A/N: Thank you for sticking with me!! I needed this break so badly. I hope you like this chapter. Sorry to say, Willow isn't it in, but everyone else is. This chapter is the start-up point for the drama that is to come. Enjoy!!
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The clouds parted and the lights from the city below twinkled like thousands of Christmas lights in the distance. Warren stared out the window with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. When the door to his cage had opened, he'd expected to find a bullet with his name on it, waiting for him. He had been gratefully disappointed. He didn't dare breath a sigh of relief until the plane was up in the air, and the place of his imprisonment was in his rearview mirror. Now, he could give into the relief he felt. He could feed his need for revenge against Buffy and her friends. He could imagine driving up to the Summers' home, knocking on the door, killing the first person who answered it. He could imagine the anguish Buffy would feel, knowing that she'd caused the death of one of her friends. He would pick them off one by one, saving those Buffy cared the most about for last. And when Spike and Dawn were cold and dead, or dust in Spike's case, he would leave. He would leave her alone and devastated. The same way she'd left him after Katrina left. The same way she'd left him after the Army debacle. She would know the pain he felt, and he would be content to live the rest of his life in exile. Because really… a destroyed Buffy was the best.
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Reginald scanned the people at the other tables, checking them out carefully. He couldn't risk his conversation being overheard by one of Travers' operatives. He knew he was being paranoid, but one could never be too careful around the likes of Shackelford and Travers. He hoped they would be too preoccupied ensuring Warren's return to Sunnydale to worry about him. He hoped. Giving the café one last sweep, Reginald pulled out his phone. He dialed Olivia's number, knowing that she'd be on her way to work soon.
"Reginald. It's good to hear from you. I was beginning to worry." Olivia's crisp tone floated over the miles.
"Yes, well, Travers has kept me very busy since we arrived. He had me transcribing and researching the Council's archives for information on the computer chip placed into Spike's head." Reginald held the phone with one hand, and reached out for his coffee with the other.
Olivia drummed her fingers on the countertop in her kitchen. "Has he made contact with Giles and Buffy yet?"
"Yes, we visited them today. Visit wasn't the word for it. It was more like an ambush.
"I'll have to call Giles later to ask him what happened. Is there anything else?"
"Travers is planning on taking the baby and raising her himself. He believes he can control her power by substituting himself in place of her parents." The thought of Quentin Travers raising an innocent was enough to chill the blood in his veins. "He plans on doing a ritual with the blood of the Key to unlock her powers."
Olivia's heart stopped for a moment, and the worse feeling she'd ever experienced settled in the pit of her stomach. "Oh, my god. He is insane. He has no idea what will happen if he draws the Key's blood. We still don't know the extent of her powers."
"He's corrupt and power-hungry. This is no longer about preserving the balance. This is about tipping the scales in his favor." Reginald shuddered to think what the other side would do if one man possessed such power. Would a war be declared between good and evil? He mustn't forget the child and her parents. Buffy was only 7 months along in her term. Would she lose the baby and her life trying to protect her family and friends from Travers and Shackleford?
"Travers is willing to risk the child's life to possess her power. We have to warn Giles and the Slayer. They must be prepared."
Olivia shook her head. "No, we can't warn them. We won't have to. Rupert isn't stupid. I'm sure he's already deduced what Travers has planned. He'll take the necessary precautions, and don't underestimate Buffy and her husband. They've dealt with a hell god. They can deal with Quentin." She hoped.
"But… they don't know about the other man who's been working with their friend. They don't know all that has gone all. All that Travers knows." He yelled into the phone. His raised voice caused a number of people to turn and look in his direction. He merely turned his body away and towards the window. "Olivia, Travers is planning something big. If you're worried about my cover, fine, I won't approach Giles, but you need to warn him. Please, I beg of you."
"I'll tell him to be careful, but we can't risk Giles doing anything that might give Travers any reason to suspect his plans have been discovered. I will talk to the Committee about sending some reinforcements to you. That's all I can do. Let me make a few calls, update the members on the latest." With that she rang off.
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The small coffee table was a nice addition to the crypt, if Clem said so himself. The place was slowly, but surely, taking on his personality. He hoped Spike didn't mind. His place wasn't nearly as nice or as close by Spike's.
Spike whistled as he walked the familiar path to his…er… Clem's crypt. Might as well call it that. He was never going back. He had a home now. Buffy was home. Buffy and Dawn and Bitty. Wherever they were that was home to him. If not for the fact Travers was running around loose, he might have enjoyed taunting the fledglings sneaking up behind him. He really didn't have time to play. He wanted to drop in on Clem, and pick up whatever he had for Buffy, and head home. Okay, he wanted to stop in at the Java Hut and pick up some of that Hazelnut Coffee ice cream they sold. But he was heading home after that.
Didn't these young ones ever learn? Couldn't they sense a Master Vamp? When he'd been turned, he could smell Darla and Angelus a mile away. Now, that could have been the stench of their lovemaking, but Spike figured he wouldn't questioned it. It wasn't as if he cared where they were or what they were doing. As long as they left him and Dru alone, he was happy. Things definitely changed once he hit Sunnydale. He thought with a smile.
The rustle of leaves brought him back to the situation at hand. The lack of proper training for minions and fledglings. He wondered who in their right mind would sire these dopes. Didn't anyone take pride in their work anymore? He shouldn't judge. It wasn't as if they had much of a chance to understand their new abilities and heightened senses with Buffy around. She wasn't one for allowing too many fledglings to rise on her watch. He casually reached inside his inner pocket and palmed Mr. Pointy. He knew Buffy loved him when she allowed him to take it out on patrol.
A few more steps. That's it. Come a little closer, you wanker. That's right. A poor, defenseless man walking through the cemetery, just waiting to be your dinner. That's right, mate. A little closer. The fledglings never knew what hit them. Spike swung both arms out, striking the bumbling duo. He walked away from the dust cloud, and knocked on the door.
Clem stood up quickly, the gift bag and ribbon that had been in his lap, now lying at his feet. Spike quirked his eyebrow, and smiled.
"Did I catch you at a bad time?" He teased.
Clem hurried to pick up the items. "No, I was just finishing up. Everything okay out there?" He asked timidly.
"Yeah. All the nasties are accounted for. I'll be calling it a night as soon as I check downtown." Spike told him, strolling over to the refrigerator. Grimacing at the collection of "snacks" inside, Spike pulled a bottle of O neg out the back. Twisting the top off, he took a long drink, smacking his lips appreciatively.
"So, what do you have for my missus? And it better not be anything to tempt her away from me."
Clem's folds turned a pretty shade of red. "Ah, Spike. You know Buffy doesn't look at me like that. Even if she did, the folds would be too much for her. There are few women who can handle them. You know what I mean?"
Spike's chest hurt with the effort not to burst out laughing, but he had no desire to hurt his friend's feelings. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Us good-looking ones do have to worry about our effect on the ladies."
"I knew you'd understand." Clem grinned. "But here's the stuff for Buffy. I was telling my mother about the two of you, and she thought you could use some stuff from when I was a kid. It's not much." He handed the decorated bag to Spike.
"Clem, thanks. I know Buffy will be in tears by the time she opens it, so I'll say thanks for her."
Clem shuffled his feet, embarrassed. "You're my best friend, Spike. And Buffy is a terrific gal, especially now. Before the baby, everybody was kinda afraid of her because of the whole Slayer/demon thing, but now, we all think she's the coolest. How many slayers have hooked up with a demon? A vamp, no less. She'll always have a place in my heart. And, I'm trying to get in good for babysitting duty." He winked.
Spike thought about his precious baby girl in Clem's claws and smiled. He would gladly entrust her to him. "Yeah, well, don't be surprised if we're a little selfish with the tot for oh, a couple of years."
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Giles pulled his glasses off, and watched Anya. She'd been standing at the front window since she locked the door. He wondered what she saw outside that fascinated her so.
"I want to tell Xander soon about us. I need to. We need to. Don't you think?" Anya asked, her back to him.
"Yes. I..." He stammered. "I must admit I was a bit jealous of the way he looked at you. Jealous and guilty all at the same time."
Anya turned and smiled briefly. "It was a very confusing evening. I'm no longer angry about our relationship. The hurt is still there, but it's easing. I think that's because of you, and because I understand what he was feeling." Anya descended the short flight of stairs to the main floor of the store. Her heels clicked on the tiled floor as she strode over to the table.
"Xander has so much anger and hurt inside. It's like a tumor. It keeps growing and growing, sometimes receding, but there nevertheless. And it's hurting him. Is that the correct analogy?" She asked, looking over at Giles.
Giles pulled his glasses off, rubbing them with his handkerchief. "Yes, it is the appropriate analogy. Buffy and Xander are alike in that sense, except Buffy faced her demons and is finally happy. Xander hasn't, and they shadow every part of his life."
"You mean, Buffy's daddy issues or her Angel issues?"
"Both. Buffy is a product of her experiences, those with her father and those with Angel. They helped to shape the woman she became, but they also prevented her from finding happiness. She's found all that she was looking for in Spike." Giles admitted reluctantly.
"And in you, Rupert. You are her father. You gave her the guidance and strength she needed. Don't sell yourself short, my love." Anya placed her keys on the counter, and wrapped her arms around Giles' neck. "You're a pretty terrific man, Rupert Giles. Don't you go forgetting it."
Giles bent his head slightly, rubbing his forehead in Anya's hair. "Thank you. I thought I'd failed her when she got pregnant, but she is happy and settled. I will work to ensure she stays that way. I just wished I could do the same for Xander. But I fear when he learns of our relationship, he will ...."
"Lose it." Anya finished.
"Yes," Giles chuckled without mirth. "He'll lose it. And I don't know what he'll do."
Anya sighed and tightened her grip around his waist. "Which is why we'll tell him soon. I don't want him to think we fell in love to hurt him. That I jumped you to hurt him."
Giles cupped her face, pulling her chin up. Making sure her eyes were on him, he kissed her lips softly. "You wouldn't do that, Anya. I believe you wouldn't use your heart to hurt him. I saw with my own eyes how much you cared for Xander. You couldn't hurt him, not deliberately, if you tried." He smiled and stroked his thumb across her lips.
Anya returned his smile. "Thank you. Thank you for believing in me."
"My pleasure, Anya. My pleasure."
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The Magic Box wasn't far from the Java Hut. He could slip down a back alley, and be there in no time. You could also be a snack for any demon waiting for a not-so-sharp fellow to wander into the shadows. Reginald grumbled at his ineptness. He hated not being able to do more to help the Slayer and her husband. He would do all he could, but he wanted to do more. He wanted to take Travers and his cronies down, and restore the Council to its original purpose.
Reginald looked up and nearly dropped his coffee. This was either his good-fortune or a test. Either way, he wasn't going to look a gifted horse in the mouth.
Spike stood in line, listening to the inane chatter of two of Sunnydale U's finest. Goodness, he couldn't believe Buffy had gone to that school, and liked it. The women in front of him sounded as if they'd been dropped on their heads as babies. How they actually made it to college was beyond him. Who did the testing these days?
Reginald considered his options. He knew any direct contact might not be appreciated or welcomed at this point. All their files on William the Bloody indicated his quick-temper and penchant for hit first, ask questions later approach to life. The chip would protect him, but who would protect him if Travers ever found out. And there was no doubt in Reginald's mind that he would.
"Yeah, let me have a 2 pints of Hazelnut Coffee." Spike told the guy behind the counter. He almost asked for a shot of the liqueur for himself after being tortured by the conversation in front of him.
"Sure thing. $8.58, please."
Spike handed the man a ten, and waited for his change. Reginald eased out of his chair and closer to the counter, keeping Spike in his periphery, and his eyes on the exit. He wanted to time this so they met at the door.
"Thanks, mate." Spike shuffled the bags in his hands as he headed for the door. He didn't see Reginald until they bumped into each other. Spike's eyes glowed yellow as he realized who had jostled him.
"I wasn't following you. I was here already when you came in." Reginald rushed out.
"Bugger off! Tell Travers to get out of town before my leash comes off. He'll be the first person I visit." Spike threatened. He didn't care one iota if this went against their plan. He wanted everything to be clear and out in the open. Touch his family and die. Simple as that.
"Take care of your wife, Mr. Spike. It really is my desire to see your family together." Reginald pushed past Spike, not giving him a chance to rebuttal his assertion.
Spike stared after the young man, watching as he rushed down the street. What had he meant by that? Why say it? It was probably some trick to get him to follow the man, leaving Buffy and Dawn vulnerable. Pushing aside the young man's earnest appearance and words, Spike headed for home.
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The phone rang, jarring Buffy awake. She looked around the room for Dawn, but she'd obviously gone back to her room. Buffy rolled over and grabbed the phone.
"Hello?"
"Ma chere, did I wake you?"
Buffy grinned and sat up. "Françoise, no, yes, I was asleep, but... I'm so glad to hear from you. How have you been? And Marie? Is she doing well?"
Françoise chuckled. "Mama is doing quite well. She sends her love. She's ready for your return. She says it been dull since you and Spike left."
Buffy snickered. "Tell her not to tempt us. We almost packed the car up and drove there."
Françoise's smile dimmed a little. "Is everything okay, Buffy? It isn't the baby is it?"
Buffy's hand slid along her burgeoning belly, stroking her little bundle. "No, the baby is fine. I'm fine. Spike is fine. We have visitors who apparently want to kidnap our child, take her from us. And a friend who I'm not sure is my friend or foe. Other than that, everything is great."
Françoise pushed the magazines to the floor, and settled down in the oversized chair under the stairs. "Buffy, if you want to come here until the babe is born. You are welcome to stay with us. I would love to spoil you rotten and that precious, little girl of yours."
Buffy grinned. "I know. And it's so tempting, but I can't. If I… If we don't stop these people now, we'll never be free. They continued to stalk her and us for the rest of our lives. I can't allow that to happen. No, Spike and I will handle it. We have people who'll help us, who love us. But thank you."
"You're welcome. Were the diaries helpful?" Françoise inquired.
"Yes, they were. Spike and I have read up to the time of Martine's death, so that's been a little hard to take. But Jayme's diary gave us the information we needed to protect Bitty. Thank you for keeping them safe for us."
"Even if you were not the Slayer, I would want the best for you. You are an amazing, young woman. Don't you know your relationship with Spike is the stuff of romance novels. You've overcome so much. You deserve to be happy."
Buffy blinked back tears. "Thank you, Françoise."
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Shackleford stared impassively out the window as the Town Car pulled into the drive. A house had been rented solely for Warren's use. There was no way they could bring him into town without someone recognizing him. He wondered if Warren knew just how popular he was. The local police and the army hadn't forgotten his little stunt or the murder. Oops, guess he should have told him about the murder charge. Oh, well. He would find out when they finally cut him loose and the police snatched him up for the crime. Of course, if they shot him, it would solve all their problems.
The door to the car opened. Two operatives came out, followed by Warren. Shackleford flicked the cigarette out into the yard, and waited. Warren popped out the back, and looked around. His eyes landed on Shackleford, and it took everything not to dive back in the car and lock the doors.
Shackleford grinned menacingly as the young man flinched. Good, he remembered him. That would save time later. He wouldn't have to remind him of what would happen if Travers' orders were not followed. Hell, who was he kidding? He was still going to refresh Warren's memory. Just for the fun of it. Just because he could. He'd been cooped up in this one red-light town for too long. He needed a bit of violence to relax him.
"Hello, Warren. Hope your trip was pleasant."
Though the sentiment was nice, Warren wasn't fooled by the platitude. He could feel the venom in the words, and knew that underneath them was a reminder of the pain this man could inflict on him. Warren lowered his head, hoping the man didn't see the fear in his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to kill this man, torture him the way he'd tortured him.
"Yes, it was. It's good to be home. Especially since it means, I get to resume my plans to kill Buffy and Spike."
"Not exactly. You can kill the vampire and all of the Slayer's friends, but no harm must come to her or her sister. She must not be harmed. If she is or if she loses her child, you will be killed. You will die. Do I make myself clear?"
Warren gulped. "Very."
"Good. The house has been stocked with everything you'll need to survive. Anything else you need just let Mike know. He's here to keep you in line. Oh, and don't think he won't kill you. He has orders to dump your body in the river if you so much as breathe heavily on Buffy Summers."
"I understand. Hurt and maim her friends, but leave her alone. You can count on her being alone. There won't be anyone left to love her once I'm finished. Well, except her sister, and you didn't say I couldn't play with her."
Shackleford reached out quickly, encircling Warren's throat with his hand. He squeezed till Warren's entire face turned blotchy red. "You lay one perverted hand on the kid, and I'll remove it personally. She's to be left unharmed. You try anything and I'll take you apart, inch by inch. Do we understand each other?"
Warren clawed at the vise grip, nodding his head around the thick fist. "Y…ye..yes." He finally spat out when Shackleford released him suddenly.
"Let's go." With that Shackleford stalked out of the house, chuckling to himself. He was sure Warren pissed his shorts after that little reminder. It was times like these, he really enjoyed his job.
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Buffy held the small statuette up to the light, peering at the rose-colored crystals hanging from the tree like object.
"Did he say what this was?" She asked. Spike shook his head, scooping the ice cream on top of Buffy's waffles. "What it's supposed to do?"
"Thank would be a big, fat no to both questions. He just handed me the bag and said it was stuff that his mother had when he was a kid. To be honest, I wasn't sure I wanted to know. You know?" Spike stuck the spoon in his mouth and returned the melting pint to the freezer. Buffy sighed at the sight of the spoon hanging from his mouth. Lord, she did love that mouth, and that tongue, and she instantly resented that spoon. That should be her lips and tongue, not some cold metallic piece of silverware.
"What?" Spike said, bending down to stare into his wife's hazel eyes.
Buffy placed her hands on either side of his face. "Nothing. The spoon was pissing me off. Keeping me from my rightful place." She teased.
"Oh, is that all. Well, you should know, Mrs. Develin." He said licking his lips. "Nothing and no one compares to your luscious lips." Buffy's grin was lost in the press of his lips against hers. Breakfast was quickly forgotten as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him flush against her belly.
"Dear god, don't you two ever turn your libidos off?" Giles asked from the doorway.
Spike cursed and took a deep breath. He couldn't move yet, so he merely rested his head against on Buffy's shoulder.
"Hi, Giles." Buffy waved over Spike's back.
Spike pulled away reluctantly. He loved the warmth of Buffy's body pressed against his. He could feel his baby growing and existing, and it filled him with so much love, more than he thought possible for Buffy. She was carrying his child, his seed, and it amazed and awed him.
"Giles. Why are you here?" Spike grumbled.
"Obviously, I'm here to make sure you and Buffy never have sex again." Giles retorted back. The stricken looks on both Buffy and Spike's faces had him grinning widely.
"Did you just make a funny?" Buffy asked, impressed. "Anya must really be rubbing off on you." Buffy's eyes widened when she saw Spike grin.
"I bet she is. How's that going old chap? Everything in working condition after being out of use for so long?"
"We're English, Spike. You should know we're always up for a task."
The fork in Buffy's hand clattered to the floor. No, it wasn't possible she just heard what she thought she heard. Her husband and her father were not trading sexual innuendoes. It wasn't possible. She was on a caffeine high from the coffee ice cream.
"Did you find out anything new since last night about the spell or the chip?" Buffy asked wanting, no needing desperately to move this conversation away from the sex life of one Rupert Giles.
"Nothing yet. I talked to Tara and she's going to go over Jayme's diary for me again. Maybe, I'm missing something. There has to be more information in there than what I'm seeing. She can provide a fresh perspective, and she got a vibe from the parchment." Giles accepted the cup of coffee Spike offered, sipping the brew slowly.
"What could we have missed? Everything Jayme wanted us to know, we know. He directed us to the Prophecy. He told us of the ritual between Dawn and Bitty. What more could there be? And why can't we find it?" Buffy asked, lowering her eyes to the ground. She wrapped both hands around her belly. The truth was out there. Mulder said so. Why was it being difficult in revealing itself?
Spike stroked her bowed head. "When I was on patrol last night, I ran into Travers' little henchman, Mr. Smythe-Bailey. He was at the Java Hut. He said he wasn't following me, but I don't know. It felt like a set-up."
Buffy frowned. "Why didn't you tell me that last night?"
Spike rolled his eyes. "When would have been a good time, luv? Before you starting bawling about Françoise or after we made love and you fell asleep?"
"And that will stay with me the entire day." Giles quipped. He leaned against the refrigerator, watching the married duo stare each other, quite unsuccessfully, down.
"What exactly did he say, Spike?" Buffy asked.
"He said he wanted me to take care of you, and that he really wished the best for our family. Or something similar to that. I just wanted to get home. I panicked, wondering if Travers was here, coming to get you and the Bit." Buffy reached out and traced a finger down his cheek.
"I understand."
"The Smythe-Baileys have been Watchers for ages. There has been a Smythe-Bailey on the Council for at least a century. Maybe, this young man can be persuaded to help us. I'll have to ask Olivia what she knows about him." Giles checked his watch, wincing at the time.
"I must be off, Buffy. I'll speak to you after your class tonight. Dawn knows to come straight to the Magic Box after school. Correct?"
Buffy slid down off the stool and walked with Giles to the front door. "Yes, she does. Tara is going to bring her home and get dinner started for us. I feel so inadequate. I can't even cook a decent meal for my family."
Giles squeezed Buffy's shoulder. "You do enough. These last few months, you need to take it easy. Relax and let us take care of you. I know Spike and Dawn don't mind, and neither do the rest of us. So, chill, as they say." He kissed Buffy's brow. "I'll see you tonight. Goodbye, Spike."
"Bye, Rupes."
"Bye, Giles."
Buffy felt Spike's hands wrap around her belly, and his cold breath at her ear. "Where were we, Mrs. Develin?"
"I think I was here." Buffy said slyly, dragging her finger across Spike's lip.
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"Where are we with our young killer?" Travers inquired over his morning tea.
"Mike said he asked for some personal items of the Slayer, things from her home and wedding. Mike is waiting for them to leave for the day. They have a Lamaze class at 4. After that, they'll be at the Magic Box till tonight."
Travers chuckled. "Did Warren say what he wanted with the items?"
"No, but he knows not to do anything to harm the Slayer or her sister. I made it very clear to him."
"Excellent. Now, we have to wait for Giles and his young charges to investigate the chip schematics. I've contacted one of our doctors. He believes we will be able to perform the surgery without danger to the child. The pediatrician has given the okay for travel. It should take us less than a day to put a continent or two between the Develins and their child. I would like to leave the Key here. I don't relish having to deal with her and the Slayer. We don't know what untapped power that child has. You'll take care of her when the time comes."
Shackleford nodded his head. There was no need for him to say anything. Travers knew he would do what was necessary to complete this mission.
"Now, we need to get the ball rolling. Have Dewey start preparing young Mr. Harris for his surprise. I want him good and irrational when the time comes to make our move. I'm sure Rupert is planning some counter mission to thwart me. Those goody-two-shoe types always are. Mr. Harris will come in handy once the time comes."
"Yes, sir."
There was a knock at the door. Shackleford went to open it. Reginald stood outside, his hands clutching some papers. He took a look at Shackleford and shuddered appropriately. He was neither intimidated nor afraid of Shackleford, but they couldn't know that.
"These came through on the fax." He said approaching Travers. Travers took the papers and perused them. An evil smile flittered across his face.
"Perfect. My associates have given the go-ahead for the seizure. I will soon be the proud parent of a beautiful, baby girl."
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Tara stared at the journal in front of her. She felt the conflict of the various emotions of its owner rolling off it in waves. She felt sadness and regret. Hope and love. Charles Jayme wasn't an evil man. He was just a man, given a tremendous responsibility. He did the best he could with what he knew. The knowledge that he'd played a hand in the murder of an innocent was a terrible burden he carried until the last day of his life. She hoped he found the peace that had eluded him in life, in death.
Giles had bookmarked the pages that contained the discussion of the Prophecy and the ritual. She understood what Giles wanted from her, and truthfully, she'd felt useless so far. Buffy and Spike were her friends, and she cared deeply for them. She loved Dawn like a sister. They had accepted her love for Willow and brought her into their family.
Tara opened the heavy volume, reverently turning the pages. Her hand hummed and she stopped to read the page that felt so warm between her fingers.
~~May 20th~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Martine sleeps. Finally. The nightmares have plagued her for months, but these last few nights have been the worst. She sees her death. She sees blood and hears her voice screaming to God, to a man, to save her. She wakes up and her body is drenched in sweat, but she shivers from the cold. I am very concerned. Is she having a Slayer dream or is she reliving the terror of the murder of her loved ones?
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Martine foresaw her death. She just didn't realize it. Tara mused. She continued through the book till she felt the warmth again. Martine or Charles Jayme was trying to communicate with her. She wondered if Giles had felt the same energy, but dismissed it. She didn't know, but she wouldn't dwell on it. The book wanted to show her certain things, and she believed it would lead her to what they were missing.
~~ December 25th~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is Christmas. I spend it alone in my small room. It is at times like these I miss the youth and vitality of Martine. Our last Christmas together... Had it been a year since she strung garland around the small fireplace? Had it been a year since she managed, somehow, to obtain this lovely new quill and journal for me? I wonder if she and Henri are celebrating this holy day. I wonder if Henri has brought a tree and garland into their home. I am smiling because I know this is so. Martine would want all the trappings of Christmas, even though, she will most likely kill some creatures tonight. She will want to pretend she is normal. She is far from it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tara ran her hand over the pages. Martine was probably in her seventh or eighth month. She most definitely wasn't thinking about killing. More than likely, she was daydreaming about her child. Martine was dreaming of life, and Jayme of death. No wonder he couldn't see the truth of her love for Henri.
Tara shook her head at the futility that was violence. It never solved anything. Only brought on more pain and suffering. A glance at her watch told her that Dawn would be getting out of school soon. She had better go if she wanted to meet her there. Tara shoved the book into her book bag. She slung her it over her shoulder and climbed down the ladder. She levitated the ladder up into the hole and replaced the glamour spell over it.
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Dawn slammed her locker closed, and shrieked.
"Xander, what are you trying to do? Give me gray hairs at 16." She held her hand over her rapidly thudding chest.
"No, sorry. Just thought I'd stop by and drive you to the Magic Box. I was... on my way to get something to eat from Doublemeat."
Dawn arched her eyebrow, giving him her best impression of a lie detector. "Xander... were you by chance hoping to drive me to the shop and bump into Anya?" She smiled, thinking it sweet he'd go through all that trouble for Anya.
Oh, but he thinks Anya's interested or at least, that she's forgiven him. Man, this sucks. I love all of them, yet, Xander's going to get hurt, badly.
"She might not be there and you would have wasted a trip." She quickly commented, hoping to steer him clear of the shop and the lovebirds running it.
Xander grabbed her books, and flung his arm around her shoulders. "Don't be ridiculous, Dawnie. There's no way Anya would leave the shop during the afterschool hours. Those are some of her best selling times. C'mon. I'll treat you to an milkshake at DMP."
On the one hand, Dawn felt really bad about the whole menage d' trois that wasn't going on, and on the other, she really liked chocolate shakes.
"Okay, deal. Let's go."
Dawn allowed Xander to guide her to the car. She pulled up short as she remembered Buffy's sleepy warning from last night. Buffy believed Xander would betray them. No, Buffy knew Xander was going to betray them. Would the whole Ganya thing be the reason? Did he need one? He hated Spike. He hated the chip. He hated demons in general.
Dawn nibbled her bottom lip throughout the drive to DMP and to the Magic Box.
"You're quiet, Dawnie. What's on your mind? Is it me?" Xander asked, concerned.
Dawn nearly dropped her shake, but kept her composure. "Why would you say that, Xander? I didn't say it was you."
Xander shrugged as he stopped at a light. He turned slightly. "Well, I haven't exactly been the best friend in the world. I don't like your brother-in-law all that much. I've threatened to stake him. You know, the usual stuff." He said sheepishly.
Dawn grinned, her eyes rolling at the truthfulness of his statement. "I don't hate you Xander. I don't agree with what you believe about Spike. It doesn't mean I don't love you. We can be friends as long as you keep the Spike rant to a minimum."
Xander saw the opposite light changing to yellow, and quickly reached out his hand. "I promise to stick to chocolate milkshakes, DMP combos, the latest boy band of your desire, and card tricks. Deal?"
Dawn shook his hand, trying desperately to believe in him. "Deal."
***************************
Buffy and Spike looked out over the sea of bodies and shuddered. It was like nothing they'd ever seen before, and they were sure they would be scarred from the experience. A creature approached them, her eyes wide and her arms stretched out even wider. Buffy clutched Spike's hand like a lifeline, fearful. She knew if she let go or loosened her grip, they'd be separated.
The creature stopped in front of them, her teeth bared.
"Hi, I'm Nancy. I'm going to be your Lamaze instructor. You must be the Develins." She grinned, perkily, and Buffy inwardly grimaced. Two months of this chick. She would be homicidal by the time the baby was born.
"Come on in. You're a little late to our class, but we heard you were in the hospital for a weeks, then you two got married, and...." She mumbled on.
Spike tilted his head, and whispered low. "I'll snap its head off. You make a dash for the car."
Buffy giggled, and turned to give him her not-quite stern look. Spike merely arched his brow.
"Stop it. We have to do this or they won't let us have the baby at home. You're the one who insisted on the RN midwife, so chill."
Buffy heard what could only be a snarl, but William continued after the petite red head. She handed them each a pillow, and instructed them to take their places on the mat. Buffy asked if they could move to the other side because of Spike's sun allergy. Nancy twinkled her nose, and went over to ask another couple to switch with them. That settled. They settled onto their mat.
"We have a new couple with us, William and Buffy Develin."
Spike and Buffy nodded to the couples surrounding them. "This is their first, so they are in our new parents' group. Those of you who are also newbies make them feel welcome."
"We're in a bloody Stepford class." Spike grumbled.
"Okay, to start off with we're going to watch the birthing video. We like to get things started with the end result to all of the hard work." Nancy said, pressing play on the TV/VCR combo. "To preface, this woman is in the final stages of labor. She's dilated to 1 cm."
Spike moved till he was sitting behind Buffy. She snuggled back against his chest to watch the video. This was the good part. They would see the labor. See what they had to do, then they could sit back and imagine how their little sweetie would look. Books just can't prepare you for the actual process. Buffy mused as the video cued up.
15 minutes later....
"Oh, my god. We're never going to be able to have sex again." Buffy gasped, shocked and dismayed.
"How can you think about sex after that, Pet? Did you see that stuff coming out of her? It wasn't just blood, it was stuff... Gross stuff. I feel nauseous." Spike shuddered and wiped his hands over his face trying to obliterate the image of all of it.
"You bathed in blood with Druscilla for a hundred years, and you can't take a little placenta for our child?" Buffy's lip trembled and her eyes watered.
"This so has nothing to do with Dru, and I'll want to have sex with you when you're old and gray."
"Really? You aren't concerned about the stretching and stuff. A baby-sized watermelon is going to come through there." She said pointing under her belly. "Sex won't be the same."
"If you're there, it will be. I love you." Spike took her chin and lifted it to his lips. "I love you, Buffy, but that other stuff. Oh, bloody hell!"
****************************
"Hi, Anya."
"Hello, Tara. Come to buy something or use this place as a study area?"
"Study area and pick-up spot for one Dawn Summers." Tara placed her bag on the table. She leaned against the counter, watching as Anya counted the money again, for probably the umpteenth time that day.
"How's it going?" Anya whispered.
"Okay. I just started. It's very interesting reading all that history. Knowing what happened in the end." Tara kept her answers deliberately cryptic, hoping those listening wouldn't catch on to what she was talking about.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out. Giles believes you will." Anya said proudly.
"You really are happy together, aren't you?" Tara asked in her normal voice.
The smile on Anya's face could light up Broadway. "Yes. I am. Am I being too giddy?"
Tara smiled and shook her head no. "You deserve to be giddy. He makes you happy."
"He does. We're going to tell Xander. It's not fair to keep him in the dark. I can tell he wants to get back together, but it's impossible now. I can't go back to what we had, Tara. Not when I've seen what was missing."
Tara reached out and took her hand. "Falling in love with Giles doesn't make you a bad person, Anya. It means that he was capable of healing your heart."
Anya wiped at the corner of her eye. "Thank you. I know you don't like lying. I'm sorry we put you in this position."
Tara waved her hand, dismissively. "It isn't my secret to tell. And, I understood why you were doing it. I'm glad, though, you're going to tell him the truth."
They had been so engrossed in their conversation they didn't hear the bell jiggle. "Tell who what?" Xander asked.
Tara and Anya shared a look of pure terror before turning their gazes to the new arrivals. "Giles...the truth about this last shipment. It was missing some items we ordered. Hello, Dawn. Xander."
"Hey, guys, what's shaking?" Dawn saw the guarded looks between the two women and guessed she and Xander had walked in on a talk about Anya and Giles.
"Homework, then dusting." Anya told her, shoving the duster into Dawn's hands.
"Fine. I'll do math, but it'll not help in the slaying of demons." Dawn grumbled.
Tara followed Dawn to the table, eager to return to the journal. That left the former engaged couple to stare awkwardly at each other.
"Can we talk, Anya?"
Anya looked around, seeing no valid reason for refusing his offer. "Sure."
Xander headed to the training room, hoping Buffy didn't mind if he used it for a little soul-baring.
****************************
Warren took the photos and other items he'd requested and laid them down on the kitchen table.
"Look at you, Buffy. All happy and virginal looking. Hah! Well, not so virginal with that kid in your stomach."
Mike watched impassively from the doorway as Warren cut and pasted. When he pricked his finger and smeared blood on the pics, Mike knew this was no longer pre-school art class.
"Give it a minute to dry, then you can take it back to their house." Warren said, wrapping a strip of paper towel around his finger.
*****************************
Anya watched Xander pace back and forth in front of the pommel horse. She waited patiently, knowing they needed to talk. She needed to listen to him, and he needed to hear her side of things before her relationship with Giles was made public.
"Where do I begin, Anya? I feel like we've been down this road before, but we haven't."
Anya hadn't seen this vulnerable side since the rehearsal dinner. His parents. Their drinking. Their fighting. She had wanted to vanquish the whole bunch, and wrap her arms around him tightly. She wanted to shield him from them, but she couldn't. He was a product of all his messy family drama and his hatred of her kind.
"What is it, Xander? You can talk to me. I want to listen." Anya said, trying to ease the way for him.
"I need for you to understand why I'm against Spike removing this chip." He started.
Anya's face showed her confusion. "I'm not the one you need to be saying this to, Xander. If you need to explain yourself to anyone, it's to Buffy and Spike." Anya stood up, prepared to leave. Why did it bothered her that it always came back to Buffy?
"No, please." Xander pleaded, grabbing her arm as she passed. He pushed her back to the sofa and urged her to return to her seat. "I need you to listen because it isn't about Spike being Spike. It's about Spike being a demon."
"Spike's a vampire. Big woo! He loves Buffy, in spite of the demon." She rationalized.
"But he's a demon, and I can't get past that. I can't..."
"Stop hating them. That's rich, Xander." She said without a trace of anger. "You can love Buffy, Willow, and Dawn, but you hate demons. Interesting."
It was Xander's turn to be puzzled. "What does that mean?"
Anya sighed. He was so defensive. How did they ever manage to date for three years without killing each other? That was an easy answer. She wanted to love and be loved in return. She wanted to belong to someone. To be something in someone's life.
"It means that none of them are completely human. Buffy's a slayer. The true origin of a slayer has never been fully explained. They may have been created from demons. It wouldn't be a shock to me to discover this. Dawn is a mystical ball of energy. Willow is a powerful witch. They aren't completely human, yet you love them. You don't hate what they are. But you hate demons?" Why wasn't she more upset? Why was she calmly explaining things to him?
Xander heard her, and in the back of his mind, he understood what Anya was getting at, but that didn't make it right. She was wrong. His girls were human. No matter what they'd become or were originally, as in Dawn's case, they were human. So was she. Didn't she understand that?
"Anya, you're human. You were once a demon, but you're human now. Spike can never be human again. He'll always be a demon at heart. A demon that feeds off human lives. A demon that relishes blood and violence. That won't change in him, and I'm afraid that the people I love will be hurt by that thing."
Anya balled her fist, counting to ten before answering him. "Why do you hate demons? Why? You like Clem don't you?"
"Yes, Clem's a great guy. He's harmless."
"Exactly. Clem's harmless, but he's a demon. He's the nicest guy I know, but he's a demon. Why don't you hate him?" Anya asked, looking him directly in the eye.
Xander shifted away from her gaze, preferring instead to stare at the wall. "It's different."
"How? Why give Clem the benefit of the doubt, but not Spike? Not Hallie?" She wanted him to think about this. She needed to know. She had to know because deep down she believed this hatred, this prejudice against demons was the real reason behind their breakup.
Xander stood. "I don't know."
"Yes, you do, Xander. Tell me why you can't forgive me. Why you can't see the good in Spike? Tell me. I want to know."
Xander lowered his head. "I never knew death until Buffy arrived. People died all the time, but I never knew the feel of it. I never knew the taste of it, till she came and brought the Master and his minions with her. Those people who died. They didn't touch me. I didn't care. It wasn't my concern. But they got Jesse. He was my brother. I loved him. And those blood-sucking demons got him. They turned him into a creature that was willing to bleed me dry. He didn't care. He didn't feel. He didn't love. He only hated. He only wanted death and destruction." He was crying hard, but Anya made no move to comfort him. He probably wouldn't have accepted it anyway.
"Tell me why I should forgive Spike for that. They took away my friend. They took away everything and turned my world upside down. They..."
"Spike didn't kill Jesse, Xander. You know he didn't, but you're grouping him with all vampires. You hate that they turned Jesse, so you take it out on Spike. He's earned your respect, Xander. He's saved your life, my life, Buffy's life. All of our lives." Anya walked over to him, her arms wrapped around her tiny waist.
"If you hate demons so much, how did you ever fall in love with me?"
Xander looked up at her, his brown eyes swimming in a pool of unshed tears. "But you aren't a demon. You are human."
"I am a demon at heart, Xander. I can't forget my past. I won't forget it. I lived for a thousand years before I was made human. I didn't ask to be human. I wasn't happy to be human. In a way, I was like Spike. He didn't ask to be a demon, but he made the best of his life. I have too."
Anya reached out and touched his cheek. He leaned into her caress and nuzzled her hand. "You are so naive, Xander. If you don't let go of this irrational anger, this need to draw lines in the sand between what's good and what's bad, you'll never be able to find happiness in this town. It's all about the gray areas. You have to let the lines blur or you'll be stuck on one side forever."
Anya pulled her hand away and strode out the door and into the main area. Giles had returned, and she smiled broadly at him. She hoped Xander took to heart what they'd spoken about. Sunnydale was a city where everything wasn't cut and dry. There were people on both sides of the fence that weren't entirely good or bad, and if you couldn't bend in either direction, you weren't going to get anywhere.
*****************************
"Want me to carry you up the stairs luv? We might get to the front door faster." Spike teased as he walked behind a waddling Buffy.
"Aren't you funny mister? Let's see you carry a basketball around in your belly for 6 and a half months. And she's a kicker too. Did I mention she likes to wail on my kidneys?"
Spike stifled a snicker. "Yes, dear, you did mention that once, twice, maybe, fifty times in the last few weeks.
There was an envelope on the front porch addressed to Buffy. They looked around the yard to see if they could sense anyone nearby, but there was nothing there. Spike took the envelope from her and shooed her inside. If it were a letter bomb or something, he'd rather take the hit than to let her be harmed.
"Go inside, Buffy. I'll open it out here."
"Spike, it's too thin to be a bomb. Just open it!" Buffy ordered. At Spike's imploring look, she unlocked the door and stood just inside.
Spike bent and pulled a knife out of his boot, and slid it under the flap. He didn't need to look inside to smell the blood. Human blood, to be exact.
"Spike? What is it?" Buffy inquired.
Spike pulled the photo out and nearly bit his tongue in two. It was there wedding photo. He recognized it as one of the ones from their album. This photo, though, had been altered. Words were added in blood and the sender had slashed them.
Buffy stepped outside, tiring of waiting on Spike. She pulled the photo from his hands and nearly lost her dinner. There was a huge X carved into her belly.
That wasn't what had her shaking in fear. Written in blood was a message. A message from an old nemesis.
Sorry, I couldn't make the ceremony, but I'll see you soon!!!! Warren.
***************************
The clouds parted and the lights from the city below twinkled like thousands of Christmas lights in the distance. Warren stared out the window with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. When the door to his cage had opened, he'd expected to find a bullet with his name on it, waiting for him. He had been gratefully disappointed. He didn't dare breath a sigh of relief until the plane was up in the air, and the place of his imprisonment was in his rearview mirror. Now, he could give into the relief he felt. He could feed his need for revenge against Buffy and her friends. He could imagine driving up to the Summers' home, knocking on the door, killing the first person who answered it. He could imagine the anguish Buffy would feel, knowing that she'd caused the death of one of her friends. He would pick them off one by one, saving those Buffy cared the most about for last. And when Spike and Dawn were cold and dead, or dust in Spike's case, he would leave. He would leave her alone and devastated. The same way she'd left him after Katrina left. The same way she'd left him after the Army debacle. She would know the pain he felt, and he would be content to live the rest of his life in exile. Because really… a destroyed Buffy was the best.
*****************************
Reginald scanned the people at the other tables, checking them out carefully. He couldn't risk his conversation being overheard by one of Travers' operatives. He knew he was being paranoid, but one could never be too careful around the likes of Shackelford and Travers. He hoped they would be too preoccupied ensuring Warren's return to Sunnydale to worry about him. He hoped. Giving the café one last sweep, Reginald pulled out his phone. He dialed Olivia's number, knowing that she'd be on her way to work soon.
"Reginald. It's good to hear from you. I was beginning to worry." Olivia's crisp tone floated over the miles.
"Yes, well, Travers has kept me very busy since we arrived. He had me transcribing and researching the Council's archives for information on the computer chip placed into Spike's head." Reginald held the phone with one hand, and reached out for his coffee with the other.
Olivia drummed her fingers on the countertop in her kitchen. "Has he made contact with Giles and Buffy yet?"
"Yes, we visited them today. Visit wasn't the word for it. It was more like an ambush.
"I'll have to call Giles later to ask him what happened. Is there anything else?"
"Travers is planning on taking the baby and raising her himself. He believes he can control her power by substituting himself in place of her parents." The thought of Quentin Travers raising an innocent was enough to chill the blood in his veins. "He plans on doing a ritual with the blood of the Key to unlock her powers."
Olivia's heart stopped for a moment, and the worse feeling she'd ever experienced settled in the pit of her stomach. "Oh, my god. He is insane. He has no idea what will happen if he draws the Key's blood. We still don't know the extent of her powers."
"He's corrupt and power-hungry. This is no longer about preserving the balance. This is about tipping the scales in his favor." Reginald shuddered to think what the other side would do if one man possessed such power. Would a war be declared between good and evil? He mustn't forget the child and her parents. Buffy was only 7 months along in her term. Would she lose the baby and her life trying to protect her family and friends from Travers and Shackleford?
"Travers is willing to risk the child's life to possess her power. We have to warn Giles and the Slayer. They must be prepared."
Olivia shook her head. "No, we can't warn them. We won't have to. Rupert isn't stupid. I'm sure he's already deduced what Travers has planned. He'll take the necessary precautions, and don't underestimate Buffy and her husband. They've dealt with a hell god. They can deal with Quentin." She hoped.
"But… they don't know about the other man who's been working with their friend. They don't know all that has gone all. All that Travers knows." He yelled into the phone. His raised voice caused a number of people to turn and look in his direction. He merely turned his body away and towards the window. "Olivia, Travers is planning something big. If you're worried about my cover, fine, I won't approach Giles, but you need to warn him. Please, I beg of you."
"I'll tell him to be careful, but we can't risk Giles doing anything that might give Travers any reason to suspect his plans have been discovered. I will talk to the Committee about sending some reinforcements to you. That's all I can do. Let me make a few calls, update the members on the latest." With that she rang off.
************************************
The small coffee table was a nice addition to the crypt, if Clem said so himself. The place was slowly, but surely, taking on his personality. He hoped Spike didn't mind. His place wasn't nearly as nice or as close by Spike's.
Spike whistled as he walked the familiar path to his…er… Clem's crypt. Might as well call it that. He was never going back. He had a home now. Buffy was home. Buffy and Dawn and Bitty. Wherever they were that was home to him. If not for the fact Travers was running around loose, he might have enjoyed taunting the fledglings sneaking up behind him. He really didn't have time to play. He wanted to drop in on Clem, and pick up whatever he had for Buffy, and head home. Okay, he wanted to stop in at the Java Hut and pick up some of that Hazelnut Coffee ice cream they sold. But he was heading home after that.
Didn't these young ones ever learn? Couldn't they sense a Master Vamp? When he'd been turned, he could smell Darla and Angelus a mile away. Now, that could have been the stench of their lovemaking, but Spike figured he wouldn't questioned it. It wasn't as if he cared where they were or what they were doing. As long as they left him and Dru alone, he was happy. Things definitely changed once he hit Sunnydale. He thought with a smile.
The rustle of leaves brought him back to the situation at hand. The lack of proper training for minions and fledglings. He wondered who in their right mind would sire these dopes. Didn't anyone take pride in their work anymore? He shouldn't judge. It wasn't as if they had much of a chance to understand their new abilities and heightened senses with Buffy around. She wasn't one for allowing too many fledglings to rise on her watch. He casually reached inside his inner pocket and palmed Mr. Pointy. He knew Buffy loved him when she allowed him to take it out on patrol.
A few more steps. That's it. Come a little closer, you wanker. That's right. A poor, defenseless man walking through the cemetery, just waiting to be your dinner. That's right, mate. A little closer. The fledglings never knew what hit them. Spike swung both arms out, striking the bumbling duo. He walked away from the dust cloud, and knocked on the door.
Clem stood up quickly, the gift bag and ribbon that had been in his lap, now lying at his feet. Spike quirked his eyebrow, and smiled.
"Did I catch you at a bad time?" He teased.
Clem hurried to pick up the items. "No, I was just finishing up. Everything okay out there?" He asked timidly.
"Yeah. All the nasties are accounted for. I'll be calling it a night as soon as I check downtown." Spike told him, strolling over to the refrigerator. Grimacing at the collection of "snacks" inside, Spike pulled a bottle of O neg out the back. Twisting the top off, he took a long drink, smacking his lips appreciatively.
"So, what do you have for my missus? And it better not be anything to tempt her away from me."
Clem's folds turned a pretty shade of red. "Ah, Spike. You know Buffy doesn't look at me like that. Even if she did, the folds would be too much for her. There are few women who can handle them. You know what I mean?"
Spike's chest hurt with the effort not to burst out laughing, but he had no desire to hurt his friend's feelings. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Us good-looking ones do have to worry about our effect on the ladies."
"I knew you'd understand." Clem grinned. "But here's the stuff for Buffy. I was telling my mother about the two of you, and she thought you could use some stuff from when I was a kid. It's not much." He handed the decorated bag to Spike.
"Clem, thanks. I know Buffy will be in tears by the time she opens it, so I'll say thanks for her."
Clem shuffled his feet, embarrassed. "You're my best friend, Spike. And Buffy is a terrific gal, especially now. Before the baby, everybody was kinda afraid of her because of the whole Slayer/demon thing, but now, we all think she's the coolest. How many slayers have hooked up with a demon? A vamp, no less. She'll always have a place in my heart. And, I'm trying to get in good for babysitting duty." He winked.
Spike thought about his precious baby girl in Clem's claws and smiled. He would gladly entrust her to him. "Yeah, well, don't be surprised if we're a little selfish with the tot for oh, a couple of years."
******************************
Giles pulled his glasses off, and watched Anya. She'd been standing at the front window since she locked the door. He wondered what she saw outside that fascinated her so.
"I want to tell Xander soon about us. I need to. We need to. Don't you think?" Anya asked, her back to him.
"Yes. I..." He stammered. "I must admit I was a bit jealous of the way he looked at you. Jealous and guilty all at the same time."
Anya turned and smiled briefly. "It was a very confusing evening. I'm no longer angry about our relationship. The hurt is still there, but it's easing. I think that's because of you, and because I understand what he was feeling." Anya descended the short flight of stairs to the main floor of the store. Her heels clicked on the tiled floor as she strode over to the table.
"Xander has so much anger and hurt inside. It's like a tumor. It keeps growing and growing, sometimes receding, but there nevertheless. And it's hurting him. Is that the correct analogy?" She asked, looking over at Giles.
Giles pulled his glasses off, rubbing them with his handkerchief. "Yes, it is the appropriate analogy. Buffy and Xander are alike in that sense, except Buffy faced her demons and is finally happy. Xander hasn't, and they shadow every part of his life."
"You mean, Buffy's daddy issues or her Angel issues?"
"Both. Buffy is a product of her experiences, those with her father and those with Angel. They helped to shape the woman she became, but they also prevented her from finding happiness. She's found all that she was looking for in Spike." Giles admitted reluctantly.
"And in you, Rupert. You are her father. You gave her the guidance and strength she needed. Don't sell yourself short, my love." Anya placed her keys on the counter, and wrapped her arms around Giles' neck. "You're a pretty terrific man, Rupert Giles. Don't you go forgetting it."
Giles bent his head slightly, rubbing his forehead in Anya's hair. "Thank you. I thought I'd failed her when she got pregnant, but she is happy and settled. I will work to ensure she stays that way. I just wished I could do the same for Xander. But I fear when he learns of our relationship, he will ...."
"Lose it." Anya finished.
"Yes," Giles chuckled without mirth. "He'll lose it. And I don't know what he'll do."
Anya sighed and tightened her grip around his waist. "Which is why we'll tell him soon. I don't want him to think we fell in love to hurt him. That I jumped you to hurt him."
Giles cupped her face, pulling her chin up. Making sure her eyes were on him, he kissed her lips softly. "You wouldn't do that, Anya. I believe you wouldn't use your heart to hurt him. I saw with my own eyes how much you cared for Xander. You couldn't hurt him, not deliberately, if you tried." He smiled and stroked his thumb across her lips.
Anya returned his smile. "Thank you. Thank you for believing in me."
"My pleasure, Anya. My pleasure."
**********************************
The Magic Box wasn't far from the Java Hut. He could slip down a back alley, and be there in no time. You could also be a snack for any demon waiting for a not-so-sharp fellow to wander into the shadows. Reginald grumbled at his ineptness. He hated not being able to do more to help the Slayer and her husband. He would do all he could, but he wanted to do more. He wanted to take Travers and his cronies down, and restore the Council to its original purpose.
Reginald looked up and nearly dropped his coffee. This was either his good-fortune or a test. Either way, he wasn't going to look a gifted horse in the mouth.
Spike stood in line, listening to the inane chatter of two of Sunnydale U's finest. Goodness, he couldn't believe Buffy had gone to that school, and liked it. The women in front of him sounded as if they'd been dropped on their heads as babies. How they actually made it to college was beyond him. Who did the testing these days?
Reginald considered his options. He knew any direct contact might not be appreciated or welcomed at this point. All their files on William the Bloody indicated his quick-temper and penchant for hit first, ask questions later approach to life. The chip would protect him, but who would protect him if Travers ever found out. And there was no doubt in Reginald's mind that he would.
"Yeah, let me have a 2 pints of Hazelnut Coffee." Spike told the guy behind the counter. He almost asked for a shot of the liqueur for himself after being tortured by the conversation in front of him.
"Sure thing. $8.58, please."
Spike handed the man a ten, and waited for his change. Reginald eased out of his chair and closer to the counter, keeping Spike in his periphery, and his eyes on the exit. He wanted to time this so they met at the door.
"Thanks, mate." Spike shuffled the bags in his hands as he headed for the door. He didn't see Reginald until they bumped into each other. Spike's eyes glowed yellow as he realized who had jostled him.
"I wasn't following you. I was here already when you came in." Reginald rushed out.
"Bugger off! Tell Travers to get out of town before my leash comes off. He'll be the first person I visit." Spike threatened. He didn't care one iota if this went against their plan. He wanted everything to be clear and out in the open. Touch his family and die. Simple as that.
"Take care of your wife, Mr. Spike. It really is my desire to see your family together." Reginald pushed past Spike, not giving him a chance to rebuttal his assertion.
Spike stared after the young man, watching as he rushed down the street. What had he meant by that? Why say it? It was probably some trick to get him to follow the man, leaving Buffy and Dawn vulnerable. Pushing aside the young man's earnest appearance and words, Spike headed for home.
*********************************
The phone rang, jarring Buffy awake. She looked around the room for Dawn, but she'd obviously gone back to her room. Buffy rolled over and grabbed the phone.
"Hello?"
"Ma chere, did I wake you?"
Buffy grinned and sat up. "Françoise, no, yes, I was asleep, but... I'm so glad to hear from you. How have you been? And Marie? Is she doing well?"
Françoise chuckled. "Mama is doing quite well. She sends her love. She's ready for your return. She says it been dull since you and Spike left."
Buffy snickered. "Tell her not to tempt us. We almost packed the car up and drove there."
Françoise's smile dimmed a little. "Is everything okay, Buffy? It isn't the baby is it?"
Buffy's hand slid along her burgeoning belly, stroking her little bundle. "No, the baby is fine. I'm fine. Spike is fine. We have visitors who apparently want to kidnap our child, take her from us. And a friend who I'm not sure is my friend or foe. Other than that, everything is great."
Françoise pushed the magazines to the floor, and settled down in the oversized chair under the stairs. "Buffy, if you want to come here until the babe is born. You are welcome to stay with us. I would love to spoil you rotten and that precious, little girl of yours."
Buffy grinned. "I know. And it's so tempting, but I can't. If I… If we don't stop these people now, we'll never be free. They continued to stalk her and us for the rest of our lives. I can't allow that to happen. No, Spike and I will handle it. We have people who'll help us, who love us. But thank you."
"You're welcome. Were the diaries helpful?" Françoise inquired.
"Yes, they were. Spike and I have read up to the time of Martine's death, so that's been a little hard to take. But Jayme's diary gave us the information we needed to protect Bitty. Thank you for keeping them safe for us."
"Even if you were not the Slayer, I would want the best for you. You are an amazing, young woman. Don't you know your relationship with Spike is the stuff of romance novels. You've overcome so much. You deserve to be happy."
Buffy blinked back tears. "Thank you, Françoise."
********************************
Shackleford stared impassively out the window as the Town Car pulled into the drive. A house had been rented solely for Warren's use. There was no way they could bring him into town without someone recognizing him. He wondered if Warren knew just how popular he was. The local police and the army hadn't forgotten his little stunt or the murder. Oops, guess he should have told him about the murder charge. Oh, well. He would find out when they finally cut him loose and the police snatched him up for the crime. Of course, if they shot him, it would solve all their problems.
The door to the car opened. Two operatives came out, followed by Warren. Shackleford flicked the cigarette out into the yard, and waited. Warren popped out the back, and looked around. His eyes landed on Shackleford, and it took everything not to dive back in the car and lock the doors.
Shackleford grinned menacingly as the young man flinched. Good, he remembered him. That would save time later. He wouldn't have to remind him of what would happen if Travers' orders were not followed. Hell, who was he kidding? He was still going to refresh Warren's memory. Just for the fun of it. Just because he could. He'd been cooped up in this one red-light town for too long. He needed a bit of violence to relax him.
"Hello, Warren. Hope your trip was pleasant."
Though the sentiment was nice, Warren wasn't fooled by the platitude. He could feel the venom in the words, and knew that underneath them was a reminder of the pain this man could inflict on him. Warren lowered his head, hoping the man didn't see the fear in his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to kill this man, torture him the way he'd tortured him.
"Yes, it was. It's good to be home. Especially since it means, I get to resume my plans to kill Buffy and Spike."
"Not exactly. You can kill the vampire and all of the Slayer's friends, but no harm must come to her or her sister. She must not be harmed. If she is or if she loses her child, you will be killed. You will die. Do I make myself clear?"
Warren gulped. "Very."
"Good. The house has been stocked with everything you'll need to survive. Anything else you need just let Mike know. He's here to keep you in line. Oh, and don't think he won't kill you. He has orders to dump your body in the river if you so much as breathe heavily on Buffy Summers."
"I understand. Hurt and maim her friends, but leave her alone. You can count on her being alone. There won't be anyone left to love her once I'm finished. Well, except her sister, and you didn't say I couldn't play with her."
Shackleford reached out quickly, encircling Warren's throat with his hand. He squeezed till Warren's entire face turned blotchy red. "You lay one perverted hand on the kid, and I'll remove it personally. She's to be left unharmed. You try anything and I'll take you apart, inch by inch. Do we understand each other?"
Warren clawed at the vise grip, nodding his head around the thick fist. "Y…ye..yes." He finally spat out when Shackleford released him suddenly.
"Let's go." With that Shackleford stalked out of the house, chuckling to himself. He was sure Warren pissed his shorts after that little reminder. It was times like these, he really enjoyed his job.
******************************
Buffy held the small statuette up to the light, peering at the rose-colored crystals hanging from the tree like object.
"Did he say what this was?" She asked. Spike shook his head, scooping the ice cream on top of Buffy's waffles. "What it's supposed to do?"
"Thank would be a big, fat no to both questions. He just handed me the bag and said it was stuff that his mother had when he was a kid. To be honest, I wasn't sure I wanted to know. You know?" Spike stuck the spoon in his mouth and returned the melting pint to the freezer. Buffy sighed at the sight of the spoon hanging from his mouth. Lord, she did love that mouth, and that tongue, and she instantly resented that spoon. That should be her lips and tongue, not some cold metallic piece of silverware.
"What?" Spike said, bending down to stare into his wife's hazel eyes.
Buffy placed her hands on either side of his face. "Nothing. The spoon was pissing me off. Keeping me from my rightful place." She teased.
"Oh, is that all. Well, you should know, Mrs. Develin." He said licking his lips. "Nothing and no one compares to your luscious lips." Buffy's grin was lost in the press of his lips against hers. Breakfast was quickly forgotten as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him flush against her belly.
"Dear god, don't you two ever turn your libidos off?" Giles asked from the doorway.
Spike cursed and took a deep breath. He couldn't move yet, so he merely rested his head against on Buffy's shoulder.
"Hi, Giles." Buffy waved over Spike's back.
Spike pulled away reluctantly. He loved the warmth of Buffy's body pressed against his. He could feel his baby growing and existing, and it filled him with so much love, more than he thought possible for Buffy. She was carrying his child, his seed, and it amazed and awed him.
"Giles. Why are you here?" Spike grumbled.
"Obviously, I'm here to make sure you and Buffy never have sex again." Giles retorted back. The stricken looks on both Buffy and Spike's faces had him grinning widely.
"Did you just make a funny?" Buffy asked, impressed. "Anya must really be rubbing off on you." Buffy's eyes widened when she saw Spike grin.
"I bet she is. How's that going old chap? Everything in working condition after being out of use for so long?"
"We're English, Spike. You should know we're always up for a task."
The fork in Buffy's hand clattered to the floor. No, it wasn't possible she just heard what she thought she heard. Her husband and her father were not trading sexual innuendoes. It wasn't possible. She was on a caffeine high from the coffee ice cream.
"Did you find out anything new since last night about the spell or the chip?" Buffy asked wanting, no needing desperately to move this conversation away from the sex life of one Rupert Giles.
"Nothing yet. I talked to Tara and she's going to go over Jayme's diary for me again. Maybe, I'm missing something. There has to be more information in there than what I'm seeing. She can provide a fresh perspective, and she got a vibe from the parchment." Giles accepted the cup of coffee Spike offered, sipping the brew slowly.
"What could we have missed? Everything Jayme wanted us to know, we know. He directed us to the Prophecy. He told us of the ritual between Dawn and Bitty. What more could there be? And why can't we find it?" Buffy asked, lowering her eyes to the ground. She wrapped both hands around her belly. The truth was out there. Mulder said so. Why was it being difficult in revealing itself?
Spike stroked her bowed head. "When I was on patrol last night, I ran into Travers' little henchman, Mr. Smythe-Bailey. He was at the Java Hut. He said he wasn't following me, but I don't know. It felt like a set-up."
Buffy frowned. "Why didn't you tell me that last night?"
Spike rolled his eyes. "When would have been a good time, luv? Before you starting bawling about Françoise or after we made love and you fell asleep?"
"And that will stay with me the entire day." Giles quipped. He leaned against the refrigerator, watching the married duo stare each other, quite unsuccessfully, down.
"What exactly did he say, Spike?" Buffy asked.
"He said he wanted me to take care of you, and that he really wished the best for our family. Or something similar to that. I just wanted to get home. I panicked, wondering if Travers was here, coming to get you and the Bit." Buffy reached out and traced a finger down his cheek.
"I understand."
"The Smythe-Baileys have been Watchers for ages. There has been a Smythe-Bailey on the Council for at least a century. Maybe, this young man can be persuaded to help us. I'll have to ask Olivia what she knows about him." Giles checked his watch, wincing at the time.
"I must be off, Buffy. I'll speak to you after your class tonight. Dawn knows to come straight to the Magic Box after school. Correct?"
Buffy slid down off the stool and walked with Giles to the front door. "Yes, she does. Tara is going to bring her home and get dinner started for us. I feel so inadequate. I can't even cook a decent meal for my family."
Giles squeezed Buffy's shoulder. "You do enough. These last few months, you need to take it easy. Relax and let us take care of you. I know Spike and Dawn don't mind, and neither do the rest of us. So, chill, as they say." He kissed Buffy's brow. "I'll see you tonight. Goodbye, Spike."
"Bye, Rupes."
"Bye, Giles."
Buffy felt Spike's hands wrap around her belly, and his cold breath at her ear. "Where were we, Mrs. Develin?"
"I think I was here." Buffy said slyly, dragging her finger across Spike's lip.
**************************************
"Where are we with our young killer?" Travers inquired over his morning tea.
"Mike said he asked for some personal items of the Slayer, things from her home and wedding. Mike is waiting for them to leave for the day. They have a Lamaze class at 4. After that, they'll be at the Magic Box till tonight."
Travers chuckled. "Did Warren say what he wanted with the items?"
"No, but he knows not to do anything to harm the Slayer or her sister. I made it very clear to him."
"Excellent. Now, we have to wait for Giles and his young charges to investigate the chip schematics. I've contacted one of our doctors. He believes we will be able to perform the surgery without danger to the child. The pediatrician has given the okay for travel. It should take us less than a day to put a continent or two between the Develins and their child. I would like to leave the Key here. I don't relish having to deal with her and the Slayer. We don't know what untapped power that child has. You'll take care of her when the time comes."
Shackleford nodded his head. There was no need for him to say anything. Travers knew he would do what was necessary to complete this mission.
"Now, we need to get the ball rolling. Have Dewey start preparing young Mr. Harris for his surprise. I want him good and irrational when the time comes to make our move. I'm sure Rupert is planning some counter mission to thwart me. Those goody-two-shoe types always are. Mr. Harris will come in handy once the time comes."
"Yes, sir."
There was a knock at the door. Shackleford went to open it. Reginald stood outside, his hands clutching some papers. He took a look at Shackleford and shuddered appropriately. He was neither intimidated nor afraid of Shackleford, but they couldn't know that.
"These came through on the fax." He said approaching Travers. Travers took the papers and perused them. An evil smile flittered across his face.
"Perfect. My associates have given the go-ahead for the seizure. I will soon be the proud parent of a beautiful, baby girl."
*******************************
Tara stared at the journal in front of her. She felt the conflict of the various emotions of its owner rolling off it in waves. She felt sadness and regret. Hope and love. Charles Jayme wasn't an evil man. He was just a man, given a tremendous responsibility. He did the best he could with what he knew. The knowledge that he'd played a hand in the murder of an innocent was a terrible burden he carried until the last day of his life. She hoped he found the peace that had eluded him in life, in death.
Giles had bookmarked the pages that contained the discussion of the Prophecy and the ritual. She understood what Giles wanted from her, and truthfully, she'd felt useless so far. Buffy and Spike were her friends, and she cared deeply for them. She loved Dawn like a sister. They had accepted her love for Willow and brought her into their family.
Tara opened the heavy volume, reverently turning the pages. Her hand hummed and she stopped to read the page that felt so warm between her fingers.
~~May 20th~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Martine sleeps. Finally. The nightmares have plagued her for months, but these last few nights have been the worst. She sees her death. She sees blood and hears her voice screaming to God, to a man, to save her. She wakes up and her body is drenched in sweat, but she shivers from the cold. I am very concerned. Is she having a Slayer dream or is she reliving the terror of the murder of her loved ones?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Martine foresaw her death. She just didn't realize it. Tara mused. She continued through the book till she felt the warmth again. Martine or Charles Jayme was trying to communicate with her. She wondered if Giles had felt the same energy, but dismissed it. She didn't know, but she wouldn't dwell on it. The book wanted to show her certain things, and she believed it would lead her to what they were missing.
~~ December 25th~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is Christmas. I spend it alone in my small room. It is at times like these I miss the youth and vitality of Martine. Our last Christmas together... Had it been a year since she strung garland around the small fireplace? Had it been a year since she managed, somehow, to obtain this lovely new quill and journal for me? I wonder if she and Henri are celebrating this holy day. I wonder if Henri has brought a tree and garland into their home. I am smiling because I know this is so. Martine would want all the trappings of Christmas, even though, she will most likely kill some creatures tonight. She will want to pretend she is normal. She is far from it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tara ran her hand over the pages. Martine was probably in her seventh or eighth month. She most definitely wasn't thinking about killing. More than likely, she was daydreaming about her child. Martine was dreaming of life, and Jayme of death. No wonder he couldn't see the truth of her love for Henri.
Tara shook her head at the futility that was violence. It never solved anything. Only brought on more pain and suffering. A glance at her watch told her that Dawn would be getting out of school soon. She had better go if she wanted to meet her there. Tara shoved the book into her book bag. She slung her it over her shoulder and climbed down the ladder. She levitated the ladder up into the hole and replaced the glamour spell over it.
**********************
Dawn slammed her locker closed, and shrieked.
"Xander, what are you trying to do? Give me gray hairs at 16." She held her hand over her rapidly thudding chest.
"No, sorry. Just thought I'd stop by and drive you to the Magic Box. I was... on my way to get something to eat from Doublemeat."
Dawn arched her eyebrow, giving him her best impression of a lie detector. "Xander... were you by chance hoping to drive me to the shop and bump into Anya?" She smiled, thinking it sweet he'd go through all that trouble for Anya.
Oh, but he thinks Anya's interested or at least, that she's forgiven him. Man, this sucks. I love all of them, yet, Xander's going to get hurt, badly.
"She might not be there and you would have wasted a trip." She quickly commented, hoping to steer him clear of the shop and the lovebirds running it.
Xander grabbed her books, and flung his arm around her shoulders. "Don't be ridiculous, Dawnie. There's no way Anya would leave the shop during the afterschool hours. Those are some of her best selling times. C'mon. I'll treat you to an milkshake at DMP."
On the one hand, Dawn felt really bad about the whole menage d' trois that wasn't going on, and on the other, she really liked chocolate shakes.
"Okay, deal. Let's go."
Dawn allowed Xander to guide her to the car. She pulled up short as she remembered Buffy's sleepy warning from last night. Buffy believed Xander would betray them. No, Buffy knew Xander was going to betray them. Would the whole Ganya thing be the reason? Did he need one? He hated Spike. He hated the chip. He hated demons in general.
Dawn nibbled her bottom lip throughout the drive to DMP and to the Magic Box.
"You're quiet, Dawnie. What's on your mind? Is it me?" Xander asked, concerned.
Dawn nearly dropped her shake, but kept her composure. "Why would you say that, Xander? I didn't say it was you."
Xander shrugged as he stopped at a light. He turned slightly. "Well, I haven't exactly been the best friend in the world. I don't like your brother-in-law all that much. I've threatened to stake him. You know, the usual stuff." He said sheepishly.
Dawn grinned, her eyes rolling at the truthfulness of his statement. "I don't hate you Xander. I don't agree with what you believe about Spike. It doesn't mean I don't love you. We can be friends as long as you keep the Spike rant to a minimum."
Xander saw the opposite light changing to yellow, and quickly reached out his hand. "I promise to stick to chocolate milkshakes, DMP combos, the latest boy band of your desire, and card tricks. Deal?"
Dawn shook his hand, trying desperately to believe in him. "Deal."
***************************
Buffy and Spike looked out over the sea of bodies and shuddered. It was like nothing they'd ever seen before, and they were sure they would be scarred from the experience. A creature approached them, her eyes wide and her arms stretched out even wider. Buffy clutched Spike's hand like a lifeline, fearful. She knew if she let go or loosened her grip, they'd be separated.
The creature stopped in front of them, her teeth bared.
"Hi, I'm Nancy. I'm going to be your Lamaze instructor. You must be the Develins." She grinned, perkily, and Buffy inwardly grimaced. Two months of this chick. She would be homicidal by the time the baby was born.
"Come on in. You're a little late to our class, but we heard you were in the hospital for a weeks, then you two got married, and...." She mumbled on.
Spike tilted his head, and whispered low. "I'll snap its head off. You make a dash for the car."
Buffy giggled, and turned to give him her not-quite stern look. Spike merely arched his brow.
"Stop it. We have to do this or they won't let us have the baby at home. You're the one who insisted on the RN midwife, so chill."
Buffy heard what could only be a snarl, but William continued after the petite red head. She handed them each a pillow, and instructed them to take their places on the mat. Buffy asked if they could move to the other side because of Spike's sun allergy. Nancy twinkled her nose, and went over to ask another couple to switch with them. That settled. They settled onto their mat.
"We have a new couple with us, William and Buffy Develin."
Spike and Buffy nodded to the couples surrounding them. "This is their first, so they are in our new parents' group. Those of you who are also newbies make them feel welcome."
"We're in a bloody Stepford class." Spike grumbled.
"Okay, to start off with we're going to watch the birthing video. We like to get things started with the end result to all of the hard work." Nancy said, pressing play on the TV/VCR combo. "To preface, this woman is in the final stages of labor. She's dilated to 1 cm."
Spike moved till he was sitting behind Buffy. She snuggled back against his chest to watch the video. This was the good part. They would see the labor. See what they had to do, then they could sit back and imagine how their little sweetie would look. Books just can't prepare you for the actual process. Buffy mused as the video cued up.
15 minutes later....
"Oh, my god. We're never going to be able to have sex again." Buffy gasped, shocked and dismayed.
"How can you think about sex after that, Pet? Did you see that stuff coming out of her? It wasn't just blood, it was stuff... Gross stuff. I feel nauseous." Spike shuddered and wiped his hands over his face trying to obliterate the image of all of it.
"You bathed in blood with Druscilla for a hundred years, and you can't take a little placenta for our child?" Buffy's lip trembled and her eyes watered.
"This so has nothing to do with Dru, and I'll want to have sex with you when you're old and gray."
"Really? You aren't concerned about the stretching and stuff. A baby-sized watermelon is going to come through there." She said pointing under her belly. "Sex won't be the same."
"If you're there, it will be. I love you." Spike took her chin and lifted it to his lips. "I love you, Buffy, but that other stuff. Oh, bloody hell!"
****************************
"Hi, Anya."
"Hello, Tara. Come to buy something or use this place as a study area?"
"Study area and pick-up spot for one Dawn Summers." Tara placed her bag on the table. She leaned against the counter, watching as Anya counted the money again, for probably the umpteenth time that day.
"How's it going?" Anya whispered.
"Okay. I just started. It's very interesting reading all that history. Knowing what happened in the end." Tara kept her answers deliberately cryptic, hoping those listening wouldn't catch on to what she was talking about.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out. Giles believes you will." Anya said proudly.
"You really are happy together, aren't you?" Tara asked in her normal voice.
The smile on Anya's face could light up Broadway. "Yes. I am. Am I being too giddy?"
Tara smiled and shook her head no. "You deserve to be giddy. He makes you happy."
"He does. We're going to tell Xander. It's not fair to keep him in the dark. I can tell he wants to get back together, but it's impossible now. I can't go back to what we had, Tara. Not when I've seen what was missing."
Tara reached out and took her hand. "Falling in love with Giles doesn't make you a bad person, Anya. It means that he was capable of healing your heart."
Anya wiped at the corner of her eye. "Thank you. I know you don't like lying. I'm sorry we put you in this position."
Tara waved her hand, dismissively. "It isn't my secret to tell. And, I understood why you were doing it. I'm glad, though, you're going to tell him the truth."
They had been so engrossed in their conversation they didn't hear the bell jiggle. "Tell who what?" Xander asked.
Tara and Anya shared a look of pure terror before turning their gazes to the new arrivals. "Giles...the truth about this last shipment. It was missing some items we ordered. Hello, Dawn. Xander."
"Hey, guys, what's shaking?" Dawn saw the guarded looks between the two women and guessed she and Xander had walked in on a talk about Anya and Giles.
"Homework, then dusting." Anya told her, shoving the duster into Dawn's hands.
"Fine. I'll do math, but it'll not help in the slaying of demons." Dawn grumbled.
Tara followed Dawn to the table, eager to return to the journal. That left the former engaged couple to stare awkwardly at each other.
"Can we talk, Anya?"
Anya looked around, seeing no valid reason for refusing his offer. "Sure."
Xander headed to the training room, hoping Buffy didn't mind if he used it for a little soul-baring.
****************************
Warren took the photos and other items he'd requested and laid them down on the kitchen table.
"Look at you, Buffy. All happy and virginal looking. Hah! Well, not so virginal with that kid in your stomach."
Mike watched impassively from the doorway as Warren cut and pasted. When he pricked his finger and smeared blood on the pics, Mike knew this was no longer pre-school art class.
"Give it a minute to dry, then you can take it back to their house." Warren said, wrapping a strip of paper towel around his finger.
*****************************
Anya watched Xander pace back and forth in front of the pommel horse. She waited patiently, knowing they needed to talk. She needed to listen to him, and he needed to hear her side of things before her relationship with Giles was made public.
"Where do I begin, Anya? I feel like we've been down this road before, but we haven't."
Anya hadn't seen this vulnerable side since the rehearsal dinner. His parents. Their drinking. Their fighting. She had wanted to vanquish the whole bunch, and wrap her arms around him tightly. She wanted to shield him from them, but she couldn't. He was a product of all his messy family drama and his hatred of her kind.
"What is it, Xander? You can talk to me. I want to listen." Anya said, trying to ease the way for him.
"I need for you to understand why I'm against Spike removing this chip." He started.
Anya's face showed her confusion. "I'm not the one you need to be saying this to, Xander. If you need to explain yourself to anyone, it's to Buffy and Spike." Anya stood up, prepared to leave. Why did it bothered her that it always came back to Buffy?
"No, please." Xander pleaded, grabbing her arm as she passed. He pushed her back to the sofa and urged her to return to her seat. "I need you to listen because it isn't about Spike being Spike. It's about Spike being a demon."
"Spike's a vampire. Big woo! He loves Buffy, in spite of the demon." She rationalized.
"But he's a demon, and I can't get past that. I can't..."
"Stop hating them. That's rich, Xander." She said without a trace of anger. "You can love Buffy, Willow, and Dawn, but you hate demons. Interesting."
It was Xander's turn to be puzzled. "What does that mean?"
Anya sighed. He was so defensive. How did they ever manage to date for three years without killing each other? That was an easy answer. She wanted to love and be loved in return. She wanted to belong to someone. To be something in someone's life.
"It means that none of them are completely human. Buffy's a slayer. The true origin of a slayer has never been fully explained. They may have been created from demons. It wouldn't be a shock to me to discover this. Dawn is a mystical ball of energy. Willow is a powerful witch. They aren't completely human, yet you love them. You don't hate what they are. But you hate demons?" Why wasn't she more upset? Why was she calmly explaining things to him?
Xander heard her, and in the back of his mind, he understood what Anya was getting at, but that didn't make it right. She was wrong. His girls were human. No matter what they'd become or were originally, as in Dawn's case, they were human. So was she. Didn't she understand that?
"Anya, you're human. You were once a demon, but you're human now. Spike can never be human again. He'll always be a demon at heart. A demon that feeds off human lives. A demon that relishes blood and violence. That won't change in him, and I'm afraid that the people I love will be hurt by that thing."
Anya balled her fist, counting to ten before answering him. "Why do you hate demons? Why? You like Clem don't you?"
"Yes, Clem's a great guy. He's harmless."
"Exactly. Clem's harmless, but he's a demon. He's the nicest guy I know, but he's a demon. Why don't you hate him?" Anya asked, looking him directly in the eye.
Xander shifted away from her gaze, preferring instead to stare at the wall. "It's different."
"How? Why give Clem the benefit of the doubt, but not Spike? Not Hallie?" She wanted him to think about this. She needed to know. She had to know because deep down she believed this hatred, this prejudice against demons was the real reason behind their breakup.
Xander stood. "I don't know."
"Yes, you do, Xander. Tell me why you can't forgive me. Why you can't see the good in Spike? Tell me. I want to know."
Xander lowered his head. "I never knew death until Buffy arrived. People died all the time, but I never knew the feel of it. I never knew the taste of it, till she came and brought the Master and his minions with her. Those people who died. They didn't touch me. I didn't care. It wasn't my concern. But they got Jesse. He was my brother. I loved him. And those blood-sucking demons got him. They turned him into a creature that was willing to bleed me dry. He didn't care. He didn't feel. He didn't love. He only hated. He only wanted death and destruction." He was crying hard, but Anya made no move to comfort him. He probably wouldn't have accepted it anyway.
"Tell me why I should forgive Spike for that. They took away my friend. They took away everything and turned my world upside down. They..."
"Spike didn't kill Jesse, Xander. You know he didn't, but you're grouping him with all vampires. You hate that they turned Jesse, so you take it out on Spike. He's earned your respect, Xander. He's saved your life, my life, Buffy's life. All of our lives." Anya walked over to him, her arms wrapped around her tiny waist.
"If you hate demons so much, how did you ever fall in love with me?"
Xander looked up at her, his brown eyes swimming in a pool of unshed tears. "But you aren't a demon. You are human."
"I am a demon at heart, Xander. I can't forget my past. I won't forget it. I lived for a thousand years before I was made human. I didn't ask to be human. I wasn't happy to be human. In a way, I was like Spike. He didn't ask to be a demon, but he made the best of his life. I have too."
Anya reached out and touched his cheek. He leaned into her caress and nuzzled her hand. "You are so naive, Xander. If you don't let go of this irrational anger, this need to draw lines in the sand between what's good and what's bad, you'll never be able to find happiness in this town. It's all about the gray areas. You have to let the lines blur or you'll be stuck on one side forever."
Anya pulled her hand away and strode out the door and into the main area. Giles had returned, and she smiled broadly at him. She hoped Xander took to heart what they'd spoken about. Sunnydale was a city where everything wasn't cut and dry. There were people on both sides of the fence that weren't entirely good or bad, and if you couldn't bend in either direction, you weren't going to get anywhere.
*****************************
"Want me to carry you up the stairs luv? We might get to the front door faster." Spike teased as he walked behind a waddling Buffy.
"Aren't you funny mister? Let's see you carry a basketball around in your belly for 6 and a half months. And she's a kicker too. Did I mention she likes to wail on my kidneys?"
Spike stifled a snicker. "Yes, dear, you did mention that once, twice, maybe, fifty times in the last few weeks.
There was an envelope on the front porch addressed to Buffy. They looked around the yard to see if they could sense anyone nearby, but there was nothing there. Spike took the envelope from her and shooed her inside. If it were a letter bomb or something, he'd rather take the hit than to let her be harmed.
"Go inside, Buffy. I'll open it out here."
"Spike, it's too thin to be a bomb. Just open it!" Buffy ordered. At Spike's imploring look, she unlocked the door and stood just inside.
Spike bent and pulled a knife out of his boot, and slid it under the flap. He didn't need to look inside to smell the blood. Human blood, to be exact.
"Spike? What is it?" Buffy inquired.
Spike pulled the photo out and nearly bit his tongue in two. It was there wedding photo. He recognized it as one of the ones from their album. This photo, though, had been altered. Words were added in blood and the sender had slashed them.
Buffy stepped outside, tiring of waiting on Spike. She pulled the photo from his hands and nearly lost her dinner. There was a huge X carved into her belly.
That wasn't what had her shaking in fear. Written in blood was a message. A message from an old nemesis.
Sorry, I couldn't make the ceremony, but I'll see you soon!!!! Warren.
