This is for my beta, Meli!. Thanks for all you help!




Chapter 1 – Something Blue



Buffy stared at the stick on the bathroom counter. It could not be true. Not possible. All she wanted was a normal life, a normal boyfriend, to finish school and to get married. Then get the house, white picket fence, and maybe have a few kids.



Hopefully by then, Faith would grow up and take over the slaying duties.



She thought a slaying duty, or some big bad would have thrown her life for a loop again.



Well at least she was not screwing around with any vampires; then again, she could not deny that she did not like her seven minutes in heaven with Spike under Willow’s spell.



She could not blame Spike or Willow on this bump in the not so normal life of Buffy.



Nope.



Buffy peeked back over at the stick on the counter.



‘Yep. Still Blue.’



She shut her eyes closed tight, and prayed to the Powers That Be that the next time she opened her eyes; there would be no blue line.



‘One Mississippi, Two Mississippi…’



She peeked out one eye, and then let out a loud sigh. No change. If she was lucky, maybe the test would be wrong. Maybe it was a bad test, so it would not be possible.



Of course, of all places for her to be doing a pregnancy test, the common girls’ bathroom was not the best. Willow picked just that moment to come in and brush her teeth; it was as if the Powers were looking to teach Buffy a lesson.



“Oh my Goddess! Someone left a pregnancy test in here Buffy.”



Buffy was surprised that with all the progress Willow had made towards maturing, that she still could be so naïve.



“Um, Wills, I don’t think any one left it here.”



“Well Buffy, it didn’t get there on its own. Unless it’s yours.”



Buffy just looked at Willow with a blank face. She tried to hold back the tears, but even the Slayer could not hold back her pain. Willow quickly moved over to Buffy. She wrapped her arms around her sobbing friend for comfort.



“We’ll find a way Buffy. We’ll get through this.”



“I know Wills. It’s just, I have to tell Riley. I don’t think I want to do that until I know for sure, you know.”



“Do you want to go to the clinic? It’s open late on Thursday nights.”



“I’d like that Wills. I don’t think I could deal with the uncertainty of not knowing.”



Buffy and Willow walked back into the dorm room so they could grab their student IDs and purses. They were definitely going to need money to get some ice cream tonight. Buffy had a feeling she her comfort food would be eaten quite a bit over the next nine months.



Buffy grabbed her sweater. She was not sure if the night was cooler or if she was just getting clammy from the stress she was under.



When they left the dorm, dusk just settled in the sky. Luckily, most of the vamps did not bother to show their face on campus anymore since the Slayer protected it. The only vamp that dared show his face had left shortly after Willow’s spell. Buffy still did not understand what he expected out of her. He just kept rambling on and on about her being his mate, that it was not just a spell.



If it had not been for Angel, perhaps she would have given Spike a chance, a crumb as he had asked.



Too bad for Spike though; Angel had come through, caused his damage and left. Angel left her behind with the knowledge that her and vampire lovers are unmixy. So it was safe and boring with Riley, but at least he was normal.



She just prayed she would get used to laying on her back for him. If she had things her way, she would probably break the soldier boy because he could not handle it. Unlike Spike. Spike could handle it.



‘Then again, without that chip in his head he’d probably screw me then eat me. That’s a shame. Again that just justifies why vampire lovers and Buffy are unmixy.’



Without a care, she repressed her fond memories of her night with Spike out of her head. Well at least she tried to, until Willow spoke up.



“Buffy, if you are pregnant are you sure it’s Riley’s? I mean if you’re further along, it could be Spikes?”



Buffy’s face just dropped in shock at the thought. ‘Just be denial girl Buffy. Don’t let her go down that road. Bad thoughts.’



“No way Willow. Besides, Vampires can’t breed. There seed is dead.”



“Oh, sorry Buffy, I forgot its cold, dead seed.”



“Damn it Willow, it’s not cold!”



“Care to explain that one Buffy?”



“No, no. Sorry Wills. Just it can’t be Spikes. I would consider it if it was possible.”



“So what do you think will happen with Riley? Do you think he’ll ask you to marry him?”



“I don’t know Willow. I don’t know if I would want to marry him. Oh look, we’re here. Let’s go in and watch the Slayer get poked with a needle!”



Willow smiled at her friend’s humor. She could always tell when Buffy was trying to cover her fear up with a funny. She took Buffy’s hand and led her into the clinic.



Buffy took a quick look around to make sure no one was watching them. It was tough to see with it being dusk, and the landscaping that surrounded the area had an abundance of greenery.



She could not stand gossipers, but more important she did not want Riley finding out from his army buddies at the Initiative.



She would not have to worry about that though. In her quick glance across her area, she had missed one Mr. Riley Finn hiding in the bushes, in full army camouflage.



There he stood, mouth wide open, also hoping his Initiative buddies had not seen what he just saw.

~~~~



Riley was in awe. There was only one reason his girl was going into that clinic this late at night. He’d been around campus long enough to know that.



‘Fuck. Buffy must suspect she’s pregnant.’



This was not how he had planned his life. He was supposed to have a spectacular military career, find a great girl, fall in love, get married, get the house, white picket fence and THEN have a baby.



The baby part was coming a few steps ahead too soon for him. Panic flashed through him. This would certainly affect his military career, because he would have to take into consideration his wife’s opinion when he selected his next move in the military.



He did not want a reputation for knocking up a young girl. Buffy was not a conquest for the men in the unit to brag about.



Then again, he was not sure what Buffy was to him. Yes, she had been trying to be a good girlfriend since Willow’s botched up spell. In fact too good. He could not help but have his suspicions that something more went on between his girlfriend and the master vampire.



‘Can’t happen. Couldn’t be.’ Riley mused to himself. He did not think vampires could impregnate at all, never mind a human.



One thing he did know for sure is that he loved her, even if she did not love him back. That he knew for sure. She cared for him, but she did not love him.



He would stick by her though. When the baby was born, and he found out it was not his then he would offer his help and support her; on her terms though.



That is what nagged him about his whole relationship with the Slayer. It was on her terms.



Riley sighed and made his way back to the Initiative headquarters. He would wait and see how long it would take her to come to him.



Sadly, she would come to him, but never completely with her heart.




Thanks for the kind reviews!



Chapter 2 – Announcements



Riley listened to Buffy’s not so cheery voice on his answering machine.

“Umm… Hi Riley…when you get home, can you come by my dorm room. I need to talk to you.”

Riley picked up the machine and threw it against the wall.

“Fuck. I’d do anything to make sure it isn’t mine. Walsh is going to fucking kill me!”

“Well man, you don’t have to worry yet.”

Riley whipped his head around to see his Initiative buddy standing behind him.

“Forrest! What do you know?”

“I know your girl’s knocked up, and I know that Walsh won’t know because I was on duty to observe at the clinic and take a copy of the roster. Coincidentally, the roster accidentally met a bad fate tonight.”

“Oh man I owe you.”

Forrest placed his hand on Riley’s shoulder.

“Well it will buy you some time, until she starts to show.”

“I know. This is going to blow my career.”

“No it won’t. Not if you go with Walsh on the Special Ops mission in South America.”

“But I can’t leave Buffy to raise this baby on her own.”

“But it can’t be your baby dude.”

Riley froze in place. That only meant there could be only one other father, and even though it was a hostile, he was so hoping that was the case. He would be broken if his girl was cheating on him, and frankly the spell did not count to him. It also meant that he would be able to save his career and keep Buffy.

Forrest broke Riley out of his reverie.

“Dude, I’m sorry but that fetus was more than a month old.”

Forrest was confused at the look of relief on Riley’s face.

“Finn, dude you almost look happy that I’m telling you someone else knocked up your girl.”

“Forrest, it’s perfect. I wasn’t even with her then, so I can’t be mad at her. Plus I get to salvage my career.”

“Well, if you put it that way. I still think you should go on the special operations mission with Walsh, it will only confirm your dedication to the Initiative.”

“You're right. I’ll see her after I go see Buffy.”

Riley grabbed his coat, and left Forrest standing in his room. Forrest just shook his head and left Riley’s room.

~~~

Buffy was so grateful to have Willow as a best friend. She did not judge her, but after all, she could not. The very possibility that this baby could be Spike’s would assign a great deal of responsibility to Willow.

‘Nope. Not going to think that, definitely not the bleached wonders demon child in me.’

She heard a soft rapping on the door. Willow held her hand up, signaling Buffy to stay put. Willow walked up and opened the door for Riley.

“I’ll be at the library for an hour to study,” Willow informed them as she shut the door gently.

Riley could sense Buffy’s nervousness. It occurred to him then that she herself might not realize she had a demon spawn in her.

“Riley, I have to…”

He raised his finger to her lips gently, and let out a gently “shh.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Forrest was on surveillance tonight, and he already told me.”

Buffy stiffened up immediately. ‘How dare Forrest interfere? This is our baby, our business!’

Riley did not want to have the uncomfortable, ‘I don’t think I’m the daddy’ conversation with her. He took the cowards way out and opted for a different tale.

“I would have been here sooner, but Walsh got wind of it and called me to her office. She wasn’t happy at all”

Buffy finally summoned the courage to speak, “What did she say?”

“Buffy, I’m so sorry!” He truly was sorry, sorry he was about to lie to her.

“Why?”

“Walsh assigned me on to a mandatory special operations mission. I have to go on it. It will be for a few months.”

Buffy was not surprised the smug bitch would do that.

“Oh.”

“She wants to make sure I’m still committed to the cause.”

“How long will you be gone?”

Riley had to think hard about this. He did not want to be there when the baby was born, when she realized that the child did not belong to him. He did want to provide her with his support though, after she realized the truth.

“Eight Months. I’m sorry Buff, but I have to go.”

“When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow. 04:00 sharp.”

Riley reached up and brushed the tears from Buffy’s eyes.

“Don’t worry; Willow will be here to help you. I also have some funds sent aside to that I can transfer into your account to help you.”

He pulled her into his arms, tight against him. He wished that this baby was his, and then they could be a happy family. ‘If I wasn’t in the Initiative, then it would be perfect.’

He let her cry herself to sleep, and then laid her down on her bed. He placed a gentle kiss on her head. After he found some pen and paper on her bed, he left her a quick note.

Buffy – Sorry I could not stay the night, and we must part like this. You are a very strong woman, and I know you’ll make it through the rough months ahead. I’ll be thinking of you and will come back as soon as my time is up. ~ Riley

Riley quietly placed the note on the pillow next to her head. Without looking back, he shut the door behind him and made his way over to Maggie Walsh to volunteer for his new assignment.

~~~

Buffy woke up with a heavy heart. They all left her. Even Spike had left her when he found her back with Riley. If he stuck around long enough, he would have found that Riley abandoned her too.

She picked up the note that he left by her side. As she finished reading it, she could not stop the tears coming down her face.

‘Some Dear Jane letter this is. He didn’t even sign it with love. Bastard probably took the assignment Walsh gave him happily.’

She walked over to the mirror and frowned at her puffy, swollen eyes. It would be the last time she would allow herself to feel self-pity, for she had much more important things to deal with now.


I promise Spike next chappie!





Chapter 3 - The Gift





The night was hot and steamy in the little beach town in Brazil. All of the townsfolk were out at the only local bar in town to have a few drinks to cool off.



Being the only bar in town also meant all of the demons who could get away with it were there also.



Spike leaned back in the chair and kicked his feet up on the table. It seemed no matter what he did or how drunk he got, it all came back to her. Buffy. She had crawled under his skin in that one night. No longer did he want to strangle the bint’s neck, he wanted to lavish it with his tongue, pierce her flesh with his fangs and take her as his mate.



He pouted in his chair as he remembered why he was thousands of miles away from her.



Buffy was finishing dressing as they both woke up from the spell. They had spent days making love. It was the most heavenly moment of his unlife. She had been his, truly his. Then the Powers That Be truly fucked with his life.



He had tried to pursued her, had given it his all. But, it had been for nothing.



‘Slayer, I know you feel it too. It isn’t because of the spell!’



‘Spike, I can’t!’



‘What do you mean you can’t? Buffy, luv please let’s just try.’



‘No. You’re an evil, vile, disgusting neutered vampire!’



‘Not what you said while I was plowed deep inside you. You didn’t want me to stop. You made future plans for us.’



‘It was a spell!’



‘It was a spell to work off of our feelings. Damn it, you told me you love me!’



‘Spike, even if I did love you, remember I’m the Slayer. You vampire!’



‘Stop being such a bitch about it. It can’t hurt to try; you didn’t even deny just now that you love me.’



Buffy looked away from him, she would neither deny nor confirm his love for him. She did the only thing she knew how to do to protect her heart. Spike knew this, but knew there was no getting around her walls.



‘You have to leave Sunnydale Spike. After what happened with Angel, I don’t know if I can risk my family and friends from being hurt again.’



‘I’m not sodden’ like Peaches!’



‘Spike if I date again, it will be a normal human boy. I can’t go through this again.’



Spike finally decided it was time to pull the wild card out. With desperation written all over his face, he laid it out on the table.



‘I won’t treat you like that. I respect what is mine. I love you!’



‘Spike, I don’t know if I can love you. Please go. Now.’



Spike grabbed his duster and stormed out the door with out looking back. He waited until he got to the old Desoto before he let the tears fall.



Spike quickly pulled back to the present when he felt a cold hand brush the lone teardrop from his eye.



“William, what has Sunshine done to my poor boy?”



Spike was shocked. He would have thought Drusilla would have been long gone from the continent by now. Unfortunately, the disgusting antler boy was also with her. Not that he cared about Dru having a fuck buddy; he did not want his sire like that anymore. The site of mucous dripping off the antlers was turning his stomach.



“Nothing Dru. Nothing at all”



Dru snarled at him. Even in her lovely white silken gown, she was still intimidating. Quickly, she went from angry to excited.



“Don’t lie to mummy William. I know the secret!”



“That she loves me but she pushed me aside for some normal fragile fucking boy? Not news here luv.”



Spike crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair again. He really wanted this little session of hide-and-go-seek to finish as quickly as possible. All he had to do was get her to tell her little secret.



“Sunshine she loves you, but she has something else of yours besides your heart.”



“For God sake Dru just spit it out!”



“Now. Now. You must be patient with mummy. Miss Edith hasn’t told me yet, but I do know that the boyfriend is gone.”



Spike’s interest peaked at that. Dru was often correct with her insane visions, so he knew to pay attention to her.



“William, look around here do you see those soldier boys?”



“Bloody hell! Those are the soddin’ chaps that neutered me!”



Spike began to panic. Drusilla laid her hand on his shoulder and chanted a few words under her breath.



“Don’t worry my Spike. When they look at you, they won’t recognize you as one of their ‘hostiles’. Now I want you to use that vampire nose of yours and inhale.”



Unable to refuse his sire, he deeply inhaled the air around him. That is when the smell hit him. It was faint, but enough to know someone in that room had been close with Buffy.



His Buffy.



“Now William, be patient. You listen in to what that soldier boy over there has to say, and you’ll find out what your present is back home.”



Dru gave him a kiss on the cheek, then turned and left the building, of course not without quickly grabbing one of the soldiers and leading him out to a premature death.



Whatever it was that would be his present intrigued Spike. He got up and moved closer to the bar where he recognized Riley, the white bread that had been trying to woo his Slayer.



He sat at the edge of the bar, in the seat closest to the round table the soldier boys were drinking and playing poker. He did not need to strain to hear the conversation.



“Finn, have you heard from your girl lately?”



“I told you, she’s not my girl.”



“Yeah but she’s knocked up!”



“Damn it. Stop bringing that up. I told you it’s not mine.”



“Finn. Gotta hand it to you. You could handle the Slayer!”



The rest of the guys laughed at Riley’s expense. Riley slammed his fist down on the table. His men knew they pushed him too far. All but one rose and left the table.



“Finn, man I’m sorry about that.”



“Nah Forrest, don’t worry about it. You guy’s don’t know what the worse part about all this is.”



“Well, until you told me on the way down here she was the Slayer; I didn’t think it could get any worse.”



“Forrest, remember that Billy Idol vampire we captured?”



“Oh yeah, he scared the shit out of me!”



Spike could smell the fear on the man. He was so glad that still all this time later, he had that effect on the ponce.



“We’ll apparently Buffy was protecting him from us.”



“Man, that’s jacked up. She’s the Slayer of Vampires, not their protector.”



“We’ll she didn’t like that we continued to pursue him even though he couldn’t defend himself. She said it wasn’t a fair fight.”



“What’s this got to do with her being pregnant Finn?”



“Well her little red head friend, Willow. She’s the witch. She did this spell, and well one thing led to another. Theyslepttogetherunderthespell.”



“Say that again Finn. Slowly.”



“They slept together under the spell.”



“Oh. Man that sucks.”



“Yeah. Well that is where the baby comes in.”



Forrest’s face lit up as he put two and two together.



“Don’t let Walsh get wind of this. If she finds out that the Slayer is pregnant with a vampire’s spawn….”



“She won’t find out.”





Spike abruptly left his spot at the bar and ran into the night. Smack into Dru.



“So, like your little prezzie, Daddy


My thoughts and prayers are to all of our friends whose lives have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Incidentally, many family pets have been displaced as a result of the hurrican and are currently looking for foster homes. If you have room and time in your home to open up your arms to these pets, please please please help out!




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Chapter 4 - Conversations



Spike sank to the ground and placed his head in his hands.

“Why, why …” He mumbled over and over again.

“It’s a gift Dearie, from the pixies for you.”

“Dru, how can having a child with the Slayer be a soddin’ gift? I’m evil, she’s sunshine.”

“William, she’s your sunshine. As you said, she just doesn’t know it yet.”

Spike shook his head. If she was still looking for normal, then what was Riley doing in South America?

Of course Dru was not going to be quiet long enough to let Spike gather his bearings.

“William, she won’t accept it’s yours until he is born, so you can’t run to her yet.”

“I protect what is MINE. Damn it. I should be there to protect her now, help make sure she’s taken care of while the sprog is in the uterus.”

Dru danced circles around Spike; humming to herself only a tune, she knew the words to.

“The pixies told me to cast a little spell protecting her, so I did. Miss Edith thought it was a wonderful idea. So see, you don’t need to go running off to make Sunshine’s day cloudy.”

“How will I know how she’s doing you daft bint?” Spike yelled.

Dru stopped her dance, and then slapped Spike across the face. Stunned, Spike looked up at her.

“Tut-Tut. Don’t be cross with mummy. You have soldier boy to keep you posted.”

Spike threw his hands up in frustration, and bit back his anger.

“Mummy dearest, then would you so kindly tell me how you expect me to sit back and listen to Captain Cardboard speak of her affections for him?”

“Spike, patience. Did you not hear the soldier boy say ‘She’s not my girl.’?”

Spike stood up and started to pace back in forth. His facial expression reflecting the master vampire was deep in thought. When his face lit up with a smile, it was evident he had stumbled upon the right thought.

“William, don’t you think you should go back in there and see what else you can find out? Then mummy can help you make a plan to get your girl.”

Spike found it odd that he would take direction from his crazy bint of a sire, but he did not have a better alternative. He mumbled a bit of thanks to her, and kissed her cheek as he walked back into the bar. Lucky for him, no one had really noticed he had left, except for the bartender. The bartender passed Spike another bottle of beer. Spike wiped the condensation off the bottle, took a swig, and feigned concentration on removing the label off the bottle. He concentrated on the soldiers’ conversation. Luckily, it had not progressed much beyond Walsh being a sadistic bitch.

“Enough about Maggie, I don’t know why we waste so much breath on her Finn.”

Riley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His friend had no idea of the mad experiments she was doing behind the scenes.

“There’s just something that’s not right about her Forrest. I watch my back around her, always.”

“Well I’m not scared of that bitch Finn. Anyway, speaking of bitches, how far along is Buffy with the Demon Spawn?”

“Forrest, I know you don’t like her but she is still my friend. If you could please not…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah Finn. I get it. You haven’t gotten over your crush with her yet.”

“Forrest, that’s where you’re wrong, I have. I would never want to put my prick near where some demon’s has been…”

Spike tried hard not to get out of his seat and smack Finn upside the head. After all, the only difference between his and Finn’s was probably size; Spike figured he bested the soldier in that category.

“…And she is my friend. I don’t go talking about your friends in a bad way, so lay off mine. To answer your question, well you said at the time she found out she was a few months along. I’ve been gone for three months now. So she’d be around six or so.”

“She healthy?”

Spike rejoiced that the men were finally moving into some territory he cared about.

“She’s doing well under the circumstances. She says it’s getting harder to slay now that her body is starting to show evidence of her pregnancy. She’s actually being quite humorous about it. The other day on the phone she was complaining about her breasts getting in the way.”

Both the men and Spike broke out into laughter. Spike regained his composure in order to keep himself undercover from the men.

“Yeah Finn, she’s being funny but how is she really taking it. She’s all alone going through this.”

“Well she has Willow, Xander, Anya, and Giles. They all help her out. Her mom has been great too. She helped Buffy move back home. Right now they are redoing one of the spare bedrooms for the baby.”

“Finn, that sounds all nice but cut the shit man. She has no man up there to lean on. Have you told her it’s over yet?”

The silence that hung in the air was almost unbearable to Spike. He could not hold his cover if he knew that Riley was leading Buffy on. William just would not allow such an ungentlemanly thing to occur; Spike would not let it go without vengeance.

“She knows. She didn’t feel like the long distance was working and that in retrospect she had been haste into getting involved with me so deep, so quickly.”

“Lucky you, no dramatics. You’ve gotta teach me your secrets Finn.”

“Actually, she came to that decision after thirty minutes of tears and arguing. She was upset that I wasn’t being affectionate to her or telling her I loved her. It was hard to keep on feeling for her though; she’s carrying another man’s baby.”

“You mean vampire Finn. A vampire’s baby.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered. When that baby is born, Buffy would take one look and regret being with me because I’m not the daddy.”

“She still believes you’re the daddy?”

”She doesn’t say much anymore. She’s been denial girl about it, which seems to work well for her. After what Angelus did to her, I can understand why she’s in denial land.”

“What did Angelus do to her?”

“He took her heart and broke it.”

“How?”

“It doesn’t matter. He had her heart first. I couldn’t compete with that. Then there is still the mystery of Hostile 17. If Angelus hadn’t ruined her, I wonder if Hostile 17 would have had a chance with her.”

Forrest laid his hand on Riley’s shoulder.

“Love hurts. We’ve had enough brews, let’s head back to camp.”

As the soldiers walked away, Spike sat and wondered would he still have a chance with his Goldilocks?



Thanks so much for the read! If you liked please, please, please, please leave me a review! They make me so happy and so want to write more!

*hugs*
Opal


Thank You to Meli for Betaing! You Rock!






Chapter 5- What’s In a Name?



Buffy ran her fingers in her hair and tossed it quickly into a ponytail. She kicked her swollen feet up on the coffee table before she pressed the play button on the remote. She had not been looking forward to watching the parenting tape her mom had left for her. Joyce had already watched it, and Buffy was sure that she was going to get a lecture about it when she got home.

She hand glided over her swollen belly. It was getting harder and harder for her to deny that she might be carrying demon spawn inside of her. After all, she looked like she was ready to deliver, but she only had her first ultrasound six months ago. She prayed to the Powers every night that it was not true. At one point, she had begged Willow to check her spell to ensure it did not include anything about making vampire sperm fertile.

As soon as Buffy pressed play, she fell asleep. With a Slayer’s dream that included Spike.

** **

“Slayer, why don’t you want me to take care of our child?”

“She is my child Spike, mine.”

“I told you I’d protect you, always. I told you I love you.”

Buffy placed her hands on her hips. She glared at Spike as she reminded him of who he was.

“You’re evil. You’re a dead evil murderer. This baby will not grow up with that. This is my baby and I will protect it no matter what!”

Spike threw his hands up in frustration.

“I can smell the little one is made from you and me. It’s not right that you would keep me away.”

Buffy looked around the cavern of the cave she was trapped in. She was there with her baby held closely to her chest.

“You have no soul.”

“I have the chip; I can’t hurt either of you even if I wanted to.”

“But I can.” Angelus sung as he came forth from the shadows of the cave.

“And so can I.” Drusilla mimicked from the other side.

** **

Buffy woke up with a start. She quickly hit the rewind button so she could at least try to watch some of the video before her mom came home.

Better yet, she had better get her notepad down and start writing down some of that Slayer’s dream she just had. The last thing she remembered from her dream was Spike turning to her in game face. She suddenly dropped her pen and paper when she remembered the other important part.

Spike was the baby’s father. The Slayer’s dream said so and Slayer dreams were never wrong. That also meant that Angelus and Dru would make an appearance.

Damn it as much as she hated it, she knew she had to call Riley. There was no way she would be able to protect herself and child from three master vampires.

That threw another monkey wrench into things, as Riley still thought he was the father. So did she. Maybe the Slayer’s dream was wrong. That would be a first, but she firmly decided that would be the better thing to believe.

Having regained her confidence to pick up the phone, she was ready to call Riley, the father of the baby according to her, for help.

“Arrhhh!” Buffy cried holding herself tightly.

She took a few short breaths, to try to ease off the pain; moments later, another pain tore through her as she felt water gush down her leg.

“Fuck!” She cursed. Rather than dial Riley, she knew she better dial someone who could help her here and now. Willow.

** **

Willow rushed over to Buffy’s house as fast as she could. She burst through the door to find Buffy lying back on the couch. There was sweat beading off the Slayer’s forehead, and her face was bright red.

“Willow.” Buffy weakly acknowledged her friend.

“Oh my goddess! Buffy I’m here, but I think we’re going to need to get you to the hospital. You’re in labor!”

“Yeah Will, that’s kinda why I called.”

“Buffy, you’re going to deliver this baby now. You can’t wait for the hospital.”

“Arrhh! I don’t fucking care what we do. Get this out of me. NOW!” Buffy screamed.

Willow paced back and forth, trying to think of something useful to do. She certainly could not deliver the baby. She also knew that Buffy hated the hospital, passionately. Therefore, she did the next two best things. First, she called a midwife from the coven to come over. Second, she called Tara.

Willow jolted back to reality as she heard Buffy’s cries again, along when a pillow hit her in the head.

“Willow! Help me now. I hurt!”

Willow walked over to Buffy. She pulled a few herbs out of her pocket. As she scattered them around her friend, she murmured several incantations to the Goddess, all Buffy heard was “So mote it be.”

“Will thanks, I feel so much better now. So who’s going to deliver this baby?”

“Alexandra, the midwife from our coven. Tara is coming too.”

“Oh good. No hospital. I didn’t think I’d make it.”

Just then, Joyce walked through the front door with her packages. She did not notice Buffy’s condition at first and neither did she see Willow.

“Buffy. I hoped you watched that video tape and didn’t just sleep through it.”

Joyce placed her packages down, and then turned to shut the front door. It was then that she noticed two people about to come in behind her and her daughter’s distress.

“What’s going on here?”

Alexandra was the first to speak up. “Oh you must be Buffy’s mom. Willow’s told me so much about you. I’m Alexandra, a…” she used her judgment when she saw the look on Willow’s face, and opted to keep things simple, “…friend of Willow’s and a midwife.”

“Buffy called me.” Willow explained. “She called about her pains. When I came over I saw it was too late to take her to the hospital, and Alexandra lives a few doors down.”

“Arrhh! Willow I thought that the pain was supposed to go away!”

“No, no it only helps make it easier.”

“What does?” Joyce said, wondering how Italian seasoning got all over her couch.

“Oh the pain. I told Buffy if she thinks happy thoughts the pain will go away.”

“That was so kind of you Willow. But that’s crap. I had to tough it out and so will she! Let’s get her off the good couch and up to her bed.” Joyce directed to the girls.

“Good idea Joyce,” Alexandra voiced in. “Tara, could you please set aside a basin of hot water and wash cloths next to the bed?”

“S…S...sure.” Tara stuttered.

Willow and Alexandra helped lift Buffy up, and together they carried her up the stairs into her bedroom. Joyce stripped down the bed and covered it with several layers of beach towels to keep it clean.

As Buffy’s contractions came closer and closer together, Willow took her hand away from Buffy before she crushed it. She replaced her hand with Mr. Gordo, hoping the precious pig survived tonight’s ordeal. Tara continued to wipe the sweat off Buffy’s head.

In the midst of all of this, Buffy’s cell phone started ringing.

“What a time for that thing to start! Wills, can you answer it?”

“Sure.” Willow grabbed the phone off Buffy’s nightstand. “Hello?”

“Hi Willow. It’s Riley. Is Buffy there?”

Just then, Buffy let out another earth-shattering scream of pain.

“Yeah she is, but she really can’t talk right now.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah, but she’s about to have the baby.”

“Willow, I can’t call back tonight. I finished my assignment and I am on my way home. I’ll be by to see her and the baby as soon as I get back.”

”Ok Riley. Thanks.”

** **

Riley sat down for the last time in the South American heat. He chugged the last of his beer.

“So Finn. What’s going on with Buffy?”

“She’s having the baby as we speak.”

“Aww, that’s great man. So, are you going to visit her when we get back?”

“You bet. I picked up some handmade baby clothes from some of the village people. At least the little one will have some unique clothes.”

“Well then what are you waiting for, let’s go pack and get home Finn!”

The two men quickly rose from their seats at the bar, and threw the bartender a $100 in cash.

“Thanks for everything during our stay. We appreciate it.”

They quickly left. Immediately, an additional $100 landed on top of the other money.

“Thanks mate for keeping their asses alive.”

“No problem Spike. Where are you going now?”

“Gonna go get my girl and see our child.”

Spike threw on his jacket, lit up his cigarette and walked into the night air.

** **

“Push Buffy! Push!” Alexandra calmly directed.

“I can’t fucking push anymore!” Buffy cried back.

“Oh Goddess! Is that the head?” Willow questioned.

“Yes it is. That means you’re almost done Buffy.”

“Thank fucking God!”

“Language young lady!” Joyce knew the pain her daughter was going through, but she still was not going to allow her daughter to use such atrocious language.

Buffy threw Mr. Gordo across the room at her mother. Joyce went to reprimand her daughter, but she could not help but laugh when Buffy stuck her tongue out. Buffy prepared herself to push one last time. She grasped onto the sides of the beach towels and pushed with all the Slayer strength she had.

That push was enough. The baby and afterbirth came out in one quick whoosh. Joyce used the warm clothes to clean off the baby, while Alexandra took care of the umbilical cord.

“Care to give your grandson a quick smack on the butt?” Alexandra asked.

“I’d love to.” Joyce replied. Within seconds, the sounds of the baby’s cries filled the room.

“Can I hold him?” Buffy asked.

Joyce wrapped him up in towels before she handed her grandson to her daughter. She felt almost ashamed in thinking the little one looked a lot like Spike and nothing like Riley. Joyce wished it were so.

“Mom?” Buffy said as she disrupted Joyce from her thoughts.

“Oh. Sorry.” Joyce carefully handed her grandson to her daughter.

Buffy looked down into her son’s face and eyes. She knew right away. Spike would be here soon for his son.

Joyce noticed the pensive look on her daughter’s face, as did Willow. Willow took one look at the baby and knew exactly what Buffy was thinking. She also felt it would be a good opportunity to bring up a very good question.

“So Buffy, what is his name?”

Buffy looked down at her son in admiration. Spike would be coming for him, and although she was unsure how she would deal with it, from her Slayer dream she knew one thing. She could not keep him from Spike forever. The best place to start with would be his name. ‘What’s in a name little one? For you, it is the name of your father.’ She lowly whispered to her child.

“William. His name is William.”


Ok Y'all know the drill....leave me lotsa reviews and my little fingers will type quicker!

**hugs**
~Opal



Thanks to everyone for reviews! :) Extra thanks to Meli for betaing!









Chapter 6 – Pondering Daddy





Joyce was thrilled to see daughter holding her newborn baby. She was even more thrilled to see that the baby didn’t look like Riley but looked like a certain bleached blond vampire that used to frequent her kitchen for a good cup of hot cocoa.



Even though Buffy had only vaguely spoke of the botched up spell Willow had done months ago, Spike had been much more open with Joyce. He had been a gentleman and spared her from the intimate details, but Joyce had quickly come to that conclusion on her own. It was clear that the vampire had feelings for her daughter, which pleased Joyce immensely because she enjoyed his company. Unlike Angel, he didn’t have a soul to lose.



It boiled down to, vampire or not, Spike wore his heart on his sleeve, he was committed to his love, and he was honest. Not many human men were like that.



Sadly, her daughter had her own ideas of who the perfect man for her was. Joyce grimaced at how that turned out. The stupid soldier had left her before even confirming if the baby was his. He skipped right out. All the more reason that throughout Buffy’s pregnancy that Willow botched her spell up enough to make this Spike’s baby and not Riley’s.



From the timing, the face, and the chosen name it appeared that Joyce had her prayer answered.



Of course it was at that moment that Joyce realized that the herbs around her daughter were part of a spell. At this point, Joyce really didn’t care but Willow had been nervous about doing spells around people since her big botch up. Giles had really given the young girl a tongue lashing; which in retrospect was not the best approach to take. So since then, she hid her spell casting from all of the Scoobies, with the exception of Buffy.



****



On the other hand, Willow was becoming nervous. Now that it was obvious that Spike was the father, would her best friend hate her?



“Buffy, he is so beautiful!”



“I know. He has his dad’s eyes.”



“He’s just a little bundle from heaven.”



“My little bundle from the powers alright. One hundred percent Spike Jr.”



Buffy noticed Willow wince at her remark. It reminded her that Willow has been nervous about the topic of Spike since her botched up spell. Buffy was quick to reassure her that there was nothing to be nervous about.



“Wills, I couldn’t be happier that this is Spike’s baby. Yeah Riley and I are still friends, but he wasn’t the long haul guy.”



“Yeah but Spike, evil vampire.”



“Missing evil vampire. Which means me and little William are going to have so much fun together with no worries.”



“But what if Spike comes back Buffy?”



“I’ll deal with it then.”



Buffy placed soft kisses on her son’s head and rocked him gentle in her arms. Right now nothing would spoil her happiness as she held her precious cargo in her arms.



“Buffy, honey you should think about it.” Joyce advised.



“Think about what mom?”



“Think about how Spike is going to fit into this. I know you do not like him, and I know that my beautiful grandson is a result of a magic spell. I also know that he loves you, he’ll support you, and he’ll take care of you.”



“Mom, he is also an evil vampire without his chip. He can also eat us and no more nice Buffy and baby William.”



“Well honey, he will undoubtedly be back.”



“I know. I’ll think about it.”



“Just be careful Buffy.” Joyce asked of her only daughter. ‘Be careful with his heart.’



Joyce left the room, and left Willow and Alexandra to aid Buffy with the baby. Alexandra took out a few candles and placed the around the room.



“Buffy, I’m just going to do a quick spell to protect you and the baby. It will not only protect the house, but also the property around it. No vampires will be able to enter your yard for the next few weeks. This will allow you to rest and recover from giving birth.”



Buffy was relieved that Alexandra was going through with this. It killed two birds with one stone. Kept nosy vampires away from her house and would keep Spike from coming too close to see what was going on. That is if he did come around. During the spell he said he would protect her always, never leave her. That was then.



The Powers That Be only knew where he had left to all these months. He could have gotten the chip out, could be with Drusilla. It didn’t matter though. She would have to be on guard for him if he did show up. She’d protect her baby with her life.



****



Several weeks went by, and the baby had grown just a little bit. William was still so tiny, easily fitting in his newborn diapers. Buffy gently placed him in the bassinet to sleep, when she heard a knock at the door. She was curious who would be over this time in the afternoon, since everyone else she knew was at work or at school.



“Riley!”



“Buffy! You look great. You don’t even look like you had a baby! So where is the little one?”



Of course that is when Buffy realized that she hadn’t told Riley that he wasn’t the dad.



“He’s over in the bassinet sleeping.”



“A boy? That’s great Buffy. What’s his name?”



“William.”



There was an awkward silence in the air, but it only took the name of the baby to confirm what Riley knew all along. Hostile 17 was a dad.



“That’s a great name. You know Buff, there’s something I really need to tell you.”



“Why don’t you go first, because I have a few things to say too.”



“I know Hostile 17 is the father.”



Buffy was shocked. There was no way that he knew Spike was the dad.



“Well that explains your distancing from me. Now maybe you can explain to me how you know?”



“Well I saw you go to the clinic that night. I didn’t think I would ever need to tell you, but apparently I should have. Walsh has the clinic monitored by the Initiative. Forrest was on that night.”



“Oh.” Buffy barely squeaked out her acknowledgement.



“So I had access to a lot of things. I could tell from looking at the age of the ultrasound pictures that the baby was further along and the rest just logically fell into place.”



“So that’s why you left?”



“Yeah it would have killed me to have continued falling in love with you only to have your bear another man’s child.”



“I’m sorry Riley.”



“There’s nothing for you to be sorry about Buffy, wasn’t your fault.”



“Walsh knows that you’re not the father?”



“Correct. But she doesn’t have any of the records from the school clinic. I had those destroyed. She doesn’t have access to your personal doctor’s records either.”



“But why would she care?’



“Because that woman is up to some pretty strange things in that secret lab of hers, and you would be a prize to her.”



“Thank you. Thank you for protecting both William and I.”



“I’ll be here to protect you and help you Buffy, as your friend.”



“I appreciate that Riley, I really do.”



The pair had just sat on the couch when William decided to scream off the top of his little lungs and remind his mom exactly why she was having this conversation with her ex-boyfriend.



Buffy took her son out of the bassinet and held him close to her. She sat back down on the couch and rocked him gently as he fell back to sleep.



Riley felt it was probably a good time to bring up another sensitive subject. He took a deep breath and crossed his fingers tight.



“So does Spike know?”



“I haven’t seen him since he left after the spell. As far as I know he doesn’t know.”



“Would you tell him?”



“I don’t know. I’ve never been frightened of him before, but to tell you the truth Riley I am now.”



“Why you’re the Slayer?”



“Yeah, but he’s just a little baby. A little baby that can’t defend him self if his mommy gets hurt and his daddy has lost his chip!”



Riley laid his hand on her shoulder to offer some comfort to her.



“I’ll be here to help you with that Buffy. I won’t let him get you and the baby.”




Thanks to everyone for taking the time to leave a review. Additional thanks to Meli for taking the time and effort to beta the chapter! :) **Hugs** ~ Opal

Chapter 7 – Eyes of a Child



Riley noticed the dusk was beginning to fall across Sunnydale. He was genuinely concerned what would happen if Hostile 17 came to claim his child. Riley was also concerned that Hostile 17 may try to take the life of little William’s mother for keeping that child.



He would not let that happen to his friend. They may not be lovers anymore, but she was still his friend.



“Buffy, do you still patrol?”



“Every night. Usually Mom or Wills will watch William for me.”



Buffy held sleeping William closer to her chest. She placed a gentle kiss onto his head.



“So you haven’t run into Spike yet on Patrol?”



“No. Why do you ask?”



Riley was starting to get frustrated that Buffy was not being very cautious on her patrols. He knew better than to lecture the Slayer, so he took the position of concerned friend, hoping to get through to her.



“I just think you need to be extra careful. I’m sure word will spread in the demon community about the Slayer’s child.”



“I try to vary the time I patrol now, so I don’t have an easily recognizable pattern.”



Riley could see he was not getting through to her.



“But Buffy, it’s not just…” Riley’s phone began to ring, interrupting him. “Sorry, it’s Forrest on the line. I have to take the call.”



“Sure.”



William seemed to have woken up at the sound of Riley’s phone ringing. He began to wail very loudly, which was uncharacteristic of the little guy. Buffy was trying everything she could to calm him down.



She noticed that Riley’s face had shifted from one of concern to one of extreme panic. He began pacing back and forth, making wild hand gestures.



Whatever the issue was, it was not good. Further, she had tried all of her tricks to calm William down. She tried his pacifier, favorite blanket, a little honey on her finger, and even her breast. Yet none of these things would satisfy little William.



He continued to scream bloody murder, piercing his mother’s eardrums.



****



Spike could sense his child as he approached the house. He was pleased that the familiar link passed down to his son. Now that he had established the bond’s link for the first time, he would always be able to find his son from now on.



Abruptly, Spike bounced away from the perimeter of the Summers’ property. He could hear his son crying for him inside the house. Spike knew that surely, Buffy would not realize that their baby was crying because of the awakened bond. Spike tried again to pass into the yard, only to bounce back and land smack on his ass.



Growling in frustration, he opted to fixate on the room he sensed his son in. There for the first time with his own eyes he saw his little son, wailing in his mum’s arms. Spike could have sworn his dead heart warmed for a moment watching her try to pacify the little sprog. She turned around, holding her son to her chest with his little head peaking over his shoulder.



At that moment, Spike’s eyes met with those of his son for the first time. His son’s blue eyes flashed emerald when they connected. The baby quieted for a moment, sinking in his father’s face before him. Through the family tie, he felt his son’s love for him and Buffy’s love for their son.



Spike was pleased he was able to feel both mother and son’s feelings through the family tie, and even more pleased that he could tell the difference between the two.



Suddenly, he was able to feel her panic. He watched her move away from the window, which rendered William unable to see his dad. Little William was quick to renew exercising his little lungs, as he let out wails that his dad could easily hear.



Spike had been so preoccupied with his son; he had not noticed someone else was in the room with Buffy. Unable to see, he concentrated an inhaled deeply.



“Fuck!”



His nostrils had captured the scent of the soldier boy he had so despised. He fisted his hands by his side, hoping that the bastard was not the reason for Buffy’s fear. He saw Buffy hand off William to the wanker, run upstairs to her room, and throw her light on. It appeared she was getting ready to go somewhere in a hurry.



Spike groaned in fury, seeing his boy in someone else’s arms. Spike would not let Captain Cardboard play daddy to his William. No way, no how.



****



Buffy grabbed two bags out of her closet. Quickly she filled the larger of the two with all of little William’s needs. The second bag she filled with the bare minimum of her own clothing. She used the rest of the room in her bag to pack weapons.



She worked as fast as she could to get things together. From what Riley told her about their situation, time was of the essence and they had to leave fast. She thought of his chilling words to her only a few moments ago.



“Buffy, how fast can you pack?”



“Very. What’s wrong Riley.”



“Well it looks like the shit’s hitting the fan now. Forrest just called to inform me that Walsh found out about your baby from a hostile they captured.”



“So?”



“Forrest said that she has made it the Initiative’s top mission to bring in the Slayer and her baby.”



“She doesn’t know the baby’s father is a vampire.”



“Yes she does. Apparently, William the Bloody is back in town. Seems he got himself in a tiff with a Fyarl demon and mouthed off to him that he didn’t have time to fight; he had to go the Slayer’s to see his baby.”



“What are we going to do Riley? I’m scared. I don’t want Walsh getting my kid! I don’t want to find out if Spike is all fangy with no chip!”



“Like I said Buffy, pack your bags and pack them fast. Were gonna do the only thing we can do.”



“And that is?”



“Run.”



Buffy zipped up her final bag. She ran downstairs and gently took William from Riley’s arms.



“Thanks for holding him. I don’t know why he is still screaming like this, he never does this.”



She carefully placed him into his car seat, and then tucked his blue blanket, with little piggies similar to Mr. Gordo adorned on it, into the sides of the car seat.



“Ok Riley, ready to go.”



Riley grabbed Buffy’s bags, while Buffy carried the still wailing William. They were concentrating so hard on rushing; they did not even notice Spike was waiting for them across the street.



Luckily, for Riley and Buffy, Riley had parked his black SUV in the Summers’ driveway. This allowed them the safety of the barrier Alexandra had erected all those months ago, the barrier that would not protect them from Maggie Walsh’s evil intentions.



As Buffy gently placed her crying son into the back seat of the car, she was startled when she heard the sound of tires screeching down the road and the sound of growling from the other side of the road.



‘Growling?’ Buffy thought.



She looked up to see Spike across the street, looking angry and ready to strike. She could sympathize with him; after all, there was this barrier keeping him from his own son. However, right now the possibility of him being chip less was the least of her priorities.



He son was her number one priority.



“Buffy get in. Maggie’s team is barreling down the street we have to get out of here!”



Riley had noticed the Initiative on the move, but not Spike. Not until he went over to push Buffy into the car.



“Fuck!”



Spike was right on the edge of the property trying to get to his son and the mother of their child. He had become aware very quickly, something else was seriously wrong. The Slayer would never run from him.



Of course, he was dead wrong. She was just as much running from him as the Initiative. As Riley pulled the car out of the driveway, Buffy rolled down the window and yelled to him.



“Spike, run! The Initiative is after me and William!”



Spike took off as fast as he could. There was no way he could be effective in getting to his son if he was stuck in some military compound. He ran off towards the woods as fast as he could, while Riley drove his vehicle as fast as he could away from the vehicles that were just pulling up into the Summers’ driveway.



“That was close.” Buffy said.



“Too close.” Riley replied. “Why did you warn Spike?”



“Because it isn’t right what the Initiative did to him. Besides who knows what would happen if they took him back into custody.”



“Yeah but you wouldn’t have to worry about him trying to confront you with William.”



Buffy thought about Riley’s words. She was not sure if he made sense or not.



“Riley, I’m more scared about Spike not having the chip than I am about if he would willingly hurt me and William.”



“I’d be scared for both Buffy.”



“Well William seemed to have calmed down when he caught a glimpse of him, there may be more to this than we understand. Maybe that’s why Maggie wants us so bad?”



“Maybe Buff, I still don’t understand why you did the hostile a favor.”



“Do you want the truth Riley?”



“Yeah.”



“I did it because in my heart, I knew I had to do it for our son.”



Riley thought about her words, which made sense to him. He admired her devotion to putting her son’s interest in his dad before her duty as a Slayer.



“We still have to keep running through. No telling when or where Maggie will try to get us.”



Buffy was getting very tired at this point. She turned her head over to him, and nodded in approval.



Riley let loose a sigh of relief. He was glad he would not have to fight her on going anywhere.



“So Buffy, have you ever been to Iowa?”

For all of you that stuck with me on this story and had faith, I so appreciate you. Things start to turn around from Buffy's POV from here.

Thanks to AD and Wulfie for being cheerleaders for me on this fic! I appreciate it.

Extra Extra Thanks to Meli, who not only does a great job betaing, but is also for whom this ficcie is written for.






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 8: Road Trip


Buffy stared out the window as they drove away from Sunnydale. She was lost in her thoughts about Spike. She wondered if she had made the wrong decision not to trust Spike or hear him out.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized the truth of the matter had nothing to do with Spike. She was afraid of making a bad decision, such as trusting Spike to hold his son, then vamp out, and take his life. If that scenario played out that would only mean Buffy was a very, very bad mother.

The realization dawned on her that it would be utterly ridiculous that Spike would hurt his own flesh and blood; after all, he took care of crazy Drusilla all those years. Spike took care of his, and William was one of his own.

After miles on the road, and time in her own head she decided she had truly wronged Spike and was being a bad mother by keeping William away from his dad. ‘Damn it, I just can’t win.”

William had fast fallen asleep once they had been on the road for a while. Riley had been quiet. The only noise was coming from the CD player, which had one of Riley’s homemade CD’s popped in it. As much as she was not into Journey, as she listened to the words, she felt like they applied to her.


I’m finally out in the clear and I’m free
I’ve got dreams I’m livin’ for
I’m movin’ on where they’ll never find me
Rollin’ on to anywhere
I’ll break away, yes I’m on my way
Leavin’ today, yes I’m on my way
Just when you think you had it all figured out
Runnin’ scared can change your mind
I never knew I had so much to give
How hard times can fool ya
Oh I’m okay, I’m alright
Feelin’ good out on your own
I’ll break away, I’ll break away tonight
I’ve got dreams I’m livin’ for
I’ll break away
Yes, I’m on my way
I’m leaving’, leavin’ today
Yes, I’m on my way
This is my escape
Yes, I’m on my way
I’ll break away
Yes, I’m on my way


In that moment, Buffy saw things clearly for the first time. She had wronged Spike and she needed to make her escape to him. It had been so long since he had given any real reason to fear him. He offered at one point after the spell ended to do anything for her.

Buffy had laid out one goal of her big plan. Escape to Spike, the vampire she had misjudged and wronged. Unfortunately, she was not sure how she was going to do this and there was still Maggie Walsh to deal with. ‘Shit, Riley’s taking me to Iowa. Spike will never find us there. We’ll need him to help with Maggie.’

Buffy sighed as she thought her big plan might have been thwarted before it began. Riley heard her sigh, and was surprised she was even awake.

“Hey Buffy, you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She replied nonchalantly.

“No, you’re not fine. Spill. Tell me what’s up?”

“Well, Riley, as much as Iowa would be a nice place to go, don’t you think that will be the first place Walsh sends men to look for you.”

“You are right Buffy. I kinda thought about that, and really, it did not make sense. I figured you were sleeping so I didn’t wake you to tell you that I changed our plan.”

“It’s ok. So where are we heading on our road trip?”

“I was thinking either LA or Vegas?”

“Well if we go to Vegas we can get lost in the crowd easy.”

Riley nodded at Buffy in agreement. He had thought of Vegas for the same reasons.

“And if we go to LA, we can get help from Angel.”

Riley shook his head at that reasoning. He had not thought of LA for that reason; he had not gotten beyond big city, easy to get lost.

“Ok. Maybe we won’t go to LA.”

“Riley, I know Angel is by far the last person you want to see. You need to remember now you are also running from the Initiative, which means you’re going to need protection too.”

“I don’t like it, but you are right.”

“I also think I should have given Spike a fair chance too. We could really use his help too.”

“What? Are you crazy? He doesn’t have a soul.” Riley replied, with his voice slightly raised.

Buffy just let his response roll down her back. At one time, she would have cared what her friends thought of her wanting to deal with an unsouled vampire. Such prejudice could cost her son, and she was not willing to pay that price.

“Riley, I remember the way he fought to protect Drusilla. He did it with absolute love and devotion.”

“So, your point is Buffy?”

“My point is that he more than likely is going to do the same for his son. This child is a miracle for him. A miracle I know he can appreciate, even as an evil unsouled master vampire.”

“I don’t agree, but it doesn’t look like I’m going to change your mind. Besides, my intentions here are not to keep you away from friends but to protect you. I’m still not convinced thought that Hostile 17...”

“Spike. His name is Spike, also known as William the Bloody.”

“…Ok. I am not convinced Spike will be a safe bet. Since Angel is a safe haven for us, we should have Spike meet up with us in LA under Angel’s roof.”

Buffy laughed at that thought. Angel was going to have a hard enough time dealing with the fact that she was the mother to Spike’s child. On the other hand, Riley had a very valid point. If for some slim chance, Spike did not stand up to the occasion, Angel could handle him.

“Well then, looks like we are off to LA.”

****

Spike counted his blessings that vampire stamina came in handy for more than nightlong sessions of romancing a woman. He had made it to his Desoto in less than five minutes. Still, it was in the opposite directions they had driven. He supposed that they had a ten-minute start on him, tops.

He started the Desoto and pulled it out from its hiding spot. Luckily, he would not need to panic about how to find them. His link to William was an innate GPS device. Since William was still a baby, he did not know how to control it. That meant anywhere and anytime, Spike would be able to find his baby boy.

As he pulled out onto the highway, he noticed that Riley had started out driving to the west, when they suddenly changed direction towards LA.

LA was where Peaches was living now. Great. If he did not have enough crap he had to deal with, he would have to deal with his sodden grandsire. At least he knew that Angel did not like the soldier boy one bit.

When it came down to it, he was glad they were going to Peaches. If Buffy was not open enough yet to let him get close enough to defend their son, at least Angel would do it. Angel would feel the family obligation.

‘Gee, what is Peaches going to do when he smells me all over little William?’ Spike thought. He laughed, as he drove on into the night, trailing behind Riley’s car far enough that the soldier boy would not be able to see the headlights.






Song is Escape by Journey (Circa 1981/83)

Yeah! Buffy is finally seeing the light...y'all were so patient in waiting around for it. So time for you to feed my muse and leave a review! Cheers ~ Opal



Wow! You all reviewed like mad. I am soooo honored and I love you all so much for reviewing.

Extra Extra Extra thanks to Meli for betaing.





Chapter 9: Firsts



The little green sign on the side of the highway indicated that they had just reached LA city limits. Buffy was not sure how long she had been asleep for, but the evident sounds of William crying had woken her right up. She unbuckled her seatbelt and crawled into the back seat to be with her son. She sat down next to his car seat, and proceeded to take him out. She picked him up and brought him over to hold in her lap.



She could have sworn that his blue eyes flashed green for a moment, but she dismissed it to her being tired. She pulled the little guy close to her chest and into a hug. He calmed down a little bit, but was still whimpering.



No matter what she did, it was as if she could not do enough.



It was clear that whatever William needed, she could not provide. However, she knew the vampire who could. She was hoping that he would not be infuriated with her for running as she did; at least for William’s sake, and hopefully they could learn to be friends and be civil with each other.



Now that they were in LA and almost at Angel’s, she was not sure how things would go down or how she would even get word to Spike. She felt like she had been a bad, bad mommy. Panic gripped her as she realized that it was possible with the Initiative converging in on her that they could have taken Spike. She became panic stricken, and tears rolled down her eyes. William sensed her reaction. His whimpers quickly rose to loud wails. ‘Oh my, I may have left my baby’s father to die. What kind of mother am I?’



Riley interrupted her thoughts when he tried to speak to her over the volume of William’s cries.



“Buffy, are we going to go to our own hotel or straight to Angel’s place?”



Buffy knew if the went to a hotel, they would have to share a room. Plus, they would not have Angel on site for protection.



“We’ll go to Angel’s he has plenty of rooms at the Hyperion that we can stay in.”



Riley moaned. He had been hoping to spend as little time as possible with Buffy’s cold blooded ex.



“How do we get there?”



“This exit! Now!”



Luckily, it was still dark and traffic was light. Riley cut across three lanes of traffic onto the off ramp.



“Sorry Riley. I just realized that was the exit.”



“That’s ok. Just give me directions from here.”



“No problem. I’ll just yell over my wailing son.”



Buffy proceeded to dictate the turns to Riley. She was definitely nervous about seeing Angel, no doubt. She wondered if he would be able to sense if Spike were William’s father. Either way, she hoped that Angel would feel protective in a familial sense.



~~~~



Sex Pistols blared out of the radio of the old Desoto. Spike, however, was not bouncing around to the music as usual. Instead, he had a look on his face of complete concentration.



Spike slowly tailed behind the SUV. He had allowed himself to bring the Desoto a little closer to them when he felt his son getting upset. He had seen Buffy crawl into the backseat with him and pull him out of his chair to comfort him. He was concerned when he could sense her panic through the baby, but what ever was bothering her did not have to do with the baby’s welfare.



He could sense little William was just fine.



William. Buffy had named the little sprout after him. Just thinking about it filled him with joy and hope. Hope that maybe the Slayer would be open to letting him into their lives willingly.



Either way, he would be a part of his son’s life. Very soon.



~~~



Riley pulled the SUV into a spot near the Hyperion. He was nervous about meeting up with Angel. Hopefully, the vampire still had a soul and would help him. He helped Buffy out of the car. She held onto William as she walked into the hotel, while he lagged behind her with all of the baby gear.



“Oh my God! Buffy is that you? With a baby?” Cordelia spoke, with surprise. ‘Wow, look at that hunk of man behind her. Damn, that means Angel’s gonna be pissed.’



Buffy cringed at the way Cordelia tactlessly announced her presence. Surely, Angel would have heard with his vampire hearing and would be down in the lobby in no time flat.



“Hey Cordy. So how have things been?”



“Good. Never mind me, for once, let’s see this cute little baby!”



Buffy carefully handed William over to Cordelia to hold.



“Oh he is just a little bundle from heaven. And do I get to meet this lucky guy over here?”



Riley stuck his hand out to Cordelia. Quickly, she reached out and grabbed his hand.



“Hey. I’m Riley, nice to meet you.”



“Cordelia, but everyone calls me Cordy. Congratulations on being a daddy!”



Riley felt a little awkward in that moment. This was exactly the reason why he had broken off his relationship with Buffy.



“Cordy, I’m not Buffy’s boyfriend. I’m also not the father.”



Cordelia’s mistake embarrassed her, but as usual let it roll off real quick.



“Oh. Sorry. Well looks like Buffy has some explaining to do.”



Buffy definitely felt like she was under pressure, especially since she could sense Angel lurking in the shadows.



“Well Cordy, Willow did a spell. To keep it real simple, the spell went wrong and the end result was a pregnant Buffy.”



“Wow! You had an immaculate conception by magic. That’s incredible.”



“No it wasn’t an immaculate conception.”



“Well then, what’s holding you back? Who’s the lucky guy that got caught up in this mess?”



Buffy saw Angel start to emerge from the shadows. For the first time she was truly afraid of him with his soul. Not for her sake, but for William’s.



Angel came over cool and collected, but he did not touch the baby.



“It’s ok Cordy. Why don’t you let Buffy and I talk. You can show soldier boy where he will stay.”



Riley was about to protest, but Angel was quick to stop him.



“Don’t worry, she’s not staying in my room, but she isn’t staying in yours either.”



“But if she is alone shouldn’t someone stay with her?” Riley questioned Angel.



“Um, hello? I’m right here.” Buffy said, but the men seemed to have not heard.



“She’ll be fine. I’m sure Spike will be here soon to see his son and he won’t be happy to see either of us in the room with her.”



Buffy’s mouth dropped as she heard the words come from Angel’s mouth. She held William closer to her, almost as if he was her protector.



“Angel, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to find out like this but the Initiative is after William and me.”



Angel winced as he heard her role his Grandchilde’s given name off her lips. Clearly, she respected Spike enough as the father to name the baby after him. He was upset that the Powers That Be had not been so kind to give him such a gift, but he had no time to brood now.



“Buffy, its ok. I’m not upset, but I just wished you had called.”



“I’m sorry. Riley got the call and we ran.”



“You can fill me in about that later. I want to know more about Spike and William. Has he seen his son yet?”



Buffy hung her head down.



“Yes. He saw him as we were running from the Initiative. I should have grabbed him and taken him, but I was so confused and scared at the moment.”



“Understandable Buffy. He is a vampire, you acted on instinct.”



“I acted irrationally, and now because of that William may never be held by his father and Spike may never have had the chance to hold his own son. I feel awful.”



Buffy began to shake and cry all while continuing to clutch William, who had finally calmed down. Angel purposely leaned forward as close as he could to Buffy and wiped the tears from her eyes.



“I can tell you he hasn’t been dusted. In fact, I could tell you a lot of things, but perhaps he’d rather tell you himself.”



Buffy looked up through her tears at Angel. “Huh?”



She felt the familiar tingle down her back as Spike stepped in from the door he was leaning against.

“Buffy.” Spike said, acknowledging her. He was still smarting over her keeping William away from him in Sunnydale, but after hearing her remorse, he had forgotten all about it.



“Spike. I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry. I shouldn’t have left you.”



“No worries. I managed to find my way, thanks to our little bundle of joy. Now don’t be shy or scared, ‘m not gonna hurt you. I just want to hold my son.”



Buffy nervously walked over to him with William. Angel stayed right behind her just in case Spike did something irrational.



“Peaches, give me a sodden’ moment with my son and girl.”



Angel looked at him suspiciously. ‘His girl?’ He thought. ‘Buffy didn’t even protest to Spike referring to her as his.’



Angel moved back to the shadows to brood while Spike had his first moment with his son. Buffy gently placed him into Spike’s arms.



Buffy watched as a gigantic, genuine grin crossed over the master vampire’s face.



“He’s got your eyes.” Buffy said.



“He’s got my name too.” Spike whispered.



“How did you…” Buffy began.



“I just do. We have this link. In fact, I have a link to both of you. It’s a familial bond that allows me to sense you.”



“So that’s how you found us so quickly.”



“Yeah.”



“I’m glad you did. I’m scared and he needs all the protection he can get.”



“Heard Peaches rambling about talking ‘bout it later. How ‘bout we go upstairs, settle the nibblet in and talk.”



“Ok.”



Spike was pleased that she was responding to him in a positive manner. He was concerned about the broody one, but that could wait. He took her hand and lead them over to the elevators so they could find a room.



“By the way luv, he’s got your eyes too.” Spike said as their little bundle of joy peaked open his eyes from his sleep. As they stared down at him, cooing, they both witnessed his eyes flashing emerald green.



Buffy gasped in shock when she realized she had not been seeing things incorrectly earlier. Now not only did they have the Initiative to deal with, but also she had to find out why William’s eyes were flashing green.



“Buffy, it’s a good thing. I promise.”



“What? His eyes flashing green?”



“Yeah goldilocks, but like I said we can talk later. It’s time for some rest.”



Spike opened up the last room at the end of the hall. Buffy followed him in, with no reservations and without questioning his intentions.