A Little Easier, Maybe Not

Author: Pumpkin Belly

A/N: I'm playing with the timeline in this chapter.  Xander and Anya are still together, he never left her at the alter.  Tara is dead.  The group pretty much accepts Spike and Willow isn't hooked on magic.   

Previously: "Only 2 more hours to Sunnydale." Dawn said giving a nervous laugh.

Umm Congratulations

"We're here." Connor announced, "Dawn," He called nudging her awake,  "you up?"

"What?" Dawn asked waking up from her nap.

"I said we're here." Connor said.

"Oh.  Well that's good.  And we made it before sunset." Dawn said looking outside, watching as the sun started to set. 

"Barely." Connor mumbled.

"I heard that." Dawn countered, "It wasn't my fault."

"You made me stop 3 times before we even left L.A. to get you food." Connor reminded her.

"It's being pregnant. I have to eat for 2 people now.  You helped putting me in that predicament as I recall." Dawn said. 

"That I did, baby." Connor said with a smirk. 

Dawn mumbled an agreement before leaning over and kissing him. 

"We better go inside." Dawn said when they pulled apart.

"Yeah I guess we should." Connor said before kissing her again. 

"Buffy's waiting." Dawn reminded him.

"Way to ruin the moment." Connor muttered before getting out of the car.

"Will you get the bags sweetie?" Dawn called walking to the door.

"Do I have a choice?" He said to himself.

Dawn paused at the door, 'Ok this is it.  No going back.' She thought before knocking.  By the time Buffy answered the door Connor was standing next to her. 

"Dawn." Buffy called pulling her little sister into a hug, "hey Connor." She said after releasing Dawn only to pull him into a hug. 

"Oh, hey Buffy." Connor said a little uncomfortable at the display of affection. 

"What's up Buffy? You are acting way to happy." Dawn said stepping into the house followed by Connor.

"I'm just so happy that you 2 are ok.  With what happened with the attack and all." Buffy said leading the couple into the living room. 

'Wonder how long that feeling will last,' Connor thought putting the bags down and moving into the living room. 

 "So everyone's here." Dawn said looking around at all the people in the room. 

"Well, yeah, you said you said something important to tell us so I made sure that everyone was here for you." Buffy said.

"Hey Dawnie." Xander said pulling her into a hug, "And you must be Connor." He said shaking Connor's hand.

"Yeah that would be me." Connor said turning to everyone else, "Hello."

As everyone said their hello's Dawn and Connor got increasingly more nervous. 

"I'm going to get a drink." Dawn announced to the group when Spike had finally released her, "Umm Connor will you come with me."

"Yeah sure." He said before escorting her to the kitchen.

"I don't think I can tell them." Dawn said once they were in the kitchen.

"What? Why? You said we had to tell them." Connor said.

"I know, but saying and doing something are different things.  What if they hate me?" Dawn asked.

"They won't hate you Dawn.  They could never hate you." Connor pulled her into his arms, "They'll hate me." He said causing Dawn to laugh. 

"Hey," Connor said when he heard Dawn start to cry, "Everything is going to be ok."  He pulled her chin up, looking her in the eyes.  "I love you." He said before kissing her.

"Ok, I'm ready.  Let's go." Dawn said taking Connor's hand and walking back to the others. 

"Everybody we have an announcement." Dawn said getting the attention of everyone in the room.  "Connor and I are getting married."

"Your what!?" Buffy all but yelled.  

"And we're having a baby." Dawn finished ignoring Buffy. 

"Oh god, I need to sit down." Buffy said moving to the nearest available seat. 

"You're having a what?" Spike asked, trying to stay as calm as possible.

"A baby." Dawn squeaked out.

"Oh no you're not.  I'll kill him." Spike shouted before moving to Connor. 

"Spike stop." Xander and Buffy both called.  Xander was first to move and hold Spike back.  Buffy stepped in front of him.

"If anybody gets to kill him it'll be me." Buffy said. 

"Guys STOP!" Dawn yelled, "I know this is news to everybody but please calm down.  It's not Connor's fault.  There were 2 people involved you know."

Spike took in an unneeded breath and sat back down.  Buffy stood standing, a look of shock still on her face.  Xander looked embarrassed and Willow looked confused. Anya just looked bored.   

"Umm Congratulations?" Willow offered. 

TBC

A/N: Aren't you all proud of me I got you the next chapter just like I promised.  Review and tell me what you think.