Good evening, All(
Whew! I made it! Somehow I managed to get this out in time! YAY!
Well, I made this chapter extra long and chock full of major revelations, as I will not be able to release next week. Alas, I will be in Los Angeles for my birthday and won't have a chance to type it up and post it!
So, I do hope you enjoy this and *please* let me know how you feel!
Have a great week!
*Cheery Vibes*,
Nimue
Title: On the Way (Chapter Eight of Meant to Be)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
The rest of the story can be found at:
and present chapters are being posted on my live journal at:
Summary: Two months into the future. It is now Thanksgiving Day. A look into the lives of some of the other couples in the extended family as they prepare for what should be a big night. And Buffy and Spike aren't the only ones with an announcement.
On the Way
Anya stood before her vanity, putting on lipstick and checking her new chestnut coloured dress from every angle.
"I still don't understand why humans dress up to go to someone's house and eat, especially when they go there all the time and jeans are good enough," she whined, hiking up her skirt to adjust her slip.
Giles chuckled, shrugging on a black jacket. "I suppose, dear, that the change in clothing signifies the event is something out of the ordinary." Slowly, he worked his way behind his love, wrapping arms around her waist and kissing the crown of her head. "But regardless of the reason, you look stunning."
Anya smiled, looking at their reflection in the mirror. Slowly, she wiggled around in his arms and pushed up on her toes to kiss him properly. "I love it when you give good feedback."
Again, Giles chuckled. "Most like to call it a compliment."
"Compliment, whatever," Anya answered, pressing her lips against him again. She eyed the bed, wondering silently if there were time to play a little game of stuff the turkey, but decided that it would be rude and would make Rupert mad if they were late for Buffy's dinner.
"I should go get Randy," she whispered, her voice hoarse with lust.
Giles was instantly intrigued by her tone, pressing against her. "Anya," he breathed, kissing her cheek, her neck, as delicately as butterfly's wings. Her eyes slid closed, wondering how rude late really was.
Finally, her well-studied etiquette lessons got the better of her and she grunted, pushing him away. "I need to go get Randy. Buffy's going to be all upset if we're not on time and she's all hyped up about something she wants to tell us and I wish people just told people when they had news instead of being all mysterious about it and."
Giles sighed, trying to collect his raging hormones and rein them back in. "I've put out the outfit you bought him, and the nanny gave him a bath before she left."
Anya nodded, backing slowly out of his embrace and turning around. As she reached the door, she turned again to face him. "Rupert?"
"Yes, dear?" He questioned, straightening his suit jacket.
"When we get home, can we have a little. celebration of our own?"
A smile broke across the man's face. "Absolutely, my love." ~~~~~
"So, act surprised, right?" Tara asked, fastening her long, flowing skirt. It was a pretty cream colour, with autumn leaves in browns and yellows and greens and oranges embossed on the fabric.
Willow giggled. "Yeah, because Buffy'd be really upset if she knew I told you."
"Don't you think she would have assumed that you did?" Tara moved around and zipped the back of Willow's dress.
"Buffy? No. She's all with the secrets when she wants to be."
"Did you tell Oz?"
"Tell me what?" Oz asked, coming into the bedroom, dressed in jeans and a white button down, a black suit jacket over the top and a tot in each arm, both dressed in their best new Thanksgiving outfits. Almost matching.
"No," Willow said to Tara, giggling and turning back to Oz, loosing Loki from his arms and pulling him against her. "And doesn't my little man look handsome."
"You got them dressed?" Tara asked, gently smiling and freeing Kali from Oz's other arm, allowing him to finish fastening his cuffs and straightening his jacket.
"I did," Oz said, returning her smile. "Amazing how little people clothes are much like ours."
"What with the buttons and zippers," Willow agreed, nodding. "And you look. wow."
"Very nice," Tara agreed, sizing up the man and winking.
Oz raised an eyebrow and gave them his best playboy look. "You're just trying to get me to father more babies." He sighed deeply. "The life of a prize stallion."
Both girls laughed, each taking one of his arms. "Not now, dear, I've got a . well, I like girls." Willow laughed, heading to the door.
"All the good ones are either gay or taken," Oz replied, sighing again wistfully.
"But at least you get to live in the strangest version of the Brady Bunch ever, and help raise your absolutely wonderful kids," Willow consoled, kissing Oz's cheek and then Loki's head.
"This is true, and definitely of the good," the Werewolf responded, brushing stray hair from his daughter's face. "Not to mention two of the best friends a guy could have."
"I bet we sort of. screw up your whole dating scene," Tara commented, grabbing her sweater and slipping a coat onto Kali.
Oz watched the two women get ready to go out, lovingly helping their children and each other, preparing for another extended family gathering. It had never occurred to him, not even once, that he could, or should, be dating. He got everything he needed here, with them. And, on rare occasions, a night alone with a girlie mag.
"I'm pretty happy where I am," he answered, his voice full of conviction.
Tara smiled, her face lighting up. "Well, we're pretty happy you stayed."
"You know, for prize stallion purposes," Willow snarked, kissing his cheek and taking his arm again. "Ready?"
Oz shook his head, chuckling. "As I'll ever be. Ladies?" ~~~~~~~~
Dawn was tearing around the room like a chicken with her head cut off, her black dress still unzipped in the back and her skin still glistening from the shower. "Where are my black shoes?" She screeched, scrabbling through the closet.
Brian sat on the bed, a smile on his face. Something about her, even when she was a disorganized mess, was just so. beautiful. Slowly, he stood, making his way over to his girlfriend and grabbing her hips, pulling her toward him. She stopped her frantic movements at his touch and turned facing him. "We're going to be *so* late," she sighed, resigned.
Again, he smiled, backing her towards the bed and settling her down on the mattress. "Sit," he ordered, walking back to the closet and instinctively picking out the exact pair of black heels that she'd been looking for in less than a second.
"How did."
"I know you," he answered, grinning and walking back to her. He dropped to his knees, picking up one of her perfect, well-pedicured feet and sliding the shoe on, letting his fingers trace the arch of her foot. She closed her eyes at the touch.
"Brian," she sighed.
"What?" He answered, coyly.
"Ummm."
"No foot rubs now. Maybe later," he joked, slipping the other shoe on and buckling the ankle straps.
When he was finished, he rocked back on his heels, looking up at her. She blinked, looking back, her eyes glistening with love and happiness. "What?" She asked, suddenly feeling self conscious under his gaze.
Brian's smile faded, taking in the woman that Dawn had become. Tall, with shining dark hair, her body long and lean but still decidedly feminine, with curves in all the right places. She could have been a model. She should have been. She could have had any man she wanted.
But she picked him.
And he never *once* took that for granted.
"Dawn," he began, his voice choked with emotion. She looked down at him quizzically, nervously smiling, her fingers toying with her necklace.
"What?" Another nervous giggle.
Brian closed his eyes. Breathed. Slid his hand into his pants pocket. "I."
"You." she teased, not looking at anything but his gorgeous brown eyes, his chiseled features and square chin. His beautiful dark brown hair.
He swallowed. "I know how you . I know that. oh, hell, Dawnie."
A puzzled look crossed her face. "So confused now."
"I know you don't know how you feel about. well, what happened with your mom and dad. But you. your sister and Spike are so happy and I . we. could be that happy," Brian stuttered, squeezing the box in his palm and trying not to sweat profusely.
"What." Dawn muttered, her expression somewhere between terrified and excited.
Brian took a deep breath, raising his hand to her knee and opening it, palm up. "I think I could make you that happy."
Dawn looked at the small velvet box, then at his face. Back to the box. Gingerly, she reached down, taking it from his hand and examining it, almost scientifically.
"It's prettier inside," Brian joked nervously.
Dawn held her breath, not sure how she would react when she saw what was inside but knowing she had to face this question sooner or later. Her heart pounded in her chest, her hands suddenly shaking, making the box vibrate. Distantly, she felt his hand on her arm, steadying it, but her entire focus was on the box.
Slowly, she brought her other hand to the top, lifting it open, almost as terrified of what was inside as she was thrilled. She *loved* this man. With every fiber of her being. She had tried, over and over, to imagine what life would be without him and every time she concluded that it would be only half a life. Half a love. Half a World. But still..
Dawn's breath caught in her throat as she saw it. A silver ring with a moonstone, a little like Buffy's but a more modern setting, and a ring of small diamonds around the center stone. Remotely, she felt tears drizzle down her cheeks, smearing her newly applied mascara.
"I. I thought that. that you'd want something different. And since. since you always talked about how Spike and Buffy belonged together, and how it was different for them, I thought maybe you'd think it was kind of. good luck, if I picked something. like hers." His voice shook with fear and emotion. "If you don't like it."
"I." Dawn whispered, her voice choked with tears. "It's beautiful. I love it."
Finally, she hazarded a glance at Brian. His face was so full of hope, of promise, of want. He adored her. Loved her endlessly. Would do anything for her, and had.
He was the one. *Her* one.
"Dawn," Brian said, quietly, pushing himself back onto his knees. "I would be honoured if you'd marry me. "
The words struck her like a lightning bolt, flashes of photos of her mom and dad, of fights and screaming and abandonment and anger, followed by images of Spike with his arms around Buffy, holding their babies, feeling their love in any room in which they stood together. Then of Brian, and his endless devotion, and perfect little dark haired children playing in the sunshine with the others.
"Please," he continued, not sure what to make of her almost blank countenance.
"Yes," Dawn whispered, almost inaudibly.
"Okay," Brian said, a smile breaking on his face. "But do you think you could say that again so that I can hear it?"
Dawn giggled through her tears, reaching down to touch his face. "Yes, Brian. Yes, yes yes."
He pulled her down to him, scooping her into his arms and holding her more ferociously than he wanted, but she laughed, kissing his neck, holding him just as tightly and hoping. Hoping. Hoping.
Slowly, he pushed her back, taking her hand and sliding the ring on her finger. It glowed as if it had found its true home. She stared at it for a long moment, moving her hand to catch the light.
Suddenly, her face lit up. "Ohmigod! We can tell them all tonight!"
"Hence my impeccable timing!" Brian snarked, brushing her hair back from her face and kissing her lips softly.
"I really do love you," Dawn said, kissing him back. "Please don't let me down. Please don't let me let you down."
"Never," Brian breathed, stroking her hair and feeling her relax into his arms. "Now go get ready so we can spread the good news."
Dawn sat bolt upright in his arms. "Oh shit! We're going to be *so* late." ~~~~~~~~
Spike walked down the final step and rounded the corner towards the kitchen, still fastening his belt and grumbling that Buffy insisted on pressed black slacks and a royal blue button down for him, rather than his usual jeans and a T-Shirt.
Anything to make her happy.
He stood for a moment in the doorway, watching her washing up dishes and cleaning up the mess he'd made cooking. He'd fully intended on tidying up before the guests arrived, but had gotten sidetracked moving all the furniture in the living room and dining room so they could set up tables big enough to accommodate them all.
Still, she was so beautiful to watch, her blonde hair lit golden by the late afternoon sunshine, her loose dress flowing around her knees, her small frame moving gracefully as she reached up to put away dishes. So much power in such a tiny package. So much beauty.
Finally, he tore himself away from the vision, walking up behind her silently and wrapping his arms around her. She jumped at first, so distracted by her cleaning that she hadn't felt him coming. But soon she melted, leaning back into his chest.
"See I'm still good for a bit of scaring now and again," he chuckled, nuzzling her hair and kissing her softly. "Would have tidied up after I'd gotten dressed."
"It's no problem. I was ready and you. it was like the Hellmouth moved to under our kitchen," she answered, her hands trailing up and down his long thighs.
"Made a mess, did I?"
She laughed. "Worlds of mess."
"Have to make it up to you later, then," he purred, kissing her ear. Her eyes closed, her nerves firing and something low and tight and very pleasant warming her to the core.
"Hmmm," she hummed, rubbing up against him. "Can't wait."
His hands moved softly up her bare legs, pulling her skirt up with them, feeling the silky smoothness of her thighs under his palms and wanting to call the whole party off just to explore those pretty tight legs all evening long. Judging by her warmth and the pounding of her heart, he could feel she wasn't far from the same thought.
"Want you," he whispered, his blunt teeth grazing her neck.
Buffy hummed again, her backside rubbing deliciously against the front of his pants. "They'll be here any minute."
"A minute won't do," Spike purred again, his tongue darting out and tasting her skin. A small moan escaped her lips. "Take me all night to even begin to give you what you deserve."
"You've already given me more than I deserve," Buffy whispered, taking one of his hands from her thigh and sliding it sensuously over the silk of her dress and resting his palm to her belly.
He smiled into her skin, pride and joy filling him. "Can feel her," Spike whispered, his mouth still dangerously close to her ear.
Buffy tensed. "I'm not showing yet."
"No, Pet," Spike answered, barely noticing the slight thickening of her waist and the little swell in her belly that hadn't even grown enough for her clothes to become tight. But he knew it was there. Felt it every night to be sure of it. His palm rubbed softly. "But I can feel her in you."
Buffy closed her eyes and smiled, resting against him. "It is a girl this time."
"Know, Love," Spike answered, his lips pressing to her cheek. "Another beauty to wrap me round her little finger."
She chuckled, her hand over his. "Spike, I'm. I."
"You deserve her, Pet. We'll love her more than any two people could. Just how it is round here. No doubts. No worries. Just be happy, all right?"
Buffy smiled again, his hand pressing tighter, more protectively, over her stomach. "I am," she answered. "I just. we don't even know her and I love her so much already."
"S'posed to, Love. Like the others. S'your job to protect her now, and mine to protect you."
She turned in his arms to face him. "You know, you're sort of growing on me."
He smiled, smirking at her. "More like growing *in* you."
"That too," Buffy giggled.
"Ready to tell the rest? Rupert assured me he hasn't told a soul," Spike asked, brushing her long hair over her shoulders and kissing her forehead.
"So ready," Buffy answered. "This secret thing? Not so easy."
"Best that you waited to see what the doctor said," Spike confirmed, cupping her backside in his hands. "Not that I don't trust Red."
She nodded her agreement. "I knew. You knew. Willow said. But until the test."
"You did the right thing," Spike agreed, kissing the worry lines from her brow. "But you can tell them tonight, Love."
She smiled, nodding. "Thank you."
"For what?" He asked, returning the smile, his eyes dancing with curiosity.
"This. You. Us. Her," she answered, her hand finding its way between them and over her belly. "Just. everything."
"You're the one I should be thanking. For giving the 'fangy soulless beast' a chance."
Laughter erupted from her throat. "I can't believe I ever said that."
"Which time?" Spike snarked, ducking the jab tossed at his arm. "Let me finish cleaning up," he chuckled. "Tots probably need a little help getting ready."
Buffy nodded. "Where are they?"
Spike sighed. "Emma's in the bathroom, primping like her mum, and Will's running round without his shirt, refusing to wear anything but that silly T- shirt."
"Sound familiar?" Buffy laughed, ducking under Spike's arm and bolting out of the room.
"Bint," he chuckled, starting to put pans in the cupboards. "My girl." ~~~~~~~~
Anya called down the stairs, her voice loud and clear. "Rupie, phone's for you."
Giles looked up towards the sound, registering what she was saying, and then leaned over from his dark leather chair and picked up the cordless. "Got it," he called back.
"Keep it short," Anya called back. "We're almost ready and we're running late as it is."
"Yes, dear," Giles called back, turning his attention to the phone. "Hello?"
"Mr. Giles," a vaguely familiar voice came crackling over the wires.
Giles furrowed his brow, thinking. Then it hit him. "Althea? My dear, how are you? How is the work with the Coven?"
There was a long silence before the voice returned. "Mr. Giles, there is no time for catching up now."
His face slackened at the desperate tone in her voice. "What. what is it, Althea?"
"We've come across some writings. A prophesy."
"Oh?" Giles asked, his voice rising in curiosity. "In regard to the Peacemaker?"
"Indirectly," Althea answered, her voice metered and cold. "About the One. A child of the One."
Giles stopped, stunned. No, it can't be. "Emma? William?"
"The one that is yet to be," Althea answered, her voice breaking up. "It could be bad, Rupert."
He was silent, listening to her talk, his heart dropping in his chest at every word. She couldn't know. How? What? The words she spoke were daggers through his heart, the thought of Buffy, of Spike, the child he knew that she was carrying, weighing heavy on his mind.
"Are you sure?" He finally said, his voice cracking as he took his glasses off, wiping them nervously.
"I will transmit the prophesy to Willow. Tonight. Midnight. If I were you, I would keep this between the two of you until you've sussed out its accuracy."
"I assure you, we will," Giles responded, his heart now in his stomach, his mind reeling.
"Midnight, Mr. Giles."
"Of course."
The phone crackled. And died.
To be contd.
Whew! I made it! Somehow I managed to get this out in time! YAY!
Well, I made this chapter extra long and chock full of major revelations, as I will not be able to release next week. Alas, I will be in Los Angeles for my birthday and won't have a chance to type it up and post it!
So, I do hope you enjoy this and *please* let me know how you feel!
Have a great week!
*Cheery Vibes*,
Nimue
Title: On the Way (Chapter Eight of Meant to Be)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
The rest of the story can be found at:
and present chapters are being posted on my live journal at:
Summary: Two months into the future. It is now Thanksgiving Day. A look into the lives of some of the other couples in the extended family as they prepare for what should be a big night. And Buffy and Spike aren't the only ones with an announcement.
On the Way
Anya stood before her vanity, putting on lipstick and checking her new chestnut coloured dress from every angle.
"I still don't understand why humans dress up to go to someone's house and eat, especially when they go there all the time and jeans are good enough," she whined, hiking up her skirt to adjust her slip.
Giles chuckled, shrugging on a black jacket. "I suppose, dear, that the change in clothing signifies the event is something out of the ordinary." Slowly, he worked his way behind his love, wrapping arms around her waist and kissing the crown of her head. "But regardless of the reason, you look stunning."
Anya smiled, looking at their reflection in the mirror. Slowly, she wiggled around in his arms and pushed up on her toes to kiss him properly. "I love it when you give good feedback."
Again, Giles chuckled. "Most like to call it a compliment."
"Compliment, whatever," Anya answered, pressing her lips against him again. She eyed the bed, wondering silently if there were time to play a little game of stuff the turkey, but decided that it would be rude and would make Rupert mad if they were late for Buffy's dinner.
"I should go get Randy," she whispered, her voice hoarse with lust.
Giles was instantly intrigued by her tone, pressing against her. "Anya," he breathed, kissing her cheek, her neck, as delicately as butterfly's wings. Her eyes slid closed, wondering how rude late really was.
Finally, her well-studied etiquette lessons got the better of her and she grunted, pushing him away. "I need to go get Randy. Buffy's going to be all upset if we're not on time and she's all hyped up about something she wants to tell us and I wish people just told people when they had news instead of being all mysterious about it and."
Giles sighed, trying to collect his raging hormones and rein them back in. "I've put out the outfit you bought him, and the nanny gave him a bath before she left."
Anya nodded, backing slowly out of his embrace and turning around. As she reached the door, she turned again to face him. "Rupert?"
"Yes, dear?" He questioned, straightening his suit jacket.
"When we get home, can we have a little. celebration of our own?"
A smile broke across the man's face. "Absolutely, my love." ~~~~~
"So, act surprised, right?" Tara asked, fastening her long, flowing skirt. It was a pretty cream colour, with autumn leaves in browns and yellows and greens and oranges embossed on the fabric.
Willow giggled. "Yeah, because Buffy'd be really upset if she knew I told you."
"Don't you think she would have assumed that you did?" Tara moved around and zipped the back of Willow's dress.
"Buffy? No. She's all with the secrets when she wants to be."
"Did you tell Oz?"
"Tell me what?" Oz asked, coming into the bedroom, dressed in jeans and a white button down, a black suit jacket over the top and a tot in each arm, both dressed in their best new Thanksgiving outfits. Almost matching.
"No," Willow said to Tara, giggling and turning back to Oz, loosing Loki from his arms and pulling him against her. "And doesn't my little man look handsome."
"You got them dressed?" Tara asked, gently smiling and freeing Kali from Oz's other arm, allowing him to finish fastening his cuffs and straightening his jacket.
"I did," Oz said, returning her smile. "Amazing how little people clothes are much like ours."
"What with the buttons and zippers," Willow agreed, nodding. "And you look. wow."
"Very nice," Tara agreed, sizing up the man and winking.
Oz raised an eyebrow and gave them his best playboy look. "You're just trying to get me to father more babies." He sighed deeply. "The life of a prize stallion."
Both girls laughed, each taking one of his arms. "Not now, dear, I've got a . well, I like girls." Willow laughed, heading to the door.
"All the good ones are either gay or taken," Oz replied, sighing again wistfully.
"But at least you get to live in the strangest version of the Brady Bunch ever, and help raise your absolutely wonderful kids," Willow consoled, kissing Oz's cheek and then Loki's head.
"This is true, and definitely of the good," the Werewolf responded, brushing stray hair from his daughter's face. "Not to mention two of the best friends a guy could have."
"I bet we sort of. screw up your whole dating scene," Tara commented, grabbing her sweater and slipping a coat onto Kali.
Oz watched the two women get ready to go out, lovingly helping their children and each other, preparing for another extended family gathering. It had never occurred to him, not even once, that he could, or should, be dating. He got everything he needed here, with them. And, on rare occasions, a night alone with a girlie mag.
"I'm pretty happy where I am," he answered, his voice full of conviction.
Tara smiled, her face lighting up. "Well, we're pretty happy you stayed."
"You know, for prize stallion purposes," Willow snarked, kissing his cheek and taking his arm again. "Ready?"
Oz shook his head, chuckling. "As I'll ever be. Ladies?" ~~~~~~~~
Dawn was tearing around the room like a chicken with her head cut off, her black dress still unzipped in the back and her skin still glistening from the shower. "Where are my black shoes?" She screeched, scrabbling through the closet.
Brian sat on the bed, a smile on his face. Something about her, even when she was a disorganized mess, was just so. beautiful. Slowly, he stood, making his way over to his girlfriend and grabbing her hips, pulling her toward him. She stopped her frantic movements at his touch and turned facing him. "We're going to be *so* late," she sighed, resigned.
Again, he smiled, backing her towards the bed and settling her down on the mattress. "Sit," he ordered, walking back to the closet and instinctively picking out the exact pair of black heels that she'd been looking for in less than a second.
"How did."
"I know you," he answered, grinning and walking back to her. He dropped to his knees, picking up one of her perfect, well-pedicured feet and sliding the shoe on, letting his fingers trace the arch of her foot. She closed her eyes at the touch.
"Brian," she sighed.
"What?" He answered, coyly.
"Ummm."
"No foot rubs now. Maybe later," he joked, slipping the other shoe on and buckling the ankle straps.
When he was finished, he rocked back on his heels, looking up at her. She blinked, looking back, her eyes glistening with love and happiness. "What?" She asked, suddenly feeling self conscious under his gaze.
Brian's smile faded, taking in the woman that Dawn had become. Tall, with shining dark hair, her body long and lean but still decidedly feminine, with curves in all the right places. She could have been a model. She should have been. She could have had any man she wanted.
But she picked him.
And he never *once* took that for granted.
"Dawn," he began, his voice choked with emotion. She looked down at him quizzically, nervously smiling, her fingers toying with her necklace.
"What?" Another nervous giggle.
Brian closed his eyes. Breathed. Slid his hand into his pants pocket. "I."
"You." she teased, not looking at anything but his gorgeous brown eyes, his chiseled features and square chin. His beautiful dark brown hair.
He swallowed. "I know how you . I know that. oh, hell, Dawnie."
A puzzled look crossed her face. "So confused now."
"I know you don't know how you feel about. well, what happened with your mom and dad. But you. your sister and Spike are so happy and I . we. could be that happy," Brian stuttered, squeezing the box in his palm and trying not to sweat profusely.
"What." Dawn muttered, her expression somewhere between terrified and excited.
Brian took a deep breath, raising his hand to her knee and opening it, palm up. "I think I could make you that happy."
Dawn looked at the small velvet box, then at his face. Back to the box. Gingerly, she reached down, taking it from his hand and examining it, almost scientifically.
"It's prettier inside," Brian joked nervously.
Dawn held her breath, not sure how she would react when she saw what was inside but knowing she had to face this question sooner or later. Her heart pounded in her chest, her hands suddenly shaking, making the box vibrate. Distantly, she felt his hand on her arm, steadying it, but her entire focus was on the box.
Slowly, she brought her other hand to the top, lifting it open, almost as terrified of what was inside as she was thrilled. She *loved* this man. With every fiber of her being. She had tried, over and over, to imagine what life would be without him and every time she concluded that it would be only half a life. Half a love. Half a World. But still..
Dawn's breath caught in her throat as she saw it. A silver ring with a moonstone, a little like Buffy's but a more modern setting, and a ring of small diamonds around the center stone. Remotely, she felt tears drizzle down her cheeks, smearing her newly applied mascara.
"I. I thought that. that you'd want something different. And since. since you always talked about how Spike and Buffy belonged together, and how it was different for them, I thought maybe you'd think it was kind of. good luck, if I picked something. like hers." His voice shook with fear and emotion. "If you don't like it."
"I." Dawn whispered, her voice choked with tears. "It's beautiful. I love it."
Finally, she hazarded a glance at Brian. His face was so full of hope, of promise, of want. He adored her. Loved her endlessly. Would do anything for her, and had.
He was the one. *Her* one.
"Dawn," Brian said, quietly, pushing himself back onto his knees. "I would be honoured if you'd marry me. "
The words struck her like a lightning bolt, flashes of photos of her mom and dad, of fights and screaming and abandonment and anger, followed by images of Spike with his arms around Buffy, holding their babies, feeling their love in any room in which they stood together. Then of Brian, and his endless devotion, and perfect little dark haired children playing in the sunshine with the others.
"Please," he continued, not sure what to make of her almost blank countenance.
"Yes," Dawn whispered, almost inaudibly.
"Okay," Brian said, a smile breaking on his face. "But do you think you could say that again so that I can hear it?"
Dawn giggled through her tears, reaching down to touch his face. "Yes, Brian. Yes, yes yes."
He pulled her down to him, scooping her into his arms and holding her more ferociously than he wanted, but she laughed, kissing his neck, holding him just as tightly and hoping. Hoping. Hoping.
Slowly, he pushed her back, taking her hand and sliding the ring on her finger. It glowed as if it had found its true home. She stared at it for a long moment, moving her hand to catch the light.
Suddenly, her face lit up. "Ohmigod! We can tell them all tonight!"
"Hence my impeccable timing!" Brian snarked, brushing her hair back from her face and kissing her lips softly.
"I really do love you," Dawn said, kissing him back. "Please don't let me down. Please don't let me let you down."
"Never," Brian breathed, stroking her hair and feeling her relax into his arms. "Now go get ready so we can spread the good news."
Dawn sat bolt upright in his arms. "Oh shit! We're going to be *so* late." ~~~~~~~~
Spike walked down the final step and rounded the corner towards the kitchen, still fastening his belt and grumbling that Buffy insisted on pressed black slacks and a royal blue button down for him, rather than his usual jeans and a T-Shirt.
Anything to make her happy.
He stood for a moment in the doorway, watching her washing up dishes and cleaning up the mess he'd made cooking. He'd fully intended on tidying up before the guests arrived, but had gotten sidetracked moving all the furniture in the living room and dining room so they could set up tables big enough to accommodate them all.
Still, she was so beautiful to watch, her blonde hair lit golden by the late afternoon sunshine, her loose dress flowing around her knees, her small frame moving gracefully as she reached up to put away dishes. So much power in such a tiny package. So much beauty.
Finally, he tore himself away from the vision, walking up behind her silently and wrapping his arms around her. She jumped at first, so distracted by her cleaning that she hadn't felt him coming. But soon she melted, leaning back into his chest.
"See I'm still good for a bit of scaring now and again," he chuckled, nuzzling her hair and kissing her softly. "Would have tidied up after I'd gotten dressed."
"It's no problem. I was ready and you. it was like the Hellmouth moved to under our kitchen," she answered, her hands trailing up and down his long thighs.
"Made a mess, did I?"
She laughed. "Worlds of mess."
"Have to make it up to you later, then," he purred, kissing her ear. Her eyes closed, her nerves firing and something low and tight and very pleasant warming her to the core.
"Hmmm," she hummed, rubbing up against him. "Can't wait."
His hands moved softly up her bare legs, pulling her skirt up with them, feeling the silky smoothness of her thighs under his palms and wanting to call the whole party off just to explore those pretty tight legs all evening long. Judging by her warmth and the pounding of her heart, he could feel she wasn't far from the same thought.
"Want you," he whispered, his blunt teeth grazing her neck.
Buffy hummed again, her backside rubbing deliciously against the front of his pants. "They'll be here any minute."
"A minute won't do," Spike purred again, his tongue darting out and tasting her skin. A small moan escaped her lips. "Take me all night to even begin to give you what you deserve."
"You've already given me more than I deserve," Buffy whispered, taking one of his hands from her thigh and sliding it sensuously over the silk of her dress and resting his palm to her belly.
He smiled into her skin, pride and joy filling him. "Can feel her," Spike whispered, his mouth still dangerously close to her ear.
Buffy tensed. "I'm not showing yet."
"No, Pet," Spike answered, barely noticing the slight thickening of her waist and the little swell in her belly that hadn't even grown enough for her clothes to become tight. But he knew it was there. Felt it every night to be sure of it. His palm rubbed softly. "But I can feel her in you."
Buffy closed her eyes and smiled, resting against him. "It is a girl this time."
"Know, Love," Spike answered, his lips pressing to her cheek. "Another beauty to wrap me round her little finger."
She chuckled, her hand over his. "Spike, I'm. I."
"You deserve her, Pet. We'll love her more than any two people could. Just how it is round here. No doubts. No worries. Just be happy, all right?"
Buffy smiled again, his hand pressing tighter, more protectively, over her stomach. "I am," she answered. "I just. we don't even know her and I love her so much already."
"S'posed to, Love. Like the others. S'your job to protect her now, and mine to protect you."
She turned in his arms to face him. "You know, you're sort of growing on me."
He smiled, smirking at her. "More like growing *in* you."
"That too," Buffy giggled.
"Ready to tell the rest? Rupert assured me he hasn't told a soul," Spike asked, brushing her long hair over her shoulders and kissing her forehead.
"So ready," Buffy answered. "This secret thing? Not so easy."
"Best that you waited to see what the doctor said," Spike confirmed, cupping her backside in his hands. "Not that I don't trust Red."
She nodded her agreement. "I knew. You knew. Willow said. But until the test."
"You did the right thing," Spike agreed, kissing the worry lines from her brow. "But you can tell them tonight, Love."
She smiled, nodding. "Thank you."
"For what?" He asked, returning the smile, his eyes dancing with curiosity.
"This. You. Us. Her," she answered, her hand finding its way between them and over her belly. "Just. everything."
"You're the one I should be thanking. For giving the 'fangy soulless beast' a chance."
Laughter erupted from her throat. "I can't believe I ever said that."
"Which time?" Spike snarked, ducking the jab tossed at his arm. "Let me finish cleaning up," he chuckled. "Tots probably need a little help getting ready."
Buffy nodded. "Where are they?"
Spike sighed. "Emma's in the bathroom, primping like her mum, and Will's running round without his shirt, refusing to wear anything but that silly T- shirt."
"Sound familiar?" Buffy laughed, ducking under Spike's arm and bolting out of the room.
"Bint," he chuckled, starting to put pans in the cupboards. "My girl." ~~~~~~~~
Anya called down the stairs, her voice loud and clear. "Rupie, phone's for you."
Giles looked up towards the sound, registering what she was saying, and then leaned over from his dark leather chair and picked up the cordless. "Got it," he called back.
"Keep it short," Anya called back. "We're almost ready and we're running late as it is."
"Yes, dear," Giles called back, turning his attention to the phone. "Hello?"
"Mr. Giles," a vaguely familiar voice came crackling over the wires.
Giles furrowed his brow, thinking. Then it hit him. "Althea? My dear, how are you? How is the work with the Coven?"
There was a long silence before the voice returned. "Mr. Giles, there is no time for catching up now."
His face slackened at the desperate tone in her voice. "What. what is it, Althea?"
"We've come across some writings. A prophesy."
"Oh?" Giles asked, his voice rising in curiosity. "In regard to the Peacemaker?"
"Indirectly," Althea answered, her voice metered and cold. "About the One. A child of the One."
Giles stopped, stunned. No, it can't be. "Emma? William?"
"The one that is yet to be," Althea answered, her voice breaking up. "It could be bad, Rupert."
He was silent, listening to her talk, his heart dropping in his chest at every word. She couldn't know. How? What? The words she spoke were daggers through his heart, the thought of Buffy, of Spike, the child he knew that she was carrying, weighing heavy on his mind.
"Are you sure?" He finally said, his voice cracking as he took his glasses off, wiping them nervously.
"I will transmit the prophesy to Willow. Tonight. Midnight. If I were you, I would keep this between the two of you until you've sussed out its accuracy."
"I assure you, we will," Giles responded, his heart now in his stomach, his mind reeling.
"Midnight, Mr. Giles."
"Of course."
The phone crackled. And died.
To be contd.