1 Part Fourteen
"She saw you again?" The man said angrily looking at the three standing before him.
"We're very sorry." The dark-haired girl responded quietly.
"Sorry?" The man repeated, "You're sorry. Twice the slayer has seen you. We need to get that girl before she gives birth."
"We know all of that sir." One of the others replied, "That's why we've been watching her apartment. For an opportunity…"
"There won't be an opportunity now. Don't you see that." He shouted at the three standing before him. "I explained this all to you before. The witch is the slayer's best friend. By now I'm sure they figured out that it's the girl you're after. She won't be left alone now."
"We'll find away." The last member of the group replied.
"Forget it. There isn't time now. I think it's time to make my presence known. I'll get the girl myself."
2 Part Fifteen
She's spending the weekend at Buffy's, you're sure you can do it in two days." Spike said to Xander. "It's got to be done before she comes home."
"I said I'd get it done and it will be." Xander said angry that the vampire would question him.
"If you screw this up boy I'll…" Spike said, equally as angry that he needed the annoying boy's help at all.
"It'll be done." Xander said again, "But I need to get in there before the weekend to get some measurements."
"I'm taking her shopping for baby stuff tonight. Can you do it then." Spike suggested.
"Sure. Uh, how do I get in?" Xander asked.
"I'll leave last and forget to lock the door." Spike said, "Just be sure you're gone and it's locked before we come back."
"No problem." Xander said, "See you this weekend then."
"Right." Spike said hanging up the phone.
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"I think I need to buy mostly the bigger stuff." Willow said as they walked through the furniture store, "My mother insists those are the things you get at the baby shower but my friends can't afford this kind of stuff."
"I say buy the furniture Luv." Spike said keeping pace with her as she stopped to look at nursery furnishings, "After all you need the big stuff as soon as the baby's born. The little things we can always pick up as necessary if you don't get them at the shower right?"
"Good point." Willow said stopping at another nursery set, "What do you think of this one?"
Spike looked at the oak crib and with matching dresser and changing table. In his opinion it looked about the same as the other ten she'd looked at in the last hour. "I like this lighter wood better than those darker ones."
"Can I help you with anything?" A salesman asked as he approached them.
"Yes you can actually, I think we would like to buy this set." Spike said looking toward Willow.
"Spike its so expensive. I don't…" Willow began embarrassed, "Can you give us one minute please?" She said to the salesman before pulling Spike away.
"Spike I don't know if I can afford this one. My savings can only stretch so far and I still need a car seat and a stroller and a playpen and…"
"Do you like this one? Is it the one you want?" Spike asked.
"Yes but…"
"Then we're getting it." Spike replied and turned back to the salesman. "Can it be delivered this weekend?"
"Oh, uh yes I'm sure that won't be a problem." The salesman answered.
They followed the salesman to an office to fill out the necessary paperwork. As they walked out of the store and back to Spike's car Willow turned to look at Spike.
"I don't know how I can repay you for everything you've done Spike." Willow said.
"I want to do this Red. If I didn't I wouldn't have." Spike said holding the door as she got into the car.
They spent the rest of the evening in several stores purchasing all the other necessary items that the baby would need. Willow watched in amazement as Spike consistently chose the most expensive items she looked at and purchased them, refusing to allow her to give him money for anything they purchased.
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Spike waited, hands full, as Willow unlocked the door and moved aside for him to enter the apartment. He carried all the items she had purchased to her bedroom and ran back down to the car to retrieve the remaining items.
"Red, you sure you left stuff for your friends to buy?" Spike said after depositing the last load in her bedroom.
"I told you to let me help you carry those." Willow said handing him a mug, "And yes there is plenty of things I still need. We didn't buy clothes, or sheets or one of those crib bumper things, or diapers, or those cute little bathtub thingies, or blankets or…"
"Okay, okay." Spike said holding up his hands, "We didn't buy everything."
Willow walked over to sit next to him on the couch, putting her feet up on the table in front of her. "Thank you again for today." She said facing him.
"Glad to do it Luv." Spike said, "This baby deserves the best of everything."
Willow leaned back on the couch closing her eyes. Spike watched her, she looked so peaceful sitting here. Unfortunately Giles had spent the whole day researching and they were no closer to finding out who was following Willow. She was tired of being kept in the apartment, he knew that, but letting her out alone was so dangerous. Buffy was in school all day and he couldn't go out with her so she was stuck inside most of the time. That's why this weekend with Buffy and Dawn would be good for her, and give him a chance to take care of his project with Xander.
"Still going to the Slayer's this weekend?" Spike asked.
"Yeah. Unless it's a problem." She said opening her eyes to look at him.
"No it's not a problem. Go and have fun." Spike said leaning closer to kiss her forehead. "Have a great weekend."
"Okay." Willow said, "Dawn wants to plan the shower this weekend. It should be fun."
3 Part Sixteen
"Spike that's all wrong. Didn't you make sure it was level?" Xander asked impatiently.
"I'm a vampire not a carpenter. That's why I asked you to do this." Spike said angrily.
"Look I'm sorry the other guy didn't show, but if you want this done you're going to have to help." Xander said slowly.
"Then explain again what you want me to do." Spike said calming himself down, he wanted this done by tomorrow, he wanted to surprise Willow and if that meant dealing with Xander for a couple days he'd manage.
Spike listened as Xander once again explained what he wanted done and how to do it. Xander tried to be patient but Spike had no proficiency what so ever in carpentry and was probably slowing things down more than helping. Finally the two began working in silence again, Xander assigning Spike to a few of the easier tasks.
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"So Will has Spike ki…." Dawn began stopping when she saw Buffy entering the room.
"Has Spike what?" Buffy asked setting the glasses down on the table.
"Nothing. I mean its not important just something Willow mentioned to me a few days ago." Dawn said quickly.
"Will if Spike's upsetting you we can…" Buffy began.
"Spike's not upsetting me. He was just really quiet for a while and I was worried but we talked and everything's okay now." Willow explained glaring at Dawn for bringing it up at all.
"If you're sure." Buffy said not fully believing her friend.
"Positive. Everything's perfect." Willow said cheerfully.
"So about the shower Willow." Dawn said changing the subject. "I need a list of your friends from school. And what about the guys. I mean can we have a party for you without Xander and Giles?"
"I don't know if they will even come. I mean a baby shower is pretty girlie but we can invite them. I mean really, If Xander could want me to be his best man then I can invite him to my baby shower right?" Willow said smiling.
"Absolutely." Buffy agreed.
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Giles glanced up when he heard the knock on the door. It was late, Willow was spending the weekend with Buffy so she wasn't going to patrol tonight, girls night. Xander was helping Spike with some project. He didn't even want to think about what that could be. Anya had a demon friend visiting. So he couldn't imagine who would be at his door at this hour. Getting up and walking to the door he glanced through the small hole.
"Bloody hell." He murmured as he opened the door with a scowl on his face. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too Ripper." Ethan replied smirking at his former friend. "Can I come in?"
"No." Giles replied leaning against the door. "What do you want?"
"Visiting an old friend." Ethan suggested at Giles skeptical glance. "Why do I have to want something?"
"You always do."
"Actually I heard about your slayer's witch. I hear she's quite powerful."
"Stay away from her."
"Why?" Ethan said pushing past Giles and entering the house. "Couldn't be your afraid one of your goody-two shoes kids could be seduced to the dark side of magic could it?"
"Willow isn't using magic any more." Giles said pushing his old friend back out the door, "Not of any kind." Giles finished closing the door on his friend.
Giles walked over to the phone, he should call the others, Ethan could be involved in whatever Buffy had witnessed. He was obviously interested in Willow, that couldn't be good, regardless of his involvement with the people Buffy had seen. Setting the phone back down Giles decided even if Ethan was involved he was at a standstill in his plan otherwise he wouldn't have been here. It could wait until Monday, he'd let the kids have this weekend first.
4 Part Seventeen
Spike led Willow through the apartment slowly. Xander had left a couple hours ago, he hadn't been sure they would finish in time. They had worked all weekend to finish before Willow returned from Buffy's.
"Spike what's going on?" Willow asked unsure what the vampire was doing, "Why can't I open my eyes."
"Told you it's a surprise Pet." Spike said as he led her through her bedroom door and into the center of the room. "Okay open your eyes." He said letting her go and backing away slightly.
Willow opened her eyes slowly, almost afraid to look at whatever Spike had done. Her eyes grew wide as she took in the sight around her. Turning slowly her smile began to grow as she saw the baby's new furniture placed along two of the walls, and a wallpaper border of baby animals decorating the walls. As she turned to face the far wall she gasped and put her hand over her mouth.
"What? How?" Willow said staring at the wall in front of her.
"It's temporary. We can take it down anytime. I just thought you might like to have a separate room from the baby." Spike said quietly not sure if her reaction was positive or not.
"But how? I mean can we do this?" Willow asked moving to run her hand across the new wall.
"Yes. I talked to the apartment manager last week. He said as long as it didn't do any structural damage he didn't care. And Xander did most of the work." Spike said hating to give Xander credit but admitting even to himself he couldn't have given her this without him. "Do you like it?"
"Of course I like it." Willow said hugging the vampire. "But, uh, my room?"
"Through here." Spike said gesturing to a door not far from the one they had come through. "We agreed that it was best if we could access the baby's room from the hallway instead of yours."
"You and Xander agreed?" Willow said raising a brow.
"Well, we did when I pointed out that if I was going to get the baby and had to go to your room I could walk in on you, uh, less than decent." Spike said smiling.
"Yeah, that would make him see it your way." Willow said.
"This way I can help with the baby at night. I mean I'm up anyway might as well take care of the baby." Spike said.
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Willow and Spike walked into the magic shop shortly after dark. Giles had called and said it was important that they meet right away.
"I'll go see if they're in the back." Spike said when they didn't see anyone. "Why don't you sit."
"Thanks." Willow said sitting down at the table.
A few minutes later Willow jumped when she heard the door open and close behind her. The store was closing in a few minutes and she hadn't expected anyone to come in.
"Hello." She heard a voice say as she turned around.
"Hello," Willow began then, "Oh."
"Willow right?" Ethan said smiling at the girl.
"Yeah. And you're Ethan." Willow said unsure of the meaning of his presence, she wouldn't have thought he would show his face in Sunnydale again after the last time.
"Yes. I just stopped by to see Ripper."
"Uh, I think he's in the back. Spike went to look for him." Willow said smiling slightly. "He should be out in a second."
"Right then. You're the girl that's been practicing magiks, right?"
"Was. I don't do that anymore." Willow said.
"Why not?" Ethan asked, "I can sense the power just being near you."
"I did some things I shouldn't have. People got hurt." Willow said, "I, well, I can't control myself when I use it so I don't use it anymore."
"Surely you can't be serious." Ethan said, "I can't imagine someone with your power turning away from it. I could help you. Teach you to control it better."
"Well I uh…"
Ethan started to interrupt when a growl came from the back of the store.
"Stay away from her Ethan." Giles said placing a hand on Spike's arm not sure he really wanted to stop the angry vampire.
"I was just talking to the lady."
"You were trying to undermine her resolve to stay away from magic. I'm sure there's more that I haven't figured out yet." Giles said as Spike once again started to move forward toward Willow and Ethan, Giles once again reached out to stop the vampire. "If I see you near her again I won't bother stopping him next time. Buffy either for that matter."
"All right I'm leaving." Ethan said rising from the table. "If you change your mind I'll be here for another month or two." He said to Willow as he headed out the door as Buffy, Xander, Anya and Dawn were walking in.
"Was that…" Buffy began staring over her shoulder.
"Yes." Giles said. "Which is why I wanted you all here tonight."
"Because of Ethan?" Xander asked.
"He's up to something. It concerns Willow. I'm certain of that now." Giles said.
"Just let me kill him." Buffy and Spike both replied together.
"No." Giles answered. "We do need to know why he wants her though."
"It has something to do with my magic." Willow said, "Or rather my power. He kept saying he could sense my power."
"He also said he would only be here another month or two, so maybe what ever he wants is on a time schedule." Dawn suggested. "That should help us narrow it down right?"
"Yes perhaps your right." Giles said removing his glasses.
"Wait a minute." Anya said then when she was sure she had everyone's attention, "He talked about Willow's power, and only another month or two. That would be about the time she has the baby right?"
"Yeah. I'm due in a month and a half. Why?"
"It's not you he wants." Anya explained, "It's the baby. There's this prophecy that every century or so a baby is born with tremendous power. It's usually born to someone with power, anyway, if the power is harnessed through this ritual it will give the person who performed it unlimited power."
"What do you mean unlimited?" Xander asked.
"Remember how when Willow did a difficult spell, or a lot of small spells it would drain her energy." Anya said then at everyone's nod she continued, "This ritual will stop the magic from draining energy. But it has to be performed a few hours after birth or it won't work. It's kind of like the longer you wait the baby begins to absorb it's own power and you can't access it anymore."
"Okay that does make sense, that Ethan would want that I mean." Buffy said sitting down.
"No it doesn't." Giles said, "Ethan has never been after that kind of power. He plays with magic. Think about the things he did here. Halloween, the candy, even making me a demon. He just likes to cause chaos."
"Maybe its not for him." Xander suggested, "Maybe he plans on taking Willow or the baby or whatever to someone else."
"Now that does make sense." Giles said, "He would do something like this if the price was right."
"So how do we stop him?" Buffy said.
"I don't know." Giles replied.
"It has to be done right after birth right?" Dawn asked.
"Yes." Anya replied, "Well twenty-four hours at the latest."
"So we just need to keep Willow and the baby protected until a day after the birth right?" Dawn said confidently.
"Well, yes." Giles said, "I guess you're right."
"Okay so Will you are never alone. Understand. I mean I can move in with you and Spike until…"
"NO." Willow and Spike both said.
"What?" Buffy said eyeing the couple. "How else do you plan on not being alone at night."
"We'll think of something Buffy. But you can't stay with us." Willow said, "You and Spike won't last a day in that apartment let alone a month. And besides, Spike is perfectly capable of protecting me."
"Are you sure?" Buffy asked.
"Yes." Willow answered, "And if I need to leave the apartment during the day I'll call you or Giles. I won't leave at night without Spike or one of you."
"Okay so what about the baby?" Dawn asked, "After it's born."
"They let you keep the baby in your room at the hospital now." Willow said, "So it shouldn't be a problem. I'll probably need one of you to stay all night with me though. I don't think I'll have the strength to fight off Ethan after giving birth.'
"I think we should stay on extra baby duty longer than a day though." Buffy said, "To be safe I say we go at least a week."
Everyone agreed and the meeting ended with final plans for the baby shower, which Xander, Giles, and Spike grudgingly agreed to attend.
Part Eighteen
Willow stood in the shower, going over the days events. She still couldn't believe that Spike and Xander had made a nursery for the baby. Too bad the happiness of it all was ruined by Ethan. Her baby had this unbelievable power, prophetic power. Only on the Hellmouth could something as simple as a baby cause this kind of trouble.
She still wasn't sure how she was going to protect herself against Ethan while she slept. But she was certain Buffy staying here wasn't the answer, she couldn't take listening to the bickering constantly for a month. Xander had suggested a protection spell but Giles and Anya were both certain that any spell they could do, Ethan could easily break he was simply more powerful than they were. She could possibly do a spell that would keep him out, but no one certain how magic would affect the baby, and it wasn't like she could just phone the doctor and ask. They would think of something, they always did.
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Spike had just finished placing heavy blankets over the window's in Willow's room as she walked in drying her hair with a towel.
"Uh, Spike what are you doing?" Willow asked dropping the towel next to the bed and reaching for the hairbrush on her night stand.
"Blocking the windows." Spike replied, "Can't protect anyone as a pile of dust."
"This is my room." Willow said pulling the brush through her hair as she sat on the bed.
"Yes. The windows have been blocked in my room since we moved in."
"Why will sunlight in my room affect you?" Willow asked.
"You can't be left alone." Spike said, "If the watcher's friend comes back he'll most likely do it while your sleeping."
"So." Willow said slowly wanting to be sure she understood what he was saying, "You plan on sleeping in here? With me?"
"The watcher said you shouldn't be left alone."
"Okay but I don't think he meant…" Willow began. "I mean I'm sure he doesn't want you…"
"It's me or I call the slayer to come over after all." Spike said, "And believe me I don't like that plan at all but she's right about you not being alone."
"Spike I'm not sure that you're sleeping in here… with me, is a good idea I mean we…" Willow stuttered.
"Don't worry Luv. I can control myself." Spike promised then smiling at her, "Unless it's not me you're worried about."
"What?" Willow said dropping the brush on the bed, "Of course it's you I mean it's not like I can…"
"Relax Pet." Spike said smiling, "Just kidding."
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Willow shifted restlessly for the millionth time that night. This was going to be a long couple months, she thought. He doesn't seem to be having a problem though, she thought angrily glancing over her shoulder at the sleeping vampire. The most he had moved all night was to roll to his side and place his hand over her stomach. She had considered moving the hand but had decided to leave it where it was. She admitted to herself that she did feel safer with him in here. She felt him shift again pulling her closer to him in his sleep, okay maybe the next couple of months won't be so bad, she thought as she relaxed into his chest and began to drift to sleep.
Spike smiled slightly to himself. Willow had been restless since they had gone to bed. He knew she wasn't afraid of him. They had passed that a long time ago. He knew she was frightened about the prophecy in spite of what she said to him and her friends. He wanted to comfort her, but knew she was trying to put up a brave front and he had to be careful. He knew she thought he was sleeping, that wasn't likely to happen anytime soon, with her constant wiggling against him. Sighing he pulled her closer to him hugging her tightly. Within minutes he felt her drifting to sleep. Relaxing his grip on her he drifted off to sleep.
5 Part Nineteen
"The time is getting near and you haven't gotten the girl yet?"
"I've tried. If you had told me in the beginning who this girl was, I would have been better prepared." Ethan said angrily.
"Her identity shouldn't make a difference if you're as powerful as you claim." The woman on the phone answered. "We need that baby."
"Of course it makes a bloody difference. Her best friend is the slayer." Ethan said, "But I'll get the baby to you in plenty of time."
"If they are as smart as you claim they may have figured out why you're there already and that will make it harder."
"Don't worry about it." Ethan said hanging up the phone.
Pacing the room he thought of this possible options. He had figured out who the witch was shortly after arriving in town. So he had known this would be difficult, but he hadn't known how bad it would be. He could deal with Ripper, he knew how to distract him. He could even deal with the slayer, he had before. But last night he had found something he wasn't counting on, an over-protective vampire, that he wasn't at all ready for. He had known from his contacts that Willow was living with the vampire, but he wasn't the father. He was a sort of reluctant friend.
Ethan had learned about Spike, and his presence in the Scooby gang's lives, from contacting his many sources in Sunnydale. He knew about the chip, he knew about the affair with the slayer. What no one had told him was that the vampire was protecting the witch. Getting around him would be much more difficult, especially since they were sharing an apartment. He knew from his sources that they weren't sharing a room so that might make it possible, assuming no one had the power to protect the apartment with magic.
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"Spike! Buffy!" Willow called from the kitchen, holding her hand over the phone.
"What?" The pair answered from the living room where the group was researching.
"Can you come here please?"
"What's up Will?" Buffy said as she walked into the kitchen followed by Spike.
"Wesley's on the phone. Cordy had a vision. She thinks I'm going to be in danger at the shower." Willow explained.
"At the shower. Ethan can't be that stupid." Buffy said, "I'll be right there."
"Apparently he doesn't care." Willow said, "Wes wants to know if we want Angel to come down for the shower with Cordy and Fred."
"I don't think its necessary," Buffy said, "But I didn't have the vision. So I guess if Cordy thinks it is then fine. I'll make room for all of them for the night."
"We don't need the Poof to come here." Spike said angrily.
"Maybe we don't but I'm not putting Willow at risk because you're afraid of Angel." Buffy said.
"I'm not afraid of him. I just don't like him. We can handle it ourselves."
"Maybe but do you want to risk it?" Buffy asked.
"Fine tell him to come if he thinks it'll help." Spike said leaving the kitchen.
"If Cordy thinks we need him here, then tell him to come. Hell all of you can come if you want." Willow said smiling, "The more the merrier. Besides I'll need help keeping Buffy, Angel, and Spike from killing each other."
"I'll talk to them and let you know how many of us will be coming. Cordy and Fred for sure though." Wesley said. "I'll talk to you later."
"She saw you again?" The man said angrily looking at the three standing before him.
"We're very sorry." The dark-haired girl responded quietly.
"Sorry?" The man repeated, "You're sorry. Twice the slayer has seen you. We need to get that girl before she gives birth."
"We know all of that sir." One of the others replied, "That's why we've been watching her apartment. For an opportunity…"
"There won't be an opportunity now. Don't you see that." He shouted at the three standing before him. "I explained this all to you before. The witch is the slayer's best friend. By now I'm sure they figured out that it's the girl you're after. She won't be left alone now."
"We'll find away." The last member of the group replied.
"Forget it. There isn't time now. I think it's time to make my presence known. I'll get the girl myself."
2 Part Fifteen
She's spending the weekend at Buffy's, you're sure you can do it in two days." Spike said to Xander. "It's got to be done before she comes home."
"I said I'd get it done and it will be." Xander said angry that the vampire would question him.
"If you screw this up boy I'll…" Spike said, equally as angry that he needed the annoying boy's help at all.
"It'll be done." Xander said again, "But I need to get in there before the weekend to get some measurements."
"I'm taking her shopping for baby stuff tonight. Can you do it then." Spike suggested.
"Sure. Uh, how do I get in?" Xander asked.
"I'll leave last and forget to lock the door." Spike said, "Just be sure you're gone and it's locked before we come back."
"No problem." Xander said, "See you this weekend then."
"Right." Spike said hanging up the phone.
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"I think I need to buy mostly the bigger stuff." Willow said as they walked through the furniture store, "My mother insists those are the things you get at the baby shower but my friends can't afford this kind of stuff."
"I say buy the furniture Luv." Spike said keeping pace with her as she stopped to look at nursery furnishings, "After all you need the big stuff as soon as the baby's born. The little things we can always pick up as necessary if you don't get them at the shower right?"
"Good point." Willow said stopping at another nursery set, "What do you think of this one?"
Spike looked at the oak crib and with matching dresser and changing table. In his opinion it looked about the same as the other ten she'd looked at in the last hour. "I like this lighter wood better than those darker ones."
"Can I help you with anything?" A salesman asked as he approached them.
"Yes you can actually, I think we would like to buy this set." Spike said looking toward Willow.
"Spike its so expensive. I don't…" Willow began embarrassed, "Can you give us one minute please?" She said to the salesman before pulling Spike away.
"Spike I don't know if I can afford this one. My savings can only stretch so far and I still need a car seat and a stroller and a playpen and…"
"Do you like this one? Is it the one you want?" Spike asked.
"Yes but…"
"Then we're getting it." Spike replied and turned back to the salesman. "Can it be delivered this weekend?"
"Oh, uh yes I'm sure that won't be a problem." The salesman answered.
They followed the salesman to an office to fill out the necessary paperwork. As they walked out of the store and back to Spike's car Willow turned to look at Spike.
"I don't know how I can repay you for everything you've done Spike." Willow said.
"I want to do this Red. If I didn't I wouldn't have." Spike said holding the door as she got into the car.
They spent the rest of the evening in several stores purchasing all the other necessary items that the baby would need. Willow watched in amazement as Spike consistently chose the most expensive items she looked at and purchased them, refusing to allow her to give him money for anything they purchased.
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Spike waited, hands full, as Willow unlocked the door and moved aside for him to enter the apartment. He carried all the items she had purchased to her bedroom and ran back down to the car to retrieve the remaining items.
"Red, you sure you left stuff for your friends to buy?" Spike said after depositing the last load in her bedroom.
"I told you to let me help you carry those." Willow said handing him a mug, "And yes there is plenty of things I still need. We didn't buy clothes, or sheets or one of those crib bumper things, or diapers, or those cute little bathtub thingies, or blankets or…"
"Okay, okay." Spike said holding up his hands, "We didn't buy everything."
Willow walked over to sit next to him on the couch, putting her feet up on the table in front of her. "Thank you again for today." She said facing him.
"Glad to do it Luv." Spike said, "This baby deserves the best of everything."
Willow leaned back on the couch closing her eyes. Spike watched her, she looked so peaceful sitting here. Unfortunately Giles had spent the whole day researching and they were no closer to finding out who was following Willow. She was tired of being kept in the apartment, he knew that, but letting her out alone was so dangerous. Buffy was in school all day and he couldn't go out with her so she was stuck inside most of the time. That's why this weekend with Buffy and Dawn would be good for her, and give him a chance to take care of his project with Xander.
"Still going to the Slayer's this weekend?" Spike asked.
"Yeah. Unless it's a problem." She said opening her eyes to look at him.
"No it's not a problem. Go and have fun." Spike said leaning closer to kiss her forehead. "Have a great weekend."
"Okay." Willow said, "Dawn wants to plan the shower this weekend. It should be fun."
3 Part Sixteen
"Spike that's all wrong. Didn't you make sure it was level?" Xander asked impatiently.
"I'm a vampire not a carpenter. That's why I asked you to do this." Spike said angrily.
"Look I'm sorry the other guy didn't show, but if you want this done you're going to have to help." Xander said slowly.
"Then explain again what you want me to do." Spike said calming himself down, he wanted this done by tomorrow, he wanted to surprise Willow and if that meant dealing with Xander for a couple days he'd manage.
Spike listened as Xander once again explained what he wanted done and how to do it. Xander tried to be patient but Spike had no proficiency what so ever in carpentry and was probably slowing things down more than helping. Finally the two began working in silence again, Xander assigning Spike to a few of the easier tasks.
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"So Will has Spike ki…." Dawn began stopping when she saw Buffy entering the room.
"Has Spike what?" Buffy asked setting the glasses down on the table.
"Nothing. I mean its not important just something Willow mentioned to me a few days ago." Dawn said quickly.
"Will if Spike's upsetting you we can…" Buffy began.
"Spike's not upsetting me. He was just really quiet for a while and I was worried but we talked and everything's okay now." Willow explained glaring at Dawn for bringing it up at all.
"If you're sure." Buffy said not fully believing her friend.
"Positive. Everything's perfect." Willow said cheerfully.
"So about the shower Willow." Dawn said changing the subject. "I need a list of your friends from school. And what about the guys. I mean can we have a party for you without Xander and Giles?"
"I don't know if they will even come. I mean a baby shower is pretty girlie but we can invite them. I mean really, If Xander could want me to be his best man then I can invite him to my baby shower right?" Willow said smiling.
"Absolutely." Buffy agreed.
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Giles glanced up when he heard the knock on the door. It was late, Willow was spending the weekend with Buffy so she wasn't going to patrol tonight, girls night. Xander was helping Spike with some project. He didn't even want to think about what that could be. Anya had a demon friend visiting. So he couldn't imagine who would be at his door at this hour. Getting up and walking to the door he glanced through the small hole.
"Bloody hell." He murmured as he opened the door with a scowl on his face. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too Ripper." Ethan replied smirking at his former friend. "Can I come in?"
"No." Giles replied leaning against the door. "What do you want?"
"Visiting an old friend." Ethan suggested at Giles skeptical glance. "Why do I have to want something?"
"You always do."
"Actually I heard about your slayer's witch. I hear she's quite powerful."
"Stay away from her."
"Why?" Ethan said pushing past Giles and entering the house. "Couldn't be your afraid one of your goody-two shoes kids could be seduced to the dark side of magic could it?"
"Willow isn't using magic any more." Giles said pushing his old friend back out the door, "Not of any kind." Giles finished closing the door on his friend.
Giles walked over to the phone, he should call the others, Ethan could be involved in whatever Buffy had witnessed. He was obviously interested in Willow, that couldn't be good, regardless of his involvement with the people Buffy had seen. Setting the phone back down Giles decided even if Ethan was involved he was at a standstill in his plan otherwise he wouldn't have been here. It could wait until Monday, he'd let the kids have this weekend first.
4 Part Seventeen
Spike led Willow through the apartment slowly. Xander had left a couple hours ago, he hadn't been sure they would finish in time. They had worked all weekend to finish before Willow returned from Buffy's.
"Spike what's going on?" Willow asked unsure what the vampire was doing, "Why can't I open my eyes."
"Told you it's a surprise Pet." Spike said as he led her through her bedroom door and into the center of the room. "Okay open your eyes." He said letting her go and backing away slightly.
Willow opened her eyes slowly, almost afraid to look at whatever Spike had done. Her eyes grew wide as she took in the sight around her. Turning slowly her smile began to grow as she saw the baby's new furniture placed along two of the walls, and a wallpaper border of baby animals decorating the walls. As she turned to face the far wall she gasped and put her hand over her mouth.
"What? How?" Willow said staring at the wall in front of her.
"It's temporary. We can take it down anytime. I just thought you might like to have a separate room from the baby." Spike said quietly not sure if her reaction was positive or not.
"But how? I mean can we do this?" Willow asked moving to run her hand across the new wall.
"Yes. I talked to the apartment manager last week. He said as long as it didn't do any structural damage he didn't care. And Xander did most of the work." Spike said hating to give Xander credit but admitting even to himself he couldn't have given her this without him. "Do you like it?"
"Of course I like it." Willow said hugging the vampire. "But, uh, my room?"
"Through here." Spike said gesturing to a door not far from the one they had come through. "We agreed that it was best if we could access the baby's room from the hallway instead of yours."
"You and Xander agreed?" Willow said raising a brow.
"Well, we did when I pointed out that if I was going to get the baby and had to go to your room I could walk in on you, uh, less than decent." Spike said smiling.
"Yeah, that would make him see it your way." Willow said.
"This way I can help with the baby at night. I mean I'm up anyway might as well take care of the baby." Spike said.
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Willow and Spike walked into the magic shop shortly after dark. Giles had called and said it was important that they meet right away.
"I'll go see if they're in the back." Spike said when they didn't see anyone. "Why don't you sit."
"Thanks." Willow said sitting down at the table.
A few minutes later Willow jumped when she heard the door open and close behind her. The store was closing in a few minutes and she hadn't expected anyone to come in.
"Hello." She heard a voice say as she turned around.
"Hello," Willow began then, "Oh."
"Willow right?" Ethan said smiling at the girl.
"Yeah. And you're Ethan." Willow said unsure of the meaning of his presence, she wouldn't have thought he would show his face in Sunnydale again after the last time.
"Yes. I just stopped by to see Ripper."
"Uh, I think he's in the back. Spike went to look for him." Willow said smiling slightly. "He should be out in a second."
"Right then. You're the girl that's been practicing magiks, right?"
"Was. I don't do that anymore." Willow said.
"Why not?" Ethan asked, "I can sense the power just being near you."
"I did some things I shouldn't have. People got hurt." Willow said, "I, well, I can't control myself when I use it so I don't use it anymore."
"Surely you can't be serious." Ethan said, "I can't imagine someone with your power turning away from it. I could help you. Teach you to control it better."
"Well I uh…"
Ethan started to interrupt when a growl came from the back of the store.
"Stay away from her Ethan." Giles said placing a hand on Spike's arm not sure he really wanted to stop the angry vampire.
"I was just talking to the lady."
"You were trying to undermine her resolve to stay away from magic. I'm sure there's more that I haven't figured out yet." Giles said as Spike once again started to move forward toward Willow and Ethan, Giles once again reached out to stop the vampire. "If I see you near her again I won't bother stopping him next time. Buffy either for that matter."
"All right I'm leaving." Ethan said rising from the table. "If you change your mind I'll be here for another month or two." He said to Willow as he headed out the door as Buffy, Xander, Anya and Dawn were walking in.
"Was that…" Buffy began staring over her shoulder.
"Yes." Giles said. "Which is why I wanted you all here tonight."
"Because of Ethan?" Xander asked.
"He's up to something. It concerns Willow. I'm certain of that now." Giles said.
"Just let me kill him." Buffy and Spike both replied together.
"No." Giles answered. "We do need to know why he wants her though."
"It has something to do with my magic." Willow said, "Or rather my power. He kept saying he could sense my power."
"He also said he would only be here another month or two, so maybe what ever he wants is on a time schedule." Dawn suggested. "That should help us narrow it down right?"
"Yes perhaps your right." Giles said removing his glasses.
"Wait a minute." Anya said then when she was sure she had everyone's attention, "He talked about Willow's power, and only another month or two. That would be about the time she has the baby right?"
"Yeah. I'm due in a month and a half. Why?"
"It's not you he wants." Anya explained, "It's the baby. There's this prophecy that every century or so a baby is born with tremendous power. It's usually born to someone with power, anyway, if the power is harnessed through this ritual it will give the person who performed it unlimited power."
"What do you mean unlimited?" Xander asked.
"Remember how when Willow did a difficult spell, or a lot of small spells it would drain her energy." Anya said then at everyone's nod she continued, "This ritual will stop the magic from draining energy. But it has to be performed a few hours after birth or it won't work. It's kind of like the longer you wait the baby begins to absorb it's own power and you can't access it anymore."
"Okay that does make sense, that Ethan would want that I mean." Buffy said sitting down.
"No it doesn't." Giles said, "Ethan has never been after that kind of power. He plays with magic. Think about the things he did here. Halloween, the candy, even making me a demon. He just likes to cause chaos."
"Maybe its not for him." Xander suggested, "Maybe he plans on taking Willow or the baby or whatever to someone else."
"Now that does make sense." Giles said, "He would do something like this if the price was right."
"So how do we stop him?" Buffy said.
"I don't know." Giles replied.
"It has to be done right after birth right?" Dawn asked.
"Yes." Anya replied, "Well twenty-four hours at the latest."
"So we just need to keep Willow and the baby protected until a day after the birth right?" Dawn said confidently.
"Well, yes." Giles said, "I guess you're right."
"Okay so Will you are never alone. Understand. I mean I can move in with you and Spike until…"
"NO." Willow and Spike both said.
"What?" Buffy said eyeing the couple. "How else do you plan on not being alone at night."
"We'll think of something Buffy. But you can't stay with us." Willow said, "You and Spike won't last a day in that apartment let alone a month. And besides, Spike is perfectly capable of protecting me."
"Are you sure?" Buffy asked.
"Yes." Willow answered, "And if I need to leave the apartment during the day I'll call you or Giles. I won't leave at night without Spike or one of you."
"Okay so what about the baby?" Dawn asked, "After it's born."
"They let you keep the baby in your room at the hospital now." Willow said, "So it shouldn't be a problem. I'll probably need one of you to stay all night with me though. I don't think I'll have the strength to fight off Ethan after giving birth.'
"I think we should stay on extra baby duty longer than a day though." Buffy said, "To be safe I say we go at least a week."
Everyone agreed and the meeting ended with final plans for the baby shower, which Xander, Giles, and Spike grudgingly agreed to attend.
Part Eighteen
Willow stood in the shower, going over the days events. She still couldn't believe that Spike and Xander had made a nursery for the baby. Too bad the happiness of it all was ruined by Ethan. Her baby had this unbelievable power, prophetic power. Only on the Hellmouth could something as simple as a baby cause this kind of trouble.
She still wasn't sure how she was going to protect herself against Ethan while she slept. But she was certain Buffy staying here wasn't the answer, she couldn't take listening to the bickering constantly for a month. Xander had suggested a protection spell but Giles and Anya were both certain that any spell they could do, Ethan could easily break he was simply more powerful than they were. She could possibly do a spell that would keep him out, but no one certain how magic would affect the baby, and it wasn't like she could just phone the doctor and ask. They would think of something, they always did.
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Spike had just finished placing heavy blankets over the window's in Willow's room as she walked in drying her hair with a towel.
"Uh, Spike what are you doing?" Willow asked dropping the towel next to the bed and reaching for the hairbrush on her night stand.
"Blocking the windows." Spike replied, "Can't protect anyone as a pile of dust."
"This is my room." Willow said pulling the brush through her hair as she sat on the bed.
"Yes. The windows have been blocked in my room since we moved in."
"Why will sunlight in my room affect you?" Willow asked.
"You can't be left alone." Spike said, "If the watcher's friend comes back he'll most likely do it while your sleeping."
"So." Willow said slowly wanting to be sure she understood what he was saying, "You plan on sleeping in here? With me?"
"The watcher said you shouldn't be left alone."
"Okay but I don't think he meant…" Willow began. "I mean I'm sure he doesn't want you…"
"It's me or I call the slayer to come over after all." Spike said, "And believe me I don't like that plan at all but she's right about you not being alone."
"Spike I'm not sure that you're sleeping in here… with me, is a good idea I mean we…" Willow stuttered.
"Don't worry Luv. I can control myself." Spike promised then smiling at her, "Unless it's not me you're worried about."
"What?" Willow said dropping the brush on the bed, "Of course it's you I mean it's not like I can…"
"Relax Pet." Spike said smiling, "Just kidding."
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Willow shifted restlessly for the millionth time that night. This was going to be a long couple months, she thought. He doesn't seem to be having a problem though, she thought angrily glancing over her shoulder at the sleeping vampire. The most he had moved all night was to roll to his side and place his hand over her stomach. She had considered moving the hand but had decided to leave it where it was. She admitted to herself that she did feel safer with him in here. She felt him shift again pulling her closer to him in his sleep, okay maybe the next couple of months won't be so bad, she thought as she relaxed into his chest and began to drift to sleep.
Spike smiled slightly to himself. Willow had been restless since they had gone to bed. He knew she wasn't afraid of him. They had passed that a long time ago. He knew she was frightened about the prophecy in spite of what she said to him and her friends. He wanted to comfort her, but knew she was trying to put up a brave front and he had to be careful. He knew she thought he was sleeping, that wasn't likely to happen anytime soon, with her constant wiggling against him. Sighing he pulled her closer to him hugging her tightly. Within minutes he felt her drifting to sleep. Relaxing his grip on her he drifted off to sleep.
5 Part Nineteen
"The time is getting near and you haven't gotten the girl yet?"
"I've tried. If you had told me in the beginning who this girl was, I would have been better prepared." Ethan said angrily.
"Her identity shouldn't make a difference if you're as powerful as you claim." The woman on the phone answered. "We need that baby."
"Of course it makes a bloody difference. Her best friend is the slayer." Ethan said, "But I'll get the baby to you in plenty of time."
"If they are as smart as you claim they may have figured out why you're there already and that will make it harder."
"Don't worry about it." Ethan said hanging up the phone.
Pacing the room he thought of this possible options. He had figured out who the witch was shortly after arriving in town. So he had known this would be difficult, but he hadn't known how bad it would be. He could deal with Ripper, he knew how to distract him. He could even deal with the slayer, he had before. But last night he had found something he wasn't counting on, an over-protective vampire, that he wasn't at all ready for. He had known from his contacts that Willow was living with the vampire, but he wasn't the father. He was a sort of reluctant friend.
Ethan had learned about Spike, and his presence in the Scooby gang's lives, from contacting his many sources in Sunnydale. He knew about the chip, he knew about the affair with the slayer. What no one had told him was that the vampire was protecting the witch. Getting around him would be much more difficult, especially since they were sharing an apartment. He knew from his sources that they weren't sharing a room so that might make it possible, assuming no one had the power to protect the apartment with magic.
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"Spike! Buffy!" Willow called from the kitchen, holding her hand over the phone.
"What?" The pair answered from the living room where the group was researching.
"Can you come here please?"
"What's up Will?" Buffy said as she walked into the kitchen followed by Spike.
"Wesley's on the phone. Cordy had a vision. She thinks I'm going to be in danger at the shower." Willow explained.
"At the shower. Ethan can't be that stupid." Buffy said, "I'll be right there."
"Apparently he doesn't care." Willow said, "Wes wants to know if we want Angel to come down for the shower with Cordy and Fred."
"I don't think its necessary," Buffy said, "But I didn't have the vision. So I guess if Cordy thinks it is then fine. I'll make room for all of them for the night."
"We don't need the Poof to come here." Spike said angrily.
"Maybe we don't but I'm not putting Willow at risk because you're afraid of Angel." Buffy said.
"I'm not afraid of him. I just don't like him. We can handle it ourselves."
"Maybe but do you want to risk it?" Buffy asked.
"Fine tell him to come if he thinks it'll help." Spike said leaving the kitchen.
"If Cordy thinks we need him here, then tell him to come. Hell all of you can come if you want." Willow said smiling, "The more the merrier. Besides I'll need help keeping Buffy, Angel, and Spike from killing each other."
"I'll talk to them and let you know how many of us will be coming. Cordy and Fred for sure though." Wesley said. "I'll talk to you later."