Good evening, All.
Well, I made it. I was hoping to supply a chapter either yesterday or today and I am squeaking in under my own deadline! YAY! I should also have another out this weekend, provided everything stays quiet.
The plot is beginning to thicken. Many of you have emailed me with ideas about our mystery woman, but guess what? I won't tell ya! You'll figure it out soon enough. ::: insert evil grin:::
Thanks so much for all the feedback. It has helped me more than you know. Please keep it coming; otherwise I have no idea if I am giving you both what you want and what you need.
Enjoy the chapter and expect another before the weekend is out.
Thanks!!!
*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: Between Us (Chapter Five 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: Christmas dinner at the Windsor's is winding down, but there are a few things left to discuss. Buffy and Spike find a moment to sit down and launch Spike's well-meaning plan. The others decide to leave them to it. A visitor comes to Sunnydale, but what are her intentions? Are they voluntary? Spike and Buffy coerce Dawn into staying with the kids while they patrol, but this might be another long night.
Between Us
"And that, my friends, was an excellent meal," Xander sighed, leaning back into his chair and pushing an empty pie plate out in front of him. Takina laughed, patting his belly with one hand.
"Looks like one you're going to pay for," Takina smiled. Xander groaned. She'd been forcing him to go the gym. If he was going to fight demons with Buffy, he needed to be fit. More than that, she loved him and didn't want him to have a heart attack at forty. Xander looked at her and smiled, draping his arm over the back of her chair.
"All right. Forty lashes on the treadmill," he agreed, making her pretty smile broader.
"Now that's love," Oz commented.
Buffy scanned the table. "Anyone for seconds? Uh, I mean, thirds? Or fifths or something?" She collected empty plates, Spike standing immediately to help her out.
"Couldn't eat another bite," Giles moaned, leaning back. "It was wonderful, dear," he commented to Anya.
Anya smiled brightly. "Spike did most of it, but thanks."
Oz shot a glance. "He cooks too? What happened to you, man?" The wolf's face was torn between shock and pleased amusement.
Buffy shot a look at Spike. Spike had this odd mix of embarrassment and pride in his eyes. She decided to answer for him. "Necessity. I . well, I ."
"She burns macaroni," Dawn contributed. "And I'm not much better. So, if they want Will and Emma to grow up on something more good for them than cereal and hot dogs, Spike had to step up."
"Dude," Oz chuckled. "Anything you don't do?"
Spike thought for a moment, searching for the proper remark. "Not that I can think of."
Buffy had to laugh. "Um, hello, black jeans all over the floor. Oh, and let's talk fashion sense. You have barely changed your style since Billy Idol. That was what, like when I was three? And how about the whole."
Spike silenced her by pressing his lips against hers, feeling her melt under the touch of his skin to hers. She stood, barely holding onto the stack of plates in her hand. As he pulled away, he grinned. "S'quite enough from you, Pet. Or have you changed your mind about dessert?"
Buffy looked at him for a second, blinking. She knew either way she'd get whatever she wanted, but she wanted this badly. Last night had set a fire in her again. Not that it ever really went anywhere. But she couldn't get enough. "Ummm, sundaes," she hummed.
"Then be nice, Love." A wicked grin broke on his face as he took the stack of plates from her and sauntered away, his walk as delicious as the rest of him.
Buffy turned back to the table, flushed. "Plates?"
~~~~~
Buffy sat at the table. Her body was tense, nervous, one hand wrapped around a mug of cocoa and one wrapped in Spike's, laying across his thigh. This was a conversation they had decided to have in relative privacy. Takina and Xander had to leave, as they needed to visit Takina's sister's family. It hadn't even occurred to Buffy that she might have a family. It didn't seem that the rest of the . non-humans of the bunch still did. But then again, nothing should really surprise Buffy about the humanity of certain demons anymore.
Giles, Anya, Dawn and Cyrus had taken the rest of the kids downstairs. Xander and Spike had made a sort of guest room, living room combination in the basement, as they were running out of places to put people. It had a TV and toys, a bed and a bathroom. Actually, Dawn had sort of adopted it as her room so that she didn't have to kick Emma out of the room to which she had grown accustomed. Even on nights like last night, when the basement room was taken, Dawn usually just climbed in with Emma rather than kick her back into the spare bed in Will's room. She was good about that.
Tara and Willow sat directly across from Buffy and Spike, mirroring their positions. Each holding a mug in one hand and each other with the spare. Oz sat at the head of the table, looking at both sets of them awkwardly. He'd been willing to hear Spike out, and thought he owed Willow at least the opportunity to say yes or no on her own before nixing the idea himself. When he'd asked Spike about the possibility of him passing on the wolf, Spike had only laughed. Not a one of the litters was human, he explained. Their own being half vampire. River part demon. Randy the son of a fully activated Vengeance demon. What was a little wolf in their henhouse?
"Wh. What is it you wanted to talk about, Buffy?" Willow asked, her eyes a little nervous. The air was full of tension. Willow automatically assumed something bad was coming. It usually was when Buffy and Spike were all serious and hadn't kissed in at least twenty minutes. The apocalypse must be coming. again.
"Um," Buffy began. "I. I'm not sure where to start."
"Want me to give it a go, Pet? Not fair you get stuck 'splaining my idea," Spike interrupted, squeezing her hand. Buffy looked him, her eyes nervous and unsure. Slowly, she nodded.
"Your idea, Spike?" Tara asked. She'd always trusted the Vampire. Even before Buffy had. But his plans were not always the best thought out.
"Yeah," Spike answered softly, turning his attention to the two women across the table. "And you don't have to do a thing about it. Wanna make that clear up front. Just trying to help, is all."
Willow studied him for a moment, concern watching her features. "What idea, Spike? What's wrong?"
"No. Nothing's wrong," Buffy interjected. "Actually, it's not. it's one of his better plans."
Spike smirked at her, nodding his head. "And I am ever so grateful for the ringing endorsement, Pet," he quipped.
"Look," Oz sighed, getting the attention of the whole group. "Any way you put this, it's going to be awkward up front. But I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think that Spike was trying to help. I'd have no reason to think you'd want me around. And maybe you don't. But, Will, I owe it to you. and to Tara. to at least give you that option."
"What option?" Willow said, swinging her gaze back to Spike.
Spike shifted in his chair. For all his bravado and ability to melt small Slayers in a single kiss, he was uncomfortable talking about this. Still, he took a breath and began. "Know you've been pining over the fact that . Well. since Buffy and I had Emma, you've been talking about."
"Kids," Buffy completed, trying to bail him out. Really, she was no more comfortable, but it wasn't quite right to leave him foundering. Kind of like watching him get his butt kicked. Fun on one level, but she could only let it go on so long.
"Not sure I understand," Tara said, her voice soft. Her gaze flitted between Buffy and Spike and Oz and Willow like a butterfly searching for the right petal.
Spike sighed again, searching for the words. "What I had thought, and I know that I'm sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong, but you birds have done a lot to help Buffy and me. I guess." He paused, regaining his thought. "Don't want to see you feeling like you're missing out. If you want something, go for it. Least that's always been my theory."
Buffy chuckled, squeezing Spike's fingers. "Uh, that's an understatement."
He smirked at his love again before turning back to the girls. "What I'm trying to say is that while I was talking to Oz here about helping me out with Buffy's Christmas present, I got to thinking that you might. this might be. an. option for you."
"An option?" Willow asked, furrowing her brow and staring at the Vampire. Suddenly, a light bulb went off and her face flushed, her cheeks turning as red as her hair. Tara watched her, catching on a moment later.
"You. you think that." Willow stuttered. "That I? That we?"
"Nothing as presumptuous as that, Pet," Spike answered. "What you do or don't do is none of Buffy's and my business. But I know you want a tot. And I know that you'd rather produce your own rather than adopt, if possible. And I know that you'd rather it be with someone you know. Someone you trust. Since Harris is a bit out of the picture now, not that I can understand why anyone would want to reproduce with that git."
Buffy nudged him hard enough with her knee that he nearly toppled off the chair. "And as annoying as he can be, I kinda like Spike all to myself. And Giles."
"Ewwwww," Willow groaned. "No. no. ewwww. Spare me the visual."
Spike recovered his balance. "So, I thought that Oz might be another option for you, is all. Handle it anyway you like."
"Spike, if you haven't noticed, we sort of. Gay now," Willow retorted, trying to wrap her mind around this. Anger was the first thing she felt. Anger that they would intrude on their lives. But in a way, Spike was right. They needed to fish or cut bait. They wanted a child of their own, but hadn't ever really discussed it. Just always got too. squicky.
"We don't have to sleep together," Oz said quietly. "I don't want either of you to be uncomfortable. I mean, I'm not here to get in between the two of you."
It took a second for that one to settle in before Spike had to bite his lip to avoid chuckling. He turned his face away, only to see Buffy with her eyes squeezed shut and her teeth firmly buried in her bottom lip, trying not to laugh at an inappropriate and inadvertent joke. But when a soft, lyrical giggle rose up from the other side of the table, they couldn't stop. It had surprised Spike at first that it was Tara that had found the remark too funny to resist, but he was glad it had broken the tension. Before long, all five of them were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their faces. It hadn't been *that* funny. But it had served to release some of the tension in the air.
"I really didn't mean it that way," Oz muttered over the laughter. He wiped his cheek with the back of his hand. "All I meant was that there are other ways to go about it. I mean, if you are even serious about this. If you even want. me.involved."
The laughter died down as he returned the conversation to the point, but the mood was a little lighter now. Buffy was curled in a ball on the chair, her head resting on Spike's shoulder, his arm wrapped around her, stroking her hair. Tara and Willow were both more relaxed, realizing that the conversation was not world ending. Even if it might change their lives. Oz was taking it all in stride, even if it was sort of an odd thing to be thrust upon him from out of the blue. But he and Willow had meant a lot to each other once. If he could do her this favour and repay half the hurt he had caused her, then it was good for him too.
Tara was the one to finally speak. "Oz, I think it's . nice . what you are offering to do. Um," she paused, looking at Spike, and then over at Willow. "It's really. I know that you are trying to help, and I'm not saying no. But I'd like to talk about this with Willow. In private. Is... Is that okay?"
Buffy furrowed her brow, looking over at Tara. "Of course, that's okay. Nobody expects you to just up and make a decision like *now*. And ... and don't feel like you have to... you don't have to explain, whatever you decide. But I think they were just trying . it was a good thought," she finished, looking up at Spike.
He kissed her forehead gently, and then regarded Willow and Tara with soft eyes. "I honestly didn't mean to intrude," he said in his most polite manner. It always amused Buffy that he had two such vastly different sides. "But if I hadn't at least asked, I would have felt like I'd. let you down or something."
Willow watched him for a moment, still a little put off that Spike and Oz had discussed what she and Tara needed behind their backs. But part of her knew that Spike meant well. Tara was just soft, like she always had been. The anger was not there for her. Regardless of what they decided, she could only see the good intentions behind Spike's idea, and the kindness behind Oz's offer. It was just her nature to see the good side of things.
"Daddy, daddy, come look! Uncle Giles showed me how to make paper hats!" Emma's voice squeaked as her footsteps thundered up the stairs. She tore around the corner from the kitchen and nearly tackled her father in his chair, wrapping her little arms around his neck. A small pirate hat made of construction paper bounced off her head and onto Buffy's lap. "Will you come see?"
Spike chuckled, retrieving her hat and putting it back on Emma's head, kissing her temple softly. "A' course," he answered her brightly. "Gone from princess to pirate, have we?"
"Unhunh," Emma nodded, looking around the table. She'd been quiet at dinner. Now she was in full Emma mode, which meant she would crash hard in about an hour. Bully for them, Buffy thought.
Emma regarded Oz for a moment. She had stared at him on and off through dinner, but now she really looked at him as if she was searching for a word. "He's a wolf," she said, pointing her little finger. He cocked his head, a smile breaking on his face. Emma turned her head, looking at the stunned expression on Buffy's face.
"Yes, Emma," Spike said, picking her up. "But he's ..."
"A good wolf?" She asked, her arms wrapping around his neck again.
"Less the moon's full. You remember what the moon looks like when it's full?" Spike asked, brushing the little girl's ringlets off her face.
"Like a pearl," she answered, smiling. "And the stars are diamonds. But none are as pretty as mommy," Emma completed, kissing her father's cheek.
"Or you, Mite," Spike finished, starting out the door. Buffy watched, shaking her head in amusement. "Coming, Love?" Spike asked, looking over his shoulder at his world.
Buffy sighed, standing. "See ya," she said at the table. "Come down when you feel like it." She turned back towards the doorway and caught up with Spike. "Did you really tell her that? About the sky?"
"Only told her the truth, Pet," Spike answered, wrapping his free arm around Buffy's waist.
~~~~~
The woman awoke, curled in a ball. It was dark outside now. And the place was different. Not as awful. Not as dank and dark and horrible. She looked around, smelling the grass. It was cold outside, but she barely felt it. After the sweltering heat of the dungeon, the cold was welcome.
She sat, pulling the white cloak around her and trying to get her bearings. There was something familiar about the place. Something she felt she should know, but she couldn't place. In front of her was a playground with a sandbox and a jungle gym and swings. Around her were trees. To her side was a big, brick building. Maybe a school? It didn't seem familiar.
The woman didn't feel like herself. Like she was numb to the core. In a daze. Dead. That made sense. She was dead. She knew that. But the world around her was alive. Didn't matter. She was so cold and so numb and she couldn't bother feeling anything but lost.
A glow captured her attention. It was really rather a small glow, but it nearly burnt her skin. Slowly, she lifted her hand, regarding a small silver dragon. It glowed a strange red, in startling contrast to the white of her cloak and the gown she wore underneath of it. Like blood. Blood. It's always about the blood.
The glow, the dragon tugged at her. Somewhere, she knew she shouldn't go. If she didn't follow the dragon, everything would be all right. But it was strong. Pulling at her wrist. She looked inside herself for the will to fight it, but it seemed like her insides were gone. Just empty. The glow pulled her to her feet, pushing her in staggered steps towards the sidewalk.
It occurred to her as she walked where the dragon was leading her. Home. A part of her screamed that she couldn't go there. She couldn't go home again. She'd been given her chance to live in this world and it had been revoked. Eternally. Going home was bad. Going home would upset the balance. But her body wouldn't listen. It took slow, unsteady steps, leading her back to where she once belonged.
She didn't belong anymore.
~~~~~
"It's getting late," Buffy said, eyeing Spike stretched out on the couch watching the Charlie Brown Christmas with Will curled in front of him. Will was snoring. It was actually kind of cute. The little boy had fought sleep with all his might, but once his father stretched out beside him, Will had crumbled into a limp noodle and passed out like a little drunk, pressed to Spike's chest.
"That it is, Pet," Spike responded, his voice hushed. Anya and Giles had left an hour or so before. Dawn was sitting on the recliner that had once been in Emma's room, brushing her niece's hair and generally fussing over the girl.
"Don't tell me, let me guess, 'Dawn, will you watch the kids, because you have no life and me and Spike want to go fight evil when really all we're going to do is." The girl began, smirking at her sister.
"That's enough," Buffy snapped half-heartedly. "Would you watch the kids while we patrol? I promise that if you do, then we will get someone else to do it the next few nights while you go out with that little boyfriend of yours."
"Boyfriend?" Spike asked, sitting up and raising an eyebrow at Dawn. "What's this about?"
Buffy smiled, getting back at her sister. "Dawn's got a boyfriend," she teased.
"Not without bringing him round here," Spike growled, looking at the two women as if he'd been betrayed. "Planning on telling me at any point, Niblet?"
"Spike," Dawn sighed. "I'm almost twenty. I'm in college. I can date."
"Never said you couldn't," Spike shot back. "But the men in this town are menaces. Gotta be careful."
"Oh, and I bet Buffy never dated anyone," Dawn retorted. "And mom didn't ask about them."
Buffy blushed. "She did, but I just didn't answer," her sister countered. "Spike's right, though. I mean, you've been dating him for a while now. Isn't it about time you brought him over?"
Dawn flopped back in the recliner. "Argh. You guys are horrible. Maybe he's not ready for the whole Meet the Parents bit."
"We're *not* your parents," Buffy complained. "But we are your family."
"And how do I know that Spike won't go all fangy grr on him," Dawn asked, her face a mixture of fear and aggravation.
"You know he does a pretty good human impression," Buffy answered, trapped in her conversation with Dawn.
"I'm right bloody here," Spike snapped. "And I'm not your sodding father. Taken care of you better than that, Pet. So, don't think it's too much to ask for you to bring the bloke by for an inspection."
Dawn sighed. He was right. Officially, he was her brother in law. But effectually, he and Buffy had raised her. At least when it was important. And she knew he was a little hurt that she didn't tell him. But this guy. This one was. special. Dawn wasn't quite sure if she was ready to tell him about her sister being the Slayer and her brother in law being a Vampire and their daughter being a chosen saviour. It was all... a bombshell. But now's as good a time as any.
"All right. I'll bring him over before break ends. But *please* don't act all save the world-y around him," Dawn sighed. "Oh, and don't make out in front of him. *Normal* old married people don't do that."
Spike stood, tugging Buffy up with him and immediately pulling her against him for a kiss. "Like that," Dawn sighed. "You people need to get a clue on what the whole grown up thing is like."
"Jealous?" Buffy asked, trapped in Spike's eyes, studying his features and tracing him over and over in her mind.
Dawn was caught there. She didn't think it was possible to ever find what Buffy had. "Would you just go already? And remember, you owe me one."
"Right, Niblet," Spike answered, taking Buffy's hand and leading her to the stairs. "As for you," he continued, catching Buffy's chin with his fingers, "I think we need to make a stop at the fridge on the way out, Pet."
Buffy's tongue shot out, licking her lips sensually. "Yummy."
"Would ya just be gone?" Dawn whined, turning up the TV.
"Be back in a little while," Buffy said over her shoulder as she followed Spike up the stairs.
"I won't wait up."
To be contd.
Well, I made it. I was hoping to supply a chapter either yesterday or today and I am squeaking in under my own deadline! YAY! I should also have another out this weekend, provided everything stays quiet.
The plot is beginning to thicken. Many of you have emailed me with ideas about our mystery woman, but guess what? I won't tell ya! You'll figure it out soon enough. ::: insert evil grin:::
Thanks so much for all the feedback. It has helped me more than you know. Please keep it coming; otherwise I have no idea if I am giving you both what you want and what you need.
Enjoy the chapter and expect another before the weekend is out.
Thanks!!!
*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: Between Us (Chapter Five 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: Christmas dinner at the Windsor's is winding down, but there are a few things left to discuss. Buffy and Spike find a moment to sit down and launch Spike's well-meaning plan. The others decide to leave them to it. A visitor comes to Sunnydale, but what are her intentions? Are they voluntary? Spike and Buffy coerce Dawn into staying with the kids while they patrol, but this might be another long night.
Between Us
"And that, my friends, was an excellent meal," Xander sighed, leaning back into his chair and pushing an empty pie plate out in front of him. Takina laughed, patting his belly with one hand.
"Looks like one you're going to pay for," Takina smiled. Xander groaned. She'd been forcing him to go the gym. If he was going to fight demons with Buffy, he needed to be fit. More than that, she loved him and didn't want him to have a heart attack at forty. Xander looked at her and smiled, draping his arm over the back of her chair.
"All right. Forty lashes on the treadmill," he agreed, making her pretty smile broader.
"Now that's love," Oz commented.
Buffy scanned the table. "Anyone for seconds? Uh, I mean, thirds? Or fifths or something?" She collected empty plates, Spike standing immediately to help her out.
"Couldn't eat another bite," Giles moaned, leaning back. "It was wonderful, dear," he commented to Anya.
Anya smiled brightly. "Spike did most of it, but thanks."
Oz shot a glance. "He cooks too? What happened to you, man?" The wolf's face was torn between shock and pleased amusement.
Buffy shot a look at Spike. Spike had this odd mix of embarrassment and pride in his eyes. She decided to answer for him. "Necessity. I . well, I ."
"She burns macaroni," Dawn contributed. "And I'm not much better. So, if they want Will and Emma to grow up on something more good for them than cereal and hot dogs, Spike had to step up."
"Dude," Oz chuckled. "Anything you don't do?"
Spike thought for a moment, searching for the proper remark. "Not that I can think of."
Buffy had to laugh. "Um, hello, black jeans all over the floor. Oh, and let's talk fashion sense. You have barely changed your style since Billy Idol. That was what, like when I was three? And how about the whole."
Spike silenced her by pressing his lips against hers, feeling her melt under the touch of his skin to hers. She stood, barely holding onto the stack of plates in her hand. As he pulled away, he grinned. "S'quite enough from you, Pet. Or have you changed your mind about dessert?"
Buffy looked at him for a second, blinking. She knew either way she'd get whatever she wanted, but she wanted this badly. Last night had set a fire in her again. Not that it ever really went anywhere. But she couldn't get enough. "Ummm, sundaes," she hummed.
"Then be nice, Love." A wicked grin broke on his face as he took the stack of plates from her and sauntered away, his walk as delicious as the rest of him.
Buffy turned back to the table, flushed. "Plates?"
~~~~~
Buffy sat at the table. Her body was tense, nervous, one hand wrapped around a mug of cocoa and one wrapped in Spike's, laying across his thigh. This was a conversation they had decided to have in relative privacy. Takina and Xander had to leave, as they needed to visit Takina's sister's family. It hadn't even occurred to Buffy that she might have a family. It didn't seem that the rest of the . non-humans of the bunch still did. But then again, nothing should really surprise Buffy about the humanity of certain demons anymore.
Giles, Anya, Dawn and Cyrus had taken the rest of the kids downstairs. Xander and Spike had made a sort of guest room, living room combination in the basement, as they were running out of places to put people. It had a TV and toys, a bed and a bathroom. Actually, Dawn had sort of adopted it as her room so that she didn't have to kick Emma out of the room to which she had grown accustomed. Even on nights like last night, when the basement room was taken, Dawn usually just climbed in with Emma rather than kick her back into the spare bed in Will's room. She was good about that.
Tara and Willow sat directly across from Buffy and Spike, mirroring their positions. Each holding a mug in one hand and each other with the spare. Oz sat at the head of the table, looking at both sets of them awkwardly. He'd been willing to hear Spike out, and thought he owed Willow at least the opportunity to say yes or no on her own before nixing the idea himself. When he'd asked Spike about the possibility of him passing on the wolf, Spike had only laughed. Not a one of the litters was human, he explained. Their own being half vampire. River part demon. Randy the son of a fully activated Vengeance demon. What was a little wolf in their henhouse?
"Wh. What is it you wanted to talk about, Buffy?" Willow asked, her eyes a little nervous. The air was full of tension. Willow automatically assumed something bad was coming. It usually was when Buffy and Spike were all serious and hadn't kissed in at least twenty minutes. The apocalypse must be coming. again.
"Um," Buffy began. "I. I'm not sure where to start."
"Want me to give it a go, Pet? Not fair you get stuck 'splaining my idea," Spike interrupted, squeezing her hand. Buffy looked him, her eyes nervous and unsure. Slowly, she nodded.
"Your idea, Spike?" Tara asked. She'd always trusted the Vampire. Even before Buffy had. But his plans were not always the best thought out.
"Yeah," Spike answered softly, turning his attention to the two women across the table. "And you don't have to do a thing about it. Wanna make that clear up front. Just trying to help, is all."
Willow studied him for a moment, concern watching her features. "What idea, Spike? What's wrong?"
"No. Nothing's wrong," Buffy interjected. "Actually, it's not. it's one of his better plans."
Spike smirked at her, nodding his head. "And I am ever so grateful for the ringing endorsement, Pet," he quipped.
"Look," Oz sighed, getting the attention of the whole group. "Any way you put this, it's going to be awkward up front. But I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think that Spike was trying to help. I'd have no reason to think you'd want me around. And maybe you don't. But, Will, I owe it to you. and to Tara. to at least give you that option."
"What option?" Willow said, swinging her gaze back to Spike.
Spike shifted in his chair. For all his bravado and ability to melt small Slayers in a single kiss, he was uncomfortable talking about this. Still, he took a breath and began. "Know you've been pining over the fact that . Well. since Buffy and I had Emma, you've been talking about."
"Kids," Buffy completed, trying to bail him out. Really, she was no more comfortable, but it wasn't quite right to leave him foundering. Kind of like watching him get his butt kicked. Fun on one level, but she could only let it go on so long.
"Not sure I understand," Tara said, her voice soft. Her gaze flitted between Buffy and Spike and Oz and Willow like a butterfly searching for the right petal.
Spike sighed again, searching for the words. "What I had thought, and I know that I'm sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong, but you birds have done a lot to help Buffy and me. I guess." He paused, regaining his thought. "Don't want to see you feeling like you're missing out. If you want something, go for it. Least that's always been my theory."
Buffy chuckled, squeezing Spike's fingers. "Uh, that's an understatement."
He smirked at his love again before turning back to the girls. "What I'm trying to say is that while I was talking to Oz here about helping me out with Buffy's Christmas present, I got to thinking that you might. this might be. an. option for you."
"An option?" Willow asked, furrowing her brow and staring at the Vampire. Suddenly, a light bulb went off and her face flushed, her cheeks turning as red as her hair. Tara watched her, catching on a moment later.
"You. you think that." Willow stuttered. "That I? That we?"
"Nothing as presumptuous as that, Pet," Spike answered. "What you do or don't do is none of Buffy's and my business. But I know you want a tot. And I know that you'd rather produce your own rather than adopt, if possible. And I know that you'd rather it be with someone you know. Someone you trust. Since Harris is a bit out of the picture now, not that I can understand why anyone would want to reproduce with that git."
Buffy nudged him hard enough with her knee that he nearly toppled off the chair. "And as annoying as he can be, I kinda like Spike all to myself. And Giles."
"Ewwwww," Willow groaned. "No. no. ewwww. Spare me the visual."
Spike recovered his balance. "So, I thought that Oz might be another option for you, is all. Handle it anyway you like."
"Spike, if you haven't noticed, we sort of. Gay now," Willow retorted, trying to wrap her mind around this. Anger was the first thing she felt. Anger that they would intrude on their lives. But in a way, Spike was right. They needed to fish or cut bait. They wanted a child of their own, but hadn't ever really discussed it. Just always got too. squicky.
"We don't have to sleep together," Oz said quietly. "I don't want either of you to be uncomfortable. I mean, I'm not here to get in between the two of you."
It took a second for that one to settle in before Spike had to bite his lip to avoid chuckling. He turned his face away, only to see Buffy with her eyes squeezed shut and her teeth firmly buried in her bottom lip, trying not to laugh at an inappropriate and inadvertent joke. But when a soft, lyrical giggle rose up from the other side of the table, they couldn't stop. It had surprised Spike at first that it was Tara that had found the remark too funny to resist, but he was glad it had broken the tension. Before long, all five of them were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their faces. It hadn't been *that* funny. But it had served to release some of the tension in the air.
"I really didn't mean it that way," Oz muttered over the laughter. He wiped his cheek with the back of his hand. "All I meant was that there are other ways to go about it. I mean, if you are even serious about this. If you even want. me.involved."
The laughter died down as he returned the conversation to the point, but the mood was a little lighter now. Buffy was curled in a ball on the chair, her head resting on Spike's shoulder, his arm wrapped around her, stroking her hair. Tara and Willow were both more relaxed, realizing that the conversation was not world ending. Even if it might change their lives. Oz was taking it all in stride, even if it was sort of an odd thing to be thrust upon him from out of the blue. But he and Willow had meant a lot to each other once. If he could do her this favour and repay half the hurt he had caused her, then it was good for him too.
Tara was the one to finally speak. "Oz, I think it's . nice . what you are offering to do. Um," she paused, looking at Spike, and then over at Willow. "It's really. I know that you are trying to help, and I'm not saying no. But I'd like to talk about this with Willow. In private. Is... Is that okay?"
Buffy furrowed her brow, looking over at Tara. "Of course, that's okay. Nobody expects you to just up and make a decision like *now*. And ... and don't feel like you have to... you don't have to explain, whatever you decide. But I think they were just trying . it was a good thought," she finished, looking up at Spike.
He kissed her forehead gently, and then regarded Willow and Tara with soft eyes. "I honestly didn't mean to intrude," he said in his most polite manner. It always amused Buffy that he had two such vastly different sides. "But if I hadn't at least asked, I would have felt like I'd. let you down or something."
Willow watched him for a moment, still a little put off that Spike and Oz had discussed what she and Tara needed behind their backs. But part of her knew that Spike meant well. Tara was just soft, like she always had been. The anger was not there for her. Regardless of what they decided, she could only see the good intentions behind Spike's idea, and the kindness behind Oz's offer. It was just her nature to see the good side of things.
"Daddy, daddy, come look! Uncle Giles showed me how to make paper hats!" Emma's voice squeaked as her footsteps thundered up the stairs. She tore around the corner from the kitchen and nearly tackled her father in his chair, wrapping her little arms around his neck. A small pirate hat made of construction paper bounced off her head and onto Buffy's lap. "Will you come see?"
Spike chuckled, retrieving her hat and putting it back on Emma's head, kissing her temple softly. "A' course," he answered her brightly. "Gone from princess to pirate, have we?"
"Unhunh," Emma nodded, looking around the table. She'd been quiet at dinner. Now she was in full Emma mode, which meant she would crash hard in about an hour. Bully for them, Buffy thought.
Emma regarded Oz for a moment. She had stared at him on and off through dinner, but now she really looked at him as if she was searching for a word. "He's a wolf," she said, pointing her little finger. He cocked his head, a smile breaking on his face. Emma turned her head, looking at the stunned expression on Buffy's face.
"Yes, Emma," Spike said, picking her up. "But he's ..."
"A good wolf?" She asked, her arms wrapping around his neck again.
"Less the moon's full. You remember what the moon looks like when it's full?" Spike asked, brushing the little girl's ringlets off her face.
"Like a pearl," she answered, smiling. "And the stars are diamonds. But none are as pretty as mommy," Emma completed, kissing her father's cheek.
"Or you, Mite," Spike finished, starting out the door. Buffy watched, shaking her head in amusement. "Coming, Love?" Spike asked, looking over his shoulder at his world.
Buffy sighed, standing. "See ya," she said at the table. "Come down when you feel like it." She turned back towards the doorway and caught up with Spike. "Did you really tell her that? About the sky?"
"Only told her the truth, Pet," Spike answered, wrapping his free arm around Buffy's waist.
~~~~~
The woman awoke, curled in a ball. It was dark outside now. And the place was different. Not as awful. Not as dank and dark and horrible. She looked around, smelling the grass. It was cold outside, but she barely felt it. After the sweltering heat of the dungeon, the cold was welcome.
She sat, pulling the white cloak around her and trying to get her bearings. There was something familiar about the place. Something she felt she should know, but she couldn't place. In front of her was a playground with a sandbox and a jungle gym and swings. Around her were trees. To her side was a big, brick building. Maybe a school? It didn't seem familiar.
The woman didn't feel like herself. Like she was numb to the core. In a daze. Dead. That made sense. She was dead. She knew that. But the world around her was alive. Didn't matter. She was so cold and so numb and she couldn't bother feeling anything but lost.
A glow captured her attention. It was really rather a small glow, but it nearly burnt her skin. Slowly, she lifted her hand, regarding a small silver dragon. It glowed a strange red, in startling contrast to the white of her cloak and the gown she wore underneath of it. Like blood. Blood. It's always about the blood.
The glow, the dragon tugged at her. Somewhere, she knew she shouldn't go. If she didn't follow the dragon, everything would be all right. But it was strong. Pulling at her wrist. She looked inside herself for the will to fight it, but it seemed like her insides were gone. Just empty. The glow pulled her to her feet, pushing her in staggered steps towards the sidewalk.
It occurred to her as she walked where the dragon was leading her. Home. A part of her screamed that she couldn't go there. She couldn't go home again. She'd been given her chance to live in this world and it had been revoked. Eternally. Going home was bad. Going home would upset the balance. But her body wouldn't listen. It took slow, unsteady steps, leading her back to where she once belonged.
She didn't belong anymore.
~~~~~
"It's getting late," Buffy said, eyeing Spike stretched out on the couch watching the Charlie Brown Christmas with Will curled in front of him. Will was snoring. It was actually kind of cute. The little boy had fought sleep with all his might, but once his father stretched out beside him, Will had crumbled into a limp noodle and passed out like a little drunk, pressed to Spike's chest.
"That it is, Pet," Spike responded, his voice hushed. Anya and Giles had left an hour or so before. Dawn was sitting on the recliner that had once been in Emma's room, brushing her niece's hair and generally fussing over the girl.
"Don't tell me, let me guess, 'Dawn, will you watch the kids, because you have no life and me and Spike want to go fight evil when really all we're going to do is." The girl began, smirking at her sister.
"That's enough," Buffy snapped half-heartedly. "Would you watch the kids while we patrol? I promise that if you do, then we will get someone else to do it the next few nights while you go out with that little boyfriend of yours."
"Boyfriend?" Spike asked, sitting up and raising an eyebrow at Dawn. "What's this about?"
Buffy smiled, getting back at her sister. "Dawn's got a boyfriend," she teased.
"Not without bringing him round here," Spike growled, looking at the two women as if he'd been betrayed. "Planning on telling me at any point, Niblet?"
"Spike," Dawn sighed. "I'm almost twenty. I'm in college. I can date."
"Never said you couldn't," Spike shot back. "But the men in this town are menaces. Gotta be careful."
"Oh, and I bet Buffy never dated anyone," Dawn retorted. "And mom didn't ask about them."
Buffy blushed. "She did, but I just didn't answer," her sister countered. "Spike's right, though. I mean, you've been dating him for a while now. Isn't it about time you brought him over?"
Dawn flopped back in the recliner. "Argh. You guys are horrible. Maybe he's not ready for the whole Meet the Parents bit."
"We're *not* your parents," Buffy complained. "But we are your family."
"And how do I know that Spike won't go all fangy grr on him," Dawn asked, her face a mixture of fear and aggravation.
"You know he does a pretty good human impression," Buffy answered, trapped in her conversation with Dawn.
"I'm right bloody here," Spike snapped. "And I'm not your sodding father. Taken care of you better than that, Pet. So, don't think it's too much to ask for you to bring the bloke by for an inspection."
Dawn sighed. He was right. Officially, he was her brother in law. But effectually, he and Buffy had raised her. At least when it was important. And she knew he was a little hurt that she didn't tell him. But this guy. This one was. special. Dawn wasn't quite sure if she was ready to tell him about her sister being the Slayer and her brother in law being a Vampire and their daughter being a chosen saviour. It was all... a bombshell. But now's as good a time as any.
"All right. I'll bring him over before break ends. But *please* don't act all save the world-y around him," Dawn sighed. "Oh, and don't make out in front of him. *Normal* old married people don't do that."
Spike stood, tugging Buffy up with him and immediately pulling her against him for a kiss. "Like that," Dawn sighed. "You people need to get a clue on what the whole grown up thing is like."
"Jealous?" Buffy asked, trapped in Spike's eyes, studying his features and tracing him over and over in her mind.
Dawn was caught there. She didn't think it was possible to ever find what Buffy had. "Would you just go already? And remember, you owe me one."
"Right, Niblet," Spike answered, taking Buffy's hand and leading her to the stairs. "As for you," he continued, catching Buffy's chin with his fingers, "I think we need to make a stop at the fridge on the way out, Pet."
Buffy's tongue shot out, licking her lips sensually. "Yummy."
"Would ya just be gone?" Dawn whined, turning up the TV.
"Be back in a little while," Buffy said over her shoulder as she followed Spike up the stairs.
"I won't wait up."
To be contd.