The Ultrasound visit!
Chapter 26
Buffy answered the door in a red tee, denim shorts, and sandals. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she had a navy blue baseball cap on.
"Hey, Sebastian!" she greeted cheerily. "Ready to see your first ballgame?"
"I guess. I don't really know anything about baseball."
"That's okay. Xander will make it his personal mission to fill you in. We better get going so we'll get there on time."
"Lucky me?" he said warily.
"Hey, better you than me, bub," she teased as she let him in her car.
Sebastian reached for her hand before she put the key in the ignition, and kissed it. "You look adorable today," he complemented.
Buffy blushed, murmuring, "Thanks," and started the car.
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Kara was almost asleep, her mind passing over the events from today, when she sat up, remembering.
"Spike…was this…?"
"Especially made for you? Yeah. One of a kind, kitten, just like you are," he responded, kissing the ring on her finger.
"So…it's real?" she asked hesitantly.
"'Course it's real! A piece o' junk's not going to last forever, pet."
"I didn't mean to…I didn't even realize you might…oh, my god, Spike. This must have cost a small fortune!" Kara was just realizing what had happened today, internally, and her eyes started to fill with tears.
"You like it, then?" he asked uncertainly.
"I love it. It's gorgeous. You chose really well."
"Just a little somethin' off the top of my head…" he said shyly.
"You designed this? Wow…when? How long have you been holding out on me?" She poked him in the chest with a sharp nail.
"Ow! Put those away…I picked it up yesterday. Amazin' how fast somebody will work with the right incentive," Spike replied with a smirk. "And they better have done the job right. You have one problem with that ring, luv, you let me know."
"Give me a minute to really examine it before you go killing anybody, Spike," she said, laughing.
"Well, by all means, 'Miss Expert', turn on the lamp."
"I will!" Kara responded cheekily. She wiggled across the bed to the nightstand and fumbled for the light switch on the lamp. 'Let there be light,' she thought, slipping off the ring and holding it under the glow from the bulb. The diamond sparkled with the illumination, and it was huge – at least a carat – nestled in a blooming rose of white metal that she suspected was platinum. The petals were individually formed, not just carved out of a hunk, leading to a leaf on the band on both sides of the rose. The leaves were highly detailed, as well. The band was highly polished, with a rolled and smooth edge, and the width was perfect for her small hand. On the inside, was a stamp from whatever jeweler Spike had gone to, and an engraving – William and Kara, 2002 – that had her threatening tears again.
"It's a work of art," she said softly, turning back to him. "Thank you. I – Do you have any idea how wonderful you are?" One tear finally escaped to course down her cheek when she blinked. Spike gently wiped it away with his thumb.
"I have some idea," he joked, and she laughed again.
"Ha, ha…seriously…Come over Monday night, okay?"
"Sure, kitten, though it's not like I wouldn't be over, anyway. You getting something special in mind?" he asked suggestively, nuzzling her neck.
"Not like that! Well, at least not right away." Kara yawned, the lack of sleep catching up with her again.
"Okay, luv, let's get you tucked in again." He settled on his back again, holding his arms out in invitation for her to snuggle close. She resumed her spot using his shoulder for a pillow.
"Mmm, good idea."
Spike pulled the covers up to her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her. They were both asleep in a few minutes.
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Hours later, Kara dug around in her purse for her phone, while Spike sat behind her, brushing out the tangles in her hair. She loved the feel of someone else's hands on her scalp, and he seemed to enjoy doing it, so she was happy to let him play with her hair all he wanted. Kara finally found the little phone and pressed the speed dial.
"Hey. Where are you right now?"
"Working at The Magic Box, as usual," Tara answered.
"Are you going to be free next weekend?"
"Uh, I can be…what's up?"
"Well…I need a maid of honor type gal…"
"Spike proposed!" Tara whispered into the phone. She slipped into the training room to have the rest of the conversation in private.
"In a manner of speaking. I want to do the Ossirian ceremony, for the claim, and I need a chaperone for the night before. That's typically the mother, or best friend, and since I don't have a mother, you're the logical choice. Will you do it?"
"Of course! Wait, I don't have to be there while you guys…"
"No! Definitely no. That part's very private. Trust me, I wouldn't be doing that kind of ritual with an audience. You're just there to stay with me overnight and help me get ready. Normal stuff."
"Oh, good. Well, Giles is calling for me, so tell me the specifics later, okay? Congratulations, Kara! And say 'hi' to Spike, too."
"Thanks, Tara. Talk to ya later." Kara folded the phone, ending the call. "Well, that's settled. I need to go to Ossiriand tomorrow and get the set-up started."
"Just how big is this shindig going to be, luv?" Spike handed the brush back to her.
"My chaperone, yours, the Elder will preside over the ceremony, and that's about it, unless we want guests there. Not much sense in inviting a bunch of people, since the part they can witness only lasts ten minutes, tops. There's much more involved in the preparation than the actual event."
"What's so important about doing the claim the Ossirian way? How we did it last time worked just fine, and was very enjoyable," he murmured.
She rotated on the bed to look at him. "A girl only gets one wedding day, right? Well, there are two people in my head who haven't had one. Annnnnd, it's a lot easier to do it there, than find someone here who will marry us, make sure that your fake documents get accepted for a marriage license, and plan a party for everyone that will insist on coming once they find out. I could do it in a week, but it'd be insane. The claim is legally binding in Ossiriand, and that's good enough for me."
"Are you sure you don't want the whole traditional package, pet? Your sis won't be there if we do it this way, or your friends." He really wanted to make sure this wasn't going to bite him in the ass later.
Kara squeezed his hand in reassurance. "I'm sure, Spike. This will still be special and beautiful, trust me. No one's been around to do this ceremony since Kalari went to sleep. They were all dead. It's the right thing to do."
"Okay, kitten, anything you like. As long as I get you alone and naked that night, I'll be a happy vamp."
"Good, 'cause that's when the fun kicks in," she said with a grin. Kara leaned forward for a slow, leisurely kiss, savoring the unique flavor that was Spike. To say she was giddy about being joined to Spike was an understatement, but it was slightly tempered by the nervousness she felt about Monday night. Kara couldn't predict his reaction, since having a baby was so out of the realm of his normal perception. It hadn't been a consideration for him in 122 years.
Maybe handing him a drink or two first would soften the blow?
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Everyone in the stadium stood up at once, leaving Sebastian a little confused.
"7th inning stretch, man. Time to go get refills on beer and snacks," Xander explained.
"Oh, I see. Baseball seems to be a rather long game. It definitely lacks the excitement of football," he replied, following Xander up the aisle.
"Yeah, there's nothing like a last-minute touchdown…oh, you meant soccer. P.E. at school killed all interest in that game for me. Soccer time was just an excuse for the big guys to kick the rest of us in the nuts."
"Well, if you're ever in London, you'll have to come to a game. Only fair, since I've sat through your baseball. You Americans need to catch up with what the rest of the world knows about football."
"Nah, give me our football on Thanksgiving any day." Xander moved up in the snack line.
"Pfft! Your players are a bunch of pansies, wearing all that padding and armor. Now, rugby – that's brutal."
"No, it's insane. At least the helmet keeps your brains from being scrambled. Order of nachos and a chocolate malt, please." Xander handed over his money, then turned back to the knight behind him. "Have you even played these sports, old man?" he teased.
"I was rugby captain at university, thank you very much, as well as fencing, and an accomplished horseman. You?"
"I was on the swim team, before we discovered the coach was turning the guys into fish mutants. Your turn, man."
"Oh. One root beer and one diet coke, please. Xander, do you enjoy being married?"
A goofy grin lit up the younger man's face. "Yeah. I mean, it's not always easy, you know, 'cause sometimes we really get on each other's nerves. And we're still in that honeymoon period, but yeah, it's great. We're there for each other. I can't imagine Ahn not being there every day. Why do you ask – got someone in particular in mind?"
"No, no…just curious. I don't really get to spend time around married couples, in my way of life."
"Right, gotcha. We should get back to the girls. The game's about to start back up."
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On Sunday, Buffy and Sebastian ended up off by themselves for a while, again. Then, in the evening, they had dinner with Giles, Joyce and Dawn. Sebastian had to catch a very early flight the next morning, so goodbyes would have to be said tonight.
"So, I guess this is it, then," Buffy said, standing out on the porch.
"Yes…but I promise to keep in touch. If there's ever an emergency we can help with, a battle too big to handle, just let me know, Buffy."
"Okay, but I hope it won't take an apocalypse to get you out here again."
He squeezed her hand affectionately. "It won't, not if I have any say in the matter. Be careful on patrol. You've been dropping your left shoulder again."
"I do not! Okay, maybe a little when I'm tired, but…and what makes you the expert, hmm?" She stood there indignantly, one hip jutted to the side, brow arched in challenge. He smiled, finding it wholly endearing. William was right – he really was a goner.
"Over 100 years of battlefield combat, my dear – and I'm not the only one who notices. You're so cute when you're looking for a challenge," he murmured, taking a step closer.
"Don't try changing the subject – You think I'm cute?"
"And gorgeous, and sexy, and smarter than you know, and I really shouldn't be saying these things out loud…"
"I think you should…who knows when we'll see each other again? You might not get another chance…and you smell really good tonight," she replied. They'd somehow moved closer without realizing it, and one of them had only to tilt their head to…Mmm, perfect, Buffy thought as he kissed her again. One part of her saw the sense in the way he was holding back, keeping the kiss slow and sweet as a way of goodbye words couldn't express. Another part wanted to release the passion she knew dwelt inside and have him bend her over the hood of the car right here on the street, public decency be damned.
Sebastian pulled away while she was still thinking which would be the better idea, calling her brain to a halt.
"I should be going. It's getting late," he said quietly.
"And you have an early plane…"
"Right. Good night, Buffy."
"'Night, Sebastian. And…thanks."
He nodded, smiling, and ducked his head to get in the rental car. She stood on the curb, and waved, as he slowly pulled away. When the car disappeared around the corner, she went back inside the house. Joyce was standing at the foot of the stairs, just on her way to bed.
"Are you okay, Buffy?"
"Yeah…I'll miss having him around, but I know he'll keep in touch. Sebastian's true to his word. I guess he made an impression on everybody around here, huh?"
"That he did, sweetie. He's a special man. Well, I'm going to bed. Make sure everything's locked up, okay?"
"Always do, Mom. Sleep well. Tell Giles goodnight, too."
"I will, honey."
Joyce went upstairs, leaving Buffy to head into the kitchen. She had a glass of milk, then checked the locks, turned out the lights, and headed up to her room. She squeaked when Dawn's arm shot out and pulled her into her sister's room.
"You guys kissed! Was it good? Was that the first one? Do you really like him, or was that just for goodbye's sake? Are you-?"
"Dawn! First of all, don't scare me like that. I could have slayed you before realizing it was you. Second – what were you doing eavesdropping on me, again!"
"I didn't do it on purpose! I was opening the window, 'cause it's still hot, and I saw you guys down on the street. Plain sight, you know? So…?"
"Dawn…it's none of your business. Besides, he leaves tomorrow for parts unknown. We're just friends."
"That didn't look like 'just friends'. Friends give each other a peck on the cheek, not stick their tongues in each other's mouths. It's been so obvious you guys are into each other, anyway," Dawn said knowingly. Damn little sisters who never missed a thing.
"So what? Attraction is just that. I just got out of a relationship, and he can't get in one. We shared a few harmless kisses before he left town. They're just nice memories. What are you doing still awake, anyway? You have work tomorrow."
"So do you."
"Yeah, but I'm used to getting little sleep. Can I go to bed now, or do you want Mom to hear us and get in trouble?"
"Fine…have it your way. You're no fun as an 'adult'," Dawn complained. She opened her door to let Buffy out.
"'Night, Dawnie."
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Also on Sunday, Kara traveled to Ossiriand to begin the ceremony arrangements. She found the Elder first, who agreed wholeheartedly to do the officiating, and make sure the arrangements were carried out to her specifications. Kara wanted this to be done as traditionally as possible, so she found the book in the library detailing what was to be done and left notes in the pages she wanted to include. She also gave specific orders that the palace occupants and townspeople were not to intrude, mostly for Spike's benefit. They didn't want a big audience for the ceremony.
"I understand, Empress. We will post guards to make sure there are no uninvited guests."
"Thank you. It's not that I want to exclude my people, because I know they are going to be happy for us, but it just feels right to do this in a quiet fashion. Maybe later, we can have a big party so they can celebrate. Oh, and I'm going to need provisions in my suite for a few days? Maybe more. It will take us time to adjust to the claim, before being around people is comfortable again, I think."
"Yes, that is a wise precaution. The new bond can sometimes be overwhelming, or so it says in the books. You look happy, Kara. I am most glad this is finally coming together for you in such wonderful ways."
"You know, don't you?" she said, knowledge dawning on her. "You knew all along what was happening the first time. Why wouldn't you tell me?"
"It was not my place to give you all the answers, Kara. Most things, we need to figure out for ourselves. And here you are, ready to share eternity with your mate. Does he know yet that you are with child?"
"No, I wanted to see my doctor first. I'm telling him tomorrow night."
"Ah, I see. May I?" he asked, gesturing with his hands towards her stomach.
"Uh, yeah, I guess." The Elder gently placed his hands on her abdomen and closed his eyes. After a minute, he stepped back and smiled, removing his touch.
"All is well. There is strong life within you, but you will see for yourself tomorrow. Is there anything else you need to arrange? Otherwise, I'll walk you back to the portal."
"No, I think everything's on that list. I'll just come back if anything else comes to mind. I trust you to carry out my wishes, old friend. Shall we?"
They walked from the library to the portal room. Kara gave him a kiss on the cheek, then walked through the gateway.
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Monday…
Kara pulled into the parking lot at ten to 11. She'd just gotten out of the car and locked up when Tara pulled up a few spaces down. She walked down the row of cars to greet her friend.
"Hey. It's really warm this morning," Kara said, when Tara had opened her door.
"It is, isn't it? I guess that's July for you. Are you ready for this?"
Kara laughed nervously. "No, but we'll fake it."
Tara gave her a reassuring smile and locked her car. The two women walked into the medical office building. Kara found the office she wanted on the directory, and headed for the second floor. Dr. Lee was in the waiting room when they entered.
"Good morning, Kara. And who have you brought with you today?"
"Dr. Lee, this is Tara Maclay, my best friend." She turned to Tara, and explained, "Dr. Lee has been my gyno for about 8 years, now."
"It's nice to meet you, Tara. Okay, let's get you signed in, Kara, and then we can go back to the room."
Kara checked her name off the appointment sheet, then gave the receptionist a check for the visit. Tara's eyes widened at the number, but she didn't say anything. The receptionist checked to see if the technician was ready, and told them the room number. The girls followed Dr. Lee down the corridor.
"You'll be taking the report back with you, yes?" Kara asked Dr. Lee.
"I guess I can…"
"It's just that I'm a private person, as you know, and I'd rather my medical records stay with someone I already trust."
"I'll see what I can do, but that shouldn't be a problem here." They entered the exam room and Dr. Lee introduced them to the ultrasound technician. "Kara, this is Stacy. She's very experienced with this equipment."
"Hi. Okay, I just need you to go into the bathroom there and change. We'll keep a sheet draped over your legs once the probe is inserted."
"Yay," Kara grimaced. Well, I guess modesty isn't much of an issue by the time you deliver a baby. She removed her skirt, shoes, and underwear in the bathroom, then slipped on the robe they'd given her, and walked back out.
"Okay, just hop up on the table, here, and we'll get started. This will probably feel a little cold, but just try to relax." The table was actually in two sections, the top half angled up so she'd be able to see the monitor from it. A sheet was draped over Kara's lower half once she got comfortable, and the ultrasound probe inserted. And Stacy was right about it being cold.
Dr. Lee sat next to the technician, out of Kara's range of sight. Tara stood on the other side of the table so she would be out of the way. Stacy typed on the keyboard connected to the machine, and an image popped up on the screen. It could actually display multiple views at once.
"I'll be going in little sections to check the entire uterus. We'll take a good look around before focusing on the fetus. How far along are you, Kara?"
"About 2 months…in that general ballpark."
"That's one of our goals today: to pinpoint the exact age of the baby," Dr. Lee added. "I'll be able to calculate your due date then. These 3-Dimensional machines are quite amazing. A nice change from black and white. Everything looks good so far. Blood flow is strong through the veins. Let's find our little friend."
Stacy cruised the viewpoint along the left wall of the uterus, and found what they were looking for. She tapped on the keys, and zoomed in.
"Well, we actually have two embryos," she announced.
"Two!" Kara exclaimed, Tara echoing the question.
"Definitely. Here, I'll pivot the view so we can see them side by side."
"They're sharing the placenta," Dr. Lee observed. "You're having identical twins, Kara."
"Twins." They nodded. "Twins?"
"In living color." Stacy tapped a few more keys and the image became a live video. "Two strongly beating hearts. By the amount of development and their size, we're looking at 7-8 weeks, leaning closer to 8." She flipped a switch, and the room was flooded with the sound of two rapid heartbeats echoing each other.
"Wow," Tara whispered reverently.
"Oh my god," Kara murmured. "Can you leave that on for a while? I just want to listen."
"Of course."
Kara closed her eyes and focused on the sound. She stretched her senses, and heard the tiny heartbeats inside her own body, as well as from the speakers. She reached out with her mind and felt their life forces, memorized the signature that she identified in anyone she chose to extend protection to. She would know them now, her babies, no matter when, no matter where. Kara felt a tissue being pressed into her hand, and noticed that a couple tears had started to leak from her eyes. She smiled gratefully at Tara, wiped her eyes, and cleared her throat to dispel the mood.
"Okay, you can continue doing…whatever it is you guys need to look at."
"Well, since there are no noticeable defects in either you, or the embryos, I just have to take some measurements, and print. I'm assuming you want a picture of your twins?" Stacy asked, smiling knowingly. The mom-to-be always wanted pictures.
"Please."
"I'll be taking the data with me for her file. Thanks, Stacy. Kara, you can put your mind at ease. I'm pretty sure we can proceed with a normal twin pregnancy," Dr. Lee said.
Stacy handed the picture from the color printer to Kara, then went back to gathering the sheets of data for the doctor. "Should I save you in the computer, in case you want to come back later in the pregnancy?"
"I don't think that will be necessary," Kara said. "I'll trust Dr. Lee's judgment for now."
"Okay, here you go, doctor. We're all done, Kara, as soon as I remove the probe. You can go get cleaned up and change."
"Thank God," Kara replied. Tara giggled. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up now."
Kara slipped the photo, safe in an envelope, in her purse, then rushed into the bathroom to get decent again. Dr. Lee held up the folder when she walked back out, and Kara nodded. She usually wasn't that picky, but her intuition had nudged her not to leave personal information here.
"Ready?" Tara asked.
"Yup. Are you going out right now, Dr. Lee?"
"Yes, I'm done here, as well." She crossed to the door and opened it for the younger women. They all waved to Stacy, thanking her again, and left the office. Kara and Tara walked with Dr. Lee to her car. "Let's see, you're 8 weeks, so let's make your next appointment for a month from now. I'll check your vitals and listen to their heartbeats, then we'll do another ultrasound at around 4 months. We'll be able to determine the sex, then, if you wish."
"Okay. I'll call the office once I check my calendar. Thanks for being here today. You didn't have to be. Wow…twins. I can hardly wrap my brain around it. Now, I just have to tell my fiancé," Kara replied.
"Oh, you got engaged? Congratulations!" Kara showed her the ring. "That's quite a guy, giving you a ring like this. It's gorgeous, Kara. Have you set a date?"
"Yeah, it's soon. We're doing something quiet and romantic."
"That sounds nice. Well, girls, I have to run. It was nice meeting you, Tara. Kara, give me a call if you have any questions."
"Bye!" They walked back to their vehicles, not wanting to stand out in the hot sun too much longer.
"She's really nice. Her aura shows a lot of caring and compassion, good qualities in a doctor. You want to get lunch?"
"Hell, yeah. All that nervousness I felt this morning has left me starving. I want a huge burger and fries!" Kara replied. The relief she felt that everything was fine and normal brought forth a wave of euphoria after all the worry of the past weeks. She felt like dancing, or shouting from the rooftops. "Let's get outta here before we melt."
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Her intercom buzzed, indicating she had a call coming through.
"Yes?"
"Ma'am, the woman you wanted us to watch for was just spotted in West Hollywood, leaving a medical office building."
"Excellent. It's about time. Go in there after hours and find out why she was there. I want a name."
"Yes, ma'am. Consider it done."
