Good evening, All.
Okay, a day late and a dollar short, but I think I am doing fairly well, all things considered! I hope you like the new chapter. The subplot is coming into focus a bit and it's a little lighter on the fluff, but I think there's some humour in there that you will enjoy.
As always, please let me know how you feel. You would be *amazed* at how much your feedback and your notes have helped me keep my head above water of late. I am so appreciative. As long as you'll read it, and there is a story to tell, I will continue to try and write.
Without further ado, here's chapter four, Father Knows Best. Please enjoy!
*Cheery Vibes* , Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Father Knows Best (Chapter Four of The One)
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: A surprise visitor drops in on the Windsor's Christmas festivities. But why is he there? And who knows the real reason? How will the Scoobies handle his return?
Father Knows Best
"O. Oz?" Xander stood, staring at the man standing next to Buffy in the entryway. "That you, man?"
He took a step forward as Willow's head turned in what seemed to be slow motion, her eyes wide and shocked. "Yeah, hey, long time," Oz answered, smiling softly at the group sitting in front of him.
"I see the wolf man's back in town," Anya commented, looking out into the living room and munching on a celery stick.
Giles snagged the waist of her skirt, pulling her back into the kitchen. "He is, dear. Let's just let them catch up a moment before we bombard him, shall we?" He muttered, turning towards Spike. "Does he know why he's here? Or, at least, why you invited him?"
"Yeah, why did you?" Anya asked, leaning her hip against the counter and staring at Spike curiously.
Spike shot Anya an eye rolling glare, then turned his attention on the Watcher. "Actually, contacted him for help with the Bronze, but yes, filled him in on my little idea."
"What idea?" Anya whined, completely frustrated that the other two seemed to know what was going on and all she knew was that there was a Werewolf in the living room with the Witches, the demon, the Slayer and the regular old guy.
"And Willow? Tara?" Giles asked, ignoring her glare for the moment and continuing his interrogation of his surrogate son-in-law. "Have you filled them in?"
The Vampire sighed, leaning down and opening the oven. He grabbed the pan absently, nearly dropping it before shoving it back to the edge of the door and shaking his thoroughly singed hand. "Bloody, sodding, stupid."
"Turkey?" Anya snarked, rescuing the bird and pulling it to the range top while simultaneously shoving Spike's hand into the sink and running water over the burn. "Idea?" She asked again, raising an eyebrow.
"Thought Buffy and I'd have a sit down with the birds and Oz and suss things out. Possible course of action, and all that rot. 'Course, I need to find a moment to fill in Buffy." Spike began, still whimpering at the feel of the cold water on his mottled skin.
"You haven't told Buffy?" Giles gasped, shaking his head.
Spike smiled slyly. "Didn't know if he'd actually show until I got to the Bronze last night. Bit preoccupied after that, Mate."
The Watcher blushed. "Spare me the details. Please."
"What.Idea!?" Anya finally snapped, pulling Spike's hand from the water and wrapping it in a clean dish cloth. As she wrapped it, she put just a little too much pressure on the singed bits.
"Ow," Spike whined, snatching his hand away.
Her eyebrow rose, grabbing his hand again. "Vengeance demon. All about the torture. Start singing, hot Vampire man."
Giles and Spike both raised an eyebrow at that. "You know," she continued. "Hot, like oven burned hot." They still stared. She sighed. "Aw, Rupie. You know I love you."
"I know dear," he commented, leaning back against the wall. "Tell her your idea, Spike."
"Yeah," another voice said from the dining room entrance to the kitchen. Buffy leaned against the frame, staring at the three inside. "This I'd like to hear." ~~~~~
Willow stood, her eyes still as wide as saucers. "Oz. you. you're back. When? Why?" She stuttered. Tara watched her, torn between curiosity and jealousy. It had been a long time since she didn't know what was going on in her lover's mind.
Oz came slowly into the living room, scanning the occupants as if the entire world had changed in the time he had been gone. It had and it hadn't. Everyone was a little older, a little more. settled. But they looked the same. Willow was just as cute as she always had been. Xander still had the same goofy charm, even if he had picked up a few pounds.
He looked at the quiet, pretty girl sitting on the floor watching Willow. That was her. Oz hadn't had much of a chance to notice her the first time they met, what with the sudden bloodlust. Hopefully, the forgiving nature that they had seemed to extend to Spike might flow his way as well. Willow had always had good taste, Oz mused. The shy one turned to look at him, desperation and a tinge of anger in her pretty eyes. "Spike found me. He needed some help with some. stuff. I figured, hey, nothing better to do. Why not cruise back to Sunny Hell for the holidays," Oz answered, watching Tara's face relax just a bit. "I really hope you don't mind."
"No," Willow said quickly. She turned again looking at Tara. "No," she said again softly. "Um, Oz."
Oz looked at her compassionately. "Spike filled me in," he began again, nodding. "This must be Tara. Sorry our last meeting wasn't quite. um, you know, civil."
He extended his hand toward the woman and she rose to her feet, long skirt brushing against her ankles gracefully. "H.Hi. No. no problem. I. I understand."
"Hi," Oz answered a charming smile on his face. 'It's nice to formally meet you. You're as lovely as Spike said."
"Spike said she was lovely?" Willow asked, furrowing her brow.
Oz chuckled. "In a completely Buffy-whipped sort of way," he answered, making both women smile.
Xander cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to him and breaking the awkward moment. "Lot's changed since you've been gone, Oz."
"So I've heard," Oz commented, looking down at the couch. "Pretty baby," he said, leaning down to stroke the girl's cheek.
"This is my wife, Takina," Xander began. The beautiful woman wedged a hand free from under the baby and found Oz's.
"Nice to meet you," she said, her full red lips spreading into a warm smile. Oz couldn't help but notice how incredibly pretty she was. Xander had done well for himself. "This is our daughter River," she continued.
"Wow," Oz joked. "Who'd a thought you could have such a pretty kid?"
Xander punched his arm, chuckling. "Got lucky."
"Seems so," the wolf answered, scanning the room again. "Heard there is a lot of the reproducing thing going around."
"Really," Willow sighed, happy that all of her friends had settled into family life, but acutely aware of the fact that it was the one thing missing from her relationship with Tara. "Have you seen Buffy's kids yet? I think they're downstairs with Dawn. um, Buffy's kid sister. Not sure if. nevermind." Tara settled back down on the floor in front of the couch.
Oz shook his head, a look of confused wonder on his face. "I just. ya know, I'm having a lot of trouble with the whole Buffy has kids, bit."
"It's the 'with Spike' part that got me," Xander added, smiling ruefully.
"What's up with that?" Oz asked, settling into the arm chair. Xander flopped back down on the couch. Willow stood a minute longer while the shock died down, and then lowered herself next to Tara, taking her hand.
"Spike has. Spike has changed," Willow answered. "A lot."
"No more blood-sucking, evil, Big Bad?" The Werewolf asked, a smile breaking on his face. Tara giggled.
"More like diaper changing, dog walking, evil fighting, handyman," Xander answered, hating to admit it. Even if he managed to get along with Spike, even *like* him sometimes, there would always be room for condescending humour. It's what made their relationship bearable.
"He's really nice," Tara said softly. "And he loves Buffy. And. and their kids."
Oz nodded. "I got that impression," he said, reflecting Tara's softness. "He told me about them for about an hour when he called for help with his present. I can't believe they have a five year old. Wow. Weird."
"You're telling me," Xander said. "So, just in town for the old Spikey surprise and a little holiday visit, or do you have other plans?"
A sly smile broke on Oz's face. "I think I may stay a little while. We'll see." He looked at Willow and her lover, watching the way they held hands. The gentleness that surrounded them both. It was nice. Comforting. "Seems I may be of assistance here." ~~~~~
"So," Buffy asked, walking the rest of the way into the kitchen. Giles backed against the wall, out of her way. Anya smiled smugly. Didn't matter how, she just wanted an answer.
Spike looked at Buffy a moment, tiny frame still managing to be imposing as she walked towards him. "Pet, I think you'll approve of what I have to propose."
Buffy stopped, smirking. "Your plans. not of the good."
"This one is not that bad," Giles interjected, trying to save Spike from the third degree. The glance Buffy shot his way was enough to convince him that Spike was a full grown. Vampire and could handle himself.
"Spill," Buffy continued, reaching her target. As she stared him down, she took his burnt hand into hers, unwrapping the cloth and sizing up the wound. Second degree. Nice blisters. She reached into the cabinet next to her and grabbed some antiseptic and gauze, tending to the burn as she stared at him angrily. Spike had to smile. Girl was full of dichotomies. With one hand she'd kill you and the other she'd save your life.
"Right then," Spike said, watching her eyes as she worked on his hand. "The birds have a little problem."
"What problem?" Anya interrupted, backing up against Giles and feeling his arms wrap around her waist. She sighed, instantly becoming docile at his touch. Another one full of opposites. No wonder they got along so well now.
Buffy taped gauze over his hand. "Not sure I follow," she said, stowing the first aid supplies and hopping onto the counter. Spike turned towards her, positioning himself between her knees, his hands absently stroking over the outer parts of her thighs. Even that made Giles blush. Made Anya want to find a room.
"Look around you, Pet. What does everyone have that they don't?" Spike asked, watching the wheels working in Buffy's head. Feeling her mind inside his, searching for the answer.
A light bulb went off. Slayer was quick, Spike thought. "Kids?" She gasped.
He nodded. "Cupie doll to the prettiest girl in the house," Spike joked, letting his lips brush her fingertips.
"Hey!" Anya exclaimed, offended. She stomped her foot. "What am I, chopped liver?"
"Darling, it's all relative," Giles comforted, squeezing her tighter to him. "Personally, although it would be quite a close contest and such things matter not to."
"Shut up, Rupert," Spike complained, turning back towards Buffy. "We both know that they want to have a family. Think they'd be good at it, really. Also know that they'd rather have their own lot than adopt."
Buffy followed him with her eyes, part of her agreeing and part of her really concerned that what he had in mind might backfire painfully. "Takina has talked to them about artificial.. Spike, I don't know."
"What fun is that?" He asked, mostly serious but partly just to get a rise from her. As if on cue, Buffy slapped his shoulder, a grin spreading across her face. "Might as well get the package deal," he continued, warranting another swat. That one hurt a bit more.
She sat on the counter, lost in thought. It really *wasn't* a terrible idea, but Willow had changed quite a bit since then. Ok, completely. "Spike, you know that she, those they."
"Not big on the penis," Anya interjected. Giles gasped, almost involuntarily. Would have thought he'd have been used to that by now, Spike thought. "I mean, not everyone likes the penis. Personally, I am quite fond of."
"Anya," Giles said, obviously forcing himself to be calm. "Please don't say penis again."
"But the point stands," Buffy commented. "Or the tip."
Spike chuckled at her little joke, kissing her chin. "S'up to them, Love. But I thought, of anyone, they'd be most comfortable with him. If not, then maybe he can just supply a little donation."
"What makes you think *they* would want him to be the father?" Buffy asked, tilting her head to study her lover.
He sighed. "Well, you know them better than I, Pet, but it seems to me, they'd want him to be someone they know. Not like they've really expanded their circle of friends above the age of five since your cheerleader days. Don't think Takina'd been too fond of Xander offering his services and didn't think you'd love the idea of me offering mine, not to mention that there's no guarantee it would work. What with the whole prophesied One bit. Think I'm only meant for you."
She grinned, letting her knees hug against his sides. "No Spike services. No service of Spike. No." Buffy chanted, wagging her head. "There will be no Vampire loaning program."
"What about Rupie? He has sperm," Anya contributed, turning her head to look up at her mate.
His eyes grew wide and embarrassed. "Anya?"
"What?" She whined, studying him. "Randy's a healthy, studly little guy."
Buffy had to giggle at that one. Spike just watched in amusement. Always fun to watch the Watcher get his knickers in a twist. "It would be. wrong. She. she's like a daughter to me."
"It is kind of. ewww," Buffy said, crinkling her nose. "Sorry, Giles."
"No apology needed," he corrected, looking at her briefly before turning his gaze back to Anya. "That is not an option."
Anya sighed. "Fine, fine. More sperm for me."
Spike had to turn away to avoid giggling like a kid. Buffy bit her lip to stop chuckling. "I mean, I guess we could talk to them about it. Or get them to talk. But, I mean. isn't this kind of sticking our nose in where it doesn't belong?" Buffy asked, catching Spike's gaze in hers.
"Suppose so, Pet," Spike answered, sighing again. "Just know that's what they want. They've been talking bout it since Emma. Thought maybe it was time for someone to nudge them in the right direction, is all. Up to them. Completely. But I thought."
Buffy looked at him, watching his face. He really was trying to help them. It was thoughtful, and sweet, even if it was a little boundary pushing. It wasn't like he was forcing them. Just giving them another option. Not really *that* bad an idea. Softly, she smiled. "It was a good thought, Spike," she whispered, raising his chin so that his eyes met hers. His were soft, gentle, and full of love.
"Just want them to be as happy as we are," he said quietly. Then, realizing what a giant sap he had become in front of others, he corrected himself. "With the demon killing and fighting on the side of the right and protecting and grr.," Spike growled.
Buffy chuckled. "I'll help you talk to them later. But we have to leave it to them. No pushing."
"Hadn't planned to, Pet," he answered, his voice becoming soft again, his mouth brushing hers.
"Can I be sick?" Dawn asked, coming into the kitchen, a niece and nephew clinging to each leg and Randy balanced on her hip. "When's dinner? The brats are whining."
"And here I thought it was your job," Buffy joked, jumping off the counter. "Round 'em up. We're ready."
To be contd.
Okay, a day late and a dollar short, but I think I am doing fairly well, all things considered! I hope you like the new chapter. The subplot is coming into focus a bit and it's a little lighter on the fluff, but I think there's some humour in there that you will enjoy.
As always, please let me know how you feel. You would be *amazed* at how much your feedback and your notes have helped me keep my head above water of late. I am so appreciative. As long as you'll read it, and there is a story to tell, I will continue to try and write.
Without further ado, here's chapter four, Father Knows Best. Please enjoy!
*Cheery Vibes* , Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Father Knows Best (Chapter Four of The One)
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: A surprise visitor drops in on the Windsor's Christmas festivities. But why is he there? And who knows the real reason? How will the Scoobies handle his return?
Father Knows Best
"O. Oz?" Xander stood, staring at the man standing next to Buffy in the entryway. "That you, man?"
He took a step forward as Willow's head turned in what seemed to be slow motion, her eyes wide and shocked. "Yeah, hey, long time," Oz answered, smiling softly at the group sitting in front of him.
"I see the wolf man's back in town," Anya commented, looking out into the living room and munching on a celery stick.
Giles snagged the waist of her skirt, pulling her back into the kitchen. "He is, dear. Let's just let them catch up a moment before we bombard him, shall we?" He muttered, turning towards Spike. "Does he know why he's here? Or, at least, why you invited him?"
"Yeah, why did you?" Anya asked, leaning her hip against the counter and staring at Spike curiously.
Spike shot Anya an eye rolling glare, then turned his attention on the Watcher. "Actually, contacted him for help with the Bronze, but yes, filled him in on my little idea."
"What idea?" Anya whined, completely frustrated that the other two seemed to know what was going on and all she knew was that there was a Werewolf in the living room with the Witches, the demon, the Slayer and the regular old guy.
"And Willow? Tara?" Giles asked, ignoring her glare for the moment and continuing his interrogation of his surrogate son-in-law. "Have you filled them in?"
The Vampire sighed, leaning down and opening the oven. He grabbed the pan absently, nearly dropping it before shoving it back to the edge of the door and shaking his thoroughly singed hand. "Bloody, sodding, stupid."
"Turkey?" Anya snarked, rescuing the bird and pulling it to the range top while simultaneously shoving Spike's hand into the sink and running water over the burn. "Idea?" She asked again, raising an eyebrow.
"Thought Buffy and I'd have a sit down with the birds and Oz and suss things out. Possible course of action, and all that rot. 'Course, I need to find a moment to fill in Buffy." Spike began, still whimpering at the feel of the cold water on his mottled skin.
"You haven't told Buffy?" Giles gasped, shaking his head.
Spike smiled slyly. "Didn't know if he'd actually show until I got to the Bronze last night. Bit preoccupied after that, Mate."
The Watcher blushed. "Spare me the details. Please."
"What.Idea!?" Anya finally snapped, pulling Spike's hand from the water and wrapping it in a clean dish cloth. As she wrapped it, she put just a little too much pressure on the singed bits.
"Ow," Spike whined, snatching his hand away.
Her eyebrow rose, grabbing his hand again. "Vengeance demon. All about the torture. Start singing, hot Vampire man."
Giles and Spike both raised an eyebrow at that. "You know," she continued. "Hot, like oven burned hot." They still stared. She sighed. "Aw, Rupie. You know I love you."
"I know dear," he commented, leaning back against the wall. "Tell her your idea, Spike."
"Yeah," another voice said from the dining room entrance to the kitchen. Buffy leaned against the frame, staring at the three inside. "This I'd like to hear." ~~~~~
Willow stood, her eyes still as wide as saucers. "Oz. you. you're back. When? Why?" She stuttered. Tara watched her, torn between curiosity and jealousy. It had been a long time since she didn't know what was going on in her lover's mind.
Oz came slowly into the living room, scanning the occupants as if the entire world had changed in the time he had been gone. It had and it hadn't. Everyone was a little older, a little more. settled. But they looked the same. Willow was just as cute as she always had been. Xander still had the same goofy charm, even if he had picked up a few pounds.
He looked at the quiet, pretty girl sitting on the floor watching Willow. That was her. Oz hadn't had much of a chance to notice her the first time they met, what with the sudden bloodlust. Hopefully, the forgiving nature that they had seemed to extend to Spike might flow his way as well. Willow had always had good taste, Oz mused. The shy one turned to look at him, desperation and a tinge of anger in her pretty eyes. "Spike found me. He needed some help with some. stuff. I figured, hey, nothing better to do. Why not cruise back to Sunny Hell for the holidays," Oz answered, watching Tara's face relax just a bit. "I really hope you don't mind."
"No," Willow said quickly. She turned again looking at Tara. "No," she said again softly. "Um, Oz."
Oz looked at her compassionately. "Spike filled me in," he began again, nodding. "This must be Tara. Sorry our last meeting wasn't quite. um, you know, civil."
He extended his hand toward the woman and she rose to her feet, long skirt brushing against her ankles gracefully. "H.Hi. No. no problem. I. I understand."
"Hi," Oz answered a charming smile on his face. 'It's nice to formally meet you. You're as lovely as Spike said."
"Spike said she was lovely?" Willow asked, furrowing her brow.
Oz chuckled. "In a completely Buffy-whipped sort of way," he answered, making both women smile.
Xander cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to him and breaking the awkward moment. "Lot's changed since you've been gone, Oz."
"So I've heard," Oz commented, looking down at the couch. "Pretty baby," he said, leaning down to stroke the girl's cheek.
"This is my wife, Takina," Xander began. The beautiful woman wedged a hand free from under the baby and found Oz's.
"Nice to meet you," she said, her full red lips spreading into a warm smile. Oz couldn't help but notice how incredibly pretty she was. Xander had done well for himself. "This is our daughter River," she continued.
"Wow," Oz joked. "Who'd a thought you could have such a pretty kid?"
Xander punched his arm, chuckling. "Got lucky."
"Seems so," the wolf answered, scanning the room again. "Heard there is a lot of the reproducing thing going around."
"Really," Willow sighed, happy that all of her friends had settled into family life, but acutely aware of the fact that it was the one thing missing from her relationship with Tara. "Have you seen Buffy's kids yet? I think they're downstairs with Dawn. um, Buffy's kid sister. Not sure if. nevermind." Tara settled back down on the floor in front of the couch.
Oz shook his head, a look of confused wonder on his face. "I just. ya know, I'm having a lot of trouble with the whole Buffy has kids, bit."
"It's the 'with Spike' part that got me," Xander added, smiling ruefully.
"What's up with that?" Oz asked, settling into the arm chair. Xander flopped back down on the couch. Willow stood a minute longer while the shock died down, and then lowered herself next to Tara, taking her hand.
"Spike has. Spike has changed," Willow answered. "A lot."
"No more blood-sucking, evil, Big Bad?" The Werewolf asked, a smile breaking on his face. Tara giggled.
"More like diaper changing, dog walking, evil fighting, handyman," Xander answered, hating to admit it. Even if he managed to get along with Spike, even *like* him sometimes, there would always be room for condescending humour. It's what made their relationship bearable.
"He's really nice," Tara said softly. "And he loves Buffy. And. and their kids."
Oz nodded. "I got that impression," he said, reflecting Tara's softness. "He told me about them for about an hour when he called for help with his present. I can't believe they have a five year old. Wow. Weird."
"You're telling me," Xander said. "So, just in town for the old Spikey surprise and a little holiday visit, or do you have other plans?"
A sly smile broke on Oz's face. "I think I may stay a little while. We'll see." He looked at Willow and her lover, watching the way they held hands. The gentleness that surrounded them both. It was nice. Comforting. "Seems I may be of assistance here." ~~~~~
"So," Buffy asked, walking the rest of the way into the kitchen. Giles backed against the wall, out of her way. Anya smiled smugly. Didn't matter how, she just wanted an answer.
Spike looked at Buffy a moment, tiny frame still managing to be imposing as she walked towards him. "Pet, I think you'll approve of what I have to propose."
Buffy stopped, smirking. "Your plans. not of the good."
"This one is not that bad," Giles interjected, trying to save Spike from the third degree. The glance Buffy shot his way was enough to convince him that Spike was a full grown. Vampire and could handle himself.
"Spill," Buffy continued, reaching her target. As she stared him down, she took his burnt hand into hers, unwrapping the cloth and sizing up the wound. Second degree. Nice blisters. She reached into the cabinet next to her and grabbed some antiseptic and gauze, tending to the burn as she stared at him angrily. Spike had to smile. Girl was full of dichotomies. With one hand she'd kill you and the other she'd save your life.
"Right then," Spike said, watching her eyes as she worked on his hand. "The birds have a little problem."
"What problem?" Anya interrupted, backing up against Giles and feeling his arms wrap around her waist. She sighed, instantly becoming docile at his touch. Another one full of opposites. No wonder they got along so well now.
Buffy taped gauze over his hand. "Not sure I follow," she said, stowing the first aid supplies and hopping onto the counter. Spike turned towards her, positioning himself between her knees, his hands absently stroking over the outer parts of her thighs. Even that made Giles blush. Made Anya want to find a room.
"Look around you, Pet. What does everyone have that they don't?" Spike asked, watching the wheels working in Buffy's head. Feeling her mind inside his, searching for the answer.
A light bulb went off. Slayer was quick, Spike thought. "Kids?" She gasped.
He nodded. "Cupie doll to the prettiest girl in the house," Spike joked, letting his lips brush her fingertips.
"Hey!" Anya exclaimed, offended. She stomped her foot. "What am I, chopped liver?"
"Darling, it's all relative," Giles comforted, squeezing her tighter to him. "Personally, although it would be quite a close contest and such things matter not to."
"Shut up, Rupert," Spike complained, turning back towards Buffy. "We both know that they want to have a family. Think they'd be good at it, really. Also know that they'd rather have their own lot than adopt."
Buffy followed him with her eyes, part of her agreeing and part of her really concerned that what he had in mind might backfire painfully. "Takina has talked to them about artificial.. Spike, I don't know."
"What fun is that?" He asked, mostly serious but partly just to get a rise from her. As if on cue, Buffy slapped his shoulder, a grin spreading across her face. "Might as well get the package deal," he continued, warranting another swat. That one hurt a bit more.
She sat on the counter, lost in thought. It really *wasn't* a terrible idea, but Willow had changed quite a bit since then. Ok, completely. "Spike, you know that she, those they."
"Not big on the penis," Anya interjected. Giles gasped, almost involuntarily. Would have thought he'd have been used to that by now, Spike thought. "I mean, not everyone likes the penis. Personally, I am quite fond of."
"Anya," Giles said, obviously forcing himself to be calm. "Please don't say penis again."
"But the point stands," Buffy commented. "Or the tip."
Spike chuckled at her little joke, kissing her chin. "S'up to them, Love. But I thought, of anyone, they'd be most comfortable with him. If not, then maybe he can just supply a little donation."
"What makes you think *they* would want him to be the father?" Buffy asked, tilting her head to study her lover.
He sighed. "Well, you know them better than I, Pet, but it seems to me, they'd want him to be someone they know. Not like they've really expanded their circle of friends above the age of five since your cheerleader days. Don't think Takina'd been too fond of Xander offering his services and didn't think you'd love the idea of me offering mine, not to mention that there's no guarantee it would work. What with the whole prophesied One bit. Think I'm only meant for you."
She grinned, letting her knees hug against his sides. "No Spike services. No service of Spike. No." Buffy chanted, wagging her head. "There will be no Vampire loaning program."
"What about Rupie? He has sperm," Anya contributed, turning her head to look up at her mate.
His eyes grew wide and embarrassed. "Anya?"
"What?" She whined, studying him. "Randy's a healthy, studly little guy."
Buffy had to giggle at that one. Spike just watched in amusement. Always fun to watch the Watcher get his knickers in a twist. "It would be. wrong. She. she's like a daughter to me."
"It is kind of. ewww," Buffy said, crinkling her nose. "Sorry, Giles."
"No apology needed," he corrected, looking at her briefly before turning his gaze back to Anya. "That is not an option."
Anya sighed. "Fine, fine. More sperm for me."
Spike had to turn away to avoid giggling like a kid. Buffy bit her lip to stop chuckling. "I mean, I guess we could talk to them about it. Or get them to talk. But, I mean. isn't this kind of sticking our nose in where it doesn't belong?" Buffy asked, catching Spike's gaze in hers.
"Suppose so, Pet," Spike answered, sighing again. "Just know that's what they want. They've been talking bout it since Emma. Thought maybe it was time for someone to nudge them in the right direction, is all. Up to them. Completely. But I thought."
Buffy looked at him, watching his face. He really was trying to help them. It was thoughtful, and sweet, even if it was a little boundary pushing. It wasn't like he was forcing them. Just giving them another option. Not really *that* bad an idea. Softly, she smiled. "It was a good thought, Spike," she whispered, raising his chin so that his eyes met hers. His were soft, gentle, and full of love.
"Just want them to be as happy as we are," he said quietly. Then, realizing what a giant sap he had become in front of others, he corrected himself. "With the demon killing and fighting on the side of the right and protecting and grr.," Spike growled.
Buffy chuckled. "I'll help you talk to them later. But we have to leave it to them. No pushing."
"Hadn't planned to, Pet," he answered, his voice becoming soft again, his mouth brushing hers.
"Can I be sick?" Dawn asked, coming into the kitchen, a niece and nephew clinging to each leg and Randy balanced on her hip. "When's dinner? The brats are whining."
"And here I thought it was your job," Buffy joked, jumping off the counter. "Round 'em up. We're ready."
To be contd.