Chapter 29
Spike awoke first, with a gnawing hunger in his gut. As his brain came to awareness, he realized he was feeling his own appetite plus Kara's through the claim. It was still dark outside, probably between midnight and two a.m. Kara lay on her stomach next to him, her face obscured by the riotous mass of curls. He gently brushed the hair away, grazing her cheek. She leaned toward his hand even in sleep, sensing how he moved. The claim was urging Spike towards physical contact now that he was awake. He propped his head up on his hand, and traced the symbols down her back. They were slightly smudged now from her perspiration. Kara moaned softly at the contact.
He could follow the dream she was having in his own head. The claim was still too new for them to be able to put up any boundaries between each other's consciousnesses, so it was a bit unsettling to have two full processes of thought going in his brain. When she started dreaming about dancing strawberry waffles, he knew it was time to wake her up to have a snack.
The thought seemed enough to rouse her, as Kara rolled over then, and mumbled, "Geez, I'm hungry."
"Lucky for us, then, that we have this basket of goodies. Good morning, luv." He kissed her softly on the mouth before getting out of bed and walking over to the table.
"Mmm. What time is it?" she asked, groaning a bit as she stretched. Her muscles were a bit sore, but in a good way.
"After midnight. I can't pinpoint it here, like back home. Let's see…there's cheese, fruit, and more of those candies." He loaded up the plate after smelling a couple of the cheeses. (Luv, if you want a nibble, all you have to do is ask.)
"Can I think anything right now without you picking up on it?"
"Right now? No. But you're probably getting the same thing from me, too, kitten. The claim'll settle down soon." Spike placed the plate on her lap.
"I hope so. I mean, I love feeling you there, but…"
"You still want the normal level of privacy. I'm not offended, pet. I say enough stupid things without you being able to hear the ones I don't say. Now, about that thought you had a minute ago…" Naughty images flooded her mind.
"You are such a perv!" she accused, laughing. "Can I finish eating before you jump me?"
"You can try," he replied.
"No…fair," Kara gasped.
------------------------
Meanwhile, back on Earth…
"The P.O. address on the check led us to a dead-end, ma'am. It was bought with a dummy address. 'K. Taylor' could be anyone."
"Get the mystics on it. Everything leaves a trail. I really don't want to have to wait for her to be spotted in L.A. again. Find me what I want to know by the end of the day!"
Good help was so hard to find. Did she have to tell them every step to get results? She was on a deadline, her bosses demanding to know who the petite warrior was who had picked up the slack on L.A.'s streets. The idea that she was a Slayer had been immediately dismissed, since both of the current ones were still alive and well. So, maybe 'who' wasn't as important as 'what' the girl was. The fangs and claws had them leaning towards her being a vampire…'til the brunette was spotted a week ago in sunlight.
'Well,' she thought, leaning back in her leather executive chair. 'At least my job is never dull.'
-------------------------
Sunnydale…
'What's this?' Dawn thought, picking up an envelope off the floor. Seems it came through the mail slot. She flipped it over and read the name written in fine script. 'Anne Winters?'
"Buffy! I think you have mail!"
"Gimme!" the older sister squealed, rushing downstairs.
"Uh unh!" Dawn exclaimed, holding the letter high over her head. "Not until you let me borrow your red blouse for Alisa's party."
"As if, Dawn! You spill something on everything you borrow."
"Hey! That last stain wasn't my fault. Some guy bumped into me in the theater and spilled his soda on me. I haven't spilled anything on myself in a long time."
"I'm still not letting you have the red top. I just got that! Now, give me that envelope, or I call for Mom!"
"Fine…I'll just read it later, anyway."
"You better not!" Buffy snatched the envelope out of her sister's hand and walked into the living room to read it. Yep, it was definitely Sebastian's handwriting. She had gotten used to seeing it during their tutoring sessions.
Dearest Buffy,
I don't have much time to write at the moment, but I wanted to make the effort. How is everyone? I saw a sculpture the other day that I think your mother would love for her gallery. Let her know it's in the post. I imagine Dawn is hovering about as you read this. Tell her hello for me, and remind her not to flirt with vampires. I miss our little chats already.
Not much to tell, on my end, since I can't share what we do, or where we are. I will tell you that it is not a very dangerous assignment – basically routine for me – so do not worry.
Have you found any promising employment offers? I hope you can find something you enjoy, Buffy. It does make the day go by so much faster. You are smart and resourceful, so I'm sure something will turn up soon.
I have to go, I'm being summoned. Stay safe, mind your left, and write soon.
Fondly,
Your Servant.
She smiled, and handed the letter to Dawn, since there wasn't any personal content in it.
"Should we stick it to the refrigerator?" Dawn suggested, teasing.
"No! I'll keep it in my room, thank you very much. It is addressed to me."
"That's cool that he found something for Mom already. She's going to be stalking the mailman now, you know. You know how obsessive she gets about art!"
"You're probably right, Dawnie. Maybe we shouldn't tell her? Just let her be surprised when it shows up. We know it's coming, so we'll be on the lookout for it, anyway. I wish he could share his battle stories. Sunnydale's gotten boring!"
"Buffy! You just cursed us! I'm expecting an apocalypse any moment, now…And why has it been so quiet this year? Is the Hellmouth losing energy, or something?"
"From your mouth to the Power's ears, Dawn. I'd love to have some hope that I won't always be needed here. Maybe, it's just that word has finally spread that there are so many demon fighters here now. We have 5 powerful beings doing patrols. That has to carry some weight, you know? Especially since the Vala-whosits were banished last Fall. They terrified other demons everywhere, and they were beaten in Sunnydale."
"Yeah…it was a great idea for Clem to spread that story around at Willy's. Kara can be pretty devious, at times. Well, since you won't let me borrow the red blouse, I need to search my closet for something else before my friends get here. Later, Buffy," Dawn declared, before heading up to her room.
She didn't know how long the peace would last, but Buffy was determined to enjoy it any way she could.
-------------------------
The next time Kara woke up, it was daylight. She slipped on a robe and peaked outside, squinting against the bright light. The sun was high in the lavender sky. 'Must be about noon,' she thought.
"Hey, Spike? I need to go back to the palace soon so Clem and Tara can go home."
"Hmm…"
"Spike…wake up, baby…" Kara crawled back on the bed and shook his shoulder. "Come on…I need to go either way, but I'd prefer to have you with me."
"'S too early," he mumbled.
"Okay…I'll go and be back in a bit, and I'll bring you some blood."
"Mmm hmm…"
She shrugged, and slipped her dress back over her head, then pulled her hair back in a braid to control it. Hmm…walk in the palace, or teleport to the family wing? She decided to teleport, and stepped outside the tent to do so. Kara ended up in front of the door to her suite, and entered the room in search of Tara.
"Tara? You in here?"
"Just a moment, Sarina," came the reply from the bathroom. Tara was surprised when she walked out to the sitting room. "Oh, hey! I didn't expect to see you, yet. Where's Spike?"
"Still asleep. I woke up a little while ago and remembered that you guys are supposed to go back home."
"It's going to be Sunday back in Sunnydale, right?"
"Yeah. 12 hour difference. Though, I guess it's going to be around midnight. Just remember to lock up the house, if you leave right away. My sister might be asleep there."
"No problem. Let's go find Clem."
They found the pink demon down in the kitchen, talking to the cooking staff and snacking on a plate of meats and cheeses.
"Hey, Kara! Where's Spike?"
"Still sleeping. Cookie, I need some blood for my husband. Could you have that ready by the time I return?"
"Of course, Empress."
"Well, if you guys are ready, let's grab your luggage and head over to the portal."
They went to Clem's room first, also grabbing Spike's stuff to put in Kara's room. Kara changed clothes while Tara made sure she had everything. She came out in a pink halter gown, with a silver circlet across her brow. Her hair had been brushed out into soft waves.
"Ready?" she asked Tara.
"Lead the way," her friend responded.
Clem took Tara's bag from her, blushing when she looked at him questioningly. "It's not polite to let a lady carry her luggage," he replied.
"Thanks, Clem."
Kara led the way downstairs, accepting the congratulations of the servants they passed. She opened the door to the portal room and let her friends enter first. Kara opened the vortex once more, and turned back to say her goodbyes. Tara stepped forward to hug her.
"When might you be back?" she asked.
"A few days, maybe. I'm not sure. Maybe sooner. We won't be up to Sunnydale right away, though."
"Okay. Well, give me a call…"
"Of course." Kara placed her hand through the portal to unlock the passage. Tara smiled, then walked through. Clem stepped up to hug Kara, as usual.
"Don't touch me!" she said, stepping back a little.
"Okay…" he said, confused.
"I'm sorry. It's just that Spike will feel he has to kill you, if you touch me. It's a side-effect of the new claim. I can't be touched by any male that isn't family without sending my mate into a possessive rage," she lightly replied.
"Oh. Glad you warned me! Uh, I'll just say goodbye, then?"
"See ya, Clem. I'm sure Spike will drop by as soon as he's back in Sunnydale.
"No hurry," he said with a grin. "You can let me through now."
He went through the portal, careful not to even brush against Kara. She closed the portal, then headed back to the kitchen to pick up Spike's blood.
"Here, Empress. It is very fresh. I hope your mate approves," Cook declared, handing her a pitcher.
"Thanks, Cookie. I'm sure he'll enjoy it. Um, I think we'll be taking supper tonight in my suite. Will you arrange that for me?"
"Yes, Empress. I promise you will be pleased."
"I like everything you make, Cookie. Don't over exert yourself."
"Of course, Mistress. Hurry back to your husband, now."
Kara grinned, and teleported back to the tent in the garden. Spike rolled over to face her upon smelling the still-warm blood. He frowned a bit.
"You're dressed," he pouted.
"I couldn't walk around the palace naked, silly. Unless you want Clem getting that kind of view?"
He growled possessively in answer.
"Thought so. I got you some fresh blood. It's still warm." She handed him the pitcher.
"What is it?" he asked after sniffing the contents. It wasn't any animal he recognized.
"I don't know, but it's probably from the meat that was butchered for tonight's meal. It's safe, if you're worried."
"Nah…just didn't recognize it." He gulped down the contents, famished after their full night of activity. When he was finished, Spike wiped the blood off his lips and handed the empty pitcher back to her. Kara set it on the table. "Did you eat, pet?"
"I grabbed a sandwich when I asked Cookie to prepare the blood. I asked her to have dinner sent up to my room tonight."
"Had enough hiding out here in the garden?"
"Well, there's no bath in here, and such. And we'll have to get used to other people being close by soon. My sister can't stay at the house indefinitely."
He sighed. "I suppose you're right, but aren't we supposed to be on our honeymoon? What's the human custom – spending at least a week in bed in some tropical destination?"
"That's a popular choice, yes. Most people do a little sightseeing, at least." Kara sat on the bed, after popping another magic candy in her mouth. Her very naked mate shifted closer, and dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder.
"Is there any place you'd like me to take you, kitten? I'm thinking we won't have much time for travelin' once the babes are born." He continued kissing along her neck, up to her ear.
"That's true," she breathily replied. "I'm not sure where to choose."
"Well, I could surprise you, if you trust me to pick somethin'." He unhooked the clasp holding her dress up, placing kisses down her back.
"I'm yours, Spike. You can do with me as you will," she replied, her voice dripping with desire.
He let out a pleased growl and passionately claimed her lips. Her dress quickly found the floor as they were lost in each other's embrace once again.
------------------------
The newly mated couple went home the next day, laden down with gifts. Even General Belegurth had dropped off a gift at the palace. Kara was a little wary about opening that one, even though he had been completely loyal so far. She teleported her and Spike outside upon coming back to the basement, and they entered the house through the garage. Her sister could be heard singing along to the radio in the kitchen.
"Hey! How was your trip?"
"Really nice. Everything cool here?"
"Yep. They were perfect angels, although, one of the cats hawked up a fur ball in the middle of the night. Found that with my bare feet in the morning."
"Eeew!"
"Yeah! So, I was just making lunch. Can I get you guys anything?"
"I could eat," Kara replied.
"You can always eat, luv," Spike affectionately teased.
"I'm pregnant! I have an excuse," she pouted. Kara sat down on one of the stools at the center island. Spike leaned his head on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her middle.
"You guys are so cute," Stephanie teased. She passed a tuna sandwich to her sister.
Kara picked up one half of the sandwich to take a bite, and almost lost her stomach at the smell. She quickly pushed the plate away, looking a little green.
"What's wrong? You like tuna."
"The babies don't. Could you make turkey instead?"
"Sure…wait, babies? As in plural!" Steph exclaimed
"We're havin' twins," Spike proudly replied.
"Oh my god! That's awesome! When did you find out?"
"A week ago," Kara said meekly.
"A whole week? Kara…"
"Sorry! With telling Spike, and stuff…"
"It's okay…I just want to be kept in the know, too. So, tell me what's new…"
-------------------------
Later that evening, Kara took a moment to read the letters from her mother that fit her life so far. With the 'engagement letter' was a key for a safe deposit box at their bank. The only reference to it was that there was a surprise inside. The 'wedding letter' was very sweet and sentimental, and her mother offered some advice for adjusting to the first year, in that style that had made her laugh so many times. However, it was the 'so, you're having a baby letter' that made her cry.
Her children wouldn't have grandparents. Not like the wonderful set she had had. Kara's father was the only one alive, a person she loved, but only tolerated in short bursts. Her mother would have spoiled them rotten, and read all kinds of stories in all kinds of voices. They would have played make-believe, and come up with imaginary friends who went on great adventures. Oh, the babies would have lots of aunts and uncles by default in the form of all their friends, but it didn't feel quite the same.
She was brought out of her musings by the feeling of her mate's arms wrapped around her.
"Why the tears, luv?"
"I was reading these," she said, waving the letters around, "And missing my mom. Our kids don't have grandparents, Spike."
"Oh, sweetheart…that doesn't mean they won't be loved…and they'll still have plenty of family. Sharing blood doesn't mean you treat people the best."
"I know. I just want them to have what I had. My mother's parents were two of the best people you could ever meet. I was closer to my grandmother than even my mom, because she understood both of us. Sorry…reading these letters brought up all these memories, and I'm feeling sentimental. And these stupid hormones are making me cry at the drop of a hat," she groused.
"May I?" he asked, gesturing to the letters in her hand.
"Uh, sure…why?"
"I'd like to know your mum. She raised an amazing woman, and she still means a lot to you," he replied.
"You're wonderful, you know that?"
He looked down, shyly, her face, and feelings for him though the claim, making him feel unworthy of their intensity. Kara raised his chin and kissed him tenderly, completely open to him. Now, he was the one who felt like crying. He'd known before that she loved him, but now he knew how she saw him, and it was enough to bring him to his knees to beg her to never stop.
"God…Kara! I love you so much, luv…how you-" his voice faltered, nothing but a whisper for the emotion clogging his throat.
"Shhh, baby…I know…you make me feel like that, too. I could never say enough to come close to describing it. Can we go to bed now? I need to feel you…"
He nodded rapidly. "Need you, too…so much."
The letters were cast aside, clothes stripped away, and emotional walls dropped as they came together again. They reveled in the new level of intimacy that came with making love since the claim snapped into place. Nothing could get in the way, and nothing else existed.
