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Author's Chapter Notes:
The Buffy/other is in Xander's dream. This chapter the scenes are different then in the previous chapt 6......
Los Angeles May 13th 7 p.m.


They had been on the road for about 15 minutes and so far it appeared that no one was following them. Slowly the tension eased as they each took a moment to let what had just happened to sink in. Spike could remember her screams; his gut telling him the infant in his care was now truly an orphan.

No one spoke as the kid drove the large RV, toward downtown L.A. taking them closer to the interstate, but also further into enemy territory. The plan being that once they accomplished the mission then they would discuss where they should go.

Aidan decided at that time to wake up. He hardly made a sound as he whimpered softly, but enough to cause the others to jump at the noise that broke the quiet around them. His baby blue eyes opened up, catching the vampire's attention.

"There, there, poppet, the big bad here, knows just what ya need little one," Spike said as he looked down at the infant buckled in the car seat beside him.

Their eyes met, and like before, they connected somehow, even with just the lighting coming from the streetlights filtering through. It was like the time they'd first locked eyes when the vampire had rescued the infant. Spike felt a strong need to protect the little one, and it was almost like their meeting was meant to be.

"So does precious here have a name?" Lorne asked softly, not wanting to scare the baby into crying.

The green demon noticed the special bond between the member of the undead, and the innocent life they'd just rescued for the second time. He looked questionably at the peroxide blonde vampire and wondered again about the obvious bond that was between the vamp and the baby. It also brought back memories of when he to had fallen for a baby once.

Connor quickly replied, "Spike named him, Aidan Quinn Worthington, after his grandfather. I really don't think his mother named him yet."

Spike glowered at Angel and Darla's offspring, for telling his secret concerning the name he chose for the baby and why. He had not meant to share the reason for the name he had chosen with the others of their group. He silently chastised himself for opening his big mouth in the first place.

"Aidan, that means flame, fire, fiery. Quinn means wise. Good choices I think." Lorne winked at the vampire, who was looking a bit embarrassed and annoyed at the same time. "Your grandfather must have been a good man."

Spike looked over at the green demon and nodded saying, "He was a very good man, the best." He carefully removed the baby from car seat.

"Then his blood must be very strong to still run in your veins." Lorne nodded firmly, seeing the look of amazement come over the blonde's face at his comment. "So what do you say I heat up a bottle for Aidan?"

"Yeah, and I'll change his nappy." Spike sighed, wondering when he'd become so domesticated.

Then he realized- his road to domestication began a few years ago when Dru was injured and then fell ill in Prague. It deepened the night he assumed the care of a teenager breaking into the magic shop. The fact was that his nurturing nature must have been there all along, but there hadn't been a reason to put it to use.

It was something Angelus had beaten out of him during his formative years as a vampire. But not enough that The Judge had not been able to overlook. He in fact had smelt the humanity that was still apart of him. It was just buried so deep inside the demon he, himself had no idea it was there.

"Where does a vampire learn about babies?" Lorne asked as Spike followed him to the kitchen area, noticing the thoughtful expression on Spike's face.

Spike chuckled as he answered, "The Internet, I paid attention around witchy pooh, learning about google and other search engines. It enhanced what I already knew, of course. Did a bit of quick reading when the poof gave me the assignment to recover the mini half pint. You know, just in case I got stuck with him and had to take care of him."

"Speed read much?" Connor laughed from the driver's seat, listening to the conversation. He couldn't help but wonder if his own father was this curious when he was a baby.

"Just skimmed through what I thought important." Spike shrugged as he lay Aidan down on the small couch after grabbing the diaper bag they had purchased earlier that day.

The blonde vampire gently undid the blanket from the infant who kept looking up at him. "Not lookin' forward to a dirty nappy mind you." Spike winked, knowing there was nothing there, only a wet diaper.

He unsnapped the faded jumper and removed the little legs exposing the diaper. He looked down at the baby with a look of suspicion and fear. "Now, don’t be givin' Uncle Spike any surprises, now," he said as he tried to figure out how to undo the diaper.

"Not lookin' too hard. Sticker part goes in the back. Good thing too, wouldn't want to stick you with a diaper pin, or my thumb, either," Spike mumbled as he unfastened the diaper.

Reaching over, taking one of the wipes out of its container, all the while keeping the baby's penis covered. He used the disposable cloth to clean the baby's groin area, and then got another one to clean the boy's bottom. He looked for any sign of a rash. The information had warned not changing diapers regularly could cause one. Having noticed none, he then replaced the diaper without any difficulty, feeling very proud of himself.

Aidan's smile, during the diaper change, sealed his fate with the smitten vamp. Spike vowed he would do everything in his power to protect him, no matter the cost. No one or nothing would separate them.

"So how do we warm up his bottle? I think the microwave might not be the right choice," Spike said, watching the green demon as he poured the formula into the baby bottle.

Lorne thought about it for a moment and then smiled at himself as he remembered a trick Cordelia had showed him. "Heat up some water in the micro and then set the bottle in it so it will warm up that way."

Lorne made his way to the cupboards, smiling as he looked until he found what he was searching for. Taking the bowl, he filled it with water and then put it in the microwave and programmed it for two minutes. When it dinged, he took out the hot water and eased the bottle down into it, making sure not to splash himself.

"So, anyone have any idea where we're going yet?" Connor asked when he started to see the signs alerting him that the interstate was close.

"I have some connections in Vegas we can trust," Lorne suggested. "No better city to get lost in." The green demon smiled, thinking it would be a great place for them to rest and recoup before making the major life decisions they would need to make.

"Sounds like a plan," Spike replied as he lifted Aidan back into his arms. "Hey, Greenjeans, check the bottle, yeah."

Lorne picked up the bottle and dropped a few drops on his wrist as he had done when Conner was a baby. "Hey, sweet pea, soups on, feels nice a warm."

Spike accepted the bottle, placing the nipple at the baby's lips and said, "Here ya go poppet, bon appetite.

Both demons smiled when the baby latched on to the nipple and started to suck hard and fast. Causing Spike to chuckle and say, "Hey, not to fast little one."

"Well, honey, I think he has your appetite." Lorne winked as he watched the amused vampire. "Don't forget to burp him, or we will have a cranky imp on our hands."

"Which way is it to Vegas?" Connor asked, feeling happy to be a part of this. Thinking for some reason that his father would be shocked at how Spike was acting right now.

"Oh, sorry, sweet cheeks, take Interstate 10 north to Ontario, and then Interstate 15 until we hit the big sign that reads, 'Welcome to Las Vegas', and then I will direct you where to go," Lorne replied. "We are only about four, maybe five hours away."

"Just let me know when you get tired of driving," Spike offered.

"You take care of baby things, and I'll take care of driving, thanks." Connor chuckled. "Uncle Spike."

"Hey, don't smart mouth your elders, boy," Spike playfully reprimanded the kid as he winked down at his boy. "Don't you go learning his bad habits, and mind your manners. Will save you some future spankings it will."

Illyria watched as the three males bantered back and forth, realizing they were bonding over the humor they were using. She could tell that they were growing closer and wondered where that would leave her in the vampire's life. During this time she'd come to rationalize why the vampire had become important to her. The fact she let him feed from her was the only thing she had come up with. What she couldn't understand was why the infant was coming to mean something to her.

"I'll fix the pillows and blankets on the floor by the couch for precious," Lorne offered as he noticed the baby's eyes growing heavy as he continued to feed. "How old do think he is?"

"He was born on May fourth, on the full moon. So that makes him nine days old today," Spike replied, as he gently pulled the bottle out of the baby's mouth. "So, Greens, can you tell me how to burp the little one here?"

Connor noticed how gentle the vampire handled the baby under Lorne's instructions. He couldn't help but wonder if his father took care of him in the same loving manner. Lorne noticed the look on the kid's face, his instincts telling him the boy was thinking about when he was a baby.

The Pylean knew he would soon need to talk to the youngster about when he was a baby. Then, he might get the boy to understand just how much his father had enjoyed being with him during the short time they had together.

"What do we know about this small human?" Illyria asked, wanting them to remain open minded to the fact they could be protecting the killer of the human race. Shocking herself at being so concerned about what happened to mere mortals. "He could grow up and kill all of us and be the terminator of human existence," she continued, her words sounding concerned, but her tone indifferent.

Spike nodded as his eyes met her, acknowledging what she was implying taking his time before he replied, "Time will tell, but if he was such a danger to humanity, they wouldn't have been planning his death when he turned thirteen. So I think for now we're safe."

Aidan's loud burp caused Spike to chuckle as he then resumed feeding the baby some more. Since the mini half pint acted as if he had not eaten in days, the vampire couldn't help but ask himself when the last time his mother fed the little imp.

"I agree," Lorne replied as he looked at the half-asleep infant. "Too bad we didn't know more about the Brethren's sacrifice."

"I have it saved on my yahoo briefcase thing." Spike smiled. "I just haven't had the time to read it."

"Well, I think that's lost to you as well, since the partners have access to it." Lorne sighed.

"Nope, they don't know about that account. I placed it in a fake name." Spike winked as he noticed his boy had stopped sucking on the bottle and looked like he was close to being asleep. "I started a secret account at the public library while I was recovering from my run in with the psycho slayer, and never used it anywhere but there."

"Is this the same hotheaded poor planner Angel told us about?" Lorne looked closer as he inspected the vampire.

"Hey, I'll have you know that this vampire can learn new tricks." The blonde vamp started out as if he was offended but ended the sentence with a snort. "Did my homework and it helped by keeping an eye on Red, Watcher boy, and Fred, in the end." Placing the baby on his shoulder, so he could burp his boy one last time before lying him down to sleep.

Lorne's face took on a sad look at the mention of his two lost comrades. "I miss them."

"Sorry, Greens," Spike whispered.

"Its okay, Buttercup." Lorne smiled sadly, only to jump suddenly when he heard the undead male beside him growl.

"Don't call me Buttercup, and I had better not hear the bear one either." Spike glared, his eyes flickering between blue and gold.

"No problem Mr. Sensitive." Lorne moved up off the seat and decided now would be a good time to go and fix the pillows and blankets.

"What's with the bear phobia?" Connor asked, trying to keep from laughing.

"Don't ask." Spike snarled but quickly forced himself to calm down when his boy started to whimper. "Sorry about that poppet, Uncle Spike was just a bit upset, Pet."

The three other occupants looked at the vampire, realizing how much he had bonded with the infant in his arms. They each now knew that this baby would be a permanent fixture in their lives if they decided to continue to associate with Spike.

"Bed's ready if you are ready to let the wee one go for awhile." Lorne smiled.

"I will protect him as long as I live, just so you all know that," Spike vowed, his voice full of conviction that led them to believe his words.

"Then he is under my protection as well," Illyria pledged, as she looked into the vampire's eyes that she silently pledged to protect with her life.

Lorne noticed the connection between the two and wondered where their relationship would end up. Since they had come down in to the hotel lobby, making their presence known, he had noticed the chemistry between them.

The Pylean came to realize that other then Wesley, Blue had also become fascinated with the blonde vampire. Having heard from the ex-watcher she'd even requested to keep Spike as her pet. Since this morning, he'd noticed that when Spike had something to say, Illyria would stop and listen.

Lorne rationalized to himself, keeping his ideas and questions to himself for the moment. He was sure the fact they survived the battle and she let him feed from him is what gave strength to their developing relationship.

Spike stood up and smiled softly at Illyria before taking the baby to the back so he could lay him down to sleep. He bent down and gently placed his boy on the soft spot right beside the couch and covered him with the soft blanket. He closed his eyes and prayed to The Powers That Be that he was making the right choice in deciding to keep Aidan with him.

The vampire did not want to be too far away from the baby, as he moved to lie down on the couch. Watching the miracle that had come into his undead life at a time he needed something to believe in, he vowed, "I promise you little one I will not fail you." Then he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

The Pylean having returned to his seat smiled as he heard the vampire whisper his promise. He then made a one of his own to do what he could to help the boy wonder to keep his promise, even if it meant taking up the fight. He knew his fighting skills were more then just a little rusty.

No skill was needed to pull the trigger that ended Lindsey's life. Neither was seeing how dark the man's soul would become and it wasn't pretty. He decided he'd take a chance and ask Blue if she be interested in teaching him how to better defend himself. So in the future he'd know how to take care of himself and those he cared about. Then he'd never feel like a liability again.

Connor never even considered leaving his newfound family. Since Spike was all that was left of his blood family and he seemed to be taking the baby on as his, then the baby was family, too. Suddenly Connor smiled at the thought, because he finally understood where he fell on Spike's family tree. 'I'm his great uncle, wait until I rub that one in his face.'

*******

Africa May 14th 4 a.m.

"Oh, Xander, you really should be more careful in the future on who you give your heart to." Anya sighed as she looked at him with such love her eyes.

"Anya, I miss you." Xander smiled as he ran toward her only to suddenly stop when her eyes began to glow red.

"Bastard, Sunnydale was just the beginning, not the end. The battle for evil was lost, but the war continues, and we are gaining." She opened her arms, "Come to me and let me show you how good evil can be."

Xander stopped in his tracks feeling his heart breaking as he realized his lover again was an evil demon. "Why are you doing this?"

"I'm being given a chance to repent my white hat ways, Xander." She continued to hold her arms open. "Come and dance with me. We can dance in the blood that will be spilt because your sluttish slayer can't keep her legs together and can only get off fucking demons."

"Anya, what are you talking about?" Xander looked confused. "I don't want to dance in anyone's blood."

"Xander listen to my words very closely. Let me bring you over, so you don't feel the pain and grief that will await you if you stay loyal to the one that will betray you in the end." Anya pouted. "Come on baby; just think of the orgasms we can have. The added bonus is you will live like me forever, youthful, beautiful, and alive."

"No, I don't want that." Xander shook his head no, but yet felt a pull toward the woman he still loved, even if she was dead.

"Take a look at what awaits you if you don't let me help you." Anya frowned as she pointed to her left.

At first there was nothing to see. After a few minutes the colors started to swirl, making him feel sort of dizzy. He started to make out what appeared to be dead bodies lying on a bloody battlefield. Without moving from the spot he was standing, the scene came closer to him and he could see a clearer picture of what had went on.

Demons were walking around and kicking the dead human bodies lying on the ground. He recognized some of the faces as young girls he'd seen training at the school for slayers, and a few that had fought the battle to close the Hellmouth in Sunnydale.

He felt the bile rise in his throat, as he looked upon the face of those he loved like family. The first casualty he found was Dawn, lying still on the ground before him. Her expression telling him of her painful death, as dried blood marked her demise.

Next, there was Giles, his dead eyes open and glasses lying broken beside him. He could feel the tears falling down his face and he closed his eyes, knowing he would find his childhood friend next.

He closed his eyes hoping to avoid seeing them, the last two important people in his life, but something forced his eyes open. He quickly vomited seeing the condition his Willow was in, lying there with her heart lying beside her body and her eyes gouged out.

"See, this is what awaits you if you don't join me," Anya whispered, having moved closer. "With me you won't care, and will rejoice in their deaths, and even have a chance with the one you have given yourself many orgasms over."

Xander looked over toward Anya when something else caught his eye, causing his heart to almost stop. There was Buffy, naked, her head thrown back, and straddled across a creature that looked like the beast that was fucking Lucy in the movie Dracula.

"I told you she needs a demon, she's a demon whore." Anya snorted. "This is all because she betrayed all of you for him and his cock." She pointed over to where he saw himself, or what was left of him, lying on the ground, not five feet from where Buffy was getting her kicks with the beast. "There are other ways to stop the madness, you just have to look. One way is to welcome him back with open arms, accept who he has become, a man." Anya whispered in his ear before kissing his cheek.

"No, not like this…it can't end like this…No!!" Xander screamed as he woke up in a sweat hearing his own voice screaming. "I won't let it end like this."

He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important about the dream he'd just had. Any other time he'd just pick up the phone and call Willow, but since hunting down potential's turned slayers she wasn't just a phone call away anymore. "Hell, she's in a different time zone."

He sighed as he decided to get up and go to the bathroom, and then try to go back to sleep. One thing about the dreams, they never came back on the same night, no double feature. He just could not shake this feeling that something bad was coming and it had something to do with the dream.

*******

Las Vegas May 13th 7 p.m.

Oz stood at the door and continued to differentiate between human and demons as he watched for any signs of trouble in the casino. He'd been working for the Silvestros for about two years, after saving Ernesto's life one night from a vampire looking for a meal.

Ernie had taken him under his wing and taught him the rules of Vegas and offered him a job working security, plus letting his band play on Friday night. His boss understood about needing time off when it was time for a full moon, since Ernie's wife shared the affliction of getting all wild and howling at the moon a few days out of the month.

He had heard through the demon underground that Angel and Company had taken over L.A.'s office of Wolfram and Hart a few months back. He wondered what had brought that about. But not wanting to associate himself with these old friends, since moving on with his life, he never called to ask why. He wanted to move on from that part of his life.

When the news that Angel and the others were killed, trying to over take the firm so they could take over the world, it had not set right with him. He just didn't know any way to find out for sure, or anyone he trusted enough to tell his suspicions to. Then again, he didn't want to bring the wrath of evil incorporated on his head since his boss hated the law firm with a passion.

No one even knew he was from the now nonexistent Sunnydale. "Guess that PCP lab finally blew up." He chuckled at his own silently told inside joke. But to look at him you'd think he’d be a boring young man with very little to no emotions.

Over the last couple of months he'd been able to hear through the underground demon networking that the Slayer had survived and the powerful witch had been able to do some mojo and turn all the potential slayers into the real deal. Just the thought of Willow made his heart ache, and wonder what it would have been like if he had stayed in Sunnydale instead of running away.

Lately his dreams had been weird and some of them involved the red head that had stole his heart a few years back. The dreams did not make much sense, because they flashed too quickly and nothing seemed to connect them. One even included Spike and a young boy on a small fishing boat with the sun shining brightly down upon them.

The young boy called him 'Uncle Oz', and called Spike 'Dad'. Since Spike was no longer on this earth, and then the vamp's allergy to the sun that would have made that impossible. They seemed so real, and at times, the boy would be mouthing words at him, but no sound.

Other dreams that included Willow were violent with them fighting together, with a lot of blood and screaming. He just never knew whose blood he saw, or whose screams he heard. His demon felt something was coming, and it was bad, and he had been feeling edgy since he had heard that Angel had fallen.

*******





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