Chapter 16
"Multiple births, as in relation to what?" asked Buffy, feeling a little hysterical deafness taking over.
"I think, what Willow and her friend are trying to tell us, is that there is more than one bun baking in your oven," said Spike.
He rose from the bed on shaky legs and walked over to the other side of the room, his arms folded protectively around himself.
"Again, I say what?" asked Buffy, as she focused on Spike.
"Twins, you're having twins," Tara explained.
"I need a cigarette," Spike groaned.
Willow glanced at Buffy and then at Tara.
"Maybe we should leave you two alone for awhile,"
"You can stay in my room tonight, Willow," suggested Tara.
Willow nodded gratefully, as she gathered up a few of her belongings and stuffed them into a bag.
"Are you gonna be okay Buffy, I can stay if you want me to?" asked Willow, uncertainly.
"No you go, I'll stay here with Spike and cling to the shreds of my sanity," said Buffy.
Buffy looked over at Spike, he had been pretty quiet about the whole thing. She needed to know how he was feeling. She still didn't know how she was feeling yet.
She wanted her mom, but oh God, how was her mother going to take the news? She had sat through a rather embarrassing lecture on safe sex, just before she had moved out. Now Buffy was sitting here contemplating the fact she was having a baby, no make that BABIES, her inner voice screamed back at her.
"Nice meeting you both," said Tara, shyly.
"I'll be back first thing in the morning. If you need me before that, I've left the number to Tara's room on the pad over there," said Willow.
Buffy nodded absentmindedly at her friend's departure, she glanced over at Spike and sighed. He turned to look at her, now that they were alone. She was shocked to see tears running down his face. He wiped at them with his sleeve. Buffy got up from the bed and walked over to his side.
"Spike! What is it? Apart from the earth shattering news that we are going to have babies?" asked Buffy dryly.
"I'm sorry. All this time I had hoped that it would be good news for you. I've royally fuc...ruined your life, but I'm a selfish git too,"
Tears started to well up in her eyes, and threatened to spill. She wrapped her arms around him.
"Why would you ever think that?" she asked a little confused.
"Because, try as I might, I cannot be anything, but overjoyed, because you're having my children," he finished.
Buffy looked up at him with a watery smile.
"Even if it means that Giles and Xander will wanna stake you on sight?" asked Buffy.
Spike smiled back at her.
"We're not going to be able to keep this a secret forever, babies have a way of making their presence felt," said Spike.
"I do know. I attended health class along with everyone else. Jeez, I even know how babies are made," said Buffy sarcastically.
"No need to get your knickers in a twist love, I was just saying," said Spike.
"Well, maybe if I'd kept those 'knickers' on, then we wouldn't be having this conversation right now," said Buffy.
Spike looked hurt.
"Are you saying that you regret what happened between us?" he asked.
Buffy sighed and slumped back down on her bed.
"That's not what I am saying. Oh, I don't know what to say, or to think any more," she replied.
Spike knelt down in front of her, he touched her chin, and she looked up at him. He searched her face.
"You don't have to have these babies, if you don't want to Buffy," he said quietly.
Her eyes widened, she looked at him slightly horrified.
"Are you suggesting, what I think you're suggesting?" she asked angrily.
"It was just a idea. Your happiness is more important to me than my own. You must know that," he said sadly.
She touched his cheek tenderly.
"The babies may be nothing more than a couple of tiny blobs right now, but they're a part of you and me. I'm keeping them. Besides what are the chances of you ever knocking anyone up again, ever," she said firmly.
Buffy gasped as she thought of something.
"What is it pet?" he asked.
"Travers! When he finds out, he's gonna try and take our babies away," she cried.
"Not in your lifetime he won't. I'd kill him first, chip, or no chip. The headache would be worth it," said Spike.
He looked at the pallor of her face; Spike could see that she was exhausted.
"C'mon, you need to get a good night's sleep in a soft bed," he said.
Buffy knew he was right. Maybe she would be able to deal with the coming changes after some rest. She started to remove her clothes and Spike turned away.
"What's with the sudden coyness Spike? There's nothing you haven't already seen or touched before," she said.
"I was trying to play the gentleman...." he huffed, and turned back to face her.
He stopped mid sentence at the sight of her nakedness. She slipped a nightshirt over her head and climbed into bed. Buffy patted the covers.
"Well, are you coming to bed or what?" she asked impatiently.
Spike didn't need asking twice. He removed his clothes and got into bed beside her. Buffy snuggled up next to him, resting her head on his bare chest. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. His hand slipped down, to rest on her flat stomach.
"I love you Buffy Summers," he sighed softly.
"And I love you, all three of you," she replied as she placed her hand over his.
Buffy smiled, as she realised the truth of her statement. She had only known about her impending motherhood for all of half an hour, but already the babies were as vital to her as breathing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
When Buffy had awoken the next morning, Spike had already gone. She had touched the dent in the pillow next to her, the only proof he had ever been there. That, and the slow gentle lovemaking, they had shared in the early hours of the morning.
It was a Sunday morning; at least there were no classes to attend. She smiled dreamily to herself and walked over to the mirror. Buffy looked at her reflection, she still looked the same old Buffy, apart from the changes that were going on inside of her.
She grabbed a pillow off Willows bed and stuffed it under her nightshirt, turning in all directions and patting her cushioned belly.
There was a hesitant knock on the door. Willow poked her head around the door. Buffy blushed bright red at being caught, as the pillow fell on the floor.
"Hey," said Willow, as she entered the room and picked up the fallen pillow.
"Hey right back at you." Buffy smiled at her friend.
"Hope you don't drop it when it's a baby," said Willow, as she placed it back on her bed.
Willow looked at Buffy.
"You seem a little brighter this morning, good night?" asked Willow.
"Kinda, best as it could be, under the circumstances," said Buffy.
"Sorry I ran out on you last night, but I think it was for the best," said Willow.
"Well, it gave Spike and I a chance to make a few decisions,"
"Anything you wanna share?" asked Willow.
"We're keeping the babies. We're not telling anyone for now at least, except you of course. Can your friend keep a secret?" asked Buffy.
"Yeah, Tara is pretty cool," said Willow.
"I liked her," said Buffy.
Willow looked at her tentatively, not sure how to begin.
"Good, cos there's something I need to tell...."
The phone rang and Willow sighed at the lost opportunity.
"I'd better take this," said Buffy.
She picked up the handset.
"Spike! Hi,"
Willow cringed, as she had no choice, but to listen to the one sided conversation of sweet nothings. Buffy replaced the handset and smiled at Willow.
"I'm going over to Giles's, want to come with?" asked Buffy.
"No, besides two's company three's a crowd and I need to get a shower," shrugged Willow.
"Not if I beat you to the bathroom first you don't," said Buffy, as she grabbed her towel and ran off giggling.
Willow shook her head, smiling at Buffy's surprisingly light-hearted attitude.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy got a ride over to Giles's with a classmate who was going into town. She really knew that she should go and see her mom, but Buffy was feeling a little vulnerable. She also knew if she saw her mom now, she would want to tell her everything. That was something that she wasn't ready for.
It was as if she was finally having the chance to be a normal person, with a 'man' as well the chance of a family of her own. Okay, so, the man wasn't exactly conventional, but neither was her life. She knew that Spike had it in him to be good; he just needed to be given the chance.
Buffy walked up the path to Giles's apartment. She was surprised to see Giles was just leaving, as she arrived at his door.
"Buffy! This is a nice surprise, anything wrong?" asked Giles.
"Do I have to have a reason to visit?" asked Buffy.
"No, it's just that the meeting isn't until this evening. Why don't we go somewhere for a coffee?" suggested Giles.
Buffy sighed inwardly. Not wanting to arouse suspicion, she decided to go with him.
"Sure, why not," she said as she looked longingly over Giles's shoulder.
As they turned to leave, she noticed a movement at the window. Spike stood there, looking at her with puppy dog eyes and a little pout on his lips. A giggle almost escaped her lips.
"Buffy?" asked Giles.
She walked away and got into Giles's car.
"So, how's the evil undead behaving himself?" asked Buffy.
"If you mean Spike, he disappeared soon after we got back last night," said Giles.
"Any idea where he went?" asked Buffy.
"Best not to ask. He came back just before dawn, reeking of some cheap perfume or other," said Giles.
"Hey, It was not cheap....er how like Spike. I bet she was some vampire ho from Willy's bar," Buffy rambled.
Giles took his eye off the road to glance at Buffy.
"Are you sure you're okay Buffy?" he asked.
Buffy did a fake yawn.
"Yeah, just a little jet lagged, that's all," she replied.
"Have you had a chance to talk to Joyce yet?" asked Giles.
"No, my bad. You didn't tell her what happened did you?" asked Buffy.
"Thought it best not to. No point in worrying her unnecessarily," he replied.
Buffy nodded at him gratefully.
Half an hour later, they sat together at the Espresso Pump. Buffy drew patterns in the foam of her latte. Her mind far away, on Spike.
Giles looked at the distant expression on Buffy's face and sighed.
"Do you have to be somewhere?" asked Giles.
"Nope, but now you've reminded me, I have to call Willow. Something she wanted me to pick up for her in town. Be right back," lied Buffy, as she went off to use a public phone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike paced back and forth across the living room of Giles's apartment. He should be sleeping in the daylight hours, but sleep just wouldn't come. Buffy had been coming to see him. They could have spent the day together if it hadn't been for Giles leaving, just as Buffy had arrived.
He slammed his fist in frustration and knocked over one of Giles's favourite glass lamps. It shattered into a thousand pieces.
"Bugger!" he exclaimed as he hid the remnants in a desk drawer.
He kicked the remaining pieces under the rug. The phone rang, and he started guiltily. Spike picked up the handset.
"The boring git's residence," Spike drawled.
"Spike!" said Buffy warningly.
"Buffy, where are you?" asked Spike.
"At the Espresso Pump, with Giles," said Buffy.
"So you bailed on me for your surrogate dad?" asked Spike.
"What's the matter? You sound a little cranky," asked Buffy.
"I can't help it, I'm tired, but I can't sleep. All I can think about is you, every waking moment. Even my dreams are haunted by thoughts of you," said Spike.
She smiled.
"I feel the same way, do you think it could be because of the babies? I just know it hurts when I am away from you," sighed Buffy.
"You want me to come down there?" asked Spike.
"Yes, more than anything, but you can't it's still daylight," Buffy replied.
"Which is why Sunnydale has an excellent sewer system, I'll meet you in the mall in half an hour," said Spike.
With that, he was gone. Buffy walked back over to her table. She looked at Giles's apologetically as she drank down the rest of her coffee.
"I have to go, but I'll see you and the others tonight," Buffy offered as in way of amends.
Giles looked at her, the disappointment was evident on his face. She felt bad for cutting their time short, but the pull of Spike on her emotions was too strong for her. She gave him a hug, thanked him for the coffee, and walked off in the direction of the mall.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy stood inside the main entrance to the mall, glancing impatiently at her watch. Spike was five minutes late, she was worried that maybe he had changed his mind about the whole thing. A hand tapped her on the shoulder and her face lit up as she saw the object of her affections smiling at her.
She kept her hands at her side, resisting the urge to kiss him in public.
"Spike,"
"Slayer,"
"So, what shall we do?" asked Buffy.
"Now there's a leading question. If we did what I'd like to do, then we would run the risk of being arrested," drawled Spike.
Buffy looked over her shoulder.
"Oh look they are having a shoe sale!" she exclaimed.
Buffy walked off past Spike.
"Ditched for a pair of bleedin' shoes! Vanity, thy name is Buffy," mumbled Spike.
He trailed off after Buffy, his own attention caught by a baby-clothing store. It was next to the one that Buffy had disappeared into.
He stopped in front of it to gaze at the contents of the window. Spike felt a lump form in his throat; somehow, the idea that he was going to be a father had seemed a little unreal until that moment. His eyes travelled over tiny jumpsuits and frilly little dresses. He looked around self- consciously, before he entered the store.
Buffy was in the middle of trying on her third pair of shoes, before she realised that Spike hadn't followed her in. She placed them back in the box and apologised to the sales clerk.
She looked out at the crowded mall for his familiar blonde head. Seeing nothing, she looked in a couple of other stores. Buffy came to a dead halt outside the baby store. She spied the blonde head that she had been looking for. Spike was looking among the baby clothes and toys, and laughing with a pretty young salesclerk. She marched angrily into the store.
"Spike, what do you think you are doing?" asked Buffy.
"I don't know what you mean?" he asked.
"Advertise much? Why don't you just make an announcement in the paper and have done with it!" snapped Buffy.
She looked at what he was holding in his hands. All her anger melted away at the sight of the tiny pink dress in his large hands. Buffy felt the tears well up in her eyes.
She stroked the soft material of the dress and smiled up at Spike. They were both lost in their moment, as the salesclerk sighed wistfully at their obvious devotion.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joyce Summers idly sipped her take out coffee, as she walked past yet another shoe store. It had been hard, adjusting to living alone when Buffy had moved out. More than anything, she missed their trips to the mall. She had to get used to the fact that Buffy had a new life now and was a grown woman, but it didn't stop her missing her only child. Joyce never felt it more than now, knowing that Buffy was thousands of miles away in England.
She took another sip of her coffee and looked up. Her mouth full of coffee spraying out, as she saw her daughter in a baby-clothing store. Joyce grabbed a tissue from her bag and wiped at herself. She looked again; Buffy was still there, checking out what looked like toys.
Joyce paled; it could only mean one thing in her book. She threw her coffee in the trash and marched into the store.
"Spike, look how cute is this?" asked Buffy as she held up a toy dinosaur.
Spike turned to look at the toy, he straightened up as he saw Joyce enter the store.
"Don't look now love, but..." he never got to finish.
"Buffy!" said a familiar voice.
Buffy looked at Spike, she took a deep breath and turned around.
"Mom," she replied.
TBC
A/N Only got this chapter up by the skin of my teeth. Hard nights clubbing and very little sleep will do that to you every time! Thanks for the reviews. Anyone else feeling a little bummed by the news that they are going to cancel AtS! I know I am.
"Multiple births, as in relation to what?" asked Buffy, feeling a little hysterical deafness taking over.
"I think, what Willow and her friend are trying to tell us, is that there is more than one bun baking in your oven," said Spike.
He rose from the bed on shaky legs and walked over to the other side of the room, his arms folded protectively around himself.
"Again, I say what?" asked Buffy, as she focused on Spike.
"Twins, you're having twins," Tara explained.
"I need a cigarette," Spike groaned.
Willow glanced at Buffy and then at Tara.
"Maybe we should leave you two alone for awhile,"
"You can stay in my room tonight, Willow," suggested Tara.
Willow nodded gratefully, as she gathered up a few of her belongings and stuffed them into a bag.
"Are you gonna be okay Buffy, I can stay if you want me to?" asked Willow, uncertainly.
"No you go, I'll stay here with Spike and cling to the shreds of my sanity," said Buffy.
Buffy looked over at Spike, he had been pretty quiet about the whole thing. She needed to know how he was feeling. She still didn't know how she was feeling yet.
She wanted her mom, but oh God, how was her mother going to take the news? She had sat through a rather embarrassing lecture on safe sex, just before she had moved out. Now Buffy was sitting here contemplating the fact she was having a baby, no make that BABIES, her inner voice screamed back at her.
"Nice meeting you both," said Tara, shyly.
"I'll be back first thing in the morning. If you need me before that, I've left the number to Tara's room on the pad over there," said Willow.
Buffy nodded absentmindedly at her friend's departure, she glanced over at Spike and sighed. He turned to look at her, now that they were alone. She was shocked to see tears running down his face. He wiped at them with his sleeve. Buffy got up from the bed and walked over to his side.
"Spike! What is it? Apart from the earth shattering news that we are going to have babies?" asked Buffy dryly.
"I'm sorry. All this time I had hoped that it would be good news for you. I've royally fuc...ruined your life, but I'm a selfish git too,"
Tears started to well up in her eyes, and threatened to spill. She wrapped her arms around him.
"Why would you ever think that?" she asked a little confused.
"Because, try as I might, I cannot be anything, but overjoyed, because you're having my children," he finished.
Buffy looked up at him with a watery smile.
"Even if it means that Giles and Xander will wanna stake you on sight?" asked Buffy.
Spike smiled back at her.
"We're not going to be able to keep this a secret forever, babies have a way of making their presence felt," said Spike.
"I do know. I attended health class along with everyone else. Jeez, I even know how babies are made," said Buffy sarcastically.
"No need to get your knickers in a twist love, I was just saying," said Spike.
"Well, maybe if I'd kept those 'knickers' on, then we wouldn't be having this conversation right now," said Buffy.
Spike looked hurt.
"Are you saying that you regret what happened between us?" he asked.
Buffy sighed and slumped back down on her bed.
"That's not what I am saying. Oh, I don't know what to say, or to think any more," she replied.
Spike knelt down in front of her, he touched her chin, and she looked up at him. He searched her face.
"You don't have to have these babies, if you don't want to Buffy," he said quietly.
Her eyes widened, she looked at him slightly horrified.
"Are you suggesting, what I think you're suggesting?" she asked angrily.
"It was just a idea. Your happiness is more important to me than my own. You must know that," he said sadly.
She touched his cheek tenderly.
"The babies may be nothing more than a couple of tiny blobs right now, but they're a part of you and me. I'm keeping them. Besides what are the chances of you ever knocking anyone up again, ever," she said firmly.
Buffy gasped as she thought of something.
"What is it pet?" he asked.
"Travers! When he finds out, he's gonna try and take our babies away," she cried.
"Not in your lifetime he won't. I'd kill him first, chip, or no chip. The headache would be worth it," said Spike.
He looked at the pallor of her face; Spike could see that she was exhausted.
"C'mon, you need to get a good night's sleep in a soft bed," he said.
Buffy knew he was right. Maybe she would be able to deal with the coming changes after some rest. She started to remove her clothes and Spike turned away.
"What's with the sudden coyness Spike? There's nothing you haven't already seen or touched before," she said.
"I was trying to play the gentleman...." he huffed, and turned back to face her.
He stopped mid sentence at the sight of her nakedness. She slipped a nightshirt over her head and climbed into bed. Buffy patted the covers.
"Well, are you coming to bed or what?" she asked impatiently.
Spike didn't need asking twice. He removed his clothes and got into bed beside her. Buffy snuggled up next to him, resting her head on his bare chest. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. His hand slipped down, to rest on her flat stomach.
"I love you Buffy Summers," he sighed softly.
"And I love you, all three of you," she replied as she placed her hand over his.
Buffy smiled, as she realised the truth of her statement. She had only known about her impending motherhood for all of half an hour, but already the babies were as vital to her as breathing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
When Buffy had awoken the next morning, Spike had already gone. She had touched the dent in the pillow next to her, the only proof he had ever been there. That, and the slow gentle lovemaking, they had shared in the early hours of the morning.
It was a Sunday morning; at least there were no classes to attend. She smiled dreamily to herself and walked over to the mirror. Buffy looked at her reflection, she still looked the same old Buffy, apart from the changes that were going on inside of her.
She grabbed a pillow off Willows bed and stuffed it under her nightshirt, turning in all directions and patting her cushioned belly.
There was a hesitant knock on the door. Willow poked her head around the door. Buffy blushed bright red at being caught, as the pillow fell on the floor.
"Hey," said Willow, as she entered the room and picked up the fallen pillow.
"Hey right back at you." Buffy smiled at her friend.
"Hope you don't drop it when it's a baby," said Willow, as she placed it back on her bed.
Willow looked at Buffy.
"You seem a little brighter this morning, good night?" asked Willow.
"Kinda, best as it could be, under the circumstances," said Buffy.
"Sorry I ran out on you last night, but I think it was for the best," said Willow.
"Well, it gave Spike and I a chance to make a few decisions,"
"Anything you wanna share?" asked Willow.
"We're keeping the babies. We're not telling anyone for now at least, except you of course. Can your friend keep a secret?" asked Buffy.
"Yeah, Tara is pretty cool," said Willow.
"I liked her," said Buffy.
Willow looked at her tentatively, not sure how to begin.
"Good, cos there's something I need to tell...."
The phone rang and Willow sighed at the lost opportunity.
"I'd better take this," said Buffy.
She picked up the handset.
"Spike! Hi,"
Willow cringed, as she had no choice, but to listen to the one sided conversation of sweet nothings. Buffy replaced the handset and smiled at Willow.
"I'm going over to Giles's, want to come with?" asked Buffy.
"No, besides two's company three's a crowd and I need to get a shower," shrugged Willow.
"Not if I beat you to the bathroom first you don't," said Buffy, as she grabbed her towel and ran off giggling.
Willow shook her head, smiling at Buffy's surprisingly light-hearted attitude.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy got a ride over to Giles's with a classmate who was going into town. She really knew that she should go and see her mom, but Buffy was feeling a little vulnerable. She also knew if she saw her mom now, she would want to tell her everything. That was something that she wasn't ready for.
It was as if she was finally having the chance to be a normal person, with a 'man' as well the chance of a family of her own. Okay, so, the man wasn't exactly conventional, but neither was her life. She knew that Spike had it in him to be good; he just needed to be given the chance.
Buffy walked up the path to Giles's apartment. She was surprised to see Giles was just leaving, as she arrived at his door.
"Buffy! This is a nice surprise, anything wrong?" asked Giles.
"Do I have to have a reason to visit?" asked Buffy.
"No, it's just that the meeting isn't until this evening. Why don't we go somewhere for a coffee?" suggested Giles.
Buffy sighed inwardly. Not wanting to arouse suspicion, she decided to go with him.
"Sure, why not," she said as she looked longingly over Giles's shoulder.
As they turned to leave, she noticed a movement at the window. Spike stood there, looking at her with puppy dog eyes and a little pout on his lips. A giggle almost escaped her lips.
"Buffy?" asked Giles.
She walked away and got into Giles's car.
"So, how's the evil undead behaving himself?" asked Buffy.
"If you mean Spike, he disappeared soon after we got back last night," said Giles.
"Any idea where he went?" asked Buffy.
"Best not to ask. He came back just before dawn, reeking of some cheap perfume or other," said Giles.
"Hey, It was not cheap....er how like Spike. I bet she was some vampire ho from Willy's bar," Buffy rambled.
Giles took his eye off the road to glance at Buffy.
"Are you sure you're okay Buffy?" he asked.
Buffy did a fake yawn.
"Yeah, just a little jet lagged, that's all," she replied.
"Have you had a chance to talk to Joyce yet?" asked Giles.
"No, my bad. You didn't tell her what happened did you?" asked Buffy.
"Thought it best not to. No point in worrying her unnecessarily," he replied.
Buffy nodded at him gratefully.
Half an hour later, they sat together at the Espresso Pump. Buffy drew patterns in the foam of her latte. Her mind far away, on Spike.
Giles looked at the distant expression on Buffy's face and sighed.
"Do you have to be somewhere?" asked Giles.
"Nope, but now you've reminded me, I have to call Willow. Something she wanted me to pick up for her in town. Be right back," lied Buffy, as she went off to use a public phone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike paced back and forth across the living room of Giles's apartment. He should be sleeping in the daylight hours, but sleep just wouldn't come. Buffy had been coming to see him. They could have spent the day together if it hadn't been for Giles leaving, just as Buffy had arrived.
He slammed his fist in frustration and knocked over one of Giles's favourite glass lamps. It shattered into a thousand pieces.
"Bugger!" he exclaimed as he hid the remnants in a desk drawer.
He kicked the remaining pieces under the rug. The phone rang, and he started guiltily. Spike picked up the handset.
"The boring git's residence," Spike drawled.
"Spike!" said Buffy warningly.
"Buffy, where are you?" asked Spike.
"At the Espresso Pump, with Giles," said Buffy.
"So you bailed on me for your surrogate dad?" asked Spike.
"What's the matter? You sound a little cranky," asked Buffy.
"I can't help it, I'm tired, but I can't sleep. All I can think about is you, every waking moment. Even my dreams are haunted by thoughts of you," said Spike.
She smiled.
"I feel the same way, do you think it could be because of the babies? I just know it hurts when I am away from you," sighed Buffy.
"You want me to come down there?" asked Spike.
"Yes, more than anything, but you can't it's still daylight," Buffy replied.
"Which is why Sunnydale has an excellent sewer system, I'll meet you in the mall in half an hour," said Spike.
With that, he was gone. Buffy walked back over to her table. She looked at Giles's apologetically as she drank down the rest of her coffee.
"I have to go, but I'll see you and the others tonight," Buffy offered as in way of amends.
Giles looked at her, the disappointment was evident on his face. She felt bad for cutting their time short, but the pull of Spike on her emotions was too strong for her. She gave him a hug, thanked him for the coffee, and walked off in the direction of the mall.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy stood inside the main entrance to the mall, glancing impatiently at her watch. Spike was five minutes late, she was worried that maybe he had changed his mind about the whole thing. A hand tapped her on the shoulder and her face lit up as she saw the object of her affections smiling at her.
She kept her hands at her side, resisting the urge to kiss him in public.
"Spike,"
"Slayer,"
"So, what shall we do?" asked Buffy.
"Now there's a leading question. If we did what I'd like to do, then we would run the risk of being arrested," drawled Spike.
Buffy looked over her shoulder.
"Oh look they are having a shoe sale!" she exclaimed.
Buffy walked off past Spike.
"Ditched for a pair of bleedin' shoes! Vanity, thy name is Buffy," mumbled Spike.
He trailed off after Buffy, his own attention caught by a baby-clothing store. It was next to the one that Buffy had disappeared into.
He stopped in front of it to gaze at the contents of the window. Spike felt a lump form in his throat; somehow, the idea that he was going to be a father had seemed a little unreal until that moment. His eyes travelled over tiny jumpsuits and frilly little dresses. He looked around self- consciously, before he entered the store.
Buffy was in the middle of trying on her third pair of shoes, before she realised that Spike hadn't followed her in. She placed them back in the box and apologised to the sales clerk.
She looked out at the crowded mall for his familiar blonde head. Seeing nothing, she looked in a couple of other stores. Buffy came to a dead halt outside the baby store. She spied the blonde head that she had been looking for. Spike was looking among the baby clothes and toys, and laughing with a pretty young salesclerk. She marched angrily into the store.
"Spike, what do you think you are doing?" asked Buffy.
"I don't know what you mean?" he asked.
"Advertise much? Why don't you just make an announcement in the paper and have done with it!" snapped Buffy.
She looked at what he was holding in his hands. All her anger melted away at the sight of the tiny pink dress in his large hands. Buffy felt the tears well up in her eyes.
She stroked the soft material of the dress and smiled up at Spike. They were both lost in their moment, as the salesclerk sighed wistfully at their obvious devotion.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joyce Summers idly sipped her take out coffee, as she walked past yet another shoe store. It had been hard, adjusting to living alone when Buffy had moved out. More than anything, she missed their trips to the mall. She had to get used to the fact that Buffy had a new life now and was a grown woman, but it didn't stop her missing her only child. Joyce never felt it more than now, knowing that Buffy was thousands of miles away in England.
She took another sip of her coffee and looked up. Her mouth full of coffee spraying out, as she saw her daughter in a baby-clothing store. Joyce grabbed a tissue from her bag and wiped at herself. She looked again; Buffy was still there, checking out what looked like toys.
Joyce paled; it could only mean one thing in her book. She threw her coffee in the trash and marched into the store.
"Spike, look how cute is this?" asked Buffy as she held up a toy dinosaur.
Spike turned to look at the toy, he straightened up as he saw Joyce enter the store.
"Don't look now love, but..." he never got to finish.
"Buffy!" said a familiar voice.
Buffy looked at Spike, she took a deep breath and turned around.
"Mom," she replied.
TBC
A/N Only got this chapter up by the skin of my teeth. Hard nights clubbing and very little sleep will do that to you every time! Thanks for the reviews. Anyone else feeling a little bummed by the news that they are going to cancel AtS! I know I am.