Chapter 20: Business with the Council (NC-17)

Disclaimer: Joss owns everything, but this story.

It's been two months since the wedding and life in Casa Summers is back to normal. Buffy is a lady of leisure these days, having quit her job because of her advanced pregnancy. Spike is a dutiful husband that takes good care of Buffy, making sure that she's comfortable, well fed and gets some exercise to keep her in shape. He still works at Willie's bar at night and patrols with the gang on his nights off, but as of late he has had to patrol with them every night because of an incident that involved Willow.

On one of the nights that she, Tara and Xander were out on patrol, a vampire got a hold of Willow during a fight and overpowered her. Just as it was ready to feed on her, Tara said a few words in latin, held out her hand and magically pulled the vampire off of Willow and backwards on to Xander's stake, dusting him. That close call is the reason why Spike has to stick very closely to the scoobies every night on patrol to prevent that from happening to anyone else.

Giles had a few meetings with the Council having them contractually compensate Buffy for her work as the Slayer and continue to do so, for as long as she lives and performs her duties. Basically she is their senior Slayer considering that she has lived longer than the Slayers before her, having died and come back twice. Giles even made sure that she would receive residual pay from the age of 15 when she began slaying, and is being paid during her maternity leave. The Council is also responsible for her medical expenses for this pregnancy and any others she will/or may have in the future.

There is also a clause that states that in no shape, form or fashion are they to harass, exploit or have contact with Buffy, her children, husband, sister, friends, and any other future generations of hers. If at anytime that the Council need to contact his Slayer, it will be done through Giles. They are aware that Buffy's husband is a vampire and Giles knowing the Council's ways, wants to make sure that no harm will come to Spike or his children.

Giles made Buffy and Spike aware of the contract and all that it states and of the pay that is due her from the Watchers Council, so she will not have to return to her job at the Doublemeat Palace. Spike doesn't have to continue working at Willie's bar if he doesn't choose to, that way he can devote more of his time to Buffy and patrolling with the scoobies; it is his job to make sure that Buffy, Dawn and the baby are happy and cared for. Buffy is now seven and a half months pregnant and needs her husband at her side at all times and when he goes out on patrol, he takes a cell phone with him and calls her to make sure she's ok and to see if she needs anything while he's out.

The check that Buffy received was brought to her by Giles personally to make sure that there were no mistakes in her receiving it. She and Spike looked at the check and it was made out in such a phenomenal amount that their eyes nearly rolled out of their heads looking at all of the zeros on it. Buffy opened two bank accounts, one for she and Spike and one for Dawn, started a college fund for Dawn and her baby and finished buying the things they needed for the baby. Buffy commissioned Xander and his crew to build an addition on to the house thus giving Giles and the witches a room of their own, since Tara decided to move back in with Willow, leaving Joyce's room free to use for the nursery. The money that was left over was still such a great amount that they are financially set for the rest of the natural lives.

Being seven months pregnant is no joy for Buffy, she often complained of discomfort, not being able to see her feet and feeling like a beached whale making her grumpy and emotional. Spike always listened to her complaints and reminded her that she will not always be this way, but she often tried to argue with him in her discontent, telling him that he didn't understand. Spike had learned to counteract these emotional times by making her feel special, being patient with her and giving her his undivided attention. Usually by giving her back, foot and tummy rubs, running a hot bath with her favorite vanilla bubble bath in it and he has also given her full body massages that usually end up being rip, roaring rounds of sex.

When he set everything up for her bath he used candles to light the room giving it a romantic glow while the water ran in the tub and made a trail of rose pedals that lead the way to the bathtub for her to follow, he even scattered a few pedals on the surface of the water. Bringing her into the bathroom he helped her remove her robe and climb into the tub, talking to her and feeding her chocolates, while she relaxed in the bath. He has given money to the other members of the household to find something to do away from the house, while he prepared a romantic dinner for just the two of them and a romantic evening to follow, screaming to the top of their lungs.

Spike tries to communicate with the baby whenever Buffy sits or lays still long enough to give him access to her belly, having one-sided conversations with the baby.

"Hello in there, this your Da again. It won't be long before you'll be with your mum and me, we can't wait to meet you. How's it going in there?"

Sometimes he would get an indirect response when he laid his hand on her abdomen; the baby would either kick or shift around under the palm of his hand, seeming to recognize his touch. Buffy would just sit or lay there and observe Spike doing this and listen to him banter to the baby.

"Spike, you know the baby can't hear you."

"Yes she can, luv. The books all say that babies can hear everything outside of the womb at this stage, that's how they learn about their environment before birth."

"Uh huh. Spike, the doctor thinks it would be a good idea if we take the La Maze classes, so we will be prepared for the baby's birth."

"S'alright with me, luv. When are they?"

"They are being held on Thursday nights at the hospital."

"Ok pet, sign us up. I want to be ready when we bring bitty Buffy into the world."

"Isn't that right, bitty Buffy?" Spike said to his unborn child.

Buffy just rolled her eyes at Spike's question to the baby.

************

Buffy went in for her two-week check up with Dr. Ryan and he was happy to inform her that everything was going smoothly. Then asked her about the classes, Buffy told him that she and her husband are going to attend.

"Good. Glad to hear it, let's get you signed up then. For first timers like yourselves you need to have some kind of idea what is going to happen when the time comes."

"Yes, I totally agree."

"Ok Buffy, I want to see you back in two weeks. Take care."

"Ok Dr. Ryan, I'll be here. Thank you."

Giles waited for Buffy in the waiting room, while she was in with the doctor. This place made him feel uncomfortable and out of place, but he never complained to Buffy about it, he felt much relief when Buffy was done so they could leave.

"Buffy, are you ready to go?"

"Yes. The doctor would like to see me again in two weeks,"

"What did he say?"

"Well, he said everything is on schedule and he signed us up for Lamaze classes, and they start this Thursday night." Buffy explained to Giles as they made their way to the SUV.

"Wonderful. It's a good idea to be prepared when the time comes." Giles said as he helped Buffy into the vehicle.

"I just . . ." Buffy trailed off.

"Just what?"

"I just wish that mom could be here to see her first grandchild."

"I know Buffy, that would make her so happy." Giles said sympathetically.

"I know. Well, we had better get going so I can tell Spike the news."

"Yes, of course." Giles said as they headed for home.

**************

On Thursday night, Spike and Buffy attended their first Lamaze class. All the couples had to sit on the floor in a circle to listen to the instructor, even with Spike's help it took Buffy a while to get down on the floor, that pissed her off because she couldn't do it herself. The instructor introduced herself to the group.

"Hello, everyone I'd like to thank all of you for coming here tonight, my name is Mrs. King and I'll be your instructor for the next four weeks. Let's go around the room and introduce ourselves and tell everyone which pregnancy this is for you."

Each couple took their turn and then it was Buffy and Spike's turn.

"My name is William Summers and this is my wife Buffy, this is our first pregnancy." Spike proudly announced.

"Welcome. I would like to start off the class by giving you a quick synopsis of what this class consists of. We will be watching a movie on the labor and birth process, you'll learn breathing exercises, and for the guys, I will be showing you ways to make your wife or significant other comfortable during labor. From this point on your husbands or significant others are your coach. Your coach will be helping you through your labor by going through the breathing exercises and helping you focus, while trying to help ease your labor pains as much as possible."

First on Mrs. King's agenda was to show them all the movie on the labor and birth process. Explaining that this is what the ladies in the room would have to go through and explained to them about the two types of deliveries. The men in the room looked a little green around the gills after watching the movie, but not Spike he took it all in. Before they knew it, their hour together was up.

"Does anyone have any questions for me?"

After a brief question and answer period Mrs. King let them in on what they would be doing the next week.

"Next week, bring two pillows with you because we are going to start working on our breathing exercises and teach you how to focus while doing the exercises during labor, see you then."

Buffy left the class rather overwhelmed from all the information she received from the class.

"I didn't know that women had to go through so much stuff to have a baby." She said to Spike.

"Well luv, that's how it's been for centuries." Spike said to her as they pulled up in the driveway.

"I know but it all looks so painful."

"That's because it is luv, you'll be alright. I'll be there with you every step of the way." Spike said to her as he helped her out of the vehicle.

"I want to get it over with, but I'm not looking forward to the pain." She replied as they walked up the steps to the front door.

"Who does, pet?"

They walked into the house to find Dawn and Willow sitting on the couch watching TV, they both looked up when they heard the door open and saw it was Buffy and Spike returning from their class.

"How was the Lamaze class?" Willow asked the couple.

"It was very informative, red."

"I see. Buffy you look a little worried."

"No, I'm ok. I'm just thinking about the pain, the pushing and everything I'll be going through. We watched a movie all about labor and birth."

"Well Buf, with natural childbirth that is how it is, the hospital has drugs that could dull the pain but they usually try not to use any. The doctor's want to get you through the process as drug-free as possible, because it's better for the you and the baby." Willow explained.

"I guess so."

"Come on luv, let's get you something to eat."

"Ok. I'll talk to you guys later." Buffy said as Spike led her to the kitchen.

He sat her at the island and began preparing a snack for her, then poured her a glass of orange juice to start her off. Spike then made her two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a favorite of hers since childhood and then warmed some blood for himself in a mug.

"Would you like some milk with that, luv?"

"Yes, please. Chocolate."

"Ok, but after this, it's bedtime. You need your rest."

"But it's only about twenty to ten, isn't it a bit early?"

"No sweetness. I want to make sure that you and the lil bit are properly rested."

"Alright Spike, you know what's best. Will you come up and rest with me?"

"Of course, ducks."

With that question, Spike knew that Buffy had more on her mind than rest, but was more than willing to play along.

After he and Buffy finished their snack, he cleaned up the kitchen, then they went upstairs and she decided to take a shower before bed. Spike followed her into the bedroom, where he was just going to undress and climb into bed to wait for her, but Buffy had other ideas.

"Spike, I'm going into take my shower, do you want to join me? You can get those hard to reach places for me." Buffy winked at him.

"Ok luv, I'm coming."

"Yes, you will." Buffy said seductively, going on ahead of him.

Spike pulled on his robe after he undressed and walked across the hall to the bathroom. Opening the door, he saw Buffy standing by the bathtub in all of her naked glory, Spike looked at her with one eyebrow raised and just admired the view. She turned to see him standing there looking at her and noticed his erection standing up out of his robe.

"Spike close the door, before someone comes by and sees me naked."

"Oh, sorry pet, I got caught up in the moment," he said as he closed the door and locked it behind him.

"Yes, I can see that," she said pointing at his hard-on peeking out of his robe.

Buffy started the shower and wagged her finger at him to join her. Spike slipped out of his robe, letting it fall to the floor and went straight to her and closed the shower door behind him. Buffy started kissing Spike passionately and while she kissed him she gently wrapped her hand around his erection and guided it between her thighs and slid back and forth on it, so that it rubbed against her clit, making she and Spike moan, then she broke the kiss to catch her breath.

"Would you like to put it all the way in?" Buffy asked Spike panting, her voice heavy with lust.

With that, Spike lifted her up against the tiled wall, then she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, as he guided himself to her opening and slammed straight up into her, Buffy let out a sharp gasp at the feel of him inside her. Spike was so overwhelmed with lust he couldn't help himself as he pounded into her, eliciting cries of pleasure from her. He rubbed her clit with his thumb as he slid in and out of her, Buffy moaned loudly as she held onto him, begging for release.

"Buffy . . .I'm coming . . .do it with me baby . . . come when I do . . ." Spike grunted.

"Ok . . .I'm coming . . .uhm, uhm, ah, ah, Ahhhhhh!" Buffy screamed as they both got an orgasm at the same exact moment.

When it was over, Spike slid out of her, put her back down on her feet and kissed her again, then broke the kiss to speak.

"This isn't over, Slayer."

"Not by a long shot. Come on." She said as she motioned towards the bedroom.

Buffy turned off the water, then she and Spike quickly dried themselves off, put their robes on, and picked up her clothing on the way out, after Spike unlocked the door. Then they scampered across the hall to their room, closing the door behind them to finish what they started.

TBC