The Unexpected Gift

by SummersRain04

Season 6 AU. When Giles leaves he completely cuts himself off from her not knowing that she was carrying a secret that would have given him a reason to stay. Buffy swears everyone to secrecy but one of them defies her and tells him everything. Very first fanfic, please read and review. B/G

2. Part 2

Disclaimer:- I own nothing but the imagination.

Rating:- M

A/N Episode Older and Far Away with reference to Dead Things

Chapter 6

They had a theory that the babies only grew if Buffy received an open wound when fighting, Tara thought it was the babies instinctively using their magic to heal their mom which caused the growth spurt as a side effect, so she went back to patrolling.

Giles hadn't liked that idea but Buffy told him that Spike wasn't a reliable substitute when it came to patrolling, pointing out that he didn't care when he thought he might have a killed a girl last week his excuse being that his chip would have gone off if he had, she didn't have a choice and she wouldn't risk the lives of the others for the sake of taking it easy,

I'm still the Slayer Giles, that means I have a job to do and there is something out there killing people, I have to go. Don't worry, I'll be fine she had said to him, calmly, hoping he wouldn't start a row.

Don't tell me not to worry Buffy because I am going to no matter what you say. I've always worried about you while you were on patrol.

Fine. But I have to go. If you're still awake when I get back I'll let you know what happened, okay?

Okay. Please be careful Buffy. The covens seers say there is something coming on the Hellmouth but they don't know what it is yet.

I'll keep my eyes open and let you know if I find anything. Did you ask about the babies?

Yes, they told me of a prophecy about the resurrected Slayer and I have been looking for it in the council archives but so far I've had no luck. Unfortunately it means I'll be delayed another week.

What! Never mind at least I still have this. Will you be listening in on the party? It's a Buffy bash so there's bound to be carnage.

Of course and you don't know that there will be, uh, carnage. Did you find a house yet?

I know and yes actually I have. Five bedrooms, one with an en-suite which is so ours, it has a basement, a study and a large living room with a dining area at the back, It's perfect. The garden is pretty cool too, it has this gnarly old tree that I could see the kids climbing.

As she told him about it she showed him her memory of seeing it and he had to agree, it was perfect.

I'll arrange everything when I get back.

Okay. I really have to go now. Dawns going to be so disappointed, I'm missing dinner again.

Buffy, you must eat.

I am! I swear, I can't stop eating really, it's just I promised her a family dinner tonight and I'm bailing for a hunt.

She'll understand. Be safe.

I will. Love you.

Love you too.

She opened her weapons chest as Dawn entered the room,

"I take it you can't make dinner" Dawn said as she watched her pack several stakes and a few daggers into a bag.

"I'm really sorry Dawnie, but there's this thing out there. Definitely non vampire.

"I understand" she said smiling.

Buffy picked up the bag, slinging it over her shoulder she smoothed her jacket over her belly and moved to the door.

"Well. Maybe when you get back we can set up for your party tomorrow." Dawn said hopefully as she followed her.

"Yeah. Uh, this could take a while though, I wouldn't wait up. Besides Willow promised to be on birthday patrol, so there's nothing left for us to do"

"Right"

"Okay, so, finish dinner, homework, and don't stay up too late, all right?"

"So midnights okay?"

"Very funny Dawn" Buffy smiled at her sister, gave her a hug then left, closing the door behind her.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy walked through the graveyard spinning an axe in her hands. She had been all over Sunnydale and now her feet hurt.

She was starting to think she should just go home when a large demon with red skin and a spines on his head leaped out behind her.

She whirled around just in time to block the sword he swung at her head. The axe handle started to bend with the force of the sword and then it was pulled from her hand, flying up and landing far enough away that she wouldn't be able to reach it before the demon sliced her into itty bitty pieces.

The demon swung at Buffy again but she grabbed his sword arm and twisted it around behind his back but as she got a firm hold on him, he shimmered and disappeared.

He reappeared behind her so she kicked him in the face, punching him before he could regain his balance then kicked him again. He fell back and the sword flew up in the air, she caught it just as the demon charged her, stabbing him through the stomach a blue light flashed in a circle from his wound.

Buffy pulled the sword out and fell on her backside, the sword landing point down on the ground between them. Behind her the demon roared and fell to his knees clutching at his stomach, shimmering he turned into a bolt of silver light which shot over to the sword and into it.

Buffy looked around but didn't see the demon anywhere, grumbling she rolled to her feet,

"Run off, huh? Afraid to face a true warrior?" she said as she rubbed her back, "Ooh, shiny".

She grabbed the sword and looked it over, twirling it around and appreciating the balance. Bending to grab the axe and her discarded bag of weapons she headed home, hoping Dawn was still up so they could devour the choc chip cookie dough in the freezer.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"We're feeding an army" Xander joked as he looked at the table full of party food.

"No, they couldn't make it, this is all just for you Xand" Buffy said smiling up at him, "But I might just have to slay you if you go near the cheesy chips"

"Consider me warned" he said backing up with a grin, "Although I'm pretty sure I could out run you now"

Laughing Buffy threw a roll at his head and headed to open the front door.

"Hey, you made it" Buffy said as she hugged Tara.

"Of course sweetie" she pulled back and laid a hand on Buffys stomach, "So, how're you doing?"

"All good, I even patrolled last night and no 'whoosh, pop!' after so it looks like you right about blood being the trigger"

"That's good. Oh, here, happy birthday" she said as she handed over a small gift box.

"Thanks" Buffy pulled her into the dining room away from the others, "How're you doing?"

"The word 'gulp' comes to mind" Tara replied nervously. Looking up the stairs she sees Willow and Buffy makes her excuses and leaves them to it.

How are you feeling love? Giles' voice was a welcome sound, to her tired mind.

Tired but happy. Wish you were here she poured herself a drink just a Tara came in and helped herself to the 'adult' punch.

"I needed that" she said as Buffy looked at her in surprise.

Everything okay love?

Yeah, Tara just helped herself to some liquid courage. She's just seen Will for the first time since she left.

Poor girl. How is Willow doing? She's evasive when I talk to her.

Mostly she's fine but the other day she was annoyed with one of her professors and as she was ranting about it I could have sworn her eyes turned black for a second.

The coven seem to think that she may be the danger their sensing.

Willow? No way, she's like, the sweetest person ever.

Yes but she has a lot of power that she is ignoring, just keep an eye on her.

I will. Oh great. She said as she saw Spike walk in through the back door with the baggy skinned demon from the night of kitten poker and bourbon.

What is it?

Spike just walked in through the back door with Clem. That demon with the flappy skin from the kitten poker game.

Pillock! What's he doing there?

He has been helping, sort of, maybe Willow invited him. I'll fill you in later sweetie.

I'll be waiting.

"Hey Spike, Clem, how've you been?" she asked as she sipped her drink.

"Not bad luv, could be better, fancy helping with that" he grinned at her.

Buffy just rolled her eyes, she was used to his innuendos and flirting usually just ignoring him, she turned to Tara, "I have to use the bathroom. If you happen to know any emasculating spells, please feel free to use them on Spike"

Tara giggled and raised her eyebrows at him.

"Hey, now that was uncalled for Slayer" Spike called after her indignantly.

Buffy smiled as she climbed the stairs.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Willow had gotten Buffy a massager and she blushed as she heard Giles' suggestion as to what he would do with it.

Dawn had gotten her a gorgeous long sleeved burgundy wrap dress that finished just below the knee that had Giles imagining dinner and after unwrapping her for dessert, Buffy lost herself in his fantasy but they were interrupted from their thoughts when Xander and Anya wheeled in a large chest.

"Oh my god!, Did you guys make that?" Buffy asked as she gave the box back to Dawn, and asked her to help her up.

"Xander did the building while I offered helpful suggestions from a safe distance" Anya said happily.

"It holds your basic weapons plus a few non basic ones and it has a handsome CD holder" Xander said as he held it open for her while helping her kneel down.

"We wanted you to have something no one else would have" Anya said.

"A Xander Harris original" Buffy said smiling up at them, "Thank you guys"

Xander pulled her to her feet and she hugged him and then Anya.

Dawn linked her arm through her sisters and lent in to whisper in her ear,

"Is Giles listening?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I thought so, the way you blushed when you opened Willows present and then looked all dreamy when you opened mine I'm guessing he's not being stiff upper lip British guy"

Giles laughed in her head as Buffy blushed again, "Dawn! You're too young to know anything about that" she said giving her a playful shove.

Dawn just laughed and watched as she lowered her now very large body to the couch so she could open Taras gift which turned out to be homemade oils and a little packet of bath salts.

"Those two are pregnancy blends, one for sleep and one for stretch marks" Tara said pointing to the bottles with pink and blue ribbons tied around the necks.

"That one is for healing" she said as she pointed to the one with a purple bow. Pointing to the one with the red bow she said, "and that one is a massage oil for the, um, bedroom"

Blushing furiously she smiled and ducked her head. Giles on the other hand was very interested in the massage oil.

"Thank you Tara, they're perfect"

Buffy sat on the sofa, happily watching her friends dance and laugh while she rubbed her blooming belly, trying to calm the dance party the twins were having.

Dawn had brought Tara the locket they had found while routing through the attic for any of their baby bits and Buffy now focused on them as the babies had calmed enough for the minute.

"Can you do something to open this? We have tried everything and it won't budge" Dawn asked Tara.

"Sure, a simple release spell should do it but I don't know if you'll have the herbs I'll need"

"In the lock box in my closet is an emergency magic bag, Giles helped me put it together, whatever you need should be in there" Buffy said calling over to Tara.

"What's the code?" she asked standing up.

"Dawn knows it"

"Do I?" she looked at Buffy confused, Buffy just raised her eyebrows at her then she remembered, "Oh yeah and eew, that was too much information then and it still is now"

What's the code? Giles asked. Having spent the last few minutes listening to the happiness in Buffys mind as she calmed their children.

The first time we screwed like bunnies.

Made love Buffy. He admonished, she knew he didn't like to debase the act in which he showed her how much he loved and adored her.

No Giles, the first time was a release of animalistic passion, and you know it.

Fine, you're right, that first time was rather, uh,

Mind blowing? Earth shattering? Life changing? 'Cause it was all of those for me and once the babies are born I will be wearing a corset with a tiny little thong and I might even let you tie me to the bed. There might even be flavoured body paint involved or squirty cream or both...

Jesus Buffy! Will you stop! I'm stiff as a board here.

She chuckled, rather wickedly he thought, Believe me, I'm a hundred times worse. Now ssh a minute I have to concentrate.

Yes dear.

Smiling she watched as Tara came down the stairs and walked into the kitchen with the emergency magic bag under her arm.

Willow came and sat next to her, noting her silly smile and rolled her eyes,

"Hey Buff, you mind melding with our favourite British guy?"

"Yep, but not right now, you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just, you know, magic"

"I know I'm sorry. Hey wanna know something kinda scary?"

"Always" Willow grinned and shifted to face Buffy on the couch.

"I found leather cuffs in the attic, no idea where they came from or who's they were" She shuddered.

"Okay, creepy not scary" Willow said.

"I know but it kept your mind off of what Tara was doing didn't it" she said smugly.

"Is it done then?" willow looked around and saw Dawn with the open locket.

"Sneaky Buff, really sneaky" she smiled and laid her head on Buffys shoulder.

Uh, Buffy?

They're already hidden in my closet.

Good girl.

Not if I can help it.

She smiled when she heard his growl.

I'm off to bed now, I'll talk to you tomorrow, hopefully I'll know when I can come home.

Okay. Do me a favor though sweetie.

What's that?

Block your side of the bond. The last time you 'saw to yourself' you woke me up just as you came after giving some very hot dreams and I swear I was wet for a week.

Oh god! Buffy, I love you.

I love you too Ru, don't wear yourself out.

The bond went dark and she smiled to herself knowing that she could do that to him.

She was watching Xander and Anya whispering to each other cuddled up on the armchair when she saw the demons sword begin to glow.

"Uh, Will, help me up. Now!"

Willow jumped and pulled Buffy up, watching as she moved towards the demons sword that she had brought home yesterday and left propped against the wall.

Just as she reached the sword a silvery puddle flowed from the blade, it slithered across the floor and formed into the shape of the demon. He backhanded her and she flew backwards.

"Buffy!" Xander screamed. Spike caught her, made sure she was steady then ran at the demon, punching him in the face and knocking him back slightly.

Buffy snatched up the sword, spinning towards the demon she slashed at it making it stagger back. It turned and melted into the wall.

"Everyone, upstairs, now!" she yelled. Holding her belly with one hand and the sword with the other she raced around the corner, Spike going in the opposite direction, expecting to find the demon. Not seeing it she whirled round as the demon came up behind her.

Kicking it back she followed it, slashing it with the sword. It shimmered and disappeared.

Buffy waited, senses on full alert.

"Where'd it go?" Spike asked, crouching slightly as his eyes scanned his surroundings.

The demon reappeared behind Buffy, locking his arms over her chest and picking her up.

She whipped her head back satisfied when she felt the crunch of cartilage and dropped to the floor on one knee. She saw Spike twist the demons arm up behind his back then force him forward slamming his head into the wall.

The demon melted into the wall again and Spike let go in surprise, Buffy grabbed the sword and moved as fast as she could to the spot where he had disappeared, stabbing the wall there was a flash of blue light that was absorbed by the sword.

Taking the sword she snapped it over her knee.

"You know that's hot right?" Spike said with a leer.

She ignored him as she threw the now broken sword to the floor,

"Xander?" She shouted, "It's okay, it's dead"

Dawn came running down the stairs and flung her arms around her sister,

"Are you okay?"

"Dawnie I'm fine" She said rubbing her back, "Just another typical birthday bash" she pushed her back and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Were you hurt?" Xander asked as he and Anya entered the room.

"A little bruised but no open wounds so there'll be no miracle grow tonight guys"

She yawned and rolled her shoulders, hissing in pain as the action caused a twinge of pain.

"Buffy?" Tara walked over concerned.

"Just a little achy, nothing a hot shower won't fix"

"Need help with that?" Spike said twitching his eyebrows suggestively at her,

"Ow!" He glared over his shoulder at Xander who had just smacked him in the back of the head,

"Watch the hair Harris"

"Get out Spike" Buffy said glaring at him.

"Fine, crappy party anyway" and he stomped off, Clem followed giving Buffy a thumbs up,

"Great party" He said smiling as he left.

Buffy chuckled and looked at her friends,

"As birthday carnage goes, this wasn't so bad, no arm in a box but a demon in a sword and no one got hurt, I think we should call it a night though just in case"

"Okay guys, I have work in the morning anyway" Xander said grabbing his coat and Anyas,

"Buff, I'll be over after work to fix that hole there" he gestured to where Buffy had stabbed the demon through the wall.

"Tara? Can I give you a lift back?" Asked as he helped Anya on with her coat.

"Please, if it's no trouble" she said smiling. She glanced at Willow as they left giving her a shy smile.

"I'll just take this out to the trash" Willow said quietly as she carefully picked up the two halves of the sword and headed into the kitchen.

"We'll tidy up in the morning" Buffy said to Dawn giving her a push to the stairs,

"You have school tomorrow, bed"

Grumbling to herself she climbed the stairs while Buffy locked the door and turned the lamps off, following Dawn as she tiredly trudged up the stairs.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N Episodes Hells Bells and Normal Again with mention of As You Were and.

Chapter 7

Giles had promised her he would make the wedding, telling her that he was still searching for the prophecy and that he still had business with the coven.

That was last week and she hadn't heard from him since.

Buffy had told him of Rileys surprise visit and the Suvolte demon he and his wife Sam were tracking. It had turned out that Spike had let the thing lay it's eggs in his crypt and had been laying low after she and Riley had blown it up to kill all the demon babies.

She still giggled when she thought of Rileys reaction to seeing her pregnant and his face when he found out they were Giles' was priceless.

Now Buffy and Willow were standing in her room staring in horror at their reflections. Both were wearing extremely ugly shiny teal dresses, Buffys was sleeveless and Willow had elbow length sleeves, both had a large green flower over the heart and ruffles on the sleeves and the skirts from knee to floor.

"Buffy it's hideous. Oh my God Buffy look at it's arms!"

"I know but it's my duty. God! With my ever expanding stomach I look like something that should be floating over a football stadium!"

Willow giggled but seeing Buffys glare she made an effort to be serious. Buffys lips twitched and soon they were both laughing.

"Have you heard from Giles?" Willow asked, Buffy stopped laughing and frowned,

"No, not since last week, he said he'd make it but I have a bad feeling he's not coming"

"Has Xander heard from him?"

"As of yesterday, no, but I haven't seen him since then"

Anya came in then, wearing a bathrobe and gasped, her hands flying to her mouth,

"Oh, ohh. You guys look so beautiful!" She walked over and hugged them both missing the look between them,

"This is the happiest day of my whole life"

Lightening flashed followed by the deep roll of thunder as the heavens opened.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The wedding had been a disaster, Giles hadn't been able to make it telling Xander that he was ensconced in the coven and unable to leave, he had also told Xander to tell Buffy he was sorry and that he'd be able to speak to her soon.

A demon had crashed the wedding, telling Xander that he was his future self and showed him a fake future that turned out to be his worst fears. It resulted in him telling Anya he couldn't marry her. The demon turned out to be one of Anyas victims from when she was a vengeance demon and he just wanted to ruin her life the way she ruined his.

That had been a week a go, Anya and Xander had both disappeared, no one had seen either of them and they were ignoring their calls. She still hadn't heard from Giles. She was starting to really worry about him because the bond was non existent, not even static, plus being almost thirty four weeks pregnant with twins was not helping her anxiety levels.

Looking for the merry band of nerds was not helping her control her temper either.

Willow had printed off a list of addresses that she got when Buffy had been invisible girl and Buffy was using it, going house to house. It was all she could do now, her enormous bump made fighting practically impossible so Spike had taken over patrolling again.

She had been looking since she had dropped Dawn off at her friends house to work on a science project, now it was dark and she was cold, tired and her feet were very sore. Grumbling to herself, promising pain to the nerds when she found them, she looked down at the list then back up to the house in front of her then walked toward it to look in the windows.

As she was walking around the building, looking in windows, she heard a horn sound. Shrugging she kept going and found a dark alley containing a pickup truck and a car, she kept walking looking down at the list then back up to the house again when something dropped from the roof and landed behind her.

She spun around and saw an ugly demon with waxy skin and weird marble like eyes, it growled at her and stalked towards her.

"Oh, hi. You didn't by chance happen to just eat a couple of nerds, did you?" she asked it then she leaned back as the demon took a swing at her.

Already off balance thanks to her bump she fell back against the car, rolling to the side she narrowly missed its fist which smashed the window where her head had been a few seconds before.

She kicked at its knees then hit it with an upper cut knocking it back but it recovered quickly and grabbed her, swinging her round it threw her against the car. She put her hands out and stopped herself before she hit it bump first, the demon took advantage and grabbed her around the shoulders, holding its arm away from her she noticed a bony spike protruding from its fist,

"Oh crap!" she said struggling harder against the demons grip.

It brought its hand down and stabbed her in the shoulder, Buffy screamed as she fell against the car.

When she came to she was alone, the demon gone and she was still leaning against the car.

Frowning in confusion she looked down at her belly reassuring herself that it was still there, the dream she had had while unconscious had felt so real. She stood up and winced, looking down at her shoulder she remembered being stabbed,

"Oh fuck!" she said aloud. She was bleeding.

She raced home as fast as she could before the babies had their inevitable growth spurt.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Willow found her lying on the floor of her room a little while later, dried blood on the sleeve of her shirt and a much bigger belly than she had had that morning.

"Oh shit! Buffy! Buffy?" She shook her trying to rouse her but she wouldn't wake, she heard the front door open and Xander call out his hellos.

"Xander!" she yelled, "Buffys hurt" She heard his thundering footsteps on the stairs and a few seconds later he burst into Buffys room.

"Will, what happened?" he asked rushing forward, "Where's Dawn?"

"Dawns at her friends house working on a project, I don't know what happened, I just found her like this and I can't wake her up" Willow looked up at Xander, her eyes wide with fear.

"Let's get her on the bed" He bent down and slid his hands under her shoulders as Willow slid her arms under her knees and together they lifted her and moved her the few feet to her bed.

Xander grabbed the blanket from her chair as Willow took her boots off. After they had covered her Willow sat next to her and placed a hand on her head.

"Xand can you get a cold wash cloth from the bathroom, she feels like she has a fever"

He left and she put a hand on her friends belly. As she did she felt it harden, she watched the clock and a minute ticked by before it relaxed.

She still had her hand on top of her belly and was staring at the clock when Xander came back with the cold cloth,

"What's happening? Is she ok?"

"Uh, actually, I think she's in labour. I'm just waiting for another contraction to see how far apart they are" she said taking the cloth from Xander and placing it on Buffys forehead.

A few minutes later her stomach hardened and she sat up screaming.

"Gah!" Xander screamed and fell back.

"Eeep!" Willow squeaked and fell off of the bed.

"Buffy what happened?" she asked as she scrambled off the floor.

"Waxy demon….spike coming from fist…..stabbed me…..where am I?" she panted as the contraction subsided.

"You're at home and it looks like you're in labour" Xander said coming forward and sitting on the other side of her.

"Keep dreaming…...I'm in a mental hospital…...feels so real" She said.

"Ok, Xand, you stay here, I'm gonna research this demon and call Tara, she's was taught how to do this by that council doctor before he left, plus, you know, she can still use magic which might help" Willow said standing up and moving to the door.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A few hours later she had sent Xander to get Spike and look for the demon so they could make an antidote. Tara was upstairs with Buffy helping her through her labour, the contractions hadn't increased yet which was good but Buffy was slipping in and out of the hallucination and growing increasingly confused.

Willow came into the bedroom as Buffy was having a contraction, curled on her side around her bump as she panted in pain, Tara sitting by her head gently applying a cold wash cloth to her cheeks and forehead.

"How is she?" Willow asked standing in the doorway.

"She called out for Joyce a few minutes ago but I think she was just coming out of her hallucination. When she's lucid she calls for Giles."

"He still hasn't been in contact?" She asked shocked that he would leave it this long.

Tara shook her head sadly as she looked down at Buffy and brushed the hair away from her face.

"Hopefully Xander and Spike will be back with the demon soon so I can make the antidote" Willow said as she stood next to the bed, "I'm going to need alkanet root and a handful of nettle leaf, medicinal only, no magic"

"I'll go when they open" Tara said looking up at her, "It's nearly dawn and she still has a way to go, Xander can drive me to make it quicker"

"How long does she have left?"

"It's hard to say. The contractions are happening between five and ten minutes apart and are lasting between forty five and ninety seconds. It could be hours yet"

"Mom?" Buffy moaned, her eyelids flickering as a tear escaped and ran down her face into the pillow.

Willows eyes welled with tears as she realized that her mom must be with her in the hallucination. She had told her about the institution her parents put her in when she first became a slayer during a lucid moment earlier. She was scared that this life with them and Giles and the babies was only in her head and she was still in that place.

Tara leaned over Buffy and took Willows hand, giving it a squeeze she smiled at her, her own eyes filled with tears.

"Giles?"

"Ssh, Buffy, sleep" Tara said stroking her head from her temple to her cheek.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Giles could feel Buffys pain. He knew she was in labour and he was cursing himself for not being there to hold her hand, guide her through it. He could also feel her confusion and fear but as the bond was blocked by the protective wards of the coven, he couldn't get any more than that.

He sat in his room, looking out on the fields behind the house, tears coursing down his face as he felt another sudden rush of pain.

"Oh, my love, I am so sorry" he whispered and buried his head in his hands.

He had found the prophecy a few days before and had felt a great sense of relief as he read it as it meant that Buffy would reach old age.

'The twice resurrected Slayers will now live a long life.

Her Watcher will be her soul mate, their destiny is together.

The Slayer will bare two with magic and two who will be Slayers stronger together.

She will bare one who will be Watcher to both Slayers, gifted beyond any mortal.

Immune to darkness and guided by both Slayer and Watcher, they will never be defeated in battle.'

Five children. Each one gifted and immune to darkness. He couldn't help but be a little fearful of what was in store for them. Will the babies have conscious access to their magic? Or will it be instinctual like it is now?

The questions were endless but there was hope to be had, he was going to be a father soon and even though he wouldn't get to see them born, he knew they would be safe and loved encircled by their little family.

His hands itched to hold Buffy but it wouldn't be long now and he would be back by her side. The coven seers said that the darkness on the hellmouth was closer, the sequence of events already in motion that would trigger another apocalypse.

Soon my love, soon he thought as he felt a stronger wave of pain.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They had the antidote. It had taken a while to brew and it was nearly dark again, Buffy had been in labour for nearly twenty four hours. Willow took the cup to Buffy and Tara sat behind her to hold her up as she drank it. She gagged as she swallowed and once it was gone she slumped forward asleep, Tara slid out from behind her and laid her down on the pillows brushing her hair back.

Willow and Xander sighed in relief, Spike walked out and headed to the basement to kill the demon passing Dawn as she was walking up the stairs with a tray of drinks and snacks for the guys and a cup of ice chips and a plate of toast for Buffy that Willow had asked her to put together. She had been kept downstairs by Willow so she wouldn't see Buffy, anxiously pacing and flinching every time she heard her scream.

"How is she? Did it work?" she asked as she sat the tray on top of Buffys dresser.

"Yeah she's fine, she's sleeping now" Willow said taking a cup of herbal tea from her and passing it to Tara then she grabbed hers and sat cross legged on the floor against Buffys closet.

Xander walked over and took his coffee and a biscuit and sat down in the chair next to the bed.

"Now we just wait for the babies to come" he said around a mouthful of biscuit.

"Won't be long now. The contractions are more regular and lasting longer" Tara said just as Buffy let out a cry and sat up, her legs bent at the knee and open.

"Oh God! That hurt" She said as she lay back, Willow gave her an ice chip to suck on.

"You still in the loony bin?" Dawn asked ignoring the looks from Xander and Willow.

"Yep, I'm visiting you" Buffy replied smiling.

Everybody breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed a little, laughing.

"Aah! It's happening again" She grunted as the pain over took her and she resumed the same position.

Tara took charge and ordered Xander to sit behind Buffy, she told Willow and Dawn to get some towels, warm water, the first aid kit and the bag that she had brought with her.

Buffy propped herself up to allow Xander to sit behind her then let her head fall against his shoulder, gripping his hands as another contraction took hold.

"Aah! Man Buffy, mere mortal over here remember? Watch your grip" He said shaking his hands to get the blood flowing again, hoping she hadn't broken anything.

"Sorry Xand"

Instead of holding her hand, Xander gripped her forearms and let her push against his hands as another contraction ripped through her.

"Breath Buffy. Just relax" he said as he rubbed her shoulders.

"Why don't you try pushing a bowling ball out of your ass, see how fucking relaxed you'd be" Buffy snapped, grunting as she felt the need to push when the next contraction hit.

Dawn giggled as she handed Tara her bag and the towels,

"Not such a good idea, pissing off a Slayer Xand" she said.

"Yeah, got it, thanks, although Anya would probably enjoy seeing me push a bowling ball outta my ass" he said looking sad.

"Oh Xand, I'm sorry" Buffy said between grunts.

Willow came in with the warm water and the first aid kit and set it on the floor next to Tara.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" she asked as she sat on the bed next to them.

"Maybe later, little busy right now Will" he said giving her a small smile.

"Xander can you lift Buffy a little so I can put this under her?" Tara asked holding up a towel, "And you might wanna close your eyes while I take her pants off"

"Oh God, okay will do" He braced his arms under Buffy and lifted a little, his eyes tightly shut as he felt a tugging from Buffys body.

"Okay Xand, you can put her down and open your eyes now" Tara said.

"Can't put her down right now she's having another contraction, and pushing, yep, she's pushing"

Tara looked under the towel over Buffys legs and her eyes widened in shock,

"Okay, we have a head showing, next contraction push hard Buffy okay"

Buffy just grunted, then leaned away from Xander as she felt another coming. Tara folded the towel up and held her hand to the baby's head, encouraging her on.

Buffy forcefully exhaled as she stopped pushing and sunk back against Xander,

"I want Giles here for this" she whispered.

"I know, Buff, but he wouldn't miss this without a good reason" Xander said rubbing her arm.

She groaned as she pushed herself up and pushed again, a few seconds later they heard a cry and Tara held the baby up, Willow holding out a towel for her.

"It's Danielle" she said smiling before taking the clamps and scissors from the bed, clamping the umbilical cord before cutting it. She wrapped her up in a towel then handed her to Buffy, who hadn't taken her eyes off of her since she appeared.

"She's beautiful" she said in a hushed voice, smiling when Danielle whimpered and began to cry.

"Ssh, ssh, it's okay baby girl, I'm here" she cooed and Danielle quieted immediately.

She looked back at Xander then at Willow then over at Dawn and Tara, a huge smile on her face and tears in her eyes,

"I'm a mom" she said thickly, looking back at Danielle.

Willow leaned over and placed a hand on her chest as Xander reached up and placed his hand on her head,

"Welcome to the scooby gang Dani" he said.

"She's amazing Buff" Willow said then stepped back and snapped a photo.

"Uh oh" looking over at Dawn as she felt another contraction coming she said, "Can you take her Aunty Dawn, her brother wants to meet us now"

Dawn hurried forward, her arms out stretched and gently took her new niece from her sister, staring down at her as she sat in the chair next to the bed gently brushing her hand over her head.

Half an hour later Buffy let out a scream as she pushed, Tara smiled and said,

"He has dark hair"

Buffy grinned as she panted then she bore down and a few minutes later Alexander was born, Xander let out a wet laugh as his name sake was handed to his mother,

"Hey, mini G-man" he said looking over Buffys shoulder as Willow took another photo.

Dawn came back to the bed with Danielle and sat next to Buffy,

"Well done mommy" She said smiling.

"Buffy, the placentas are coming now, it's going to feel a little weird but it should be painless" Tara said as she shook out a bag, Buffy just nodded as she stared at her children.

She couldn't believe how much she loved them, far more than she ever thought it was possible to love anything.

They were perfect. She felt a tugging sensation then something squidgy came out of her, a few minutes later it happened again. She hadn't taken her eyes off of them.

"Buffy?" Willow said gently.

"Yeah?"

"We're going to clean them up now and Xanders going to move so you can relax for a bit before you can have a bath." Willow said putting her hand on her shoulder and smiling down at her.

"Okay, yeah a bath does sound good" She said looking up at Willow. She noticed Tara taking the bag she had put the placentas in out of the bedroom,

"What are you doing with them?" she asked her.

"I'm going to destroy them with magic so they don't leave a trace, better safe than sorry" she said smiling at her.

"Thank you Tara, for everything"

"Not necessary, I'm just glad I could help" she ducked her head, blushing, and left.

Spike walked into the room as Buffy handed Alex over to Willow and let Xander help her scoot back on the bed.

"Well done Slayer. Demons taken care of downstairs and I'll take over patrolling for a bit til you're back to normal." he said looking over at the twins,

"Cute little snack packs" he said grinning at her.

"Shut up Spike" she snapped, wincing as she tried to sit up a little more,

"And thanks for taking patrol, I'll owe you one"

"You might regret that blondie" he said pulling a cigarette out of the box and putting it to his lips,

"I'm off, smell of the blood is driving me crazy" with a wave he left.

Buffy watched as Willow and Dawn laid the babies on her bed and unwrapped them, gently pulling a warm cloth over their skin as they washed and dressed them, Dawn copying everything Willow did.

Xander pulled the bassinets over so they could be laid down.

He stayed with them so Dawn and Willow could help Buffy to the bath while Tara changed her bed sheets.

The water stung as she sat down but the pain soon went. She laid back and poked her now squishy belly, it felt weird knowing it was empty but, thanks to Slayer healing, she'd probably be back to normal in a few days.

She washed and stood up, her legs still a little shaky, and dried herself with the towel Willow had left on the toilet seat. She looked in disgust at the thick sanitary pad she had to use and the big panties she had to wear but she put them on anyway, glad for the first time that Giles wasn't here to see it. She pulled on her nightie, pulled the plug from the bath, washed her hands and face then brushed her teeth.

The babies were fussing when she got back to her room, Willow was still taking pictures of them and all four of them were cooing and ahhing at them.

"They sound hungry" she said slowly lowering herself on the bed.

"How're you gonna do this Buff?" Xander asked picking Danielle up as she was making more of a fuss.

"Her first, then Alex" she said holding her arms up for her daughter.

Xander handed her over then turned his back so she could latch her onto a nipple.

Danielle sucked hungrily on her mothers breast for a solid half hour, when she was full her mouth relaxed and the nipple fell out of her mouth. Buffy tucked herself away and put her on her shoulder, gently patting her back until she burped then handed her to Dawn to lay her in her crib.

She repeated the process with Alexander on the other breast then lay down facing her children, eyes closing as the others quietly left the room wishing her goodnight. The last thing she saw before sleep took her was Willow pulling Dawn away from the babies and out of the room.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The babies slept through the night which Buffy was grateful for. When she awoke she found a rose on her pillow with a note,

My wonderful, amazing, beautiful Buffy.

I love you beyond words.

I'm sorry I wasn't there but I could feel it all. The wards around the covens property prevent me from sending out and I can only sense strong emotions from you.

You dazzle me with your strength, thank you for my children.

Thank the others for me, I'll be forever grateful to them for being there for you when I could not.

Forever and always

Your Ru xx

Buffy smiled and smelled the rose as she slid off of the bed to see her children.

Her stomach had shrunk by half over night and she no longer felt the sting between her legs.

The babies were still sleeping so she went to the bathroom, grimacing as she saw her pad. After having a quick wash she returned to the bedroom and stared down at her children, resisting the urge to pick them up.

She turned as she heard a light knock at the door and saw Dawn standing there a huge smile on her face. Buffy beckoned her over and she practically ran towards her.

Slipping her arm through Buffys she whispered,

"They are so adorable"

"Yeah, they are, did you sleep?"

"Like a log, you?"

"Same, they didn't wake once"

"That's a good right?" Dawn asked looking at her. Buffy nodded still staring at the sleeping bundles.

"You need to come downstairs" Dawn said pulling away, she turned the monitors on and took the speaker as she pulled Buffy to the door.

"Why? What's downstairs?" Buffy asked letting her sister pull her forward.

"You'll see" Dawn smiled at her, her eyes twinkling.

Buffy smelled the flowers halfway down the stairs, gasping in surprise when she saw the sheer volume of them. They were all over the dining table, on the mantel above the fire place, on the window ledge. Dozens of roses and lilies, gerberas and freesia, iris', tulips, orchids, babies breath and curly willow.

Buffy blinked the tears from her eyes once it was too blurry to see.

"They just appeared over night" Willow said putting an arm around Buffys shoulder.

"They're from Giles" Buffy said quietly wiping her eyes, "he must have had the coven send them. I woke up to a rose on my pillow with a note from him" Buffy told her what it said.

"That's so sweet. You're a lucky lady Buff"

"Don't I know it" she said smiling at her best friend.

The babies voiced their opinion of daddy's gift and they all laughed as Buffy went to her children.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N Episode Entropy.

Chapter 8

The twins were a week old and Buffy couldn't believe how good they were. They were also the exact opposite of each other, Dani would fidget moving her arms or kicking her legs whereas Alex was always so still and calm. Dani had inherited her blond hair and Alex his fathers brown, both of them had started to get curls.

Buffy had healed completely and was patrolling through one of Sunnydales many cemetery's, the twins were still sleeping through the night much to Buffys surprise but even if they weren't she had no shortage of baby sitters.

The scoobies had rallied and were always there helping her. Xander had taken Willow and Dawn to the mall the day after the birth and armed with the credit card Giles had sent they had bought everything she still needed for the babies including a breast pump that Xander had stuttered and blushed over. Dani and Alex now had draws full of pretty little dresses, cute romper suits and footy pajamas. Xander bought them a huge teddy bear, big enough that Buffy could lay one in each arm. Willow had snapped a picture of them just as they had both opened their eyes, Buffy had it in a frame on her bed side table. She wanted to send Giles a few pictures but when she called the council asking for his contact information they had said that he was unreachable.

Buffys spidey sense tingled, snapping her out of her head and away from thoughts of Giles, she looked around and saw two vampires running towards her.

She jogged closer waiting for them to run through the gate, as they did she hit the first vamp and tried to grab the second but he twisted from her grip.

He kicked at her but she blocked it hit, hit him and threw him into the gate turning as he fell to the ground, tackling the other vamp moving them both away from the gate.

She got him in a strangle hold and tried to stake him but he had hold of her arm, she saw Spike lift the other vamp into the air as he sat on top of the pillar next to the gate. The vamp in front of her took advantage of her distraction and pulled free, punching her he threw her to the ground, reaching for her throat.

"How you doin'?" Spike called still holding the vamp in the air.

"Same old same old" She said holding the vamp on top of her off.

"I could take care of this guy if you want" he said looking down at the struggling vamp.

"Whatever" she kicked the vampire off of her and flipped to her feet, "your call Spike"

"I mean sure he don't look like much, but I'd wager he could give you a bit o' nasty. Save you a staking, all you gotta do is…."

Buffy had kicked and thrown the vamp she was fighting to the ground as he was talking. She staked him and looked up at Spike,

"I'm not going to sleep with you Spike, I'm not gonna kiss you or let you even touch me in that way. I'm with Giles, I love Giles, he is the father of my children. So do what you want with the vamp, I don't care" she said, glaring at him.

She started to turn as Spike dropped the vamp. It hit the ground and ran straight at Buffy.

"I love you Buffy" Spike called out to her. The vampire stopped and looked back at Spike in confusion as Buffy turned back and staked him. She walked away not even acknowledging his statement.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy and Dawn were walking around the mall window shopping while Willow was with Tara. She had already bought her a pair of boots as a thank you for her help over the last few months and were now looking for an outfit to match.

"Are Will and Tara getting back together?" Dawn asked as she looked at a pair of jeans.

"Looks that way" Buffy crouched down and replaced Dani's pacifier, shushing her and rubbing her tummy until she went back to sleep.

"I really hope they do. Can I have these?" She asked holding up a pair of jeans with embroidery around the pockets.

"Sure, get that top too, it goes with the jeans"

Dawn squealed in delight and hugged Buffy, "Thankyouthankyouthankyou. You're the worlds best big sister" she said

"I'll remember that when Alex needs his diaper changed later" Buffy said smirking at her as she manoeuvred the double buggy towards the cash register.

"I want to buy some new underwear, would you wait outside the shop with them?"

"Sure, I don't wanna see what you buy anyway 'cause it'll turn out to be something that's slutty and sexy and for Giles to drawl over if he ever comes back" Dawn said opening her bag and pretending to throw up in it. Laughing she dodged Buffys slap and stood behind the buggy as Buffy went into the lingerie shop.

They hung out at the mall, window shopping, buying little bits for the twins and vegging at the food court, Dawn stuffing her face with a jacket potato while Buffy ate her fries with one hand as she fed the twins, a blanket draped over her shoulder, neither of them in a rush to get home.

The next morning Dawn came into the kitchen to see the kitchen island covered in breakfast foods. There were boxes of cereal lined up as well as bowls of fruit and four kinds of syrup. Buffy was in her dressing gown with her hair up in a messy bun.

"Have we become the international house of something?" Dawn asked as she sat and watched Buffy place the last pancake on a stack next to the cooker.

Putting the frying pan in he sink, Buffy picked up the plate of pancakes, set them on the counter and turned back, leaning over she took the toast from the toaster and put the slices on a plate in front of Dawn.

"Nope. I was up early and it felt like a breakfast kind of morning plus the twins were unusually fussy last night, Alex was just as fidgety as Dani, they weren't hungry or gassy, they just wanted to be held, together…."

"How much coffee have you had?" Dawn asked smirking at how jittery she was.

"Only one" she said, "I haven't had coffee in a while so the caffeine's hit my blood stream fast. I expressed some milk this morning so you could feed them and I have some in the freezer they can have later so I figured why not, live a little"

Dawn laughed as she helped herself to pancakes and fruit, pouring herself a glass of juice she looked at her sister,

"What are you doing today?"

"Laundry, cleaning and sharpening my weapons and housework. Wanna help?"

"A most emphatic no! But I will feed the twins this morning while you have a shower and get dressed"

"Really? Thank you so much, I haven't had time for a decent shower since they were born what with patrolling and everything" she said a wide smile on her face.

"Okay it's just a shower"

"It is sooo much more than that" Buffy said hugging her sister before running up the stairs to the shower.

Later that day, Anya came to the house but she wouldn't come inside and looked sad when Buffy told her about the twins so they stood outside facing each other across the porch.

"I don't think he could feel any worse" Buffy said as they talked about Xander.

"Let's test that theory"

"Anya, Xander's my friend. I know what he did was wrong, and….if it'd happened to me, I'd..."

"Wish his penis would explode" Anya said hopefully.

Buffy sighed, "I don't really think I should"

"Did I mention the whole 'left at the altar' thing? Didn't leave that out, did I?" she said as she sat down on the steps.

Buffy shook her head sadly and joined her, "No. Look. He knows what he did was wrong and if it had happened to me I…..I, it must have been torture"

"Okay, let's talk about torture"

"Anya, I'm not gonna talk about Xander like that"

"But guys have been running roughshod over you for years, torturing that perky little ticker. Aren't you sick of it? Don't you just wish..."

"No, I don't. The way I look at it is they left me so I could be with Giles and look what I have because of him" Buffy said, "Anya, I know you're hurting, but..."

"But what? Xander doesn't deserve to suffer for what he did 'cause he's your friend and I'm not, right?"

"No! No, that's not what I'm saying at all. He is suffering. He knows what he did was wrong, he knows that."

"It just, it hurts. He hurt me so much" she looked down.

Buffy put a hand on her arm, "He really did. Look, I..I wish that..."

"Anya?" Xander called as he walked up to the porch.

"Well, congratulations, they all still love you. Even after what you did to me" She said angrily then stormed off.

Xander started to follow her but Buffy grabbed him and held him back.

"Anya, wait..." he called after her.

"Okay, not crazy about that idea" Buffy said holding his arm.

"What are you doing? I have to go after her"

"Or, in the land of the sane, you could give her some space, let her cool down"

"That's not Proactive Guy" he said frustrated and he started to pace, "That's Sit-Around-And-Watch-The-Rest-Of-Your-Life-Turn-To-Crap Guy"

"True, uh, but at least Crap Guy gets to keep all of his appendages"

"And I'm supposed to what? Walk away? Shouldn't be too hard. It's what I'm good at, right?"

"Xander.." Buffy jumped as he kicked a garden gnome that was in front of the tree in her garden.

"Okay, see, that's exactly why a heart-to-heart is probably not a good idea right now. You're both angry and upset and….and what the hell is that creepy little thing doing in my yard?"

She walked forward looking down at the bits of gnome.

"Did Will put that there 'cause if I had known I would have crawled out of my grave sooner…."

"Buffy"

They both knelt beside the gnomes head as Xander picked up a tiny camera.

"Oh my god"

"Looks like someones been watching you for a while, keeping an eye on all of your ins and outs" Xander said looking at her

"What the…. Who?" Buffy said shocked and feeling slightly sick.

"Well now lets see. Who's obsessed with Buffy? Who likes to hang out in her yard and is constantly dropping sexual innuendos?"

"Spike! No way, it's not his style. Why would he plant a camera when he's invited in? He could walk into the house and just watch me sleep. Besides where is he gonna watch the feed? You've been to his crypt, did you see any equipment that he'd need for this?" She said, standing up she began to pace, thinking of people who could bug her house.

"Okay, yeah, point taken. But if it's not Captain Peroxide then who could it be?" Xander stood and followed Buffy into the house, the twins beginning to cry.

Buffy bent down over the travel cot and picked Dani up, turning she handed her to Xander,

"I have no clue, most of my enemies think along the lines of 'must kill the slayer' not exactly geniuses" she said as she picked up Alex.

"Wonder if there are any more cameras?" he ventured as he looked around the room, bouncing Dani in his arms.

"I think we should call our resident hacker extraordinaire to see if she can trace the signal from that one" she said rubbing little circles on Alex's tummy.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy sat at the end of the table watching Willow work. The twins had just gone down for the night and Buffy didn't know if she was hungry or just tired.

"Here?" Xander said setting a plate in front of her. She looked up at him then down at the sandwich he had made her.

"Thanks Xand, you're my hero" she said gratefully, picking up half she took a bite and moaned in delight, "S'good, fank oo" she mumbled over the food.

"You hadn't eaten all day and if Giles found out I had let you starve then I have a feeling I would get to meet Ripper for the first time" he said smiling as she finished the half in three bites.

Swallowing, Buffy shook her head at him, "He'd be more annoyed with me than he would be with you. Besides," she paused and grinned at him, "Ripper can be really fun to play with"

"Ah! Bad, bad images, evil bitch, last time I make you a sandwich" Xander said glaring at her and shaking his head to banish his thoughts.

Buffy laughed then finished her food. Looking over at Willow she saw her fingers flying over the keyboard,

"Talk to me Will."

"Technology's pretty sophisticated, lot's of booby traps and firewalls..."

"But can you get us a location?"

"Well, hey, I'm still me. Just one….whoa"

"What?" Xander said.

"There are other cameras"

"What where?" Buffy said jumping up and moving next to Willow.

"Uh, the Bronze, my classes on campus, Xanders site, the Doublemeat Palace.."

"What!? I haven't worked there in months"

"They've been spying on all these places?" Xander asked leaning forward.

"I can tell there are more feeds, I, I'm just having a harder time pinpointing 'em. Here, lemme.." she started typing again.

"Here, I think there are a couple more transmitters on the network, I just...ucch, I've almost got a picture on 'em"

Buffy began to pace, if they've been watching my babies I don't care who or what they are I'm going to kill them she thought.

"I think I've got the magic box" Willow says as she continued typing,

"Whoa!" She stood up quickly and Buffy gapes in horror at what she can see on the screen.

"What is it?" Xander asks getting up and moving over to them.

"Wait, Xander, no" Willow tried to block the screen from him.

"Oh god" Xander sees Anya and Spike screwing on the table at the magic box.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Dawn said cheerily as she walked into the room.

Willow covered her eyes as she watched Xanders reaction,

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you can't see this"

"I….what is she..." Xanders face had turned white and he looked between Buffy and Willow as if asking them to tell him he was seeing things.

Buffy was watching Xander process what he was seeing, finally she turned to Willow and told her to turn it off as Xander walked away in a daze.

"Uh, someone wanna tell me what's happening?" Dawn said sitting down next to Willow.

"Found a camera in that gnome out the front and Will hacked the signal, found loads of other places that had cameras" Buffy said sitting on Willows other side.

"Oh my god, Dani? Alex?" dawn said her eyes widening with shock and fear.

Buffy smiled, happy Dawn loved the twins so much, she had been afraid that she would be a little jealous or withdrawn but she hadn't been,

"They're fine. They're asleep. And Will didn't find any cameras in the house" Buffy reassured her.

Dawn sighed in relief then looked at Buffy, mischief sparkling in her eyes,

"Just as well, they would have made a mint selling the video of you in the shower the other day with Wills massager"

Willow started giggling as Buffys eyes widened and she blushed,

"Dawn!"

"What, thin walls and it has been a long time for you" she said shrugging.

Willow was now bent over holding her stomach as she laughed harder.

"Oh, you know what, screw you guys" Buffy said and walked out.

"Buffy, come on, we're just having a laugh" Dawn said jumping up to follow her sister,

"You make it too easy"

Willow managed to get her laughter under control and went back to typing as she tried to find the rest of the cameras and deactivate the transmitters.

She heard the front door open and looked up, realising she was alone she stood up and walked into the living room,

"Xander?" she looked around and saw the weapons chest open.

"Shit!" she ran into the kitchen.

Buffy stood on the porch crying and hugging herself. Dawn approached slowly,

"It was just a joke Buff" She said touching her sisters shoulder.

Buffy made a choking sound and turned to look at her, wiping her face,

"It's not that, although there will be payback don't get me wrong" she said giving her a small smile,

"I just miss Giles, he should be here helping me, experiencing everything right beside me….I'm starting to think I'm never going to see him again"

"Of course you will, Giles is just being book guy right now, trying to hunt down that prophecy and…..and he has all that stuff with the coven as well.." Dawn said putting her arm around her shoulder and giving her a squeeze.

"I know, I just….i just miss him. At least before I would have his voice in my head and I could talk to him, now….now I...I just feel empty" Buffy leaned her head on Dawns shoulder and hugged her back.

"He'll be back, I know he will"

"Buffy!" Willow burst through the door as she shouted her name,

"Xanders gone. So is your axe"

"Shit!" Buffy ran back into the house, calling over her shoulder, "He's probably gone to the magic box, stay here with the twins, hopefully I can get there before he kills Spike"

she grabbed her jacket and ran out the door.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She turned the corner just as Xander took a swing at Spikes head with the axe. Spike ducked just in time and the axe got stuck in the wall, giving up on the axe he grabbed a handful of Spikes shirt and threw him on the floor.

He picked him up and threw him into a pillar, grabbed him and turning him around to face him he punched him in the stomach.

"GET UP! GET UP!" he shouted at him.

Buffy saw Spike glare at Xander but didn't move. She was running as hard as she could but she was still too far away.

"You just gonna sit there? Do Nothing?"

When Spike didn't answer him he grabbed him, pulled him to his feet and slammed his head into the pillar,

"That the kinda man you are?"

"Not gonna fight you. Chip." Spike said staring at him. Xander kneed him in the stomach and he groaned, doubling over.

"Too bad" Xander pulled a stake from his jacket just as Anya opened the door,

"Xander, no! Stop it! Stop it!" she said running towards them, distracting Xander.

Buffy reached them at the same time as Anya, pushing Xander aside, she stood there panting glaring at him as he glared at her.

"Xander, I…." Anya stuttered, for once speechless.

"Don't even try to deny it. 'Cause I saw it all. The whole beautiful show." Xander said angrily facing Anya.

"It was just, it...it was just a thing. I felt bad and he was there" Anya tried to explain looking between him and Buffy.

"Didn't take long did it" Buffy said her arms crossed, tensed, ready if Xander lunged at Spike.

"Shut up Buffy! How long was it after you dumped Riley did you jump your Watcher?" Anya said narrowing her eyes at Buffy.

"That's not the same and you know it! I wasn't in love with Riley, I was in love with Giles. Do you love Spike? 'Cause according to him he loves me"

"What? No I don't love….wait she's the reason you were looking for a love spell?!"

"Love spell! Oh you didn't? Tell me you weren't looking for something to….to….I'm gonna be sick" she looked at Xander who looked just as sick, "Gimme that stake" she said reaching for it but he held it away from her.

"It wasn't for you! It was for me, to make me forget, you stupid bint!" Spike shouted holding his hands up, "you were never gonna see me not with your Watcher in the picture"

She gave up trying for the stake and stared at Spike,

"Even if I wasn't with Giles it would never happen. You have no soul! I can't trust you"

"You trusted me with Dawn"

"Yeah because you're neutered, you can't hurt her"

Xander turned back to Anya still angry,

"So he was just there, you had to do it, like Mt Everest, like I used to be"

"And then you weren't. You left me Xander, at the altar, I don't owe you anything!" she yelled at him.

"So you go out and bang the first body you find, dead or alive?"

"Where do you get off judging me!?"

"When this is your solution. What, I hurt you so you hurt me right back? Vary mature."

"No, the mature solution would be to have you tell stupid, pointless jokes for the rest of your life so no one notices you're just a scared, insecure little boy"

Xander smiled bitterly at her,

"I'm not joking now. You let that evil, soulless thing touch you. You wanted me to feel something? Congratulations, it worked."

Anya stared at him, eyes filling with tears.

"I look at you….and I feel sick. 'Cause you had sex with that" he pointed at Spike who was glaring at him.

Anya looked hurt and Buffy felt a little sorry for her. She walked over to the axe and tugged it from the wall, walking back to Xander she looked at Anya and gave her a nod, pulling Xander away.

"Come on Xand I'll walk you home" They left Anya and Spike standing there.

"Isn't it the mans job to walk the woman home?" Xander mumbled, his head down.

"Not in this town big brother" She said taking his hand.

He looked up at her and gave her a small smile, "Brother?"

"Of course, you and Will have been my family from the beginning, how else could you bug the crap outta me and get away with it?"

His smile widened and he tightened his grip on her hand,

"Thanks Buff"

"Anytime" she smiled back.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N Episode Seeing Red

WARNING:- Contains a scene of attempted rape.

Chapter 9

Buffy kicked in the basement door of the house Willow traced the signal from the cameras to.

"Alright lets make this quick" She said as she started down the stairs.

She looked around, no nerds, plenty of geek paraphernalia.

"Fine, but I'm not leaving until we have a little chat"

She walked over to the desk and picked up some of the papers that were scattered over it.

"Very little considering the pummeling that needs to occur"

She looked at a shelf covered in action figures, mostly half naked women, she pokes one then turns around.

"I mean, guys, helloooo. Slayer here. Did you honestly think I wouldn't find you..."

She got distracted by more piles of paper and file folders on a chair, sifting through it she picks some up, frowns at it then adds it to the pile in her hand. She sees a white board and tilts it so she can read it, the surface is clean except for the words TOO LATE!

Buffy frowned at it, "Well that can't be good"

She hears a buzz saw start up and it cuts straight through the board. Buffy covered her face and dived to the floor just in time to avoid being sliced in two. Several more saws appear moving around the room, some horizontally, some vertically and some diagonally.

She flipped between two of them and grabs a random pile of paper and other stuff then runs up the stairs, narrowly missing one burying itself in the stairs behind her. She burst through the door, the papers flying out of her hands.

She pushed herself to her knees and looked down at her jacket which had been sliced,

"Okay, that's gonna cost ya, Giles bought me this"

She gathered the papers and the book she had grabbed and headed home, the twins were due to wake up soon and she hadn't expressed anything so her breasts were a little sore.

Willow and Tara were standing in the living room holding a baby each when she got back, both of them looking happy,

"Well don't you guys look well…..rested" Buffy said trying to fight a smile.

"Buffy! I won, I said they would get back together yesterday and I was right" Dawn said bouncing on to the sofa and holding her hand out.

"Fine, here" Buffy handed her sister the ten bucks she had dug from her pocket.

"You guys made a bet?" Willow asked blushing as she rocked Dani.

"Well yeah, I said you'd get back together tomorrow, Dawn said yesterday" she smiled down at Dani sucking on Willows knuckle then kissed her head.

She walked to Tara and kissed Alex who was very content in his Aunts arms, looking up at Tara she asked, "So which one of you asked for the split to be over?"

"I...I...it w..was m...me, why?" Taras blush disappeared into her hairline.

"'Cause now I have to give this back" Dawn said pouting giving her sister back the money.

"You bet on that too" Willow said looking shocked.

"Yeah, and? You lot bet on me and Giles. Waited nearly two years to find out who won it but still"

"Fine. What happened to you!?" finally noticing Buffys jacket.

"Oh, uh, the geek trio set a trap, giant buzz saws" Buffy said putting the stack of papers down and shrugging out of her ruined jacket, throwing it over the back of the sofa.

"Buzz saws, as in more than one?" Willow handed Dani over to be fed, not happy with Aunty Willows knuckle anymore.

She picked up some of the papers and sat down next to the coffee table as she looked at them,

"What's all this?"

Buffy situated Dani, wincing as she sucked harder on her nipple than usual, having been kept waiting for her food.

"It's all I could save before the saws hit, it's not much I know, hopefully it'll help"

Willow stood with the computer disks that had been sandwiched between some of the papers,

"I'll get started on these" she said then walked to Tara, giving her kiss and smiling at her.

"Aww" Buffy said happily.

"Okay, all right, we'll stop" Willow said kissing her again.

"Oh, you'd better not" Dawn said jumping up and taking Alex, smiling at them as she sat back down next to Buffy.

Alex sensed his mom and sister and opened his eyes, giving his mom a sleepy smile. Buffy cooed at him and stroked his cheek, his eyes were exactly like his fathers, that same beautiful jade green colour, he even had the brown spot in the same spot in his left eye.

Dawn snuggled him closer, kissing his head.

"I'll look over these papers, see if I can find anything useful" Tara said smiling down at them, her arm around Willows waist.

"I'll come help when these two are sorted" Buffy said as they left.

"I'm gonna head over to Janice's house, we're heading to the mall so Janice can buy her mom a birthday present"

"Ok, but no more clothes for the twins, they have so many they probably won't get to wear most of 'em" Buffy said giving Dawn a look.

"Okay" she said pouting, then she brightened, "What about a new teddy each? Or a blanket?"

"Fine, I guess I can't stop you doing that" Buffy grinned at her sisters smile.

Dawn put Alex in his rocker and raced upstairs to change leaving Buffy humming softly to them as Dani fed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy visited Xander when it looked like the only thing that was of use was the disks. They had found some papers with what looked like a demonic language on them, but they couldn't decipher them.

Xander opened the door with a beer in his hand,

"Hey" Xander stood back and let her in.

"Hey" Buffy looked around as she walked in, sighing at the amount of empty beer bottles.

"She loves you. You know that. Anya was just hurting and she did this really stupid thing. We've all been there, remember Parker? My stupid thing over Angel leaving and fighting my feelings for Giles especially after seeing him with Olivia" Buffy said as she sat down next to him.

"But with Spike?!"

"Yeah. But when we do stupid things it's never with someone good"

"I know why Anya...I understand I do but….it, it just..."

"Hurts? Yeah I know" she said sighing, "when you're ready, we have some clues to the geek trios plans, maybe, I don't know, I just grabbed what I could before the buzz saws got me"

"Buzz saws?"

"Yeah, the big kind, cut that jacket Giles got me"

"Huh"

"Anyway, when you feel up to it maybe you can help me pummel 'em. Being the Slayer I can't properly beat on humans but it might make you feel better" she said smiling at him.

He lifted the corner of his mouth, "We'll see. I gotta go for a walk"

"Okay, well, maybe I'll see you later?" she said getting up.

"Maybe"

"Don't stay alone too long Xand, you have a house full of girls ready to fuss over you and two babies who miss their Uncle Xander" she said stopping by the door.

He smiled at that and looked at her, "They miss me? Buff, their like a week old, they miss your boob and that's it"

Buffy laughed and left him to it so she could patrol before Tara and Willow left to get some more clothes and a wash bag for Tara.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She was found a few vamps and had decided to head back when she was jumped by another one.

She blocked his punch, then he had spun around blocking her punch and kicked her in the chest, she executed a spin kick that sent him flying.

"Not bad. How hard are gonna hit when you're blowin' in the wind?" she asked as she dug her stake out of her back pocket.

He got up and attacked her again but as he leaped at her Buffy staked him. He dusted but his kick connected anyway. Buffy cried out in surprise, flying backwards into a headstone, shattering it and landing on the ground behind it.

She stayed on the ground groaning in pain,

"That, was a rhetorical question!" She shouted.

Getting up she winced in pain, "Ow"

She headed home holding her side.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She got home and sent Willow and Tara off, smiling at their entwined hands. She checked the twins and found them happily sleeping arms and legs stretched out, making sucking motions with their mouths. Smiling at them she carefully peeled off her clothes and underwear and slipped into her soft grey bathrobe.

She walked into the bathroom and slowly bent over to put the plug in and turn the taps. Reaching up, wincing as she did, she retrieved Taras healing oil and poured a little into the bath.

"You hurt? You're not moving so well" Spike said from the door way.

Sighing she moved away from him, leaning against the sink,

"Get out" she said not looking at him.

"We have to talk" he moved forward into the room and closing the door behind him.

Buffy looked at him, "I really don't"

Sighing Spike pushed the door shut, "Well this isn't about you"

She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him, "You spoke, I listened. Now leave"

Spike looked at the floor and sighed a little,

"I'm sorry. Not that it matters," he looked back up at her, "but I needed you to know that"

"Why?"

"Because I care about you"

Buffy huffed at him, "If you did, you wouldn't have slept with my friend, and you sure as hell wouldn't have tried to get a love spell to use..."

"I told you that I wanted it for me" he said smacking himself on his chest, "I wanted something, anything to make these feelings stop!"

Buffy looked surprised, until then she had thought he was lying and just wanted to use it on her.

"You should have let him kill me" Spike said softly, calmer now.

"I couldn't have done that"

"Why?"

"Because Xander was angry and even though he hates you, he respects you as a fighter and he would have regretted it"

"That's not the reason"

Buffy walked forward and bent to turn the taps off, holding her back as she did,

"Oh and what is the reason then?"

"You have feelings for me" he said moving towards her, "don't you?"

"How many times do I have to tell you? I don't care. I don't trust you. Sure you're useful in a fight but that's it." she said turning to face him.

"I know you have feelings for me Buffy, you don't have to hide it anymore, Watcher boys not here"

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Spike, please stop this"

"Let yourself feel it" he whispered, moving forward he put his hands on her waist and pulled her towards him.

"No..."

"You love me"

"Ow, no, stop it"

Buffy struggled to push him away, her back screaming in pain, as he tried to kiss her, groping her. She heard her bathrobe rip and felt his hands on her. She felt sick.

"Spike, no…..ow….what are you do.."

She lost her balance and fell backwards, her hands snatched at the shower curtain for balance but it ripped off the rod and Buffy fell, hitting her back on the side of the tub.

She screamed in pain but Spike ignored her, focused only on what he wanted. He moved on top of her and held her down, grabbing her face to kiss her as she continued trying to fight him off.

"Let go. Let yourself love me" he said his hands still groping.

"Please, get off…...ow…..Spike, no"

She twists over on her stomach trying to reach the door but he still has her pinned beneath him, he pulled her arms away from the door and flipped her back over.

She kept trying to fight him off, her strength affected by her injury and her fear,

"No, stop it" she yelled.

"I know you feel it..." his hands ripped at her robe, ripping it even more.

Buffy broke partly free and started crawling toward the door but Spike grabbed her ankle and pulled her back, flipping her over and pinning her hands to the floor.

"No, ow, ow!" she was crying now, screaming for Giles in her head not hearing anything, "please, please, Spike, please..."

"You'll feel it Buffy..."

"Please don't do this…."

"I'm gonna make you feel it"

He rips the front of her robe open, groaning at the sight of her breasts. Buffy screamed and struggled against him as he tried to get her robe off.

"Stop!" she yelled putting everything into one last shove, summoning her slayer strength and Spike flew back, crashing into the sink and wall.

Buffy got to her feet, holding her robe closed with one had, the shoulder torn exposing her skin. Spike stood panting, staring at her.

"Ask me again why I could never have feelings for you" she said through gritted teeth. She saw the realization of what he had been doing dawn on his face.

"Buffy, my god, I…." he said sounding horrified.

"Get out and don't come back. I never want to see you again" she said as a tear slid down her cheek.

Spike ran past her, down the stairs and out of the house.

Buffy slid to the floor and cried.

She was still sitting on the floor leaning against the bath when she heard Xander call her name. She didn't answer, couldn't bring herself to speak.

She heard him stomp up the stairs and head to the bathroom. He burst in holding Spikes leather jacket,

"Why's his jacket he…." he stopped as he took in Buffys appearance, she had been crying, still was, there were tears on her cheeks, "What did he do?"

He stared at her and saw the bruises on her legs, the ripped robe,

"Did he hurt you?" he asked crouching beside her.

"He tried. He didn't…." she said softly wiping at a tear.

"Son of a bitch!" he stood and turned to storm out.

"Don't"

He stopped in the doorway and stared at her, concerned.

"Please, just don't…..he's gone, I told him to never come back"

"What if he does?" he said quietly, controlling the rage inside him.

"Then you can stake him" she said looking up at him.

The front door slamming made them both jump, Willow rushed in,

"Hey I think we found something..." her smile faltered when she saw Xanders bloody face and Buffys bruised appearance, "what happened?"

"Nothing" Buffy said as she covered her leg with her robe ignoring Xanders look, "What'd you find out?"

"Get dressed and come downstairs, I'll show you" she said leaving the room.

"Have your bath, I'll check the kids and tell Willow you were injured in a fight" Xander said helping her stand.

"That's not exactly a lie, Xand, I was injured before Spike walked in" she said, humorlessly, holding her robe shut.

"Right, well take as long as you need" he cupped her cheek and smiled at her.

Buffy dropped her ruined robe and slowly lowered herself into the bath.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy sat on the couch with Alex tucked against her chest, a blanket covering him as he fed. Dawn was holding Dani, gently patting her back as she slept against her chest. Xander was standing near by, an ice pack on his face.

"We cracked the discs but still can't decipher this" willow said holding out the paper with the demonic writing on it.

"It's Klingon, they're love poems" Xander said, catching himself and blushing, "which has nothing to do with the insidious scheme you're about to describe"

Buffy smirked at him in amusement,

"What do ya got for me that doesn't rhyme?" She asked as Alex sighed and started suckling again, lifting the blanket to check on him, she smiled softly at him as he gripped her breast with his little hand.

"Um, this" Tara said holding up a disc.

"It's filled with encoded blueprints and schematics" Willow said showing Buffy the pile of papers.

"To what?"

"Um, banks, armored car routes, corporate vaults…. This is big" Tara said eyes wide.

"They're looking to score some serious dinero. We don't think they're planning just one job" Willow said tapping the keys on her laptop.

"Spree anyone" Xander said then flinched and turned around when Buffy stuck her hand under the blanket.

"Dawn could you take Dani upstairs for me and lay her down?" Buffy asked as she flipped the blanket off and lifted Alex to her shoulder.

"Sure, I'm gonna crash anyway" She said sliding forward on the chair so she could stand up with Dani.

"I, I can't cover all of these at once" Buffy said as she winded her son.

"You won't have to. We think there's one they may hit tonight" Willow said taping away at her laptop and nodding.

"It's time sensitive" Tara added.

"Be careful. Warrens gone all Might Mouse. Emphasis on the might." Xander said looking worried.

"Good" Buffy said standing up with Alex, "Then I won't have to hold back" She smiled grimly and took Alex upstairs.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy entered the Wild River Adventure park as Warren tipped the truck over, wonder where he got the super strength? she thought as she jumped on top of the truck watching as Warren ripped the off the door.

"Hey"

Warren looked up at her.

"Is this your bank? 'Cause if not, there's gonna be a fee for that" She leaped down but Warren caught her and threw her backwards over his head.

She landed with a thud several yards away and got up as Warren began striding towards her.

"I was wondering when super bitch would show up."

"You really got a problem with strong women, don't you?"

"Nothing I can't handle" he swung at her head but Buffy ducked.

He punched her in the face with his second swing, blocked her punch and held her arm hitting her with his other hand. They exchange blows and Buffy goes down.

"You seem a little off. This a bad day?" he asked smugly.

Buffy stands, "It's getting better"

She landed several strong kicks, grabbed him, flipped over him and kicked him in the back. He went down but immediately rolled back to his feet. Buffy grabbed the door from the truck and hit him with it knocking him back into the stone gate of the park, dust falling on his head.

"That all you got?" he said throwing his arms out in challenge.

He looked up a moment too late as the stone gate collapsed, a pile of stone and rubble, falling right on top of him.

"No!" A shout sounded behind her so she turned and saw Andrew and Jonathan staring at the place Warren was buried.

"There's two ways this can end. And right now? I'm thinking they're both gonna hurt" She said as she began walking towards them.

Andrew suddenly smiled, flicking his eyes behind her, "I think you're right"

Buffy turned and saw Warren pulling himself out from beneath the rubble.

"What's the matter baby? You never fight a real man before?"

He charged at her landing two strong punches before she ducked the third and kicked him. He blocked her swing punching her again several times before Buffy grabbed his hand and twisted it back, kicking him in the stomach. She ducked another punch and kicked him hard, knocking him back against the overturned truck.

Buffy watched as he pulled himself upright again,

"Wow. That almost hurt kitten" he said.

For fucks sake, she thought as she launched herself at him again. Kicking and punching to little effect. Warren grabbed her and slams down on her arm.

Buffy shouted out in pain as Warren kicked her backwards then grabbed her again.

She heard Andrew urging Warren to kill her as he continued beating her. He knocked her legs out from under her and she hit the floor.

"You know who I am? Huh, Slayer?" he asked her.

"You're a murderer" she growled at him getting up.

"Well, that too, but more to the point.." he back handed her, "I'm the guy that beat you"

She swings at him and he blocked her again, hitting her. Buffy reeled backwards shocked that he was winning.

"And it's not the muscles, baby" he said as he kicked her backwards, "It's the brains"

"I'll remember that when I knock 'em clean out of your…." she felt someone jump on her back and grab her around the neck. She grunted and stumbled around trying to pry him off.

"Whoa! Sparky, I didn't know you had it in you" Warren said sounding amused.

"The orbs! Smash his orbs" she heard Jonathan whisper in her ear.

She threw him off and he rolled away when he hit the ground. Warren was on her before she could recover, she blocked a couple of punches but then Warren hit her hard enough to send her flying back into a bench. It broke apart under her and Warren strode towards her,

"Say good night, bitch" he said and pulled his fist back.

Buffy saw a pouch attached to his belt when his jacket pulled back. Before Warren could react she grabs it and smashes it on the floor under her hand. A blue light flashes, flushing through Warren then leaves him, shooting towards the smashed orbs.

He looked up dazed as Buffy stood,

"Good night bitch" she said then spun and kicked him in the chest, sending him flying backwards and rolling to the ground in front of the other two.

Looking scared he stumbled to his feet as she advanced on him,

"You're nothing but a sad little boy, Warren. But it's time you grow up, and pay for what you've done."

"Get away from me!" he yelled panting. He pulled off his jacket revealing something strapped to his body including two silver tanks strapped to his back.

"I swear to god, I'm gonna take you down. You piece of…."

Buffy stared, unable to believe what she was seeing with her own eyes, as Warren pressed a button and activated a jet back that lifted him straight up in the air, shouting in surprise.

"Oh, come on" she whined.

"Well played, Slayer!" Andrew said staring calmly at Buffy and copies Warren, revealing his own jet pack.

"Why didn't I get one of those?" Jonathan whined.

"This round to you. But the game is far from over" Andrew said as he activated his jet pack.

Buffy and Jonathan stared as he rose but he hit the roof overhang above him and fell back to the ground unconscious.

Jonathan just stared at Buffy uneasily as the police sirens get closer.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Buffy had fed, bathed and dressed the twins and was now looking for cameras in her backyard, the sun shining down on her, poking at the weeds and plants with a stick, when Xander came up behind her.

"Time for the spring poking already?" he joked.

Turning, she smiled at him "Just making sure there are no more Evil Trio cameras. Or Evil Uno"

"Ah, the sinister yet addictive board game" he said with mock seriousness and she laughed.

"No, Warren. Jonathan and Andrew got clinked, but…..Warren pulled a Rocket Man"

"Huh?"

"He had a jet pack" Buffy clarified.

"Seriously? That's kinda cool…..bad, very bad" he said grinning at her.

"You'll find him, he won't be any good without his friends"

Buffy hugged him, glad he sounded better, "No he won't, I know I'm not"

They sat beside each other on the bench and Xander fidgeted, he never was good at heart-to-hearts, he always seemed to screw them up.

"How did we end up here?"

"Scenic route. Long drive" Buffy said with a smile.

"The past few weeks…."

"I know, it's been hard for you. I've been worried about you"

"I know, I'm sorry, I just…. I think I hit bottom ya know, walking away from Anya, on our wedding day! God, how big of a tool was I?"

"Honestly? Pretty big. You couldn't have figured it out before I had to put on that dress?" she said trying for levity, smiling when he chuckled.

"Seriously though Xand, even Anya understands you didn't set out to do it that way"

"I really didn't" he said earnestly.

"Hey at least you didn't push her away so far she left the country"

"Buff"

"I guess we've all done things lately that we're not proud of"

"I think I got ya beat" he said smiling at her.

"Wanna compare?" she said smiling back at him.

"Not so much" he looked down for a second and when he looked up his eyes were watery,

"I don't know what I'd do...without you and Will"

Fighting tears of her own she hugged him, "Let's not find out" He hugged her back, tightly.

"I love you, you know that" she said. She felt Xander stiffen,

"Buffy!" he pushed her back.

She turned around to see Warren angrily walking towards her through the back gate still wearing the all black outfit from the night before.

"You think you can just do that to me? You think I'd let you get away with that?" he laughed like a crazy person, "Think again"

He raised his arm and Buffy saw the gun, she looked at Xander,

"The twins" she said, fear in her voice, she shoved Xander away just as Warren fired.

She heard him fire a few more shots but she couldn't get up. She felt a burning in her chest and she was having trouble breathing.

"Buffy! No!" she heard Xander shout then felt his hands pressing down on her chest before she blacked out.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Xander panicked, Buffy was bleeding and he didn't know if anyone else was home. He couldn't lose her, not again. He got up and ran into the house to grab the phone and frantically dialed 911, told them what they needed, grabbed a dish towel and ran back outside.

He applied pressure as he waited for the ambulance and breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the siren. He ran around the house to meet them,

"She's back here, this way"

The paramedics followed him back asking what had happened.

"She was shot?" the first one asked.

"Yeah in the chest"

"Accidental?" The second one asked

"No no, it was a…. he was trying to kill her"

"Xander!" Dawn yelled as she ran up to the house, "What happened? Who's blood is that? Where's Buffy, the twins?"

"Dawn, listen to me" Xander said as he gripped her shoulders, the paramedics going on without him.

"It was Warren, he shot Buffy, she's…..well it's bad but she's gonna be okay" he watched as what he said sunk in then fought back tears as he saw her pain and fear in her eyes.

"Dawn, you need to listen to me. Are you listening?"

Sobbing she nodded and looked at him.

"Okay. I need you to stay with Dani and Alex okay. I don't know if Buffy...if she got bottles ready but there is formula in the cupboard just in case. I'm gonna go with Buffy and I will call you when I know something, okay? Okay?" he said, his voice breaking slightly.

Dawn nodded and sniffed, "Okay, I can do that" she said in a small child like voice.

He hugged her tightly and kissed her head, "That's my girl"

He turned when he heard the gurney and saw the paramedic backing through the gate,

"Go Dawn, you don't wanna see this"

Her eyes widened when she realized what was happening, she turned and ran into the house, not seeing Willow coming down the stairs.

Xander was following the gurney when he saw Willow staring blankly at Buffy, blood on her shirt.

"Willow, god, are you okay?"

"How did this happen?" She asked quietly.

"Warren, he had a gun"

"Warren" her previously blank face flashed with anger.

"It went down too fast, I couldn't stop him"

But Willow was no longer listening. She walked away leaving Xander behind,

"Hey" he called, "Will!" he stared after her not knowing what to do.

"Hey, you coming?" The paramedic asked.

Xander looked at Willows retreating back.

"We gotta go now so if you're coming, jump in" The paramedic said, the urgency of the situation conveyed in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm coming" Xander blinked and tore his eyes away from Willow and looked at the ambulance. Running towards it he jumped in, his eyes on Buffys very pale face as the paramedic slammed the door and the driver pulled away from the curb.

Sirens blaring he sped off in the direction of the hospital.