A/N The Convention was brilliant!!!! James Marsters kissed my hand, and we
empathised over our both being left-handed, Danny Strong gave up his taxi
for my friend and I. I thanked him during the Q&A the next day as I forgot
to the night before. I wanted everyone to know what a sweetheart he was.
Got all the autographs I wanted, I gave Danny strong a picture to sign of
him bare chested (It was from his swimsuit calendar in Superstar) He passed
it on to James Leary (Clem) they laughed at it. Danny signed it and said to
me "Honey I would give up my taxi for you anytime," He's quite a smoothie
lol. I have pictures at if
anyone would like a peek; they are not the best quality as I only had a
disposable camera.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Seriously
Chapter 12
"It was a wonderful night last night, most of that was thanks to you Spike," she said
Buffy sat in the green armchair enjoying the fact it was a Sunday morning, it was her favourite day of the week, Spike was busy making breakfast for them both, not that his took a lot of effort. Sunday was their day, College, Willies and everything else was left behind for a few hours and they could just be themselves.
"Hey I didn't do it all by myself, in fact a lot of it was teamwork if I remember rightly," he grinned touching his tongue to his bottom lip.
The microwave pinged, and Spike took his mug out of it and placed it on the tray next to Buffy's breakfast. He walked towards her, she got up off the chair so he could sit down, and she sat back down on his lap.
"This is my most favourite place in the whole world," she said contentedly.
She took a bite of her toast, watching as Spike took a sip of his warm "drink" and his game face slipped on.
"If this is your most favourite place in the whole world then I must be slipping," he smiled baring his fangs.
They both sighed with pleasure. The loud banging on the crypt door startled them both, Spike sloshed his blood all over the front of Buffy's nightshirt, she shot up from Spike's lap and the plate of toast went crashing to the floor.
"Aw, bloody hell!" exclaimed Spike.
"Definatley bloody," said Buffy, holding the bloodied nightshirt away from her skin.
"Sorry about that Buffy, look I'll get the door and rip the head off who ever it is," he grumbled.
"Wait, I want to get this off first," she said quickly slipping off her nightshirt letting it drop to the floor and disappearing naked below stairs.
The pummelling of the crypt door continued.
"Alright, alright this had better be good unless you want to be six feet under," said Spike.
He opened the door.
"Oh it's you," he said
Xander looked at Spike, still in full vamp face.
"Can I come in, I need to speak to Buffy urgently," said Xander.
"Now's not a good time, she's had a little accident," Spike replied.
Xander shoved past Spike into the main room, he spied a small puddle of blood and Buffy's discarded nightshirt on the crypt floor. He turned to Spike.
"You bastard! What have you done to her?" demanded Xander grabbing Spike by his t-shirt.
Spike's face morphed back to his human self.
"Nothing mate, she's fine," said Spike.
Xander balled up his fist about to strike Spike in the face, when Buffy came up behind him and held his hand fast. He turned his head in surprise.
"Oh, Buffy there you are," said Xander lowering his fist.
"Yes, let me guess you put two and two together and made five?" she asked looking pointedly at the bloody nightshirt.
"Sorry?" he said looking at Spike.
Xander shrugged apologetically.
"Well he was all bumpy and there was blood everywhere," said Xander
"Bloody wanker," said Spike
"What brings you here, this time of the morning?" asked Buffy frowning at him.
"Tried to get you on your cell phone, but it was switched off," said Xander
"Maybe that's because we didn't want to be disturbed," said Spike pointedly.
"Went round to see Giles this morning, he found some top secret files had literally been left in his apartment, says it's important, otherwise I wouldn't have come, as it is, Anya is going to be mad at me, I was only supposed to be gone an hour,"
"Well sod off then," growled Spike.
Buffy started putting on her jacket.
"Sorry Spike I have to go," she said sadly.
Spike sighed. Buffy put her hand in her pocket and felt the gift bag Willow had given her the night before, she took it out, it was a little crumpled. She handed it to Spike, hoping to cheer him up with the forgotten present.
"What's this? Think you can buy me off with shiny gifts?" he asked
"No, I meant to give it to you last night, open it when I've gone, call it a little blast form your past, hope you like it," she smiled.
Xander looked at his watch impatiently.
"What's the matter? Afraid Mommy Anya will spank your bottom for being a bad boy?" asked Spike.
"Well you like it when I do it to you Spike," said Buffy opening her mouth to say more.
Spike quickly grabbed her and kissed her, silencing her before she could say more.
"Hurry back sweetheart," said Spike.
Buffy and Xander turned to go, but not before Xander gave him a smug smile. Left alone in the crypt, Spike set about cleaning up the earlier mess. He sat down, curious to see what his other gift from Buffy could be. He opened the bag and took out the photo; he frowned at it at first, then his eyes widened, as he looked on a face he hadn't seen in a very long time.
"What the hell?!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy entered Giles's apartment alone, having parted company with Xander who was eager to get back to Anya. She found him sitting at his research table, poring over several files.
"Hey Giles, what's happening?" asked Buffy cheerily.
"This," said Giles, looking at the files.
Buffy sat down at the table, a sinking feeling settled inside her chest, she had a feeling this was going to be a long day.
"Seems the soldiers in the area, belong to a government organisation called the Initiative, my original source was correct about the demon engineering, there's something I have to tell you," he said gravely taking Buffy's hand.
Giles held up a large bulky folder.
"This contains detailed files on Spike or Hostile 17, as they call him, and you," he finished quickly.
Buffy looked confused.
"I can understand there being some record of Spike, but why me?" she asked.
Giles looked at her affectionately, concern etched on his face.
"Just tell me Giles, we've been through enough together over the years," said Buffy insistently.
Giles sighed.
"Ok, they know you're the slayer, don't ask me how, these government types seem to know everything," said Giles
"But I still don't get it," said Buffy anxiously.
"There's no easy way to tell you this Buffy, I only hesitated because of your condition, remember when I told you about room 314?" he asked
"Yep, I think I was listening at the time," she said
"Well, their top-secret project, it's you and your baby," he told her.
Buffy paled and she felt the room start to spin. Giles rose out of his seat.
"Buffy!" he exclaimed rushing forward to catch her as she would have slumped over in her chair.
Giles picked her up out of her seat and carried her over to the sofa, gently laying her down on it, he brushed the hair from her face in a gesture of fatherly concern. After several moments she stirred.
"Spike?" she said groggily.
"No, Giles, you fainted remember?" he asked.
It all came speeding back to her, the reason for her fainting spell.
"Giles!" she wailed miserably.
"I know, I know," he said trying to sooth her.
She placed her hands protectively over her swollen belly, tears falling down her cheeks. Giles gathered her into his arms and held her.
"Don't despair Buffy, we have to find out exactly what they are planning and stop them, my guess is they won't make any real move on you until it's nearer your time, but until then we have to be vigilant, I'll tell the others," he said
"Spike, I don't want him to know," she said firmly.
"Why ever not?" he asked
"I don't want him to worry, he thinks with his heart first and his head second, I don't want him doing anything rash that might put him in danger," she said Worriedly.
"I understand, I'll tell the others not to say anything," Giles replied
"So it won't do us any good to run then?" she asked.
Giles shook his head.
"Better to stay here, I'm pretty sure you're being watched, if all the details are anything to go by, and I still don't know where all those files came from," said Giles.
"Could it be from the inside? Maybe a pissed off worker or such?" she asked.
"Maybe," said Giles thoughtfully.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy returned home to their crypt, surprised to find that Spike was not alone. As glad as she was to see her mother, the events of the last couple of hours were still sinking in.
"Hi Mom," she said tiredly.
Joyce frowned in concern.
"You're looking a little pale Buffy, are you ok?" asked Joyce.
"Just a little tired," said Buffy, which was no lie.
"You're sure luv?" asked Spike
Buffy opened her mouth to speak, before she could answer him, Joyce spoke and the moment was forgotten.
"My goodness where did you get this from?" asked Joyce as she found the picture of William on the TV table.
"Yeah, that what I'd like to know too," said Spike looking at Buffy.
Buffy was glad of the subject change.
"I asked Willow to look up some stuff on the Internet, wasn't sure she would find anything, you do like it don't you?" asked Buffy
"Yeah, of course I do love, it just was a little weird that's all, haven't seen my face for a long time, for me it's like digging up past uglies, I am that person, but I'm not, you know what I mean," he replied.
"Oh while, I remember, have you two made any plans for Christmas, it's only a month away, I thought we could have a nice family dinner, you two, me and Giles. If you don't want to, I understand, I know it's your first Christmas as a married couple, if you want to be alone?" said Joyce.
Buffy looked at Spike, he smiled back at her.
"That would be great mom," beamed Buffy.
"And you two could stay over night on Christmas Eve, you could use your old room," said Joyce enthusiastically.
"How about it William, it would be like old times," said Buffy
"Yeah, why not I have some fond memories of that bedroom," said Spike, kissing Buffy's hair.
Buffy giggled, almost forgetting her worries. It had been a Godsend, her mother's invitation, Christmas would have been pretty lean this year without it. She looked at Spike, he was looking painfully thin these days, with all the hard work he did, and she knew he sometimes skipped meals, just to make sure she ate enough. Her job had made things a little easier, but with the coming baby, there would be new expenses.
"Ok, that's settled then, just think next year, we will have an extra little someone to share Christmas with," said Joyce touching her daughter's stomach.
Buffy smiled sadly to herself and hugged her mother.
"Well I'd better be off, Giles is taking me out for a drive," said Joyce.
"Well, in his car you'd need to get an early start," said Spike sardonically.
Joyce looked thoughtful.
"Hmmm, maybe I'll suggest we take my car, anyway take care you two," she said
Joyce kissed her son in law on the cheek and squeezed her daughter's hand and then she was gone. Alone at last with Spike, Buffy slumped down in the armchair.
"You look shattered love, maybe you should go and lie down, the scoobies can't keep putting on you in your condition," he said annoyed.
"That sounds like a good idea, will you come with me?" she asked.
"Well I wasn't planning on staying up here alone, c'mon," he said grabbing her hand and leading her over to the ladder.
"And we're not answering that door, even if an apocalypse comes knocking," said Buffy resolutely.
"Shame you've got so big, otherwise I'd give you a piggy back ride down the ladder," he smiled.
"Hey is that your way of telling me I am fat?" she asked.
"Only in the most beautiful way possible, because you are carrying out child, but I'd love you either way, you know that right?" he asked.
"Yeah, same for me too, even if you got a blood belly," she giggled.
They settled down together on the bed, Buffy soon fell asleep, but Spike stayed there watching her sleep, he felt she hadn't told him everything, he knew fear when he saw it. Hell he could even smell it, and smelling it on Buffy was something he'd never experienced before. It made him afraid too, afraid for the unknown.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The unflappable Maggie Walsh was in a blinding rage, several of the files pertaining to hostile 17 and Buffy Summers/Lovejoy were missing. She had a feeling she knew who was responsible for their absence. Maybe it was time to call in someone else, some one who had been rotting in a South American jungle the last six months.
TBC
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Seriously
Chapter 12
"It was a wonderful night last night, most of that was thanks to you Spike," she said
Buffy sat in the green armchair enjoying the fact it was a Sunday morning, it was her favourite day of the week, Spike was busy making breakfast for them both, not that his took a lot of effort. Sunday was their day, College, Willies and everything else was left behind for a few hours and they could just be themselves.
"Hey I didn't do it all by myself, in fact a lot of it was teamwork if I remember rightly," he grinned touching his tongue to his bottom lip.
The microwave pinged, and Spike took his mug out of it and placed it on the tray next to Buffy's breakfast. He walked towards her, she got up off the chair so he could sit down, and she sat back down on his lap.
"This is my most favourite place in the whole world," she said contentedly.
She took a bite of her toast, watching as Spike took a sip of his warm "drink" and his game face slipped on.
"If this is your most favourite place in the whole world then I must be slipping," he smiled baring his fangs.
They both sighed with pleasure. The loud banging on the crypt door startled them both, Spike sloshed his blood all over the front of Buffy's nightshirt, she shot up from Spike's lap and the plate of toast went crashing to the floor.
"Aw, bloody hell!" exclaimed Spike.
"Definatley bloody," said Buffy, holding the bloodied nightshirt away from her skin.
"Sorry about that Buffy, look I'll get the door and rip the head off who ever it is," he grumbled.
"Wait, I want to get this off first," she said quickly slipping off her nightshirt letting it drop to the floor and disappearing naked below stairs.
The pummelling of the crypt door continued.
"Alright, alright this had better be good unless you want to be six feet under," said Spike.
He opened the door.
"Oh it's you," he said
Xander looked at Spike, still in full vamp face.
"Can I come in, I need to speak to Buffy urgently," said Xander.
"Now's not a good time, she's had a little accident," Spike replied.
Xander shoved past Spike into the main room, he spied a small puddle of blood and Buffy's discarded nightshirt on the crypt floor. He turned to Spike.
"You bastard! What have you done to her?" demanded Xander grabbing Spike by his t-shirt.
Spike's face morphed back to his human self.
"Nothing mate, she's fine," said Spike.
Xander balled up his fist about to strike Spike in the face, when Buffy came up behind him and held his hand fast. He turned his head in surprise.
"Oh, Buffy there you are," said Xander lowering his fist.
"Yes, let me guess you put two and two together and made five?" she asked looking pointedly at the bloody nightshirt.
"Sorry?" he said looking at Spike.
Xander shrugged apologetically.
"Well he was all bumpy and there was blood everywhere," said Xander
"Bloody wanker," said Spike
"What brings you here, this time of the morning?" asked Buffy frowning at him.
"Tried to get you on your cell phone, but it was switched off," said Xander
"Maybe that's because we didn't want to be disturbed," said Spike pointedly.
"Went round to see Giles this morning, he found some top secret files had literally been left in his apartment, says it's important, otherwise I wouldn't have come, as it is, Anya is going to be mad at me, I was only supposed to be gone an hour,"
"Well sod off then," growled Spike.
Buffy started putting on her jacket.
"Sorry Spike I have to go," she said sadly.
Spike sighed. Buffy put her hand in her pocket and felt the gift bag Willow had given her the night before, she took it out, it was a little crumpled. She handed it to Spike, hoping to cheer him up with the forgotten present.
"What's this? Think you can buy me off with shiny gifts?" he asked
"No, I meant to give it to you last night, open it when I've gone, call it a little blast form your past, hope you like it," she smiled.
Xander looked at his watch impatiently.
"What's the matter? Afraid Mommy Anya will spank your bottom for being a bad boy?" asked Spike.
"Well you like it when I do it to you Spike," said Buffy opening her mouth to say more.
Spike quickly grabbed her and kissed her, silencing her before she could say more.
"Hurry back sweetheart," said Spike.
Buffy and Xander turned to go, but not before Xander gave him a smug smile. Left alone in the crypt, Spike set about cleaning up the earlier mess. He sat down, curious to see what his other gift from Buffy could be. He opened the bag and took out the photo; he frowned at it at first, then his eyes widened, as he looked on a face he hadn't seen in a very long time.
"What the hell?!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy entered Giles's apartment alone, having parted company with Xander who was eager to get back to Anya. She found him sitting at his research table, poring over several files.
"Hey Giles, what's happening?" asked Buffy cheerily.
"This," said Giles, looking at the files.
Buffy sat down at the table, a sinking feeling settled inside her chest, she had a feeling this was going to be a long day.
"Seems the soldiers in the area, belong to a government organisation called the Initiative, my original source was correct about the demon engineering, there's something I have to tell you," he said gravely taking Buffy's hand.
Giles held up a large bulky folder.
"This contains detailed files on Spike or Hostile 17, as they call him, and you," he finished quickly.
Buffy looked confused.
"I can understand there being some record of Spike, but why me?" she asked.
Giles looked at her affectionately, concern etched on his face.
"Just tell me Giles, we've been through enough together over the years," said Buffy insistently.
Giles sighed.
"Ok, they know you're the slayer, don't ask me how, these government types seem to know everything," said Giles
"But I still don't get it," said Buffy anxiously.
"There's no easy way to tell you this Buffy, I only hesitated because of your condition, remember when I told you about room 314?" he asked
"Yep, I think I was listening at the time," she said
"Well, their top-secret project, it's you and your baby," he told her.
Buffy paled and she felt the room start to spin. Giles rose out of his seat.
"Buffy!" he exclaimed rushing forward to catch her as she would have slumped over in her chair.
Giles picked her up out of her seat and carried her over to the sofa, gently laying her down on it, he brushed the hair from her face in a gesture of fatherly concern. After several moments she stirred.
"Spike?" she said groggily.
"No, Giles, you fainted remember?" he asked.
It all came speeding back to her, the reason for her fainting spell.
"Giles!" she wailed miserably.
"I know, I know," he said trying to sooth her.
She placed her hands protectively over her swollen belly, tears falling down her cheeks. Giles gathered her into his arms and held her.
"Don't despair Buffy, we have to find out exactly what they are planning and stop them, my guess is they won't make any real move on you until it's nearer your time, but until then we have to be vigilant, I'll tell the others," he said
"Spike, I don't want him to know," she said firmly.
"Why ever not?" he asked
"I don't want him to worry, he thinks with his heart first and his head second, I don't want him doing anything rash that might put him in danger," she said Worriedly.
"I understand, I'll tell the others not to say anything," Giles replied
"So it won't do us any good to run then?" she asked.
Giles shook his head.
"Better to stay here, I'm pretty sure you're being watched, if all the details are anything to go by, and I still don't know where all those files came from," said Giles.
"Could it be from the inside? Maybe a pissed off worker or such?" she asked.
"Maybe," said Giles thoughtfully.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy returned home to their crypt, surprised to find that Spike was not alone. As glad as she was to see her mother, the events of the last couple of hours were still sinking in.
"Hi Mom," she said tiredly.
Joyce frowned in concern.
"You're looking a little pale Buffy, are you ok?" asked Joyce.
"Just a little tired," said Buffy, which was no lie.
"You're sure luv?" asked Spike
Buffy opened her mouth to speak, before she could answer him, Joyce spoke and the moment was forgotten.
"My goodness where did you get this from?" asked Joyce as she found the picture of William on the TV table.
"Yeah, that what I'd like to know too," said Spike looking at Buffy.
Buffy was glad of the subject change.
"I asked Willow to look up some stuff on the Internet, wasn't sure she would find anything, you do like it don't you?" asked Buffy
"Yeah, of course I do love, it just was a little weird that's all, haven't seen my face for a long time, for me it's like digging up past uglies, I am that person, but I'm not, you know what I mean," he replied.
"Oh while, I remember, have you two made any plans for Christmas, it's only a month away, I thought we could have a nice family dinner, you two, me and Giles. If you don't want to, I understand, I know it's your first Christmas as a married couple, if you want to be alone?" said Joyce.
Buffy looked at Spike, he smiled back at her.
"That would be great mom," beamed Buffy.
"And you two could stay over night on Christmas Eve, you could use your old room," said Joyce enthusiastically.
"How about it William, it would be like old times," said Buffy
"Yeah, why not I have some fond memories of that bedroom," said Spike, kissing Buffy's hair.
Buffy giggled, almost forgetting her worries. It had been a Godsend, her mother's invitation, Christmas would have been pretty lean this year without it. She looked at Spike, he was looking painfully thin these days, with all the hard work he did, and she knew he sometimes skipped meals, just to make sure she ate enough. Her job had made things a little easier, but with the coming baby, there would be new expenses.
"Ok, that's settled then, just think next year, we will have an extra little someone to share Christmas with," said Joyce touching her daughter's stomach.
Buffy smiled sadly to herself and hugged her mother.
"Well I'd better be off, Giles is taking me out for a drive," said Joyce.
"Well, in his car you'd need to get an early start," said Spike sardonically.
Joyce looked thoughtful.
"Hmmm, maybe I'll suggest we take my car, anyway take care you two," she said
Joyce kissed her son in law on the cheek and squeezed her daughter's hand and then she was gone. Alone at last with Spike, Buffy slumped down in the armchair.
"You look shattered love, maybe you should go and lie down, the scoobies can't keep putting on you in your condition," he said annoyed.
"That sounds like a good idea, will you come with me?" she asked.
"Well I wasn't planning on staying up here alone, c'mon," he said grabbing her hand and leading her over to the ladder.
"And we're not answering that door, even if an apocalypse comes knocking," said Buffy resolutely.
"Shame you've got so big, otherwise I'd give you a piggy back ride down the ladder," he smiled.
"Hey is that your way of telling me I am fat?" she asked.
"Only in the most beautiful way possible, because you are carrying out child, but I'd love you either way, you know that right?" he asked.
"Yeah, same for me too, even if you got a blood belly," she giggled.
They settled down together on the bed, Buffy soon fell asleep, but Spike stayed there watching her sleep, he felt she hadn't told him everything, he knew fear when he saw it. Hell he could even smell it, and smelling it on Buffy was something he'd never experienced before. It made him afraid too, afraid for the unknown.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The unflappable Maggie Walsh was in a blinding rage, several of the files pertaining to hostile 17 and Buffy Summers/Lovejoy were missing. She had a feeling she knew who was responsible for their absence. Maybe it was time to call in someone else, some one who had been rotting in a South American jungle the last six months.
TBC