New Horizons: Chapter Sixty-Five
The Continuance
By Annie
10-15-2002
A week later Buffy, Dawn, Anya, Sarah, Willow and Tara were sitting in the living room gracing through copius amounts of Bridle Magazines, drinking lemonades and eating freshly baked brownies. The front door opened and Xander stepped through it just as Spike came down the stairs. They met in the hall way, exchanging nods before both turning their heads to the mass of females spread out in the next room. They both raised their eyebrows before exchanging a look.
"Wanna go shoot some pool?" Spike asked and Xander nodded.
"Eh, where?" he then asked.
"Willy's," Spike answered and Xander hesitated before shrugging.
"Alright."
"Where are you boys going?" Buffy asked as Xander opened the front door again.
"Willy's," they both grumbled in one voice before stepping outside.
"Don't forget your blanket, honey!" Buffy called after Spike who stuck one arm inside again, shaking the blanket he was holding. She smiled. "Bye!" she cooed and the door was closed shut.
"I think this stuff is driving them crazy," Willow stated and all the ladies smiled agreeingly.
"I think I've found my dress," Buffy then said, nodding and everyone got to their feet or scooted closer to get a better look.
It was very simple, but elegant. It was in cream white silk, two thin straps over the shoulders, not too low cut in the back and it was a little snug over the hips, the flow of the fabric then extending from there to drape beautifully around the legs.
"It's perfect," Dawn breathed and Buffy nodded again.
Then she smiled, invisioning herself wearing it and walking down the "aisle" towards Spike. With a sigh she contently marked the page and then got to her feet.
"What else is left to do? I feel like we've been looking through these for a week!" she exclaimed with a gesture to the magazines and Sarah smiled.
"We have," she stated, getting to her feet as well and still looking slightly awkward at the feel of the pants around her legs.
She had borrowed some clothes from Tara, who had pretty much the same size as her. Not only was it strange to not have skirts around her ankles; but it was weird, no matter the relief, not to be wearing a corsette. Now she flung her long, dark brown locks over one shoulder and said:
"We need to have a cake, don't we?"
Buffy nodded.
"And chairs and flowers and bride's maid dresses," Anya filled in, which made Willow and Buffy exchange a look of rememberance at the most horrid set of dresses they had been forced to wear on Anya and Xander's not-so- happening wedding.
"I don't know if we can afford flowers," Buffy then said regretfully and Sarah stared at her.
"Nonsense!" she exclaimed. "If you cannot, it will be my father's and my wedding gift to you," she then added and Buffy smiled brightly.
"Thank you," she said. "That's wonderful of you."
"We should make a trip into town, ladies," Anya now pointed out, getting to her feet. "Browse through the stores...it's really incredible how much inspiration you can get from something so simple as walking and looking."
Buffy smiled at her, then nodded once more.
"Okay," she said.
"We need to order that wedding dress, as well," Tara remarked as Willow and she also rose.
"Yes, otherwise you might not get it in time," Willow filled in and Buffy ran her hands through her hair before stating:
"I'm happy you guys are here, I think I'd go crazy otherwise. There's so much to be done!"
The others laughed.
"Well," Anya now replied, "it's not everyday you get married. And it has to be something special."
"It will be," Buffy now said. "But seriously, I could get married in the middle of a swamp, as long as it was with him."
The others just stared at her for a moment, and then they looked very moved.
"Prettily put, sis," Dawn said with a smile and Buffy returned it.
Then the former embraced the Slayer in a hard hug.
"This wedding will go down in history, have you realized that?" Anya asked as the two pulled apart and they both turned to look at her. "You should want it to be if not spectacular, at least memorable."
"It will be," Willow cut in. "It'll be beautiful."
Buffy smiled at her, then grabbed Dawn's hand.
"Ladies," she said. "Let's do some shopping, shall we?"
***
"So, when are Giles and Jacob getting back from England?" Xander asked as Spike leaned over the table, aiming his cue and getting his last ball to roll gracefully into the intended socket.
"In two days or something," he then answered, straightening his back.
"It's official," Xander stated, putting his cue down. "I suck at this game."
Spike smirked a little.
"It's easy once you get a hang of it," he then said, putting his cue down as well and then gesturing towards the bar.
"Too early for me," Xander protested and Spike's smirk widened a little.
"Well, gosh, they might just have some water for the feebly stomached," he then pointed out and Xander smiled a little back.
"Fine, fine, come on," he replied, walking ahead up to the bar and taking a seat on one of the tattered stools, Spike following and positioning himself to the mortal's right.
They were silent for a short while, then Willy came up to them to take their orders.
"Whiskey, straight up," Spike said, turning to Xander who smiled weakly, not sure what to say. "Give whiskers here some milk, okay?" Spike then added and Willy nodded, starting on the drinks.
"What's 'milk'?" Xander asked, trying not to sound nervous, but not really being able to get the sound of it out of his voice.
"It's milk, clean and wholesome," Spike answered with a smile. "'Whiskers' is key for Lacathley demon, and they're half human, half...cat."
Xander's eyes grew slightly and then Willy put down the two glasses with a hard bang.
"Whiskey and milk," he then said before leaving them for a new customer.
Spike took a moutfull of the amber liquid and Xander observed him for a moment, then he asked:
"HOW did that happen? I mean, human and CAT? Cross breading?"
Spike grinned, putting his glass down.
"Let's just say they have pretty big cats in the underworld, 'kay?" he answered and Xander grabbed his own glass, taking a sip on the slightly warm milk and concluding that it really was the clean and wholesome sort.
"That'll teach me not to ask," he grumbled and Spike gave him a few hard pats on one shoulder as he laughed.
"You've been into this sort of life for as long as I've know you," the vamp then said. "You're not used to it yet? I mean, bloody hell, Xander, you even went down into the sodding Hellmouth itself to get Anya back. What's the deal?"
Xander smiled slightly again, shrugging a little.
"Some things are still just too twisted to really...get into my head they exist," he answered slowly, sounding thoughtful. "I mean, sure, the vamps and the wherewolfs and the occasional over sized praying mantice are all things I've seen first hand... but there are still so many things that, thankfully, are hidden from view."
Spike eyed him for a few seconds before raising his glass.
"Hear, hear," he then said and it made Xander smile widely before raising his own glass.
"Hear, hear," he agreed and they drank the toast with seriousness settling itself over them.
"So," Spike now said. "I have this...favor to ask of you," he then continued, turning his head to look at Xander who looked back questioningly.
"What?" the mortal then asked and Spike drew a small, unnecessary breath before answering:
"I'd like to know if you'd consider being my best man...? I mean, I'm gonna ask Jacob too. But I'd really like it if you'd be one of the two."
Xander had never seen the vampire actually nervous, but now he looked it and a little bit more and he couldn't help but smile widely. He wondered exactly how much guts it had taken for the demon to muster up the courage to ask that simple question.
"Actually," Xander then began, taking his time. "I'd really like that," he then finished and Spike stared at him with an expression revealing the fact that the answer he had gotten hadn't been the one he had been expecting, and as through he couldn't really believe it.
"You'll be my best man? Eh... one of them?" he then asked and Xander took a mouthfull of milk before looking at him, then nodded.
"Yep," he answered and a smile spread on the vamps face which made his eyes glitter with sudden life and Xander stared at him in shock.
He'd never seen that either, and just like that, in one moment, he suddenly realized why Buffy loved this fiend and why she thought the vamp deserved her love. There was something human in his posture that hadn't been there before, at least not in Xander's eyes, and the human couldn't do anything but feel a growing gratefulness that he'd finally gotten to witness it for himself.
"Thanks," Spike now said, sweeping the last of his whiskey and Xander wondered for a moment if the alcohol had been part of the preparation process towards asking the question. "I mean, I know it'll make Buffy real happy and...well, I'm really thankful too."
Xander nodded, swallowing his milk down as well and getting to his feet.
"I'm glad you asked," he confessed and Spike stared at him, quizzical. "Well, I kinda wanted a spot as something at Buffy's wedding and if you hadn't asked me then I'd lost that and...well, thanks yourself."
Spike smiled at that.
"So," he then said. "Can we make an official truce? Bury the hatchet of old and bad times?" he added, reaching out a hand and Xander smiled back before taking it in a firm grip.
"Buried and forgotten," he agreed, a weight lifting off his shoulders as they let go.
"Play another round?" Spike wondered, gesturing to the pool table and Xander grumbled, then laughed.
"Sure, why not," he then answered and they picked up a cue each, both slightly amazed at what had just taken place.
***
Buffy swallowed the last of her ice-cream, savoring the sweet taste before sighing and putting the spoon in the bowl. Her feet were hurting her, her back was aching and her shoulders were the killer of the three, but she was still happy.
Sarah, Willow and Tara had stayed in the town center, telling the others to go ahead home without them since there was something they needed to take care of, but refusing to give any details. Anya was at home taking a shower because she and Xander were going out later that evening and Dawn was seated next to the Slayer on the couch, watching TV.
The younger sister now turned to the older with a smile.
"All done?" she asked and Buffy nodded, bending forward to put the empty bowl on the coffee table. "You like?"
"Me like," Buffy agreed.
The front door opened and Spike stepped through it, letting his duster slide off his shoulders as he entered the living room, throwing it over the back of the armchair before walking up to give his ladies a kiss each, for the younger one a kiss on the cheek.
"You look happy about something," Buffy said, squinting questioningly and he smiled as he sat down in the armchair.
"I am happy," he replied and she raised her eyebrows.
"Well, are you gonna spill or do I have to come over there and kiss it out of you?" she demanded and he smirked at that.
"Oh, well, if you put it like that I think I'd better keep my mouth shut," he grumbled and she smiled a little, getting to her feet and walking up to him, sinking down on his lap and kissing him gently on the mouth.
"Please," she changed her tactics, looking at him with hopeful eyes and he smiled widely.
"Alright," he agreed and she looked expectantly at him. "Well...Xander has agreed to be my best man," he then stated and Buffy stared at him.
"He has?!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Spike's neck and hugging him tight. "That's wonderful!"
"I know, but...ugh, Slayer...you're breaking...my...neck," he pressed out and she let go of him just to kiss him again.
"I love you," she said, resting her forehead against his and he met her eyes before moving his head a little forward, kissing her back.
"I love you too," he stated and put his arms around her.
"You know," Dawn said, getting to her feet. "I really think you should write this down too, it'll make a great ending for the first part of..." she trailed off, her eyes growing as she realized what she had just said and Buffy turned her head to her slowly.
"What did you just say?" she asked and Dawn smiled a little disarmingly, shaking her head.
"Nothing," she answered innocently.
"No, Dawn. What did you just say?" the Slayer asked again and Dawn swallowed as the latter got to her feet.
Spike observed the scene quizzically.
"Eh...that you should write this whole thing down, you know, so that you won't forget it," Dawn answered and Buffy raised her eyebrows again.
"And what was that about a great ending for the first part?" she asked and Dawn gulped.
"Eh...you know, the FIRST part of your story..."
"Which isn't written?" Buffy asked and Dawn knew that there was no way she could get out of this one: she was busted.
"Well..." she said slowly. "Okay, I read it. I'm sorry!"
Buffy felt her cheeks grow slightly flushed at the confirmation that her sister had actually READ what she had written about herself and Spike's relationship...
Oh, God.
"What are we talking about?" Spike asked, not recieving an answer.
"That wasn't for just anyone to see!" Buffy exclaimed defeatedly, Dawn taking a step back.
"I know, I'm sorry... I just had to know and you wouldn't talk to me. Remember?" Buffy sighed, then nodded.
"Yeah," she grumbled.
Dawn took a step forward again, putting one hand on Buffy's arm.
"I really am sorry," she said honestly and Buffy looked up before moving one hand and placing it over her sister's.
"I know. And perhaps it was for the best, anyways. Now you really do know all there is to know," she then said and Dawn relaxed a little.
"WHAT are we TALKING about?" Spike repeated and this time they both turned to him, a small smile on Buffy's lips.
"You'll find out sooner than later," she then answered, bending down and kissing his cheek. "I have to go out patrolling," she added. "I'll be back in a few hours. There's left over pizza in the fridge."
Spike watched her as she left the room and went into the kitchen to grab her coat.
"Bye," she then yelled.
"Bye!" he called back and the door opened and closed.
"Sorry you're stuck on Dawn duty," Dawn said and he looked up, shaking his head and smiling.
"You kidding? Let's see if there's a really lousy old movie on, then I can watch it and you can complain about what's wrong with it," he then stated and she laughed.
"Okay," she then agreed, and he got to his feet before they both walked over and took a seat on the couch.
"I'm so glad that you guys are doing this," Dawn said as he grabbed the remote and started flicking through the channels. "Then I know you'll always be here."
He stopped what he was doing to look at her, and she smiled before scooting closer to him and wrapping her arms around him.
"I am too, niblet," he then said, putting his arms around her as well. "You'll never know how much."
***
Buffy had covered the surroundings of the Magic Box, of the Bronze and was just rounding up the eleventh of the twelve cemeteries. She knew she had to make a quick stop downtown as well before finally heading home. She had already dusted five vamps, all fledgelings, when she was attacked from behind.
The vampire grabbed her and pulled her down on the ground, but she threw herself to the side, rolling out of his grip and getting a hold on her stake. She was on her feet in the blink of an eye, turning around and having just enough time to avert the blow of the vamps large right fist.
"You know," she said, ducking as he tried to punch her again and then kicking her foot out, sweeping his legs out from under him. "You'd think you guys would learn after me dusting a few thousand of you," she continued, the vamp landing on the ground with a thud and a huff and she walked over to him, raising her hand holding the stake and bringing it down hard, hitting the spot for the vamps dead heart and soon the dust from him was flying through the air. "But you just don't, do you?" she finished, straightening her back and tucking the stake back where it belonged before turning and beginning to walk again. "Vampires," she then grumbled, shaking her head to herself.
She walked past Shocking Existenze, remeniscing her and Spike's first date. It seemed ages ago now, and yet it was just a few weeks since they'd been sitting in there, talking and laughing; both nervous and trying not to show it. She smiled to herself.
Turning her head her eyes landed on a figure which made her come to a halt, her eyes growing wide.
"D-daddy?" she stuttered.
"Buffy," he said, taking a few steps closer.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised beyond belief. "When did you get here?"
"I recieved a letter," he answered, bringing out an envelope from his jacket pocket. "From Willow," he added. "She told me that...you're going to have a child?"
The letter. Buffy remembered something about telling Willow to write it or not, that she herself couldn't make the decision because she was scared of not recieving an answer as much as she was of actually getting one. Seemed Willow HAD written it, after all. And here, obviously, was the answer.
"Yes," Buffy finally answered. "Yes, I'm gonna have a child. A baby girl..." she then added and she could see his eyes glisten with tears.
"That's...incredible," he stated and she nodded, still not sure what to make of him.
"Why did you come?" she asked quietly and he swiped at his tears.
"I wanted to see you, honey. I had to see you, and to tell you that I'm so sorry about what I did to you, that I left you... That I..."
"I'm getting married," she interrupted and his eyes grew slightly. "I'm starting my own family... I'm not sure if my daughter needs a grandfather who's never there for her... It might hurt her just as much as it hurt me having such a father," she added and he nodded a little.
"I understand," he said. "But if you'd give me one chance to prove to you that I do want to at least try and make up for all these years..."
"It's too late for that now, dad," she stated. "You can't 'make up' for them... But if... Perhaps a fresh start? For Katie's sake..." she then mumbled and she could see the hope rise in his eyes.
"I would like that...very much," he answered her. "Congratulations...on your up-coming wedding," he then added and a small smile came over her lips.
"Thank you," she said. "We're very happy."
"Buffy, I love you, sweetheart," he stated. "I hope you know that."
She nodded.
"I know," she confirmed. "I love you too," she said and he smiled. "But this really is your one and only chance, understand? If you're not willing to be there..."
"I am!" he interrupted. "I am..."
She nodded again.
"Okay, then let's take it from there," she said. "And now...well, I have something I have to finish," she added and he nodded, bending down to pick up his duffle bag resting at his feet.
"Of course. I'll check into a hotel," he said.
"Actually..." she began, hesitating before finishing: "Would you like to come with me? I have some things I need to explain to you before you meet the others, and my fiancé."
"Sure," he answered her. "I'd love to."
She smiled a little, walking up to him and he joined her at her side as they started on their way. And thus followed Hank Summers' introduction night to the life his daughter lead.
The Continuance
By Annie
10-15-2002
A week later Buffy, Dawn, Anya, Sarah, Willow and Tara were sitting in the living room gracing through copius amounts of Bridle Magazines, drinking lemonades and eating freshly baked brownies. The front door opened and Xander stepped through it just as Spike came down the stairs. They met in the hall way, exchanging nods before both turning their heads to the mass of females spread out in the next room. They both raised their eyebrows before exchanging a look.
"Wanna go shoot some pool?" Spike asked and Xander nodded.
"Eh, where?" he then asked.
"Willy's," Spike answered and Xander hesitated before shrugging.
"Alright."
"Where are you boys going?" Buffy asked as Xander opened the front door again.
"Willy's," they both grumbled in one voice before stepping outside.
"Don't forget your blanket, honey!" Buffy called after Spike who stuck one arm inside again, shaking the blanket he was holding. She smiled. "Bye!" she cooed and the door was closed shut.
"I think this stuff is driving them crazy," Willow stated and all the ladies smiled agreeingly.
"I think I've found my dress," Buffy then said, nodding and everyone got to their feet or scooted closer to get a better look.
It was very simple, but elegant. It was in cream white silk, two thin straps over the shoulders, not too low cut in the back and it was a little snug over the hips, the flow of the fabric then extending from there to drape beautifully around the legs.
"It's perfect," Dawn breathed and Buffy nodded again.
Then she smiled, invisioning herself wearing it and walking down the "aisle" towards Spike. With a sigh she contently marked the page and then got to her feet.
"What else is left to do? I feel like we've been looking through these for a week!" she exclaimed with a gesture to the magazines and Sarah smiled.
"We have," she stated, getting to her feet as well and still looking slightly awkward at the feel of the pants around her legs.
She had borrowed some clothes from Tara, who had pretty much the same size as her. Not only was it strange to not have skirts around her ankles; but it was weird, no matter the relief, not to be wearing a corsette. Now she flung her long, dark brown locks over one shoulder and said:
"We need to have a cake, don't we?"
Buffy nodded.
"And chairs and flowers and bride's maid dresses," Anya filled in, which made Willow and Buffy exchange a look of rememberance at the most horrid set of dresses they had been forced to wear on Anya and Xander's not-so- happening wedding.
"I don't know if we can afford flowers," Buffy then said regretfully and Sarah stared at her.
"Nonsense!" she exclaimed. "If you cannot, it will be my father's and my wedding gift to you," she then added and Buffy smiled brightly.
"Thank you," she said. "That's wonderful of you."
"We should make a trip into town, ladies," Anya now pointed out, getting to her feet. "Browse through the stores...it's really incredible how much inspiration you can get from something so simple as walking and looking."
Buffy smiled at her, then nodded once more.
"Okay," she said.
"We need to order that wedding dress, as well," Tara remarked as Willow and she also rose.
"Yes, otherwise you might not get it in time," Willow filled in and Buffy ran her hands through her hair before stating:
"I'm happy you guys are here, I think I'd go crazy otherwise. There's so much to be done!"
The others laughed.
"Well," Anya now replied, "it's not everyday you get married. And it has to be something special."
"It will be," Buffy now said. "But seriously, I could get married in the middle of a swamp, as long as it was with him."
The others just stared at her for a moment, and then they looked very moved.
"Prettily put, sis," Dawn said with a smile and Buffy returned it.
Then the former embraced the Slayer in a hard hug.
"This wedding will go down in history, have you realized that?" Anya asked as the two pulled apart and they both turned to look at her. "You should want it to be if not spectacular, at least memorable."
"It will be," Willow cut in. "It'll be beautiful."
Buffy smiled at her, then grabbed Dawn's hand.
"Ladies," she said. "Let's do some shopping, shall we?"
***
"So, when are Giles and Jacob getting back from England?" Xander asked as Spike leaned over the table, aiming his cue and getting his last ball to roll gracefully into the intended socket.
"In two days or something," he then answered, straightening his back.
"It's official," Xander stated, putting his cue down. "I suck at this game."
Spike smirked a little.
"It's easy once you get a hang of it," he then said, putting his cue down as well and then gesturing towards the bar.
"Too early for me," Xander protested and Spike's smirk widened a little.
"Well, gosh, they might just have some water for the feebly stomached," he then pointed out and Xander smiled a little back.
"Fine, fine, come on," he replied, walking ahead up to the bar and taking a seat on one of the tattered stools, Spike following and positioning himself to the mortal's right.
They were silent for a short while, then Willy came up to them to take their orders.
"Whiskey, straight up," Spike said, turning to Xander who smiled weakly, not sure what to say. "Give whiskers here some milk, okay?" Spike then added and Willy nodded, starting on the drinks.
"What's 'milk'?" Xander asked, trying not to sound nervous, but not really being able to get the sound of it out of his voice.
"It's milk, clean and wholesome," Spike answered with a smile. "'Whiskers' is key for Lacathley demon, and they're half human, half...cat."
Xander's eyes grew slightly and then Willy put down the two glasses with a hard bang.
"Whiskey and milk," he then said before leaving them for a new customer.
Spike took a moutfull of the amber liquid and Xander observed him for a moment, then he asked:
"HOW did that happen? I mean, human and CAT? Cross breading?"
Spike grinned, putting his glass down.
"Let's just say they have pretty big cats in the underworld, 'kay?" he answered and Xander grabbed his own glass, taking a sip on the slightly warm milk and concluding that it really was the clean and wholesome sort.
"That'll teach me not to ask," he grumbled and Spike gave him a few hard pats on one shoulder as he laughed.
"You've been into this sort of life for as long as I've know you," the vamp then said. "You're not used to it yet? I mean, bloody hell, Xander, you even went down into the sodding Hellmouth itself to get Anya back. What's the deal?"
Xander smiled slightly again, shrugging a little.
"Some things are still just too twisted to really...get into my head they exist," he answered slowly, sounding thoughtful. "I mean, sure, the vamps and the wherewolfs and the occasional over sized praying mantice are all things I've seen first hand... but there are still so many things that, thankfully, are hidden from view."
Spike eyed him for a few seconds before raising his glass.
"Hear, hear," he then said and it made Xander smile widely before raising his own glass.
"Hear, hear," he agreed and they drank the toast with seriousness settling itself over them.
"So," Spike now said. "I have this...favor to ask of you," he then continued, turning his head to look at Xander who looked back questioningly.
"What?" the mortal then asked and Spike drew a small, unnecessary breath before answering:
"I'd like to know if you'd consider being my best man...? I mean, I'm gonna ask Jacob too. But I'd really like it if you'd be one of the two."
Xander had never seen the vampire actually nervous, but now he looked it and a little bit more and he couldn't help but smile widely. He wondered exactly how much guts it had taken for the demon to muster up the courage to ask that simple question.
"Actually," Xander then began, taking his time. "I'd really like that," he then finished and Spike stared at him with an expression revealing the fact that the answer he had gotten hadn't been the one he had been expecting, and as through he couldn't really believe it.
"You'll be my best man? Eh... one of them?" he then asked and Xander took a mouthfull of milk before looking at him, then nodded.
"Yep," he answered and a smile spread on the vamps face which made his eyes glitter with sudden life and Xander stared at him in shock.
He'd never seen that either, and just like that, in one moment, he suddenly realized why Buffy loved this fiend and why she thought the vamp deserved her love. There was something human in his posture that hadn't been there before, at least not in Xander's eyes, and the human couldn't do anything but feel a growing gratefulness that he'd finally gotten to witness it for himself.
"Thanks," Spike now said, sweeping the last of his whiskey and Xander wondered for a moment if the alcohol had been part of the preparation process towards asking the question. "I mean, I know it'll make Buffy real happy and...well, I'm really thankful too."
Xander nodded, swallowing his milk down as well and getting to his feet.
"I'm glad you asked," he confessed and Spike stared at him, quizzical. "Well, I kinda wanted a spot as something at Buffy's wedding and if you hadn't asked me then I'd lost that and...well, thanks yourself."
Spike smiled at that.
"So," he then said. "Can we make an official truce? Bury the hatchet of old and bad times?" he added, reaching out a hand and Xander smiled back before taking it in a firm grip.
"Buried and forgotten," he agreed, a weight lifting off his shoulders as they let go.
"Play another round?" Spike wondered, gesturing to the pool table and Xander grumbled, then laughed.
"Sure, why not," he then answered and they picked up a cue each, both slightly amazed at what had just taken place.
***
Buffy swallowed the last of her ice-cream, savoring the sweet taste before sighing and putting the spoon in the bowl. Her feet were hurting her, her back was aching and her shoulders were the killer of the three, but she was still happy.
Sarah, Willow and Tara had stayed in the town center, telling the others to go ahead home without them since there was something they needed to take care of, but refusing to give any details. Anya was at home taking a shower because she and Xander were going out later that evening and Dawn was seated next to the Slayer on the couch, watching TV.
The younger sister now turned to the older with a smile.
"All done?" she asked and Buffy nodded, bending forward to put the empty bowl on the coffee table. "You like?"
"Me like," Buffy agreed.
The front door opened and Spike stepped through it, letting his duster slide off his shoulders as he entered the living room, throwing it over the back of the armchair before walking up to give his ladies a kiss each, for the younger one a kiss on the cheek.
"You look happy about something," Buffy said, squinting questioningly and he smiled as he sat down in the armchair.
"I am happy," he replied and she raised her eyebrows.
"Well, are you gonna spill or do I have to come over there and kiss it out of you?" she demanded and he smirked at that.
"Oh, well, if you put it like that I think I'd better keep my mouth shut," he grumbled and she smiled a little, getting to her feet and walking up to him, sinking down on his lap and kissing him gently on the mouth.
"Please," she changed her tactics, looking at him with hopeful eyes and he smiled widely.
"Alright," he agreed and she looked expectantly at him. "Well...Xander has agreed to be my best man," he then stated and Buffy stared at him.
"He has?!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Spike's neck and hugging him tight. "That's wonderful!"
"I know, but...ugh, Slayer...you're breaking...my...neck," he pressed out and she let go of him just to kiss him again.
"I love you," she said, resting her forehead against his and he met her eyes before moving his head a little forward, kissing her back.
"I love you too," he stated and put his arms around her.
"You know," Dawn said, getting to her feet. "I really think you should write this down too, it'll make a great ending for the first part of..." she trailed off, her eyes growing as she realized what she had just said and Buffy turned her head to her slowly.
"What did you just say?" she asked and Dawn smiled a little disarmingly, shaking her head.
"Nothing," she answered innocently.
"No, Dawn. What did you just say?" the Slayer asked again and Dawn swallowed as the latter got to her feet.
Spike observed the scene quizzically.
"Eh...that you should write this whole thing down, you know, so that you won't forget it," Dawn answered and Buffy raised her eyebrows again.
"And what was that about a great ending for the first part?" she asked and Dawn gulped.
"Eh...you know, the FIRST part of your story..."
"Which isn't written?" Buffy asked and Dawn knew that there was no way she could get out of this one: she was busted.
"Well..." she said slowly. "Okay, I read it. I'm sorry!"
Buffy felt her cheeks grow slightly flushed at the confirmation that her sister had actually READ what she had written about herself and Spike's relationship...
Oh, God.
"What are we talking about?" Spike asked, not recieving an answer.
"That wasn't for just anyone to see!" Buffy exclaimed defeatedly, Dawn taking a step back.
"I know, I'm sorry... I just had to know and you wouldn't talk to me. Remember?" Buffy sighed, then nodded.
"Yeah," she grumbled.
Dawn took a step forward again, putting one hand on Buffy's arm.
"I really am sorry," she said honestly and Buffy looked up before moving one hand and placing it over her sister's.
"I know. And perhaps it was for the best, anyways. Now you really do know all there is to know," she then said and Dawn relaxed a little.
"WHAT are we TALKING about?" Spike repeated and this time they both turned to him, a small smile on Buffy's lips.
"You'll find out sooner than later," she then answered, bending down and kissing his cheek. "I have to go out patrolling," she added. "I'll be back in a few hours. There's left over pizza in the fridge."
Spike watched her as she left the room and went into the kitchen to grab her coat.
"Bye," she then yelled.
"Bye!" he called back and the door opened and closed.
"Sorry you're stuck on Dawn duty," Dawn said and he looked up, shaking his head and smiling.
"You kidding? Let's see if there's a really lousy old movie on, then I can watch it and you can complain about what's wrong with it," he then stated and she laughed.
"Okay," she then agreed, and he got to his feet before they both walked over and took a seat on the couch.
"I'm so glad that you guys are doing this," Dawn said as he grabbed the remote and started flicking through the channels. "Then I know you'll always be here."
He stopped what he was doing to look at her, and she smiled before scooting closer to him and wrapping her arms around him.
"I am too, niblet," he then said, putting his arms around her as well. "You'll never know how much."
***
Buffy had covered the surroundings of the Magic Box, of the Bronze and was just rounding up the eleventh of the twelve cemeteries. She knew she had to make a quick stop downtown as well before finally heading home. She had already dusted five vamps, all fledgelings, when she was attacked from behind.
The vampire grabbed her and pulled her down on the ground, but she threw herself to the side, rolling out of his grip and getting a hold on her stake. She was on her feet in the blink of an eye, turning around and having just enough time to avert the blow of the vamps large right fist.
"You know," she said, ducking as he tried to punch her again and then kicking her foot out, sweeping his legs out from under him. "You'd think you guys would learn after me dusting a few thousand of you," she continued, the vamp landing on the ground with a thud and a huff and she walked over to him, raising her hand holding the stake and bringing it down hard, hitting the spot for the vamps dead heart and soon the dust from him was flying through the air. "But you just don't, do you?" she finished, straightening her back and tucking the stake back where it belonged before turning and beginning to walk again. "Vampires," she then grumbled, shaking her head to herself.
She walked past Shocking Existenze, remeniscing her and Spike's first date. It seemed ages ago now, and yet it was just a few weeks since they'd been sitting in there, talking and laughing; both nervous and trying not to show it. She smiled to herself.
Turning her head her eyes landed on a figure which made her come to a halt, her eyes growing wide.
"D-daddy?" she stuttered.
"Buffy," he said, taking a few steps closer.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised beyond belief. "When did you get here?"
"I recieved a letter," he answered, bringing out an envelope from his jacket pocket. "From Willow," he added. "She told me that...you're going to have a child?"
The letter. Buffy remembered something about telling Willow to write it or not, that she herself couldn't make the decision because she was scared of not recieving an answer as much as she was of actually getting one. Seemed Willow HAD written it, after all. And here, obviously, was the answer.
"Yes," Buffy finally answered. "Yes, I'm gonna have a child. A baby girl..." she then added and she could see his eyes glisten with tears.
"That's...incredible," he stated and she nodded, still not sure what to make of him.
"Why did you come?" she asked quietly and he swiped at his tears.
"I wanted to see you, honey. I had to see you, and to tell you that I'm so sorry about what I did to you, that I left you... That I..."
"I'm getting married," she interrupted and his eyes grew slightly. "I'm starting my own family... I'm not sure if my daughter needs a grandfather who's never there for her... It might hurt her just as much as it hurt me having such a father," she added and he nodded a little.
"I understand," he said. "But if you'd give me one chance to prove to you that I do want to at least try and make up for all these years..."
"It's too late for that now, dad," she stated. "You can't 'make up' for them... But if... Perhaps a fresh start? For Katie's sake..." she then mumbled and she could see the hope rise in his eyes.
"I would like that...very much," he answered her. "Congratulations...on your up-coming wedding," he then added and a small smile came over her lips.
"Thank you," she said. "We're very happy."
"Buffy, I love you, sweetheart," he stated. "I hope you know that."
She nodded.
"I know," she confirmed. "I love you too," she said and he smiled. "But this really is your one and only chance, understand? If you're not willing to be there..."
"I am!" he interrupted. "I am..."
She nodded again.
"Okay, then let's take it from there," she said. "And now...well, I have something I have to finish," she added and he nodded, bending down to pick up his duffle bag resting at his feet.
"Of course. I'll check into a hotel," he said.
"Actually..." she began, hesitating before finishing: "Would you like to come with me? I have some things I need to explain to you before you meet the others, and my fiancé."
"Sure," he answered her. "I'd love to."
She smiled a little, walking up to him and he joined her at her side as they started on their way. And thus followed Hank Summers' introduction night to the life his daughter lead.