Good evening, All:)
Well, as promised, here is chapter six of Time. The angst begins here, folks, although there are some happy times to come. Not to mention ye olde happy ending. But I plan on making you work for it:)
Hope you have been enjoying the story so far. Your feedback is what makes me write, so please be sure to review the chapter. I truly appreciate all of your comments on the book.
Without further ado, here is Casualties of Love. Chapter Seven should be out on Monday:)
Thanks again!
*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: Casualties of Love (Time - Chapter Six)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit 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: The Captain develops his plan. Xander and his new love head to Buffy's to tell the gang about their relationship, but who is with Buffy? And how will Xander react? Spike is called to meet with the Watchers and bring Emma. But is leaving Buffy alone a good idea? And who comes to call while he is gone? What else can go wrong? You should know better than to ask.
Casualties of Love
"Today is the day, my sweet," the Captain snarled, rolling over and nipping the back of her neck.
"Are you *sure* it's her? I mean, maybe other people live there now," she commented, her face turned towards him, cheek cradled in the pillow.
"You doubt me? I am hurt," he laughed, tumbling nude from the bed and beginning to dress.
"I just want you to be sure the plan will work," she growled, sitting up to watch him. She had become feral, wild, since he marked her.
"You could be right. But who is more likely to be guardian of a prophesied child than the Slayer," he commented, pulling his jeans over his thighs.
"You still know nothing about the situation," she responded. "Their defenses. Who else lives in the house..."
"We know the little Witch has lost her power. The little Vampire lost his bite. The Watcher lost control years ago, and the rest are functionally useless. I suppose the sister could make me fall into some hell dimension, but what reason could she have?" He stated, buttoning his shirt. "I'm like the brother she never had." His voice changed to the kind, fresh- faced intonation of the boy next door. His mate cringed.
"Well, I hope you're right," she muttered, pulling a robe over her muscular, lean body. Suddenly, her form changed. Shifted from the dark haired soldier to a tall, raven haired woman. "In the meantime," she purred, sauntering closer. "I will work on a plan to distract them."
"That's my little shifter," he whistled, growling into her ear.
The Captain straightened back up, looking into the mirror. A picture of freshly scrubbed youth, dressed in blue jeans, a t-shirt with an open flannel button down layered over the top and tan work boots. "Wish me luck," he chirped, heading for the front door.
"Damn well better be right," she called after him, just as the door swung shut in his wake.
*****
"Get dressed," Xander nearly sang as he bounded from the bathroom, showered and in his Saturday 'I'm-not-always-a-construction-worker' clothes.
"What's the emergency?" Takina joked, sitting on the bed and pulling the sheets chastely over her naked chest.
"We're going to Buffy's," Xander announced, scouting about the room for his shoes.
Takina leapt from the sheets, tearing over to the closet. "What's wrong? How long ago did she call?" Panic set in as she searched for clothes.
"Whoa there," Xander gushed, putting his hands on her bare shoulders from behind her. "For all I know, she's fine. We're just going over to tell them about us. I couldn't reach Will and Tara so they must already be at the shop. Figured we could stop there after Buffy's."
Takina relaxed, slouching back against his chest. "Don't scare me like that," she sighed.
"What? I thought you'd be happy," Xander questioned.
She turned to face him. "I am, baby. But things with Buffy are rather... tenuous," Takina said softly.
"Wait a minute. I knew she was having a rough time, but is it that bad?" Xander asked, concerning breaking in his voice. His eyes were soft.
Takina calmed a bit. "At this stage, my concern is beginning to wane. If she does deliver now, the child is old enough that he would probably survive were we to get them to a hospital..."
"Whoa. Probably? Wait a minute," Xander stuttered. "Why didn't she tell me?"
"Maybe because you didn't ask," Takina replied softly, trying to not be accusatory. "You've been so distant to her be it because of Spike or because of your hurt... you've barely been there. When you are, you just take Emma out in the yard to play and barely say three words to Buffy."
Xander looked thunderstruck. She was right. Completely. And she'd called him to the carpet on it. "Oh God," he muttered, his eyes wide and hurt.
"It's not too late, Xander," Takina whispered, toying with the little hairs along his temple. "She's your friend. She loves you. But you are going to have to start trying to get over your bad feelings about Spike."
"You didn't know him when..." Xander began.
"When what? When he was evil? A true Vampire? It was *years* ago now and he's paid for his actions. But what has he done since Buffy that has been beneath reproach?" She asked, carefully trying to coax the logic out in her lover.
"He ate my mashed potatoes last Thanksgiving," Xander snarked, albeit quietly.
Takina chuckled. "Buffy needs you." She pulled from Xander, beginning to choose clothes. It was Saturday and her long weekend away from the ER. "Let's go talk to them."
*****
Spike woke up slowly, luxuriously. Completely rested. She had slept through the night and barely moved an inch save for pressing herself against him in the most delicious ways. His eyes flickered open. The room was silent. Empty.
He sat up, disoriented. "Buffy?"
She was nowhere in the vicinity. He climbed naked from the bed, grabbing a pair of blue sweatpants from a drawer and sliding them on as he walked from the room. Quietly, he padded shirtless and barefoot down the hall. He paused as he passed Dawn's room. The door stood open. Bed was made. Odd, he thought.
Slowly, Spike descended the stairs and followed the smell towards the kitchen. Coffee. He rounded the corner and there she was, pouring the elixir of the gods into two big mugs with one hand and shoveling cereal into Emma's giggling mouth with the other. She looked fresh. Rosy. Rested. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she was dressed in a cream coloured sundress.
"Morning," she said, smiling over at him as he came in. His eyes were puffy and his hair a tumble of curls shaped by sleep.
"Morning, Pet," he grumbled, walking up to her and kissing her cheek. She handed him a mug and he fell back onto a stool, watching her.
"That creepy shredded wheat stuff is in the bowl. You'll have to bloody it up yourself," she chirped. "Emma is finding smearing food all over herself is far more fun than eating it, so I didn't quite get that far."
Spike smiled, watching her coerce food into the little girl's mouth. Emma giggled nearly constantly, grabbing at the spoon and wiping what she could get off of it onto her cheeks. Buffy was having a hard time keeping a straight face while wiping oatmeal from Emma's ears. "What's got you all bushy tailed this morning, Love?" Spike asked, heaving himself from the stool and heading towards the fridge to pour some blood over his cereal. He popped the concoction in the microwave and walked up behind Buffy, pressing himself against her.
"Dunno," Buffy answered, crinkling her nose. "Slept like a log last night, although Slugger is having at it this morning."
Spike inhaled the vanilla scent of her hair and slid his arms around her waist, encircling her. "Good to see you happy, Pet."
"I am," she chirped, taking one last swipe at Emma's face and hands with a damp towel. "I'm feeling lucky."
She turned in his arms to face him. "Lucky?" He asked, smiling slyly.
"Not that kind," Buffy corrected, batting at his shoulder. "Dunno, I just feel good about everything. About Emma. William. Us. I just feel lucky to have all of this."
His head tilted, studying her features. "Can't say I'm not happy to hear it, Pet, but any particular reason?"
"Nope," she responded, lifting up on her toes and planting a soft kiss against his lips.
Don't question the good, Spike thought. "Fair enough," he answered, returning her kiss. The microwave dinged and he turned back to getting breakfast. Buffy hoisted Emma from the high chair and set her loose on he floor. The child immediately tore over to Pony and prodded him into playing with her.
Buffy sat down across the counter from Spike, sipping decaf as he ate. "Giles called," she mentioned out of the blue.
"And?" Spike asked, between bites.
"He wants you to come by this morning. With Emma. Cyrus will be there too," she answered, taking another sip.
"Why Emma?" Spike questioned, taking a swallowed of coffee. He smiled. She actually got it right this time.
"He *says* he wants to investigate the mark. Compare it to some sketches, but I think he just wants to see her," Buffy responded.
"You alright with that? Give you the morning off?" Spike asked, looking over the rim of his mug at her.
"Yeah. Just if he pulls out any metal tools or prods her with sharp sticks, bring her home," Buffy snarked.
Spike smiled back at her. This is as even as it gets for Buffy, he thought. Probably safe to leave her for a while. "You'll be alright alone?"
"Not alone," Buffy sighed, running her fingers along the rim of the coffee mug. "I'm Anya-sitting."
Spike nearly spit out his coffee. "Anya-sitting?"
"Giles said that she was happy that we'd gotten along last night. That she seemed more at ease. He thought it might help her to hang out here and help me out with the baby's room," Buffy answered.
"I see," Spike commented, polishing off his breakfast. "OK with you?"
"Fine." Cooperative too, Spike thought. Will wonders never cease?
A thought occurred to him. "What about Dawn? Thought they weren't ready to let the rest know yet? What if the others stop by?"
"Dawn is visiting campus with Janice." Spike looked at Buffy like she'd gone insane. "And her mom," Buffy quickly added.
"Good thing. Don't trust that little bint," Spike huffed.
"Well, she's Dawn's friend and they're going to school together. We're going to have to trust that we taught Dawn to do the right thing. Besides, they haven't been in trouble... much... lately," Buffy completed.
"And the rest of them?" Spike asked, scooting his bowl aside and mirroring Buffy, coffee mug between clasped hands.
"Willow is helping Tara at the Magic Box. Xander hasn't been by in weeks," Buffy answered, her voice growing softer. Hurt creeping into her tone.
"He'll come round, Love," Spike whispered, swallowing his own feelings for the whelp in favour of hers. He circled the island and came up next to her, kissing her cheek tenderly. She held him there, her palm along his face, savouring the feel of his skin against hers.
"I know," Buffy answered, her breath blowing in his ear. "But this.. you... are more important."
He pulled away just enough to see her face. "I love you, Buffy. You know that."
"I know." She smiled, lighting her face. "Always."
"Everyday."
*****
Men.
Spike was showered and dressed and out the door with Emma in half an hour. How they do it, Buffy didn't know. Grooming fairies? Like pixies that shaved and gelled them as they dressed themselves and squirming tots?
Mysteries.
Anya arrived shortly after, beaming and chirpy at the thought of a day of painting and changing colour schemes. Luckily, Buffy was feeling rather glow-y herself, so Anya's chipperness wasn't maddening. Yesterday morning, the demon would have found herself locked in the basement.
They sat at the kitchen counter matching paint swatches to boarder patterns when a knock came at the door. Buffy furrowed her brow. No one knocked. Not here. Not ever. She got up slowly, grabbing a knife from the kitchen drawer on her way past.
"Buffy, what is it? Do you need help?" Anya asked, looking at the Slayer with shocked concern.
"No," Buffy answered. "Probably just the mailman."
"Why the knife?" Anya asked, her face becoming a canvas of confused looks.
Buffy looked at her steadily. "You've been away from the Hellmouth far too long."
Anya nodded her agreement. "Guess so."
"Just stay here, Ok?" Buffy added. She turned her attention to the enormous sleeping pooch on the floor. "Pony?" The dog winked to life and trotted to her side, walking next to her to the door.
Buffy stood, knife slightly raised. "Who is it?" Her voice was determined. Strong. Pony scratched at the door with a soup plate sized paw and let out a very masculine "woof".
"Easy, Cujo. It's me. The Xanman cometh," Xander called from his spot on the porch. Buffy lowered the knife, stashing it in the coat rack and unlocked the door without a second thought.
"Oh, it's *you*!" She smiled, tossing her arms around Xander. "And... and Takina." Her eyebrow raised, but she dropped it as coincidence and hugged the doctor as well.
A sudden slap of horror followed by a wave of anxiety washed over Buffy as Xander crossed into the house. Anya. In the kitchen. Suddenly her heart raced and her stomach turned. Not good. Definitely *not* of the good.
"Maybe we should talk outside. It's such a pretty day," Buffy gushed trying to physically turn him back through the open door.
"Buffy, it's about a million degrees," Xander commented, turning back towards the house and brushing past her towards the living room. Oh God. Not the kitchen. Oh God. Her mind reeled. Luckily, he stopped next to the couch. "Have a seat, I have something to tell you." Xander winked over at the pretty doctor.
"Now... now isn't good," Buffy stuttered. She felt her body tense uncontrollably. "Maybe tonight."
"C'mon, Buff. Sit," Xander insisted, ushering her to the living room. Reluctantly, she sat on the couch, facing the kitchen entrance. At least then she'd have a warning.
"What... what is it?" Buffy asked, her face becoming pale.
"Let me get you some water," Takina offered, turning towards the kitchen.
"No!" Buffy panicked. Her back tore in pain and she winced. "No water." She calmed herself as Takina stopped, walking over to Buffy. "I'm fine," she reassured, smiling.
Takina nodded and Xander continued. "Buffy, I know I haven't been around much lately..."
No speech, Buffy thought. Please no speech. "It's OK, Xander."
"No. It's not." He sank to his knees in front of her. "Part of that is me being stupid. About Spike."
The words hit Buffy but she couldn't fully appreciate the apology because of the throbbing pain in her back and the thumping heart. Xander continued anyway.
"Part of it is because I'm seeing someone," he said sweetly.
Buffy snapped out of it and looked at him wide eyed. "What?"
"Takina, actually," he answered, standing up and wrapping his arms around the tall, dark haired woman.
Buffy sat in stunned silence a moment. Suddenly, a streak of fur caught her eye. "Pony!" She screamed as the giant dog raced out the still open door. Buffy struggled up as Takina darted towards the entry hall after him. Just as Buffy made it upright, a small voice came from the corner.
"Xander?"
Xander spun towards the voice. Towards the kitchen. Takina stopped dead, doorknob in her hand. Buffy's heart rate went through the roof and she gasped for air trying to think of how she could manage this.
"Anya?" Xander's voice was detached, confused. Full of relief and anger and hurt, all in the same instant.
Forgetting about the dog, Takina stepped back into the room, staring at the frightened looking blonde girl in the corner. Anya stood, arms crossed, eyes full of tears, staring back at them.
"Oh God," Buffy muttered, feeling weak. Afraid.
"Anya," Xander repeated quietly. "You... you died..."
Anya nodded. "I came back," she answered, her voice quaking, tears spilling from her eyes. Takina stared awkwardly between the two of them.
Xander swung his head towards Buffy. "You... you knew? You didn't tell me?"
"Xander, I..." Buffy started, knowing that there would be no reason good enough. No justification. Her head pounded and her body clenched around itself. "I just found out."
"When were you going to tell me, hunh?" Xander snapped. "Christmas? Easter?"
Buffy's mind froze. "She doesn't like bunnies, so Easter's out," she muttered. When in doubt, try to make a funny. Not good timing, Buff, she thought.
"Jokes, not so good," Xander hissed. Takina put a hand on his shoulder and she shrugged it off. "Buffy, how could you?" His face was tortured and guilt crashed into her, swimming around with fear and pain.
Suddenly, another knock came at the door. It had blown mostly closed in the slight breeze. Buffy struggled to control her body, her mind. "I need... I need to get the door."
Takina watched her, nagging concern in gnawing at the back of her mind as Buffy walked gingerly towards the door. She was in obvious pain, but Takina wasn't sure if it was stiffness or something else.
"Yes," Buffy whispered absently as she swung the door open.
His head was down, scratching the dog's ears. She couldn't see his face. "I found this fella running after a Yorkie down the block and his tag says..."
The Captain raised his head and looked at her. His eyes widened. It was Buffy. But she was... The part of him that was still human pleaded with his body to run, to leave her and her baby alone, but instead, a slow grin broke upon his face.
Buffy's face grew deathly pale, her body shuddering, pain coursing through her in waves. Her hand slapped over her parched lips and Takina noticed her trembling.
"Riley?" Buffy gasped as she fell to her knees on the floor.
To be contd.
Well, as promised, here is chapter six of Time. The angst begins here, folks, although there are some happy times to come. Not to mention ye olde happy ending. But I plan on making you work for it:)
Hope you have been enjoying the story so far. Your feedback is what makes me write, so please be sure to review the chapter. I truly appreciate all of your comments on the book.
Without further ado, here is Casualties of Love. Chapter Seven should be out on Monday:)
Thanks again!
*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: Casualties of Love (Time - Chapter Six)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit 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: The Captain develops his plan. Xander and his new love head to Buffy's to tell the gang about their relationship, but who is with Buffy? And how will Xander react? Spike is called to meet with the Watchers and bring Emma. But is leaving Buffy alone a good idea? And who comes to call while he is gone? What else can go wrong? You should know better than to ask.
Casualties of Love
"Today is the day, my sweet," the Captain snarled, rolling over and nipping the back of her neck.
"Are you *sure* it's her? I mean, maybe other people live there now," she commented, her face turned towards him, cheek cradled in the pillow.
"You doubt me? I am hurt," he laughed, tumbling nude from the bed and beginning to dress.
"I just want you to be sure the plan will work," she growled, sitting up to watch him. She had become feral, wild, since he marked her.
"You could be right. But who is more likely to be guardian of a prophesied child than the Slayer," he commented, pulling his jeans over his thighs.
"You still know nothing about the situation," she responded. "Their defenses. Who else lives in the house..."
"We know the little Witch has lost her power. The little Vampire lost his bite. The Watcher lost control years ago, and the rest are functionally useless. I suppose the sister could make me fall into some hell dimension, but what reason could she have?" He stated, buttoning his shirt. "I'm like the brother she never had." His voice changed to the kind, fresh- faced intonation of the boy next door. His mate cringed.
"Well, I hope you're right," she muttered, pulling a robe over her muscular, lean body. Suddenly, her form changed. Shifted from the dark haired soldier to a tall, raven haired woman. "In the meantime," she purred, sauntering closer. "I will work on a plan to distract them."
"That's my little shifter," he whistled, growling into her ear.
The Captain straightened back up, looking into the mirror. A picture of freshly scrubbed youth, dressed in blue jeans, a t-shirt with an open flannel button down layered over the top and tan work boots. "Wish me luck," he chirped, heading for the front door.
"Damn well better be right," she called after him, just as the door swung shut in his wake.
*****
"Get dressed," Xander nearly sang as he bounded from the bathroom, showered and in his Saturday 'I'm-not-always-a-construction-worker' clothes.
"What's the emergency?" Takina joked, sitting on the bed and pulling the sheets chastely over her naked chest.
"We're going to Buffy's," Xander announced, scouting about the room for his shoes.
Takina leapt from the sheets, tearing over to the closet. "What's wrong? How long ago did she call?" Panic set in as she searched for clothes.
"Whoa there," Xander gushed, putting his hands on her bare shoulders from behind her. "For all I know, she's fine. We're just going over to tell them about us. I couldn't reach Will and Tara so they must already be at the shop. Figured we could stop there after Buffy's."
Takina relaxed, slouching back against his chest. "Don't scare me like that," she sighed.
"What? I thought you'd be happy," Xander questioned.
She turned to face him. "I am, baby. But things with Buffy are rather... tenuous," Takina said softly.
"Wait a minute. I knew she was having a rough time, but is it that bad?" Xander asked, concerning breaking in his voice. His eyes were soft.
Takina calmed a bit. "At this stage, my concern is beginning to wane. If she does deliver now, the child is old enough that he would probably survive were we to get them to a hospital..."
"Whoa. Probably? Wait a minute," Xander stuttered. "Why didn't she tell me?"
"Maybe because you didn't ask," Takina replied softly, trying to not be accusatory. "You've been so distant to her be it because of Spike or because of your hurt... you've barely been there. When you are, you just take Emma out in the yard to play and barely say three words to Buffy."
Xander looked thunderstruck. She was right. Completely. And she'd called him to the carpet on it. "Oh God," he muttered, his eyes wide and hurt.
"It's not too late, Xander," Takina whispered, toying with the little hairs along his temple. "She's your friend. She loves you. But you are going to have to start trying to get over your bad feelings about Spike."
"You didn't know him when..." Xander began.
"When what? When he was evil? A true Vampire? It was *years* ago now and he's paid for his actions. But what has he done since Buffy that has been beneath reproach?" She asked, carefully trying to coax the logic out in her lover.
"He ate my mashed potatoes last Thanksgiving," Xander snarked, albeit quietly.
Takina chuckled. "Buffy needs you." She pulled from Xander, beginning to choose clothes. It was Saturday and her long weekend away from the ER. "Let's go talk to them."
*****
Spike woke up slowly, luxuriously. Completely rested. She had slept through the night and barely moved an inch save for pressing herself against him in the most delicious ways. His eyes flickered open. The room was silent. Empty.
He sat up, disoriented. "Buffy?"
She was nowhere in the vicinity. He climbed naked from the bed, grabbing a pair of blue sweatpants from a drawer and sliding them on as he walked from the room. Quietly, he padded shirtless and barefoot down the hall. He paused as he passed Dawn's room. The door stood open. Bed was made. Odd, he thought.
Slowly, Spike descended the stairs and followed the smell towards the kitchen. Coffee. He rounded the corner and there she was, pouring the elixir of the gods into two big mugs with one hand and shoveling cereal into Emma's giggling mouth with the other. She looked fresh. Rosy. Rested. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she was dressed in a cream coloured sundress.
"Morning," she said, smiling over at him as he came in. His eyes were puffy and his hair a tumble of curls shaped by sleep.
"Morning, Pet," he grumbled, walking up to her and kissing her cheek. She handed him a mug and he fell back onto a stool, watching her.
"That creepy shredded wheat stuff is in the bowl. You'll have to bloody it up yourself," she chirped. "Emma is finding smearing food all over herself is far more fun than eating it, so I didn't quite get that far."
Spike smiled, watching her coerce food into the little girl's mouth. Emma giggled nearly constantly, grabbing at the spoon and wiping what she could get off of it onto her cheeks. Buffy was having a hard time keeping a straight face while wiping oatmeal from Emma's ears. "What's got you all bushy tailed this morning, Love?" Spike asked, heaving himself from the stool and heading towards the fridge to pour some blood over his cereal. He popped the concoction in the microwave and walked up behind Buffy, pressing himself against her.
"Dunno," Buffy answered, crinkling her nose. "Slept like a log last night, although Slugger is having at it this morning."
Spike inhaled the vanilla scent of her hair and slid his arms around her waist, encircling her. "Good to see you happy, Pet."
"I am," she chirped, taking one last swipe at Emma's face and hands with a damp towel. "I'm feeling lucky."
She turned in his arms to face him. "Lucky?" He asked, smiling slyly.
"Not that kind," Buffy corrected, batting at his shoulder. "Dunno, I just feel good about everything. About Emma. William. Us. I just feel lucky to have all of this."
His head tilted, studying her features. "Can't say I'm not happy to hear it, Pet, but any particular reason?"
"Nope," she responded, lifting up on her toes and planting a soft kiss against his lips.
Don't question the good, Spike thought. "Fair enough," he answered, returning her kiss. The microwave dinged and he turned back to getting breakfast. Buffy hoisted Emma from the high chair and set her loose on he floor. The child immediately tore over to Pony and prodded him into playing with her.
Buffy sat down across the counter from Spike, sipping decaf as he ate. "Giles called," she mentioned out of the blue.
"And?" Spike asked, between bites.
"He wants you to come by this morning. With Emma. Cyrus will be there too," she answered, taking another sip.
"Why Emma?" Spike questioned, taking a swallowed of coffee. He smiled. She actually got it right this time.
"He *says* he wants to investigate the mark. Compare it to some sketches, but I think he just wants to see her," Buffy responded.
"You alright with that? Give you the morning off?" Spike asked, looking over the rim of his mug at her.
"Yeah. Just if he pulls out any metal tools or prods her with sharp sticks, bring her home," Buffy snarked.
Spike smiled back at her. This is as even as it gets for Buffy, he thought. Probably safe to leave her for a while. "You'll be alright alone?"
"Not alone," Buffy sighed, running her fingers along the rim of the coffee mug. "I'm Anya-sitting."
Spike nearly spit out his coffee. "Anya-sitting?"
"Giles said that she was happy that we'd gotten along last night. That she seemed more at ease. He thought it might help her to hang out here and help me out with the baby's room," Buffy answered.
"I see," Spike commented, polishing off his breakfast. "OK with you?"
"Fine." Cooperative too, Spike thought. Will wonders never cease?
A thought occurred to him. "What about Dawn? Thought they weren't ready to let the rest know yet? What if the others stop by?"
"Dawn is visiting campus with Janice." Spike looked at Buffy like she'd gone insane. "And her mom," Buffy quickly added.
"Good thing. Don't trust that little bint," Spike huffed.
"Well, she's Dawn's friend and they're going to school together. We're going to have to trust that we taught Dawn to do the right thing. Besides, they haven't been in trouble... much... lately," Buffy completed.
"And the rest of them?" Spike asked, scooting his bowl aside and mirroring Buffy, coffee mug between clasped hands.
"Willow is helping Tara at the Magic Box. Xander hasn't been by in weeks," Buffy answered, her voice growing softer. Hurt creeping into her tone.
"He'll come round, Love," Spike whispered, swallowing his own feelings for the whelp in favour of hers. He circled the island and came up next to her, kissing her cheek tenderly. She held him there, her palm along his face, savouring the feel of his skin against hers.
"I know," Buffy answered, her breath blowing in his ear. "But this.. you... are more important."
He pulled away just enough to see her face. "I love you, Buffy. You know that."
"I know." She smiled, lighting her face. "Always."
"Everyday."
*****
Men.
Spike was showered and dressed and out the door with Emma in half an hour. How they do it, Buffy didn't know. Grooming fairies? Like pixies that shaved and gelled them as they dressed themselves and squirming tots?
Mysteries.
Anya arrived shortly after, beaming and chirpy at the thought of a day of painting and changing colour schemes. Luckily, Buffy was feeling rather glow-y herself, so Anya's chipperness wasn't maddening. Yesterday morning, the demon would have found herself locked in the basement.
They sat at the kitchen counter matching paint swatches to boarder patterns when a knock came at the door. Buffy furrowed her brow. No one knocked. Not here. Not ever. She got up slowly, grabbing a knife from the kitchen drawer on her way past.
"Buffy, what is it? Do you need help?" Anya asked, looking at the Slayer with shocked concern.
"No," Buffy answered. "Probably just the mailman."
"Why the knife?" Anya asked, her face becoming a canvas of confused looks.
Buffy looked at her steadily. "You've been away from the Hellmouth far too long."
Anya nodded her agreement. "Guess so."
"Just stay here, Ok?" Buffy added. She turned her attention to the enormous sleeping pooch on the floor. "Pony?" The dog winked to life and trotted to her side, walking next to her to the door.
Buffy stood, knife slightly raised. "Who is it?" Her voice was determined. Strong. Pony scratched at the door with a soup plate sized paw and let out a very masculine "woof".
"Easy, Cujo. It's me. The Xanman cometh," Xander called from his spot on the porch. Buffy lowered the knife, stashing it in the coat rack and unlocked the door without a second thought.
"Oh, it's *you*!" She smiled, tossing her arms around Xander. "And... and Takina." Her eyebrow raised, but she dropped it as coincidence and hugged the doctor as well.
A sudden slap of horror followed by a wave of anxiety washed over Buffy as Xander crossed into the house. Anya. In the kitchen. Suddenly her heart raced and her stomach turned. Not good. Definitely *not* of the good.
"Maybe we should talk outside. It's such a pretty day," Buffy gushed trying to physically turn him back through the open door.
"Buffy, it's about a million degrees," Xander commented, turning back towards the house and brushing past her towards the living room. Oh God. Not the kitchen. Oh God. Her mind reeled. Luckily, he stopped next to the couch. "Have a seat, I have something to tell you." Xander winked over at the pretty doctor.
"Now... now isn't good," Buffy stuttered. She felt her body tense uncontrollably. "Maybe tonight."
"C'mon, Buff. Sit," Xander insisted, ushering her to the living room. Reluctantly, she sat on the couch, facing the kitchen entrance. At least then she'd have a warning.
"What... what is it?" Buffy asked, her face becoming pale.
"Let me get you some water," Takina offered, turning towards the kitchen.
"No!" Buffy panicked. Her back tore in pain and she winced. "No water." She calmed herself as Takina stopped, walking over to Buffy. "I'm fine," she reassured, smiling.
Takina nodded and Xander continued. "Buffy, I know I haven't been around much lately..."
No speech, Buffy thought. Please no speech. "It's OK, Xander."
"No. It's not." He sank to his knees in front of her. "Part of that is me being stupid. About Spike."
The words hit Buffy but she couldn't fully appreciate the apology because of the throbbing pain in her back and the thumping heart. Xander continued anyway.
"Part of it is because I'm seeing someone," he said sweetly.
Buffy snapped out of it and looked at him wide eyed. "What?"
"Takina, actually," he answered, standing up and wrapping his arms around the tall, dark haired woman.
Buffy sat in stunned silence a moment. Suddenly, a streak of fur caught her eye. "Pony!" She screamed as the giant dog raced out the still open door. Buffy struggled up as Takina darted towards the entry hall after him. Just as Buffy made it upright, a small voice came from the corner.
"Xander?"
Xander spun towards the voice. Towards the kitchen. Takina stopped dead, doorknob in her hand. Buffy's heart rate went through the roof and she gasped for air trying to think of how she could manage this.
"Anya?" Xander's voice was detached, confused. Full of relief and anger and hurt, all in the same instant.
Forgetting about the dog, Takina stepped back into the room, staring at the frightened looking blonde girl in the corner. Anya stood, arms crossed, eyes full of tears, staring back at them.
"Oh God," Buffy muttered, feeling weak. Afraid.
"Anya," Xander repeated quietly. "You... you died..."
Anya nodded. "I came back," she answered, her voice quaking, tears spilling from her eyes. Takina stared awkwardly between the two of them.
Xander swung his head towards Buffy. "You... you knew? You didn't tell me?"
"Xander, I..." Buffy started, knowing that there would be no reason good enough. No justification. Her head pounded and her body clenched around itself. "I just found out."
"When were you going to tell me, hunh?" Xander snapped. "Christmas? Easter?"
Buffy's mind froze. "She doesn't like bunnies, so Easter's out," she muttered. When in doubt, try to make a funny. Not good timing, Buff, she thought.
"Jokes, not so good," Xander hissed. Takina put a hand on his shoulder and she shrugged it off. "Buffy, how could you?" His face was tortured and guilt crashed into her, swimming around with fear and pain.
Suddenly, another knock came at the door. It had blown mostly closed in the slight breeze. Buffy struggled to control her body, her mind. "I need... I need to get the door."
Takina watched her, nagging concern in gnawing at the back of her mind as Buffy walked gingerly towards the door. She was in obvious pain, but Takina wasn't sure if it was stiffness or something else.
"Yes," Buffy whispered absently as she swung the door open.
His head was down, scratching the dog's ears. She couldn't see his face. "I found this fella running after a Yorkie down the block and his tag says..."
The Captain raised his head and looked at her. His eyes widened. It was Buffy. But she was... The part of him that was still human pleaded with his body to run, to leave her and her baby alone, but instead, a slow grin broke upon his face.
Buffy's face grew deathly pale, her body shuddering, pain coursing through her in waves. Her hand slapped over her parched lips and Takina noticed her trembling.
"Riley?" Buffy gasped as she fell to her knees on the floor.
To be contd.