Part 20:

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“Dissension, dissension, dissension.“ Shackleford said to no one in particular. Silly people were making his job easy. He pushed stop on the recorder and leaned back in his chair and smiled. It was the smarmy smile of someone who’d finally discovered a weakness in a person, and was going to exploit it to the fullest.

Dewey stared out the window, cleaning his nails with his pocket knife.

“Your papers arrived yesterday. You’re all set to apply for the job.” Shackleford told him, throwing a sealed pack of papers at him.

Dewey used his knife and slit the package opened. It was all there. An American passport, California driver’s license, resume. “What makes you think he’ll need a new man for the job?” Dewey asked.

Shackleford stood up, and joined Dewey at the window. The Magic Box seemed so unassuming, if you didn’t know it was the base of operation for the Vampire Slayer and her motley crew. “Got a new contract yesterday. The citizens of Sunnydale went to their local council and demanded it be torn down. Can‘t really blame them after that ugliness with the Army and my buddy, Warren. You do your job, and the rest will be easy.”

After what they’d just heard on the tape, it wouldn’t take much to separate Xander Harris from his friends. Circumstances being what they were, he was already the outsider. He just didn’t know it. The boy was obviously having a bad day.


**********************************
Buffy let Xander’s words wash over her again, not really believing the threat he’d leveled at Spike. He would do what she wouldn’t be able to do. Well, duh! No, sorry, Xander, I don’t think I will be able to kill my husband, my child’s father. I’m not made up that way anymore. I sacrificed love once. I have no intention of doing it again. Buffy hand strayed to her belly, the fullness always a comfort to her. Her eyes searched the room for the man responsible for her condition. Her eyes softened as she watched him talking to Willow and Giles. Spike wasn’t the same vampire that threatened her that night outside the Bronze. Was that the beginning of the end for the Master Vamp? Was that when he’d begun his remarkable change into the man who loved her, loved her sister? To be honest, she wasn’t really sure when Spike had changed in her mind from just another annoying vampire to this huge presence in her life. She couldn’t imagine a day without his jokes or his insight, a night without his kisses or his hands stroking her stomach as she fell asleep. No, Xander she couldn’t kill Spike. It would be like killing herself.

Spike felt her eyes on him, and turned his head slightly to look at her. The sun was shining through the front window, highlighting her hair, giving her an almost angelic appearance. She was simply beautiful, and she loved him. The whelp was lucky he did have the chip. Spewing out his hate, causing Buffy and Dawn pain. He wanted to rip his throat out, but he understood Xander’s concern. He felt the same concern when he first decided to remove the chip. But his concern was out of love for his girls, not out of hate for all demon kind. He knew Xander was up there deluding himself with the belief that his stance was noble and pure. Xander’s misgivings were deep-seeded and had very little to do with him. Spike knew there was a risk, but he wouldn’t take it if it put his girls in danger. He’d rather die than cause them any pain.

Spike was drawn back to the conversation by Giles’ question to Willow. “Do you think you can run a diagnostic on Spike’s chip with the proper equipment?”

Willow tapped her finger on her cheek, contemplating. “Probably. The technology used to make the chip is probably similar to a microprocessor in a computer. I could probably create a program to tell us how it works, and hopefully, how to shut it off.” Willow heard the guffaw from the loft and cringed. Xander would have to be dealt with, but right now, she just didn’t have any patience for his shenanigans.

“Spike said Warren was able to check the chip and discovered it was working properly.” Giles continued, ignoring the man above them. “There might be information in his papers and things to help us in our research. Would you and Tara handled that, with Spike’s help of course.”

“Of course.” Willow mimicked in an upper crust British accent. She grinned cheekily at him, glad to have the uneasy tension that had plagued them since yesterday out of the way.

“Where is Warren’s stuff? Is it still in the basement?” Spike asked, shoving his fingers into his pockets.

“Yes, I do believe they are still there. We weren’t able to give them as a thorough examination as I would have liked.”

Buffy walked over to the group, pausing to give Dawn a hug. She glanced up at the loft and saw Xander staring at her. She glared at him as she passed. Her expression changed when Spike extended his arm. Her arm snaked around his waist, her hand resting in the back pocket of his jeans. Spike grinned at her, wiggling his eyebrows. It was impossible to be down when her husband was a sex addict, who shared his addiction with her as often as possible.

“So, does this mean you guys will be invading our house again?” Buffy joked.

“I try to leave, but they keep pulling me back in.” Willow’s fake Italian accent had Giles speechless, Spike amused, and Buffy dumbfounded.

“Did you just do the Godfather? Will, I had no idea you’d even seen that movie.”

Willow stuck her tongue through her clenched teeth. “Tara and I watched it a couple of nights ago. It was all dark and broody. It was cool.”

“I would have thought you’d had enough of dark and broody when Peaches was here.” Spike commented dryly. Buffy elbowed him lightly in the stomach, and he doubled over laughing.

“Easy, Goldie, I’m delicate.” Buffy rolled her eyes. “Come on, show me how delicate you are. I want you to... read to me.

Spike turned and grinned broadly at Giles and Willow before following obediently behind Buffy.

“Is that what they’re calling sex these days?” Dawn commented sarcastically.

*********************************
Xander listened to the conversations below him, and felt like the world’s biggest ass. Thing was he knew he was right. He felt it deep in his bones that having the chip removed would bring on a world of hurt. He didn’t want to upset Buffy. He didn’t want to remind her of Angelus, but that was the only thing he had to base his opinion on.

Because Spike hasn’t done anything evil in years. His mind screamed.

Xander shook his head to remove the traitorous thought. He didn’t hate Spike. He really didn’t. He hated the demon he was. He hated the vampire that sunk its fangs into his best friend’s neck and turned him into a member of the undead. Jesse. No one thought of Jesse anymore. Not Willow, who’d known him almost as long as she’d known Xander. No one. I’m the only one that thinks about him. Every demon I kill is for him, so another person won’t have to suffer his fate. It didn’t matter to him that Spike hadn’t killed in years. The only reason he hadn’t was due to the chip. So, logic would tell them that once the chip was removed, Spike would go back to what he was before it. A killer. A killer who wanted Buffy dead. How could they forget that? How could Buffy lay with him every night, and not fear for her life?

Because they love each other, and the sooner you accept that the better off you’ll be.


*********************************
Shackleford stepped out of the room to call Travers.

“I have news.” He said simply when Travers answered.

“Yes, what is it? And please don’t be cryptic, I’ve no patience for it today.”

“Charles Jayme kept a second diary. He left it, Martine Auberjonis’ diary, and copy of the prophecy for the Slayer in New Orleans with his family.” Shackleford knew this news would not sit well with Travers, and braced himself for the scathing rebuke.

“You were close to it, so close you could have touched it, and yet the best mercenaries money can buy were bested by a family of inbreeds.” Travers laughed. If the fate of the world didn’t rest on deciphering that writing before the birth of Buffy’s child, it would have been hysterical. But that wasn’t the situation at hand.

“Do you want me to steal it?” Shackleford suggested.

“No, you make a move for it, and Rupert and his group will take the child underground until the baby is born. No, no, proceed with our plans to splinter the group. We need to have this contingency in place before we do anything. Did you receive the papers for Mr. Dewey?”

“Yes, and it’s perfect timing. Xander Harris is officially on his own. Dewey shouldn’t have any problems furthering the rift between him and the Slayer.” Shackleford checked his watch, wondering if he had enough time to plant a bug inside the Summers’ home.

“Terrific. Call me on Wednesday to let me know what has occurred. I will be in Sunnydale by the end of next week. I do believe it is time to visit my wayward Slayer and her Watcher.” Travers leaned back in his seat and smiled. Yes, it was time to visit the States again, and see what trouble he could stir up.


***********************************
I’m not wrong. I’m not wrong. Xander continued to repeat to himself. He wasn’t wrong to think it a very bad, supremely dangerous idea to take the leash off of Spike. Yeah, he and Buffy seemed like the perfect little couple minus the whole supernatural beings thing, but Spike was a killer. He was a killer and the only reason Buffy hadn’t killed him by now was because of the chip.

That’s not true and you know it.

Yes, it is. I know she thinks they have this connection, this sameness that makes him love her and only her above the bloodlust, but that’s only because his other options were taken away from him. Given the opportunity to be the old Spike, the Master Vamp, Xander knew Spike would choose his old life over Buffy and the baby. He wouldn’t have a choice. The blood would sing to him, and he would go running.

Why is Willow looking at me like that? I haven’t done anything wrong, except be the only person with the balls to say this isn’t right. Fine. She doesn’t have to believe me. When the time comes to take action, I will, and then, I’ll pick up the pieces of Buffy’s shattered life.

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>i>May 1st

Tonight I almost lost my love. The demons disapprove of Henri’s relationship with me. They set a trap for him tonight. A trial. I was lured away from him, and almost did not make it back in time to help him. When I realized what was happening, my heart seemed to stop for a minute. A life without Henri. A life without his cool lips on my heated skin. A life without love. I ran as fast as I have ever run. I feared I would be too late. He would not know what my heart screams to me. I made it to the clearing and there he stood bathed in the moon’s light. His shirt torn and hanging from his arm. His face covered in the blood and guts of the demons who dared to judge him. The last demon was a vampire, and Henri was screaming at him, telling him that he loved me. He loved the human, the woman, the Slayer. Those were the last words that vampire heard before Henri broke his neck. We made love in his ashes.

July 13, 1788

The impossible has happened. I am with child. I have not told Henri. I do not know how he will react. These last few months have been wonderful, almost a dream. Somehow I am with child and it scares me. How did this happen? Henri cannot produce a child that is what Jayme had me to believe. Henri will wonder if I have been with another, but I have not. I would never betray him, yet I fear that is exactly what he will think. I wish I could ask Monsieur Jayme, but I fear he will condemn my child. No one will harm my babe. Not my Watcher. Not her father. No one.>/i>

Buffy pulled her knees to her chest. Well, to the bottom of her stomach. She shifted on the sofa, trying to get comfortable, unable to. Spike stopped reading, smiling at her inability to sit still. He knew she wanted to hit something, but was trying for a kinder, gentler Buffy. Well, he figured Bitty knew what her mama was, so he stood up and pulled Buffy to her feet. He walked her over to the punching bag, and picked up the tape. He wrapped her wrist tight, and assumed a bracing position behind the bag.

“Hit it.” He said calmly.

Buffy put her hands on her hips and shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. You’re pissed, which is making you jittery. You won’t sit still, and Bitty is going to make you pay for that later.” He smirked. He saw the look in her eye. He’d seen it many times. “You’ll feel better.”

Buffy smirked, and reached out and pulled his mouth to hers. “That feels better.” Spike licked his lip, smiling at the desire in her eyes that matched his.

“Oh, no, you don’t. Get into position.” Buffy snickered at the not-so-innocent look on Spike’s face. “No, not that position. Perve!” She laughed, feeling some of the tension leave her body. She still wanted to pound something into the ground, just not Spike at the moment.

“Lay it on me, babe!” Spike leered. Buffy hit the bag, tentatively, checking to make sure her wrist were supported. “What was that?”

“I’m warming up. Give me a minute.”

“Maybe, you don’t care that your wanker of a friend wants me in my own personal ashtray.”

“Spike…” She warned.

“Maybe, you’re pissed at Jayme or Henri? You’re pissed about something so let it go!” Bingo.

“Who in the fuck does he think he is?” She growled. “That holier than thou act so does not work with me. I mean. Do I have dummy written on my head?”

Spike shook his head, and leaned into the bag. Buffy was building steam, and he didn’t want to end up against the wall when she blew. “You haven’t hurt me or tried to hurt me. He threw you a bachelor party. What was that about? He’s always questioning your judgment. My judgment. Giles’ judgment.” She emphasized with punches. “When has he had anything useful to add to the conversation?”

Spike winced. Ouch. Bet she’s been saving that one for a long time. “Buffy, don’t bend your wrist. You’ll sprain it. Hit straight through.” He instructed.

“Oh, shut up. This is my rant!” She said, hitting the bag with a right, left combination. Her wrist was bent on the last punch, and she winced. Damn it. She hated when he was right.

“He threatens you. He threatens you in front of me. ‘I’ll do what you won’t be able to do.’ How about I did what you couldn’t do? I got married.” Spike snickered, hiding his grin behind the bag.

She hit and punched, her grunts becoming louder with each throw. The others heard her, but there was no mistaking the anger behind sounds.

“Luv, stop, that’s enough.” Spike grabbed her wrist, pulling her to him. He kissed her brow, tasting the salty vanilla. Strange combination, but totally her.

Spike grabbed a towel and handed it to her. Buffy wiped absently at her brow, and sat down on the sofa with a loud thump. Spike handed her a water bottle, and sat next to her. He scooted down on the sofa till his head could rest on her shoulder.

“Feeling better, Pet?”

“A little.” She answered, unwrapping the tape on her wrist. “He’s wrong about you, but he’s right. I would never be able to kill you, Spike. Killing you would kill me.” She said softly. Spike peered at her, and saw the tears forming in her eyes.

“I’d never let you make that decision. Believe me. You will never have to make that decision with me.”

Buffy grabbed his face. “Don’t talk like that. I know we haven’t come this far to let a tiny piece of metal ruin it. Promise me, if there is a chance, even the slightest chance, something could go wrong, you’ll forget this. I’d much rather have you all headachy than not at all.”

Spike tilted his head and looked at her long and hard. “I promise. Now, come on. We’ve got research to do.” Spike helped her to stand, holding her lightly around the waist. They grinned at each other, taking their feel of each other, before letting out a sigh and walking to the door.

*********************************
Giles glanced up from the tome he was reading, smiling at the blonde duo as they came out of the training room. His eyes rose to study Xander. He watched them as well, and the look on his face said it all. He was angry and hurt, with just a hint of betrayal and disbelief. Once they entered the training room and after Dawn was pulled away from Xander, the rest of the group had become the most serious of researchers. Giles doubted that was actually what they were doing, but if it kept the peace, he was grateful for it.

“He’s an ass!” Anya muttered. Giles nearly jumped out of his skin, not realizing she had come around to stand next to him.

Giles sighed as he turned his head, and gave Anya a quick smile. He saw Willow flinch and smile at him apologetically. He smiled back at her, understandingly.

“Yes, he is. I, too, have my doubts as to our success in finding the right person or spell to remove the chip. I, however, have no doubts as to Spike’s feelings for his family. He loves them.”

Anya inched closer till her fingertips touched the sleeve of his shirt. She smiled shyly at the tingle that passed through her body at the simple touch. I spent 3 years with the wrong guy, she thought.
She spared a quick glance up to the loft. “Do you think you can find what you need? Before Travers’ men make their move?” She lowered her voice instinctively.

“I hope so. I still want to know where they are, and what they are up to.” Giles said, glancing around the shop. “We need to do another sweep. We have to be vigilant.” His voice sounded weary, and Anya ached to comfort him.

“Okay, I’ll get Spike to help me. Why don’t you talk to Buffy? Take her mind off Xander and everything?” Anya suggested before moving away. She waltzed up to Spike and Buffy, pulling a reluctant Spike away. Buffy shook her head and laughed. In profile, she looked the picture of contentment. Her hand rested on her belly, as usual, and the flush on her cheeks was further proof of her happiness. He would do everything in his power to ensure she stayed that way.

*********************************
Willow shifted her seat, so she could keep an eye on Xander. As it was, he was watching Spike and Buffy with contempt. She felt caught in the middle of a situation, which had no clear winner. She understood Xander’s concern, not his anger. Actually, she couldn’t tell who he was angrier with Buffy or Spike? And it was a baseless anger. Who did he think Buffy would side with? Spike was her husband and the father of her child.

Willow looked up into the calm eyes of her lover as Tara joined her at the table. “Has he said anything?”

“No, he just sits there, staring stakes into Spike’s back.”

“And Buffy’s.” Tara said quietly. From Willow’s shocked look, Tara correctly guessed she didn’t realize it was very apparent that Xander held both Spike and Buffy to blame for this. “It’s not your fault, Will.” Tara laid her hand on Willow’s arm, smiling at her.

“I understand why Spike wants the chip out. I really do. I want to be support gal, but I know Xander’s going to expect me to be on his side. I don’t think I can.” She said worriedly.

Tara smoothed her red hair back behind her ear. “Then, be there in the capacity that feels right to you. Will, honey, Xander is a big boy. It’s time for him to stop thinking only of himself and what he feels. If his family was in danger, he’d do whatever was necessary to protect them. He doesn’t want to see that, because he’d have to acknowledge the fact he and Spike are more alike than he thinks.”

**********************************
“How goes the search?” Dawn asked. She had her hands shoved in her pockets.

“Oh, I’ve spent better afternoons. How are you, Nib? That whole bit with Xander didn’t upset you too much” Spike lifted his head to study her.

“No, I’m fine. I said a few not so nice things to him once you took Buffy in the back. I think I got it out of my system.” She shrugged. “I’m giving him the silent treatment. If he wants to be an ass…butt,” she corrected upon seeing Spike’s brow arch, “then let him. I don’t have to be around him.”

“No, you don’t. But still stick with him, because one thing I know for certain, he loves you. He would never let anything happen to you or Buffy.” Spike returned to his search for the elusive listening devices, hoping they were just being paranoid. If their conversations were being listened to, then Travers would know all about the prophecy and the diaries. That would make their research all the more urgent.

“How can you be so calm after what he said?” Dawn asked, a skull in her hands.

“What good would it do for me to attack the whelp? It won’t change his mind. Just give him even more reason to hate me. Besides, I’d get a massive headache and the sofa for my troubles. No thank you, Pet.” Spike snatched the skull out of Dawn’s hand, playfully. They grinned at each other, before Dawn’s eyes widened. Dawn pointed at the base of the skull and sure enough, there hidden inside a crevice was tiny piece of metal. It could have been leftover from Warren, but Spike doubted it. He distinctly remembered checking this area before. He motioned for Dawn to keep talking. Spike grabbed Anya as she passed and whispered in her ear a message for Giles.

**********************************
“It’s the weirdest thing, Giles. Martine and Henri’s relationship parallels mine with Spike. Not the same issues, but the emotions. She was lost and hurt, and she never thought she’d find anyone to love her, complete her.” Buffy sat in the tiny office, a bag of sour cream and onion chips in her lap. “Then, she meets this vampire, who’s supposed to be her enemy, and she feels closer to him than her Watcher.”

Giles smiled that knowing smile. “It’s all very romantic Buffy. I’m glad it hasn’t upset you too much.”

“Well, the first year was very depressing. She was like me. She was broken.” Her voice trailed off.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you”, he said, changing the subject. “What are you going to name your daughter?” Buffy’s smile could have lit up Broadway.

“Well, I’ve been thinking of…”

Anya burst through the door, and immediately went to Giles, where she whispered furiously into his ear. Buffy rose, alarmed, afraid Xander had followed through on his threat. A single name slipped from her lips, “Spike.”

Buffy rushed from the room, surprising Giles and Anya with her speed. She stopped abruptly when she saw Spike. Her eyes searched for Xander and found him sitting in the exact same position with the same scowl on his face. Buffy grabbed the banister and sat on the top step, her mind awhirl with false images of Spike dusty, gone.

Spike turned and saw her ashen face and trembling hands and went to her. Instinctively knowing she needed him to hold her. “Hey, we’re okay.”

Buffy nodded, her head hitched over his shoulder. “Silly hormones.” She said dismissively.

“Not silly to me. We do have ourselves a bit of a problem, luv. Some nasty has been listening to us. They probably know all about the diaries and the prophecy.” He said quietly, his lips barely moving.

“And the day just keeps getting better and better.” Buffy quipped, laying her head on Spike’s shoulder.

*************************************
Dewey strained to hear the voices. It was quiet. Too quiet for a bustling shop like the Magic Box. He checked the cord, making sure the headphones were properly plugged in. Nothing. Silence. Trouble. Dewey yanked the headgear off and scrambled to the windows. Picking up the binoculars, he peered through the blinds to the street below. Two women walked inside, but still he heard nothing coming from the bug.

“What the fuck is going on down there?” He said to the empty room. These people were trying to get him killed. He was sure of it. Maybe, after this job was done, he’d really go into construction. Hell, it had to be safer than working for Shackleford and chasing supernatural beings.


*******************************
Anya wrapped the items the two sisters bought, and escorted them to the door. She remained at the door, a sentry to keep any other customers from interrupting the spell. She rung her hands together and waited patiently while the spell was performed.

“It’s done. Everyone can talk now.” Giles said, placing the burning herbs on the counter. As long as the smoke filled the room, the cloaking spell would block the signal coming from the listening device. He hoped Willow would be able to pinpoint the location of the men doing surveillance. They could be anywhere, and as long as they were out there, Giles didn’t want to take any chances with any of their lives. Tara stood in the center of the room, and chanted, hoping to draw the “bugs”, as they say, to her. Already there were 3 lying at her feet. Anymore, and he was going to suggest razing the place to make sure they were all destroyed.

“Can we say creepy? What’s with these guys wanting to listen in on my private moments? I could be doing anything.” Spike’s brow rose, and she was glad they hadn’t done anything more than punch the bag in the training room. Warren and the geeks watching and listening to them was icky enough, but Travers doing the same thing made her nauseous.

“So, more than likely, they know about the diary, huh?” Buffy asked when she sat down on the arm of the chair. Spike rolled his eyes, and picked her up effortlessly and sat her in his lap. She wiggled a bit, sighing with pleasure. She leaned back and asked Spike. “Was that loud?”

Spike grinned and mouthed back. Yes, but I liked it.

“Giles, if they know about the diary, maybe, we should move it.” Xander said, speaking for the first time in an hour.

“That was helpful, Pet.” Buffy pinched Spike’s leg, laughing slightly.

Giles pulled his glasses down his nose, holding them in his right hand and scrubbing the lens with the left. “I’ve thought about that Xander. Any place we take them would have to be accessible only to us. It would have to be someplace that we know for sure Travers has no idea about.”

“The Amara cave.” Dawn piped in from her seat next to Buffy and Spike. “Spike’s the only one that knows where it is exactly. Giles, you’ve been there, haven’t you?”

“It was some years ago. I suppose with Spike’s assistance I could find it again.”

“Well, now that we have that decided, I’m going home.” Xander announced, throwing the book he’d been reading on the table with a bang.

Willow resisted the urge to follow him, instead she took Tara’s hand and held it tightly. “I know that can’t be it. We haven’t done anything.” She protested.

“No, it’s not. Xander needs space and time away from us, and that’s fine. We have other things to concern ourselves with.” Giles said angrily.

Buffy patted Spike’s knee and he gave her a push to get her standing. “I’m all ready to be research girl. Martine’s diary is more for us to read. It’s us.” She explained. “But Jayme’s diary, Francoise said all the answers were there. So did Martine.”

“You do realize Martine’s dead.” Dawn quipped. “And why am I surprised she’s talking to you. Bitty talks to me.”

Buffy shrugged. “She said the diary was the key. The key was the answer.” The Key is Dawn. Was Dawn. They all caught on at the same time because they were staring at Dawn with their mouths gaped open.

“Oh, god.” Buffy muttered. “It’s you.”

************************************
Okay, I’m cool with this added information. When Bitty told me that I needed to be prepared to take the next step, I assumed she meant cutting the cord or something. Not getting back in touch with my Keyness. I’m not going to freak. I’m not going to panic. Glory is dead. The Knights haven’t been heard from in over a year. I can handle this. Buffy doesn’t seem to share my conviction.

“Is it not enough that I’m the Chosen one? Why bring Dawn into this?” Buffy asked to no one.

“Buffy, I don’t think they did bring her into this.” Giles told her. “They had no idea that the monks would place the Key in Dawn. They were not seers.” Giles grabbed a hold of Buffy and sat her down at the table.

”Listen to me, we don’t know in what capacity Dawn’s going to be used. It could be as simple as being in the room when you deliver. We’ll know more after I translate the prophecy. Try not to worry.” Giles caressed her hair, grimacing at the hard look on Buffy’s face. Oh, well, he tried.

“Buffy, we’ll do everything to protect Dawn. Please, don’t worry. It’s not good for you or the baby.” Spike knelt on the floor, his hands on her knees. She hated this helpless feeling. She couldn’t protect them all. She couldn’t protect Dawn. She couldn’t protect Bitty. And she couldn’t protect Spike. Someone was going to be left out, and that was what kept her on edge most of the time.

“I know you will. I just feel absolutely helpless.” She said stroking Spike’s cheek. He captured her hand and brought it to his lips.

“Join the club. So, this is what we’re going to do. Research, research, and more bloody research until we have all the answers. Okay, luv?” Buffy smiled slightly, bending down as far as she could and kissing him lightly on the lips.

“Okay, enough of the smooching from the two of you. The smoke is dissipating, so let get with the plannning.” Anya said, taking control of the situation. She came to stand by Giles’ side, staring down at Buffy and Spike.

“Are we going to destroy those things?” She said, pointing to the listening devices. “Or are we going to have a smoke out whenever we want to talk?”

Tara pushed the small electrical devices with her toe, and racked her brain for a suggestion. No one really knew what to do.

“Leave them. They already know we have Jayme’s stuff. Maybe, by hearing what we’ve discovered, Travers will realize that Bitty isn’t a threat.” Dawn suggested hopefully.

“I’m all with proving Bitty’s good, but I don’t like Travers being this knowledgeable about what we are doing.” Spike commented as he stood up. He still held Buffy’s hand, and could feel the minute tremors going through her body.

“Yes, I agree with Spike. Travers doesn’t know about Olivia. He is unaware we know about Warren. The risk are just too great for leaving them here. Though, that was an excellent idea, Dawn.” He wanted her to know he appreciated her opinion.

“All in favor of stomping on these things, raise your hand.” Buffy looked around for something to use on the offending things. Anya raced around to the other side of the counter, and popped up with a hammer, not Olaf’s, but just as effective.

The smoke ceased, and Dewey heard a female voice emanating from the microphone again.

“When I find you, you’ll wish you’d never heard of Sunnydale or me.” Crash.

Dewey yelped as the feedback, knocked him on his ass. He stared at recorder in disbelief.

“I should have listened to Mom, and become a dentist.”

*******************************
Buffy plopped down on the sofa, sinking into the cushions with a sigh. Nap time.

“Buffy, I‘m going to make us some tea.” Tara told her as she headed off to the kitchen.

“Okay.” Buffy punched the pillow, molding it into something comfortable. “Your daddy’s arm would be better, but he’s off trying to save the world.“ Our little world.

Tara smiled as she brought two cups of herbal tea in from the kitchen. She handed Buffy her cup before taking a seat at the opposite end of the sofa. For a few minutes, they simply enjoyed the silence, preferring to sip their tea and think about all that had happened.

“When’s your next appointment with Dr. Schulz?”

“Monday. Another ultrasound. We’re also supposed to discuss birthing centers and lamaze classes. Needless to say, Spike is still being stubborn about having the baby here. I promised him I would at least go on the tours.” Buffy yawned.

“One way or the other, you’ll need the lamaze classes, and they’re at night. Extra bonus.” Tara reached behind her, and grabbed the throw. Buffy’s eyes were drooping, and Tara knew she wouldn’t last much longer. She wanted to say her peace before allowing Buffy to nap.

“Xander means well, Buffy.” Buffy huffed, but Tara pushed on. “I know that sounds hollow in light of his actions. I’m not making excuses for him. I truly believe he thinks he’s doing and saying what’s right, what he believes.”

Buffy set her cup down. “He’s wrong about Spike. He doesn’t know Spike the way I know him, and he doesn’t want to.”

Tara couldn’t argue with that. But wasn’t that true of every couple? No one outside of the two lovers saw the real personality of the person they were with. Tara placed her cup near Buffy’s on the table and pulled her feet up on the couch.

“Tara, you see people, their auras. I know you sense the goodness that’s in Spike.” Buffy picked at the fleece, her eyes staring at her wedding ring.

“Yes, I do. I know he’s different. I know what I’ve seen since the two of you started working together. His aura has changed over the years. Your auras are so in tune with one another’s, they’ve blended.”

Buffy’s eyes closed. “Oh, god. That‘s pleasant.” But true, she felt Spike even when he was in another room, behind closed doors. She felt him.

“Do you think Dawn’s aura and the baby’s are connected? Is that the reason Dawn is the key to her safety?” Buffy scooted down further, burying her head in the crook of her arm.

“Could be. We’ve never really studied Dawn’s connection with the Key. We all sorta forgot about it once you died, and it’s not been brought up since you’ve been back.” Tara laid her head on the sofa, and stared sideways at Buffy.

“Yeah, I know. I really, really didn’t want to think about Dawn being the Key. I really didn’t want to think about much of anything when I got back.” Buffy grudingly admitted. She scrubbed her face with her hands. “Guess we’re going to have to now. My sister and my daughter are connected by an ancient prophecy, and my husband is trying to find a way to safely remove a piece of government hardware. That’s a lot to deal with. I think we’ll be ordering pizza for dinner.”


***********************************
3 days later....

Willow stared at the back of Xander’s head and tried to peer into his brain. See what exactly was going on inside of it. It had been days since the confrontation in the Magic Box, and Xander had been AWOL since then. Oh, they shared the same living space, but Xander would be elsewhere when she was there or would come in so late, she’d be asleep. Okay, she froze him. It was entirely necessary. Buffy would have killed him if he’d killed Spike. Didn’t he realize she saved his life? Stubborn ass. If he won’t stop and listen to me at home, we‘re going to have it out here.

Willow parked her car near Xander’s Blazer. She went over again the speech she’d prepared. They needed Xander. He needed them. They were family, and it was absolutely ridiculous for them to be torn apart by mutual concern. Resolved to duking it out with Xander, Willow put on her resolve face and got out the car.

Xander was hunched over some building plans with one of his workers. They were joking and laughing, and that display only increased Willow’s determination to settle things once and for all. She missed her Xan.

“Xander, I need to talk to you.” Willow pushed the stray strands of hair blowing in her face behind her ears and waited for Xander to look at her. “You can ignore me all you want, but I’m not leaving.”

The worker Xander was speaking with looked up and smiled at her. The smile didn’t reach his eyes, though. If Willow hadn’t been so focused on Xander, she might have caught that, but she didn’t. “Xander, I’ll let you go.” The man tipped his hard hat to Willow, and strode away.

Willow watched him walk away with barely an interest. “You’ve been avoiding me at home, and I want it to stop. What’s going on with you? I thought we were best friends.” Willow reached out to touch Xander’s shoulder, but he flinched, and she took a step back.

“Is that how things are with us, Xander? I don’t agree with you, and you cut me out of your life. Well, guess what? I’m not going to let you, and neither is Buffy.”

Xander looked up then, his eyes pained. “Buffy wouldn’t care if she never saw me again. All she cares about is Spike. He’s her best friend now.” He knew he sounded petty and jealous, but he really didn’t care. Let Willow think what she wanted.

“How did you expect her to react Xander? Did you think she was going to say, ‘thanks Xander, you’re absolutely right. I should stake the man I married, the father of my child. Yes, you’re absolutely right. Best to kill him now, and not run the risk he could hurt me.’ Are you that stupid that you actually thought she’d see things that way?”

Xander slammed his hands down on the table, rattling the pens and other architecture and construction supplies on it. “Did you come here to insult me because you can leave?” He turned to walk away and found himself held up, not by a barrier, but by Willow’s hand on his arm.

“No, I didn’t come here to insult you. I want you to come over to Buffy’s tonight. We’re having dinner there and going over the plans for Spike’s chip. If you want to learn more about it, I suggest you be there at 7.”

Willow squeezed her eyes shut. “Please Xander, the Scoobies aren’t the same without you.” She reached up and mussed his hair before planting a soft kiss to his brow. “Bye.”

Dewey watched the two friends talk, and saw the defeated stance Xander was projecting. Now, that won’t do. Time to cause some trouble. He thought what would piss him off more, his ex or Buffy Summers. His ex.

“Was that your fiancee? She’s a beauty.”

Xander raised his brown eyes, finally recognizing who was speaking to him. He was lost in memories of a easier time when the three of them were the best of friends in high school. Nostalgia. Maybe, it was the place.

“No, that was my best friend. My fiancee rarely speaks to me, but she still hangs out with my friends.” Xander kicked at a rock under his shoe.

“Ah, that’s a shame. That sounds like the kinda story told over a brewski. Wanna go get a couple after work?” Xander thought about it. An evening spent with Spike and Anya or an evening out watching some sports and throwing back a couple. Willow would be disappointed, but she’d deal. She had Tara.

“That would be great. I think the Dodgers are on tonight.”


*******************************
“Did you talk to Xander last night?” Tara asked as she and Willow walked home from the library.

“No.” Willow said sharply. “He wasn‘t in any condition to have a conversation with, especially one about Buffy. He‘s being a jerk, and I don‘t know what to do.”

Tara clutched her books tighter to her chest. She didn‘t know what to tell Willow. She wanted to tell her how black Xander‘s aura had gotten over the last week, but what good would that do. It wasn‘t as if they didn‘t already notice the change in Xander‘s personality. He was drinking a lot, and hanging out with his construction buddies more. They hadn‘t seen him around the Magic Box, and if you did happen to run into, like Tara had at the drug store, he ignored you. The situation was getting worse and worse.

“Do you want to move in with me for the time being? You know I don‘t mind.” Willow stopped and looked at Tara, and felt calmed by the love she felt coming from her. “No, sweetie. I would feel like I was abandoning him in his darkest hour so to speak. I have to be there for him, whether he appreciates it or not.

“Once he stops being so bitter, he will appreciate all that you‘ve tried to do for him.”

“If you can see an end to this, please let me know. I can‘t see an end to this, not when he‘s still in the dark about Anya and Giles. That‘s going to hurt. It‘s going to make things so much worse.” Willow hung her head, trying to stave off the tears. “He‘s so broken now, and I‘m afraid I‘ll never get my Xander back.”

Tara held her in her arms, trying to take her pain and replace it with her love and hope.

**********************************
Spike stretched tiredly, pushing the chair back so he could walk the kinks out. He’d spent the better part of the night reading over Warren’s papers. They had yet to find the information on the chip, but that wasn’t a surprise. Warren was anal. He documented every thing he and his buddies did, down to what they used and how they used it. Spike was grateful they’d stopped him when they did. The stupid wanker probably would have destroyed the world with his power trip.

Buffy stood at the base of the stairs, watching him. She’d awaken to find him gone. She knew he was anxious to find the answers. She knew how important all this was to him, to them, but she was afraid that she’d lose him to the search. She clutched the photos in her hand behind her back.

“Did you anticipate my hunger?” She asked lightly. Spike spun around at the sound of her voice, and smiled.

“Yeah, I did. It’s Friday, so it’s bananas and Reese’s night.” He leaned down and kissed her brow. Buffy touched his face with her fingertips.

“You’re an awful liar.” Spike smiled at being caught.

“Hold me.” She asked softly, and he obliged. They stood like that for minutes, hours, Buffy didn’t know. She just knew she didn’t want him to forget what she’d told him. She’d take him chip or no chip. They’d find a way to protect Bitty without him being hurt.

“Pet, you should get back to bed.” Spike suggested.

“Only if you come with me.” She said, stubbornly. She heard Spike’s sigh, and smiled. Still got it, she mused.

“Luv, I just want....” She placed her hand against his lips.

“To get the chip out. I know, but I want my husband back. I want the man who would read to me until I fell asleep, and would be there when I woke up. He’s missing. Have you seen him?” Buffy grabbed his hand and led him to the living room. She waited till he sat, and then she curled up next to him.

“This is what we’re fighting for, Spike. But it doesn’t work if you’re not in it.” She said, showing him the pictures. One was of them with Dawn at the wedding. The other was the latest ultrasound of Bitty. His fingers reached out to trace the photos and he nodded.

*****************************
The Lear jet circled the airport before lowering its nose and descending from the sky like the graceful white bird it was. Its tires squealed as the brakes were applied. Shackleford walked alongside the fence that separated the airstrip from the hanger. The plane stopped, and the hatch opened. The stairs were lowered, and Shackleford could make out the flight attendant as she spoke to the passenger. Shackleford came around to the other side to greet Travers. He didn’t do luggage, and waited while one of Travers’ lackeys, gathered their bags, before proceeding to the car.

“I hope you have made some progress in the last two weeks. I can’t tell you how unhappy I am at your lack of it.”

Shackleford resisted the urge to wrap his hand around the man’s neck. He kept his eyes straight ahead, even though, there was no way Travers could see them through the black shade.

“Yes, we’ve made excellent progress. Xander Harris is totally alienated from the Slayer. He asked the red-haired witch to move out, and last night, we employed a demon to attack Mr. Harris and Dewey. Of course, they managed to fend off the fiend, but it further solidified their “friendship” and his hatred and mistrust of demons.”

“That’s all well and good, but what of the Prophecy? Tell me. Has Rupert deciphered the damn thing or not?” Travers stopped abruptly, and his man barely avoided running into his back. Shackleford handed him the keys to the car as he passed.

“The Watcher is close. Very close. That counter spell you sent worked like a charm.” Travers had been livid when he’d discovered the cloaking spell had hampered the surveillance. He’d had Olivia searching for something to counter it, but she’d been able to find the proper spell, so he called in a favor and got one himself.

The haggard young man held the door open for him. Travers slid inside, and waited while everyone got settled. “Once we discover what the prophecy says and how the Key is involved, your services hopefully will not be needed any longer. If the prophecy portends the end of the world, be prepared to take the Key and the Slayer. I want them out of the country before Rupert can rally his troops. Understood?”

“Understood?”

Travers took a deep breath and smiled. “Hopefully, we won’t have to use force. Hopefully, Mr. Harris will be able to assist us in bringing the Summers’ women to us.”

****************************
“Spike is going to kill you.” Dawn said, looking at the dent on the fender.

“No, that was already there. Besides, he’s never going to notice.” Buffy pouted. She looked closer at the chipped paint and winced. He was going to kill her.

“We’re talking about Spike here. Like he wouldn’t notice something like that on his baby? Yeah, right. And I’ve got some land to sell you on the Hellmouth.” Dawn cracked. Taking pity on Buffy, she looped her arm through hers and attempted to walk her away from the car.

“He’ll forgive you. Spike always does.”

“I know.” Buffy felt as if someone was staring into the back of her head, and she looked up into the bright sun. She shielded her eyes and looked directly into the room where Travers stood. She stared, trying to shake the feeling, until Dawn gave her arm a jerk.

“Aren’t we the impatient one?” Buffy admonished.

“Come on. Don’t tell me you’re not anxious to find out about the translation? You barely slept last night.” Bitty had woken Dawn up. Buffy’s fear and concern causing her to binge on ice cream in the kitchen. Dawn sat on the top of the stairs and listened to Buffy’s quiet cries until she heard Spike coming out of their room.

Buffy cringed. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” She said, hugging Dawn lightly.

“Buffy, we’re sisters. Stuff you can’t share with Spike, come to me with. I’m not a kid. I want to be there for you, like you’re there for me.” Buffy ran a hand across Dawn’s long, brunette locks, recently streaked with blonde highlights.

“I’m scared, Dawnie. Things have been so good. So near-perfect, and that terrifies me. Just when things get good, that’s when they go to shit.” Buffy said, leaning against the car.

“You’re talking about Mom, aren’t you?” Buffy looked up, seeing the pain flicker across Dawn’s face.

“Yeah. We thought she was going to be fine, and then she was gone. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Buffy said, playing with the hem of her floral shirt.

Dawn wanted to tell her not to worry. That everything was going to be alright, but the Council was still out there, and they still had another 3 months to go until Bitty was born. Anything could happen. But they were together. They were a family.

“Whatever happens, we can handle it.” She said, taking Buffy’s hands in hers. “Mom taught us that. We’re a family. You, me, and Spike, Giles, Anya, Willow, and Tara. Even, Xander. We’re a family, and we can face anything, as long as we’re together.”

Buffy nodded, squeezing Dawn’s hand tightly. “When did you get to be so smart?”

“Always have been. Just needed to fine tune it a bit.”

*****************************
Anya studied Giles as he translated the parchment Spike and Buffy brought back from New Orleans. He had that crease thing going on with his forehead. She loved that. Made her realize how intense and smart he was. It was a big turn-on, but he’d never know it. Buffy had been back 2 weeks, and nothing had happened between them. Oh, they’d done their fair share of necking at their respective places and at the Magic Box, but nothing else. Maybe, she was being unfair. Sex wasn’t everything. And if she were truthful with herself, she’d admit that she probably should have gotten to know Xander a bit better before boinking his brains out. So, she sat and stared, and admired and wished she could put them in a bubble, and escape the watchful eyes of the Council and Willow.

“Fascinating.” Giles mumbled, hurriedly reaching for a book on demon lore. Anya pulled it out of his reach, and giggled as Giles reached for it again. She pulled it just out of his reach. She was going to be damned if he was going to continue to ignore her.

On his third unsuccessful attempt to grab the book, he looked up into the laughing eyes of his business partner slash girlfriend.

“You’ve been at that for hours, Giles. Maybe, you should give it a rest.” She said, reaching across the table to caress his cheek. Giles turned into her caress, and smiled.

“I know, my dear. This new section is finally starting to make sense. I’m sorry if I’ve neglected you.” Giles held her hand, bringing it to his lips. They were totally engrossed in each other and didn’t hear Buffy and Dawn enter the room.

*********************************
Okay, Buffy thought. Either Giles and Anya are making goo goo eyes at each other or that omelet is causing hallucinations. Dawn’s eyes bounced worriedly from the research table to Buffy’s face, and back again. They were supposed to be keeping things under wraps. That meant no smooching and no PDA.

“Giles, did you just kiss Anya’s hand?” Buffy inquired, when she finally found her voice.

Giles pulled back suddenly, and Anya fell out of her chair. She sat sprawled on the floor, her skirt up around her knees. Giles reached for her, then seemed to remember that Buffy was in the room, and nearly dropped Anya back to the floor. Only Dawn’s gasp prevented him from doing it.

“I’m sorry. Are you alright, Anya?” Giles asked, his hands pinned to his sides.

“I’m fine. No thanks to you.” Anya said, her tone hurt and embarrassed. She brushed Giles’ hands off and hurried to her office, slamming the door in her wake. Dawn whistled, and took several steps back. Dusting. Good idea.

“I’m going to dust. I’ll see ya later.” She said, scampering away.

Giles looked torn between wanting to go to Anya and smooth over her hurt feelings, and staying here with Buffy and having the talk he’d been meaning to have with her.

“Well, I’m guessing the nursery wasn’t the only change that happened while we were gone. You could have told me, Giles. How long has this been going on?” Buffy said, her hands on her hips and her head cocked to the side. A feminine version of Spike, if ever there was one.

Giles pulled himself together and regarded her with a steady eye. “Since your honeymoon. We only...” He said, gesturing inanely with his hands, in a futile effort to convey without words what he wanted to say.

“You only what? Just started with the lovey dovey eyes or the sex?” Buffy asked bluntly.

“Buffy, I’m still your Watcher.”

“You’re a man, Giles, and Anya’s a beautiful, nubile woman.” Giles looked just as amazed as Buffy, which seemed to take some of the tension away. “I just used the word nubile. Damn you Englishmen and your dictionary talk.” Buffy sat down in the seat, vacated by Anya, and indicated Giles should sit too.

“I’m guessing Xander is clueless. If he wasn’t, he’d still be all blank stare guy to this day. Not that we’d know it.” Buffy joked. She gave Giles a soft smile, and reached across the table for his hand.

“No, we haven’t told him. We will when we’re ready, but right now, we’re just discovering each other.” Giles shrugged. Buffy gave him the once over. He looked like her Giles. He spoke like her Giles. He even had the same lovesick expression on his face as her Giles. Her Giles before Angelus killed Jenny. Buffy felt sick at the memory, but pushed it aside. The Giles before her had a glow about him. He was happy, and she was thrilled for him and Anya. Not after everything they’d done for her, and for Spike.

“It’s helped that Xander hasn’t been around. Oh, god, that’s awful.”

“But true.” Buffy grinned. “Are you happy?” Buffy asked softly.

“Yes, quite.” Giles looked towards the office. Buffy’s gaze followed his, and she sighed. Making up was the best part of the argument.

“Better go make up before Tara and Willow arrive.” She told him.

“Thank you, Buffy, for not judging.”

Buffy laughed. “I’m all out of judgment cards today. I married my former arch nemesis. Kinda takes self-righteousness and throws it out the window.” Speaking of said arch nemesis. “I’m going to go workout a bit. Knock when the gang arrives.” Buffy grinned mischievously, pushing her growing body up out of the seat.

Giles stopped, turning to ask Buffy why he’d need to knock, when he saw her yank Spike into the training room with her. The door slammed on Spike’s shirt being ripped off. Giles added that to the list of things he’d not miss when he was in England. The Spike and Buffy porn show.

*******************************
Anya wiped hastily at the tears, refusing to let Giles see how much he’d hurt her.

“Anya, I come in peace.” He said, waving a white tissue through the crack in the door.

Anya tried not to smile. She really did, but it was cute. “If I say, I’m a complete and total ass, do you promise to not wreck vengeance on me?” Giles stuck his head in the door.

“You hurt my feelings.” Anya said petulantly.

“I know. I was just shocked to see Buffy standing there. That’s no excuse, but it didn’t...It doesn’t mean I’m ashamed in any way, shape or form about being involved with you.” Giles slid into the small room, closing and locking the door behind him. No interruptions this time.

His eyes rove over her flushed face, made softer by the stain of tears. He wasn’t ashamed of her, not in the least. Well, man, show her you’re not ashamed of her. His body screamed. Better yet, take a page from Buffy and Spike. Shag the woman silly.

“Anya.” Giles extend his hand to her, pulling her up out of the chair and into his arms. One hand rose to tangle into her hair and the other massaged her butt.

“Rupert.” Anya gasped.

“I love you. I do. I can’t believe I never realized how beautiful and witty and intelligent and loyal you are before now. I will spend the rest of my natural life proving that to you. Starting now.” Giles lips smashed down on Anya’s. Her arms wrapped around his neck tightly. Dawn looked up as she heard a crashing noise coming from the training room, followed minutes later by a crash from the office. She didn’t need sex education with the people she called family.


******************************
Willow and Tara stumbled into the Magic Box, giggling and holding hands. Dawn was sitting at the counter, a magazine before her. She raised her hand in greeting before looking back down at the magazine.

“Hey, Dawnie. What’s up?” Tara asked as Willow looked around the empty Magic Box.

“Where is everybody?” Willow asked.

“Well, let’s see. They all disappeared awhile ago. Giles and Anya are in the office, meeting.” She said with air quotes. “Spike and Buffy are doing their usual thing in the training room. And I’m reading Cosmo. What’s up with you?”

“Meeting?” Willow said, mimicking Dawn’s actions. She gulped when Dawn nodded. “Oh.” She couldn’t begrudge them that. They were together. Xander wasn’t around, and even if he had been, he wouldn’t have endeared himself to Anya anyway with his attitude. Better to worry about what she could change, and not stuff she couldn’t.

Almost as if they sensed the change in the number of people in the store, the doors to the training room and the office opened. Buffy and Spike exited looking insanely happy with each other. Giles looked a little winded, and Anya positively glowed. In fact, they both looked wobbly. And happy. They were happy.

“Willow, Tara, um..how long have you been waiting?” Giles stammered. Tara blushed and averted her eyes. Willow’s glowed with mischief.

“Oh, forever. You guys had a long meeting.” She snickered.

Spike was getting ready to say something snarky and totally embarrassing when Buffy pinched him. She shook her head at him, knowing that the little devil that resided in him would give Giles hell for what her Watcher and Anya had obviously been doing, making up. She pulled Spike over to the table, and pushed him into a seat. She eased down in the chair next to him, and held his hand.

“Giles, Willow, you’ve got something for us?” She asked, bringing the teasing to a close. For now.

“Yep,” Willow said excitedly. “I know how to deactivate Spike’s chip.”

“And I have translated the Prophecy. I know Dawn’s role in Bitty’s life.”


*** Yep, I’m evil. I’m leaving it just like that. You’ll have to wait until the next chapter for all the good stuff. Do you hate Xander yet? Well, you will… And that’s all the hints I’m going to give you on the next chapter. Thanks for all your support. Bye!***

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