Good afternoon:)
Well, I made it again. Truly starting to feel like I might have the hang of this deadline thing. Shouldn't speak to soon, hunh? But this one is ready and waiting.
In response to the *tons* of emails that I single handedly caused the clearing of many store's kleenex shelves in the last few chapters, I shuffled a bit and gave you a chapter of non-angsty, unadulerated, mush. The good side, you get one chapter of S/B loving. The down side, you will be all the more whapped on the head when the next chapter comes out and the angst hits you all the harder. Just when you started to feel safe:)
Next chapter out on Monday. Enjoy the fluff 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: While You Were Sleeping (Time - Chapter Nine)
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 and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set directly after One Tiny Moment. Spike tells Buffy what happened while she was sleeping. But how will she react. Also, Emma questions her father about her place in their family Takina delivers a surprise to Buffy while she visits with Spike and Emma.
While You Were Sleeping
Spike stood outside of her room, breathing. In. Out. In. Out. She didn't know. She had no idea of any of this beyond collapsing at the house. Buffy had fallen asleep in pain, but with her child safely inside of her. When she wakes up, he'll be gone. Frightened. She'll be afraid.
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather..." Takina began, watching him muster up the courage to walk through the door.
"No." His voice was definitive. "Should be me. 'Sides, she's the Slayer. You want to face her when she's afraid and brassed off?"
Takina chuckled, gesturing at the door. "Have at it."
Spike smiled at her. He liked the girl. Honest. Forthright. "Hope you can teach Harris some manners," he quipped, watching Takina's face blank.
"How...how did you...?"
"Oh, please," Spike groaned. "I'd recognize the longing looks and furtive glances a block off."
She blushed her response. "He knows. That I.."
"That you're a demon?" Spike said. "You can say it. Not a dirty word. Not really, at least."
"Yeah," she answered, looking at the door, then back at Spike.
"And he stayed?" His face showed his genuine surprise.
"That he did," Takina answered, blushing again.
Spike reached for the door handle. "And here I thought you'd only worked one miracle today."
*****
Buffy's head lolled restlessly back and forth as Spike entered the room. He walked to her bed, forgoing the chair and slipping softly onto the edge. She looked so tiny under all of those blankets. Not some larger than life superhero. Just Buffy.
Ha, he laughed to himself. That's like saying 'Just Sunshine'.
Buffy moaned, her face contorting in a grimace and her head still shaking as if some nasty haunted her sleep. Slowly, he leaned forward, cupping her cheek in his palm. She stilled, quieting, eyelids flickering but not quite opening to him.
"Buffy? Love?" Spike whispered, kissing her forehead tenderly. He felt her relax, and then begin to swim her way to the surface.
"Spike?" She moaned, groggy from the anesthesia, but at least coherent.
"Right here, Pet," he answered, his thumb skimming over her cheek. "Always here."
Buffy's eyes opened and she smiled. "Hey."
"Hello," he answered, returning her grin and backing up enough to study her face. The loss of contact made them both shudder. He found her hand and let his thumb trace the contours of her palm.
"Where am I?" Buffy asked, trying to focus her hazy green eyes.
"Hospital," he answered. "Can't tell by the lovely vomit green walls?" Spike smiled down at her again, watching her struggle back to the harsh light of day.
She crinkled her nose. "Oh God. No vomit talk," she whimpered, chuckling. Instinctively, her hand went over her stomach as her nose crinkled at the thought.
Spike stopped, steeling himself, watching her face change. Suddenly, she went from blissfully, if nauseatingly, unaware to absolute, alert horror. His grip on her hand tightened as reality came crashing down on her and confusion played around her eyes and the corners of her mouth. The confusion soon replaced by despair.
"Buffy, Love, it's all right," Spike began, his voice both nervous and soothing in the same instant.
"What happened?" She was trembling, panicky.
"Shh, Love," he whispered, leaning forward again, stroking her hair. "Everything's fine."
Buffy planted a palm in his chest and shoved him away. He rocked back and steadied, looking down at her horrified face. "Everything's *not* fine. What happened to my baby? Where is he? What.." The anger was melting faster than she could produce it. "What did I do?" Her voice was quaking, almost inaudible. Tears began to roll in silver rivers down her cheeks.
Oh God, Spike thought. She thinks... "Buffy," he soothed, managing to stretch himself out next to her on the bed. He took her shaking arms and tucked them against her sides, and then pulled her tightly against him. The tears rained down as if the world had suddenly ceased to be.
"Spike," she wailed between her sobs.
"Shh, Pet," he whispered, kissing salty tears from her cheeks. "Everything's fine. You're fine. Baby is fine."
Buffy stopped, craning her head towards him, nose to nose on the pillow. "He... he's alive?"
Spike brushed her hair from her face; letting his lips touch hers as softly as butterfly wings. "He's doing well," Spike answered. "Wee thing, but he's perfect."
Her smile was more beautiful to him than any sunrise in all of history. "You've seen him?"
Spike nodded, his nose touching hers as he moved. "That I have, Pet. But I... I didn't hold him. Thought you should be the one."
Buffy leaned forward, pressing her lips hard against his. "Really? He's okay?" Her mouth stayed on his and he could feel her breath blow against his tongue.
"Love, he's beautiful," Spike answered. "Or should I say handsome?"
Buffy giggled against his soft lips. "You.. You didn't hold him?"
Spike shook his head slowly. "S'for you, Pet. You took the beating. You should be the first."
"When... when can I see him?"
"Soon as you're checked out. Bit of a close call. No time, I'm sure. Promise," Spike answered, feeling her heart slowing its frantic pace against him.
The tears rained down her cheeks again, but this time they weren't filled with horror and despair. "I love you, Spike," she whispered, brushing his lips again.
"Always, Pet," he answered, his hand on the back of her head, pulling her face closer into his.
"Everyday." Her voice was music in the darkness of life. She melted against him, hands touching, lips, foreheads, minds, hearts. Of two beings, there is but one soul.
*****
The waiting room had become a completely different place when Spike came back to it from the inside. The surgeon had returned to check on Buffy and had asked for privacy. Spike had to chuckle at that. Surgeon was a smart bloke. Must have had some concept of what they'd done to get her in this mess to start with. There wasn't a part of Buffy he hadn't experienced with all five senses, and a spare. That, he'd made sure of.
But he left her and returned to the rest of the entourage. Takina must have beaten him to the punch, as the mood was that of a birthday party rather than a funeral. In reality, that is what it was. A birthday.
Xander had ordered a pizza. Dawn was yapping on a pay phone. Giles and Anya spoke lovingly in a corner. Willow and Cyrus were chatting and laughing about something probably so intellectual that no one else in the room would have found it intelligible, much less amusing. And Tara was stretched out on a blanket on the floor playing with several stuffed toys and a giggling Emma.
"So, I suppose you've all been told," Spike's voice boomed as he walked into the room, trying to conceal his own pride and pleasure.
All voices stopped. Dawn's abruptly hung up the phone and she stood, looking at the man who'd come to be like her brother. A smile broke over her face. One of those contagious numbers with lots of teeth and dimples.
"YAY!" She squealed, running at Spike and nearly tackling him to the tile. "Yay! Yay! Yay!" Spike had to laugh as she jumped in place while her arms strangled his neck.
"Easy, Niblet," he chuckled, grabbing her forearms before she popped his head clean off.
"She's awake?" Giles asked, a relieved little smile playing over his lips. Spike nodded over Dawn's bouncing head.
"Alright, then?" Cyrus asked.
"Have a bruise on my chest. She must be feeling fairly well," Spike joked, rubbing the spot where Buffy had shoved him.
"Can we go see the baby now?" Dawn babbled, hopping a step back to face him.
Spike looked at her with perfect blue eyes. "Think we should let your sis have her moment first, don't you? Mean, she didn't quite get the hugs and puppies this go round."
Dawn looked faintly disappointed, but her smile returned all the same. "Alright," she whined.
"So, how does he look, Spike?" Tara asked from her spot on the floor.
"Tiny," Spike responded. "Handsome chap. Must take after his dad."
Xander groaned, his mouth full of pizza. "Spike, you're using up all your Be-Nice-to-Spike points in like a ten second span."
"Give him a break," Willow defended, grinning up at the Vampire.
"Why thank you, Red," Spike chirped, his smile now inescapable.
"Besides, he is kind of hot," Tara directed at Xander, nudging Willow's foot. Spike smirked at her sarcasm, dropping down on the floor next to the girls.
"How's my first baby?" He asked, looking over at Emma.
"Hi, Daddy," she answered smiling. That smile could melt glaciers, Spike thought. "Mommy and Will'em right rain."
Tara giggled. "Teaching her Brit-speak already?"
Spike smirked again. "S'right, Mite. You understand you aren't the only baby now, do you?"
"I'm the big girl," Emma said, somewhat indignantly, planting little hands on her hips like a miniature Buffy. Spike had to chuckle.
"That you are, Pet," Spike agreed, scooping her up.
She looked at him, studying his face as if she were older than time itself. "Will you and Mommy still love me?"
Spike blinked at her, eyes wide with shock. The room quieted, waiting. Spike stood up, balancing her on his hip, and brushed the wild blonde tumble of locks from her face. "Of course," he answered, loud enough for the rest to hear. "You'll always be my girl," he continued into her ear.
Emma giggled, her eyes as bright as stars. "Daddy's girl."
Oh, here we go, Spike thought. Another one winding me round their finger. "I will love you Always, Mite," Spike told her, watching her pretty face dance and light up the room.
Then she shocked him, going for the emotional jugular. "Everyday, Daddy?"
He smiled. Emma paid better attention than they knew. Would definitely have to watch what was said in more uninhibited moments in the room next to hers.
"Everyday, Mite," he agreed, kissing the tip of her nose.
*****
"Spike?" Takina's voice chimed from the doorway.
He was stretched out on the floor next to Tara, indulging Emma's fascinating game of something involving the deluge of stuffed toys the hospital staff had brought to her. "Yeah?" he asked, looking up. Takina giggled. He was holding a plush pig in his right hand and a stethoscope in his left. "Wha?" He asked her, shaking his head.
"Oh, nothing," Takina chuckled. "Just never seen a Vampire playing doctor with a stuffed pig, a toddler and the Good Witch."
Tara smiled, looking over at Spike and laughing. "You do look funny," she contributed.
Spike rose to his feet, dusting himself off indignantly. "Man's gotta make concessions," he lectured. "For the good of the tot and all."
"I think it's sweet," Takina cooed.
"Very cute," Tara agreed, baiting him further.
Spike stiffened, feeling his manliness at issue. "Sod off! Not cute. Manly." He looked at the stuffed pig in his hand and tossed it down onto the floor with disgust.
"Quite," Takina joked, broad grin on her face. "Anyway, Buffy's asking for you."
Spike became serious, tensing as if ready to attack. "She alright?"
"Fine. Restless," Takina answered. "Might do her some good to have a bit of company."
Spike walked towards her and then stopped, looking back to the group in the waiting room. "You think it's be alright if I took Emma with me?"
The doctor smiled. "Yeah," she answered. "But no more than two at a time. Besides," she whispered, "Think Emma might want to meet her brother."
Spike looked at her, his head tilting. "He's up here?"
"I'm off to get him now," Takina said quietly. "Haven't told her though. I thought she could use a pleasant surprise for once."
A look of relief and of joy crossed Spike's face. "Thank you. Think she'd love that."
"Grab Emma and head back. Be back in a few," Takina said, patting him on the shoulder. Spike walked back to the spot on the floor, scooping the little girl from the blanket she had been playing on.
"Ready to see your Mum?" Spike asked, pulling her shirt down and tucking her against his side.
"Mommy!" The little girl cheered, clapping. Spike chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Say goodbye to Tara," Spike whispered in Emma's ear.
Emma looked down at the woman stretched on the floor, gathering herself and becoming very serious. "Terribly sorry. Have to go see my Mummy." Spike looked at Emma, shocked, an eyebrow raised in her direction.
"Quite alright," Tara answered in her best Queen of England voice. "I'll keep them company." The grin played along Tara's lips as she tried to be serious for Emma's sake.
"Thank you," the little girl answered, her voice stately and clear. She looked up at Spike. "Daddy?"
"Oh," Spike chuckled. "Of course. Your chariot awaits, Princess."
*****
Spike pushed the door open with his free hand, hanging onto the squirming tot with the other. Buffy was propped up now, looking restlessly about the room like she might explode if something didn't serve to distract her.
"Mommy!" Emma shouted, struggling towards the bed, nearly squirming out of Spike's grip. He managed to settle the girl over the edge of the bed before she broke free, scampering up the blankets to throw her arms around Buffy.
"Think somebody missed you a bit, Pet," Spike joked, leaning down to kiss Buffy's forehead.
"Hey there, baby girl," Buffy cooed, peppering Emma's face with kisses.
"I'm the big girl now," Emma retorted in her best 'Didn't-you-hear?' tone. Buffy glanced up at Spike.
He shrugged. "She's a bit chatty today."
"I see," Buffy commented. "Yes, you're the big girl." She agreed.
"But Daddy said you'd love me always," Emma continued in the lilting, child voice.
Buffy smiled. "Well, he's right." She leaned in and whispered in the girl's ear. "He's right about a lot of things, but don't tell him."
Spike smirked down at her as Emma giggled wildly, telling stories to her mother about her vast experiences in the waiting room, including Daddy and the pig. Buffy nodded intently, trying to hold back laughter, shooting Spike glances every so often that made her eyes dance and shine like emeralds in sunlight. They were beautiful, Spike thought. Perfect. His girls. Always.
Emma finally settled and curled herself between her mother's arm and side, lying nearly still and toying with Buffy's hair. A knock came at the door.
"Up for another visitor?" Takina called in.
Buffy looked over at Spike who was sitting on the edge of the bed, running his fingers over her calves and making the world melt away. "Think we're having a little family time," Buffy called back.
"Might be room for another, Pet," Spike commented, his hands tracing the soft undersides of her knees, then skimming to her ankles in lazy circuits.
Buffy sighed. "Sure," she finally called out. "The more the merrier."
The sound of wheels squeaking against the floor and several sets of shoes made Buffy crane her head towards the door. Sitting up was still too painful. A group of nurses wheeled in something she couldn't see, but Spike never even turned his head to look. Just watched her. Waiting.
Takina was blocking the cart and she turned, back to Buffy, leaning over. When she faced Buffy again, she held a tiny blue bundle, complete with pink face barely showing from one end.
A breath caught in Buffy's throat as she studied the scene a moment, trying to come to grips with it all. Trying to fathom that what the doctor held in her arms had been the same little boy that had been inside of her just a few hours ago. The same soul that had cared for her in the In Between. The tiny beautiful creature was her son. Theirs.
Tears started fresh, her pretty eyes wide in wonder. Emma watched nearly as intently, cuddling into the crook of Buffy's arm. "Will'em?" The little girl whispered.
"S'right, Mite," Spike said softly, moving up next to her. Buffy's hand fumbled for his and he grabbed it, feeling her tremble.
"Can... can I?" Buffy stuttered, reaching towards the boy.
"Of course," Takina whispered, carefully bringing the baby to Buffy. Slowly, she settled the boy in Buffy's arms and stepped back. "I'll give you a few minutes," she warned Spike. "He shouldn't be out too long, alright?"
Spike looked at the doctor, nodding, his own eyes wet from watching Buffy. The nurses and Takina left without another sound.
Gently, Spike disentangled Emma, freeing Buffy, and laid down next to them, Emma snuggled against his chest.
"You did well, Pet," Spike whispered, nuzzling Buffy's cheek. Tasting the salt of her tears.
"He's so tiny," Buffy answered, her voice all awe and wonder, her fingers tracing the baby's face.
"No doubt he'll grow," Spike snarked, kissing away a tear. She chuckled.
"He's alive," she gasped. "Real." Her face studied the boy. His blue eyes blinked up at her. Sleepy but alert. Watching her. Loving her. Buffy glanced over at Spike. "I wonder if this is what you looked like?"
"Don't think I was quite so perfect," Spike answered, settling his cheek against hers. Emma watched from her perch on Spike's chest.
Buffy turned back to the boy. "I don't know," she said softly. "You're pretty perfect to me."
Spike leaned across, kissing her lips softly on the way past, and pulling the blanket back just enough to see his son's face. "Let's hope he does a little better this time round." His fingers brushed the baby's chin.
"No dark alleys for you," Buffy warned, leaning down and planting a gentle kiss on the child's forehead. "We won't let anything happen to you," she continued, turning her head to look at Emma. "Either of you."
"No," Spike agreed. "We won't. Promise you that, Love."
She turned to Spike, "You ready?"
He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
Buffy shifted, pulling Emma towards her with one arm and gently offering the child with the other. Spike slid up against the pillows, a hand under the boy's head, an arm under his body, and took the boy against him, staring at his tiny, sleepy face.
Awe took over as he watched the boy. Amazement. Even doing this once before didn't take away the wonder of it. The thought of holding his child, knowing in his heart that this was one of the few truly amazing things he had done in all his existence. The embodiment of love. The product of his devotion, his adoration, of the One Girl in all the World.
Spike heard her breath hitch and looked to his love. She stared up at him, weeping, her eyes trapped in his. "Love," Spike whispered. "Don't cry."
She giggled through the tears, reaching up to touch his cheek. "You're one to talk."
Her fingers traced his lips and he tasted the salt of his tears. Of hers. Emma reached up, touching the baby with uncommon gentleness. Grace beyond her age. She scooted to her knees between her parents and Spike lowered the baby so she could see.
"Love you, baby," she whispered, brushing her lips against her brother's forehead. That was the end. Both Buffy and Spike turned into mush watching her love him.
Spike studied his daughter's face. Buffy's. William's. If every trial that they had ever suffered was necessary to bring them to this moment, it had all been worth it. For this... this was all he wanted. All he had ever wanted. To love. And to be loved.
To be contd.
Well, I made it again. Truly starting to feel like I might have the hang of this deadline thing. Shouldn't speak to soon, hunh? But this one is ready and waiting.
In response to the *tons* of emails that I single handedly caused the clearing of many store's kleenex shelves in the last few chapters, I shuffled a bit and gave you a chapter of non-angsty, unadulerated, mush. The good side, you get one chapter of S/B loving. The down side, you will be all the more whapped on the head when the next chapter comes out and the angst hits you all the harder. Just when you started to feel safe:)
Next chapter out on Monday. Enjoy the fluff 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: While You Were Sleeping (Time - Chapter Nine)
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 and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set directly after One Tiny Moment. Spike tells Buffy what happened while she was sleeping. But how will she react. Also, Emma questions her father about her place in their family Takina delivers a surprise to Buffy while she visits with Spike and Emma.
While You Were Sleeping
Spike stood outside of her room, breathing. In. Out. In. Out. She didn't know. She had no idea of any of this beyond collapsing at the house. Buffy had fallen asleep in pain, but with her child safely inside of her. When she wakes up, he'll be gone. Frightened. She'll be afraid.
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather..." Takina began, watching him muster up the courage to walk through the door.
"No." His voice was definitive. "Should be me. 'Sides, she's the Slayer. You want to face her when she's afraid and brassed off?"
Takina chuckled, gesturing at the door. "Have at it."
Spike smiled at her. He liked the girl. Honest. Forthright. "Hope you can teach Harris some manners," he quipped, watching Takina's face blank.
"How...how did you...?"
"Oh, please," Spike groaned. "I'd recognize the longing looks and furtive glances a block off."
She blushed her response. "He knows. That I.."
"That you're a demon?" Spike said. "You can say it. Not a dirty word. Not really, at least."
"Yeah," she answered, looking at the door, then back at Spike.
"And he stayed?" His face showed his genuine surprise.
"That he did," Takina answered, blushing again.
Spike reached for the door handle. "And here I thought you'd only worked one miracle today."
*****
Buffy's head lolled restlessly back and forth as Spike entered the room. He walked to her bed, forgoing the chair and slipping softly onto the edge. She looked so tiny under all of those blankets. Not some larger than life superhero. Just Buffy.
Ha, he laughed to himself. That's like saying 'Just Sunshine'.
Buffy moaned, her face contorting in a grimace and her head still shaking as if some nasty haunted her sleep. Slowly, he leaned forward, cupping her cheek in his palm. She stilled, quieting, eyelids flickering but not quite opening to him.
"Buffy? Love?" Spike whispered, kissing her forehead tenderly. He felt her relax, and then begin to swim her way to the surface.
"Spike?" She moaned, groggy from the anesthesia, but at least coherent.
"Right here, Pet," he answered, his thumb skimming over her cheek. "Always here."
Buffy's eyes opened and she smiled. "Hey."
"Hello," he answered, returning her grin and backing up enough to study her face. The loss of contact made them both shudder. He found her hand and let his thumb trace the contours of her palm.
"Where am I?" Buffy asked, trying to focus her hazy green eyes.
"Hospital," he answered. "Can't tell by the lovely vomit green walls?" Spike smiled down at her again, watching her struggle back to the harsh light of day.
She crinkled her nose. "Oh God. No vomit talk," she whimpered, chuckling. Instinctively, her hand went over her stomach as her nose crinkled at the thought.
Spike stopped, steeling himself, watching her face change. Suddenly, she went from blissfully, if nauseatingly, unaware to absolute, alert horror. His grip on her hand tightened as reality came crashing down on her and confusion played around her eyes and the corners of her mouth. The confusion soon replaced by despair.
"Buffy, Love, it's all right," Spike began, his voice both nervous and soothing in the same instant.
"What happened?" She was trembling, panicky.
"Shh, Love," he whispered, leaning forward again, stroking her hair. "Everything's fine."
Buffy planted a palm in his chest and shoved him away. He rocked back and steadied, looking down at her horrified face. "Everything's *not* fine. What happened to my baby? Where is he? What.." The anger was melting faster than she could produce it. "What did I do?" Her voice was quaking, almost inaudible. Tears began to roll in silver rivers down her cheeks.
Oh God, Spike thought. She thinks... "Buffy," he soothed, managing to stretch himself out next to her on the bed. He took her shaking arms and tucked them against her sides, and then pulled her tightly against him. The tears rained down as if the world had suddenly ceased to be.
"Spike," she wailed between her sobs.
"Shh, Pet," he whispered, kissing salty tears from her cheeks. "Everything's fine. You're fine. Baby is fine."
Buffy stopped, craning her head towards him, nose to nose on the pillow. "He... he's alive?"
Spike brushed her hair from her face; letting his lips touch hers as softly as butterfly wings. "He's doing well," Spike answered. "Wee thing, but he's perfect."
Her smile was more beautiful to him than any sunrise in all of history. "You've seen him?"
Spike nodded, his nose touching hers as he moved. "That I have, Pet. But I... I didn't hold him. Thought you should be the one."
Buffy leaned forward, pressing her lips hard against his. "Really? He's okay?" Her mouth stayed on his and he could feel her breath blow against his tongue.
"Love, he's beautiful," Spike answered. "Or should I say handsome?"
Buffy giggled against his soft lips. "You.. You didn't hold him?"
Spike shook his head slowly. "S'for you, Pet. You took the beating. You should be the first."
"When... when can I see him?"
"Soon as you're checked out. Bit of a close call. No time, I'm sure. Promise," Spike answered, feeling her heart slowing its frantic pace against him.
The tears rained down her cheeks again, but this time they weren't filled with horror and despair. "I love you, Spike," she whispered, brushing his lips again.
"Always, Pet," he answered, his hand on the back of her head, pulling her face closer into his.
"Everyday." Her voice was music in the darkness of life. She melted against him, hands touching, lips, foreheads, minds, hearts. Of two beings, there is but one soul.
*****
The waiting room had become a completely different place when Spike came back to it from the inside. The surgeon had returned to check on Buffy and had asked for privacy. Spike had to chuckle at that. Surgeon was a smart bloke. Must have had some concept of what they'd done to get her in this mess to start with. There wasn't a part of Buffy he hadn't experienced with all five senses, and a spare. That, he'd made sure of.
But he left her and returned to the rest of the entourage. Takina must have beaten him to the punch, as the mood was that of a birthday party rather than a funeral. In reality, that is what it was. A birthday.
Xander had ordered a pizza. Dawn was yapping on a pay phone. Giles and Anya spoke lovingly in a corner. Willow and Cyrus were chatting and laughing about something probably so intellectual that no one else in the room would have found it intelligible, much less amusing. And Tara was stretched out on a blanket on the floor playing with several stuffed toys and a giggling Emma.
"So, I suppose you've all been told," Spike's voice boomed as he walked into the room, trying to conceal his own pride and pleasure.
All voices stopped. Dawn's abruptly hung up the phone and she stood, looking at the man who'd come to be like her brother. A smile broke over her face. One of those contagious numbers with lots of teeth and dimples.
"YAY!" She squealed, running at Spike and nearly tackling him to the tile. "Yay! Yay! Yay!" Spike had to laugh as she jumped in place while her arms strangled his neck.
"Easy, Niblet," he chuckled, grabbing her forearms before she popped his head clean off.
"She's awake?" Giles asked, a relieved little smile playing over his lips. Spike nodded over Dawn's bouncing head.
"Alright, then?" Cyrus asked.
"Have a bruise on my chest. She must be feeling fairly well," Spike joked, rubbing the spot where Buffy had shoved him.
"Can we go see the baby now?" Dawn babbled, hopping a step back to face him.
Spike looked at her with perfect blue eyes. "Think we should let your sis have her moment first, don't you? Mean, she didn't quite get the hugs and puppies this go round."
Dawn looked faintly disappointed, but her smile returned all the same. "Alright," she whined.
"So, how does he look, Spike?" Tara asked from her spot on the floor.
"Tiny," Spike responded. "Handsome chap. Must take after his dad."
Xander groaned, his mouth full of pizza. "Spike, you're using up all your Be-Nice-to-Spike points in like a ten second span."
"Give him a break," Willow defended, grinning up at the Vampire.
"Why thank you, Red," Spike chirped, his smile now inescapable.
"Besides, he is kind of hot," Tara directed at Xander, nudging Willow's foot. Spike smirked at her sarcasm, dropping down on the floor next to the girls.
"How's my first baby?" He asked, looking over at Emma.
"Hi, Daddy," she answered smiling. That smile could melt glaciers, Spike thought. "Mommy and Will'em right rain."
Tara giggled. "Teaching her Brit-speak already?"
Spike smirked again. "S'right, Mite. You understand you aren't the only baby now, do you?"
"I'm the big girl," Emma said, somewhat indignantly, planting little hands on her hips like a miniature Buffy. Spike had to chuckle.
"That you are, Pet," Spike agreed, scooping her up.
She looked at him, studying his face as if she were older than time itself. "Will you and Mommy still love me?"
Spike blinked at her, eyes wide with shock. The room quieted, waiting. Spike stood up, balancing her on his hip, and brushed the wild blonde tumble of locks from her face. "Of course," he answered, loud enough for the rest to hear. "You'll always be my girl," he continued into her ear.
Emma giggled, her eyes as bright as stars. "Daddy's girl."
Oh, here we go, Spike thought. Another one winding me round their finger. "I will love you Always, Mite," Spike told her, watching her pretty face dance and light up the room.
Then she shocked him, going for the emotional jugular. "Everyday, Daddy?"
He smiled. Emma paid better attention than they knew. Would definitely have to watch what was said in more uninhibited moments in the room next to hers.
"Everyday, Mite," he agreed, kissing the tip of her nose.
*****
"Spike?" Takina's voice chimed from the doorway.
He was stretched out on the floor next to Tara, indulging Emma's fascinating game of something involving the deluge of stuffed toys the hospital staff had brought to her. "Yeah?" he asked, looking up. Takina giggled. He was holding a plush pig in his right hand and a stethoscope in his left. "Wha?" He asked her, shaking his head.
"Oh, nothing," Takina chuckled. "Just never seen a Vampire playing doctor with a stuffed pig, a toddler and the Good Witch."
Tara smiled, looking over at Spike and laughing. "You do look funny," she contributed.
Spike rose to his feet, dusting himself off indignantly. "Man's gotta make concessions," he lectured. "For the good of the tot and all."
"I think it's sweet," Takina cooed.
"Very cute," Tara agreed, baiting him further.
Spike stiffened, feeling his manliness at issue. "Sod off! Not cute. Manly." He looked at the stuffed pig in his hand and tossed it down onto the floor with disgust.
"Quite," Takina joked, broad grin on her face. "Anyway, Buffy's asking for you."
Spike became serious, tensing as if ready to attack. "She alright?"
"Fine. Restless," Takina answered. "Might do her some good to have a bit of company."
Spike walked towards her and then stopped, looking back to the group in the waiting room. "You think it's be alright if I took Emma with me?"
The doctor smiled. "Yeah," she answered. "But no more than two at a time. Besides," she whispered, "Think Emma might want to meet her brother."
Spike looked at her, his head tilting. "He's up here?"
"I'm off to get him now," Takina said quietly. "Haven't told her though. I thought she could use a pleasant surprise for once."
A look of relief and of joy crossed Spike's face. "Thank you. Think she'd love that."
"Grab Emma and head back. Be back in a few," Takina said, patting him on the shoulder. Spike walked back to the spot on the floor, scooping the little girl from the blanket she had been playing on.
"Ready to see your Mum?" Spike asked, pulling her shirt down and tucking her against his side.
"Mommy!" The little girl cheered, clapping. Spike chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Say goodbye to Tara," Spike whispered in Emma's ear.
Emma looked down at the woman stretched on the floor, gathering herself and becoming very serious. "Terribly sorry. Have to go see my Mummy." Spike looked at Emma, shocked, an eyebrow raised in her direction.
"Quite alright," Tara answered in her best Queen of England voice. "I'll keep them company." The grin played along Tara's lips as she tried to be serious for Emma's sake.
"Thank you," the little girl answered, her voice stately and clear. She looked up at Spike. "Daddy?"
"Oh," Spike chuckled. "Of course. Your chariot awaits, Princess."
*****
Spike pushed the door open with his free hand, hanging onto the squirming tot with the other. Buffy was propped up now, looking restlessly about the room like she might explode if something didn't serve to distract her.
"Mommy!" Emma shouted, struggling towards the bed, nearly squirming out of Spike's grip. He managed to settle the girl over the edge of the bed before she broke free, scampering up the blankets to throw her arms around Buffy.
"Think somebody missed you a bit, Pet," Spike joked, leaning down to kiss Buffy's forehead.
"Hey there, baby girl," Buffy cooed, peppering Emma's face with kisses.
"I'm the big girl now," Emma retorted in her best 'Didn't-you-hear?' tone. Buffy glanced up at Spike.
He shrugged. "She's a bit chatty today."
"I see," Buffy commented. "Yes, you're the big girl." She agreed.
"But Daddy said you'd love me always," Emma continued in the lilting, child voice.
Buffy smiled. "Well, he's right." She leaned in and whispered in the girl's ear. "He's right about a lot of things, but don't tell him."
Spike smirked down at her as Emma giggled wildly, telling stories to her mother about her vast experiences in the waiting room, including Daddy and the pig. Buffy nodded intently, trying to hold back laughter, shooting Spike glances every so often that made her eyes dance and shine like emeralds in sunlight. They were beautiful, Spike thought. Perfect. His girls. Always.
Emma finally settled and curled herself between her mother's arm and side, lying nearly still and toying with Buffy's hair. A knock came at the door.
"Up for another visitor?" Takina called in.
Buffy looked over at Spike who was sitting on the edge of the bed, running his fingers over her calves and making the world melt away. "Think we're having a little family time," Buffy called back.
"Might be room for another, Pet," Spike commented, his hands tracing the soft undersides of her knees, then skimming to her ankles in lazy circuits.
Buffy sighed. "Sure," she finally called out. "The more the merrier."
The sound of wheels squeaking against the floor and several sets of shoes made Buffy crane her head towards the door. Sitting up was still too painful. A group of nurses wheeled in something she couldn't see, but Spike never even turned his head to look. Just watched her. Waiting.
Takina was blocking the cart and she turned, back to Buffy, leaning over. When she faced Buffy again, she held a tiny blue bundle, complete with pink face barely showing from one end.
A breath caught in Buffy's throat as she studied the scene a moment, trying to come to grips with it all. Trying to fathom that what the doctor held in her arms had been the same little boy that had been inside of her just a few hours ago. The same soul that had cared for her in the In Between. The tiny beautiful creature was her son. Theirs.
Tears started fresh, her pretty eyes wide in wonder. Emma watched nearly as intently, cuddling into the crook of Buffy's arm. "Will'em?" The little girl whispered.
"S'right, Mite," Spike said softly, moving up next to her. Buffy's hand fumbled for his and he grabbed it, feeling her tremble.
"Can... can I?" Buffy stuttered, reaching towards the boy.
"Of course," Takina whispered, carefully bringing the baby to Buffy. Slowly, she settled the boy in Buffy's arms and stepped back. "I'll give you a few minutes," she warned Spike. "He shouldn't be out too long, alright?"
Spike looked at the doctor, nodding, his own eyes wet from watching Buffy. The nurses and Takina left without another sound.
Gently, Spike disentangled Emma, freeing Buffy, and laid down next to them, Emma snuggled against his chest.
"You did well, Pet," Spike whispered, nuzzling Buffy's cheek. Tasting the salt of her tears.
"He's so tiny," Buffy answered, her voice all awe and wonder, her fingers tracing the baby's face.
"No doubt he'll grow," Spike snarked, kissing away a tear. She chuckled.
"He's alive," she gasped. "Real." Her face studied the boy. His blue eyes blinked up at her. Sleepy but alert. Watching her. Loving her. Buffy glanced over at Spike. "I wonder if this is what you looked like?"
"Don't think I was quite so perfect," Spike answered, settling his cheek against hers. Emma watched from her perch on Spike's chest.
Buffy turned back to the boy. "I don't know," she said softly. "You're pretty perfect to me."
Spike leaned across, kissing her lips softly on the way past, and pulling the blanket back just enough to see his son's face. "Let's hope he does a little better this time round." His fingers brushed the baby's chin.
"No dark alleys for you," Buffy warned, leaning down and planting a gentle kiss on the child's forehead. "We won't let anything happen to you," she continued, turning her head to look at Emma. "Either of you."
"No," Spike agreed. "We won't. Promise you that, Love."
She turned to Spike, "You ready?"
He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
Buffy shifted, pulling Emma towards her with one arm and gently offering the child with the other. Spike slid up against the pillows, a hand under the boy's head, an arm under his body, and took the boy against him, staring at his tiny, sleepy face.
Awe took over as he watched the boy. Amazement. Even doing this once before didn't take away the wonder of it. The thought of holding his child, knowing in his heart that this was one of the few truly amazing things he had done in all his existence. The embodiment of love. The product of his devotion, his adoration, of the One Girl in all the World.
Spike heard her breath hitch and looked to his love. She stared up at him, weeping, her eyes trapped in his. "Love," Spike whispered. "Don't cry."
She giggled through the tears, reaching up to touch his cheek. "You're one to talk."
Her fingers traced his lips and he tasted the salt of his tears. Of hers. Emma reached up, touching the baby with uncommon gentleness. Grace beyond her age. She scooted to her knees between her parents and Spike lowered the baby so she could see.
"Love you, baby," she whispered, brushing her lips against her brother's forehead. That was the end. Both Buffy and Spike turned into mush watching her love him.
Spike studied his daughter's face. Buffy's. William's. If every trial that they had ever suffered was necessary to bring them to this moment, it had all been worth it. For this... this was all he wanted. All he had ever wanted. To love. And to be loved.
To be contd.