Chapter 12

Hope For The Future

Spike walked along Revello drive, he always passed this way to work, although there were quicker routes. It was always on the off chance that he would get a glimpse of his wife. Feeling a little tender emotionally after his earlier run in with Buffy, he strayed nearer to the house than usual. Stalking was his speciality; he quietly walked up the path and snuck around to the rear of the house. Staying in the shadows, he lit a cigarette and waited for someone, Buffy to appear. He didn't have long to wait, Buffy was being led into kitchen by Willow; while Giles it seemed was supporting Joyce. They all looked as if they had received a huge shock, Spike's brow furrowed in concern for Buffy. He strained his ears trying to pick up their conversation.

"Are you sure you are okay Joyce," asked Giles.

"Yes thank you Rupert, the initial shock is starting to fade now," She replied.

"Buffy, how about you?" Giles looked at the slayer in concern.

"Oh you mean apart from being impregnated with demon seed?" she asked sarcastically.

"This is all my fault, I think I'll go wait in the road for a truck to drive over me," said Willow.

"Thank you for the offer Willow, but it won't help matters," Giles scolded.

Giles looked at Buffy intently.

"I hate to ask this Buffy, but is there any chance at all the baby could be anyone else's besides Spike?" He asked.

Buffy's face turned red with indignation at her former watchers question. The vampire listened outside; he still could not believe this conversation. The bit about Buffy being impregnated with demon seed, burned into his brain, he waited for the answer to Giles's question. Never had a question's answer been as important to him, since that day several months ago, when he had asked Buffy to be his wife.

"What do you take me for Giles? Some kind of ho?" she retorted angrily.

"Sorry, had to ask," said Giles apologetically.

"For your information, there is not one doubt in my mind that the child I carry is Spike's," she said firmly.

The cigarette fell from Spike's lips onto the porch, he felt like whooping for joy. He was still puzzled as to how it had happened, but happened it had, he had knocked up his slayer. He was going to be a father; something he had never imagined would happen in his wildest dreams. It made him feel all manly, he wanted to do something for Buffy, a grand gesture, he was determined this kid was going to have a father.

Despite all her protestations; Spike felt hope that Buffy did still love him; she was just being her usual pain in the ass self, that he had come to know and love. He walked off in the direction of the nearest graveyard, whistling softly to himself, he had a purpose. Sod going to work at Willie's this evening; he had better things to do.

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

"Buffy, do you really think you should go on patrol in your condition?" asked her mom.

"Well who else is going to protect Sunnydale for the next eight months I have left?" she asked.

"Well actually, that decision will be decided by the watcher's council, but this is totally unprecedented; a pregnant slayer," said Giles.

"So you are saying I am out of a job?" asked Buffy in disbelief.

"Um well, you can continue your slayer duties until someone else is found to take your place," said Giles awkwardly.

"Considering I am supposed to be the chosen one; a lot of other 'chosen ones' seem to keep popping up," Said Buffy mockingly.

"Well maybe it's for the best sweetheart, you could get hurt," said Joyce.

Buffy let out an angry sigh. She had only found out she was pregnant two hours ago, and already her life was changing out of all recognition.

"I am only pregnant; not dying," said Buffy in irritation.

Willow looked at Buffy, a thought occurring to her.

"So when are you going to tell Spike about the happy event?" she asked her friend.

"I don't know, but it I suppose it wouldn't be fair to conceal it from him, I just don't know if I am ready to cross that bridge yet," sighed Buffy.

"If you must go on patrol tonight; at least let me come with," said Willow.

Buffy looked at the faces of those present, this was one argument she wasn't going to win.

"Sure, whatever," she said, taking her leather jacket from the hall closet and marching out of the front door, Willow trailing behind her.

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

Buffy walked up and down the rows of neatly trimmed graves, her mind was a million miles from Sunnydale at that moment. Willow looked at Buffy out of the corner of her eye.

"Penny for your thoughts Buffy?" she asked her.

"Huh?" said Buffy

"Nothin'" Willow replied.

Buffy looked at willow.

"Willow," she said.

"Yes?" Willow.

"Do you think my baby will be normal?" she asked.

Willow sighed, "I won't lie to you Buffy, it has a mother with slayer powers and the father is a vampire, the odds are stacked against it,"

"Thanks for your honesty Willow, what really worries me is whether it will be soulless like it's father," Buffy admitted.

"You think you have problems? I want to have a life with Oz one day, that includes kids, I'll have to worry if they'll go howling at the moon three days a month; life isn't always perfect Buffy," said Willow angrily.

Buffy giggled at the image her friend had painted.

"It's not funny," said Willow defensively, she looked at her friend, seeing the funny side of it, burst out laughing too.

They were both so caught up in the moment, that neither heard the approaching gang of vampires until one of them grabbed at Willow, he had her in an arm lock, her neck exposed to his sharp fangs.

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

Spike had been wandering around the cemetery for the last two hours, if he saw another mouldering crypt, he would go soddin' mad. Almost ready to give up, he entered an ivy-covered crypt that didn't look like it had been disturbed by man or demon in over half a century. It had a large main chamber, plenty of high small windows and dark corners, it needed a bit of work but it had potential. Spike walked around it, kicking at the dead leaves that littered its floor. He put another foot forward into nothing, falling down a hole in the floor, which had been concealed in the darkness.

Landing hard on his belly, he lay still on the earth floor.

"Where did the bloody floor go?" he groaned, slowly turning over onto his back.

He looked around, he recognised this place, and it was one of the many caves that seemed to be plentiful in Sunnydale. Getting up, he dusted himself off and flicked open his lighter. Spike held up the flame, it would make a perfect bedchamber, his head snapped round as he heard a scream coming from above. His first thoughts were it must be Buffy, in some kind of trouble.

"It must be bleeding Tuesday!" he said under his breath, quickly scrambling up the sides of the cave.

He almost fell out of the crypt door in his effort to reach her, Willow was caught in a vice like grip, a vamp about to make a meal out of her. Buffy was bravely trying to fight off the vampires. Spike reached inside his duster for a stake, he stabbed the vampire holding Willow from behind, and the vamp never even knew what had hit him, as he exploded into dust.

"Thanks Spike, help Buffy," said Willow urgently.

Spike didn't need telling twice, he rushed into the fight, stake raised, ready to kill. The vampires were soon dispatched; Buffy sat on the ground panting.

"What are you doing here? I had everything under control," panted Buffy.

"So does that mean I will be getting your heartfelt gratitude any time soon?" Spike asked.

Spike put out his hand to help her up; he was surprised as she placed her hand in his. He quickly helped her rise, before she changed her mind.

"What the hell do you think you were doing?" asked Spike angrily.

"What I always do, slayer remember?" she said sarcastically.

Spike turned to willow, "And if you were any kind of a friend, then you would have stopped her from even coming out here in the first place,"

Willow looked guiltily at her feet, "You know Buff, if she wants to do something, and then there's no stopping her.

"We'll see about that," said Spike firmly.

Before anyone knew what he was about, he picked up his wife as if she was no more than a feather, and slung her over his shoulder and marched off in the direction of her home.

Buffy pounded ineffectually on Spike's back.

"Put me down right now Spike or I swear I'll stake you right here," Buffy screamed at him.

"You won't do anything to me, you haven't got the balls," said Spike smugly.

Buffy relaxed, admitting defeat, she decided to sit back and just enjoy the ride, and enjoy it she was, she discovered to her surprise.

"What's all the sudden concern with my welfare?" she asked suspiciously.

"It's not sudden, it's always been there," he said quietly.

"Spike, I can look after myself," sighed Buffy.

"Yes, but I promised to protect you, to be your light; can you have forgotten our vows so quickly?" he asked.

Buffy remembered every word; they were etched on her memory. Spike carried her up the path to her home, walking up the steps to the front door, he placed her gently back on her feet. He looked down at her, searching her features for something, she did not know what.

"I know what's going on with you Buffy, you don't believe your feelings are real because of Red's spell; I can wait, I am not going anywhere, just want you to know, I'll never leave you, not like the others. When you decide what you do want, you know where to find me," he said turning to leave.

"Oh, and by the way, no more patrolling, I won't have you risking your life and our baby's, if any patrolling needs doing, I will do it or one of the other scoobies," he said.

Buffy stood there, open mouthed, unable to speak, watching him disappear into the darkness.

"Spike," she said.

But he was already gone.

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

"Did Spike come here tonight mom?" asked Buffy, as she came through the front door.

"No Sweetie, just been me here all evening, where's Willow?" said Joyce.

Buffy suddenly realised her friend wasn't with her, she went over to the window.

"It's okay, she coming up the path now," answered Buffy.

Willow came in, "Where's Spike?" she asked.

"He's gone," said Buffy quietly.

"Oh," said Willow, deciding not to say anymore on the subject.

Buffy looked at her mom and friend, "Spike knows about the baby,"

"Well I didn't tell him," said Joyce defensively.

Buffy looked at Willow.

"Well it certainly wasn't me! Maybe it's a vampire thingy and he could just tell," said Willow.

"Hardly," snorted Buffy.

She got up and walked into the kitchen, she flung open the back door, she looked around the garden, her gaze stopped short on the back steps. Bending down, she picked up a half smoked cigarette and marched back into the lounge.

"I have a stalker, of the vampiric variety, look it's Spike's brand of cigarettes," she said holding it up for them to see.

There was a knock at the front door, Joyce got up from her seat to answer it. Xander and Anya joined them in the lounge.

"Hi Buffy, hi Willow, so what's up," he asked cheerfully.

Buffy looked at Willow, "You tell him, I am too tired, night mom, night all," she said, before quickly disappearing up the stairs.

"Tell me what?" asked Xander in confusion.

"You'd better sit down," said Joyce.

TBC

Chapter 13

Girl Interrupted

Spike entered Giles's apartment, quietly whistling. The aforementioned was at his study table, pouring over one of his dusty tomes; so engrossed in the text; he totally missed the vampire's entrance.

Spike came to stand next to him, "Hello Giles, great evening,"

Giles's head snapped back "Oh God! Spike are you trying to kill me?" he said clutching his chest.

"Sorry, although I wouldn't mind a bit of killing though, slaying vamps is okay, but it's not exactly job satisfaction,"

Giles frowned at him.

"No bleedin' sense of humour, that's your problem; any way I want to ask you about something," said Spike.

"And what might that be?" asked Giles.

"Heard an interesting little conversation in the Summers's kitchen this evening,"

Giles removed his glasses and looked at Spike, "So you know then?"

"Yes, but as to the how and why, a little confused," he replied.

"Maybe a little explanation is in order," sighed Giles.

"I'd appreciate it mate; I'll go get the glasses and you can get that bottle of brandy you're hiding in that copy of "Demonology through the ages,"

Two hours and copious amounts of brandy later; Spike was fully informed about how the miracle had come to pass. He still had trouble taking it all in, he sat there, rubbing his forehead tiredly.

"So now you know; what are you going to do about it?" asked Giles.

"Nothing," Spike said.

"What do you mean nothing!" exploded Giles.

"Calm down, don't get your specs all steamed up, what I was trying to say was, that I am going to let Buffy come to me; told her this evening that I am not going anywhere, the ball is in court," said Spike smugly.

"Isn't that taking an enormous risk?" asked Giles.

"Nah, I know the silly bint loves me, but this loves bitch is taking a time out; besides I have plans," Spike replied.

"Nothing evil I hope?" said Giles.

"Chance would be a fine thing; actually I am planning a surprise for Buffy, of the good variety,"

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

"So let me get this straight, Buffy bought a pendant and now she's pregnant?" asked Xander.

"You are forgetting all the sex, she had to have with Spike sweetie," smiled Anya.

"Thank you Anya, I think I get the picture," said Xander, rolling his eyes

"Buffy is very vulnerable right now, she needs her friends; Xander why don't you go and talk to her? I think she went upstairs because she was afraid of your reaction," said Joyce.

"Oh you mean because of my aversion to pale, dead guys?" he said sardonically.

"Xander! Just go and be a friend ok," scolded Willow.

"Guess I am out voted by all this women power," he said looking around the room.

Xander got up from his seat and made his way up the stairs, this was one conversation he wasn't looking forward to, a hormone-fuelled slayer. He'd rather face a nest of vamps any night. The others just didn't seem to understand that ever since a vamp had killed one of his best friends, Jesse; he'd lost all his warm and fuzzy feelings towards the undead. Buffy was his friend too, so he pushed his view on the subject aside, knocking on her bedroom door.

"Hey Buff, can I talk to you a moment," he asked

"What do you want?" came the voice from inside.

It sounded muffled, like she had been crying. Xander opened the door; Buffy was lying on her bed; she had face pressed into her pillows. Xander came to sit down on the bed, beside her. She looked so tiny, what was it about this girl; she was far stronger than all of them put together, but it made you want to hold her in your arms and sooth the pain away.

"Oh Xander, if you have come to give me a lecture on having a vampire for a husband and being pregnant; that's something I don't need right now,"

"Actually I came to ask if you had chosen the Godparents yet?" he smiled.

Buffy launched herself into his arms, "Thanks Xander, so we are ok then?" she asked, smiling through her tears.

"Still can't believe you are having the bleached evil one's child though," he said into her hair.

"Don't spoil it now," she said warningly.

"Ok" Xander said gently.

"I just don't know what to do about Spike, the longer time goes on the harder it seems to be," she said sadly.

"Do you love him?" asked Xander.

"I don't know, that's the problem, I know I don't hate him anymore; I have figured that much out,"

"As much as I dislike Spike, I keep hearing tales of how happy he's made you these past few months; that has to count for something Buffy,"

Buffy looked at Xander, wide eyed.

"Ok where is Xander and what have you done with him?" she giggled.

"I guess it's just my way of saying sorry; for giving you the third degree about being with him," he said apologetically.

"Already forgotten," She said, hugging him again.

"I could get used to this, oh but in the best friend kinda way," he blushed.

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

Spike walked nonchalantly through the graveyard, it was tiring all this new responsibility, patrolling, keeping down a job and trying to provide shelter for his prospective family. God, if Dru could see him now, she wouldn't stop cackling for weeks, but strangely it all seemed right to him somehow.

He had managed to keep away from Buffy for nearly a week now, Giles gave him a daily report of his wife anyway. He had spent a couple of evening standing outside her window, but he had tried to give her the space she needed. He was starting to feel a little frustrated sexually. Six months of doing it like rabbits, then bam! Nothing. Spike wondered if Buffy was feeling the same way, she had enjoyed the physical side of their relationship as much as he had, hadn't he read somewhere that pregnancy made you more horny?

Spike entered the crypt he'd decided to make into a home for them, as soon as Buffy came to her senses, that is. It looked very different from a week ago. Gone were the dead leaves and cobwebs. He had managed to liberate some very nice furniture from an abandoned house. Rugs littered the stone floor, giving it a homier feel; he just hoped she would like it. Spike descended to the lower level by means of a ladder he had installed after his unfortunate accident.

After a little exploration of this subterranean point, Spike had managed to tinker with the Sunnydale electricity supply that powered the local street lamps. The running water, he was still working on, but Rome wasn't built in a day, he unpacked the bag of tools that he had "borrowed" from the whelp's basement, getting on with the job of assembling the bed he had taken in pieces from the abandoned house, it would need a new mattress though, the old one had smelt of cat pee. Even a master vampire had his standards.

A couple of hours and a pair of sore thumbs later, Spike stood back to look at his work.

"Not bad, even if I say so myself, Spike the demonic handyman, who would have guessed?" he laughed.

He looked up as he heard a disturbance from inside the crypt, on the upper level. He took his stake from the back pocket of his jeans and slowly climbed the ladder.

"No rest for the wicked," he sighed.

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

Buffy climbed out of her bedroom window and shimmied down the drainpipe, dropping the last couple of feet to the ground. She looked at her watch, it was late, but she just couldn't sleep. The house was in darkness, Willow and Joyce had retired long ago, and she had been feeling restless all evening.

Walking out alone at this late hour was asking for trouble, but if she didn't get some time away, she'd go mad. Everyone was treating her like glass. Even Spike had infuriated with his highhandedness of the previous week, being carried over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes wasn't her idea of fun. Even though it had given her the chance to feel the solid muscle beneath the black leather. She shivered involuntarily, suddenly feeling a little warm at the train her thoughts were taking.

Buffy was starting to miss the closeness she'd had with Spike. Surely she must feel something for him, she reasoned to herself, she was having his child and the idea far from disgusted her, it wasn't just that, her mind and her body kept reliving those NC-17 moments of their relationship. Buffy looked up realising for the first time, where her feet had led her. She was in the middle of the graveyard.

"Damn, if Spike sees me here, I'll be in deep shit," she cursed, quickly looking around, breathing a sigh of relief at the emptiness of her surroundings.

Buffy froze as she felt an arm snake around her waist; she grabbed the hand and threw her assailant effortlessly over her shoulder. She jumped on her intended victim, pinning him to the ground.

"Buffy luv, if you wanted to get low down and dirty, all you had to do is ask," groaned her bleached spouse.

Buffy sat on Spike, still straddling him and speechless for once,

"You wouldn't be patrolling by any chance?" he growled at her warningly.

"No, I was out walking, I couldn't sleep, I have my first doctors appointment tomorrow, kinda weighed heavily on my mind," she admitted.

Spike's eyes widened, gently flipping her over onto the ground and partially covering her body with his own.

"Spike, what are you doing?" she asked.

His hand travelled slowly down her body, causing her to shiver, it rested on the edge of her sweater, before slipping beneath the fabric and touching the bare skin of her abdomen. Buffy gritted her teeth against the gasp of pleasure that was trying to escape from her mouth. She waited for his hand to move, opening her eyes in disappointment as it stayed there, caressing her softly.

"I am feeling our child," he said possessively.

"Really, well it's about the size of a peanut right now, wouldn't have thought there was a lot to feel," she said huffily.

"What's the matter? Mommy feeling uncared for?" he drawled.

"No!" Buffy denied, shoving Spike off of her and quickly getting to her feet.

"Ever in denial, you know pet, you can only vacation in Egypt for so long," he mocked her, closing the distance between them.

Buffy licked her lips in anticipation, the movement was not lost on Spike, and he smiled at her with smug satisfaction. He touched his own lips with the tip of his tongue; knowing it drove her wild, when he did that. She held her breath, closing her eyes leaning in for his kiss.

"Night luv," he whispered seductively in her ear.

Buffy 's eyes snapped open, in surprise, but he was gone. She looked around the graveyard in angry frustration. Damn him his preternatural speed. Well she wasn't going to beg, was she? Buffy marched off in the direction of her home, kicking at a tombstone and knocking it over.

"Oops," she said

Spike came out from behind a crypt, lighting a cigarette, he chuckled softly, watching her retreating form disappear into the night.

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

Willow sat in Buffy's bedroom, waiting for her friend to return, she didn't want to wake Joyce and frighten her. She herself had woken over half an hour ago to make a trip to the bathroom and had decided to check on Buffy, only to find her bed empty and unused. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Buffy at the window, panic had been getting the better of her, five more minutes and then she would had to disturb Joyce.

Willow went over to the window to help her friend through.

"Buffy where have you been, I hope you haven't been patrolling," scolded Willow.

"Why does everyone always think I am patrolling? Can't a girl just be taking a walk?" snapped Buffy.

"Sorry, but your walks do have a tendency to include sharp pointy things and hand to hand combat," apologised Willow.

"Well there was someone who could have done with one of those sharp pointy thingies," said Buffy angrily.

Willow frowned, then her brow cleared.

"You bump into Spike?" she asked.

"Got it on one," Buffy replied, sitting on her bed and thumping the innocent pig, Mr Gordo.

"How did that go?" enquired Willow.

"Don't want to talk about it," she said.

"Ok, I get it, see you in the morning when you're feeling more human," said Willow rising.

She left Buffy to get some sleep, a slow smile spread across Willow's face, maybe she didn't want to talk about her feelings for Spike, but she would do, in fact, by the time Willow had finished with her, she would be singing like the proverbial canary. A plan was already forming in her mind, now all she needed to do was call a Scooby meeting, minus one member, but that could wait until the morning.

TBC

Chapter 14

The Truth Hurts Baby

Buffy quickly got out of bed, she was running late, the stupid alarm clock had failed to go off. She groaned as she felt her stomach churning, quickly putting a hand to her mouth, she gagged.

"Oh God," she groaned, touching her forehead.

Buffy slowly lay back down, wishing the waves of nausea to retreat. She gagged again getting the message her body was trying to tell her. Racing for the bathroom with breakneck speed, she dry heaved over the toilet bowl. Slowly rising to her feet, she went over the basin.

"Welcome to the wonderful world of morning sickness," Buffy told her reflection in the mirror.

The girl who stared back at her looked pale and tired. She went back to her room, her movements slow, fearful of bringing on another bout of sickness. She slowly descended the stairs, joining her mom in the kitchen.

"Hi buffy, you don't look so good this morning," said Joyce anxiously.

"I don't feel so good," she replied.

"Morning sickness," stated Joyce.

"How did you know?" asked Buffy.

"Mom here, remember? What you need are some dry crackers and water," smiled Joyce affectionately.

"Couldn't eat a thing; really," Buffy insisted.

"Just sit down," ordered Joyce.

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

Buffy walked to the doctor's office, feeling much better after her Mother's home remedy. She entered the doctor's office; apart from a receptionist, the place was pretty empty. She advanced towards the desk, smiling at the woman behind it.

"Name?" asked the woman

"Buffy Lovejoy," she replied automatically.

"Okay, go to examination room 5, the doctor will be with you shortly, you will find a gown to change into, already there," said the woman going back to her notes on the desk.

Buffy entered the room, there was a tray of scary looking surgical instruments on one side, and an examination couch dominated the centre of the room. Buffy looked at the blue gown folded on a chair. She picked it up and eyed it critically.

"Not really my style, but not trying to impress anyone here," she sighed, as she began to undress.

She lay on the couch, waiting for the doctor to appear, closing her eyes for a moment. The door opened and closed, Buffy opened her eyes.

"Hello Doctor Green," she said.

"Hello Luv," Spike replied.

Buffy sat up.

"What are you doing here Spike?" she demanded.

"Same reason as you pet, our baby," he grinned at her wickedly.

"I didn't ask you to come," she said.

"Oh, so casually mentioning last night that you had your first doctors appointment today wasn't an invite?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"No!" she denied too quickly.

"Come on Buffy, admit it, I am getting under your skin and you hate it because you can't even blame it on a spell anymore," he smiled.

"So not true!" she denied.

Spike walked toward her.

"Care to test that theory?"

"Not here, some could come in," she said frantically.

"There might even be room for two on your little couch," he said

"Spike," she wailed, her resolve crumbling.

He touched the hem of her short gown.

"Sexy," he mocked.

"The idea is to have a check up, not to look sexy," Buffy replied.

"Are you naked under this?" Spike asked.

"No," she lied.

"Then what are your bra and panties doing on the chair over there?" he said seductively.

Heat flooded Buffy's face, Spike looked at her rising colour.

"No need to be shy with me Luv, I've seen it all before and in many different positions," he chuckled softly.

Spike lowered his blonde head, Buffy kept her eyes wide open, she was afraid, if she closed them, he would be gone like last night. He gently touched his lips to hers, Buffy was frustrated with the lightness of the kiss; her traitorous body craved his passion. She pulled his head down closer, grinding her lips against his. Several weeks of depravation were taking its toll on Spike; he felt the need welling up inside him with white- hot intensity. He positioned himself on the couch, so he was partly covering her, still mindful of their growing child.

"This isn't real," she gasped, between his heated kisses on her lips and throat

"Feels pretty real to me," he panted.

The door opened and closed.

"Ah hem!" coughed the doctor.

The lovers pulled guiltily apart, Spike quickly hopped off the couch.

"Sorry Doc," he apologised.

The doctor ignored the apology, walking over to Buffy.

"Good morning Mrs Lovejoy, Mr Lovejoy, I presume?" he said stiffly, looking at Spike.

"No actually, I just came in here off the street and she begged me for a quickie," said Spike acerbically.

"Spike! Yes he is Mr Lovejoy, that was just his attempt at humour; he's English," said Buffy quickly.

"That explains everything," said the doctor.

"Hey! Take that back," Spike replied.

"Moving on; let's try and work out how far along you are, we will be doing an ultrasound scan today as routine," said the Doc.

Buffy told him her dates of her last period.

"By my calculations, that makes you about six weeks," let's have a look at what's going on inside you," he said.

Buffy pulled the sheet up to her lower half and lifted the edge of her gown, exposing her still flat stomach. He squeezed the blue gel on her stomach.

"Ooh, that's cold," she shivered.

"What's that for doc?" asked Spike.

"It's so I can run the scanner over your wife's stomach easier," said the Doc.

He switched on the scanner, and monitor, running the device over Buffy's tummy.

"And there is your baby," said the doctor, beaming at them and pointing at the screen.

"I don't bloody see anything," Spike swore.

"Spike you are kinda ruining the moment, hey I don't see anything either," Buffy cried.

The doctor sighed and raised his eyebrows, it was always the same with these early scans, but it was procedure. He pointed to the screen and explained what was what. Spike walked over to the monitor for a closer look.

"Now I see it, look Buffy, there," Spike said in wonder.

"Oh yeah so it is," she said trying to sound impressed, but still unable to see anything.

"Can we get pics doc?" asked Spike.

"No problem, " he replied

The doctor's beeper went off.

"Excuse me for a moment please," he said walking out of the room.

Spike walked over to Buffy and pressed a kiss on her tummy.

"Ugh, I forgot about the gel," said Spike, his lips covered in the blue gunge.

"Spike go home," she sighed.

Spike's brow furrowed and he vamped out into his game face.

"Buffy, why do you torment me so? I should bloody give up on you stupid bints; all you do is blow hot and cold. If that doc hadn't come in you would have been begging me for round three by now,"

"Well he did, and I have woken up to myself since then," she said arrogantly.

"Don't push me to far slayer, there's only so much a man can take," he warned.

His face morphed back into his human features, he picked up his discarded blanket from off the examination room floor and slammed out of the room, ripping the door from it's hinges.

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

Buffy returned home to a full house. Giles, Willow, Anya and Xander all sat around the dining room table.

"Hi all, If I didn't know better, I'd say this was one of those meetings of a secret kind," said Buffy suspiciously.

"Nope, we were just discussing the finer points of microwave popcorn," said Xander.

Joyce entered the room with a tray of hot chocolate for all the occupants.

Hi Buffy, how'd the doctor's appointment go?" asked her mom.

"Fine, here's the pictures," snapped Buffy throwing them down on the table.

She marched off upstairs. She just knew they were keeping something from her. Fine if they didn't want her around she would make it easy for them, and get out of the way. After she departed, they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"That was close," said Giles, pulling a book from beneath the table.

They all pulled book and documents from similar hiding places. Anya picked up the pictures of Buffy's baby.

"Is that what our baby will look like sweetie," she asked Xander innocently.

"Yes, if in many years we decide to marry and have children," he explained.

"It's just that, I stopped taking my contraceptive pill last week, because I thought it would be nice if we could have a baby too," she informed him.

The room went silent, Xander's face turned the colour of the pages of the research book, he was using.

"Anya," he began.

"Look this is totally off subject," complained Willow.

Giles looked pityingly at Xander, "Yes do continue please Willow, our private concerns are not the issue, plenty of time for that later,"

"Ok, has anyone had any luck finding out the natural habitat or hangouts of the Hakika demon?" She asked.

"The Haki- whatty?" Asked Xander.

Willow sighed, "I already told you, and you weren't listening,"

"Oh, that's because I was stroking his thigh under the table, at that point of the conversation," beamed Anya.

"The Hakika demon originates from Africa, it is a very docile creature, but it has one very dangerous aspect to it, in it's time it has been responsible for causing all kinds of wars and conflicts," Giles informed them.

"And we want to find one of these because?" asked Xander in bewilderment.

"They are rather amorous, with long protruding tongues, they kiss their victim, causing saliva transference. Their saliva causes its prey to speak the absolute truth, and the good part, no magic involved, I don't trust myself after the last incident," Willow admitted

"Is it permanent?" asked Anya.

"To a degree, the person effected finds lying a lot harder," said Giles.

"Is it safe, you know with Buffy being pregnant and all," asked Joyce.

"Absolutely, all we have to do is lure her out on patrol and hopefully the demon will do it's worst, or best in this case. Buffy will admit she loves Spike and we can all get back to normal," said Willow hopefully.

"Amen to that, I just don't see Buffy getting all hot and heavy with this demon guy," said Xander.

" She didn't have any trouble getting hot and heavy with Spike, he's a demon. Where do we find one of these Hakika's then?" said Anya.

"Willies might be a good place to start, something there might know where to find one," suggested Giles.

"Right we are on it," said Xander, grabbing Anya.

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

Buffy flopped on the bed in despair, she had been a prize bitch and she knew it. She was in the wrong, she knew that too, but her stubborn pride wouldn't allow her to admit that to Spike. Why did she always push those who loved her away? Those who loved her? Realisation dawned on her, Spike did really love her, she had been in doubt of his feelings too, but he had never once retracted all the sentiments he had expressed to her.

Many guys would have been long gone by now, she thought about Angel, she had always thought he would be the love of her life, but in his case, when the going got tough, Angel had got going. Spike had stayed through it all, even when they weren't friends; he always came back to Sunnydale; to her. Her hand rested on her flat stomach, she could feel the new life growing inside of her, he/she deserved better, even Spike deserved better than she had given him so far. She had some big decisions to make, fear clutched at her heart when she remembered Spike's words; that there was only so much a man could take? What did that mean?

She sighed tiredly, and lay on her bed, closing her eyes for a moment, blissfully ignorant of her friends plotting, she dozed off.

TBC

Chapter 15

With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

Buffy awoke with a start, the room was darkness, and she must have been asleep for hours. Stretching, she got off the bed and went downstairs. Willow was reclining on the sofa, watching the history channel.

"Hey Buff, nice nap?" Willow asked.

"How long was I asleep, why didn't anyone wake me?" Buffy asked.

"We thought it best to leave you, being an expectant mom and all," Willow smiled.

"When are you lot going to get into your heads that I am only pregnant, not suffering from a terminal sickness?" snapped Buffy.

"Ooh, sounds like some one got out of the wrong side of the bed, anyway as it happens, I was supposed to patrol tonight with Xander; he can't make it, wanna come with?" asked Willow.

"Do I ever? It's been days since I've had any action, well of the fighty kind," said Buffy blushing as she remembered the action she had got in the doctor's office that morning with Spike.

Willow smiled a satisfied smile; she had taken the bait, hook, line and sinker. Xander had only called ten minutes ago; someone at "Willies" had known a demon, which knew a demon that could help them. She looked at her watch; the event was planned for in an hour's time.

"So what are we looking for?" asked Buffy.

"Nuthin' too dangerous, just your average common vamps," said Willow.

"My favourite," she smiled.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Giles, I'm moving out," said Spike

"What do you mean?" asked Giles

"Got myself a place in the graveyard near Buffy's," house," he replied.

"A crypt?" asked Giles in surprise.

"Yep, was kinda hoping to make it a home for Buffy and I, but after today I don't know," he said sadly.

"You will keep in touch?" asked Giles.

"I will at that, thanks for putting me up, these last few weeks, any time you might want to drop by, look for the "Harper crypt," Spike told him.

Giles patted Spike comfortingly on the shoulder; the vampire proceeded to gather up his meagre belongings and headed out into the night.

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

Xander and Anya sat in the bushes, a large basket by their side, it was a cold night, Anya was far from happy and her legs were beginning to cramp.

"A Hakika demon once tried to date me back in the Victorian times, I just couldn't get past the height difference," she said.

"Did one of those little suckers ever kiss you?" asked Xander

"No, why do you ask?" said Anya.

"Oh nothing, would just explain a lot, that's all," said Xander ironically.

"Sssh, I think I hear someone coming," Anya whispered.

Xander poked his head through the bushes.

"Oh, it's only Spike," he said relieved.

Spike stopped in his tracks, sniffing the air, he walked over to the bush that concealed the couple.

"Nice night for sitting in the bushes? Well it's gotta be an improvement on your basement, hasn't it?" asked Spike.

"It's my fault we're here, I wanted to try sex in a graveyard, the thought of all those dead bodies, just call me kinky," she smiled.

Xander groaned and rolled his eyes.

Spike noticed the basket, "What's in the basket, Harris?" he asked

"Nuthin' just a present for Buffy, it's her birthday soon," Xander lied.

"Yes, and we are trying to patrol, so if you don't mind," said Anya.

"Fine I know when I'm not bloody wanted!" snapped Spike, marching off angrily.

"That was close, if he'd had any idea what we were up to, he would have stopped us," breathed Xander with a sigh of relief.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Willow and Buffy walked through the graveyard, Buffy had her stake at the ready, eager to slay, also mindful of the fact, that should her other half catch her here, she might be the one who got slayed.

"Seems pretty dead here tonight," quipped Buffy.

Willow groaned, "Graveyard, remember? Things are supposed to be dead,"

Buffy sighed in disappointment.

They came to stop at a large bushy area.

"Willow, I don't think anything is going to happen tonight, let's just go home, this was a bad idea," said Buffy dolefully.

"Wait!" said Willow desperately.

A rustling in the bushes caught Buffy's attention, she turned sharply, looking at Willow.

"What was that?" asked Buffy.

"We'd better check it out," said Willow, trying to repress a smile.

Buffy edged slowly forward, stake raised. Anya popped her head out of the bush.

"Surprise!" beamed Anya.

Xander slapped his hand against his forehead.

"Anya, I said we needed the element of surprise! Not that we were doing her a surprise," whispered Xander angrily

"Sorry hun," said Anya apologetically.

Xander decided to make the best of a bad situation, he dragged the basket out of the bushes.

"Sorry to lure you here under false pretences, but we got you a little gift," smiled Xander.

"What is it?" asked Buffy.

"Have a look, I'm sure you will like it," encouraged Willow.

Buffy knelt on the grass and undid the leather straps.

"Thanks you guys, you really are best," said Buffy.

Buffy lifted the lid to the basket, in a blinding flash a scaly hand pulled her head inside the basket, as she was taken off guard. She opened her mouth to scream, which was cut off by a large wet tongue being thrust into her mouth. She instinctively bit down on it, which caused the "thing" to yelp. Buffy quickly did up the straps and threw the basket at Xander.

"Ewwww! What the crap was that!" She asked, looking at her friends in fury.

"You okay Buffy?" asked Willow.

"Great! I love having demons, or what ever that was, trying to give me a frenchie," snapped Buffy.

"Well Spike's a demon, I am sure you didn't mind his tongue, I'm an ex- demon and Xander says he like my tongue, especially when I," Anya got no further as Xander interrupted her.

"Anya! Enough already, there was supposed to be a cute little kitten in there, must have been a mix up at the pet store," said Xander innocently.

"I don't feel so good," Buffy complained.

"What is it?" asked Willow in concern.

"My tongue hurts," said Buffy.

"Oh, that'll pass," said Willow unthinkingly.

"What! You lot better tell me what was in the basket, right now, please don't tell me it's related to that demon that gave me the power to read people's minds?" she asked fearfully.

"It was a Hakika demon," admitted Anya.

"A Hakki- whatty?" asked Buffy.

"In other words a truth demon," said Willow guiltily.

Buffy held up her hands in despair.

"What great friends I have, I am going home!" She said, striding away.

"That's done it!" sighed Xander.

"Yep, I think it has," said Willow grinning from ear to ear.

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

Buffy entered her home, slamming the door hard, her mom came out of the kitchen, ready for bed. She noted the scowl on her daughter's face.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"Don't get me started mom, I'm not in the mood right now," Buffy replied.

Joyce decided to test the waters, to see if Willow had been successful in her plan; she asked her daughter a question she thought she might lie about.

"How much did your little trip to Vegas cost me?" asked Joyce.

Buffy stood there staring at her mother, a look of extreme exertion on her face as she struggled to stall giving her mom an answer.

"Oh! About $4,000," blurted out Buffy through clenched lips.

"Buffy!" Said her mom in stunned silence.

Maybe too much truth wasn't such a good thing. Buffy looked guiltily at the carpet.

"I need to find Spike, I have something I need to tell him, plus I want to get him in the sack, I'm gonna have him staring at ceiling tiles all night!"

Buffy slapped a hand over her mouth in horror.

"I have to get out of here, before I say something I'll really regret," she groaned.

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

Buffy hammered on the door of Giles's apartment.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming," said a voice bad-temperedly from behind the door.

Giles sleepily opened the door to an anxious looking Buffy.

"Is Spike here?" asked Buffy urgently.

Giles rubbed tired eyes.

"No, he's gone," he replied.

"You mean working at Willies?" said Buffy.

"No, gone in, has moved out," Giles replied.

"You don't mean he's left Sunnydale? Oh my God, it's all my fault, I was such a bitch to him!" she wailed.

"Now calm down, he hasn't gone anywhere, try the cemetery near your home; he's taken up residence in a crypt there," he told her.

"Which one? There are so many crypts there," she said.

"I think he said the old Harper crypt," he replied.

"Thanks Giles I could kiss you, in fact I think I will," she said quickly kissing his cheek.

She turned to go. Giles smiled contentedly.

"You ever thought of dating my mom, I mean, both of you have already got past the preliminaries. The sex on the police car and all that,"

Giles made a choking sound.

"I have to go," she said desperately.

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

Spike, settled down in his armchair, surveying his new residence. The room had a warm glow from the many candles, it all felt hollow to him. This crypt was not a home, it was missing his mate, and downstairs was all finished now. He'd even bought a few items of baby clothes, stored away in a chest, for their impending child.

His chest ached; glad to have no beating heart, to make the pain worse. He took a large swallow of vodka from the glass in his hand. Spike switched on the TV; even the new series of Dawson starting couldn't rouse his interest. This was worse than Druscilla leaving him.

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

Buffy neared the crypt; the small high windows glowed. It looked out of place in the surrounding darkness, she arrived at the door, her hand on the latch, hesitating slightly, and then she shoved the heavy wooden door open.
Spike's head spun round at the intrusion, relaxing as he saw the intruder.

" To what do I owe the honour of this visit?" he said arching an eyebrow.

She stood looking at him, hands on her hips.

"So when were you gonna tell me you'd moved?" she asked.

"Didn't think you were interested," he replied.

"Of course I am interested in you, all of your parts interest me," she said licking her lips.

Spike felt himself responding against his will.

"Especially the more noticeable ones," she said, her gaze focusing on his lap.

"Look, Buffy, if a little bit of cold comfort is all, you're here for, then you can get stuffed,"

"Bit late for that, you already stuffed me good and proper," she giggled, touching her belly.

"Stop playing games Buffy, my heart can only take so much rejection," he growled.

"Nice place you have here, I like it," she said trying to evade his answer.

"Buffy!" he exclaimed

"Ok, you wanna know why I'm here, I'll tell you, and I am going to be truthful, I don't have any choice in that," she sighed.

Spike sat back in his seat. "This will make a refreshing change," he said smugly.

TBC

Chapter 16

All's Well That Ends Well?

"What do you mean, you have to be honest?" asked Spike, his curiosity peaked.

"It's Willow and the others, they did something to me," Buffy told him.

"If this is another one of her spells, chip or no chip I am gonna kill her," growled Spike.

"I honestly don't know, I was er um snogged by some demon, hakki something or other," she said.

Spike doubled up in his chair, his shoulders shaking with laughter. He wiped away his tears.

"When I see that red, I'm gonna kiss her, this is priceless, I can ask you anything, and you can't lie about it love," he smiled.

"I've already discovered that, please don't tell me it's permanent, that I'll be like Anya forever," she wailed.

"No, it wears off in time, but lying is gonna be a whole lot harder for you, from now on,"

Buffy looked at Spike, a depressed acceptance settled on her.

"You wanted to know the reason for my visit," she reminded him.

"When you're ready," encouraged Spike.

Spike gave her a hard look. Buffy struggled to stop the words, issuing themselves from her lips.

"Okay, I wanted to make love to you, I want you Spike, I've always wanted you," she sighed sadly.

"Since when?" he asked.

Buffy scrunched up her lips.

"Since the first night at the bronze," she admitted.

"I know what you mean, I stalked you that night, watching you dance, I was mesmerised by you, but I was with Dru at the time, I am a one woman man Buffy," he told her.

"I know," she said quietly.

"So you want to make love, I am more that willing to help you with that, but its not enough Buffy, I need more,"

She walked over to where he sat and knelt down in front of him, taking his hands in her own. She stroked across their surface with her thumbs. Spike noticed the gold wedding band still placed on her finger, he touched it.

"You didn't take your rings off, I never noticed before, if you don't love me any more, why wear them?" He asked.

"You know why, because I would rather die, then part with them," she said still trying to edge away from the question.

Spike smiled, biting the bullet he asked the million-dollar question.

"Do you love me Buffy?" he asked, terrified of the answer, but needing to know, as if his whole un-life hinged on it.

"I love you so much, that I don't know where I begin, and you end anymore," she smiled through her tears.

Spike was moved by her admission, there was no spell, this was real, but for him it had always been real, it had taken Willow's will spell for him to realise that. Even harmony had been nothing but a Buffy substitute. It was the answer he had been waiting to hear, he swept her up in his arms, he leaned in to kiss her, his lips almost touching hers, he pulled back, his ears pricking up almost visibly, a look of concentration on his face.

"What is it?" she asked

"Sshhh!" he replied.

"Oh great! I tell you I love you and you tell me to shut up," she pouted, pulling out of his embrace.

"Buffy!" he growled.

"Fine! I'll just be going then," she snapped.

"Don't you bloody dare!" he grabbed her and flung her over his shoulder.

"Spike! The cave man act is starting to wear a bit thin," she said, punching him hard on the back.

Spike ignored her protests and started down the ladder with her, to the lower level.

"Stop squirming about, or we'll both take a tumble," he warned.

"I thought you'd never ask," she giggled.

Spike carefully descended the ladder; he carried Buffy over to the huge bed and dumped her on it.

"Lie down," he ordered.

"What ever happened to foreplay?" she asked mockingly.

"Please just humour me on this one okay?" he pleaded.

Buffy sighed and lay down on the bed. Spike knelt by her side, on the floor. He lifted up the edge of her top and unbuttoned her jeans. His cold fingers brushed against her bare stomach, she shivered responsively.

"That's more like it," she sighed in contentment as he lowered his head.

Spike lowered his head, placing an ear against her stomach, Buffy waited for him to move, minutes passed, she started getting impatient.

"Spike, what are you doing, this is the worst foreplay ever, if you carry on much longer, I shall fall asleep," she complained huffily.

"If you must know, I am listening to our son or daughter," he replied gruffly.

"What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled.

"Upstairs when we were talking, I thought I could hear another heartbeat besides, yours," he said, lifting his head to look at her.

"This means then?" she asked.

"Our child has a soul, I know it's been worrying you, I always could read you like a book, except when it came to me," he said.

Buffy's face crumpled as the tears started to fall fast, unheeded down her cheeks.

"So does this mean you don't mind the being impregnated by demon seed anymore?" he asked.

"How'd you know I said that, I didn't mean it at the time, it was just the shock talking," Buffy replied.

"How do you really feel about the baby Buffy?" asked Spike.

"I love him or her, as much as I love you, it's part of you Spike, I wish you could know the experience of carrying a part of your lover inside of you, knowing you have created another person from that love, it's breathtaking," she admitted.

Spike moved up the bed, coming to rest alongside Buffy, he took her into his arms. He rested his chin on her soft hair.

"I am liking this honesty thing, why didn't Willow think of it sooner?" he asked.

"Guess she didn't figure on me being such a stubborn ass, I really am an ass, aren't I Spike?" she asked.

"I am not saying anything for fear of a severe beating," He grinned.

"I nearly threw away the best thing that ever happened to me, because of foolish pride, I've missed this," she sighed contentedly.

"Missed what?"

"The snuggling," she smiled

"Anything else? You only have to say the words Buffy," he prompted.

"Okay, but I would've thought it was wicked obvious, make love to me Spike, now before I die of the depravation, I need you now," she begged.

"A fellow don't need asking twice, oh ,but this is the second time you've asked me!" he grinned, kissing her parted lips.

"Now it's your turn to shut up, I am gonna have you so many times, you won't be able to walk for a week," she said forcefully, she flipped him over onto his back.

"Hey that's supposed to be my line, but hearing you talk dirty, I like it; say something else," said Spike.

Buffy leaned forward to whisper in his ear.

"Ooh slayer, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" he purred.

He opened his mouth to say more, but Buffy's lips silenced him with a kiss, . "Actions speak louder than words my love," she whispered, before nibbling at his lobe.

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

Joyce sat around the dining room table with Giles and Willow, Anya and Xander. She was frowning, anxiety etched on her features.

"It's been two days Rupert, I'm starting to get worried, I know she's a married woman now, but she's still my little girl," said Joyce.

"Yes I must admit, it's been a while," he replied.

Giles looked at the others seated around the table, he took off his glasses and threw them on its surface.

"Do you think we should send out a search party?" he asked the assembled group.

"Hadn't we better wait for Buffy to come to us?" Asked Willow.

"I think it's so sweet, Spike making a home for them, even if it is in the graveyard, why don't you ever do anything like that for me Xander?" Anya complained.

"We've already discussed this, why do you have to bring our personal issues out in the open all the time?" said Xander.

"You're ashamed of me, I can tell, that's why you keep me hidden away in that smelly basement, Spike thinks Buffy is special enough, to get them their own place," she whined.

Xander held up his hands in despair.

"I give up, I just can't win can I?" he appealed to the others.

Anya's face grew red; she opened her mouth to reply. She was silenced by the couple who burst through the front door, both of them laughing like a pair of kids.

"Hi guys, what with all the sad faces?" asked Buffy.

"Well we have been worrying about you, no word since you left here two nights ago, I've been out of my mind with worry," said her mother.

"Sorry mom, I didn't think, Spike and I have been busy kissing and making up," Buffy grinned.

"Oh so you didn't have any sex then?" asked Anya.

Buffy flushed bright red.

"We did actually, been doing it like bunnies for nearly 48 hours. Oh my God, I am cursed!" said Buffy slapping a hand over her mouth.

Spike frowned. He looked over at Xander.

"I think I finally understand what you go through mate," said Spike with heavy sympathy.

"Bunnies? Ewwww! Why would you want to do it like bunnies, they are evil nasty little creatures," Said Anya.

"So have you sorted things out between you two?" You know that spell I cast, it wasn't a love spell, that all came from you two, it just brought out your hidden desires," said Willow.

"Yes, she loved me all along, she was afraid the feelings weren't real because of the said spell; thanks for the kissy demon, by the way," said Spike gratefully, he walked over to Willow and gave her a quick kiss.

"Hey I helped too," protested Xander.

"You want Spike to kiss you too? You're not becoming gay are you Xander?" Anya asked him.

Xander eyes rolled heavenward.

"No! I was just thinking a little modicum of gratitude may have been in order, that's all, well never mind" Xander shrugged.

Xander got up from his chair and walked over to Spike, he held out his hand. Spike stared at it for a moment, before firmly taking it in his own.

"No hard feelings Spike? I guess that's my way of saying sorry; I haven't always been fair to you, but I am willing to give you a chance, you seem to be pretty good for Buffy, her happiness is important to me," said Xander.

Spike swallowed hard. He felt like he was finally being accepted, into a real family and it felt good.

"Thanks," he replied gruffly.

Buffy hugged Xander, and moved on to her husband, wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him in for a kiss. Buffy's hand worked it's way under his shirt, she ran her fingers over his tight stomach, her other hand crept into his hair, ruffling it.

"Ahem!" coughed Giles.

The couple broke apart.

"Sorry kinda got caught up in the moment," Buffy flushed.

"Thought that was the whole reason, you got your own place, so there would be no more of this get a roominess," said Xander.

"Thank you Xander," smiled Buffy.

"For what?" he asked puzzled

"For reminding me, that there's a perfectly good bed going to waste, come on Spike you can help me PACK, my clothes," she said pulling at his red shirt.

"Never heard it called that before love, but I am more than willing to help you with the packing," he grinned.

"Oh, I don't really want to pack, we haven't had sex for half an hour, it's killing me," her eyes rolled as her wayward tongue let her down again.

Xander gave Spike a pitying look, they both looked at each other in total empathy.

"Come on Mrs Lovejoy, let's get started with that packing," he said, leading her in the direction of the stairs.

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

Buffy and Spike lay together on her bed, Buffy crushed Spike to her.

"Careful there Buff, a couple of broken ribs won't enhance any future performance," he groaned.

"I just wanted to make sure you were real, this is like a dream, I never want to wake from," she said.

"Suppose we ought to get on and do some real packing," he said regretfully.

"Thank you," she said.

"What for? For being devilishly sexy and muscular and the stamina of ten men?" he asked.

She elbowed him sharply in the ribs.

"Ow! What was that for?" he said.

"Stop ruining the moment, I was about to thank you for making a home for us, I really love it, it's gonna be so great, a place of our own, I hope mom will be okay on her own," said Buffy.

"Well she's only a ten minute walk away," he reminded her.

Buffy smiled in complete happiness, her tummy rumbled in the silence.

"Oops, I am starving, I am gonna go down and get something to eat, you want something?" she asked.

"Sure pet, all this 'packing' has given me an appetite," Spike leered.

"I think the pregnancy cravings are starting to kick in, I could murder some", she stopped mid sentence, slightly horrified.

"What is it love?" he asked, seeing her expression.

"Nothing, forget I spoke," she said hastily exiting the room.

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

Buffy had been gone nearly twenty minutes, Spike sat up in bed, he swung his legs over the side and reached for his discarded jeans, picking them off the bedroom floor. He put them on and headed downstairs. Giles and Joyce were seated together on the sofa, Giles had his arm around Joyce, seeing Spike, he quickly removed it, but not quickly enough. Spike smiled, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself.

"Missing a bride here, anyone seen her?" he asked the couple.

"Buffy disappeared in the kitchen awhile ago now, thought she was just taking her time, she's not the best chef in the world," Joyce told Spike.

"Suits me fine as most of what I eat only requires a microwave," he replied.

He turned and entered the kitchen; Buffy's blond head was almost totally concealed as she was bent forward into the fridge.

"What you doing love?" he asked.

Buffy didn't answer.

"Buffy?" he said

She slowly raised her head from behind the fridge door. Spike's eyes widened in shock.

"Bleedin' hell!" he exclaimed.

Giles and Joyce heard Spike's expletives from the lounge; they sprang off the couch and joined the pair in the kitchen.

"What is it? Asked Joyce anxiously. Looking from her son-in-law to her daughter, she gasped as she took in Buffy's appearance.

"Buffy! Said her mother.

Buffy flushed almost as red as the blood that dripped down her chin, onto the whiteness of her robe.

"Busted," she said sheepishly.

THE END?