Chapter 7

Spike carried Buffy over to the couch and lay her down. He pushed a golden lock that had fallen in front of her face. He still saw her as his angel. Her angelic face had yet to grow older. It seemed years just made her look more beautiful. He longed to feel her lips and touch her again.

"Mommy?" a small tired voice said from behind Spike.

He turned and looked at Amber, rubbing her eye and holding her count doll. Her blond locks were all a mess and she was in her pink little nightgown with the big bird on the front. He could of sworn he had never seen a more adorable creature then the child that stood in the door way.

"What's wrong, Amber?" Angel asked walking over to the child. Amber motioned him to pick her up.  Lifting her into his arms, Amber laid her head softly on his shoulder.

"I had a bad dream that big green hairy monsters chased after me, saying they were going to kill me," Amber said as tears welled in her eyes. Spike tried his hardest not to run over and take Amber from Angel. She was his child and yet she clung to Angel.

She has grown up knowing him as her father figure, Spike reminded himself.

Amber looked over at Spike, with large eyes full of fear.  She clung to Angel as he walked closer to Spike.

"Who's he?" Amber asked in a sheepish voice. Angel looked at Amber then back at Spike.

"It's William," Angel answered. Amber shook her head and poked Angel in the cheek.

"That's wrong, Uncle Angel," Amber said in a tough little voice. "Willie has brown curly hair and he wears colors." Angel tried not to laugh as Spike stood up.

"Hey, kitten," Spike purred.

Amber's eyes lit up as she realized it was true. She let go of Angel struggling from his arms, trying to get to Spike. Angel put Amber in Spike's arms and quietly left the room.

"Willie," Amber said in a small voice. "Why is your hair so white?" Spike smirked and kissed her forehead.

"I thought a change would do me good," Spike answered walking over to the chair. He sat her on his lap and she cuddled close to him. Spike was amazed how quickly she fell asleep.

*  *  *

Buffy opened her eyes. The sun was beaming through the big windows. She looked around the room. She was in the living room. She didn't remember falling asleep. She sat up and was struck by an image. Spike was sound asleep in the chair with his arm wrapped securely around Amber.

"Am I dreaming?" Buffy asked softly to herself. 

She stared at them and everything suddenly came back from the night before. William claiming he was Spike and then Spike standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her running to Spike right before everything had gone black.

Buffy's breath become rigid and she jumped off the couch quickly. She ran towards the kitchen and down the stairs to Angel. He was sleeping on the cot and she grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him awake.

"Angel!" Buffy cried.

Angel's eyes shot open and he saw Buffy staring at him. Her face was pale and it looked like she had seen a ghost. He automatically knew she had seen Spike.

"Is something wrong?" Angel asked.

Without, a word Buffy grabbed Angel's hand and dragged him up stairs and to the living room. She moved him so he had a clear image of Spike and Amber sleeping. He had to say they looked cute together.

"Is it me or…."

Dawn walked into the living and gasped. She grabbed her camera and snapped about a dozen pictures. Buffy didn't even get to finish her sentence as she watched her sister break into tears after snapping pictures. Angel rushed over to Dawn as she fell to her knees crying.

Spike opened his eyes and saw the mayhem taking place all around him. Dawn was crying her eyes out and Angel was trying to calm down. Buffy just stood there, staring, not able to say what she desperately wanted to say. He felt Amber stir and finally wake up. She looked up at Spike and smiled.

"Morning, Willie," Amber whispered. Spike smiled back at her.

"Morning, kitten," Spike whispered. It seemed the room all of a sudden fallen silent. He looked at everyone. Dawn was staring at him just like she did yesterday, except with more emotion.

"Nibblet, you all right?" Spike asked. Dawn got up and ran over to Spike. She clung to him like there was no tomorrow. Amber looked at them with a confused face.

"Aunt Dawnie, why did Willie call you Nibblet?" Amber asked innocently. Dawn pulled back from the embrace, wiping away tears and smiled at Amber.

"Willie is an old friend of mine and it's his nick name for me," Dawn answered.  Amber smiled and looked at Spike.

"Can you call me Nibblet too?" Amber asked. Spike laughed, his eyes gleaming with joy.

"Of course, princess," Spike answered. "I can call you whatever you want me too."

Angel walked up from behind them, overwhelmed by everything.

"Can we save the reunion for later?" Angel asked. "I think William and Buffy need some time alone." Dawn nodded and picked up Amber.

"Come on, Amber," Dawn said kindly. "I'll make you pancakes."

"PANCAKES!" Amber cried for joy.

Spike smiled and looked over at Buffy. She was just standing there, feet planted to the ground. Her eyes were full of tears and she was trembling slightly. He walked over to her slowly; close enough to see her lip gently quivering.

 "Are you all right, luv?" Spike said softly. He walked closed to her and touched her arm. His touch broke the dam and her tears began to flow.

"How…" Buffy barely got out before her emotions took over her. Spike pulled her into an embrace. She clung to him as she cried.

"Please tell me this isn't a dream," Buffy wept. Spike smiled to himself and kissed her on the head.

"It's not a dream, pet," Spike whispered. "I'm here." Her sobs were making her body shake. He scooped her up and took her back over to the couch.

"You died so long ago," Buffy whispered, pulling back.

She wiped her face and stared at him. His shining blue eyes were gleaming with love for her.

"I know," Spike said shyly. "I will do my best to make up for the time I have missed. I'll work with Xander again. I'll help Pop with the Magic Shop and I'll take Amber to the park."

"How am I going to tell Amber that her dad is alive?" Buffy asked laying her head on his shoulder.

He took in her vanilla scent and smiled. He missed having her in his arms. He missed the scent of vanilla, but he mostly missed the feel of her against him. He missed her kisses and her hands on his body. He missed all of her.

"We'll figure something out," Spike assured her. "Right now, I'm, just her good pal Willie." Spike shuddered as a memory flashed before him.

"What?" Buffy asked lifting her head. He looked at her and smiled. He ran his fingers through her long golden locks.

"Dru used to call me Willie," Spike answered. "I guess she was always like a child."

Buffy eyed him.  He looked older then she remembered and yet he seemed the same. He was still as caring and stubborn as ever.

"Kiss me," Buffy said bluntly. Spike looked at her, surprised.

"Come again, pet?" Spike asked, not even trying to hide his shock. Buffy sat straight up.

"Spike, it has been five years, three months, and four days since you have kissed me," Buffy rambled. "I want you to kiss me. I need to feel your lips."

Spike smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist. He pulled her close. He didn't need to be told again. He leaned down and touched her lips with his.

At first it was slow then all the emotions that had been held in for five long years took over and it soon turned heated and passionate. Their hands started exploring each other's body.

Dawn smiled widely and looked over at Angel. He was leaning against the island and entertaining Amber, playing around with the spoons. She was laughing up a storm.

"I hate to interrupt this fun session but I do owe my niece a day at the park," Dawn said smiling. Angel looked up at her confused then realized what she was doing. He stood up straight.

"They aren't having…"Angel stopped and looked at Amber. "S E X, Are they?" Dawn nodded, as a confused look crossed Amber's face. She nodded and winked at him.

"Not yet," Dawn answered. "But they're close to it. I'd hate to be here when they start the romping." Amber kept looking back and forth.

Dawn helped Amber down from the chair and took her by the hand, heading for the stairs. She hurried Amber up the stairs and into her room.

"Aunt Dawn, what does S E X spell?" Amber asked curiously. Dawn smirked as she pulled out a tiny pair of jeans for Amber.

"I'll tell you when you're older," Dawn answered as she pulled out a long sleeve pink shirt. "Now play with your dolls while I go change."  Amber nodded and got down on to the floor to start playing with her dolls.

Dawn walked out of the room and saw Angel heading up stairs. He looked drained. She surpassed her laughter.

"It's getting heated down there," Angel whispered.

"I warned you," Dawn teased. "Would you mind getting Amber ready while I change? My brother-in-law and sister need some major alone time."

"Why do I feel like we're being the parents while Buffy is acting like a teenager?" Angel asked. Dawn shrugged.

"I think it's because we're helping Buffy out," Dawn answered. "She has been alone far too long. Plus, I think it would be nice for Spike and her to have sometime alone together."

"They're already in the basement," Angel said annoyed. "When I was cleaning dishes, they ran down there and locked the door. It wasn't long before I heard moaning and the "Oh God's". I think they are going for another round as we speak."

Dawn closed her eyes and cringed. The flash of her walking in on Spike and Buffy during sex was a horrific image. Spike was just getting on top of her. She would never forget it.

"Thanks for bringing back the memory," Dawn whined. She walked passed him and into her room.

*  *  *

Buffy lay her head against Spike's sweaty chest. She could feel Spike's heart beating under her. It was this that shocked her, never believing she could hear it again.

"You know you're an animal in the sack," Spike whispered. Buffy giggled and looked up at him.

"You sure know how to sweet talk a girl," Buffy teased. "It's been too long for us." Spike nodded and closed his eyes.

"Three times in a row," Spike muttered. "I think we're getting too old." Buffy kissed his chest and smiled.

"Nah," Buffy answered. "I think we are just rusty. We need some oil to get back to normal."

"We can't do things like we use to, pet," Spike smirked. "Especially with Nibblet up stairs."

"Dawn is 22, Spike," Buffy said sitting up. "She knows all about sex."

"I wasn't talking about her," Spike corrected. "I was talking about our sweet little Amber." Buffy's face went into shock.

"I'm a horrible mother," Buffy said putting her hands on her face. "I forgot about Amber."

She grabbed her clothes and pulled them, throwing Spike's pants at him.

"Now, love," Spike began, but Buffy cut him off.

"We have a daughter now, Spike. You know that. We can't go romping around like we used to. We have to wait for these things."

"You're the boss, pet. I'm just your willing slave."

Buffy rolled her eyes as her shirt moved into place. She could Spike's eyes watching her every move. It made herself more self conscious and more aware that she had changed. He was still cocky as ever and he was still sexy. His body was more built then she remembered.

She shook off the thought as she felt herself get hot for him again. She couldn't allow it. Not until they had the house to themselves.

"Spike," Buffy said softly. Spike looked up at her as he fastened his belt.

"Yes, love," Spike said softly. Buffy walked over to him slowly and wrapped her arms around him.

"Don't ever leave me," Buffy said softly.

Spike closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her. He still could remember feeling lonely and like something was missing when he had lost his memory. He felt so isolated. He'd tried to bond with people but it just wouldn't work.

"I don't plan of leaving any time soon," Spike whispered.

Angel sat in the living room with Amber sound asleep in his lap. He dreaded leaving them but he had to. He wasn't needed around here. Spike was back and Amber had a strong father figure around now. The only thing he had to worry about was Dawn.

"Hey," Spike said walking into the living room. His hair was a mess and didn't try to hide what he and Buffy were up to.

"Hey," Angel said as he smirked at Spike.  Spike sat down next Angel. Angel looked back at the television.

"I'm leaving," Angel said bluntly. Spike looked over at him and sighed.

"Is it because I'm back?" Spike asked. Angel didn't look at him. He kept his eyes on the television.

"You're the main reason I stayed here as long as I have," Angel answered. "I wanted to make sure Buffy was back on her feet before I left but she never really got back on her feet.  She always had nightmares that shook her to the core.  William came along and I thought finally she would move on and have someone to help her. The things changed.  Dawn and I became closer and we found out you were alive and that it was just a matter of time before you got your memory back."

"This thing with my Nibblet," Spike said in a warning tone. "You better be good to her. If you break her heart I will have to come after you with a stake." Angel let out a sigh.

"I'm not going to go any further with Dawn," Angel whispered. "I'm going to go through the trials." Spike stared at him stunned.

"You could get yourself killed," Spike said evenly. "I nearly bloody did."

"Spike, you can't be killed," Angel joked. "Neither can I. We can last through anything."

"Can I ask why you're going through the trials?" Spike asked.

Angel finally looked over at him. His face was serious and hard. Spike never had seen him so dark before.

"I want to become human," Angel answered. "I want to be able to provide for Dawn."

"Tired of immortality, huh?" Spike teased. Angel rolled his eyes.

"I hope you are going talk to Dawn about this."

"I thought maybe I shouldn't," Angel said with a shrug.

"You will skip over up to Dawn's room and you will tell her about everything," Spike said strictly.

"You're not my boss," Angel said defensively. Spike took Amber from his arms.

"No, but I know how to use a bloody stake," Spike said standing up. "I can and will stake you right and proper if you hurt Dawn."

Buffy walked into the room as Angel left. She looked at Spike as he held Amber in the chair rocking her gently.  He was softly caressing her back. She thought she'd never seen a cuter image.

"So, why is Angel so huffy and puffy?" Buffy asked, sitting on the footrest.

"He's just frustrated," Spike answered. He looked down at his daughter and kissed her on the head. Buffy tried to hold back tears.

"What is he frustrated about?" Buffy asked, trying her best to stay on topic.

"Many things, pet," Spike answered. "Mostly because he isn't getting any." Buffy smacked Spike on the leg.

"You're horrible," Buffy said with a small grin. Spike smiled and shrugged.

"I can't express how much I've missed you," Buffy said as tears welled up in her eyes.

Spike stopped rocking. He placed his free hand on her face and caressed her cheek. This was his life. This was how it was supposed to be if Riley didn't interfere with it.

"I thought you expressed it quite well early this morning," Spike teased. Buffy shooed his hand off of her.

Dawn came running down the stairs, tears streaming down her face with Angel following close behind her.  They both looked upset.

"You can't do it!" Dawn yelled whipping around. Angel put his hands on her shoulders.

"I have to, Dawn," Angel said impatiently. "It's the only way we will work out."

"Who cares if you're a vampire," Dawn growled.

"I do!" Angel yelled. "I'm cursed with a soul. We could do things that would bring Angelus back out. I won't let that happened… Not again."

"Hey, you guys want to keep it down," Spike said harshly. "Not all of us sleep like the dead." Amber opened her tired eyes and yawned. 

"Daddy, make them quiet," Amber whispered, cuddling closer to Spike. She drifted back to sleep.

The room fell quiet. Everyone stared at Amber and Spike. He was staring down at her. His heart clenched in his chest and his breath caught in his throat. Buffy was shaking. Dawn and Angel shared looks.

"She called me Daddy," Spike whispered. A smile took form on her face and she wrapped her tiny arms around him.

"You're her father," Buffy whispered in their embrace. She pulled back and looked at Angel and Dawn.

"If you two are going to continue yelling, then do it outside or upstairs," Buffy said in her commander voice. "Amber needs to sleep."

Spike scooped Amber up and headed for the stairs. Her little eyes opened more. She smiled at Spike.

"Willie, can I ask you a question?" Amber asked in a sheepish voice. Spike walked into her bedroom and put her on the bed.

"Of course, kitten," Spike answered. She sat up and got back on to his lap.

"My daddy is gone and mommy is very sad about it," Amber began. "You're a nice man and she seems to like you. So could you be my daddy?" Spike stared stunned at Amber. He hated the William part of him. He'd never felt so touched in his life.

"Of course, kitten," Spike answered softly. "But it is up to your mommy."

Without a word, Amber jumped down from Spike's lap and went running out of the room. Spike got up and ran after her, but Amber was all ready down the stairs by the time he'd reached the top of the staircase.

"Bloody hell, that child is fast," Spike silently cursed.

He ran down the stairs, the image of him running after Riley all too vivid in his brain.  He wished he could go back in time and fix it. But it was the past and there was nothing he could do about it.

"Mommy, can Willie be my daddy," Amber asked, standing in front of Buffy.

The room fell silent again. Spike stopped at the doorway. Everyone looked at him then looked back at Buffy and Amber.

I guess I better tell her now, Buffy thought. She will find out sooner or later.

Buffy picked Amber up and sat her on her lap. She moved the hair out of her face and stared at her daughter. She had her father's cheek bones but her mother's eyes. She had his lips and curly hair, but her mother's lips and hair color.

"Amber, sweetie, there is something I need to tell you," Buffy said in a motherly tone. Amber stared at Buffy with her hazel eyes shimmering in the setting sun.

"Willie is your daddy," Buffy said slowly. Amber's eyes widened and looked over at Spike. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and he looked scared, yet hopeful.

Amber moved off of Buffy's lap and walked over to Spike slowly. Her hazel eyes never leaving his blue ones. They were full of tears. She stopped only a few inches from him, staring at him.

"Daddy?" Amber whispered before running and wrapping her arms around his legs.

Spike couldn't be strong anymore. He bent down and picked Amber up as he began to cry. He fell to his knees holding his daughter, never wanting to let her go.  Amber clung to Spike like there was no tomorrow.

"I love you, Daddy," Amber whispered.

Spike didn't care if he looked like a nancy boy.  He just began to cry harder.  His daughter loved him and that was all that mattered. He had his family again.