A/N: For those still reading this fic, just wanted to thank you first, and let you know it can also be found on Libidinous Desires and Buffy/Spike Central. If you'd like to be emailed updates, please let me know. Thanks again for your support. Enjoy!


"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when clouds are grey." Spike sang, rubbing his fingers over Buffy's stomach. Of course, he'd deny to anyone he even knew the words to the lullaby, but this was his girl, and for her he'd do anything. Even become the biggest poof in the world.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine."

Buffy opened one eye, taking in the blonde head pillowed at her side. She felt her eyes water listening to him sing to their baby. She remembered the time he serenaded her, begging her to either leave him alone or to love him. She'd been so stupid back that then, throwing away a love that had saved her.

"Buffy, what's got you so upset, Luv?" Spike asked her, looking up and spying her sad eyes. He heard her heart quicken, and knew that she was awake.

He crawled up, gathering her in his arms. Buffy stroked his arm, pushing back the memories. "Just remembering the last time I heard you sing, that's all."

"Let me rest in peace. Let me get some sleep. Let me take my love and bury it, in a hole six foot deep. Yeah, I remember that too. Damn silly song, if you think about it." Spike joked.

"No, it wasn't." Buffy said, sitting up, her arms draped lightly around Spike's neck. "You were only telling me the truth, trying to make me see the truth. Wasn't that the point of Sweet's magic?"

Spike bent his head, resting it against Buffy's. "He wanted us to dance ourselves to death, Pet. I was just pushing you, like I always do."

"I was taking and taking, without giving anything back to you."

"But you did give me something. You gave me a chance." Buffy smiled sweetly, tilting her head to touch his lips, softly at first, then harder as Spike pulled her body closer to his.

A knock at the door was the only thing that prevented them from falling back against the pillows and showing their love for each other.

"Bloody hell." Spike mumbled against Buffy's lips. "Hold on!"

Buffy hopped off the bed, pulling her capris and shirt on, while Spike wrestled with his jeans and t-shirt. Spike sniffed the door, catching the familiar scent of Françoise Hemmings on the other side.

"Good morning, Francoise." Spike said as he opened the door.

Francoise stood on the other side, holding a bag of beignets. Hot, fresh beignets if he was correct.

"Francoise, come in. You have food. Ooh, we love you." Buffy said, reaching for the bag. Spike snickered and took the second bag Francoise offered to him. In it was a jug of blood and his own beignets.

"Thank you." He whispered, knowing there was no chance of getting any from Buffy.

"What happened after we left, Francoise? We don't like leaving a fight. It goes against the grain." Buffy told her.

Spike joined her on the bed, drinking his breakfast. He wanted to dip his beignet in the blood, but knew that would be messy, and Buffy would get pissed.

"Well, they found the one pulled into the swamp. The other two got away, but only after we kept them busy for a few hours. They were trapped until we were certain you were safely hidden. Oh, Mama sends her best. I think she enjoyed last night a bit too much. She's taken to her bed."

"Party a little too hard?" Buffy asked.

"Held the shotgun too long." Francoise quipped back. "Mama was the main one on the front porch, aiming at one of the men following you. She kept a running dialogue on what was probably happening to their friend, and what would happen to them if she got a glimpse of them."

Spike chuckled, imaging the tiny woman. "She definitely has spunk."

"That's putting it lightly. Well, I sent Michel on ahead, and he tells me those men are long gone."

"Suspected as much. Can't be all super-sneaky if everyone knows you're out there." Buffy told them, licking the last of the sugar off her fingers.

"Your Watcher called, and said he was able to change your flight. It'll be difficult getting you inside at this time of day, but we'll do it. So, are you ready to go?"

"Not really." Buffy said sadly. "I was just getting used to the place." Francoise gathered Buffy in her arms.

"Come back anytime. You're always welcome."

"We will. There aren't many places that make us feel like home, but here we do."


"Dawn, wake up." Tara shook the young girl curled up in a ball next to the crib.

"Damn, Buffy, I did the dishes."

Tara smiled, knowing that had to be a dream, since dishwater and Dawn didn't exactly mix.

"Dawn, wake up. You need to get ready for school." No movement. Tara knew what would get her up. "The wallpaper is peeling off the walls, Dawn."

Dawn shot up. She looked around, shocked. "What?" She squeaked, but Tara shushed her. "Just needed to get you up. The nursery is fine." Dawn looked around and the room was in perfect order, just like she had envisioned.

"What time is it?" Dawn said, taking Tara's hand and standing up. She stretched, her eyes closing and her fingertips reaching for the ceiling.

"A little after 7. I'm cooking some pancakes so hurry and jump in the shower. They should be ready by the time you get out." Tara kissed her lightly on the temple, scooting the sleepy-eyed girl off towards the bathroom.

Tara peered into Willow's old room, smiling at her lover and Xander spooned together. They were so cute, she wished she had a camera to capture the moment. Closing the door, so they wouldn't be disturbed, Tara made her way down to the kitchen.

She stopped at the foot of the stairs, staring at the couple on the sofa. She would have to wake them before Xander or Willow came down. If either one of them saw Giles and Anya, the proverbial cat would be out of the bag. Tara hummed a tune as she poured the pancake mix into the bowl. Giles and Anya. Who would have guessed the two business partners were sharing something more than the profits from the store? But watching them last night, Tara saw what the others overlooked. They were comfortable with one another. Giles treated Anya with respect, and didn't berate her or cringe when she said something outrageous. And Anya wasn't afraid to be herself around him.


Giles awoke to the sight of Anya's toes in his face.

"Good lord!" He mumbled, looking around the sun lit room. Rolling carefully off the sofa, trying not to awaken Anya, he stumbled towards the smell of fresh brewed coffee. Tara looked up from the hot frying pan, and smiled. She crooked her head to the side, indicating the coffee pot.

"Is Dawn up and about?" Giles asked around a yawn.

"Yes, she's in the shower."

Giles pulled a stool out and sat down, scrubbing his hair. "I got a hold of the airline and Francoise Hemmings. Buffy and Spike should be arriving by 3."

"Perfect. Willow should be back from classes by then. I can't wait to see their expressions when they see the nursery." Tara said excitedly.

"Make sure we have plenty of tissues around. Buffy will most definitely be an emotional wreck."

"Will do. Umm, Giles... I'm not trying to pry." Tara began. The cup was barely to his mouth, when he sense the question she was about to ask.

"You want to know what's going on with Anya and myself." Surprisingly, he was relieved someone besides Spike knew about them.

Tara patted Giles' hand awkwardly. "You don't have to say explain anything to me. You and Anya are both adults. If you're both happy, then I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Tara. I'm not quite sure what we will tell the others."

"You'll find the right words, Giles. You always do. Just tell them soon. Don't let them discover it on their own. Secrets are never good."

"Are you going to tell Willow and Xander?" Anya asked from the doorway. She smiled sweetly at Giles, moving to stand next to him. She had missed his presence on the sofa immediately upon his rising, but she'd not made her presence known to them. Instead, she'd eavesdropped on their conversation, taking heart in the words Tara had spoken. She didn't like keeping secrets. She felt dirty, like she was someone Giles had to be ashamed of. That was how she'd spent the majority of her relationship with Xander, being his doormat. Well, that wasn't going to happen this time.

"No, Anya, I'm not going to say anything. You've respected, in your own way, my relationship with Willow. You've never judged us. I owe the two of you that much. But don't wait long. I kept quiet about the baby to Willow, but we're just getting back to us, and I don't want to jeopardize that."

Tara smiled at them and began preparing Dawn's breakfast. There wasn't time to fix her lunch, she'd just have to buy something. "Dawn!"

"I'm here. I'm here." She said, sliding across the kitchen floor in her socks. She held her running shoes in her hands.

"Hey, Giles, Anya." Dawn hugged both, yanking the refrigerator open and pulling out the juice. Definite improvement in her juice selection since Spike moved in. Tara handed her a glass, and they watched as she mixed cranberry juice and orange juice into the glass.

Giles got up and allowed Anya to take his seat. He fixed her a cup of coffee, and for awhile all that was heard in the kitchen was the sound of the fork hitting the plate as Dawn chowed down on her breakfast.

"What time does Buffy's plane get in?" Dawn asked as she swallowed the last of the pancakes.

"Three o'clock. Would you like for me to pick you up from school? I'm sure Buffy wouldn't mind if you left a little early."

Dawn's face nearly split with the huge smile on her face. She jumped up, hugging Giles tightly. "Thank you. You'll need to write a note, but it shouldn't be a problem. It's study hall." Dawn sprinted out of the kitchen, running upstairs to make sure the nursery and the newlywed's new bedroom was all in order.


"All right, Bitty. It's done. Are you happy now?" Dawn heard the soft giggle, and knew her niece was well aware of the surprise for her parents.

"Who ya talking to Dawnie?" Xander asked her, an amused grin on his face. He was sure if he'd said it any louder, he would have had to peel Dawn off the ceiling.

"My niece. Are you taking me to school or Giles?"

"Giles. I've got to run home and shower before heading to the site, but I'll be back later. Is Anya up yet?" Xander asked sheepishly.

"Yeah, she's in the kitchen with Tara and Giles." She told him, heading back downstairs.


Xander looked around the nursery. He couldn't help the spurt of jealousy that ripped through his heart. So many dreams. He had hoped that one day he and Anya would be starting a family. Funny, he'd never given any thought to Buffy being a parent, but she was. She was Dawn's parent, and soon to be a mother to her own child. How had his life spiraled so far out of control? Spike had what Xander wanted. A wife. A child. A family. The three of them were a tight little family unit. Everything a child should have growing up. A home with parents who loved each other, who respected each other. And Spike had it. The only comfort he took nowadays was in the fact, he wasn't drinking as much. He still had a beer every now and then, but it wasn't a crutch anymore.

Willow stood in the doorway, watching Xander. She knew all of this was hard for him. He had pushed his own feelings aside, and watched as Buffy skipped happily into her new life with Spike and Dawn. Xander didn't need to say anything to her, she knew him. Knew that no matter what he said, he'd always have a soft spot for Buffy, and watching her take another man as husband had to hurt. But the kicker was Anya, and her burgeoning relationship with Giles. They were careful not to be overt about their feelings, but Willow sensed them. Maybe, it was the fact she was paying more attention to life around her that she'd picked up on the chemistry between them? Maybe, it was all the love floating around the Summers' house? She didn't know, and she really didn't want to question it. Xander was her best friend, and Giles had been a surrogate father to all of them. For Anya to move on was one thing. For Anya to move on to Giles was quite another.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"Look at this room." Xander said, waving his arm around the room.

"Too Barneyish?" Willow asked, her brow furrowed.

"Nah, I think Bitty will have many happy years in here. It's perfect." Xander picked up the framed ultrasound photo.

"Just thinking, it would have been nice to have a little girl." He said wistfully.

Willow mussed his hair, which didn't need much help in that department. "Xander, don't talk like that. You're going to get married and have lots of kids."

"But not with Anya. Right?" Xander stared at her, his big brown eyes wide. "You can say it, Will. I know. I guess I expected a miracle. I thought she might forgive me."

Willow turned him, till they were facing each other. "She will forgive you. Right now, it's too soon, and hello, she was a vengeance demon. Holding a grudge comes real easy for her." Willow shook him lightly, trying to pull a smile out of him.

Xander hugged her tightly, squeezing her till she squeaked. "Thanks, Will. You're the bestest."

"I know. Now, I smelled pancakes. Let's see if Dawn left any for us."


iFebruary 21, 1789

I have managed to avoid Henri for the last week. I know he searches for me, but I can't see him. I don't know what I'm doing. I kissed a vampire. A vampire? If Jayme ever finds out, he'll kill me himself. I'm supposed to kill them, not desire them, but I do. Even before Henri's lips touched mine, I felt him…in here. In my heart. In my soul. I haven't felt this way since Christophe died. I never… I never thought I'd ever feel this way again./i

"Well, she obviously fell hard and fast for Henri." Buffy noted as they drove to the airport.

"Yeah, a couple of fights, a kiss, and she was hooked." Spike joked. He kept giving Buffy sly glances, trying to bait her.

"Are you implying that's all it took for me to fall in love with you?"

"Yes." Spike said, kissing her upturned nose. "I dazzled you with my fighting skills, then other skills." He said the last part as a whisper against her cheek.

"And what did it take for you to fall in love with me?" Oh, this better be good or he was a deader dead man.

"One smile, luv." Buffy stroked his face with gentle fingers, reaching up to kiss him softly on the corners of his mouth.

"And you say you were a bloody awful poet."

Spike's eyes widened comically, his head spinning around to see if Francoise had heard what Buffy had said. She arched her eyebrow in the rearview mirror. Spike pressed his fingers to his temple, shaking his head at the laughter coming from his wife.

"Let's get back to Martine and Henri shall we?" Buffy snickered, but pulled his arm around her shoulders so she could snuggle closer.


iFebruary 22nd

Henri found me tonight. He set another trap for me, but this time it wasn't to kill me. We fought. We screamed and yelled at each other. He actually accused me of putting some spell over him. Said it was the only way he would ever love a Slayer. Love. He said he loved me. I kicked his arse for that one. Love. Who the hell falls in love with a vampire? I mean who the hell... Oh, god. He was right. This has to be a spell. Doesn't it? This isn't normal. My heart and my mind should not be filled with images of a vampire. Am I in his thrall? Did the bite claim me as his? I'm so confused, and I really want to talk to someone, anyone.

March 1st

Jayme discovered my secret. He was tending to my wounds, and saw the bite. I lied and told him a vampire got lucky. I asked him if he was worried about me falling under the thrall, and he said no. The Slayer in me would not permit such a thing to occur. That is the first time he's ever separated the two. Martine and the Slayer. I wonder which one Henri loves?" /i


Buffy frowned. Spike hurried to tell her. "I love both, Blondie. So don't even ask."

"I wasn't, Mr. Smarty Pants. I just realized we have about 5 minutes left on our honeymoon. Then, back to Sunnydale and patrol and the Council. Kinda liked it being just us." She said, running her fingers over his chest.

Spike grabbed her hand, pulling it to his mouth. "I promise you this honeymoon is far from over. We'll just have to escape to someplace special and private and soundproof."

"The crypt?" Buffy asked hopefully. Aka Spuffy love central. She couldn't wait.

Françoise pulled the car under an awning, where Spike could safely exit the car. Spike helped Michel unload the car. He had one duffle bag, and Buffy had three suitcases. Had more clothes than she knew what to do with, but then again, he tried to keep her pretty much naked the entire six days.

"Buffy, my dear sweet child. You take care now, here." Françoise had tears in her eyes.

"I'm going to miss you and Michel, and Marie. You just don't know how grateful we are for all that you've done for us."

"Hush, child. It was my pleasure. You and Spike have a love that must be sheltered and nurtured, not destroyed. Your little babe is proof that there is beauty to be had between forces once thought enemies, but actually halves of the whole." Françoise caressed Buffy's cheek.

She embraced a startled Spike in a tight hug.

"Take heed, Spike. The danger is not pass, and there is still much to protect your wife and child from. Don't be afraid to tell her your concerns. She will understand and trust in your judgment. Trust in her love for you." She said, touching the back of his head, almost at the exact spot where the chip resided. How did she know?


Tara and Willow sat in Willow's old room, packing the last of her things into boxes. For the time being, Willow was going to live with Xander. She told him it was to help him out, but in reality, she and Tara weren't quite ready to live together. Yes, they were sleeping together, but they still needed their space.

Willow looked around the room, which had taken on a decidedly different look. They attempted to make the room a mixture of Buffy and Spike's personalities. Dawn helped, of course, knowing Spike almost as well as Buffy. Spike liked rich colors, like gold and burgundy. Surprise, surprise, he actually liked throw pillows. All Buffy needed was Spike, Mr. Gordo, and a good pillow, and she'd be good to go. Gone were the scarves and little crystals Willow liked. In their place were candles of various sizes. They covered the room. It seemed Spike's lower crypt was filled with them. They also brought a bookshelf for Spike's books. Dawn had ordered those she couldn't salvage and cleaned those she could. Buffy's sketchpad was placed next to it, and a fresh set of pencils lay on her desk. The room was theirs now, but Willow still felt a little sad to be saying goodbye to the place where she and Tara had lived and loved for over a year.

"Willow, do you want to keep this?" Tara asked holding up a near empty bottle of liquid incense.

"No, you can pitch it. I've got some more."

"Missing this place, already?" Tara came up and wrapped her arms around Willow's waist. Her head rested on Willow's shoulder. She kissed Willow's neck, inhaling her scent.

"Yeah, so many memories. Some bad, a lot of them good. This was home."

"We'll be over here everyday, Will." Tara told her.

"I know, but it's not the same. Buffy is a married woman now. We're not in high school anymore. I'm just going to miss that." Willow hugged the arms around her waist. "Let's go. I want to drop this stuff off at Xander's before class."

Tara looked the room over one final time. She chanted under her breath a cleansing spell. It was a blessing of sorts. A plea to the goddess for peace and love to permeate this room and into the house.


Buffy yawned and twisted in her seat till she could rest her head on Spike's shoulder. "Get some sleep, Pet. We'll be home in a couple of hours."

"Are you going to sleep too?" She asked.

"Nah, can't afford to sleep. Gotta keep an eye on this wanker. Make sure he doesn't fry me to a crisp." He said. They changed their seats to the back of the plane, hoping the seats would allow them to keep the window shutters closed till they landed. Luckily for them, the plane wasn't crowded. They had the back to themselves, except for one bloke who couldn't be convinced to move up.

"Buffy, I love you."

Buffy smiled. She looked up at him, a look of concern on her face. "What have you done?"

"Nothing. Not yet. There's something I want to talk to you and Giles about when we get home. Not now." He told her, pushing her head back down.

"Fine. Keep your secret. Just remember. I'm your wife. I get to know all your secrets. Well, most of them anyway." Spike chuckled, kissing her hair.

"Oh, by the way, I love you too. Very much. Now and forever. Am I making myself clear, Spike?"

"Yes, Mrs. Develin. I hear ya. Loud and clear."


Spike rested his head against Buffy's. He listened carefully, smiling when her breathing evened out. He laid his hand against her belly, trying to block out the sound of the engines so he could hear his baby girl's heartbeat. Spike reached down and pulled the book out of the bag. He hadn't had a chance to read Jayme's diary since they were so preoccupied with Martine's life. He hadn't shared his concerns with Buffy, but the fact the Council hadn't made an attempt on Buffy's life while they were in New Orleans, had him worried. They should have tried something. Why were they content to sit back and watch? Okay, the gator chomping on their buddy probably wasn't in their plans, but they could have gotten to them easily. It wasn't as if the Banana Court was the most secure place for them, and he was still chipped. Which brought him to the question of the day. What was Travers waiting on?

Buffy murmured in her sleep, her nose scrunching up. Spike couldn't resist tickling it with his nail. Buffy swiped at his hand, irritated.

"Best get to it old chap." Spike flipped through the heavy tome, skipping past the first year into Martine's calling. The information he was looking was later, after she met Henri. That was where he would find the information he was looking for.

iApril 14, 1798

I worry for Martine. She has become too complacent in her dealings with Henri. Where before she would hide her relationship with him, now she flaunts it to demon and human alike. I am fearful the Council will send someone here to handle the situation if I cannot get it under control. She is young, and in love. Or as in love as one can be with a vampire. She tells me he is different, and I should not judge him. She screams at me to listen to her, but how can I? I am a Watcher. I am sworn to keep the Slayer safe, and true to her duty.

April 20, 1798

Martine is missing. She did not come home last night. She is with Henri. I know what I must do. I must contact the Council. Relations between Slayers and Vampires are forbidden. . We do not know what could happen. An apocalypse? Maybe. This is so wrong.

April 23

Martine has come home. She is not a vampire, of that I am sure. I threw holy water on her the minute I invited her in. She laughed and kissed me, dancing around the room. She looks none the worse for wear, but there is definitely something different about. Gone is the young girl. She is a woman now, in so many ways. Pride threatens to stamp out my disappointment in her, but I push it aside. She must never see Henri again. It is possible she is in a thrall. A Slayer has never been turned, but there is always a first time. She laughs and tells me Henri is not interested in her becoming a vampire like himself. He loves her warm body. I slapped her. Dear god, forgive me, but I did. She barely flinched, and I am thankful, she did not snap my neck. I reached for her, wanting to explain the danger in her mating with the vampire. She doesn't want to hear it. She tells me she's only here for her clothes. She's staying with Henri from now on. She will continue to be the Slayer, but she will not hunt Henri. She begs me to understand that she is doing this of her own free will. Silly girl believes herself in love with him.

I beg her to remain, but she says she cannot. Before she walks out the door, she tells me the Council was wrong about vampires. They can feel and love. They have emotions, not just to hunt and kill. She no longer trust what I've told her about demons and their unsouled natures. How could she? She asks, when Henri loves her with all of his being.

I have failed the Council and Martine.

May 26

I have finally received a response today from the Council. The situation is more dire than I originally thought. It seems there is a prophecy. The translation was included in the missive. It speaks of a child borne of a Slayer and a Vampire with unimaginable power. The Council wants Martine sent back to England or they will take steps to retire her. Oh, these stupid men. They should have told me before I sent that child out into the dark. She could already be with child. I pray I can find her before it is too late. I know she still fights against the demons for there has not been a rise in deaths and mutilations. So, I take some small measure of hope that she is not lost to me, to us forever./i

"Spike. Spike." Buffy shook him, startling him enough that his game face slipped on for a second. The flight attendant blinked her eyes. She didn't just see that, did she?

"She asked you if you were finished with your drink. We're getting ready to land."

Spike handed the woman his cup, and closed the book. "Did you have a nice nap, Pet?" He said absently, brushing his lips across Buffy's forehead.

"Spike, I've been awake for the last hour. You've been all involved in that book. You didn't even notice when I got up for the bathroom." Buffy tilted her head, looking up at him. "Something juicy?"

"Well, Martine slept with Henri. She disappeared for 3 days, and when she came back, she moved out. rs" He told her, smoothing her hair back behind her ear. "What she didn't know, though, was that Jayme had already contacted the Council about them. The Council sent him a threat to either get her in line or they would retire her. They knew about the prophecy. They don't know squat. Just that they want Martine as far from Henri as possible."

"Is that as far as you got?" She joked. He nodded in answer to her question.

"Hell, I thought you'd read the whole thing. You were totally zoned out there, baby." She laughed, clutching his chin.

"Sorry, luv. Didn't mean to ignore you. Just wondering about Travers."

Buffy nodded, glumly, settling back into her seat. She felt a shiver go down her spine, and clutched Spike's arm tighter. "I know. I've been trying to ignore the obvious. That Travers wants me and the baby."

Her fear was palpable, and Spike's concern increased ten-fold. He wouldn't be able to protect them from the Council. He would more than likely die trying. He had to get the chip out if he wanted to be there at full-strength for Buffy, Bitty, and Dawn.

"Spike, Jayme's diary is our best bet. I have faith that all the answers are there. It'll be a race to see who discovers the truth first. And I don't like to lose."


Shackleford watched the Magic Box from his window across the street. Both sunup, he'd been inside planting listening devices and cameras. Using Warren's plans, he placed them in the same positions as earlier, knowing the Slayer's friends would not think to check those same places.

He'd learned a lot already from the few hours he'd been recording. The Slayer and Vampire were due to arrive at 3. The Watcher and his partner were involved, and her ex-fiancee the construction worker did not know about it.
"Oh, what a tangle web we weave." He chuckled to himself. He looked around the sparsely furnished room, expecting Dewey to be standing in the door, timid and rigid with anger. He liked to keep him hungry, like a wild dog. He wanted Dewey snapping and snarling, so that by the time he was ready to unleash him on the Slayer, he would go for the kill and not hesitate. If Shackleford didn't tire of him first.

The red-haired witch was moving out, leaving the newlyweds with only the teen to care for. The teen, Dawn, was the Key. Travers had ordered a round-the-clock surveillance on her. She was the key, no pun intended to getting to Buffy and to everything else in Travers' opinion. The fact the demon population feared her, only served to harden his resolve.


"Giles, I don't want to hide anymore. I know we've only been kissing, but what if I want more." Anya bemoaned. Giles kissed her on the forehead, trying to ease her worry and concern.

"I don't want to hide either, but I'm worried about Xander."

"Not Buffy?" Anya asked surprised.

"No, why would you think that?"

"She's like a daughter to you. You love her, and value her opinion." Anya said, her eyes filling with tears. Damn, she was too emotional these days.

"Anya, Buffy is married to Spike. She has no wiggle room." Giles smiled, hoping to coax a smile out of his companion.

"I know, but..." Giles put his finger on her lips, silencing her.

"No buts, Anya. Buffy is not going to condemn us. Xander will be hurt. He still loves you." Anya shook her head, angrily.

"No! He left me at the altar. He treated me like scum. What I wanted, what I thought, didn't matter to him. He hurt me, and he doesn't get a second chance to do that." Anya's body trembled. Giles pulled her into his arms, hugging and stroking her, as the tears racked her body.

"He hurt me. I can never forgive him for that. Don't you understand, Giles? Please tell me you understand." She begged.

"I do, my dear. I do."

"He was always ashamed of me, and I just don't think I can go through that again. So if you're ashamed of us, tell me now before I invest too many emotions into this thing." She said.

"Anya, I know what you are, and I don't care. You make me laugh, and you make me think. It's been a long time since anyone has done that. Not since Jenny." He admitted quietly, and felt the hole left by her death become smaller.


Willow sipped her coffee, wanting to ask Tara's opinion about the Giles/Anya thing, but hesitated. What if she was wrong? What if she was seeing something that wasn't there?

"Willow, honey, what's going on? You've got that cute, wide-eyed look to your face. Like you want to ask me something unpleasant." Tara giggled. She reached for Willow's hand, squeezing it. Willow squeezed back.

"It's probably nothing. More than likely, my imagination running wild because, you know, I'm all hyped up on Tara loving." Tara gave Willow her signature smile, and Willow melted under it. She wanted to lock Tara away, and never leave her side. She loved her so much.

"You can tell me, Will."

"Ithinksomething'sgoingonbetweenGilesandAnya." She rushed out.

Tara blinked rapidly, confused. She was able to pick out Giles and Anya, and assumed correctly that Willow suspected something. "You think there's something going on between Giles and Anya."

"Yes. Tell me I'm crazy. I just get this weird vibe from them. Like there's something going on, but they're trying to keep it under wraps. Sorta like Buffy and Spike." She said slowly. "Oh, boy. They are acting just like Buffy and Spike, before Buffy and Spike came out."

Tara cupped her coffee lightly, waiting for the wheels to stop turning and for Willow to look up at her. She had made a promise to Giles and Anya to not tell Willow. Willow figuring it out on her own was an entirely different situation.

Willow looked up, searching Tara's eyes for the truth. It was there. She gulped, and felt a moment of pure hot anger at Giles and Anya and Tara for lying, but mostly she felt a deep seeded pain for Xander.

"Oh, my goddess. What were they thinking? What about Xander? He's still in love with Anya."

Tara reached across the small table, taking Willow's hand in hers. "Sweetie, I don't know what to tell you. I don't think they did it intentionally."

Willow shook her head, denying the truth in defense of her best friend. "I bet you Anya did. She's so angry at Xander. I can see her doing something so hateful like this to get back at him." Liar, liar! Her conscience sang. You may not be Anya's biggest fan, but Giles would be cruel.

Tara looked at the milky, brown substance, and sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. It also wasn't any of their business. She pursed her lips together, and looked Willow in the eye. "It's none of our business, Will."

If possible, Willow's mouth nearly touched the table. "How…how can you say that? Xander is my friend. This is going to devastate him. He can't take much more. On top of everything else, he's got to deal with this."

Tara tilted her head. "This is called life, Willow. There was always a chance Anya wasn't going to forgive him. What he did to her, hurt her deeply. You may not have wanted to see it, but it did. And she has every right to move on. It's been 3 months since the non-wedding from hell."

Willow puffed up, ready to argue with her. Tara held up her hand. "Wait, Will. What about Giles? Anya is the first woman he's been interested in since Ms. Calendar's death. Doesn't he deserve some happiness?"

I won't fall for the puppy eyes. I won't fall for the puppy eyes. Oh, hell, I am falling for the puppy eyes. "Okay, Anya didn't do it on purpose, but what about Xander? I can't keep this from him. He barely forgave me for Buffy's secret."

"Again, these aren't our secrets to tell. When Giles and Anya feel the time is right, they will tell him about their relationship." If it could be called that at this early stage.

"You can't fight Xander's battles, Willow. He's come a long way in a short amount of time. He has to keep going and face some ugly truths. Anya's pain goes way back to when they started dating. Will, I love you, and I love Xander, but he wasn't the poster boy for boyfriends." Tara picked up her books, hating to leave the conversation at this point, but really needing to go to class.

Willow caught her hand as it slipped off the table, and brought it to her chest. "I'll see you after class, baby." Willow reached up, kissing Tara fully on the lips. "Bye baby."

Tara blushed. "Bye."

Willow looked at her watch. She had a hour until her next class. She could go to the library and read the next 2 chapters for Statistics, but a certain ex-demon and an ex-Watcher needed a good talking to.


Giles called Olivia to update her on the latest going ons. She warned him that Travers wouldn't hesitate to take Buffy before the baby was born. She also passed along the information that Warren was still being held at the house in Newcastle. Giles thanked her, telling her he would call again in a few days.

The bell jingled, causing Anya to race towards it in anticipation of a paying customer. When she saw it was willing, she huffed angrily and went into the basement to get some supplies.

"Willow, how are you? I thought you had classes today?" Giles asked innocently.

On the way over, Willow had gotten herself into a nice, righteous anger at them, but now, looking at the familiar face of the man she admired and loved like her father, she couldn't retain that anger.

"Giles, I know about you and Anya. Well, I know what I'm feeling and seeing with my own eyes. It has to stop. You're going to destroy Xander." She said, placing her bag on the counter.

"Willow, I have never interfered in your relationships. Ever! Don't you think I know Xander is going to be hurt? I do, but that doesn't stop me from caring about Anya. And I don't want to stop." Giles placed the phone back in the little cubbyhole.

"Why couldn't you find someone more available?" Willow whimpered.

"I think being left at the altar qualifies as being available. I appreciate the unique position you're in, Willow, but I'm an adult. So is Anya. Hopefully, so is Xander."

"Will you let me tell him?" She asked, pleadingly.

"If you feel inclined to do so, by all means. But I wish you wouldn't. I will tell him."

"No, I will." Anya said from the doorway. "I owe him that much. We were in love once. I don't want to see him hurt, maybe eviscerated, but not hurt." Giles smiled quickly, then put his serious face on.

"Fine. I will keep my mouth zipped." Willow picked up her bag and walked to the door. "I'll see you at Buffy's later."


Dawn sat in class, trying to concentrate on her lesson, but wishing 2:45 would get here sooner rather than later. Buffy and Spike were coming home! She kept repeating in her head. She imagined Buffy's reaction to the nursery, and it always involved lost of crying and laughing. She hoped Buffy liked it, and didn't take offense that she'd done it basically without her permission. Dawn just wanted to give Spike and Buffy back a little of what they gave her, namely a home, a family. Ever since her Mom died, she'd felt lost and adrift, probably the same reaction Buffy had when she came out of her grave. She didn't feel like she belonged. She was this mystical power, but no one claimed her as their own. Oh, they all wanted to use her for one reason or another, but no one had loved her, truly loved her until she was born into the Summers' family. Dawn missed her Mom more than words could say, but she had Buffy. And then, Buffy died and she had Spike. Now, she had both of them, and a little imp of a niece on the way. She finally felt whole, connected to something greater than herself.

"Ms. Summers, if you'd like to join the discussion on the English feudal system we would be delighted?" Mr. Windmond remarked sarcastically. The class erupted into laughter at Dawn's predicament, and she silently fumed. My brother-in-law could so scare the shit out of you, you evil little troll. She only had to endure this class for another 20 minutes, then off to Basic Computer Skills.

"Yes, Mr. Windmond. The English feudal system was nothing more than a legal means of slavery." She answered, knowing the old coot was surprised to see she was listening.


Home sweet home. Big whoo! Buffy thought, looking at the people milling around Sunnydale's small airport. She was grumpy, no doubt about it, and the lack of quality snacks on the plane had a lot to do with it. She was pregnant. She needed more than Chex Mix to quench her hunger. What she wouldn't give for one of Francoise's Po Boys, smothered in ketchup and honey. Oh, her mouth watered just thinking about the shrimp and crawfish swimming in the sweet, tangy mixture.

"Do you see the Watcher?" Spike asked from the protection of the awning.

"Nope, not yet." Well, one thing she wouldn't miss about Louisiana was the humidity. Her hair felt heavier and looked way to limp for her liking. Maybe, she'd cut it again before the baby was born. All the extra hormones were causing her nails and hair to grow faster than she'd expected. Yeah, for her. Boo, for the money she was spending in manicures and hair treatments. Damn, she only had one more month to go before bye, bye, blonde hair. Once she entered her 5th month, Dr. Schulz would not allow her to continue to dye her hair. Crap.

"Pet, they are here." Spike said, pushing off the wall. He stooped to pick up their bags, smiling as Dawn hopped from the car before it came to a complete stop. She looked at them as if seeing them for the first time after an extended absence.

"I'm so glad you're home." She gushed, hugging Buffy tightly. "You have to tell me all about New Orleans. Is it true that guy got eaten by a gator? Serves him right, sneaking around and spying on you." Dawn hugged Spike equally as hard, and he wondered for a brief second if she'd inherited Buffy's slayer strength.

"Spike, Buffy. Welcome home." Giles said, opening the back hatch as he came around. Buffy smiled, and accepted his hug.

"Giles, you look flustered. Did Dawn drive you batty on the ride out here?" Buffy inquired, winking at him.

Giles shook his head, and shook Spike's hand. "Let me help you with those."

Spike waited till Buffy got into the backseat with Dawn, before pulling Giles aside. "I need to discuss something with you. I need to talk to you about it before I approach Buffy. Do you think we could meet at the crypt tomorrow morning?"

Giles took his glasses off. "It's nothing glass-scrubbing worthy. Just something I want to run by you."

"Is it about the prophecy or the diaries?"

"In a way, but it has more to do with me." Spike answered cryptically. He turned and got in the front, effectively ending the conversation.


Dawn was literally vibrating with barely concealed excitement. Buffy wondered if the girl had been eating Pop Rocks again. She couldn't sit still in the car. Buffy was more than relieved when they pulled into the drive. The door opened and she waved excitedly to Tara and Willow. Okay, so there were other good things about being home, like good friends and a hyper sister.

Giles took the bags upstairs to their bedroom while Buffy and Spike were kept in the living room. Dawn had sprinted up the stairs as soon as they were all inside. They could hear her upstairs, talking in soft tones to Giles. Spike wanted to throw the whole lot out the door, and climb in bed with Buffy.

"What is taking Dawn so long up there?" Buffy asked Willow and Tara, who looked like the proverbial cat that ate the canary.

Xander flew in the front door, causing everyone to jump. "Did I miss it?"

"Miss what, whelp?" Spike asked, earning a glare from Buffy. "What? It's been a week. He probably missed me saying it to him."

"I missed Buffy, Spike. You can go back to New Orleans if you like." Giles cleared his throat, and they all looked up. Dawn stood at the top of the stairs.

"Buffy, Spike, come on up. I want to show you the samples I picked out for the baby's room."

Spike took Buffy's hand, walking with her up the stairs. The door to her room was closed, which seemed odd, since Giles just put their bags in there.

"They're on the bed." Dawn told her, pushing the door open.

Buffy shook her head at the weirdness that was her sister, and turned into the room. Spike bumped into her back as she stood in shock looking at the nursery. "Oh, Spike." She cried.

Spike had to brush back tears at the transformation before him. Gone was the teenage room of Buffy's youth, in its place was a little haven for their daughter.

"It's beautiful." Spike said finally. Buffy touched the crib reverently. The room was perfect.

"Do you like it, Buffy?" Dawn asked quietly. Buffy still hadn't spoken, and Dawn feared she'd bollocks the whole thing up.

"Do I like it?" The butterflies and the flowers. So peaceful and pure. So full of life. "I love it, Dawnie." Spike pressed a kiss to Dawn's brow.

"Thanks, Nib." He couldn't say more. He'd get choked up, and he'd die before he fell apart in front of Xander.

"You all did this, didn't you?" Buffy asked, turning to face the people crowded into the doorway.

"We all chipped in, but Dawnie was the mastermind." Tara confessed.

"I love you guys. I love Bitty." Dawn admitted.

Buffy nodded her head, tears flowing down her cheeks. She embraced Dawn, stroking her hair as she took in the room.

"I love you, too. I love you so much, Dawn. Thank you."

Dawn heard Bitty's voice in her head, and smiled. "You're welcome, imp."