Ch. 4
Author's note: I forgot to mention that none of these characters are mine. Darn! Thanks to all of you, who've taken the time to read and review the story. And to those of you, who are upset with Xander's treatment in this story, I promise you it'll get worse before it gets better. But hey, that's what growing up is all about. This chapter is pretty long b/c this day was kinda long. There probably won't be an update for 2 weeks I'm going on vacation. Well, enjoy! :)




Dawn wandered over to Spike, and slipped her arm around him. He turned and smiled into her hair. Dawn looked up into his eyes, and wanted to cry at the love she saw there. She knew it had to be hard for Spike to keep secret about the baby, but he had to. Spike smiled as he caught a whiff of the Nibblet's scent, raspberries. God, he loved her, almost as much as Buffy. He'd do anything for her, but standing by, not being able to touch Buffy, to feel his baby's heart beating in her tummy was killing him.

"You know, Buffy, that soup isn't going to levitate into your mouth. You have to actually pick the spoon up." Dawn remarked. Buffy had to shake off the sudden spurt of jealousy that overcame her. It was so easy for Dawn to love Spike freely; with no care for whether it was wrong or right. Buffy shook her head at them. "She used to be so sweet before she met you. Now, she's just a carbon copy." Spike and Dawn grinned broadly. Dawn blushed. "Thanks, Buffy." She chirped before joining her sister on the couch. She took Buffy's feet and placed them in her lap.

"Spike, I need a favor." Buffy quietly asked. He arched a black eyebrow at her. She hadn't said a word since Xander left, and he was beginning to wonder if she was visiting La-La land again. "No fighting with Xander. He's has been through a rough time of it. I...I know you don't owe me anything, but .." Spike waved his hand. "Consider it done, Luv. I won't aggravate the whelp, but if he starts something with me, I can't promise I'm going to keep my mouth shut."

"I know that would be a Herculean feat, Spike, but try." Buffy teased. "He's not thinking rationally, and he's lashing out at the easiest target. It's not fair to you. I know that." Spike heard the sincerity in her voice, and it shocked and pleased him. "We have to work together. We're a team." Spike eyed Buffy warily. "We're a team?" He asked disbelieving. "Since when? Last time, I checked, luv, ol' Spikey wasn't allowed to play with the Scoobies."

Buffy had the grace to look shamed. "I know, and I'm trying to change that." She replied, slowly getting agitated with him. She tried to sit up, but the tray was in her way. "Here, Buff, let me take that for you." Dawn slid Buffy's feet out of her lap, and bent to pick up the tray. The soup and crackers all but forgotten. "I'll take this to the kitchen." She hustled out of the room, totally intent on stalling Xander.

Spike strode over to the sofa and knelt at Buffy's side. "You never answered my question, Buffy. Why the sudden change in attitude?" He wanted, no needed her to tell him about the baby. He wasn't strong like her, he couldn't deny his feelings. "Buffy, just tell me." He cajoled. "Have you changed your mind about us?" Buffy swallowed past the lump in her throat. He had changed right in front of her. Gone was the defensive attitude. In its place was the vulnerable, open man he kept hidden. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him. I'm pregnant. We're having a baby. But the words wouldn't come out. "I'm just concerned about all of us. Warren is dangerous. We can't fight him, if we're fighting each other." Her hand went to her stomach, in a gesture Spike noticed was becoming a habit. "I'll look after the whelp, Buffy. You don't need to worry about him. All you need to do." He said as he reached out tentatively and placed his hand over hers. "Is to get better." He smiled as he felt the tiny heart beating rapidly. Buffy teared up. Can you feel our child, Spike? She wanted to ask, then paused at the possibility. Could he feel the baby? Buffy pulled his face closer to hers, studying his eyes, trying to see the truth. All she saw was his love for her. Lord, those eyes could melt an iceberg. "Did I thank you for all you did today for me, for Dawn?"

Spike's blue eyes twinkled with laughter. "Ah, no, Pet, I don't think you did. In fact, you were a bit snarky in the kitchen earlier."

"I was not. I was hungry and tired. You know how I am when I haven't eaten." Buffy huffed, looking down at their hands entwined. Now, when had that happened? . "Spike, I can't.." Spike placed a finger to her lips, stopping her from going on. "I know, Slayer, I've heard it before. Got that speech painted to memory." He stood up abruptly, but Buffy's reflexes were faster, and she yanked him back down. "God, you're such an ass. You don't know everything, damnit." Her green eyes glittered with desire, anger, and annoyance. The usual emotions she felt around him. "I can't thank you for all you've done. You didn't have to...after what I did." God, she was going to cry. She heard Spike tsk tsk as his hand moved slowly around her waist. She shouldn't. They shouldn't. Xander was in the kitchen. She needed him. She wanted to feel him against her. Her hands traced a familiar path up his arms, his shoulders. Her fingers dove into his hair and pulled him to her. Their mouths met and fused. This kiss wasn't like the one from earlier. This one was about longing and possession. Buffy whimpered as she felt Spike's tongue slide along her lips. Her mouth opened and the world went technicolor. Spike's tongue battled hers, stroking its length. Buffy felt dizzy from sensory overload. Spike wasn't faring much better. The sound of Buffy's heartbeat was intoxicating enough, but the baby's heartbeat was his undoing. He pulled back. It was all too much. Buffy's eyes were still closed her lips full and lush. "What?" She murmured still lost in the kiss. Spike was about to say he knew, when he heard Dawn's hacking cough. The opportunity was lost. He kissed Buffy one final time and stood up quickly as Xander walked back into the room, his hands stuck in his pockets. He didn't look Buffy in the eye, but shuffled his feet. "Buff, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll stop by before going to work to make sure everything's okay."

Buffy tried to catch his eye. "Xander, everything ok? Tara didn't burn the pizza, did she?"

"No, she's cutting some slices for Dawn."

"Bye, Spike. See ya later." Dawn screamed from the kitchen. Spike rubbed his ear. Damn, that girl could scream.

Buffy slowly stood up. She gave both men a threatening look as they reached out to help her. "Be safe. I want you to be extra careful. Warren's a psycho, and he's desperate. You find out anything. You bring it back to me, and the gang will decide how to act. Okay?" Buffy ordered, but her desire to appear authoritative was ruined once again by her sleeping attire. The blue clouds on her pajama bottoms kinda negated her strength. "Laugh, Spike, and Dawn will be sweeping you up." Spike grinned at the threat, knowing full well she wouldn't kill him. "You keep threatening Slayer, but you never seem to follow through." He said, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth. Once again, Xander was a spectator to the Spike and Buffy comedy hour. "If you two are finished with your usual threats, could we get this evening started? Not looking forward to spending the next hour with the Peroxide Blond." Xander hugged Buffy, and whispered in her ear to call him if she needed him. Buffy smiled into his neck. Buffy quickly stole a glance at Spike. She could tell he hated seeing her with Xander. She shouldn't enjoy his jealousy, but she did. She hoped he felt a little of what she'd felt upon seeing that ho-biscuit wrapped around him like a second skin. Spike turned away in disgust. Buffy watched him go, and it was on the tip of her tongue to tell him to 'be careful', but she didn't. For one, Spike would know something was up and he'd hound her till she either told him the truth or beat him to a bloody pulp. Two, she knew he could take care of himself. He was the one boyfriend she didn't have to worry about. Boyfriend?! Buffy slammed her hand against her temple. She could feel a mind-numbing headache coming on, and she welcomed it. This is ridiculous! Damn hormones were making her all weepy and mushy. It's not the baby. It's you. Face it! God, she hated that part of her that reveled in loving Spike. Buffy gasped and her eyes widened in shock. "Buffy?" Xander asked concerned. Uh-oh. "I'm fine, just remembered I didn't call in sick to work." He seemed to believe her and took off down the front walk after Spike.

Tara came up behind her, and closed the door. "Hello, Buffy? You in there?" Dawn asked around a mouthful of pizza. Tara was also looking at her strangely. "It's nothing. Just got lost in a thought. I think I need to sit down." Buffy walked gingerly to the sofa and sank down in the soft cushions. If I just forget about it, it won't be true. You love Spike! Nanny, nanny, boo, boo! There were times she wished that part of her was solid, so she could pounce it into the ground.

Buffy absently stroked Dawn's hair as she sat on the floor. "So, Buffy, how's the baby? Are you feeling better?" Dawn still couldn't believe she was going to be an aunt. "Buffy looked down fondly at her stomach. "Yeah, mini-me has stopped torturing Mommy for the moment. I think the worst may be over."

Tara climbed on the sofa next to Buffy. Buffy squeezed her hand tightly, grateful for having her as her friend. "I wouldn't have gotten through the last week without the two of you. I.. I can't put into words how much I love you both." It constantly amazed her that her friends and family didn't run screaming from her. Her life was so confusing and frustrating. There were few bright moments, but they stayed, and she was grateful. "We love you, too, Buffy."

"So, how did things go with Spike? Did you tell him about the baby?" Dawn knew Buffy hadn't, but she just wanted to be sure. "No, I didn't tell him, but I got the strangest feeling he knew." Tara and Dawn exchanged secretive glances.

"Uh, why? Did he say something?" Tara asked, afraid. "No, it wasn't anything he said. It was just a feeling. He put his hand on my stomach. I know vamps can sense blood and heartbeats, but this baby's heartbeat can't be that strong yet? Right?" She innocently asked Tara. "I'm sure he doesn't know anything Buffy?" Tara answered guiltily. "If he knew, do you really think he would have left, Buff?" Dawn asked, sensing Tara's distress. She had no problem whatsoever lying to Buffy. Buffy had lied to all of them about Spike, so in her mind, turnabout was fair play. "No, you're right. My hormones are going wacky. Just ignore me. I'm just super-sensitive." Buffy said modestly.

"So what's the game plan for Willow? She'll be back tomorrow." Dawn asked as she played with the fringe of Buffy's worn pajama bottoms.

Buffy rolled her head back, the muscles in her neck stiff and sore. She rubbed the back of her neck, and wished again for a set of strong, pale fingers to ease the tension. "Well, I don't plan on saying anything to her. Not yet. I will, but I have to know why I became pregnant in the first place."

Tara slowly nodded her head. "You think Willow's spell might have altered something in you.?" Dawn asked, concerned. Buffy knew it was time to tell Dawn the truth. "It did change me, Dawnie. We," referring to Tara, "thought it wasn't anything serious, but obviously it was." Buffy paused, giving Dawn some time to absorb what she'd just be told. "Slayers don't have a long life expectancy, and there's never been any record of a Slayer having a child." Dawn and Tara gave her matching looks of pity. "So why am I pregnant?"

"Even if it's a given that Slayers will die, Buffy, what makes you think you can't have children." Dawn asked. She moved away from Buffy so she could see her. "There could have been Slayers with children. We don't know for sure, and you know the Watchers Council wouldn't give you that kind of positive information."

"Dawn's right, Buffy. It's definitely worth checking out." Tara thought Dawn's idea had merit. "But Buffy, that brings us back to Willow. She would know how to hack into the Watchers' files and get that information. After their last visit here, I don't trust them to tell us the truth."

"I don't trust them at all, Tara. They are a bunch of vile people playing god with my life. Giles, excluded, of course." Buffy couldn't help it. They were willing to sacrifice young girls to their cause. Just because their cause was righteous, didn't make them any less evil. She suddenly felt an overwhelming fear for her child.

"Buffy, what's wrong? Are you in pain?" Tara saw the blood rush from Buffy's face, leaving her ashen-faced. Her eyes were huge and tears could be seen forming. "They'll take the baby. I know they will. Spike and I won't be able to protect her." Buffy said in a rush. Her throat ached with the need to scream. "They can't take her. They can't ever know who her father is." Buffy screamed frantically. Dawn jumped up and pulled Buffy into her arms. "Buffy, we won't let them take the baby. Spike will never let them take the baby."

Tara moved closer to Buffy, and all three girls hugged each other tightly. "We have to find out the truth of this pregnancy, Tara. You have to help me find out the truth." Buffy said when she finally composed herself. "Whatever the real reason behind this pregnancy is, I have to know, Tara."

"Of course, Buffy." She said rubbing Buffy's back. "First things first, we need to determine how many months along you are. That'll go a long way in narrowing down the search for a prophecy or a spell of some kind."

"A prophecy? You really think Buffy's pregnancy was foretold in an ancient text?" Dawn sat mesmerized on the edge of the sofa, Buffy's hand held tightly in her grasp. "That makes sense, Tara, everything else in my life has been prophesized."

"First and foremost is finding an OB. Do you know of anyone, Buffy?" Buffy shook her head. "I've got my gyno, but I really don't want him to know. We still don't know if this kid will be human."

"What about a demon doctor? I've heard about a woman who's part Succubi, part human. She works with both the demon and human worlds."

"I don't want every demon, one blond haired vamp, in particular to know I'm pregnant." Buffy said sternly. "If I were seen going to her, then eventually someone would find out."

Tara snapped her fingers together. "I know of someone. Her name is Dr. Schulz. She's Wicca. She's a member of my coven, Buffy."

Buffy knew Tara wouldn't have suggested the woman if she didn't trust her, but she had to worry about her child now. Its safety was her biggest concern. "Ok. When do you think you can get me in to see her?"

"I'll have to call her and ask. If it's okay, Buffy, I'll give her some of the details, not too many, though." Tara stood up and rummaged around in her bag. She pulled out her little address book, and went to the phone to call. Dawn reached out and pushed Buffy's hair out of her face. "Buffy, everything is going to be fine. We won't let anybody take the baby, demon or human." Buffy smiled at her sister, and rested her head on her thigh. "I know, Dawn, but I'm worried. This kid didn't ask to come into this world, and she didn't ask to have Spike and me as parents." She said.

Dawn giggling made Buffy look up at her in surprise. "What?"

"You keep referring to the baby as a girl and I was thinking she was going to have it rough with Spike as her dad." At Buffy's questioning look, she amended her statement. "Not saying he won't be great, but can we say strict. She probably won't date till she's 30 or something." Buffy giggled. She could imagine Spike sitting in the living room, broadsword out, cleaning it, in front of some pimply face 15-year-old.

Tara strode back into the room, happy to see Dawn and Buffy upbeat and laughing. "I called Dr. Schulz. She'll see us tomorrow at 10:15." She announced and plopped back down on the sofa.

"Thanks, Tara." Buffy covered her mouth as she yawned. "Oh. My. Sorry." She said embarrassed. "I guess that's my cue to go to bed." It was still early, around 8, but she could barely keep her eyes open. All the stress and pain of the day finally catching up with her. "Come on, let's get you to bed Buff." Dawn offered her hand to help Buffy stand. "I guess this is practice for when you're too big to move on your own." Buffy playfully swatted at her. "Hey, respect your elders, missy. Dawn, you've got school tomorrow, so don't stay up too late. In bed, by 11. Okay?" Dawn nodded, happy to have Tara to hang out with.

"Tara, you are staying tonight, aren't you?" Tara nodded. "I was planning on it. I might run home and pick up a change of clothes, but I'll be right back." Buffy yawned again. "Why don't you take Dawn with you? She's been cooped up with me all weekend." Dawn's eyes lit up. Maybe, she could convince Tara to stop for ice cream. Dawn looked at Tara, silently begging to go. "Okay, but hurry." Dawn ran to her room and grabbed her jacket. She was back downstairs in a flash. She kissed Buffy goodnight.

"I'll be fine, Tara. Just wake me when you get in, so I'll know you're safe." Buffy watched them until they were safely in the car. She closed the door, and locked it.

By silent agreement, Xander and Spike had kept all conversation to a minimum. They avoided talking about Buffy and Anya. Xander kept stealing glances at Spike, sizing him up. Spike was doing the same thing. He had made a promise to Buffy and he planned on keeping it. He wouldn't let the whelp's insecurities and misguided loyalty draw him into a fight. Spike had every intention of sweeping the cemeteries and then heading back to Buffy's before she went to sleep. They needed to talk.

"Buffy said she was checking this place out when the Gurlash.. the whatever demon attacked her." Xander pointed ahead to a single-level house up the street on the left. Spike scanned the area. Something wasn't right. He felt a demon nearby, but where, he wondered.

"Spike, did you hear me?" Xander asked, pissed at being forced to patrol with Spike in the first place. Spike held up his hand, silencing him. Xander cocked the crossbow when he noticed Spike had gone into game face. He took up a defensive position at Spike's back. "Careful whelp, don't much feel like getting staked by the likes of you." Xander fell into the easy combat banter the two had previously shared. "Well, I figure the demon can kill you, then I'll kill it. Two birds, one stone." They continued down the street towards the house. As they approached it, a slimy gray monster with 3 huge blinking eyes jumped from behind a tree.

Both Xander and Spike came up short, ready for a fight. "Blood hell, a Sihtam demon!" Xander's finger slid down to the trigger, and stroked it, waiting for the monster to attack. Spike regarded the demon with disdain. "Look, mate, we don't have a quarrel with you. You go your way, and we'll go ours, and nobody gets hurt." Xander was shocked. Spike wasn't one to back down from a fight. This demon must be pretty powerful.

"I can't believe you're scared of this thing, Spike." Xander laughed. "I'm not. Sihtam demons are amphibious. They can't survive out of water for very long. Either there is a new breed or this isn't one." Spike explained. The combatants circled each other. Jonathan was starting to freak. They hadn't expected anyone to come by here again, but here were Spike and Xander. Jonathan wasn't too worried about Xander, but Spike might rip his head off. He just had to stall them a few more minutes while Warren and Andrew finished loading the van. "Spike, he's up to something. The nerd trio is probably in the back making their escape. Let's deal with this demon and get back there." Spike agreed, but still something nagged at the back of his mind. Something important. Something he should remember.

The only indication Xander had that Spike heard him was a quick nod, before Spike launched himself at the Sihtam. As soon as Spike landed the first punch, he gripped his head, howling in pain. The Sihtam landed a few feet away. It was obvious the creature was stunned, but he managed to get up and stagger away. Xander shot at it, striking it in the arm. Its painful bellow joined Spike's heated curses. Lights came on in several houses, and people peered from behind curtains trying to see what was going on.

"Damnit, Spike, get your ass up. They're getting away." Xander and Spike took off for the back. As they rounded the corner, they saw a blond man helping the Sihtam into a black van. He yelped when he saw them. The van peeled off, its tires squealing. Several items fell out the back of the van before the doors were finally closed.

Xander watched in dismay. "What the hell happened back there, Spike? Why didn't the chip go off?" Logic should have told him that this wasn't the smartest question to ask, but then again this was Xander.

Spike still had his fist against his head, trying to lessen the throb. "It was human, you nit!" Spike spat through gritted teeth. It still amazed him that this idiot was part of the reason Sunnydale and the world hadn't been destroyed yet. A light bulb went off in Spike's head. Of course, outside of Willie's. He should have remembered. That night he and Buffy got drunk and went to play kitten poker they'd been attacked, sort of, by that demon. He had experienced that same weird tingling in his head, like the demon wasn't quite demony enough. Spike kept his thoughts to himself. He would talk to Buffy about it later. He didn't feel much like connecting the dots with the whelp.

"Don't call me a nit!" Xander screamed back. "How was I supposed to know." Xander surveyed the various items that had fallen out of the van. He saw a heavily damaged laptop, and picked it up. Maybe, Willow can fix this. He unzipped his backpack and put it inside along with the crossbow.

Spike tested the back door, and found it unlocked. He pushed it open, carefully checking to see if Warren left any traps or such in the place. "No wonder, Buffy thought this place was empty. They obviously weren't living up here." Spike ran his finger over the dusty surfaces in the kitchen. They systematically checked every room and came to the same conclusion. "Basement."

They found the door to the basement, hidden behind a fake panel. "Neat construction trick." Xander mused aloud. Spike rolled his eyes at him. "What? I'm in construction. I recognize good workmanship when I see it." Spike found a box of pictures. They had not only been stalking Buffy; they'd been watching all of them. He found pictures of Dawn at school. Xander and Anya at the Magic Box. Willow. Tara. Him. Those bastards had even been taking pictures of him. He was furious. They had terrorized Buffy for months, tried to frame her for murder, and for what? Why did they hate her so much? She had probably saved their miserable lives several times. He picked out recent photos of her and Dawn to show her. He didn't want to upset her, but she had to be more careful, more observant. He couldn't watch her back 24 hours a day. If Warren and his crew did anything to harm Buffy or his child, he would make them pay, chip or no chip. Spike folded the pictures and stuffed them in his pocket.

Xander had finished his sweep of the basement and saw Spike put something in his pocket. "What did you find, Spike?" Spike was preoccupied with thoughts of Buffy and the baby, and he didn't hear him. "What? Nothing."

Xander stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out the pics. "You fucking pervert!" Xander shouted and grabbed Spike by the lapel of his coat, slamming him into the wall. "Just can't let go of this sick obsession. Buffy and Dawn will never be your family. Buffy will never love you. Dawn's young, we can excuse her bad taste." Xander briefly thought that he should let Spike explain, but he knew his game. He wanted Buffy. Well, Xander wasn't going to let that happen. Spike pushed Xander off of him, the chip firing in response.

"You're an idiot, Harris. I was taking the pictures to Buffy. She needs to know they are watching her. Not that I owe you any type of explanation, but I promised Buffy I would consider your delicate feelings." He sneered sarcastically. Snatching the photos back, he gave the room a final look. Spike took the stairs two at a time, clearly intent on leaving Xander.

"Sure you were, Spikey, but we both know…"

Xander stopped at the top of the stairs as Spike spun around to face him. "We both know what?" Spike demanded. "That I love Dawn and Buffy. That I'd do any and everything to keep them safe. That's what I know." Spike flung the back door opened. He needed a cigarette. He patted his pockets searching for them. He pulled one out and as he began to light it, he realized he'd have to give these up. He couldn't smoke around Buffy and the kid. Damnit. But a good damnit, he thought happily. He would gladly trade smoking for Buffy and his baby. He had almost put Xander out of his mind, when he felt his hand on his shoulder, yanking him to a stop.


"What now, Construction boy?" Spike wanted to get as far away from Xander. He couldn't hurt him without bringing down the wrath of Buffy. He needed a spot of violence against some real demons to rid him of this anger he felt towards this stupid human.

Xander clenched his fist tightly. "She doesn't need you to protect her. She's got real friends for that. Me. Willow. Tara. Giles. See Spikey, she needs humans, not some Army freak show that's been forced on her." Xander laughed at the hurt he saw reflected on Spike's face. "What's wrong, did I hurt Spikey's feelings. Oh, that's right, you don't have any."

"No, Harris." Spike said shaking his head, sadly at him. "I just realized what this is really all about." Spike crossed his arms over his chest, the cigarette dangling from one hand. "You still think you have a chance with Buffy. It kills you that she doesn't look at you as being anything other than a brother, a trusted sidekick. Not a lover. Not a life partner. Just her friend." Spike lips tugged the last puff out of the butt before he flicked it away. "She'd rather be with a demon, like me, than a human like you."

"As usual, you don't know what you talking about." Xander said defensively. Spike noticed the change in his voice. The venom was gone. In fact, he sounded very much like a scared child whose secret had been discovered. "Buffy's my friend, always will be. I love Anya. She's the woman I'm going to marry."

"Sure, whelp, you keep telling yourself that. So, is that why you've spent the entire time since your wedding hiding out or at Buffy's, instead of searching for your beloved bride?" Spike clucked his tongue against the top of his mouth and sauntered away, leaving Xander to stew.

It all made perfect sense now. Harris knew about them. That's why he'd been acting like a complete and total ass to him. The boy was jealous. It didn't matter to him, anyway. There wasn't a damn thing Xander could do to him and Buffy that they hadn't already done to each other. He'd just keep this little interesting tidbit to himself. Buffy had enough on her plate right now. So, Red was the only Scoobie in the dark. Or was she? He felt better. He was still aching for a fight, so he picked up his pace and headed to the cemetery. There had to be some fledglings around to stake.

Xander stood rooted to the pavement. Spike's taunting words whirling around inside his head. He watched Spike walk jauntily down the street, and couldn't contain the hatred he felt for him. He pulled the crossbow out of his backpack, reloaded it quickly, and aimed it at Spike's back. It would be so easy. Buffy and Dawn would never know. He could tell them they were attacked and alas, Spike was dusted. Things would return to normal. He lowered the crossbow as images of Dawn and Buffy devastated and destroyed assailed him. They would discover the truth and hate him for it. Spike was right. He loved Buffy, always had, but she'd never given him a second look. He was okay with that. They were friends. When Angel and Riley left her brokenhearted, he had been there to help her pick up the pieces. He would always be there for Buffy, even after this disaster with Spike played out. Why couldn't Buffy see that these monsters were just that, monsters. Xander did a U-turn and headed towards his motel and the bottle of Gin he had there.

Anya unlocked the door to the apartment, setting her bag down on the sofa. It was great to be home, even if it was Sunnydale. She was glad she'd had the locks changed. She hadn't wanted to face Xander when she got back. The super was under strict instructions to not allow him inside without her permission. Her name was on the lease. This was her apartment now, not theirs. She shook her head to keep from crying. She was through crying over Xander. Let his precious Buffy and Willow do that for him. She poured herself a glass of water, and went to unpack. Tomorrow she would reopen the Magic Box, and begin her new life.

Buffy gathered the flowers, looking over at the blanket every now and then. Spike and the baby were fast asleep, so peaceful. She marveled at how much alike the two were. Same cheekbones. Same blue, blue eyes. Same silky soft skin. Her heart nearly burst with love for Spike and the baby. Her life had been so lonely until these two beings came into it. She wondered again at the miracle she'd been given. She blinked and suddenly they were in a large dark room. She was behind d a glass partition, but Spike and the baby were still lying on the blanket asleep, unaware of the approaching danger. Buffy could see the faces of her enemies clearly. The Council with Travers at the lead, a stake in his hand. Warren, Andrew, and Jonathan grinning evilly from ear to ear as they hefted deadly guns and spells. Demons of all shapes and sizes. She screamed for Spike to awaken. He stirred, and looked around for her. She banged on the glass, trying to shatter it, but to no avail. She kicked it, and a crack appeared. Her heart leapt with joy. One more well placed kick and it would shatter. She was too late. Buffy watched in horror as Spike and the baby disappeared in a flash of light. The only things that remained of them were his duster and the baby's charred blanket. The glass gave way, and Buffy felt through. Her knees and hands were cut and bloodied as she crawled towards the place where they last stood. She gathered the duster and blanket to her chest, looking around through teary eyes. "Why?" She wailed over and over. "Because you're the Slayer." A voice boomed out of the emptiness.

Spike had heard Buffy's cries from the street. He ran quickly across the lawn, fumbling with the keys to the front door, then abandoned that idea, and made for the tree, instead. He scanned her room, and realized Buffy was in the throes of a nightmare. He shrugged off the duster and his shoes and climbed in besides her, pulling her drenched body to his. She whimpered and moaned. Her face was flush and wet from tears. "Buffy, sweetheart, wake up. It's just a dream." He shook her gently. He started planting kisses in her hair, on her face. He stroked her arms and back, trying to reassure her she was safe. Her sobs quieted, and all that could be heard where tiny hiccups. She clutched his shirt tightly. Buffy opened her sleep heavy eyes, the remnants of the dream still fresh in her mind. Spike's words were a soothing balm to her. She knew she should tell him to go, but right now, she needed to know that they were both safe. She needed to feel his cool body pressed against hers, his body sheltering their baby. "Stay, please." Spike lifted her chin, and kissed her gently on the lips. "Forever, if you want, luv." Buffy nodded, wiping her tears on his t-shirt. He didn't mind. "Go back to sleep, I'll be here." Her breathing evened out, and he knew she'd fallen asleep again. He continued to caress her softly, his hand stroking her belly. "It's okay, little one, Daddy's here. I'll protect you and Mommy from all the bad things." He closed his eyes and let sleep claim him too. For the first time in a hundred years, he was at peace.