Part 6

To all, foremost, TigerWolf. I appreciate your very kind reviews more than you'd think. Thank you. *hugs* Even though I don't know you. Hugs. And.... That poophead Joss is all, so please don't sue me, as I'm frightened of you. lol Thanks.

Tequila Sunrise



Waking to a soft knocking at the door, the couple pulled apart. Spike pulled open the door, revealing Dawn.

"Can I sleep in here?" she questioned softly. "I can sleep on the floor, I just..."

"No, Dawnie," called Buffy from the bed. "Come on and sleep up here." She then sat up worriedly. "Is someone in your room?"

"No, no," Dawn said, looking at the floor, "I just..."

"Why don't we all sleep in your room? It just makes more sense." Getting out of bed, she noticed Dawn's downcast face, and closed eyes.

"Dawnie! We weren't... I mean... I mean..." she blushed.

"Well, we're both dressed," Spike said candidly. "And yawning. Now, I don't know how much you know, Niblet, but those are NEVER the results of good sex. And I am good."

Both Summer's blushed. "Shut up, Spike," Buffy said, "And grab a blanket and pillow."

A minute later, Buffy and Dawn were curled up on Dawn's bed. Spike sat leaning against the wall, not needing the sleep.

As he watched the two sleep, he frowned. Buffy shouldn't be patrolling that hard. He amended that thought. At all. One hard kick could abort the baby. So, he knew from a sick experience, could Dru, with three deliberate pokes to the womb.

They meant so much to him. Everything. He would-had- killed for them. Dawn was like the daughter he never had the nerve to pray for. And Buffy... Sometimes, the love/hate line in their relationship was very blurred, but he knew.... push to shove, that he loved her... And she was scared to love him. He just had to show her that it was ok. And safe. And he wasn't Peaches or Captain Cardboard. He wasn't going anywhere. Especially not now, not with his little girl on the way.

He felt his forehead going 'bumpy' as the Scoobies called it, and remembered he hadn't fed all day. Making sure his charges were safe and asleep, he went downstairs, to the kitchen, fixing himself a mug of blood with marshmallows. All the lights in the house being off were no big deal to him. He was a creature of the night. Daylight was a hindrance to him... Not moonlight.

"'Ello, Peaches." He called the soft greeting to his grand-sire, pulling the mug out of the microwave, sipping it slowly.

"That always *was* the most disgusting way to ingest blood, I thought."

"In a mug?" Spike really wanted to just punch him and get it over with, but figured sometimes, being civil had it's merits. Dawn taught him that.

"With marshmallows. How have you been?" The question, all breezily casual, was made intimate with the sincere look in Angel's eyes.

"Bad. I can't... she only lets me near when she's about broken down. Ever. She loves me. I can see it. I can smell it. But I smell you, and I smell fear coming out her pores at the same time."

Angel's eyes lowered. Then raised to his child's eyes. "I'm sorry. You don't know how... I'm just sorry. It's another thing to suffer through. And I can't take it back. But if I could... If I could only change one thing... Buffy would be it."

"No it wouldn't," Spike said ridiculingly. "It would be that damn gypsy. You'd never had eaten her, never had the curse, then, consequently, never met or hurt Buffy."

"But you'd have killed her then, Spike. And everything happens for a reason. I ate the gypsy, they gave me a curse, which led me to Buffy. The greatest sorrow and joy of my unlife. Which brought you, to the Hellmouth, to the Slayer. And you fought. And fought. I lost my soul, you got chipped, and consequently, you fell in love with the Slayer."

"No, Angel. I didn't fall in love with the Slayer. I fell in love with Buffy. They are the same people, but... It was Buffy. So if you COULD go back and change things, you better not. Because then I wouldn't get Dawn. Or my baby girl."

"It's a girl?" "I feel it. Buffy's fighting it, saying it's a boy... Angel... There's news... a prophesy."

Angel sipped from a mug of pig's blood and marshmallows. "Man."

Spike grunted his agreement. "Understand now?"

"Huh?"

"The marshmallows."

Angel smirked, refusing to allow the demon his due. The marshmallows were comforting. "Nope."

"You big poofter."

They shared an uneasy truce.

After a small silence, Spike uttered softly,"I'll share them with you, Angel. Make sure they aren't hurt."

Understanding the level of trust it took for him to say that, Angel swallowed and nodded.

Spike stood and set his mug down in the sink, rinsed it, braced his hands on the counter beside it.

Angel laid a hand on Spike's shoulder. "I know... With our... shared past, you'll never trust me. But I... I won't hurt her again. I'll help you."

Spike turned. "Of course I'll never trust you with what's mine. Did you tell her, Angel? The exact -nature- of our... shared past?"

Angel's hand fell from his shoulder.

"Exactly. That's exactly what I thought. Angel... She can't know. Ever."

He dropped his eyes, "I know... Never."

Spike laughed coarsely, rubbed a hand over his forehead. "She'd stake us both."

"For what?" Buffy said, leaning against the doorway of the kitchen.

Restraining a curse, he smiled slowly at his baby's mother. "That the Poof and I are both worried about you sleepin' enough."

"Oh." She made her way to the fridge, opened it, pulled the orange juice out. "Do we have any pizza?"

"With -orange juice-?" Angel shuddered. Almost as bad as blood and marshmallows.

"It's a cravin', you insensitive git." Spike rolled his eyes at Angel. "And no. That's crap food. Have a pear. Me and the Bit picked em out when we went shoppin last week and you haven't touched them. Eat it." Pushing the pear in her hands, he shooed the sleepy-eyed slayer back upstairs.

After they heard Dawn's bedroom door close, the men turned to eachother again.

"Spike, we're different now. I know, I've changed... You've changed. But we can't change the past."

"I'm the Big Bad. I was... am, evil. And to think that what I share with that woman, and what I had shared with you makes me ill. Ill, Angel. And I'm a demon."

"I.. I know... I feel the same way. And Buffy doesn't need to know. But should she ever..."

"She'd turn away from both of us, and you know it."

"For a while, maybe-"

"No, Angel. Some things even if she could forgive... she could never understand. So we'll keep everything on a need to know basis. Don't touch me. Or mine."

Angel nodded, and passed Spike to go to the basement.

Spike stalked up the stairs to strip down and shower. He suddenly felt so very dirty.

Walking back to Dawn's room, he saw Buffy had waited for him.

"Spike?"

"Luv, you should be asleep."

"I know. But... I just..."

"What?"

She sighed. "When you were a demon. You did a lot of bad things. You know?"

"Yeah, pet. Thanks for the reminder."

"But Anya did more. She was MORE bad. For LONGER. And she's... Almost a really good friend. Kind of another Scooby. But what you and I both did in the past, Spike... We should leave it where it is. You and Angel shared Dru, didn't you?"

He met her eyes. "Among other things."

"Would you do that now? Could you do that now?"

He didn't even bat an eye. "No."

"Then it's over. And I need you to push past it. We have a lot of things to deal with in the next two days... The past hundred years will just have to take the back burner. And Spike?"

"Yeah, pet?" His head was starting to hurt. Had she heard the conversation?

"I don't hate you." And laying back down beside her sister, the Slayer slept.



End Part 6.

Start, part Seven.

Ok, the few ones are gonna be on a shorter sides, and updates probably a day or two apart. This was written by me a while ago, and I've been working on it a long time, but now I'm about to the end of the pre-written things. I'm typing as fast as I can though. Thanks so much for the nice reviews. The thing about Dawn? She's special, just like her sister. And I like her most of the time, so she's in the the majority of my stories. Anyway, keep the reviews coming. Here we go.

Thanks.

Tequila Sunrise

The next day passed in a flurry of appointments, and schooling, and work, but that evening, the five sat down, uncomfortably in the living room. On a commercial break, however, Spike slid from the couch he was sitting on, to kneel at Buffy's feet.

She looked at him quizzically, while Angel glared, Druscilla looked horrified, and Dawn... Dawn grinned like a fool.

"Buffy," he said softly, looking deeply in her eyes, "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, in the eyes of these demons, your darling sister, and in the eyes of the Powers, who must know, as they look down from their lofty posts, that I love you. And also, so we can keep Dawn. Will you be my wife, in sickness and in health? With the little marshmallows, and without? And finally, Buffy, will you wear my ring in front of that dumbassed whelp?"

Buffy laughed, and slipped the ring he held up to her on her finger. It wasn't her mother's.

"Spike... Where did you get this ring?? Did you steal it?"

"No, pet... It was my Mum's... She... She'd like you. And I want you to wear it."

This had just taken on a more serious meaning, and they both knew it. It wasn't simply the Social workers. It wasn't simply the sex. It wasn't simply the baby. This was the Hellmouth. And nothing was simple. Ever. "All right." As she spoke the words, she realized that she wanted him. Wanted him beside her, holding her hand. To tell all the stupid details of her day. And she DEFINITELY wanted him beside her in a fight. This was feeling too comfortable.

Dawn, hating to ruin the moment, said softly, "Umm... What's Spike supposed to wear tomorrow? I mean... Come on." She mimicked Buffy. "This is my fiance, *Spike*. Oh? The nickname? Long story. Please don't mind the black nail polish, black shirt, jeans, shoes and bleached hair. It's a staple of the 80's??"

She had everyone grinning but Spike, who took immediate offense. "'Ey. My clothes. At least I don't dress like the Poof."

A glance at Angel's pressed slacks and cream sweater had Buffy nodding with Spike. "Do you have anything?"

"I'll be here in the morning... I guess... Maybe I can walk in without a blanket. Ya know." He glanced worriedly into the night. "Maybe."

Buffy took a deep breath. "Yeah..." Fingered the ring on her left hand. "Maybe."

Finally they all slept, Spike to his crypt, Angel and Dru to their basement. And the sisters, exhausted, fell asleep in their mother's room; needing the link, and needing eachother.

End, Part Seven.

Start, Part Eight. The Call.

Thanks so much. Please review. It's my air water and food.

Tequila Sunrise



The next morning, Buffy woke and started breakfast. Halfway through the scrambled eggs, and Dawn's light step down the stairs, a knock sounded.

Thinking it Spike, she swung open the door with a smile. "Morning."

A man in a suit stood where Spike should be. "Ms. Buffy Ann Summers?"

Restraining herself from vomiting on the man's shoes from surprise, she nodded, a smile frozen sickly on her face. "Yes... Hi... Um... Hello. Please come in."

He breezed past her, into the living room, looked at Dawn. "Ms. Summers?"

Dawn's chin jerked up in automatic dislike. "Yeah. Dawn."

He waited for her to come down the stairs, and shook her hand. "Charles. Charles Donovan."

As the three moved to the kitchen, the front door slammed open, and Spike walked quickly in. He had seen the social worker's car. Now... it was showtime.

"Platelet! Buffy! Morning, doves!" He walked back into the kitchen, looked confusedly at the man sitting, sipping coffee. "Bullocks! That's today? Does Dawn have to miss? She has a History test today, you know." Spike glanced reproachfully at the man.

"I... Um... Yeah, Will. Um... Mr. Charles Donovan, Wi-"

"William Elliot." He shook the social worker's hand. "Nice to meet you." He held out a brown paper bag to Dawn. "Here's lunch, Niblet. Money in there for milk. You've sculpting classes after school, so I'll pick you and Janice up at four thirty."

Dawn nodded, not letting on her confusion. Art? Milk? Food-? Spike in cargo pants and a charcoal sweater?? Ohhhhh...hehe... She got it. "Right."

"You're sure you feel better, Dawnie?" This, from Buffy.

"She's ill?" Charles looked Dawn over critically.

"I think I ate something bad the other day at lunch, but I feel better. Teenagers. We heal fast, ya know?" She grinned.

Xander's horn honked from the drive, and Dawn shot out after it, grateful, and sorry she left Buffy there to shoulder things on her own. "Love you both. Have good days."

"So... Ms. Summers," Donovan began, "do you have anyone else living here?"

"Um... define 'living'." At his 'look', she rushed on, "Because, well... my cousin and his wife just flew in from... Europe. They're asleep right now, jetlag, you know, but they should only be here a few weeks."

"Hmmm..." He spared Spike a glance. "I'm sorry... Can we help you? This is supposed to be a meeting only with Dawn's guardians."

"And I'm going to be one, -sir-," he said slowly. "Buffy and I are engaged. So, Dawn will then be under my care as well. I'm here to see what can be done to help her."

Charles Donovan's countenance brightened like a child's on Christmas. "Truly? You're engaged?"

Buffy laid her hand on the table, allowing him a good view of the ring.

"It was my Mum's," Spike said softly, "And it went back generations before that."

"It is exquisite." And indeed, it was. Sterling, though an odd choice, was complimented by a sapphire marquise cut, and held to the band by two paper thin wire sterling hearts. It was untraditional, but so had William's line been.

Angel chose that moment to come up the stairs, yawning and rubbing his eyes. "Buffy, where's the-" He blinked at the small man. "Hello."

"Emmm... Angel, this is Charles Donovan. Dawn's social worker. Sir, this is Angel. Liam Angel."

The two shook hands, and chatted briefly while Angel trade blood for a bowl of Lucky Charms. Nodding, he took the bowl downstairs to eat, commenting on his hungry 'wife'.

"Rather dark fellow," Donovan remarked, after Angel left.

"Yes, he is... But we all love him, and he and Dawn get along really well. She was... definitely surprised to see him."

"Yes... Stable family is important at her age... Umm... What was this in your file, a pregnancy?"

Taking a deep breath, she held Spike's hand under the table in a death grip. "Yes.. I'm into my fourth month."

He frowned slightly. "I see... And this is why you and William are- "

"No." Spike's voice was the harsh tone he used with Angel in fights about Buffy. Loud and uncompromising. "I've loved Buffy for a long time. We've been engaged for a year and a half... But after her mother... After Joyce passed, things just got too busy, so we've just now started getting everything in order."

"Hmmm... I see. When is the wedding?"

Spike grinned, thinking back to their conception date. "Oh... March seventeenth, I think. Does that sound right to you, luv?" He brushed his lips over her knuckles, noting how white they were. Mmm... Bad idea. Note to self. Do not tease Buffy when SS guys are here. End note.

"Yeah... The seventeenth. That's right."

He nodded. "Well, I'll be going." They all stood, moving to the door, and Donovan said thoughtfully, "That's very good... Very good. You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that you two are getting married. It makes keeping Dawn in this home so much easier. In fact, I have to type up the paper, but it's my opinion that Dawn is being well cared for and should be kept here for future welfare."

Buffy's eyes welled up, and her knees buckled from under her. On a kneeling position on the floor, Spike instantly at her side, she whispered through her tears, "She's ours? We get to keep Dawnie?"

Donovan smiled slowly, remembering this was one of the reasons he chose this job. The pay sucked, the situations sucked, but sometimes... sometimes, you got genuinely good people trying to make it work. This was it. "Yes, Ms. Summers. Social Services will be leaving Dawn in your custody."

As Buffy wept, Donovan saw something that shocked him. William, on his knees beside his fiancee, to see if she was all right, was crying right alongside her, rocking her in his arms, a jubilant grin spread across his features, and the tears refused to stop falling.

Donovan went to exit quietly, but the couple stood, walked him to the door, and Buffy hugged him hesitantly, saying quietly, "Thank you for not taking my heart."

And Donovan had himself a real good day.

End, Part 8.

Start part Nine.

The days passed, and the Scoobies were pissed off that Angel and Druscilla were under the Summers' roof. But Spike being there made it seem safer. Everyday changes were occurring. Buffy's body grew bigger, and Spike's more human.

One night, lying together on Buffy's bed, Buffy spoke quietly. "Spike... I have a secret."

Not wanting to be serious yet, he grinned. "Won't be a secret if you tell me, will it?"

Buffy sat up. "There's a new prophesy, Spike."

"I know."

"No, you don't. It's a new danger, and it-"

"Involves the baby, and me being a mortal and answerin' for my sins. Angel and Dru are the enemies, and my soul should come back." He looked up into her eyes. "That 'bout cover it?"

"You were listening??"

"I have a right to know, don't you think??" He looked at her, incredulous.

She stood. "I couldn't think of the right way to tell you. I just..." she grabbed her light cotton jacket and a stake. "I'm going out. Leave me alone."

Angel heard the door slam and Spike kick the upstairs wall, and frowned. Why did he miss all the GOOD entertainment? He glanced at Dru.

"His heart and soul beats her name..." She petted her doll. "Miss Edith would like some cake for her tea."

"He doesn't have either of those, Dru... Can you explain?"

"I can only explain what Miss Edith tells me... And she wants cake for her tea, Angelus..."

Grabbing his coat, he started up the basement stairs. "I'll see what I can do, Dru... I'll be back."

Walking outside, he sniffed once, then started off in the direction of Spike's cemetery.

And came across Buffy beating the shit out of a fledgling vampire.

"-And why is he so... CALM about this?? I'm scared." She punched it's stomach. "Ya know? How can- What if- Ugh... You're just really great at listening to me. Thanks." She went to step away from the fledgling, but it grabbed her wrist, and walked into the stake.

Staring disgustedly at the pile of dust at her feet, she said snidely, "It wasn't *that* bad. Geez..."

"Hey, Buffy." Angel striding up behind her was the last thing she needed.

"Go back to the house. I don't want you. Go away."

"Spike told me about the prophesy. Buffy, he's-"

"Mad I didn't tell him?? Proud of his eavesdropping skill? I don't *care*, Angel. I want five fucking minutes to myself to be properly angry, without someone saying, "Ooh, Buffy. The baby. Ooh Buffy. Be careful.' Ugh! I am the Slayer. The chosen. THAT'S ME!! They RESURRECTED me for that, but now I can't WALK by MYSELF for fifteen minutes without needed an UNDEAD baby-sitter?? You get paid by the hour now, Angel? Hmm?"

Angel simply sat on the nearest headstone. "Did you ever wonder, Buffy? Why we couldn't... why we never..."

"Got pregnant? Maybe because you turned evil so quickly, the sperm didn't know what to do. Tried to suck my egg's blood."

He winced. "That's... not quite what I was searching for... But more like, maybe we can't be together, because of this prophesy? That we're destined to fight together... but love apart? Spike loves you."

She snorted. "Because you're around soooo much, you know."

Angel stood, his nose curled in disgust. "I hope this is a mood- swing pregnancy thing, Buffy, because you were NEVER this big a bitch when we dated. I've seen William love. I've seen Spike love. It's the real deal with him. No holds barred, hands down, not going anywhere kind of love. It's not ideal, but it's genuine. If I didn't think Spike was good for you, I wouldn't be here. I'd be staking him. As things stand, I'm sure your bitchiness is more a punishment than a hell dimension would be."

This time, she winced. "Angel-"

"I'm not DONE, Buffy. Do you think this is EASY for me? Knowing you're lying upstairs in Spike's arms, sleeping? Wearing HIS ring, bearing HIS child? Knowing HE will be enjoying mortality? That HE will get to grow old with you? To smell you, to taste you, to love you with every ounce of who he is for eternity? To be able to hold your hand in the sunshine?" He looked deeply into her eyes. His painfilled, and hers confused. "He's better at loving you. I know that. He's better FOR you. I know that, too. That doesn't make it any easier to swallow."

Buffy turned to go, not ready to deal with this. Angel stopped her with a hand gripping her forearm.

"But what hurts the most, Buffy... Is the way you deny it. That you shove him away, into the darkness, instead of bringing him into the light. What are you afraid of?" He repeated his question sincerely. "What are you afraid of?"

She looked into his eyes, braced her shoulders. "Every man who knew that I loved him, left Angel. What I feel for Spike... It scares me, because I've never felt it before. With you, I felt scared, and exultant, and in love. Riley... I felt so safe. Spike... I can't... There are no words, Angel. Not one. Cherished. That's not right either. Because when you cherish something, you coddle it, protect it. He lets me fight, but he'll hold me when I'm weak. He hits back, when I hit first. He doesn't pretend to understand, he just listens... He holds me when I need it, and tell him I don't. And he lets me stand. What word is there for that??"

She swiped at a stray tear, and Angel gently pulled her forward to hug her tentatively.

"I think it's love, Buffy, but I'm not sure."

And for once, the two looked at eachother, not even once wishing for what might have been.

"We were bad for each other, Angel," Buffy said softly. "But Spike's not bad for me. He doesn't hurt me. But I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't leave. I couldn't take it if he did, but if he didn't...? What if I hurt him? What if I wasn't enough?"

Angel shook her shoulders softly. "You were never not enough, Buffy... You were too much. We didn't know how to handle you. Spike does, so let him."

Buffy nodded, thinking about it.

When Buffy was settled in Dawn's room for the night, Spike joined Angel on the porch. "I told you not to touch what was mine."

"Scared, Spike?"

"No, wanna know why?"

The taller man regarded him curiously. "Yeah, actually, I do."

"Because I'm the best she's ever had. And I'm in her blood now, pumping through her veins. And she's carrying my baby. I know that. You had better remember it."

Angel stiffened. "I'll remember everything I need to, Spike. Don't worry... Buffy is yours. Even without the claiming. Followed us, hmm?"

"You think I'll let a pregnant slayer out of my sights just because she says so? No." He ran a hand through his hair, looked at his grandsire, suddenly frightened.

"Angel?"

"Yeah?"

"I think my heart is beating."

End of part 9

Start, Part 10.
Tequila Sunrise

"I think my heart is beating."

"Your WHAT? Your heart is... Oh God. What are you gonna do?"

But by then, Angel was on the porch alone.

Climbing the stairs, he slammed open Dawn's door, succeeding only in waking an already pissed off Buffy.

"Buffy, I-"

"I don't care. I really don't want to-" She looked at his face. "What's going on?"

He reached across the room, yanking her hand to his chest. Surely, weak but staid, blood was pumping through his heart.

"Oh my God... Oh my..." She laid her head on his chest, listening to it. She ran her hands over his face and neck. "You're warm... Not... cool. Not..."

"Dead?"

Her hands shook as she tugged at Dawn to wake her up.

At Dawns grunt, Buffy placed her sister's hand on Spike's heart.

"Oh my God..." She full out hugged him, laughing and crying. "You're real. you're... Human... Spike... we can go to the park, and the store, in the day! Your baby... can sit on your lap while you mow the lawn... Spike..."

The three sat in silence, hearing only the heartbeat. An in her womb, Buffy's baby stirred.

Into her second trimester, Buffy was getting big. And she felt it, too. One day, thankfully on maternity leave from the dreaded Double Meat, the persistent knocking at the door was just the last straw. She tossed the dishcloth to the counter, and stormed to the door. Where the HELL was Spike when you REALLY wanted him to interfere??

Tearing the door open, she fairly snarled, "What the HELL can I DO for YOU?"

And Giles blinked. "I... Well, hello, Buffy."

She finally looked at who was in front of her. "Oh my God... Giles, I missed you."

"I missed you, too, Buffy..." The two hugged, and finally the struggle, the stress, and confusion got to her, and she cried. And Giles loved her.

"Bloody hell, Watcher!" Spike came down the stairs to regard him slowly.

Giles pulled Buffy gently to his side, his hand on her shoulder in a defensive manner. "Spike."

To both males' astonishment, Buffy pulled away slowly from her friend and walked to Spike. When she reached his side and turned, she said softly, "The changing is beginning, Giles... Spike has a heartbeat, and he can stand small doses of sunlight. Too much still hurts, and so does a cross and holy water." She turned sardonic eyes on the blonde. "He decided to do experiments on himself since none of us would."

Spike shrugged, and Giles shook his head in amusement. "It seems that so much has changed... but some things never will. How is the baby?"

"She's fine. She hasn't kicked yet, though."

They moved to the living room, questions flying between the ex- watcher and his slayer. Sometime during the conversation, Buffy realized she was holding Spike's hand. She guessed Giles saw by the slight dilation of his pupils, but it was too late to pull away gracefully. The front door slamming saved her explanation when they heard Dawn drop her books and come into the room.

"Who's here now?" She questioned lightly.

Giles rose to greet her but stopped, frozen by the next words out of her mouth.

"Why is he here?"

"Dawn!" Buffy reprimanded her sharply.

"No! He just ups and LEAVES, but now that you're all Prego Buffy, he's all Concerned Watcher Person again?? Whatever. No."

Spike stood. "Niblet. Rupe here has done more for you than anyone here, save Buffy. You know that. If you're scared, say so. But we will NOT have you rippin' folks heads off, just cuz you say. Fear is NO excuse for bad manners." At her sullen look, he added, "Do you hear me?"

"Yeah."

"Then?"

She hung her head. "I'm... I'm sorry, Giles... I thought the Council might have sent you... I just..." She looked at Giles. "I'm sorry."

Giles grinned gently, crossing to hug her softly. When she squeezed him back tightly, he whispered, "It's ok, Dawn... I guess we're all scared."

Casa de Summers was getting crowded. Giles would be getting his old apartment back in the morning, but for now, he was crashing on the couch. As for now, they all sat in the living room, all cautious, Giles sending intermittent glares at Angel.

Buffy and Dawn attempted to ignore the growing testosterone tension growing in the room, engrossing themselves in "Crossing Jordan". Buffy got up to get more popcorn, and at the threshold of the living room, she dropped the bowl, her eyes growing large.

Every head turned to her, and she placed both her hands on her stomach. "Spike! He's kicking. Come feel. Dawn... The baby... Giles... Come..."

The three came forward, letting Buffy guide their hands. They felt the soft, almost fluttering motion under their hands.

Dawn smiled, felt honored, and very protective. This was her baby, too. And she would be damned if she wouldn't protect it with everything in her. She'd be a great aunt. She knew it.

Spike had never felt more awed. This was life. This was heart and mind and soul. This was why humanity was so very precious. Never, in his life, or unlife, had he felt a baby kick. And wondered, in that moment, that if he had, would things have been different?

Giles felt like a proud Grampa, and swore to make the mother's and child's life as easy as he possibly could... Safe as he possibly could...

And Angel looked at the trio and knew, like an outgrown toy, that he would always be cherished, but that Buffy had moved on.



End Part Ten.

Start, Part Eleven.



Waking later that night, Buffy had chills. Looking down at her stomach, it was no wonder. Spike was lying with his head by her rounded stomach, one hand laying on it possessively, asleep. She smiled, gently, knowing what the warming in her heart was, but pointedly ignoring it for now, and pulled a blanket up over them.

In the morning, Spike sat up, a sleepy smile on his face, and started talking to his baby quietly.

"I love you, little one. I know you're a little girl. I bet you'll have green eyes just like your mum here, maybe my hair. It used to be brown, you know. Light brown. But still... Brown. You have so many people out here that love you already. Nothing bad is ever going to happen to you, until you can handle it yourself. You've even got a granddad of sorts out here, pulling for you. His name is Giles. Rupe, if you will. He loves all his girls. You, and Buffy, and Dawn. He loves Buffy best, but I'm sure you'll get him wrapped around your finger soon enough." He placed a small kiss on the side of Buffy's stomach. "I felt you kick last night... You're not just an idea anymore. You're alive. And you're mine. And your Mum's mine, too. And your Auntie Dawn. You're all mine. And I don't share. But maybe... someday, I'll let you play with my Sire's kid. Maybe. Do you know what's going on out here? I'm changing, little one." He laughed self-deprecatingly. "I used to be the scourge of Europe. Now I'm gonna be the scourge of the Concerned Parent's League." He frowned. "I'm not going to be good at taking care of you right off. I've never... changed a baby, or held one. So, be patient with me. But I'll get a hang of it. Don't worry. Let me tell you about all these people around here. The guy who always sounds sad, well, he is. He's Angel. Good guy, in a sick 'I've got a soul' kind of way. Giles is a protective guy. He'll make you study. Willow and Tara... They're a couple. Kind of. Still sniffing around eachother. Tara will take good care of you, and Willow will never quit playing with you. Just poo if you want her to go away. And there's this guy. I know, baby, it's a lot of people, but they love you the most, so... bear with me. Xander. He's a great big wanker. He hates me."

He added quickly, too quickly, "I hate him, too, of course. But he's a good guy, all in all. Original Scooby, if you will. He loves your Mum. He'd die for her. And he'd die for you." Kissing her belly again, he added softly, "But he won't have to, because I will. And if I ever go away, and can't come back, know, that without a doubt, I am watching. We'll fight for you, precious. And we'll win. Don't be hard on your Mum. She loves you, too. She's the greatest, strongest, most caring, noble woman I've ever met. I'll do anything for her." Trailing a finger over Buffy's stomach, he added quietly, swinging out of bed to shower, "One day... she'll love me back."

Waiting until she heard the water turn on, Buffy let her tears fall, silently pondering what would happen if he knew that she already did.

End, Part Eleven.

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