Chapter 19
"I'd have to go along with Spike on that one. Are you mad Giles?" Asked Buffy, echoing Spike's words.
"You don't seem understand, it's not safe for you here any more. Quentin will have those photos on his desk by the morning and then it will only be a matter of time before he derives a conclusion from them," said Giles.
Buffy folded her arms in defiance.
"I'm not going anywhere, this is my home, and I won't let some puffed up British guy make me leave it. I've done enough running," said Buffy.
Spike put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall.
"Where would we go anyway? Have you thought of that one?" asked Spike.
"Of course I did. I am not used to blurting out haphazard comments without anything to back them up," said Giles indignantly.
"Oh, I don't know…" said Buffy.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence. I like to think of myself as a little more organised than the pair of you," said Giles.
"Was that a dig mate? Because we really don't need it right now. Although Buffy could do with a little more objectivity from the man who is the closest thing to a dad that she's ever had," said Spike.
"Well, give me a few millennia and then maybe I will have warmed up to the idea," said Giles wryly.
"So, where did you have in mind Giles?" asked Buffy.
"It's a little town on the coast, called Eureka. I have been there once before, a couple of years ago during the summer break. Have you heard of it?" asked Giles.
"Can't say that I have, but what would we do there? Not that I'm going," asked Buffy.
"Lay low for a couple of weeks, until we can figure out how to deal with Travers. Besides, with you gone for a few days, he might lose interest if he thinks you have slipped the net. A friend of mine has a cabin up there. It's a large enough community, with a big enough tourist trade, to not question the presence of newcomers to the area,"
"I didn't think you had any friends outside of the scooby gang," said Buffy.
Giles adjusted his glasses.
"Yes, well contrary to common belief, I do have some adult friends outside of Sunnydale," he replied dryly.
"Still not going and certainly not tonight, or ever," said Buffy mulishly.
Spike looked at the set of Buffy's face, he knew that look. There would be no moving her. He just hoped the cost to the both of them would not be too high a price to pay. He felt strange protective feelings wash over himself as he touched his muscled torso, he looked at Buffy, and she was doing the same. It reminded him of the other reason they had decided to go public on their relationship.
"Buffy, hadn't we better tell Giles about the connection thing?" asked Spike.
Buffy looked puzzled for a moment, her face clearing. Giles looked pensive for a moment at Spike's words.
"What connection?" he asked.
"Well it's certainly not the rainbow connection is it?" asked Spike mockingly.
" Huh? Anyway moving along… have you ever heard the song "I feel sad when you're sad, I feel glad when you're glad," asked Buffy.
Spike rolled his eyes.
"Not recently thank heavens," said Giles.
"Well, what Buffy and Barry Manilow were trying to say, was there is something weird is going on with us," said Spike.
"Apart from the obvious?" asked Giles.
"Not helping Giles, what I have been trying to say and not too well, is that we think there may be a psychic connection between Spike and I, because of the babies," explained Buffy.
"And you were hoping I might shed some light on it? If your brain were in anyway connected with Spike, it would explain many things. Let me look into it for you, " said Giles, with heavy irony.
"Just what are you implying mate?" asked Spike.
Giles ignored Spike's indignation, to turn to Buffy.
"Are you sure you won't consider getting out of town for awhile Buffy?" Giles pleaded.
"No, my mind is made up. So, I was snapped kissing Spike, what's the big? Travers can make what ever he wants from those photos," said Buffy firmly.
"And he will. If I cant convince you to leave, then just promise me that you will be vigilant," sighed Giles.
"Sure, have you ever know me to be otherwise?" smiled Buffy with a yawn.
Giles pressed his lips together, deciding not to comment.
"Tired love?" asked Spike.
"Yeah, its been a bit of an emotional day, but at least everything is out in the open now," she replied.
"And strangely the saying "ignorance is bliss" springs to mind," Giles returned.
Buffy stood up and removed her jacket from the back of the chair and she shrugged into it. Spike put on his duster and took Buffy's hand. They both walked over to the door.
"Night Giles," said Buffy.
"Please be careful, and my offer remains open," said Giles.
Buffy broke away from Spike and gave Giles a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks," she replied as she walked out of the door.
"And don't wait up," grinned Spike as he followed her.
Giles walked over to the door to watch them leave.
"Now, how did I guess you were going to say that?" asked Giles aloud.
He shook his head and closed the door, and walked over to his extensive collection of research books. Selecting a couple of the older tomes, he seated himself at the table and began looking for answers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy was curled up fast asleep on her bed. Spike laid along side her, but sleep still wouldn't come. His mind was on Buffy and that bastard Travers. Maybe they should have taken Giles up on his offer after all.
He sighed and eased his arm from beneath her. He got up from the bed and reached inside his jacket for his cigarettes and lighter. He took one out of the pack and placed it on his lips. He flicked open the top of his lighter and paused before putting the cigarette back in the pack. Maybe now was a good time to think about quitting he thought. He wanted his children to have the best start in life and second-hand smoke was not going to help.
He sat down on the edge of the bed again, and watched her sleep. There was a slight curve to her mouth; Spike hoped he was the cause of that smile. He chuckled as she mumbled something incoherent in her sleep. He looked around the room in boredom, spying the computer in the far corner.
Spike rose from the bed and seated himself at the computer. He switched it on and sat back. The password prompt came up.
"Damn!" Spike cursed, as he typed in several words, all drawing a blank.
Spike contemplated the screen.
"Now, if I was a teenage witch what would I use for a password…Hmmmm, nah, it would be too easy," said Spike as he typed in the word.
Spike laughed aloud as he was let in.
"Sabrina…. the bloody teenage witch! Not that I ever watched the show, well unless nothing else was on," he said defensively to himself.
Spike logged on to the Internet and typed in the keyword pregnancy, several sites came up. He clicked on the site Mom's Life.
Nothing like the inside track on the situation, he thought. He clicked on a list of pregnancy No-no's. Spike scanned the list. How was he ever going to remember all this?
"Careful of caffeine, second hand smoke, cats. Well, they're easily enough avoided, what else, hmm, oral sex. How the bloody hell is that dangerous?" exclaimed Spike as he continued reading. He nodded, as he read the explanation why, also hot baths and too much stress. The list was endless.
"Damn, I am never going to memorize all that. Why don't I just save time and cover her in bubble wrap plastic?" he sighed.
Spike typed in some more keywords.
A pair of arms wrapped themselves around him.
"What ya doing? The bed felt empty," she yawned.
Spike turned his head to kiss her lips.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" he asked.
Buffy looked at the screen.
"Sex during pregnancy," she read aloud. "Sheesh Spike, trust you to think of the essentials," she giggled as she read the page.
"Well, we have to know these things. Wouldn't want to do anything to harm the babies, or you," he said softly.
Buffy pushed the chair with Spike on it, away from the computer. She straddled him while he was still seated. She bent her head to kiss his lips.
"So, there was no other motive then?" Buffy asked as she wriggled innocently on his lap.
"No, was going to look up multiple births next," he choked out.
Her hands crept up the inside of his t-shirt.
"Are you sure? I am feeling your motive right where I am sitting, and it seems pretty big," she purred in his ear.
"Buffy, you will be the death of me, well maybe the second death anyway. And I can be very motivated when occasion calls for it," he growled, as he effortlessly picked her up and carried her over to the bed.
He gently laid her down on the comforter.
"Two can play at that game," Spike said as his hand travelled up her thigh.
"Good, cos I wasn't planning to go solo," Buffy said, as she pulled off her pyjama top and threw it in his face.
"Tease!" he growled.
"You have no idea," she giggled.
"Oh, but I am beginning to," he replied, as he slowly made his way up her body with a series of kisses, from her abdomen to her lips.
"Not fair!" she panted.
"All's fair in love and…"
"I keep telling you, you talk too much," she interrupted as she pulled his head down to cover his mouth with her own.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy rolled over and smiled at the sleeping Spike. He had one arm flung over his head. He looked so peaceful, she sighed and turned her head to look at the alarm clock on the bedside table. Her eyes widened in panic, she shot up in the bed, almost falling out of it. Damn, it was nine am! Must have forgotten to set the alarm she scolded herself.
Spike opened his eyes at the flurry of activity.
"Hey, where's the fire pet?" he drawled lazily.
"I overslept or the alarm didn't go off or something," said Buffy as she gathered up a towel and her wash bag.
"Guess you'd better be on your way then," he pouted.
"Pack it in Spike, those come to bed eyes are not gonna work on me this time," she said, before exiting the room.
"Yeah, but it was worth a try," said Spike as he sat up looking around the room for his items of scattered clothing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike was in the process of belting up his jeans when Willow walked in. She blushed, grateful that the fates hadn't allowed her to enter the room a few seconds later.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Where's Buffy? I came to look for her, got kinda worried when she didn't show for class," said Willow.
"Buffy is okay, just forgot to switch on the alarm. She's taking a shower," said Spike.
Willow sat down on her bed, the awkward silence stretched out between them. She desperately tried to think of something to say, smiling in relief as she took a few books from her bag and handed them to Spike.
"Picked these up at the library, thought you might find them useful," said Willow.
Spike took the books from her and read the sleeves.
"What to expect when you are expecting and everything you Need to Know to Have a Healthy Twin Pregnancy and last, but not in the least what to expect when your wife is expanding," Spike arched one eyebrow at her.
"What?" asked Willow at his sardonic expression.
"Do I detect a hint in the title of that last book Willow?" asked Spike.
"I don't know what you mean, but if you want my opinion, Buffy deserves…" she replied a little flustered.
Buffy entered the room furiously rubbing at her hair with a towel.
"Hey, Willow shouldn't you be in class?" asked Buffy.
"Look who's talking, I came looking for you. Thought you'd decided to go A.W.O.L," said Willow.
"Just a little mistake with the alarm. Anyone miss me?" asked Buffy.
Willow looked away as Buffy finished dressing.
"I'd say that was a big yes, they knew you were back from your trip a week early. Mr Reynolds is already bleating for an assignment you owe him," grimaced Willow.
"Oh, bugger," groaned Buffy.
Spike and Willow looked at Buffy sharply.
"What?" asked Buffy at their expressions.
Willow rolled her eyes.
"You're even beginning to speak like him," said Willow as she shook her head in mock despair.
"I think it's adorable," said Spike.
Buffy grabbed her bag and jacket from the closet. She gave Spike a quick kiss on the lips.
"Gotta run hun, see you later?" asked Buffy.
"Try keeping me away," said Spike.
"Well, I can think of a spell… just kidding you guys," grinned Willow.
"Thanks for the baby books red," said Spike.
"No big, hope they help you make some decisions," said Willow, as she looked at Spike before she closed the door.
Spike read the title of what to expect when your wife is expanding again. He wasn't sure if they would help with the decisions, but they were certainly giving him ideas.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike entered Giles's apartment quickly closing the door behind him. Wisps of smoke came off him and a slight sizzling sound could be heard.
Giles looked up from the book he was studying.
"So you made it back then?" said Giles.
"Overstating the obvious a little," said Spike as he put away his jacket.
"Like that is it? I guess you won't want to hear my findings then?" asked Giles.
Spike walked over to the table.
"Don't play games with me, if you have something to say then just say it," said Spike.
Giles sighed and motioned to Spike to take a seat.
"I didn't have a lot to work with, I had almost given up hope of finding anything relevant to your er…Situation until I came across this text in the numinous Babylonia…"
"Cut the watchers crap," said Spike, as he faked a yawn.
Giles frowned at him and continued.
"There has been a pregnancy of this nature only once before, as far as I can tell, but not for a thousand years so details are a little vague to say the least. There is some mention of a connection, but that is about it. So, I can only assume that it's what Buffy and yourself have been experiencing,"
"I can tell by the look on your face that's not it, am I right?" asked Spike.
Giles looked at him in surprise.
"Well, there is more, but I wanted to tell you both together," said Giles.
"Tell me, if It's bad news then I want to know," insisted Spike.
"Depends on how you look on it. I found out something else during my research. Demon pregnancies in general don't last as long as human pregnancies. According to this same book, the woman in question was only pregnant for around a month. Buffy is pregnant with twins, by my calculations she could have those babies within the next couple of weeks," Giles finished.
"Don't be a stupid git, she's not even showing yet," scoffed Spike.
"You don't have to take my word for it, but if Travers has this information and as well as those photos, he may decide to make his move sooner rather than later," said Giles indignantly.
"He does not even know that Buffy is pregnant," said Spike.
"Yes, but he may be desperate enough to find out. You should have both gone last night when I told you to," said Giles.
Spike suddenly doubled over with pain.
"What is it?" asked Giles.
"It's Buffy, she's hurt or in danger or something," said Spike.
Giles paled, grabbing his car keys, he threw Spike a blanket.
TBC
A/N Sorry for the evilness of the cliffhanger, but I have been writing this chapter all day. My poor aching fingers lol. Thanks for reading!