Chapter 20
A few weeks later, Buffy was being dragged from store to store by an
overzealous Anya. Sundays were her day off, and Buffy was rapidly regretting
her decision of accepting Anya’s invitation to go shopping. She was swiftly
approaching her due date, and she felt as if she was growing bigger by the
day. Spike had been wonderful the past few weeks. Making sure to stop by several times a week. He had been working so much lately, that it had been difficult for the two of them to coordinate their schedules, but he had been calling at least twice a day to check on her.
“Come on, Buffy, just one more store.”
Buffy inwardly groaned but followed Anya into a store on the corner and
gasped when she entered. The store was filled with baby items. Buffy had
studiously avoided these stores since she didn’t have the money to spare at
this time to go and buy anything she wanted. She looked at Anya and had to
smile at the excited expression on her face.
“Come on,” she said, grabbing Buffy’s hand like an eager little girl.
“Let’s go pick out something for those babies.”
“Anya, I can’t right now, I don’t have the money.”
“Nonsense,” Anya replied with a wave of her hand. “I plan on buying them
something.”
Buffy gaped at her friend. “You’re going to spend money on my babies?”
“Well, of course. I’m not a tightwad, I’ll have you know.” At Buffy’s look,
she continued, “I just like to manage my money, is that a crime? Besides,
you’re practically family, and I have a right to spoil my new niece and
nephew.”
Buffy felt tears come to her eyes at Anya’s generosity. “Thank you so
much,” Buffy whispered as she hugged her.
“Okay, enough with the pregnant woman hormones. Let’s pick out something
pretty for those babies.”
For over an hour, the two girls searched through the racks of clothes,
periodically holding up an item for the other to 'ooh' and 'aah' over.
“Found it!” Anya called from the other side of the store as she made her way
back to Buffy. Once Anya reached her, she held up a tiny pink dress trimmed
in white lace with a matching pair of frilly white socks. Buffy gasped when
she saw it and gave an excited hop. “It’s perfect.”
“I know,” Anya said with a smile. “Okay, one down and one to go.”
They searched a little while longer until Buffy came across a little blue
and white sailor suit. Before she even got a good look at it, Anya snatched
it out of her hands and took it up to the register. After the items were
paid for and the woman working asked Buffy all kinds of questions about her
pregnancy, they headed out of the store. Once outside, Buffy gave Anya
another hug. “Thank you so much! It’s so wonderful to know I have your
support.”
“Of course you do, silly,” Anya said, patting her on the back. “Now, let’s
get you home.”
* * * * *
Buffy was practically giddy as she and Anya arrived at her house. Unlocking
the front door, Buffy stepped through and gasped as her friends all stood
there.
“SURPRISE!”
“Oh my God,” Buffy whispered as she took in the blue and pink streamers,
buffet table laden with food and punch, presents piled on a smaller card
table, and the banner that read ‘It’s a Boy & a Girl.’
Buffy looked at her friends and saw that everyone was here. Willow was the
first to approach her. “We thought it would be more fun if we gave you a
surprise baby shower,” she said with a bright smile.
Buffy hugged her best friend. “Thank you so much,” she said, looking around
the room before turning to Anya. “Is this why you dragged me to every store
in town?”
“No, I would have done that anyway.”
Buffy laughed as she turned to see her friends. “Cordy!” she said
excitedly when she saw her friend. Cordelia had moved to L.A. after
graduating high school and was now on a successful sitcom.
“Congratulations, Buffy! I haven’t seen you in forever,” Cordy said, giving
her a hug.
“I know, it’s been a lifetime,” Buffy said, looking around the room. She
could see Giles, Oz, Angel, and even Fred and Gunn. Buffy frowned, turning
to Willow. “Where’s Spike and Xander?”
“Oh, they’re on there way. Xander’s, uh, car broke down, and Spike offered to
go pick him up.”
Buffy nodded, not entirely convinced, but went to greet the rest of her
friends anyway.
By the time she got to Angel, Buffy was already feeling tired. “Sit down,
Buff,” Angel said, leading her to the couch.
“Thanks,” Buffy said with a grateful smile. “I’m sorry I haven’t seen you
in a while. I’m not trying to avoid you or anything.”
“It’s okay, Buffy, I know. I’m just glad you got your old job back,” he
said, taking the seat next to her.
“It’s been a crazy couple of months,” Buffy said with a nod. “I think
things are finally slowing down for the time being.”
“At least until the little ones decide to make an appearance.”
“Yeah,” Buffy agreed with a smile.
“When do you start Lamaze?”
“Next week. Three classes, and then I’m ready to go.”
“Listen, if you need a partner or even just a ride to get there, let me
know, okay?”
Buffy was about to reply when she heard a voice over her shoulder, “It’s
already covered, mate.”
Buffy turned to face Spike, glaring daggers at Angel. Before she could say
anything, she saw Angel stand up to face Spike. Feeling like she had no
other option, Buffy stood and planted herself between the two males. Trying
to keep things calm, she fixed a smile on her face. “Spike, this is Angel.
Angel…Spike.”
Buffy could feel the tension radiating off the two as Angel slowly extended
his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said, though the tone didn’t
imply that it was all good things.
Spike warily eyed the hand, but catching the pleading look on Buffy’s face,
decided to try and behave for her sake. Shaking Angel’s hand, Buffy could
tell that they were both practically crushing the other with the pressure of
their mutual grips.
“Uh, guys,” Buffy said hesitantly. “Guys!” When they finally let go of
each other to look at her, Buffy sighed in exasperation before turning to
Spike. “Can I talk to you, outside?”
“Sure thing, luv,” Spike said with a smile. Turning to Angel, the smile
turned almost menacing. “See you around.” As he put his hand on the small
of Buffy’s back to lead her to the back door, Buffy could have sworn she
heard a muttered ‘Poofter,’ but she couldn’t be sure.
Walking out into the backyard, Buffy inhaled the crisp fall air before
turning to face Spike. “What’s with the pissing contest?”
“I don’t know what you mean, luv,” he replied with faux innocence.
“Save it, William,” she said sternly. “Angel’s here because he cares for
me, which means he cares for the twins, so guess what? You both have
something in common.”
“You dragging him out here to give him the same lecture?” he asked with a
tinge of anger in his voice.
“No,” Buffy replied quietly. “Because I expect you to be the bigger man in
this scenario.”
Buffy watched as Spike’s features softened as he tilted his head. “It’s important to you?”
“It is.”
“Then I guess I can try and play nice,” he said with a sigh.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Buffy stood on her tiptoes to give Spike a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”
“Better be careful, pet,” Spike said, opening the back door and allowing her
to walk through first. “I might get used to hearing you say that.”
Spike smirked as Buffy whirled around to smack him in the chest. With a
smile, she looked at him. “I’m going to go talk to Giles. Remember, you
promised.”
“Yeah, yeah. But if he thinks he’s going to take you to that breathing
thing, he’s got another thing coming.”
Buffy giggled. “It’s called Lamaze, Spike. And you never mentioned wanting
to go.”
“Well, I’m mentioning it now, aren’t I?”
Buffy nodded. “Okay. You go play now.”
Spike groaned as Buffy walked off, turning to survey the room. “Alright,
where is the bloody wanker?”
* * * * *
Spike slowly made his way over to Angel, stopping to stand in front of him.
“Alright, Peaches, Buffy wants us to get along, so what do you say we have a
comfortable relationship of hating one another?”
“Fine with me,” Angel agreed with a scoff.
Spike raised an eyebrow at him before taking a deep breath. “Look…Buffy
told me that you were a friend of hers during…while we weren’t speaking. I
want you to know…I appreciate it.” Spike practically had to spit the words
out.
“Yeah,” Angel said with a nod. “She was having a rough time of it. Needed
an outsider's opinion.”
Spike gritted his teeth at the knowledge that this man could know so much
about his relationship with the woman he loved. “Yeah, well…good.”
As Spike turned to walk away, he heard Angel softly reply, “You know I would
give anything to be in your position.”
Spike turned around, his vision blurred as he tried to control the rage that
built up in him. “Are you in love with her?” he asked, trying to refrain
from throwing any punches.
“Love’s a strong word. I care for her, like I care for any of my close
friends.”
“Good to know,” Spike said with loathing in his voice. “Because I’d hate to
have to hurt you.”
Angel laughed. “Like you could.”
Spike took a menacing step closer. “You want to find out?”
“Spike!” Willow cried, stepping in between the two men. “I-I haven’t seen
you today. How are you?”
“Good, Red, and you?” Spike asked, taking a deep breath to control his anger, never taking his eyes away from Angel.
“Oh, good…real good. I think Oz wants to talk to you,” Willow replied
before turning to the taller man. “Angel, would you mind helping me in the
kitchen…please?”
“Sure, Willow. See you around, Spike.”
“Count on it, mate,” Spike said, grinding his teeth as he went to find Oz.
Willow led Angel into the kitchen and fidgeted around with some of the extra
food. “Angel, I’ve gotten to know you over the past few months, and I know
all you want is what’s in Buffy’s best interest.”
“Yeah,” he said, looking at Willow in confusion.
“I think if you want to keep your friendship with Buffy, you’re going to
have to get along with Spike,” Willow said, choosing her words carefully.
“I know,” Angel said with a sigh. “I just hate that he left her alone for
so long.”
“Angel, you know as well as I do that Spike didn’t know she was pregnant.”
“And that stopped him from talking to her at all?”
“Okay, I’ll give you that. But, Buffy could have just as easily have made contact with him and we all know this. Angel, these babies are going to link them together, and you need to decide if you want your friendship with Buffy to last.”
“Present time, everyone!” Anya yelled through the house.
“Just think about what I said,” Willow said, turning to go back into the
living room.
Angel took a deep breath and walked into the living room. He could see
Spike standing close to the front door with a drink in his hand and
approached him. “Okay…you win.”
“Really? Do I get to pick the prize of my choice?”
“I’m trying to apologize, Spike.”
“So sorry, go right ahead,” Spike said, adopting a higher-class British
accent.
“Look…whatever resentments we may have for one another…bottom line is, I
care about Buffy, and I know you do, too. So let’s just try and get along.”
“Sounds good to me, Peaches.”
“Glad you think so, bleach boy,” Angel said with a smile.
Surprisingly, they both shared a chuckle and watched as Buffy sat in a chair
as Anya began running back and forth, delivering presents.
“Open mine first,” she said, handing Buffy a silver bag.
“Anya, you already got the babies something, you didn’t have to do this.”
“Oh, this isn’t for the babies, this is for you.”
Buffy smiled and reached into the bag, pulling out a red lace teddy. Buffy
blushed the color of the garment as Giles took his glasses off and
frantically began rubbing them with a soft cloth. Buffy bit her lip and
looked at Spike, who had a smirk on his face and raised an eyebrow at her,
almost in an invitation.
“Um…thank you, Anya.”
“Oh, you’re welcome. I figured, you’re losing out on a number of orgasms
right now, so if you wear that to bed, you will most definitely make up for
it.”
Spike tried to hide a chuckle as he took a drink, earning a glare from
Buffy.
“I hope you like the style,” Anya continued. “That’s Xander’s favorite,
well, except for the naughty nurse outfit and-“
“Anya!” Xander yelled, getting her attention. “Remember what we’ve talked
about?”
“Oh yes,” Anya replied, rolling her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to
mention the games we play.”
Everyone in the room tried to suppress a chuckle as Buffy opened the next
present.
* * * * *
Half an hour later, the living room was covered in wrapping paper and bows.
Buffy was surrounded by piles of clothes, bottles, diapers, hooded towels,
pacifiers, and teething rings.
“Thank you so much, everyone!” Buffy said with tears in her eyes.
“That’s not all, luv,” Spike said from the corner of the room. Walking over,
he grabbed her hand and pulled her into a standing position. “Come on,
everyone.”
Spike led Buffy up the stairs and down the hall, stopping in front of the
spare bedroom and opening the door. Buffy gasped at the sight in front of
her. The room was painted a soft, powder blue. A crib stood in one corner and
a changing table against the wall, while a glider rocker sat in the other
corner. Buffy couldn’t believe her eyes as she stared into the room.
“Spike, how-“
“We’ve been working on it every chance we get while you’ve been at work.”
“We?”
“Me, Giles, Xander, Oz, Willow…occasionally Anya,” Spike said with a smile.
“The crib and the-“
“Xander made them both.”
Buffy turned to face Xander, the tears finally spilling down her cheeks as
she saw the excited faces of all of her friends.
“Don’t start crying yet, luv. I may still be in some trouble.”
“Why’s that?” Buffy asked, wiping the tears from her face.
“This way,” Spike said, taking her hand again and leading her to her
bedroom. He opened the door, and Buffy looked at the bare room. The walls
were freshly painted a pretty lavender color, but the room was empty. Buffy
looked at Spike in confusion.
“We all talked it over, and we thought you should be the one in the master
bedroom.”
Buffy bit her lip as she thought about it. It was her mother’s room, but it
did make the most sense. “I can’t believe you all did this for me.”
“Well, this room’s not finished, obviously,” Xander said. “We were running
a little behind, and we’ve got the furniture in a truck outside.”
Buffy’s mouth dropped open as she looked from Spike to her friends.
“Spike-“
“You’re not turning it down, Summers,” Spike said before she could protest.
He took a step closer to her, putting his hand on her stomach. “My babies,
too, remember?”
Buffy smiled before giving him a hug. “You don’t know how much this means
to me,” she whispered as his arms went around her waist.
* * * * *
Buffy told all of her friends good-bye an hour later. Shutting the door
after giving Willow one last hug, she turned around and faced Spike.
“You did too much today, Spike,” she said, leaning against the door with a
smile on her face. The men had spent the last twenty minutes moving the
crib and changing table into the room.
“And I’d do it all again in a heartbeat just to see that look on your face,
luv,” Spike replied softly. Reaching for his coat, he pulled it on as he
walked closer to Buffy. “I better get out of here.”
“Okay,” Buffy said softly.
“Let me know when to pick you up for the class this week.”
“Will do,” Buffy said, nodding her head as she opened the door for Spike.
Watching as he walked through, Buffy called after him as he got to the top
step. “Spike.” She stepped forward as he turned and reached a hand around
his neck, pulling him down to leave a tender kiss on his lips. “Thank you
for being here,” she echoed the words she had told him so long ago.
Spike leaned forward to gently claim her lips in another chaste kiss. “My pleasure, Buffy.”
A/N Alright, before I get the reviews asking why Spike and Buffy are not back together, just keep in mind that they’re slowly rebuilding their relationship. They’re not just going to pick up where they left off, because it’s a lot to work through. With that in mind- review to your heart’s content :-)
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