Chapter 23 Bye Bye Baby
The seven of them returned to the altar room again that night. They had left early, before the sun had set fully. Angel was still grumpy about using a blanket to get to the door. Spike called him a Nancy.
Buffy, Wendy and the three girls under her, Myra, Cho, and Thea, all followed Angel and Spike through the tunnels emerging once again in the altar room. Where they found the thirteen elders once again. This time accompanied by the Minch couple Buffy and Spike had seen in the tunnels just days before.
Now that she could see them better, Buffy could see the baby's strong resemblance to the stocky demon standing next to the mother. He stood with his arm wrapped around the demoness. Her long dark dreadlocks had been pulled back from her face and Buffy could see a number of facial piercings similar to the elders. Her's seemed to add rather than detract from her appearance. Including at least seven piercings running along each eyebrow. One small ring through her nose and three studs spaced evenly along her bottom lip. Buffy imagined that she was probably considered a great beauty among her clan. The child's father had similar piercings although not as extensive. As though in contrast to his mate, his piercings made him look formidable. Suddenly she understood some of the old tales she had read about Minch demons and their relation to merpeople. Years ago they had been known to pull entire ships under. Now they generally seemed to keep to themselves. Buffy eyed the Minch demons again. The truth was that she was finding them fascinating. Especially the interesting piercings (plural?) they displayed and wondered if they were some sort of social status indicator.
The mother's face had been set in stone as they had filed into the room carrying their gifts. At least until Wendy came in with the baby. The demoness clasped a hand to her mouth, showing off the short webbing between each finger. She turned slightly towards her mate. He murmured something in her ear and she turned her eyes back towards their child. Although she kept silent, Buffy had the distinct feeling she was doing everything in her power to keep herself from charging towards Wendy and the baby. After several moments her gaze landed on Buffy. She was studying Buffy just as intently as Buffy had studied her moments before. It was only fair. Her eyes flickered between Buffy and Spike. Her face passed through a series of subtle emotions from surprise to understanding as her gaze settled back onto Buffy. It was an odd moment.
Buffy turned her attention back towards the podium where Angel stood talking with Elric again. She turned her head to glance at Spike and had to choke down a laugh. He was having to peek through the long vertical leaves of the large potted snake plant in his arms almost like Kilroy. He shifted the plant in annoyance and caught her eye as he did so. It was clear he couldn't wait to get out of there as fast as possible. She couldn't blame him, she was feeling the same. Unease was rolling off him despite his cool demeanor. Suddenly Spike's head snapped to attention turning towards Angel.
"We're up, Love," he murmured.
Buffy caught Angel's eye, he gestured his hand towards her and reached down for the gift he had been charged with. Buffy nodded once, adjusted the basket she carried then fell in line behind him, Spike and the Slayerettes behind her. Wendy brought up the rear with the baby.
They stepped forward slowly, passed the elders who were standing in a row on their left. When Angel reached the parents of the Minch child he bent down low holding the gift out in front of him. He stayed low until the mother nodded and the father took the gift from him. Angel stood up, nodded his head once and continued around the back of the room.
When Spike presented the plant, her eyes lit up in wonder and both parents started talking excitedly, discussing their apparent appreciation of it. Spike bowed once more and went to follow Angel.
It went on just like that until Wendy's turn with the baby. When she stepped forward, Elric blocked her path. Angel stepped up next to her and spoke with Elric then turned to Wendy. From where they stood Buffy couldn't hear what they were saying. Not that she would have understood it anyway.
Elric led Angel and Wendy over to the child's parents. Wendy positioned the baby so he was visible and held him out towards his parents. Elric addressed the room at large in the demon language saying something that sounded very official. Wendy waited with her arms outstretched as far as she dared while holding the small blue child. After what seemed like an ice age, Elric finished and the mother reached out for her son, taking him from Wendy. She hugged him to her chest. Wendy and Angel bowed again and rejoined their group.
The demons let out what sounded a lot like a loud shrieking war cry. Buffy shifted her stance ready to fight if necessary. She glanced around to Angel and Spike noticed they had both bowed again. Bowing along with them, she allowed herself to relax. The other girls had a similar reaction and she could see four sets of eyes turning towards her for guidance.
The demons applauded as they stood from the bow. Several of the elders gathered up the gifts and started heading out of the altar room. The baby's parents were so engrossed with the safe return of their son that Elric had to signal them when it was time to go. He gave Angel a little wave of his hand and started to leave.
Before they had a chance to exit the room, the mother of the child rushed over to Buffy. In perfect English with a slight Scottish brogue, "I am grateful to learn my son was taken care of by such a skilled warrior," she said gesturing towards Buffy's earrings, "And for the beautiful plant."
Buffy was taken aback, "Ahh sure, it was no problem, he was great. I- I thought none of you spoke English."
"Not many of our clan do."
Buffy dug in her pocket for her business card, "I'm Buffy, you can reach me here. Just call. If you ever need a babysitter, got a whole bunch of girls willing to take the little guy for a night or two."
"I might have to take you up on that one of these days. I'm glad our peoples can be friends now. I wasn't too sure when we saw him," she said, waving a hand towards Spike.
"Spike? He's with me, he won't give you any trouble as long as you're not causing it."
"It is expected that you would defend your bond-mate. But also good to hear. My grandmother had humm… dealings with him many years ago. I'm glad to see that he didn't handle this negotiation."
"Yeah he said he messed up the last time and he didn't wanna make that same mistake."
"You are lucky to have a bond-mate who can learn from his mistakes; it's an honorable quality."
That was the second time she had mentioned their bond, "How did—"
"I have a gift for water magic. I can sense the bond-mark the Asmodeus demon left upon you both. It is a strong bond that continues to grow. I can see it is far from complete," she paused, glancing at the baby. Then she extended one delicate, slightly webbed hand, "I believe this is your custom, yes? My name is Lilias."
Buffy took her cool hand, shaking it before Lilias continued. "If you or yours ever need anything, you know where to find us. You can also go to the water and call my name three times. I will help in whatever way I can."
"Thank you Lilias. Please don't hesitate to call. Even if it's just for babysitting."
Lilias shot her a white smile showing off delicately pointing canine teeth, then turned away. Her mate wrapped an arm around her and the baby before guiding them through the tunnel the way the elders had left. Buffy turned towards the tunnel where Spike stood waiting for her.
"Bird speaks English?" he gaped at her.
"Yeah, Angel must have said some pretty nice things about me too. I think we might be friends now. Oh and apparently you had a run in with her grandma."
"Bloody hell, thought she looked a bit familiar. Now you two are all chummy, bet I'm never going to live that one down."
"She didn't give details."
"No?" He arched an eyebrow at her as they walked along the tunnel.
"Something I need to know?" She teased.
"Just one of my more brainless schemes. Thought I'd try selling Grindylows from Landcaster to the Minch in the highlands. Didn't work out so well."
"Grindylows? I thought those were just a Harry Potter thing."
"No, Love, they're real alright. Rare but real."
"Weird."
"Something else eating at you, Pet?" he asked as they walked.
"I was just thinking about something else she said. She called that demon we took out in Paris something weird."
"Weirder than 'Love Demon'?"
"It was something different than Willow called it too. Lilias said it was an Asmodeus."
"Makes sense."
"It does?"
"Sure. The original seven deadly sins. Asmodeus was all about lust. Makes sense that our love demon was named after him, or maybe one of his progeny. My guess is that she was using it as a general term. Like Big Cats. That could mean a lion, tiger, panther, what have you."
"She said that our bond wasn't done growing."
"Sort of already figured that, didn't we?"
She took his hand, "Yeah, it's just weird how she could pick up on it like that. Kinda gave me the wiggins."
"Seemed friendly enough."
"She was… it was just a little weird."
The two of them continued on. The girls were pretty far ahead of them with Angel hanging back, half waiting, half keeping tabs on the girls. Buffy and Spike caught up to him in no time at all.
"Where were you?" Angel grumbled.
"Making friends. Talking with my lady," Spike said tilting his head slightly, "That ok with you, Peaches?"
"I just want to get back."
"What's got your knickers in a twist?" Spike asked.
"It's nothing. I'm fine, just tired."
Buffy glanced at Spike, What do you think? She thought towards him.
Dunno. Pretty normal for Captain Broody-pants. You'd think he'd be all proud of a job well done, but not him. Got to act like someone pissed out the candles on his birthday cake.
"Now there's an image!" Buffy laughed out loud.
Angel turned towards her, "What are you laughing about?"
"Just thought of something funny," Spike said, failing to suppress a grin.
Angel narrowed his eyes at the two of them holding hands, "I don't need this. I do not want to know what's going on between you two."
"Never thought a great poof like you would become such a prude. Sort of thing never bothered you before."
"I'm not a— You little shit," Angel growled as his temper flared.
"Now, now, Liam. No use losing your temper now mate," Spike said cooly, the slightest hint of a growl in his voice.
Angel turned around and continued through the now familiar tunnels ahead of them, "Shut your mouth before I shut it for you, William."
Did you really have to do that?, Buffy thought as Angel pulled a little further ahead of them.
Didn't have to, but it was pretty fun. Wanker deserves it from where I'm standing anyway. Spike thought back to her calmly, but Buffy could tell he was anything but calm.
Why do I feel like I've missed something?
Not important, Love. Just giving him a hard time.
What happened to civil?
Spike snorted, "Oi, Angel!"
Angel turned around glaring at him. Spike continued, "What are your plans now that little mess is cleaned up?"
Rome, Connor. Dawn. Remember? Also, rude! Buffy chided him silently.
Spike squeezed her hand and shot a thought back, Ain't rude if the ponce has already started making plans to leave. Bet you a shag he's already looked into it.
You're on. But only because you're already getting laid tonight anyway, especially if you are still taking me out.
Got to make it a little interesting. A little oral stimulation to the winner then?
I'll take that action.
Yeah you will.
Spike grinned, then said out loud to Angel, "Don't mind taking you to the airport, mate. Probably get you to Rome in record time."
Angel sighed unnecessarily, "Subtle."
Rude.
Wait for it, Slayer.
Buffy rolled her eyes, "Angel, you can stay as long as you need to. We'd have to check flights first anyway."
Angel cleared his throat, "I already did. The Earliest one I can get is the night after next. I'll probably just take the train leaving tomorrow," Angel said flatly.
"Second thought, mate, take all the time you need. No need to rush off. Is there, Pet?" He said turning to Buffy with a smug cat-ate-the-canary look on his face.
Angel raised an eyebrow at Spike, "Humm, thanks. I think I'm just going to call Connor before I decide anything."
"That's right, do the father/son bit proper."
"Humm yeah… I thought I'd give it a try."
"What do you think, Love, ready to hit the club or go straight to bed?" Spike said as he pushed a little of his desire towards her through their psychic link.
Buffy cleared her throat. Suddenly feeling too hot in the underground tunnels and resisting the sudden urge to rip his clothes off and shove him against the tunnel wall, "Club yes. Bed, not yet. Maybe we should patrol."
"Don't you have Slayers out there already?" Angel asked.
"Maybe we should just go out. I'm just restless," Buffy replied as she picked up the pace.
Spike turned his head towards her a little curiously. He caught a whiff of her increased scent, her desire, in the air. Did I get you all hot and bothered with that one or something? He asked without opening his snarky mouth.
Buffy squeezed his hand, We seriously need to get a better handle on this thing. She thought.
I'm quite enjoying it myself. I'm sure I can help you work out that restlessness. Maybe a nice massage.
Warmth pooled low in her belly, That sounds seriously amazing. Definitely later.
I know I got you interested. What's with the stall?
I think I just want to go out.
I'd love to take you out, feels like it's been ages since I had you dance for me.
You better be doing more than watching mister.
When have I ever disappointed you?
Definitely going to need to lose the jacket and the sweater.
Putting on something sexy for me?
When have I ever disappointed you? Her inner voice responded with a little purr of desire.
God, you get me so damn hot.
Spike let out a low growl and his eyes flashed yellow as he suddenly stopped. He pulled her to him forcefully as he pressed himself to her. They kissed passionately right there in the tunnel. Buffy arched into the kiss encouraging him with a little sigh of pleasure. They broke the kiss, gazing at each other. He hadn't vamped but his eyes glinted gold in the low light.
"Are you alright?"
"A little hungry, little randy. That can wait though."
Buffy arched an eyebrow. Before she could respond though, Angel called back from up ahead, "Can you two knock it off back there?"
Spike grinned, "Bet your sweet scent is driving him mad. Know it's doing a nice number on me," he added as he pressed the front of his jeans to her.
Buffy let out a little gasp, making him grin, "Nearly there now, Pet. Take care of things good and proper before we head out for some nightlife."
"I really doubt we have time to take care of everything," she winked.
Buffy kicked off her boots and dropped her sweater onto the back of one of the chairs in their room. Spike had gone into the kitchen to get something to eat while she was changing for the club. She pulled out the little green silky halter top she had bought at Callum's mother's shop, the one with the raven printed on the side of it. She paired it with a black skirt that hit a little above the knee. In the bathroom she twisted her hair up into a simple knot at the back of her head and darkened up her eye makeup just a touch. She stood back looking at herself in the mirror. Yeah that would get his engine going, she thought. Not that he needed encouragement, she grinned to herself.
A moment later she strode back into their bedroom where Spike was feeding his belt into the loops on the leather pants he had just changed into. He had taken off the dress shirt and was standing there shirtless in all his pale glory.
"Now that's a good look."
Spike looked up with a half grin, "I'll say. Like the top. That new?"
"Yeah."
He picked up the dress shirt and went to shrug it on again. Buffy looked at him a little curiously, "You're not gonna change?"
"Don't really have many wardrobe options. Sort of this or a t-shirt. Thinking I might be a bit under dressed with such a vision on my arm," he shrugged.
"Maybe we should work on that."
"Could. You gonna take me to play dress up, Slayer?"
"And now it sounds totally dirty."
His grin spread wider as he stocked towards her, "Wouldn't mind getting you alone in a dressing room now you mention it."
"You would do it anywhere."
"Good point," he leaned in for a kiss. "You ready Slayer?"
"Humm hum," she shook her head a little, "Angel and Faith coming?"
"Faith is, says her boy is meeting us there. Dunno about Captain Forehead. My money's on, Not. Unless Faith can talk him round to being the fifth wheel."
"He doesn't do fun so well."
"Didn't used to be that way. Course that was a very different kind of fun."
"Yeah, I'm not encouraging that."
"His problem is that he got so used to only ever having fun being evil that the bastard never embraced any other kind of fun. Something I could never lose sight of with Dru. She might've been barmy but at least she kept things interesting."
"We have fun don't we?" she asked.
He pulled her closer, "Course we do, Pet. Loads. When we're not stopping this or that evil thing… No, that ain't true, cause most of the time that's pretty damn fun too. You know me, I love a good tumble. Love watching you work even more, Slayer. And now it's even better because when you come home after a good slay—"
"You get the lay?"
"Leave the poetry to the poets, Love."
"But puns are my thing. I'm very punny."
A/N: To be continued... Please Read and Review!