Good evening, All:)
For some odd reason, I was able to remain on track and get the release out on time. Amazing, innit? Expect the next chapter on Sunday:)
Oh, and thanks to all of you who came and signed up at Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com. I am so flattered that so many of you came by and wanted notifcation of releases. Gives me the warm fuzzies!
Here is chapter two of the new book of Peacemaker. I hope that you enjoy and let me know what you think!:)
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Discoveries (Time - Chapter Two)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For Notification of Fic Release, please see Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma, who belongs to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set the morning after Chapter One. Spike receives a surprising phone call. Willow and Tara figure out a small mystery. Xander wakes up in a woman's apartment, but who is she and how did he get there? Spike helps Buffy to relax but ends up giving her a piece of his mind. A surprise arrival makes its way into Sunnydale. Or should I say two?
Discoveries
The phone rang shrilly. Once. Twice. Three times.
Spike opened an eye. Nine A.M.. Niblet in school. One more ring. Spike closed his eye as the call rolled over to the answering machine. He pulled Buffy closer and she mumbled happily in her sleep, pushing herself against him. As his arm rested over her belly, he felt a small leg. Slowly, Spike lifted his head and found Emma curled against Buffy's chest, her tiny legs sprawled over her mum's tummy. Spike chuckled. Buffy must have brought her in after... S'alright, he thought. Least Buffy was asleep. Spike settled in again, letting his arms encircle them both. Softly, he kissed Buffy's bare shoulder and closed his eyes once again.
The phone rang again. Once. Twice. Three times. Four. Spike relaxed, feeling his girls safe and the world peaceful.
It rang again. Once. Twice.
Bloody hell.
Spike rolled over, grabbing the phone and nearly tearing it out of the wall. "What?" He grumbled into the receiver. So much for polite Spike, he mused.
"Are you always so cordial?" A familiar, formal voice said into the other end of the line. Spike sat, shaking sleep from his brain.
"Rupert?" The Vampire asked, incredulously.
"Yes. Now get out of the bed and leave the girls to rest. We need to talk," the Watcher ordered, listening to Spike disentangle himself from his peaceful world, rise form the bed and pad into the hall. Giles didn't speak again until he heard Spike shutting the door behind him.
"Are you out of earshot?" Giles asked as Spike began towards the steps.
"Rupert, what's wrong?" Spike was halfway to the kitchen when Giles spoke.
The Watcher sighed. "Why must something always be awry?"
"Start with the simple fact that you've been missing in action since you found that Buffy had returned safely from the In Between," Spike countered, a surge of annoyance rising in his voice.
"I've had my reasons," Giles answered. His voice was quiet. Guilty. Hiding something. Of that, Spike was sure.
Spike remained quiet for a moment. They had their own secrets. Unless Rupert had spoken to Cyrus; he had no idea about the second child. He thought about saying something. Even to the point of opening his mouth to speak. But Buffy needed to tell him. Buffy would want to be the one.
"Rupert," Spike said softly. "A lot has happened since you've been away."
"You're right," Giles agreed. "Quite a lot. And we need to talk. All three of us."
Spike felt certain there was more at this point. "What is it, Rupert? Emma?"
"There are some translations that we need to review. But no, this is of a personal nature and it needs to be discussed in person," Giles replied.
"In person?" Almost habitually, Spike was making decaf coffee and Emma's cereal.
"I'll be there this evening. Can you pick me up at the airport at six?" Giles asked.
"Tonight?" The surprise in Spike's voice was evident.
"Yes," Giles answered softly.
"Uh, sure," the Vampire agreed, stuttering. "Do we need to make you a room?"
"No," Giles replied. "I've rented a flat. Just be sure to bring Buffy. This concerns you both."
"Rupert, I don't know if she'll be up for that," Spike replied, hedging the reasons.
"What do you mean?" The Watcher's voice was concerned. Hesitant.
Spike shook off the question. He'd just have to talk to her first. Prepare her for the shock. "We'll be there."
*****
Willow sat at the counter of the Magic Box, loading textbooks into her messenger bag. Tara had taken over day-to-day operations of the store until Giles returned. It had worked out perfectly. She had graduated in December and had not had much of an opportunity to job shop. This kept them in an apartment and food as Willow while Willow went to medical school full time.
"You home late this evening?" Tara asked as she puttered around the store, changing the sign to open.
"Not too late," Willow answered. "Be home after lab. Want me to meet you here and we can go grab dinner?"
"Sure," Tara said softly, kissing her lover on the cheek. "What about Xander?"
Willow thought for a moment. Since Anya had... gone... the man had spent almost every night with the girls. In the last few weeks, however, he'd been going out. Spending his evenings elsewhere. Willow had begun to suspect he was seeing someone, but wasn't quite ready to admit it. "I'm thinking..."
"He has a girlfriend?" Tara completed, smiling slyly.
"Yes," Willow agreed brightly, pulling Tara towards her.
"I'm glad," Tara agreed. "Any idea who our mystery girl could be?"
Willow furrowed her brow. "Nope," she answered simply. "But I'm sure he'll tell us when he's ready."
"I hope he's as happy as we are," Tara whispered, her palms on Willow's cheeks.
"*No one* is as happy as we are," Willow answered, leaning in for a kiss.
*****
A gentle nudge on the shoulder brought an eye flickering open. "Xander?" The voice was rich. Tactile. He could almost taste the smoothness like chocolate or good coffee.
Coffee.
He sat up, finding a mug of the steaming elixir in outstretched hands before him. Pretty hands, attached to creamy long arms. Slowly, he took the cup, raising his eyes to the woman. God, she was beautiful. Standing there in an ivory camisole and silk shorts. Long, perfect legs seeming to last forever. She smiled down at him and her cherry lips lit up her whole face. Tousled, near black locks, falling over her shoulders in loose waves. And her eyes. Like storm clouds in summer.
"Wake up, sleepy. You have to be at the site in an hour," she said, smiling down at him like an angel from heaven.
"Yeah," Xander replied, a little dazed. He looked around the well- furnished apartment. Waking up in foreign places, in only boxers, no less, was always a bit disconcerting. He sat on the couch, trying to put together the pieces that had dropped him here.
"Um... Did we...?" Xander asked, gesturing at her attire and then his.
She laughed. It was warm and bright, like sunlight. "Oh, yes," she chided. "And it was simply *that* memorable."
Xander looked up at her, not sure if he should be embarrassed by the question or the answer. "And I say, hunh?"
"No, silly," she sighed, sitting next to him on the blanket covered couch. One long leg curled under her like a bird tucking its wing. "We were up late. I got a call and had to run out. I came back, and you were asleep," she answered, ruffling his hair softly. "I would *never* take an advantage of a man in that position."
"What position would you prefer?" Xander joked, leaning in to kiss her impossibly soft cheek.
"The awake kind," she answered, returning his kiss, only placing it softly on his lips. She stood, unfolding like a beautiful swan. "Now, get to the site. I've got to work." She smiled again and he felt a wonderful, drowning, feeling. Like he was falling into her.
"Yes, ma'am," he answered, sipping his coffee. She leaned down and kissed him once more on the cheek.
"I assure you," she whispered in his ear, "When you *do* wake up the morning... after... you won't be on the couch and you won't be questioning what... was... done." Each sultry word was punctuated by her lips brushing his ear. His body buzzed at her closeness.
With that, she spun on one bare heel and sauntered back towards her bedroom. Xander watched her perfect backside sway as she walked. He gulped, taking another sip of his coffee. The thought of Anya crossed his mind and he closed his eyes.
We don't ever stop loving people. But we do move on. Her voice was clear in his head.
Move on.
******
"Spike?" Buffy called into the bathroom. She could hear the water running in the shower. No answer. So much for Vampire hearing, she thought. Slowly, she padded onto the tile, lifting herself onto the counter top.
"Spike?" She called again.
His head popped out from behind the curtain. "You alright, Pet?" The look on his face was suddenly concerned.
"Fine," Buffy chirped. His head disappeared behind the curtain again. "Why?"
"Don't normally call on me in the shower, is all," he answered. "Less, of course, you'd like to join me?" He leaned out enough again to wink at her.
Buffy laughed. He loved that sound. "Caught one while you were making breakfast," she answered.
"Ah, but you didn't have the multi-purpose wet/dry Vampire in that one, Love," he snarked. She closed her eyes, humming at the thought. If there was one part of being this... pregnant... that drove her mad, it was the inability to do exactly what she wanted with said wet/dry Vampire.
"And there you are right," she sighed. "Oh so sadly right."
The water clicked off and she watched him grab a towel, wrapping it around his waist and walking out onto the mat. She stared him at slack jawed for a moment. Does he have any *concept* of how beautiful he is?, she thought.
His hair was a tousle of damp blonde curls and his skin was glistening from the shower. She gulped. Damned hormones. One of the things that she was told *not* to do was anything athletic. Sex with Spike, even at its most tender, was an Olympic event. One in which they both always won the gold. He'd done his best to scratch her every itch without pushing her too far, but too far was everything she wanted. Especially with a glistening, perfect, Vampire mostly naked in front of her.
"Please put some clothes on. Like burlap or something," Buffy whimpered.
Spike smiled slyly, sauntering over to her perch on the counter. "Waz wrong, Pet? Bored of old Spike?"
He slid his body between her knees and planted his hands next to her hips, leaning so close that she could feel his breath on her skin. "N...no," she stuttered, her body tingling despite not feeling her most attractive. "No boredom. Opposite of boredom."
His fingers trailed lazy circles up and down her bare arms and goosebumps popped up in their wake. "Then why the burlap, Pet?"
Buffy swallowed hard, trying to control her reaction to him. "Because I want what I can't have," she whispered, her voice trembling and breathy in his ear.
"There is *nothing* of mine you cannot have," Spike breathed against her soft, golden, cheek.
"Spike," she almost moaned. "You have to stop. You know we can't..."
"Last night not help?" He questioned, letting his lips brush her temples.
"World of help," Buffy hummed. "Need more help."
Spike was quiet for a long moment, letting his lips explore her face. Her neck.. "Doctor just said nothing physically.... aggressive... correct?"
"Umhumm," Buffy hummed, her lips catching his.
"Where is Emma?" Spike questioned, his tongue tracing her jaw line, nipping right behind her ear.
"Cyrus took her to the park with Pony," Buffy whispered, her lips catching his.
Spike pulled away and smiled. Buffy returned it, her eyes questioning him. "You up for a little research?" Spike asked, sliding his hands to her hips and pulling her forward. Her legs latched around his waist, her arms around his neck.
"Spike... I.... we...," she muttered, her brain completely taken over by need.
"Shh, Pet," he whispered, lifting her from the counter and carrying her back into the bedroom.
"Wha... what?" Her heart was racing as he set her down on the bed, sliding the strap of her blue sundress down and kissing her shoulder. He moved back to her lips and then kissed her eyes closed. Gently, he laid her back against the bed, stretching out beside her.
"Spike, we can't," Buffy feebly protested, trying to put together a rational thought.
"You forget, Pet," Spike whispered in her ear. She shuddered in response. "We don't even have to touch." His lips found hers again and she felt him reach into her mind and her body explode in little bursts of pleasure.
*****
Buffy's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the door opening downstairs. His face was above her, blue eyes glittering down. A sly smile spread across his face. His towel was long gone, as was her dress, and she was curled against him, tucked into his shoulder. "Feeling better, Love?" He pressed his lips to her forehead, softly.
Buffy smiled. "Endless better. Heaven better. You?"
Spike chuckled, flopping onto his back. "You've got a naughty mind, Pet. A beautiful, filthy little mind. Not to mention... other talents."
"Why didn't we do that, oh, a *million* times before?" Buffy sighed, contented.
Spike rolled back on his side to face her. "Didn't want to hurt you. Take any chances with him," he answered, honestly. "Been too many close calls as it is."
Buffy sighed, knowing he was right. "So, why now?"
Spike thought about how to frame the answer. "First off," he began, tracing her collarbones with smooth fingers. "You were so tense, I thought you might be better... served... this way than letting you work yourself into a frenzy again."
"Guess I'm sort of unbearable some times," Buffy said, crinkling her nose.
"No, Love. Just challenging," Spike whispered, kissing her nose.
"What else?" Buffy asked, her fingers tracing his cheekbones.
"Because *I* was so tense from being round you all the time, from looking at you, and not being able to touch you. You're so beautiful, Love." Spike continued, his hands skimming her skin.
Buffy laughed sarcastically. "You've already made it better. No need to lie."
"Alright," Spike said, a tinge of annoyance creeping into his tone. "This is the *last* time I'm going to say anything bout this because I understand that you aren't feeling yourself. But I am bloody sick of this sodding attitude you have about yourself." Buffy gulped, her mouth opening to respond, then snapping shut again at the warning glare in his eyes.
"You have *no* right to tell me what I think about you. If you want to go round thinking you're useless and a houseboat, then I can't stop you. But *I* feel differently. I think that the purpose you're serving now is *more* important than hunting demons every night. You'll be back to that far too soon as it stands. As far as what you do to *me*, it wouldn't matter what you looked like, I'd still love you. When you were beaten to a bloody pulp, you were the most beautiful woman on the planet. When you were a schoolgirl and fighting me, you were perfect. And now," Spike continued, fully on a roll, his hand tracing lazy circles around her abdomen. "You are more beautiful than ever. More perfect. Because you glow, Pet. Even when you don't feel well, you look content. And you're carrying a child. *Ours*. There's nothing more beautiful than that. So please stop telling me that you aren't. You're gorgeous. Everyday."
Buffy looked up at him, melting under the hot, blue light of his eyes. "I... I'm sorry. I just... I don't see how... I'm not me and I don't want you to stop thinking about me like you're lover and just think about me as a mother."
Spike furrowed his brow. "Pet, you're both. You'll always be both. You'll always be Emma... and William's.... mum, and I'm endlessly grateful for that, but you're the single sexiest woman I've ever met. I have no doubt that you will always stop my heart just watching you move."
Buffy chuckled. "You haven't always had a heartbeat," she snarked.
Spike grinned slyly. "There are other... reactions... I have to you, Pet," he whispered. "Just trying the whole polite tact."
She smiled up at him, making his heart light. It was incredible to him to be responsible for a smile like that. To contribute to beauty like hers. "I think we'd better get moving. Cyrus is home," Buffy said softly, desperately not wanting to move from her little corner of Heaven.
"Right then," Spike replied, kissing her nose. He got up, pulling on a pair of jeans and grabbing her dress from where it had been tossed on the chair. "We have one other thing to discuss," Spike said hesitantly as he dressed her carefully.
"What?" Buffy asked, concern creeping into her tone. She watched his eyes and they flickered about, never directly making eye contact. Once her dress was back on, she pulled his face to hers, capturing his eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's *wrong*, Love," Spike said gently.
"Then what's with the no eye contact?" Buffy quipped, catching him in the act.
He sad down on the bed next to her. "Actually, Pet, it's good news."
"Spill." She nudged him softly.
"Giles is coming back," Spike began, figuring it was best to just cut to the chase. "Tonight. We pick him up in a few hours."
"Giles?" Buffy gasped. "Really? He is?" Her excitement was short lived as the ramifications caught up to her. "Is it Emma?"
Spike sighed. "He says there are some translations to review, but nothing to worry about. Still..."
Buffy nodded. "I know. It seems odd."
"Says he has news he needs to tell us in person," Spike continued.
"Which is rarely of the good," Buffy agreed.
"Don't worry too much, Pet. He didn't seem upset," Spike countered, hanging onto her hand, his fingers toying with hers.
Buffy gasped, a sudden realization striking her. One which she had had nearly eight months to get used to. "Does he know?" Her hand rested on her belly.
Spike was still, and then slowly shook his head in response. "I thought you might want to be the one to..."
Her eyes were huge. Afraid. Would he be happy? Would he be disappointed that she'd been off Slayer duty? That she wasn't formally married, even though what she and Spike had was far more of a commitment? That she hadn't tried to tell him before now?
Finally, she let a breath out. This was Giles. No matter what, he would love her. He would accept it. At least in the end. "Okay," she sighed. "Good."
"You sure, Pet? I can tell him if you'd rather," Spike responded, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"No," Buffy responded, suddenly confident. "I want to tell him about William. I think that he'll figure it out," she joked, her hands roaming over the front of her dress. "But I think he'll be happy. At least ... eventually."
The doorknob twisted and the door swung open. Little feet padded at record speed across the carpet. "Mommy!" Buffy turned, just in time to see a bouncing flash of blonde hair. Spike scooped the child up and pulled her into his lap.
"Daddy," Emma giggled, showering his face in tiny butterfly kisses.
"How could he not approve?" Spike questioned as Emma turned and latched onto Buffy, giggling and kissing her face.
*****
"Ah, Spike! Where are Emma's shoes?" Buffy whined, her head craned around in the car seat.
"Pet, I'm sure they're probably on the floor where she always kicks them. I'm driving at the moment, but as soon as we're there, I'll find them, alright?" Spike sighed. She'd been hot and cold since they're talk. Right now, the emotional yo-yo was set to full jumpy.
"What's Giles going to think if we can't even dress the one we've got?" She was panicking. He took a deep breath, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Buffy," Spike breathed. "It'll be fine, Pet. Emma is perfect. And even if she's utterly *shoeless*, I think that Rupert will be able to tell she hasn't been locked in a closet for months."
Buffy looked at him and he smiled. She took a deep breath and giggled. "Ok. Panic over."
"Good," he replied, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it softly. "You're a wonderful mum. Anyone could tell that, Love."
"You think?" Buffy asked, her nose crinkling.
"As good as your mum. And she holds the record in my book. Cept for mine. Biased there," he replied.
Buffy smiled at him. A huge bright smile that lit the whole car. "Thank you. You're a great dad."
"I'm afraid you've not much basis for comparison there, Pet," Spike said softly.
"Sure I do," Buffy replied, still studying his profile. "You're even better to Emma than Giles has been to me. That's a lot."
Spike took his eyes off the road just long enough to look at her. Her eyes were soft and beautiful. "I appreciate that, Buffy," he said quietly. "Thank you."
She looked out at the familiar streets, then back at him. "I'm glad it was you."
"What, Pet?" He asked, pulling into the airport parking lot.
"Who stayed. Who loved me. Who gave me Emma. And William," Buffy said, her voice sincere and quiet. Spike was struck dumb. She'd been far more open about her feelings since Emma, but she'd never actually said she was glad for her life. For him.
Spike reached over, finding her cheek without looking. She nuzzled into his palm. Life, or unlife, did not get any more beautiful.
*****
They walked through the airport towards the British Airways baggage claim. It was packed with summer travelers and Spike held Emma with one arm to avoid losing her in the crowd. Buffy clung to his other. She was nervous, her hands trembling and clammy. Spike wasn't sure how much of it was excitement and how much was fear, but he held onto her all the same.
"We're late," Buffy stated, scanning the crowd. "Do you think we missed him?"
"No, Pet. I'm sure..." Spike's words trailed off and he stopped dead, his jaw falling open. Buffy walked forward a few steps further then stopped, a gasp escaping her lips. Not ten feet in front of them, Giles was standing, his hands on a woman's face. He was kissing her. Passionately, at that.
"Giles?" Buffy stuttered.
The Watcher spun, taken off guard. The woman faced them. "Anya?" It was Spike's voice almost yelping the name.
Giles looked at his charge; the girl he loved like a daughter. He stared at her startled face, and then scanned down her body, stopping at her swollen middle. "Buffy?"
To be contd.
For some odd reason, I was able to remain on track and get the release out on time. Amazing, innit? Expect the next chapter on Sunday:)
Oh, and thanks to all of you who came and signed up at Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com. I am so flattered that so many of you came by and wanted notifcation of releases. Gives me the warm fuzzies!
Here is chapter two of the new book of Peacemaker. I hope that you enjoy and let me know what you think!:)
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Discoveries (Time - Chapter Two)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For Notification of Fic Release, please see Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma, who belongs to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set the morning after Chapter One. Spike receives a surprising phone call. Willow and Tara figure out a small mystery. Xander wakes up in a woman's apartment, but who is she and how did he get there? Spike helps Buffy to relax but ends up giving her a piece of his mind. A surprise arrival makes its way into Sunnydale. Or should I say two?
Discoveries
The phone rang shrilly. Once. Twice. Three times.
Spike opened an eye. Nine A.M.. Niblet in school. One more ring. Spike closed his eye as the call rolled over to the answering machine. He pulled Buffy closer and she mumbled happily in her sleep, pushing herself against him. As his arm rested over her belly, he felt a small leg. Slowly, Spike lifted his head and found Emma curled against Buffy's chest, her tiny legs sprawled over her mum's tummy. Spike chuckled. Buffy must have brought her in after... S'alright, he thought. Least Buffy was asleep. Spike settled in again, letting his arms encircle them both. Softly, he kissed Buffy's bare shoulder and closed his eyes once again.
The phone rang again. Once. Twice. Three times. Four. Spike relaxed, feeling his girls safe and the world peaceful.
It rang again. Once. Twice.
Bloody hell.
Spike rolled over, grabbing the phone and nearly tearing it out of the wall. "What?" He grumbled into the receiver. So much for polite Spike, he mused.
"Are you always so cordial?" A familiar, formal voice said into the other end of the line. Spike sat, shaking sleep from his brain.
"Rupert?" The Vampire asked, incredulously.
"Yes. Now get out of the bed and leave the girls to rest. We need to talk," the Watcher ordered, listening to Spike disentangle himself from his peaceful world, rise form the bed and pad into the hall. Giles didn't speak again until he heard Spike shutting the door behind him.
"Are you out of earshot?" Giles asked as Spike began towards the steps.
"Rupert, what's wrong?" Spike was halfway to the kitchen when Giles spoke.
The Watcher sighed. "Why must something always be awry?"
"Start with the simple fact that you've been missing in action since you found that Buffy had returned safely from the In Between," Spike countered, a surge of annoyance rising in his voice.
"I've had my reasons," Giles answered. His voice was quiet. Guilty. Hiding something. Of that, Spike was sure.
Spike remained quiet for a moment. They had their own secrets. Unless Rupert had spoken to Cyrus; he had no idea about the second child. He thought about saying something. Even to the point of opening his mouth to speak. But Buffy needed to tell him. Buffy would want to be the one.
"Rupert," Spike said softly. "A lot has happened since you've been away."
"You're right," Giles agreed. "Quite a lot. And we need to talk. All three of us."
Spike felt certain there was more at this point. "What is it, Rupert? Emma?"
"There are some translations that we need to review. But no, this is of a personal nature and it needs to be discussed in person," Giles replied.
"In person?" Almost habitually, Spike was making decaf coffee and Emma's cereal.
"I'll be there this evening. Can you pick me up at the airport at six?" Giles asked.
"Tonight?" The surprise in Spike's voice was evident.
"Yes," Giles answered softly.
"Uh, sure," the Vampire agreed, stuttering. "Do we need to make you a room?"
"No," Giles replied. "I've rented a flat. Just be sure to bring Buffy. This concerns you both."
"Rupert, I don't know if she'll be up for that," Spike replied, hedging the reasons.
"What do you mean?" The Watcher's voice was concerned. Hesitant.
Spike shook off the question. He'd just have to talk to her first. Prepare her for the shock. "We'll be there."
*****
Willow sat at the counter of the Magic Box, loading textbooks into her messenger bag. Tara had taken over day-to-day operations of the store until Giles returned. It had worked out perfectly. She had graduated in December and had not had much of an opportunity to job shop. This kept them in an apartment and food as Willow while Willow went to medical school full time.
"You home late this evening?" Tara asked as she puttered around the store, changing the sign to open.
"Not too late," Willow answered. "Be home after lab. Want me to meet you here and we can go grab dinner?"
"Sure," Tara said softly, kissing her lover on the cheek. "What about Xander?"
Willow thought for a moment. Since Anya had... gone... the man had spent almost every night with the girls. In the last few weeks, however, he'd been going out. Spending his evenings elsewhere. Willow had begun to suspect he was seeing someone, but wasn't quite ready to admit it. "I'm thinking..."
"He has a girlfriend?" Tara completed, smiling slyly.
"Yes," Willow agreed brightly, pulling Tara towards her.
"I'm glad," Tara agreed. "Any idea who our mystery girl could be?"
Willow furrowed her brow. "Nope," she answered simply. "But I'm sure he'll tell us when he's ready."
"I hope he's as happy as we are," Tara whispered, her palms on Willow's cheeks.
"*No one* is as happy as we are," Willow answered, leaning in for a kiss.
*****
A gentle nudge on the shoulder brought an eye flickering open. "Xander?" The voice was rich. Tactile. He could almost taste the smoothness like chocolate or good coffee.
Coffee.
He sat up, finding a mug of the steaming elixir in outstretched hands before him. Pretty hands, attached to creamy long arms. Slowly, he took the cup, raising his eyes to the woman. God, she was beautiful. Standing there in an ivory camisole and silk shorts. Long, perfect legs seeming to last forever. She smiled down at him and her cherry lips lit up her whole face. Tousled, near black locks, falling over her shoulders in loose waves. And her eyes. Like storm clouds in summer.
"Wake up, sleepy. You have to be at the site in an hour," she said, smiling down at him like an angel from heaven.
"Yeah," Xander replied, a little dazed. He looked around the well- furnished apartment. Waking up in foreign places, in only boxers, no less, was always a bit disconcerting. He sat on the couch, trying to put together the pieces that had dropped him here.
"Um... Did we...?" Xander asked, gesturing at her attire and then his.
She laughed. It was warm and bright, like sunlight. "Oh, yes," she chided. "And it was simply *that* memorable."
Xander looked up at her, not sure if he should be embarrassed by the question or the answer. "And I say, hunh?"
"No, silly," she sighed, sitting next to him on the blanket covered couch. One long leg curled under her like a bird tucking its wing. "We were up late. I got a call and had to run out. I came back, and you were asleep," she answered, ruffling his hair softly. "I would *never* take an advantage of a man in that position."
"What position would you prefer?" Xander joked, leaning in to kiss her impossibly soft cheek.
"The awake kind," she answered, returning his kiss, only placing it softly on his lips. She stood, unfolding like a beautiful swan. "Now, get to the site. I've got to work." She smiled again and he felt a wonderful, drowning, feeling. Like he was falling into her.
"Yes, ma'am," he answered, sipping his coffee. She leaned down and kissed him once more on the cheek.
"I assure you," she whispered in his ear, "When you *do* wake up the morning... after... you won't be on the couch and you won't be questioning what... was... done." Each sultry word was punctuated by her lips brushing his ear. His body buzzed at her closeness.
With that, she spun on one bare heel and sauntered back towards her bedroom. Xander watched her perfect backside sway as she walked. He gulped, taking another sip of his coffee. The thought of Anya crossed his mind and he closed his eyes.
We don't ever stop loving people. But we do move on. Her voice was clear in his head.
Move on.
******
"Spike?" Buffy called into the bathroom. She could hear the water running in the shower. No answer. So much for Vampire hearing, she thought. Slowly, she padded onto the tile, lifting herself onto the counter top.
"Spike?" She called again.
His head popped out from behind the curtain. "You alright, Pet?" The look on his face was suddenly concerned.
"Fine," Buffy chirped. His head disappeared behind the curtain again. "Why?"
"Don't normally call on me in the shower, is all," he answered. "Less, of course, you'd like to join me?" He leaned out enough again to wink at her.
Buffy laughed. He loved that sound. "Caught one while you were making breakfast," she answered.
"Ah, but you didn't have the multi-purpose wet/dry Vampire in that one, Love," he snarked. She closed her eyes, humming at the thought. If there was one part of being this... pregnant... that drove her mad, it was the inability to do exactly what she wanted with said wet/dry Vampire.
"And there you are right," she sighed. "Oh so sadly right."
The water clicked off and she watched him grab a towel, wrapping it around his waist and walking out onto the mat. She stared him at slack jawed for a moment. Does he have any *concept* of how beautiful he is?, she thought.
His hair was a tousle of damp blonde curls and his skin was glistening from the shower. She gulped. Damned hormones. One of the things that she was told *not* to do was anything athletic. Sex with Spike, even at its most tender, was an Olympic event. One in which they both always won the gold. He'd done his best to scratch her every itch without pushing her too far, but too far was everything she wanted. Especially with a glistening, perfect, Vampire mostly naked in front of her.
"Please put some clothes on. Like burlap or something," Buffy whimpered.
Spike smiled slyly, sauntering over to her perch on the counter. "Waz wrong, Pet? Bored of old Spike?"
He slid his body between her knees and planted his hands next to her hips, leaning so close that she could feel his breath on her skin. "N...no," she stuttered, her body tingling despite not feeling her most attractive. "No boredom. Opposite of boredom."
His fingers trailed lazy circles up and down her bare arms and goosebumps popped up in their wake. "Then why the burlap, Pet?"
Buffy swallowed hard, trying to control her reaction to him. "Because I want what I can't have," she whispered, her voice trembling and breathy in his ear.
"There is *nothing* of mine you cannot have," Spike breathed against her soft, golden, cheek.
"Spike," she almost moaned. "You have to stop. You know we can't..."
"Last night not help?" He questioned, letting his lips brush her temples.
"World of help," Buffy hummed. "Need more help."
Spike was quiet for a long moment, letting his lips explore her face. Her neck.. "Doctor just said nothing physically.... aggressive... correct?"
"Umhumm," Buffy hummed, her lips catching his.
"Where is Emma?" Spike questioned, his tongue tracing her jaw line, nipping right behind her ear.
"Cyrus took her to the park with Pony," Buffy whispered, her lips catching his.
Spike pulled away and smiled. Buffy returned it, her eyes questioning him. "You up for a little research?" Spike asked, sliding his hands to her hips and pulling her forward. Her legs latched around his waist, her arms around his neck.
"Spike... I.... we...," she muttered, her brain completely taken over by need.
"Shh, Pet," he whispered, lifting her from the counter and carrying her back into the bedroom.
"Wha... what?" Her heart was racing as he set her down on the bed, sliding the strap of her blue sundress down and kissing her shoulder. He moved back to her lips and then kissed her eyes closed. Gently, he laid her back against the bed, stretching out beside her.
"Spike, we can't," Buffy feebly protested, trying to put together a rational thought.
"You forget, Pet," Spike whispered in her ear. She shuddered in response. "We don't even have to touch." His lips found hers again and she felt him reach into her mind and her body explode in little bursts of pleasure.
*****
Buffy's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the door opening downstairs. His face was above her, blue eyes glittering down. A sly smile spread across his face. His towel was long gone, as was her dress, and she was curled against him, tucked into his shoulder. "Feeling better, Love?" He pressed his lips to her forehead, softly.
Buffy smiled. "Endless better. Heaven better. You?"
Spike chuckled, flopping onto his back. "You've got a naughty mind, Pet. A beautiful, filthy little mind. Not to mention... other talents."
"Why didn't we do that, oh, a *million* times before?" Buffy sighed, contented.
Spike rolled back on his side to face her. "Didn't want to hurt you. Take any chances with him," he answered, honestly. "Been too many close calls as it is."
Buffy sighed, knowing he was right. "So, why now?"
Spike thought about how to frame the answer. "First off," he began, tracing her collarbones with smooth fingers. "You were so tense, I thought you might be better... served... this way than letting you work yourself into a frenzy again."
"Guess I'm sort of unbearable some times," Buffy said, crinkling her nose.
"No, Love. Just challenging," Spike whispered, kissing her nose.
"What else?" Buffy asked, her fingers tracing his cheekbones.
"Because *I* was so tense from being round you all the time, from looking at you, and not being able to touch you. You're so beautiful, Love." Spike continued, his hands skimming her skin.
Buffy laughed sarcastically. "You've already made it better. No need to lie."
"Alright," Spike said, a tinge of annoyance creeping into his tone. "This is the *last* time I'm going to say anything bout this because I understand that you aren't feeling yourself. But I am bloody sick of this sodding attitude you have about yourself." Buffy gulped, her mouth opening to respond, then snapping shut again at the warning glare in his eyes.
"You have *no* right to tell me what I think about you. If you want to go round thinking you're useless and a houseboat, then I can't stop you. But *I* feel differently. I think that the purpose you're serving now is *more* important than hunting demons every night. You'll be back to that far too soon as it stands. As far as what you do to *me*, it wouldn't matter what you looked like, I'd still love you. When you were beaten to a bloody pulp, you were the most beautiful woman on the planet. When you were a schoolgirl and fighting me, you were perfect. And now," Spike continued, fully on a roll, his hand tracing lazy circles around her abdomen. "You are more beautiful than ever. More perfect. Because you glow, Pet. Even when you don't feel well, you look content. And you're carrying a child. *Ours*. There's nothing more beautiful than that. So please stop telling me that you aren't. You're gorgeous. Everyday."
Buffy looked up at him, melting under the hot, blue light of his eyes. "I... I'm sorry. I just... I don't see how... I'm not me and I don't want you to stop thinking about me like you're lover and just think about me as a mother."
Spike furrowed his brow. "Pet, you're both. You'll always be both. You'll always be Emma... and William's.... mum, and I'm endlessly grateful for that, but you're the single sexiest woman I've ever met. I have no doubt that you will always stop my heart just watching you move."
Buffy chuckled. "You haven't always had a heartbeat," she snarked.
Spike grinned slyly. "There are other... reactions... I have to you, Pet," he whispered. "Just trying the whole polite tact."
She smiled up at him, making his heart light. It was incredible to him to be responsible for a smile like that. To contribute to beauty like hers. "I think we'd better get moving. Cyrus is home," Buffy said softly, desperately not wanting to move from her little corner of Heaven.
"Right then," Spike replied, kissing her nose. He got up, pulling on a pair of jeans and grabbing her dress from where it had been tossed on the chair. "We have one other thing to discuss," Spike said hesitantly as he dressed her carefully.
"What?" Buffy asked, concern creeping into her tone. She watched his eyes and they flickered about, never directly making eye contact. Once her dress was back on, she pulled his face to hers, capturing his eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's *wrong*, Love," Spike said gently.
"Then what's with the no eye contact?" Buffy quipped, catching him in the act.
He sad down on the bed next to her. "Actually, Pet, it's good news."
"Spill." She nudged him softly.
"Giles is coming back," Spike began, figuring it was best to just cut to the chase. "Tonight. We pick him up in a few hours."
"Giles?" Buffy gasped. "Really? He is?" Her excitement was short lived as the ramifications caught up to her. "Is it Emma?"
Spike sighed. "He says there are some translations to review, but nothing to worry about. Still..."
Buffy nodded. "I know. It seems odd."
"Says he has news he needs to tell us in person," Spike continued.
"Which is rarely of the good," Buffy agreed.
"Don't worry too much, Pet. He didn't seem upset," Spike countered, hanging onto her hand, his fingers toying with hers.
Buffy gasped, a sudden realization striking her. One which she had had nearly eight months to get used to. "Does he know?" Her hand rested on her belly.
Spike was still, and then slowly shook his head in response. "I thought you might want to be the one to..."
Her eyes were huge. Afraid. Would he be happy? Would he be disappointed that she'd been off Slayer duty? That she wasn't formally married, even though what she and Spike had was far more of a commitment? That she hadn't tried to tell him before now?
Finally, she let a breath out. This was Giles. No matter what, he would love her. He would accept it. At least in the end. "Okay," she sighed. "Good."
"You sure, Pet? I can tell him if you'd rather," Spike responded, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"No," Buffy responded, suddenly confident. "I want to tell him about William. I think that he'll figure it out," she joked, her hands roaming over the front of her dress. "But I think he'll be happy. At least ... eventually."
The doorknob twisted and the door swung open. Little feet padded at record speed across the carpet. "Mommy!" Buffy turned, just in time to see a bouncing flash of blonde hair. Spike scooped the child up and pulled her into his lap.
"Daddy," Emma giggled, showering his face in tiny butterfly kisses.
"How could he not approve?" Spike questioned as Emma turned and latched onto Buffy, giggling and kissing her face.
*****
"Ah, Spike! Where are Emma's shoes?" Buffy whined, her head craned around in the car seat.
"Pet, I'm sure they're probably on the floor where she always kicks them. I'm driving at the moment, but as soon as we're there, I'll find them, alright?" Spike sighed. She'd been hot and cold since they're talk. Right now, the emotional yo-yo was set to full jumpy.
"What's Giles going to think if we can't even dress the one we've got?" She was panicking. He took a deep breath, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Buffy," Spike breathed. "It'll be fine, Pet. Emma is perfect. And even if she's utterly *shoeless*, I think that Rupert will be able to tell she hasn't been locked in a closet for months."
Buffy looked at him and he smiled. She took a deep breath and giggled. "Ok. Panic over."
"Good," he replied, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it softly. "You're a wonderful mum. Anyone could tell that, Love."
"You think?" Buffy asked, her nose crinkling.
"As good as your mum. And she holds the record in my book. Cept for mine. Biased there," he replied.
Buffy smiled at him. A huge bright smile that lit the whole car. "Thank you. You're a great dad."
"I'm afraid you've not much basis for comparison there, Pet," Spike said softly.
"Sure I do," Buffy replied, still studying his profile. "You're even better to Emma than Giles has been to me. That's a lot."
Spike took his eyes off the road just long enough to look at her. Her eyes were soft and beautiful. "I appreciate that, Buffy," he said quietly. "Thank you."
She looked out at the familiar streets, then back at him. "I'm glad it was you."
"What, Pet?" He asked, pulling into the airport parking lot.
"Who stayed. Who loved me. Who gave me Emma. And William," Buffy said, her voice sincere and quiet. Spike was struck dumb. She'd been far more open about her feelings since Emma, but she'd never actually said she was glad for her life. For him.
Spike reached over, finding her cheek without looking. She nuzzled into his palm. Life, or unlife, did not get any more beautiful.
*****
They walked through the airport towards the British Airways baggage claim. It was packed with summer travelers and Spike held Emma with one arm to avoid losing her in the crowd. Buffy clung to his other. She was nervous, her hands trembling and clammy. Spike wasn't sure how much of it was excitement and how much was fear, but he held onto her all the same.
"We're late," Buffy stated, scanning the crowd. "Do you think we missed him?"
"No, Pet. I'm sure..." Spike's words trailed off and he stopped dead, his jaw falling open. Buffy walked forward a few steps further then stopped, a gasp escaping her lips. Not ten feet in front of them, Giles was standing, his hands on a woman's face. He was kissing her. Passionately, at that.
"Giles?" Buffy stuttered.
The Watcher spun, taken off guard. The woman faced them. "Anya?" It was Spike's voice almost yelping the name.
Giles looked at his charge; the girl he loved like a daughter. He stared at her startled face, and then scanned down her body, stopping at her swollen middle. "Buffy?"
To be contd.