Author's note: These characters aren't mine. Yada yada yada. This chapter is really long. I had too much time on my hands. I may break this up into 10A and 10B depending on its length once posted. Thanks for sticking with me. Enjoy.



Buffy cringed as she heard Giles cursing. "What's wrong, Rupert?" A clearly feminine voice asked.

"Buffy, I know I misunderstood. Did you say you were pregnant with Spike's baby?" Giles took his glasses off, and rubbed them with his handkerchief. He must have misunderstood. There was no way possible Buffy could be pregnant.

"Yes." She said, simply.

"Yes. Is that all you're going to say, Buffy? You're having a baby. Spike's child, no less, and that's all you're going to say?" His voice had risen with each word.

"But it's impossible for you to get pregnant." Giles blurted out unintentionally.

"Impossible?" Buffy croaked. "What do you mean impossible?" Buffy felt sweat starting to form on her brow. Willow reached out and placed her hand over Buffy's clenched fist.

"Ah, Buffy, I didn't meant that the way it sounded. I meant it is impossible for Spike to have children. He is after all a vampire." He attempted to brush off his comment, but Buffy wouldn't let him.

"That's the second time you've lied to me, Giles. Why? What aren't you telling me?"

Willow knew it was bad. Buffy was trembling so much, Willow was afraid she'd go into shock.

"Buffy, the important thing is to discover how this pregnancy occurred and its ramifications." Olivia set the bottle of Scotch down next to his glass.

"Giles, that ramification is a baby, my baby. If you know something, you have to tell me." She pleaded. Buffy heard him sigh, and she could imagine he was busily scrubbing his glasses.

"I'm sorry, Buffy." Giles began. His words laced with guilt and sorrow. "I never thought I'd have to have this conversation with you. And if I did, I sincerely hoped you'd be happily married." Oh, god, Buffy thought. The baby is going to bring about an apocalypse. She turned to Willow, her entire body tense and worried.

Better to say it quickly, Giles decided. "Slayers are supposed to be barren, Buffy. You were never meant to conceive a child." He waited, fearfully for her to speak. He began to worry. "I'm so sorry."

Is that all? Buffy let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She wanted to shout for joy. Then the implication of what he'd just told her sank in. Oh, god, this baby was never meant to be. Buffy felt sick. She dropped the phone and ran to the bathroom, heaving as she slammed the door.

"Giles, what did you say to her?" Willow demanded.

"Willow, what in the world is going on there? Where's Buffy?" Olivia put her hand on Giles' arm. She pried his glasses out of his hand, before he broke them.

"She's in the bathroom. Giles, tell me what's going on?" Willow stood outside the bathroom, listening to Buffy.

"I told her something I hoped never to tell her. It's not only vampires that are infertile, slayers are too." Giles rubbed his eye with his free hand, wondering why the Powers would punish Slayers like this.

"Oh, my goddess, Giles. Why didn't you tell her sooner? She had a right to know." Willow laid her hand on the door, her heart going out to Buffy. She stepped away, not wanting Buffy to hear her ream Giles out.

"Yes, Willow, that would have been the perfect thing to tell a teenager." Sarcasm was ugly to him, but he couldn't help it. He didn't need a morality lesson from Willow.

"I'm sorry, Willow. It's just a lot to take in. Is Buffy okay? Have there been any side effects to this unexpected pregnancy. Oh, Lord, she's been sleeping with Spike. How long has that been going on?" He really was too old for this.

"I'll give you the short version. Buffy needed us. We weren't there for her, and Spike was. She was dying, and we didn't notice. Spike did. They became involved sexually. She got pregnant. Now, we need to discover how this happened before the baby is born, sometime in the fall. Can you help?" Surprisingly, Willow wasn't anxious.

"What have you discovered so far? I'm assuming Buffy didn't accept this as easily as you recounted the last few months of her life." He was calming down, thanks in no small part to the Scotch he was imbibing.

"We discovered there was slayer before the French revolution that was involved romantically with a vampire. They had a child."

"Who told you that? I've never heard anything of the sort mentioned by the Council." He knew the Council had their secrets, but this was too big to keep under wraps.

"Anya told us. She remembered hearing about her. I broke into the Council's records and found a reference to a Martine Auberjonis and her Watcher, Charles Jayme. When I tried to access his records, I got bounced from the system."

Giles tried to remember where he'd heard the name Charles Jayme before, but it escaped him. "Willow, the Council is very particular about who sees what. I'm surprised you weren't able to use my code to open the file, though." Even being a rogue watcher, as he was considered by some, he still had a high clearance status. It should have opened most files in the archives.

"I couldn't." She explained. "It was really weird. It let me get as far as his name, then whammo! It locked me out. There must be something really interesting in his diary if they wouldn't let me take a peek at it."

"You're probably right. I've heard that name, Jayme, before, but I can't recall where. As I see it, obtaining his diary is only one part of the problem. You need to discover how this child was conceived. Have you checked the Dargonian book of Fertility spells?" Giles asked as he mentally reviewed the collection of books at the Magic Shop.

"Tara ordered a book of fertility spells, but so far, there hasn't been anything that would explain this baby." Willow struggled with her next question. "Giles, do you think my resurrection spell could have caused this? I mean, I know Tara rechecked the spell for Buffy, and found that it didn't do anything more than alter some of Buffy's cells. There has to be a link between Buffy's pregnancy and her resurrection.

Giles wished he could tell Willow that there was no connection between her spell and Buffy's child, but he couldn't.

"Willow, you used some powerful, dangerous magicks to bring Buffy back. There are always consequences. Some visible and some not. I do agree with Tara, though. I found nothing to indicate your spell would alter Buffy in a way that would be harmful to her. That's not to say your spell didn't harm Buffy. Obviously, Buffy has struggled with her rebirth. She's been detached and apathetic. She turned to Spike for comfort."

Giles took a deep breath and continued. "Willow, there is nothing you can do to change what's happened. And to be honest with you, I'd rather have Buffy alive and pregnant with a vampire's child, than dead to us. So, stop beating yourself up and get back to the situation at hand."

Willow smiled into the phone. "Thank you, Giles." She looked up and saw Buffy coming out of the bathroom. "Giles, Buffy's back. I'm going to let the two of you talk. I'll call Anya and see if she still has that book."

"All right, Willow. If she can't find it, I'll look through my shelves to see if I brought it back with me. Take care. We'll talk soon."

Willow handed Buffy the receiver, and ran upstairs to call Anya from her cell phone.

"Sorry, I bailed. This baby has reduced me to a big ol' bundle of raw nerves." Buffy curled up on the sofa, her back resting against the pillow.

"That's quite all right, Buffy. I'm sorry I never told you the truth. There was never a good time to tell you something of this nature."

"I know Giles. I suspected that was the case. I hoped it wasn't true, but deep down I knew having a child wasn't really possible." Buffy said sadly.

"Well, nevertheless, you are having a baby. And we will find out how this happened." Giles vowed. "But on to more pleasant thoughts, how many months are you?"

"10 weeks. We think I conceived shortly before my birthday."

"Oh," Giles stated. It's been going on for some time now. He thought.

"I know you're not too happy about it being Spike's." Buffy said, picking up on the transcontinental vibes.

Giles sipped his Scotch while he contemplated his young charge. "I don't know what happened while I was gone, so I can't judge. Willow told me some of what occurred. I left you when you needed me most, and if Spike was able to provide you with some measure of comfort, then I'm eternally grateful to him. I can't say I approve of Spike, but I do respect what he's done for you and Dawn. For all of us, really." Disliking Spike was a knee-jerk reaction, but he knew Spike had changed. He'd witnessed it himself over that awful summer.

"I know what he's done, and I've always suspected Spike has a higher purpose than even he suspects. He's earned my respect. He stayed when he didn't have to. He fought beside us when he could have left Sunnydale behind. More importantly, he protected Dawn. That kind of devotion in a supposedly soul-less creature is a rare quality indeed."

Buffy was teary-eyed by the end of his speech. "Thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me. When this thing with Spike started, I thought it was a one-time thing. Something I could easily walk away from. Chalk it up to bad judgment."

"But it was more, wasn't it?" Giles asked. The thought of Buffy and Spike having relations sickened him, but that would be the case with any of them. He coughed to cover his embarrassment. He and Buffy usually avoided anything pertaining to her sex life, but this time it was necessary. For all extensive purposes, he was her father. And she needed him to hear and understand what this relationship and Spike meant to her.

"It was so hard. I didn't want to have feelings for him. I was worried what you'd think, what everyone would think." Buffy laid her hand over her stomach. "I care about him a lot, Giles." She admitted, reluctant to discuss Spike when he wasn't around.

"I mean this is Spike. Even when we hated each other, he always understood me. He gets me. I get him." Buffy shrugged.

Giles understood too. In a way, he'd always known their mutual passion for each other would lead to this. He wanted to be supportive, but he had to know. "Are you happy Buffy?"

Buffy couldn't keep the silly grin off her face or the lilting tone out of her voice. "Yeah, I'm good on all counts, Giles. I'm happy. Finally, completely happy. He's everything to me. Friend, lover, companion. Everything. When I'm not with him, I feel a little less than myself. I know that phrase 'he completes me' is so cliché. But now that we're back together, no holds barred, it's true. I feel whole. I finally get it."

The depth of emotion he heard from Buffy moved Giles. She was a vibrant, young woman, but her calling had shadowed her life. Listening to her speak, it finally made sense to Giles what had been missing from Buffy's previous relationships: Acceptance. Acceptance of everything that makes her who she is. For the simple joy, he sensed in her, he would silence his doubts and support this relationship.

"I'm thrilled Buffy. You deserve every bit of happiness. Your child is truly a miracle. To come from parents that have both been reanimated, it's really amazing." Giles said excitedly, easily slipping into his Watcher role. Giles realized Buffy was giggling softly into the receiver. Impudent child. He cleared his throat again, and asked. "How does Spike feel about the prospect of fatherhood?"

Buffy laughed lightly before answering. "Well, Spike's read every Dr. Spock book he can get his hands on. He forces me to eat vegetables and drink plenty of water. He sends me to bed when he sees the first yawn. I would say he's handling it quite well. It's still a bit of a shock to him. Sometimes, I catch him staring at my stomach. He's stunned by what's going on inside me. His favorite thing to do is to lie next to me, listening to the baby's heart beating."

They sounded like any typical young couple expecting their first child. Good for them. Giles thought. "Can you think of anything out of the ordinary that has happened to you, and Spike, really, that could have caused you both to become fertile?"

"I've done nothing but rack my brain trying to remember. We were together when I was invisible, and then again when time went wonky. Other than those two incidents, nothing that's happened to me can be directly tied into Spike."

"Buffy, did you say you were invisible?" Giles asked flabbergasted. "When did this happen?"

"Uh, well, about 3 months ago, I was hit with invisibility ray. It started to break down my molecular structure, but I didn't know it at the time. I was too busy, ah, um, with Spike." She said, her cheeks flush.

"I get the point, Buffy. You said time went wonky. What was that about?" Can this conversation get any worse? Giles thought sullenly.

"Well, Warren, they guy that made the Buffybot, framed me for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Katrina. He used some reality-shifting demons to make me think I was the one who killed her. It was like a time loop. Things kept happening over and over till I hit someone who looked like Katrina. When everything stopped spinning, Katrina was dead."

"Good lord, Buffy, why didn't you call me?" He shouldn't have left. Maybe, none of this would have happened if he'd been there to guide her.

"I couldn't Giles. After what I did, I didn't want to think about it." Buffy said cryptically.

"Buffy, you didn't kill that girl. Warren did." Giles gently reminded her.

"I know, but I tried to kill Spike." Buffy admitted.

"What?" Giles screeched.

"Spike tried to keep me from turning myself in to the police. He tried to make me see reason in his own way. He didn't understand why it hurt so much inside. He wanted to understand. He wanted to know how he could help the woman he loved." Buffy swallowed past the lump in her throat.

"When he said that, I saw red. How could he love? He doesn't have a soul, but he loves me. And I hated him for that. Hated myself more for wanting him to love me. So I did what I do best, I beat him. I hit him and hit him until my hand hurt. By the time I stopped, I didn't recognize him. He had the bruises for weeks." Buffy felt the shame weighing her down.

"You know what really freaked me out Giles. I felt like Faith. She hated herself. When she body switched with me, she beat me, and said the same words to me that I said to Spike." .

"Buffy, I don't know what to say. I failed you." Giles could have kicked himself for not realizing how much pain Buffy had been in. "I'm a pompous ass. Buffy smiled at that analysis.

"Giles, you haven't failed me. You've always been there when I needed you."

"I wasn't this time, was I? I thought you were shirking your responsibility to Dawn. Instead, you were barely hanging on."

Buffy sat up, drawing her knees up. "No, you were right to leave. I needed to grow up. You were right. I didn't want to be responsible for anyone. It was easier being dead. I had let it all go, and being forced back was hard. I should have been honest and told the truth. I was angry they ripped me out of heaven. I didn't ask them to do it. I wasn't happy. I should have said something, instead I kept it all inside."

Buffy paused a minute to collect her thoughts. "You know what I've learned from all of this. I can't be afraid to ask for help. I was drowning, and instead of accepting the help offered to me, I pushed everyone away. I may be the Slayer, but I'm not all-powerful. I'm going to need help at times, and not just for fighting, but for the really hard stuff, like life."

Giles thought that Buffy was being too kind in letting him off the hook. "I'm glad you've realized that Buffy, but as the only other adult in your life, I should have been there for you."

"Phooey, I say. You're here now. I need you Giles. My child will need you. She's going to need a grandfather, and you're my dad." Olivia watched as Giles pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket and reached for his glasses. She knew the depth of love he felt for his Slayer. He loved her like the daughter he never had.

"Well, I'll do my best by her, Buffy." Giles said gruffly. "I know you will." Buffy said. She, too, overcome with emotion.


Willow bounced down the stairs to tell them Anya had discovered a text, which made reference to two warriors. Spike had the book and was working on translating it. Buffy excitedly relayed the information to Giles, who suggested having Spike give him a call if he ran into any difficulties. Buffy promised to call him as soon as they found something on their end.

"So did Anya say anything else?" Buffy asked as they climbed the stairs to get their purses. "Did she have any luck finding anything on Martine Auberjonis?"

"No, nothing new on that front." Willow slipped into her room and picked up her keys and bag. She stepped into Buffy's room to find her sitting on the bed staring out the window.

"Anya and Spike think the two warriors refer to Martine and her lover? This could be big, Willow. If we knew what happened in their case, we'd be one step closer to finding out what happened with me?" Buffy looked down and pulled a piece of clothing from under her thigh.

Willow gasped when she saw it. "Oh Buffy, that's gorgeous. Where did you find it?"

The tiny sweater was white with lace on the collar and sleeves. It was obviously hand-made. "It used to be mine. Spike found it in a box of baby clothes in the attic. Can you believe I was ever this small?"

Willow fingered the little sleeves reverently. "This is absolutely beautiful, Buffy. The baby is going to look so cute in this."

"Yeah, she will." Buffy folded the sweater and placed in on the bed next to Mr. Gordo.

"I swear Spike's more emotional these days than I am. He cried when he saw it. He tried to pretend it was dust, but I knew better. The Big Bad is going to be such a pushover to this kid."

Buffy locked the house up tight, making sure to check for any signs of Warren and his friends. The last few days had been quiet on the nerd front, which put Buffy on edge. Warren was liable to strike at anytime and at anyplace. She wouldn't be able to hide her pregnancy for much longer. They had to find Warren sooner, rather than later.

Buffy smiled to herself watching Willow tap her fingers to the beat of the song. Things were starting to return to normal around the Summers' house again. Normal again? Hah, right. Things would never be normal around 1650 Revello, but it would be nice not to have all the fighting and anguish of the last few months. Buffy wanted a peaceful house for the baby to live in, which brought her back to Willow's question from the other night. Spike moving in. Did she want him to? They were at a nice, even keel right now. Would living together, being together 24/7 cause problems in their relationship? What Buffy knew for certain was she wanted Spike to be there for their child. But they couldn't live together without being married. Social Services would designate her an unfit guardian, and take Dawn away. Neither she nor Spike wanted that, but what could they do?

"Dum Dum de Dum! Dum Dum de Dum!" Her mind sang.

Oh, hell no. No way! Uh, uh. Not going to do it. Why not? It taunted. You are carrying his child. He loves you. You love him, even if you're too much of a chicken to say the actual words. Nothing is going to change how you feel about each other, so why not make it legal? Marriage? Her parents had pretty much jaded her to the institution. She knew there were successful marriages, but Spike as her husband. The thought wasn't as unpleasant as she would have thought. They were tied to each other. Their child would always bind them to one another.

Buffy stroked her stomach, daydreaming about the other night. She'd awaken from a deep sleep to see Spike staring at her stomach. She strained to hear what he was saying. She got choked up listening to him tell the baby how much he loved her. It was times like these that made her realize what an unique creature he was. Her hand drifted to his hair. He looked up, his eyes shining with unshed tears and love, always love for her, and now for their child.

"Buffy. Earth to Buffy." Buffy turned to Willow, distracted. She blushed, realizing Willow had been talking to her and she'd completely ignored her. "Sorry, Will."

"Hey, don't. I get spacey thinking about Tara, too."

"Am I that obvious?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, but don't worry. There may be a few demons out there that don't know." Willow chuckled as Buffy groaned.

"How did this happen, Will? I tried so hard for it not to happen, and it did any way. Even when it was bad between us, I wanted him."

"TMI, Buffy! TMI! I don't think I'm old enough to hear this." Buffy playfully swiped at her.

"Seriously, Buffy, we can't choose who we love. We just do, and sometimes it's beautiful and pain-free, and other times it's hard work and it hurts. Doesn't mean it isn't love?" Willow stopped the car in front of the Magic Box. She turned to Buffy with her serious face on. "Buffy, you do love Spike, don't you?"

Buffy nodded her head. "Yes. So much so it hurts."

"I haven't heard you talk like that since Angel." There was no point in pretending Riley was anything other than the transitional guy. Buffy never felt the same passion with him that she obviously felt with Angel, and now Spike. "I'm really happy you found that love again."

"It's way different from Angel. It's more than just sex. It's more than just friendship. To be honest, Will. I don't think there are words to describe what I feel for Spike. Love seems too cliché." Buffy shrugged.

"I totally understand Buffy. I feel the same way about Tara. It's more than love. It's everything."

Buffy reached across the seat and gave Willow's hand a squeeze. Buffy had missed their talks.

"Thanks, Willow." Buffy grinned mischievously. "You know, I think I'll see how Spike's research is going." Buffy opened her door and hopped out.

"Research. Is that what they're calling it these days?" Willow answered returning Buffy's grin.

"What? We can be in a room and actually get something done?

Willow snickered. "Okay, with our clothes on, Ms. Potty Mind."

"Do you think it's safe to be walking to the cemetery by yourself, Buffy?" The golden rule these days was to traveling together.

"I'll go through the sewers. I just hope I don't mess up my boots or there will be hell to pay."


Spike tossed the pillow across the room. He couldn't sleep no matter how hard he tried. He was exhausted. Last night with Buffy had been terrific, but leaving the house before sun up was wearing thin. He hated leaving the comfort of Buffy's bed for this hard, cold slab. He could fix up the downstairs, but venturing down there brought up too many memories of a past he was trying to forget. He picked up his journal. He had started keeping one after finding out he was going to be a father. He wanted Bitty to know him, the real him. He wrote anything that came into his head. He wrote down his hopes and dreams for her. He told his daughter how Buffy had saved him from himself. Spike put the book aside, and closed his eyes. He could see her so clearly. A little girl with Buffy's cute nose and his cheekbones. He couldn't decide if he wanted her to be blue-eyed or green-eyed. He wanted her to be healthy and good, like her mother. He drifted off to sleep with images of his girls safe and happy in his head.


Buffy pulled the curtain back, revealing the destroyed lower level. She winced at the sound of rubble crunching under her feet. She had done this. She ran her hand over the bed, remembering many nights next to it, but never actually in it. She regretted all the times she'd never allowed herself to see the beauty of this place. How many times had Spike begged her to stay with him, to hide from the rest of the world? He wanted this place to be a refuge for her. It had been for that one night, the anniversary of her mother's death.

She had spent the day at home, trying to recall every moment spent with her mother. The stillness of the house had finally driven her out to the cemetery. She stopped by her mother's grave and found a bouquet of white roses. There was a card with the flowers. Her lips trembled as she read it. Thanks for the marshmallows. Buffy traced the elaborate script. Spike. He hadn't forgotten her mother. Buffy tucked the card in her back pocket. After placing a kiss on the headstone, Buffy headed off to the only place she'd find some peace.

Spike looked up tentatively as the door slowly opened. He had hoped she'd seek him out today, but it was still a surprise to see her standing in the doorway looking so lost and alone. He opened his arms and she ran into them. They fell to the floor as Buffy clutched at him.

"I miss her so much." She sobbed.

Spike ran his hands over her body, pulling her till she was sitting in his lap. He didn't know long they sat there. The sun's rays faded to night, and the only light came from the full moon. All that could be heard in the darken crypt were her hiccups. Spike felt Buffy's hands pulling at his shirt. If that's what she wanted, if that was what she needed, he would oblige. Getting his rocks back, didn't matter so much in the face of her despair. He allowed her to remove his shirt, but she surprised him. Her hands stilled over his heart, and she kissed the long dead organ. Her breath was like a whisper on his skin. Spike dared not move. This was for her. She looked at him, and he could see her heart was as open and raw as his was. They loved Joyce. And she loved them. He knew nothing would ever lessen the pain of Joyce's death, but he would spend everyday proving his love to Buffy. He only hoped it would be a comfort, not a burden to her.

"I need you." She whispered against his skin. "I need you to make me forget what today is. Why she isn't here."

Spike grasped her head in his hands, rubbing his fingers over her tear-streaked cheeks. He nodded his head, knowing there was no need to verbalize his desire to forget as well. Joyce had been the only one, besides Dawn, who had given a damn about him. In his book, she ranked up there with his mother. He would always remember her, even after the others were gone. Spike lifted her out of his lap. Standing up, he offered her his hand. Buffy took it, and he pulled her flush against his chest. They walked silently to the ladder. Buffy stumbled, her knees weak.

She wanted the pain to go away, and what shocked her was why she was here. Why am I not with Willow or Xander? Why not Dawn? Why am I here with Spike? In all the time they'd been sleeping together, she'd never stopped to appreciate how he made everything better. Every night, she came here, escaped from her life. Every night in his arms, she forgot all about bills and responsibilities, about heaven and peace. He created a world where the only things that existed were the two of them. Her feet hit the floor and she realized they'd made it to the lower cave.

"I love you, Buffy. Never doubt that." He said, staring into her eyes. She had to look away. It was too much. He loved her, but she couldn't begin to tell him how she felt about him. Watching him, standing there, so open and vulnerable, she felt humbled by his ability to forget who he was, what he was, and love her, his enemy.

Buffy's hand came up to the back of his neck, pulling him towards her. Their lips met in a gentle, but passionate kiss. Spike scooped her up in his arms, and laid her down on the bed. Usually, they were both ripping buttons and zippers down in a desperate attempt to meld flesh to flesh. This time the air felt different. It was charged as usual, but it caressed Buffy's skin like a warm embrace. Buffy felt her cheeks grow warm as the last of Spike's clothes dropped to the ground. He was an Adonis. His skin pearly white, untouched by the harmful rays of the sun. Hard and tough on the outside, but soft and warm on the inside. He was such an enigma, and he was hers, if she wanted him. She did want him. For one night, she wanted to forget she was the Slayer and he was the vampire. Tonight, they were just two people. Buffy felt a sense of peace and clarity for the first time in over a year. Spike caressed her cheek, and she felt free. Tonight, she wouldn't deny her feelings. She wanted to love and be loved.

Later, Buffy couldn't explain what happened. Spike had fallen asleep, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Some noise awoke her, and she'd looked around the room panicked. Then, she looked back at him. In sleep, those sharp cheekbones soften. Gone was the cocky vampire, and in his place, was William. The demon and the man loved her. Buffy tried to shake off the rising fear she felt. This was wrong. This was so wrong. She thought of Dawn and Willow and Xander. What would they think if they knew what she'd done that night? She lifted Spike's arm, and slid out of bed. Her heart screamed at her to stay, but she knew she'd done something so wrong. She wasn't allowed to feel such things, not for a vampire, not for the demon.


Buffy wrapped her arms around her body. Spike was always there, even when she didn't want him to be. She had used him, and he'd never balked at any of it. He accepted what she offered, and was grateful for whatever crumbs she threw his way. Buffy felt the slight heaviness of her stomach, and knew it was time to put the past in the past. There was no point in dwelling there.

Buffy carefully ascended the ladder. Spike was asleep on top of the sepulcher. She felt bad. He had a nice bed, now he was back to sleeping on concrete. She'd get the downstairs fixed up, knowing Spike wasn't likely to do it himself. As she watched him deep in sleep, she wanted to throttle him. How could he not sense she was in the room? Hello, Vampire Slayer at ten o'clock.

Buffy reached out and shook his shoulder. The book he'd been reading fell from his grasp, but still he didn't move. Buffy knelt to pick it up. Curiosity got the best of her, when she didn't see a title on the front. Buffy opened to the first handwritten page, and gasped. It was an open letter to the baby. Buffy flipped through the pages and found more letters. She wouldn't read it. This was for the baby. She closed the book, kissing the cover. She placed the book aside.

"Spike," she whispered. "It's time to get up." Buffy nibbled on his ear, smiling as Spike started to wiggle under the covers.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Umm, nice way to wake up." He said, his eyes still closed.

Buffy leaned against the makeshift bed. "Are you planning on getting up today?" She asked amused.

"Ah, Pet, I'm already up."

"I hope you're not going to talk to our child like that." Buffy laughed.

"No. Unless it's a boy, then he'll have to know his way around a woman."

"You're incorrigible." Buffy laughed. "And it's not a boy. It's a girl." She said, kissing him on the mouth.

"Ooh, big word from the blonde. Maybe, I'm rubbing off on you." Spike said, scooting over and blinking long lashes at Buffy. She knew it was an invitation to join him and she wasn't one to refuse a request from a good-looking man.

"So, what brings you by, Buff? Not that I'm not thrilled to have you here, but this is my bedtime. I need my beauty sleep." Buffy huffed, and climbed up on the sepulcher. She laid her head down on his pillow, and sighed pleasantly. Spike smiled into her hair, knowing that a few months ago, she wouldn't have been comfortable showing him any emotion. Spike waited patiently for her to speak, but in the meantime, enjoyed the feel of her fingers roaming over his chest. He contented himself with playing with the soft wisps of hair at the nape of her neck.

"I told Giles about the baby." She murmured softly. "He told me I was infertile. Kinda one-upped me with the shocking news."

Spike nodded thoughtfully. So that was the reason for this daylight visit. "The Watcher said you were barren, but that's not possible. We're having..." Spike's hand stilled as the truth hit him. "Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the baby, Buffy. I won't believe that."

Buffy lifted her head. "I know. I don't believe it means anything either. Call it mother's intuition or whatever, but this baby isn't evil." Her hand reached out to stroke his forehead, smoothing away the worry she saw there. "I don't think I can go another six months, though, without knowing how she came to be. I really want to enjoy this pregnancy. I already do, but you know what I mean, don't you?"

"Yes, I do." He had the same fears, but didn't want to upset Buffy by sharing them. His anxiety stemmed from what he was, a soulless vampire. He obviously didn't have a soul to share with the baby?

Buffy nodded. "Anya told Willow you found a text or something that mentions us? How much have you translated?" Spike slid from under the blankets, and bent to pick up the book from the floor. Absolute perfection. She thought, looking at his naked butt. Focus, Buffy. Focus. I am focusing. She answered back. Spike straightened and Buffy reluctantly pulled her eyes away. Spike laid the text and his notes out for Buffy's perusal.

"A little bit." He answered. "Enough to know whom it's talking about."

Buffy peered over Spike's shoulder. She hated to admit this, especially with her whole lung cancer rant, but she missed the smell of bourbon and cigarettes on him. He was turning into an old fuddy-duddy.

Spike's thigh brushed her knee and she jumped. "I can't concentrate with you like that. Could you please put on your pants?" She begged.

Spike smirked with pure male pride. Knowing Buffy was watching him, he made a big production of sliding the pants up his muscled thighs. "The baby is doing wonders for your libido, Luv."

"Ignoring you, now." Buffy snapped back. She was hornier these days than before she got pregnant. Not that she was complaining. Actually, neither was Spike.

Spike was still smiling when he turned around. One look at Buffy and he wiped the smile off his face, not wanting to deal with a pissed off Slayer. Extreme passion was one thing, extreme pissivity was another. She wavered between the two.

"Ok, just to review. Anya and I were looking in a set of books on Egyptian mythology since the spell Willow used to bring you back called on the god Osiris. Well, we found a reference to two warriors, one of light and one of dark. Now, seeing as how you're good and all, I figured you were the one for light. And me, being the Big Bad, was the warrior of dark."

"Brilliant deduction, Sherlock." Buffy remarked sarcastically.

"It's Watson, you ninny. Now, stop being snarky. Listen to the rest of what we've found. The two warriors join together to create the end of the something. I wasn't sure on the translation. Giles has the book that deals with this particular dialect, so we'll have to get it from him." Spike scratched his chin absentmindedly.

"What's got you concerned?" Buffy asked him. He was worried and that worried her.

"This joining and what happens after it. I don't like not knowing. The text makes reference to a moment of pure truth or something like that." Spike took a deep breath. "If this is the prophecy, then what's this end it speaks of, and what in the hell does that have to do with the baby?" Spike slammed his hand down, frustrated.

Buffy placed her hand on his arm. "We'll figure this out. We just have to be patient." Spike covered her hand with his. They stared into each other's eyes, drawing strength.

"Let's go to the Magic Box, call Giles, look at some of the other texts." Buffy suggested. "Maybe, Tara and Anya have found something." They were close. Buffy felt it. The answer was here in this book. She knew it.



Tara peered over the top of her book to gaze at Willow. Willow's red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and presently was swinging back and forth as she examined a board from Warren's busted computer. Willow felt Tara's eyes on her. She looked up quickly and caught her staring. Both girls laughed nervously.

"Did you find anything?" Tara asked, attempting to cover her embarrassment.

"The memory chip is a bit damaged, but not enough to prevent me from seeing what's on it." Willow turned the thin card over in her hand. "Whatever Warren is planning, hopefully, he put it on the computer."

Willow inserted the board into her laptop and powered up. Hopefully, Warren didn't install a virus or anything. She didn't want it destroying her hard drive.

Anya sat down at the table. "Any luck with the computer?"

"No, I'm working on it." Willow said impatiently. It would go a lot faster if everyone, except Tara, would stop asking me about it. "Any luck with that Dargonian fertility book?" Willow asked as the welcome screen popped up.

Anya was confused. She'd held her tongue, knowing they were working blind, but she had to know. "Are we still working under the assumption Warren or somebody put a spell on Spike and Buffy or are we trying to determine if they stumbled onto the same prophecy that Martine Auberjonis and her lover fulfilled?"

"I have to agree, Willow." Tara added. "If we knew more about Martine, then we would know where to focus our energies. Did Giles tell you anything more about her?" Tara closed the book in front of her, giving Willow her full attention.

"No, all he said was the name of her Watcher sounded vaguely familiar." Willow's fingers rested lightly on the keyboard. She hadn't shared with the rest of them what Giles had told Buffy. If Buffy wanted them to know, she would tell them. "He's going to try and find the actual diary in the archives. That could take a few days, though. So, in the meantime, we have to continue checking everything. I'm sorry guys. I know we're all over the place. I'm getting frustrated too, but think about what Spike and Buffy are going through."

Anya had been slouching in her chair, but she sat and leaned closer. Tara grinned, amused at the air of secrecy Anya projected. "Spike's worried, but he's keeping it from Buffy." Anya admitted. "He loves the baby, but he's worried it'll take on his demon qualities, which would be bad." Anya had been spent a great deal of time with Spike, and she found she really enjoyed his company. One-on-one he was charming and very intelligent. She'd never noticed that before. He was guarded and defensive around Xander, not so much with Willow. Xander, god, she hadn't seen him in days. The morning after the forced slumber party, he'd been aloof, which suited her fine, but unnerved her. She still cared about him, even if she'd never allow herself to love him again. All discussion ceased as the door to the basement opened. Buffy and Spike walked in hand-in-hand.


"Hey, guys. Anya, can Spike use the phone to call Giles?" Buffy asked rubbing her stomach. Need food now! She thought.

"Who's paying for the call?" Anya demanded, suspiciously.

"Here, demon girl." Spike said as he threw a twenty on the counter. "Did anyone ever tell you, you're a greedy little bird?"

"No, but thanks for the compliment." Anya held the twenty up to the light, garnering snickers from the girls and a scowl from Spike.


Buffy sat down, expressionless. She had her suspicions about where the extra money in her account had come from, but the pieces to that puzzle were starting to fall into place. The only thing she wondered was where he got the money. She could ask his accomplice, but Buffy wanted Spike to be the one to tell her. The money had helped. Spike was trying to help, but they'd promised each other no more secrets.


Thankfully, Spike was unaware of Buffy's train of thought. He was nervous enough as it was. Giles was Buffy's father. That bastard Hank Summers had forfeited all rights to that position. So now, Spike was supposed to call this man and discuss the specifics of getting his "little girl" knocked up. This had to be the most bizarre situation since Harmony tried to be Buffy's archenemy. It just didn't make any sense. I can do this. I'm the Big Bad. I don't have to be afraid of a stuffy librarian. I can do this. Spike took a deep breath and punched Giles' number.

"Hullo."

"Watcher." Spike gritted out.

Giles had been lounging on the sofa, reading. He set the book down, and sat up straighter. "Spike, why are you calling? Is it Buffy?" He inquired.

"Buffy's fine. We're at the shop. I've got some questions about the text I'm translating. Buffy said you would help."

"Where did you find the passage?" Giles asked, getting up to grab a note pad and pen.

"In a book on Egyptian mythology. I don't recognize the language they are using. It's mixture of hieroglyphics and something else." Spike drummed his fingers on the counter.

"Is it ancient Sumerian?"

"Anya says it might pre-date Sumeria."

"Yes, indeed. Well, I would need to see it in order to make a conclusive deduction. Can you fax the pages to me? I'll work on them, and get back in touch with you. I'm assuming you'll be at Buffy's." The last sentence was said with Giles' distinct brand of disapproval. It was enough to tweak Spike's pride.

"Yes, Rupert. I will. Look, I know you don't approve, but I love her. I love the baby." Spike looked over his shoulder at Buffy, her hand resting on the barely visible bulge that was his child.

"Spike, you aren't my first choice or even my second choice for Buffy, but unfortunately, she loves you." There really was no point in denying the truth, Giles thought. Buffy wouldn't have gotten involved with Spike in the first place, if she didn't have feelings for him. And nothing she'd said earlier had discouraged him from this belief.

"I know you're aware of how very special Buffy is to me. If you ever hurt her, I will make it my mission in life to kill you. No place will be safe for you." Giles threatened.

"If I hurt them, I'll let you kill me." Buffy looked up, hearing Spike's declaration. Spike shook his head, letting her know everything was okay.

"I'm supposed to speak to Buffy after her doctor's appointment on Thursday. That'll give me a few days to work on this and check on Charles Jayme and Martine Auberjonis."

Buffy wrapped her arms around Spike's waist. "You should receive the pages within the hour, Rupert." Spike signed, reluctantly thanked him for his help.

Spike turned around in Buffy's arms. "I'm going to fax him the pages. He said he'd call after the ultrasound."

"What else did he say?" Buffy asked suspiciously, hoping Giles hadn't chewed Spike out.

"Nothing important, Pet." Spike kissed her on the forehead, brushing aside her worry.



"Does anybody else wonder what's the connection between Martine Auberjonis and us? As far as we know, she and Buffy weren't the same age when they conceived. The only thing they had in common was falling in ... bed with a vampire." Buffy glared at him, but Spike merely wiggled his eyebrows. Oh, I bet you would have loved if I'd said you love me. Spike mused.

"Thanks a lot, Spike." Buffy said embarrassed. "Okay, so we have that in common. What else?" Buffy joined Spike on the stairs, sitting between his legs on a lower step.

"The date of conception doesn't fit either. You and Buffy conceived in December. I was in France in the summer. The only reason I remember this was the weather. It was extremely dry and hot. The weather makes for great wine, but it's terrible on the hair." Anya patted her platinum blond curls. She jumped up from the table when the door chimed.

"We know something else." Willow interjected. "We know what Warren's planning." Spike lifted Buffy up and they stood behind Willow, watching as she typed codes into her computer.

"Can he be anymore of a loser?" Spike moaned as a security screen popped up. Darth Vader was swinging a light saber at them, preventing them from going any further without the correct password.

"What does that make you for going to him for the Buffybot?" Buffy teased. She turned to give Spike a smile, lest he think she was still pissed about it.

Willow smiled as she easily broke through Warren's defenses. "Guess the Force wasn't with you, huh?" She loved this stuff. Warren wasn't as smart as he thought.

Blueprints and schematics of a large complex appeared on the screen. "What are we looking at?" Buffy asked, trying to read the small print.

"Hold on, Buffy. I'm going to magnify the screen. Ok, here we go. Oh, my!" Willow exclaimed. "These are for the army base outside of town. It looks like Warren's planning on hitting it. He's got every entrance and exit mapped out."

"The army does all kinds of testing and weapons development at their bases." Tara told them, a sliver of trepidation and fear crawling up her spine. "Warren would have access to any weapon he wanted."

Willow heard the fear in Tara's voice. Tara hated guns and violence. Knowing that Warren had the opportunity to get his hands on weapons of destruction did not sit too well with any of them.

"Will, we need to know when he's going to attack that base. We can warn them or something, put them on alert." Buffy said, hoping Warren would be deterred if the base had increased security.

"Let me open these other files, maybe there is a time schedule for all of this in here." Willow clicked on several files. Only a few contained any information, and what they held gave the group pause.

"Are those shipment schedules?" Spike asked over Buffy's shoulder. He pointed to a group of invoices off to the side.

Willow maximized the windows. "I'll print these out. We can go over them more easily that way."

"It could be anything." Spike remarked. "Unfortunately, ladies, we are going to have to think like an undersexed, mega-geek with a massive chip on his shoulder. What would give him a happy?"

Buffy laughed at Spike's assessment of Warren. She wondered if he realized how much he sounded like Xander at this moment. She wouldn't tell him. She kinda like having all her limbs attached.

"Yea, more research." Buffy falsely cheered. Buffy pulled a chair out and plopped down in it. Spike straddled the chair next to her.

"What we need to do is find them and throw their asses in jail." Spike said angrily. They were after his love. He'd kill them himself if he could.

"Buffy, did you go back and check out that warehouse on Fulton St?" Anya asked.

"No, I totally forgot about it." Buffy admitted honestly. She'd been so preoccupied she hadn't given it another thought. "Did I tell ask you about it?" Buffy asked Spike. She was pretty sure she had, but these days if she remembered to shower she was doing good.

"No, Anya told me about it yesterday. Pet, don't you remember? That's my old hideout. Well, the Master's before you killed him." At Buffy's blank look, Spike asked incredulously. "You don't remember, do you?"

"I try not to think about the Master." Buffy rubbed the chill bumps on her arms. How would Spike know how much terror she felt when she thought about the Master. He wasn't here when it happened. They didn't even know each other, then. "He drowned me in a pool of water in a cave."

Spike would have killed the Master again for what he'd put Buffy through. She couldn't have been more than 15 or 16 when that happened. Once again, her well-meaning friends had brought her back to face this world. If they hadn't, you wouldn't have the Bit. His mind admonished him. You wouldn't have Bitty Bit growing inside of Buffy.

Spike shook off the anger he always felt towards Willow and Xander. There were more important things to be concerned with, like ensuring Buffy wasn't killed. "It would be the perfect place to hide those geeks and their henchmen. All the tunnels lead to downtown. The bottom entrance is well hidden. If you don't know where to look for the trapdoor, you won't find it."

"Can you remember which tunnels lead to it?" Buffy asked curiously.

"What are you thinking, Pet?" Spike asked worriedly.

"Simply this. I'm tired of looking over my shoulder." She said firmly. "Warren's had us on the run long enough. It's about time he felt some heat. Besides, I have to do this before I'm too big to kick his ass."

Spike grinned. "We're going to need help. Think the whelp will come out of hiding long enough to assist us?" Spike directed that question to Willow.

Truth be told, Buffy was wondering the same thing. No one had heard from Xander since Dawn's near abduction. It was obvious he didn't want to be around them. Buffy respected his decision, but it didn't stop it from hurting like hell. She missed him.

"I'll call him, but he's been Mr. Avoidey, it might take some convincing." Willow answered, closing her notebook.

"When do you want to meet again, Buffy?" Tara asked, picking up her books and placing them in her bag.

"Well tonight, Spike and I are going to check out those tunnels and get a feel for the place. Depending on what we find, how about Thursday after my doctor's appointment?" Spike frowned. There went his plans for Thursday. He looked to Tara for assistance, but she only shrugged. There was nothing she could do. Buffy's mind was made up.

"Willow, when you speak to Xander, will you tell him I love him. I miss him." Buffy rubbed her stomach. "I hate this, Will. We've always been able to work out our problems."

"Buffy, it's not you. Xander does love you. He just needs to step back." Willow pulled Buffy into a hug. "You just worry about that baby. Everything else will fall into place.

Spike pulled Tara aside. "Well, that's the end of that." Spike said frustrated. "The perfect set-up for a night of fun and food. Dinner and desert, maybe a movie, then a nice, relaxing bath, and bed. Instead, I get to spend the evening with you blokes."

"Thanks." Tara said slightly offended. "There'll be plenty of time to have your date night with Buffy. You can always do it on Friday. Dawn can spend the night with me. Willow, too, if she wants. Then, you and Buffy can have the entire house to yourself." Tara leaned against the loft staircase, her head resting on her arm, as she looked up at Spike. "What do you think?"

Spike said sheepishly. "Ah, thanks for all your help in setting everything up. I know we're not the best of friends, but what you've done for Buffy, and me, well, thanks. You're not too bad, Glenda."

"Same to you, Spike." Tara said shyly. She leaned in and whispered in Spike's ear. "Telling Buffy about the money will definitely solidify your goodness in her eyes."

Spike jumped back, shocked. "How..how did you find out about that?"

"Dawn's had money. I lived with Dawn. The girl goes through her allowance within a few days of receiving it. Since we found out about the baby, she's never broke. And then, there's you. How many times have you gone to the grocery store? There haven't been any late notices coming to the house, and Buffy hasn't been working that much recently. Do you see where I'm going with this?" Tara shook her head. "Look, I'm not prying, but how are you getting the money?"

Spike motioned her closer. "I found an old Spanish treasure in one of the crypts. Dawn and I have been fencing the pieces. We've been slipping the money into Buffy's account." Spike scuffed his shoe on the floor, earning a glare from Anya.

"I swear. You and Dawn are the new Bonnie and Clyde." Tara remarked.

"I knew Bonnie and Clyde. They were a bunch of posers. Not as bad ass as they thought they were."

"Well, anyway," Tara told him with a giggle. "What you're doing is what any father would do to take care of his family. I do believe Buffy will be quite impressed, as long as you tell her before she finds out."

"Arrgh!" Buffy shouted from across the room. "Why does everyone think anchovies and pineapple are a strange combo? That stupid guy made me repeat my order over a speakerphone. Everyone was laughing at me." Buffy pouted.

"Maybe, it's because the thought of mixing small, slimy fish and sweet fruit is enough to turn a normal human's stomach." Anya told her bluntly as she came around the counter. She stopped in front of a perturbed Buffy and remarked. "I don't know if you're just warped in your taste or whether this is a condition of your pregnancy." She stared at Buffy briefly before deciding that was a question best saved for later.



Xander ripped open the box Anya had packed for him from their apartment. He heard his father grunting as he brought the last box up from the street. Xander didn't want his help, but his mother had begged him to include his father in his life. So, here they were, forced together in this small apartment, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with each other. For as long as Xander could remember, his relationship with his father had been strained and distant. He had a better relationship with Giles than he did with this man he called Dad.

"Where do you want this?" Mr. Harris asked as he balanced the box on his hip. Xander rolled his eyes. It had KITCHEN in big black letters written on it, but his father didn't bother to look.

"Just put it in the kitchen. I'll move it later if I need to." Xander waved distractedly. He picked up the framed photo from the top of the box. It was a photo of him, Willow, and Buffy sitting outside the school. The good old days. He thought.

"You should have gone after the blonde, instead of freak show girl. She's one hot number." Xander could have sworn he heard his father smacking his lips.

"Don't talk about her like that." Xander warned.

"Which one? Your ex or the other one?" Mr. Harris yanked the refrigerator door opened and grabbed a beer. Xander didn't have much food, but he did have beer.

"Both of them. Anya's never done a thing to you and Buffy is young enough to be your daughter." Xander quickly placed the picture back into the box.

"At least I know what to do to keep a woman." Mr. Harris tilted the can back, chugging the beer. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve when he was finished. "Hell, you've got two, three women, if you count the lesbian, and you're living alone. Pretty pathetic, if you ask me?"

"I told you to stop talking about them." Xander grabbed his father by the collar, drawing his hand back into a fist.

"Whatcha gonna do? Hit your old man, boy? You don't have the balls!" Xander pushed him away disgusted, watching impassively as Mr. Harris stumbled over the boxes.

"Just like your mother. Fucking pathetic!" Xander recognized this version of his father. 'Aching for a fight, version 1.0, slightly drunk.' His father would say the vilest things in hopes of goading someone into a fight. Win or lose, it made his father feel better pummeling someone.

"I'm not going to fight you. Just go before we say or do something we'll regret." Xander stepped back from him and opened the door. His father stormed out, frustrated. Xander closed the door, banging his head against it. His father's behavior didn't surprise him. It was what he did. When he felt he wasn't getting enough attention, he resorted to insults or lewd jokes.

Like father, like son. His mind pointed out. You're the butt monkey. No one takes you seriously because you don't take yourself seriously. You hide behind a bunch of girls. Your fiancee wore the pants in your relationship.

"Not anymore." Xander said to the empty apartment. He wasn't going to be the comic relief anymore. They were going to start respecting him. First, he had to start respecting himself.

The phone rang. Xander pushed aside boxes. He barely got to each before the caller hung up.

"Hey. Hey, I'm here." Xander shouted.

"Xander, you sound out of breath. You okay?" Willow asked.

"Just had some quality time with my dad." Xander told her, his words laced with sarcasm.

"Want some company?" Willow asked worriedly. "I know you're avoiding everyone these days, but I can help you unpack. We don't have to say anything about you-know-who or who's plural."

Xander laughed. "I've got one better. How about letting me take you to dinner? Then, if you're still want to help, we'll come back here."

"Cool. Free food and my best friend. A perfect evening, in my book." Willow told him excitedly.

"Thanks, Will." Xander said sheepishly.

"For what Xander?"

"For not giving up on me." He answered back.

"You wouldn't give up on me, would you?"



"I think this calls for a shower." Buffy remarked as she shoved the prone body off her.

"Want some company?" Spike stepped around a severed head to wrap his arm around Buffy's waist. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Slimed, but fine." Spike wiped goo off her cheek. "You look beautiful to me, even covered in green stuff. It matches your eyes."

Buffy tilted her head to the side, green slime falling to the floor. "Flattery will get you in my bed, but not my shower. Sorry." She said, getting up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek.

Spike's brow furrowed. He heard something beeping in the foreground.

Buffy surveyed the room. She kicked aside a box, noting the absence of dirt. They must have slept on the floor, she thought with glee. Good.

"Run! Now!" Spikes grabbed her arm and drug her to the trap door.

"What is it?" Buffy asked as she hurried down the ladder.

Spike dropped beside Buffy and pulled her down the tunnel, barely making it around the corner before the explosion hit, destroying the warehouse above and shaking the pipes below. Spike pressed Buffy against the wall, his body shielding hers.

"How'd you know?" Buffy asked, peering down the corridor. The fire had burned itself out, and all that was left was the foul odor of burnt methane gas. Lucky for them, this area wasn't a big waste area.

"I heard the clock ticking down. They set us up." Spike said angrily. "We weren't supposed to leave that building alive."

Buffy spun around. "No, duh, honey. But how did they know we were coming? We only decided to come here a few hours ago." Spike shrugged.

"The Magic Box must be bugged. Oh, my god, Spike! What if Warren knows about the baby?"

"Hey, he's not going to get another chance to hurt you. Do you believe me?" He asked her. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "We'll just have to take precautions tomorrow, Buffy."

Buffy pulled back and looked deeply into Spike's eyes. "I won't put the baby at risk Spike. I'll call Dr. Schulz and cancel."

Buffy knew Spike was disappointed. She was too. "We'll go in a couple of weeks, once we find all the bugs or whatever Warren is using to spy on us. This way, no one will gets hurt." She said.

"Okay," Spike reluctantly agreed. "But if Dr. Schulz insists on you coming in, we're going."

"Yes, Daddy." She said, winking at him.

Buffy released him and watched as he climbed the ladder and pushed the manhole aside. She could hear the sirens of the fire engines as they raced to the warehouse. The flames from the fire could be seen from where they were, some 2 streets over. Buffy turned as Spike rolled the bike out of the bushes.

"You look super-sexy on that bike." She said coyly, as she slid behind him. Her arms wrapped around his waist, her head rested on his back. Every muscle on him was sharply defined. She loved lying next to him, running her fingers over every inch of him.

"Are you trying to seduce me?" Spike asked amused.

"Yeah. Is it working?" Buffy asked back, guiding her fingers to the waist of his jeans.

"Uh, huh." Spike replied heatedly. "Hold on tight luv. This may be a bumpy ride."



The next day at the Magic Box, Buffy and Spike shared their suspicions that the place was bugged. Anya was pissed to discover Warren had been in the store after hours, and proceeded to do an inventory of every item in the place. The rest of them searched the place, top to bottom. They found nothing, which only made Spike's mood darker. He was still upset with having to cancel the ultrasound. He understood the logic of doing it, but that didn't mean he had to be happy about it.

Buffy had stopped by Dr. Schulz's office to cancel the appointment in person. Instead of being upset, Dr. Schulz was relieved. She had two patients presently in labor, and her day was going to be full with deliveries. Dr. Schulz assured Buffy that waiting one week to do her check-up would be all right.

"Buffy, you're young and you haven't had any episodes of cramping since the poisoning. You're progressing well." Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. "Actually," she continued. "We'll have a much clearer picture of the baby if we wait. A fetus doesn't usually form its individual digits until the 13th week of gestation." She explained.

"What will we be able to see?" Buffy asked.

"You'll see what looks like toes and fingers, but they'll be web-shaped." Dr. Schulz laughed. "Don't worry, Buffy. That's entirely normal."

Buffy took the appointment card from the receptionist. She was scheduled for next Friday at 7. "Thanks, Dr. Schulz. Spike really wants to come, but he just couldn't get out of work tomorrow night."

"Like I said, Buffy, it's no problem. I like for the father-to-be to be involved as much as possible in all aspects of the pregnancy." Dr. Schulz followed Buffy into the lobby where Tara sat waiting. "If Spike has any questions, tell him I'll be happy to answer them."

"You don't know what you're getting yourself into." She laughingly told Dr. Schulz.



Giles called on Thursday as scheduled. He unfortunately didn't have any knew information on the text.
"Olivia has a friend sending me a book on ancient dialects. Hopefully, this will shed some light on what I'm missing. We will crack this code, Buffy." He promised her.

"I know you're doing your best, Giles. Everyone is. I'm patient. I've still got six months and counting to go." Buffy said, spooning Cherry Garcia out of the carton.

"I do have something for you." Giles told her. "Martine Auberjonis was 15 when she was called in 1785. She died two years later in 1788, a year after the French Revolution began. Charles Jayme retired from the Council in 1789. It seems he was too distraught to continue in his duties as a Watcher."

"Did her watcher's diary say how she died?" Buffy inquired. She smacked Spike's hand away as he attempted to dip a finger into her ice cream.

"No, I haven't been able to get my hands on the actual diary. I picked up this information from the Chronicles. It list the different slayers, the dates of their callings and deaths, and their watcher." Giles strained to hear what was going on Buffy's end, but decided better of it, when he heard Spike's voice in the background.

"I'm going to ring off, Buffy. I will call when I have something. Take care."

"He said he was unable to decipher the text, but he's got some book on the way to help with that." Buffy stabbed the frozen treat with the spoon. "I guess we wait. I told him I was patient, but I lied."

"I know, Pet, but there's nothing to be done for it. We wait. We plan. We've got other fish to fry. The Kalstas are still out there, and so is the Geek Patrol." Spike spun around and laid his head in Buffy's lap. "We'll lay low for the time being."

Buffy nodded, but her heart wasn't in to it. She had to smile at the goofy expression on Spike's face. He was in heaven with his ear pressed to her belly.

"Whatcha thinking?" She asked him, savoring the taste of the cherries sliding down her throat.

"I'm thinking you need to share. That's what I'm thinking."

Buffy arched her eyebrow and closed her eyes as she wrapped her mouth around another spoonful. Spike pouted, but his eyes widened when Buffy leaned over and kissed him fully on the lips. There's something to be said for sharing. Spike blissfully thought.



The next week passed rather quickly for everyone, except Dawn. She was ready for Friday to come and not for the usual teenage reasons. Buffy had agreed to allow her to accompany them to the hospital for the ultrasound. Actually, Dawn was surprised Buffy was still talking to them, after she busted them about the money.

A few days ago, Buffy sat the unsuspecting pair down, and told them she was being investigated by the IRS for illegal funds. Needless to say, both Dawn and Spike were shocked. They were sure they'd done everything to stay under the IRS's radar. Buffy waited them out, watching as the guilt nearly overwhelmed them both.

"Buffy, we're so sorry. All Spike wanted to do was give you some money without you freaking about where it came from." Dawn tearfully admitted. They were going to jail, and they hadn't done anything illegal.

"Buff, I didn't think they would find out. I mean, we only deposited a few hundred every couple of days." Spike stood up, pacing the living room. Buffy calmly sat down, truly enjoying the sight of them squirming.

"Yes, imagine my surprise when the bank informed me I had five thousand dollars in my checking and five thousand in my savings. I thought my fairy godmother had granted my wish. But no, it was my well-meaning, but truly aggravating sister and boyfriend." Buffy crossed her arms over her chest. "Both of you promised me no more secrets and you lied. I should be angry with you, but I'm too grateful. Next time, you two geniuses decide to snow me, make sure you get the bank statements before I see them." Buffy got up and went upstairs to take a nap, leaving Spike and Dawn to stare after her.



Dawn looked at the clock again. Spike glanced over at Buffy, who shook her head amused. She held her watch up and counted down. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and on cue, Dawn asked. "Is it time to go yet?"

"Dawn, you asked us that 5 minutes ago, and the answer hasn't changed. We're leaving as soon as Tara gets here with the amulet. She said she'd be here by 6:30. It's just 6: 20." Buffy flipped to the next page in the catalog.

"We should be on time. You know how it is at the hospital." Buffy and Spike ignored her as they checked out potential patterns for the baby's room. Dawn huffed indignantly, and plopped down in the chair next to the sofa.

The front door opened and in walked Tara and Willow. "Thank god." Buffy muttered under her breath. Dawn jumped off the sofa. "Tara, do you have the amulet, because we need to go?"

"Here you go, Buffy. All enchanted and everything. It'll provide protection as long as you wear it." Tara handed the amulet to Spike, who draped it around Buffy's neck. Buffy pulled her hair away while Spike secured it.

"So you guys are coming directly back here after the ultrasound?" Willow asked.

"Yep." Spike confirmed. "Is the whelp still coming?"

"You know he is, Spike. Now quit it." Buffy warned.

"Okay, it's 6:30. Let's go." Dawn told them as she raced for the door.

"She's excited if you couldn't tell." Buffy sarcastically informed them. "Oh, if Giles calls, tell him I'll call him when I get back."

"Will do Buffy. Oh, by the way, we found out Charles Jayme settled in New Orleans in 1789, shortly after quitting the Council." Willow and Tara had discovered that little tidbit on a genealogy search on him.

"That's great. At least, we know where to look for that diary." Buffy glanced over her shoulder at the car. Dawn was staring holes into her back. "I'd better go before Dawn blows a gasket."

Willow and Tara watched until they couldn't see the Desoto anymore. "Well, that was sweet. They look so normal together. You never know what will make up a family." Tara said thoughtfully. It was true. They were all family. Blood didn't matter. It was the heart.

"So what do you want to eat? The cabinets are full, thanks to Spike, so we can whip up anything." Willow suggested, going into the kitchen to search the cabinets.

"Whatever you fix is good for me, honey. I'm just glad to be here." Willow stood up abruptly. Did Tara just call her honey and admit she was glad to be here with her. Okay, don't panic, Willow. Just go with the flow. "I'm glad to you're here too. Willow blushed, but didn't make a move towards Tara. "How does vegetable quesadillas sound?"

"That sounds great." Tara said, stooping down to pull vegetables out of the bin. Willow's fingers ached to run themselves through Tara's hair. Tara turned abruptly, her face smacking into Willow's outstretched hand. Willow pulled away, scared she'd made a mistake, misread the signals. She sighed in relief when Tara leaned into her body, rubbing her head on her thigh.



Buffy nudged Spike. He looked up sleepily at her, wondering why she'd awaken him. She turned to look at Dawn, who was sitting a few seats over from them. She had her hands in her lap, nervously looking around at the doctors and nurses passing her by. One look at her and they both remembered the hospital wasn't a pleasant place for her. Joyce's illness, Glory/Ben attacking her. Spike patted Buffy's leg and got up to sit with Dawn.

"Hey, you okay?" Dawn nodded, but Spike was unconvinced. Her bright blue eyes were hooded. "It's all right to hate this place, after everything that happened here. But you gotta know, Bit, there are miracles performed here everyday. Babies are born. Lives are saved. There's a lot of good that goes on here." Spike put his arm around her. "This place can't hurt you, if you don't let it. Remember the good times and put the bad ones behind you. Joyce would want you to do that. And Glory won't ever be able to harm you again."

Dawn snuggled into Spike's embrace. "Thanks, Spike."

"Welcome, Nib." Dawn looked up, as a doctor in scrubs walked up to Buffy. Buffy was smiling, so this must be the infamous Dr. Schulz. "Look, Spike. She's here."

Spike and Dawn walked up to the pair. "You must be Spike and Dawn. I've heard a great deal about you from Buffy. She tells me you've been taking good care of her and the baby."

"We try, but she's high maintenance." Buffy scoffed at that.

"Sorry about the wait. I know you're anxious to see the baby, so let's get started. Buffy, you can change into a gown in that room, right there." Dr. Schulz said leading Buffy to the dressing room.

"Do you have any questions to ask me while we wait for Buffy?" Dr. Schulz picked up Buffy's chart, and programmed her information into the Ultrasound computer.

"I've been reading, but I'm worried about the labor. Buffy's strong, but there could be complications with a home birth. I understand her aversion to hospitals, but this is different." They had argued about the baby being born in the bathtub, but Buffy had been adamant the baby be born in a warm, inviting setting.

"I'm aware of Buffy's feelings, but yours are important too. You are the father. I wouldn't have suggested a home delivery, if I didn't think Buffy wouldn't be a perfect candidate. She's young and in excellent health. Her pregnancy is coming along quite nicely. If she develops any problems before the delivery, I will insist she have the baby in the hospital. I promise. I will discuss this with both of you before we make any final decisions."

Buffy padded out the room, wearing nothing more than the hospital gown and her socks. Spike helped her up on the table. Dr. Schulz placed a sheet over her legs, and pulled her gown up to expose her stomach. Of course, Spike had seen her like this, but Dawn hadn't, and she was amazed at how much Buffy's stomach had grown.

"Wow, Buffy! You really are gaining weight." Buffy stared daggers at her, but smiled anyway.

"This is going to be cold, Buffy. So prepare yourself." Dr. Schulz squeezed the gel onto Buffy's stomach.

"I'm use to the cold." Buffy blurted out. Dawn snickered beside her.

Dr. Schulz pressed the ultrasound head into Buffy's belly, moving it around till she found what she was searching for. They heard the baby's heart beat, then the image appeared. Buffy and Dawn gasped. Spike teared up. The baby couldn't have been as big as his hand. She was so tiny; he wondered how her heart didn't tear through her body. Buffy reached out to touch the screen. "That's her heart. And her toes and fingers. They are just starting to form." Dr. Schulz told them helpfully.

"Oh, my god! Look at her. She's so small." Buffy sniffed.

"Buffy, she's so tiny." Dawn exclaimed, amazed.

"Spike?" Buffy asked, when he didn't say anything. He was staring fixedly at the screen. "That's our baby. Can you believe it?" Spike shook his head.

"I'm going to take a couple of pictures. Then, I'll do a quick check and you can go." Buffy leaned back as the pictures were taken and printed out. She was starting to worry about Spike. He wasn't talking. He wasn't moving. He was just there. Buffy laced her fingers through his.

"Could you print a couple more? We don't share well." Buffy informed her, smiling.

"Sure." Dr. Schulz had heard that before, and she was more than happy to oblige.


Buffy and Dawn marched Spike to the parking deck. Once Dr. Schulz had handed him the photos of the baby, he had been incapable of doing anything more than nodding. So, Dawn took one side and Buffy the other.

"Can I drive?" Dawn asked, knowing full well they weren't going to let her. "I can't be any worse than Spike. Look at him, he's still comatose." Spike heard the laughter in her voice, but he couldn't get over the image of his baby inside Buffy's tummy. It was truly amazing.

"There's no way you're touching my car, Dawn." Spike said, finally coming out of his stupor.

"So, how does it feel, Dad?" Buffy teased. Spike stopped and pulled her into his arms. "I love you so much. Thank you. Thank you for her."

"Well, I didn't make her by myself."

Dawn rolled her eyes at the mushy display. She was ready to get home, and show off the very first pictures of her little niece. Dawn felt her neck tingle. "Buffy, behind you!" Dawn screamed as the demon attacked. The blow intended to crush Buffy's spine bounced off, violently throwing the demon back.

"Guess that worked." Spike remarked, immediately yanking Dawn behind him and Buffy. The demon was momentarily stunned, but not dead. "Head for the car, Bit."

Buffy kept Dawn close to her, hoping the amulet would provide protection to her as well. They were a few feet from the car, when the next Kalsta leapt from behind a van. He slammed into Spike. Dawn had been holding on to his duster, and was inadvertently pulled down. Buffy grabbed for her, but the other Kalsta was up and running full speed into her. The barrier protected her, but Dawn was left defenseless. Knowing the Kalsta would eventually go after Dawn, Buffy ripped the amulet off and tossed it to Dawn. Dawn caught it as the Kalsta bore down on her. Buffy ripped a parking pylon up out of the ground and swung it at the monster's leg. He howled as he clutched his injured leg. He swung, blocking Buffy's next blow, and sent her sprawling across the deck. The pylon fell to the side. Dawn was frozen in fear. Spike wouldn't be able to get to Buffy in time. It was up to her. Dawn shoved the amulet into her pocket, and raced towards Buffy. Buffy struggled to sit up, but she was dazed.

Have to move. Have to move. She repeated. Buffy tried to crawl away, but her body was stunned from the fall. The Kalsta caught her by the leg, yanking her back. He straddled her, preventing her from moving. Buffy's blood-curling scream echoed off the concrete walls as the Kalsta raised his arm, his spikes prepared to rip into her stomach.

He's going for the baby. Dawn thought.

Spike saw this too, and roared. The Kalsta he was fighting stumbled back in surprise. Spike grabbed and wrapped the Kalsta's arm around his own neck. One quick yank and his body fell to the floor. His head rolled under a car.

Buffy could have sworn the Kalsta leader grinned as he raised his arm. She knew Spike wasn't going to get to her in time. Buffy continued to struggle, but the weight of the demon kept her pinned down. She would have begged if she thought he it would matter. Her baby was going to die, and she would too. She closed her eyes waiting for the blow, the pain, but it never came. Instead, she felt the weight lifted off of her. She opened her eyes to see Dawn raining blow after blow down on the head of the Kalsta. Dawn was mumbling incoherently and crying. Slime flew through the air, splattering them. Spike grabbed the pylon from her, and Buffy rushed over to comfort her. Spike finished the leader off with a quick snap to his neck.

Spike stumbled over to the sisters and fell to his knees next to them. The shock and terror he'd felt when he saw Buffy was still coursing through his veins. He'd almost lost them both. Buffy and the baby would have died from their injuries. He shook his head to disperse the image of them bloodied and dead. He'd have nightmares about this for years to come. He felt hands on him, and looked up to see Buffy and Dawn reaching out for him. They clutched at each other, desperate to reassure themselves of each other's safety.

Dawn felt a warm breeze caress her body. She couldn't understand where the breeze was coming from. She started to ask Buffy if she felt it, but realized they didn't, they couldn't.

"I'm okay, Auntie Dawn." The tiny voice whispered. "Tell Mommy and Daddy I'm okay." What felt like a soft, wet baby kiss touched Dawn's cheek.

"Dawn, are you hurt?" Spike asked. He wanted to shake her, but she seemed in shock. Buffy stood nearby. Her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach.

"Yeah." Dawn finally answered. "They didn't hurt me. The baby.." Dawn started.

Buffy was crying. Her body was shaking with the force of her tears. Spike helped Dawn up. They walked over to Buffy, wrapping their arms around her.

"Buffy, it's okay. The baby's okay. She told me to tell you both. She was okay." Dawn stepped back. They were looking at her like she'd told them she was pregnant by a chaos demon.

"Look, I know it sounds weird, but it's your kid. She's talking to me, not the other way around." Dawn said defensively. "Usually, it's just a feeling, but today was the first time she's ever spoken to me directly."

Spike and Buffy looked at each other. There was no point in pretending this was a normal pregnancy or that they were a normal family. This fit. "I'm glad she's okay. Tell her we love her." Buffy wiped her nose. "I want to go home, Spike."

"Okay, luv. Do you want to go back inside and get checked out?"

Buffy shook her head. "No, I just want to go home. I think I crack my ribs when I fell."

Spike ran his hand over her torso, and nodded when he felt the jagged edges beneath his fingertips. "I'll wrap you when we get there."



"Is that too tight, Pet?" Spike asked as he secured the final strip around her ribs.

"It needs to be tight." She reminded him, gently. "I'll be all right. Nothing a good night's sleep won't fix." Buffy winced as she eased back. "How's Dawn? She was pretty shaken up after the attack, and then the baby talking to her. Can our lives be anymore bizarre?" Spike said nothing. He had been watching her closely.

"Hey, don't worry about Dawn. She's fine. The witches are looking after her. You're fine. The baby's fine." Spike peered into her face, watching her closely. He knew she'd been holding everything in, trying to spare Dawn anymore trauma, but the dam was starting to crumble.

"Oh, god!" Buffy moaned. "She could have died. Our baby could have died. I wouldn't have been able to save her." She croaked. "Oh, god! Oh, god!" Spike crawled up onto the bed, and gently embraced her.

"But she didn't, Pet. She's fine." Spike picked the baby's photo up. "We didn't lose her. She's fine. And no one will ever hurt her." Spike couldn't deny he had felt the same gut-wrenching terror when he saw the Kalsta bending over her. His whole world was on the verge of destruction, and he would have been helpless to stop it.

"It was so real, Spike. Just the thought hurt so much. I thought I was being split in two." She sobbed.

"Shush, Buffy. Try to get some sleep. They're gone. You're safe." Spike reassured her. Warren was a dead man. He added quietly to himself.

"I love you, Spike. I want you to know that. I do. I love you so much. I love this baby so much. I don't want to lose either of you." This was the moment Spike had dreamt of, but it was tempered by the fear he'd felt at nearly losing them.

"I know, Pet." Spike traced the photo. "I love you too." Spiked leaned back to look into her face. "Do you think you can say that in front of the Scoobies? I want to rub it into Xander's face." He joked. Buffy blinked at him, stunned momentarily, then burst into painful giggles.

"Knew I could get a smile." Spike remarked.


"I'm really beginning to hate that Warren guy." Tara said as she stroked Dawn's hair. Dawn had just finished telling them about the attack at the hospital. Buffy and Spike had rushed upstairs to bandage Buffy's ribs.

"He's awful. If Buffy hadn't been wearing the amulet, she would have been killed. I'm glad they are gone." Dawn said irritated. "Then, the baby talking to me. What's that all about? Why is she contacting me, and not, Buffy or Spike?"

Willow shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe, it has to do with you being the Key?"

"Dawn, you have to remember. You're pure energy. You said when the baby appeared to you, the air felt warm, electric. The baby may be pure energy as well." Tara theorized.

"I dunno. I'm not scared when it happens. I feel such peace. It's beautiful, really." Dawn leaned forward and picked up the photo. "I feel her innocence, her purity."

"That's terrific, Dawn." Dawn handed Willow the picture. "You want something to eat. We've got leftover veggies. We can make you a quesadilla. How about that?"

"Thanks, Willow." Willow hopped up and headed for the kitchen.

"Were you scared, Dawnie?" Tara asked.

"Not for myself. I was scared for Buffy and the baby. If she lost the baby, I don't know what she'd do." Dawn shuddered in Tara's arms. "Spike would be devastated. You should have seen him, Tara. He couldn't stop staring at the screen. You could see how much he loves the baby."

"He loves the three of you very much." Tara commented. There was a knock at the door. "I bet that's Xander." She said, getting up to open the door.

"Hey, Tara." Xander waved at Dawn, who was trying to hide the ultrasound pictures.

"Hi, Xander. Ah, I don't know if we are going to have a meeting tonight. Warren attacked us at the hospital. Buffy's upstairs with Spike getting her ribs wrapped."

"Cracked ribs? Ouch!" Xander said, concern clearly written on her face. "Why were you at the hospital?" He asked confused.

Dawn looked to Tara for a good response, but Tara had none. They panicked wondering what they could say to placate Xander. Then the unthinkable happened.

"The baby is so small. I can't believe they can take a picture of it at this stage." Willow slammed into an invisible wall. "Uh, Xander." She croaked.

"Baby. Who's having a baby?" Xander asked, a sinking feel of dread in the pit of his stomach. He snatched the photo out of Willow's hand. Sure enough, it was a photo of a young fetus with the mother's name clearly typed into the corner. Summers, Buffy A.