A/N thank you for the reviews as always. In answer to your question
Tobert, I intend them to move out of the crypt, sort of after the event,
after all even in Buffyverse, what is suitable for 2 people on their own,
is not so suitable for a baby. Plus being in funds they can afford
something that isn't rent-free now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Baby Shower
Chapter 21
Buffy laid out her clothes ready for her 'secret' baby shower, Spike was busy getting a shower of the wet variety, he came out of their makeshift bathroom several moments later, wrapped in the smallest of towels, all glistening and wet from his recent wash.
"Could that towel be any smaller?" she grinned.
"Well if the person who had used the shower before me, hadn't hogged all the towels.." He said leaving the sentence hanging in the air.
"Sorry," she said in a totally unapologetic manner.
Spike looked at the outfit she had spread out on the bed, he started shaking his head.
"No, no, no, you can't wear that, it's all wrong," he said frowning.
Buffy started to panic.
"But it's the only thing I have that's suitable for a formal dinner," she wailed.
Spike walked over to the bed and knelt down, extracting a large oblong carton, from under the bed, he handed it to her expectantly.
"Spike! What have you been up to?" she asked in mock severity.
"Just open it love," he said
Buffy laid the box on the bed and threw off the lid excitedly, the tissue wrappings followed suit. Buffy looked at the beautiful black dress within, she took it out of the box and held it up, the rhinestone straps of the sleeveless dress sparkled in the lamp light, it had a filmy evening wrap draped around it.
"Oh, Spike it's beautiful," she said, holding the dress up against herself.
"Nothing could ever be as beautiful as you, but yeah I must say it's a pretty close second," he teased.
"Help me put this on?" she asked.
"Never one to turn down assisting a lady with her clothing," said Spike wolfishly.
"Yes, but in this instance you'll be helping me put my clothes on, not take them off," she said warningly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy and Spike approached her mother's home, Buffy frowned looking puzzled as all the house was in darkness.
"Are you sure there's a party here?" she asked.
"Say it loud enough Buffy, so they can all hear that you know about it," said Spike sarcastically.
"Oops!" she said blushing.
Spike opened the front door; they walked in cautiously, just as Spike was closing the door, the lights snapped on.
"Surprise!" Yelled several voices at once.
Even though Buffy had been expecting it, it made her jump; she clutched her chest.
"You guys! Are you trying to put me in the labour ward three weeks early?" she grinned.
Buffy smiled at all the pink flowery decorations spread around the room, Spike looked at it all, a sickly smile spread across his features as if he was in pain. Buffy noticed it and elbowed him in the ribs.
"Ow, what was that for? One of these days you're gonna break one of my ribs," he moaned.
"Sorry, my elbow must have slipped," said Buffy innocently.
"Buffy, you look gorgeous," said her mother.
"Thanks mom, just a little present from a wonderful husband," she said, giving Spike a quick kiss on the lips.
"Xander, how come you don't buy me things like that?" asked Anya jealously.
Xander rolled his eyes.
"Let's not get into that now Sweetie, this is Buffy's night," said Xander impatiently.
"And mine, don't forget all the hard work I put into planning this," Anya replied.
Oz came up behind Anya and patted her on the back.
"We're all very grateful to you Anya, I'm sure it will be a fun evening," he smiled placating her.
Anya smiled, going to the centre of the room.
"Thanks Oz," said Xander relieved to have averted open warfare.
"Can I have everyone's attention please!" said Anya.
Everyone turned to look at her as the conversation petered out.
"There's a little game I'd like us all to play, it won't take much effort, it's a forfeit kinda game, you are not allowed to say the word baby all evening, the first person to say it, has to give up four hours of babysitting for the new arrival when it gets here," said Anya.
"Oh, that should be easy," said Giles.
"Piece of cake," drawled Oz, confidently.
"Never say that Oz, it jinxes the whole thing," said Willow.
"Yeah like who would be stupid enough to just blurt out the word baby.." Said Xander, clapping a hand over his mouth too late.
"Xander ruin my game why don't you, you'll be the one doing the four hours babysitting, ALONE!" she emphasised.
"Sorry," he said meekly.
"Now let's play the next game, this party is going to be over real soon at this rate," she huffed angrily.
"That'd be a small mercy," mumbled Spike.
"What was that?" asked Anya.
"I said that'd be a real shame," said Spike.
"Oz, could you help me out here? I need you to get that large piece of board from the kitchen," she asked.
"Sure, no worries," said Oz.
He disappeared into the kitchen, reappearing with a large piece of green board, he handed it to Anya.
"This game will be more fun, I have baby photos of everyone here present, you will all have to guess who the baby is, except your own picture, ok?" said Anya.
Spike smiled smugly.
"Why are you looking so pleased with yourself William?" asked Buffy.
"Well it's obvious, there won't be any embarrassing baby pics of me," said Spike.
Willow grinned at Spike knowingly,
"What's so funny Red?" he asked
"You'll see, I helped Anya with this game, so I don't get to guess, but my pic is still on the board anyway," Willow replied.
Anya handed out paper and pens and turned the board around.
"Bloody hell!" Spike swore as his eyes fixed on a certain photograph.
"Ah, the power of the Internet," said Willow gleefully.
"Right, you all have five minutes to guess who is who as a baby," ordered Anya.
Spike looked more than embarrassed as he looked closely at the sepia coloured print, pinned to the board. He was dressed in a long white christening gown, with curly hair, he had hated that picture in life, thought it made him look like a girl. Most of them got the answers right. Giles was offended when Oz thought the old Victorian photograph was he. Buffy took the photo off the board,.
"Anya can we keep this? I can't believe you were such a cutie William," said Buffy
"Sure, anyway off topic I have some baby movies here, I've got Junior..." Said Anya
"Not bloody likely," Spike interrupted.
"I guess I can see why that would not be a popular choice from Spike's point of view," said Willow.
"Well it will have to be Nine Months then," said Anya, putting the tape in the VCR.
They all groaned collectively.
"I love that movie, Hugh Grant's accent is so sexy," said Anya defensively.
Spike sat there with his head in his hands, preparing to sit through a sickly sweet movie for Buffy's sake. Passions seemed like quality drama compared to this. The doorbell rang as the opening credits started to roll.
"Saved by the bell," said Oz, a huge look of relief on his face.
"Who's that, didn't think anyone else was coming," said Joyce
"That'll be the rest of the entertainment," smiled Anya happily.
"I'll get it," said Giles glad to be leaving the room.
Moments later, Giles came back with two burly looking police officers, they both looked very stern.
"Er, um, these two gentlemen of the law would like a word with you," said Giles frowning in concern.
Spike stood in front of Buffy, protectively.
"You're not taking my missus any sodding where," said Spike.
"Hang on Spike, let's hear what they have to say," said Buffy.
"Buffy Lovejoy?" asked one of the officers.
"Yes, what do you want?" asked Buffy.
"You're under arrest, for the crime of love," said the officer whipping off his hat and throwing it across the room.
The other 'Officer' switched on a small stereo he had been hiding behind his back. The song "I'm too sexy" started belting out.
Xander, had just taken a mouthful of beer, opened his eyes wide with shock and spat beer all over Giles. Willow looked at Oz, his head was bent and his shoulders were shaking suspiciously. The 'Officers had stripped down to their trousers in lightening speed.
"No baby shower would be complete with out strippers," shouted Anya above the music.
"Ahn, honey, I think you got a bit confused, this sort of entertainment is more customary for bridal showers," Said Xander.
Joyce stood transfixed by the two strippers as they whipped off their pants and gyrated to the music in tiny leather thongs. Giles went over to the stereo and switched it off.
"Ah, yes thank you , I think there's been some kind of mistake ," said Giles, throwing the discarded clothing at the two men.
"Awww, just as it was starting to get interesting," said Willow sardonically.
"How interesting do you want it?" asked Buffy.
"Why?" said Willow confused.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy looked at Spike.
"Either I just peed myself from the excitement, or my water just broke William," she said desperately.
"We're outta here," said the two strippers, grabbing their things and taking the front door at a run. Spike looked into Buffy's eyes.
"Are you sure pet? You're not due for another 3 weeks," said Spike urgently.
"Spike, babies have a habit of coming when they want to, not when you want them too," said Joyce gently.
"I'll go bring the car around," said Giles.
"Hadn't you better use my car, darling? We want to get there before the baby is born," said Joyce, throwing her keys to Giles.
"I need my bag for the hospital," said Buffy.
"This is so typical, we hadn't even got to the presents yet," said Anya huffily.
"What do you suggest she does Anya, cork it back up?" asked Willow.
"Could you?" asked Anya, looking at Buffy hopefully.
Xander took Anya's arm.
"Come on sweetie, let's drop by their crypt and pick up Buffy's hospital bag," said Xander, dragging her off with him.
"How do you feel honey?" asked Joyce.
"Oh you know, terrified," said Buffy shakily.
Spike knelt down beside Buffy, he could smell the fear on as her, as well as see it in her eyes.
"Remember pet, I'm here with you all the way," he said taking her hand and squeezing it gently.
Buffy squeezed his hand hard as a contraction gripped her. Spike winced a little at her strength, a lesser mortal would be sporting a couple of broken fingers by now, but he took the pressure, knowing whatever he was feeling, she was feeling it ten fold. Spike scooped Buffy up out of her seat, ignoring the wetness of her dress.
"Oh, Spike, my lovely new dress, is ruined," said Buffy.
"Sod the dress, trust you to be thinking of that at a time like this," he smiled at her.
She nestled her head into his shirt, feeling safe in the circle of his arms, he carried her through the front door and deposited her in the back seat of the waiting car.
"We'll meet you at the hospital," said Oz, walking off in the direction of his parked van.
"You'll be okay Buffy," said Willow trying to reassure her friend.
"Okay for you to say, you're not the one in labo..owwww!" shrieked Buffy.
"Let's get this car moving, try your breathing exercises Buffy," said Spike urgently.
"Oh, you mean those exercises I learnt on my one trip to Lamaze?" she asked sarcastically.
Giles looked in the rear view mirror, he could see Oz and Willow close behind them; Giles speeded up as Buffy let out another groan.
"I appreciate the speed mate, but we don't need to have a car accident on the way," said Spike
"Sorry," said Giles apologetically as he eased up on the pedal.
"We're here," said Joyce quickly unbuckling the seat belt and hurrying out of the car.
Joyce hurried into the entrance of the hospital, she re-emerged moments later with a doctor and a trolley. Giles opened the rear passenger door, Spike lifted Buffy out of the car and onto the waiting trolley, making sure she was comfortable, he gripped her hand as she was wheeled off.
"Spike," Buffy said.
"I'm here love, don't you worry," said Spike.
The doctor wheeled them to the elevator doors.
"Wait here, while I get Ms Lovejoy's records from desk, then we'll take her up to the fourth floor labour ward," said the doctor.
A large nurse came waddling out into the corridor.
"Can't have you clogging up my hall way got a large traffic accident coming in," said the nurse.
"But we were told to wait here," said Willow.
The nurse pressed the button and the lift doors slid open. She wheeled Buffy into the elevator, eyeing Spike.
"You the father?" she asked
"Yes," he replied
"Well get in then, the rest of you can use the stairs," she said.
The nurse strode off as the first of the accident victims arrived.
"See you up there mum," said Spike as the doors slid shut.
"That bitch," said Willow watching the back of the retreating nurse.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The elevator started to move upwards,
"This is it, Buffy love, it all begins here," he said
Buffy looked into his eyes.
"Guess our little girl was impatient to get here," she smiled.
"In a hurry, just like her mum," Spike smiled back.
The elevator shook, the lights flickered on and off, before plunging them into darkness for a few seconds until the emergency lighting came on.
"What is it?" asked Buffy nervously.
"Earthquake?" asked Spike.
"Didn't feel like one," she said.
Spike pressed the buttons on the elevator panel, nothing happened.
"Er, Buffy," said Spike
"What? Owww, the contractions are getting closer together," she moaned.
"The elevator does not seem to be working," said Spike tuning to look at her pale face.
TBC
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Baby Shower
Chapter 21
Buffy laid out her clothes ready for her 'secret' baby shower, Spike was busy getting a shower of the wet variety, he came out of their makeshift bathroom several moments later, wrapped in the smallest of towels, all glistening and wet from his recent wash.
"Could that towel be any smaller?" she grinned.
"Well if the person who had used the shower before me, hadn't hogged all the towels.." He said leaving the sentence hanging in the air.
"Sorry," she said in a totally unapologetic manner.
Spike looked at the outfit she had spread out on the bed, he started shaking his head.
"No, no, no, you can't wear that, it's all wrong," he said frowning.
Buffy started to panic.
"But it's the only thing I have that's suitable for a formal dinner," she wailed.
Spike walked over to the bed and knelt down, extracting a large oblong carton, from under the bed, he handed it to her expectantly.
"Spike! What have you been up to?" she asked in mock severity.
"Just open it love," he said
Buffy laid the box on the bed and threw off the lid excitedly, the tissue wrappings followed suit. Buffy looked at the beautiful black dress within, she took it out of the box and held it up, the rhinestone straps of the sleeveless dress sparkled in the lamp light, it had a filmy evening wrap draped around it.
"Oh, Spike it's beautiful," she said, holding the dress up against herself.
"Nothing could ever be as beautiful as you, but yeah I must say it's a pretty close second," he teased.
"Help me put this on?" she asked.
"Never one to turn down assisting a lady with her clothing," said Spike wolfishly.
"Yes, but in this instance you'll be helping me put my clothes on, not take them off," she said warningly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy and Spike approached her mother's home, Buffy frowned looking puzzled as all the house was in darkness.
"Are you sure there's a party here?" she asked.
"Say it loud enough Buffy, so they can all hear that you know about it," said Spike sarcastically.
"Oops!" she said blushing.
Spike opened the front door; they walked in cautiously, just as Spike was closing the door, the lights snapped on.
"Surprise!" Yelled several voices at once.
Even though Buffy had been expecting it, it made her jump; she clutched her chest.
"You guys! Are you trying to put me in the labour ward three weeks early?" she grinned.
Buffy smiled at all the pink flowery decorations spread around the room, Spike looked at it all, a sickly smile spread across his features as if he was in pain. Buffy noticed it and elbowed him in the ribs.
"Ow, what was that for? One of these days you're gonna break one of my ribs," he moaned.
"Sorry, my elbow must have slipped," said Buffy innocently.
"Buffy, you look gorgeous," said her mother.
"Thanks mom, just a little present from a wonderful husband," she said, giving Spike a quick kiss on the lips.
"Xander, how come you don't buy me things like that?" asked Anya jealously.
Xander rolled his eyes.
"Let's not get into that now Sweetie, this is Buffy's night," said Xander impatiently.
"And mine, don't forget all the hard work I put into planning this," Anya replied.
Oz came up behind Anya and patted her on the back.
"We're all very grateful to you Anya, I'm sure it will be a fun evening," he smiled placating her.
Anya smiled, going to the centre of the room.
"Thanks Oz," said Xander relieved to have averted open warfare.
"Can I have everyone's attention please!" said Anya.
Everyone turned to look at her as the conversation petered out.
"There's a little game I'd like us all to play, it won't take much effort, it's a forfeit kinda game, you are not allowed to say the word baby all evening, the first person to say it, has to give up four hours of babysitting for the new arrival when it gets here," said Anya.
"Oh, that should be easy," said Giles.
"Piece of cake," drawled Oz, confidently.
"Never say that Oz, it jinxes the whole thing," said Willow.
"Yeah like who would be stupid enough to just blurt out the word baby.." Said Xander, clapping a hand over his mouth too late.
"Xander ruin my game why don't you, you'll be the one doing the four hours babysitting, ALONE!" she emphasised.
"Sorry," he said meekly.
"Now let's play the next game, this party is going to be over real soon at this rate," she huffed angrily.
"That'd be a small mercy," mumbled Spike.
"What was that?" asked Anya.
"I said that'd be a real shame," said Spike.
"Oz, could you help me out here? I need you to get that large piece of board from the kitchen," she asked.
"Sure, no worries," said Oz.
He disappeared into the kitchen, reappearing with a large piece of green board, he handed it to Anya.
"This game will be more fun, I have baby photos of everyone here present, you will all have to guess who the baby is, except your own picture, ok?" said Anya.
Spike smiled smugly.
"Why are you looking so pleased with yourself William?" asked Buffy.
"Well it's obvious, there won't be any embarrassing baby pics of me," said Spike.
Willow grinned at Spike knowingly,
"What's so funny Red?" he asked
"You'll see, I helped Anya with this game, so I don't get to guess, but my pic is still on the board anyway," Willow replied.
Anya handed out paper and pens and turned the board around.
"Bloody hell!" Spike swore as his eyes fixed on a certain photograph.
"Ah, the power of the Internet," said Willow gleefully.
"Right, you all have five minutes to guess who is who as a baby," ordered Anya.
Spike looked more than embarrassed as he looked closely at the sepia coloured print, pinned to the board. He was dressed in a long white christening gown, with curly hair, he had hated that picture in life, thought it made him look like a girl. Most of them got the answers right. Giles was offended when Oz thought the old Victorian photograph was he. Buffy took the photo off the board,.
"Anya can we keep this? I can't believe you were such a cutie William," said Buffy
"Sure, anyway off topic I have some baby movies here, I've got Junior..." Said Anya
"Not bloody likely," Spike interrupted.
"I guess I can see why that would not be a popular choice from Spike's point of view," said Willow.
"Well it will have to be Nine Months then," said Anya, putting the tape in the VCR.
They all groaned collectively.
"I love that movie, Hugh Grant's accent is so sexy," said Anya defensively.
Spike sat there with his head in his hands, preparing to sit through a sickly sweet movie for Buffy's sake. Passions seemed like quality drama compared to this. The doorbell rang as the opening credits started to roll.
"Saved by the bell," said Oz, a huge look of relief on his face.
"Who's that, didn't think anyone else was coming," said Joyce
"That'll be the rest of the entertainment," smiled Anya happily.
"I'll get it," said Giles glad to be leaving the room.
Moments later, Giles came back with two burly looking police officers, they both looked very stern.
"Er, um, these two gentlemen of the law would like a word with you," said Giles frowning in concern.
Spike stood in front of Buffy, protectively.
"You're not taking my missus any sodding where," said Spike.
"Hang on Spike, let's hear what they have to say," said Buffy.
"Buffy Lovejoy?" asked one of the officers.
"Yes, what do you want?" asked Buffy.
"You're under arrest, for the crime of love," said the officer whipping off his hat and throwing it across the room.
The other 'Officer' switched on a small stereo he had been hiding behind his back. The song "I'm too sexy" started belting out.
Xander, had just taken a mouthful of beer, opened his eyes wide with shock and spat beer all over Giles. Willow looked at Oz, his head was bent and his shoulders were shaking suspiciously. The 'Officers had stripped down to their trousers in lightening speed.
"No baby shower would be complete with out strippers," shouted Anya above the music.
"Ahn, honey, I think you got a bit confused, this sort of entertainment is more customary for bridal showers," Said Xander.
Joyce stood transfixed by the two strippers as they whipped off their pants and gyrated to the music in tiny leather thongs. Giles went over to the stereo and switched it off.
"Ah, yes thank you , I think there's been some kind of mistake ," said Giles, throwing the discarded clothing at the two men.
"Awww, just as it was starting to get interesting," said Willow sardonically.
"How interesting do you want it?" asked Buffy.
"Why?" said Willow confused.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy looked at Spike.
"Either I just peed myself from the excitement, or my water just broke William," she said desperately.
"We're outta here," said the two strippers, grabbing their things and taking the front door at a run. Spike looked into Buffy's eyes.
"Are you sure pet? You're not due for another 3 weeks," said Spike urgently.
"Spike, babies have a habit of coming when they want to, not when you want them too," said Joyce gently.
"I'll go bring the car around," said Giles.
"Hadn't you better use my car, darling? We want to get there before the baby is born," said Joyce, throwing her keys to Giles.
"I need my bag for the hospital," said Buffy.
"This is so typical, we hadn't even got to the presents yet," said Anya huffily.
"What do you suggest she does Anya, cork it back up?" asked Willow.
"Could you?" asked Anya, looking at Buffy hopefully.
Xander took Anya's arm.
"Come on sweetie, let's drop by their crypt and pick up Buffy's hospital bag," said Xander, dragging her off with him.
"How do you feel honey?" asked Joyce.
"Oh you know, terrified," said Buffy shakily.
Spike knelt down beside Buffy, he could smell the fear on as her, as well as see it in her eyes.
"Remember pet, I'm here with you all the way," he said taking her hand and squeezing it gently.
Buffy squeezed his hand hard as a contraction gripped her. Spike winced a little at her strength, a lesser mortal would be sporting a couple of broken fingers by now, but he took the pressure, knowing whatever he was feeling, she was feeling it ten fold. Spike scooped Buffy up out of her seat, ignoring the wetness of her dress.
"Oh, Spike, my lovely new dress, is ruined," said Buffy.
"Sod the dress, trust you to be thinking of that at a time like this," he smiled at her.
She nestled her head into his shirt, feeling safe in the circle of his arms, he carried her through the front door and deposited her in the back seat of the waiting car.
"We'll meet you at the hospital," said Oz, walking off in the direction of his parked van.
"You'll be okay Buffy," said Willow trying to reassure her friend.
"Okay for you to say, you're not the one in labo..owwww!" shrieked Buffy.
"Let's get this car moving, try your breathing exercises Buffy," said Spike urgently.
"Oh, you mean those exercises I learnt on my one trip to Lamaze?" she asked sarcastically.
Giles looked in the rear view mirror, he could see Oz and Willow close behind them; Giles speeded up as Buffy let out another groan.
"I appreciate the speed mate, but we don't need to have a car accident on the way," said Spike
"Sorry," said Giles apologetically as he eased up on the pedal.
"We're here," said Joyce quickly unbuckling the seat belt and hurrying out of the car.
Joyce hurried into the entrance of the hospital, she re-emerged moments later with a doctor and a trolley. Giles opened the rear passenger door, Spike lifted Buffy out of the car and onto the waiting trolley, making sure she was comfortable, he gripped her hand as she was wheeled off.
"Spike," Buffy said.
"I'm here love, don't you worry," said Spike.
The doctor wheeled them to the elevator doors.
"Wait here, while I get Ms Lovejoy's records from desk, then we'll take her up to the fourth floor labour ward," said the doctor.
A large nurse came waddling out into the corridor.
"Can't have you clogging up my hall way got a large traffic accident coming in," said the nurse.
"But we were told to wait here," said Willow.
The nurse pressed the button and the lift doors slid open. She wheeled Buffy into the elevator, eyeing Spike.
"You the father?" she asked
"Yes," he replied
"Well get in then, the rest of you can use the stairs," she said.
The nurse strode off as the first of the accident victims arrived.
"See you up there mum," said Spike as the doors slid shut.
"That bitch," said Willow watching the back of the retreating nurse.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The elevator started to move upwards,
"This is it, Buffy love, it all begins here," he said
Buffy looked into his eyes.
"Guess our little girl was impatient to get here," she smiled.
"In a hurry, just like her mum," Spike smiled back.
The elevator shook, the lights flickered on and off, before plunging them into darkness for a few seconds until the emergency lighting came on.
"What is it?" asked Buffy nervously.
"Earthquake?" asked Spike.
"Didn't feel like one," she said.
Spike pressed the buttons on the elevator panel, nothing happened.
"Er, Buffy," said Spike
"What? Owww, the contractions are getting closer together," she moaned.
"The elevator does not seem to be working," said Spike tuning to look at her pale face.
TBC