Chapter 12
Hope For The Future
Spike walked along Revello drive, he always passed this way to work, although there were quicker routes. It was always on the off chance that he would get a glimpse of his wife. Feeling a little tender emotionally after his earlier run in with Buffy, he strayed nearer to the house than usual. Stalking was his speciality; he quietly walked up the path and snuck around to the rear of the house. Staying in the shadows, he lit a cigarette and waited for someone, Buffy to appear. He didn't have long to wait, Buffy was being led into kitchen by Willow; while Giles it seemed was supporting Joyce. They all looked as if they had received a huge shock, Spike's brow furrowed in concern for Buffy. He strained his ears trying to pick up their conversation.
"Are you sure you are okay Joyce," asked Giles.
"Yes thank you Rupert, the initial shock is starting to fade now," She replied.
"Buffy, how about you?" Giles looked at the slayer in concern.
"Oh you mean apart from being impregnated with demon seed?" she asked sarcastically.
"This is all my fault, I think I'll go wait in the road for a truck to drive over me," said Willow.
"Thank you for the offer Willow, but it won't help matters," Giles scolded.
Giles looked at Buffy intently.
"I hate to ask this Buffy, but is there any chance at all the baby could be anyone else's besides Spike?" He asked.
Buffy's face turned red with indignation at her former watchers question. The vampire listened outside; he still could not believe this conversation. The bit about Buffy being impregnated with demon seed, burned into his brain, he waited for the answer to Giles's question. Never had a question's answer been as important to him, since that day several months ago, when he had asked Buffy to be his wife.
"What do you take me for Giles? Some kind of ho?" she retorted angrily.
"Sorry, had to ask," said Giles apologetically.
"For your information, there is not one doubt in my mind that the child I carry is Spike's," she said firmly.
The cigarette fell from Spike's lips onto the porch, he felt like whooping for joy. He was still puzzled as to how it had happened, but happened it had, he had knocked up his slayer. He was going to be a father; something he had never imagined would happen in his wildest dreams. It made him feel all manly, he wanted to do something for Buffy, a grand gesture, he was determined this kid was going to have a father.
Despite all her protestations; Spike felt hope that Buffy did still love him; she was just being her usual pain in the ass self, that he had come to know and love. He walked off in the direction of the nearest graveyard, whistling softly to himself, he had a purpose. Sod going to work at Willie's this evening; he had better things to do.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Buffy, do you really think you should go on patrol in your condition?" asked her mom.
"Well who else is going to protect Sunnydale for the next eight months I have left?" she asked.
"Well actually, that decision will be decided by the watcher's council, but this is totally unprecedented; a pregnant slayer," said Giles.
"So you are saying I am out of a job?" asked Buffy in disbelief.
"Um well, you can continue your slayer duties until someone else is found to take your place," said Giles awkwardly.
"Considering I am supposed to be the chosen one; a lot of other 'chosen ones' seem to keep popping up," Said Buffy mockingly.
"Well maybe it's for the best sweetheart, you could get hurt," said Joyce.
Buffy let out an angry sigh. She had only found out she was pregnant two hours ago, and already her life was changing out of all recognition.
"I am only pregnant; not dying," said Buffy in irritation.
Willow looked at Buffy, a thought occurring to her.
"So when are you going to tell Spike about the happy event?" she asked her friend.
"I don't know, but it I suppose it wouldn't be fair to conceal it from him, I just don't know if I am ready to cross that bridge yet," sighed Buffy.
"If you must go on patrol tonight; at least let me come with," said Willow.
Buffy looked at the faces of those present, this was one argument she wasn't going to win.
"Sure, whatever," she said, taking her leather jacket from the hall closet and marching out of the front door, Willow trailing behind her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy walked up and down the rows of neatly trimmed graves, her mind was a million miles from Sunnydale at that moment. Willow looked at Buffy out of the corner of her eye.
"Penny for your thoughts Buffy?" she asked her.
"Huh?" said Buffy
"Nothin'" Willow replied.
Buffy looked at willow.
"Willow," she said.
"Yes?" Willow.
"Do you think my baby will be normal?" she asked.
Willow sighed, "I won't lie to you Buffy, it has a mother with slayer powers and the father is a vampire, the odds are stacked against it,"
"Thanks for your honesty Willow, what really worries me is whether it will be soulless like it's father," Buffy admitted.
"You think you have problems? I want to have a life with Oz one day, that includes kids, I'll have to worry if they'll go howling at the moon three days a month; life isn't always perfect Buffy," said Willow angrily.
Buffy giggled at the image her friend had painted.
"It's not funny," said Willow defensively, she looked at her friend, seeing the funny side of it, burst out laughing too.
They were both so caught up in the moment, that neither heard the approaching gang of vampires until one of them grabbed at Willow, he had her in an arm lock, her neck exposed to his sharp fangs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike had been wandering around the cemetery for the last two hours, if he saw another mouldering crypt, he would go soddin' mad. Almost ready to give up, he entered an ivy-covered crypt that didn't look like it had been disturbed by man or demon in over half a century. It had a large main chamber, plenty of high small windows and dark corners, it needed a bit of work but it had potential. Spike walked around it, kicking at the dead leaves that littered its floor. He put another foot forward into nothing, falling down a hole in the floor, which had been concealed in the darkness.
Landing hard on his belly, he lay still on the earth floor.
"Where did the bloody floor go?" he groaned, slowly turning over onto his back.
He looked around, he recognised this place, and it was one of the many caves that seemed to be plentiful in Sunnydale. Getting up, he dusted himself off and flicked open his lighter. Spike held up the flame, it would make a perfect bedchamber, his head snapped round as he heard a scream coming from above. His first thoughts were it must be Buffy, in some kind of trouble.
"It must be bleeding Tuesday!" he said under his breath, quickly scrambling up the sides of the cave.
He almost fell out of the crypt door in his effort to reach her, Willow was caught in a vice like grip, a vamp about to make a meal out of her. Buffy was bravely trying to fight off the vampires. Spike reached inside his duster for a stake, he stabbed the vampire holding Willow from behind, and the vamp never even knew what had hit him, as he exploded into dust.
"Thanks Spike, help Buffy," said Willow urgently.
Spike didn't need telling twice, he rushed into the fight, stake raised, ready to kill. The vampires were soon dispatched; Buffy sat on the ground panting.
"What are you doing here? I had everything under control," panted Buffy.
"So does that mean I will be getting your heartfelt gratitude any time soon?" Spike asked.
Spike put out his hand to help her up; he was surprised as she placed her hand in his. He quickly helped her rise, before she changed her mind.
"What the hell do you think you were doing?" asked Spike angrily.
"What I always do, slayer remember?" she said sarcastically.
Spike turned to willow, "And if you were any kind of a friend, then you would have stopped her from even coming out here in the first place,"
Willow looked guiltily at her feet, "You know Buff, if she wants to do something, and then there's no stopping her.
"We'll see about that," said Spike firmly.
Before anyone knew what he was about, he picked up his wife as if she was no more than a feather, and slung her over his shoulder and marched off in the direction of her home.
Buffy pounded ineffectually on Spike's back.
"Put me down right now Spike or I swear I'll stake you right here," Buffy screamed at him.
"You won't do anything to me, you haven't got the balls," said Spike smugly.
Buffy relaxed, admitting defeat, she decided to sit back and just enjoy the ride, and enjoy it she was, she discovered to her surprise.
"What's all the sudden concern with my welfare?" she asked suspiciously.
"It's not sudden, it's always been there," he said quietly.
"Spike, I can look after myself," sighed Buffy.
"Yes, but I promised to protect you, to be your light; can you have forgotten our vows so quickly?" he asked.
Buffy remembered every word; they were etched on her memory. Spike carried her up the path to her home, walking up the steps to the front door, he placed her gently back on her feet. He looked down at her, searching her features for something, she did not know what.
"I know what's going on with you Buffy, you don't believe your feelings are real because of Red's spell; I can wait, I am not going anywhere, just want you to know, I'll never leave you, not like the others. When you decide what you do want, you know where to find me," he said turning to leave.
"Oh, and by the way, no more patrolling, I won't have you risking your life and our baby's, if any patrolling needs doing, I will do it or one of the other scoobies," he said.
Buffy stood there, open mouthed, unable to speak, watching him disappear into the darkness.
"Spike," she said.
But he was already gone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Did Spike come here tonight mom?" asked Buffy, as she came through the front door.
"No Sweetie, just been me here all evening, where's Willow?" said Joyce.
Buffy suddenly realised her friend wasn't with her, she went over to the window.
"It's okay, she coming up the path now," answered Buffy.
Willow came in, "Where's Spike?" she asked.
"He's gone," said Buffy quietly.
"Oh," said Willow, deciding not to say anymore on the subject.
Buffy looked at her mom and friend, "Spike knows about the baby,"
"Well I didn't tell him," said Joyce defensively.
Buffy looked at Willow.
"Well it certainly wasn't me! Maybe it's a vampire thingy and he could just tell," said Willow.
"Hardly," snorted Buffy.
She got up and walked into the kitchen, she flung open the back door, she looked around the garden, her gaze stopped short on the back steps. Bending down, she picked up a half smoked cigarette and marched back into the lounge.
"I have a stalker, of the vampiric variety, look it's Spike's brand of cigarettes," she said holding it up for them to see.
There was a knock at the front door, Joyce got up from her seat to answer it. Xander and Anya joined them in the lounge.
"Hi Buffy, hi Willow, so what's up," he asked cheerfully.
Buffy looked at Willow, "You tell him, I am too tired, night mom, night all," she said, before quickly disappearing up the stairs.
"Tell me what?" asked Xander in confusion.
"You'd better sit down," said Joyce.
TBC
**************************************************************************** ********************************* A/N thanks everyone for the reviews, they are a great help & inspiration ( Just on a personal note, I am the proud Auntie of a baby boy, Aiden James, the first boy in my mothers line for 65 years so Yay!!!!!
Hope For The Future
Spike walked along Revello drive, he always passed this way to work, although there were quicker routes. It was always on the off chance that he would get a glimpse of his wife. Feeling a little tender emotionally after his earlier run in with Buffy, he strayed nearer to the house than usual. Stalking was his speciality; he quietly walked up the path and snuck around to the rear of the house. Staying in the shadows, he lit a cigarette and waited for someone, Buffy to appear. He didn't have long to wait, Buffy was being led into kitchen by Willow; while Giles it seemed was supporting Joyce. They all looked as if they had received a huge shock, Spike's brow furrowed in concern for Buffy. He strained his ears trying to pick up their conversation.
"Are you sure you are okay Joyce," asked Giles.
"Yes thank you Rupert, the initial shock is starting to fade now," She replied.
"Buffy, how about you?" Giles looked at the slayer in concern.
"Oh you mean apart from being impregnated with demon seed?" she asked sarcastically.
"This is all my fault, I think I'll go wait in the road for a truck to drive over me," said Willow.
"Thank you for the offer Willow, but it won't help matters," Giles scolded.
Giles looked at Buffy intently.
"I hate to ask this Buffy, but is there any chance at all the baby could be anyone else's besides Spike?" He asked.
Buffy's face turned red with indignation at her former watchers question. The vampire listened outside; he still could not believe this conversation. The bit about Buffy being impregnated with demon seed, burned into his brain, he waited for the answer to Giles's question. Never had a question's answer been as important to him, since that day several months ago, when he had asked Buffy to be his wife.
"What do you take me for Giles? Some kind of ho?" she retorted angrily.
"Sorry, had to ask," said Giles apologetically.
"For your information, there is not one doubt in my mind that the child I carry is Spike's," she said firmly.
The cigarette fell from Spike's lips onto the porch, he felt like whooping for joy. He was still puzzled as to how it had happened, but happened it had, he had knocked up his slayer. He was going to be a father; something he had never imagined would happen in his wildest dreams. It made him feel all manly, he wanted to do something for Buffy, a grand gesture, he was determined this kid was going to have a father.
Despite all her protestations; Spike felt hope that Buffy did still love him; she was just being her usual pain in the ass self, that he had come to know and love. He walked off in the direction of the nearest graveyard, whistling softly to himself, he had a purpose. Sod going to work at Willie's this evening; he had better things to do.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Buffy, do you really think you should go on patrol in your condition?" asked her mom.
"Well who else is going to protect Sunnydale for the next eight months I have left?" she asked.
"Well actually, that decision will be decided by the watcher's council, but this is totally unprecedented; a pregnant slayer," said Giles.
"So you are saying I am out of a job?" asked Buffy in disbelief.
"Um well, you can continue your slayer duties until someone else is found to take your place," said Giles awkwardly.
"Considering I am supposed to be the chosen one; a lot of other 'chosen ones' seem to keep popping up," Said Buffy mockingly.
"Well maybe it's for the best sweetheart, you could get hurt," said Joyce.
Buffy let out an angry sigh. She had only found out she was pregnant two hours ago, and already her life was changing out of all recognition.
"I am only pregnant; not dying," said Buffy in irritation.
Willow looked at Buffy, a thought occurring to her.
"So when are you going to tell Spike about the happy event?" she asked her friend.
"I don't know, but it I suppose it wouldn't be fair to conceal it from him, I just don't know if I am ready to cross that bridge yet," sighed Buffy.
"If you must go on patrol tonight; at least let me come with," said Willow.
Buffy looked at the faces of those present, this was one argument she wasn't going to win.
"Sure, whatever," she said, taking her leather jacket from the hall closet and marching out of the front door, Willow trailing behind her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy walked up and down the rows of neatly trimmed graves, her mind was a million miles from Sunnydale at that moment. Willow looked at Buffy out of the corner of her eye.
"Penny for your thoughts Buffy?" she asked her.
"Huh?" said Buffy
"Nothin'" Willow replied.
Buffy looked at willow.
"Willow," she said.
"Yes?" Willow.
"Do you think my baby will be normal?" she asked.
Willow sighed, "I won't lie to you Buffy, it has a mother with slayer powers and the father is a vampire, the odds are stacked against it,"
"Thanks for your honesty Willow, what really worries me is whether it will be soulless like it's father," Buffy admitted.
"You think you have problems? I want to have a life with Oz one day, that includes kids, I'll have to worry if they'll go howling at the moon three days a month; life isn't always perfect Buffy," said Willow angrily.
Buffy giggled at the image her friend had painted.
"It's not funny," said Willow defensively, she looked at her friend, seeing the funny side of it, burst out laughing too.
They were both so caught up in the moment, that neither heard the approaching gang of vampires until one of them grabbed at Willow, he had her in an arm lock, her neck exposed to his sharp fangs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike had been wandering around the cemetery for the last two hours, if he saw another mouldering crypt, he would go soddin' mad. Almost ready to give up, he entered an ivy-covered crypt that didn't look like it had been disturbed by man or demon in over half a century. It had a large main chamber, plenty of high small windows and dark corners, it needed a bit of work but it had potential. Spike walked around it, kicking at the dead leaves that littered its floor. He put another foot forward into nothing, falling down a hole in the floor, which had been concealed in the darkness.
Landing hard on his belly, he lay still on the earth floor.
"Where did the bloody floor go?" he groaned, slowly turning over onto his back.
He looked around, he recognised this place, and it was one of the many caves that seemed to be plentiful in Sunnydale. Getting up, he dusted himself off and flicked open his lighter. Spike held up the flame, it would make a perfect bedchamber, his head snapped round as he heard a scream coming from above. His first thoughts were it must be Buffy, in some kind of trouble.
"It must be bleeding Tuesday!" he said under his breath, quickly scrambling up the sides of the cave.
He almost fell out of the crypt door in his effort to reach her, Willow was caught in a vice like grip, a vamp about to make a meal out of her. Buffy was bravely trying to fight off the vampires. Spike reached inside his duster for a stake, he stabbed the vampire holding Willow from behind, and the vamp never even knew what had hit him, as he exploded into dust.
"Thanks Spike, help Buffy," said Willow urgently.
Spike didn't need telling twice, he rushed into the fight, stake raised, ready to kill. The vampires were soon dispatched; Buffy sat on the ground panting.
"What are you doing here? I had everything under control," panted Buffy.
"So does that mean I will be getting your heartfelt gratitude any time soon?" Spike asked.
Spike put out his hand to help her up; he was surprised as she placed her hand in his. He quickly helped her rise, before she changed her mind.
"What the hell do you think you were doing?" asked Spike angrily.
"What I always do, slayer remember?" she said sarcastically.
Spike turned to willow, "And if you were any kind of a friend, then you would have stopped her from even coming out here in the first place,"
Willow looked guiltily at her feet, "You know Buff, if she wants to do something, and then there's no stopping her.
"We'll see about that," said Spike firmly.
Before anyone knew what he was about, he picked up his wife as if she was no more than a feather, and slung her over his shoulder and marched off in the direction of her home.
Buffy pounded ineffectually on Spike's back.
"Put me down right now Spike or I swear I'll stake you right here," Buffy screamed at him.
"You won't do anything to me, you haven't got the balls," said Spike smugly.
Buffy relaxed, admitting defeat, she decided to sit back and just enjoy the ride, and enjoy it she was, she discovered to her surprise.
"What's all the sudden concern with my welfare?" she asked suspiciously.
"It's not sudden, it's always been there," he said quietly.
"Spike, I can look after myself," sighed Buffy.
"Yes, but I promised to protect you, to be your light; can you have forgotten our vows so quickly?" he asked.
Buffy remembered every word; they were etched on her memory. Spike carried her up the path to her home, walking up the steps to the front door, he placed her gently back on her feet. He looked down at her, searching her features for something, she did not know what.
"I know what's going on with you Buffy, you don't believe your feelings are real because of Red's spell; I can wait, I am not going anywhere, just want you to know, I'll never leave you, not like the others. When you decide what you do want, you know where to find me," he said turning to leave.
"Oh, and by the way, no more patrolling, I won't have you risking your life and our baby's, if any patrolling needs doing, I will do it or one of the other scoobies," he said.
Buffy stood there, open mouthed, unable to speak, watching him disappear into the darkness.
"Spike," she said.
But he was already gone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Did Spike come here tonight mom?" asked Buffy, as she came through the front door.
"No Sweetie, just been me here all evening, where's Willow?" said Joyce.
Buffy suddenly realised her friend wasn't with her, she went over to the window.
"It's okay, she coming up the path now," answered Buffy.
Willow came in, "Where's Spike?" she asked.
"He's gone," said Buffy quietly.
"Oh," said Willow, deciding not to say anymore on the subject.
Buffy looked at her mom and friend, "Spike knows about the baby,"
"Well I didn't tell him," said Joyce defensively.
Buffy looked at Willow.
"Well it certainly wasn't me! Maybe it's a vampire thingy and he could just tell," said Willow.
"Hardly," snorted Buffy.
She got up and walked into the kitchen, she flung open the back door, she looked around the garden, her gaze stopped short on the back steps. Bending down, she picked up a half smoked cigarette and marched back into the lounge.
"I have a stalker, of the vampiric variety, look it's Spike's brand of cigarettes," she said holding it up for them to see.
There was a knock at the front door, Joyce got up from her seat to answer it. Xander and Anya joined them in the lounge.
"Hi Buffy, hi Willow, so what's up," he asked cheerfully.
Buffy looked at Willow, "You tell him, I am too tired, night mom, night all," she said, before quickly disappearing up the stairs.
"Tell me what?" asked Xander in confusion.
"You'd better sit down," said Joyce.
TBC
**************************************************************************** ********************************* A/N thanks everyone for the reviews, they are a great help & inspiration ( Just on a personal note, I am the proud Auntie of a baby boy, Aiden James, the first boy in my mothers line for 65 years so Yay!!!!!