White Lie by Brat

1. One by Brat

2. Two by Brat

3. Three by Brat

4. Four by Brat

5. Five by Brat

6. Six by Brat

7. Seven by Brat

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40. Epilogue by Brat

One by Brat
Buffy started running up the stairs to Spike's apartment when she heard the yelling. She stopped abruptly and waited, straining to hear if it was coming from his apartment.



"You are such a prick Spike!" A woman screeched.



Yep, it was his. Letting out air between her teeth, she wondered what was wrong with this one. She was surprised actually. She'd lasted at least a week longer than the rest.



The door swung open and out came a fuming blonde. She was red in the face and Buffy started going backwards down the stairs, trying not to be seen. No sudden movements Summers, she told herself.



"You!"



Too late.



Anya went to the top of the staircase that Buffy was on and glared down at

her. Spike was following behind, curiosity etched on his face. He saw Buffy

and a look of shame passed over his features in an instant.



"H-hi. Anya right?" Buffy asked sheepishly, suddenly fearing for her life.



Anya made her way down the stairs, clutching a stuffed bear in her fist.

She stood in front of Buffy and Buffy started to feel herself cringe in

response to the animosity coming off the girl in waves.



"It's always you. You're always here," Anya spat accusingly.



"This is the first time I've ever visited Spike when you've been over,"

Buffy said gently, trying not to anger her more than she already was.



Anya let out a guffaw of disgust. "You don't get it either." She looked up at

Spike and keeping her gaze on him, brought the bear out in front of her and

ripped its leg off with her bare hands. Stuffing started to fly.



"That's inhumane! The poor bear didn't do anything!" Buffy exclaimed

running up the stairs into safety.



Anya responded by flinging the bear and its torn leg at them. The bear hit

Spike in the face and the stuffing leg hit Buffy off the shoulder.



"I'm sure you'll be very happy together!" Anya shouted and ran down the

stairs. They watched in silence until the sound of the door slamming

reverberated through the building.



Buffy turned to Spike and said conversationally, "can't imagine why you let

her go."



Spike gave her a look, "shut up Summers," and he started for his

apartment.



She started to laugh. "So, what was wrong with this one? Hair too short?

She doesn't like the Ramones?" Buffy started to list off as she followed

Spike into his apartment. "Though I don't like the Ramones and you've

never cut me loose. Course, you can't because I told you, you were stuck

with me –-" She stopped when she noticed the mess in his apartment. Apparently Anya did some redecorating before she left. " Jesus, Mary and Joseph, this one did a number. I think she took out Beth, Jessica and Angela on this one. Did she smash CD's?" She made her way over to the pile of CD's in the middle of the room. "Oh, come on Spike! She broke the Sex Pistols one. The one we spent all day looking for when Jessica smashed it." She held up the remains. "You've got to stop telling them it's your favorite."

Spike looked at her grimly. "You done yet?"



"Probably not, but, I'll stop for now," Buffy giggled.



"I didn't want you to have to see that," he muttered.



Buffy shrugged, "no biggie. It's not like you have to protect me from your nasty break ups."



"Still, she just. . . she was out of control." He grabbed a cigarette from his

shirt pocket and lit up.



Buffy looked around her. "You think so?"



"I should just get used to you busting my balls on this for a while huh?"



"Might make it easier for you."



"All right. So, what'd you stop by for?"



"Geez. Can't a girl visit her best friend in the middle of the day? Though, I

think I'll call next time . . . "



Silence fell as Spike puffed on his cigarette. "All right. I'll tell you."



Buffy waited anxiously.



"She didn't like ice cream."



Buffy blinked. She stared at him. "I'm sorry, what? I think I

misunderstood you, I thought you said you dumped her because she didn't like ice cream."



"You heard right," Spike sighed, running a hand through his hair.



"And ice cream is the foundation of any healthy relationship. I can see why

you'd be upset."



"It's just how can I have ice cream in the summer with a girl that doesn't enjoy it? I mean, how can I go to Ben and Jerry's in the summer and get a waffle cone with someone who doesn't eat it? You know it's a thing I like to do. Get a waffle cone with vanilla –"



"Take a walk in the park and bite off the end of the cone –"



"And suck the vanilla out," Spike finished.



Buffy nodded, "right. It's a Spike thing."



"It is. And she wasn't into it. She'd rather have a cappuccino." He stubbed out the cigarette violently in remains of the ashtray littering the floor.



"There are some things I just can't abide with," he told her standing up.



"You know, you need to stop watching Seinfeld. I really think it gives you

ideas."



"What do you mean?"



"Spike, this is right up there with Jerry not wanting to date that girl

because she ate her peas one at a time. And, I seem to remember you did

forget the name of the one girl you dated, just like Jerry did. It's a bad

influence on your love life."



Spike chortled, "Love? Who said anything about that? Can't love someone who doesn't appreciate ice cream on a summer afternoon."



Buffy shook her head, smiling in spite of his serial dating and what it meant

for his next ‘victim'. "I should write an article for you in Cool. I'll call it:

Serial Daters and How to Spot Them. I'll do an expose on you."



"I'm not going to be in your bleeding magazine for that. However, if you do

want to put me in there for my artwork . . . "



"I can't, you know I can't. Conflict of interest, PLUS we don't do art. We do

gossip, advice and fashion."



"I know, I know, I know. You wanna get out of here? I don't even want to

look at this mess."



"Well, just think of how happy you're going to keep Merry Maids when you

call. Don't they usually do a courtesy call to see if you need them around

now? I think they have it down to a science just like the rest of us. Date

someone for a month, break up with them, wait a week, and then start

dating someone new."



"I think you missed your calling. Should have been a comedian," Spike told

her deadpan, ushering her out the door.



"We've talked about this. You told me I couldn't use you in my act. And

without you I don't have any bits."



"Yeah, Summers, you're bleeding hysterical you know that?"



"It's why you love me!" She told him brightly and bounded down the

stairs.



"If only you knew," Spike muttered as he locked the door and ran after

her.







A/N: This idea popped in my head and it was bugging me...I had to just do it.
Two by Brat
Chapter Two

"Did you tell Spike?" Willow asked as soon as Buffy walked through the door.

"Hi Wills. I had a good day, thanks for asking."

Willow jumped up from the couch. "Sorry, I've just been wondering all day
how it went. What happened?"

Buffy chewed her bottom lip.

Willow's shoulders sagged. "You didn't tell him, did you?" she asked
disappointedly.

Buffy plopped down on the couch. "I didn't tell him. In all fairness, he'd had
a bad morning."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, when I got there Anya had just broken up with him."

"Oh God. Was there a scene? Wreckage?"

"Yep. And a poor bear lot its leg."

"Not that!"

"Yep that."

"Was Spike upset?"

Buffy gave her a pointed look. "What do you think?"

"You still could have told him," Willow grumbled, plopping down next to
him.

"I don't know Wills. Spike's always seen me as the responsible and sensible
one. I don't know how to tell him I had a one night stand, got pregnant and
have no clue how where the father is. I mean…the guy literally took off
Willow. That's what one night stands do. They leave. Never to be heard
from again. Getting pregnant by the one night stand is the thing they leave
out in Cosmo, as well as Cool to. Maybe I could do an expose on it. "

"You don't know anything about him? At all? I mean, Buffy that's so unlike
you."

Buffy rolled her eyes, "you see my dilemma with telling Spike. He'll do that
thing he does."

"What thing he does?"

"You know that thing when he gets all protective and acts all big brotherly
and threatens to hurt anyone whose hurt me. I get enough of that from my
own brother, I don't need it from Spike too."

Willow hit her with the pillow in her lap. "Who are you kidding? You love
it."

Buffy smiled. "Does make me feel all protected when Angel can't be here to
do it." Bending over and smashing her face in the couch she wailed
something that Willow couldn't make out.

"What?"

Buffy sat up. "How the hell am I going to tell my parents? This is a
nightmare!" And she buried her face back in the cushions.

Willow stood up and gingerly grabbed the envelope being used as a coaster
on the coffee table. "Uh Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

Willow dangled the envelope in front of Buffy's face. "You might have to tell
them sooner than you think."

Buffy turned her head and focused on the lacey, frilly envelope and
groaned. "I could not go."

"You have to go Buffy."

"I never liked my stupid cousin," she sat up. "It's not like I have to tell
them there anyway. Why ruin Harmony's stupid wedding and take the
limelight away from her?" "Or, you could use the wedding to your
advantage. Your parents won't make a scene on the big wedding weekend."

Buffy chewed her lip thoughtfully. "Good point. All the hustle and bustle. . .
it would be a perfect time to tell them and the heat would somewhat be
deflected off me. By the time they'd have a chance to roast me, I'd be
gone."

"You told me yourself since your Aunt died and your Uncle pretty much
left, your parents have taken Harmony in. Your dad is giving her away
right?"

"Yep and my mom helped her plan the wedding."

"Buffy, the wedding is the perfect time to tell them! They'll be so busy with
the arrangements; they'll barely have any time to react."

Buffy grinned at her friend. "You're brilliant!"

"I know. But feel free to spread the word," Willow said jovially. Then stern
face came back. "You still have to tell Spike."

Buffy sighed. "I know. You know what's scary?"

"What?"

"Telling Spike might actually be worse than telling my family."



Buffy handed him his waffle cone and grasped her own in her hand as they
started their walk through the park. "So, how's the clean up going?"

"Merry Maids is coming by tomorrow."

Buffy giggled.

"Thanks by the way for getting the Sex Pistols CD for me."

"Xander owed me a favor. He special ordered it for me."

"Just the same."

They walked in silence for a while as Buffy played out in her mind how to
tell him. It was ridiculous really that she should be so nervous about telling
him. She couldn't help it though. Spike was her best guy friend, her
confidante and he protected her with a fierceness she'd never seen him
bestow upon any of his girlfriends. Probably because he actually respected
her. She remembered a time when some guy had dared get rough with her
when she declined an offer to dance and Spike had been right there, nearly
breaking the guys arm. He cross examined anyone that came sniffing
around her and she'd since learned to wait a few dates until introducing
them to Spike so as to warn them. None seemed to pass the test, but it was
just as well in the long run as Buffy found out anyway. None of them had
ever been the long haul guy. They inevitably got scared off by her
independence and put off by her often work-a-holic tendencies.

"So you gonna stare at me all day or are you going to share what's on your
mind?" Spike said abruptly, sucking the ice cream from the bottom of the
cone.

"I'm not - - You're just - - Oh shut up," she huffed and sat down on a park
bench, facing a small pond with a few ducks swimming around in it.

He sat down next to her. "So what is it pet? You worried my wild ways will
send me into an early grave? Or are you again afraid my inability to
commit is due to the fact that I might be gay and am hiding out far back in
the closet."

"I say one thing . . ." She waved him off.

"Reckon that's why you're editor-in-chief. You have a wild imagination," he
grinned.

"Yeah. You know, I had this great idea the other day for a story. You want
to hear it?"

"Course I do."

"Okay. Well, I was thinking of doing a story on one night stands."

Spike definitely looked intrigued. "Continue."

"Well, see I was talking to this girl the other day who'd had one—"

"What girl?"

"Uh, uh, Beatrice."

"Beatrice? What kind of parent names their child that?"

Buffy giggled.

"Where'd you meet her?"

Buffy thought fast. "In line at the coffee shop."

"Seriously Buffy. You have to stop talking to strangers. They latch onto
you with their sob stories—"

"You're one to talk. Can I finish?"

"Please do."

"Okay, well, she had a one night stand and the guy, he just disappeared
after."

"That's the whole point of them. If you stick around, it's called a
relationship."

"Pig," she scolded and poked him.

"Go on," he urged.

"Well, she ended up pregnant and doesn't know what to do."

"Does she have some sort of support system? She has absolutely NO WAY
to track this guy down?"

"Nope. She tried. He gave a fake last name."

"Oh. Does she even know where he works?"

"Nope."

"Sounds like she was really irresponsible about it."

"You have no idea," Buffy muttered, throwing her cone away in the barrel
next to her. "She was drunk."

"Ahhh…So, she got herself knocked up on a one night stand in which she
was drunk."

Buffy made a face. "Do you have to make it sound so callous? It's a baby
and she should be commended for wanting to keep it no matter what. I
know plenty of women out there that wouldn't do that." She was on a roll
now, red faced and lecturing. "You know, it's a scary thing to have to
contend with. Frightening really. You're pregnant due to a mistake, doing
something you normally never do. In fact it's your first time EVER doing
something like that and what happens? It blows up in your face. And you
have a career to think about, and you're going to be a single mom and you
don't know who the dad is . . . " Buffy was welling up in tears. She started
fanning her face with her hands, feeling unbearably hot all of a sudden. "I
can't do this anymore!" She jumped up and faced Spike who was staring at
her wide-eyed and uncertain.

"Pet?"

"It's me! I'm the one that did it. I'm pregnant!"

She watched then as a huge glob of vanilla ice cream oozed out of the
bottom of the cone he'd chewed off and plopped on his lap.



Thank you guys so much for the reviews! I'm glad you're enjoying it :)
Three by Brat
Chapter Three

He was staring at her. The silence and the frozen expression of shock coupled with the fact that he didn't seem to even notice the blob of ice cream starting to creep close to a certain part of his pants that would have people laughing and pointing with the possibilities of what could have happened, had Buffy tensing, waiting for the blow out. With Spike there was always a blow out.

He jumped up and she cringed. He was wiping at his pants and cursing. Tossing the cone into the barrel with force, he glowered over Buffy. "What the hell are you thinking?!" he shouted.

She didn't answer. Best to let him blow and then answer all questions. He'd probably ask that question a million more times before he was done and it was best to wait or she'd be repeating herself. She watched as he started to pace.

"Gotten pregnant and you don't know who the father is. . . How can you
not know who the father is Buffy? Bloody fucking hell, what were you
thinking? When the bleeding hell did this happen? Where did you meet the
tosser? Huh? He gave you a fake last name? Buffy, how on Gods green
Earth did you neglect to use protection? You write for a fucking woman's
magazine for Christ's Sake, you endorse safe sex. Have you been tested? Do
you know for sure? You need a doctor's appointment. God, what if he had a
disease? You were DRUNK? Buffy, what the hell happened? What were
you thinking?" He stopped and faced her. She counted three times he
asked the ‘what the hell were you thinking question?' question.

She waited for a beat. "Is there more? Or are you done?"

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't start being a wise ass Buffy. Not now."

"Like you're one to cast stones. How many one night stands have you had
for crying out loud? How do you know that none of the girls you had one
night stands with never got pregnant?" She poked him in the chest, "Huh?
How do you know?"

She felt victorious when he started to pale at the thought. She figured she'd continue; deflect it away from her as much as possible. "You're out the door
quicker than the condom comes off –"she crossed her arms over her chest.
"And just how do I know that you've used a condom every time? There had to have been a couple slip ups. And come on Spike, I think you invented drunk sex. I've never seen a bigger horn dog when they're drunk. You come on to me all the time when you're drunk! Thankfully I know it's just the liquor talking. I'm telling you the girls must be dumb to fall for all the drunken ‘I love you's' you hand out. Just because you've been lucky – as far as we know – is no reason for you to start casting stones at me. It's a double standard and it's not fair. I'm appalled frankly. I thought you artists were supposed to be sensitive." She poked him again for good measure hoping her little shpeel worked. The quirked eyebrow and knowing look told her otherwise.

"Nice try Summers. Don't think you're going to turn this one around on
me."

She sagged her shoulders and rolled her eyes. Dammit.

He sat down and rubbed his face in his hands in frustration. Buffy watched
him, this wasn't good. She didn't like that look on his face.

"Don't do it," she warned him, knitting her brows together.

"Do what?" he asked looking up at her.

"Don't look at me with that look of disappointment. I can't bear it Spike."

"Buffy—"

"Please just don't. I've already beaten myself up about it enough for the
both of us. And you can take comfort in the fact that my child will probably
beat me up over it one day too."

That snapped Spike out of his musings and he stood abruptly, grabbing her
into a hug. "Pet, how could I take comfort in that? I'm not disappointed in
you—"

"Don't lie."

"I'm not. I'm in shock, I'm stunned. I'm in a state of disbelief and I'm
worried about you." Pulling back just a touch so he could look at her, he
brushed some hair away from her face. "What if he gave you more than a
baby?"

"God Spike! Don't say that!" she pushed at him. "Way to make me feel
better."

"I'm trying to be realistic Buffy. In this day and age you can't be too
careful."

She pushed at him, giving him an incredulous look. "I'm taking heat from
the guy who's slept with half of Boston? You're giving ME advice on getting
tested for STD's? You who think monogamy is not seeing more than one
girl a NIGHT is giving me the lecture on safe sex? You know what?" she got
in his face and pointed her finger at in it. "If I still had my ice cream cone,
I'd smoosh it all over your face!" With that, she spun around and marched
away, fuming.

Spike grabbed her arm a minute later and spun her around. "Buffy, I'm
sorry."

"You should be! I already feel lower than low about it all and I'm scared
and—" she broke off, the tears starting to come. "And, and I don't know
anything about babies, not really anyway and . . . and I have to tell my parents!" She burst into tears and Spike brought her in the safety of his
arms and stroked her back, whispering words of comfort to her. She
couldn't make out what he was saying to her, but his voice was gentle and it
soothed her just the same.

After a while, he handed her a napkin he had in his hand and put it over
her nose to which she promptly blew into it. Folding it over, he wiped at her
tears. "What's gotten you more scared pet? Being pregnant or having to tell
your parents?" his grin told her he was teasing.

"It's a sliding scale," she told him honestly and he chuckled.

"We'll get through this together Buffy, I promise. I'll be here every step of
the way, okay?"

She nodded and sniffled. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"I'm sorry I made you feel worse," he told her and ran a hand through her
hair gently.

"You're getting nine months of hormonal Buffy," she warned him.

"Pet, I've had four years of hormonal Buffy. Now you'll just have an
excuse."

She hit him playfully on the chest. "Keep it up!"

Laughing, he turned her so that his arm came across her shoulders and he
pulled her close as they made their way out of the park. "Come on kitten.
Let's go back to your place and you can tell me all about it."




Thank you, thank you, thank you all so much for the reviews!! I'm so glad you find it funny and their banter right on. Th'ats what I was going for, so I'm glad to hear I'm succeeding :)
Four by Brat
Chapter Four

"So, tell the Big Bad what exactly happened," Spike said gently as he handed Buffy a glass of chocolate milk.

She gave him an odd look. "Big Bad?"

He looked at her sheepishly. "It was a new nickname I was trying out. No
go then?"

"Too wordy."

"It's two words, pet."

"Stick with Spike, William."

He pointed at her, "no need to get cheeky love. ‘William' was a ponce and
you'd do well to remember it."

She laughed at him, "what are you going to do? Haul me over your knee
and spank me?"

He cleared his throat and sat up straighter. "So, tell me the story now pet."

Setting the glass in her lap, she took a deep breath. "Okay. Well, there's
not much to tell really. I went to a bar one night—"

"What bar?"

"Uh….Envy. I went to Envy."

"By yourself?"

"Why yes, Lois Lane, by myself."

"Seriously pet if you're going to get on me for asking questions, you could
give me Clark Kent or something."

"Thought he was a ponce?"

"Okay, Columbo then. Columbo was cool."

"All right anyway, Columbo," she said, emphasizing Columbo, "I went to
Envy BY MYSELF to do some research for a story. I wanted to observe
mating habits."

Spike started to choke on his milk because he started to laugh as he
swallowed. Composing himself he asked in disbelief "mating habits ?"

"Yeah, you know the way people flirt across a room at each other. How
women use the flip of their hair or their eyes to let someone know they're
interested. And how guys do that annoying thing where they think if they
dance behind you at a club, you'll be so turned on by their direct approach
of ogling your behind, you'll turn around and dry hump them on the floor."

Spike chuckled. "I see you did some clever observing there pet. FYI: I never do that."

"I know. You can't dance."

"I bloody well can!"

"Spike doing YMCA is not dancing."

"Can you continue please?" he said huffing.

"Anyway, so I was sitting in the back, far away from others and just
watching. Taking the occasional note – mainly about what NOT to employ
from watching some of these women."

"Flaunting their goodies were they?" he smirked.

"Like you wouldn't believe—oh, you probably would. Anyway, I was what I
thought, completely incognito. But then this guy –Brian Steier came over
and started talking to me."

"Though that's not his last name."

"Or even his first name, who knows?"

"So you didn't tell him to run along like you usually do?"

"I don't always tell them to run along."

"No, you often add the ‘and die now' to that." "Hey! Happy Bunny is not
only funny, but effective."

"And so for some reason you let this ‘Brian' in."

"Yes, he was . . . charming. Not in a you way, but in a shy way."

"What is that supposed to mean? In a ‘you' way?"

"Well, you know when you're on the prowl and you get that half leer and
half smirk and you get that swagger and act all cool and stuff."

"I'm wounded. Is it obvious, I mean, obvious to others that that's my come
on?"

"Some women aren't dumb Spike. The ones you date inevitably are, but
some aren't. It's a women's gift to be able to see through the bullshit you
dole out on a regular basis."

"So, what was this guy's shtick?"

"He seemed shy and uncertain. As if he were afraid I'd reject him and then
of course, I couldn't because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. So then he
sat down and he asked me what I was doing. Said he noticed me writing
and was curious as to what I was doing in a loud club, all the way in the
back, writing. So I told him. He started asking questions—"

"And once you get Buffy talking about work…" Spike trailed off.

"Shut up. So then talking and drinking and talking and more drinking . . .
and then I found myself asking him to my apartment and . . . the rest is . . .
" She patted her tummy, "inside me."

"He leave in the morning or right after the event?"

"Must have been some time after the event, and I must have been passed
out when he let himself out. Locked the door for me though, which was
thoughtful, considering."

"I just don't get it Buffy. I mean that's not like you."

"I know, I know, I know! Trust me, I know."

"You could hold the record for chastity. You couldn't have been that hard
up for sex."

She gave him a withering glare. "It should take you exactly four seconds from here to the door. I'll give you two."

"All right Holly Golightly, that came out wrong. I'm sorry. I just meant . . .
what was it? I mean, you don't just have sex Buffy. You have relationships.
You wait the month before sex is even offered. So I don't understand what
made you have a one night stand. And it can't be the liquor either. I've seen
you drunk, Buffy. Yes, you're giddy, a tad more daring and have a loose
tongue, but other than that, I've never seen someone as controlled when
they're drinking as you are."

Buffy frowned and looked down at her glass of half finished chocolate milk.
"I guess I was just feeling lonely. I guess I wanted to know what it would be
like to go home with someone and feel special for a night. Willow seems to always have a date, Xander has . . . okay so he doesn't have anyone, and you have . . . a revolving door, and watching all these girls get hit on and not ever having someone hit on me . . . I liked the attention. Made me feel good about myself. I wanted to know what it would be like to act wanton like the girls you date for once."

Spike set his glass down on the coffee table and then got up and sat down on it across from her. "You wanted to act like the girls I date? Why?"

"Well, not exactly like them, but just going with that feeling of being
wanted and being sensual and sexual and just going with it instead of
overanalyzing it."

His look of awe at her was making her squirm. "Buffy, you're perfect just
the way you are. If the bloody tossers can't see that, then you don't need
them, nor do you want them."

She disengaged her hand and moved off the couch, setting her glass down.
"I was coming out of my content state. I was no longer happy having it just
be me and my work."

"It's not just you and your work Buffy. You know I'm always here with
you."

"That's not it Spike!" she exclaimed. "Don't get me wrong. I love you, and Willow and Xander, but I'm not dating any of you. It's not the same kind of
companionship I was looking for."

"And you thought a one night stand—Buffy." He looked up at her,
realization dawning. "You were hoping it would turn into something more.
That he'd stay and spend the day with you and by some stroke of fate, he'd
be the one."

Buffy looked away, avoiding Spike's penetrating gaze. He was up in a flash
when he saw a tear slip down her face. He pulled her into his arms and
stroked her back.

"What's wrong with me?" she wailed against him.

"Nothing is wrong with you, pet. Nothing at all. Did you not hear me when
I told you you're perfect?"

"You're supposed to say that! You're the best friend."

"I don't just have to say that," he whispered.

Something in his tone made Buffy think that maybe he wasn't just saying
that, but she brushed it off. "Every time Willow and I go out, she always
gets hit on. I get nothing. Unless they're old or just scummy. Brian wasn't
either and I just felt like maybe it was . . . "

"Fate?" Spike supplied.

"Yeah, fate. You write about it enough, you start to believe in it." She
pushed away and looked up at him glumly. "Should know better. Never
believe what you hear and only half of what you see. So yeah, I thought
that fate was lending a hand because here I was all alone in this bar slash
club and I had my girly Buddy Holly glasses on."

Spike smiled, "I love those on you."

"Yeah, me too. But as Xander told me before, they're my birth control
glasses."

Spike's jaw dropped. "He said that? I think they're bloody sexy—"

"Spike!" she admonished.

"I am a man Buffy. I do notice things."

"Yeah, anyway," she waved him off. "I was wearing my birth control
glasses, in a corner, with a notebook, not wearing anything remotely
alluring and along comes this guy who was curious about ME and what I
was doing. He saw me and wanted to talk to me out of all the scantily clad
women there. After an incredibly long dry spell where no one decent
seemed to want to touch me with a ten foot pole, this cute, seemingly shy
guy wanted to talk to me. I thought the universe was telling me this was
something special. Turns out it was special in another way."

"When did you find out you were pregnant?"

"Well, after I missed my period and started getting nauseous at odd times,
and had an extreme violent aversion to the smell of cheese—"

"You love cheese!"

"I know. I kind of figured something was up, so I took a pregnancy test.
Came back positive. That was a week ago. I have a doctor's appointment
tomorrow afternoon."

"I'm coming with you."

She looked up at him, "what?"

"I'm coming with you. I told you you're not doing this alone. I'm going to be
there Buffy. Every step of the way."

"Thank you," she told him, her bottom lip protruding in a sappy pout.

"So I'm assuming since you know this guy has a fake last name, you've
tried contacting him."

"Yes. He told me he worked in the office buildings off Summer Street,
doing marketing. I went there and there wasn't even a marketing firm
there, so that was my first clue that something was up."

"What was there?"

"H & R block."

"Oh."

"Yeah. I tried anyway, but no Brian Steier. No Brian Steier anywhere in
this godforsaken city."

"Well, you know what? He's not important right now."

"He's the father of my baby, how can you say that?"

"He's a prick Buffy. He left you the next morning—"

"I bet that's what the girls you've slept with and left say the same thing. I
wonder if their best guy friends say the same thing to them as you're
saying to me."

He continued on, ignoring her. "You don't want some guy that can't even
be decent enough to tell you his real name. And you don't need that kind of
guy being around for the baby, whether or not he is the biological father."

"Is this where you say that anyone can be a father but it takes a man to be
a dad?" Buffy asked, wrinkling her nose.

"I was, but now I'm thinking that sounds clichéd."

"Little bit. I know what you mean though. And you're right. I just never
imagined this way you know? I always thought I'd be married when I had
kids."

"You will be married one day, kitten, just like you want."

"Promise?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

"Never. And that's what I'm putting my faith on right now."


I am so thankful for all the reviews you've all given me and the incredible support of this story. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Five by Brat
Chapter Five


"Hey pet, ready?"

Buffy looked up from the piece she was working on and took a deep breath.
"Uh huh."

He smiled. "Are you lying?"

"That obvious?"

"You get that crinkle in between your brow when you're either nervous or
thinking I'm insane. Since I just walked in here, I'm guessing you're
nervous."

"You would be to if you were going to your first pregnant checkup or
whatever they call it."

"Pet, I'd be more than nervous if I was going for my first pregnancy
checkup. I'd be petrified seeing as how I'm a guy and all."

"All right, ready?" Buffy stood on shaky legs and started for the door with
Spike in tow.

"Have you said anything to anyone?"

"No, not yet. I just kind of want to get through this first."



On their way to the doctor, Buffy focused on her breathing. She imagined
the other women in the world that were not only nervous about their first
visit, but excited as well. They were probably accompanied by their
husbands or maybe even their best friend. Buffy looked over at Spike and
he immediately looked over at her.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Do you think its wrong of me to be more nervous and scared than
excited?"

"No," he started slowly.

"I just asked one of those questions that you feel uncomfortable answering,
didn't I?"

"Yeah," Spike said and let out a sigh of relief.

"I just kind of feel guilty for being so scared and nervous rather than
excited and nervous. It's like this is it. Going to the doctor, having my first
checkup—it makes it all that more real, ya know? Like it's really
happening."

Spike reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing it. "I know Buffy. But
even though I'm not your husband or your boyfriend or any one that you
imagined doing this with, I'm still not going to leave you to go through it
alone. I'm glad to be here. Feels like I'm doing something good for a
change."

"What is that supposed to mean? You do plenty good!"

"That Anya incident? And all the incidents before that? Not so good. Don't
often feel like I'm doing the female race any favors. And after what that
tosser did to you . . . I don't want to be that guy. Makes me think that
somewhere out there is someone like me with a Buffy of his own who feels
scared and alone."

"Am I your redemption now?" Buffy asked warily, though terribly moved
by his speech.

"I'm not doing this as a penance for my sins Buffy, if that's what you think."

Buffy squeezed his hand. "I know. Thank you, if I haven't said that
already."





It actually went by in a whirlwind of paperwork, meeting and greeting, peeing in a cup and changing into a hospital gown she'd have to get mighty used to for the next 9 months. Spike stayed by her side during her talk with the doctor and held her hand when the kind woman informed her that yes, she was indeed pregnant. And waited patiently with her as they calculated she was six weeks pregnant and that she was due February 21st. Buffy nodded numbly, trying to imagine that day and not being able to. That was until the cold jelly was rubbed on her stomach and something cold and metallic was pressed against her tummy. She winced at the chilliness, thinking she'd rather have them pushing on her stomach the way they had a minute ago than this. Then she heard it. Whoosh, whoosh. Her gaze jerked to the doctor.

"Your baby's heartbeat," the nurse informed her and smiled. Now Buffy knew this was going to be part of the procedure. She'd been told that upon meeting her doctor, but she'd been in a daze and she'd blanked on it. And now . . .

Her eyes welled up in tears. "That's my baby?"

The nurse nodded and smiled.

"She sounds so beautiful!" Buffy burst out, tears falling freely down her
cheeks. She looked up at Spike who was looking down at her in complete
awe. She noticed, though didn't call mention to, the tears in his own eyes.
"That's the most beautiful sound I ever heard in my life," Buffy gushed.

Spike nodded slowly and leant down, brushing a kiss across her forehead.
He knelt by her, never letting go of her hand. The nurse allowed them to
listen to the sound for a bit longer before shutting off the machine.

"It's so wonderful to see such happy parents," the nurse told them.

"Oh, he's not—" Buffy started.

"Thanks. So, what sorts of things should Buffy be doing and not doing?"

Buffy decided it best she roll with the punches. It was easier actually, that
way. She didn't have to worry about sympathetic looks or being judged for
being a single mom. It wasn't fair actually. She was doing something
commendable, something that some women in her position wouldn't do.
Sure, she still had some of the hang ups, but now that she was faced with it,
she was starting to let that go. She just wanted to be a good mom, and that
in the long run, was what all her fears boiled down to.

Setting up her next appointment, getting a prescription for prenatal
vitamins and having tons of reading material to sift through, Buffy allowed
Spike to escort her out of the hospital. When they were outside in the
brilliant sunshine, Buffy stopped Spike and hugged him. "Thank you."

"Stop thanking me. I want to do this. I have to."

"Have to?"

"How do you feel kitten? Hungry?"

Her stomach rumbling answered his question. She looked at him
sheepishly.

"Come on sweetheart, let's get something to eat."

"Oooh…. A hamburger!"

"No. You gotta start off right pet. Healthy portions of vegetables and
fruits."

"I need meat too, ya know! And if I got fries, that's a vegetable –"

"Buffy," he said sternly.

"Yes, sir. Dr. Spike, sir!" Buffy saluted.

"Let's go, brat."
Six by Brat
Chapter Six

Buffy watched Spike out of the corner of her eye as she took a big bite of the yummy and juicy hamburger. He'd argued the point of eating healthy when she'd gone and stunned him by actually growling that she'd eat a hamburger if she wanted a goddamn hamburger and if was going to argue with her on what to eat for the next nine months, then he was in for a world of pain.

Spike acquiesced immediately.

"How's that burger, pet?" Spike asked warily.

She closed her eyes as she swallowed. "I want one every day. "

Spike quirked an eyebrow and stole a fry. "And if Linda Blair plans on
making an appearance every day like that, I won't stop you."

Buffy laughed, then thoughts of the upcoming wedding struck her and she
groaned.

"What is it?" Spike asked. "Burger not agreein'?"

Buffy allowed her forehead to hit the edge of the table. "Wedding.
Harmony. Next weekend. Tell parents. Not fun. Painful."

"So, does B.C. Buffy want to explain that? Quite random there by the way
pet."

Buffy looked up at him and popped a fry in her mouth. "You remember
how I told you about my annoying cousin Harmony?"

"Attractive. Mind swallowing so I don't have to see the fry being sloshed
around in your mouth?"

To annoy him, Buffy opened her mouth wide to show him her food. He
watched her warily. "Juvenile, luv."

She shrugged and then swallowed before continuing. "Okay, Harmony. . .
wait, I do remember. Her mum died and her dad took off. Your parents
took her in."

"Yep. And she's been an annoying little leach ever since. Seems she's found
someone else to leach off of in the form of a husband. The wedding is next
weekend and Willow had this fantastic idea where I tell them then while
they're busy getting ready for the wedding and all that rot. Except . . . "

"Except?"

She scrunched up her nose and he grinned at her antics. "I'm scared."

"Well, from what I know of your rents their pretty hip people –"

"Did you just say ‘hip'?"

"Shut up. They live in the 21st century, they must know about single
mums in this day and age. You could always tell them that you could have
gotten rid of it, thus depriving them of a grandkid. That always gets them."

"Did you just say ‘thus'?"

"I did."

"Kudos." She placed her hand over her tummy and gave him a faux stern
face. "I can't believe you just mentioned ‘getting rid of it'. She might hear."

"He doesn't have ears yet."

"SHE understands."

"Whatever luv. Tell me more about this wedding."

"Nothing more to tell except that the whole fam is going to be there along
with my overprotective older brother –although I hear he's got a new
girlfriend so maybe that will even take some more heat off me."

She took a bit of her burger and chewed thoughtfully. "I could tell them
just before I leave. I could lean over during the ceremony and whisper it in
my mom's ear," she giggled at the thought.

"Or I could go with you and you tell them the baby is mine and we're
engaged."

Buffy looked at him and blinked. She sat motionless, staring at him as he
stared back. She saw he meant it, his eyes could never lie. And if he was
teasing, his left eye would be twitching.

"What?" she asked.

"You heard me."

"I don't know what to say."

"Kudos again to me," he grinned.

She chucked a fry at him and he caught it, popping it in his mouth.

"Are you being serious?" she asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes."

She continued to stare at him. His cheekbones were so sharp, they could
cut glass. She liked it.

"Gonna stare at me all day pet or you gonna answer me?"

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

He nodded. "Told you I'd be here every step of the way, pet. I keep my
word."

"Yeah, but being there every step of the way didn't exactly mean you to do
face my family."

"Buffy, can I come or not?" he was getting impatient with her now.

"But we're not getting married," she told him matter-of-factly.

He sighed. "Yes, but they don't have to know that. We can ‘break up' later.
Then I can be the asshole and you look like a scorned princess."

"I AM a scorned princess."

"At least you can be a scorned princess that was going to get married to
her baby's daddy. The scorned princess you'd be playing is the one that had
a one night stand."

"It would be the truth."

"Do you want the truth or do you want to make this as easy as possible for
yourself? Explaining away a fiancé is a lot easier than explaining away a guy
whose name you don't even know."

Buffy grimaced at the thought. He did have a very good point. The thing
was she was a horrible liar. She'd tried to lie once to her mother and broken
out in hives as a result.

"You won't break out in hives, Buffy. I'll be there, probably taking most of
the brunt of this."

"One would think," Buffy said dryly.

"What's it gonna be Summers? Yes or no? Will you be my fiancé for a
weekend?"

She took a deep breath, "Yes."

He grinned and reached out, taking her hand and gazing at it. "I think my
mum's ring would fit on your finger."

Buffy's jaw dropped. "No, Spike. I'm not taking your mom's ring."

He looked hurt by that. "Why not?"

"Because I'd be devastated if something happened to it! It's going to be a
circus there next weekend! You've got my fifteen year old bratty younger
sister , Dawn, who somehow manages to embezzle something of mine when I just visit for two days – like I'm not going to notice. Then there's Harmony the Gold Digger that still lives there and is into everything and anything that belongs to me—including boyfriends, mind you. Oh and let's not forget Angel, the often overprotective older brother whose probably going to have you strapped to a lie detector machine within minutes of us arriving a la Robert DeNiro in Meet the Parents."

"Wow."

"Yeah. Second thoughts?"

"Nope. I can't wait," and he smirked, raising his eyebrows.

"You're crazy.

"Then I'll fit in won't I?"

She smiled and shook her head, chuckling lightly. "What would I do
without you?"

"You'll never have to find out."

Neither seemed to notice that Spike still held onto Buffy's hand.
Seven by Brat
Chapter Seven


William Randall Giles, or Spike, thought himself a simple kind of man. Always had. From the apartment he barely decorated aside from the random poster of The Ramones or Sex Pistols, to the wardrobe he wore –basic black with maybe a smattering of color on a particularly daring day down to the women he dated. He went for . . . okay, so he went for easy. Not necessarily easy where they were a sure thing the first date, but they couldn't be too high maintenance either. Too much was involved in dating a high maintenance woman. It took, what was the word? Oh yes. Effort. And Spike just didn't want to put forth the effort. The only things he ever put that much effort into was his hair – keeping it platinum blond took a lot of work – his art work and Buffy. In fact, he could definitely say that Buffy was the one high maintenance woman in his life that he rather enjoyed having.

They'd met four years prior when she'd moved into his building –next door
to be exact. Playing punk rock at 3 a.m. hadn't impressed her. He tried to
explain to the bed raggled woman- her golden brown hair with blond
streaks, hanging in a mangled mess down to the tips of her breast, her tired green eyes glaring at him- that he'd had a creative burst and simply had a canvas to finish. She'd tried to diplomatically tell him that was fine, but could he please turn down the music. He told his muse needed it and that no one else seemed to mind. She'd stalked into her apartment, leaving Spike dumbfounded. Then she'd come back and thrust a CD walkman and headphones at him. Then she'd moved into his apartment, ejected his CD out of his high-tech entertainment center and placed it in the portable CD player. She was feisty, direct, funny, and cute and Spike knew there was no way in hell he could seduce this one. And, he hadn't wanted to. Shocking in itself right? He was of course attracted to her as a man would be, even when she chose to wear boxy suits that did nothing to show off her curves, or even when she burped loud enough to wake the dead or often chewed with her mouth open and didn't even think twice about clipping her toe nails in front of him. Buffy claimed she didn't have time to be a girly girl. No, Spike –who'd gathered his nickname when he visited the punk ‘underground' and dressed in black jeans (standard) and instead of the black T, donned a black tank with safety pins all over it and wore his hair spiked out with a spiked dog collar and his Docs – Spike had met a woman he hadn't wanted to bed. He met a woman he wanted to KNOW. The girls he'd dated –if you could call it that –before had been nameless and faceless to him. They'd gone in and out so fast, he never bothered to learn the details. But with Buffy. . . with Buffy he'd wanted to know everything. He wanted to know what she did when she was sad –watched Comedy Central or anything with Ben Stiller in it – he wanted to know what made her tick –anyone disagreeing with her –and what she hated more than anything –being told ‘No'. He also wanted to know her hairdresser so he could stop killing his scalp . . . She suggested Sweet n' Low, and then did it for him. She was formidable force in his life all right. He'd been devastated when she'd been promoted to editor –in-chief in her magazine and had found a bigger place a few blocks over.

He hated the day she had witnessed the outburst of Anya. His first clue that something was changing with him was when he'd started hiding his ‘girlfriends' from Buffy. He separated Buffy from all that. He felt ashamed if she saw him with a new girl. Felt . . . dirty. He didn't even engage in the post mortem as he used to when he'd break up with them and she'd question what was wrong with ‘that one'.

The second clue was when he'd be on a date and start to wonder what Buffy was doing, and if he'd ended the date earlier enough would they be able to hang out. He'd even forgone sure sex for the chance to catch Buffy before she headed off to La La land. He'd come to find it was her voice he wanted to hear just before bed. That thought in itself had thrown his simple world off kilter. It was starting to become less simple and more complicated. All because of Buffy Anne Summers.

The third clue was when he'd actually tried to give a woman a real shot – Anya –actually tried to get to know her even post coital. He found the fact that she never shut up not as endearing as when Buffy started on a rampage about something. He kept trucking, kept thinking that maybe he could have a relationship. A real relationship like the ones Buffy talked about. Like the ones he'd never tried.

It blew up in his face.

What he was looking for was Buffy and no one was going to be Buffy. Only Buffy could be Buffy. Thank God. Anya wanted all of him and it was too much too fast. The only woman he'd ever given his all to was, you guessed it, Buffy. The dawning was swift and knocked him for a loop. He'd fallen for his best friend. For the first time in his life William Randall Giles was in love and the guy who had an answer for everything –Buffy's words, usually with an eyeroll – didn't have a clue what to do. It was unthinkable really. He was a master of women everywhere, and when it came to one tiny woman, he was lost.

Anya knew, which was why she flipped when he ended it. She'd told him all he ever did was talk about Buffy, compare her to Buffy, accused him of trying to change her into Buffy. He'd coldly told her that "NO one could EVER be Buffy." He'd hated Buffy seeing that spectacle. Wanted to shield her from it. He hated the idea that she might think less of him. Truth was; he thought less of himself for his actions. He couldn't live with the idea that Buffy could do the same. She was pure, innocent and naïve in so many ways. She didn't know the ways of men until he'd come along and he was afraid that his past actions had turned her bitter. She still believed in the fairy tale romance though. Still wanted it though she hid it well behind her cynicism and her work. He knew despite what she said that she believed in soul mates, destiny and fate. Her belief in that had led her to getting pregnant after all. Talk about a wrench into his simple life. That had unraveled it completely.

He wanted nothing more than to find the asshole that left her like that and knock some sense into him. He obviously didn't know a precious gift when he saw it. His girl was alone and scared and it was because of some jerk that had gone after Buffy with the simple plan to get her in bed. It sickened him to think of because he was that guy.

She never knew that she'd changed his entire life when she'd entered it. She didn't that he'd gone and fallen for her so hard and that it was because of her that he'd actually tried with Anya. Tried because he knew Buffy deserved a hell of a lot better than the likes of him. She also didn't know that she'd turned him upside down and inside out when she'd announced she was pregnant. He was through trying with other women. He was through, period. He knew he probably didn't have a chance with someone as wonderfully sweet as Buffy, and he knew he would probably never love another, but he wasn't going to fool himself into trying. He was changing over a new leaf and that meant if he couldn't tell Buffy he loved her, then he'd show her. He was going to stay by her side and be there for her – and her baby. He could hope that maybe one day he'd be worthy of her and that one day maybe she'd see him as more, but until then, chastity was his middle name and Buffy was his devotion.

"Does it fit?" he asked her, his gut in his throat as she tried on his mother's ring.

She nodded, looking at it almost wistfully.

"You'll wear one of your own one day, pet," he promised.

She tried at indifference by shrugging. "Doesn't matter. All that crap. . . who needs it? You've got the right idea Spike."

Oh no. He quirked an eyebrow. "What idea is that?"

"Not getting involved. What's the point? Someone always ends up hurt in
the long run. And, it's usually always me."

Spike sat down next to her on his bed, the navy blue walls and the one
small lamp giving the room a soft glow. He took her ringed hand in his and
toyed with it on her delicate fingers. "'S not true."

"Yes, it is. I don't break hearts, I get mine broken instead. I'm the lover,
not the beloved."

He met her eyes, saw the sadness there. "What do you mean?"

"Something I learned in my high school English class. We were reading this
novella, I can't remember the name and our teacher taught us about the
lovers and the beloved's. See, a lover is someone who loves, obviously, and
dotes and adores on the one they love, which is the beloved. The beloved
doesn't love the lover quite so much. If, at all in some cases. The beloved is
the one that's loved, the lover is the one that loves. I'm the lover, never the
beloved." She looked down at their hands where Spike was still playing with
the ring on her finger.

"I'm willing to bet you've been the beloved pet," he murmured, trying to
keep the sadness out of his voice.

Too quick she yanked her hand out of his and stood, taking the ring off and
handing it to him. He tried not to feel as if she knew the truth behind his
words and was rejecting him.

"I'm going to try to tell my rents before we go that we're uh, engaged." She
told him, walking out of his room.

He bit his lip and followed her. "Oh?"

"Yeah, let that soak in before breaking the rest to them."

"Think it'll be okay?" He asked as she poured herself some juice –which
he'd bought on their way to his place that day. For her.

She let out a nervous laugh. "Probably not. I'll be accused of keeping things
from them as usual."

"Do you care right now?"

"Not in the slightest," she said softly, sadly.

"Buffy, I hate seeing you so upset," he told her, taking her cup and setting
it down so he could wrap her in his arms.

She looked up at him, smiling slightly. "Did you know that you're my hero?"

He grinned down at her. He loved their little ‘things' they had. He pushed
some hair away from her face. "You are the wind beneath my wings."
Eight by Brat
Chapter Eight

Buffy perched on her couch and, taking a deep breath, dialed her mother. She had to set aside an hour just to do this. She was giving it an hour and no more than that. There would not be enough time for guilt trips and recriminations. She was going to tell he mother straight-forward and to the point that she was bringing William – his altar ego Spike would come later, she just didn't want to have to explain that one – and that he was her fiancé. Then she would get off quickly and maybe talk to her again once more before she left for home. It was her plan, dammit, and she was sticking to it.

Yeah, right.

"Hello?"

"Hi Dawn, it's Buffy. How are—"

"MOM!!! Buffy's on the phone!" Dawn, her little sister screamed. Buffy
held the phone away from her ear, her eardrums ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hold on a second mom. Going to change ears since my ear drum is now
shot to hell," Buffy muttered.

"Such language Buffy," her mother said disapprovingly.

"What? I said ‘hell'."

"It's not a nice word."

"It's not a swear mom. It's a place. So I hear anyway." And I'm in it right
now, Buffy thought.

"So you hear? Haven't been going to church have you?"

Buffy sighed, "No, I haven't. Guess I'm going to hell huh?"

"Jesus Christ Buffy you don't need to swear," her mother reprimanded.

Buffy couldn't help it, she had to laugh. "Okay mom."

"So, what do I owe the honor of your highnesses call?"

"Mom, don't start," Buffy said on a sigh.

"Your father worries about you. He's been having indigestion bad."

"Because he's worried about me?"

"I think he's been sneaking Taco Bell on the way home, but would it kill
you to call and check on him once in while?"

"What am I, his antacid?" Seriously, what was it about her mother—the
whole family bit—that turned her into such a sniveling brat in ten seconds
flat?

"So, tell me, to what do I owe this honor?"

"I'm calling to tell you that I'm bringing a guest to the wedding."

"You are? Honey, I'm so glad. Is it Willow?"

"No—"

"Because I have been rooting for you two to get together!"

"What?" Buffy asked her jaw dropping to the ground. She couldn't even
make sense of that comment.

"Honey, it's okay. I've known you've been gay for a while."

"Mom! I'm not gay! What made you—how could you possibly—what the
HELL are you thinking?"

"Well, you live with her, you never talk about any men, you're always so
busy and let's face it Buffy, you've never exactly been lady like and you
have such a quick wit, I just naturally assumed . . . it's nothing to be
ashamed of Buffy!"

"No, you're right its not, except, I'm not gay. I'm very hetero AND funny,
AND smart and I am so a lady!"

"Okay, dear. There's no reason to shout."

Way to make me feel even better about being single, mom, Buffy thought.
Then grinned devilishly. Oh, this was going to be fun.

"Well, as a matter of fact mother, I'm bringing my fiancé. His name's Spike.
I was hoping you might have room for us together so we can go at it like
bunnies. Oh, hey, I have to go, I'm hosting tonight's Satanic cult meeting.
See you Friday night!" And with that she hung up, her mother sputtering
on the other end. Buffy laughed out loud and then picked up the phone to
tell Spike all about it.



"So how many times has she called?" Spike asked as he lined up his shot
and struck the pool stick against the white ball, effectively knocking the red
striped ball into the intended hole.

Buffy laughed, "I counted at least three times in five minutes. I kept letting
the machine get it. She couldn't even get words out when it picked up. She
did however manage to tell me that my father was probably going to have a
heart attack when she told him." She sat perched on the high chair against
the wall, sipping a water. She took a quick sweep of the smoke free and not
at all shady bar slash restaurant slash pool hall. Spike had suggested they
go out for a bit before calling it a night and Buffy had readily agreed. Willow
had been out on a date and after the conversation with her mother—no
matter how fun the end of it was—had left Buffy feeling even more lonely
and bitter about being single.

"Are you going to talk to her before Friday? I'm afraid of what might
happen when we get there."

"What? You afraid of a few mine fields?" Buffy waved him off. "I'll protect
you."

Spike grinned as he leaned down to take his next shot. He met her eyes.
"Of that I have no doubt."

Buffy grinned back and watched Spike make the shot. "You know," she
stared thoughtfully, "You're really good at that. Maybe you could be a pool
shark and I could be your manager."

Spike laughed, "I don't think so, kitten."

"Come on; baby needs a new pair of shoes!"

"Baby could probably fit IN a shoe right about now."

"I'm gonna tell her how mean her Daddy is when she arrives," Buffy
pouted.

Spike missed the shot, shock at her words causing him to lose
concentration. Buffy's eyes widened a second after and their eyes met.

"What did you just say?" Spike demanded.

"I don't know why I said that. Honestly! I think with all the pretending and
my mother and –it just slipped out. I'm sorry."

He tipped his head to the side. "Why are you sorry?"

"I . . . don't . . . . know?"

He was staring at her so intently that Buffy started to fidget. What had
possessed her to say that? It had seriously just flown out of her mouth. She
really needed to start thinking before speaking.

"Hey, would you care to give little ol' me a lesson?"

Spike had been so busy staring at Buffy, and Buffy had been so busy trying
to come up with a way to get out of the uncomfortable state she was in, that
neither noticed the emaciated looking brunette coyly looking up at Spike
and twisting her bubble gum around her finger from her mouth. Buffy
rolled her eyes.

Spike blinked, dazed and Buffy wanted to smack him. Was he actually
falling for the act? And God, could she be any skinnier? If she ate a pea,
she'd look pregnant. And the skirt was much too short and her arms looked
like pipe cleaners. Buffy held out an arm and then a leg, studying them.

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline. I'm teaching only one tonight and that's
her," Spike said graciously, pointing to Buffy.

The woman shrugged and walked off.

Buffy looked up, startled at Spike's brush off of the woman. She stared in
disbelief at him. "You all right?" she asked him.

"Yeah, why?"

"You just said no to that girl. That girl that was coming on to you. You said
no to the girl coming on to you. Who are you and what have you done to my
Spike?"

Spike grinned, "your Spike huh?"

Buffy looked away, feeling self conscious all of a sudden for that remark as
well. "Well, yeah. So, what was that?"

"Just not interested," he replied as if it were the most natural thing in the
world.

"Anya leave you bitter?"

"Not exactly. Just left me. . . thoughtful."

"Thoughtful huh? So what, you're going to wait a week until you find your
next conquest?"

"Maybe even longer. Can we not talk about this right now?"

Buffy was stunned by that and a bit hurt. Since when did Spike not share
with her? Maybe he was more upset about breaking up with Anya than he
thought he would be. Maybe he was having second thoughts. She couldn't
help but think that Anya wasn't what Spike needed anyway. He needed
someone who really knew him, understood him, someone who challenged
him and made him laugh. Someone who didn't allow him to take himself too
seriously. Who could that be?
Nine by Brat
Thank you guys so much for the reviews!! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Chapter Nine

"Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep, Papa don't Preach, I've been losing sleep . . . And I made up my mi-ind, I'm keeping my baby!" Buffy belted out in time with Madonna on the radio.

Spike looked over at her and couldn't help but grin at her antics. She smiled cheekily at him and continued to sing. He had to hand it to her; she certainly knew how to amuse herself. And him.

Once the song was over, Spike turned the radio down. "So tell me, pet. How did it go with your mom this time around?" He figured since they were on their way to her parents now, he might as well get the scoop. Buffy being stubborn, waited as long as she could, timing it so they'd have just under an hour in which to meet before they all turned into pumpkins. Apparently her parents were the early to bed kind.

Buffy shrugged. "Fine, I guess. I of course had to explain the Satanic cult
thing."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I instead told her that I wasn't an actual member. I told her I volunteered to help out with their
fundraiser."

Spike burst out laughing and Buffy started to laugh along with him. "I couldn't help it! I love ruffling her feathers. Of course then my father got on and told me to stop harassing my mother because she'd been upset all week and blah, blah, blah."

"I think you might be as crazy as the rest of them pet. Maybe crazier."

She put a hand over her heart and looked at him in mock hurt. "Perish the thought."

"And me? What did you tell them about me?"

"Well, she mainly wanted to know what you did, what your income was –
all that superficial crap I could care less about."

"Good to know."

"What's good to know?"

"That my finances didn't hinder your decision to marry me."

"Well you do make good money when you have a show and you are quite
successful in certain circles. But all that stuff is unimportant to me. As long
as you're happy doing what you do, then that's all that matters."

"I am happy. So it doesn't bother you that at certain times you're more of
the bread winner than I am?"

"Not if it doesn't bother you. It's not like you don't help out. You make me
dinner. You pack my lunch."

"I pack your lunch now?"

She nodded, "And you do the laundry."

"I'm a prince among men aren't I? Do I take care of other needs as well?"
he asked huskily, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Her response was laughter which he tried hard not to let bother him.
Course, what did he expect her to do? Dive across the seat and show him
just how well he could take care of her needs? The idea had him shifting in
his seat as his penis started to twitch. Her next move however, did nothing
to help his state. She did practically dive across the seat after unbuckling
her seat belt and pressed up against him, gliding a hand across his chest
and down to his hip. "You take care of ALL my needs baby," she purred.
Then she flipped back into her own seat quicker than he could blink and
giggled. "That'd be convincing huh?" she wondered as she buckled up.

Spike could just nod, speech being difficult at that moment. He gripped the
steering wheel tightly, fighting the urge to pull the car over and take care of
BOTH their needs.

"I didn't just freak you out did I?" she asked, studying him.

"Nope. Figure we're gonna have to touch to be convincing, don't you
think?"

She nodded slowly and started to fidget. She only fidgeted when she was
nervous. Was she nervous about touching him? Did she find it repulsive?

"Spike," she started, trepidation in her voice.

"Yeah?"

"I guess I didn't really realize how weird this could get so I just want to get
it out in the open now that if it does get weird then it won't ruin anything—not that it would because I know you don't feel that way towards me and I don't – I mean we are going to have to make it look good but I just don't –"

"The fact that you're a writer and can't make a coherent sentence astounds
and concerns me."

She gave him a look. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

"Yes kitten. That we're acting and the fact that you have to put your hands
on my hot body has nothing to do with the fact that you secretly yearn for
me—"

Buffy hitting him playfully on the arm, stopped him from continuing. She
sat back, turning up the radio a bit and yawned loudly.

"Tired luv?"

"Actually I am. It just hit me like a truck."

"Why don't you get some rest? The directions you gave me were pretty
cut and dry and I'm not directionally challenged like you are."

"Hey! I am not directionally challenged."

"Buffy, you couldn't find your way out of a paper bag with both ends open."

She glared at him and huffed.

He smiled and reached over, placing his hand on the back of her neck and
starting to rub. She was jelly a second later.

"That feels nice," she moaned.

He shifted again his seat. Maybe that was a mistake. Lustful thoughts were
beginning to resurface with that simple moan.

"Rest Buffy. Why don't you cover up with my duster?"

"Ohkay . . . "and she reached behind her on the seat of the DeSoto and got
comfortable, wrapping it around her and burrowing under it, her head
tilted towards him. "Wake me," she yawned.

"I will."

"Wuv you."

"Love you too, kitten," he murmured knowing she had no idea how much
he really meant those words.



Buffy woke with a jolt, popping her eyes open and finding Spike's cerulean
ones gazing at her tenderly. "Hi sweetheart."

"We here?" she asked, letting out a loud yawn.

"Yeah, baby, we're here. In the driveway to be exact."

Her tired mind could not even begin to comprehend the extreme husky
gentleness in his voice or the even more endearing ‘sweetheart' and ‘ baby'
coming from his lips. She was used to ‘luv', ‘kitten' and ‘pet'. ‘Baby' and
‘sweetheart' were new. She tossed it aside and nodded at him. "Okay."

Climbing out of the car, she stretched her arms above her head and
glanced toward the house. The lights were on in front parlor.

"I'll just grab our stuff, all right?" Spike was saying, the trunk open and
blocking him from view.

"Okay. Let me help you," she came around to him and he shooed her
hands away. "What?"

"Buffy, I've got it."

"Spike, I didn't pack rocks, I can carry a suitcase."

"BUFFY!!" A big booming voice startled her out of her soon to be
argument with Spike and she flipped around as a large and dark figure
came running at her. Angel, her brother.

"Buttmunch!" she squealed hurtling herself in her big brothers strong
arms.

"Asswipe! How you doing?" he laughed and hugged her.The brunette with the chocolate brown eyes loomed over her, but she supposed that was how he was able to intimidate so many of her boyfriends.

She giggled. "Good," and she looked up at him, beaming.

Looking over her shoulder he nodded towards Spike. "How bout we get a
look at the fiancé. That I knew nothing about. That I didn't even know you
were dating. I'll try not to be hurt and make you feel guilty," he told her,
grinning.

"So far? Doing great, thanks," Buffy said dryly and disengaged from

Angel's arms. She poked him in the chest with her finger. Hard. So he knew
she meant business. "Do not scare him. Capice?"

"Buffy—"

"I mean it Buttmunch."

Angel ignored her and walked around her, holding out his hand toward
Spike who was standing there in extreme fascination at their exchange and
the amused twinkle in his eye calmed Buffy. Spike met Angel halfway and
the two shook hands.

"William Giles. You must be . . . Buttmunch?"

Angel chuckled, "Angel. Brother in case you missed it."

"I'm the fiancé. Nice to meet you Angel."

"Same here. So, how long have you been dating my sister?"

"Angel! I'm putting my foot down. No twenty questions in the driveway!
You can ask all you want tomorrow, but right now I just want to get past
mom and dad and the rest of the circus and then go to bed."

Angel held up his hands in surrender. "All right, all right, all right. I'm sure
William wouldn't mind sharing a beer with me before heading off though—"

"Yes, he does mind. I keep a short leash, back off," Buffy told him
warningly.

"Like mother like daughter huh?" Angel teased, grining.

Buffy glared at him. "Unlike dad's leash, Spike's does go beyond the
driveway."

"Ouch," Angel muttered. "Well, if you plan on going to bed anytime soon,
you best get in there now. Mom's been chomping at the bit. I'll get the
luggage. You guys go ahead."

"Thanks Angel." She held out her hand to Spike and he took it, gazing
down at her with a soft smile. "Ready honey?" she asked sweetly.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"I apologize in advance and hope you know how much I tha—love you."

Spike leaned, pressed a kiss to her forehead and squeezed her hand. "I
love you too."
Ten by Brat
Chapter Ten

Entering the three story gray colonial, Buffy met with silence as soon as she walked in the house. The stairs greeted her, being adjacent to the door as they were. Her shoes clicked against the wood floors and she wondered how long it would take her mother to yell at her to take them off.

"Take off your shoes!"

Not long at all.

She kicked them off immediately, squelching the urge to keep them on just
to piss her off. She looked over at Spike who was fumbling with his own
shoes and smiled.

"Spike, you really don't have to."

"Yes. I do. Not gonna start off on the wrong foot with your mother no
matter how determined you are to," he muttered as he undid the laces and
kicked them off.

She stuck her tongue out at him even if he couldn't see her.

"I saw that," he said, untying the other shoe.

"Saw what?"

"You sticking your tongue out at me. I've got eyes in the back of my head
remember?"

Angel, hearing the tail end of their conversation as he came in, chuckled at
Spike's comment as he made his way up the stairs with their suitcases.

Kicking off his shoe, Spike stood erect and looked at her. "Ready?"

She nodded and he grabbed her hand. Funny how that was already
becoming a habit.

Walking into the cozy, tan toned living room the whistle heard in cowboys
movies during a showdown played out in her head. She felt like spitting out
the side of her mouth for good measure.

"Mom."

"Buffy."

"Dad."

"Oh for Christ's Sakes, would you two just knock it off," Hank, her father,
stood from his place in the huge cream colored EZ Boy and shook his head
at her mother. He came over to Buffy, pushing his shaggy sandy blond hair
out of his face and smiled. "Hi Pumpkin," he greeted her, kissing her cheek.

"Hi Daddy."

"How was the ride over?"

"Good," she smiled up at him. "Daddy, this is William."

"I thought it was Spike?" Hank raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes curious.

"Nickname, sir," Spike cut in. He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you
sir."

Sir?

"Nice to meet you too," Hank said taking his hand and giving it a firm
shake.

"We'd like to be able to say we've heard so much about you, but we can't,
now can we Buffy?" her mother finally spoke up from across the room in
her spot on the couch.

Buffy refrained from rolling her eyes.

"Don't let her get to you," Hank whispered before walking past them and
heading to the kitchen.

Buffy giggled and faced her mother and the stern look on her face. Her
mother sat poised, legs crossed and a glass of red wine held on her bent

knee.
"Mom, this is William. William this is –" The Psycho! "My mother."

Spike let go of her hand and immediately went to her mother who
appeared stunned by his move. She uncrossed her legs and put her glass
down, taking the hand Spike offered. He surprised the both of them by
kissing the back of her hand. She swore her mother blushed to the roots of
her honey brown wavy hair, her hazel eyes alight with delight.

"Mo-om! Look what Harmony did for me!" Dawn, Buffy's little sister, came
tearing down the stairs her dark brown hair whipping behind her and
stopped short when she saw Buffy and Spike. Harmony came down behind
her giggling. She too stopped when she company. She gave Buffy a
distasteful look before settling her eyes on Spike. Buffy watched in
fascination as a broad smile blossomed slowly on Harmony's blood red lips.
She flipped her perfectly straightened hair over her shoulder and stuck out
her enormous chest, standing taller than before. Her blue eyes spoke of
lust.

Buffy felt outrage. Outrage because Spike was supposed to be her fiancé
and the woman had the audacity to ogle him as if he were a piece of meat.
And, she was the one getting married the next day! She wanted to warn
her future husband that his bride to be was a barracuda. She also had the
urge to stalk over to Spike and wrap herself around him to drive the point
home that Spike was HERS. The implications behind that urge shook Buffy
a bit and she instead directed her attention to Dawn.

"Hey Dawnie—" she stopped. "You DID steal my pink t shirt!"

Dawn looked like a deer caught in the headlights for a minute before
shrugging and looking toward Joyce.

"Mom, like my makeup? Can I wear it like this for the wedding?"

Buffy took stock of the make up job. Surely her mother would say no to
that. What in the hell was she thinking? She looked like Bozo the Clown. Or
a streetwalker. Well, Harmony DID do the make up job so that made
sense . . .

"Looks lovely honey. Maybe we'll fiddle around a bit more before we
decide for the wedding all right?"

"What time do we need to be up tomorrow?" Buffy asked, wanting the
details so she could plan to get out of there as soon as humanely possible
and figure out a good time to tell them she was pregnant. If she decided to
go through with it. Now that she was here, she just wasn't sure anymore.

Angel chose that moment to waltz into the room. "You haven't told her
yet?" he asked Joyce.

Buffy looked up at him. "Told me what?"

Spike came over to her then and stood beside her.

"The wedding is on Sunday pumpkin, not tomorrow," Hank told her
coming back in the room with a cup of coffee.

Buffy's jaw dropped. "WHAT!?"

"It was the only way to get you here for a weekend," Joyce said
indignantly. "It wouldn't kill you to spend some time with your family, you
know."

"Under false pretenses. That's great mom, thanks. What was this? A huge
family conspiracy?"

"Pretty much. Cool huh?" Dawn laughed.

"What, did you have a special invitation made just for me?"

"Amazing what Copyland can do," Harmony smirked.

"This is unbelievable," Buffy muttered. "Can I ask if we're staying in my
old room or has that been changed to?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Joyce bristled.

"So what's on the agenda tomorrow?" Spike broke in, smiling.

Buffy wanted to hit him for actually sounding eager.

Joyce smiled and stood. "Well, tomorrow morning I'm taking Buffy
shopping for a dress."

"Mom, I have a dress."

She continued, ignoring her, "And Hank and Angel are picking up their
tuxes. Would you like to join them William?"

"Sounds good. Maybe I can spruce up my suit a bit."

Spruce up his suit? Buffy gave him a funny look and he grinned.

"Why don't you get some sleep, honey. You look a little worn," Hank
suggested.

"Thanks Dad, I think I will."

"Allow me to show you to your room," Harmony cut in and took Spike's
arm, batting her long lashes at him.

"Harmony, I used to live here. I think I know where my room is."

"Spike doesn't," Harmony retorted, her smile faltering.

"Good thing I'm with him then, huh?" Buffy said patronizingly and took
Spike's other arm and pulled.

Harmony took the hint and let him go, glaring at Buffy.

"Can't wait to meet the future intended," Buffy called over her shoulder.

"Good night everyone!" Spike called out and allowed Buffy to drag him up
the stairs.



A/N: thank you guys for the reviews! I"m glad you're finding it funny b/c I crack myself up writing it lol.
Eleven by Brat
I cannot even express how thankful I am for the feedback on this story...You guys ROCK!! :)

Chapter Eleven

Flicking on the lights to her old room, she pulled Spike inside and shut the door. She looked around, surprised that it had pretty much stayed the same. Her king sized bed in the center of the room with a baby blue duvet, matching walls and gauzy yellow curtains on either side of the bed hanging down to the floor. Her desk off to the left against the wall with a shelf full of assorted trophies. To the right were a vanity and a dresser next to the doorway. Her bathroom connected just next to the vanity. Spike took immediate interest in her trophies.

"First place in Second Grade bowling," he chuckled. "How cute is that?"

"Not that cute. I dropped a bowling ball on my opponent's foot so I'd win."

Spike looked over at her. "Cut throat."

"I never grasped the concept of ‘it's just a game.'"

Spike chuckled. "You don't say?" And then he went back to checking out
the shelf. "You won a lot of journalism awards in high school."

"And college. Those are with me at my apartment."

"Always knew you were a smart bird."

"Why do you date floozies?"

The question startled both of them. Buffy shook her head to clear the
thought. Something was nagging at her aside from her family lying to her
about the day of the wedding. Aside from Dawn stealing her shirt and her
mother giving her the cold shoulder. Okay, so maybe she shouldn't have
said some of the things she had said throughout the week. . . So then what
was it? What had inspired such a question to rush from her lips?

"Hello! Are you sleeping yet?" Harmony. That could be what set her teeth
on edge. Could be. She wasn't sure yet though.

Flinging the door open she glared at Harmony. "We've been up here for less
than five minutes Harmony. Unless we suffer from narcolepsy, I highly
doubt we'd be sleeping right about now."

Harmony's face took on a ‘stinky cheese face' as her face scrunched up into
a look of disgust. "Eeeewwww Buffy. What does sleeping with dead people
have to do with anything?"

Buffy thought she heard Spike muffle a laugh.

"That's necrophilia, Harmony, not narcolepsy."

Harmony burst into a fit of giggles. "Oh, I always get those confused!"

"I can't. I just can't—" and Buffy shut the door on Harmony's face.

Spike was laying on the bed, on his back, in hysterics, tears streaming down
his face. Buffy smiled wryly.

"Can you believe she's the one that my parents prefer?" Buffy asked
rhetorically, pointing to the shut door.

"I can't imagine anyone preferring her over you, Buffy."

She opened her mouth to say something about his dating twits just like her
and then snapped her mouth shut. Why bring that up? What was she
thinking about it? Because she didn't like the predatory look in Harmony's
eye—especially considering she was the one getting married in two days. It
boggled the mind.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Spike asked, now standing in front
of her. She blinked at him, apparently having missed the transition from
the bed to standing in front of her.

"I want to show you something," she blurted out and grabbed his hand.
Dragging him to the door, she opened it and poked her head out. She
strained to see if she could hear anyone close by and silence greeted her.
Quietly, she led Spike out of their room and drug him down the hall to the
attic door. Reaching up, she grabbed the key for the door from the top of
the sill and unlocked it. First thing, she flicked the light on to the attic and
the stairs lit up as well. She turned to see Spike watching her curiously. She
grinned at him and continued leading him up the stairs. At the top the site
that greeted them was a basic attic complete with opened boxes and junk
spilling out of it. A rocking horse sat in the corner all dust and cobwebs.
Buffy smiled fondly at it; that had been her favorite toy. Unconsciously, she
placed her hand over her belly as she stared at the toy.

"What do you think we clean that up for the babe, pet?" Spike whispered
in her ear, causing a shiver to run through her.

She nodded. "I used to go on that all the time."

"I can see you as a little jockey. Did you whip it when it wouldn't go
faster?"

Buffy giggled. "No, but I remember praying and begging for it to turn real
so I could just ride and ride and ride."

"I love hearing stories about your childhood. Makes me feel like I'm getting
a closer window into your world."

Buffy regarded him thoughtfully. It was a touching thing to say. "Well. Let
me show you even more of my childhood. Or rather, teenage hood."
Dragging him to a nearby window, she opened it with ease and started to
climb out of it. Spike grabbed her hips and brought her back.

"What the bleeding hell are you doing?" he demanded, his face taking on
one of panic.

"Spike relax. I'm climbing out onto the roof. It's level enough here at the
top that you can sit on it. I used to come up here all the time to get away.
It's nice up here."

Spike let out a sigh of relief. He pointed at her. "Sometimes you bloody well
scare me Summers."

She grinned, "I like to keep you on your toes," and she started climbing
out.

"That you do, kitten, that you do," he muttered as he followed close
behind.

Crawling up a ways, Buffy spun and laid on her back with a heavy, relaxing
sigh. She stacked her hands behind her head and watched Spike crawl up
beside her and take in the view. He let out a low whistle.

"I can see why you like it," he told her appreciatively. "Makes you feel
away from the world."

"Yup."

"Came up here a lot you say?"

"Yep. I used to come up here and write."

"Journalism pieces?"

"No. Poetry."

"You wrote poetry?"

"Still do."

His eyes widened as he gazed down at her. "I never knew that!"

There was a twinkle in her eye. "I never shared the information. Gotta
have some secrets. Even from you."

He poked her thigh. "I want to read some."

She looked back up at the sky blanketed with stars. "Maybe."

"You ever write about me?"

She laughed lightly. "I think Willow's wrong. You don't have a big ego at
all."

Spike chuckled and lay on his back next to her. Silence fell as they gazed up
at the stars.

"So, we're sharing a room," Spike said after a while.

Buffy turned her head to find him staring at her intently. "Is it odd that I
didn't even think of it until now?"

"You did tell your mother to make sure we had the same room so we could
go at it like bunnies," Spike reminded her.

Buffy groaned and sat up. "Please don't remind me. It's one of the many
things I'll be paying for and hearing about this weekend." Then she let out a
big yawn, her limbs starting to feel heavy.

"I think it's time you got some sleep."

"I think you're right."

"Am I sleeping on the floor?"

Buffy shook her head. "No. If anyone helps themselves to coming into my
room and see you on the floor that'll open a can of worms."

"Then--?"

"Guess we're sharing a bed."

Was it her or did Spike look nervous. Odd but she'd never seen that look
before on him.

"You don't seem concerned by it," he observed.

"I think I'm officially too tired to care. We're adults and best friends. I've
fallen asleep ON you before and drooled. I'm thinking this will be fine."

Spike smiled sardonically. "You say the nicest things."

"I know. It's part of my charm."



Spike lay on his back, one arm under his head. He wore boxers and no
shirt. He looked the perfect picture of calm but inside his heart was racing
and he felt so nervous he thought he was going to lose his dinner. He was
sharing a bed with Buffy. That was the only thought running through his
mind. And what was more? She didn't seem to mind. But she also didn't feel
what he felt. She'd once told him that she considered him sexless. He'd been tempted to show her just how ‘sexed' he was. But she'd explained to him how it was a good thing; how she felt so close to him that she didn't consider him to be a typical guy. It meant she trusted him immensely. He hoped sharing a bed didn't make her lose that trust if she should ever discover the erection he'd be sporting the size of Gibraltar. It'd give new meaning to the term ‘solid as a rock'.

She opened the door to the bathroom, and she looked aglow. It could have
been the light from the bathroom illuminating her from behind, as well as
the soft pink tank and matching flowered shorts, but when beholding your
beloved, didn't they always seem to glow? Didn't she own any moo- moos or
robes that covered her from head to toe? Oh yeah. It was the dead of
summer. And suddenly it felt a hundred degrees hotter. As if reading his
mind, Buffy flicked off the bathroom light and flicked on the air conditioner
in the window on low.

He watched her as she tried to make some order out of her suitcase. Her
face freshly scrubbed, her nose shiny –which she took great pains to cover
during the day—and her mascara a thin line under her eyes as if it hadn't all
been washed away.

He'd never seen her more beautiful.

"What are you smiling about?" she asked him, looking down at him.

He thought fast. "You dropping a bowling ball on an innocent girls foot to
win a second grade gym bowling competition."

"Innocent? Bitch had it coming," and she laughed at her own joke. Spike
laughed along with her. God, he'd never laughed like he did when he was
around her. She crawled into bed as if it were the most natural thing in the
world and flicked off the light.

"Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"When are you going to stop thanking me?"

"Probably never."

"When are you going to tell them?"

"Probably never."

"They might catch on when you start bringing a kid around."

"I could tell them I'm babysitting."

"And when he calls you mommy?"

"I could teach HER to call me Buffy."

"Practical."

"I'm sayin'."

"Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for giving me a family for a weekend."

"You can have them. Except for my Dad and Angel."

"So I get Harmony, Dawn and your mother?"

"Nope. Just Dawn and my mother."

"Why not Harmony?"

She rolled to her side away from him. "Good night Spike."

Apparently conversation was over. "Good night Buffy."







12 by Brat
Chapter Twelve

Spike had awoken to women in his bed before. It didn't happen often, but he had spent an entire night here and there with a woman. He never much liked the morning after though. For the obvious reason that it meant some sort of commitment to a woman, and if he was honest, it meant a level of commitment to him. Going to bed with someone is easy; waking up with them is not. They don't call it ‘The harsh light of day' for nothing. However, when Spike woke that morning to Buffy curled up beside him, her body forming a question mark, one hand tucked under her head and the other curled in a light fist on his chest, Spike knew he wanted more mornings just like this one.

He wanted it for the rest of his life. And what was the most amazing thing
about it? There was no sex involved; and there didn't have to be. Sure he
was sporting morning wood and it was increasingly becoming stronger as
his heart warmed with the idea that she had tentatively reached out to him.
Yet it wasn't sex he was seeking and that was a feat within itself. It was a
feat he was sure that only Buffy could inspire.

The way she curled so close and yet not against him it was almost as if she
were asking his permission. Slowly so as not to wake her, he scooted closer,
careful not to jar the hand resting on his bare chest. He gazed at her, feeling
a crink start in his neck, but he didn't care. He started to reach out to push
some hair away from her face when a loud knock sounded on the door
startling him and then her. Buffy's eyes snapped open and their eyes met.

She sat up. "What?" she barked.

"Mom's making breakfast. She told me to wake the lovebirds," Dawn said
through the door, sounding put out.

Buffy rolled her eyes and plopped back on the bed. Grabbing the blankets
she pulled them over her head.

Spike flipped the blankets over his head and moved in closer to her. She
reared back a bit, looking confused, as if she'd just realized he was there.
"Hi, kitten."

She stared at him blankly. He'd forgotten how much of a morning person
she was not. She still looked tired and he wished they didn't have to get up.
He would have been perfectly content to hold her in his arms and brush her
hair with his fingers as she drifted back to sleep.

"I don't want to get up," she quietly whined, jutting out her bottom lip.

"I know baby," he coaxed her soothingly. "Are you feeling okay?"

She furrowed her brows.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Too early to talk."

Spike sighed and flung the covers off them. She glared at him. He grinned
down at her and climbed out of bed. "Tell you what, I'll shower first and
you can take a little cat nap. Sound good?"

She nodded and covered herself up immediately, letting out a huge yawn,
stretching just a bit and then shutting her eyes. He couldn't help himself, he
had to do it. He leaned over the bed and kissed her forehead, not daring to
look back at the expression on her face as he sauntered into the bathroom,
whistling.



Buffy's eyes snapped open as soon as she felt Spike's lips touch her
forehead. She froze for a second and when she turned her head to look at
him, he was already halfway in the bathroom. What the hell was that? She
shook her head, that was just Spike being Spike and showing her affection.
Aside from his relationships being doomed due to the woman he chose
being dumber than a box of rocks, she was still often surprised when they
did end. He was such an affectionate guy. A sap really. She found herself
wondering if he hugged them at random the way he did her. If he liked to
lie in their lap while watching a movie and demand they play with his hair
the way he did with her. She frowned. Funny how she never put much
thought into that before now.

And again with the calling her ‘baby' this morning. She knew she'd made a
quizzical face and then he had to go and question her on it. What was she
supposed to say? "What's with the ‘baby'?" Well, yeah, she guessed she
could have. It's not like they didn't have an open and honest friendship. So
then why did she suddenly feel weird about voicing the question? Why did
she feel as if it would burst whatever cozy bubble had been forming since
she'd told him she was pregnant?

"That doesn't look like napping. That looks deep in thought," Spike
remarked as he emerged from the bathroom, steam seeping out the door as
he came out. He was like a rock star making his entrance onstage. She was
surprised to note he wore regular blue jeans instead of his basic black. His
hair, she noticed, lacked gel.

She sat up as he sat on the side of the bed and pulled on his socks. She
smiled as she watched him.

"So what were you thinking about?" he asked.

"You're a nosy parker," she said lightly and poked him.

"I find if fascinating the things that brain of yours comes up with."

"I wasn't really thinking about anything," she told him breezily and

climbed out of bed.

"Liar."

She grinned and started grabbing for her clothes. "Did you sleep okay?"
she asked him.

"Like a log. You?"

"Same."

"Meet you downstairs?"

"You're going to face the pack alone?" her eyes widened.

"A good fiancé wants to get to know the family, make sure he's liked," he
pointed out.

"What did you read a book on this or something?"

"See you downstairs luv," and he kissed her forehead again. She wondered
if it was becoming habit now.

She liked it.



Entering the kitchen she found it all a bustle. Her dad was pouring OJ, her
mom was flipping pancakes and scrambling eggs and Dawn was putting

fresh fruit out. All this meant one thing: Company. Usually it was just a free
for all. Buffy remembered coming down, making herself cereal and then
locking herself away again. Spike was chatting with her mom about

something and Joyce was giggling like a school girl. Harmony sat at the
table eyeing Spike while popping a grape in her mouth.

"Where's my brother?" Buffy asked.

Joyce looked over at her. "He's picking up his girlfriend from the airport. If
you had stuck around last night, you would have found out that he's staying

in a hotel with her."

Buffy ignored the dig as best she could. It was hard and she thought she
was going to have to dig her nails in her palm or something to stop the
snappy retort that was on the tip of her tongue. "Does she have a name?
And where does she live that he has to pick her up from the airport." Buffy
gripped the counter. "He's not moving is he?"

The thought of her brother moving across country filled her with dread. He
was the only saving grace in their family.

"No, he's not moving. She lives in Marblehead with him. She was on a
business trip and he went to Logan to pick her up early this morning."

"Name please!"

"Cordelia," her father answered, smiling at her.

She smiled back. "Thanks Dad. What does she do?"

"She's an attorney," her mother said, almost dreamily.

Buffy rolled her eyes and grabbed a grape. "Well mom. You got your wish.
An attorney in the family."

Now her mother ignored her dig. When Buffy decided to go into journalism,
her mother had begged her to reconsider and become an attorney instead.
She swore that made her want to be a journalist that much more. When
she'd landed a job on a newspaper and had to write her first big article, it
was on an attorney that had fallen from grace. Buffy had it framed and sent
to her mother. They never spoke about it.

"You'd find out what's going on more if you called us all once in a while,"
Joyce sing- songed.

Buffy shrugged. "Why do that when the weekly newsletter you put out
once a week tells me all I need to know?"

Joyce shot her a look. "Sending you an e-mail seems the only way to get to
you. That I know you'll read. You barely ever return my phone calls."

Can't imagine why, Buffy thought sarcastically and sat down at the table
grabbing her OJ.

"Darling!" Suddenly Harmony was out of her seat like a shot and ran
across the room to see what Buffy assumed was her fiancé. One couldn't be
too sure considering the way she had been no doubt undressing Spike with
her eyes a minute before.

Buffy strained to see him, desperately needing to see the half wit who
would think marrying Harmony would make him happy. Send him into an
early grave more like. Whoever he was, he was shorter than Harmony as
she could see the top of his head came to her shoulder.

Finally Harmony moved just before Buffy was about to shout ‘you make a
better door than a window!'

"Here he is! My hubby to be!" Harmony squealed.

Buffy nearly dropped her glass of OJ. Harmony was marrying Jonathan
Levinson?

Jonathan was Buffy's ex boyfriend.




13 by Brat
Chapter 14

All Buffy could do was stare. She was in a complete state of shock and she was SURE she hadn't read that on the invitation! She would have remembered that, she would have had a reaction –much like the one she was having right now about it. Which prompted her to wonder what else was altered on that damn invitation. However, as she sat racking her brain, she realized she couldn't even remember what the name of Harmony's intended had been in the first place. Showed how much she had cared. She remembered looking at the invitation letting out a couple curses and a groan of annoyance that she'd be expected to attend the fiasco. Looking at Jonathan, his uncomfortableness at being displayed by Harmony and preened over, she realized how close her assumptions were.


"Baby, you all right?"



She looked up to see Spike kneeling next to her, gazing at her, concerned.



"Hi Buffy," Jonathan greeted her uncertainly.



She stood up and moved across the room giving him a friendly hug hello.

"Hi."



She stepped back and took him in. His outward appearance had changed,
but she could still see in him the insecure boy she remembered. The
expensive attire of pressed khaki Dockers and buttoned down white T with
a pink shirt underneath –pink?—had to be courtesy of Harmony,
hairdresser and fashion extraordinaire. Not to mention that his once shaggy
brown hair was now cropped short and stylish. Jonathan had never been
one to pay attention to fashion. Neither had she for that matter. It was one
of the things that had bonded them in high school.


Now what did she say to him? Offer her congratulations? If it was on the

invitation, she should have already known and then she'd look like an even

bigger ass than her mother was making her feel like.



"How've you been?" he asked conversationally.



She smiled, "Good. And you?"



He looked up at Harmony and then around the room. Everyone was

staring at them. "Good. I'm glad you were able to make it."



"Wouldn't have missed it for the world," Buffy lied, still smiling.



"Care to join us for breakfast Jonathan?" Joyce asked sweetly.

"Yes, please. Do you need any help there Joyce?" Jonathan asked politely
moving across the room toward her. Buffy stood and stared. The theme for
the Twilight Zone was playing in her mind.


She needed to make a phone call. She wanted to call Willow and find out
whose name was on that damned invitation.


"Buffy?" Spike was standing in front of her, a confused expression on his
face. Mixed with something else that she couldn't quite define.

"I'm fine," she assured him quickly. "I just uh, I need to call Willow."


He furrowed his brow. "Now?"


"Yeah, now. Excuse me."


"I can come with –"



"No, you stay here."

He grabbed her hand before she could get away. "Buffy, what's going on?"


"That's a good question," she let out a nervous chuckle.







"It doesn't say Levinson. It says Jonathan McCarthy," Willow informed
her.


"McCarthy? Could it be possible that that was changed too?" Buffy
wondered aloud in complete wonderment, sitting down on her bed.


"Why would they do that?"

"I don't know. It's not I've had contact with Jonathan since we graduated. I
don't even know what he's been up to. . . I just don't understand it. I mean
him and Harmony . . . she never even paid him any attention at all. Ever. I
don't think she even made notice of all the time we spent together. And
now they're getting married?"


"Seems the weekend is turning out to be more interesting than you figured
huh?" Willow said, ever the optimist.


"Yeah, you could say that," Buffy muttered.

"How's Spike making out?"

"He's making. For some sick reason he seems to want to get along with
them. Even seems to like them."


"Interesting."

"What? You've got that voice."


"What voice?"

"That cryptic voice that means you know something, but you're not saying
what it is. You want me to figure it out instead."


"I don't know what you're talking about," Willow chirped.

"I ever tell you how annoying that is?"


"Buffy?"

She looked up to see Jonathan standing in her doorway. "I gotta go Wills.
I'll talk to you later," and she clicked the phone shut. "Hi," she greeted him.


"Breakfast is ready. I uh, offered to come get you. Spike seemed a little put
out about it—nice guy by the way." So, William had been replaced by Spike
now. Interesting.


"Thanks. So, I haven't talked to you in forever."

"Yeah, I know. I really missed you Buffy."


She patted the spot next to her on the bed. "Sit and talk for a minute?"

He nodded and sat next to her.


"So, what's with the McCarthy?" she blurted out.


He smiled at her, "Never one for beating around the bush."


She shrugged and grinned sheepishly. "Some things never change."

"It was one of the things I liked most about you, Buffy."


"I like to think I'm responsible for getting you out of your shell."

"It was you that helped me stand up to my parents and go off to college
instead of taking over the family business."


"And then we lost touch," she said regrettably.

"I came back."


"You never contacted me."

"I've been busy. It wasn't your fault. You were busy too making a life for
yourself in the city."


She gazed at him, "So you've made good?"

He nodded. "I changed my last name shortly after leaving for college. I
didn't want to be a Levinson anymore. I was finally an adult and free of my
parents and their abuse. I figured changing my name would be the final act
of me becoming my own person. The person you always pushed me to be."


"That's so amazing Jonathan. Your parents –have you talked to them at
all? Are they coming?" He shook his head. "No. I cut all ties with them.
They didn't seem to mind too much. I wasn't doing what they wanted
anymore, I wasn't letting them dictate my life and push me around, so they
lost interest. It's amazing what happens when you stop becoming
someone's whipping boy and stand up for yourself."


"I'm so proud of you Jonathan, I really am. You never thought you were
going to get away. And you did." She hugged him tightly and he hugged her
back.


"I'm really glad you're here," Jonathan said softly.

Just as she was about to ask him about Harmony and what kind of job he held now, Spike was in the doorway.


"Breakfast is ready," he said tightly.

Jonathan and Buffy disengaged and Jonathan jumped up. "Thanks. We
were just catching up. You've got yourself a great girl there Spike."


"I know," Spike said, jaw clenching. "You've got yourself a great girl."

Jonathan nodded, "I know," and he left the room.


"He doesn't sound sure. Did he sound sure to you?" Buffy asked Spike once
Jonathan had departed the room. Spike's jaw was twitching and the look on
his face was thunderous.


"Why do you care?" he asked, bitterness barely concealed.

Buffy was stunned. "What happened?"


"What do you mean?"

She pointed at him. "You're angry."

"I am."


"Did something happen?"


"Why don't you tell me?"

"I'm drawing a blank. Honestly, I don't—"


"First you see him—"

"Jonathan?"

"And you turn white as a sheet at the sight of him. Then you're sprinting
across the room quicker than a bullet to give him a hug. You disappear to
call Willow and won't tell me why or let me come with you and then he
insists on getting you for breakfast –which is MY job as your fiancé to come
and get you—and then I come up here to find you ON THE BED and
HUGGING. What the fuck is going on Buffy? How do you know him? Are
you cheating on me with him?"




You guys overwhelm and inspire me. Thank you so much for all the reviews. I love hearing what you guys think when I throw a plot twist your way :)
14 by Brat
Chapter Fourteen

Buffy's mouth was opening and closing in barely concealed shock. She was making like a guppy, but she wasn't quite sure what to make of Spike's outburst. She'd seen Spike angry before, but she'd never been on the receiving end of that anger. That, with the accusation, rendered her speechless.

"Well?" he demanded.

She jumped up from the bed. "Am I CHEATING on you? That'd be really hard to do considering we're not really TOGETHER!"

"According to a room full of people down there we are."

"So the room full of people can bite me for talking to an old friend, and my BEST friend can ask me what's going on nicely instead of YELLING at me."

"I did ask earlier, and you blew me off to come up here and call Willow!"

"I don't like this."

"What?"

"You; yelling at me. Being all testy with me. I don't like it."

Spike ran a hand through his hair, his jaw clenching. "All right. I'll ask nicely then. Please Buffy, tell me what's going on. Obviously you know Jonathan. How do you know him?" His voice was even, bordering on almost too calm and it gave Buffy a chill.

"He's my ex."

Spike threw up his hands.

"Sort of," she added.

"Sort of? How is one ‘sort of' an ex?"

"Well, we were together a lot and we held hands and kissed a few times but—"

"Was he your first?"

Her eyebrows knitted, "My first boyfriend? I guess you could say he was unless you
count Danny in the third—"

"No, I mean was he your FIRST?"

"What are you—Oh." She put her hands on her hips. "That's none of your business!"

"Do you—do you still love him?"

Buffy studied him. Odd but he looked almost afraid of her answer. Interesting.

"I never loved him. Not in that way."

"How long did you date him?"

"For about a year. We were mostly friends more than anything. Couple of misfits drawn
together you could say."

Spike's anger seemed to be dissolving slowly. He was smiling now and his body
seemed less tense. "I have a hard time thinking of you as a misfit."

Buffy sat back down. "Well believe it. I was the nerd in high school. I was the one that
got all the A's and the one that everyone wanted me to have tutor them. Of course by tutoring I
mean having me do their homework for them. I became increasingly unpopular when I
wouldn't. Jonathan on the other hand did. He let others bully him."

Spike sat down next to her. "And you stopped them?"

She nodded. "I did. Told him he had to stick up for himself. The poor guy had a long
history of being picked on and bullied."

"Oh?"

"His family. The biggest bullies of them all. They never paid him much attention and
when they did it was to put him down or tell him everything he was doing wrong. He wasn't
the ‘star' of the family, the high school football jock that his brother was. So, he didn't get the
love and the support. He didn't feel he was worth it."

"That's harsh."

"I know," Buffy stared off across the room, remembering. "I took him under my wing I
guess you could say. It seemed only natural that the two misfits, the two ‘geeks', became
friends."

"More friends than boyfriend, girlfriend you say?"

"Yeah. Romance was . . . it never really clicked you know? I think it was more of a
comfort thing the rare times we ever kissed or even held hands.

Anyway, his family essentially wanted him to take over the family carpet cleaning
business so that they could live off it and do nothing. Jonathan was brilliant though, a real
brilliant mind. He wanted to go into computer technology, engineering and all that stuff. I rode
him—"

"Not literally though, right?"

Buffy looked at him. "Are you getting enough oxygen?"

"Sorry. Continue."

Buffy looked away with a ‘okay, you psycho' look and continued. "I kept on him, which
I guess in a way could have been considered bullying, but the idea that such a brilliant mind
would be wasted on carpet cleaning was beyond me. I knew what it was like to have your rents
want you to go into something else than the path you chose. I, however, knew I still had the
freedom to do what I wanted and not be disowned. Jonathan on the other hand. . . he was
afraid he would be. Finally though, he did it. In the end he went off to school in California. He
changed his name—which is why I didn't recognize his name on the invitation. He finally
‘separated' from his parents." She sighed, "I'm just sorry I wasn't around to see it."

"Buffy—"

"And now he's marrying Harmony. Who never once paid attention to him. It doesn't make sense. He's not exactly her type."

"What are you thinking?"

"Something's up. It doesn't make sense to me."

"So you think that Harmony couldn't really be in love with him?"

"I don't think that. I pretty much know it. Jonathan isn't the ‘pretty boy' that Harmony
usually goes for." She gave him a sideways look. "No offense."

Spike looked confused. "For?"

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed the looks she's been giving you."

"Me?" His eyes widened.

"You had to have noticed!"

Spike shook his head, "Honestly, I haven't. You know, that's a little insulting. Not only
to Jonathan, but to us as well."

Buffy let out a little laugh. "Us?"

"Well, yeah. We're engaged for Christ's Sake. Well, as far as she knows anyway. She's
not supposed to be looking at me like that." He sounded so seriously offended by it that Buffy
couldn't help but think how cute it was. She leaned into him, wrapping an arm around him.

"Thank you."

"Don't have to thank me, pet."

"So I think something's amiss."

"What are you thinking of doing, Buffy?"

"Well, I'm going to do some investigating."

"Oh crap. Then what?"

"And if I don't like what I find, I'm going to stop the wedding."

"Buffy," Spike sighed. "You've got enough on your plate right now. Let them take care
of their own issues."

Buffy jumped up. "Since when do I let anyone take care of their own problems?
Jonathan is a good person and we might have dropped out of each others lives for a while, but
if my instincts are right and Harmony is up to something –using him in some way—then I
intend to get to the bottom of it and help him. He's come too far to let that sniveling little twit
ruin him."

"You think so highly of her," Spike said sarcastically, grinning.

"She's been a thorn in my side since I can remember. And, she's been eyeing my fiancé.
She's going down. And you're going to help."

"How did I know that was coming," Spike sighed.

"Because you're my sidekick. Come on, it'll be fun. I'll be Starsky, and you can be
Hutch. Oh! Or you could be Beau and I could be Luke from Dukes of Hazzard."

"You're having way too much fun with this."

"Or I could be Kit and you could be—"

"I'm not bloody well being David Hasslehoff!"

Buffy started to laugh. "Okay, how bout—"

Spike stood and smiled tenderly down at her. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders
he led her to the door. "How about you be Buffy and I'll be Spike? So far that's been working
for me."

She smiled up at him. "That works for me too."
15 by Brat
This one is a bit short....but chock full of good stuff! :)

Chapter Fifteen

Everyone, including Angel and who Buffy was assumed was Cordelia was waiting for them by the time they made it downstairs.

Settling into her chair next to Spike, she looked at Angel pointedly and then glanced at Cordelia.

"Oh, uh, Buffy, this is Cordelia, my girlfriend. Cordy, that's my little sister Buffy. The one you haven't met yet."

"But have heard so much about," Cordy grinned. "Hi Buffy."

"Hi Cordelia."

"Please, call me Cordy. Cordelia sounds so . . . uptight."

Buffy smiled, "Okay then. How did you end up meeting my lunkhead big
brother?"

Cordy grinned at Angel. "We met at a bar. He swore he wasn't trying to
pick me up when he asked if he could buy me a beer."

Buffy giggled, ignoring the memories of ‘Brian'. It still stung if she allowed
herself to dwell on it, so, she just didn't allow herself to do it. Denial, thy
name is Buffy.

"It was so dorky and obvious that I couldn't help but talk to him. I was a
little hard on him at first, but he let me. I knew if I couldn't scare him away
with my liberal female act then he was a keeper." The looks the pair
exchanged was so sweet, Buffy felt bad about feeling so jealous.

"How did you and Spike meet? You've kept him under wraps for so long, I
think it's high time we heard about the two of you," Angel suggested.

Buffy looked at Spike, nervously. How in the freaking hell had they NOT
discussed this part? Okay, this would be easy she'd just say that—

"We lived next door to each other," Spike started, reaching under the table
and grabbing her hand, giving it a squeeze. She gulped.

"Oh?" Joyce commented, leaning forward in interest.

"Well, you know how I'm an artist. Inspiration hits at the oddest times, but
mainly it's at night. Late at night. So I was blasting my stereo and Buffy
rapped on my door seconds later," he paused and grinned at her. "I'd
woken her up. Her hair was a mess, all mussed and frizzed in areas—"

"She's a real beauty in the morning," Dawn snickered.

"She was," Spike said fondly. Buffy gazed up at him, startled by the
sincerity in his tone. He was glowing.

Threading his fingers through hers under the table, he continued his tale.
"I tried to explain to her that I was in the middle of a project and the music
was part of my routine. Without a word she marched into her apartment
and came back with a CD walkman. Then she waltzed over to my stereo
and popped out the CD, putting it in the walkman and thrust it at me. It's
hard to put into words what that did to me." He looked down at her, his
eyes shining with something Buffy couldn't define, however, whatever it
was; it made her breath catch in her throat. "I knew I wanted to know
everything about her. I wanted to know all about the woman that had no
qualms about barging in my apartment uninvited and basically handing
over her walkman in the name of sleep. She was so determined and regal; I
just couldn't help myself from wanting to be around her."

Buffy felt herself become a puddle of mush right there in her seat. Too bad
it was all a pack of lies. The thought twisted in her gut and she stared to
extricate her hand from Spike's. He frowned at her and held on firmly,
bringing it to his mouth and kissing the back of her hand softly.

"Awww… That's so sweet!" Harmony gushed. "You're so romantic."

"Regal? That's not how I'd describe her," Dawn muttered, then stuffed her
scrambled eggs in her mouth.

Buffy fought the urge to stick her tongue out at her.

"That sounds like her," Angel chuckled.

"I didn't raise a soft belly," Hank said proudly.

Buffy giggled at that. Her dad and his expressions always got her.

"She takes after her mother," Joyce commented.

Perish the thought, Buffy thought.

"How did you propose?" Harmony asked, propping her chin on her hand
and gazing at Spike adoringly. Buffy darted a glance at Jonathan, who didn't
even seem to be paying attention to Harmony's blatant adoration of Spike.

It was her turn now. "Well," Buffy started just as Spike started to open his
mouth. "I'd always told Spike that the ideal guy for me was one that
wouldn't be afraid to make a fool of himself for me. I didn't realize he'd take
my ramblings to heart. So, one night I was in my apartment and heard
what sounded like a concert outside my window."

"Oh my God, he was singing to you!" Harmony squealed.

Buffy grinned, "He was."

"What was he singing?" Dawn asked, now interested.

"'Will you Marry Me' by Paula Abdul," and she giggled at the very idea of
it. So something he would never do! She thought, laughing.

"Wow," Harmony sighed dreamily.

Buffy tugged on their entwined hands, bringing him closer to her. She
reached up and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "He's perfect for me."
Looking pointedly at Harmony she added, "Just me." Then she wagered a
glance up at Spike to try and read just how mad he was at her for that lie.
He wasn't. He was beaming at her. What he did next rocked her to the core.
Leaning in again, he pecked her lips with his and sat back grinning.

"Baby, you going to eat your toast?" Spike asked. In her dazed mind, she
understood the message in that question: Act normal or they'll catch on.

"Uh, yeah," she found herself squeaking. He had her SQUEAKING now.
She took a survey of the room. They were all snowed. Completely snowed.
And if Buffy didn't know any better, she'd be snowed right along with
them.
16 by Brat
Chapter Sixteen

Buffy sat outside on the front stoop, only half listening to the loud conversations going on inside the house. The women were getting ready to pick up their dresses and the men were getting ready to pick up their tuxes. Joyce was barking orders at Hank, Dawn and Harmony were scrambling around trying to find their shoes and God only knew what Spike was doing. Or Jonathan. Or Angel for that matter. Not that she was all that concerned. Some time alone was just what she needed at the moment. Not that she was ever completely alone. Her eyes drifted to the spot on the roof. Yeah, right. They'd swarm around her like bees. Her mother would yell at her and tell her to stop being selfish and she'd have a hell of a time trying to explain to her mother that she needed to get away to figure out the feelings her ‘fiancé' was invoking in her.

"There you are."

She looked up to see the man in question and her stomach flip flopped.
When did it ever flip flop before in his presence? Never. Wait….nope.
Never.

He sat down next to her and nudged her. "What's up?"

"Just trying to get away from the madness."

He grinned and reached for his cigarettes. He stood up and walked away
from her, lighting up.

"What are you doing?" she asked. Why was he walking away from her? Oh
yeah. Smoke plus baby equals bad.

His eyes widened and he looked towards the door, nervous. "Should I not
smoke because of your parents? You're right." He threw the cigarette to
the ground and crushed it.

"Spike, no—why do you care what they think?"

"I want them to like me."

"Does it really matter?"

He looked hurt by that and she winced. "I didn't mean it like that. I just
meant that---I don't know what I meant," she sighed and buried her head
in her hands.

He sat back down next to her. She felt his strong hand start to knead the
muscles in her neck. "What's going on with you kitten? You seem a little
jumpy."

Her head popped up and she jerked away from him. There was that hurt
look again. "You're not mad at me for what I said?"

He looked confused for a minute, then, clarity. "Oh, you mean about how I
proposed? No. I figure that gave me a thousand points in my favor."

"Yeah, with Harmony," she muttered.

"I was thinking your parents."

She stared at him. "My parents?"

He nodded. "They saw me as someone that would do anything for you," he
shrugged. "Which I would."

"Thanks?"

"Don't have to thank me. Just something that is."

"And ever will be, world without end, amen?"

He chuckled. "Exactly."

The door flung open and out waltzed Joyce with Hank in tow. The army
was now making its descent out of the house.

"Are you guys going in your own car or do you want to drive with us?"
Joyce asked.

"Aren't we going to two different places?" Buffy asked, confused.

"Yes and no. The shops are across the street from each other."

"Oh. Well, then Spike and I can drive over together."

"Mind if we join you?" Angel asked, coming out of the house, his hands
linked with Cordy's.

Buffy smiled warmly, "Not at all Buttmunch."

"Thanks Asswipe."

Buffy giggled and slung her arm through Spike's. "Onward!" she
proclaimed.

"Your chariot awaits mi'lady," Spike said graciously.

She snorted. "The DeSoto is far from a chariot Spike and if you think that
my baby is going to ride in this hunk of junk—" She broke off, her jaw
dropping and eyes widening along with Spike's. She looked frantically
around her to see if anyone had heard her. The matching shocked
expressions on their faces told her they'd heard.

"Oh, shit," she murmured.

"Did you just say what I thought you said?" Joyce asked, surprisingly and
eerily calm.

"No," Buffy said quickly.

"You knocked up my sister?" Angel said darkly, looking menacingly at
Spike as Cordy gripped his arm to keep him from lunging.

"Way to go Buffy!" Dawn burst out in gleeful giggles.

Buffy glared daggers at her.

Harmony appeared distraught and Jonathan looked uncomfortable.

"I can't believe this!" Hank threw up his arms and started pacing.


"You're going to make his ulcer flare up now. Happy now young lady?" her
mother barked at her.

"He doesn't have an ulcer problem!" Buffy retorted.

"He will now!"

Buffy rolled her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself. Spike came
around the car and wrapped his arms around her, standing tall and proud
against the yard full of people ready to ostracize them.

"Joyce, with all due respect—"

"It's Mrs. Summers to you!" Joyce snapped at him.

That riled Buffy's feathers. "Don't yell at him! Just an hour ago, you were
singing him praises and gushing about him so much I thought maybe YOU
wanted to marry him. Now he's dirt? That's not fair mother!"

"Buffy, baby, its okay," Spike said gently, trying to pull her back.

"No it's not okay!" she yelled at him.

He held up his hands in surrender.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. It just happens when my family
starts acting like raving lunatics!" She turned to her family scattered
around them and started waving her finger at them. "Yes, I am pregnant
okay? Yes, I am going to have Spike's baby, but you know what? It's okay
because we love each other and . . . . And he's the long haul guy and if you
don't like it then . . . then you can not come to our wedding and not be part
of my child's life! It's two thousand and five and plenty of people get
pregnant before their vows!" she was on a roll now and one by one she
noticed the looks of guilt starting to creep across their faces.

"Is that why you proposed? Because she's pregnant?" Harmony piped in.

Buffy looked at her in utter disbelief. How could she--? Before she knew it,
her bottom lip was quivering and tears sprang to her eyes as Harmony just
voiced her greatest fears: That she was unlovable and that the only way
she'd ever actually get herself a real fiancé is if they were playing a part.

"Harmony!" Joyce reprimanded her, which under normal circumstances
would have stunned Buffy, but by that time, Buffy was crumbling in tears
and rushing towards the house, wanting to get as far away from her family
as possible.

She flew up the stairs to her room and slammed the door shut. She stood
there in the middle of the room, trying to get a hold of herself, but the more
she tried the worse it became. Then, arms came around her and
instinctively she knew they were Spike's. She allowed him to wrap her in
the safety of his arms and lead her to the bed where he held her on his lap
as she cried into his shoulder. He ran a hand up and down her back,
soothing her, whispering words of comfort.

"Baby, I hate it when you cry," he told her softly.

"I can't believe she said that!"

"Don't listen to her. She's an insipid little brat. She's not even half the
woman you are."

"I can't believe they all attacked me like that. I mean, I knew it'd go over
badly . . . I just hoped that since they liked you so much, they'd be okay
about it you know?"

"They're old fashioned Buffy. It's a normal reaction for parents who are old
fashioned."

"I think I should just cut out the middle man and have the therapist
deliver the baby," Buffy whimpered against his neck.

Spike's body shook lightly with the laughter that escaped him and he
pressed a kiss to her forehead. "They were pretty upset with what
Harmony said after you ran off. I don't think it'll be long before—"

A knock sounded on the door.

"Someone comes to apologize," Spike finished.

"I don't want to see anyone," she told him stubbornly.

"Buffy, you have to. If you don't, it's going to be a long day."

"So? We can just leave."

"You have to do this. If you don't, you'll regret it."

"No I won't," she crossed her arms across her chest.

"Buffy Anne Summers," Spike said sternly.

He was right. Damn it. She hated it when he was right. She moved off his
lap and glared at him as she sat away from him and turned away, head
raised. She was acting like a spoiled rotten brat and she didn't care.

"You can be mad at me all you want, but you know I'm right."

"Hmph."

She heard the door open. "Hi, Mrs. Summers."

"Spike . . . You can still call me Joyce."

Buffy turned, stunned at her mother who was actually looking SORRY.

"Thanks, Joyce."


"No, don't thank me. I'm . . . I'm sorry."

Buffy jumped up and faced her mother. "What the hell is going on in here? Harmony's marrying Jonathan and now you're apologizing for something? I
have entered the Twilight Zone!"


Please let me know what you think....this wasn't an easy chapter to write!
17 by Brat
Chapter Seventeen


"Buffy, can we try and talk like adults?" Joyce asked, pursing her lips together.

Sighing heavily with a look that said she wanted to do anything but, Buffy nodded and sat down on the bed once again.

"I'll be downstairs," Spike told them. He started to leave and then stopped.
"Wait. Is there a mob down there ready to tear me apart?"

Joyce smiled, "No. You have to understand, it was just surprising news for
us all. Right out of left field. I never thought Buffy would. . . " Joyce trailed
off.

"Great, this conversation is already starting out perfect. You never
thought Buffy would get married or get pregnant right?" Buffy spat
bitterly, even though she was thinking the same thing. Which just rubbed
more salt in the wound. It was one thing thinking you yourself a loser,
another thing knowing others thought it as well. And, on top if it all, she was
having a baby due to a one night stand and her and Spike weren't even
really together.

"Buffy, you're misunderstanding what I'm saying," Joyce said reasonably
with just a hint of frustration laced in her tone.

"Then start explaining fast before I get all my crap packed up and Spike
and I leave," Buffy demanded angrily. She could feel the onslaught of tears
coming back and she was clenching her fists at her sides trying to stop
them. She hated to cry, hated showing she was hurt, and hated the idea of
giving that power over to someone.

"Buffy," Spike started, moving towards her and then stopped. He looked
apologetically at Joyce. "Sorry, it's just when she's upset my natural instinct
is to go to her."

"You love her. It's understandable," Joyce said simply, smiling at him.

Spike looked at Buffy, meeting her eyes. "I do."

The sincerity in his words and in his eyes made Buffy pause and her
breath hitch. She shook her head. No, she couldn't do this right now. Not
that—whatever ‘that' was.

"I'll be downstairs," he told them both before exiting.

"All right. Go ahead," Buffy waved her hand at Joyce. "Make it good."

"I am still your mother Buffy. I do still deserve respect."

"You have to earn it in order to get it," Buffy snapped. "When have you
ever respected me? You've never let me live my life, you've always pushed
me this way and that way, told instead of asked, always quick with the
comments about how I live my life. And yet you wonder why I never tell
you anything! Why I'm never around."

"And that's exactly why I butt in."

Buffy froze. "What?"

"Buffy, you've always been so independent. You've never seemed to need
me or even want me. When you wanted someone, it was always your
father," Joyce explained gently, any harshness from before completely
obliterated.

"You had Harmony," Buffy murmured, dejectedly.

"Because Harmony sought me out and because she was always needy. You
made it very clear that you were independent and would do things on your
own. If I tried to invade your world, you shoved me out. With both hands.
And the way you argued with me . . . that's why I suggested you become an
attorney. You give as good as you get and you have such a brilliant mind."

"You always seemed to prefer Harmony," Buffy murmured sadly.

"How could I ‘prefer' her over you, Buffy? You're my daughter!"

"You always seemed so proud of her in all that she did. Seemed like you
could have cared less what I did."

"Not true. I always cared. But whenever I asked, you accused me of
‘intruding' and trying to tell you what to do."

"Sometimes it felt like it."

"If I intruded or harped on you, it was because I wanted to be part of your
life. I wanted to help you where I thought mistakes might have been
made—"

"You didn't trust my judgment. Never did." Thinking of her baby, Buffy
added in her mind a ‘rightfully so'.

"It's hard for a parent to sit by and just watch someone make a mistake
that they made once themselves and wished they could have done over.
Your father was better at it. I'm not. Harmony let me advise her. You
never wanted to listen. Instead you took off to do your own thing and kept
things from me. I had to intrude to know what was going on with you
Buffy." Joyce sat down next to her. "When you told me you were engaged, I
felt as if I'd once again been thrown out of the loop. Which is why we fudged
your invitation. To visit with you Buffy. Not to condemn you or pick you
apart, but to spend time with you. And then you drop the bomb that you're
engaged and now pregnant. Do you know how much it hurts to know that
your own daughter won't share these life altering events with you?"

Now Buffy felt guilt. Tears leaked and she let them. Joyce wrapped an
arm around her. "I don't tell you these things to make you feel guilty. I
thought if you knew, maybe you'd see where I was coming from. I want
good things for you Buffy. Always have. And when I said that I never
thought you'd get married and have children, I didn't mean it because I
think you're unlovable. Quite the contrary. I meant that I never thought
you'd want to. You put up walls and barriers. I've seen you push people
away—especially men—when they get too close. I figured you were either
gay, or just couldn't find the time with your busy career to settle down. And
I wanted you to. I wanted so badly for you to be happy.

I'm thrilled with Spike. He seems like such a perfect guy for you—"

"You think so?" Buffy asked tearfully.

Joyce smiled down at her. "I really do. He's charming and sweet. And the way he looks at you . . . I think he thinks you hung the moon."

"Really?

Joyce nodded. "And what's wonderful to see? You feel the same."

Buffy let out a little chortle at that. Confuse me more why don't you? she
thought.

"So you don't think we're only getting married because of the baby?" One
more time for clarity's sake that I'm not unlovable.

"No!" She looked upset, disgusted. "I can't believe Harmony said that. In a
way I can't anyway. She's always been jealous of you."

"What? Can you repeat that? I just heard you say that Harmony's jealous
of me."

"Think about it Buffy. Her mother is dead and her dad was too busy
cavorting around the world and sleeping around to pay any attention to
her. Plus, you've always been the straight A student and the go getter while
she barely scraped by."

"She was always popular," Buffy pointed out.

"And you could have cared less."

"True. Mom. . . did you know that Jonathan and I used to sort of date?"

Joyce's eyes widened. "I knew you and he were friends, but I never knew
you were dating!"

"Well, I guess you couldn't really call it that. I mean we were more friends
than anything else."

"So that explains why Spike was giving him the evil eye," Joyce hummed
in understanding.

"He was?" Buffy's eyes were about to pop.

"He didn't know?" Joyce asked, confused.

"Well, no. Like I said it wasn't really dating. More like friends . . ."

"Ah, but you did rush to hug him and then flew off to phone Willow—
why?"

"No reason," Buffy bristled and stood up.

"Buffy," Joyce sighed. "Why can't you share one thing with me?"

"I just didn't realize because he'd changed his name that it was him."

"So Spike assumed."

"Oh boy did he!"

Joyce smiled knowingly, "He was jealous."

Buffy's brow furrowed. "You think so?" His words and his hostility with the question 'Are you cheating on me with him?' rang in her ears. Huh.

Joyce now looked at her as if she were crazy.

"Okay. Yeah. Maybe," Buffy shrugged, trying to be nonchalant.

"Do you still harbor feelings for Jonathan?" Joyce asked carefully.

"Oh God no! I never...I never loved him or anything like that. Just . . .
shocked me." And made me wonder what the hell is going on with this
wedding.

"He's been quite successful since he graduated. He's an engineer now and
works under a genius, of the literal sort. I guess they've been working
together on some groundbreaking inventions. It's all hush-hush, but
Jonathan seems really excited about it. He already owns his own house and
Harmony is moving in after the wedding." Joyce didn't know it, but she just
defined for Buffy why Harmony was making this match. What was lost on
her was why Jonathan was. Harmony was a genius at cutting hair and
choosing a matching outfit, but the girl could barely add two plus two. Buffy
remembered Harmony going off one night to one of her friends on the
phone about wanting to open her own saloon, but that she would need a
rich husband to help her with it. Buffy remembered thinking that he'd also
have to be stupid. It seemed with Jonathan the chess pieces were falling
into place for Harmony. But why was Jonathan agreeing to it? What was it
Spike had called her? An insipid little brat. Close, but Harmony was more of
a bitch than a brat. Buffy was a brat. Harmony was not. She wasn't cute
enough to pull it off, Buffy thought smugly.

"Does she love him?" Buffy asked.

"Well, yes, of course she does. She's marrying him isn't she?" Joyce said as
if she thought Buffy had asked the silliest question ever. Her mother could
be really dense sometimes. "And frankly, she needs to go."

Buffy's jaw dropped. "Mom!"

Joyce grinned mischievously. Well, that made sense in why Joyce's suspicions weren't aroused. Well. She was really going to be pissed when Buffy blew the lid on this wedding wasn't she?

"Is there anything else you'd like to share Buffy? Anything else you're
keeping from me?" Joyce asked, peering intently at her.

Buffy bit her bottom lip and shook her head. Oh so many things could be
said right now. . . but what would be the point? So yeah, her mother just
told opened up to her and in a way, Buffy had opened up to her too. They'd
connected. They'd bonded on some level and things would probably be
different from now on. But it would still take time. For Christ's Sake, this
wasn't a sitcom or a novel. This was real life. And in real life people held
secrets and sometimes had to deceive others to get what they needed. It
wasn't a pretty fact, but a fact nonetheless. At least that's what Buffy was
telling herself to squelch the feelings of guilt rising up within her.

"Shall we go now dear?" Joyce asked, smiling at her.

Buffy looked hesitantly toward the door. Sure things were okay with her and her mom at the moment, but was she ready to go downstairs and face a room full of people who no doubt had questions ready to be fired at her? That would be a resounding no. Just the thought exhausted her.

"Buffy, it'll be all right. I promise. They won't be attacking you. Besides,
Spike's been down there probably doing some recon on—"

"Shit! I left him to the pack of wolves!" Buffy scrambled out the door and
flew down the stairs. Talking ceased as soon as she entered the living room.
Spike was sitting in front of the fireplace. He looked calm. He also looked as
if he'd been interrogated from the way there were all circled around him
and scattered about the room. He stood as soon as he saw Buffy.

Holding her head high, she strode across the room to him and wrapped her
arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest, listening to his
heart beat. Was it her or was it racing now? Must be the interrogation. She
turned her head, staring at them.

"Congratulations, Buffy," Cordelia began. "I think it's great."

Angel cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Think you'd consider
naming it after me?" he grinned nervously.

She grinned back. "My baby is not going to be named Buttmunch."

Then everyone, sans Harmony and Jonathan came forward to congratulate
them. Joyce came down amidst all of it and announced they should get
going if they were going to make it on time.

"Still want to take my chariot?" Spike murmured against her ear.

Buffy nodded. "No place I'd rather be right now," she told him, beaming up
at him.

Leaning in, Buffy thought he was going to kiss her, and was disappointed
when he merely brushed a soft kiss on her forehead. Now that the cat was
out of the bag, it seemed there were other things she was going to have to
figure out. Like how this play acting was beginning to affect her.


A/N: I am so thankful to all of you for the reviews you've left me, especially by those that have come out of the woodwork to review. Thank you so much.
18 by Brat
I love all of you so much! You don't even know! I hope you enjoy this chapter...it was a lot of fun to write..As always, please let me know what you think....


Chapter Eighteen

Despite how confused she felt—for many reasons—Buffy couldn't deny that she felt closer to Spike than she ever had been. Was it the secret he held for her? Was it the part he was playing? Was it how he calmed her and offered his support by just the briefest of glances and the touch of his big, warm hand surrounding her smaller one? Was it the way he faced her family and even seemed to like them? Looking over at him as he grinned at her, pulling into the parking lot, Buffy decided it was all of the above.

Climbing out of the car, she met him round the side with Angel and Cordelia chattering about something. Buffy watched them. The couple. The real couple. Possibly the only real couple aside from her parents and she'd had years of watching them. Her mom had said that Spike looked at her in a certain way. More than that, that she looked at him in a certain way too. Cocking her head to the side, she studied Angel and Cordelia, watching to see the looks he gave her and vice versa. Maybe if she witnessed a look she could find it easier on Spike.

There was definitely touching, closeness. The way their bodies turned into each other. Oh wait, she did know something about this from the magazine. Some expert had come in once and studied pictures of couples—celebrity couples—and picked apart everything down to where their eyes were directed. Angels never left Cordelia's for very long. And when he looked at her, it was with warm affection, but it was all over his face. She squinted, trying to see Angels eyes, what they held in them. She was at a loss. She had to admit that she'd never been able to tell much from looking in someone's eyes. Well, unless it was Spike's. She could tell a lot from his –huh. Well, that was something then, wasn't it? The trouble was, no one's ever looked at her with a gaze of love before. She froze. Love. Could her mother be right? Could he have been looking at her in that special way? Could he be—Nah. Come on! This was Spike! He didn't fall in love. He boinked, shagged and fucked. He didn't make love. Because he'd never been in love. And if she were to fall in love with him . . . he'd break her heart.

She was spun around and found herself staring into Spike's cerulean eyes. Worry. Wonder. That's what she read in them.

"Buffy? Where were you pet? I've been trying to get your attention." He
was gripping her arms as his eyes bore into her.

She blinked at him and then noticed that Angel and Cordy, arms around
each other, were staring at her with quizzical expressions.

"You feeling all right honey? Is it too hot for you?" she heard Joyce ask in
the distance.

She stepped back and smiled weakly. "I'm fine. Just . . . off in my own little
world."

Harmony snorted. When Buffy glanced her way, the girl strutted off.

"Ready gents?" Angel said gallantly, nodding across the street to a sign
entitled ‘Grooms etc.' Not exactly catchy.

She started to scurry after her mother who was rounding the corner to
what she assumed was the shop the women were going to. Jonathan and
Hank were already across the street, waiting for Angel and Spike.

Spike grabbed her arm. "Get ice cream with me later kitten?"

For some reason just that simple question made her want to cry. The fact
that she wanted the ice cream to mean something slammed into her. It was
their thing. Something they did. Something he broke up with Anya for.
Because she didn't do ice cream. She did. She bent her head to the side and
cracked her neck. When had friggen ice cream become symbolic all of a
sudden? Get a grip Buffy! She never did do hormone's well. This was going
to suck.

She nodded. "Sure."

"Okay," and he started to lean in.

She bolted before he could kiss her damn forehead again. Not the forehead
Spike, not the goddamn forehead AGAIN. I don't want the forehead, she
silently screamed at him. I don't ever want the forehead kiss again. The
kiss of death. The kiss of ‘I'm not going to plant one on your lips because
that might get weird and you might read into it when all I'm doing is a favor
to you' kiss. Jesus. Ice cream and kisses suddenly mean the world.

She peeked over her shoulder at him. He looked confused. Hurt even.

When had things become so complicated? A week ago she'd been cleaning
up his latest girlfriends mess and now she was feeling like a girlfriend. Is
this how his girlfriends felt? Like they wanted to get closer to him, but
couldn't? That they were straining for something that was just never going
to fit? No, that was ridiculous. The one thing that has always fit was her and
Spike. Those bimbo's came and went but Spike had always made it clear
that she was there to stay. Yet another reason to get over this over
analyzing of their relationship –FRIENDSHIP—and just focus on getting
through this damn wedding. Harmony and Jonathan. Yes, that's right.
Focus on that and nothing else.



"Darlings! You made it! I just about drank these mimosas by myself. They
were just sitting there calling my name and OH! Is this the eldest
Summers? My GOD she's a beaut!! Honey, when is your wedding because I
have some FABULOUS color schemes that would go AMAZING with your
skin tone!"

Buffy stood frozen as the dark haired man with the brilliant green eyes
circled her. She hadn't made it two feet in the store before his loud,
booming and yet oddly comforting voice met her. She looked up at him as
he appraised her and couldn't help the giggle that escaped. He was a
character. How in the world did a lounge lizard end up working in a bridal
shop? His flaming blue blazer screamed at her. He was so gay and she so
loved it.

He met her gaze and smiled back. "You're a kindred spirit," he proclaimed.
"I can tell. Joyce, you've got yourself a winner here."

Buffy giggled again as Joyce agreed to his sentiment. "Who are you?" Buffy
finally asked.

"I am Wedding Planner extraordinaire, I am the eye into the future of
wedded bliss—or not so bliss if you know what I mean—" and he nudged
her with his elbow. "I am jack of all trades and master of ALL, I am
sunshine on a cloudy day, I am the DJ that can make all your wishes come
true with a simple song ---and I mean ALL your wishes. But. You can call
me Lorne."

Buffy full out laughed. "I like you," she told him through her laughter.

"Of course you do! You're my new best friend," Lorne gushed. "I have the
perfect dress for you—"

"I'm not getting married—"

"Yet. I know you aren't sweetness. Harmful is. But you will. I can see it
now…you are destined for great love."

Both Harmony and Buffy snorted at that. Buffy's head snapped to
Harmony and she glared at her. Harmony smiled sweetly. "Where is my
dress Lorne?"

"Andrew heard you coming Harmful. He's getting all the dresses now! Let
me take care of my darling—what's your name?"

"Buffy," she replied giggling.

"This way my dear Buffy. I see you in soft green to bring out those wild
green eyes. You will shine like the North Star, being a beacon for that man
of yours."

She hadn't intended on getting a dress, but now . . . well, Lorne was a
smooth talker and how could she really resist the Victorian style dress? It
was, in a word, breathtaking. Strapless, was cinched at the waist,
accentuating the bodice, with buttons going down the middle of the back,
giving the illusion that it buttoned, when it really zippered. It fanned out at
the waist and the dress met the floor. It was simple and yet the most
elegant thing Buffy had ever dared try on.

Lorne thrust it at her and scuttled her into a dressing room. She checked
the tag. He was good. Stepping into it she breathed out in ecstasy as the
satiny dress cooled her skin.

"You need help in there muffin?"

"I do."

Lorne came in and quickly zippered her up. "Breathtaking."

"It's gorgeous."

"The dress was nothing until you stepped into it, darling," Lorne told her,
grinning.

"How much is it?" she started hunting for the tag.

"On you, priceless. Don't worry about it."

"But—"

He held up his hands. "Please."

She nodded and smiled. It didn't really matter anyway. She had to have
the dress no matter what. And if Lorne was willing to cut a deal then so be
it.

"Shoes! You need shoes. And pearls." With that he dashed out of the
dressing room. She followed him and found Harmony in her wedding dress.
Her mother and Dawn were circling her in her white confection and
Cordelia was being fussed over by a blond man she guessed was Andrew.
Harmony's dress was . . . ornate. It was full of lace and shine, the headpiece
almost masking her completely as it draped across her face. Oh God. Was

she wearing a bustle?

"I know what you're thinking," Lorne muttered behind her.

"What's that?"

"It's hideous."

Buffy looked up at him with wide eyes. "How did you know?"

He grinned, "Kindred spirits, remember?"

She grinned back. "Did you choose it?"

"Hell no! Harmful did."

Buffy giggled. "Harmful?"

Lorne grimaced. "Sorry."

"Don't be. It suits her."

"Oh Buffy, we're going to take this town by storm. By storm I tell you!
Come. Let's look in the three way mirror. Make you salivate with how
scrumptious you look."

He was right. She couldn't help but turn and turn and turn to make sure
she got herself at all angles. And when she slipped on the matching pointed
shoes with the tiny heel and the pearls, she was in awe of herself. She
started to lift her hair, imagining it up.

Lorne slapped her hands away. "Down. Wavy. Magnificent."

She nodded, seeing his vision.

"Who's the lucky man?" he asked.

"There's no—"

One eyebrow raised. "There has to be. You glow like a woman in love. Or
you're pregnant." His eyes widened and he slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Oh my God! You're pregnant!"

She was stunned. "You're good!"

He shrugged. "It's a gift. Told you I was the eye in the future. And quite
possibly the past and present too."

"And you planned their wedding?" she asked gesturing toward Harmony.

He grimaced again. "Yes."

"You don't seem happy about it."

"I don't mean to rain on the happy parade, but it's doomed."

"I knew it!"

"I love Mama Summers to bits and pieces my darling Buffy and I only
agreed because well, she knew I was the best and demanded to have me."

"You didn't want to do it?"

"I only like to do weddings I believe in."

"So you think she's just using him for something too?"

"For something? Where have you been?"

"Completely out of the loop."

"His money, sweet cheeks, his money. She spends it like there's no
tomorrow. See that shop over there," he pointed at the window and Buffy
focused in on what appeared to be a vacant space. It said "Space for Sale" in
the window of it. "That's where she plans to open her salon," Lorne
explained.

"I knew it!"

"And the groom…so tragic."

Buffy sobered immediately from the high she always got from being right.
"Does he love her?"

Lorne let out an exaggerated sigh. "I think he loves her in his own ‘this is
all I'm gonna get' way."

"So then no."

"Nope."

"Lorne?"

"Yes sweetums?"

"We have to stop this wedding."

"I told you we'd take this town by storm!"




19 by Brat
Chapter Nineteen

Buffy adored Lorne. Adored him in the way that she felt she could tell him anything. She often didn't trust people right away, but there was just something about Lorne that made her feel as if she could bare her soul and he'd keep all her secrets. Probably because he was so flaming gay, he would never try to have sex with her and ruin their relationship. Course . . .Spike never tried either.

"If I'm going to be hanging out with the boys tonight Buffy, I want to meet that beefcake of yours first," Lorne told her as he covered her dress in protective plastic.

"Why?" she asked curiously.

He grinned, "Because I want to lay eyes on that beekfcake!"

She giggled. "Does anyone say beefcake anymore?"

"I'm bringing it back. Let's go see him."

"Now?" she asked incredulously. "Don't you have to help Harmful get
ready?"

They looked over at Harmony preening in front of the mirror and Andrew
bowing to her every whim. Along with everyone else, though, Joyce was
beginning to rub her temples. Sure sign she was annoyed.

"Looks like she's got enough admirers."

Harmony rolled her head to his and leveled him with her gaze. "She could
NEVER have enough admirers."

"So let's make her spit nails. Let's make like a tree and leave this joint,"
Lorne grinned conspiratorially and leaned forward grinning at her.

"Let's go," she agreed, smiling.

He came around the counter and stuck out his arm for her to take. Giggling,
Buffy took it and yelling a ‘we'll be back', they were off. They skipped –
Yes, skipped—across the street. Lorne insisted and who was Buffy to tell
her new friend no? She couldn't remember the last time she did something
like that.

Laughing on their way into the dark tux shop, they found Angel fixing his
tux, Jonathan looking at himself in the mirror and frowning. Hank was
nowhere to be found and Spike . . . Buffy stopped and stared as Spike
adjusted the sleeves on the suit he was trying on. It was such a dark suit
with a blue shirt. He looked so breathtakingly handsome that she gripped
Lorne tightly.

"There he is," she breathed and pointed.

Lorne gazed at him and broke out in a wide smile. "Go get him muffin. I'm
going to help the groom. I can see by the look in your eye you want to
maybe make some time behind that dressing room curtain."

"Lorne!" she squealed and playfully hit him, turning crimson.

Spike looked up at the sound of her voice and smiled. It slightly wavered
when he noticed Lorne and her entwined with his. He frowned and
straightened, watching her expectantly.

"Go," Lorne whispered and pushed her.

She stumbled forward a bit, her legs not seeming to want to work and
finally, she glided over to Spike, smiling at him. "Hi."

"Who's that? Another ex?" he nodded toward Lorne who was now fussing
over Jonathan.

"That's Lorne. He owns the shop across the street. Turns out he's
Harmony's wedding planner and the DJ. . . which now strikes me as odd
now that I've said it out loud."

"Oh," Spike said uncertainly. "Didn't really answer my question there pet.
Doesn't explain why you came in here on his arm."

She grinned at him teasingly, "Jealous?"

"Yes," he said point blank.

She froze. She hadn't expected that. And he was most definitely telling the
truth. She could see it in his eyes. That stark honesty she loved so much.

She gulped and ignored the nervous flutter in her stomach. Instead she
reached out adjusted his collar, trying to give her hands something to do so
they wouldn't shake with nerves or grab him and kiss him – on the lips
NOT on the damn cheek.

"He's gay, Spike," she told him and then stepped back to take him in. His
eyes bore into her, daring her to meet his them. She finally did. His hair all
wild with curls, his eyes even bluer due to the intensity of his gaze, and the
suit that fitted him so perfectly; he was an Adonis. "My God, you look so
handsome," she said breathlessly before she could stop herself.

His expression turned from glittering intensity to one of surprise and hope.
A smile bloomed on his chiseled features and Buffy felt her heart shatter.
She felt as if she'd just been hit by a mack truck. With his name on it.

Oh God. It couldn't be—she wasn't. Surely she wasn't . . . was she? No. If
she didn't give voice to it or even think of the word, then it wouldn't be
true. Couldn't be true.

"Buffy? You in there? Did I lose you again?"

"Huh?" she snapped her attention to him again, having lost focus.

"I asked you if I should get it."

"Darling if you don't, it'd be a crime. Turn around let me see how you fill
that out," Lorne said, approaching them.

Spike turned around awkwardly, looking over his shoulder at Buffy
begging with his eyes for her to help him. Unable to stop herself though, her
eyes dropped to his ass. Well, maybe she'd reconsider kissing his cheek . . .
especially if it was part of those cheeks.

"What do you think Mistress Buffonia. We got a winner here?" Lorne
nudged her.

Meeting Spike's eyes, she nodded. "Definitely."





"So tell me Mistress Buffonia, what is the deal with you and stopping this
wedding," Spike asked as he handed her her waffle cone. Everyone else
had left to go home, but Spike and Buffy had begged off to get their ice
cream. Angel and Cordy had hitched a ride with Jonathan and Harmony.

It was going to be a busy night as Lorne had insisted Jonathan come to the
bar; ‘Jaded' that night for an impromptu bachelor party after finding out no
one had thrown him one. Spike, Hank and Angel were accompanying them,
and Lorne had promised to get to the bottom of why Jonathan was going
through with something that was increasingly making him more uneasy. By
the time he'd left that afternoon with his tux in hand, he'd looked green.
Buffy was now enlisting Spike's help for that evening.

"I told you. She's using him for his money. She doesn't love him, she loves
the fact that she can push him around and he just takes it. She can do
whatever the hell she wants, the way she's done all her life and he'll let her.
"

His eyebrows rose, "So there's not vested interest in the groom then?"

"No, not like that," she told him and sat down on the bench on the sidewalk
that overlooked the strip of shops. She turned into him as she licked at her
ice cream. "Like I told you before, when we were in high school, he got
pushed around and he felt like he was nothing. Like he could have
disappeared and no one would have cared. Aside from the fact that they
weren't getting their homework done, and an easy A due to him doing it for
them. His parents didn't want him and they made that clear. They never
praised him for his grades or his hard work. Though they did see in him a
means to their end in running the family business.

Changing his name like he did and disassociating himself from his family
that way took guts. And I can only imagine that it made him feel that much
more of an outsider. He disowned his family, he started a new life and he's
pursued his dreams But he has no one to share it with. No family, no
friends, no girlfriend. Do you think Harmony really cares about the work
he's doing? About the brilliant mind he has? Do you think she encourages
him? I can wager she doesn't. All she's done around him is fix his clothes
and put on a show. She treats me much the same way she's treated him.
Fake sugary sweetness. The only difference between me and Jonathan? I
could care less how she feels about me, but Jonathan is tying himself to her
for the rest of his life and she's just using him. He's successful and he's
smart and he has the potential to be really happy. The idea that he could
just fall prey to yet another person that would use and abuse him makes
me sick. There is someone out there for him; I know it. And its not her. For
crying out loud, all she's done is make googly eyes at you the whole time!"

"Jealous?" Spike smirked at her.

"Yes," she blurted out. Then stopped. She averted her gaze, feeling his eyes
on hers.

"Pet," he said softly. "Don't tease me please," he pleaded.

Her eyes flew to his. That got her attention.

"I-I—I'm not," she stuttered.

He looked at her hopefully. "D'you really mean it?"

She nodded, tucking her lips between her teeth and biting down.

He tossed his ice cream in the trash barrel behind him. "What does that
mean Buffy?" he asked, scooting closer to her.

"I- I-I d-don't—I don't know." Apparently her tongue was on vacation.
Along with all coherent thought. He grabbed her cone swiftly, all the while
keeping his eyes trained on her. She stared at him, wide eyed, unable to
break eye contact. Her hand was still in the position of holding her cone, so
frozen was she. Her body was tense and she could barely breathe.

"Tell me again. Tell me you're jealous," he said softly, huskily.

"I- I'm je-" he was leaning in closer to her and with a burst of what little
confidence she had, her lips met his.

The world was spinning, it had to be. She'd never felt dizzy kissing
someone before. Her body gave way, losing its tension as he brought her
closer to him, his teeth nipping at her bottom lip, his tongue grazing across,
begging entrance. She opened and became even more pliable in his arms
and her breasts were squashed against his hard chest. He tasted like mint,
vanilla and something uniquely Spike. His scent was of some soap, shampoo and male. And as she put her hands on his chest, she felt his hard maleness under hands and her mind drifted to what else felt hard with maleness. Then his lips left hers and trailed across her jaw. He nuzzled her cheek and then dipped to nuzzle her neck. Her eyes were closed; afraid to open them for fear that it was all in her head that this was really happening. Never had she ever felt so alive; her body was humming with desire; with love.

She slammed back into reality and pushed him away. He looked at her stunned.

"We're playing a part," she said finally, now aware that passerby's were
staring at them. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

"When? Just now?"

She stood. "The whole weekend. It's been a part. It's not real."

He stood and followed her as she weaved through the crowd.

"How can you say that?" he demanded angrily.

She winced at his tone and ducked her head. "Spike, let's not do this now."

He grabbed her arm and spun her to face him. "Oh we're doing this now,"
he growled.





20 by Brat
She was a stubborn bint. There was no doubt about that. And normally Spike took on her challenges with fervor, but he didn’t this time. Couldn’t. Not when it came to matters of the heart. Despite her want for real and true love, Buffy Summers skittered off like a mouse the minute it all became too real. Being the cat, Spike had to make sure to play this game just right. No one could ever say Buffy’s wasn’t complex. He supposed that’s what made him fall for her in the first place. She wasn’t the same as the interchangeable and bird brained women he dated, if one could call it dating. He winced at that. And here he was wondering why she was skittish with him. She’d seen first hand the girls he’d gone out with, the girls he dumped thoughtlessly. Buffy guarded her heart like a fortress. Her gunmen were barbs that could make a direct hit and slay the poor gentleman who dared cross her
river of denial to win her heart. Then there was that one night
stand guy. The baby producing guy with the fake name.

“I don’t understand you at all,” he told her as he drove with
his eyes focused on the road. When he demanded they
speak at that moment, she’d closed off, her eyes had gone
glittery with defiance and her hands had bunched
themselves into fists at her sides. He knew he was in trouble
then. She then took a deep breath and lifted her chin and told
him that she’d talk to him, but that they would go somewhere
and talk, not hash it out on a busy sidewalk. He’d agreed and
she’d given him directions to the trellis she used to visit as a
kid. It was away from large crowds, but the road was just
close enough. That hint was loud enough. If he started firing
too much her way, she’d run. He told her again she should
have gone into P.I. work.

“What?” she asked, slightly weary. That could work to his
advantage.


“Would ‘Brian’ have had this much trouble if he stayed?”

She froze; he cursed himself. Then he straightened. No,
this is what she needed. For him to lay all the cards out on
the table for her. He had to or she’d never see and they
wouldn’t get anywhere. Of course that meant he had to lay
his cards out—meaning his heart—and hope she didn’t laugh
at him.

She didn’t answer him and he didn’t press her. Jumping out

of the car once they arrived she yelled at him. “You’re an
asshole!”

“I wouldn’t have to be one if you weren’t so bloody
difficult!” he yelled back, following her to the trellis. She stood
on it, looking at the water with her back to him, her hair
shining in the sun and her arms wrapped around herself.

He came up behind her, careful not to make any sudden
moves. It was like hunting a bloody deer. “Buffy, let’s hash it
out. Tell me all of it. I want to know why you think that kiss
had anything to do with acting. Especially since no one in

your family was around to witness it.”

She turned to him, a blank expression on her face. “It still
wasn’t real.”

“How so?”

“We talked about this on the ride down. I told you it could
get awkward and it has—“

“I don’t feel awkward. I feel goddamn frustrated.”

“Why?”

“So you didn’t feel the erection I was sporting when we

kissed?”

Her cheeks flamed red and she looked away. He put his
hand under her chin and made her look at him. “Talk to me,
Buffy. We have a no holds barred relationship remember?”

“Friendship Spike. No holds barred FRIENDSHIP.”


“What’s wrong with me wanting you?”

She threw up her hands. “Because I’m your friend. Your
BEST friend I might add and when you want to have sex with
me it takes away from that. Then I become one of those

women that you’re dumping after a month and trying to figure
out how to get rid of at three in the morning once you’ve had
your fill of me.”

“Given this some thought have you?”

“It’s not a pretty picture you often paint. And what’s worse

is that you gloat about it. Like you should be handed an
award for womanizing.”

“And you should be handed the gold star of pushing love
away with both hands when it comes around,” he countered.


She made a show of looking around them. “I don’t see
anyone here to love.”

“That hurts pet.”

“What are you saying? That you love me?” she snorted.

“Yes, Buffy. That’s exactly what I’m saying. I more than just
want you Buffy. I love you.”

She shook her head. “For how long? A week? A month?

Just until the weekend is over? Just until you’ve had your fill
of me?”

“I could spend the rest of my life loving you Buffy and I
would never have reached my fill of you,” he told her, stark
honest.

She took a step back, eyes wild. “I don’t believe you. You
never said anything before. If you did—you don’t. You’re just
caught up in the moment-“

“The moment of WHAT Buffy? Of you telling me all the
reasons WHY I don’t love you, why I possibly couldn’t? How
about we try a different tune. How bout I tell you why I do
instead of why I possibly can’t.”

“No,” she started for the car.

He grabbed her arm, stopping her. “I told you we were
doing this Buffy Anne Summers and we will talk this out if I
have to tie you down to make you listen to me.”
There was no mistaking the lust that passed through her
eyes at that statement. So...Bird had a little S&M streak in her.
He refrained from indulging in that for minute.

She snapped her arm away from him. “Fine. Go. Talk.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “You know, you
don’t make anything easy on a bloke. This wasn’t exactly

how I planned on telling you.”

“Oh? Did you have it planned then?”

“Not really PLANNED, but I didn’t imagine having to yell at
you and force you to listen to me.”


“No one forces me to do anything,” she seethed.

He grinned, “I know. That’s one of the things I love most
about you.”

She took pause, waiting. Don't blow it Spike.

"That first night Buffy, the time I met you? Do you know what
I wanted to do above all else?"


"Boink me?" she asked,tersely.

"Get to know you."

The shock was apparent. Then, disbelief crossed her
features. "Do I look that dumb to you?"

"Did I ever try to have sex with you?" he shot back gently.

"No," she said gently, kicking some dirt with her shoe.

"No, I never did. You were more to me than that."

She looked up at him. "You didn't find me attractive,did you?"

"What?" he asked incredulously.

"You thought I was hideous!" she accused.

He rolled his eyes. "No, I found you absolutely adorable. You
were all sleep tousled. It was endearing. Pulled right at the
heart strings, you did. Just like when you wear your glasses.
And I have a few fantasies about you and those glasses
with some white thigh highs--"

"Spike" she held up a hand, stopping him.

"Right. Just felt I had to prove a point since you thought I

didn't find you attractive."

"Point taken."

"Right then. Buffy,you're so many things to me. An angel, a
goddess. You're intelligent and determined and despite the
fact that you can be bitch, you have the biggest heart of
anyone I've seen. What you're doing for Jonathan, whom you
haven't seen in years tells me that once you care about
someone, you don't let them go. You're so loyal . . . and it
makes me feel that I must be something worthwhile if you're
willing to step up to bat for me. Which you have many times.
You make laugh more than any bird ever has and when I'm
with you, I feel alive. It's like when I'm creating a work of art. I
feel at home, at yet, alive. It was something I was meant to do
and I feel it every time I sculpt or pick up a paint brush. The
same goes for when I'm with you."

"You were meant to do me?"

"I was meant to love you."

She swallowed, suddenly looking so vulnerable. It was a
side he didn't often see, but he knew he was the only one
that saw it. That had to mean something...why couldn't she
see that?

"I don't want to be those girls Spike. I couldn't do it. I couldn't

be the girl that smashes your Sex Pistols CD. I couldn't bear it
if someone else were there to help you find it again and help
clean up your apartment and get ice cream with you--"

"Buffy, No one else will ever do that but you," he told her
earnestly. "No one but you is my best friend."

"But what happens when you get tired of me?"

He shook his head, "wouldn't happen. Ever."

"I don't want to lose you," she persisted, tears shining in her
eyes. "I need you."

His heart swelled and constricted at the same time at that
statement. He brought her into his arms. "I need you too
kitten. I need you for forever. I'd never leave you. Don't you
see that it just makes it all that much better because you are
my best friend?" he cupped her face in his hands and met
her eyes imploringly.

"I'm scared," she whispered.

"I love you Buffy," he told her firmly.

"I'm still scared."

"So am I."

"You're never scared."

"Neither are you, but you are now."


"So what do we do?"

"We be scared together. But we don't give up. You fight for
everyone you love Buffy. Can't I be on that list?"

"You already are."

"What does that mean?" he asked imploringly.

"It means that I . . . " she gulped. "Spike, I need some time to
digest this. Can I just have some time?"

He sighed and closed his eyes.

"Please don't be angry with me," she begged.

His eyes popped open. "I'm not."

"Can we go home now?"

He nodded and brought her into his arms one last time. "What
do you want to do?"

"Take a nap. Will you hold me?" She sounded like such a lost
little girl, Spike couldn't say no to her. Nor did he want to.

"Yes luv. I'll hold you. For forever if you let me."

"One step at a time," she murmured.



A/n: you guys are amazing. Thank you so, so much. I wish I could hug each and every one of you!!!
21 by Brat
Chapter 21

Buffy lay down on her bed, her hand over her tummy as she waited for Spike to join her. After their talk at the trellis they'd gone to get real food as Buffy's stomach was growling and she was in desperate need of sustenance. Spike didn't even say a word as she inhaled a burger and fries in less than five minutes. As a matter of fact, he found it quite amusing.
After she'd guzzled a half a glass of water down, she studied him for a minute. One question kept popping in her mind and she knew that it wouldn't give rest until she'd asked it.


"What about my baby?" she asked.

Spike looked up at her, taken back for a minute. "Excuse me?"

"What about my baby? Will you love her too?"


He'd smiled gently at her and reached out, caressing the side of her face.

"He's part of you, Buffy. How could I not love him? You knew that before,
why should now be any different?"

"I . . . don't know," she said, disoriented.


"Humor me."

She sighed. "I guess because of how she was conceived and how she's . . .
not yours. Not that we would—or that you would or even that I would—"

He shushed her with a finger on her lips. "I know what you mean."


"Then why'd you ask!"

"Like to see you squirm."


"Jerk."

"Wench."

She laughed then and he joined her in her laughter.


Sighing heavily, Buffy closed her eyes, draping an arm over her eyes. So
much had happened that day. No wonder she was exhausted. Her mind
was a whirl with it all. Harmony and Jonathan, everyone finding out she
was pregnant, Spike telling her he loved her . . . This kind of stuff normally
took a month or two to play out in a soap opera.


"Hey, falling asleep without me?"

She dropped her arm and popped open her eyes. Spike was standing in the
doorway.


"Are you done sucking up to my parents now?" she asked.

He grinned. "I'd suck up to you but my charm is lost on you."


"I don't know. You bought me a burger; you don't even know how many
points in your favor that was."


"So now I'm on the point system with you too?"

She grinned, "Yep."


"So I figure this," he climbed into bed and drew her into his arms, "gives
me points off the chart, right?"


She giggled. "Close."

He smiled tenderly at her. "Never thought I'd have just this. Thank you."


"When are you going to stop thanking me?" she teased.

"Probably never," he returned.


"I haven't done anything."

"Just this is enough."


"You are growing in all sorts of directions when lying horizontal with a
woman doesn't have to mean you both have to be naked and bodily fluids
don't have to be exchanged."


He blinked. "That's quite a scientific way of looking at it Buffy."

She shrugged. "I like to break things down and offer new perspectives."


"There can be romance along with the exchange of bodily fluids you know."

She put a hand over her chest. "Be still my heart! You know romance?"


He pinched her arm. "Behave."

She snuggled up against him and yawned. Then drew back suddenly and
pointed at him, propping herself up on her elbow. "Just don't ever use on
me those methods you use on those other girls. I'm not like them and I
refuse to be lumped in the same category as them. Understand?"


He drew her back to him, and wrapped his arms around her. "You're not
like them Buffy. You never will be and you never could be."


"It's going to take some time . . . You've been a mimbo for so long I can't be
expected to just reconcile all of that immediately."


"Mimbo?"

"Male bimbo. Mimbo."


"And you say I've been watching Seinfeld too much."

"I'm still allowed to watch it."


Spike shifted so that she was on her back and he pillowed his head on her
breasts. He placed his large, warm hand on her stomach. He began making
circles on her belly.


"What are you doing?" she asked, unable to resist the allure of being
allowed the freedom of riffling her fingers through his silky curls.


He answered her by singing softly to her belly.

Dream by night
Wish by day
Love begins this way
Night's a friend
With love to send
Each new day
Bless your heart
Bless your soul
Let your dreams come true
Future songs
And flying dreams
Wait for you

Love, it seems
Made flying dreams
So hearts could soar
Heaven sent
These wings were meant
To prove once more
That love is the key

As you wish, as you will
Dream of flying starts
Love and care
The power's there
Trust your heartTrust your heart

She felt her eyes well up. That song felt as if it were as much for the baby as for her. ‘Trust your heart', he sang. Therein lied the problem. She was never one for just letting go and trusting her heart. Her head often took over and kind of screamed at her while her heart whispered. She never did find the happy medium with the two. She had a feeling Spike was going to test that.


She hadn't even realized he was watching her until he was nuzzling the side
of her face.


"Why the tears baby?" he asked tenderly.

"Where'd you learn to sing lullabies?"


He grinned. "One of my many talents. My mum and Da used to sing to me
to get me to sleep."


"You didn't have to."

"Wanted to. I meant what I said about loving the little tot as I do you. Why
the tears?" he asked again.


"What's with the calling me ‘baby'?" she asked, dodging the question of her
tears. She wasn't ready for that yet. She still had a few guards standing,
though they were dropping by the minute.


He looked sheepish and Buffy thought how this ought to be good.

"I have a confession to make," he finally told her.


Her eyes widened. "There's MORE?"

"See, this whole weekend . . . Well, I already knew that I was in love with
you—"

She tried not to gasp at hearing him say it. It was still new to her and she
felt a part of her melt and soar when he said it.


"—And I kind of figured this was my chance to act the way I wanted to with
you. To show you, even if I knew you'd see it as acting . . . That's my
endearment for you."


"You mean all the things you've done and said before today's confession,
was because you were being how you would be . . . "


"If you were mine."

"Oh."


"Scare you more?"

"Little bit."


"At least you're honest with me about it."

"Spike, you're my best friend. The one I run to when I have something
important to tell someone. I mean, yeah, there's Willow, but you're always
the first one I go to. It's hard for me to shut off that part of me that has
always been honest with you. At the same time, there are parts of me that
are scared to . . . open up. Do you understand?"


He nodded. "I overwhelmed you."

"Yeah. I didn't expect it."


"Do you believe me though?"

"Jury's still out. I'm in shock. I can't even process it. And I think I'm too
tired to try right now."


He laid his head next to hers and pulled her closer, and then laid his head
on her shoulder. "Sleep baby. I'll be here when you wake up."


"You better," she murmured, shutting her eyes.

"When have I ever let you down?"


"Never."

"And I won't start now."


"I'm holding you to that."

"I know. And I'm holding me to it too."




**Lullaby called Flying Dreams from Secret of Nimh** Thank you dreamgirl4eva for sending me the lyrics!!!






I can't even begin to find words to thank you all for the reviews and support of this story. Thank you doesn't quite cover it...but it's the only word I know to use!!!
22 by Brat
Chapter 22

For the second time that day, Spike had awoken enraptured by waking up next to Buffy; by watching her sleep. She lay on her side, turned slightly into him with one hand curled under head the other against her chest and a strand of hair falling across her face. It moved when she exhaled and it had to be the most endearing thing he'd ever seen. When she twitched her nose though, he decided to move it so it wouldn't tickle her nose to wakefulness. Mimicking her pose, he moved closer to her, feeling that even when she was in his arms, it wasn't close enough. His love for her overwhelmed him. She had to be some kind of siren that had put a spell on him. She held his heart in her hands and he felt her squeeze the tender organ whenever she smiled, laughed, cried, laughed, looked at him, said his name, kissed him and allowed herself to lean on him. He was almost afraid to make love to her, afraid he'd suffer a heart attack from just loving her so intensely. Love like this was what the poets wrote about, what lyricists sang about, what artists sought to create on their canvas's.

She started to move slightly, her legs stretching, her arms moving and her eye lids fluttering. Slowly she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn. Her eyes met his and she smiled sleepily.

"Hi," she whispered.

He smiled, feeling his heart squeeze. "Hi."

"Did you sleep?"

"Just woke up a bit before you. Sleep well?"

"I was just going to ask you the same question," she replied and stretched
again. She let out a sleepy moan. "Oh, I love it when things crack when you
stretch. Don't you?"

He nodded as he watched her, thinking her a graceful cat.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked him, a playful smile on her lips.

"How lovely you are."


She grinned, "Did you just use the word ‘lovely'?"

He grinned back, knowing some smart ass remark was coming soon. He
couldn't wait. "I did."

"Am I gaying you up?"

He let out a loud belly laugh, rolling onto his back. "'Gaying' me up?"

"I've never heard any guy say ‘lovely' before."

He turned his head to look at her. "Don't like it?"

"I don't think you should say it in front of the guys."

"I can say it for you but no one else?"


"Right."

"So in their presence, I beat my chest and use words like ‘sexy' and ‘hot'?"

"Gorgeous might work. Even beautiful"

"Maybe you should make me a list."

She started to laugh and moved so that her head rested on his chest. She
took his hand that rested on his stomach and held it in her own, studying it.
Turning it over, tracing the lines, the knuckles, the nails, everything. He
watched her in fascination and wondered how in the world just that simple
act could get him harder than nails.

"What are you doing?" he asked, trying to keep his voice light, but it came
out raspy instead.

"Studying you."

"Why?"

"Your hands are so much bigger than mine," she murmured, putting her
hand flat against his palm.

"They are," he agreed, not sure where this was going. Seeing as how it was
Buffy, it had to be going somewhere.

"You could crush me with these hands."

"I wouldn't."

"I know. But you could."

"Do you think I would?"

"If I gave you the power to," she looked up at him.

He was catching on now. "How would you give me the power to do that?"

She rested her head back on his chest, not answering.

"Buffy?"

"What time is it?" she slipped away from him and when he tried to reach
for her, she eluded his grasp and went to her suitcase across the room. "I
brought an alarm clock for a reason and I never plugged it in. Do you have
the time?"

"Buffy. Stop." Spike said and sat up, watching her.

She turned to him slowly, looking down at the floor.

"Talk to me. Don't stop now. You said you can't keep the truth from me, so
what's with the skittishness and this talk of me crushing you if you gave me
the power to. What's going on in that head of yours?"

She took a deep breath, still not meeting his eyes. She started to gesture,
which meant she was trying to figure out how to word what she was going
to say. "Waking up with you was really nice. It was like even though I was
sleeping, I was still aware that you were here and I felt protected. I felt
that way this morning too. In fact, I've pretty much felt that way since I
told you I was pregnant. Safe. Like. . . I knew you'd be there to protect me
and help me."

"Because I'll always be here Buffy."

"When I was growing up and didn't have a lot of friends and my parents
were so into Harmony and all that crap, I came to the conclusion that the
only person you can rely on is yourself. That there are so many people in
the world that will try to hurt you, even if they don't start that way, it just
happens, inevitably. So I depended on myself and never on anyone else.
Somewhere along the way though, it shifted. And I didn't realize how much
it shifted until I told you I was pregnant and then with the weekend and
everything that's happened. It's like this little world that I created for
myself has been disrupted and –"

"Your protective fortress allowed someone in," Spike finished.

She looked up at him, finally. "Yeah. You're kind of standing in the doorway and there's this long hall in between us with a few guards and maybe some rubble from past attempts of ones that just got obliterated when they tried."

He couldn't help but smile, albeit weakly, at the imagery. "And the closer I
get, the more frightened you get."

She nodded. "I let you in and I give you power," her eyes welled with
tears. "Power to hurt me. It's a frightening concept and you're so close . . .
what would I do? Who would I turn to? You've always been my knight,
what would I do if I needed a knight against you?"

With that, Spike was up and grabbing her into his arms, sitting back on the
bed and cradling her in his arms. "Listen to me. I'm going to mess up. I'm
going to hurt you, though never intentionally. I'm not going to be perfect,
and no one is Buffy. Not even you. There will be days when we hurt each
other, but I know that you would never do it intentionally to me either.

Then there will be days where we'll laugh over something stupid Xander
does, or we'll have a heated debate on some random topic, or we'll share a paper at the coffee shop and play footsie under the table as you tease me about having to read the comics before the sports and I'll tease you about drinking iced coffee on the most blistering winter day. We'll always laugh, talk, debate, agree and disagree and even agree to disagree. It could never be boring, because, well look at us. It makes sense doesn't it, that the two weirdest people on the planet should get together? It's the only thing I understand with perfect clarity.

Yeah, it is scary, and it is a leap, but God Buffy, don't you see that it'd just hurt you more to not take that leap? Don't shut yourself off from doing something because you're afraid. It's not a good enough reason and the Buffy I know and love is a fighter. She goes after what she wants and isn't afraid to get a little dirty. Don't hide from it, let it happen and I'll be right here to catch you. Clean up the rubble, shove those guards out of the way and run down the long hall. I'll meet you right in the middle of it."

Her head popped up and she looked up at him with an intense fire in her eyes. Passion. Dare he hope—Love? Without a word, she grabbed his face and kissed him, hungrily. She kissed him with fervor and Spike felt the wind leave him, felt his blood rush, his heart pound and his skin tingle. The sheer force of that kiss was enough to knock him over if he'd been standing. He'd heard of people putting what they feel in a kiss, but this . . . there just weren't words for it.

And if this was what Buffy felt for him, then he knew without question that
her love and passion for him matched his for her.
23 by Brat
Chapter 23

He felt his back hit the bed and Buffy sprawled out on top of him, kissing him senseless. Needing air, he parted long enough to roll them to their sides and then resumed kissing her. His hand rest on her waist, stroking the flesh softly. Her leg moved, bending the knee and placed itself just at his hard on. He moaned into her mouth. He wasn't going to make a move; he thought it best to let her take the lead. He didn't want her to think that telling her he loved her meant he was trying to get her in the sack. He wanted to make it clear that wasn't what he was seeking.

There was no denying that she was driving him clear out of his mind and the heart attack he'd been afraid to have earlier was a definite possibility as it felt it was going to pop right out of his chest. He'd never felt this way before and it was the most wondrously amazing thing he'd ever felt. Her fingers in his hair caused him to shiver and he pulled her even closer.

A loud knock on the door halted their make out session. "Guys, dinner!" Dawn, the messenger again.

Buffy pulled back just a touch and surveyed their position. "Sorry bout
that. Got a bit carried away."

He brushed his knuckles along her cheek. "FYI? You can get carried away
all you want."

She grinned mischievously. "Oh really?"

He nodded adamantly. "But only with me all right?"

"I'll have to call my pimp when we get home and let him down easy."

Spike chuckled, "Minx," and kissed her sweetly.

"Dinner," she reminded him.

He bit his tongue with the suggestion that he eat her instead. He nodded
and allowed her to pull him up.

"Do you want to take a few?" she asked.

"Why?"

Looking up at him innocently, she reached between them and stroked the
length of his erection.

He hissed and shut his eyes. "That wasn't fair," he murmured.

"Couldn't resist. I think you might bring out the inner vixen in me."

His eyes popped open, drugged with lust, he knew. "Don't start," he
warned her.

She stepped back. "Why don't you take a few and I'll go down. Don't forget
you're going out with the guys tonight at Lorne's bar."

He groaned. "Oh yes. This is all part of Operation: Break off the Wedding,
right?"

"Right. Plus, not fair that poor Jonathan didn't have a bachelor party," her
eyebrows furrowed at that.

"My girl has such a big heart," he murmured and kissed her.

She gave in for half a second and then pushed at him. "Dinner."

He sighed. "Right. Go on ahead, I'll be down in a minute. Or two." He leaned
down to give her a peck on the forehead and she halted him.

"No more forehead kisses."

"Why not?"

She blushed. Vixen indeed, he chuckled to himself.

"Because if you're going to be kissing me, I want your lips on mine."

He broke out in a slow smile, "I think that can be arranged." She leaned up
and pecked him on the lips. "Hurry up!" And she bounded out the door,
nearly skipping.

He stood there with a goofy grin on his face. "And she thought I was
acting," he shook his head and sauntered off to the bathroom to fix the
issue between his legs, whistling on his way.



Buffy rolled her eyes as she listened to a room full of Harmony's friends talk
like valley girls as they gushed about clothes, hair, makeup and ‘boys.' Her
mother was in and out busying herself with filling drinks and making sure
there was enough snacks. Dawn sat in enraptured attention, listening to the
conversations around her. This, Buffy supposed, was highly educational for
a hormone crazed teenager. This was educational for her as well. She
worked on a magazine, but even she had no clue that black was the new
black. She knew Harmony could have cared less if she were even in the
room. How had she gotten lassoed into this again? And how had Cordy been
allowed to escape? She wished she had jet lag to get her out of this right
about now.

After dinner the guys had been getting ready to go over to Jonathan's and
take him out when the door had burst open and a gaggle of giggling girls
had come through it screeching "SURPRISE!!" Buffy had begged her
mother to please let her go with Spike and Angel, but her mother had told
her that it would be nice of her to be there with Harmony. Since when was
she nice to Harmony? If they only knew. Which, surprisingly, didn't bother
her. She would feel worse if she didn't do anything and subject Jonathan to
the vapid ho.

So, here she was with a roomful of the same twits she'd avoided in high
school, sitting in the corner wondering what Spike was doing. Probably
playing pool. She froze as the image of the girl that had hit on him the last
time they'd been out playing pool wafted through her mind. She tried to
shrug it off. He wouldn't. He loved her. And he'd given that girl the brush
off. She was there with him at the time though. Spike never spent his time
hitting on women when Buffy was around. She pondered that for a minute.
That had to be telling. She'd have to ask him about it. As a matter of fact,
she could go down there right now and ask him—

She slipped out of the room to head into the kitchen and sneak out the
back door. Harmony sauntered in as her hand made contact with the door
knob.

"Where are you going?" she asked non chalantly.

Buffy turned to her. "Oh, I was uh, just going to go outside for some air."

Harmony smirked. "If you want to go, you can."

"Gee, thanks," Buffy said dryly.

"Going to check up on the bachelor party?" Harmony inquired.

"No," Buffy said indignantly.

Harmony shrugged and grabbed the chips of the counter. "I wouldn't
blame you if you were."

That caught Buffy's attention. "And why's that?"

"Well, if I had a man as hot as Spike, I'd be a little nervous about him going
out like that. "

"Spike wouldn't do anything like that to me," Buffy told her even though
she was wincing inside for her mind going to the same place. Harmony
didn't need to know that though.

"He's a man with needs Buffy. All men do it. All women do it too." She tried
not to bolt out the door, Spike having given her the ‘men have needs'
speech once in his defense of a one night stand.

"All women huh? So you have some sins you want to purge before your
wedding Harmony?"

Harmony laughed and it sounded cold. "Not to you. Buffy the little do-
gooder. You wouldn't understand about things like that. It's so sad."

"What is?"

"That you had to get pregnant in order to keep Spike around."

Buffy stalked over to her, clenching her fists. "You're a stupid bitch,
Harmony and you need to learn to shut your goddamn mouth."

"Hit a sore spot did I? Because it's true. The only way you could ever land
a guy like Spike is if you tied him to it."

"You don't know the first thing about me and Spike. As a matter of fact,
you don't know anything that doesn't have to do with clothes or hair. How
would I expect you to know anything that doesn't involve you and the little
world you live in. Somebody ought to warn Jonathan just what he's getting
into."

Harmony pushed Buffy. "Why don't you learn to take your own advice and
shut up."

"Oh, hit a soft spot did I? What's the matter Harmony? You afraid
Jonathan is going to find out what you're really after?"

Harmony's eyes were blazing, "Oh and what would that be?"

"His money. You might have everyone else fooled, but you don't fool me."

"At least I can get a man without having to trap him to do it. You're a loser
Buffy, always have been. How long do you think it'll take before Spike gets
tired of you being such a head case and a nerd?"

"Shows how much you know about Spike. He's a nerd too."

"And gorgeous. Which is more than I can say for you. Just wait Buffy, you'll
fuck up the way you always do and Spike will leave. Actually, you probably
don't even have to fuck up. He'll just plain get tired of you."

Before she could stop herself, Buffy smacked her hard across the face. She
now understood what it meant to see red. Harmony screeched and
everyone from the living room came rushing in.

"What the hell is going on?" Joyce exclaimed, seeing Harmony hunched
over with her hand over her face and a trembling Buffy, staring wide eyed
at what she'd just done.

Putting her hand over her belly, Buffy couldn't believe what she'd just
done.

"Buffy hit me!" Harmony wailed.


"Buffy Anne Summers, what do you have to say for yourself?" Joyce
demanded.

She wasn't going to cry. She was the worst mother in the world, but she
wasn't going to cry and give them the satisfaction. She couldn't even speak
and now her hand was starting to throb. God, how hard had she smacked
her. Harmony straightened herself and faced her. Buffy winced. Pretty
hard to leave her handprint across the side of her face.

"I hate you!" Harmony shouted and lunged at her. Buffy took that
opportunity to dart out of the house. Her mother was on her heels.

"Buffy, what the hell happened?"

Buffy couldn't stop herself. She burst into tears.

"Buffy—" her mother reached for her.

"No!" Buffy jumped back. "I have to go."

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know. I just need to go."
24 by Brat
Chapter 24



Buffy walked around the block for a while, sobbing. What kind of pregnant woman goes around smacking people like that? What if Harmony had gotten to her and those girls hadn’t stopped her? What if she had punched her in the stomach? Every time she thought about it, she started all over again. She was a horrible mother. Her baby had no father, and was probably going to hate her once she found out how she was conceived, her fiancé was a lie and Harmony had just played on all of her weaknesses. Worst of all, when Buffy had to call and tell her family that her and Spike had ended their engagement, Harmony would get off on that. She could see her smug pointy face now. She was a horrible mother and she’d made a mess out of everything. No wonder she was such a work-a-holic and hid behind her career. It was the only thing she could get right!

She wanted to see Spike and yet, she didn’t. She didn’t want to check on him because Harmony had frightened her. Course, she was already letting her own doubts and insecurities take over. Harmony had just affirmed them to her. Stupid bitch. Or, not so stupid actually. The girl knew just where to hit. No wonder she’d been so good at archery in high school.

Sighing, Buffy climbed in Spike’s DeSoto and went to the club. She’d just pop in and pop out. Just allay her fears by seeing with her own two eyes what was going on and then take off.

Once she’d arrived she sat in the car unable to make up her mind if she should go in or not. She needed someone to talk to. Someone to confide in. Someone other than Spike. Someone she could trust; someone that would be there and be understanding no matter what.

That’s when Angel came out of the club. Was that a sign? She climbed out of the car and watched him as he made his way to his car.

“Angel?” she called out weakly.

He spun in a circle, trying to locate the voice. His eyes fell on her and he broke out in a grin. “Asswipe! Come to check up on us?”

Buffy burst into tears at that. Angel was there in a heartbeat, wrapping his arms around her. “Ssshhh…Buffy what is it? What’s wrong?”

“I smacked Harmony across the face!” she wailed against Angel’s chest.

“Buffy, honey . . . calm down. Sshh… Come here, let’s get in my car and talk okay?”

She nodded and allowed him to lead her to his car. He opened the door and she slid in. He went to the other side and slid in.

“Buffy, tell me what happened,” he implored gently, handing her some tissues out of the glove compartment.

She told Angel what happened with Harmony in the kitchen and how she was afraid she was a horrible mother.

Angel’s face was grim with anger. “You have nothing to feel guilty about Buffy. She deserved it. Did you tell mom she pushed you?”

“No. I was too stunned by what I’d done.”

“God, I’ve never been able to stand that pain in the ass.”

Buffy’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Why do you think I was always gone?”

“I thought I was the only one.”

“Nope. She tried to get all sisterly with me, but I could never warm up to her. Besides, you’re my sister. Well, and Dawn, but you and I were always closer.”

Buffy gave him a watery smile. “Yeah, we always have been. The only one that agreed with me on the whack jobs we’re related to.”

Angel chuckled. “Got that right. You’re not a bad mother for hitting her Buffy. It’s not like you tackled her. You smacked her, and she deserved it. Besides, she PUSHED you.”

“But what if—“

“Don’t hang yourself up on the ‘what if’s’. You’ll drive yourself crazy.”

Buffy took a deep breath and nodded.

Angel cocked his head to the side. “Why do I feel there’s something you’re not telling me?”

“It’s so creepy when you do that,” Buffy stalled.

“Out with it,” Angel demanded.

Buffy took a deep breath. “Okay, but you can’t say anything until I’m done okay?”
“Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like this?” Angel sighed.

“Because you won’t.”

“Comforting,” he said dryly.

“Promise?”

Angel nodded turning and giving her his full attention.

“Okay well see, how Spike and I met was all true . . . “ And she spilled everything. The million facial expression passing over Angel’s face, she could tell which parts he didn’t approve of and had to restrain himself from butting in, and she could see his concern for her, his worry and most of all his shock. When she was done, Angel stared at her, jaw dropped.

“Wow.”

“Yeah. That’s all of it.” She poked him in the chest. “And you have to promise not to tell mom and dad! Or anyone!”

“Cordy?”

Buffy smiled, “You can tell Cordy.”

“Buffy, why didn’t you tell me? I’m your big brother; you know I would have been there for you. Frankly, I’m insulted that you didn’t come to me.”

“I just . . . I was afraid and I didn’t really know what I was doing. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.”

“Since when do you care what anyone thinks of you?”

“Since I became a single mother. All alone. I knew mom and Harmony would have had a field day with that.”

“No. I think you’ve always cared, you just tried not to let it show. I always knew you could bruise easily, I just never realized how easy.”

“Part of the brave face I show the world. I pretend I don’t care so that one day, I really won’t.”

“That’s sad, Buffy. And Spike is right. You shouldn’t hide. You’ll cheat yourself of some really great things by hiding.”

“You like him huh?”

Angel grinned, “I do. I think he’s a real stand up guy Buffy. What was it you said earlier today? He’s the long haul guy. You need someone strong that can stand up to you and see through the bravado. He’s that guy. You were made for each other.”

Buffy welled up in tears. “So I’m pretty dumb huh?”

“For?”

“Coming down here to check up on him. For listening to Harmony. I’m turning into those women that have to check up on their boyfriends and husbands. Next I’ll be rummaging through his pockets and mail and going through the messages on his cell phone and answering machine.”

Angel shook his head. “I think the fact that you don’t want to be that woman proves you won’t be. You’re a smart woman Buffy, you’ll figure all of this out and you’ll be fine. And Spike isn’t going to give up on you. That much I can tell.”

“How can you tell?”

Angel grinned. “Aside from the fact that he’s done nothing but talk about you all night?”

“He has?”

Angel nodded. “It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise to me to learn that he loved you all this time. It was apparent to me from the start that he loved you. I can see how you’re slow on the uptake. Always have been a little slow—“

She slugged him on the arm playfully. “Shut up.”

“And I don’t think that you’re mistrust of him is totally misplaced. He was, as you said a ‘mimbo’. You saw all that, you saw how he was and what he did. He’s got to understand that a part of you will be wary.”

“When am I not wary of anything?”

“True.”

“So you’re not upset with me?”

“No Buffy, I’m not upset. Worried about you, but not upset.”

“I’ll be all right.”

“I know, and knowing that you have Spike does make it easier. But you’re my little sister Buffy. It’s my job to watch your back and make sure you’re all right. Can you promise to call me more often? That’s my little nephew in there—“

“Or niece.”

“And I’d like to be around more for you. Plus, I think you’d get along really well with Cordy.”

Buffy smiled. “She seems really good for you.”

“She’s great for me,” Angel smiled wistfully. He sighed. “And who knows, you might not have to worry about breaking the news to mom and dad about your broken engagement. The way things are going with you and Spike—“

“Don’t jinx it,” Buffy warned.

“I’m just saying. Hold off for a bit. I have a feeling Spike won’t argue.”

“So what should I do now?”

“I think you should come on in and join the party luv.”

Buffy’s head snapped to the side. Spike was standing there, leaning over with his hands on the open car window, peering into the car.

“Well so much for making a quiet getaway,” Buffy muttered just before Spike popped his head in the car.

“Excuse me, Angel,” he told the other man and pressed his lips against Buffy’s.

“What’s up baby?” Spike asked, moving away and opening the car door, taking her hand and leading her out.

She darted a look at Angel who was grinning.

“Uh, nothing,” Buffy mumbled.

“Wondering what was taking so long mate. Thought maybe you went back to the hotel,” Spike said to Angel, closing the door. He pulled Buffy into his arms, so that her back was to his front and he bent to nuzzle her neck.

“Shit!” Angel swore. “I didn’t call Cordy. Now you’ll have to excuse me.”

“You were coming out here to call Cordy?” Buffy asked.

Angel grinned. “Yeah, I left the cell in the car. She likes me to check in. Just to see how I’m doing and hear my voice,” and he winked knowingly.

Buffy smiled broadly. “You know Angel, I don’t care what Dawn says about you. You’re a really good brother.”

“Thanks. And I don’t care what she says about you, you’re a really great sister.”

Buffy giggled as Angel sauntered away, cell in hand, calling Cordy.

Spike spun Buffy in his arms. “Want a kiss,” he murmured.

Buffy put her hands on his chest, halting him. “You’re drunk aren’t you?”

Spike grinned, “little bit. How can you tell? Do I stink?”

Buffy shook her head and laughed. “No, I can’t smell it. I can just tell.” She distinctly remembered hurling an accusation his way about how he always came on to her when he was drunk. It might be sad, but it cemented Spike’s confession of love for her even more. It was always in plain sight, she’d just been too blind to see it.

Wrapping her arms around him, she drew him down for a kiss. He moaned and deepened it, pulling her closer against him. She felt the evidence of his arousal against her stomach and she felt her body respond in kind. Breaking apart breathlessly, Spike rested his forehead against hers.

“What brought you down?” he asked.

“Just being silly is all.”

“Checking up on me?”

She averted her eyes. “Yes and no. I had a rough night.”
He pulled back and regarded her. “What happened?”

“Why don’t we go inside and I’ll tell you—“
“Tell me Buffy. No secrets.”

Buffy sighed. “For the second time tonight . . . “
25 by Brat
Chapter 25


Spike's jaw was clenching and his whole body was tense. Never a good sign.

"She pushed you? She said that? She PUSHED YOU?!" Spike roared. "I know she's your cousin Buffy, but the bitch isn't going to get away with that. Any of it."

Buffy rubbed his arms, trying to calm him. "I'm all right."

He looked at her, "You weren't."

"I wasn't," she admitted.

"You didn't buy into what she was saying did you?"

Buffy looked away and then stepped away. "Hey isn't there a party you
should be going back to?" she tried lightly and tugged on his hand.

He snatched her back to make her look at him. "Buffy," he said warningly.

"Spike, I don't really want to get into it now. It's over and done with. I had
a nice chat with Angel and I'm better now."

Spike ran a hand through his hair. "But you can't talk to me now? Is that
it? I'm your boyfriend Buffy. I kind of have a big vested interest in what's
going on with you and with us. Are you going to run off to Angel every time
you're feeling insecure?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Maybe," she said challengingly.

"Don't do it Buffy. Don't start doing that now. You push me out now and
there isn't any hope for us," he put his hand under her chin and made her
look at him and leaned into her so that they were only a hairsbreadth away.
"Now that I've held you in my arms Buffy, there's no way I'm letting you
go."

She stepped back a bit, gaining some space. "I-I'm not pushing you out. I
just don't want to run to you everytime I'm being insecure. I have to learn
to get over these things on my own. If I don't, you'll get tired of me thus
proving Harmony right."

He grinned weakly. "Did you just say ‘thus'?"

She smiled weakly back, "I did."

"Kudos." Then, all seriousness again. "Buffy, you not trusting me has to do
with me. Don't you see that?"

"Spike, everyone has issues with trust at some point in a relationship. And
I imagine it'd get pretty stale if I kept coming to you and asking you ‘so, did
you hook up with anyone today?' or ‘Spike, I'm feeling like maybe you're
reverting back to your womanizing days, is it true?' or ‘You know Spike,
I'm feeling a quart low on my self esteem today, think you could tell me
ONCE MORE that you're not fooling around behind my back? Please,
assure me day in and day out that you still love me.' I can't imagine how
that wouldn't get old at all!" Her voice rose and rose until she was yelling.
Yelling and shaking with frustration.

Spike stared at her, apparently taken back.

"See? That's what I thought. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to collect
what's left of my dignity and go home."


Spike grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving. "No. Telling you
everyday that I love you won't get old. You running away from me all the
time, will," he told her with a slight growl.

She sighed. "Okay, yes, I was feeling insecure and wanted to come here to
check up on you. Yes, Harmony knew just where to hit to make me feel
even worse and yes, I wanted to come and see you after it all happened
because you're the one I run to when something's wrong with me except
you're the one I was stressing over so I didn't want to go to you! I was
sitting here in your car and I was debating on whether or not to go in. The
right thing to do was to not go in and see you and trust you. I needed
someone else to talk to and Angel came out and I wanted to talk to him,"
her voice was wobbling, and she was fighting the tears that were
threatening to come yet again. "I told him everything."

Spike's eyes widened. "Everything?"

She nodded. "Yes. I wanted to tell someone and he was the right person to
tell. He's my brother and out of everyone in my psychotic family, he's the
one that deserves to know most of all."

Spike leaned against a car, folding his arms across his chest. "What did he
say?"

"He was really good about it. Made me promise to keep in touch more and
tell him more about what's going on with me. And let me know that while I
was being silly about my insecurities, they were also normal."

"They are."

Her head popped up. "What?"

Spike sighed heavily and dropped his arms. "Buffy, you don't know how
much I regret the things I've done. Especially now."

"You were being a guy."

"I was being a slut. A mimbo as you put it. I was thinking with my dick
instead of my head. I didn't put any thought into what I was doing to them
until . . . well, until I realized how much I loved you."

She didn't respond, just waited for him to continue.

"I tried to keep them from you, you know. That's why I hated the fact that
you had to witness Anya. I didn't want you to be part of that. Tried to
shield you from it because I felt like I was cheating on you. At the same
time I knew I wasn't worthy of you. . . I tried to have a real relationship
with Anya. I really did. I even let her stay after sex."

Buffy tried hard not to wince at the idea of Spike having sex with someone
else. This wasn't the time to get all jealous – even if that was what had
brought her there to begin with. She needed to hear this and she could tell
that Spike needed to tell her.

Spike sighed and stood straight, watching her. "But what I was doing was
looking for you. She called me on it. She accused me of trying to turn her
into you."

Clarity dawned on Buffy. "Is that why she said I was always there--?"

Spike nodded, smiling tenderly. "Because you were. God help me Buffy, it's
always been about you."

Buffy rushed into his arms, causing a little ‘oof' to come out of him.

"I love you Buffy, so, so much. I'd never do anything to jeopardize losing
you. And I know that trust is something that's earned."

"It's just . . . weird. As my best friend, I trust you with my life but when it
comes to this . . . " she murmured against his neck.

"I know."

"I'll be better, I promise."

"I know it'll take time Buffy. Just don't give up on us okay?"

"I won't."

"Promise?"

She nodded; then looked up at him. "And as a sign of true devotion and
proof that I'm growing in all sorts of directions right along with you, I'm
going to go home and let you get back to the party."

He shook his head, "Nah."

"Nah?"

"I was missing my girl. Why don't you come in and join us."

"Spike, it's a bachelor party. Women not allowed."

He shrugged. "I think it'd be nice to have you there. Not just for me, but
for Jonathan and Lorne's already asked if you were going to be stopping by
so . . . come in for a bit? Besides, I really don't want you to go back there
without me Buffy. I don't trust Harmony as far as I can throw her."

"She wouldn't touch me."

"I still don't trust her. Don't you know that I protect what's mine? And
you, are mine."

She smiled sweetly, "That's so possessive."

"Get used to it," Spike growled playfully and claimed her lips with is.
"Come inside?"

She nodded and looped her arm through his. "I really wish I could drink. I
could really go for a shot of something right about now."

"That's my girl," Spike chuckled as he led her to the club.



"Buffy! Muffin!" Lorne blew over, sweeping Buffy up in his arms.

Buffy giggled and hugged him back. The club was actually fairly normal –
no smoking—with just a touch of Lorne's flamboyancy splashed in here and
there. It was dark, but not seedy looking with a stage and a dance floor and
a fake palm tree here and there, and comfortable plush chairs to sit in and
round tables with enough room for a group.

"So glad you're here! New developments—has Spike filled you in?"

"Sorry Lorne, figured I'd leave you to that," Spike said graciously.

"Mind if I steal her?" Lorne asked. "Just so you know, I won't take no for
an answer."

Spike grinned. "I figured as much. Go ahead, gossip. I'm gonna get a
drink."

"Don't forget to sign yourself up for karaoke!" Lorne sing-songed.

"Lorne, does the entertainment ever end?" Spike joked.

"Never, tall blond and gorgeous, never."

Spike grinned and winked at Buffy. "I'll think about it," and he sauntered
off.

"So, what's going on?" Buffy asked, turning to Lorne.

"Look over there at the boy," Lorne pointed across the room to where
Jonathan sat, alone, looking forlornly at his drink. "And now. . . look over
there. At the bar."

Buffy followed Lorne's finger to a skinny girl with long brown hair and
glasses, staring at Jonathan sadly. She appeared unsure of herself and kept
fidgeting.

"How long has that been going on?" Buffy asked.

"Since she got here about an hour ago. I haven't had a chance to talk to the
sweet thing, so I'm ever so pleased that you're here to help out. I'm
thinking you make nice and bring her over?"

Buffy smiled broadly. "I can do that. I'll work my Buffy charm."

Lorne clapped his hands. "You know I think your man has given Jonathan
something to think about."

"Oh?"

"Every chance I've gotten to pop in, he's been regaling the table with tales
of you. I think it's given Jonathan a perspective on what it's like to love a
sweet girl instead of a vapid ho."

Buffy burst out laughing. "Lorne! I'm stunned that you have such nasty
words in your vocabulary!" Buffy teased.

"I call ‘em as I see ‘em sweetness."

"All right, I'm going in."

"Oooh…Down and Dirty Buffy. I like it."

Buffy giggled and shooed him. "Go, work your magic. I'll go work mine."

"We'll catch up soon!"

"You bet we will."



Casually striding over to the girl eyeing Jonathan, Buffy slid into the stool
next to her and smiled. "Hi, how you doing?"

The woman smiled shyly, "Good, thank you."

"What are you drinking? It looks good," Buffy asked, taking the girl in. She
was tall and lean and quite pretty, her big brown eyes hidden behind the
glasses she wore.

"Oh, it's a . . . I can't tell you."

Buffy grinned, "Why not?"

"It's a Shirley temple."

"That's so sweet! I love those. You know what? I'm gonna have one too."

The girl's eyes widened. "You are?"

Buffy shrugged. "Why not?"

"I figured aside from pre-adolescents, I was the only one that liked them."

"Nah. Plus, it looks like you're really drinking something even if you're not,
right?"

"Right."

"I do have to ask though. Why come to a club if you're not going to actually
drink?"

"You're not drinking," the girl said a bit defensively.

"I'll tell you a secret," Buffy leaned closer to her. "I'm pregnant."

"Oh!" the girls hand flew to her mouth. "What are you doing here then?"

"I happen to be good friends with the owner. Plus my boyfriend is here
along with a really good friend of mine."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"Jonathan McCarthy. Know him?"

The woman was blushing now. She looked down.

Buffy turned herself so that she was facing her. "What's your name?"

"Fred Burkle."

"I'm Buffy Summers. Nice to meet you," and she held out her hand. Fred
took it lightly.

"Fred, let me ask you a question. If you had a friend that was about to
make the biggest mistake of his life, what would you do to help?"

Fred looked up. "Anything."

Buffy smiled. "Well Fred. I think this might be your lucky night."



A/N: So...whose up for Spike doing some karoake???
26 by Brat


Chapter 26



Fred looked uncomfortable; she was fidgeting even more and paling by the minute.

"What do you mean this might be my lucky night?"

"You know Jonathan don't you?

"Y-Yes. Who are you really?" Fred narrowed her eyes.

"An old friend who has a vested interest in his future."

"How old?"

"High school."

"I think he's mentioned you before," Fred murmured, "The name sounds familiar."

Buffy smiled brightly, "Really?"

Fred nodded, ducking her head. "He's getting married tomorrow."

"Yeah, unfortunately," Buffy said dryly.

Fred's head snapped up. "You're not happy about it."

"Very observant of you. No, I'm not."

"Do you know the bride?"

"I'm related to her."

Fred's mouth opened to a wide ‘O'.

"I hate her, so you don't need to worry about that."

Fred looked disoriented, "Oh."

"How do you know Jonathan?" Buffy asked, forging ahead.

"I work with him."

Buffy was getting excited. "You do? Really?"

Fred nodded and blushed. "He's amazing." Her eyes widened, appearing like a deer
caught in the headlights. "I-I mean that he's got an amazing mind. I – I don't mean—"
"Fred. Relax. I'm glad that you like Jonathan," she said calmly, placing a comforting
hand on the girl.

"You are?" Fred squeaked her surprise.

Buffy nodded. "I like him too. He does have an amazing mind and he's always been the kindest person I've ever known. I also think within minutes of having met you that you are the second kindest person I've ever met. So you know what I'd like to see?"

Fred shook her head, nervous.

"I'd like to see the two kindest people I know get together."

Fred shook her head, "I-I can't. He-he's getting married tomorrow and he doesn't know how I feel—"

"And how do you feel?" Buffy pressed, knowing Fred hadn't meant to let that slip out by the look on her face after she'd said. Now she looked as if she were the deer about to be trampled by the car.

"He was the only one that paid any attention to me when I moved here. He even showed me around," the way Fred was gushing about Jonathan, Buffy didn't think she'd have to do too much work to get the girl to do something about it. Or, at least, she hoped not.

"So you get along well then. Good friends?"

Fred smiled brightly. "He's so nice to me. He doesn't treat me like I'm some kind of
freak working with a bunch of guys doing all this scientific stuff. He treats me like an equal and yet, sometimes I think . . . "

"Finish that thought, please. I want to know," Buffy leaned forward, giving Fred her full attention.

"He treats me like a princess."

Buffy smiled broadly. "Doesn't the Prince deserve to know how the Princess feels?"

"But—"

"Does he ever talk about her?"

"Not really. At first he did, but the closer it gets to the wedding, the more closed off he's become. The only times he smiles is when we take our afternoon walks together at our lunch breaks."

"Oh, Fred, you have to tell him."

Fred looked about ready to cry.

"I think she's using him," Buffy blurted out.

"Why? Why would she do something like that?" Fred seemed outraged at the thought.

"He ever mention his fiancé opening a hair salon in town?"

Fred pointed her finger at Buffy, eyes wild with excitement. "As a matter of fact, yes! He had to leave work early a few times to check the place out and sign some papers."

"So, it's in his name then. . . interesting. Harmony is as dumb as I thought."

"He could just be a co-signer," Fred pointed out.

"Yeah, I'm betting Harmony has no intention of ever paying for any of that on her own anyway."

"Have you spoken with him about your assumptions?"

Buffy shook her head slowly, her nose wrinkled. "I'm afraid I haven't had the chance. With everything going on, I just haven't been able to get him alone."

"Then why aren't you over there talking to him now?"

Buffy smiled, "because you're here. Seeing his good friend Fred that he treats like a Princess would probably be better for him than me reminding him that he's marrying the money grubbing freak tomorrow."


"How can you know I'm better for him than she is?"

"Well, I say we venture on over and I'll see for myself. What do you say?"


"I don't know what to do . . . or say," Fred murmured looking down.


"That's easy. Just follow my lead. Let's grab our drinks – as soon as I order mine-- and head on over to the lonely boy over there. I think he'd like to see his good friend Fred, don't you?"

"I don't know about this."

"Trust me. You said you'd do anything to help out a friend. What about someone you
love?"

Fred took a deep breath and slid down from her stool. "Okay. Let's go."
"Atta girl!" Buffy slid down off her stool. " I just need to order my drink."

"Don't worry about it. You order and I'll go over and see him. You can join us after."

Buffy smiled and hugged Fred. "You're an angel. It's fate Fred. It's fate that brought you
here him here tonight."

"I haven't done anything yet," Fred giggled nervously.

"I have a good feeling."

"Thank you Buffy."

"I haven't done anything," Buffy teased.

"Yes, you have," Fred said seriously and walked away towards Jonathan.

"What'll it be Miss?" the bartender asked.

"Shirley Temple, please," Buffy said proudly.

He looked at her funny.

"What?" she asked indignantly.

He shook his head. "Nothin' at all."

"You know you shouldn't pass judgment just because I want a Shirley Temple. How do you know I don't have a drinking problem? Or I'm preg—"

"What are you getting brassed off about now?" Spike was there suddenly behind her, hands on her waist, seeming to mold himself against her. Her breath caught from the sensation of that coupled with his hot breath on her necks. Goose bumps formed on her body. What he could do to her. . .

It was difficult to form a coherent thought with him nuzzling her neck. How in the world had she missed this before? He was always like this when he was drunk and it was always directed at her! And how had she been blind to the affect he had on her senses and her body. She felt the all too familiar stirring between her legs and when his hand slid across her belly and his tongue made contact with her neck, her panties, she knew, were getting drenched.

"Hmmm?" Spike hummed, taking her earlobe in his mouth and gently biting it.

The bartender watched on with amusement.

"Shirley Temple, please," she managed to croak.

A soft tune started to play and Spike started to sway her along with the music. "Dance with me, baby?"

"Yah huh," she managed, all thoughts of Jonathan and Fred fleeing her mind. She was beginning to realize that Spike had the uncanny ability to distract her from everything. Well, it wasn't that much of a change. She remembered plenty of times when they'd get so wrapped up in what they were doing or talking about, the world and its inhabitants seemed to fall away until it was just them.

"I'll hold the drink for you," the bartender smirked.

Buffy glared at him and allowed Spike to lead her off to the dance floor where he wrapped her up in his arms and they began to sway to the music.

You're mine and we belong together
Yes, we belong together, for eternity

Buffy smiled to herself at the words and snuggled up closer to Spike. She wondered if Lorne had a hand in this one. Her gaze traveled to find the man, and when she saw him grinning at her, she knew he did.

You're mine, your lips belong to me
Yes, they belong to only me, for eternity

Leaning up, Buffy pressed a kiss to Spike's lips. "Mine," she smiled almost shyly at him.
He grinned, and his expression changed to one of awe. "Yours."


You're mine, my baby and you'll always be
I swear by everything I own
You'll always, always be mine

Resting her head against Spike's strong chest she closed her eyes for a second and when she opened them she saw Fred and Jonathan making their way to the dance floor, holding hands. Buffy smiled broadly. Looked like things were starting to fall into place all over.

You're mine and, we belong together
Yes, we belong together, for eternity

"Muffin," Lorne bustled over as the last strands of the song played, "hate to break up the love, but I need to steal your man for a minute," Buffy looked up at Spike questioningly and Spike grinned at her.

"What are you going to do?" she asked, or rather, demanded.

"Me?" he said innocently. He pecked her nose. "Nothing."

"Ah! What a face!" Lorne exclaimed pinching Spike's cheek. "Come on loverboy."
Buffy watched them walk away wondering what the hell they were up to when Angel came up to her. "Is Jonathan aware that's not Harmony?"

Buffy giggled. "Yes, thank god."

Angel's eyebrows rose, "What ELSE are you not telling me?"

"Come on big brother, got more to fill you in on," Buffy giggled and linked her arm through his, leading him off to an empty table.

She had just gotten to the part about Fred going over to see Jonathan when she heard Spike's voice booming across the club. "I'd like to dedicate this song to my girl Buffy. She likes it when I make a fool out of myself for her and I want to let her know exactly how she makes me feel. Buffy, baby, this is for you."

Oh God, what was he going to sing? Her eyes widened as the music started. Her jaw dropped. No. He wasn't! She sat riveted to the stage and saw him up on stage, mic in hand strutting around like a peacock. Angel burst out laughing.


I made it through the wilderness
Somehow I made it through
Didn't know how lost I was
Until I found you

He stopped and pointed directly at her. She slapped a hand over her mouth, stifling a laugh.

I was beat incomplete

With that he put his hand over his forehead in a thoroughly dramatic manner.

I'd been had, I was sad and blue
But you made me feel
Yeah, you made me feel
Shiny and new
Like a virgin

At that, Buffy snorted.

Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
When your heart beats
Next to mine

He put his hand over his chest and thumped it. Buffy was mesmerized, her laughter stuck in her throat.

Gonna give you all my love, girl
Good job changing the words, Buffy thought gleefully.

My fear is fading fast
Been saving it all for you
'Cause only love can last

He was bouncing around onstage, swaying his hips a bit to the beat and several people in the audience either had their hands over their mouths like Buffy, were hooting at him or full out laughing like Angel.

You're so fine and you're mine
Make me strong, yeah you make me bold
Oh your love thawed out
Yeah, your love thawed out
What was scared and cold
Like a virgin – hey!

Buffy let out a little giggle as his voice went a few octaves higher.

Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
With your heartbeat
Next to mine
Oooh, oooh, oooh

He dropped to his knees, belting the tune out for all he was worth.

You're so fine and you're mine
I'll be yours 'till the end of time
'Cause you made me feel
Yeah, you made me feel
I've nothing to hide
Like a virgin
Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
With your heartbeat
Next to mine

Now he was writhing on the floor a la vintage Madonna at her first MTV music awards.

Like a virgin, ooh, ooh
Like a virgin
Feels so good inside
When you hold me, and your heart beats, and you love me
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Ooh, baby
Can't you hear my heart beat
For the very first time?
He ended up on his back, head over the stage peering over at her and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"That is your boyfriend, Buffy," Angel said, laughing so hard he was crying.

"That he is," Buffy said laughing and gazing up at him fondly. Then she started for the stage.

"Now where are you going?" Angel called after her.

"Going to see about deflowering my virgin," Buffy grinned.

"Buffy! I really don't need to know about that!" Angel exclaimed. "God, that's like picturing mom and dad…"



A/N: I just found out tonight that this story was nominated for the Love's Last Glimpse Awards. I know that two people nominated me but I don't know who they are. I just wantt to thank you SO SO SO much. I think I sat and stared at the email for five minutes in shock! It means so much to me, thank you ALL so much for all of your reviews and your kind words--and to Mac for concern about my health lol. Cracked me up!! Again, thank you.

**Songs by Richie Valens and Madonna, respectively. Thank you Angela!!!!
27 by Brat
Chapter 27


Spike met her backstage as she was on his way to see him. Her face was flushed and her eyes were practically beaming with lust.

He was grinning mischievously at her and she flung herself into his arms, peppering his face with kisses.

"Wow," he murmured, holding on tight. "I take it you liked it?" he asked her.

"Who would have known that watching you sing ‘Like a Virgin' would have
gotten me so hot?"

His eyes turned lusty, his expression darkening. "How hot?" he said
deeply.

"So hot I want you to take me home and make me feel like a virgin."

He claimed her lips, nipping, sucking, licking and mating with them. His
erection was rock hard and pressing against her stomach as he lifted her so
that her feet were just above the floor. Her back hit the wall.

"Oh Christ! Buffy, are you all right?" he asked.

She giggled breathlessly. "I'm fine. Barely touched it."

"God, all the finesse has left me."

She reared back her head, eyes sparkling with amusement. "You have
finesse?"

"Funny. Yes, I do. Just not with you. See? I am like a virgin with you. All
that stuff I used to do—"

"Not with me," she demanded on a whisper and kissed him hard.

"No, not with you," he whispered back.

"Let's go before I demand you take me against this wall."

He groaned in barely constrained need and let her go, only to take her
hand and lead her quickly out of the backstage and into the throng of
people waiting to greet him out in the club. He kept her close by him as he tried to graciously accept the pats on the back and the laughter. When the crowd dissipated, Buffy felt that maybe now they were on the home stretch. Until Angel stopped them.

Buffy glared at him in annoyance.

Angel held up in his hands. "I just thought you'd like to know that Fred and Jonathan left shortly after Spike's uh, performance."

Buffy's eyes widened. "They did?"

"Who's Fred?" Spike asked. "You know what? You can tell me later, let's
go."

"Bye Angel!" Buffy called out to her brother, waving to him as Spike
practically plowed through the club and out the door.

"Got my keys?" Spike asked desperately as they weaved through the
parking lot to his car.

"Yep, right here in me pocket," she said and fished in her pocket.

"Turning Irish on me?"

"Wee bit."

"Keys, give me keys," Spike demanded as they finally made it to his car.

She handed the keys to him. "Geez, you'd think you were about to get laid or something," she teased.

He answered her by kissing her possessively, exploring her mouth with his
tongue. "Making love," he corrected her when they parted for air.



Buffy was pouting and it was the cutest thing Spike had ever seen. He
explicitly told her she was not allowed to unbuckle her seat belt and tease him the way she seemed set to do as they had driven out of the parking lot. Her wayward hands and teasing mouth would drive him to distraction and she had precious cargo in that tummy of hers. She knew he was right, but she still wanted to touch him and every second they weren't touching felt like an eternity.

He knew that feeling all too well.

Instead he held her hand and at stop lights would lean over and kiss her senseless. He decided that the break in between might be for the best. He needed to get himself together. He was coming apart at the seams. For the first time in his life, he was going to make love to the love of his life, the woman of his dreams, his soul mate, The One and every other cliche he could think of when thinking of Buffy and what she meant to him. The thing was, he really DID feel like a virgin. He was when it came to this. Flings, one night stands (he winced at the thought and his eyes darted to her belly), but he'd never made love. He wanted to show her all that he felt for her, and hoped he was able to convey it.

When they finally made it to the house, they jumped out of the car and
started for the house, hands entwined.

"Oh crap," she muttered.

He froze. "What?"

"I hope they're all asleep."

Spike's face fell. "Oh crap."

Praying and promising that they could just have a clear shot to the
bedroom, Spike opened the door and paused. Silence. The only light was
the light in the living room. And no one was occupying the room. He
breathed a sigh of relief and they started toward the stairs.

"Buffy?"

Cursing, they turned to see Joyce standing in the doorway, Harmony
beside her. Spike glared at the girl, causing her to fidget.

"Are you all right? We were worried," Joyce said.

Buffy's eyes widened. "What's with the collective ‘we'? I can tell you right
now that she," Buffy pointed to Harmony, "was not worried about me."

"Yes I was–"Harmony started.

Spike growled. "Don't even."

Harmony looked up at Joyce.

"She tell you she pushed me?" Buffy asked her mother.

Joyce looked down at Harmony in shock. "You WHAT?"

Harmony fidgeted. "I didn't mean to, I just–"

"I'm sorry Joyce, I know this is your house, but I have to say something."
He turned to Harmony, pointing at her. "You ever touch my fiancé again or hurt her in ANY way and there will be hell to pay, do you understand me?"

Harmony whimpered and nodded her head.

Joyce sighed. "It's a good thing you're getting married tomorrow Harmony because I really think you've outstayed your welcome."

Harmony's eyes widened. "Aunt Joyce!"

"Harmony, I love you, but you haven't a clue how to treat family. Or
anyone for that matter. Now say good night and go to bed."

Looking like a dog with its tail between its legs, Harmony mumbled good
night and fled to her room.

"I'm sorry honey," Joyce said once Harmony was gone. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, mom."

"For the record, I wasn't angry with you. I knew she had something to do
with what happened, but damned if I can get the truth out of her," Joyce
sighed wearily.

"Why don't you get some sleep too, mom?"

Joyce rubbed her temples. "I think that's a wonderful idea. You two should
get some rest too. We have a big day tomorrow."

Buffy and Spike exchanged looks and Spike squeezed her hand. "Sure thing
mom," Buffy chirped.

That was all the cue Spike needed as he led Buffy up the stairs and into the
bedroom. Once inside, he flicked the light on and Buffy immediately turned
it off.

"Buffy, I want to see your body. Lights on," and he flicked them back on.

"Lights on, but dimmed," she flicked on the bedside lamp and then flicked
off the light. "Dimmer lighting. More, what do they call it? Romantic."

He grinned and stalked her like a cat on the prowl. "I'll show you
romance," and he swept her in his arms.

"Promise?" she breathed.

He bent, nuzzling her neck. "Oh yes."



A/N: so how much you want to kill me for stopping there?? lol I promise to make it up to you!!
28 by Brat
Drum roll please...lol. Thank you guys! I love you all!! :)

Chapter 28

"Buffy, what the bleeding hell are you doing in there?" Spike asked through the bathroom door. He was standing there, in his jeans with no shirt on and felt as if he was literally going to explode if she didn't come out soon. Either that or he was going to break the door down and have her in the bathroom. His head cocked to the side. Actually, that wasn't a bad idea . . .

"I'm coming."

"Not yet, but you will," Spike muttered. "I hope," he added fearfully.

"Stand back from the door."

"Why?" he frowned.

"Because I know you're hovering right outside the door and the effect will
be lost if you're standing right there."

"Do you want me to turn on the fan and direct it at you so you can have
that whole hair billowing thing going for you like they do in movies too?"

"You're getting impatient," she accused.

"Buffy, I've been in love with you for four years. I'm about ready to crawl
out of my skin here. This is like Waiting for Godot."

"Never read it."

Spike sighed. "Would you please?"

"I'm waiting for you to move away from the door."

He stepped back.

"Not a step either!"

He moved back another step.

"Oh to hell with it," and she flung the door open.

Spike felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "You should have
told me to sit down," he said weakly. He wanted to kneel down and worship
her.

She was wearing a silky cream colored negligee with lace covering her
breasts. He could barely make out her nipples through it and the tease of it
was exhilarating. Her hair was down and framing her face, the tip of her
long hair brushing the tops of her breast. He wanted to be that hair. Her
face had light makeup, but that he barely noticed. No, what made it all the
better was the glasses. She was wearing her Buddy Holly glasses and they
never failed to make his mouth water.

She was studying him shyly. "I'm not one for exploiting my assets, but like
I told you before, you must bring out the inner vixen in me. Though, the
glasses aren't very vixen like."

"I bloody love those glasses," Spike said hoarsely.

She smiled and focused in on his bare chest. She licked her lips and Spike
was taking her in his arms a beat later.

"Who would have known that glasses made you hot?" she teased him.

"Always have baby. Smart chicks are hot."

She mock swooned. "You say the sweetest things."

"I told you I had a whole fantasy around those glasses didn't I?" he bent in,
kissing her collarbone.

"You did. But that involved an entire costume. This is what I could do on
short notice."

He brushed his fingers on the top of her breasts, pushing her hair away. "I
like it. Just tell me that no one else but me has seen this number."

She grinned. "No one has. My mother doesn't even know I have it. I
bought it and stashed it away, thinking I'd never use it."

"Oh, you're going to be using it," he murmured and slid the straps off her
shoulders, leaving hot, open kisses in its wake. She shivered and her skin
broke out in goose bumps. He grinned.

He looked up at her and noticed a slight smirk. "What?"

She didn't say a word but merely bent her head and twirled her tongue
around his nipple, while flicking the other one with the pad of her fingers
lightly. His skin broke out in goose bumps immediately and he trembled.
His hands dove in her hair and brought her face up to his.

"You ARE a vixen," he growled and nipped at her lips. She opened for him
and their tongues dueled. She flattened her palms against his chest so that
her fingertips just touched his nipples. His stomach muscles fluttered at the
feel of her tiny hands on him. "I want you so much," he moaned and rested
his forehead on hers.

"I want you too," she told him softly. "I have to tell you something."

"What?"

"I don't know any tricks."

"Tricks?

"Yeah, you know. Tricks."

"Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat kind of tricks?"

No, more like, make you a quivering mass of lust by doing ingenious things
to

your body kind of tricks."

"That what you think you have to do?"

"Well, I figured with all the women you've had—"

"Buffy, I don't want to talk about them. They're in the past. They're so far
gone and away from this moment. This is about us and our first time.
Together. No comparing. No thoughts about what was before. Just us. Like
a virgin, remember?"

"I know. I just don't want to disappoint you."

He shook his head. "The only way to disappoint me is if you took these hands," he gestured to her hands still pressed against his chest, "off me.
Ever. Okay?"

She nodded. "Spike, this is going to be horribly clichéd—"

"Oh no, not that," he teased.

"—But I love you."

For the second time that night his breath left him. "You do?"

She nodded. "I do."

"I love hearing those words from your lips," he murmured, leaning in and
kissing her sweetly.

"Which ones? ‘I love you' or ‘I do'?"

"Both," and before she could respond he devoured her mouth. She
wrapped her arms around his neck, ruffling the curls at the nape of his neck
in her fingers. His body was humming and all they done so far was kiss.
Placing his hands on her covered breast, he took delight in the hum she
gave in response. Her nipple pebbled under his touch and was amazed at
how responsive she was to him. He briefly wondered if her body had been
this way for the wanker Brian, but then discarded the thought. Just as he'd
told her to discard all the women before, he was going to discard all the men
before. All that mattered was that Buffy was in his arms and that she loved
him back.

Her hands were resting on the top of his jeans and he moved his waist,
letting her know it was okay to commence undressing. He had to have her
naked now. She took the hint –that's my smart girl, he mused happily—and
undid the button at the top of his jeans and slowly unzipped him. So slowly,
he was ready to take over. But, he wanted to savor this moment for as long
as possible. Wanted to commit every part of it to memory. Not that they
weren't going to do it again a thousand times in the future, but this was his
first time with her. His first time making love. He planned to commit this to
canvas as soon as they got home. For their eyes only. Some made videos;
Spike was going to paint it.

When her tiny hands eased inside his jeans and stalled, he knew she was
surprised to find him going commando.

He pulled back from her honey lips just a smidge. "Surprised?

"All the time?"

He nodded.

"Hm," hummed thoughtfully and continued the downward path while
dodging his lips and going straight for the spot just under his ear. The spot
that drove him crazy—and she knew it because she told him. His whole
body quaked and he hissed with pleasure. Before he came in his pants and
made it really like his first time, he took that moment to scoop her up in his
arms. She let out a little yelp and held onto him.

He grinned at her and deposited her gently on the bed. Her hair spread
out, her skin glowing, his breath caught. "God Buffy you're so damn
beautiful. Lovely. Gorgeous. Angelic."

She was blushing and averted her eyes, starting to move her limbs to
cover herself. He stopped her. "No. You're my girl and I want to worship
you. You've never hid anything from me before. Don't start now."

"That's different."

"How?"

"This is my body. I'm self-conscious. Which is a contradictory considering I
came out here in negligee."

"You're starting to talk a lot."

"I'm nervous."

"So am I."

Her body relaxed. "You are?"

He nodded. "Want to do right by you. Make it perfect."

She held out her arms, beckoning him. "It is perfect. It's us."

That brought him to his knees and he entered her arms in a passionate
embrace. "This has to come off," he gasped, playing with the bottom of her
negligee.

She nodded and started to reach for the bottom to help him. He grabbed her hand. "No. Me."

She nodded, bit her lip and watched him. He dropped kisses on her shins
and her knees and then lifting the negligee, left kisses on her thighs. Lifting
more, he leered up at her. "Not the only one going commando I see."

She shrugged, "Inner vixen."

"For only me, right?"

"Right."

"For that, you get a reward," and he spread her legs ever so gently and
kissed her sex, inserting his tongue just a smidge. Just enough to cause her
to strain for more. "Soon," he promised.

Lifting even more, he exposed her belly. The belly that held life in it. It
wasn't his, and that thought did pain him, but he refused to dwell on it. The
life inside her brought them together. That was all that mattered now. He
covered her belly with kisses and licked her belly button. He took delight in
the way it quivered under his touch. Having the sudden urge, and not being
able to stop himself, he left a zerbert on her stomach. She fell into a fit of
giggles and he joined her.

"How could I not love you?" she asked him honestly.

He beamed at her, and then kissed her before setting back to his task of
exploring and worshipping her. He lifted her negligee further, up over her
head and nuzzled her breasts. Taking one breast in his mouth, teasing her
nipples until they were hard points and she dove her hands in his hair.

"Spike," she moaned.

He rushed up to her face and kissed her thoroughly. "Got to taste you
baby," he told her as he cupped her mound in his palm. The heat scorched
him and he could feel the moisture there. "My baby's wet for me," he
whispered huskily. She nodded, running her hands on his flesh.

Gliding down her body, he spread her legs once more and slid a finger up
her slit. So, so wet. He started to bring his finger to his mouth and she
stopped him, grabbed his finger and sucked on it. That nearly did him in.
He closed his eyes and shuddered. "You're going to drive me out of my
mind," he moaned.

"Ditto."

Diving in between her legs, he licked, nibbled and teased her. Honey. Sugar. Sweet nectar of the Gods . . . He flicked
her clit with his tongue until she was just about to cum and then he backed
off, teasing her. Her hands tightened in his hair and she writhed under him.

"Spike, please," she begged.

He traced her outer lips with his tongue and then slid back up her slit,
narrowly missing her clit and she drew her hips up, silently commanding
him to finish. He finally gave in and sucked hard on her protruding clit. Her
body stiffened and quaked, her head falling back as she gasped his name.
He rushed up her body and watched her, stroking her skin gently as she came back down. Her eyes snapped open and she brought him down and kissed him voraciously. Then, in a flash, she pushed at him until he was lying on his back. She grinned down at him, the sexy grin of a woman who knew her power over a man. She was about to wield it even more, he knew it.

"Your turn," she rasped, sounding like a phone sex girl. He watched in
fascination as she kissed, nibbled and teased him until he was the one
writhing beneath her. When she reached his cock, party covered still by his
jeans, she nearly ripped them off him and tossed the aside. He held his
breath, waiting for her next move, and when she blew on him, his hips
bucked and his hands balled into fist. "God," he hissed.

Her head popped up, "Yes?" she smirked.

He chuckled and groaned at the same time. Grinning, she swirled her
tongue around the head of his cock and gripped the base of his cock gently,
and yet just tight enough. His head fell back, seeing stars already. When she
enveloped him in the hot cavern of her mouth and hummed, he knew he
wasn't going to last long and he wanted to be inside her when he came.
Bending and lifting her off him, he adjusted them so that she lay on her
back.

She looked up at him surprised.

"I want to be inside you when I cum," he told her deeply. "Much more of
that and I was going to spout off in your mouth." Grabbing hold of the frames, he lifted them off her face. "Need to see your eyes while I'm inside you."

She blushed and brought his head down to kiss him. Bracing himself on his
hands, he nudged her legs apart and she spread them to accommodate him
instinctively. Bending her knees so that her feet lay flat on the bed,
reaching between them, she grasped his cock and placed it at her opening.
He slid in with ease, hissing at the sensation of being joined to her.

His heart and his soul screamed ‘Finally!'

"Baby, you feel so good," he moaned. "So tight and wet. Uhh…Never been
this way. Never. So good."

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Feels so good inside me," she
whispered.

"Perfect."

He started to move faster and she moved with him, wrapping her limbs
around him and moving her hips in circles. When she started to clench her
muscles on him every other thrust, Spike buried his face in her neck. "I'm
going to die in your arms."

"Don't say that."

"I can't help it. My heart . . . gonna leap out of my chest with loving you so
much."

Then she teased that spot under his ear with her tongue while
simultaneously clenching her inner muscled around him. "Cum with me,"
she demanded breathlessly.

He was losing it and fast.

"Now!" she gasped and her muscles started fluttering around him, he
exploded inside her, eyes rolling in the back of his head, his heart racing
and the blood rushing in his ears. He'd never cum so hard in his life. Using
what energy he had left, he rolled them to the side, still inside her, and
peppered her face with kisses.

"Buffy . . . Buffy . . . " he murmured sweetly. "My Love. My Angel. My
Girl."

She hummed happily, her forehead having broken out in a sheen of sweat,
her eyelids dropping.

He gathered her close, "Sleep for a bit baby."

She murmured agreement and then yawned. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Grasping the comforter, he pulled as much of it as he could around her and
brushed her hair away from her face with his fingers. He stroked her arm,
her back and whatever part of her he could reach. He had no inclination to
move at all. Ever. For the first time in his life, he was content. And content
wasn't as scary as he thought it'd be. In Buffy's arms, content was the only
place he ever wanted to be for the rest of his life.





29 by Brat
Chapter 29

"Get up, get up, get up!" Dawn banged on the door.

Buffy's eyes popped open and met Spike's blue ones. "I'm thinking I need to
get a tranquilizer gun and shoot her with it," she said sleepily.

"I'm gonna have to agree on that pet." He grinned at her. "How are you?"

She smiled. "Tired. Sore."

"In all the right places?"

"Yup."

"Good night then?"

"Yeah, there was this guy . . . "

"Oh?" he asked, stroking her skin. "Tell me about him."

"Did you hear me?!" Dawn yelled. "Mom is up my ass, so now I'm going to
be up yours until you get out of bed! She's downstairs with Harmony, Dad
has chosen NOW to mow the lawn and you need to get up!"

"Did I ever tell you how I think I was adopted?" Buffy asked Spike
conversationally.

Spike chuckled and leaned in, nibbling her lips. "Suppose we should get up
before she breaks the door down."

Buffy sighed heavily, then yawned and stretched. "Okay," and she crawled
out of bed, slipping on a robe. She was half way to the bathroom when she
stopped and spun around. "I forgot!"

"What?" Spike asked, startled.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, "Jonathan left with Fred last night. I
wonder if this wedding is still on?"

"I'm going with yes since Dawn has been—"

"Are you up?!"

"Hold that thought, I'm going to go kill my sister." Crossing the room and
flinging the door open she barked. "We're up! Now go away!"

Dawn glared at her and crossed her arms across her chest. "Mom wants
you to help her."

"Is she mental? Does she think I want to have anything to do with this
wedding?"

"I know you don't want to, Buffy," Joyce said coming up the stairs. "And I
understand. But I just need a little help. For me, okay?"

Buffy sighed heavily. "What do you want me to do?"

"Help get your father inside and away from yard work. The maid of honor
and the bridesmaids are going to be here in an hour—"

Buffy grumbled.

"—And you two need to get ready and the photographer will be here. After
you get your father in the house, I need you to just make sure the bouquets
are in place for the girls. Spike, can you help load the car with Harmony's
suitcases for me?"

"Sure thing Joyce," Spike called out from the bed.

"Thank you. Then, you're free to go to the church and wait with everyone
else. All right?"

"Yes mother."

Joyce gave her a look. "I'm not asking for a lot."

"I know, I just enjoy being difficult."

Joyce shook her head. "I have fresh fruit and donuts downstairs."

"Quite a combo mom," Buffy chirped.

"It was quick and the least messy."

"Are there chocolate donuts?" Buffy asked hopefully.

Joyce smiled, "of course."

"I'm on it!"




"Dad, what are you doing?" Buffy asked her father as she made her way into the garage. He was fiddling with the lawn mower.

"It crapped out on me," he grumbled.

"Why are you doing the lawn now?"

Hank grinned, "Because it drives your mother crazy. I like to keep her on
her toes."

Buffy grinned at him. "It's working."

"I know. I saw the vein in her forehead start to throb the last time she was
out here trying to get me inside."

Buffy laughed. "I think I inherit your sadistic streak."

Hank beamed proudly. "I should hope so. Got to keep Spike guessing."

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that," Buffy mused. She tilted her head
to the side. "Dad?"

"Yeah, pumpkin?"

"Do you have any thoughts on this wedding?"

"Mainly that I don't really want to be part of it."

"Why?"

"I think it's a mistake."

"Why didn't you say anything!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Pumpkin, I don't have any say in anything around here."

"Why do you think the marriage is a mistake?"

"Because I think the bride is out to marry the money not the man."

Buffy threw up her hands, "Dad! I know that! You should have said
something."

Hank shrugged. "What would it have done? Nothing. It would have just
made Harmony dig her heels in more. Along with your mother. I try to look
at the bright side."

"Which is?"

Hank grinned, "She'll be out of the house."

Buffy laughed. "Mom said the same thing yesterday."

"That girl has run your mother ragged all these years. Your mother needs
a break from her. I love Harmony, I do. She's my niece and I love her, but
that doesn't stop me from seeing what she's about. You can love someone
and still not like and agree with the things they do."

"I have a hard time loving her too," Buffy sighed and sat down on a nearby
patio chair.

"I know, pumpkin," Hank said and brushed some hair away from her face.
"And it was hard for me to watch her treat you so poorly. But your mother
would defend her if I said anything about it. I gave up and took care of
things in my own way."

Buffy grinned. "Like whisking me away to get ice cream just the two of
us?"

Hank grinned. "Yep."

Buffy stood and hugged her dad. "I love you Papa."

"I love you too, pumpkin. That man of yours treat you right?"

"Like a princess," she assured him. "He had big shoes to fill," she told him
standing back and regarding him with a tender smile on her face.

"Oh?"

"Yep. Yours."

Hank blushed. "Go on now. Tell your mother I'm coming in soon."

"Are you really?"

"Yep. Just as she's about to get me once more."



The sound of giggles and squeals traveled through the house as the girls
clamored in Harmony's room to get ready. Buffy rolled her eyes as she
made her way to the bedroom to start getting ready. She found Spike getting his suit out and hanging it outside the closet door to inspect it. She
came up behind him and hugged him from behind.

"Hi, baby," he said, turning to hold her.

"Hi."

"How goes it?"

"It's going."

"Feeling of dread?"

Buffy sighed. "Yeah." Her head popped up. "I should call Lorne. . . though
he would have called—"

"Heidi Ho!!"

Buffy grinned. "Or he'd show up because he IS the wedding planner." She
started for the door, but Spike grabbed her back. She looked up at him in
question.

"Want a kiss."

She smiled and leaned up, kissing him soundly.

"Now that is the sweetest thing I've ever seen."

Buffy started to crack up, knowing that voice belonged to Lorne. Leaning
into Spike, she turned to see Lorne decked out in a suit with a green silk tie,
leaning on the doorway.

"Lorne, you look so handsome," she beamed at him.

"Precious, when am I going to see that dress on you again?"

She giggled. "Soon. Come in here," she gestured to him and moved away
from Spike.

He stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

"Have you heard anything about Jonathan?" she whispered.

"No! I tried calling his house and got nothing. You?"

Buffy's eyes widened. "Nothing. Do you think--?"

"It's a possibility sweetness. But until we're sure—"

"We can't say anything."

"You know….I don't think I like the fact that you can finish my fiancés
thoughts like that," Spike interjected, coming up behind Buffy and pulling
her back against his front.

She grinned up at him and kissed him quickly.

"Not to worry sugar. We're partners in crime. You're her partner in
everything," he reached out and pinched Spike's cheeks. "I must go and see
how the cheerleaders are doing. Call me and I'll help with your hair."

"Mine or hers?" Spike teased.

Lorne grinned cheekily, "Both!"
30 by Brat
Chapter 30

"Lorne, how long has this taken?" Buffy asked, getting frustrated by having to sit for so long. Not to mention that his fussing with her hair was causing her to become sleepy. She wanted nothing more than to spread out on her comfy bed with Spike, snuggle up and take a nap. But, she couldn't. She had things to do, a wedding to stop and an old friend to get the scoop from. If Lorne EVER finished with her hair.

"Buffy, sweets, its only been fifteen minutes."

"Really?" she asked incredulously. "Feels like forever."

"That's because you're impatient."

"No kidding," Buffy mumbled.

"But, good things come to those who wait," he chirped.

Thinking of Spike, Buffy nodded in agreement, a dreamy smile spreading
across her face.

"I see a story in that look."

Buffy looked up at him through the mirror in front of her at her vanity
table. "Don't give me the wary look; I want to hear your story. The Spike
Story."

Buffy laughed. "Oh, it's not exactly your traditional story Lorne."

"Pshaw. Traditional is sweet, but at times boring. Give me intrigue, daring,
passion, give me—"

"A Danielle Steele novel?" Buffy supplied.

This time, Lorne laughed. "Tell me."

"Okay," she sighed. "But you have to promise to not tell ANYONE. Well,
you can talk about it with Angel, but that's IT."

Lorne stopped his ministrations with the curler and raised his eyebrows. "I
smell a scandal."

"Well, it goes like this . . . "



Lorne's jaw was on the ground by the time she finished her tale. She felt
like all she had done this weekend was tell stories: Some truths, and some
lies.

"Oh honey, I so wish I had known sooner!"

"Why?"

"So I could have had a hand in pushing you two sweetlings together! The
way you looked at each other—all that raw heat and passion with a healthy
dose of tenderness and love." He put his hand over his heart and mock
swooned. "Heavens. You should write about this. Pass it on to the young
Spike in that tummy of yours."

Buffy frowned.

"What?"

"Well, the thing is we haven't actually discussed what we'll do after. I mean
we just got together and we're supposed to ‘break up' to my family. What if
I never do get engaged to him—"

Lorne gasped in pure astonishment. "You are SO marrying him! Don't
‘break up'. Just take your time."

"And deal with pressure from my family about when the big day is? I don't
want to put that kind of pressure on Spike."

"So you admit you want to marry him, " Lorne said matter – of-factly.

"What? No-well, not no, but yeah, but not—Argh! Forget it."

"You're so CUTE when you're trying to cover your tracks. Honey, you
have to hold onto that man and not let him go. Everyone else and their
demands be damned. Don't think about what you ‘have' to do when it
comes to your family and their traditions. You and Spike aren't a traditional
couple and I don't think you'll do things in the traditional way. Just wait and
see what happens. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Buffy studied him. "And you say you're good at predictions right?"

"There's only one marriage I got wrong."

"Whose?"

"Tom and Nicole. That little scamp running out on her like that!"

Buffy giggled. "You're too much."

"Pinky swear we never lose touch?" and he stuck out his hand, extending
the pinky.

She linked hers with his. "Pinky swear," she agreed determinedly.

"Good, now let's blow this out, get your make up on and get you in that
gown."



A half hour later, Buffy was all set and ready. It amazed her how quick and
efficient Lorne could be. She figured it'd take at least an hour to get it all
done, but he was the professional and she was duly amazed by him. When
she was done, she twirled in front of the mirror on that back of her door,
not recognizing the woman standing before her. She looked like something
out of a Jane Austen novel. Well, a slightly hipper Jane Austen. She
imagined Spike coming to take her away on his horse drawn buggy and
kissing her hand as he greeted her.

"Fairy tales can come true, they can happen to you," Lorne sang. Buffy
joined him in the rest. "When you are among the very young at heart."

"Magnificent. I'd almost go straight for you."

"Really?" Buffy asked, beaming at him.

"Really. I told you the curls would be amazing and just a touch of that
make up to bring out your eyes—wah lah! Perfection."

A knock sounded at the door. "Kitten? You just about ready? The
photographer is almost done and we should get to the church before the intendeds do."

Buffy looked over at Lorne. "How come you're not downstairs doing the
photographer thing?"

Lorne rolled his eyes. "Harmful has her own ideas about how pictures
should be taken. Lots of group shots with arms around the cheerleaders.
Sorority pictures I like to call them. Yearbook trash. Bo-oring."

Buffy giggled. "I thought you didn't care for tradition?"

"Some things call for it. Now call that man in here!"

"Come in Spike," Buffy called dutifully. The door opened slowly and Buffy
bit her lip, suddenly nervous. Would Spike think she looked ridiculous? He
was used to jeans and a t-shirt Buffy, sweats Buffy, not done up Buffy.

The expression on his face told her she'd done well. Well, Lorne had done
well.

"You take my breath away," Spike told her, staring at her, taking in every
inch of her. His expression was one of love, lust, awe and tenderness.

She understood how he felt, because seeing him in that suit with his hair a
riot of curls made her insides twitch and her panties wet.

"I'll leave you two to gawk at each other. Buffy, don't forget to come find
me at the church!" And Lorne was out the door.

Spike reached her in two steps, reached for her and then dropped his
arms. He shook his head.

Buffy felt jipped. "What?" she asked him.

"I'm afraid to touch you," he told her with stark honesty.

"Why?"

"Because you look so beautiful Buffy and I – God, I've never wanted a
woman more. And I know you put a lot of work into—"

Buffy cut him off by lunging in his arms and kissing him. He rested her
forehead against hers, breathless. "I know what you mean," she told him.
"If we didn't have to go, I'd flip you on that bed and ravish you."

He smirked, "I love it when you take control."

She grinned, waggling her eyebrows. "I know."

"All right, we need to go before I rake up that dress and take you right
here, right now."

Buffy drew a ragged breath and was about to tell him to be quick when the
chattering of females interrupted her. Oh right. The wedding.
Responsibilities and all that rot. She sighed resignedly. "After? Like right
after?"

He tucked his tongue behind his teeth. "At the church?"

"How bout. . . we stop here really quick while the wedding party is on their
way to the reception? We can take a detour?"

He nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, yes."

"Okay, let's go," and she grabbed his arm, leading them out the door.



Buffy found Lorne immediately as he gave final instructions to his staff. As
soon as he saw Buffy he exclaimed ‘Alleluia'. He led her and Spike away
from the crowd, looking frantic.

"What is it? Is Jonathan here?" Buffy pressed, feeling anxious.

Lorne nodded, looking grave. "He is. And he doesn't look happy. He looks
miserable. I tried talking to him, but he doesn't want to talk. Not to me
anyway. Buffy, can you talk to him?"

Buffy nodded. "I will. Spike will you—"

"Yes, kitten, I'll go get a seat."

"Thanks. Love you," and she kissed him quickly before allowing Lorne to
lead him to Jonathan.

Opening the door to the room Jonathan was in, she was saddened to find
Jonathan hunched over, with his head in his hands. Jonathan's head popped
up. His eyes were bloodshot and he was paler than pale.

"Jonathan, how you doing buddy?" Buffy asked, making her way over to
him.

He looked about ready to cry. "I don't think I can do this."

"Then don't."

"Buffy—"

"Don't marry her. You don't love her, do you?"

Jonathan looked down at the ground forlornly. "I thought I did."

"How?" Buffy asked, half disgusted by the thought and half actually
curious.

"She was the only one that ever showed any interest," Jonathan shrugged.

"Are you sure about that?"

Jonathan looked up. "I was."

"Was. Past tense. What happened that made you think otherwise?"

Jonathan gave her a ‘are you being serious?' look. "I know you met Fred
last night Buffy. She likes you. Thinks you're a little crazy, but she likes
you."

Buffy let out a little laugh. "What happened last night Jonathan?"

"I discovered I wasn't as alone as I thought I was."

"Is that what you thought?"

He nodded. "And I found out last night I was wrong in that assumption."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"Doing my duty. Doing the right thing."





I love you all so much!! Thank you for all your reviews!!! you guys ROCK!!!
31 by Brat
Author's Notes:
I love you guys!!! :) :)
Chapter 31

"The right thing?" Buffy echoed. "The right thing to do is to leave here and go after Fred—Where is she? Did you just leave her? Where were you all night? You did leave together."

"Whoa, calm down there Buffy," Jonathan said, holding up his hands.

"I will not calm down until you start answering some questions young
man!" She pointed at herself. "You see what you just did? You made me
sound like my MOTHER. Not cool Jonathan, not cool."

"I bet once the little tyke is born, you're going to be sounding like your
mom a lot."

"Off topic! Let's get back on the Fred train and discuss last night and you
and her and today and the calling off of this wedding." Buffy sat, attempting
to appear calm.

Jonathan pointed at her. "I knew you were up to something. You and
Lorne all with your secret talks and then when I saw you talking to Fred.
Buffy, why don't you tell ME what's going on?"

"Harmony's using you. And you know it. I don't want her to use you, ergo I
try and stop you. That's it in a nutshell. Why don't you tell me why you
want to marry her? Do you actually love her?" she wrinkled her nose at the
thought.

Jonathan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. His head popped up.
"You do realize that you're trying to control me. Like my parents."

Buffy looked aghast. "What? No! Your parents didn't care about anyone
but themselves and your stupid brother—I care about you Jonathan and
don't want you to be put in a situation where you're being used and abused
like you were with your parents. If you marry Harmony, that's what I see
coming Jonathan. Can't you see that?"

Jonathan sighed. "I thought she did love me," he smiled softly. "She was
the first girl to ever show me real interest. She pampered me and seemed
to really care. She brought out the sun."

"Are we talking about the same person? Is there another Harmony out
there I don't know about?"

Jonathan gave her a look and sat down next to her. "She took an interest in
me. She brought me dinner, cleaned me up and took me out. I thought she
might be the one and how lucky was I to have found someone so full of life
and so pretty? I never thought I'd find someone. Thought I was destined to
be alone. Then Harmony was there making with the advances and I loved
her."

"Do you still?"

Jonathan sighed heavily. "I proposed and then Fred came along. Fred is . . .
an angel. I felt so comfortable with her and I could talk to her about
everything and anything. Harmony never asked me questions about work
or wanted to know about it, but Fred was excited about those things and it
was fun to chat with her about it. It was like we had our own language."

"I can pretty much guarantee that you do because no one knows what the
hell you're talking about."

Jonathan laughed. "And, she makes me laugh. I realized that aside from
the, pardon me, ‘dumb blond' moments, Harmony never really made me
laugh."

"She has dumb blond moments? I pretty much thought that was her full
time," Buffy said dryly.

"But Fred and I were good friends and I was engaged and I couldn't break
things off with Harmony on a whim, on a feeling that might be one sided."

"And its not."

"No, it's not."

"So then why are you here?"

"Because so many things are tied up with Harmony. Her salon that I co-
signed for, her plans for our house—"

"All things to tie you to her so that she can control you and you can never
get out. She is using you. You have to know that."

"I didn't want to think it. Didn't want to think that the person who swore
she loved me, would do it," Jonathan whispered sadly. "She changed after
we got engaged. Gradually."

"How?"

"She got more distant. Didn't want to go out as much. I thought it was
because she was so busy planning the wedding, but then I'd started hearing
she'd been seen out with her friends partying. She stopped . . . uh, she
stopped. . . "

"Got it Jonathan."

"Right."

"So, preview of married life. No sex from Harmony unless she wants
something from you. That conniving little twit. She got what she wanted –
your proposal and agreement to co-sign and felt she didn't have to ‘work'
for you anymore. Jonathan, I love you to death, and I hate to say this, but
as smart as you are, you're really dumb. How could you NOT have seen
through her?"

"When you've spent your entire life being unloved and then someone
comes around and makes you feel like you're worth something, you want to
hold on to it and overlook any of the bad to keep it," Jonathan said bitterly.

Buffy's eyes welled up in tears. "I'm sorry. I am. I didn't realize . . . God,
Jonathan, we were really good friends, why did we lose touch?"

"Don't feel guilty over that now, Buffy," Jonathan said gently.

"I'm emotional. I'm pregnant, it's a thing. Don't pay any attention to me."

"Last night got me really thinking. The way Spike talked about you all
night. The way he feels about you is the way I feel about Fred. He voiced all
of my feelings for her when he was talking about you. I felt so dejected."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't think I could ever have that. Not with Fred, not with
Harmony, not with anyone."

"So why are you here if Fred told you otherwise?"

"Duty, like I said."

"Another reason, because that's bullshit."

"I'm scared," he whispered.

"Of what?" Buffy asked incredulously.

"Haven't you ever been afraid of loving someone? Fred is my best friend
and I'm so afraid of jeopardizing that. What if something happened and we
lost it? What if we broke up and it was nasty and we hurt each other and
could never get that back? It terrifies me. I'd rather marry Harmony and
at least still have Fred in my life than not at all."

That hit Buffy like a truck. Hadn't she expressed the same thing to Spike?
God, she was afraid of it still! The mere idea of it terrified her. What was it
Spike had told her? Oh yes.

"Jonathan, you and Fred will mess up. You'll argue and you'll hurt each
other, but you'll also laugh and make up. If you and Fred are anything like
Spike and I then you have something that doesn't come along very often, if
at all.
Spike and I are best friends. He's still the guy I run to when there's a
problem, still the guy that I want to share everything with. If I never gave
Spike the chance, if I never took the chance to love him and let him love me
back . . . I wouldn't be protecting myself. I'd be stopping myself from really
living. It's a roller coaster ride and it goes up and it goes down, and then it
mellows out every once in a while, but as long as the person you love is in
the cart next to you, then that's all that matters. I'd rather be on that ride
with Spike than on the ride with someone that would push me out to my
death the first chance they got. It's not protecting either of you by going
through with this wedding, it's just shooting yourself in the foot. It's
stopping yourself for the chance of great happiness and its being a coward. Something I KNOW you are NOT. You stood up to your parents, you
disowned them and you made a life for yourself. Don't let someone else take
that life over. Instead, SHARE it. Share it with someone you really and
truly love. Someone you have a chance at great happiness with.
Nothing is certain in this life. I don't know that you and Fred will live
happily ever after or that Spike and I will, but on the other hand—how do
you know you won't or I won't? Why stop yourself from living by always
wondering ‘what if?'"

"Wow," Jonathan said, a look of awe on his face.

Buffy nodded, "I know. I turned all Obi Wan and Yoda right there."

"If you were Yoda, your sentences would be backwards."

"How's this: Marry Harmony, you shall not," Buffy said in her best Yoda voice.

Jonathan laughed. "Thank you Buffy. You helped a lot."

"Then what are you going to do?" Both heads snapped up to see Fred
standing in the doorway, flushed and out of breath. "Because I love you
Jonathan and I'm willing to break up that wedding and . . . and take out
that bride if you don't call this off!"
32 by Brat
Author's Notes:
Thank you all so much!! :) Thank you to the ones who voted for me at the vkawards and the Lost in Spike awards. Love you all so much.
Chapter 32

Jonathan and Buffy stared at the frazzled girl before them in shock as she entered the room and shut the door behind her with a great slam.

"I tried to stay away, Jonathan, I really did. But I couldn't. I love you and I'm willing to take the chance that it could blow up in our faces than to lose you completely to that tart who doesn't see all the great things about you that I see. Jonathan, please. Leave here with me."

Buffy started to cry, not out of sadness, but out of the powerful emotion Fred was displaying. Any fool could see that Fred would have moved Heaven and Earth to love Jonathan and, judging by the look on Jonathan's face, he felt the same way. In fact, he didn't waste a minute rushing up to Fred and embracing her.

Odd, but she'd never noticed the height difference before now. Oh well. As far as she was concerned, it somehow only made them more perfect for each other. There was kissing, complete with the smacking, murmurs of love and promises to stay together along with a string of ‘I'm sorry's' from Jonathan.

Buffy stood back with her hands over her mouth, taking in the scene with complete joy and feeling as if she were watching a movie and having the sudden urge to watch the end of ‘The Graduate'. However, this, this was better.

And then door burst open, hitting the wall with such force that it shut on
the person who had flung it open. Buffy giggled, the whole thing extremely
comical, and then made even more so as it finally opened and a fuming
Harmony came rushing in, Spike and Lorne in tow.

Not sure what to do, Buffy watched and waited. Spike bee lined to her,
looking apologetic.

"I couldn't stop her. One of the bridesmaids spied—" he pointed at Fred
"her barge in back here and she flipped. Lorne and I tried to derail her, but
she wouldn't give," Spike explained.

"It's okay honey. You made it in time for the show," Buffy grinned.

"What show buttercup?" Lorne asked, standing on the other side of Buffy.

"For Harmony to completely lose it. I'm thinking her face might melt off
and we'll see Satan in the flesh. Or Bob Barker."

Spike and Lorne stifled a laugh.

"What the HELL is that tramp doing back here Jonathan?!" Harmony
screeched.

"Way to go supersonic Harmony," Lorne jumped in.

"I think only dogs can hear you right now," Buffy added.

"Shut up Buffy!"

Buffy nodded. "Right. Continue," and she gestured for them to carry on.

"She's not a tramp Harmony," Jonathan defended Fred, puffing out his
chest and standing up to his ex bride.

"She's here on OUR wedding day Jonathan trying to steal you away from
me. She IS a tramp."

"You're the only tramp here Harmony!" Fred burst out in a flash of
confidence. "I know all about you—" she looked down at Jonathan
apologetically, "I didn't want to say anything and hurt you, but. . . but I've
seen you Harmony, cheating on Jonathan with some guy."

"You stupid twit," Harmony rolled her eyes. "I have plenty of guy friends.
I would never cheat on my Jonathan."

"Do you fornicate in the back seat of your car with all your guy friends?"
Fred asked pointedly.

Harmony's eyebrows flew clear off her head and her jaw dropped.

"I knew it!" Buffy exclaimed.

"I'm glad you said something Fred," Jonathan assured her. "While it
doesn't change the fact that this wedding is not happening, it just further
cements it and makes this a whole lot easier." He stepped up to a still
stunned Harmony. "I'm leaving here with the woman I really love, the one
who treats me with RESPECT. The one who really cares and doesn't
pretend to only to get my money. Contrary to what you might think, I
don't hate you Harmony. I actually want to thank you. If it hadn't been for
you, I might never have known what real love was. And, I feel much too
sorry for you to hate you. Have a nice life." He smiled up at Fred who was
beaming at him. "Ready to leave?"

"More than ready!" Fred exclaimed and giggled with joy.

Jonathan looked over his shoulder at Buffy. "Come see me before you
leave will you?"

Buffy nodded.

"Thanks Buffy."

"Anytime Jonathan. What are friends for right?"

He smiled, took Fred's hand and together they walked out of the room.

Harmony lunged toward her and both Lorne and Spike stood in front of
her. Spike towered over her. "I told you if you EVER touched her, there
would be hell to pay. No one lays a hand on her, you understand?"

Buffy shivered. She'd never heard that icy tone is Spike's voice before. It
was positively chilling.

Harmony burst into tears. "You ruined my wedding!" she keened.

"You were using him!" Buffy exclaimed, walking around her protectors.
She had a bone to pick, dammit. "Why don't you just tell the truth for once
in your life and admit that you were only using him for his money. You
never loved him. You didn't even care about him. You only cared that he
signed on the dotted line!"

Harmony was now hiccupping. "He was going to take care of me."

"You mean pay for you. Support you and do everything for you while you
traipsed around with your flavor of the month. You know what Harmony?
I'm with Jonathan. I can't even hate you. I feel sorry for you. You've never
changed and you never will. You're sad and you're pathetic," Buffy told her
distastefully. She looked up at Spike and Lorne. "I'm so ready to go."

"Right with you kitten," Spike purred and took wrapped a comforting arm
around her, drawing her close and kissing the top of her head.

"Unfortunately, I've got clean up and repairs to make," Lorne mused.

Buffy looked at him. "I'm sorry?"

"What for? For stopping a marriage that would have at least one person
miserable for the rest of his life? Don't be. I was your co-conspirator,
remember buttercup?"

Buffy nodded and grinned.

"Come see ME before you leave?" Lorne asked sweetly.

"Try and stop me."



"If we just make it to the door, we'll be all right," Buffy breathed as she and
Spike headed towards the door. It was so close, and yet not close enough. Almost there . . . almost there . . .

"Buffy Anne Summers!" her mother.

"So close. And yet so far away," Spike whispered.

Turning they faced her mother, father, Dawn and all the bridesmaids and
maid of honor. Her father appeared grim but his eyes were twinkling.
Everyone else. . . they looked out for blood.

"What is going on missy? You seem to have a hand in just about
everything. What did you do?"

"Saved the day, Mom. My job here is done." Tugging on Spike's hand, they
headed for the door and this time, walked out of it.

She looked up at him once the huge mahogany doors had shut behind them
and sunshine greeted them.

"Do you think I should have stayed for the clean up?" she asked him.

"Nope. It's Harmony's mess to clean up."

"I did break it up."

"No, you didn't. You just gave it a hand. It was ultimately Jonathan's

decision. He could have still gone through with it," Spike told her.

Buffy snorted. "Not bloody likely. Never underestimate my power."

Spike grinned. "I never underestimate that. Did you use ‘bloody'?"

"Yep. You must be rubbing off on me," Buffy smiled.

"Why don't we go see what else has rubbed off on you?"

"That was lame."

"It didn't even really make sense did it?" he asked, scratching his head.

"Not really."

"I've lost my touch."

"Nah. You've still got it. Let's go see how much you still have it."

"That was lame too."

"Oh shut up."


TBC....

The whole scene seemed a little chaotic, but I'm guessing something like that wouldn't happen calmly. What did you think?
33 by Brat
Chapter 33

"Thank you for dinner," Buffy chirped as she leaned up and gave Spike a quick kiss on the lips before passing by him to enter the hotel. They'd discussed it and decided that with all the hoopla and chaos, it was best for them to spend the night in a hotel and just be by themselves.

Tomorrow, they were heading home and Buffy couldn't have been happier
about that fact. She was, in a word, exhausted. Not just physically, but
mentally and emotionally as well. All she really wanted to do was bask in
Spike. He grounded her and supported the way no other—not even Angel—
did. Spike was involved in all facets of her life, especially now. She couldn't
help but wonder what awaited them once they returned to the city as she
unceremoniously plopped down on the king sized bed.

"Well, it's not all that bad. It's no Ritz Carlton, but it's a room," Spike said
as he walked around the blue and green toned room with the beige walls,
one table, a couple chairs, a bureau, nightstand, mirror and closet, and
bathroom. The standard hotel room.

She popped her head up. "Since when have you stayed at the Ritz
Carlton?"

He grinned. "I did once."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"Nothing important to tell."

"Because it involved a girl right?"

He looked uncomfortable. "Maybe."

"Which means yes. What is it you say to me? ‘Don't start hiding things
from me now'?"

He shook his head and undid his tie and slipped off his suit jacket, tossing it
on the chair before climbing in next to her and pillowing his head on her
breast.

"It's different now," he finally said.

"Why?"

"Because I'm with you."

"So I can't hear about your stay at the Ritz?"

"It's not that you can't, it's that I don't want to tell you."

"Spike, it's not like you lived like a monk before me, and it's not like I didn't
know you didn't live like a monk before me."

"Was that English?"

She poked him, "Come on. Tell me. Was it a big adventure? How did you
pay for it?"

"Not much of a big adventure. Well, sort of. You know, doing the touristy
stuff in between--" he cleared his throat, "I paid for it with a credit card I
stole from my Da."

Buffy latched onto the ‘in between—‘ break off. "In between sex."

He didn't answer.

"Spike!"

"Yes. In between the sex, okay?"

"Why is it wigging you out to talk about it? I asked. It's my own fault if I
get bothered by it."

"Are you bothered?"

"Little bit."

"Why?"

"Are you being serious right now?"

He chuckled. "Jealous?"

"Little bit. Were you ever jealous of the guys I went out with?"

"All the time," he didn't hesitate with his answer. "Wanted to rip their
heads off. None of them were good enough for you."

"I thought the same about the women you dated."

"If you could call it dating," he muttered.

"So you've sowed your oats." Pause. "Right?" she added hesitantly.

His head popped up and gazed at her imploringly. "Don't doubt that. It's
done and over with. It's only you, Buffy."

She nodded and he rested his head back, smoothing circles on her belly.

"Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Are YOU being serious right now?"

She giggled. "Why did you date so many bimbo's? I mean, you're an
intelligent guy and I see how annoyed you get with stupid people. How
come you did it? Why didn't you ever go for someone that was more in your
league?"

"My league?"

"You were better than the girls you dated and you know it. At least, I think
you knew it."

He shrugged. "I knew I was smarter than them . . . I don't really have an
answer to that. I thought with my dick instead of my brain."

"If you're not thinking with your penis, you're acting directly on its behalf."

His head popped up again. "Not with you though. I guess with them I
didn't care about the complete package. I only cared about what I could get
from them. And then their stupidity would undoubtedly drive me away
from them and it was time to go. They got what they wanted from me too,
make no mistake on that."

"Not all of them. Some—most—wanted you to love them."

"And I do regret hurting them in that way."

"Harmony would have been one of those girls you dated," Buffy mused.

Spike winced. "At one time, probably. She fit the bill of easy and dumb.
However, too clingy."

Buffy was done with the conversation. The jealousy flaring in her at the
mention of her cousin. And she was the one who brought it up! She gently
pushed Spike away and maneuvered herself off the bed.

"What's wrong?" Spike asked, watching her as she slipped off her earrings.

"Nothing," she said, a sight shorter than she'd intended.

"Don't do that female thing Buffy where you say it's nothing when it really
is. What is it?"

"I just –I just got –I should probably call Angel and see what's going on.
Hopefully he got out of there alive and in one piece," and she started for the
phone.

Spike jumped off the bed and darted in front of the phone, grabbing her
wrist. "Don't avoid me. Tell me."

"I got jealous okay? The idea of that piranha all over you . . . Especially
because I knew she wanted to be all over you. It actually kind of makes me
angry at you."

"Why?"

"Because you didn't give the ‘smart girls' a chance. You tossed them aside
for the stupid girls."

"So now you're upset for smart girls everywhere?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed and moved away from Spike, despite his trying to
grab her. "Let me tell you a little secret."

"MORE secrets?"

"Do you want to know or not?" she asked huffily.

"Of course I do. Tell me," and he sat down on the bed waiting patiently.

"I was jealous of Harmony."

"I knew that already," he rolled his eyes. "Because your parents catered to
her and you felt your mom favored her, right?"

Buffy looked down guiltily, kicking imaginary dirt. "No, that's not all of it. I
was jealous of Harmony because she was able to get all the guys and none
of them paid any attention to me. I was the nerd. The geek. The outcast. I
played it off that I didn't care, but I really did. Especially when she started
dating Riley Finn."

"What the hell kind of name is that?"

Buffy looked up at him, eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Are you jealous
now?"

"Damn straight I am!"

She smiled weakly. "Good. Riley was the star quarterback and he was
incredibly adorable. And nice. Or so I thought anyway. He was the only
‘popular' guy that still talked to me and didn't ask me to ‘tutor' him. He
even waved at me in the halls. I thought maybe I could actually have a
chance with him." She frowned. "Then he started dating Harmony. I had
the pleasure of seeing her drape herself all over him and once she got wind
that I had a thing for him, she flaunted their relationship that much more. I
denied it of course. I never wanted her to know how I felt about anything. I
distanced myself from everyone so they could never hurt me."

Spike stood and took her in his arms tenderly. "He was dumb, Buffy. He
could have had you and he chose Harmful instead. That's like settling for
iron when you could have had gold."

"You're so good to me," she murmured against his shoulder.

"I fooled around with dumb girls, but I fell for a smart girl. And, as you
could see today, so did Jonathan."

Buffy pulled back and looked up at him. "My insecurities just reared their
ugly head. I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?"


"Because I'm the one that brought up the whole Harmony thing. I should
have just kept my mouth shut."

"How about we put Harmony and the rest of this day firmly out of our
minds and just concentrate on us hmmm?" he asked, putting his finger
under her chin and guiding her face to his.

She smiled and nodded, leaning up to kiss him. She sighed happily into it
and placed her hands on his chest, reaching for the top button. At the same
time, Spike reached around her and she heard the zipper start to give way.
Their kisses turned passionate and frantic quickly. The lust and raw need
raging inside them. Clothes fell away in a flurry of material and limbs and
they toppled onto the bed on their sides together. Immediately, Buffy
reached for him feeling he was too, too far away. Even when his bare skin
was pressed against hers, it wasn't close enough.

Gliding his fingers up her slit and teasing her clit, Spike lifted her leg over
his hip and shimmied himself closer and positioned himself at her entrance.
In one thrust he was buried inside her and she gasped. Her eyes closed, her
inner muscles fluttering around him as he pulsed inside.

"Look at me," he rasped.

Her eyes flew open and met his intense eyes, navy with lust. Their gazes
remained locked as he pumped inside her and when she gasped "faster,
harder", he complied. Reaching around and grabbing his tight ass, she

pushed him even closer. Grunting, moaning and groaning, they finally
came together, shouting their release and shuddering from the side effects.
He started to roll away and Buffy stopped him.

"Am I crushing you at all, baby?" he asked.

"No. Stay with me."

"Forever, baby," he promised, kissing her so tenderly she wanted to cry.

She held him tight. "I love you Spike. I'm sorry for ever doubting you."

He seemed stunned by that; his eyes full of awe.

She smiled saucily. "You did the Ritz. But you've done Marblehead Inn
with me." Laughing, Spike held her to him, raining kisses all over her face.
"What would I ever do without you?"

"Good thing you'll never have to find out."
34 by Brat
Chapter 34

"I really don't want to have to do this," Buffy grumbled as Spike headed to her parents house the next morning. They were all packed up, just had to make a few stops before they could finally get back home.

"You know you have to."

"Doesn't mean I want to though. This is like. . . I feel like I'm headed
toward the guillotine."

"Tad melodramatic, don't you think?"

"You were here for the weekend right? You were aware of what happened
at the church yesterday right?"

Spike grinned, "Not all of the weekend was bad if I recall."

She smiled, blushing slightly. "No, not all bad. I do remember—"

"Yeah?" he urged.

"Meeting Lorne. That was fantastic."

"Brat."

"You like it."

He nodded, "Yeah," he agreed wistfully.

Silence fell and Buffy nibbled her bottom lip. "So," she started
conversationally. "My parents really liked you."

"I liked them too. I can see what you mean about your mom being a
control freak and all that, but I liked her."

"Yeah, Angel liked you too."

"He's a good bloke."

‘Too bad he's gonna have to hate you soon huh?" She braced herself for
what he would say. Would he agree with her and say ‘yeah, too bad' or
would he say ‘there's no reason why they have to hate me because I do
plan to stick around'. And was that expecting too much? It'd been weighing
more and more on her mind as the weekend came down to a close. Soon,
they'd head back to their lives – albeit together—and she was sure it'd be
an adjustment. Spending time away had almost seemed unreal. Like time
out of time. Certainly everything that had happened that weekend was
fodder for a novel or a comedy. Yep, that was her life all right. One gigantic
sitcom. Unfortunately, she was always on the receiving end of the
punchline. She just really hoped this time she wouldn't be. Sure he'd said
things like ‘forever' and ‘always be there', but didn't everyone say that stuff
in the beginning of a relationship? What it all came down to is that she
wanted to know what to do. Was she supposed to tell her parents they'd
broken things off or not? Or—

"Long engagement!" she blurted out. Originally, she had poo- pooed the
idea because she knew how her mother would be breathing down her neck
to finally get married and with the baby on the way. Oh God. What if they
DID break up? What if it was a nasty break up and they were forced to go
their separate ways because they could not stand to be in the same room
with each other? Then the baby . . . her poor baby.

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm just thinking. Unfortunately, it's coming out of my mouth in
random spurts. It's like I have Tourette's."

"Where exactly are your thoughts going is what I'd like to know."

"Oh, nowhere," she sighed whimsically. A beat. "Where are your thoughts
going?"

"I'm wondering why your parents have to hate me."

"Our break up remember? You're supposed to leave me jilted with a kid to
raise on my own."

"Oh yes. I'd forgotten about that."

"You'd forgotten? How could you have forgotten?"

"I think I've been too caught up in getting the girl than thinking about
letting her go."

"Oh. Well, do you think it's something we should talk about?"

"What was this about a long engagement?"

"We're together now so it would seem weird if two weeks from now I told
my parents we split. So I was thinking we could tell them we're having a
long engagement, but then I don't want to be in the middle of our long

engagement when the baby is born—"

"Breathe, Buffy."

"I am breathing," she said haughtily. "It's just coming out in short gasps."

"What kind of wedding had you dreamt of when you were a kid?"

"Huh?"

"What kind of wedding had you—"

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you." Okay, not a little bit confusing and off topic. And
yet not off topic, she thought. "Uh, I guess I never really did."

"Come on. I thought all little girls planned their wedding."

"I planned my honeymoon instead. I guess I always knew I'd never have

any say in my ceremony."

"Who did you think would?"

"Who do you think?"


"Your mother."

"Bingo."

"Now that you've met Lorne, wouldn't you want him to plan your

wedding?"

"Well, yeah I'd like him to –but no, I don't want to plan a wedding. I'm
burnt out from it."

"So, where did you envision your honeymoon?"

"Europe."

He brightened. "Really?"

"Yep. Always wanted to go. All that history you know?" Pause. "Well of
course you know," she muttered.

"So London specifically."

"Right. Maybe Italy too. And France. Even though they hate us dirty
Americans."

"Here we are!" Spike announced as he pulled into the driveway.

Buffy's heart dropped. Not only because she had to face her family once
again after yesterdays fiasco, but because she wanted to continue their
conversation. They hadn't come to any conclusions and she didn't know
how to just lay it all out on the table when it was still fresh and new in their
relationship. She wanted to scream her frustration. Why did they have to
go and come up with this white lie that had somehow grown and spun out of
control. Well, not so badly out of control except now she didn't know what
to do. Would Spike think she was pushing him for something if she opted
not to tell her parents that they'd broken up? Would he be freaked out by
it? Thus far, not much had freaked him out. However, would the ‘M' word
send him running for the hills?

"Coming?" Spike asked, opening her door.

She nodded and climbed out. They walked in silence to the front door and
she took a deep breath. "It was nice knowing you," she told him just before
she pushed the door open.



"Mo-om! Buffy's here!" Dawn shouted as soon as she spotted her sister
step over the foyer.

"Thanks, Dawn. Hearing wasn't really important to me at all," Buffy told
her. Dawn ignored her and ran up the stairs. "I'm glad we could have this
talk! It means a lot to me that we were able to bond the way we have. You
know a sisters love is—" the door slamming, stopped Buffy's diatribe. She
looked up at Spike. "I'm gonna miss her."

Spike started to laugh.

"Well. There she is."

Buffy braced herself. "Mom," she greeted her and it felt very reminiscent
of when she'd arrived home just two days prior.

"I was hoping you'd stop by before taking off and say good bye. Your
father would be very upset if you hadn't."

Buffy stared at her mother. At her SMILING mother. "Oh my God."

"What?" her mother and Spike asked.

"You're a pod person. I have in fact entered Invasion of the Body
Snatchers."

Joyce rolled her eyes and shook her head at Spike. "You have your work
cut out for you."

"Don't I know it," Spike agreed.

Buffy elbowed him.

"Did you eat? I have leftover waffle mix."

"How can I say no to that? Where's Daddy?"

"Eating still and reading the paper."

Buffy smiled. That meant her father's waffles were probably freezing cold.
He tended to get caught up with the paper and forget that he had food in
front of him until her mother would remind him.

Her mother headed for the waffle maker and Buffy gave her father a peck
on his cheek to which he beamed at her before. Seeming to realize he had
food in front of him, he took a bite and then went back to the paper. Spike
sat down next to her and poured some juice for them.

"Okay mom, I'll bite. What happened after we left yesterday?"

Her mother let out a heavy sigh. "Well, Harmony was beside herself. She
was in hysterics, ranting about how Jonathan left her and how was she
going to pay for the salon now."

Buffy raised her eyebrows. "So the fact that the man she was supposed to
be in love with had just left with another woman didn't really phase her."

"Apparently not." Joyce closed the waffle maker and it let out a hiss as she
turned to them. "Buffy, what kind of hand did you have in this?"

Buffy looked her at her mom sheepishly. "I kind of had a hand in setting
the groom up with said woman he ran off with."

Joyce sighed. "What else?"

"I did some investigating. I mean come on mom. Jonathan and Harmony?
I knew there had to be something she was after. My question is how could
you not have seen it?"

"I don't think that way. I know Harmony can be shallow—"

"Can be?"

"Okay, yes, she is. I just never thought she'd stoop that low to do that. She
always spoke so highly of Jonathan."

"And his wallet," Hank muttered.

Buffy giggled.

Joyce frowned. "I suppose I was blind. I was too interested in her getting
married off that I didn't put it all together."

"So did she finally admit it?"

"Not really. That's all she would say. Then as an afterthought mention how
you'd ruin her wedding day. Nothing ever about how she lost the man she
loved."

"So she never did the scorned woman thing. Instead she was embarrassed
that she'd gotten jilted and that she was going to lose her salon."

Joyce nodded. "Yes," she said wearily.

"And where is the girl now?"

"She's gone to Europe."

Buffy's eyes widened. "What?"

"She contacted her father last night and begged him to take her in. I'm
surprised he even agreed since he couldn't have been bothered to make her
wedding at all."

"Maybe he felt guilty?"

"Maybe. I doubt it, but whatever the case, she left. Packed up and left for
an indefinite amount of time."

"And how do you feel about it?"

"Relieved," Hank put in.

Buffy laughed.

Hank grinned and continued reading the paper.

"In a nutshell," Joyce agreed. "I'm thinking if he does in fact feel guilt, then
he should foot the bill for the rest of the wedding."

"For the rest? Did he help with some?"

"Most, actually."

"So then he probably did feel bad. What do you know? If Uncle Richard can
feel guilt over abandoning Harmony, then maybe there's a chance for
Harmony to one day grow a heart too."

"Don't count on it," Hank added.

"Honestly, Hank if you're going to be listening in on the conversation and
adding in your two cents then why don't you put the paper down?" Joyce
asked him, exasperated.

Hank looked up. "It's what I do. I jump in, I jump out and no one expects
me to stay."

"Oh for heaven's sake," Joyce muttered and turned back to the waffle
maker.

Hank leaned in to Buffy and pointed at Joyce. "Did you see the vein start to
throb?" he whispered, grinning.

"You're awful Daddy," Buffy scolded him, chuckling.

Hank nodded toward Spike. "Take lessons boy. I got the way to drive the
Summers women round the bend."

"He doesn't need lessons. He's got it down to an art form all by himself,
Dad," Buffy said dryly.


Hank beamed at Spike. "Welcome to the family, son."












TBC...
35 by Brat
Author's Notes:
Hi guys! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days...my birthday was this weekend and I was a busy girl. Hope the longer chapter makes up for it :)
Chapter 35

"Really Lorne it's okay. It's a fresh start in the world of Buffy," Buffy told Lorne through her cell as she marched home from work a few days later. She'd promised Lorne after stopping in to say goodbye to him that she'd keep in touch and they'd exchanged numbers. She hadn't been able to track down Jonathan though. She had however received an email from him telling her that he and Fred had gone away on his ‘honeymoon' for a few days to connect and see what happened. From the email alone, Buffy knew they were going to be just fine.

Willow and Xander had taken the news of Spike and Buffy's togetherness
well. In fact, their exact words had been "About time." Life back in Boston
was underway once again. Buffy had never been so happy to be going to
work in all her life. She'd by lying if she didn't admit that she did miss her
mother however. They'd had a few good talks and Buffy knew that while
their relationship wasn't perfect, it was a lot better than it had been. Her
and Angel had made a pact to contact each other more, and Angel was
making plans for him and Cordy to come visit Boston the next month for
the weekend. She didn't think it'd be long before wedding balls started to
ring for him and Cordy. She had a feeling Lorne's services would be needed
again.

"A fresh start huh? What‘s it called? Denial?" Lorne replied dryly.

"I just can't freak out about it. Angel did tell me to let things flow. You told
me take my time, remember?"

"Sometimes you need to give time a little nudge."

"Lorne, we just got together, I'm not going to demand anything from him."

"But wouldn't it be nice to know what to tell your parents?"

Buffy grumbled. "I'm going with the flow."

"Sounds like it too. How many times a day do you have to tell yourself
that?"

"Enough that Willows offered to tape record it for me and play it at night so
it sinks into my subconscious," Buffy admitted.


Lorne's laughing didn't help, but it did make her smile. "Look, what it all
comes down to is that Spike and I just started this relationship. This is a big
step. For both of us. Mainly for him because I've always been equipped to
handle a long term relationship should the right guy have come around.
Now, he has. Spike on the other hand . . . This is a big step for him. I'm not
about to jeapordize that by putting demands on him. Or me. I'm not even
thinking of marriage right now."

"Liar."

"Yeah, well, that's between you me and the phone."

"Buffy, you've had four years of foreplay. It's only natural that you would
be thinking of it. I think it's perfectly natural that you already know you
want to spend the rest of your life with him."

"I think you need to stop watching Lifetime."

"Blech. I don't watch Lifetime. Bunch of women getting beat on is what
that is."

"It is the network for women!"

"I prefer the Romance network."

"Ah, that's where it's coming from. That and from the stack of bodice
rippers I saw on your book shelf."

"Naughty girl going through my stuff."

"They were on your bookshelf plain as day, not exactly ‘going through your
stuff'."

"I think you should ask him what you should tell your parents. Straight
and to the point. I don't understand why you won't."

"Because it's too easy. Since when do I make ANYTHING easy?"

"Good point. Have you taken the ring off?"

Buffy frowned and glanced down at her hand. "I haven't, but I have every
intention of doing so. I just . . . forgot. I mean, you get so used to wearing
something—"

"Even if what you're wearing is an engagement ring."

"No one else knows that."

"Buffy."

"Oh shut up. I have to let you go now. I see Spike entering my building."

"Plans tonight muffin?"

"Nothing spectacular. Just dinner and a movie."

"It's what you make of it darling!"

Buffy rolled her eyes, and entered her building. "Spike!" she shouted for
him. Halfway up the stairs, he turned and smiled, venturing back down to
greet her.

"I have to go now hon," Buffy told Lorne.

"All right muffin. Keep me posted. Love you!"

Buffy giggled. "Love you too," and she snapped her phone shut to greet
Spike.

Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled and pecked her nose. "Lorne?"

"Nah, that was my pimp I was telling you about. Turns out he doesn't want
to lose me."

Spike chuckled and leaned in nuzzling her neck. "How is the old boy?"

"He's good," she sighed happily. "Ready to go out? I'm starving."



It was a tape. A simple black, unlabeled video. Pretty standard really. So
then why was it bugging her so much?

They'd gone to Spike's after the movie, Spike having talked her into
staying the night with him. He'd even walked her home first to get what she
needed in the way of clothes.

Now, she wasn't a snooper. Not in the least. She had sat there while he'd
gone to get them something to drink for a second, just thinking. She twirled
the ring on her finger around and around, watching it sparkle and shine.
Not only had she not noticed that she still wore it, but he hadn't seem to
notice either. She then stood and headed toward his bureau where he kept
his various necklaces and bracelets in a flat velvet jewelry box. The ring
didn't match the collection. It was just another insight, at least to her, in the
world of Spike. On the surface, he was a punk, but underneath, gemstones
of tenderness and generosity lay. She slipped the ring off her finger
intending to place it in the velvet box until the day he was ready to
hopefully give it to her. With a real proposal. Then it'd caught her eye. It
sat there, unassuming with a spiked choker on it. Her mind immediately
went alight with all the possibilities that could be on such a tape. Her mind
automatically went to the obvious. A sex tape that he'd made with his
previous girlfriends. Oh God. What if he made them with ALL of them?
What if jacked off at night to them? Was it a collection into the world of
Spike's sexcapades with his scorned women? What kinds of things did they
do to warrant making a tape? What was the point? Did they give each other
pointers after? Did it get them hot because actually being in the act didn't
get them hot enough? Before she could stop herself she'd picked it up and
inspected it, looking for writing on what it could somewhere, anywhere on
it.

"Buffy, what are you doing?"

Her head snapped to find Spike with glasses of water in his hands, frowning
at her. She suddenly felt ashamed of herself. But still very curious.

"I'm uh, I was just looking at your collection of jewelry and I saw this and I
was just wondering what it was. Not that I think its anything – Took you
long enough to get that water. Did you go outside and pump it?" She
grabbed for her water, sloshing some of it on their hands and his floor and
took a long gulp of it.

He set his glass down and folded his arms across his chest. "What do you
think it is?"

"What?"

"You said you were wondering what the tape was. What do you think it
is?"

"Oh, I don't know," she waved him off. "So you said you had some ideas for
a painting. Have you started working on them yet or—"

"You don't even have a guess? I think you can guess."

"Are you upset with me?"

"Nope."

"You sound like you are."

"I'm curious. Like you."

"Like me."

"What do you think is on the tape Buffy?"

"Sex."

He grinned quickly and then it faded. "You wouldn't be far off."

Her heart sank and her stomach dropped. "Do you watch it every day?"

"Every night before I go to bed. "

Why was it that floors never did open up and swallow people? Now would
have been good.

"Oh," she sat down on the bed gingerly.

"What kind of sex do you think is on there?"

"Porn?"

"Sort of, yes."

"Ex girlfriends?"

He started to laugh. "Kitten, that's what you thought was on there?"

She nodded.

"It's ‘Passions'."

"Come again?"

"The soap opera ‘Passions'. I tape it during the day if I'm out or if I'm
sleeping. I watch it before I go to bed. Its how I unwind. Well, that and a
wank."

"Do you wank to the soap?"

"No!" he exclaimed and then started to laugh. "Never a dull moment with
you huh kitten?"

He sat down next to her and kissed her softly.

"Have you made tapes with them?" she asked tentatively.

"I won't lie to you, I have."

Jealousy flared. "Do you still have them and watch them?" she demanded.

"Wha-? No! Buffy, I've made tapes, yes, with WILLING girlfriends, but
I've never kept them. You see what happened with Tommy Lee and Pam
Anderson? Paris Hilton? Knowing my luck, that'd happen to me."

"Well, let's be a little modest here. You're not a celebrity so I doubt the
market value of your sex tape would be high. Not that you're a gorgeous
man and would give women pleasure to watch you . . . But, you're MY man
to watch."

He smiled. "I like that I'm your man," and he kissed her again. "It'd still be
bloody embarrassing if it got out. Knowing Xander, he'd take it and watch it
to learn a few tips—"

"Ew!"

"Exactly."

"Now that I have that image in my head . . . "

"Allow me to put some other images in your head," and he brought her on
his lap and started to nuzzle her neck.

She put her hands on his chest to halt him. He looked up at her, startled.

"What kinds of things did you do on those tapes you made?"

"Buffy," he sighed.

"I'm curious. Were they kinky?"

"Some were, yes."

"Like with?"

"One girl had handcuffs. Another had a riding crop. One had both. Then
there was the silk scarves and the dildo—"

Her eyes bugged. "Did you—"

"On me?"

She nodded.

"A very emphatic NO."

She giggled. "Did I just insult your masculinity?"

"Little bit."

"Any positions that were different?"

"Why are you asking me about this?"

"I'm curious."

"Doggy style, missionary, on top, sideways, facing away from me on top—"

"Okay, okay, okay," and she started to get off him.

He held her tight. "Nope. None of that. You asked, remember?"

"Yeah, I really gotta stop doing that."

"Or maybe I should learn and stop telling you when you ask."

"You do try to stop me from asking. I just forge ahead anyway and you
know I'd just get annoyed if you didn't tell me. Then I'd just think you were
keeping something from me."

"Paranoid mind you got there pet."

"I know. Plus, overactive imagination. Can we try doggie style?"

He did a double take and then blinked at her.

"Yeah, I really did ask," she smiled.

He shook his head. "You continue to amaze me."

"Cause I want to do that?"

"Yes, and the way you just come out with it in the middle of conversation
like that."

"I feel comfortable with you. See? No blushing."

"Correction. Blushing, but minimal."

"Technicality."

"After this, no more blushing."

"Oh, I'm sure I still will."

"You've never--?"

"Don't ask, don't tell?"

"Now I'll just wonder," he muttered.

"If I'm asking you, then you probably can figure it out."

He broke out in a wide smile. "I'll be teaching you?"

She rolled her eyes. "That just went to your head."

"And not just the one on my shoulders," he murmured, smothering her in a
kiss.

"Are we starting now?" she teased on a whisper. "Should I start taking
notes?"

He placed her on the bed and pushed her down on it. He hovered above
her, grinning lecherously. "Don't need to take notes since the only one you'll
EVER do this with is me. Got it?"

She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. That sounded like
forever to her.

Clothes melted away and soon she was a writhing, wanton mess on his bed,
begging for his touch. He had the power to turn her to complete mush. Her
muscles were like gel, her pussy was dripping, nipples hard and her skin
tingling. She wanted him inside her and she could tell by the desire etched
on his face that he wanted to be in her. When she'd grasped his cock and
started guiding it to her core, he stopped her with his voice trembling.

"Your knees," he grated out.

Her eyes widened. She'd forgotten about that in the midst of their

mindblowing foreplay. Her pussy pulsed with the demand. He helped her
up and she got on all fours.

"If you need to hold onto the headboard, you can," he instructed, leaning
over her and gently biting her shoulder. He trailed kisses down her back
and she pushed her ass out at him, wiggling it against his hardness that was
pressed firmly in the crack of her ass.


"My wildcat want something?" he purred.

"Yes."

"Tell me what you want."

"I want you in me."

"Say the words Buffy. Use the words."

She thought she had. Then it dawned on her what he wanted. She also
realized that when in this position, you had to be a little kinky. Gathering
her courage, she said in a firm voice, "Put your cock in my pussy, Spike.
Fuck me."

"Oh fuck, Buffy," he groaned and thrust inside her. He filled her completely
and she could feel the slap of his balls on her clit.

"More," she demanded on a moan.

He pulled out almost all the way and thrust back in.

"Harder Spike, I can take it."

"Don't want to hurt you."

"I said I can take it."

"If I hurt you, tell me."

"Spike, fuck me now and stop talking!" she bellowed.

That was all he needed and soon he was pounding away. She held onto the
headboard as and arched her back just a touch so that he could get deeper.
With each thrust she could feel his cock graze her clit and then his balls
slapped her clit. She came in a great flurry, clutching the headboard so
tight, her knuckles were white. She keened her release and after a couple
thrusts, Spike roared his. He stayed inside her, pumping the last of his seed
and when he finally withdrew, they both moaned from the loss of contact.
He took her hands off the headboards, unclenching them with his gentle
touch and brought her into the safety of his arms, cooing at her.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked, concerned.

"No. I liked it."

He smiled. "I did too. Such an animal you are."

She grinned. "I am, aren't I?"

He nodded. "Bloody hot."

"It is, isn't it?" she was beaming.

"You're proud of yourself."

"I've never been that way."

"Only for me," he whispered and kissed her sweetly, cradling her close.

She yawned and snuggled up against his damp chest.

"Let's get washed up and get you in bed, all right kitten?"

"Thought I was a wildcat?"

"You're both."
36 by Brat
Chapter 36



"Miss Summers, have you had a chance to look at the ‘Round Up' page yet?" Buffy's assistant Cheryl asked, popping her head in the door.

"Uh, no, I haven't. I'll take a look at it now. Thank Cheryl."

"No problem. Do you need anything?"

"Nope, all set. Thanks," Buffy smiled and Cheryl departed.

Grabbing the paper under the stack of articles that were to be in the next
issue, Buffy found the page she was looking for and spread it out in front of
her. It was referred to as the "Round Up" page and essentially what it
consisted of was a question at the top of the page and answers by several
individuals –male individuals. The concept was to give a range of opinions
by men for women. At the top of the page in bold blue letters was the
question: Does Talking about Past Relationships Cause Problems?

Buffy's eyebrows flew off her head. How coincidental was that? Lorne
would say, "There's no such thing as a coincidence. Everything happens for
a reason." She gulped. Okay, so it just happened to coincide with her tape
finding and asking about ex's last night. She perused through and found
several on both for asking questions and against. The ones who were for it
basically said that asking questions about the past can help clue into what
might make a person tick, why the relationship failed and in essence avoid
the same mistakes. Buffy furrowed her brow. She already knew what made
Spike tick, much more than the girls he'd dated before. The relationships
failed because he didn't want to put any effort in them and the reason why
he didn't want to put any effort in them was because—Light Dawns over
Marblehead—He'd been in love with her. She started to twirl the ring on
her finger and then stopped to stare at it. She'd never put it away the night
before. Because it was so much a part of her now . . . like Spike. That ring
symbolized more than she realized. He could have given her any old ring,
bought a fake one for crying out loud, and yet, he didn't. What was it he had
said? He had wanted to act the way he would if she were really his. He'd
showered her with affection, given her his attention, gotten jealous over
Jonathan and Lorne (before he knew Lorne was gay) and had been nothing
but honest with her. He had admitted to her the night before that often
times he would end dates early to hang out with her. That ring signified all
his love, all his devotion and all his willing to make it work. Despite her
insecurities.

Was she afraid of losing her heart or was she afraid of losing Spike? Her
breath hitched. They were one and the same as far as she was concerned.
Spike was her heart.

"Knock, knock."

Her head jerked to find a grinning Spike in the doorway. "What's got you
thinking so hard precious?"

"Just looking over an article. What brought you by?" she asked, standing
to give him a hug.

"Do I need a reason to see my girl?"

"Nope,"she smiled brightly and then stopped midway on her way to see
him. His hands were behind his back. "What are you hiding behind your
back?"

He grinned broadly and produced a tin lunchbox. She started to giggle.
"What is on that?" and she grabbed for it, inspecting it. "Wonder Woman!"

"I remember you telling me you worshipped her when you were a kid and
I found it when I was out today and had to get it."

"I love it!" Buffy exclaimed pouring over it. "See, it really is the little things
that make me happy."

"Well inside is your lunch."

She immediately opened the latch and found a Fluffanutter, a fruit punch
juice box and a bag of chips. "How friggen cute are you?" she gushed and
after setting her lunch down, flung her arms around him.

"I figured since you told your mom I made you lunch, I should start
honoring that."

She grinned against his neck. "I love you."

"I love you too, kitten."

"Stay for a while? I'll split my sandwhich with you."

"Deal."

"But you can't have any chips."

"I figured."





Munching away on her chips, Buffy watched as Spike interacted with her
assistant. Her assistant was flirting, she realized. She remembered once
hearing through the grapevine that the girl had a crush on ‘Miss Summers
hot friend'. Buffy smiled inside. Now it would be ‘Miss Summer hot
boyfriend.' Watching the two interact however, Buffy noticed how
impervious Spike was to Cheryl's flirting. He was kind, funny and charming,
but it was the subject matter – and what were they talking about?—that
engaged him, not Cheryl herself. The kicker was?

She wasn't jealous. At all. In fact, she felt very comfortable standing up,
dusting the chips off and excusing herself to use the bathroom. Spike smiled
at her and winked, causing Buffy's heart to flutter as she made her way out
of the room. She was grinning like an idiot and she didn't care.

It had finally sunk into her thick head that Spike loved her. HER. She had
spent so much time worrying that she was going to lose him because he'd
get tired of her, or because she wasn't adventurous enough in bed or
because she wasn't like any of the girls he dated and it had never once
occurred to her that Spike loved her because she WASN'T the girls he
dated. She was Buffy and that was all he wanted from her. When Cheryl
had come into the room and started batting her eyelashes the way she'd
seen so many girls do in Spike's presence, she'd noticed the change he had told her of. When they had first become friends, she'd witnessed him interact with the interchangeable females plenty of times. She's seen Spike ‘On the Prowl'. She'd never noticed until he'd pointed it out to her how it had changed over the years when he started to realize he was in love with her. He wasn't ‘On the Prowl' when she was around; he was wholly with her.

She was so proud of herself for not feeling insecure that Spike would have
fallen for the flirty, coy act that she even hoped Cheryl had made a pass at him so Buffy could tell him how NOT jealous she was. Okay, well, she'd be jealous, but not because she thought Spike would leave her. No, the point was very much that she knew he would not. He was with her. Totally. All the way. And it was time that she was with him: Totally and all the way. She also decided that she wasn't going to freak out anymore about their fake engagement and she wasn't going to give her ring back. She was going to hold onto it and do what she had been told to do: Go with the flow AND give time a little nudge. Lorne had said they were an unconventional couple and that they wouldn't do things the same way. Well, he was right and she was going to prove him right all the while going after what she wanted and what she wanted was Spike.

"Can I give you my number?" Cheryl purred, perching herself in front of Spike on the coffee table.

"Why?" Spike asked, confused.

"So that we could go out, silly," Cheryl giggled and touched his arm. "I'd
love to see your movie collection."

Spike jumped back as if he'd been burned. "I don't think so Cheryl."

"Why not?" she pouted. Not a cute pout. Now Buffy had a cute pout.
Buffy's pout made him want to suck on her bottom lip.

"Because I have a girlfriend," Spike said matter of factly.

"You always have a girlfriend. Doesn't matter."

Spike's eyes widened. "How do you know?"

"You went out with an acquaintance of mine. She said you were a stallion in
bed. I'd like to see for myself," and she grinned saucily at him, trailing a
finger up his arm.

He grabbed her hand and took it off him. "No Cheryl. I think you're a nice
girl and I think you are attractive, but I love my girlfriend."

"No one said you had to stop loving her. But you can have some fun on the
side," she batted her eyelashes. There had been a time that he had actually
found this sexy. Now it was annoying as hell.

Spike stood. "I don't cheat."

"Bull," Cheryl argued and stood in front of him.

He stepped away. "I don't cheat on Buffy. I love her and would never do
anything to risk losing her."

Cheryl's jaw dropped. "You're with BUFFY?"

Spike nodded and grinned. "You better run along now before my kitten
shows her claws."

"I think when defending your honor, I should at least be elevated to
Tigress," Buffy announced, entering the room. She raised an eyebrow at
Cheryl. "Do you have some work to do?"

Cheryl sputtered her apology.

"Go back to work Cheryl. Oh, before you go. Take the Round Up page. It's
perfect the way it is."

Cheryl nodded, backing out of the room as if Buffy were some kind of
Queen. Once the door closed, Spike studied Buffy. She didn't look mad. She
looked almost amused. Proud even. She looked at him.

"She was so hitting on you!" she sounded excited by this.

Spike blinked, not sure how to tread. "Yeah, she was," he said slowly.

"I'm not jealous! Behold how not jealous I am! Okay, well I want to scratch
her eyes out for touching you, but I totally trusted you. I didn't think for
one minute you'd fall for that act. I am so proud of me right now! I'm
growing up. We should go out and celebrate this amazing feat by me."

Spike burst out laughing. "You are completely insane."

"I know. Don't you love it?"

"You have no idea how much," he nearly growled and stalked over to her,
grabbing her into his arms and kissing her passionately.

"Wow. I should not be jealous more often."

"It's a good look on you," he grinned. "What changed?"

"I realized that I wasn't going with the flow as well as I thought I had
been."

"What?"

"Not important. It's a long story and I don't know about you, but I'm
storied out. Spike, does it bother you when I ask you about your ex
girlfriends?"

"I'm not going to lie kitten. It does sometimes."

"Why?"

"Because I'm afraid you'll become so upset with me you won't want to be
with me anymore. Because I see the hurt look you get in your eyes when I
talk about it and it kills me to know I caused it when all I want to do is
make sure you never hurt. And because they are my past Buffy. You are
my future and I'd rather not dwell on the past. All that I have and want is
right here in my arms."

She pouted sappily and he did what he had been thinking of earlier and
leaned in and sucked on her bottom lip. She tasted like Fluff and peanut
butter.

"I'll try not to ask anymore."

"You don't have to change everything about you for me Buffy. I know
you're inquisitive about it too."

"I know. But I don't want to do anything that might stop the forward
progress of our relationship."

"Me neither."

"And I think as part of the forward progress of our relationship, you should
take me out for a hamburger tonight."

"How is that helping our relationship?"

"I have a craving and making me happy will in turn make you happy."
Spike laughed and smothered her in a kiss, agreeing.




"Buffy, you inhaled that burger." Spike said in awe over dinner later that night.

"What are you trying to say?"

He chuckled, "That you inhaled the burger."

She grinned and sat back satisfied. "That's what I thought," and she
laughed at herself. Then, paled.

"Buffy? What's wrong?" he asked, leaning across the table and grabbing
her hand. Her eyes were focused across the room. Spike turned to see a
tall, dark haired man with Dockers and a polo shirt standing at the pool
table across the room. He was looking directly at Buffy.

"Buffy? Who is that?" Spike asked, fearing he already knew.

"The father," Buffy whispered and with her hand on her belly, stood.
37 by Brat
Author's Notes:
You guys rock!!! :) :)
Chapter 37


Spike bolted up from his chair and grabbed Buffy's arm, halting her
from making any steps away from him. "Where the hell do you think you're going?"

The animosity was blaring off him in waves. He looked about ready to
pummel something.

Buffy blinked at him, "I'm going over there to tell him he's a father."

"He's not a father. He's a sperm donor Buffy. He doesn't deserve to be a
father!" Spike hissed.

"He needs to know," Buffy hissed back, yanking her arm away from Spike's tight grasp.

"He doesn't need to know anything. He left you Buffy."

Buffy leveled him with her eyes. "Wouldn't you want to know?"

At first, he looked as if she'd slapped him across the face. Then, his
expression darkened once more. "I'll tell him. I've got a few things I'd like
to tell him," and with his fists balled at the sides, he spun towards Brian and
made but a step in his direction before Buffy grabbed him and pulled on his
arm.

"Punching him is not going to do anything," Buffy told him, trying to keep
her emotions in check and finding it difficult. As if seeing the elusive Brian
wasn't enough, now she had Spike about ready to go postal. She trusted
him, why couldn't he trust her now? She had to do the right thing and she
had to make him understand it.

"He left you!" Spike exclaimed. "He lied to you."

"Spike, you're making a scene."

"I don't bloody care. That wanker gave you a fake name and left you. He
doesn't deserve to be a father."

"He doesn't KNOW he's a father."

"And you don't need to tell him."

"Yes, I do. Spike, sit down. Please?"

Glaring at her, Spike sat down hard in his chair. Buffy sat down, smiling
apologetically at the people around her.

"Listen; despite what he did to me, it's not about me. It's about the baby,"
Buffy explained calmly. "It's not about what he deserves Spike. It's what he
needs to know. What if he wanted to be part of the baby's life if he knew—"

Spike snorted.

"Thanks, that's just what I needed to hear," Buffy snapped.

"I don't want him near you or the baby. The baby is mine, dammit."

She couldn't deal with the implications of that statement at the moment.
"Spike, think of the baby—"

"I AM thinking of the baby. I'm the one that's here. I'm the one that went
to your first appointment. I'm the one that lied to your parents—"

"Okay, I get it. You're the one who did it all. Spike; think of the health
reasons of why I should tell him. What if something happened down the line
and he had what she needed to help her."

"People adopt all the time Buffy without knowing any of that stuff.
Sometimes, you just can't help it."

"So I should let the chance to help my baby out in any way I can go just
because he was an asshole to me? You don't know that doesn't mean he'd
want to be part of his child's life if he knew it existed. This isn't about how
he treated me, or he and I being or not being a couple, it has to do with the
baby."He didn't say a word.

"I'm going over there. You can either stay or leave."

"I'm not going anywhere. I want to go with you."

"Absolutely not."

"Why the bloody hell not?" he exclaimed.

She pointed at him. "That would by why not. Because you can't be rational
right now."

"What do you expect Buffy? He hurt you. He lied to you and he left you."

"I was there, remember?"

"You didn't know he would do that!"

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her already rattled nerves.
"Remember when we were on the way to my doctor's appointment?"

He nodded.


"And remember what you said? You said that what Brian did to me made
you think that somewhere out there there was another us, another Spike
with a Buffy of his own that was alone and scared. Let's say there was, and
let's say it was you that impregnated someone. If she had the chance to tell
you, wouldn't you want her to?"

"When are you going to stop throwing that in my face? I can never do right
by you, isn't that right?"

"That's not what I'm trying to say—"

"You brought up my past again!"

"I was bringing up a point that YOU made." Tears sprang to her eyes out of
frustration. "You know what I can't talk to you right now. You're not
listening to me, and I can't keep trying to explain myself to you."

"Now you know how it feels," he told her angrily.

Buffy stood. "I don't really want to be with you right now. I think you
should go."

"See? He's already getting between us—"

"No. YOU'RE getting between us. When you can stop and listen to me,
really listen to me, then we can continue this discussion. But I'm not going
to let this opportunity pass me by."

Spike stood, blocking her way. "Buffy, I love you," he sounded almost
desperate. His face drawn with regret.

"I know."

He stepped aside then and she marched over to Brian. He watched her
walk up, a smirk planted on his face and she recalled he didn't have that
same confident smirk when they'd met. He'd seemed shy and uncertain.
Now he was full of himself. It had been all an act. As if she hadn't figured
that out already.

"Hi Brian."

He eyed her. "Hello--?"

She refrained from punching him or letting that bother her. "Buffy. Is Brian
your real name?"

He smirked, "Yep."

"Fake last name you gave me though."

He shrugged. "A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do."

"Yeah. Nice. Listen, can I talk to you for a minute?" she looked over at the

entourage that was pointing and chuckling at them. Lovely. All his Neanderthal friends.

"Buffy, listen baby, I know we had a great night but—"

"Can you just stop right there? I really wouldn't want you to have to
embarrass yourself in front of all your friends. Truth is, I could have a
better orgasm just using my vibrator; and probably more than once to, but
really, we don't have to discuss that do we?"

Brian's smirk fell. "Can you guys give us a minute?" His friends dispersed
and Brian set his hard gaze on her. "All right. What is it you could possibly

have to tell me?"

"I'm pregnant. And its yours."

His jaw dropped and he made like a guppy for a minute before stumbling
back and shaking his head. "No, it's not true."

"Yes, it is."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?"

She sighed, "Unfortunately, you don't. But unless you have random girls
coming up to you all—" the look on his face stopped her. "You do have girls
coming up to you all the time. Haven't you learned your lesson yet? You've
got kids all over the place don't you? My God, I'm going to have to tell my
baby to be careful who she dates in high school. She could end up dating her
brother for Christ's sake!"

"If she's a lying whoring bitch like you then you probably will have to
worry."

Buffy's jaw dropped at that, then she felt someone pushing her aside gently.
Spike.

"Okay, you just dug your own grave on that one mate." Before Buffy could
stop him, Spike hauled off and socked Brian right across the face. Brian fell
like a pile of bricks.

"Spike!" Buffy exclaimed, nervous suddenly because his friends were
starting to swarm in.

Spike hauled Brian up by his shirt. "You're disgusting. You're scum. You
don't deserve to lick her boots," he said through clenched teeth. "Tell her
your sorry and I MIGHT let you walk out of here with all your limbs in
tact. And you better tell your friends to back off before I filet them on those
pool cues. There may be more of them but don't underestimate me little
boy. It's not very often I get pissed off and they don't call me Spike for
nothing."

Brian nodded towards his friends who stopped their stalking of Spike. Buffy
noticed the manager coming over to break it up.

"Spike, honey, let's go," Buffy tried soothing him, placing a gentle hand on
his arm.

"Not until the arsehole apologizes."

Brian sputtered, some blood oozing out of his mouth.

"Apologize to the lady and tell her that you don't deserve a Goddess like
her. Tell her you're beneath her and you know it," Spike demanded, dead calm.

"I'm so—"

"LOOK AT HER!"

"I'm sorry Buffy—"

"Like you fucking mean it," Spike hissed.

"All right, let's break this up," the manager came over and tugged on Spike.


"Let the prick apologize to my girl first. Once more with feeling. SAY IT!"

Meeting Buffy's eyes, Brian said, with feeling as ordered: "I'm sorry Buffy. I
don't deserve a Goddess like you. I'm beneath you and I know it."

Spike released him. "There. That's better." He smiled, a sick sadistic smile
that sent a chill through Buffy.

She grabbed his hand and tugged on it. "Honey, let's go okay?"

He looked down at her, his gaze warming instantly. He gave her a quick
nod. "Sure thing."

He shot a pointed look at Brian's friends. "Don't even think of being hero's."

"Not in my parking lot," the manager said. "Get out."

Spike nodded and handed over a few bills to the man. "For dinner.
Thanks."

The man grunted and Buffy drug him away. She was shaking in her little
sandals.

"You all right, kitten?"

"I want to go home."

"Your wish is my command."
38 by Brat
Author's Notes:
Thank you guys for the feedback!! :) I'm thinking a couple more chapters and it'll be all done....
Chapter 38

The car ride started out silent. Buffy figured out early on that he wasn't heading to her home, but to his. One and the same she imagined. Plus, no Willow to be there to interrupt. She was calmer now, now in pensive mode instead of crazy mode. The whole situation was not ideal and she knew that. But when caught up in the moment—what could she have done? She had to make do with what she had at the moment. She understood where Spike had come to the wrong conclusions to what she had been trying to explain to him. It had frustrated her further when he jumped to the conclusion that she was again questioning his past. Then of course there was Brian. . . She was so lost in her musings that she hadn't noticed Spike talking to her until he touched her shoulder.

"Pet?"

"Huh?" she looked over at him.

He looked worried. "Are you all right?"

"In shock."

"Mad at me?"

"For . . . punching him?"

He nodded.

"Hell no. I wanted to do it myself."

Relief passed over his features like a wave.

"Although, I've only seen that side of you once before."

"Oh yeah, that guy—"

"At the club, right."

Silence.

"Are you mad at me still?" she asked tentatively.

He sighed heavily.

"I'll take that as a yes," she answered for him and turned back to look at
the window.

He touched her shoulder again. "I'm not mad, I'm just . . . frustrated."

"I know what you mean."

"Do you?"

"Maybe not?"

"Do you have any idea how it felt to hear you wanted to tell that dickhead he's a father? To YOUR baby? It just about killed me."

She blinked. "I didn't think of it that way at all." She blinked back tears.

"I'm sorry."

"We're here."

Numb, Buffy nodded and followed him up to his apartment. She had been
so intent on making him see her point, she hadn't even thought of what he was going through. All she'd thought of was her baby, she thought she had been doing the right thing—maybe she thought too much. What a winner Brian was. He wasn't the sweet, sensitive guy that she thought she'd spent the night with. No, he was a flaming asshole and didn't deserve to be part of her child's life. But, wouldn't she have wondered ‘what if?' if she hadn't?
Yes.

"You know what it is," she started as soon as the door closed behind Spike.

"What?"

"It's just that all the men in my life—you, my dad, Xander, Angel, Jonathan and Lorne—you're all stand up guys that would do the right thing if some random chick came up to any one of you and told you she was pregnant with your baby. All of you would step up to the plate and be a man and take responsibility for it. Well, maybe not Lorne since he's gay, but you know what I mean. "

Spike nodded in agreement. "Was that what you were trying to tell me earlier?" he asked softly.

"Yes. Except what I was thinking in my head, wasn't coming out of my mouth. Spike, I wasn't picking apart your past relationships again. I was trying to make you understand something and when I used what you said to me the day of the doctor's appointment, I only thought of it as a valid point that you used to try to get you to understand. It came out all wrong and what I meant was different than what was in my head."

"And you're the writer," he teased.

"I think if I could have written it down, it would have come out the right
way, honestly. I just felt so anxious and a million things were running
through my mind at once and you were freaking out on me—I didn't know
what was going on." She sighed heavily this time. "I'm sorry I made you
feel bad."

He started for her, but she held up her hand, stopping him. "No. I need to
get this out first. What I was trying to explain to you is that it could have
been anyone—Xander, Angel, Jonathan—any of them could have a one
night stand and end up getting some girl pregnant. I wasn't singling you out
specifically, I was lumping you in with a group of people when I was trying
to explain it, and it sounded like I was singling you out. I was trying to put
you in the place of the unknowing father and how YOU would feel. And I
know that if it were you, you would be there for your child." She stopped.
Anya floated to mind, unbidden, and Buffy saw her in her minds eyes,
swollen with Spike's child. Promptly, Buffy burst into tears. Spike started
for her again and this time she let him draw her into his arms. She held
onto him for dear life and sobbed into his shoulder. "I'm so sorry!"

"Buffy, pet, what just happened?"

"I just thought about how I would feel if someone told you they were
pregnant with your kid and it just hit me," she hiccupped, "how you felt
when I saw Brian!"

"Buffy, ssshhhh . . . Come here baby," he soothed gently. He led her to the
couch and drew her down to sit on his lap as he stroked her hair.

"I didn't realize. I just thought I was doing the right thing for her."

"You did, baby. You did do the right thing. Hindsight being what it is; I do
understand what you were trying to do. You didn't want to deprive your
baby of his biological father, if said father gave a damn."

"I just can't conceive of anyone not wanting anything to do with their
child," she sniffled.

"Brian is an asshole. He lied to you Buffy about something as simple as his
last name. Someone like that, he wouldn't have cared."

"I know that now, but I had to try. I always thought children changed
everything, even melted the hardest of hearts. Well, unless you're
psychotic and get some sick thrill out of abusing them instead of nurturing
them." She popped her head up and looked at him, cupping his face in her
hands and staring at him imploringly. "Do you understand that I wasn't
trying to accuse you of anything?"

"I just worry that you look down on me, that you feel I'm good enough—"

"Shush. Spike I don't look down on you. You know me. I have a low
tolerance for a lot of people, if I look down on you, you're pretty much
done," she tossed him a watery smile.

He chuckled.

"Yeah, you were a mimbo and it bothered me as a woman for women
everywhere, but I know the person that you are truly. You're kind, and
sweet, honest, and so incredibly generous. You give without a thought to
yourself and you've been so supportive. Not just recently, but in all the
time I've known you. You're the only one I know that can stand up to me
and get away with it." They broke off chuckling at that. "You have a heart
of gold William Randall Giles. You've always been my best friend and the
idea of losing you terrifies me."

"Never," Spike whispered, his own eyes welling up. "I wouldn't leave you
ever. Buffy, don't you know that you're everything to me? I went out of my
mind tonight. I just saw it all disappearing right before my very eyes. I was
desperate to hold onto it whatever the cost."

"Even if he did give a damn, there would be no way I'd ever leave you for
him."

"And if one day he pushed the two of you together? Wanted his mum and
da together?"

She leaned in close and kissed his lips softly and then whispered. "You're
her Dad."

He crushed her against him, mindful not to ‘crush' too much as to hurt her
or the baby. Buffy swore she felt tears fall on her shoulder.

"Promise me that when I say things that hurt you or bother you, you tell
me," she told him. "You know I will when you do, so you might as well join
the fun and do the same."

He laughed against her neck, the vibrations and his breath tickling her and causing goosebumps to form.

"I promise."

"You know what just happened here?"

He pulled back and wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb.

"What?"

"This was one of those days where we argued and disagreed and hurt each
other, but unintentionally. And we're still together because we love each other. Someone wise once told me we'd do that and that we'd be stupid not to go for it because of it. You know, he was right and I'm really glad I listened to him."

He gazed at her lovingly, sweeping her hair away from her face. "I love you
Buffy. I always have and I always will."

"I love you too, Spike. I always have and I always will."

He leaned in and kissed her, pouring it all in and she did the same.
Breaking away, she looked up into his eyes and asked, "Are you doing
anything on Friday?"

He blinked. "No. I figured we would be together."

"Good."

"Why? What's happening Friday?"

She grinned. "It's a surprise."
39 by Brat
Author's Notes:
Song by Alanis Morrisette
Chapter 39

Spike was trying to hide his disappointment. He was hoping he was succeeding, but he could tell from the frown Buffy wore that he wasn't.

"I'm sorry, Spike, I really am," she told him as she poured her juice. She
had left work early that day to ease the blow of the night they would not be
having.

"It's just we were supposed to go out tonight. You said you had a surprise
for me." He was trying to keep the whine out of his voice.

"I know, but it's not like I knew Lorne was coming up. I'm just as
disappointed as you are." She sat down on his lap and wrapped her arms
around him. "I'll make it up to you. I promise. I'll have my surprise next
week."

Spike's eyes widened. "NEXT week? Buffy . . . Can't you call Lorne and tell
him to come tomorrow?"

"I can't honey. He was planning to surprise ME."

"I like Lorne, I really do, but this sucks Buffy."

She sighed heavily. "I know."

"And where is the boy now?"

"He's visiting one of his friends at the club he wants us to go to later."

Spike pouted. He knew this wasn't her fault. Lorne had showed up at her
work that day to surprise her and it wasn't like she could turn him away.
She had told him to stop in whenever. He found it odd that he didn't bother
to call first. He figured Lorne had more sense than that. Apparently the
flamboyant man just flew by the seat of his pants.

"Can you give me the surprise now?"

She shook her head. "Nope."

"Please?"

"Nope."

He pouted. "Why not?"

"Because I want it to be perfect." She leaned in and nibbled his ear. "Can I
give you something to tide you over though?"

He felt himself start to be assuaged. "You might have to do a little more
convincing. "

She eased her hand on the crotch of his jeans and stroked his forming
erection. "How's that?"

His eyes rolled. "More."

Standing up with a wicked grin, she knelt before him and unzipped his
pants slowly and then eased them off. His feet were already bare to help
her take off the jeans.He lifted his hips to help her and when he was naked
from the waist down, he tossed off his shirt and grabbed for her. She
evaded him and instead engulfed his member in her hot mouth.

"Of Fuck," he swore and his head dropped back. She was bloody good at
that! And he did NOT want to know where she learned to do it so well.
When she cupped his balls and sucked hard on the head, he nearly came.

"Inside you," he managed to rasp out and grabbed her shoulders to bring
her up. She grinned and stood, slipping off her skirt and panties and kicking
off her shoes. She straddled him and he nearly ripped her shirt off. Once
off, he set about suckling on her pert breasts, teasing her nipples into
points. She teased him, coating his dick with her juices before finally
plunging herself on him.

"Christ!" he shouted and his head fell back.

"Feel good baby?" she asked, nibbling on his neck.

"Yes," he hissed and she started moving faster up and down. He thrust up
to meet her and soon they were moving frantic toward their release. When
it came, Spike roared his while Buffy shouted his name and sagged against
him. Holding her to him he nuzzled her neck. "I might need just a little
more convincing. . ." and he swept her up in his arms to the bedroom.



He was sated. For now anyway. And she'd been worried he'd get his fill of
her. Not bloody likely, he shook his head as he tugged on his shirt. Buffy
had left about an hour earlier to get back to her apartment to meet Lorne
and get ready for their night out.

He'd never get enough of his wild cat, he thought as he thought of how she
expressed wanting to try the silk scarves next. He wanted her with him
always. He knew that four years ago and now it was better than he could
have imagined. He was no longer just the lover, he was also the beloved. He
truly felt like Superman. Felt that he could do anything and he would too.
She just needed to ask.

He knew that before Brian had come around and stirred things up—and
thanks to the twit, made them even closer—Buffy had been wondering
about their ‘engagement' and where they stood. He'd purposely said
nothing because he'd been trying to get things in order. He'd taken great
pleasure in the fact that she was still wearing his ring and he had no
intention of ever taking it back. No, hopefully by next weekend, they'd be
married. It was part of the reason he was so disappointed that Lorne had
shown up. While Buffy had a surprise waiting for him, he had one for her as
well: He had two tickets to Vegas for them for the next weekend. She didn't
want a conventional wedding and he didn't want to wait any longer. He
wanted her by his side as his wife forever. He'd spent the week making
arrangements: First, he had to clear it with her job to get some ample time
off because after they were married, he was jetting them off to England to
meet his father and take in the sights like she had expressed wanting to do.
He was sure she'd say yes. He felt it and he couldn't wait. His surprise
would just have to wait a couple days. He sighed heavily and grabbed his
jacket, heading out to meet Lorne and his Buffy.



Spike held onto Buffy's hand as they trooped into the club Lorne was all
excited to show them. Apparently a friend of his had opened the bar up
recently and had named Lorne as the inspiration. Lorne, ever the Drama
Queen was fanning himself as he took in the posh club. It didn't have the
pink flamingos that Lorne had, but it had a definite beach theme with a
sand pile as a dance floor in which people were dancing bare foot. It had
colorful umbrellas at the tables and while it was on the dark side, there was
enough light to see what was going on. Spike sniffed. Coconuts. It even
smelled like a beach.

"I want to introduce you to Bobby!" Lorne shouted to her excitedly and
tugged on her hand.

Buffy looked over at Spike. "Go ahead," Spike nodded. "Want a drink?"

"Shirley Temple?"

"Buffy, I'm not bloody ordering you a Shirley Temple."

"All right, all right, all right. Just some ginger ale then?"

He nodded. "I'll grab us a table."

She gave him a quick kiss and was promptly swept away by Lorne.

He ordered himself a beer and Buffy her ginger ale before finding them a
table. He looked around the room, taking in the sights of the club and noting
that it was probably some place he might even come back to. Buffy and
Lorne came back a few minutes later talking animatedly and he noticed she
was a bit flushed.

"You all right kitten?" he asked when she leaned into him and thanked him for her drink.

"Yep," she chirped.

He didn't question her further, but figured it was the heat of the crowd and
the excitement of being with her dear friend Lorne. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her and half listened to their conversation. When the soft strains of a slow song started he nudged Buffy.

"What's up?" she asked.

"Want to dance with me?"

"Uh—"

"Come on Buffy. I see someone else I want to introduce you to," and Lorne grabbed her hand, hauling her up.

Spike was getting pissed now. He wanted some time alone with Buffy
dammit! Wasn't it enough that the guy had come up and surprised them without even asking if he could come and if he was imposing, and now he was dragging her away again? Buffy kissed him quickly, whispered "Sorry" and allowed Lorne to drag her off. He was going to have a serious talk with Buffy about this later. In fact, he had half a mind to tell Lorne he could stay at Buffy's, but Buffy was staying with HIM in HIS apartment. And once they were married, there would be no surprise visits like that. There had to be a call, there had to be plans made. It was bloody rude of Lorne to assume that he could just wedge his way in and—

"Hi everyone." Spike's head snapped to where the voice was coming from.
There was a STAGE in this joint? And why was Buffy on it talking in a mic? He jumped up from the table and started pushing his way through the crowd, keeping his eyes trained on Buffy.

"I have a little song I wanted to sing for my boyfriend," Buffy was saying.
The crowd whistled and ‘awwed'. Some even booed. Spike glared, looking
for those that dared ‘boo' his girl. "Spike, where are you?"

He shot his hand up and whistled. "Right here baby!" he shouted.

Heads swiveled and stared him down. He kept his gaze on Buffy who
smiled. "I had a little—okay, a lot—of help with this. I don't sing karaoke, so
please bear with me. I'm not always good at putting into words how I feel,
and this song kind of stuck with me as the perfect one for you."

Spike broke out into a wide smile wondering what in the world Buffy had
up her sleeve. The music started, a tune he'd heard her play before. Then,
her voice broke through and all he could see was his angel with her eyes
intent on him.



"I can be an asshole of the grandest kind
I can withhold like it's going out of style
I can be the moodiest baby
And you've never met anyone as negative
As I am sometimes

I am the wisest woman you've ever met
I am the kindest soul with whom you've connected
I have the bravest heart you've ever seen
And you've never met anyone as positive
As I am sometimes

You see everything you see every part
You see all my light and you love my dark
You dig everything of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything to which you can't relate
And you're still here

I blame everyone else not my own partaking
My passive-aggressiveness can be devastating
I'm terrified and mistrusting
And you've never met anyone as closed down as I am sometimes

You see everything you see every part
You see all my light and you love my dark
You dig everything of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything to which you can't relate
And you're still here

What I resist, persists, and speaks louder than I know
What I resist you love no matter how low or high I go

I'm the funniest woman that you've ever known
I'm the dullest woman that you've ever known
I'm the most gorgeous woman that you've ever known
And you've never met anyone as everything as I am sometimes

You see everything you see every part
You see all my light and you love my dark
You dig everything of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything to which you can't relate
And you're still here"

He was pushing at the crowd, trying to get to his Buffy, needing to get to her. When he finally reached the stage, he crawled up onstage and grabbed for Buffy, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. He reached for her, but she halted him.

"Buffy, baby," he pleaded.

"Wait! I'm not done, that's not the end. That was my bended knee speech.
This is the part where I ask."

Then he heard the strains of a song he vaguely recognized. It clicked into
place however, when he heard "Will You Marry Me Boy?"

His eyes widened and he stared at her.

"Spike, will you marry me?" she asked, her voice wobbly.

He answered by this time succeeding in grabbing her and lifting her in his
arms. He peppered her face with kisses. "Yes, yes, yes. A million times
yes!"

She giggled and kissed him back. The crowd cheered and Spike suddenly
felt very exposed. He cuddled Buffy close to him.

"Would you GO already?" Lorne asked. "Yeesh! What are you still doing
here. Run! Run like the wind!"

Spike smiled broadly at the man and then let go of Buffy to hug him. He
could hear Buffy laughing behind him.

"You think I didn't know you were ready to knock my block off?" Lorne
demanded in mock anger. Then he smiled. "All part of the plan my sweet.
Now go!"

Taking Buffy's hand, Spike pulled her backstage and was ushered out with
a Congratulations by the man named Bobby.

Once out on the street, Spike wasted no time in devouring Buffy's mouth
with his own. "This was the plan?" he asked breathlessly.

She nodded. "I didn't want you to figure it out. I had to throw you off the
trail. Lorne helped. Did you really think I would have blown off any
surprise for you to hang out with anyone else—even if anyone else is
Lorne?"

He grinned. "I should have known."

"Well, it worked in my favor that you didn't. Plus, I got some hot sex out of
the deal."

He laughed and kissed her again, holding her to him tight. "It was cheesy
though huh?" she asked him. "I know it really was. It was no ‘Like a Virgin',
but I'd never be able to pull that off."

"It was perfect Buffy," he assured her, nibbling on her ear.

"I just wanted to tell you how amazing you are."

"Just goes to show you what my girl can do once she sets her mind to it."

"Leap tall building in a single bound?" she grinned.

He smiled. "That's about how it feels doesn't it?"

"So when are we getting married?"

"How about next weekend?"

Her eyes bugged. "What?"

"Well, it's all part of MY surprise for you."

"Pray tell," she said in wonderment.

"Well, it all started with this conversation we had about weddings . . . "


A/N: See, even Buffy knows it was cheesy! LOL.
Epilogue by Brat
Author's Notes:
This is the end guys...
Epilogue

Three years later—February 13th

"Momma, your dress was pretty," Emma, Buffy's daughter said as she and Buffy poured over wedding photo's.

"Thanks baby. Daddy and I were very happy that day."

Emma grinned, flopping her light brown hair over her shoulder in a very
Buffy like fashion and then fastening her hazel eyes on the photos again.
Buffy grinned as she watched her daughter pour over the pictures.

It was the day before Emma's third birthday and when Buffy had asked her
if she wanted to see pictures of when her and Daddy got married, and she
was still in Mommy's tummy, Emma had jumped at the offer. She kept
pointing at Buffy's tummy in the pictures and saying "Is that me in dere?"
Course then, she hadn't been showing, she'd only been 8 weeks when Spike
has whisked her off to Vegas and she'd worn the dress Lorne had insisted
she wear for Harmful's wedding while Spike wore the suit he had gotten for
it.

"Daddy looks hansum," Emma gushed. Buffy smiled. Emma and Spike
adored each other—she was definitely Daddy's girl that was for sure. From
day one, Spike had bestowed Emma with love. He hadn't been kidding
when he'd said he considered Emma his. She still remembered asking him if
he was terribly disappointed that Emma was a girl instead of the boy he'd
been expecting. He told her with tears in his eyes that all thought of her
gender flew out the window the minute he'd laid eyes on her. She then
smugly told him that there were some things she was right about and that
he should listen to her more often too. He told her he'd do anything she
wanted since she'd made him a father.

"Where's Nana and Poppa in the pictures?" Emma asked, looking up at
Buffy questioningly.

"Uh, Nana and Papa couldn't make it baby." She remembered that having
not gone over well. However, she did let Joyce plan a huge party for them
afterwards which was nearly like having another wedding/reception.

"Who's dat guy in all the sparkles?"

Buffy smiled, "The Elvis Impersonator."

"What's an Elvis Imsenator?"

Buffy giggled at that. "Someone who dresses up like Elvis."

"Who is Elvis?"

"A singer."

"Why couldn't he come?"

"He uh, was sick."

"Why?"

"Princess?" Both Buffy and Emma's heads snapped up at the sound of
Spike's voice in the doorway.

"Yeah?" Both girls said at the same time.

He grinned. "Princess Emma," he clarified. "Uncle Angel and Aunt Cordy
are here. Why don't you help them? They've got big suitcases."

"Okay!" Emma squeeled and rushed up to her father. "Is Uncle Jonathan
and Aunt Fred coming over tomorrow for my birthday too?"

Spike swooped Emma up in his arms and she hugged him tightly. "Of
course Princess. And your cousin Jake of course."

"Yay! Okay, I go see Uncle Angel now," and she squired out of his arms and
bounded down the hall. Buffy could hear her squealing as Angel was no
doubt tossing her up in the air.

"And how was the gallery today Mr. Giles?" she asked him, looking up
adoringly at Spike.

"Good. Got to look at it one last time before tonight, make sure it looks all
right."

"And does it?"

"Naturally. So. Ready for tonight kitten?" He asked her as he sat behind
her on the bed and kissed her shoulder tenderly. He slid his hands around
her waist and pulled her closer against him.

"I am. You're not though."

"I ever tell you how much I love this dress?" he murmured fingering the
satiny silver fabric and then trailing his fingers over to the spaghetti straps.


Buffy grinned. "I believe you mentioned something about being able to
whip it off easier."

He chuckled and nibbled on her ear. "And I'll be able to test that theory
tonight."

"Not if you don't get ready. We have dinner and then your showing and
then—"

"The hotel," he growled lustfully.

"Our early Valentine's," Buffy sighed and titling her neck to give Spike
more access. Three years later and they still went after each other with a
hunger that they were sure would never be sated.

"Are you guys done?" Angel stood smirking at them in the doorway.

"Like you don't snog your wife when you get the chance," Spike balked at
him.

"We don't have kids," Angel pointed out.

"Yet. Soon brother dear, soon! In what? Two months?" Buffy asked,
smiling brightly.

"Yeah, two months," he echoed, suddenly looking fearful.

Buffy jumped up and hugged him. "Don't worry. If Harmony can change a
diaper, so can you."

"She has nannies, remember? She married that rich Italian guy and all she
has to do is pop the kids out and has nannies take care of her kids," Angel
pointed out. "She's such a free loader."

"Hey, at least we don't have to deal with her any more!" Buffy pointed out
cheerfully.

"Thank God," Angel and Spike agreed at the same time.

"Come on Angel, my hubby needs to get ready. I'm going to visit while you
get dressed honey!"

"You want to help at all?" Spike suggested lightly.

"Spike, gross." Angel wrinkled his nose and Spike laughed as brother and
sister left the room.



"Ooohh…Spike it looks wonderful in here," Buffy breathed as she and her
husband stepped into the gallery. His paintings lined the walls and she
smiled. It was like being surrounded by the things she loved. There were
impressions of them –naked bodies entwined, but turned so one couldn't
see their faces, as well as snapshots of places they'd been and visited—
Marblehead, her hometown was prominent. When they'd had time to spend
there and Buffy was able to show her around Spike had been charmed by
the town and set a lot of his paintings there. The way he captured scenes,
Buffy felt as if she could jump in the paintings and be part of it. Of course, a
lot of the things he did were centered on her and Emma. Those were the
pieces that hung all over the apartment, not to mention her parents and his
fathers. Even Lorne and Angel had some of his work and paid for them.
They needn't have bothered hiring someone to do their family portrait;
Spike could do it with his eyes closed.

Buffy sighed as she gazed at his pieces.

"What is it luv?" Spike asked her, standing close behind her and placing a
hand on her shoulder.

"I wish we had a house to put be able to hang up all your stuff. I wish we
had a house that you could work out of instead of having to rent space."

"A house like that?" Spike pointed to a canvas of a house. A large pastel
blue Victorian with a wrap around porch and a chimney. It was large,
ornate and gorgeous. The kind of house Buffy dreamt of them living in.

"Yeah, like that one. Where did you find that? Marblehead?"

"Nope."

"Where?"

"Concord."

"Oh really? That was a really beautiful area. A nice Norman Rockwell kind
of place."

"The house had a huge backyard. The people who lived there before left
the place in mint condition. Even had a swing in the backyard. All hardwood
floors and the trim around the doors and windows were preserved well."

She looked up at him, knitting her brows. "Spike, did you ask those people

if you could go in their home and look around so you could paint it?"

He grinned. "No. I asked them if I could go in their home and look around
so I could decide if I should buy it."

She spun to face him, looking up at him with a blank expression. "What?"

"That's our home Buffy. Our new home." He was smiling broadly at her.


"You're kidding," and she waited for him to say he was.

He shook his head. "Nope. It's ours. We can move as early as next month."

"That's really our home?" she asked in awe as she gazed over our shoulder
at the house.

"Yep. I found it while I was looking online for houses. I called the real
estate agent, went down there, met the nice people who were leaving it to
move to Arizona, and snatched it up. They were so desperate to move, it
barely cost anything."

"Why were they desperate to move?"

"Sickness in the family. The wife's mother was ill and she wanted to be
there. Plus all her family was there and she felt disconnected. Real nice
people. They gave me their phone number if I should have any questions,"
Spike explained.

Buffy's eyes filled with tears, happy tears. "I want to see it!"

"I figured you would. I booked us a room at the Concord Inn."

She threw her arms around him and squealed. "I have the best husband in
the whole wide world!"

"Told you once there wasn't anything I wouldn't do for you and Emma."

"She's going to LOVE it!"

"Come on kitten. Let's rub elbows so we can go to our new home," and he
took her hand, leading her off to speed up the process.



"The commute won't be so bad. Forty-five minutes tops," Buffy rambled
as they made their way up the path to the house. She stopped and gazed up
at their new home, feeling a sense of peace and belonging wash over her.
Yep, this was most definitely it. "It's gorgeous. I can see pumpkins on the
porch at Halloween and jack o' lanterns in the window. Oh! I can see big
baskets of flowers in the spring all along the porch and candles in the
window during Christmas time. Emma will LOVE that we can get a REAL
tree—a HUGE tree and make it as gawdy as we want it. We can have
barbecue's in the backyard and Emma can ride her bike on the sidewalk. ..."

Spike smiled as he listened to Buffy plan their life. It was the same vision
he'd had when he'd seen the house. It had nearly killed him to keep it a
secret for so long. He wanted to wait for the right moment and since he and
Buffy were all about surprises, it seemed Valentine's was the best time to
do it.

Leading her in the house, he handed her a flashlight that he had kept in the glove compartment for the night and let her run him all over the house as she oohed and awed over it. She nearly cried when Spike showed her the room he'd chosen for Emma and in it had placed the horse Buffy had as a child. Hank had brought it up to him to help surprise Buffy.

"There are five bedrooms!?" Buffy exclaimed as they made their way back
to the foyer. "And they're HUGE!!"

"I can set up my studio downstairs and work from there and you can take
one of the bedrooms for a study if you wanted."

"So far we're only going to need three bedrooms," Buffy said thoughtfully.

"Already planning to make one into a guest room?"

She looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "No. One for us, the
one for Emma and one for," she patted her stomach, "Junior. As in Buffy
Junior of course," and she grinned.

Spike's eyes widened. "WHAT?"

"I just found out today. I was going to tell you once we were alone. We're
pregnant."

Spike whooped and gathered her in his arms. "Baby, you've just made the
happiest man in the world. AGAIN."

She held onto him tightly. "I'm glad you're happy."

"Happy? I'm beyond happy," he looked down at her and kissed her
soundly. "You never cease to amaze me, Buffy. God, I love you so much,"
he said huskily and kissed her again.

"I love you too. And to think it all started with a little white lie."

He smiled, "A little white lie that I intended on making the truth."

"Just don't ever tell my mother," she warned him.

He laughed. "Wouldn't dream of it." He gazed at her solemnly. "I told you
then that Emma was mine."

"No doubt about that. I think she'd kick me down the stairs to get to you."

He smiled, "What can I say? She's my girl."

Buffy smiled up at him. "And so am I."

"Always were Buffy," he told her tenderly.

"Well, now we might be able to put Merry Maids back in business again,"
she sighed and looked around.

Spike laughed. "Oh? How do you figure?"

"No way I'm cleaning all this by myself while running after Emma and a
baby!"

"Now pet, are you sure it's going to be a girl again?"

"I don't know, but I was right the last time, I was hoping to go two for
two."

"I think it'll be a boy this time."

"William Junior?"

"Perhaps," and he grinned. "I love you Mrs. Giles."

"I love you too, Mr. Giles."


A/N; Thank you to each and every one of you that supported this story and faithfully reviewed. You have no idea how much that meant to me, and continues to mean to me. I have to say, I'm really sad to see this one go. I had so much fun writing it and I'm glad you guys had fun reading it. I think I'm going to cry! lol


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