A stunned Buffy came through the front door & collapsed on the sofa. Dawn turned from the television & looked at her with concern, “What’s wrong, Buffy?”

“I’m pregnant, two months gone to be precise..”

“But who…..”

Buffy gave a strange little laugh, “it’s Spike’s!”

“Spike’s! But how… I mean, I didn’t think that vampires could..”

Tears came into Buffy’s eyes, “ Nor did I, but he has…and I’m pregnant. Someone up there really doesn’t like me!”

Dawn hugged her sister to her, “What are you going to do?”

Buffy pulled away & looked at Dawn. After she had composed herself, she said, “Well, I’m going to have to speak to Giles…if he doesn’t go non-verbal on me with the shock…and try & find out how this is possible.”

“Are you going to keep it?” Dawn asked anxiously. She kinda liked the idea of being an Auntie, even if it was half Spike’s.

Buffy smiled for the first time that day, “ If it’s not a danger to my health…I mean like some sort of Demony thingy, then yes, I’m going to keep it, Dawn. You see, you know when Willow went psycho…well, some of the things she said at Rack’s were true. I didn’t want to be back here & I was wallowing in misery…which I’m kinda good at, I know…. and the one person who made me feel anything was Spike. I don’t know why that was… I think it’s because he was the only one to really understand what I was going through. But he brought out the dark side in me & while on the one hand I revelled in it, on the other it freaked me out. It felt so wrong, the things we did & the fact that I enjoyed it, that I hid our relationship from my sister & my friends. I was so wrapped up in myself that I didn’t notice my best friend going off the rails. I know what happened to Tara wasn’t my fault, but losing a friend and what happened with Willow has brought home to me just how selfish I have been. I am grateful to be alive & it’s time I got on with my life. Maybe this baby is the sign of a new start. What do you think, Dawn?”

Dawn hugged Buffy tightly, “I’m just so glad that you’re treating me like an adult at last and telling me everything.”

“You don’t hate me?”

“No, but just one thing…. can I listen in when you tell Giles? He is so going to freak & I wanna be there when he loses his English cool.”

Buffy laughed, “ That’s mean! Actually, he’s put up with a lot from me, probably more than any Watcher deserves. I mean, I’ve died several times, I’ve slept with two vampires, tried to kill my friends & sister & now I’m pregnant. A single mum to be…”

Dawn became serious again at those words, “ What are you gonna do if Spike comes back?”

“I don’t know, Dawn, I just don’t know.”

“ Do you hate him for what he tried to do?”

“Strangely no. It was a terrible thing that he tried to do, but Angel did much worse as Angelus & I forgave him. I also can’t excuse my attitude towards Spike. I was a real bitch to him…and well, it doesn’t matter now, does it? It’s over. I doubt he’ll come back this time.”

Buffy stood up, “Anyway, let’s go phone Giles and get him on the case with his cronies in England. There has to be a reason for this. Vampires have historically been non-baby making..” She smiled at Dawn, “ and I’ll put it on speaker phone so you can hear Giles.”

Buffy: Hi, Giles. How’s Willow doing?

Giles: Better than can be expected. The Coven is helping her heal spiritually & only use her white magic under certain circumstances. But I think it helps her that Xander’s here.

Buffy: That’s great news. I really thought we’d lost her. When do you think they’ll be able to come back?

Giles: It will be a few weeks yet. How are you?

Buffy: Well, I need you to look something up for me…. and please don’t faint on me when I tell you….. I’m pregnant.

Giles: silence & then…I see. But can’t you go to the library yourself and look this kind of thing up, Buffy? I know you don’t like books, but I’m sure in this case you could make the effort….

Buffy: ignoring his jibe Well, you see, it’s not a normal pregnancy, Giles. In fact, I really don’t know how it could have happened….it’s Spike’s….

Giles: splutters Spike’s! But he’s a vampire. He’s impotent!

Buffy: Well, somehow we’ve made a baby. I’m two months gone. Could you look into it for me Giles…find out how it might be possible & check that I’m in no danger of giving birth to some little Demon?

Giles: You’re not seriously thinking of having this baby?

Buffy: Yes, I am. Giles, it’s probably the only chance I will ever have of leaving something of me behind when my time comes…..

Giles: Yes, well, I’ll certainly look into it…. please take care of yourself, Buffy. We’ll have to discuss your slaying later. After all, you can’t slay when you’re further along in your pregnancy.

Buffy: Will do. Take care too, Giles, and give my love to Willow & Xander.

***

Spike kicked the door to his crypt open and stumbled drunk inside. His entrance startled Clem, who jumped 10ft in the air & spilt all his snacks in the process.

“Spike! You’re back…”

Spike’s drunken eyes managed to focus on Clem, “ ‘Allo, mate, have I got the wrong place?”

“No…I was crypt sitting for you…… how was wherever it was that you were?”

Spike stumbled to a chair & sat down. “How was Africa?” He giggled drunkenly, “ I went through some hellish tests arranged by a Demon to get this bloody chip out of my head, right? And what happens? I survive the tests & ask for my prize…. and the bastard gives me back my damn soul!”

Clem looked confused, “ But I thought that would be a good thing.”

“No it’s not. I wanted to get this chip out of my head & sort Buffy out. I’ve turned into a right wanker, falling in love with my arch enemy.”

Clem gulped, “Well, er, I’m glad you didn’t, Spike, cos she’s a nice girl & kinda a lot has happened in your absence.”

Spike glared at him, “what do you mean?”

“Well, erm… that Trio went mad. One of them…Warren…erm came after Buffy & shot her…”

Spike wasn’t prepared for the pain he felt in his chest at the news, “is she o.k?”

“She is, but the witch, Tara, is dead. A shot went through the window & killed her instantly. Buffy would have died too, but Red saved her. Then Red went mad with grief and killed Warren. She tried to kill the other two & practically anyone who stood in her way, but was finally stopped by Xander. They’re now in England with the Watcher to heal her.”

Spike felt sorry for Tara. She had always been on the receiving end. He also felt relief that Buffy was o.k. Oh, God, I still love her! I don’t stand a chance with the chip & my soul. Bloody poof!

“Are Buffy & Niblet in England too?”

“No, they’re still here. I don’t know what happened between you & Buffy, but I think you should know that Buffy came to see you after you went. She wanted you to protect Niblet while she tried to stop Red. She asked when you would be back…. I think she’s forgiven you for what you did.”

Spike was stunned. So much had happened. He didn’t know what to think, but his heart lightened at the news that Buffy may have forgiven him. However, the question was could he forgive himself? He needed to sober up!

***

Buffy ran to answer the phone,

Buffy: Hello…. Giles, hi, have you got some news for me?

Giles: erm, yes, I managed to find something in a very old text. Are you familiar with the saying, “once in a Blue Moon” at all?

Buffy: Huh?

Giles: I didn’t think so. Basically if there are two full moons within the same month, the second full moon is known as a Blue Moon. This is quite a rare occurrence, they happen every two years or so. Hence when something unusual happens it’s known as happening once in a blue moon.

Buffy: o.k. I get it. But I know that this pregnancy is unusual…

Giles: The text stated that every two hundred years, one vampire from the Master’s line could become fertile during each blue moon and mate with a human. The offspring was believed to have great powers. Buffy, remember that Spike is from the Master’s line….

Buffy: Oh!

Giles: Oh, indeed. But there’s more, Buffy. The few times that this has happened, the women have not carried to full term. Mother & child have both died. Now, you being the Slayer means that you are much stronger & of course medicine has advanced since those poor souls conceived centuries ago. I don’t actually foresee a problem.

Buffy: sniffles That’s right, Giles. There’s not going to be a problem. I’m having this baby!

By the way, the Council are unaware of this aren’t they?

Giles: I wouldn’t dream of telling them. The last thing you need is them interfering.

Buffy: Exactly. They’d only want to do experiments on me & baby, to try & find out what powers it had etc.

Giles: I wish I could lie to you & say otherwise, but you’re probably right. Now, there was just one more thing.

Buffy: There’s always a ‘but’

Giles: Amongst the text, I found a new prophecy. It said that the longest surviving Slayer would fight beside father & son to prevent a great darkness from destroying the world. I took it that you were the Slayer mentioned…

Buffy: interrupts I’m always saving the World from some darkness thingy

Giles: Think about it, Buffy! The father & son mentioned must be Spike & your unborn child.

Buffy: silence

Giles: Buffy?

Buffy: You mean Spike will come back into my life?

Giles: It looks that way. This pregnancy was fated to happen and seems that Spike is to help you.

Buffy: O.k. …… I can handle Spike. I guess it was inevitable that he came back. For some reason, the Gods think it’s funny to keep throwing us together. Thanks for your help, Giles. But I need to let this sink in now. I’ll speak to you soon. Bye.

Giles: Bye, Buffy.

Buffy put the phone down. Maybe a nice quiet sit by Tara’s grave would help her to think. She left a note for Dawn before leaving the house.

***

The sun was low in the sky and Tara’s grave was now fully shaded under the Willow tree. Buffy, replaced the flowers in the vase.

“ Well, Tara, you’ll be pleased to know that Willow is healing nicely in England and that Xander is caring for her. He’s like big hero boy now. And Dawn is still Miss Piggy when it comes to chocolate milkshakes…”

Tears filled Buffy’s eyes, “But she misses you taking her for them… we all miss you, Tara…”

Buffy stopped what she was saying, when she felt a presence behind her. She turned around and her jaw dropped in shock, “Spike!”

“ Hello, Buffy,” he said nervously. He looked at the flowers he had in his hand, “ I came to put these on Tara’s grave. Clem told me everything that happened. I’m really sorry. Liked the witch, I did.”

Buffy smiled sadly, “ I know. We all loved her. Here, why don’t you put your flowers in the vase with mine?”

Strange. Now that she had seen Spike again, she knew for sure that she didn’t hate him.

As he bent down beside her to add his flowers, she asked, “ Where did you go?”

Surprised blue eyes bore into hers, “To Africa. It wasn’t what I expected.” Why wasn’t she going mad at him & beating him to a bloody pulp?

Intrigued now, Buffy decided to pursue her line of questioning, “ To Africa? And why wasn’t it what you expected?”

Spike stood up again & began to pace back & forth, “ I left here in a hurry, and I was bloody angry. After what I tried to do to you, I knew you must hate me. I even hated myself. But then I blamed it all on the chip. If this chip wasn’t in my head, then I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you, make a complete wanker of myself, or try & do what I did. I may be a monster, but I would never do that to a woman! Anyway, I wanted my feelings for you to stop and things to go back how they were. That meant getting the chip out. I had heard of this powerful Demon in Africa who could grant you things, if you survived his tasks. Well, I went through merry hell & accomplished his damn tasks. Only, he must have got the wrong end of the stick, because he’s given me back my soul. Can you believe it? Me, the Big Bad, with a soul? If I wasn’t neutered before, I certainly am now.”

Buffy was stunned. Spike had a soul! Then his words came back to her, “What do you mean by wanting things back to how they were?”

Spike stood still, “I don’t know. Us fighting, trying to kill each other again. I’m a vampire, you’re the Slayer. We should hate each other.”

“But I don’t hate you, Spike. What you tried to do was wrong, but I can understand why it happened and deep down I believe that you would have stopped in time. If I didn’t, I would never have brought Dawn to your crypt again for you to protect her. Let’s just forget it ever happened, start anew. So much has gone wrong, if we’re going to be in the same town, I’d rather we weren’t enemies. You’ve helped me a lot in the past and I can’t ignore that.Truce?”

Buffy stood up & held out her hand. Spike gently shook it, “Truce!”

She smiled, “now, I have to go. See you around.”

“See you around, Buffy,” Spike murmured. That wasn’t exactly how he had imagined his first meeting with Buffy going.

They went their separate ways, both deep in thought. It wasn’t until she got back home that Buffy realized she hadn’t told Spike about the baby…. and he had a soul! Maybe there was a lot more to this prophecy of Gile’s. Confused much?

***

Spike arrived back at his crypt to find Clem arranging snacks in little bowls, “what on earth are you up to, mate?”

Clem looked up, “ Dawn always comes to visit after School on Thursdays. We became quite chummy after what happened with Red…. now you’re back, you can see her too. She’ll be here any minute.”

“What! No, I can’t. I’m not ready. She probably hates me…” And with that, Spike hid, just as Dawn walked in. She went over to the sofa & plonked herself down. Smiling co spiritually at Clem, she gloated, “I’ve got some great news for you…. you’ll never guess…”

Clem shook his head, “Nope, can’t guess. Tell me!”

Dawn laughed, “Clem, you didn’t even try! It’s about Buffy…. she’s pregnant!”

Clem’s mouth dropped open in shock & Spike, who could hear every word, felt like someone had given him a heavy blow to the stomach. She was having another man’s baby! God, it hurt. She certainly hadn’t hung around after he left. What idiot had she shacked up with now?

Dawn revelled in Clem’s shock, “ Now, this is the best part, and please keep this a secret, as only Buffy, myself, Giles & now you know…. the baby is Spike’s! Can you believe it? I’m going to be an Auntie to a half-vampire. Isn’t it cool?”

Clem nodded nervously, fully aware that Spike could hear. He watched in horror, over Dawn’s shoulder as Spike quietly left the crypt.

***

Buffy was upstairs when she heard someone pounding on the front door, “Jeez, enough already!” She muttered as she ran back downstairs & opened the door.

A furious Spike barged his way in, “Were you even going to tell me?” He demanded.

Buffy closed the door & looked at him in confusion, “Tell you what, Spike?”

“About my baby!” He shouted, blue eyes flashing.

Buffy paled, “How did you find out?”

“Well seeing as you weren’t going to tell me, I had to overhear it from your sister when she told Clem just now. Is it true?”

“Yes, and I was going to tell you, if you came back to Sunnydale, …which obviously you have, but I forgot just now, what with all the other stuff we were saying to each other.”

Spike rolled his eyes, “How the hell has it happened? Vampires are impotent”

“Normally yes, but Giles mentioned something about a Blue Moon and the fact that one Vampire from the Master’s line could become fertile each Blue Moon. And guess what? Good old Spikey’s the fertile one.”

Spike was shocked. He was going to be a father. It had to be true, because no one could make this up. Not even someone on the Jerry Springer show. Then he smiled cockily; the idea was actually growing on him. The Big Bad had done what no other vamp could do. He looked at Buffy determinedly,

“You’re not going to shut me out, Buffy, not this time. I’m having an active role in this. In fact I’m moving in here to look after you and my baby!”

Buffy had begun to prepare herself for this. Knowing how stubborn Spike could be, she knew she would have to let him participate if he wanted to. And there was the prophecy..

“O.k.,” she said.

Spike didn’t hear, as he was expecting her to say the opposite. He grabbed her by the arms & glared into her face, “ I don’t care what you say. I’m moving in here, woman, whether you like it or not…. wait a minute…did you say ‘o.k.’ ?”

Buffy nodded & Spike let go of her arms.

“You can have the spare room.”

Spike frowned, then looked around, “O.K., where’s the real Buffy?”

Buffy pouted, “ I am the real Buffy. I’ve grown up a lot in the last few months and after what happened with Tara & Willow & everything, I’ve realized that life’s too short to waste it. As the Slayer I should know better than anyone. I’m having a baby, and as it’s father, I can’t really stop you from taking part in it’s life, Spike.”

“Damn right! So that’s settled then?” He looked at Buffy strangely, half expecting her to change her mind.

“Yes, I’ll explain it to Dawn when she comes back & you can move in when you’re ready.”

Spike shook his head, “Is all this for real?”

Buffy smiled, “ ‘fraid so. We live on a Hellmouth, remember?”

She shut the door after Spike left, leant against it & closed her eyes. I’ve just said Spike can move in here with me, am I mad? Well, as long as he doesn’t strut around the house naked, I’ll be fine. Now, why am I thinking about him being naked?

***

Dawn came back from Clem’s to find Buffy waiting for her, “What’s up, sis?”

“We need to have a serious talk, Dawn.”

Dawn sat down nervously, “ If it’s about me telling Clem, I didn’t mean to…well, I did, but I had to tell someone. He won’t tell anyone…”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing you’ve done. I just need to tell you something. Spike’s back in town & he knows about the baby, because he overheard you telling Clem. I was going to tell him myself, assuming he came back here, in fact I meant to tell him this afternoon when I saw him at Tara’s grave, so I’m not mad at you for letting it slip.”

“ You saw Spike? And you didn’t kill him?”

Buffy fidgeted in her seat, “no, and I’ve kind of invited him to live here. Well, actually he invited himself, but I okayed it. I want to forget all the bad stuff, Dawn & start again, for the baby’s sake. We’ve declared a truce & Giles said there’s a new prophecy that mentions me, Spike & the baby. Giles seems to think Spike’s here to help me, and well, he got his soul back in Africa, so I believe it….”

Dawn looked dumb struck, “Whoooaah! His soul? So, he’ll be nice Spike all the time now?”

“ I think so. Would you mind him living here? I mean any sign of trouble & I will stake him.”

“ I guess if you’re willing to forgive him, I can too. I did always like him.Wow! A vampire living with us to bring up his half vamp baby. I don’t think things could get any weirder.”

“He’s having the spare room.”

Dawn looked at her sister in disbelief, “Yeah, right. Like that’s gonna last,” She smirked knowingly.

“Dawn! I am so over Spike, ……even if he does have a soul now.”

“Whatever! You’re only lying to yourself, Buffy. You & Spike are fated to be together. You live on a Hellmouth and so you’re never going to have a normal boyfriend. There’s always been sparks between you and deep down that’s why you can’t kill each other. Being worried about what we would all think of your relationship was just an excuse to finish it, when he got too close to you. Since when have you cared what Xander or anyone thinks? Xander hated Angel and yet you dated him. No, you got scared because Spike understands you & actually gave you what you crave - a bit of a monster in your man, someone who can spar with you & be your equal. Only difference, he can also give you what Angel can’t!”

And with that, Dawn disappeared upstairs, leaving a dumb struck Buffy opening & closing her mouth like a goldfish. Since when had her younger sister become Sigmund Freud?

***

Dawn opened the door to a nervous looking Spike, holding his bag.

“ ‘ello, Niblet,” he mumbled, while stubbing out his cigarette.

Dawn smiled, “Hi, Spike. Don’t be nervous. You’re the Big Bad, remember? I’m supposed to be scared of you!”

Spike, realizing that Dawn didn’t hate him, smiled back, “Damn right. And the Big Bad’s here to look after you Summers girls, take care of all the nasties that are out there.”

Dawn laughed, “Well, you can dump your bag in the spare room and then come watch telly with me, cos Buffy’s out slaying the nasties at the moment….”

“What!” Spike dropped his bag on the floor, “What the hell is the stupid bint out slaying in her condition for?”

Dawn looked at him incredulously, “Hello! She’s the Slayer… dah!”

Spike rolled his eyes, “ I know that, but she shouldn’t be slaying when she’s pregnant. I can do the killing for her. I don’t want to risk anything happening to her or our baby.”

Dawn’s heart softened, “Well, she’s only just left….”

Spike ran out into the night. Sheer worry gave him extra speed & he soon reached the cemetery. He arrived in time to see Buffy effortlessly stake a vamp. But she hadn’t seen a group of them closing in on her. Spike staked two, before reaching her side. Buffy acknowledged his presence by nodding at him, then, back to back they fought the vampires.

When it was finally over, Buffy thanked Spike, who gripped her by the arms and shook her angrily, “This is the last time you slay until the baby’s born, Buffy. I’ll take care of the monsters.”

“It’s early days, Spike and it’s my duty…”

“I don’t care,” he snarled, “you’re staying in at nights from now on, even if I have to tie you to the chair…”

Buffy blushed at his words, remembering other times when he had restrained her. He noticed & smirked, “ I meant for the safety of our baby. I don’t want anything to go wrong, but if you’ve got other ideas, Pet…”

Buffy looked away, “Erm, no. But I hear what you’re saying about my slaying. No kicking butt fest for Buffy. Giles pretty much said the same thing.”

Spike caught her by the chin and made her look at him, “I’m going to take care of you,” he said, before kissing her hungrily. Buffy tried to resist the feelings his kiss evoked, but it was no good. She opened her mouth to him & put her arms around his neck. Spike gathered her closer to him, hands exploring her body.

“So, no slaying, but I can do this?” She said huskily, as she unzipped his pants.

“Yes, Pet, you’re definitely allowed to do this.”

Buffy tripped Spike up, and sat on top of him, taking him deep inside her with one swift movement.

Spike groaned in pleasure, “I see pending motherhood hasn’t curbed your violent tendencies towards me!”

“Shut up and kiss me!”

***

Dawn looked up from the telly, when two grass stained figures walked in, “You’ve been gone for over 4 hours. Must have been big slayage tonight.”

Buffy blushed, while Spike smirked, “That’s right, Niblet. Slayer & I took care of things, we did.”

“Well, Giles rang with some more information. He said to ring him back, it didn’t matter how late.”

Buffy frowned, “I’d better ring him right away. This could be about the baby.”

Spike put his arm around her, “in that case I want to hear this too.”

Buffy: Hi, Giles. Dawn told me that you have some more information.

Giles: That’s right. I’ve managed to find some more texts that suggest what powers a child of such origin might have. They all seem to believe that whilst the child would only have the lifespan of a long-living human, it would have the senses and strength of two vampires, as well as having the added bonus of being able to walk in the sunlight. Now, as I said before, no offspring survived the few times that this happened, but we’re still talking about a very powerful being here, Buffy. A child with the combined powers of a vampire and a Slayer could be twice as powerful again! Such a child would be very desirable to raise by the dark forces….

Buffy: What are you saying?

Giles: I’m saying that you should be very careful. Once the news of this baby gets out into the underworld, I believe that you may have creatures try & snatch the child from you, in order to raise it to do their will. They may even try & get you…

Spike: Grabbing the phone That’s not gonna happen, Giles. I’ll look after Buffy & my baby!

Giles: Spike? I’m glad you’re there. I think Buffy’s going to need all the protection she can, once word gets out. I’ll see what I can do about sending someone out to help with some protection spells and…

Spike: No magic, Watcher! You better than anyone should know what consequences magic can have. We’ll manage.

Giles: Er, yes, well perhaps you’re right about the magic. But you will need help.

Spike: Yes, and we need to organize ourselves. Buffy’s going to give up slaying until the baby’s born, which is bound to cause a stir. I’ll be taking over her duties and although vamps are used to me killing my own kind, her absence in the field is still going to be noticed. Unfortunately not all vamps are as thick as Harmony.

Giles: True. We need someone to act as a Slayer…someone pretending to be newly chosen, while Buffy lies low….

Spike: Without the Slayer powers? That person will be mincemeat…

Buffy: Grabbing the phone What about Dawn? She’s got the same blood as me & she did well against some undead guys when Willow tried to kill us. She was like kick butt girl! With some training & Spike’s help, we might just stand a chance.

Giles: How would Dawn feel about it? And it’s a hell of a risk to take…

Buffy: She’s always wanted to come slaying with me. Here’s her chance. She might not be as strong as me, but she has some of my power and she’ll make a good fighter.

Giles: Well, she’s all we’ve got for now. You’d better start training her immediately. But I don’t like this.

Buffy: You never do, Giles. That’s why you’re the Watcher. Don’t worry!

Giles: That’s tempting fate. Now, goodnight, you two.

Spike & Buffy: Night.

Spike turned to Buffy, “ Are you sure about this, Pet? Niblet’s feisty, but she’s not a Slayer.”

Buffy frowned, “ I know, but I’m sure she can do it, Spike. You should have seen her fighting alongside me that time. She did good.

“Well, let’s see what the Bit has to say about all this”

They both went into the lounge to find Dawn eagerly awaiting them. Buffy shook her head, “I take it that you heard every word of that, Dawn? In which case, how do you feel about acting Slayer?”

Dawn grinned, “I’d love to help out. I know it’ll be dangerous but I’m way tired of taking a back seat in the Scooby gang. It’s about time I kicked some ass!” And with that she whooped around the room.

Buffy tried heard not to laugh, while Spike grinned, “That’s my Niblet!”

Spike punched a Vampire and knocked it to the ground. He whipped out a stake & struck it in the chest. Dust! He looked around to see Dawn back flip her way out of trouble, before high kicking a female Vamp on the jaw. Dawn then followed through with a stake to the Vamp’s heart. She dusted her hands, “That will teach you to call me little!”

Spike laughed, “ Easy, Niblet. You did good. It’s time to relax.”

High above in the trees, a pair of green eyes watched the Vampire & Human & their owner smiled.

Spike suddenly looked around.

“What is it, Spike? More Vamps?”

“ I can sense another one, but I don’t know how near… nope, feeling’s gone. Must have imagined it.”

They turned for home, when suddenly a creature dressed all in black appeared before them. It was shaped like a woman, but swathed completely in black material. Only a pair of vivid green eyes showed.

Spike shoved Dawn behind him, prepared to fight for and protect her.

“Relax, William,” said a husky voice through the black cloth, “ I’m not here to hurt you or yours. I’ve come to see you & your Slayer.”

The strange woman tilted her head to one side & looked at Dawn peeking from behind Spike, “Which is not you. You fight well, but you are not the Slayer.”

Spike felt the eyes back on him, “ Take me to your Slayer, William. We have much to talk about.”

Spike, recovering from the shock at the stranger knowing his name, took on his usual cocky stance, “ O.k., enough of the amateur dramatics, how about you telling us who you are, Green Eyes, seeing as you know all about us?”

The green eyes twinkled with what Spike could only assume was amusement, “ So young & so cocky….. but a fair comment….”

A covered hand reached up & unravelled the black material that was hiding the woman’s head & face. Raven black hair fell down to the woman’s waist & Spike & Dawn gasped at the beauty of her face.

“ I am Kaelin, one of the ancient ones. I was made in ancient Britain, and I am here to protect you from what is to come.”

Spike scoffed, “ Why would a Vampire protect the Slayer?”

Kaelin smiled, “ You are protecting her, William, and you’re a Vampire.”

“Yes, but I love her… plus I’ve got this chip thing in my head, and not to mention my soul. I’m kind of buggered that way. Mr Neutered here.”

Kaelin laughed, “ You are more powerful than you know, William, and you have much to learn. Not all Vampires are evil. We certainly don’t need a soul to stop us from killing. It is a choice that we make. You better than anyone should know that. At anytime you could have overpowered that chip and killed humans, as Drusilla showed you, but after that one time you didn’t. Your love for the Slayer meant that you couldn’t kill anymore.

“ However, you used the chip as an excuse. You didn’t want to admit to yourself that you had changed so much for someone, that you had goodness in you, William. Both you and the Slayer needed to believe in the chip, as it was the only excuse you had for not killing each other. You conveniently forgot that you could override the chip, until the Slayer was resurrected and a moment of anger let you discover that the chip didn’t function with her anyway. You still could not kill a human though, so in your mind the chip worked, just not with her. And you did want to dance with the Slayer after all. Your dream had come true. You danced & the Slayer finally gave in to her feelings for you. However, your Slayer is stubborn & would still not admit her love for you. Now that you have a soul, she may feel that she can.

“ Meanwhile, you will find that you are gaining the strength of mind of a Vampire beyond your years and this will help you greatly. As we get older, we become wiser with our powers and the urge to kill diminshes…. well, kill humans anyway. This lets us concentrate on more useful things that are crucial to our survival.”

“But why are you interested in us?”

“ I have heard of you, William, and I have heard of your pregnant Slayer. You are both in great danger and I would like to offer my protection. Without it, you do not stand a chance. Word is out and the hunters are gathering."

“ Why would you help us?”

“ You intrigue me. You were the Chosen One in the Master’s line for being able to father children. Not only that, but a slayer of Slayers. And then your undead heart was conquered by the very person you meant to destroy - the Chosen One, the Slayer! And whom do you impregnate, but the Slayer? You love your enemy, you fight your own kind & you are quite possibly about to start an inter-dimensional war by fathering a unique Vampire. For one so young, you have achieved much. Yes, you definitely intrigue me, and I can’t help but like you.”

Dawn stepped out from behind Spike, “ An inter-dimensional war? That’s bad, right, Spike?”

No answer.

Dawn jabbed him in the ribs, “ Spike!”

“What? Huh? Oh, sorry, Niblet. Just a bit gob-smacked here. If Green Eyes is right, we’re in a lot deeper shit than we first thought.”

Spike looked at Kaelin, “ I’m going to have to take what you say on faith & let you meet my Slayer.”

***

A slightly rounded Buffy opened the front door & immediately frowned when she saw the green-eyed beauty with Dawn & Spike. Her hormones were already playing havoc and she wasn’t amused, “Whose this Ho, then, Spike? I’ve only cooked enough dinner for three…”

Kaelin smiled, “ Don’t worry, Slayer, your heart is safe. William only has eyes for you.”

Turning to Spike, she said, “ She’s feisty. I like her.”

Then she walked past a flabbergasted Buffy into the house. Spike & Dawn followed.

“Hey, how did you just walk in, without an invite?” Dawn questioned.

Kaelin waved her hand dismissively, “ Oh, when you’re as old as I am, there are ways around these things.”

Buffy slammed the front door & stomped over to the others, “ O.k. What the hell is going on?”

Spike gathered a reluctant Buffy into his arms, “ This is Kaelin. She’s an ancient Vampire who has come to help us. Now, before you start scratching & spitting, Pet, listen to what she’s got to say.”

And with that Spike took Dawn into the kitchen, leaving the two women to talk.

***

Dawn listened unashamedly at the door, “ I can’t hear any shouting or fighting, so I guess they’re getting along o.k.”

Spike pulled her away from the door, “ Leave ‘em to it, Niblet. I felt Kaelin’s power & believe me, if she had wanted to harm any of us, she could have done. You saw how she just walked in here. I think I believe her, in that she wants to help.”

“ Maybe we should phone Giles & get him to look her up.”

“That’s a good idea. We’ll call him later.”

“And I wonder what Xander & Willow will make of her. I bet Xander will drool over her….”

“Yes, the Whelp always fancies the wrong woman.”

What seemed like ages later, they heard the front door open and close. Then Buffy came into the kitchen & sat down at the table.

“ Is all this for real? Our baby might be the cause of a war?”

“ Looks that way, love. What else did Kaelin say?”

“ She told me exactly what she told you, but that she’s going to find out more information from her ‘sources’ and then get back to us. My, God, Spike, we’re the talk of the Underworld just as Giles feared!”

“ We’ll survive. We always do.”

Then Spike winked at Dawn. Taking the hint she sloped out of the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone.

Spike walked towards Buffy, “ Have you forgotten to tell me anything as a result of your conversation with Kaelin, Pet?”

Buffy looked at him in confusion, “No, I don’t think so, why?”

Spike rolled his eyes, “ Damn it, Buffy, if you weren’t pregnant, so help me God I would beat this confession out of you! How about finally admitting to me how you feel?”

Realisation dawned & she smiled cheekily, “I’m not ready to confess yet.”

Spike growled in frustration, before grabbing her off the chair, “ Then I guess I’ll just have to tickle it out of you,” he said and proceeded to do just that. Buffy squealed with helpless laughter, “ Spike… you.. know… I … hate…being tickled. Not fair!”

“ Three words & I’ll stop.”

“Please….stop…Spike…”

“ Very funny, Pet. I’ll tickle you all night if I have to.”

When tears were streaming down Buffy’s face & she couldn’t take it any longer, she gave in, “O.k, Spike….. stop… & I’ll…. tell …. you..”

Spike stopped tickling & let Buffy catch her breath. He waited impatiently for serious green eyes to look up at him & when they did it was worth waiting for. He could see the love in her eyes, but he still wanted to hear the words he had waited forever to hear.

Buffy smiled up at him, “ I love you, Spike. Deep down I think I always have, but I never wanted to admit to it. True, I’ve looked for a monster in my man, but after Angel, I certainly never wanted to fall in love with a vampire again…”

“Pinch me!”

“Huh?”

“Quick, pinch me, so that I know this isn’t a dream!”

Buffy thumped Spike playfully on the arm, “this is a serious moment, you idiot. I’m telling you I love you. After tickling it out of me, you would have thought you’d listen.”

Spike’s mouth broke into a huge grin, before kissing Buffy noisily on the lips, “About bloody time!” He said with feeling, “You sure keep a man hanging on, Slayer. Now tell me again.”

Buffy pulled him closer to her by his t-shirt, “I’d much rather show you, lover”

Spike growled with desire, “Who am I to argue?”

All thought of an inter-dimensional war was forgotten, as the two lovers kissed & stumbled their way upstairs.

***

Willow & Xander met everyone in the Magic Shop.

“So, what’s all the excitement about?” Willow asked.

Buffy took a deep breath before she started her speech. She had put her friends through a lot, and they had always stood by her in the end. Although they had been shocked at Spike’s return, Buffy’s pregnancy and even her new found relationship with him; they had continued to be her friend. Tara’s death & the events afterwards had somehow changed all of them. It was like they could accept anything as long as they stayed together. Even Xander, who had plenty of reason to hate Spike, had come round. However, risking their lives to protect Buffy’s unborn child was something else entirely. It definitely didn’t look good for any of them this time.

“It seems that Giles was quite right to worry about the baby. Apparently word has got out in the Demon World and some Demons may be coming after the baby. Whatever is coming after us may cause an inter-dimensional war.”

Buffy looked at her friends, “I don’t know the whole story yet, but if you stay anywhere near me, you will be risking your lives for my unborn child. I just want to tell you that I love you all, and will understand if any of you want to bail from the team.”

Xander stood up, “Hey, Buffster. If I can take on non-crayony Willow here, there’s no way I’m bailing!”

Willow smiled proudly at Xander, “I’m staying to. Can’t let my hero down. We’ve risked our lives since day one, Buffy. There’s no way we’re stopping the life endangering stuff now.”

Buffy felt quite choked, “Thanks guys.”

“What else did Giles say about the Demons that were coming?”

Buffy sat down at the table, “ That’s the part I need to explain. It wasn’t all Giles. When Dawn & Spike were out patrolling the other night, an ancient Vampire spoke to them. She said she had come to help Spike & me from whatever is coming. It was she who told us that our baby could start an inter-dimensional war. She only knew that the Demons were coming, she didn’t know how the war could actually come about.”

“She?” queried Xander.

“Yes, ‘she’. I guess that makes her a Vampiress. Anyway, her name is Kaelin, and I know it sounds weird a Vampire wanting to help the Slayer… unless he’s in love with me… but I’m telling you guys, she is really powerful. She could totally have kicked our butts, she certainly just walked into the house without the need for an invite, but she didn’t harm us and so I believe her. She’s coming here tonight with some new information, which she’s hoping to get from her sources.”

Xander & Willow looked at each other, “This place just gets weirder.”

***

Kaelin ripped the jaw off the foul smelling Demon in front of her. Now that she had the information she needed, she certainly didn’t want news of her presence to spread.

Maybe she should kill it just to be safe? With one hand, she grabbed the creature’s head & quickly snapped its neck. Then she made her way towards The Magic Shop. There was much to do.

***

The Scoobies looked up as Kaelin walked in. Xander’s jaw dropped open at her breathtaking beauty. Anya saw and snapped, “You’re drooling, Xander. It makes you look like an over eager school boy!”

“What?” asked Xander defensively, when he saw everyone was looking at him, “Red blooded male, remember? Think I’m beginning to understand the Buffster’s attraction to Vampires.”

Dawn giggled & whispered to Spike,” Told you so.”

“I know, Niblet,” Spike smirked. The Whelp was out of his depth, if he fancied his chances with Kaelin.

Buffy hushed everyone and introduced Kaelin. The Vampiress smiled at everyone, but especially at Xander. She had seen his reaction to her and although she was normally immune to such behaviour in males, she quietly admitted to herself that this one’s pleased her. However, she was here to help the Slayer, not find a mate. She sat down at the table and began her story,

“ I have found out as much as I can for now. It seems that the Demon World is better informed than us. Every race of Demon has heard that a Slayer will give birth to half-Vampire twins…”

“Twins!” Squawked Buffy.

Kaelin smiled at her, “Yes, my dear, it appears that you will have twins.”

Spike put his arm around Buffy’s shoulders, “Relax, pet.” And she did. Having twins was the least of her worries.

Kaelin continued, “Now, there is one race of Demons, the Sammlers whose King likes to collect unusual creatures. Half-Vampire - half-Slayer twins will of course be very unusual. His Demon-soldiers are coming to collect the babies, even it means keeping Buffy in captivity until she has had them.”

The Scoobies looked at each other in horror.

“There is another race of Demons, called, the Hautfresser who like to eat babies. The rarer the species, the more exquisite the taste as far as they are concerned. They hold massive banquets in honour of their King, who then tastes the new delicacy. Any Demon who then wishes to have a taste after the King must pay tributes to him. He becomes very rich on such occasions. The Hautfressers also wish to capture the twins - as food. They are willing to go to war with the Sammlers over this. And other Demon races are becoming involved, as they have alliances with the Sammlers and the Hautfressers.”

Buffy clutched her belly protectively, “No-one is eating my babies. Make them not eat my babies, Spike!”

Spike rubbed her back, comforting her, “Let’s hear the rest, pet. I know it’s difficult.”

He looked at Kaelin, “Is there any bloody way of stopping these wankers?”

Kaelin nodded, “Strange as it may seem. If you kill the Sammler & Hautfresser Kings, the twins will be safe, as the Demons will go back to their own dimensions. It’s a question of respect for the warrior that has managed to kill their King.”

Xander looked at everyone, “Well, Demon killing is what we’re good at, right people?”

They all nodded, but Kaelin interrupted, “You should never underestimate your enemy. They are very powerful Demons. The Sammler King has the power to read your mind, so you cannot plan any moves as he will know your intentions. His spit is deadly at 50 yards.

“The Hautfresser King breathes fire and can transform into any shape he wishes to. He can change into a person that you know.”

Spike spoke,” So he could transform into someone we love, say?”

Kaelin turned to him, “ That’s right, William. We have to prepare ourselves, and that may mean killing someone who resembles a loved one. Now, it’s quite possible that there are some sort of protection amulets that can help us, otherwise we need to decide who will fight whom. Only one warrior at a time may fight a King. It is the rules. Obviously we cannot allow Buffy to fight. It would be madness. This time, she must take a back seat. I suggest that I fight the Sammler King and maybe William, or Spike as you know him fights the Hautfresser. If we do not survive, others will have to step in.”

Buffy looked at Kaelin, “You would be willing to do this for me?”

Kaelin smiled, “Yes. I like this world I live in & if an inter-dimensional war happens, chances are we will all be wiped out. I would like to prevent that from happening. Besides I am powerful too and it will be the fight of my undead life.”

“Thank you,” Buffy said. Then she turned to Spike, “I know you love me, Spike, but you are also willing to risk your eternal life for our babies?”

“Bloody right I am, Luv. It’s not just for puppies & Christmas this time, it’s for my kids. Plus I’ll also have the fight of my undead life.”

Buffy’s eyes shone with love and pride for him. The Scoobies coughed in embarrassment.

Willow stood up, “ I’ll go and check the Net for any info relating to these Demons; prophecies or legends, and any help for us in the form of amulets.”

Xander stood too, “Amen to that. I’ll help you, Wills.”

Anya also got ready to leave, “As you two clearly want to have sex now, I will also make a convenient exit.”

Buffy blushed, Spike smirked, Kaelin smiled and the others groaned at yet another of Anya’s faux pas.

Dawn looked at them, “I need to go and patrol, so I’ll see you later.”

Before Spike could say anything, Kaelin jumped in,” I’ll go with her on patrol. Don’t worry she’ll be safe. You two go and have some quality time together. There won’t be much time for it soon.”

And with that, the Magic Shop was empty apart from the couple left.

Spike jumped up, “Come on, Slayer, let’s get you home.”

Buffy smiled, “Why are you so eager? Not expecting anything are you?”

“Nope, apart from a shagfest with my woman.”

“That’s o.k. then.”

PART 3

A Month Later.

A lowly placed Sammler Demon bowed before his King and trembled, because of what he was about to say.

“The Slayer and her friends are aware of your march on the Hellmouth, Sire, as indeed they are aware of the Hautfressers coming. It appears that she has two warriors willing to fight for her.”

The Sammler King roared with fury, “How did she find out? And who is willing to fight for her?” Then he calmed down, “No matter. No warrior will be a match for me. Who can the Slayer possibly find to fight for her, when she kills all Demons?”

The underling trembled again, “There are two Vampires, Sire. One is the father of her twins and the other is an ancient Vampiress.”

Renewed fury shook the King, “ She has powerful allies, this Slayer. But I will have her children for my collection and I shall kill her, after I have killed the Vampire warrior who dares to fight me.”

The Underling started to shuffle away in order to make a quick exit, but the King saw. Spit flew out of his great mouth and burnt the underling on the spot with the powerful acidic venom.

***

In another dimension, the Hautfresser King was being told the same news. But his reaction was different. He laughed loudly, “ A Vampire warrior to fight me, eh? Does the Slayer really think they have a chance? I shall kill her warrior and drink her blood while I feast on her children!”

The Hautfresser messenger tentatively asked, “But what about the Sammlers, Sire? They also shall be there.”

The King shrugged, “I am not worried about them. They are no match for my army.”

The King transformed into Buffy’s image, “I cannot wait for the mass destruction to begin. Ready the soldiers and let’s go.”

Then the King looked at his image in the mirror, “Does my bum look big in this outfit?”

***

Kaelin and Spike sparred inside the training room, honing their skills for the coming battle. Dawn always watched to learn and yell encouragement. If they failed, Xander & herself would be up next, and she didn’t even want to think about that.

Buffy also watched, her bump well defined now. The Doctor had confirmed that she was having twins and the thought both pleased and terrified her. It pleased her that she was to be blessed with two children, but it terrified her that the Demon hoards were coming after them.

However, if anyone was to prevent this, it was Kaelin and Spike. Both had the tenacity to win. Just look at Spike’s pursuit of her. Now there was a determined Vamp! And Gile’s information about Kaelin had helped quell her fear slightly. The Vampiress had indeed been sired in ancient Britain and her age alone meant she was very powerful. The Council had kept vast records of her as they had found her interesting. It seemed that whenever she fed, she either did not drain her victims, or she fed on criminals. She had sired a few children, but had killed some of these later, when they had fed on innocent humans. For her, there was no thrill in hunting or killing. Instead she travelled the globe in search of knowledge. Kaelin had learnt magic, languages and the customs of many people. She also knew every type of Demon.

Buffy’s thoughts were interrupted by the sky suddenly darkening rapidly outside, even though it was Midday. She looked at the others. Their faces said it all. It had started.

The Scoobies and Kaelin went outside, and saw great hoards of Demons marching down the street. A giant, yellow, horned beast led them.

“Jeez, could he possibly be any uglier?” Asked Xander of no one in particular.

“That’s the Sammler King,” stated Kaelin, as she stepped forward.

The Demons came to a halt in front of the Scoobies.

“So, which of you has the nerve to fight me?” bellowed the yellow Demon, “It is only wasting time, for I shall have the twins, but if you insist, then let’s get it over with.”

“I shall fight you,” said Kaelin, “But, we shall await the arrival of the Hautfressers. You know full well that once the challenges have been made, the fights must begin at the same time.”

“So be it, Vampiress.”

And right on cue, a great clattering of amour could be heard from behind the Scoobies. They turned around to find a hoard of blue Demons being led by Buffy. The real Buffy lay her hand on Spike’s arm, “Are you going to be able to kill me?”

Spike smiled, “It will be like the old days, luv. I shall imagine it’s back then.”

The Demon Buffy strode up to them, “I understand that one of you is to fight me. I’m looking forward to it. After I have killed you, my army shall kill the Sammlers and we shall have the twins.” She looked at the real Buffy, “Of course, we’ll have to borrow you, until you give birth to them. It’s no good just ripping them from your belly. We want them alive when we eat them.”

Spike stepped forward, “I’m going to fight you, you wanker. Enough of the tough talk & the fannying around, let’s get on with it. Promised my Slayer a candle-lit supper, I did.”

“Ah, yes, the rogue Vampire. So, I am to fight you, eh? And who is to fight the Sammler King?”

“Me!” Said Kaelin

“Kaelin, you old bitch!” Hissed the Demon Buffy, “What a shame I am not to fight you.”

The Scoobies looked on in fascination. Clearly these two had a history and they were just dying to know what had gone on. Maybe Kaelin could tell them after the fight, if she survived.

Kaelin, Spike and the two Demon Kings separated themselves from the onlookers.

“Choose where you are to fight, challengers!” Said the Sammler King.

“The cemetery,” Spike quickly answered.

***

Kaelin faced her adversary. She cleared all thoughts from her mind so that the Sammler King could not read them. Already she could feel him try. If the frustrated look on his face was anything to go by, her tactic was working though.

A powerful yellow arm struck her across the face. Kaelin stood her ground and turned back to face the Demon. Her lip was bleeding, but she laughed at him, “You’ll have to do better than that.”

This riled him even more and he charged her. Kaelin somersaulted through the air and landed behind the King. She aimed several powerful kicks at the backs of his legs, but he failed to fall. Instead, he turned quickly for his size and spat venom at her. She disappeared into thin air and the venom landed on the grass, where it scorched a large hole. Kaelin reappeared to one side and punched him in the side. The Demon swatted her away with his powerful arm and the Vampiress was thrown against a tree. Venom quickly flew at her and she didn’t have time to move. The venom landed on her chest and arms, burning her severely. But Kaelin was not concerned, she could heal and she had been able to concentrate her powers in time, so that it was only a surface injury. The venom should have turned her to dust. Again she laughed at the Demon, further antagonising him, and trying to make him act irrationally.

They fought for hours, until it seemed that Kaelin was tiring. She stood panting in front of a tree, and let the Demon hear how tired she was in her thoughts. He laughed, “Never mind, Vampiress. You fought better than I expected. But you have wasted enough of my time.”

The Demon charged her with the great horn on his head. Just as he reached her, Kaelin moved like lightening out of the way and the Demon’s horn went all of the way through the tree. Kaelin turned into a wolf and ravaged the Demon’s neck. She continued until his body fell away from his head, which remained stuck in the tree.

Two Sammler Demons came forward and bowed to Kaelin, before collecting the body of their King. They then disappeared with the hoard of Sammlers.

“You were magnificent,” said Xander.

“I’m a bit crispy though,” she joked, and then grimaced at her burns.

“But still damn sexy…. And I just said that aloud, didn’t I? O.k, can a hole please open up in front of me right now…”

Kaelin looked at him, “You should have more confidence in yourself, Xander.”

They shared a heated glance and then Xander helped her to where the others were watching Spike fight the Hautfresser King.

***

Spike faced the Demon Buffy and couldn’t help thinking that the wanker was in for a bit of a shock if he thought adopting Buffy’s image would put the Vampire off. Never under estimate your enemy, Kaelin’s words came back to Spike. The Vampire flexed his muscles. Perhaps I should take this more seriously.

The Demon Buffy’s mouth opened and a great ball of fire hit Spike squarely on the chest. The Vampire fell flat on his back.

“Bloody hell,” he said with feeling. It was just like being back in the cave in Africa. He quickly got to his feet; in time to dive out of the way as another fireball came his way. This wasn’t going well. Spike shook his head to clear his thoughts. Then he saw an urn full of water by him. He picked the urn up, stood up and threw the water over Demon Buffy, drenching her.

Thinking on his feet, he remembered other information about the Hautfresser. As well as changing image, the Demon took on certain characteristics of the person or Demon he copied. This might be used against him. Spike certainly hoped so. He hoped Demon Buffy had the same insecurities. At least the water had temporarily stopped the fire.

“God, your arse looks big in that outfit,” Spike bitched.

Demon Buffy suddenly looked disconcerted, “What did you say?”

“I said, your arse looks big, luv. And wearing those tight pants just emphasises how damn big it is!”

And with that, Spike punched Demon Buffy in the face. He followed through with more punches and spinning kicks. The Demon fell to the floor and changed into his original shape.

“Not bad, Vampire. You almost had me there. It will be a shame to kill you.”

Spike rolled his eyes, “Always with the melodramatics,” he said, as he went to kick the Demon. But his foot connected with thin air, as the Demon turned into a swarm of bees and proceeded to sting Spike all over.

Spike fell to the ground in sheer agony and the Scoobies watched in horror as the Demon then changed into Drusilla, armed with a stake. She stabbed Spike in the arms and legs, leaving great wounds, as she laughed inanely,

“Miss Edith says you’ve been a bad doggie and should be put down.”

Buffy screamed as Demon Drusilla bent over Spike ready to plunge the stake into his heart. But what happened next surprised everyone. Spike had found the strength to reach in his duster and pull out a stake. The Demon Drusilla exploded into dust and Spike’s hand fell limply to the ground.

Buffy hurried over to his inert figure and gathered him into her arms. Tears were pouring down her cheeks and landing on his swollen face, “Don’t leave me, Spike, not now. I love you. I love you so much and I swear I’ll tell you everyday…. Just don’t leave me…”

She sobbed onto his chest and jumped when a voice whispered, “You’re quite the romantic, Summers, when you want to be.”

She looked back at his dear face, “Oh, Spike, I thought I’d lost you.”

“Never, Pet, but I need blood and quick.”

“Of course.” Without hesitating, Buffy slashed open her wrist and held it to his mouth. Spike fed, but was careful to take only enough to let him heal.

The couple were oblivious to what was going on around them. After the death of their King, the Hautfresser hoard had proceeded to commit mass suicide. Blue, slimy bodies littered the cemetery.

“Ewww,” said Dawn, “And they’re not even the melt into nothing kind of dead Demon. It will take forever to clean this lot up…”

Kaelin laughed, “Don’t worry, Dawn. They will melt away in a few hours - after they’ve made the most awful stink.”

“At least they’re dead,” said Willow, “Eating of twins averted.”

The Scoobies made their way over to Buffy & Spike, just as the sky lightened to the early evening that it should now be.

Spike was sitting up, while Buffy ripped strips off her skirt to bandage his arms and legs.

“I got to hand it to you, Spike, you had us all worried there for a mo,” said Xander, “But I’m glad you’re o.k.”

Spike looked up in surprise. He and the Whelp had a truce, but they merely tolerated each other for Buffy’s sake, or so the Vampire thought. Yet, there was genuine concern in Xander’s eyes. Blimey, will wonders never cease?

“Cheers, mate.”

Then Spike looked at Kaelin and saw the acid burns, “Well, I’m not surprised to see you survived, Kaelin, but how did you get off so lightly?”

Kaelin smiled, “Cheeky, sod. He nearly had me, but I was able to focus my healing powers in time; a useful trick I learnt in Tibet. Instead of becoming dust, his venom merely burnt me.”

“O.k., question,” said Xander, “And I think I speak for everyone, how did the Hautfresser King know you?”

Kaelin shrugged, “I killed his wife & children, because they ate the children of someone I knew. He never forgot & it’s the reason why I didn’t want to fight him. Personal revenge would have clouded my judgement.”

The Scoobies nodded in understanding, before making their way back to their respective homes.

***

Several months later

Buffy smiled down at the two tiny bundles in her arms, twin boys. God, now she had three of them. She was quite the most lucky person in the world. She looked at Spike and was touched by the look of awe on his face as he gazed at his sons. Born at just past midnight, he had been able to witness their birth.

“Erm, Slayer, can I hold one of my sons?”

Buffy held one out to him and he gently took it. The small bundle whimpered at being separated from his brother, but soon quietened down in his father’s arms. Brilliant blue eyes stared at him & Spike could have sworn his son smirked at him.

“ I think this one takes after me,” he said smugly.

Buffy laughed, “You’re bound to say that. Every new father wants their offspring to take after them…”

“We’ll see how much…” And Spike vamped out. The little bundle gurgled at him & clapped its hands together. Spike looked at Buffy in amazement, “Did you see that, Pet?”

She nodded. About to shout at him for vamping out at her sons so early on in life, she had been as amazed as him at the baby’s reaction. She looked down and saw that their other son was now looking at his father and acting in the same way.

“ They don’t mind it at all. Extraordinary!” She uttered.

“What about this?…… Grrrr”

“Spike…”

Both babies screwed up their little faces and attempted a vampire grrrrr.

Spike’s chest swelled with pride, “Definitely my sons.”

Buffy laughed, “Who’d have thought it; the Big Bad going all gooey over a baby?”

“Yeah, not quite what I intended to happen when I first set foot in Sunnyhell all those years ago. It’s all your fault, Slayer. Bewitched me, you did.”

“Whereas you stalked me.”

“I prefer the term ‘seduced’. Now, I’d better leave my sons to be fed and go take care of Dawn.”

Spike gently kissed his son’s head before putting him back in his cot. Then he kissed his other son and turned to go.

“What about me?” Buffy pouted.

Spike turned back, “Woman just can’t get enough of me,” he sighed theatrically, before kissing her thoroughly.

***

A few days later

Spike dumped a large bag of baby clothes, toys and diapers on the bed. Buffy looked at him suspiciously, “Spike! You didn’t?”

He held up his hands in mock surrender, “Now don’t get your knickers in a twist, Slayer. We need these things for my boys and I can’t help it if the shops are closed when I wake up, now can I?”

She looked at him and failed to be angry,

“Oh, Spike. Some things will never change about you.”

“Does that bother you, Pet?” He asked seriously.

“No. I still like a bit of bad in you. It’s what makes you you…. After all, I wouldn’t want you becoming a total poof,” she joked.

Spike’s eyebrow rose in surprise and then he dived onto the bed after her, “Take that back, Missy!”

“Make me!”

They grappled each other on the bed, until Spike finally had Buffy pinned under him. He handcuffed her to the bedstead.

“Hey, no fair.”

“Yes, fair, Pet.”

He proceeded to take her PJs off and kiss every inch of exposed skin, “I clearly need to show you that I’m not a poof.”

Buffy felt hot with desire, but she wriggled to try and get free.

“I take it back, Spike and I’d love to continue this, but I need to get dressed, because we’ve got Xander & Kaelin coming round for a late dinner.”

“Too bad, Slayer. They’ll have to wait.”

He proceeded to do wicked things with his tongue, making Buffy gasp in pleasure. Just as she was on the brink of an orgasm, Spike stopped and looked at her flushed face, “Do you still want to have dinner, Buffy?” he taunted.

“No, damn you… finish what you were doing!”

Spike grinned, “What would you like me to do, Pet?”

“Finish what you were doing…. with your tongue.”

Spike wasn’t finished with her yet. He was still amazed that such a passionate woman was embarrassed to voice her needs to him in private, especially after the things they’d done to each other.

“Where do you want me to put my tongue?”

Buffy glared at him, “Not funny. You know damn well where I want you to stick your tongue. In my pussy!”

Spike obliged and it was two hours before they met Xander & Kaelin downstairs. They were met with smiles & knowing looks.

The twins are one month old and Spike & Buffy are married.

The telephone rang and Buffy picked it up.

Buffy: Hello?

Giles: Hello, Buffy. How are things, especially with my Godsons?

Buffy: Good, as long as you haven’t found any more prophesies about me. You’ll have to come and see the twins. I guess they’re more like their father than I expected. The only way they’ll drink milk is from a bottle and the milk has to be mixed with blood. After I got over the eww factor, it seemed quite natural.

Giles: Really? How intriguing. What else?

Buffy: Well, they love Spike being in Vamp mode. It doesn’t scare them at all. And when he goes all grrr, they try to copy.

Giles: Oh, any sign of ridges beneath the skin?

Buffy: No. No bumpies. All human so far, apart from the blood-milk mixy thing.

Giles: What about sunlight?

Buffy: They like being out in it, but like any baby, I don’t want them to get burnt, so I mostly keep their cots in the shade.

Giles: Well, it sounds like William and David may be a good mixture of both parents. We’ll just have to wait and see what other characteristics they’ll have. (Hastily adding) and I mean that in a non- scientific way. The Council remain unaware of the twins.

How is Spike adapting to fatherhood?

Buffy: He’s great. He completely dotes on them. And he’s totally convinced that they take after him, although he has very kindly said that they have my nose.

Giles: I can’t believe the change in him. It’s amazing what love can do.

Buffy: I’m very lucky. It’s ironic though that the Slayer marries a Vamp and has half-Vamp children.

Giles: Yes, you never fail to amaze me, Buffy. But, Spike is just who you need. And I certainly never thought I’d be saying that.

Buffy: Talking of whom, he’s just come back. I’ll speak to you later, Giles. Goodbye.

Giles: Goodbye and give my love to my Godsons.

Spike came in the front door with a bagful of groceries. He kissed Buffy on the lips and then dumped the bag in the kitchen.

“How are my boys?” He asked.

Buffy smiled. He had been out all day and had obviously missed them.

“They’re sleeping, but could do with a feed, if you want to go and wake them for me.”

Spike ran upstairs to the nursery. A few minutes later Buffy heard an anguished shout,

“Buffy! Come quick.”

Buffy ran upstairs to find Spike staring at the empty cots, empty of babies that was.

“Look,” he said, holding up two boy dolls, “Dru’s been here. Bitch has got our kids!”

Buffy sagged against the doorframe, “Oh, God, no. Please no. Not my babies!”

Spike came to her and helped her up. She could see he was as upset as her, but he was now becoming angry, “Thing I want to know is, how the hell did she get in here?”

“Why didn’t I hear anything?” Buffy asked more to herself than Spike. Tears flowed down her cheeks.

“Easy, Pet. We’ll find her and I’ll bloody kill her, the insane cow!”

Buffy wiped her tears with her sleeve, “I’ll get the others to help us look.”

They went downstairs and found Dawn home.

“What’s wrong?” She asked concerned.

“My ex has stolen the twins,” said Spike.

“Oh, my God, but how?”

“We don’t know, but she has. Weird thing is, she got in without an invite.”

“Does she know how to, like Kaelin, I mean?”

“No,” said Spike, “She’s got this strange thrall thing, but she wouldn’t have that kind of power.”

Dawn suddenly remembered a strange woman coming to the door yesterday, “Erm, what does Dru look like?”

“Why?” asked Buffy suspiciously.

“Well, it’s just that there was a nice lady selling make-up yesterday and I did er, sort of invite her in.”

“Tall, thin, long dark hair, very pretty and dreamy looking,” Spike said.

“Oh, my God, that’s her. But I didn’t know,” cried Dawn, “How could I? I’ve never met Dru…and that Demon Dru Spike fought was so far away, I didn’t see properly.”

Buffy was furious, but she knew it wasn’t Dawn’s fault.

“It’s o.k. Dawn. We know it’s not your fault. Dru’s very clever. She’s obviously planned this.”

Spike and Buffy grabbed some weapons and went to get the others.

***

The Scoobies met up in the Magic Box. Willow was the first to speak, “Is it true, Buffy? Dru has taken the twins?”

“It looks that way…”

“Great! So, Captain Peroxide’s psycho ex- girlfriend is back in town, “ Xander interrupted.

Spike glared at him. Well, so much for a truce. The Whelp was back on his case.

“A little compassion here, mate. It’s my sons as well we’re talking about.”

Kaelin nodded, “Yes, quiet Xander! You’re not helping.” She looked at Spike and Buffy with concern, “When did it happen?”

“Sometime today while Dawn was at School and Spike was out. But I didn’t hear a thing…. It’s all my fault,” Buffy sobbed.

Spike gathered her in his arms, “We have to find her. But I don’t think she’ll intentionally hurt the twins. She’ll keep them like one of her dolls. We’re o.k. until they’re hungry. Dru always forgot to feed any of her pets.”

Kaelin nodded, “What about a locator spell?”

Everyone looked at Willow, but she fidgeted in her seat, “I … erm can’t… it’s too soon. If I start now, I won’t be able to stop.”

Kaelin patted her arm, “It’s o.k, Willow. I can do the spell.”

Buffy stopped sobbing and looked a little relieved, “Thank you, Kaelin…guys.”

Kaelin closed her eyes and mumbled words in a strange language. Not even Willow recognised it. A blue glow shone around the Vampiress and then disappeared. She opened her eyes, “She’s in Spike’s old crypt.”

“Let’s go,” said Spike, “Buffy and I go in, the rest follow if need be.”

***

Drusilla tucked the twins into bed and smiled at them.

“I’m a Mummy, Miss Edith. Look at my lovely boys. Take after my Spike they do.”

Drusilla looked at Miss Edith, “Don’t be jealous. You can be their Mummy too. And when Spike comes home, we can be a proper family again. But first, we need to get rid of that nasty Slayer.”

The twins lay quietly on the bed. They sensed that they were in danger and somehow knew they should keep quiet, so as not to provoke the strange woman in any way.

Dru changed her mind and picked David up. He whimpered at being separated from William, “Sssh. Daddy’s home,” she whispered.

Spike burst into the crypt, followed by Buffy. She let him talk to Dru.

“Dru, give me back my sons, Pet,” he said gently.

Dru held David tightly to her, “I couldn’t have babies, my Spike. You wouldn’t give them to me. But you gave them to her!”

“I know, but you and I were finished Dru, remember? And I didn’t know that I could have children.”

“All I wanted was a baby of my own,” she said petulantly.

“Yes, but Vampiresses can’t have them, Dru.”

“No,” she whined, “It’s all gone wrong. You and the Slayer weren’t supposed to happen. It’s not right. You’ve upset the balance.”

Spike tried a different tactic, “What does Miss Edith and the others make of this, Dru?”

“Miss Edith was jealous at first, but now she’s going to be a Mummy too. All they need is their Daddy. Come back to Princess, Spike, and kill the nasty Slayer.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Luv.”

Dru vamped out and looked at David, “Daddy’s made Mummy angry. There won’t be any tea for him tonight.”

She tossed David onto the bed and sprang at Spike. Spike quickly vamped out and collided with Dru.

While the two Vampires fought, Buffy ran to the bed and gathered the twins to her. She then ran out of the crypt and handed them to Kaelin, “I have to go back for Spike.”

“No,” said Kaelin, “It’s his fight, Buffy. He should kill Dru. The poor girl should never have been made a vampire. Angelus was wrong to have done so.”

Buffy hesitated. She knew Spike could handle himself, but Dru was unpredictable and what if he couldn’t kill her at the last minute because of what she had been to him? Reluctantly Buffy stayed outside the crypt.

Inside, Spike had just been scratched across the face, by Dru’s deadly talons.

“Always was a vicious bitch,” muttered Spike, before head-butting her.

Dru staggered backwards and laughed, “It’s like old times, my Spike. You always liked to play.”

“Yes, but the game’s ended now, Dru. Taking my kids was the last straw.”

“You used to love me, from outside to inside.”

“Before you buggered off with a Demon. We’ve done this one Dru. I love the Slayer…”

Dru roared with anger and sprang at him again. They fell to the floor and rolled together. Dru ended up on top, with a metal spike in her hand, “If Princess can’t have you, neither shall she!”

She raised the spike above her head, ready to bring it down towards his heart. Spike grabbed a metal disc that was near his head and swung with all his might. Dru dropped the spike and made a funny gurgling sound, before her head slowly fell away from her neck. She exploded into ashes and Spike lay there exhausted.

Outside, it was finally too much for Buffy, “It’s too damn quiet in there. I’m going in.”

She kicked the crypt door open and saw Spike lying on the floor in a corner. He was covered in bruises and gashes..and ashes. Buffy ran over to him and smothered him with kisses, “You managed to do it. I wasn’t sure if you could.”

“Nor did I, Pet. Are the boys o.k?”

“Yes, they’re fine. Let’s get out of here.”

***

Three years later

David chased William around the house. The little blond boys were playing Slayer and Vamp and it was David’s turn to be Slayer. He chased after his brother with one of Buffy’s stakes. William had vamped out and was making the appropriate grr noises, as his brother chased him. All was going well until Buffy came out of the kitchen and William ran into her. This meant that David caught up. William rolled his eyes, “Bloody hell,” he said.

Buffy’s eyes widened, “What did you just say?”

“Oops,” William’s hand covered his mouth, “Sorry, Mum.”

“I should think so. Now, don’t let me hear you say that again.”

“No.”

Meanwhile David had hidden the stake behind his back. Just as the boys were about to race off again, Buffy bent down towards David and held out her hand, “Give Mom back her stake, darling.”

“Oh, Mum,” David pouted, just like Buffy.

“Please. You know we don’t like you playing this game, especially with a real stake. I don’t want you to hurt yourselves.”

“But, I would never hurt Will. We just pretend….”

“I know, darling, but I can’t take that chance.”

Reluctantly David handed Buffy her stake. Then the two boys ran off. Buffy stared after them. Note to self: put stakes in a better hiding place. Then she hid a smile. They were so like Spike; accents, word pronounciation .....just cute, smaller versions of him. And they had obviously picked up his favourite phrase. She’d have words with him later.

The twins’ shouts brought Buffy outside and she found them wrestling on the lawn in the bright sunshine. She was so glad that they could enjoy the sunshine like any other child. Although they seemed to be developing much quicker than normal children. Not physically, but mentally. Their speech was already well advanced for their age. She hoped it didn’t spoil their childhood in anyway.

Buffy’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the garden gate opening. She turned to see Dawn returning from college.

David and Will stopped wrestling and ran towards her,

“Auntie Dawn, Auntie Dawn,” they shouted, before hugging her legs.

Dawn laughed, “How are my little monsters?”

They giggled, “We’re wrestling monsters. Come and wrestle with us.”

“O.k., but we can’t get too dirty. We have everybody coming over for dinner tonight.”

“Who’s coming?”

“Xander, Kaelin, Willow, and Anya. They’re all coming to see you two.”

“But they see us quite often.”

“I know, but tonight is special. Every year we celebrate the fact that you two are here. Remember the big fight that your Dad and Kaelin had?”

The boys nodded. All thought of wrestling was forgotten.

Dawn continued, “Well, we celebrate their victory in the fight. If they hadn’t have won, you two wouldn’t be here and probably neither would any of us.”

“Tell us the story again, Auntie Dawn!”

She smiled. They never tired of hearing this story.

“Well, it all started when I was patrolling with your Dad, because your Mom was expecting you two. We had just finished killing some evil Vampires, when Kaelin appeared….”

“Not nice Vamps like us?”

“No, evil Vamps…”

***

The Scoobies were all sat around the table engrossed in their meal and conversation. The twins had become bored half way through and were now running around playing.

But all heads turned as little William came up to the table and held up a pair of handcuffs to Spike, “Dad, what are these for?” He asked, with a slight frown.

Spike bit back his laughter. He wandered how Buffy would handle this situation. Talk about the perfect time to ask an embarrassing question. But it would do everyone good to know he and Buffy had a healthy love life. Unable to resist tormenting her, he picked William up and sat him on his lap,

“Why don’t you ask Mummy? They’re hers.”

All heads turned to a flushed Buffy, who visibly squirmed under such close scrutiny. She gave Spike one of her looks. He knew he would be in trouble later and he couldn’t wait.

“Yes, Buffy, why don’t you tell us what they’re for?” Teased Xander.

It was his turn to receive a death glare; “Mummy uses them on your father to keep him tied to the sink. It’s the only way he’ll wash up.”

William dropped the handcuffs on the table, clearly disappointed with the explanation, “Oh. That’s silly.” He started to scramble off Spike’s lap.

Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. Crisis over. But William changed his mind and turned back to Buffy, before innocently asking, “But why were they so well hidden then, if you need them so often?”

Spike smirked. That was his boy. Oh, the logic of children!

“Well, er…it was a joke present from your Father. I’ve never had to actually use them on him, because he helps me with the housework, doesn’t he?”

She’ll be using them tonight though, thought Spike gleefully.

William seemed satisfied with this answer.

“Grown-ups are strange,” he said and jumped down from Spike’s lap to join his brother.

Buffy looked at everyone and held her chin up, “From your smiles I’m sure you’re all aware now of Buffy’s kinky sex life, so…. anyone for dessert?”

The Scoobies hid their smiles.

“No need to be embarrassed, Buffy,” said Willow, “I’m sure we’ve all used them.”

“O.k. Enough! Children still present and they have excellent hearing,” Buffy said, determined once and for all to close the subject.

“Actually, Xander never liked them, he preferred…” Anya began.

“Anya!” Xander snapped, suddenly as keen as Buffy to stop the conversation. Kaelin winked at Xander. He didn’t have anything to worry about in that department. Lacking in imagination he wasn’t. But she changed the subject to ease people’s embarrassment.

When no one else was looking her way, Buffy smiled at Spike. He was so going to pay for today and she had several punishments in mind.

The End