iJanuary 12th

This is the third night I've awakened to the memory of blood and darkness. Darkness so thick and so enveloping, I felt as if I was choking, drowning under its weight. I know not why these dreams are visiting me. Are they a warning of what's to come? Are they symbolic of the strength and power I feel growing stronger inside my belly everyday? I know there is something special about my child. I have not told Henri. Why? My mind asks me repeatedly. Why keep a secret of this magnitude from the man you loved? I have no answers for my hesitancy. I guess it has to do with the fact, Henri is so worried about Monsieur Jayme and the Council. He doesn't say it, but he wishes I'd never contacted him. I understand his fear. I am afraid too, but I trust Monsieur Jayme. He has always had my best interest at heart, even when I didn't have it myself./i


Trust is a funny thing. Buffy thought, staring still at the file. She knew there was nothing honest or trustworthy about Travers. This was a trap. She knew it. Felt it in her bones, but what if this part of the trap could help Spike. Did she dare refuse it? Was it even her decision to make? Buffy's head rose and she smiled as Spike stared at her, his eyes searching her face. She nodded. She didn't know what she was nodding to, but Spike would know. He pried the file out of her hands, handing it to Giles. He opened his arms, and Buffy walked into them, a sigh on her lips. What to do? What to do? Accept a deal from the devil or trust they could handle this themselves?

"We don't have to use his information, Pet. I don't trust the wanker one bit. I wouldn't be surprised if that bloody thing is a trap." Spike threaded his fingers through her golden locks, marveling at the softness. Everything was soft about her now, except her fiery temper.

"He's not stupid, Spike. He'd die. It's pure and simple as that. He'd die if he betrayed us. I wouldn't hesitate." Buffy told him, her voice icy cold. "Martine trusted the Council and it got her killed. I don't trust Travers. He's after something. More than likely, he wants to… to… to take the baby. I won't let him. You won't let him." She told Spike.

The tick had returned to Spike's cheek. She knew the idea that someone could come and take Bitty was never far from his mind. Buffy wanted to pull him in her arms and comfort him, but there were no words she could say to alleviate his fear or her own.

"But we won't let that happen." She said with a certainty that made Giles smile.

"I know that. He won't get his grubby hands on my Bitty. Not while I'm still standing." He pledged.

"I second Spike's vow, Buffy. I will not let any harm come to your child. I promise you that. With Travers in town, we'll have to move up our plans." Giles told her, standing behind Spike.

"But we don't know have all we need to complete the surgery…" Willow remarked cautiously. You never knew which direction Buffy's moods would swing, and she didn't want to be on the receiving end of a Buffy snap. "Don't hate me, Buffy, but what if Travers is telling the truth, and this isn't a trap? Shouldn't we take a minute to determine if it is or not?" Willow shifted under the steady gazes of the two blondes.

Buffy and Spike pulled their gazes away from Willow and looked at each other. A silent conversation was played out, and a decision was made. Giles had always been amazed at the level of awareness between the two, whether it be in fighting or strategizing, but now, the bond seemed even stronger. "We can wait, Willow. I don't much like putting all our eggs into one basket anyway. We'll give his stuff the once-over, then we can make an intelligent, non-emotional, less mistrustful decision." Spike grinned, and nipped her nose with his blunt teeth. Emotional Buffy was a difficult nut to crack, and he didn't relish the snarky attitude she would bring. Give him Quippy Buffy any day.

"The chip is important, but we have someone else, who's more important to worry about. Take as long as you like, Red. It'll give us a chance to plan our next move, and go to that awful Lamaze class."

Buffy grinned, her straight, even teeth peering out from behind her lips. "Childbirth is a beautiful thing, Spike."

Spike nodded his head, a grin plastered on his face. "Yes, it is, but back in my day, the father waited patiently outside, sipping his cognac, while the mother had the baby." He was glad he had his arms around Buffy because the look she sent him had him afraid for his dangling bits. "Just kidding, luv. Nothing is keeping me out of the delivery room."

"Spike." She warned.

"Bathroom." He reluctantly admitted, though the idea of having their child in the same place they washed demon guts off still grossed him out. But he was a whipped man, and he'd do anything to keep Buffy happy. "I'll be there for the whole thing."

Anya smiled watching as the tension slowly flowed out of Buffy's body. Buffy had Spike to take the edge off. Well, she wanted Giles to do the same for her. She slipped her arm around his waist, needing to reassure herself that everything was still okay between them.

"Are you alright, my dear?" Giles asked, turning slightly to peer down at her.

"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Anya asked, her fingers stroking Giles' side softly.

"Yes. I am. My main concern is you. What he said…" Anya put her hand to her mouth, shushing him.

"He didn't say anything that wasn't the truth. I was engaged to Xander, but I'm not now. I'm with you." She smiled, reaching up on tiptoes to press her lips to Giles'.

"So what do we do now?" Tara asked.

Buffy squeezed Spike tighter, wanting to melt into his skin, but she couldn't. "Hop on the next bus out of town. Hide out at Marie's place until the baby's born." Buffy felt Spike's laughter, and kissed his T-shirt clad chest once before pulling back to answer Tara's question.

"We are going to go have a chat, away from the nosy ears of Mr. Travers and his bunch." Buffy said loudly. "Do you guys mind staying with Dawn until we get back? I know at sixteen, she can take care of herself, but I'd feel better with someone to watch over her."

"We'll do." Willow told her. "You guys go do what heroes do, and we'll be here waiting on you. Maybe, we can order pizza and have movie night at your house."

Spike wrapped his arm around Buffy's shoulders, keeping her close by. He brushed his lips over her temple, and wished he'd taken her and the Bit as far away from here as possible. What he wouldn't give to be back in New Orleans, holding Buffy closely and dancing to the sounds of the night. "That would be nice, Red. We haven't seen you in oh, 8 hours." Willow stuck her tongue out at Spike.

"Dawn, don't go outside by yourself. We don't know what Travers will do, okay?"

Dawn nodded, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "I will. Just take care of each other." She said.

Spike smiled at his best friend, and followed Buffy and Giles to the basement door. "So where are we going?"

"The one place Travers' crew wouldn't be able to bug.... Willy's." Buffy said with a grin. She liked Willy. She really did. When he wasn't being a sniveling little creep out to sell her out at the first chance.

"Willy's it is, then. Spike, you go through the tunnels. I'll drive Buffy over."

"Sounds like a plan. Take care of your Momma, Bitty." Spike's hand caressed Buffy's cheek. She clasped it, their wedding bands clinking softly.

"Be careful, Spike. I love you."

"I know." Spike leaned forward, kissing her. Buffy watched him descend the stairs before turning back to Giles.

"Let's go." Giles recognized the tone. The Slayer was back, and he actually pitied the fool who tried to hurt what was hers.


********************************
Reginald took Travers' briefcase and retreated to the bedrooms, allowing Travers to converse privately with Shackleford and Dewey.

"That went better than planned. I do so love irritating that bunch. Have they said anything since I left?"

Shackleford chuckled. The old man really got off on this stuff. "Nothing pertinent. The Slayer, her husband, and the Watcher left a short while ago. They wanted to discuss things outside of our surveillance."

"Doesn't matter. They'll discover that the plans are quite legitimate and come to me. And when they do, I'll ask them for Jayme's diary as payment for my services."

Dewey scoffed. "You really think they are going to up and hand it to you? This group is nothing, if not suspicious. They won't trust you." Shackleford glared at Dewey. He didn't speak unless spoken to. Travers didn't seem to care and only shook his head.

"Oh, I know full well, they don't trust me, but that's where our young friend comes in. When Warren arrives, he'll be enough of a distraction to them, they'll readily accept my help. They won't have a choice. Spike wants to protect his family, and he can't do it against a human."

It really was fascinating. How was it possible a soulless vampire could exhibit all the signs of humanity? Well, William the Bloody wasn't your conventional vampire. It was better in Travers' mind to dismiss Spike as being a fluke, a one-of-a-kind creature. Giving the vampire too much credit, would go against all the Council's teachings, and that wasn't an option.

Dewey turned back to the recorder, assuming his part in this conversation was over. He rose up, halfway out of his chair, when he saw Xander strolling down the street towards the Magic Box.

"Harris is here. Do you want me to go head him off?"

"No, let Mr. Harris visit his friends. Let's see if he's welcomed back into the fold with open arms." Travers settled back into his chair, his fingers tented in front of him.


**************************************
"Can I just say again how much I hate the Council?" Dawn shouted, plopping down into a chair at the research table. She traced patterns on the table, wondering what she could do to help.

"You can, and I'll second it." Willow stated. "I wish there was something we could do."

"There really isn't anything that can be done until the wretched man makes his move. I thought demons were devious, but Travers takes the prize." Anya stood behind the counter, contemplating her next move. Did she restock and risk getting all sweaty and dirty? Or did she sit primly and wait for Giles' return? If she got sweaty, the possibility of fun in the shower with Giles would be high. But then again, if she sat around and waited patiently, imagining all the things they could be doing, then he wouldn't make it out of the store until tomorrow morning. Hmm. Which one to choose?

"Ah, guys, Anya's got that look on her face again. The one she used to have with Xander. The one where you just know she's thinking about sex. Eww! She's thinking about sex with Giles." Dawn grimaced. She leaned back in her chair. She wasn't as grossed out as she made to be. She actually thought it was pretty cool. The stodgy, English Watcher hooking up with the blunt, assertive vengeance demon. Only in Sunnydale, could you pull something like that off.

Willow rolled her eyes. "She does look happy. Doesn't she?" Willow thumped her head softly against the table. "I'm an awful friend. I should tell Xander. If he finds out, he's going to be crushed, but it'll be worse, when he discovers we all knew and didn't say anything." Tara rubbed her back, consoling her as best she could.

"Willow, what would you have us say to him? Xander hasn't exactly been around us to talk to, and to be honest, he's been plain mean." Tara huffed.

"Yeah, Willow. As much as I love Xander, he isn't my favorite person at the moment." And Dawn hated that, but he couldn't accept Spike. If he couldn't accept Spike, then she couldn't be friends with him. Spike was family. He stayed when everyone else left, including her Dad.

Anya smiled as the endless possibilities for her evening with Giles played out in her head. She decided she could dream about a naked Giles, and still give the appearance of helping with research. Those images would keep her from falling face first into whatever boring thing she was reading.

Anya clapped her hands loudly, strutting purposely over to the table. "Okay, we can't just sit here and dawdle, ladies. Let's hop to it. We need information. We need to find out if this is the real thing." She said, holding up the file. "And we need to have something for Spike and Buffy to think about tonight. Okay? Alright."

Three sets of eyes gazed at her. Each woman was wondering what the hell had happened, and was it contagious.

"Alright, you heard the task master. Let's get to it."

******************************
Xander watched unnoticed as the four women poured over the computer and the papers strewn haphazardly across the table. His heart tightened as he watched Willow laugh and whisper to Tara. As he watched Dawn, lean over and pass a piece of paper to Anya. Anya… She looked beautiful as usual. And he supposed that old adage was true. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. He missed her. He missed them all. He didn't see Giles, Buffy, or Spike, which might have been a blessing. He wasn't ready for another encounter with the Develins, and knew instinctively, that Giles would be on Buffy's side. He'd stated as much a few weeks ago.

Screw up your courage, and go inside.

The door chimed. Anya looked up from her reading, her eyes narrowing to slits at the presence of her ex in her store.

"Hi, guys." Xander stepped down onto the main level. "Gosh, this place looks different."

Anya stood up, the paper in her hand forgotten. "Nothing changed here. Maybe, it's you." She said bluntly.

Xander winced at the pain of that simple statement. He had no defense. "I still care."

"Do you?" Willow asked. The pain in her voice broke Xander's heart. He'd hurt her most of all with his indifference, and she was the one he loved the most.

"I do. I love Buffy. I love all of you." He said, looking at Anya, but she had her back to him. She didn't want to hear what he had to say. She didn't want to hear his protestations of love. He was too late. She'd found someone to love her. Someone who accepted her. She wouldn't go back.

"You have a funny way of showing it, Xander. Why can't you be happy for Spike and Buffy? Why can't you see that he loves us? More than his own life, he loves us." Dawn stood up, and walked over to him. Her face was drawn and her blue eyes teary. "Why can't you love us and accept that Spike's changed?"

Xander reached out to caress her cheek, and the first tear fell. He desperately wanted to tell Dawn that he believed in Spike, but he didn't, and he would be lying if he did. "I'm trying, Dawn. I want to believe he has, but…"

"But nothing, Xander. You either believe that the man who fought beside us is our friend and ally or you don't. You can have your doubts, but this goes much deeper than doubts. Doesn't it?" Tara smiled to soften the brunt of her accusations. She wanted to believe in Xander. She knew he was a good man, but he had to face what the real problem was or he'd never be free of his demon.

"Why are you here, Xander? Progress report?" Anya sneered.

Xander actually smiled at that. He was here to see how things were going. "Actually, yes."

Xander knelt in front of Willow. "I want to help. And maybe, you can help me see what I'm missing." Willow reached out for his hand, and squeezed it tightly.

"If you really want to help, we could use you." She smiled. "Especially with Travers in town. I think he threatened Buffy and Spike, but it was all entwined with innuendoes and other stuff."

"Travers is here. Where are Buffy and Spike now? Does Giles know?" Xander asked.

"Buffy, Giles, and Spike went to Willy's to talk. They figured this place must be under surveillance again since Travers knew about the chip. He brought them an Initiative file on the it." Dawn answered, edging closer to the table. She wasn't willing to just accept Xander back with open arms, but he did seem to be concerned, and they needed all the help they could get.

"Good thing, you ladies have me here to protect you." Xander joked. He could be the court jester. He could bring a smile to their faces, if nothing else.

"Thanks, Xander. I don't know what we'd do without your big, burly muscles to protect us." Willow joked back, throwing her arms around his neck. "I've missed my Xander Panda." She whispered against his hair.

"I've missed you, Willow. All of you."

******************************
Trekking through the tunnels seemed like a great idea at first, but it provided Spike with way too much time to think. And in Spike's opinion, this was one subject he was tired of thinking about. Life was so much simpler when he didn't have all these warring emotions flowing through his body. He was a vampire. He ate people. He bathed in their blood. He had no remorse for the killings he'd committed. Then he decides to come to Sunnydale to bag his third Slayer, simple enough plan. Come to Sunnydale, take out the bint, get Dru healed, and be back on his way on the Murder Express to Hell. But no, he had to fall in love with her. Fall in love with her so deeply, that he'll endure anything to keep her and her merry band of men safe.

Funny thing, he'd only been living his third life for 3 years, and he knew without a doubt, this was the best life of his long history. Loving Buffy had freed him. Loving Buffy had strengthened him, and he could look back on his first life without cringing. Yeah, he was a ponce, and he'd always been love's bitch, but he hadn't been a bad man. Shy, yes. Nerdy, most definitely, but William had a kind soul. And for some reason, Spike had a soul too. It was the small blonde woman who curled around his body each night. It was the brunette in the adjacent room who was his best friend. And it was the tiny being, nestled inside her mother's womb, who would call him Daddy one day.

Spike smiled as he crawled up the manhole into Willy's backroom. He felt her before he saw her.

"Hello, wife."

"Hello, hubby. Nice walk?" Buffy was sitting on a crate, her feet swinging back and forth. She looked so young and happy.

"Yep. Explain to me, why we didn't take my car?" Buffy gasped, having forgotten Spike didn't know about the new dent to his baby.

"Uh, I don't know. I guess I forgot I had the Desoto." She admitted. Just get the car home and in the garage before he sees it.

"Where's Giles?" Spike thought Buffy was acting strangely, but dismissed as being attributed to her fluctuating hormones and Travers.

"Having a shot of bourbon. I think Travers' quip about Anya upset him more than he wanted to admit." Buffy told him, glad to escape an inquisition about his car. She'd tell him later. Much later, after sex. Spike slid between her legs, wrapping his arms around her neck.

"I'm sure Mr. Goody-Two Shoes is full of guilt. That's why I'm glad I'm the Big Bad. I don't feel guilt." Spike said proudly.

"Okay, Daddy. Whatever you say, but I remember someone feeling something close to guilt when he ate all of my Cherry Garcia the other night." Buffy winked.

"That wasn't guilt, Buffy. That was..."

Buffy arched her brow, daring him to tell the biggest lie to come out of his mouth in over a month.

"Fine. I'll leave Rup and Anya alone."

"Thank you. You're the bestest husband in the whole wide world." Buffy flung her arms around his neck and gave him a long, wet kiss for his trouble.

"Why thank you, Mrs. Develin. I do try." He said against her lips. "I meant what I said back at the Box. We don't have to use Travers' file. I trust Rupert and Willow. I know they aren't out to kill me."

Buffy leaned her head back, resting it on Spike's clutched hands. "They'll be glad to hear that. You know it isn't them, I'm worried about. That dream this morning. It was a Slayer dream. Someone we trust is going to betray us. I know it, and while they may not do it intentionally, it's going to happen."

Spike sucked on his bottom, pondering what to say to her. "I trust them. You trust them. Whatever Martine was trying to tell you in that dream, I don't think it's about them."

Buffy's gaze lingered on his bottom lip. She reached out and traced it with her fingers. "Stop playing with your lip or we'll add Willy's to our long list of Sunnydale sex spots."

The idea had merit. Spike thought. He chuckled at the lustful gleam in Buffy's eye. Now was not the time to scratch their various itches. "Come on, Pet. I'll stop enticing you, when you stop trying to seduce me."

"Never." She said cheekily.

"Damn right."

******************************

England

"Get ready. We leave in twenty minutes." The door slammed shut, and Warren was left alone again. A letter had arrived early that day from his captor, telling him of his move. He was going home. Back to Sunnydale. The only thing expected of him was that he finish the job he'd started. They wanted him to kill the Slayer. Terrorize her family and friends. If he did what they wanted, they would make him disappear. The police, the army, no one would be able to touch him. It was only as he sat on his bed, waiting, did he realize what exactly that could mean.

He had to get away from these people. He'd play their game until he got an opportunity to bolt. Then, he was going to hit Mexico, and hide out till they forgot all about him. He didn't care one way or the other whether Buffy and Spike lived. As long as they weren't breathing down his neck, he wished them all the best with the little rugrat they were having. But then again, he figured he owed Buffy a little retribution for ruining his plans. And if she happened to die in the process, well, bully for him.

*******************************
"What do you want to do, Buffy? Spike? It really isn't my decision to make. It's yours." Giles leaned back in his seat and regarded the hand-holding couple across from him. "We all know Travers is after the baby. Be it to prevent her birth or to take her is, in fact, unclear."

Buffy struggled not to collapse into tears. It was very hard to think about this rationally, when every cell in her body was telling her to flee.

You tried that once before with Dawn, and you saw how well that worked. Her mind reminded her.

Spike caressed her hand with his thumb, knowing the war that was being battled within her. Flee or stand and fight.

"Spike?" She asked timidly. "This is your decision. I'll stand behind any decision you make. Chip or no chip won't make me love you any less."

"Well, that's good to know." He quipped. "I want the chip out. If it's not Travers or Warren, then it'll be someone else. I want to be able to protect you. Always, forever." Buffy tugged his hand, and he leaned over to kiss her mouth, lingering slightly before pulling back.

Giles smiled. It was good to see them together, standing firm in their defense of each other and their family. It would make his suggestion easier, he hoped to take. "I think we should use Travers' information if it turns out to be the real thing. If we do, he's going to ask for something in return."

No, not something. Someone in return. Buffy stood up. "I won't allow him to have Bitty. It's bad enough he gets control over me and Faith. I won't allow the same fate to befall my daughter."

"Are you daft?" Spike spat. "Travers has tried to kill Buffy. He wasn't exactly thrilled with her being with Angel. I'm sure he's doing cartwheels about us. Do you really think the Council's opinion on vampire/slayer relations has changed in two hundred years? Do you really think he'll allow us to raise our own child? You're a bloody fool if you do!" Spike joined Buffy in stalking the small room.

Giles pinched the bridge of his nose. He had to remember he was dealing with two individuals, who under the best situations were quick tempered and easily agitated. The added burden and worry for their child would make them ten times worse. "Buffy, please sit down." Giles pointed to the empty chair. Buffy took a deep breath, and sat down, though her crossed arms and tightly clenched jaw showed her agitation.

"Spike? Please." Giles implored. Spike shot him a hard look, but he stopped his stomping to stand behind Buffy. They laced their fingers together and waited with heavy heart for Giles to tell them what he thought.

"I'm not naive enough to believe the Council has changed their stance on relations between slayers and vampires, and no, I don't think Travers has changed his opinion of Buffy. Or me for that matter. He hates us because we don't tow the line, so to speak. Buffy's the first of her kind that's totally disregarded the restrictions and regulations imposed by the Council. She always has. Before Angel, before you, Spike, Buffy was following her own path." He sounded so proud of her, both Spike and Buffy smiled.

"But there is a child now. A child conceived through a prophecy."

"Through love." Buffy told him. "She was conceived through our love for each other. I don't care about her destiny. She's not even born yet, and already there are people deciding her fate."

Giles looked down, unsure of how to proceed.

"I'm not trying to decide her fate. I'm trying to keep her alive and with you." Giles told her hotly. "I love that child, too. She's your daughter, Buffy, which means I love her because she's a part of you. But I also know the Council. The fact Travers made his presence known means he knows about Dawn and Bitty. He knows she will be a powerful force. He wants to control her. I don't want him anywhere near her, but we have to think smartly. Until she obtains her powers, we have to placate the devil to keep her safe. That's all I'm suggesting. Play Travers for the pompous ass he is, while enacting our own agenda."

"You devious bastard." Spike said with a smirk. "Are you suggesting we double cross, Mr. Travers, your boss? I'm so proud of you."

Giles wanted to pop him, but he didn't. He could only smile, and salute him with his glass. "What can I say, Spike. You've rubbed off on me."

Buffy scrunched her nose. "Confused and hungry now. You're not going to let him have her?"

"Buffy, my dear, I'd never let Travers near her. Not even to change her diapers. But we have to have a plan in place. We need to proceed. Do more research. Travers brought this to us now for a reason. We need to figure that reason out. I don't know how much time we have, but nothing is going to happen to you or your baby."

"Oh, Giles, I'm sorry. I didn't..." The chair scraped the floor as she moved to get up. Giles met her halfway and they hugged. "I can't think straight. I love them too much." She offered weakly.

"And we love you. I think we'll discover that those plans are legitimate, but we'll let Travers believe we're still investigating. We'll let Willow handle that part. I'll continue reading Jayme's diary. The man wanted to be forgiven for his sins. He would have made sure there was some way to protect the baby. I just need to dig deeper."

Spike desperately wanted a cigarette, some alcohol, something to take the edge off. "Okay, first, let me get my wife something to eat. French fries and hot sauce, okay?"

Buffy nodded yes. "Then, we're going to plan out the next few days. Travers isn't through pulling our chains yet. We need to be prepared for any eventuality. And Rupert, thanks. I don't say it enough, but thanks for everything. Buffy, Dawn, trusting me with them and other things. I appreciate it."

Spike walked out of the room, leaving Giles stunned into silence, and Buffy beaming with pride.


************************************
It was dark by the time they got back to the Magic Shop. Xander had treated the girls to pizza, and they sat around the research table reading the papers Travers had left. To say, Buffy, Spike, and Giles were surprised by his presence, would have been an understatement of the highest magnitude.

Giles looked quickly at Anya, who smiled from her position by the door. She wanted to drag him to the back and reacquaint herself with his lips, but knew this was neither the time nor the place. And contrary to popular belief, she didn't want to see Xander eviscerated or hurt by her relationship with Giles. He may not have been the man for her, but he did have his good points. Giles forced his legs to carry him away from Anya, and to the young man who'd turned his back on them weeks ago.

"Xander, it's good to see you." Giles said amiably, extending his hand to the brunette.

"Giles, it's good to see you too. Anya told me about Travers' visit. Man, just what we needed."

Giles swore his heart stopped beating for a split second when Xander mentioned Anya. He had no problem with her telling him, but they'd decided to do it together.

"We needed? Does that mean you're back?" Buffy asked from the doorway. What had changed from that morning? Why was Xander acting as if they were all buddy buddy? Why can't I forget that dream and what Martine said? Was Xander the wolf? Should they be worried about him?

Spike sensed her hesitation and rested his hand in the small of her back. He gave her a soft push forward. Buffy looked up at him, her hazel eyes unsure.

"I'm here, Pet. If he's going to do something, he's going to have to get past a whole lot of powerful folks. Don't worry about it." They would need all the help they could get. He knew the whelp wanted him dusty, but he'd die before he let something happen to Dawn or Buffy.

"I would like to help if I can." Xander offered.

"Thanks, Harris. We could use you. Especially with Travers in town." Spike put his body between Buffy and Xander. He couldn't dismiss Buffy's fears entirely, and she was definitely weary around Xander.

"We've got leftover pizza, Buffy. If you guys are hungry?" Dawn suggested, trying to break the tension in the room. Where was that old knife when you needed it?

Buffy smiled. "We ate at Willy's, but bring the box home for later." Dawn giggled at the conspiratorial whisper Buffy used.

"So, what did you guys find out? Anything pertinent?" Buffy asked, getting back to business. Xander assumed Buffy wasn't going to exclude him since she hadn't said anything. It was a small step back into the group, but he'd made it, and he was glad for it.

"Nope. The basic schematics look legit. We compared them with Warren's data, and so far so good." Willow said, hunching her shoulders.

"Good. Good." They would need to wait to later to fill Willow in on the plan. Buffy tried to yawn without Spike noticing, but he did.

Spike tapped Buffy on the shoulder, indicating they should get going. "It's getting late. Why don't we pick this up tomorrow? Buffy needs to get to bed, and the Niblet has homework to do."

Buffy started to protest, but there was no denying this had been a long day. She was ready to get back home and into her robe, and prop her feet up. They hadn't had a chance to discuss Travers' appearance and everything else. They had a lot to think about. Not only the chip and Travers, but the Lamaze classes and the midwife, and everything else that came with being the Slayer. Spike needed to patrol, and... Shoot. To be honest, she wanted Spuffy time.

"Spike's right. We've been gone all day. My feet hurt, and I'm ready to drop. Before we leave, I wanted to thank you all for everything you've done for us. I don't know how I got to be so lucky to have all of you in my life, but I'm more than grateful." Buffy twisted the hem of her shirt between her fingers.

"We're lucky to have you too, Buffy." Tara stated, knowing she spoke for all of them. Buffy blushed under the intense scrutiny.

All this mushiness was starting to chafe Spike uncomfortably. "Okay, enough. Go home. Have a good night." Spike grabbed Buffy's hand and pulled her and Dawn out of the shop.

"So, are you guys leaving or staying?" Xander asked.

"Well, Tara and I are going to go home, but if you want to hang, we can?" Willow gasped eagerly. Out of all of them, she'd enjoyed Xander's presence the most. Though, there was some guilt clouding her day, she didn't let it push out the extreme pleasure she felt in him being there.

"I could come over. Hang with you a bit. If Tara doesn't mind?" Xander knew Tara wasn't happy with him of late, but he hoped he could appeal to her gentle and loving nature. But he knew from experience, she could be quite feisty when it came to Willow and Dawn, and quite surprisingly, Spike.

"Xander," Tara said, exasperated. "Of course, I don't mind. You're welcomed anytime." She walked over to Xander and gave him a quick, but strong hug. "Just don't hurt Willow again." She whispered in his ear.

Xander gulped, hearing the anger and strength behind the threat. "I won't."

"And I'll be here, helping Anya to close." Giles said, picking up the books that had been removed from the selves. "You all have a good evening." Giles looked pointedly at Willow, who got the message to get Xander out of there.

"Anya, you can come with us, if you like? I'm sure Willow and Tara won't mind you hanging out with us." Xander said hopefully.

He looked so innocent. Sort of like a little puppy dog, begging for scraps, but she couldn't do it. "Thanks, Xander, but I can't leave the shop for Giles to lock up. There are things I have to do to help."

Xander's face fell. And a spurt of compassion wove its way into her heart. "But thanks for the offer. Maybe some other time."

It was as if someone had given Xander the key to Fort Knox, the way his face lit up with happiness. "Some other time, then." She didn't say no. She didn't shout. She didn't say never, ever again.

Xander literally skipped out of the shop with his arms around Tara and Willow's shoulder. As soon as they saw the cars pass by the window, Giles opened his arms, and Anya flew into them. She hugged him tightly, breathing in great gulps of his scent.

"I missed you." She gasped against his mouth before she forgot what she was thinking entirely. They clutched at each other's clothing, pulling a part for necessary seconds to catch their breaths. They finally pulled apart, and leaned against each other for support.

"I'm sorry you had to be here with Xander all afternoon." Giles ran a thumb over her kiss-swollen lips.

Anya nipped his thumb with her teeth. "It was okay. He was actually being very nice. Not assholish at all. I just feel... so guilty. He wants to get back together. He wants to be friends. He... doesn't know Giles. I can't go back to that. I don't love him like that anymore." She buried her head in his chest, loving the feel of his hands on her back and her neck.

"We'll tell him soon. I don't like keeping secrets. No good comes of them." No good at all.

*********************************
"If it alright Mr. Travers, I thought I might take a stroll? I have my stakes and holy water." Reginald hoped Travers good mood from this afternoon extended to this evening. He had to phone Olivia and discuss the latest developments.

Travers sipped his brandy, tilting his head to the side to study the young man in front of him. The Smythe-Baileys were practically an institute within the Council. He'd been reluctant at first to take on young Reginald, but he'd shown himself to be quite reliable and even better, adept at keeping his secrets. He had been working the boy rather desperately over the last few months.

"Yes, go. I'll be turning in soon."

"Thank you, sir. I shan't be long. Would you like for me to pick up anything while I'm out?"

"No, thank you. Just go have a few drinks and be careful. I wouldn't want to lose my best assistant to Sunnydale's demon population." Travers joked.

Reginald blanched appropriately and took his leave. He waited till he was certain no one was following him before heading in the direction of the coffee shop.

*********************************
"I'm going to do a quick sweep. I'll be back in about forty-five minutes. Think you can wait up for me?" Spike brushed a fallen lock of hair out of Buffy's face. They were upstairs in their bedroom.

"No, but I'm going to take a power nap. Wake me when you get in. We need to talk."

"Buffy, you need your rest." He said, rolling his eyes at the stubborn glint to hers. Spike took an unneeded breath and sat next to her on the bed.

"I need you. And you need me. And we need to talk. We haven't had a moment alone since we left this morning. I want to know what you're thinking. I know there's stuff you won't discuss with Giles around. And there is stuff I want to say to you." She explained.

"Alright, I'll wake you. I won't be long." Spike grabbed her face, pressing his lips firmly to hers. "Save me some pizza."

Buffy giggled. "I will mention that to your daughter but you know how she gets around the stuff. It's a free-for-all."

Spike knelt and placed his hand over her stomach, searching for the baby's heart beat. When he felt it, thrumming steadily under his palm, he bent down and whispered. "Don't let you Mom eat all the pizza. Daddy has to eat too."

Buffy stroked his hair, smiling as he stood up. "See you in a few."

"Bye, Spike." Buffy heard Dawn say from the hallway. She poked her head in the door. "Going to sleep."

"Not yet. I told Spike I would, but I don't think I can. Too wired about Travers and Xander." Buffy scooted over, and Dawn climbed on the bed with her.

"What about Xander? He seemed semi-normal today, except for the whole Anya-fixation thing. Other than that, it was almost like old times." Dawn twisted till her feet were at Spike's pillow, and giggled when she realized he'd smell them when he went to sleep.

Buffy ran her fingers through her darkening hair. "I don't know. It's just this feeling. I had a dream earlier. Martine told me to beware the wolf in sheep's clothing. I'd forgotten the dream till Xander showed up at the door, and I was... afraid to be alone with him." Buffy admitted sheepishly.

Dawn snorted and laughed so hard, she nearly fell off the bed. "Xander. He's relatively harmless, except for the whole hating Spike vibe. I don't think he'd do anything against you. You're the Slayer, Buffy."

"I'm also seven months pregnant, and I can't raise my leg above my waist anymore. I used to be limber and flexible." She pouted.

"Whoa. You're starting to head into sexcapade territory, and I'd just as soon skip Sex Ed tonight." Dawn caught the pillow Buffy flung at her.

"Dawn, be serious." She wasn't thinking about sex, but now she was, and damn it, where was Spike when she needed him? "I don't want to believe it's Xander. I can't see it being any of you, but we have to be prepared, okay?"

Dawn sat up, a idea coming to her. "Do you think she meant Spike and the chip removal?"

Buffy eased back. She hadn't even considered that. Did Martine mean Spike? No, Martine told her to trust the ones she loved, and she trusted Spike and Dawn above everyone else. God, this was too hard.

"No, Dawn. It isn't Spike? I know that. It's Xander. It has to be. I don't know how or why, but he will betray us." Dawn crawled over to Buffy, and the sisters huddled on the bed. "I want to be wrong, Dawn. God, I want to be wrong."

Dawn held Buffy as she fell asleep. She sat there, and concentrated, hoping to contact her niece. "Bitty, I need you. I need you to tell me if it is Xander."

Dawn felt the air shift like the last time Bitty talked to her. She opened her eyes, scanning the room for the floating ball of energy, but there was nothing. She felt a whisper against her cheek. "I don't know, Auntie Dawn. You must be ready when the time comes. You must be ready to take care of me and Mommy." The wispy voice faded away, leaving Dawn alone with the sounds of Buffy's light snoring.


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A/N: This will be the last update for at least 2 weeks. I'm burned out. I need a break, and RL is getting pretty hectic too. I've decided this story isn't nearly finished. There will be more chapters. I know some of you are anxious for the birth, and it will happen. Will that be the end of their story? I honestly don't know. I hope you stick around to see the end of the Prophecy. I promise you won't be disappointed. I will see you all in a couple of weeks. Thanks for your continued support. You're the best.

W