Good evening, All:)
Well, here it is... the final chapter of Time. Yes, there is still an epilogue to follow, which I will release on Thursday. If you are interested in the more adult version (yes there will be an NC version of the epilogue by popular demand), please send me an email before Thursday evening and I will be sure to send a copy your way.
The story of Time will be wrapped up below. I do hope you have enjoyed the journey. Please do let me know, and also be sure to tell me if you would like to see the story continue.
I will include my thank you's and some comments in the author's note before the Epilogue on Thursday. It's hard to see the story come to an end. I do hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.
Thank you endlessly for reading my story.
*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: Innocence Found (Time - Chapter Twenty-Five)
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 immediately following Armour. The battle is over, but will Buffy survive? Emma returns to them, but will she be able to reach William? The last chapter of Time save for the Epilogue.
Innocence Found
Spike looked around, his eyes heavy and exhausted. They were back to where they had started this endless day. Almost 24 hours later. That was all.
Twenty-Four hours. It had felt like a year.
The sterile green walls had not become any more soothing. The world had not become an easier place. Emma was safe. Buffy and the baby were still in danger. It was the same spot he'd been in when he first arrived in this waiting room. When he first sat three chairs up from Xander Harris.
Except this time Harris was in worse shape. Had loved ones of his own to fret over.
"How do you do this, Spike?" Xander finally said, turning his head towards the Vampire. Emma was barely awake, hanging onto her father like a frightened baby animal.
"Do what, Mate?" Spike answered, holding onto Emma as tightly as she held onto him.
"This," Xander answered, eyes spilling over and gesturing at the waiting room. "Wait. Wait to see if one of you survives. Wait to see if your heart doesn't stay broken forever. Wait to see your whole life isn't just.. over."
Spike nodded. "You love the girl then?"
Xander nodded, trails of tears slipping down his full cheeks.
"Good," Spike answered, smelling the soft scent of vanilla from the baby in his lap. It reminded him of her mum. "Then you just do."
"Just what?" Xander asked.
"Wait. Love. Whatever you have to. Granted, I don't imagine that you'll be doing half as much of this as we do. Sort of a life hazard being Chosen Ones," Spike quipped. "But when it happens, you just ... wait."
"I used to envy Buffy. And you," Xander said quietly. "Buffy because she has all this strength and speed and intelligence and ... she's beautiful... funny. You because you're what she wanted. Who she wanted. Takina's still working on me..."
Spike chuckled. "S'alright. Think I'd likely have a coronary were you completely demon friendly."
"The point being is that I'm not so jealous anymore. I mean, I am of what you have... I mean... they don't make love like that in the 21st century, ya know?"
"Seems we sort of dragged it along a bit, Mate," Spike answered. "Didn't exactly meet in a bar downtown and end up happily ever after."
"I know," Xander said. "But I don't envy what the whole Chosen One gig entails. Sure the speed and cool kung fu maneuvers are a nifty bonus, but if I had to wait like this as much as you, I would give it all back."
Spike sighed, watching Emma's eyes drift shut against her pretty golden face. "No, Harris. Waiting or no, I wouldn't change a second. Not any of the prophesies. Not any of the hurt or the wounds or the waiting. If every moment I've existed has led me here, then I consider myself a lucky bloke. No matter what we do, seems tomorrow always comes for us. Sometimes, some days are just a bit longer than others."
"Xander Harris?" A soft, female voice called from the end of the room.
"That's me," Xander said standing up.
The pretty nurse smiled. "If you want to come with me, Takina's awake. We've got her up in a room for observation, but she's going to be ok."
Xander glanced at Spike, a big glowing grin parting the tears like Moses parting the Sea.
"Well, go then," Spike quipped, nodding his head at the boy. "Be off and make yourself a happy ending."
"You... you going to be alright?" Xander asked. Century old Vampire or not, leaving him alone in the waiting room, shadowed by sterile green and soundless walls, just seemed, inhumane.
"Fine," Spike answered. "Go see your girl."
Xander nodded, bounding off after the nurse into the hallway.
*****
"Spike?" He felt a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him. "Spike?"
"What, what is it?" Spike answered, opening his tired eyes and looking into Tara's. "Everything alright?" He sat up in the chair where he'd fallen asleep, Emma sprawled along his chest.
"Buffy's still in surgery," Tara answered softly. "Nothing yet. But I think we're ready for Emma."
"Emma?" Spike answered. "What do you mean?"
"Takina was awake enough to make up some story to the doctors about how Emma should be able to visit Will. Didn't Giles explain?" Tara whispered, trying not to be overheard.
"Not much time for Watcher length explanations," Spike answered, watching the little girl start to swim back to the world around her.
"I'll explain on the way down, but... we found Will trapped in a spell. He'll be OK there, but only Emma can retrieve him and bring him back," Tara answered, leaning down to pick up the girl. Spike's arms wrapped around her protectively.
"Wait," he said softly. "Will she be in any danger?"
Tara shook her head, smiling softly at the gesture. "Spike," she sighed.
"She might as well be my blood too. I wouldn't do anything dangerous."
Spike nodded, studying the girl. Don't think Glenda has a mean bone in her, he thought. "Mind if I come along? Going a bit insane in this room."
"Course not," Tara answered, lending a hand to him. He took it, pulling himself up, hanging onto Emma with the other.
"It's OK, Daddy," Emma whispered against his cheek. "Queen's my friend."
Spike looked at her, quirking an eyebrow, but let it drop. Stranger things than this had happened. Even stranger to come.
*****
Spike sat in a chair, Emma sitting primly on his legs. She asked for him to stay with her and there was nothing that the little girl wanted he wouldn't give. Not now. She'd been through enough. So he sat with her facing the incubator as the nurse gently unhooked William from every wire and monitor.
Carefully, the nurse pulled the little blanketed bundle from his box. Emma held out her arms. Spike slid his underneath hers, just in case. The nurse settled Will against his sister, and then left silently as Anya and Tara had asked.
"You sure bout this?" Spike asked, his hand cradling the child's head as Emma held his body on her own.
"Yeah," Tara answered. "It's the only way to get him back."
"And Emma?" Spike asked.
Anya put a hand on her shoulder. "She can pass freely through any dimension. Any time. And she can enter and leave the Queen's chamber at will."
"Right then," Spike said, nodding at the women. "Do what you need to."
The two women stood on either side of the chair, their hands clasped in front and behind Spike and Emma. Quietly, they began to chant, opening the door to Time and letting Emma through. Spike felt a rush of warm wind across his face and suddenly he was standing, a teenaged girl next to him, holding his hand.
"You alright, Dad?" The girl asked. Her voice was rich and lyrical and sweet. Startling blue eyes set off her golden skin and the scent of vanilla was stronger than ever.
"Emma?" Spike asked.
She smiled in response. "Time does funny things," she answered, squeezing his hand.
"Was I supposed to come with you, Mite?" Spike asked as she began to walk, leading him forward.
Emma shook her head. "No. But I thought you might want to come along for the ride. See my home."
"Your home?" Spike asked, trailing the girl. She was angelic, bathed in a white glow, her white silk dress trailing the misted floor as she walked gracefully in front of him.
"Before you and mum," she answered.
"Thought you were part of the Powers," Spike asked, following the girl blindly. As he walked, he noticed that the ground beneath them wasn't misty. It was clouds. It looked as if they walked along the summer sky.
"I was. I am," she corrected. "This is where they live. Or at least some of them. There are more than a few."
"H... heaven?" Spike stuttered. Now *that's* a place he never fancied himself seeing.
Emma chuckled. "Not quite. There are Queens of the Earth, the Sky, the Wind. Winter, Summer, Lakes, Rivers. They are all part of the Powers that Be, Dad."
"So, where do you fit in then, Mite?" Spike asked, as she hopped a small crevice in the ground. He wondered as he leapt after her if he would plummet to the Earth were he to misjudge the gap.
"I am Peace. A daughter of the Powers, so to speak. But I reside in the court of the Queen of the Sky. She was my guardian before I was Earthbound. Before they sent me to you and mum," Emma explained.
Spike looked around, overwhelmed at the vastness of it all. "Do you ... miss this?" It was beautiful here. Peaceful. Quiet.
Emma smiled, letting her head fall onto his shoulder. "Sometimes. Not as noisy and bright here," she began. "But it's much more interesting with you."
Spike chuckled. "We're nothing if not interesting, Pet."
A door appeared in front of them as if from thin air. Spike could see it stretch about five stories up before it disappeared into fluffy white clouds and brilliant blue sky the same colour as Emma's eyes. Emma stopped, turning towards her father. "You'll have to wait here," she said softly, letting go of his hands. "They don't even like foreign entities this close, but I thought you were pretty safe since they sent me to you."
"So now you tell me they can strike me down with fire and brimstone," Spike snarked, smiling at her.
"Nah, that's the Queen of Fire," Emma answered. "Queen of the Sky can just make you plummet back down to Earth."
Spike stepped closer to what looked like solid ground. Emma giggled. "Just wait. I'll be back."
She stood in front of the door, falling to one knee and it opened just enough for her to squeeze through, but not enough for Spike to see inside.
"And I thought we had strange things going round at home," Spike mumbled to himself.
It was mere moments before Emma reappeared at the door, three figures behind her. The four of them slipped through to where Spike stood. Emma was holding tight to the hand of a boy of maybe sixteen. Spike knew him immediately. Knew himself immediately. Sandy brown hair and sharp blue eyes. Cheekbones high and prominent. William. Him.
The two behind were dressed in white. The woman was too beautiful for description. Blonde and sunny, a wreathe of flowers in her golden hair. The man was tall and handsome, his arm wrapped around the woman's waist. Spike stared at them in awe.
"Dad," Emma whispered, nudging him. "It's not polite to stare."
Spike shook his head, focusing on Emma. "Right, sorry," he answered, looking at her dancing blue eyes.
"This is the King and Queen of the Sky," Emma announced, moving enough for Spike to look upon them. Their beauty was breathtaking. Unearthly. Unreal. Spike nodded his response, not sure what to say. Emma grabbed his wrist before he offered a hand, shaking her head. Must not be polite to touch them, he thought.
"You will find your boy well taken care of," the man's voice boomed cheerfully.
"He has been our pleasure," the woman chimed, her voice like harp music in Spike's ears.
"Thank you," Spike managed to form, looking at the boy. William smiled a quirky grin. Spike shook his head, finding it nearly impossible to watch him without wondering if he was just looking in a mirror.
"No," the woman said softly, bringing Spike back to her. "Thank you for protecting Pe... Emma," she continued, leaning forward and kissing Spike's cheek softly. It felt as if rose petals brushed his skin.
Spike nodded reverently. "We should get going, Dad," Emma said, taking his hand in hers, William on her opposite side. "Thank you, my Queen," she continued, curtseying quickly in front of the pair.
The Queen smiled at her. "You are us. All of you. We protect our own."
Emma nodded, then turned, starting back down the path her brother and father on either side.
*****
A gasp escaped his lips a he 'awoke' in the chair, Emma leaned against his chest, the baby crying quietly in their arms. The nurse rushed in at the sound, carefully taking the kicking child from Emma and setting him gently in a bassinet. She ran to the phone calling Dr. Lawrence.
Spike looked over at the boy and William quieted, his blue eyes wide and a bit afraid. Emma crawled across her father's lap, leaning over the edge of the chair and gently touching the boy's face. William calmed, giggling.
"Will'em OK, Daddy," Emma laughed as the boy began to suck on her little finger. "See?"
"That I do,Mite," Spike answered, smiling down at the girl. "You did well."
"You weren't supposed to go," Tara said softly, shrugging.
Spike turned to the women. "I think Emma had something to show me," he answered, holding onto Emma's waist.
The nurse came back in the room, followed by a gaggle of white coats. "We need to check him out," she said, smiling softly at the small group.
Spike nodded, standing and pulling Emma up with him. "He's alright now."
The nurse cocked her head, studying his face. "I'm not sure what you did but..." Spike was silent, looking at the boy. "Buffy's in recovery," the nurse said. "You can see her now."
Spike's head spun towards her. "She alright, then?"
"Groggy. Feeling the repercussions of her escape act, but she'll be OK. Just really sore," the nurse said, smiling reassuringly.
Anya held out her arms. "Why don't we get Emma something to eat and you go visit Buffy. We'll bring her up in a few minutes."
Spike nodded, looking down at the girl. "You be alright, Mite?"
She giggled. "Fine," she chirped, seemingly refreshed from her trip home. She leaned towards Anya, letting the woman take her from Spike.
"Right then, " Spike said, straightening himself. "You'll bring her up?"
Tara nodded. "Just go, would you?"
*****
It seemed like the thousandth time that day he stood in front of the door to this particular hospital room. Read her name. Traced it with his fingers. This time, he hoped he wouldn't have to leave her. Just wanted to get them home.
Spike turned the knob and the door opened with a soft whoosh of air. "Buffy?"
Her eyes flickered open as he walked into the room. "Hi," she answered, her voice groggy but strong.
"Hello, Love," he said, smiling down at her and settling on the edge of the bed. "Had a rough day?"
"Ow," she whined, touching the bandages. "I guess the Slayer healing thing is over rated."
"I think you may have misjudged it a bit, Pet," he said smiling and stretching out next to her. His palm cupped her cheek, his eyes sincere. Worried. "You alright?"
Buffy nodded, swallowing. "Yeah, just... ow."
Spike smiled, letting his thumb trace her cheek. "You shouldn't have done that."
"Neither should you," she shot back, caught in his endless gaze.
"Touché," Spike whispered, letting his lips brush hers. "Don't need to remind you that you had a baby yesterday."
"It's tomorrow already?" Buffy asked, smiling softly.
Spike chuckled. "Feels as though it should be next year."
Her face became serious, her hand winding through his. "Are they alright?"
Spike nodded, kissing her nose. "Emma is wonderful. And she managed to find her way to Will. It's a rather long story that I'd be glad to tell you when you've rested a bit. But he seems to be right as rain."
Buffy smiled. The kind of smile that lit the darkened room and made his heart mend at the sight of it. "Good," she said quietly. "Can I see him?"
"I'll see what I can do," Spike answered. Just as he turned to find the phone there was a knock at the door.
"Yeah?" Buffy called, her voice gaining strength by the moment.
A nurse walked in, carrying a bundle. No box. No wires. Just a bundle.
"We checked him out," she said, smiling and looking at Spike. "I don't know what you did, but he's better than before... His lungs, his heart. Like a full term baby."
Buffy's arms shot out and Spike slid a hand behind her to help her reach for the child. The nurse carefully settled the boy in her arms, looking at him, then at Spike. "I'll leave you alone a minute. If you'd like, I'll have a crib brought up so he can stay in the room with her. We can keep an eye on him here."
"Thanks," Spike answered. "That'd be perfect."
Just as the nurse began out the door, a little figure slid in, running past her into the room.
"Spike?" Anya's voice called.
"We got her," Spike called back, catching Emma as she darted towards the bed and tried to climb up on her own. He pulled the little girl up, sitting her on his legs and turning back towards Buffy.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, but they were different this time. Gentle. Soft. She stared at the boy in awe, as if she'd never seen anything like the tiny face and quiet blue eyes. But she had. Buffy turned her head, looking at Spike. Studying him.
"It's OK now?" Buffy asked, cradling the boy against her. Spike watched her pretty face, her eyes glistening with tears.
"It's OK now," Spike confirmed, pulling her closer to him, burying his face in her hair. He could feel her cry softly, exhaustion, relief, happiness.
Whatever it was wasn't hurting her. Spike could feel her peace wash over him as she settled into his shoulder.
"It's never easy, is it?" Buffy asked, her fingers tracing the baby's face delicately.
"No, Love," Spike answered, feeling Emma stretch out between them, resting her head on his stomach. "But I'd like to think it's worth it."
Buffy smiled, looking at him. He was everything. Her world. Her true north. "It's worth it," she said, leaning closer, letting her lips brush his. They felt like rose petals against his skin. "I love you, Spike. Always."
He studied her face, losing himself in the emerald and jade of her eyes. "Everyday, Pet," he answered her, his lips touching hers once again.
The End. Epilogue to follow
Well, here it is... the final chapter of Time. Yes, there is still an epilogue to follow, which I will release on Thursday. If you are interested in the more adult version (yes there will be an NC version of the epilogue by popular demand), please send me an email before Thursday evening and I will be sure to send a copy your way.
The story of Time will be wrapped up below. I do hope you have enjoyed the journey. Please do let me know, and also be sure to tell me if you would like to see the story continue.
I will include my thank you's and some comments in the author's note before the Epilogue on Thursday. It's hard to see the story come to an end. I do hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.
Thank you endlessly for reading my story.
*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: Innocence Found (Time - Chapter Twenty-Five)
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 immediately following Armour. The battle is over, but will Buffy survive? Emma returns to them, but will she be able to reach William? The last chapter of Time save for the Epilogue.
Innocence Found
Spike looked around, his eyes heavy and exhausted. They were back to where they had started this endless day. Almost 24 hours later. That was all.
Twenty-Four hours. It had felt like a year.
The sterile green walls had not become any more soothing. The world had not become an easier place. Emma was safe. Buffy and the baby were still in danger. It was the same spot he'd been in when he first arrived in this waiting room. When he first sat three chairs up from Xander Harris.
Except this time Harris was in worse shape. Had loved ones of his own to fret over.
"How do you do this, Spike?" Xander finally said, turning his head towards the Vampire. Emma was barely awake, hanging onto her father like a frightened baby animal.
"Do what, Mate?" Spike answered, holding onto Emma as tightly as she held onto him.
"This," Xander answered, eyes spilling over and gesturing at the waiting room. "Wait. Wait to see if one of you survives. Wait to see if your heart doesn't stay broken forever. Wait to see your whole life isn't just.. over."
Spike nodded. "You love the girl then?"
Xander nodded, trails of tears slipping down his full cheeks.
"Good," Spike answered, smelling the soft scent of vanilla from the baby in his lap. It reminded him of her mum. "Then you just do."
"Just what?" Xander asked.
"Wait. Love. Whatever you have to. Granted, I don't imagine that you'll be doing half as much of this as we do. Sort of a life hazard being Chosen Ones," Spike quipped. "But when it happens, you just ... wait."
"I used to envy Buffy. And you," Xander said quietly. "Buffy because she has all this strength and speed and intelligence and ... she's beautiful... funny. You because you're what she wanted. Who she wanted. Takina's still working on me..."
Spike chuckled. "S'alright. Think I'd likely have a coronary were you completely demon friendly."
"The point being is that I'm not so jealous anymore. I mean, I am of what you have... I mean... they don't make love like that in the 21st century, ya know?"
"Seems we sort of dragged it along a bit, Mate," Spike answered. "Didn't exactly meet in a bar downtown and end up happily ever after."
"I know," Xander said. "But I don't envy what the whole Chosen One gig entails. Sure the speed and cool kung fu maneuvers are a nifty bonus, but if I had to wait like this as much as you, I would give it all back."
Spike sighed, watching Emma's eyes drift shut against her pretty golden face. "No, Harris. Waiting or no, I wouldn't change a second. Not any of the prophesies. Not any of the hurt or the wounds or the waiting. If every moment I've existed has led me here, then I consider myself a lucky bloke. No matter what we do, seems tomorrow always comes for us. Sometimes, some days are just a bit longer than others."
"Xander Harris?" A soft, female voice called from the end of the room.
"That's me," Xander said standing up.
The pretty nurse smiled. "If you want to come with me, Takina's awake. We've got her up in a room for observation, but she's going to be ok."
Xander glanced at Spike, a big glowing grin parting the tears like Moses parting the Sea.
"Well, go then," Spike quipped, nodding his head at the boy. "Be off and make yourself a happy ending."
"You... you going to be alright?" Xander asked. Century old Vampire or not, leaving him alone in the waiting room, shadowed by sterile green and soundless walls, just seemed, inhumane.
"Fine," Spike answered. "Go see your girl."
Xander nodded, bounding off after the nurse into the hallway.
*****
"Spike?" He felt a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him. "Spike?"
"What, what is it?" Spike answered, opening his tired eyes and looking into Tara's. "Everything alright?" He sat up in the chair where he'd fallen asleep, Emma sprawled along his chest.
"Buffy's still in surgery," Tara answered softly. "Nothing yet. But I think we're ready for Emma."
"Emma?" Spike answered. "What do you mean?"
"Takina was awake enough to make up some story to the doctors about how Emma should be able to visit Will. Didn't Giles explain?" Tara whispered, trying not to be overheard.
"Not much time for Watcher length explanations," Spike answered, watching the little girl start to swim back to the world around her.
"I'll explain on the way down, but... we found Will trapped in a spell. He'll be OK there, but only Emma can retrieve him and bring him back," Tara answered, leaning down to pick up the girl. Spike's arms wrapped around her protectively.
"Wait," he said softly. "Will she be in any danger?"
Tara shook her head, smiling softly at the gesture. "Spike," she sighed.
"She might as well be my blood too. I wouldn't do anything dangerous."
Spike nodded, studying the girl. Don't think Glenda has a mean bone in her, he thought. "Mind if I come along? Going a bit insane in this room."
"Course not," Tara answered, lending a hand to him. He took it, pulling himself up, hanging onto Emma with the other.
"It's OK, Daddy," Emma whispered against his cheek. "Queen's my friend."
Spike looked at her, quirking an eyebrow, but let it drop. Stranger things than this had happened. Even stranger to come.
*****
Spike sat in a chair, Emma sitting primly on his legs. She asked for him to stay with her and there was nothing that the little girl wanted he wouldn't give. Not now. She'd been through enough. So he sat with her facing the incubator as the nurse gently unhooked William from every wire and monitor.
Carefully, the nurse pulled the little blanketed bundle from his box. Emma held out her arms. Spike slid his underneath hers, just in case. The nurse settled Will against his sister, and then left silently as Anya and Tara had asked.
"You sure bout this?" Spike asked, his hand cradling the child's head as Emma held his body on her own.
"Yeah," Tara answered. "It's the only way to get him back."
"And Emma?" Spike asked.
Anya put a hand on her shoulder. "She can pass freely through any dimension. Any time. And she can enter and leave the Queen's chamber at will."
"Right then," Spike said, nodding at the women. "Do what you need to."
The two women stood on either side of the chair, their hands clasped in front and behind Spike and Emma. Quietly, they began to chant, opening the door to Time and letting Emma through. Spike felt a rush of warm wind across his face and suddenly he was standing, a teenaged girl next to him, holding his hand.
"You alright, Dad?" The girl asked. Her voice was rich and lyrical and sweet. Startling blue eyes set off her golden skin and the scent of vanilla was stronger than ever.
"Emma?" Spike asked.
She smiled in response. "Time does funny things," she answered, squeezing his hand.
"Was I supposed to come with you, Mite?" Spike asked as she began to walk, leading him forward.
Emma shook her head. "No. But I thought you might want to come along for the ride. See my home."
"Your home?" Spike asked, trailing the girl. She was angelic, bathed in a white glow, her white silk dress trailing the misted floor as she walked gracefully in front of him.
"Before you and mum," she answered.
"Thought you were part of the Powers," Spike asked, following the girl blindly. As he walked, he noticed that the ground beneath them wasn't misty. It was clouds. It looked as if they walked along the summer sky.
"I was. I am," she corrected. "This is where they live. Or at least some of them. There are more than a few."
"H... heaven?" Spike stuttered. Now *that's* a place he never fancied himself seeing.
Emma chuckled. "Not quite. There are Queens of the Earth, the Sky, the Wind. Winter, Summer, Lakes, Rivers. They are all part of the Powers that Be, Dad."
"So, where do you fit in then, Mite?" Spike asked, as she hopped a small crevice in the ground. He wondered as he leapt after her if he would plummet to the Earth were he to misjudge the gap.
"I am Peace. A daughter of the Powers, so to speak. But I reside in the court of the Queen of the Sky. She was my guardian before I was Earthbound. Before they sent me to you and mum," Emma explained.
Spike looked around, overwhelmed at the vastness of it all. "Do you ... miss this?" It was beautiful here. Peaceful. Quiet.
Emma smiled, letting her head fall onto his shoulder. "Sometimes. Not as noisy and bright here," she began. "But it's much more interesting with you."
Spike chuckled. "We're nothing if not interesting, Pet."
A door appeared in front of them as if from thin air. Spike could see it stretch about five stories up before it disappeared into fluffy white clouds and brilliant blue sky the same colour as Emma's eyes. Emma stopped, turning towards her father. "You'll have to wait here," she said softly, letting go of his hands. "They don't even like foreign entities this close, but I thought you were pretty safe since they sent me to you."
"So now you tell me they can strike me down with fire and brimstone," Spike snarked, smiling at her.
"Nah, that's the Queen of Fire," Emma answered. "Queen of the Sky can just make you plummet back down to Earth."
Spike stepped closer to what looked like solid ground. Emma giggled. "Just wait. I'll be back."
She stood in front of the door, falling to one knee and it opened just enough for her to squeeze through, but not enough for Spike to see inside.
"And I thought we had strange things going round at home," Spike mumbled to himself.
It was mere moments before Emma reappeared at the door, three figures behind her. The four of them slipped through to where Spike stood. Emma was holding tight to the hand of a boy of maybe sixteen. Spike knew him immediately. Knew himself immediately. Sandy brown hair and sharp blue eyes. Cheekbones high and prominent. William. Him.
The two behind were dressed in white. The woman was too beautiful for description. Blonde and sunny, a wreathe of flowers in her golden hair. The man was tall and handsome, his arm wrapped around the woman's waist. Spike stared at them in awe.
"Dad," Emma whispered, nudging him. "It's not polite to stare."
Spike shook his head, focusing on Emma. "Right, sorry," he answered, looking at her dancing blue eyes.
"This is the King and Queen of the Sky," Emma announced, moving enough for Spike to look upon them. Their beauty was breathtaking. Unearthly. Unreal. Spike nodded his response, not sure what to say. Emma grabbed his wrist before he offered a hand, shaking her head. Must not be polite to touch them, he thought.
"You will find your boy well taken care of," the man's voice boomed cheerfully.
"He has been our pleasure," the woman chimed, her voice like harp music in Spike's ears.
"Thank you," Spike managed to form, looking at the boy. William smiled a quirky grin. Spike shook his head, finding it nearly impossible to watch him without wondering if he was just looking in a mirror.
"No," the woman said softly, bringing Spike back to her. "Thank you for protecting Pe... Emma," she continued, leaning forward and kissing Spike's cheek softly. It felt as if rose petals brushed his skin.
Spike nodded reverently. "We should get going, Dad," Emma said, taking his hand in hers, William on her opposite side. "Thank you, my Queen," she continued, curtseying quickly in front of the pair.
The Queen smiled at her. "You are us. All of you. We protect our own."
Emma nodded, then turned, starting back down the path her brother and father on either side.
*****
A gasp escaped his lips a he 'awoke' in the chair, Emma leaned against his chest, the baby crying quietly in their arms. The nurse rushed in at the sound, carefully taking the kicking child from Emma and setting him gently in a bassinet. She ran to the phone calling Dr. Lawrence.
Spike looked over at the boy and William quieted, his blue eyes wide and a bit afraid. Emma crawled across her father's lap, leaning over the edge of the chair and gently touching the boy's face. William calmed, giggling.
"Will'em OK, Daddy," Emma laughed as the boy began to suck on her little finger. "See?"
"That I do,Mite," Spike answered, smiling down at the girl. "You did well."
"You weren't supposed to go," Tara said softly, shrugging.
Spike turned to the women. "I think Emma had something to show me," he answered, holding onto Emma's waist.
The nurse came back in the room, followed by a gaggle of white coats. "We need to check him out," she said, smiling softly at the small group.
Spike nodded, standing and pulling Emma up with him. "He's alright now."
The nurse cocked her head, studying his face. "I'm not sure what you did but..." Spike was silent, looking at the boy. "Buffy's in recovery," the nurse said. "You can see her now."
Spike's head spun towards her. "She alright, then?"
"Groggy. Feeling the repercussions of her escape act, but she'll be OK. Just really sore," the nurse said, smiling reassuringly.
Anya held out her arms. "Why don't we get Emma something to eat and you go visit Buffy. We'll bring her up in a few minutes."
Spike nodded, looking down at the girl. "You be alright, Mite?"
She giggled. "Fine," she chirped, seemingly refreshed from her trip home. She leaned towards Anya, letting the woman take her from Spike.
"Right then, " Spike said, straightening himself. "You'll bring her up?"
Tara nodded. "Just go, would you?"
*****
It seemed like the thousandth time that day he stood in front of the door to this particular hospital room. Read her name. Traced it with his fingers. This time, he hoped he wouldn't have to leave her. Just wanted to get them home.
Spike turned the knob and the door opened with a soft whoosh of air. "Buffy?"
Her eyes flickered open as he walked into the room. "Hi," she answered, her voice groggy but strong.
"Hello, Love," he said, smiling down at her and settling on the edge of the bed. "Had a rough day?"
"Ow," she whined, touching the bandages. "I guess the Slayer healing thing is over rated."
"I think you may have misjudged it a bit, Pet," he said smiling and stretching out next to her. His palm cupped her cheek, his eyes sincere. Worried. "You alright?"
Buffy nodded, swallowing. "Yeah, just... ow."
Spike smiled, letting his thumb trace her cheek. "You shouldn't have done that."
"Neither should you," she shot back, caught in his endless gaze.
"Touché," Spike whispered, letting his lips brush hers. "Don't need to remind you that you had a baby yesterday."
"It's tomorrow already?" Buffy asked, smiling softly.
Spike chuckled. "Feels as though it should be next year."
Her face became serious, her hand winding through his. "Are they alright?"
Spike nodded, kissing her nose. "Emma is wonderful. And she managed to find her way to Will. It's a rather long story that I'd be glad to tell you when you've rested a bit. But he seems to be right as rain."
Buffy smiled. The kind of smile that lit the darkened room and made his heart mend at the sight of it. "Good," she said quietly. "Can I see him?"
"I'll see what I can do," Spike answered. Just as he turned to find the phone there was a knock at the door.
"Yeah?" Buffy called, her voice gaining strength by the moment.
A nurse walked in, carrying a bundle. No box. No wires. Just a bundle.
"We checked him out," she said, smiling and looking at Spike. "I don't know what you did, but he's better than before... His lungs, his heart. Like a full term baby."
Buffy's arms shot out and Spike slid a hand behind her to help her reach for the child. The nurse carefully settled the boy in her arms, looking at him, then at Spike. "I'll leave you alone a minute. If you'd like, I'll have a crib brought up so he can stay in the room with her. We can keep an eye on him here."
"Thanks," Spike answered. "That'd be perfect."
Just as the nurse began out the door, a little figure slid in, running past her into the room.
"Spike?" Anya's voice called.
"We got her," Spike called back, catching Emma as she darted towards the bed and tried to climb up on her own. He pulled the little girl up, sitting her on his legs and turning back towards Buffy.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, but they were different this time. Gentle. Soft. She stared at the boy in awe, as if she'd never seen anything like the tiny face and quiet blue eyes. But she had. Buffy turned her head, looking at Spike. Studying him.
"It's OK now?" Buffy asked, cradling the boy against her. Spike watched her pretty face, her eyes glistening with tears.
"It's OK now," Spike confirmed, pulling her closer to him, burying his face in her hair. He could feel her cry softly, exhaustion, relief, happiness.
Whatever it was wasn't hurting her. Spike could feel her peace wash over him as she settled into his shoulder.
"It's never easy, is it?" Buffy asked, her fingers tracing the baby's face delicately.
"No, Love," Spike answered, feeling Emma stretch out between them, resting her head on his stomach. "But I'd like to think it's worth it."
Buffy smiled, looking at him. He was everything. Her world. Her true north. "It's worth it," she said, leaning closer, letting her lips brush his. They felt like rose petals against his skin. "I love you, Spike. Always."
He studied her face, losing himself in the emerald and jade of her eyes. "Everyday, Pet," he answered her, his lips touching hers once again.
The End. Epilogue to follow