Travers. Maybe they should have taken Giles up on his offer after all.

He sighed and eased his arm from beneath her. He got up from the bed and reached inside his jacket for his cigarettes and lighter. He took one out of the pack and placed it on his lips. He flicked open the top of his lighter and paused before putting the cigarette back in the pack. Maybe now was a good time to think about quitting he thought. He wanted his children to have the best start in life and second-hand smoke was not going to help.

He sat down on the edge of the bed again, and watched her sleep. There was a slight curve to her mouth; Spike hoped he was the cause of that smile. He chuckled as she mumbled something incoherent in her sleep. He looked around the room in boredom, spying the computer in the far corner.

Spike rose from the bed and seated himself at the computer. He switched it on and sat back. The password prompt came up.

“Damn!” Spike cursed, as he typed in several words, all drawing a blank.

Spike contemplated the screen.

“Now, if I was a teenage witch what would I use for a password…Hmmmm, nah, it would be too easy,” said Spike as he typed in the word.

Spike laughed aloud as he was let in.

“Sabrina…. the bloody teenage witch! Not that I ever watched the show, well unless nothing else was on,” he said defensively to himself.

Spike logged on to the Internet and typed in the keyword pregnancy, several sites came up. He clicked on the site Mom’s Life.

Nothing like the inside track on the situation, he thought. He clicked on a list of pregnancy No-no’s. Spike scanned the list. How was he ever going to remember all this?

“Careful of caffeine, second hand smoke, cats. Well, they’re easily enough avoided, what else, hmm, oral sex. How the bloody hell is that dangerous?” exclaimed Spike as he continued reading. He nodded, as he read the explanation why, also hot baths and too much stress. The list was endless.

“Damn, I am never going to memorize all that. Why don’t I just save time and cover her in bubble wrap plastic?” he sighed.

Spike typed in some more keywords.

A pair of arms wrapped themselves around him.

“What ya doing? The bed felt empty,” she yawned.

Spike turned his head to kiss her lips.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” he asked.

Buffy looked at the screen.

“Sex during pregnancy,” she read aloud. “Sheesh Spike, trust you to think of the essentials,” she giggled as she read the page.

“Well, we have to know these things. Wouldn’t want to do anything to harm the babies, or you,” he said softly.

Buffy pushed the chair with Spike on it, away from the computer. She straddled him while he was still seated. She bent her head to kiss his lips.

“So, there was no other motive then?” Buffy asked as she wriggled innocently on his lap.

“No, was going to look up multiple births next,” he choked out.

Her hands crept up the inside of his t-shirt.

“Are you sure? I am feeling your motive right where I am sitting, and it seems pretty big,” she purred in his ear.

“Buffy, you will be the death of me, well maybe the second death anyway. And I can be very motivated when occasion calls for it,” he growled, as he effortlessly picked her up and carried her over to the bed.

He gently laid her down on the comforter.

“Two can play at that game,” Spike said as his hand travelled up her thigh.

“Good, cos I wasn’t planning to go solo,” Buffy said, as she pulled off her pyjama top and threw it in his face.

“Tease!” he growled.

“You have no idea,” she giggled.

“Oh, but I am beginning to,” he replied, as he slowly made his way up her body with a series of kisses, from her abdomen to her lips.

“Not fair!” she panted.

“All’s fair in love and…”

“I keep telling you, you talk too much,” she interrupted as she pulled his head down to cover his mouth with her own.

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

Buffy rolled over and smiled at the sleeping Spike. He had one arm flung over his head. He looked so peaceful, she sighed and turned her head to look at the alarm clock on the bedside table. Her eyes widened in panic, she shot up in the bed, almost falling out of it. Damn, it was nine am! Must have forgotten to set the alarm she scolded herself.

Spike opened his eyes at the flurry of activity.

“Hey, where’s the fire pet?” he drawled lazily.

“I overslept or the alarm didn’t go off or something,” said Buffy as she gathered up a towel and her wash bag.

“Guess you’d better be on your way then,” he pouted.

“Pack it in Spike, those come to bed eyes are not gonna work on me this time,” she said, before exiting the room.

“Yeah, but it was worth a try,” said Spike as he sat up looking around the room for his items of scattered clothing.

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

Spike was in the process of belting up his jeans when Willow walked in. She blushed, grateful that the fates hadn’t allowed her to enter the room a few seconds later.

“Oh, uh, sorry. Where’s Buffy? I came to look for her, got kinda worried when she didn’t show for class,” said Willow.

“Buffy is okay, just forgot to switch on the alarm. She’s taking a shower,” said Spike.

Willow sat down on her bed, the awkward silence stretched out between them. She desperately tried to think of something to say, smiling in relief as she took a few books from her bag and handed them to Spike.

“Picked these up at the library, thought you might find them useful,” said Willow.

Spike took the books from her and read the sleeves.

“What to expect when you are expecting and everything you Need to Know to Have a Healthy Twin Pregnancy and last, but not in the least what to expect when your wife is expanding,” Spike arched one eyebrow at her.

“What?” asked Willow at his sardonic expression.

“Do I detect a hint in the title of that last book Willow?” asked Spike.

“I don’t know what you mean, but if you want my opinion, Buffy deserves…” she replied a little flustered.

Buffy entered the room furiously rubbing at her hair with a towel.

“Hey, Willow shouldn’t you be in class?” asked Buffy.

“Look who’s talking, I came looking for you. Thought you’d decided to go A.W.O.L,” said Willow.

“Just a little mistake with the alarm. Anyone miss me?” asked Buffy.

Willow looked away as Buffy finished dressing.

“I’d say that was a big yes, they knew you were back from your trip a week early. Mr Reynolds is already bleating for an assignment you owe him,” grimaced Willow.

“Oh, bugger,” groaned Buffy.

Spike and Willow looked at Buffy sharply.

“What?” asked Buffy at their expressions.

Willow rolled her eyes.

“You’re even beginning to speak like him,” said Willow as she shook her head in mock despair.

“I think it’s adorable,” said Spike.

Buffy grabbed her bag and jacket from the closet. She gave Spike a quick kiss on the lips.

“Gotta run hun, see you later?” asked Buffy.

“Try keeping me away,” said Spike.

“Well, I can think of a spell… just kidding you guys,” grinned Willow.

“Thanks for the baby books red,” said Spike.

“No big, hope they help you make some decisions,” said Willow, as she looked at Spike before she closed the door.

Spike read the title of what to expect when your wife is expanding again. He wasn’t sure if they would help with the decisions, but they were certainly giving him ideas.

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

Spike entered Giles’s apartment quickly closing the door behind him. Wisps of smoke came off him and a slight sizzling sound could be heard.

Giles looked up from the book he was studying.

“So you made it back then?” said Giles.

“Overstating the obvious a little,” said Spike as he put away his jacket.

“Like that is it? I guess you won’t want to hear my findings then?” asked Giles.

Spike walked over to the table.

“Don’t play games with me, if you have something to say then just say it,” said Spike.

Giles sighed and motioned to Spike to take a seat.

“I didn’t have a lot to work with, I had almost given up hope of finding anything relevant to your er…Situation until I came across this text in the numinous Babylonia…”

“Cut the watchers crap,” said Spike, as he faked a yawn.

Giles frowned at him and continued.

“There has been a pregnancy of this nature only once before, as far as I can tell, but not for a thousand years so details are a little vague to say the least. There is some mention of a connection, but that is about it. So, I can only assume that it’s what Buffy and yourself have been experiencing,”

“I can tell by the look on your face that’s not it, am I right?” asked Spike.

Giles looked at him in surprise.

“Well, there is more, but I wanted to tell you both together,” said Giles.

“Tell me, if It’s bad news then I want to know,” insisted Spike.

“Depends on how you look on it. I found out something else during my research. Demon pregnancies in general don’t last as long as human pregnancies. According to this same book, the woman in question was only pregnant for around a month. Buffy is pregnant with twins, by my calculations she could have those babies within the next couple of weeks,” Giles finished.

“Don’t be a stupid git, she’s not even showing yet,” scoffed Spike.

“You don’t have to take my word for it, but if Travers has this information and as well as those photos, he may decide to make his move sooner rather than later,” said Giles indignantly.

“He does not even know that Buffy is pregnant,” said Spike.

“Yes, but he may be desperate enough to find out. You should have both gone last night when I told you to,” said Giles.

Spike suddenly doubled over with pain.

“What is it?” asked Giles.

“It’s Buffy, she’s hurt or in danger or something,” said Spike.

Giles paled, grabbing his car keys, he threw Spike a blanket.

TBC

A/N Sorry for the evilness of the cliffhanger, but I have been writing this chapter all day. My poor aching fingers lol. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 22

“Is that a trick question?” she grinned, her smile faded as she read the sincerity on his face.

Spike looked at her, the hope, and the fear shining in his eyes. She was completely taken off guard by his impromptu proposal. She walked over to a nearby chair and sat down on it, feeling slightly dazed. Spike hung his head and looked at the floor, Buffy felt his disappointment and shot up off the chair, realising her behaviour had caused him pain.

She realised her mistake at her delay in answering, especially when she already knew what she wanted to say, and what she felt in her heart.

A mischievous smile spread across her face as she lifted his chin to meet his gaze. Buffy’s smile almost wavered as she saw the beginnings of tears in his eyes. She took a deep breath before answering.

“It’s just so sudden…I don’t know what to say,” she grinned up at him.

Spike looked at her and growled, before playing her little game.

“Just say yes and make me the happiest man on earth,”

“Oh, Spike of course it’s yes!” she giggled before jumping into his arms.

Spike grabbed her, as she wrapped her legs around him, he kissed her soundly. Before slowly lowering her, back onto her feet. He took her hand and removed the heavy silver ring from her other hand and slid it on to her engagement finger. His eyes never leaving her face the whole time.

“You remembered my first proposal,” he mused.

“Duh, how often does a girl get asked for her hand in marriage? Even if it was because of a spell, anyway you didn’t seem to have any trouble recalling the incident either,” she sighed.

“No, but that was because I lived it in my head a thousand times over. Buffy, when that spell ended, it was like hell. In those few hours that we were engaged I had had a million ideas of how I was going to make you happy for the rest of your life,” he admitted.

“We’re both dumb asses!” she groaned.

Spike grinned.

“Let’s hope our offspring are more intelligent, and think about it Buffy, if I had told you how I still felt after the spell, I would have ended up on the wrong side of a pointy piece of wood,” he replied.

“No, never that, but I was mad at Willow,” she admitted.

“For the spell?”

“No for making me admit to myself that I had feelings for you,” she replied.

Spike still held her hand in his; he looked at the silver ring as it rested on her finger.

“You deserve something better than this,” he eyed it distastefully.

“I have something better than that, you. You know what else I regret about that time?” she asked.

“No, what?” he replied.

“That we never got to do that sweet love making that we talked about while planning our wedding,” she giggled.

Spike patted the slight roundness of her belly.

“Think we’ve kind of made up for that, wouldn’t you say?” he asked.

* * * * * * * * * *

They had thoroughly explored every corner of the cabin it had just four rooms. A good sized bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen and living area. It was compact, but well stocked; the only thing missing was blood. After Spike and Buffy had spent the rest of their first day in their new home, they had waited until nightfall to venture in to the city centre. Spike parked up the car in one of the parking lots of the main mall.

They walked hand in hand to Walmart, stopping out side the store.

“C’mon should be able to get your blood here,” said Buffy.

“Are you sure?” asked Spike uncertainly.

“You’re in my country now Spike, Walmart stocks everything from exotic pets to toilet paper,” she grinned as they entered the store.

She pulled an “I told you face” as they exited the store half an hour later with various bags. They got back into the car, both enjoying the peace after so many troubled times. Spike sagged against the leather seat as he closed the door.

“Are you okay?” she asked in concern.

“Came over a bit funny there, I think I need some blood, it’s been a while,” he replied.

Buffy reached over into the back seat and took one of the bags of pig’s blood from the shopping bags. She passed it to him; he took it and turned away from her. Buffy guessed his reason for it. She tried to turn his head to look at her, but he resisted.

“Spike, for hecks sake, I have seen you in game face a million times before. Now you decide to go all coy about it?”

He stopped drinking, and turned back to face her. His yellow eyes shining in the dark, Spike put the bag back to his lips and carried on feeding. His eyes never leaving hers the whole time.

“It’s just different now, “ he mumbled.

He finished the last drops of blood, throwing the empty container on the backseat.

“Never be ashamed of what you are Spike, not any more,” she told him firmly.

He felt moved by her words, searching desperately for a diversion before he made a complete fool of himself.

“Feel like going back to the cabin just yet?” he asked.

“No, not really. What did you have in mind?” she asked.

“Fancy a walk along the harbour?”

“Yeah, I‘m up for it. I could do with some normal couply time where we are not being chased or on the road, ” Buffy sighed.

Spike drove to Humboldt Bay, they had passed it on their way to the cabin earlier in the day, but there had been little time to enjoy its beauty. They sat in the parked car for several moments; the screeching of gulls could be heard as well as the gentle noises of waves lapping at the jetty.

“I feel so relaxed, I can hardly be bothered to move,”

“Stop that Summers, otherwise we’ll never get out of the car,” he said.

“Would it be so bad? Must be that sea air making me so sleepy,” she yawned.

“That’s it!”

Spike got out of the car, went over to her side, and opened her door.

“We are going to have a walk along the quay even if it kills me,” he grumbled.

Noticing his slightly snarky mood. She got out of the car and slammed the door hard. Spike flinched at the loud bang; he knelt down to inspect the paintwork.

Buffy hauled him to his feet.

“Hey, you shouldn’t be doing that. Not in your condition,” he growled.

“Yeah, cos now I’m pregnant I’m helpless. I could still take you in a fight,” she said challengingly.

“Whatever, it’s not going to happen,” he said as he started to stride off.

“Save me from chauvinist pigs,” she muttered under her breath as she followed him.

“I heard that,”

“Good,” she replied as she caught up to him.

They walked along in silence, with just the sound of the water; to break the stillness. The moon was high in the sky, Buffy stopped to gaze up at it.

Spike observed her.

“Wishing for the moon, love?” he asked.

“Cute Spike, actually I was thinking about that walk along the beach we shared back in England…and that maybe we should thank Travers after all,” said Buffy.

“What the bloody hell for?” asked Spike.

“For this,” she touched her tummy briefly. “And this time here away from everything, I mean my friends have been really good about everything, a lot better than I thought they would be. But I am still at the wanting you all to myself stage,” she admitted.

“Well, maybe your friends realised that it’s your life what ever they feel about it. And Buffy I’m yours no matter what distractions the future may hold,”

Buffy led Spike over to a cast iron bench. They sat down and she rested her head on his shoulder.

“I feel all sleepy, sing me a song,” she asked softly.

Spike looked around the quay, apart from a few illuminated windows of some of the bigger boats; it was more or less deserted.

“Sure okay, but no Britney do you hear,” he growled in her ear.

Buffy giggled at the shared memory, what little she could remember of it.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she replied.

“Anything against a little Aerosmith? He asked. “There’s a song of theirs that reminds me of you,” he finished.

“Sure as long as it’s not “Dude look like a lady,” she teased.

Several moments passed and he had still not sung. She looked up at him seeing the look of concentration on his face as he cleared his throat and began.

Spike stopped singing and looked down at her, Buffy’s eyes were closed, and there was a contented smile on her face.

“You still awake?” he asked.

“Course I am, just living the moment, that was beautiful,” she said as she opened her eyes to look at him.

“No, you’re the beautiful one, for loving someone like me,” he replied.

“Don’t you get it yet? That part is easy,” she replied.

Buffy gently kissed him, a shiver running through her.

“You’re cold, maybe we should be getting back to the cabin it’s getting late,” said Spike.

“Yeah, maybe we should,” she sighed regretfully.

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

Travers sat on the couch of his hotel suite. He was staying in the best hotel in Sunnydale; he had been there for three days now. Unable to leave his room, as he did not want to alert Mr Giles or any of Buffy’s friends to his whereabouts. When his men had made their ill-timed approach to Miss Summers a UC Sunnydale, he had only just arrived in Sunnydale and was on his way from the airport in his chauffeur driven car.

A smug self-satisfied smile rested on his features as he studied the blurry photographs of Buffy and Spike, when they had been caught kissing outside her mother’s home.

It seemed mission had been accomplished after all…but three days ago just when he had thought Buffy was in his grasp she had slipped away with the vampire, aided by her friends. He sighed, it was so much easier controlling the last slayer, she had had no friends to speak of, Buffy was different she was headstrong and independent. Neither of them qualities he admired in a slayer.

There was a knock at the door of his hotel suite; one of his aides entered the room.

“Excuse me sir, we have just got a hold of Mr Giles credit card records, they make for interesting reading. The other friends have not used theirs recently so nothing damning to report there,” said the aide as he handed them to Mr Travers.

“Thank you, that will be all,” said Quentin as he took them from him.

He studied the papers he had been given.

“So Rupert, been buying baby supplies for the happy couple have we?” asked Quentin out aloud.

He threw the papers down on the coffee table, and rubbed at his eyes tiredly. They may have escaped him yet again, but one of them was bound to make a mistake and soon.

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

“I hate all this not knowing if they are okay,” said Xander.

“Sweetie, you said they, does that mean you care about Spike too?” asked Anya.

Xander ignored her comment and turned to face Giles.

“You all know the plan, I am to join them both sometime in the middle of next week. Buffy will be in the later stages of her pregnancy by then,” said Giles.

“And that will help how? Unless you intend to birth her babies,” asked Willow.

Giles looked annoyed at himself.

“Bloody hell, I hadn’t thought of that. I was going to go alone. Looks like I will have to take some kind of medic with me,” sighed Giles.

“Outside help? Too risky,” said Xander.

The gang all looked at each other, hoping one of them would come up with a solution to the current dilemma. After several minutes and discarded ideas, Willow interrupted the debate.

“Oh, I know someone that could help. She’s totally trustworthy and she has actually birthed a baby before,” said Willow enthusiastically.

“Who?” asked Anya, Giles, and Xander in unison.

“My friend Tara, she helped one of her cousins when they didn’t make it to the hospital on time. We were talking about it only the other night, what with all the baby stuff going on around here,” said Willow.

“Okay, ask your friend Willow, but at the first sign anything is not right with Buffy, we make for the nearest hospital, and damn the consequences,” said Giles.

Willow nodded in agreement, and got up to leave.

“I’m on it,” she said as she closed the door.

“Do you think that’s wise?” asked Xander.

“What choice do we have in the circumstances?” asked Giles.

“You could have asked me,” pouted Anya.

“Why would we do that hun?” asked Xander in confusion.

“I’ve birthed babies before, maybe not of the human variety, crotox demons, scaly little suckers, five heads, ” she rambled.

“Tara, sounds a great choice,” said Xander desperately, while watching his girlfriend.

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

“Buffy, please we’ve been here a week now, I have to get out of the woods. If I see another fluffy bunny or cute little squirrel I won’t be responsible for what happens,” growled Spike.

“Cabin fever much?” she asked,

Buffy sighed as she too was feeling the isolation of their surroundings.

“I guess one little trip into town won’t hurt,” she allowed.

Spike took her in his arms, not able to get as close as either of them would like, with her ever-expanding belly coming between them. He stepped back and rested his hands on her stomach possessively. He bent his head to kiss her, his eyes widened as a tiny limb kicked against his hands. It wasn’t the first time he had felt his children move within her, but it never failed to bring a lump to his throat.

“Did you feel that love?” he asked.

“Kinda hard to miss it,” she smiled tenderly at him and shaking her head.

She looked at his face, the breath catching in her throat. She knew with an absolute inner certainty that he was going to make a wonderful father. Better by far, than her, own had ever been. She felt a sorrow rush over her.

“Buffy? What’s wrong?” asked Spike as he felt her sadness.

“Nothing really, just thinking about my dad and how you are nothing like him thank God,” she smiled.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, don’t waste your heart on that poor excuse for a man. If I ever get this chip out of my head, would you like me to pay him a house call?” asked Spike jokingly.

“Tempting, but no,” she giggled as her mood elevated.

“Fine, any time you change your mind…”

“Spike behave, you’re too bad,”

“I’m starting to think that’s why you find me so hot,”

“That and other things,” she grinned as she trailed her fingers down his arm.

Spike touched the tip of his tongue to his lower lip.

“A few hours to kill until sundown, you up for it pet?” he asked motioning towards the bedroom with a tilt of his head.

“Do you need to ask? And by the looks of you, I would say you are already up for it,” she teased as her eyes travelled down to his lower body.

“Always for you, and only for you love,” he smiled as he swept her off her feet and carried her to the bedroom.

They kissed lovingly.

“God, you weigh a ton,” he growled as he kicked the door shut behind them.

TBC

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