The Protectors by SinisterChic
Chapter #2 - 2
 
Chapter 6

Sunlight beamed down, bathing Buffy in its warmth. She cursed it. If it were night she could have gone and fetched Spike to accompany her. She was forced to do this alone. The story of her life, a slayer’s life.

Her hand hovered over her abdomen. She slowed her pace. Giles had hit her hard with his words about the previous slayer. The woman had died because she had put her focus on her child above all else. Despite that, Buffy knew she might do the same. And it scared her. What if she left her daughter to become an orphan? Who would take care of her?

Mom, Buffy thought. She might be mad at me now, but she’d certainly raise her grandchild.

No time to wallow in what might be, she told herself. She had a job to do.

“Buffy! Wait up!”
The slayer spun around. “Xander?”

Xander ran to her side. He gasped for air. “Gosh-you-move-fast.”

Buffy furrowed her brow. “Why did you come after me?”

He held up a finger in request for a minute to catch his breath. When he did, he said, “I couldn’t let you rush off to face this thing alone. I might not be the best backup but some is better than none, right?”

Xander waved a sword in the air. Buffy jumped back before it could slash her arm.

“Oh, sorry,” he apologized sheepishly.

Buffy shook her head. “All right, all right. But uh, be careful with that weapon.”

“Will do, sergeant Buffy, sir.”

They began to walk together down the sidewalk. Buffy had to admit she was glad he was with her. She was uncertain about facing this adversary again. They didn’t know anything about the woman except that she was uber-strong. Xander might not be superior in battle but he was right, any help was better than none at all.

“Anya told me that most of these Sobekites were reptile worshippers right before I left. I’m thinking zoo. What about you?”

“Good bet,” Buffy replied.

They were silent for a moment.

“Xander-“

“Buffy-“

They both smiled.

“You go first,” Xander said.
She nodded. “Look, Xander. . . How do you feel about. . . my news?”

“You want the truth? Frankly I don’t know. It’s quite a shocker, you know. I mean, I don’t know about you but I don’t feel all that grown up. Parenthood? That’s like not even on my list of goals yet.”

“It wasn’t on mine either,” she said.

“I might not be able to fully comprehend the situation, but I love you, Buffy. I’ll be there for you no matter what. And hey, another little you could only add to the good of this world.”

A relieved smile spread across her face. She crushed into him, her arms hugging him tight. He held her back. When she pulled away she felt wetness trickle down her cheeks. She brushed them aside.

“Sorry, I’ve been kinda emotional lately,” Buffy apologized.

“Understandable. With the hormones and all.”

She playfully nudged him in the side.

The zoo entrance came into view. A metal gate closed it off, locked with a chain.

“Damnit, how are we going to get in?” Xander questioned.

Buffy reached out. She effortlessly took hold of the chain and broke it loose. She grinned over at him.

“Oh-right.”

“Ye of little faith,” she teased.

Her spirits had lifted. Xander didn’t hate her. Now if only she could get Giles and her mother to understand. They’d come around eventually, but until then it was tearing her up inside.

They walked for awhile. All of a sudden Xander took a jump back.

“What is it?” she asked in confusion. There was nothing evil in sight.

He pointed. “Hyena territory.”

Buffy chuckled. She pulled him along.

“Do you remember where the reptiles were located?” Buffy inquired.

“Oh, hey, a map!” Xander exclaimed.

It was easy to locate their destination by the map. All the animals were organized by habitats.

Voices echoed throughout the building. The two friends crept inside quietly. They peeked around the corner. The blond woman was dressed in a red designer dress and high heels to match. She clutched a cobra and brought it up to give it a kiss.

“That’s her?” Xander whispered in shock.

Buffy shot him a glare to not talk.

“Chill, worm, I’m going to make you a star!” The woman lowered the snake into a large clay pot.

Buffy spotted a deformed creature nearby. His skin appeared to be rotting off. And was he wearing a burlap bag? Ick!

“Oh great Glorificous, you are the star,” the leprosy demon cooed.

Glorificous? Buffy mouthed the name.

“Uh huh, I’m great. Now let’s get on with this. Chant,” Glory commanded.

“The form is vessel, rendered new. The base is stone, bathed in blood. The gem is fire and elements rarified...” the demon chanted.

“Sobek, grant the power-”

Buffy stormed in. She slammed into Glory and knocked her into the wall. Glory straightened, pulling her short dress down.

“Oh, you again? No fair attacking me when I wasn’t looking!” Glory complained.

Buffy punched her in the face. Then she raised her knife.

“Ooo, a knife!? What ya going to do with that, precious? Gonna cut me?” With lightening speed, she knocked the blade aside. “I don’t think so.”

Glory grabbed hold of Buffy’s arm. She tugged it behind her back. She flung her aside.

“Dreg, I’m not hearing chanting!”

“Yes, Glory.”

Xander came in. He rammed at Glory with his sword. He didn’t even have a chance. The next thing he knew he was on the floor, his weapon feet away. He moaned from the pain shooting up his back.

Buffy picked herself up. She entered the fray again. Glory snatched her up by the throat.

“Didn’t your mother teach you not to interrupt!?” Glory reprimanded.

With great impact, Buffy smashed into the glass of the snake case. She hissed.

“Arise!” Glory shouted into the air. She raised her arms above her head.

Buffy rushed over to her fallen friend. She tugged him up.

“Come on, Xander!” she cried.

She limped slightly, trying to get away as fast as possible.

They didn’t stop until they had reached a block away from the zoo. Buffy crumpled to the ground. She sobbed into her hands. Xander knelt down beside her. He gathered her up.

“I should have stayed,” Buffy choked.

“What?” Xander whispered.

“I could have done something to stop her. But I . . . All I could think about was that I might lose my baby in the process.” She sobbed louder. “How can I be a slayer and a mother?”

* * *

Buffy and Xander entered The Magic Box. Giles instantly stood to meet them.

“You both all right?” Giles asked.

Buffy shook her head. “No, I’m really not. I couldn’t stop her. I couldn’t even slow her down.”

The watcher pulled out a chair. “Sit down.”

She made no move to accept the offer. “The creature is loose. It’s a big snake. Not Mayor huge, but pretty lethal looking.”

“Do you know why she raised it?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“We’ll gather weapons.”

Xander started to walk toward the back. “I’ll get some.”

Just then the window crashed. The snake slithered in and reared up. Its golden eyes locked on Buffy. She backed away, her hands shielding her middle. Oh God, it’s after the baby!

The snake turned and left. Buffy stared for a moment before bolting after it.
“Buffy!” Giles called after her.

* * *

Buffy ran. Her muscles burned but she willed them on. Sweat accumulated on her brow. She streaked into the darkened park. She heard a hiss and rushed toward it. She stopped at what she saw.

There was a fallen nearby sign that read ‘Bike Path Closed After Dark’. Spike hopped onto the creature’s back. He wrapped a piece of chain, that she assumed came from the fence that blocked entrance to the path, around the snake’s throat. The snake thrashed in protest. He tightened the metal until the thing went limp. He got off and discarded the chain.

Buffy came forward. She crouched before the body and steadily punched it. She hit it over and over again, grunting with anger. After a few moments, strong arms drew her away. At first she fought them but then slumped in defeat.

“It’s dead, luv. It’s dead.” His rich, British voice washed over her with warmth.

She reluctantly pulled away from his chest. She glanced over at the fallen snake. Its filmy eyes gazed back at her. She shivered.

“Thanks for killing it,” she whispered.

“So Spike finally gets something right, huh?”

“Don’t go all ego-y over it.” She tucked a lose strand behind her ear. She must be a mess. “Were you just taking a stroll and came across it.”

“Not exactly.” His eyes pierced into her. It may have been night but she could still make out how blue they were. “Something . . . I felt the need to come here.” He sighed. “I felt like something was telling me that you needed me.”

Wow. Buffy wrapped her arms around herself. Wow.

Chapter 7

Sometimes Buffy worried about herself. She enjoyed the fight way too much. She remembered Faith and her downfall. And all she had to do was look to her left and see the twinkle in Spike’s eyes. ‘Dancing’ he called it. But her? She couldn’t help but want to be above them.

Buffy grinned as she circled the slimy thing in front of her. He had long teeth that resembled a walrus, slobber trickling from them. The tusks were blackened and cracked.

“Ewww, they don’t have dental for demons, do they?” Buffy commented.

“Actually they do,” Spike said. He dodged a blow from his own foe. “But most don’t take advantage of it.”

“So I’ve noticed.”

The demon opened his mouth. He made an elephant-like sound. She got a glimpse of his spotted tongue. Gross.

She raised her sword. In one clean motion she cut off the demon’s head. Green ooze splattered. A little got on her red leather pants.

“That better not stain. I just bought these,” Buffy said. She bent to wipe off the blade in the grass. She scrunched up her nose as a sour stench hit the air. She turned her head away. She hoped she’d be able to keep her dinner down tonight. She faced Spike. Apparently he had defeated his opponent.

“Your others a little snug?” Spike asked with a leer.

She sent him a glare.

“Actually you can notice,” he added.

“What are you talking about?”

The vampire gestured to her stomach. “Showing a bit.”

Buffy’s eyes widened. She folded her hands over her middle. “You so can not tell!”

He laughed. “Can too. Face it, slayer, soon you’ll be shopping in the frilly maternity section.”

Buffy began to walk off. “Let’s go find something else to dice and slice.”

He followed behind. “Don’t you think we should call it a night? We’ve been out here for hours. Isn’t the bit a tad knackered?”

“I’m not the least bit tired!” she snapped.

“Ooo, hormones a raging I see,” he taunted.

She definitely needed something to kill.

They found three more demons. After the last one Buffy’s adrenaline rush dissipated and she felt fatigued. Her body begged for her to fall immediately. Spike realized her condition when she leaned heavily against him. He held her up.

“You all right, slayer?”

She didn’t answer. Her eyes fluttered.

“Overdid it, huh? Told you so. You can’t stay out as long as you used to,” he told her. “Why don’t you come back with me? I may live in a crypt but I’ve got a cozy bed waiting.”

The thought should have repelled her. She was so tired, though, so she let him lead her through Restfield Cemetery. Somehow she made it to his home and to the lower level.

He pulled back the covers and helped her under them. He snugly tucked them around her. She closed her eyes and smiled. This felt nice. Black satin sheets, huh? Figured.

“You’ll be good?” Buffy murmured.

“Course,” he said.

She drifted off.

* * *


The torture his promise had created. She was in his bed! He hovered over her, breathing in her scent. She was intoxicating. He wanted her. Not like before. No, that had been entirely physical. Now he wanted to smother her with his love. He was such a poofter.

The small pounding thumped in his ears, mixing with a louder and slower one. Funny, really. At first the sound had angered him, but now all it did was fill him with comfort.

She was deep in sleep now. He could tell by her breathing. He itched to touch her. Just one touch.

He reached out and ran his fingers over her hair. It was so silky, like strands of spun gold.

Curious, he lifted the covers and pushed them aside. Yes, his dreams hadn’t been wrong. She was as beautiful as he imagined. ‘More’ so. He sucked in deeply. His eyes fell onto her belly. He smirked. You ‘could’ tell if you searched hard enough. Somehow the expansion of her stomach only added to the glorification of her.

He glanced at her face. She made no hint of awakening. He slid his hand under her shirt. Oh God! The bump was larger than he had anticipated. The shirt wasn’t baggy exactly, but it hid the significance of the curve. Wow. There was a living creature in there. Being dead for so many years he had forgotten the splendor of life. His mother had been pregnant once more after him. He remembered laying his head down on her rounded belly, closing his eyes, and murmuring to his sister. He hoped she had heard him. She died because of complications at birth.

Things are different now, he assured himself. Doctors are more advanced than in the nineteenth century. Buffy’s baby would be fine.

He could imagine it as a girl. She’d have light blond hair and green eyes, the spitting image of her mum. He clenched his jaw. She’d look nothing like captain cardboard.

Something jabbed his palm. He jerked his hand away. What the . . .? He cautiously put his hand back. It happened again, but this time he kept it there.

“Bloody hell,” he said in awe.

All of a sudden Buffy’s eyes flew open. She pulled away.

“What were you doing?” she demanded. She tugged her top down.

“I wasn’t copping a feel,” he defended. “Just feeling the bit is all.”

“There’s nothing to feel.”

He furrowed his brow. He gestured toward her. “Was kickin for me just a minute ago.”

“Give me your hand,” she requested.

His eyes widened in surprise. He slowly offered his hand. She put it on her warm stomach.

“Do you feel it now?” she asked.

Spike shook his head. She let out a sigh.

“Wait! That’s it, right there!” he exclaimed as he sensed a ripple.

“That’s it? Are you sure?”

“What else would it be?”

Buffy giggled. Spike had never seen her giggle before. She beamed.

“I thought it was gas,” she confessed.

Spike joined in her laughter.

* * *

The lights were on when Buffy came home. She quietly let herself in.

“Buffy?”

Buffy went into the living room. Her mother sat on the sofa. Piles of photo albums littered the cushion next to her. Joyce gathered them up and placed them onto the coffee table instead. She patted beside her in invitation. Buffy accepted.

“It’s kind of late,” Joyce said.

“I was patrolling,” Buffy replied.

“Patrolling? Isn’t that dangerous?”
“It’s always dangerous. But I don’t go out alone anymore. Spike tags along.”

“Oh,” Joyce said. “Tell him to come by sometime and we can chat over hot chocolate.”

Buffy stared in shock. Her mother wanted to hang with Spike? Major wiggy.

“Do-Do you do that often?” Buffy questioned.

Joyce smiled. She patted Buffy’s hand. “No. Oh, honey, I’m careful. I have a bottle of holy water stashed away just in case. But I don’t think I’ll ever have to use it. Spike’s a nice boy.”

“Boy? Mom, he isn’t a boy? He isn’t even a man. He’s a vile, brutal killer. If it wasn’t for the chip. . .”

“I know he’s a vampire. But he’s different somehow.”

Buffy sighed. “I just worry.”

“Don’t. Holy water, remember?”

“Okay.” Buffy eyed the heaping photo albums. “What’s all this?”

Grabbing a green one, Joyce opened it up. There were snapshots of Buffy as an infant. Some were alone and others with her parents. They seemed so happy together.

“Reminiscing,” Joyce said.

Buffy’s mother took another album. This one had pictures when Buffy was older. She turned the page and laughed. Buffy lay on the ground, autumn leaves covering her entire body but her head. Her expression was of pure delight.

“I remember that,” Buffy whispered. “Dad took it.”

“I also found this,” Joyce said. She reached over and took another book. She handed it to Buffy.

‘My Little One’, the title read. Buffy opened it to find entries, clearly her mother’s scrawl. She flipped through the pages. Her hospital bracelet was even taped inside.

“You can keep that,” Joyce said. “And here.” She gave her another book out of nowhere.

This one was called ‘First Little Angel’. It had a picture of a sleeping baby with a halo over its head.

“Mom?” Buffy’s vision blurred.

“Write everything down starting now,” Joyce advised.

Buffy leaned over and threw her arms around her mother. “I love you.”

* * *

Entry one

Dear baby,

Grandma just gave this to me. She’s been pretty disappointed in me lately, and this served as an acceptance token. I’m deeply relieved. Now all I have to do is get Grandpa Giles to make-up (I’ll make him get used to the name).

You’re my little miracle. I never thought I’d have the chance to raise a child. Slayers are supposed to have short lives. But I’m going to try my hardest to be around as long as I can. Giles told me about this slayer in the seventies who died because she cared about her son more than anything else. I don’t care. You are my world, baby. At first I was too numb over how you came to be, but now I love you more than life itself. If only Riley could

Buffy halted her pen. She crossed the last part off. She couldn’t lie to her child. Her daughter deserved the truth.

If only I could offer you a father. I’m so sorry. You have to understand. Spike could never be the daddy you deserve. He’s eaten babies for breakfast. I can’t trust him. Someday he might get his chip out. Then what would stop him? After all this time as imprisoned, his demon would be really mad too. He’d probably go off and kill half the town in one night with all his pent of longing for destruction. I can’t risk it. I can’t tell him.

Buffy closed her eyes and leaned her head back. Even if I want to, she silently added.

Chapter 8

Ever since her confession Giles had become cold towards her. He never spoke to her about anything except slayer business. She was relieved when he left for England in order to seek answers from the council about Glory.

On a positive note, Buffy had spoken to her mother and school guidance counselor. They had discussed her options and she had chosen one. She’d be able to complete some basic courses over the internet until after the birth. Her mother even bought her a laptop. It wasn’t like there weren’t pregnant girls all over campus, but Buffy thought this was the easiest choice. She’d be able to set her own hours to do the work required.

She was reading over a sociological article when the phone rang. She groaned and picked it up. Her mother was at the gallery so she couldn’t rely on anyone else to answer.

“Hello, Summers residence. Buffy speaking.”
“Buffy? Good, I caught you.”

Buffy shifted in her seat. Her attention focused on the conversation. “Giles? Did you find anything?” She feared that whatever he had found was urgent news. Why else would he call instead of waiting until he got back?

“It seems the council has found some information that can help us,” he said.

“About Glory?” she asked.

“Presumably. We'll find that out when we... arrive. Could be very important.”

“We? You mean . . .?”

He sighed heavily. “Yes, they’re coming back to Sunnydale with me. I’m sorry, Buffy. I thought I should give you fair warning so that you can prepare yourself.”

“Now? Why do they have to come here?” She could hear panic in her voice. “Giles, I don’t want them to come here. I don’t trust them. Especially now. What will I do if they find out about me? Make them not come here.”

“I can’t, Buffy. They may have valuable information and refuse to share unless they can deliver it in person.”

“They put me through that test, and it almost killed me. And then, when I was Faith, they almost killed me again. Honestly, I really don’t want them around my unborn baby.”

There was a long pause. “Despite my reaction to your uh . . . circumstances, I do care. I won’t let them hurt you or your child.”

Buffy shut her eyes. “Thank-you.”

* * *

Buffy was sure to change into a baggy sweatshirt. It was the biggest one she had, gray, and ugly. She usually wore it to lounge around the house in on a Sunday. With any luck the watchers wouldn’t even notice any change in her physique.

She had no idea when they were supposed to arrive. She wasn’t going to wait around for them to show themselves. She had important things to do.

Spike was actually waiting outside his crypt for her. He quickly discarded his glowing cigarette. He smiled and she returned it. Weird. She actually didn’t mind him around. Not that he was a talking-buddy or anything, but he wasn’t bad as a combat partner. She could rely on him to keep help her out if danger arose.

“Come on, Spike, let’s go see what we can find,” she said.

“Only an hour this time, pet,” he said.

She pouted.

“You know, there will come a point when you won’t be able to come out at all. Enjoy it while you can.”

She almost snapped at him that he had no right to dictate her life. But she didn’t because she knew he was right. She would have to stay off the battle field eventually.

Buffy was amazed had how in-synch they had become. Their movements complimented each other. She wondered if he could sense her the way she did him. His presence not only tingled on the back of her neck (like regular vampires), but consumed her entire body. She was too aware of every thrust he dished out. It unnerved her.

Suddenly voices filtered into the night.

“I must protest! This is outrageous, to confront her without any warning.”

Buffy would recognize that voice anywhere. She quickly staked the last remaining vamp. She braced herself for what was to come.

“Bad day,” she murmured.

Spike gave her a curious look.

“Miss. Summers.”

Buffy let her hand fall to her side, still clutching her stake. She took in the man before her. He definitely had gained some weight. He also had a goatee that wasn’t there before. He showed his age, sixty she guessed.

“Mr. Travers,” Buffy replied.

Spike dug into his pocket and took out a cigarette. He lit up and smirked. “Well, well, well, by the smell of tweed I’d have to guess watchers,” he remarked.

Buffy shot him a glare. He was a good lil vamp and discarded the smoke.

Giles stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Buffy, I tried to convince him to wait for you at the shop. But he wouldn’t have it.”

“That’s all right. I understand.” Her eyes scanned over the six people that stood with Quentin. “Friends?”

“Colleagues,” he said dryly. “Here to help with the review.”

“Excuse me?”

“Review? You said nothing of the sort.” Giles’s voice rose. Then he addressed Buffy. “We don’t have to rely on their aid. I’m sure that if we persisted . . .”

“Giles, be reasonable.” Buffy crossed her arms. She met the head-council’s eyes. “Test, huh? All right. I’m up for it.”

“Buffy . . .” Giles protested.

Quentin’s lips lifted slightly. “Glad there won’t be a scene. You carry on with your patrol and we’ll meet up at Rupert’s shop.”

“I’m through here,” Buffy said.

“Very well then.” He leaned over toward a blonde watcher with glasses. He whispered something to her. She nodded.

“We’ll start immediately,” he announced.

* * *

The next day Spike began a binge of chain smoking. He had to get his fix of nicotine when the slayer wasn’t around. There was a nock at the door. He went to answer it with uncertainty. He had no friends and Buffy never was polite when visiting.

He opened the door to reveal a woman with glasses. She had her hair twisted upon her head with a clip.

“H-Hello. I’ve come to ask you a few questions in regard to the slayer.” She paused. “Do you help the slayer often?”

“Need to get my spot of violence somewhere. But yeah, time and again. Nothing concrete, didn’t sign a contract as her side-kick.”

The woman frowned. “You fight by her side? I would think you’d want to kill her. You’ve killed slayers before.”

Spike took a deep drag of nicotine. He tilted his head, intrigued. “Heard of me, have you?”

Though it was dark he could make out the woman’s blush. She smiled, shyly. “I wrote my thesis on you.”

“Well, well, isn’t that neat. Tell me, pet, seeing as that we’re such good friends and all, how’s the slayer doing? Is she in her prime? High marks in all categories?”

* * *

The watcher pressed his stopwatch. “Record time,” he said.

Buffy wiped the sweat from her face with a clean towel. She was exhausted. They had put her through three tests so far: speed, strength, and endurance. When would it end? She couldn’t believe she was letting them do this to her. But she had to. It was the only way she’d get information about how to defeat Glory.

“Now onto agility,” Mr. Travers announced. “Phillip, collect the knives.”

“Knives!” She began to panic. She shot a glance at Giles.

“Hasn’t she been through enough?” Giles asked.

“Glory is stronger than you. She's a more powerful instrument, if you will. We can help you. We have information that will help. Pass the review and we give it to you without reservation. Fail the review, either through incompetence, or by resisting our recommendations....” Traver’s gestured toward Phillip, who had collected six knives. “Now, all you have to do is dodge the blade. If you cannot move fast enough, deflect it. But the goal is to get out of the way. Simple enough.”

Simple enough? Normally yes. If she were stabbed her slayer healing would kick in and patch her wound up pronto. But there was no guarantee it would cure any of her baby’s injuries. She wasn’t going to allow a speeding weapon to be aimed at her.

Quentin stared at her with a hard expression. He obviously didn’t get what the problem was.

Pointing his finger angrily, Giles yelled, “She's not your bloody instrument and you have no right to do any of this!”

“How much do you want our help?”

Buffy’s heart beat wildly. The workout room spun around her. She distantly heard Giles say something to her but she couldn’t make sense of it. Too much, too much! She did the only thing she could think of. She ran. She sped toward the backdoor and outside. She kept her pace up all the way home.

Revello Drive waited for her as a quiet sanctuary. She let herself into the house. It was dark and quiet. Her mother must be at the gallery. She leaned against the door in relief, taking in deep breaths. After a few moments she rounded the corner. She abruptly stopped.

Glory sat in the recliner. She looked up from The Baby Book: Everything you Need to Know about your Baby from Birth to Age Two.

“Long day, sweetie?”

The slayer didn’t answer. She stared with alarm at the book in Glory’s hand.

“So, is this yours?” Glory questioned. “Gonna have a little brat? Wow, that must put a damper on things.”

Buffy searched violently for a weapon. She spotted a sharp poker near the fireplace. She quickly grabbed it. Before she knew it Glory snatched it away.

“Buffy . . . If I wanted to fight, you could tell by the being dead already.”

“What do you want?” Buffy demanded.

Glory grinned. “The key. Why else do you think I'd come here? See, I think you know where it is. And that’s a good thing.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Buffy said.

“Well, it's the only thing keeping you alive right now.” She pointed the poker at Buffy’s stomach. “And your little spawn there. I could crush the life from you as easy as you'd break a nail. But I need the key. See my predicament. S0- Buffy. . .” She sighed. “Just give me the key. You either have it or you know where to find it. Obviously, this is a one-time-only deal. Next time we meet, something you love dies bloody. You know you can't take me. You know you can't stop me. ”

Glory stood up. She dropped the poker to the carpet. Buffy watched her leave grimly. Just then Joyce entered the room.

“Buffy, who was that?” Joyce asked with concern.

“Pack a bag,” Buffy ordered.

* * *

Spike awoke with a howl. He shot up from the sarcophagus, dodging the beam of light that filtered in from the door.

“Oh, it’s the slayer. For a second there I was worried.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

The vampire noticed Joyce by the entrance. She held a small bag.

“What’s with the family outing?”

Buffy softly said, “I need your help.”

Spike scratched his brow. “Great, I need your cash.”

Buffy shook her head. “This is important, Spike. I need you to protect my mother while I’m gone. Glory came to my house today . . .”

Spike visibly stiffened. “You all in one piece? Didn’t lay a finger on you, did she?”

Buffy narrowed her eyes. Just a minute ago he was being a pain in the ass and now he seemed concerned.

“I’m fine,” she said. “I have to go settle things with the council. I can’t leave Mom alone. Just . . . keep an eye on her for me.”

“Well, that's a boatload of manly responsibility to come flying out of nowhere.” He paused. “But, sure. I accept.” He called over to Joyce. “Come on in. Plenty of blood in the fridge. Make yourself at home. But be quiet, Passions is coming on.”

He went over to the black-and-white television and played with the antenna. Joyce perked up.

“Oh, Passions! Do you think Timmy’s really dead?”

“Oh. No, no. She can sew him back together. He’s a doll for god’s sake,” Spike said.
Buffy shook her head. She turned to leave. She’d never understand that vampire.

* * *

It was beginning to get dark. Buffy dreaded her arrival back to the store. She didn’t know how she was going to explain her flee for all hours ago. She glanced at her watch.

“Crap,” she muttered. Four hours ago.

Suddenly a black figure jumped out from behind a trashcan. He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her to the pavement. She got up as fast as she could. They faced off. She was surprised to realize he wore knight’s armor. Another guy in chain mail appeared out of nowhere. The two circled her.

“Any way we can not do this?” Buffy asked.

The first knight swung his sword. She ducked to avoid it. The second attempted to hit her with a staff. She deflected it. She spun and kicked the staff-holder in the stomach. Then she blocked a swing from sword-guy. She kicked the staff-knight until he stumbled backwards. She disarmed him and hit him in the face with his own weapon. The man went down. She turned toward the other.

She dropped low in order to avoid his sword. She rose again and used the staff to knock the sword out of his hand. She got the man down on the ground. She held him down with the staff to his throat. She tore his helmet away.

The knight looked human. The only thing unusual was the blue symbol on his forehead that resembled a blazing sun.

“Who or what are you?” Buffy demanded.

“One soldier in a vast army,” he choked.

“What army?”

“The Knights of Byzantium, an ancient order. And now your enemy.”
She ground the staff into his flesh. “You work for Glory?”

“You think we align ourselves with the beast? You must be mad.”

“You’re the ones trying to kill me.”

“So long as you protect the key, the brotherhood will never stop until we destroy it and you. You are the Slayer, and we know what we must do. Now, be done with it. Kill us, and let legions follow.”

Buffy got off him. She tossed the staff aside and took the sword instead. “Go.”

* * *

The whole watcher gang was assembled when she entered.

“Miss Summers, so kind of you to make your presence known once again,” Travers greeted.

Giles stood up from his place on the loft stairs. “Was there an attack?”

“Yeah.”

“We can continue the review at last,” Quentin Travers said.

“There won’t be any review.”

“Sorry?”

“Glory ... came to my home today.”

Giles’s eyes widened. “Are you . . .?”

“Just to talk.” Buffy paced. “She told me I'm a bug, I'm a flea, she could squash me in a second. Only she didn't. She came into my home, and we talked. We had what in her warped brain probably passes for a civilized conversation. Why?” She paused. “Because she needs something from me.”

Buffy leaned over the table to get up and personal with the head watcher. “I have the key. I don’t know what she needs it for but I have a pretty good idea that it is something bad. Now, Mr. Travers, you may be a bitter old man but I don’t think you want the world to end. So, I suggest you tell me what I need to know. Otherwise I won’t be able to protect this key and the whole planet goes to hell. Understand?”

It took a moment for Quentin to answer.

“Understood.”

“Good. Now, tell me what kind of demon I’m fighting.”

“You see, that’s the problem. . . Glory isn’t a demon. She’s a god.”

Chapter 9

The council finally left. Buffy thought she could finally relax. All she wanted to do was go home and sleep for a day and a half. Instead Giles hit her with a harsh look. Oh no, what did I do now? she thought.

“What key?” Giles asked.

Buffy opened her mouth.

“The fate of the world depends on it, I gathered. And you have it in your possession?” His palms hit the tabletop, which made her jump. Her eyes widened. Good God, he could be scary sometimes. “Don’t you think I should have been informed of this . . . this development in the Glory matter?”

She stared down at her lap. She should have told him. She didn’t because she had been trying to come to grips with it all. She couldn’t handle more turbulence in her life.

“I- I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He took a deep breath. “Tell me now. This key, where is it hidden? I hope that you don’t have it stashed under your bed. What does it look like? Any idea what it does?”

The mixture of emotions burst out in a burst of laughter. Tears trickled down her cheeks as well. She wiped them away. Giles watched her in shock. She shook her head.

“It’s not under my bed, I assure you. I take better care of it than that.”

“I hope so.”

Buffy lifted her head. “I carry it wherever I go.” She swallowed and hugged her stomach. “I kinda don’t have a choice.”

It took a moment for Giles to get it. When he did he sat down from the implication. He tore the glasses from his face.

“Dear lord,” he muttered.

“Yeah, my exact thoughts,” Buffy replied. “There are, or rather were, these monks against Glory. They declared themselves as protector of the key. This one I tried to help told me it is some transportation device. She wants to use it to go somewhere? I guess this dimension doesn’t meet goddess status. Glory caught up with them and they had to give the key to someone else for safe keeping.”

“You.”

“Uh huh. They sent her to me in human form.”

There was a long span of silence. Giles finished polishing his spectacles and placed them back on his face. He cleared his throat.

“I don’t know what to say,” he told her.

“Tell me about it,” Buffy said.

“Are you going to tell the others?”

“M-maybe. They’ll freak. I don’t blame them.”

Giles reached out and placed his hand on hers. His eyes were soft. “I want to apologize. I never should have treated you so distantly. . . “

“I didn’t let you down,” she said. “They created false memories about her conception.”

“You are so very brave to accept this burden. I understand why they chose you.”

Buffy squeezed his hand. “If you believe in destiny this is it. I have to take care of her. I want to.”

“And so you shall. With a little help from your ex-watcher.”

“Screw the council, Giles, you’ll always be my watcher.”

* * *

Mothers don’t like being nosy. It is simply their duty. They have to make sure their offspring isn’t hooked on weed, cigarettes, or booze. They lift the mattress while making the bed, sneek a peek now and then under the bed, and check your underwear drawer while putting clothes away. No harm done really. If they found anything it would be purely accidental.

Joyce placed the folded pile of Buffy’s laundry on the bed. She was about to exit the room when she halted. The baby book lay next to it, open, and enticing. Just a glance, she thought. Summers women were born with the curiosity gene. Sometimes it was a good thing, sometimes bad.

She expected to find sentences about gaining weight, morning sickness, fear, and joy. Instead she came across words like: key, God, and . . . Spike?

Joyce settled down and grabbed the book. She began to read from entry one.

* * *

The knock jarred Joyce out of her daze. She went to the door and opened it. Her eyes widened when she realized it was Spike.

“Hullo, Joyce,” he said in greeting. “Is Buffy around?”

Joyce blinked. “Um no. Sorry she isn’t.”

He stuffed his hands in his duster. “Oh, right.” He nodded. “I’ll be off then. Just tell her I stopped by, would you?” He turned around to leave.

“Wait, Spike!?”

He shifted back around and lifted his scarred eyebrow.

Mrs. Summers cracked the door wider. “Why don’t you come in and wait for her? I could make you a mug of hot chocolate.”

The vampire grinned. “That’d be right nice of you, Joyce.” He stepped into the kitchen. “Got any of those tiny marshmallows?”

“I’ve got a whole unopened bag,” Joyce said. She filled the kettle with two percent milk. Then she went to the cupboard and took down two mugs, one flowered and the other with a Halloween black bat on the front.

Spike hopped up onto a stool at the island. He tapped his fingers on the counter and hummed the tune to “I wanna be sedated”. When Joyce faced him he silenced.

“So, you want to see Buffy? Does it have to do with Glory?” Joyce questioned.

“No. A vampire attack. Nothing serious,” he replied.

“That’s good.”

He nodded.

Joyce tried not to stare. “So, you been keeping up with Passions?”

He smiled. “Course. Can’t believe what’s going on now.”

“Oh, yes, with Teresa. Do you think she is really dead?”

“Nah, she makes the show too interesting.”

Joyce put her hand in a mitt and grabbed the kettle off the stove. She poured some into the mugs. She got out the Nestle Quick chocolate mix and stirred some into the liquid. She handed Spike his. He took a sip. Afterward an expression of pure bliss spread across his face.

“No one makes cocoa quite like you, Joyce,” Spike complimented.

Joyce came to a realization then. He was simply a little boy wrapped up in a vampire façade. He was cute actually. The fact that he developed a chocolate mustache confirmed it.

“Spike, you might want to wipe your mouth,” Joyce advised.

He did, clearly embarrassed. He dug into his pocket and drew out his lighter. He flipped it on and off in his hand. He can’t smoke, Joyce thought. So he’s doing the next best thing. I bet he does it to convince himself he’s bad. She shook her head.

Just then Spike’s head jerked up. A few seconds later Buffy stepped into the kitchen. She froze when she spotted Spike. The slayer crossed her arms.

“What’s going on?” Buffy demanded.

“Oh, Buffy,” Joyce said. “Spike came over to see you but you were out.”

Buffy’s eyes darted from her mother to Spike and then back again. “So you decided to get all chummy?”

Joyce frowned. “I offered some hot chocolate while he waited.”

Buffy’s face remained hard.

Spike got up from his seat. “Thank you for the refreshment, Joyce. I can’t finish, though. Got important matters with your one and only.”

“No problem, Spike. Come by anytime.”

Joyce watched as the two blondes headed out of the room. She let out a sigh. She’d have a talk with Buffy later.

* * *

The slayer followed Spike to his black Desoto. He held the door open for her. She glared in response. Just because she was pregnant didn’t mean she wasn’t capable of doing things for herself. Geez . . . She climbed into the car.

After he got in behind the wheel she swiveled to face him. “Where are we going?”

“Heard some commotion about a train massacre. Six dead from neck trauma. Haven’t heard?”

She shook her head. “I’ve-I’ve been preoccupied.”

Spike put the silver key into the ignition. He pulled out of the driveway. “Thought we’d take a look at the train. Play Nancy Drew or whotnot for clues. What ya say?”

Buffy shrugged. “I guess so. . . Sure.”

She leaned back and let him drive. She closed her eyes and listened to the rumble of the engine.

“You all right? Don’t need the heater or nothing?” he asked.

“I’m fine.”

She winced when he began to sing softly. He tapped the stirring wheel. His taste in music was atrocious.

“I wanna be sedated. Yeah, I wanna be sedated. Do you like The Ramones?”

“Spike, shut up and drive,” she snapped.

To her relief he was quiet the rest of the ride. They finally arrived and Buffy hurried out of the car. She didn’t wait for her companion and headed into Sunnydale station. She stepped onto the platform before the train. Yellow caution tape blocked the entrance. She took a hand and ripped it. Then she entered the dark train car. She felt Spike come up behind her.

They entered. Luckily they both had night vision because neither had brought a flashlight. Buffy’s eyes ran over the tape that outlined where the passengers had sat. There were a few red stains on the seats.

“Not much to examine,” Buffy softly said.

Spike didn’t answer. She turned around. He reached up and snatched something from the cargo hold. She came closer and saw that it was a porcelain doll. Red material covered its eyes.

“Creepy,” Buffy commented.

Spike’s fingers dug deeper into the doll. “Buffy, I think you and your mum should pack a bag and come stay with me for awhile.”

She furrowed her brow. “Why? What does a freaky doll mea. . . “ Her eyes widened.

“Yeah. Dru’s come for a visit.”

“God, I hate that crazy hoe,” Buffy said.

Surprisingly Spike didn’t object to her name-calling. He stuffed the doll into his coat.

“Luv, seriously, come spend a few nights in my crypt.”

“Why do you care? There was a time you wanted to kill me. What changed?”

“I like your mum,” he simply replied.

“Yeah, but what about me? Why not let Drusilla come and do what you can’t?”

Spike’s head shot up. “Despite what you think, Summers, I’ve changed.”

She snorted. “What, that chip in your head? That's not change. Tha-that's just ... holding you back. You're like a serial killer in prison!”

“Not because of the sodding chip shoved up in my skull. I’m good now.”

“Angel was good. You’re still a soulless monster.”

Spike stared at her in silence.

Buffy started to leave. He reached out and took hold of her arm. He tugged her back.

“Something’s happening to me! I can’t stop thinking about you. And if that means turning my back on the whole evil thing-“

“Uh-“ Buffy moaned. She ripped her arm from his clutch.

“I lie awake every night and think about you.”

“You sleep during the day!”

“Th-That’s not the point! The point is I feel for you.”

“You don’t know what feelings are!” she yelled.

“This is real,” he forced. “I can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you or the bit. I love-“

Buffy covered her mouth in horror. She spun around and ran out.

“I love you, Buffy! You can’t run away from this!”

She did just that.


Chapter 10

Damn bitch! Spike stormed into his crypt and slammed the door. He kicked it in frustration. Then he ventured further into his dwelling, set on collecting all the booze he possessed.

There was a slight creak behind him. He spun just in time to see a feminine shadow emerge. He narrowed his eyes.

“Who’s there?”

The form neared. “A happy memory, pretty Spike.”

The vampire froze. His nostrils flared.

Drusilla neared. Her long white gown flowed, making it appear as if she floated. She carried a deep red rose. He noticed blood drip from her fingers as they dug into the thorns.

“I’ve come to make everything right again. I want us to be a family again, my William.” She brushed the rose petals down her cheek.

Spike stared in astonishment. Drusilla leaned forward. She whispered into his ear.

“Come back with me to Los Angeles.”

He pulled back. “Don’t think so, pet. I've done the whole L.A. scene, Dru. Didn't agree with me. Besides. . .” He swept his hand across their darkened surroundings. “Got myself a sweet setup here in SunnyD. Decent digs. . . and not to mention all the local townies I can eat.”

She wagged a finger at him. “Naughty. Shh. No need to make up stories for mommy. I already know why you’re not coming. Poor boy. Tin soldiers put funny little knick-knacks in your brain.” She flinched. “Can't hunt! Can't hurt! Can't kill!”

Frowning, Spike said, “Right. So you’ve heard. Poor Spike's become a cautionary tale for vampires, right? ‘You better be good, kiddies, or else they might wire you up someday!’ ” Disgust dripped from his voice.

“I don’t believe in science,” she said. “All those bits and molecules no one's ever seen. I trust eyes and heart alone. And do you know what mine is singing out right now?”

She gently took his hand. She spread his palm against her dead heart. He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the flash of placing that very hand over Buffy’s belly. Her baby, alive and kicking.

“You're a killer. Born to slash ... and bash ... and...” Dru gasped in pleasure. “Bleed like beautiful poetry.”

Spike opened his eyes. He became transfixed by her dark gaze. In her eyes he saw the night open up to him and wrap him in its embrace.

* * *

“Honey!” Joyce called as soon as Buffy entered the house.

The slayer followed her mother’s voice into the kitchen. Joyce finished putting a stack of plates away. She shut the dishwasher and turned to face her daughter.

“Did you find the bad guys?”

Buffy shook her head, distracted. She took in a deep breath. “No. He uh . . . Mom, he confessed to loving me. Can you believe it? Spike! I mean, he’s tried to kill me how many times.”

“How long ago was the last attempt?” Joyce softly asked.

That caught Buffy off guard. She had to think for a moment. A year? Longer maybe.

“He can’t because of the chip,” Buffy said reasonably.

“That doesn’t stop him from hiring someone else.”

Buffy gaped. “Are you on his side!?”

“I’m not on anyone’s side. But have you considered the fact that possibly his feelings are genuine?”

Horror spread over Buffy. She clutched the yellow island. “He’s a vampire. He has no soul. It’s impossible.”

“Just as it is for one to impregnate my daughter?”

Buffy gasped and covered her mouth.

“I accidentally saw a passage in your book while putting clothes away. Buffy, why didn’t you tell me?” Joyce went on.

Moisture accumulated in Buffy’s eyes. She looked away.

“I think you should tell him the truth. Every father deserves that.”

“He’s a monster,” Buffy countered.

“Maybe physically,” Joyce said.

“Oh my God, Mom! Just because he sits here and talks to you about Passions doesn’t mean he’s civilized!”

“I’m not saying you should marry him,” Joyce added. “I’m simply saying that he has a right to know his child. That’s all.”

Buffy blinked back her tears. “I’ll- I’ll think about it.”

* * *

They moved together slowly to the gothic beat. Her lithe form slid against him sensually. It was like old times. Before the slayer. Before the Chaos demon in South America. All there was was his dark princess. She was his entire world again, inside and out.

Drusilla turned so that her back was to him. Her head lifted. Spike wrapped his arms around her thin waist. She leaned against him and signaled up to the balcony with her eyes. He followed them to a couple. They boy and girl kissed passionately, oblivious to everyone else. An evil smirk came to Spike’s face.

Dru took his hand. She led him up the stairs toward the young pair of humans. When they reached the top she let go and headed for them. She fluidly took the girl and snapped her neck. Her body was shoved into Spike’s arms. Then she went for the boy’s neck.

Spike stared down at the limp female he held. Her head lulled back invitingly. He felt his facial bones shift. And then he heard it. A tiny fluttering. Soft, frantic, trying to keep going. It quickly died. Spike dropped the girl as if he had been burned. That hadn’t been the girl’s heart.

Drusilla watched him as she fed. Her golden eyes were harsh with confusion. Red trickled from the side of her mouth. He glanced back at his fallen prey. Realization flickered into his brain. She had been pregnant. The slight flutter he had heard had been the baby. Fading into nothing.

Spike stumbled back.

* * *

No one was apparently home. Buffy had knocked and then finally kicked her way in. She took a look around. So this is where Spike lived. She pressed a hand to her stomach, praying for the nausea to subside. The place smelled rotten.

See, Mom, Buffy thought. This is why I haven’t told him. He lives amongst the ruins of the deceased. He ‘is’ deceased. I want to offer my daughter life, not death.

She stepped forward. There wasn’t much there. She recognized the sarcophagus. She had often walked in to find him sitting or lying on top of it. Cobwebs drooped down from every corner. The television and green chair were the only hint of domestication. But even she could tell they had been snatched from the junkyard.

She spotted a ladder and made her way to it. She lowered into what looked like a cavern. She jumped at the sight of a pile of human skulls near the bottom of the ladder.

“Ew!” she shrieked.

A torch burned on the wall. She grabbed it. She surveyed the room. There were three partially open caskets. A spider crawled over the side of one and scurried across the stone floor.

On the wall hung a black sheet. What was that? Curiously she went over to investigate. She tugged on it and it fell. She gasped at what she found.

Pictures. They made up a gigantic collage. Some were snapshots, while others were drawings. Bile rose up in her throat. This was a shrine devoted to herself. She backed away.

Oh god! Oh God! Sicko! He’s as bad as Angeles.

A certain portion of the wall suddenly stuck out. These had tacked up drawings clearly not drawn from life. One showed her with a bulging belly about ready to burst. Her face was lit up with glee. Another just displayed her stomach. Inside had been sketched a curled up baby. Light glowed around it. Was that how he saw her daughter? Magical? Holy? She gasped at a picture of her holding the baby . . . with Spike. They both gazed down with pride, as if they were new parents.

He’s obsessed and clouded with illusions. He’s ‘worse’ than Angeles.

Buffy spun and made for the ladder. She climbed back up to the surface. She stopped when she felt a tingle. Spike!

“See anything interesting?”

Buffy got to her feet. He stood before her with harsh eyes. He carried the still form of Drusilla lovingly.

“Spike, I . . . uh . . . what happened?” she asked.

He tightened his grip on the vampiress. “You remember my ex, don’t you? Came back she did.” He snickered. “Couldn’t live without me.”

Buffy stared in silence.

“Come with me,” he demanded. “I want to show you something.”

For some reason that she couldn’t decipher she did. He led her back down into the underground cave. He went further than she had. A pillar came into view.

“Be a luv and grab that rope over there, will you, slayer?”

Buffy handed him the rope. She watched as he tied the unconscious Drusilla to the pillar.

“What is this?” she asked and crossed her arms.

“I’m going to prove something to you.” Spike faced Buffy. “I – Love- You.”

Buffy’s face twisted into revulsion.

“You’re all I bloody think about, dream about. You’re in my gut. I’m drowning in you, Summers, I’m drowning in you.”

Buffy shook her head. “I’ve seen your little shrine, Spike. You call that love? That’s nothing but obsession.”

His jaw twitched. “I had to get my feelings out somewhere.” He took a step toward her. “Buffy-?”

She jumped backward.

“I know it is more. Today I was ready to do what is best for both of us. I was going to go off with Dru here and leave you alone. Because this with you is wrong. I know it. I’m not a complete idiot.” He paused. “She took me out hunting.”

Her eyes flared with alarm. She drew out the stake hidden in her waistband. Spike seemed unaffected by it.

“She caught a meal for me. But I couldn’t go through with the actual feeding. And do you know why?”

“She smelled funny?” Buffy guessed.

He wasn’t amused. “You. I had a full chance at returning to the monster I’m supposed to be, and all I could think about was ‘you’ and that bitty you’ve got tucked away.”

Laughter abruptly echoed throughout the room. They turned to find Dru awake.

“I knew it before you did. I knew you loved the slayer. The pixies in my head whispered it to me,” Drusilla said.

“You want proof that I love you?” Spike inquired. He grabbed a sharp piece of wood that lay on the ground. “I’m going to kill Drusilla for you.”

Buffy shrugged. “That doesn’t prove anything. I’m happy to do it myself.” Buffy raised her stake.

Spike growled. “What does it take!?”

“Spike you never had a chance and you never will!”

His eyes darkened. “So what was that little wrestle we had almost five months ago, huh?”

There was a span of silence. “That was a one time deal that meant ‘nothing’.”

Drusilla clucked her tongue. “Naughty, naughty slayer, it isn’t nice to lie. Especially to our William.” Her expression became dreamy. “I can see her dancing between you both. Glowing bright like a green star. There’s no hope for my Spike. A part of his effulgence swirls within the shimmer.”

Shut up! Buffy silently begged.

Spike cocked his head to study Buffy. His eyes were accusing. “What’s she talking about?”

“She’s crazy, Spike. She doesn’t know what she is talking about.” Please believe me. Please.

“I beg to differ, luv. You think I’d stand by Dru’s side for a century without picking up on her riddles?”

Buffy’s heart pounded wildly. She lifted her weapon with a trembling hand. He easily knocked it aside and snatched her wrist.

“Don’t you dare lie to me, girl!” He pushed her against the wall. Her head smacked against the hard surface.

Buffy’s eyes widened as she spotted movement behind him. “Spike!” she warned.

It wasn’t soon enough. Drusilla had somehow managed to escape her bindings. She picked up a discarded 2x4 piece of wood. She swung it at Spike. He went flying.

Drusilla’s attention fell on Buffy. “Did you know I’m a mommy now too?” Buffy dodged a kick.

“Spike is going to be a daddy, but not to yours,” Dru went on. “So lost, but I can bring him back into the darkness. When you are gone there will be nothing blocking who he is. We’ll have a party for him with streamers and presents when I’m through.”

Drusilla grabbed Buffy’s throat. She squeezed tightly. Spike picked himself up. He quickly took up the fallen stake. He rushed at Dru. He flung her aside and then shoved the weapon into her heart. She looked shocked before bursting into dust.

Buffy gasped for air. Spike reached out and touched her cheek. “Are you all right?”

She jerked her head away. She moved past him and hurried for the exit. She was too aware of him trailing behind.

“You can’t walk away like nothing happened!” he called.

She ignored him.

“That’s my baby inside you, isn’t it? Not the white bread’s.”

She forced herself not to turn around.

“I have a responsibility to you and our kid.”

She angrily looked back. “This changes nothing! You are a vampire. Vampires do not go to parent teacher meetings. I want you to stay away from my baby after it’s born!”

“No, it isn’t that easy! We have something. We created something that night together.”

“That night never happened!” she shouted.

“Oh, so you’re going to play amnesia trip now!”

They came to Revello Drive. Buffy practically ran to her door. She thrust it open.

“Like it or not I’m in her life. You can’t shut me out!”

Buffy stepped inside her home. Spike bounced back from an invisible barrier. He stared in shock. When realization dawned his face crumpled. Buffy slammed the door, not able to take the sight of him. He pounded on the door.

“Buffy! Buffy, please!” he yelled. “She’s mine too. I’ve never-“ His voice broke. “I’ve always been a killer not a creator. Buffy! Give me a chance. Buffy!”

Buffy began to cry. She could hear the vampire on the other side join her. She pressed her hand against the door.

“I’m not leaving until you let me in,” Spike vowed.

A battle rose up in Buffy’s belly. She’d never felt the baby kick so fiercely. She hugged her stomach and went upstairs to bed. She tried to sleep but the baby wouldn’t let her.

She could feel him the entire night. When the sky outside her window lightened Buffy sat up. He was still there. She got up, ready to yank the vampire to safety. Just as she made it to the door she sensed him leave. She let out a sigh of relief.

She sucked in a breath when the baby jabbed her hard in the ribs. Buffy closed her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

_________________________________________________

If someone didn’t know what Dru meant by ‘I’m a mommy now too’, she meant Darla. In Angel, Darla was vamped again by Drusilla.

And so Spike knows now. I hope you aren’t too mad at me for Buffy’s behavior