1 Part Eight
Willow followed Dawn through the mall. She had called this morning and wanted to go shopping. Willow knew that Buffy didn't approve of Dawn having a boyfriend, Buffy insisted she was too young. The idea was silly to Willow since Dawn was sixteen and her boyfriend was only a year older, and at sixteen Buffy had been dating someone that was over two hundred years older than her. Willow also knew that pointing that out to Buffy wouldn't help Dawn at all so she had kept her feelings on the topic to herself. So she had agreed to take Dawn to the mall to find a Valentine's Day gift for her boyfriend, and she needed to start looking at maternity clothes anyway. She also liked spending time with Dawn because she was the only one who didn't constantly badger her about living with Spike.
"Do you think he'd like this?" Dawn asked holding up a sweater.
"Honey I haven't met him. I don't really know what he would like." Willow reminded her again.
"Maybe I shouldn't get clothes. I mean we've only dated for like a month." Dawn said setting the sweater back down.
"Okay then. What about a CD or a movie?" Willow suggested.
"You think that would be good." Dawn said quickly.
"Sure." Willow said looking around her. All afternoon she'd been feeling like someone was following her. Shaking off the feeling she turned her attention back to the teenager, "Why not? If he likes those kind of things."
"He loves video games." Dawn said.
"Video games it is then." Willow said leading the girl out of the clothing store and toward an electronics store.
"I wish you could meet him." Dawn said as they headed through the mall.
"Why not bring him over for dinner or something?" Willow suggested.
"Buffy gets all freaky about us being out at night." Dawn said sadly.
"But if you were coming to my place, not just out alone with him at night…"
"That would be great Willow, will you ask Buffy?" Dawn said brightening, "She's less likely to yell at you."
"Tomorrow okay?" Willow asked pulling out her cell phone.
"It's Saturday so I don't see why not? I mean I'll have to ask him."
"Hi Buffy." Willow said, then listened for a moment. "Yeah still shopping. Right I have a question. Can Dawn and her boyfriend come over for dinner tomorrow. She said you don't let her go out at night. But I thought that if she was coming to my place." Listening for another second, "Thanks I'll tell her Buffy."
Willow disconnected the call and held the phone out to Dawn. "She said its okay. Now it's your turn to call."
Dawn quickly made her call and turned back to Willow. "He said it sounded fun. And since Valentine's day is during the week and well Buffy… He wants to do Valentine's day then too. Is that okay. Oh and what about Spike?"
"What about him?" Willow asked. Looking around again still having the feeling that someone was watching her.
"Sometimes he gets all big brother-y. Buffy's bad enough with Michael I don't need Spike getting freaky too." Dawn said.
"I'll deal with Spike. Now lets go find that gift." Willow said pulling the girl behind her. "Because now we need to go grocery shopping too."
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Spike quickly closed the book and shoved it under the cushion of the couch when he heard the door open, grabbing the remote control and turning the television on.
"Spike." Willow called from the door.
"Hey, back so soon?" Spike said from the couch.
"Yeah. Can you give me a hand with these bags?"
"Sure." Spike said getting off the couch and walking toward the door. "Bloody hell. Buy out the mall Pet?"
"Had to buy new clothes. I'm starting to gain weight. Can't were sweats forever." Willow said. "Oh and some groceries too."
"Sweats are sexy." Spike said, "And are we out of groceries?"
"I'll explain the groceries in a minute." Willow said handing him several bags. "And yeah sweats are a real turn on. Especially when I get fat."
"They are a turn on." Spike said smiling, "And pregnant is not fat." He yelled as Willow walked down the hall to put her bags in her room and he move to set the groceries in the kitchen.
"Plan on explaining the groceries soon Luv?" Spike asked pulling several items out of the bags as Willow walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, well I have a big favor to ask." Willow said quietly.
"You certainly have a lot of favors to ask of evil vampires." Spike said putting several items in the freezer.
"Only really cute ones." She said grabbing several items for the cupboards. "Anyway you know that Dawn has a boyfriend and…"
"Dawn has a what?" Spike said turning to look at the redhead, "She is not old enough…"
"My god you sound like Buffy." Willow said. "She's sixteen she is more than old enough. Now to finish what I was saying, Buffy is all freaky about Dawn dating. Won't let her go out at night and stuff. So I suggested they come here for dinner tomorrow."
"Buffy's right she shouldn't be dating." Spike muttered.
"Okay you need to get over it now." Willow said, "I promised Dawn you wouldn't go all crazed big brother on her tomorrow. They are coming here for Valentine's day and I want this to be nice and romantic for Dawn. Got it."
"Okay fine I'll be nice. Why here again?" Spike asked.
"I would like to meet her boyfriend, and it gives them a chance to go out at night. I told her maybe after dinner we could go to a movie or something."
"And how do I fit into this?" Spike asked.
"Well yeah, that's another thing. Since we figured you'd probably be around, Dawn is telling Michael that you're my boyfriend. I mean since she has apparently talked about me being pregnant and we're living together so it seemed like the only logical explanation." Willow said hoping the vampire didn't mind.
"Sure. It's a small town so it's probably best that everyone outside of the few who already know think that we're a couple anyway right? Lessens the chances of your parents finding out differently." Spike said, pleased to have the chance of playing her boyfriend for an evening.
"Right." Willow said smiling.
Part nine
"Now remember Spike you promised to be nice to Michael." Willow said when Spike walked into the kitchen, "If you need to eat do it now 'kay. Don't think Dawn wants to explain the mug of blood."
"Already did Red." Spike said reaching for one of the roasted potatoes she had just pulled from the oven. "Still don't think she's old enough to date." He muttered walking out of the kitchen.
Before Willow could reply there was a knock on the door. Spike got up and opened the door as he heard Willow remind him to be nice again.
"Hey Spike." Dawn said looking nervously at the vampire.
"Hi Little Bit." Spike said stepping aside so they could enter.
"Spike this is Michael." Dawn said, "Michael this is Willow's uh boyfriend Spike."
"Nice to meet you." Michael said extending his hand.
"Right. Same here." Spike said shaking the younger man's hand. "Come on in. Willow'll be out in a minute."
As the young couple walked past Spike to the couch he watched the boy closely. He did seem to be Dawn's age. He was taller than her, with blonde hair. Buffy had met him and was allowing Dawn to see him so he must not be a vampire. Spike still wasn't happy about this, and his feelings increased when he watched them sit very close on the couch.
"I don't like him." Spike said walking into the kitchen. "Need any help?"
"He's been here less than five minutes. How can you not like him already?" Willow said handing him a serving platter to carry to the table.
"Because he just doesn't seem right." Spike said.
"Is there something wrong with him or is this because you don't want her to date?" Willow asked grabbing the bowl of salad and following him to the table.
"Fine maybe it's the dating thing." He muttered.
"Don't embarrass her." Willow said wiping her hands on a towel and walking to the living room to greet their guests.
"Hi, I'm Willow." She said approaching the couch. "You must be Michael." She finished extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you." He said standing up and shaking her hand.
"Well Dinner's ready whenever you guys are ready for it." Willow said.
Dawn and Michael followed Willow into the small dining room.
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"Can't you use magic to shut him up?" Dawn whispered to Willow.
"No magic right now. You know that." Willow said smiling slightly, "He's not being that bad."
"He's worse than Buffy."
"Because he loves you." Willow said knowing the vampire was only trying to protect Dawn.
"So Michael why are you dating someone younger than you?" Spike asked the boy seated next to him.
"Spike he's only a year older than me." Dawn said giving Spike a warning look then sending Michael and apologetic look.
Willow looked at the embarrassed look on both Dawn and Michael's faces and knew she needed to get them out of there now.
"Why don't we go get the newspaper and pick a movie?" Willow suggested.
"Sounds great but first if you don't mind I'd like to give Dawn her valentine gift." Michael said hesitantly.
"Great then Spike why don't you help me clear the dishes?" Willow suggested giving the vampire a look that clearly said he had no choice in the matter.
"Fine I just need to get something from my room first." Spike said and left the dining room as the younger couple exchanged their gifts.
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"This is for you." Spike said slightly embarrassed holding out the small box to the redhead.
"What?" Willow said turning to face him, "Why?"
"Valentine's day." Spike said quietly.
"But we're not… I mean… You didn't have to." Willow stuttered.
"I know I didn't have to." Spike said, "I saw it and thought of you. 'Sides if I'm being your boyfriend tonight then you should have a gift."
"But I didn't get you anything." Willow said taking the small box.
"Open it." Spike said.
Willow pulled the top off of the small box. She gasped when she saw the small necklace cradled inside. It was a small heart shaped locket.
"Spike it's beautiful." She said holding it up in the light.
"Open the locket Pet."
She gently pulled the locket open and tears formed in her eyes when she saw what was inside.
"Spike how did you…" She began then leaned forward hugging the vampire.
"Took the pictures when you were at a research party with your friends and had it copied to fit inside. Thought you would like to have pictures of your baby with you all the time." He said smiling in embarrassment.
"Willow." Dawn yelled from the other room. "We picked a movie."
"Lets go." Willow said hugging the vampire and kissing his cheek one last time before taking his hand and pulling him with her out of the room.
Spike followed the red head knowing he would go see what ever movie she chose and would enjoy it just because she was there. He hadn't known how she would react to the gift. He knew she was his friend, the only one other than Dawn that had ever tried to be his friend. But he didn't know if she wanted more than that. He decided a long time before that she had to make the first move, or at least give some definite sign of feelings toward him.
Willow held the locket in her hand. She wanted to put it on right now. She'd ask Dawn to help her. She couldn't believe he had gotten her a gift. She had almost brought one for him at the mall with Dawn yesterday but didn't want the vampire to know she had a crush on him. She'd had one since he had kidnapped her to do that spell to get Dru back. She had gotten over the crush long ago. After all someone like Spike would never be interested in her. He was helping her because he knew Buffy would be pissed if he had refused, that's all there was to the relationship.
Part Ten
The three dark figures slid quietly into the dark apartment, careful to not draw attention to themselves. They quickly moved through the apartment checking all the rooms.
"She's the one." The older of the group said when they all gathered in the living room. "I can feel the power here."
"Are you certain?" The dark-haired girl asked nervously, "If we make a mistake… and she's really that powerful…"
"I'm certain. Her child is the one the prophecy spoke of." The older man said sternly.
"Great but how do we get her before the birth?" The last member of the group asked, " He said he had to have her before she has the baby. We've been watching her for weeks. She's rarely alone and when she is she's either going to meet the vampire or the slayer either way she'll be missed quickly."
"I don't know but we have time to figure it out." The older man said, "Keep watching her an opportunity is bound to open."
"They're approaching the building." The girl said quickly, having moved to keep watch at the window.
"Lets go." The younger man said and the group quickly headed out the door and to the elevator.
2 Part Eleven
Spike flinched when he heard the dish break in the kitchen, then quickly jumped off the couch when he heard the small scream come from the same room. He ran into the kitchen.
"You okay?" He said as he came around the corner into the small room.
"Yeah. Sorry Spike." Willow said looking toward the vampire. "Just startled."
"Oh. So nothing's wrong?" He said confused as he bent to pick up the broken glass. Noticing she was holding her stomach. "Baby okay?"
"Baby's great." Willow said smiling. "He's what startled me."
"Uh?"
"He kicked." Willow said her smile growing as she felt movement in her womb again. "Here."
Willow grabbed Spike's hand after he threw the last of the dish into the trash. Placing it on her stomach she watched his face as he waited to feel whatever had made her so happy.
"Feel it?" Willow asked as she felt the baby kick against the hand pressed to her belly. She smiled softly as she saw the amazement in Spike's eyes.
"He's really alive in there." Spike said in wonder.
"Of course silly." Willow said still holding Spike's hand. "Why wouldn't he be?"
"I don't know. I mean I guess it didn't seem like a real person until now." Spike explained.
"I know feeling him move, makes it all seem more real." Willow said quietly, "And more scary."
"Scary?" Spike asked.
"Yeah, scary. I mean I can't even take care of myself. I had to move in with you just to have a place to live and I'm going to be responsible for someone else's life. I'm going to have to raise this baby alone." Willow said quietly, letting go of his hand and turning her back to him; not wanting him to see the tears forming in her eyes.
"You are not alone." Spike said putting his hands on Willow's shoulders. "You have Buffy, Xander, Dawn. Hell this baby has more people looking after it than most people have their entire lives."
"Yeah but I'm the only parent. They're kinda like aunts and uncles. Know what I mean?" She said dejectedly. "When he wakes up at night there's only gonna be me."
"I'm here."
"For how long?" Willow asked turning to face the vampire. He didn't back away as she turned just moved his hands down to wrap around her waist. "I mean you're not gonna want to play daddy to this baby."
"I'll be here as long as you want me here." Spike answered as she rested her head against his chest. "I would love to help take care of your baby."
"What if you meet someone?" Willow said, "It's not like you're the real father or love me."
"I-I'm not likely to meet anyone Luv." Spike said stopping himself from telling her how wrong she was, "Really like I could find someone sexier than you."
"Yeah right." Willow muttered, "I look like a whale but a sexy one."
"You don't look like a whale." Spike said lifting her chin so she would look at him. "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't beautiful."
"So beautiful everyone leaves." Willow said still looking at the vampire, more than a little confused over his comments.
"The wolf and Tara were fools." He insisted, "If they couldn't see what they had then it's their loss."
Spike stood looking at the girl staring up at him for a moment before lowering his head to place what was supposed to be a comforting kiss on her lips. As soon as his lips met hers she leaned closer to him pressing her lips to his. When he felt her sigh against his lips he quickly deepened the kiss letting his tongue brush against hers; entering her mouth. He felt her arms slide up around his neck pulling him closer, as his hands grasped her hips pulling her against him. After a moment he felt Willow pulling away from him. Raising his head slightly he looked down at her in question.
"Wh-what just happened?" She asked breathlessly.
"I was going to comfort you?" Spike suggested.
"Comfort?" Willow said, "Wow. Okay you're really good with the comfort but…"
"It shouldn't have happened." Spike said letting her go and turning away.
"Right shouldn't have happened. Still friends?" Willow asked slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah, Friends." Spike muttered and left the room.
"Okay what's his problem?" Willow muttered to herself as she watched the angry vampire leave.
3 Part Twelve
"You don't need to sit here with me Dawn." Willow said turning toward the girl. "I'm sure you have something you'd rather be doing."
"Not really." Dawn shrugged, "Besides I think it'll be cool to watch the ultrasound and see the baby moving and stuff."
"Buffy made you come didn't she?"
"She asked me if I would." Dawn said then quickly added, "But she didn't make me. I could've said no."
"Miss Rosenberg." The Receptionist called from the doorway.
"Our turn." Willow said happy to have the younger girl with her, "Let's go."
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"Are you sure you don't want to know?" Dawn asked again as she set down her sandwich. "It'll make buying stuff easier."
"Dawn don't you think its better to be surprised?" Willow asked.
"On the Hellmouth? You've got to be kidding." Dawn replied. "Surprises are definitely not good."
"But the sex of the baby isn't hellmouthy." Willow responded before finishing her salad. "My baby is human."
"True but still…" Dawn said, "I have to tell someone."
"Tell Buffy."
"Oh, like she can keep a secret. We were in Sunnydale what like twenty-four hours and you and Xander knew she was the slayer."
"Okay good point." Willow said taking a drink of her water, "Tell Giles or Xander."
"Right, they really aren't into this kind of thing. You know?"
"Yeah, I've noticed."
"Hey I can tell Spike." Dawn said excitedly.
"If he's interested." Willow muttered.
"Why wouldn't he be?" Dawn said confused, "He's been so into this baby thing."
"He's hardly said three words to me in the last week." Willow said.
"Why?" Dawn asked, "You guys fight?"
"Opposite actually." Willow said blushing slightly, "We kissed."
"Uh?"
"I don't want to talk about this." Willow said reaching for her water again.
"No way Will." Dawn said, "You don't say 'I kissed Spike' and then say 'I don't want to talk about it'. 'Sides I don't understand, you kissed now he won't talk to you?"
"Yeah that's pretty much it." Willow said, "I don't know what happened, I felt the baby kick, it surprised me, Spike came to see what happened, we kissed. I thought he thought it was a mistake and asked if we were still friends, he's barely spoken since."
"Okay that makes no sense." Dawn said, "Unless he wanted to kiss you."
"What?" Willow said, "Right, Spike wanted me, like this."
"Like what?" Dawn asked.
"I'm fat Dawn."
"You are not fat, you're pregnant." Dawn said quickly.
"Still not attractive."
"Maybe Spike disagrees." Dawn said.
"Sure." Willow muttered.
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Spike slipped the book under the couch when he heard the door opening behind him.
"Hey Spike." Dawn said as she pushed the door closed.
"Hi, bit." Spike said twisting his body to face the two women. "Hi Willow."
"See he talks to you." Dawn whispered.
"Whatever. I'm going to put this stuff in my room." Willow said and headed down the hallway.
"Spike want to know the sex of the baby?" Dawn asked as soon as Willow left the room.
"Why?"
"Willow won't let me tell her. And I've got to tell someone." Dawn said sitting next to him on the couch. "You're the only one that can keep a secret that's likely to be interested."
"Okay. So tell me." Spike said as Willow walked back into the living room.
"Sun's down. Walk me home Spike?" Dawn asked.
"Talked him into it?" Willow asked.
"Yeah." Dawn said then turning to Spike, "So…"
"Let's go." Spike grabbed his duster and headed for the door.
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Once away from the apartment Spike turned to Dawn. "What's the deal?" He asked, "You could have told me when she left the room again. And Buffy would have driven over to pick you up."
"Willow thinks your mad at her." Dawn said simply.
"Mad?" Spike asked, "Why?"
"Oh, maybe because you barely speak to her." Dawn said.
"I speak to…"
"Not since you kissed her." Dawn interrupted. "Willow says you kissed now you won't talk to her."
"That's not true…" Spike began, "Okay maybe it is. But she didn't want that kiss anyway, it was a mistake."
"What?" Dawn asked, "Why would you think she didn't want the kiss."
"She said it shouldn't have happened."
"She say that or just agree that it was?" Dawn asked.
"What difference does that make?" Spike said angrily.
"Lots. If she was just agreeing with you then she may have been saying what she thought you wanted to hear." Dawn explained.
"I really don't think so." Spike said as they neared her house, "So planning on telling me the sex or not?"
"Girl." Dawn said opening her front door, "Think about what I said, Okay."
Spike stood for a minute staring at the door before turning and heading toward home. He would definitely have to give his talk with Dawn some thought.
4 Part Thirteen
"Willow this a very bad place to keep a book." Anya said pulling the book out from between the sofa cushions, "Some could get a bruise of something." She finished rubbing her leg as she held out the book in the other hand.
"That's no…" Willow began then seeing the title.
"Wow, Will you do homework on everything don't you." Xander said examining the title, "What to expect…"
"Thanks An. I was wondering where I left that." Willow said grabbing the book from Xander and taking it into her bedroom. I'll have to ask Spike about that later she thought as she tossed it on the bed.
"Tired of living with the undead yet?" Xander asked as she walked back into the room.
"Not at all." Willow answered, "Actually he's been so quiet I barely know he's here."
"Sure Spike's quiet as a mouse." Buffy snorted.
"Can be when I'm not being annoyed constantly." Spike said walking into the room.
"I can eliminate any chance of you being annoyed Spike." Buffy offered.
"You could try." Spike replied.
"Buffy why don't you help me get drinks in the kitchen." Willow said raising herself out of the chair. "I can't really hold the tray with my stomach in the way now."
"Sure." Buffy said standing up.
"Honestly they are causing Willow too much stress." Anya said to Dawn, "They shouldn't be fighting all the time it clearly upsets her."
"I've tried talking to Buffy but she won't listen." Dawn said, "Spike either, they both say the other one is the problem."
"I'm still standing right here and can here you both." Spike said.
"Then stop acting like an ass and upsetting Willow." Dawn replied.
"It's not me…"
"Then be the bigger person. Ignore Buffy." Anya said facing the vampire. "You aren't hurting her your hurting Willow."
"Whatever." Spike said as Buffy and Willow came back in the room. "So what's the Scooby meeting about tonight anyway."
"I saw those people again. The one's I caught doing that ritual or whatever a while ago." Buffy said.
"So. Did you find out anything?" Willow asked, "Any idea why they're here."
"No. But this time they were right outside this building." Buffy said.
"So you think they live here?" Dawn asked.
"I don't think so." Buffy answered, "They were right outside this window, chanting."
"Spike if you have anything to do with…" Xander said turning to the vampire.
"If I had something to do with it why would they be out there instead of in here you idiot." Spike said angrily. "Willow are you okay?" He said noticing the girl had paled considerably.
"I-I there's something I need to tell you guys." Willow said quietly. "For a couple months now I've been getting the feeling that someone's following me. I just kept telling myself I was being silly that it was probably just hormones."
"My god Will you should have told me." Spike said at her side instantly, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Willow said smiling slightly, "I never even saw anyone just had that feeling."
"When did it start?" Buffy asked.
"Around Valentine's Day I guess. I noticed when I was shopping with Dawn."
"So now we know something." Anya said, "They want Willow."
"Possibly if she's right about being followed." Giles said, "But why? We need to work on that next."
"We need to keep Willow safe." Spike said.
"Right." Buffy agreed, "No going out alone Will. Take one of us with you all the time."
"'Kay." Willow agreed, "Guys I'm not up to researching tonight maybe tomorrow…"
"No problem Will. Call you tomorrow."
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"Are you sure you're okay?" Spike said poking his head nervously in the room again.
"I'm fine Spike really." Willow said, "But can I talk to you a minute."
"Sure." He said coming into the room.
Grabbing the book from next to her on the bed she turned to face the vampire standing in front of her. "Anya found this in the couch." She said extending the book to him.
"Uh, that's uh…" Spike stuttered.
"Don't say it's not yours Spike." Willow said smiling and gesturing for him to sit next to her, "I didn't buy it so it must be yours."
"Well I just I mean, I…"
"What's wrong?" Willow said turning to face the vampire. "It's not like I'm angry. I think its great. Why didn't you tell me you wanted to know more? I would have told you more but I didn't think you wanted to know, especially the last few weeks."
"Why wouldn't I be interested?" Spike asked.
"You've barely spoken to me since that night that the baby kicked and we…" Willow said blushing slightly, "I thought you were angry that we…"
"You thought kissing you made me angry?" Spike asked in surprise, "I thought you didn't want me to… That you thought it was a mistake."
"I didn't think it was a mistake but I'm not sure that I'm ready for…" Willow said quietly "I mean I liked kissing you but I have so much right now, finishing the semester, then the baby I don't think now is the time to…"
"But maybe later we…" Spike said smiling for the first time in weeks, "After the baby…."
"If you're still interested after the baby, and we deal with who ever following me then yeah maybe."
"But until then maybe we could just…" Spike said leaning toward Willow.
"Spike no." Willow said ducking away from him. "Not tonight okay. I have way too much to think about right now."
"Okay I'll let you sleep and think and I'll just go finish my book." Spike smiled and headed for the door book in hand. "God we don't have long before this baby do we?"
"Couple months." Willow said laying back down.
"Want to go shopping tomorrow night." Spike asked, "Buy some stuff."
"We can buy a few things. But Dawn's all excited about having a baby shower so we can't buy too much. But I need to register anyway."
"How are you going to register if you don't know the sex?"
"I don't but Dawn does. I think she told Xander and Buffy too." Willow explained, "I promised her it would be okay for me to find out at the shower. So I'm supposed to pick stuff for each sex and then they'll buy what's appropriate."
"Oh. Sounds like a plan." Spike said, "'Night Luv."
"'Night Spike."
Spike pulled the door closed quietly behind him as he headed down the hall to his own room.
Willow followed Dawn through the mall. She had called this morning and wanted to go shopping. Willow knew that Buffy didn't approve of Dawn having a boyfriend, Buffy insisted she was too young. The idea was silly to Willow since Dawn was sixteen and her boyfriend was only a year older, and at sixteen Buffy had been dating someone that was over two hundred years older than her. Willow also knew that pointing that out to Buffy wouldn't help Dawn at all so she had kept her feelings on the topic to herself. So she had agreed to take Dawn to the mall to find a Valentine's Day gift for her boyfriend, and she needed to start looking at maternity clothes anyway. She also liked spending time with Dawn because she was the only one who didn't constantly badger her about living with Spike.
"Do you think he'd like this?" Dawn asked holding up a sweater.
"Honey I haven't met him. I don't really know what he would like." Willow reminded her again.
"Maybe I shouldn't get clothes. I mean we've only dated for like a month." Dawn said setting the sweater back down.
"Okay then. What about a CD or a movie?" Willow suggested.
"You think that would be good." Dawn said quickly.
"Sure." Willow said looking around her. All afternoon she'd been feeling like someone was following her. Shaking off the feeling she turned her attention back to the teenager, "Why not? If he likes those kind of things."
"He loves video games." Dawn said.
"Video games it is then." Willow said leading the girl out of the clothing store and toward an electronics store.
"I wish you could meet him." Dawn said as they headed through the mall.
"Why not bring him over for dinner or something?" Willow suggested.
"Buffy gets all freaky about us being out at night." Dawn said sadly.
"But if you were coming to my place, not just out alone with him at night…"
"That would be great Willow, will you ask Buffy?" Dawn said brightening, "She's less likely to yell at you."
"Tomorrow okay?" Willow asked pulling out her cell phone.
"It's Saturday so I don't see why not? I mean I'll have to ask him."
"Hi Buffy." Willow said, then listened for a moment. "Yeah still shopping. Right I have a question. Can Dawn and her boyfriend come over for dinner tomorrow. She said you don't let her go out at night. But I thought that if she was coming to my place." Listening for another second, "Thanks I'll tell her Buffy."
Willow disconnected the call and held the phone out to Dawn. "She said its okay. Now it's your turn to call."
Dawn quickly made her call and turned back to Willow. "He said it sounded fun. And since Valentine's day is during the week and well Buffy… He wants to do Valentine's day then too. Is that okay. Oh and what about Spike?"
"What about him?" Willow asked. Looking around again still having the feeling that someone was watching her.
"Sometimes he gets all big brother-y. Buffy's bad enough with Michael I don't need Spike getting freaky too." Dawn said.
"I'll deal with Spike. Now lets go find that gift." Willow said pulling the girl behind her. "Because now we need to go grocery shopping too."
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Spike quickly closed the book and shoved it under the cushion of the couch when he heard the door open, grabbing the remote control and turning the television on.
"Spike." Willow called from the door.
"Hey, back so soon?" Spike said from the couch.
"Yeah. Can you give me a hand with these bags?"
"Sure." Spike said getting off the couch and walking toward the door. "Bloody hell. Buy out the mall Pet?"
"Had to buy new clothes. I'm starting to gain weight. Can't were sweats forever." Willow said. "Oh and some groceries too."
"Sweats are sexy." Spike said, "And are we out of groceries?"
"I'll explain the groceries in a minute." Willow said handing him several bags. "And yeah sweats are a real turn on. Especially when I get fat."
"They are a turn on." Spike said smiling, "And pregnant is not fat." He yelled as Willow walked down the hall to put her bags in her room and he move to set the groceries in the kitchen.
"Plan on explaining the groceries soon Luv?" Spike asked pulling several items out of the bags as Willow walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, well I have a big favor to ask." Willow said quietly.
"You certainly have a lot of favors to ask of evil vampires." Spike said putting several items in the freezer.
"Only really cute ones." She said grabbing several items for the cupboards. "Anyway you know that Dawn has a boyfriend and…"
"Dawn has a what?" Spike said turning to look at the redhead, "She is not old enough…"
"My god you sound like Buffy." Willow said. "She's sixteen she is more than old enough. Now to finish what I was saying, Buffy is all freaky about Dawn dating. Won't let her go out at night and stuff. So I suggested they come here for dinner tomorrow."
"Buffy's right she shouldn't be dating." Spike muttered.
"Okay you need to get over it now." Willow said, "I promised Dawn you wouldn't go all crazed big brother on her tomorrow. They are coming here for Valentine's day and I want this to be nice and romantic for Dawn. Got it."
"Okay fine I'll be nice. Why here again?" Spike asked.
"I would like to meet her boyfriend, and it gives them a chance to go out at night. I told her maybe after dinner we could go to a movie or something."
"And how do I fit into this?" Spike asked.
"Well yeah, that's another thing. Since we figured you'd probably be around, Dawn is telling Michael that you're my boyfriend. I mean since she has apparently talked about me being pregnant and we're living together so it seemed like the only logical explanation." Willow said hoping the vampire didn't mind.
"Sure. It's a small town so it's probably best that everyone outside of the few who already know think that we're a couple anyway right? Lessens the chances of your parents finding out differently." Spike said, pleased to have the chance of playing her boyfriend for an evening.
"Right." Willow said smiling.
Part nine
"Now remember Spike you promised to be nice to Michael." Willow said when Spike walked into the kitchen, "If you need to eat do it now 'kay. Don't think Dawn wants to explain the mug of blood."
"Already did Red." Spike said reaching for one of the roasted potatoes she had just pulled from the oven. "Still don't think she's old enough to date." He muttered walking out of the kitchen.
Before Willow could reply there was a knock on the door. Spike got up and opened the door as he heard Willow remind him to be nice again.
"Hey Spike." Dawn said looking nervously at the vampire.
"Hi Little Bit." Spike said stepping aside so they could enter.
"Spike this is Michael." Dawn said, "Michael this is Willow's uh boyfriend Spike."
"Nice to meet you." Michael said extending his hand.
"Right. Same here." Spike said shaking the younger man's hand. "Come on in. Willow'll be out in a minute."
As the young couple walked past Spike to the couch he watched the boy closely. He did seem to be Dawn's age. He was taller than her, with blonde hair. Buffy had met him and was allowing Dawn to see him so he must not be a vampire. Spike still wasn't happy about this, and his feelings increased when he watched them sit very close on the couch.
"I don't like him." Spike said walking into the kitchen. "Need any help?"
"He's been here less than five minutes. How can you not like him already?" Willow said handing him a serving platter to carry to the table.
"Because he just doesn't seem right." Spike said.
"Is there something wrong with him or is this because you don't want her to date?" Willow asked grabbing the bowl of salad and following him to the table.
"Fine maybe it's the dating thing." He muttered.
"Don't embarrass her." Willow said wiping her hands on a towel and walking to the living room to greet their guests.
"Hi, I'm Willow." She said approaching the couch. "You must be Michael." She finished extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you." He said standing up and shaking her hand.
"Well Dinner's ready whenever you guys are ready for it." Willow said.
Dawn and Michael followed Willow into the small dining room.
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"Can't you use magic to shut him up?" Dawn whispered to Willow.
"No magic right now. You know that." Willow said smiling slightly, "He's not being that bad."
"He's worse than Buffy."
"Because he loves you." Willow said knowing the vampire was only trying to protect Dawn.
"So Michael why are you dating someone younger than you?" Spike asked the boy seated next to him.
"Spike he's only a year older than me." Dawn said giving Spike a warning look then sending Michael and apologetic look.
Willow looked at the embarrassed look on both Dawn and Michael's faces and knew she needed to get them out of there now.
"Why don't we go get the newspaper and pick a movie?" Willow suggested.
"Sounds great but first if you don't mind I'd like to give Dawn her valentine gift." Michael said hesitantly.
"Great then Spike why don't you help me clear the dishes?" Willow suggested giving the vampire a look that clearly said he had no choice in the matter.
"Fine I just need to get something from my room first." Spike said and left the dining room as the younger couple exchanged their gifts.
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"This is for you." Spike said slightly embarrassed holding out the small box to the redhead.
"What?" Willow said turning to face him, "Why?"
"Valentine's day." Spike said quietly.
"But we're not… I mean… You didn't have to." Willow stuttered.
"I know I didn't have to." Spike said, "I saw it and thought of you. 'Sides if I'm being your boyfriend tonight then you should have a gift."
"But I didn't get you anything." Willow said taking the small box.
"Open it." Spike said.
Willow pulled the top off of the small box. She gasped when she saw the small necklace cradled inside. It was a small heart shaped locket.
"Spike it's beautiful." She said holding it up in the light.
"Open the locket Pet."
She gently pulled the locket open and tears formed in her eyes when she saw what was inside.
"Spike how did you…" She began then leaned forward hugging the vampire.
"Took the pictures when you were at a research party with your friends and had it copied to fit inside. Thought you would like to have pictures of your baby with you all the time." He said smiling in embarrassment.
"Willow." Dawn yelled from the other room. "We picked a movie."
"Lets go." Willow said hugging the vampire and kissing his cheek one last time before taking his hand and pulling him with her out of the room.
Spike followed the red head knowing he would go see what ever movie she chose and would enjoy it just because she was there. He hadn't known how she would react to the gift. He knew she was his friend, the only one other than Dawn that had ever tried to be his friend. But he didn't know if she wanted more than that. He decided a long time before that she had to make the first move, or at least give some definite sign of feelings toward him.
Willow held the locket in her hand. She wanted to put it on right now. She'd ask Dawn to help her. She couldn't believe he had gotten her a gift. She had almost brought one for him at the mall with Dawn yesterday but didn't want the vampire to know she had a crush on him. She'd had one since he had kidnapped her to do that spell to get Dru back. She had gotten over the crush long ago. After all someone like Spike would never be interested in her. He was helping her because he knew Buffy would be pissed if he had refused, that's all there was to the relationship.
Part Ten
The three dark figures slid quietly into the dark apartment, careful to not draw attention to themselves. They quickly moved through the apartment checking all the rooms.
"She's the one." The older of the group said when they all gathered in the living room. "I can feel the power here."
"Are you certain?" The dark-haired girl asked nervously, "If we make a mistake… and she's really that powerful…"
"I'm certain. Her child is the one the prophecy spoke of." The older man said sternly.
"Great but how do we get her before the birth?" The last member of the group asked, " He said he had to have her before she has the baby. We've been watching her for weeks. She's rarely alone and when she is she's either going to meet the vampire or the slayer either way she'll be missed quickly."
"I don't know but we have time to figure it out." The older man said, "Keep watching her an opportunity is bound to open."
"They're approaching the building." The girl said quickly, having moved to keep watch at the window.
"Lets go." The younger man said and the group quickly headed out the door and to the elevator.
2 Part Eleven
Spike flinched when he heard the dish break in the kitchen, then quickly jumped off the couch when he heard the small scream come from the same room. He ran into the kitchen.
"You okay?" He said as he came around the corner into the small room.
"Yeah. Sorry Spike." Willow said looking toward the vampire. "Just startled."
"Oh. So nothing's wrong?" He said confused as he bent to pick up the broken glass. Noticing she was holding her stomach. "Baby okay?"
"Baby's great." Willow said smiling. "He's what startled me."
"Uh?"
"He kicked." Willow said her smile growing as she felt movement in her womb again. "Here."
Willow grabbed Spike's hand after he threw the last of the dish into the trash. Placing it on her stomach she watched his face as he waited to feel whatever had made her so happy.
"Feel it?" Willow asked as she felt the baby kick against the hand pressed to her belly. She smiled softly as she saw the amazement in Spike's eyes.
"He's really alive in there." Spike said in wonder.
"Of course silly." Willow said still holding Spike's hand. "Why wouldn't he be?"
"I don't know. I mean I guess it didn't seem like a real person until now." Spike explained.
"I know feeling him move, makes it all seem more real." Willow said quietly, "And more scary."
"Scary?" Spike asked.
"Yeah, scary. I mean I can't even take care of myself. I had to move in with you just to have a place to live and I'm going to be responsible for someone else's life. I'm going to have to raise this baby alone." Willow said quietly, letting go of his hand and turning her back to him; not wanting him to see the tears forming in her eyes.
"You are not alone." Spike said putting his hands on Willow's shoulders. "You have Buffy, Xander, Dawn. Hell this baby has more people looking after it than most people have their entire lives."
"Yeah but I'm the only parent. They're kinda like aunts and uncles. Know what I mean?" She said dejectedly. "When he wakes up at night there's only gonna be me."
"I'm here."
"For how long?" Willow asked turning to face the vampire. He didn't back away as she turned just moved his hands down to wrap around her waist. "I mean you're not gonna want to play daddy to this baby."
"I'll be here as long as you want me here." Spike answered as she rested her head against his chest. "I would love to help take care of your baby."
"What if you meet someone?" Willow said, "It's not like you're the real father or love me."
"I-I'm not likely to meet anyone Luv." Spike said stopping himself from telling her how wrong she was, "Really like I could find someone sexier than you."
"Yeah right." Willow muttered, "I look like a whale but a sexy one."
"You don't look like a whale." Spike said lifting her chin so she would look at him. "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't beautiful."
"So beautiful everyone leaves." Willow said still looking at the vampire, more than a little confused over his comments.
"The wolf and Tara were fools." He insisted, "If they couldn't see what they had then it's their loss."
Spike stood looking at the girl staring up at him for a moment before lowering his head to place what was supposed to be a comforting kiss on her lips. As soon as his lips met hers she leaned closer to him pressing her lips to his. When he felt her sigh against his lips he quickly deepened the kiss letting his tongue brush against hers; entering her mouth. He felt her arms slide up around his neck pulling him closer, as his hands grasped her hips pulling her against him. After a moment he felt Willow pulling away from him. Raising his head slightly he looked down at her in question.
"Wh-what just happened?" She asked breathlessly.
"I was going to comfort you?" Spike suggested.
"Comfort?" Willow said, "Wow. Okay you're really good with the comfort but…"
"It shouldn't have happened." Spike said letting her go and turning away.
"Right shouldn't have happened. Still friends?" Willow asked slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah, Friends." Spike muttered and left the room.
"Okay what's his problem?" Willow muttered to herself as she watched the angry vampire leave.
3 Part Twelve
"You don't need to sit here with me Dawn." Willow said turning toward the girl. "I'm sure you have something you'd rather be doing."
"Not really." Dawn shrugged, "Besides I think it'll be cool to watch the ultrasound and see the baby moving and stuff."
"Buffy made you come didn't she?"
"She asked me if I would." Dawn said then quickly added, "But she didn't make me. I could've said no."
"Miss Rosenberg." The Receptionist called from the doorway.
"Our turn." Willow said happy to have the younger girl with her, "Let's go."
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"Are you sure you don't want to know?" Dawn asked again as she set down her sandwich. "It'll make buying stuff easier."
"Dawn don't you think its better to be surprised?" Willow asked.
"On the Hellmouth? You've got to be kidding." Dawn replied. "Surprises are definitely not good."
"But the sex of the baby isn't hellmouthy." Willow responded before finishing her salad. "My baby is human."
"True but still…" Dawn said, "I have to tell someone."
"Tell Buffy."
"Oh, like she can keep a secret. We were in Sunnydale what like twenty-four hours and you and Xander knew she was the slayer."
"Okay good point." Willow said taking a drink of her water, "Tell Giles or Xander."
"Right, they really aren't into this kind of thing. You know?"
"Yeah, I've noticed."
"Hey I can tell Spike." Dawn said excitedly.
"If he's interested." Willow muttered.
"Why wouldn't he be?" Dawn said confused, "He's been so into this baby thing."
"He's hardly said three words to me in the last week." Willow said.
"Why?" Dawn asked, "You guys fight?"
"Opposite actually." Willow said blushing slightly, "We kissed."
"Uh?"
"I don't want to talk about this." Willow said reaching for her water again.
"No way Will." Dawn said, "You don't say 'I kissed Spike' and then say 'I don't want to talk about it'. 'Sides I don't understand, you kissed now he won't talk to you?"
"Yeah that's pretty much it." Willow said, "I don't know what happened, I felt the baby kick, it surprised me, Spike came to see what happened, we kissed. I thought he thought it was a mistake and asked if we were still friends, he's barely spoken since."
"Okay that makes no sense." Dawn said, "Unless he wanted to kiss you."
"What?" Willow said, "Right, Spike wanted me, like this."
"Like what?" Dawn asked.
"I'm fat Dawn."
"You are not fat, you're pregnant." Dawn said quickly.
"Still not attractive."
"Maybe Spike disagrees." Dawn said.
"Sure." Willow muttered.
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Spike slipped the book under the couch when he heard the door opening behind him.
"Hey Spike." Dawn said as she pushed the door closed.
"Hi, bit." Spike said twisting his body to face the two women. "Hi Willow."
"See he talks to you." Dawn whispered.
"Whatever. I'm going to put this stuff in my room." Willow said and headed down the hallway.
"Spike want to know the sex of the baby?" Dawn asked as soon as Willow left the room.
"Why?"
"Willow won't let me tell her. And I've got to tell someone." Dawn said sitting next to him on the couch. "You're the only one that can keep a secret that's likely to be interested."
"Okay. So tell me." Spike said as Willow walked back into the living room.
"Sun's down. Walk me home Spike?" Dawn asked.
"Talked him into it?" Willow asked.
"Yeah." Dawn said then turning to Spike, "So…"
"Let's go." Spike grabbed his duster and headed for the door.
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Once away from the apartment Spike turned to Dawn. "What's the deal?" He asked, "You could have told me when she left the room again. And Buffy would have driven over to pick you up."
"Willow thinks your mad at her." Dawn said simply.
"Mad?" Spike asked, "Why?"
"Oh, maybe because you barely speak to her." Dawn said.
"I speak to…"
"Not since you kissed her." Dawn interrupted. "Willow says you kissed now you won't talk to her."
"That's not true…" Spike began, "Okay maybe it is. But she didn't want that kiss anyway, it was a mistake."
"What?" Dawn asked, "Why would you think she didn't want the kiss."
"She said it shouldn't have happened."
"She say that or just agree that it was?" Dawn asked.
"What difference does that make?" Spike said angrily.
"Lots. If she was just agreeing with you then she may have been saying what she thought you wanted to hear." Dawn explained.
"I really don't think so." Spike said as they neared her house, "So planning on telling me the sex or not?"
"Girl." Dawn said opening her front door, "Think about what I said, Okay."
Spike stood for a minute staring at the door before turning and heading toward home. He would definitely have to give his talk with Dawn some thought.
4 Part Thirteen
"Willow this a very bad place to keep a book." Anya said pulling the book out from between the sofa cushions, "Some could get a bruise of something." She finished rubbing her leg as she held out the book in the other hand.
"That's no…" Willow began then seeing the title.
"Wow, Will you do homework on everything don't you." Xander said examining the title, "What to expect…"
"Thanks An. I was wondering where I left that." Willow said grabbing the book from Xander and taking it into her bedroom. I'll have to ask Spike about that later she thought as she tossed it on the bed.
"Tired of living with the undead yet?" Xander asked as she walked back into the room.
"Not at all." Willow answered, "Actually he's been so quiet I barely know he's here."
"Sure Spike's quiet as a mouse." Buffy snorted.
"Can be when I'm not being annoyed constantly." Spike said walking into the room.
"I can eliminate any chance of you being annoyed Spike." Buffy offered.
"You could try." Spike replied.
"Buffy why don't you help me get drinks in the kitchen." Willow said raising herself out of the chair. "I can't really hold the tray with my stomach in the way now."
"Sure." Buffy said standing up.
"Honestly they are causing Willow too much stress." Anya said to Dawn, "They shouldn't be fighting all the time it clearly upsets her."
"I've tried talking to Buffy but she won't listen." Dawn said, "Spike either, they both say the other one is the problem."
"I'm still standing right here and can here you both." Spike said.
"Then stop acting like an ass and upsetting Willow." Dawn replied.
"It's not me…"
"Then be the bigger person. Ignore Buffy." Anya said facing the vampire. "You aren't hurting her your hurting Willow."
"Whatever." Spike said as Buffy and Willow came back in the room. "So what's the Scooby meeting about tonight anyway."
"I saw those people again. The one's I caught doing that ritual or whatever a while ago." Buffy said.
"So. Did you find out anything?" Willow asked, "Any idea why they're here."
"No. But this time they were right outside this building." Buffy said.
"So you think they live here?" Dawn asked.
"I don't think so." Buffy answered, "They were right outside this window, chanting."
"Spike if you have anything to do with…" Xander said turning to the vampire.
"If I had something to do with it why would they be out there instead of in here you idiot." Spike said angrily. "Willow are you okay?" He said noticing the girl had paled considerably.
"I-I there's something I need to tell you guys." Willow said quietly. "For a couple months now I've been getting the feeling that someone's following me. I just kept telling myself I was being silly that it was probably just hormones."
"My god Will you should have told me." Spike said at her side instantly, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Willow said smiling slightly, "I never even saw anyone just had that feeling."
"When did it start?" Buffy asked.
"Around Valentine's Day I guess. I noticed when I was shopping with Dawn."
"So now we know something." Anya said, "They want Willow."
"Possibly if she's right about being followed." Giles said, "But why? We need to work on that next."
"We need to keep Willow safe." Spike said.
"Right." Buffy agreed, "No going out alone Will. Take one of us with you all the time."
"'Kay." Willow agreed, "Guys I'm not up to researching tonight maybe tomorrow…"
"No problem Will. Call you tomorrow."
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"Are you sure you're okay?" Spike said poking his head nervously in the room again.
"I'm fine Spike really." Willow said, "But can I talk to you a minute."
"Sure." He said coming into the room.
Grabbing the book from next to her on the bed she turned to face the vampire standing in front of her. "Anya found this in the couch." She said extending the book to him.
"Uh, that's uh…" Spike stuttered.
"Don't say it's not yours Spike." Willow said smiling and gesturing for him to sit next to her, "I didn't buy it so it must be yours."
"Well I just I mean, I…"
"What's wrong?" Willow said turning to face the vampire. "It's not like I'm angry. I think its great. Why didn't you tell me you wanted to know more? I would have told you more but I didn't think you wanted to know, especially the last few weeks."
"Why wouldn't I be interested?" Spike asked.
"You've barely spoken to me since that night that the baby kicked and we…" Willow said blushing slightly, "I thought you were angry that we…"
"You thought kissing you made me angry?" Spike asked in surprise, "I thought you didn't want me to… That you thought it was a mistake."
"I didn't think it was a mistake but I'm not sure that I'm ready for…" Willow said quietly "I mean I liked kissing you but I have so much right now, finishing the semester, then the baby I don't think now is the time to…"
"But maybe later we…" Spike said smiling for the first time in weeks, "After the baby…."
"If you're still interested after the baby, and we deal with who ever following me then yeah maybe."
"But until then maybe we could just…" Spike said leaning toward Willow.
"Spike no." Willow said ducking away from him. "Not tonight okay. I have way too much to think about right now."
"Okay I'll let you sleep and think and I'll just go finish my book." Spike smiled and headed for the door book in hand. "God we don't have long before this baby do we?"
"Couple months." Willow said laying back down.
"Want to go shopping tomorrow night." Spike asked, "Buy some stuff."
"We can buy a few things. But Dawn's all excited about having a baby shower so we can't buy too much. But I need to register anyway."
"How are you going to register if you don't know the sex?"
"I don't but Dawn does. I think she told Xander and Buffy too." Willow explained, "I promised her it would be okay for me to find out at the shower. So I'm supposed to pick stuff for each sex and then they'll buy what's appropriate."
"Oh. Sounds like a plan." Spike said, "'Night Luv."
"'Night Spike."
Spike pulled the door closed quietly behind him as he headed down the hall to his own room.