Child of Mine

Chapter 5: Not My Son Anymore

It had been 3 days since the birth of baby Anthony and he and Buffy were being released from the hospital. Buffy had spent those three days thinking about everything. She had doted on her beautiful son and still couldn’t believe how blessed she felt that he was hers. But she also felt unbelievable pain at the fact that tomorrow would be the last time she could openly call him her son for a long time. She had also thought a lot about Angel. She had called to tell him he had a son but he simply sneered, declared he wanted nothing to do with it and hung up. Buffy had decided then and there that she didn’t want anything more to do with him. It was one thing to hurt her, but to deny their son was unforgivable they didn’t need him.
“Buffy, your parents are here to take you and Anthony home”
Buffy looked up and smiled at the nurse in a silent thank you. She went over to the baby’s portable crib and gathered him up in her arms.
“Come on baby boy, let’s go”
She walked out of the door of her hospital and met her parents. She followed behind them to her father’s car. She strapped him into his car seat and settled in beside him. As the car drove her back to her parent’s house, she thought about what awaited her in Sunnydale. ‘Oh well, guess I’ll find out tomorrow’
That night after she had put Anthony to sleep, she set about getting everything ready for leaving tomorrow. She packed up her most treasured possessions as that was all her father was allowing her to take from his house, those few things like pictures and keepsakes, along with her clothes made up all of her worldly possessions. She was relieved that her parents had at least been kind enough to buy Anthony some baby clothes and essential baby things. But there wasn’t much. After everything was done, she settled down for one last night in her own bed. They were leaving first thing in the morning. She knew her parents were eager for her to be gone. Needless to say, she didn’t sleep well that night.

Next Morning: Summer’s Car

Anthony hadn’t been of any trouble the night before, having woken only for his feed before nodding off to sleep again. Since he was born, Buffy had noticed that he was a very good baby. He slept well at night, and only cried for feeds or diaper changes and the like. But Buffy still hadn’t slept well. She was nervous, she had no idea who the people she would be staying with were. She knew it was a man of about her father’s age and his son, but that was all she knew. She was also replaying the fact that she could not call Anthony her son and it was tearing her apart inside.
“Buffy” she heard her mother’s through the haze of thought swirling in her mind
“hmm?”
“Buffy did you hear a word I just said” her mother asked
“sorry mom, I was miles away. What did you say?”
“I said we will be there shortly, so make sure you’re all set to meet the Giles’”
“Ok mom” she said absently
Her mother just frowned and went back to looking out the front window, while Buffy went back into her thoughts.

Same time 1630 Revello Drive- Sunnydale

“William, will you come down here please” Rupert Giles called to his son. He was waiting impatiently at the foot of the stairs when a his teenaged son came stomping down the stairs. A tired look on his face.
“Yeah dad, what can I do for you?” his London accent coming across very strong as he spoke.
“William, our new lodgers will be here any time and I want you to be here when they do.” Rupert said irritably .
“Dad I can’t I’m meeting the guys today, we have practice I can’t miss it.”
“William, please, can’t you just miss it this once, I’d really rather you be here when they arrive.”
“I would if I could but I really can’t. I’m sorry” Giles let it go as his son did sound genuinely apologetic.
“Ok, if you really can’t. But I want you back here by 5 for dinner. We will have a proper meal to welcome the girl here properly.”
“Yeah, dad, why exactly is she coming here anyway?” he enquired.
“I told you a distant relative of mine died during childbirth last week. I’m her only relative so I was asked to take the child in. I couldn’t let them pot him in foster care. The young girl was my relative’s best friend, she is going to look after the baby, serve as his nanny. She has been caring for him since he was born.” He had practiced the story so many times that the lie rolled easily off his
tongue. William just shrugged “Ok, see you later dad.”
“Bye.” he called to his son’s retreating back.

15 minutes later Rupert heard a car pull up into the driveway. He went out to the door to meet with his old friend and Colleague.
“Rupert” Hank said cheerily “How have you been?”
“I’m doing alright thank you, Hank”
“Good I’m glad. Rupert I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you are doing this favour for me.”
Giles cleared his throat “Perhaps we should take this conversation inside, Let’s get everything into the house.”
Buffy watched the hustle and bustle as everyone pulled bags from the car to the house. She stood in the driveway holding her precious bundle. Wanting to squeeze in as much time as she could where he was still "her" son. Eventually though everything was inside and she was called on to, go into the house.
“Rupert, you remember my wife Joyce.”
“Yes of course. It’s lovely to see you Joyce.” he said as he shook her hand.
“And this” Hank continued “is Buffy, my daughter” he spoke the words
with disappointment in his voice.
“It’s very nice to meet you Buffy” he greeted “Please call me Rupert,
or Giles whichever you prefer. And please treat this place as what it
is your home.”
Buffy just smiled at him gratefully still clinging to her son.
“And who is this.” he questioned.
Buffy looked at him with a proud glint in her eyes as she spoke.
“This is Anthony, my-“
“Your cousin’s son, Rupert” Hank cut in.
Buffy looked hurt and on the verge of tears.
“Dad please let me say it. Let me have this one time to say, please.”
Hank did not look best pleased and was about to say something but Giles beat him to it.
“Of course you can say it Buffy.”
Buffy felt an overwhelming gratitude to this man. And somehow, she knew that he wasn’t a bad person.
“Thank you” she said, tears glistening in her eyes “This is Anthony, my son.”
She looked down at him with so much love and it did not go unnoticed. Giles felt immense sympathy for the girl standing before him, but he knew that he had to go along with what Hank wanted. The man had too much power, he couldn’t risk going against his wishes. And he had an idea that his daughter knew this too.
“Well,” Hank started “ I don’t see any point in us staying any longer. Come on Joyce, this isn’t our problem anymore. Don’t worry Buffy we will come and see you sometimes. Maybe you can begin to redeem yourself.” all of this was said with a hint of contempt. And it cut Buffy to the bone.
“Goodbye Rupert.”
“Goodbye Hank.”
Buffy watched as her parents left, and felt a mixture of both relief and hurt, but she didn’t ponder on it. They were gone now, nothing could be done about it. When she turned around and Giles started to speak to her.
“Well, Buffy.” he removed his glasses and started to clean them “
what do you say we put young Anthony in his crib and I’ll show you where everything is?”
She shook her head frantically,
“No, I don’t want to put him down.”
“Why ever not” he asked surprise.
“Because if I put him down then it’s real. The lies start. He’s not my son anymore.”
Giles could sense the hurt and fear and anger that she had felt for months roll off her in waves. He tried to comfort her with words.
“Buffy, dear, sit down”
She did as he instructed and awaited a lecture. She was surprised when all she heard was a gentle voice.
“Buffy, he is still your son. No one can change that.”
“But no one can know. And if no one knows then it isn’t real."
She was openly crying now.
“Buffy, whether people know or not he is still your son. You are the one who gave birth to him. Nobody can take that away from you” his voice was soft and soothing and she couldn’t help thinking, ‘ his son is so lucky. This is the kind of person a father should be’
“But my dad-“
“Forget what your father has said to you Buffy, Anthony is your son. People may not know but you will still be here. You will be raising him, but you will have my help because of this arrangement. And what your father seems to have forgotten is that you are seventeen in a couple of months. And then there will only be a year until you turn 18. Think about it Buffy, when you turn eighteen, there is nothing your father can do. You will be an adult and be free to do what you
wish. That includes openly raise your son.”
She couldn’t help herself, she threw herself into his arms. She hugged him with tears in her eyes.
“Giles, thank you. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much those
words meant to me.”
He was very flustered by her affection.
“Ah, well, you’re uh you’re welcome Buffy. Now, let’s put him in his
crib and get you settled in.”

After they were through with the grand tour and Buffy had freshened up a bit, she and Giles sat at the kitchen table talking.
“Giles, does, um, does your son know the truth?”
“No” he answered "William isn’t aware of the situation. Your father requested that be one of the terms of the arrangement.”
“oh, ok.”
“You will meet him later, he wanted to be here to meet you this afternoon but he had a prior engagement I’m afraid.”
“That’s ok. I’m kind of glad. No offence it’s just that I was a bit of a mess earlier.”
“None taken” he told her with a smile on his face “I completely understand.”
He looked up at the clock and noticed it had just gone 5 o’clock. And like clockwork, he heard the front door open. Buffy looked up when she heard someone call
“Hey dad, I’m home.”
Buffy looked at the kitchen door and was met by a beautiful sight. Standing there was a boy of 18. He was little bit taller than average, he had cheekbones so sharp they should have been illegal. He was lean and had well muscled arms, and chest by what she could see through his tight black t- shirt. He also wore black jeans and black boots. He had bleached blonde hair, which looked stunning next to his features. But looking up she found herself looking at the best thing about him his beautiful, clear blue eyes. She couldn’t think of a
shade of the blue that matched his eyes.

Meanwhile, he was having similar thoughts about the girl in front of him. He took in her long blonde hair, eyes the colour of emeralds and beautiful face. She was a tiny little thing. Both of them shared the same thought of what the other was.
‘Perfection’.
Both teens were snapped out of their thoughts when Giles cleared his throat.
“Buffy I would like you to meet my son.” he said.
“Hi” she said to him “I’m Buffy.”
“Hello pet,” he replied to the vision in front of him. He held his hand out to her, “I’m William, but you can call me Spike.”

Chapter 6: Getting To Know You

30 minutes had passed since Buffy and Spike had first set eyes on each other, neither one had said much to the other, mainly because a few minutes after Spike came in Anthony awoke for his feeding. Buffy was currently in his nursery feeding him his bottle. Completely unaware of what was going on downstairs.

In the Kitchen

“Well, what do you think of her?” Giles asked his son.
“She seems ok. Haven’t exactly spoken to her much, can’t really say I’m qualified to judge what she’s like. Why don’t you tell me.”
“She is a very charming young lady.” Giles informed his son “She’s taking this whole situation pretty hard.” Giles was relieved that in some ways he could be honest about what was going on, it was not a lie to say that Buffy was finding the situation upsetting.
“Don’t worry dad, was goin’ to be nice to her anyway. Seems like a nice enough chit.”
“Yes well, quite.”
The men were interrupted by Buffy’s reappearance in the kitchen.
“Buffy, good you’re back, we were just about to order dinner.”
Spike looked at his father’s flustered attempt to cover up their conversation, with amusement, but managed not to show it.
“I thought that seeing as it is your first night we would order in.”
“Oh, can we have Chinese or pizza” Spike jumped in.
“William, I was thinking we might have something a little nicer, after all this is for a special occasion, and I was also intending to give Buffy the decision of what we eat.”
He smiled reassuringly over at her while Spike pouted from his seat on top of the counter.
“Actually Giles, I really appreciate the effort and all but I think Chinese sounds good.” she said sheepishly. Giles however did not seem put out in the least.
“Don’t look so worried Buffy, I’m not going to be annoyed that you want Chinese food. However, I will have to put up with my son’s smug look for the rest of the evening.”
Buffy giggled nervously at the comment and Spike didn’t think he had ever heard a nicer sound.
“Chinese it is then, is there anything in particular you would like?”
She shook her head no and Giles went to call in the order. She looked around the kitchen nervously as now only she and Spike were left in the room. She felt she should start a conversation with him, but she had no idea what to say. However, she didn’t need to worry.
“So, Pet, how are you liking the place so far?” he inquired.
“It seems ok. I haven’t left the house yet, but it seems like a nice enough town. Different though.”
“Well there isn’t much to do around here, only really one good hang out for people our age, but the people are nice enough” he told her.
“That’s good...” she was interrupted by Giles calling them into the living room to watch TV while they waited on their delivery. The next hour and a half passed in relative peace. Their dinner arrived, and they ate around the kitchen table with scattered conversation. Buffy had decided that Spike seemed like an alright guy, but she wasn’t going to let herself get too involve ‘not after what happened with
Angel’ she told herself ‘it just causes too much heartache and the fact I have a child' After the meal was finished and the dishes were in the dishwasher, Buffy started to feel awkward. She didn’t know what she should do now. Anthony wasn’t due to be fed for another hour or two. And she was still getting used to her new environment. She wasn’t sure if she was expected to just go to her room and wait until Anthony needed something. At home all she ever did was get sent to her room. She saw Giles looking at her with a concerned look on his face before he spoke
“Buffy are you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just not sure, what I should do now. Did you want me just to go to my room until Anthony wakes up?”
Giles removed his glasses wiping them in exasperation.
“Buffy don’t be silly. This is your home now and you must feel free to treat it as such.”
“I have an idea.” Spike interjected “why don’t I take Buffy out for a couple of hours. Show her around town help her get used to the place. What do you say, luv?”
“Um, thanks for the offer Spike, but I don’t think so. I need to stay here in case Anthony needs anything. That’s my job after all.”
“I’m sure dad doesn’t mind looking after the little one for a while. Do you dad?”
“Of course not” he assured her.
“ I still think I’ll pass. Thanks though.”
“Buffy can I speak to you a minute.” Giles requested.
She followed him into the hall.
“Buffy” he began “ were you not listening to me this afternoon. I told you that nothing is going to change the fact that Anthony is yours. But you can’t keep yourself locked up at home all the time.”
“I know, but I just don’t want to leave him. I, I’m afraid.”
“Buffy, you don’t have to be afraid, he will still be here when you get back. I’ll take good care of him. I promise. Trust me.”
“ I do” she assured him “It’s just-“
“It’s just nothing. Go with William. Have fun.”
“OK, ok you win. I’ll go” she said, pretending to pout. Giles led her back to the kitchen where Spike was waiting.
“So, where are we going.” she asked.
Spike smirked and opened the door for her.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” he said “ Let’s go.”
Giles watched them go, glad that Buffy was at least making an effort to overcome her fears.

Main Street

“That is the Sun Cinema” Spike pointed to a building on his right. It’s the only cinema they have in this town, so you’ll see a lot of kids hanging around.
“That is my dad’s shop ‘The Magic Box’ and before you say it I know, what you’re thinking, my dad was a lawyer but when we moved here he wanted a change. So now, he owns the shop. There aren’t many shops around but there is a bookshop next door, if you like to read” he continued enthusiastically. They crossed the street and came to stop outside of a coffee shop.
“This is the ‘Espresso Pump’ he told her. Most of us youngsters hang around here. It’s where we’re going now.” he told her as he led her inside. She looked at him as they sat down wondering why he was being so nice to her. She decided the only way to find out was to voice her questions.
“What do you want to drink pet?” he asked as he stood to go to the counter.
“Um, Cappuccino please” she asked politely.
“Sure thing, I’ll just be a minute.”
She watched him as he departed and couldn’t help the small smile that crossed her face. When he came back with their drinks Buffy decided to get straight to her question.
“Spike, not that I don’t appreciate it, because I do, but why are you being so nice. What is this all about.”
He was taken aback for a moment, but he understood where she was coming from, they had only just met and had hardly spoken to one another.
“Well pet, we don’t really know each other, but you seem to be really decent. Especially compared to people around here. Somebody I could come to like.”
She was panicked for a minute so had to say something.
“Spike, I’m sure you’re really nice and everything but I’m not looking for a relationship of any kind.”
“Oh no, Buffy. I don’t want you to think that’s what I’m after. I’m not saying I couldn’t like you in that way but, I’m happy to be friends with you. This is just all about getting to know you.” he smiled warmly at her and she smiled back
“Friends” she repeated “I’d like that.”
“Good.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before he started.
“So, how come you came to be Anthony’s nanny instead of being at school?”
This was the question Buffy had been dreading, but she felt it was probably better to get it over with from the beginning.
“Well” she started “Your dad’s cousin and I were close back in LA. She was my best friend and she didn’t have any family so she confided in me when she found out she was pregnant. I helped her through it. She had a lot of health problems and didn’t make it through the birth. She had always said if anything happened she wanted me to look after her baby.” her voice faltered and she paused a moment to get it back .
“She wanted me to look after him, and I wasn’t doing great at school. When they said they were bringing him here, I contacted your father. I couldn’t take care of him from LA so I asked about working as a nanny so that I could be there like she wanted. Your dad agreed and the rest as they say is history.” Spike listened intently as she spoke, unlike Angel he was genuinely interested in what she had to say.
“My turn” Buffy said “you’re 18 right?” he nodded in reply.
“So are you still at school or college or what?”
“I’m still at school. I’m a senior. Graduate in the summer.” he replied to her question.
“Now me.” he smirked “Who named Anthony?”
She looked away nervously as she tried to think of a convincing answer
“Um... Faith did. That was your dad’s cousin’s name. She had picked it out a few days before he was born. I thought she would want to keep it.” there that should do it
“What do you want to do after you graduate?”
“I wanna go to college, don’t tell anyone I told you, but I wanna be a writer. I was thinking that’s what I would major in Creative Writing.”
Buffy couldn’t believe her ears. This boy whom she had known only a few hours shared one of her biggest dreams and she let it slip out without realizing.
“Me too.” It cam out barely a whisper.
“What?” He asked confused.
“Oh, I said way cool.”
“Oh. Thanks.” He bought it.
“So I’m up next. Right pet?”
She nodded her agreement.
“What’s Anthony’s surname?”
“Why are you so interested in Anthony?” she asked, slightly annoyed at his questioning.
“Sorry pet, it’s just dad hasn’t really told me much about what’s going on. I guess I just want to know. I’ll drop it.”
“Thanks.”
“So, what did you want to do if you had stayed at school?” he asked changing the subject.
“I was thinking I’d like to go into some kind of design.” she told him. Her face lighting up as she talked. They stayed that way for about another hour, firing questions back and forth at one another. Before they left, Spike had one last question.
“When are you going to tell me whatever secret it is that you have?” She was surprised to say the least, she hadn’t been expecting any more questions
“What makes you think I have a secret.” she asked defensively.
“Look, pet. Buffy, I can tell by looking at your eyes that you’re hiding something, but I won’t push you. I just want to know, when you're ready to tell me.”
“Someday.”
They left the coffee shop and walked in silence back home.

When they arrived back, they went in to the living room to see both Giles and Anthony asleep on the couch. Buffy smiled at the sight of her son and the man who so far had been more like a dad to her than her own, and she had only known him a few hours. She tiptoed across the room to pick up the sleeping child. She walked quietly up the stairs, Spike close on her heels and headed towards the nursery. Once inside she set about getting him ready for bed. She turned around and saw Spike watching her silently. When he knew she had seen him, he joined her in the room and took the diaper from her hands and set to
work. Buffy watched in amazement. She thought he was the perfect man. Unfortunately, she couldn’t do anything about it. She couldn’t take the risk. She knew however that she could fall in love with him. And Spike was thinking exactly the same thing of her. When he had finished, Buffy picked her son up and headed to the crib. Before placing him in it she turned to spike and whispered
“Spike meet Anthony.”
He gave a soft smile and whispered back.
“Hey little one, nice to meet you but it’s time for bed.”
He watched Buffy place him in the car and saw the look of love and contentment in her eyes. when she leaned down and kissed his forehead. Something was definitely going on. He wanted to know what, but he trusted she would tell him when she wanted to. As they turned to leave he turned back placing a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead
“Night, little bit.” he whispered to the baby’s sleeping form. He heard Buffy utter a soft
“Goodnight sweetheart." before they left the room.

He walked her down the hall to her room. When they got her door he stopped and said goodnight.
“Thank you for tonight.” she said softly “I had fun.”
“Me too” He replied “ I enjoyed getting to know you.” he gave her a smile and turned to walk away. She watched him go thinking of how easily she would fall in love with him before turning into her room and closing the door

Chapter 7: Living Life

It was Saturday again. The past week passed uneventfullyfor Buffy.She stayed in the house most the time so still hadn’t met anyoneother than Giles, Spike and their immediate neighbours. Buffy filledher days with looking after Anthony, relishing in being able to do sowithout having to worry about what people, namely her parents, would think. It still hurt not to be able to say he was her son, but shesaid it as often as possible when she was in the nursery with him.

Over the past few days, that night with Spike had played repeatedlyin her head. She was awed at his reaction to Anthony; she had beeneven more surprised since then as he always tried to help her outwith the baby as best he could. She found it unbelievably sweet that
he was making such an effort, but she had no idea why he was. Ofcourse, he hadn’t been around much during the day because he hadschool and he had some sort of practice for some thing he had comingup later in the week, but he always helped her in the evening when hewas home. They had also spent a lot of time talking after Anthony wasput down for the night and Buffy had found her prediction to be
correct. She was quickly falling for the young man but was determined never to act on the feelings. She felt it would be unfair to him, so she worked hard at being his friend. She had come to realize that most people had no idea who he really was. He put on an act of being the tough guy. But it wasn’t true, he was a teenager who had been through a lot and put up a front so that he wouldn’t be hurt. And
Buffy was in awe that for some reason he seemed to be allowing her to see who he really was. Later that day Buffy was in the nursery with Anthony. She was sitting on the rocking chair in the corner with him in her arms singing softly to him, when she heard a soft knock on the door. She looked up to see Spike standing in the doorway.

“Hi.” she greeted him softly.

“Hey, how’s the bit today?” he asked as he entered the room.

“He’s good. He’s just had his bottle, I was just trying to get him
back to sleep,” she told him quietly.

“Can I try?” he asked with an unusual shyness and uncertainty that

Buffy wasn’t used to by now.

“Of course” she put Anthony in his arms and stood to the side to lethim sit. She watched as he rocked Anthony back and forth in the chairwhispering to him sweetly.

“Hey there bit, you look kind of tired to me. Time to sleep, be goodfor uncle Spike.”

Buffy’s breath hitched in her throat when she heard that. It wasn’t that she didn’t like it she just wasn’t expecting it. But she realized that it had nothing to do with her, after all, he didn’t know that Anthony was hers. So, she let a smile cross her face as she turned and headed out of the room. She returned a few minutes later with a Polaroid camera, and snapped a picture before Spike realized
what she was doing. He looked up when he saw the flash, and grinned at her. He looked down at the baby in his arms, and found him fast asleep so he stood up and placed him in his crib and walked over to Buffy.

“You know pet, that wasn’t very nice.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, not sounding the least bit apologetic “but I couldn’t help myself. It was just too sweet looking.”

“Ok,” he smiled “Can I see it.”

She picked the picture up from the changing table and handed it to Spike, watching as a soft smile passed his handsome features. He looked embarrassed as he spoke.

“Um, Buffy, do you think... would it be ok if I kept this?”

Spike found it hard to believe how attached he had become to the baby in just a week. It had started that first night when he saw the look
on Buffy’s face as she held him, he had realised there was something more to her story, but more importantly he could see how much she cared about this child. So, he made an effort so that he could stay close to her. However, he had found that he actually enjoyed spending
time helping take care of him, and had quickly started to develop a bond with the little boy. Buffy noticed the uncertainty in his features, she squeezed his arm, gave him a small smile and answered him.

“Of course, you can keep it. It’s all yours.”

“Thank you.” he replied genuinely.

They walked into the hall before Spike stopped and turned to her.

“Buffy.” he started.

She looked at him waiting for him to go on

“I was wondering, I know you don’t want to get involved and I won’t force the issue. But you still don’t know anyone here, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the Bronze with me tonight. As riends obviously. I’ll introduce you to some people, you can unwind bit.

“I’d love to.” She said with a huge smile.

“Great.” He said obviously pleased.

“But I feel guilty asking your dad to watch Anthony again it’s my job o look after him.”

“Buffy you’re his nanny but you’re allowed a night off. Hell even arents get that.”

“Ok, I’ll asked him.” Spike’s smile widened at her answer.

“Great well we leave at seven. See you later.”

Giles had been more than happy to agree to look after Anthony for the
night so Buffy was now in her room getting dressed. Since they were
going as friends, she didn’t want to be too dressed up, so she had
picked out one of her favourite outfits that she wore going out with
friends. She wore a pair of low-slung leather trousers; she teamed
them with another of her wide selection of halter-tops, her favourite
item of clothing when she was going out. This one was deep red and
sparkly. Her hair was slightly curled and left down, pooling around
her shoulders. She kept her make-up light and natural, finishing off
with a small amount of red lip-gloss. She gave herself a final look
in the mirror and after deciding that she looked ok, she headed
downstairs.

Spike was at the bottom of the of the stairs when she started down
them, and his eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw her. She
looked beautiful and he really wished that they were going as more
than friends. He smiled at her as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

“You look great, Luv.”

She blushed and mumbled a quick, “Thank you.”

She went to the living room to speak to Giles.

“Giles that’s us leaving.”

“Oh, yes, of course. You look lovely Buffy.”

“Thank you,” she smiled “I’ll try not to be too late.” She said
turning to Giles.

“Please don’t worry about it. Just have fun.”

“I’ll try.” she smiled and walked over. She took Anthony from him and gave him a quick kiss on the head before handing him back to Giles.

“Giles, call my cell if you need me for anything.”

“I won’t need anything. Now go, have fun.”

“Ok, ok, we’re going. Bye Giles.”

“Goodnight Buffy.”

“Night dad.” Spike chimed in.

They turned and walked out the door heading for the club.

The Bronze

They two teens walked into the busy club together. She noticed a lot
of people their age around, sitting at tables talking and laughing.
There was a dance floor where some kids were dancing to music that
was coming from a DJ or the stereo system. They all seemed to be
having fun. Spike led her to a booth in the corner of the club where
she saw a group of people sitting.

“Hey guys.” Spike said as they approached.

The people at the table turned to them and smiled. A boy with brown
hair and eyes and a friendly smile spoke up first

“Hey, Spike how’s it going’?”

“Alright, whelp.” He smirked. They boy just grinned and Spike started
the introductions.

“Ok, Buffy these are my friends. That one there,” he told her
pointing at the boy who had spoke when they first came in “is Xander.
He’s a bit of a goof but he’s alright.”

“Hey.” he said to her.

“Hi.” she said with a small wave.

Spike continued, he pointed to a shy looking red head and a boy with
dark blue hair

“This is Willow and her boyfriend Oz. Willow is a genius, and really
shy but she’s a gem. And Oz. Well he’s Oz he doesn’t talk much.”

Willow giggled nervously.

“H- Hi, it’s um, n-nice to meet you.” She held out her hand and Buffy
shook it. Oz nodded at her as greeting.

“Guys,” Spike went on “this is Buffy.”

“Well Buffy,” Xander spoke up “Spike’s told us all about you. You’ve made quite an Impression our boy here.”

“Can it whelp.” Spike gritted out.

“Ignore him Buffy,” Willow laughed “he just likes to embarrass Spike.”

Buffy smiled gratefully at the red head that had managed to make her
feel more at ease. She was surprised by the yelp she heard.

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry Buffy, I’m being so rude. Sit down please. Oh
I’m so sorry” Willow babbled.

“Don’t worry about it.” Buffy reassured her with a warm smile.

Spike was still standing and Buffy was about to say something when he spoke first

“Hey Oz, we need to go. We have that thing to do.”

Oz only nodded and stood up giving Willow a peck on the cheek

“Where are you going?” Buffy asked .

“That’s a surprise Luv. You’ll find out soon enough.” He answered,
shooting a look at the other two occupants at the table before
walking away. Buffy turned back to his friends.

“So, um, are you guys at school with Spike?”

“Yeah.” Willow replied “We have a class or two together but that’s
because I have a few senior classes. But we’re juniors. I just do
well in... school.” she blushed.

“So, Buff.” Xander cut in “Are you going to be starting school with
us soon?”

“Um, no actually. I’m working as a nanny for Spike’s dad.” she
answered, her nervousness evident in her voice.

“But you’re only sixteen. Right?” Willow asked.

“Yeah.”

“So you should be at school.”

“I really don’t mind.” Buffy insisted “My friend wanted me to look
after her son, I wasn’t doing great in school so I thought, what the
hell.”

The two teens could tell she felt uncomfortable in the conversation,
so Xander changed the subject.

“So what was it like living in LA?”

“It was ok. The shopping was fantastic, but the people were so
superficial, it was hard to know who was a fake and who was genuine.” she told them her thoughts drifting to Angel.

“What,” Xander exclaimed “you mean some people in LA have real
noses?” he joked.

This broke the ice and Buffy immediately felt at ease. This started a
round of conversation, and joking, and Buffy had decided that she
liked the two. She already felt like she had another two friends. The
banter continued until they heard a voice over the microphone. Buffy
turned around and was surprised to see Spike on the stage holding a
guitar, Oz was there also, in his hand was a bass guitar ‘ so that’s
what he was practicing’ she thought. She had to admit she was
pleasantly surprised. She sat back in her seat waiting for Spike to
speak.

“Hey everybody.” he called out over the microphone “the first song
we’re gonna sing tonight is one I just wrote a few days ago. I think
it’s something most of us are gonna feel at some point. I want to
dedicate it to my new friend.”

Buffy smiled inwardly knowing he meant her, while Willow and Xander looked at each other knowingly. Surprised as she had been when she had seen him on the stage, it didn’t compare to her surprise when she heard him start to sing.

What is this crap, I'm going through,

where am I at, and who are you,

to make me feel, like I'm so scared,

caught me off-guard, was not prepared,

for you,

so smart, so cool,

to me,

life seems, it shouldn't be this way.

His voice was deep and seductive. He used every part of the stage,
looking directly at the stage as he sang. The only word Buffy could
think of to describe it was hypnotic. She felt herself being pulled
in. Paying perfect attention to the words.

Spike thought of her as he sung the words. He wrote it to get out how
he felt about her, as an explanation. Also, because he wanted to
show her he wanted to know what she was hiding. He looked at her from the corner of his eye for the entire song.

So here I am, and there you are,

sitting so close, feeling so far,

from me and I, can't figure out,

what I should say, what's this about,

to you,

to smart, to cool,

for me,

life seems, it shouldn't be this way...

When the song finished, Buffy clapped with the rest of the crowd. She
couldn’t believe how talented he was. She stood up to greet him as
he came back to the table

“You were great.” she said enthusiastically.

“Thanks, Luv.” she thought she saw a slight blush was he said this.

“I had no idea you could sing like that.”

“Well now you do.” He said with a beautiful smile showing.

He sat down beside her and they talked for another two hours. It was
two hours of fun and Buffy finally felt like she could fit in
somewhere. But she did miss her son, and more than ever she wanted to be able to tell them the truth. After two hours, Spike turned to her,

“Think we should be going pet.”

“Yeah you’re right. “

She turned her new friends and thanked them for being so welcoming.

“Oh Buffy, here’s my phone number. Give me a call and we’ll go
shopping or something.” Willow said excitedly “It’s gonna be great
having another girl around.”

Buffy smiled at her. “I will. Goodbye guys.”

Everyone said goodbye to each other and Buffy and Spike headed out of the club. Once they were outside Spike started talking.

“So what’d you think?”

“It was great” she replied honestly “you’re friends are really nice.
Willow is the best. And you were fantastic.”

“Thanks pet, well let’s get you home.”

As they started towards home Buffy spoke softly.

“Do you know what tonight made me realize?” she asked him

“What?”

“It’s time to stop wondering about what could have been. I can’t keep
wallowing like I have been. It’s time to start living life”

“I think you’re right, Luv.” he said, “I think you’re right.”

They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence.

Chapter 8: Birthday Kisses
disclaimer: see chapter 1

Two months had passed since Buffy and Anthony had come to Sunnydale. In those two months, she had come to look on the people she met as her family. And a better family than her real one. She was incredibly close to Willow; they spoke on the phone every night and went out for the day at least once a fortnight. She had come to look on Xander as the brother she never had. Giles she had come to look at as the father she always wished she had, one who actually cared about her. And then there was Spike, she could try to pretend that she only felt friendship for him, but she knew that was not how she really felt. In the time she had known him, she had fallen head over heels. She could talk to him about anything, she felt increasingly guilty that he
still didn’t know about Anthony and she wanted to tell him the truth more with each passing day. They spent most of their spare time together, staying up to the small hours talking. Spike was also becoming closer to Anthony taking him walks and helping her out as
much as possible. She couldn’t count the number of times she had wished he was his father. She was surprised one night to find that Spike had actually framed the picture she had taken of him with
Anthony that first week. He really did seem to care about the little boy. And now, it was the day before her seventeenth birthday. She wouldn’t see Spike or Giles today because they both had things to do, but what it was she had no idea. So, Willow was coming by to make plans for her birthday. She was busy cleaning her room when the doorbell rang. She ran downstairs and opened the door.

“Hey Will” she greeted cheerfully.

“Hey Buff” came the chirpy reply.

“Come on in Will, just go up to my room, I’m going to check on Anthony,” she told her as she headed back up the stairs.

Willow followed her and went into Buffy’s room while Buffy headed for the nursery. After seeing that Anthony was still sleeping soundly she headed back to her room. She went in and saw Willow sitting on her bed waiting for her.

“Hey Will, what’s up?” she asked her friend.

“Nothing much, is Anthony asleep?” Willow asked.

“Yeah, he’s out like a light. So what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Buffy asked.

“Well it’s a Buffy birthday, so I think I should ask you that.”

“I don’t know what I want to do this year, I mean I won’t see my parents but that’s ok. Just not going to be the kind of birthday I’m used to,” she said.

Willow looked sympathetic and said.

“Oh, Buff, don’t be sad we’ll try and make it a good birthday for you”

“I’m not sad. This is probably going to be the best birthday I’ve had in a while. I may not be with my parents, but I will be with my family.” she said smiling at her friend.

Willow looked at her friend, tears glistening in her eyes.

“Buffy that’s so sweet. You know we all love you right?”

“I know,” she said, “I love you guys too.”

The two girls just sat for a moment before Willow asked what she had wanted to ask since that first night at the Bronze.

“Buffy, how do you feel about Spike?”

Buffy was surprised at how sudden the enquiry was and looked away nervously as she answered.

“He’s one of my best friends, of course I like him.”

“Buffy, that’s not what I meant and you know it. Tell me, and don’t lie. Do you see this face, it’s my resolve face and I want the truth.”

Buffy sighed and answered the question as honestly as she could without having to admit that she loved him.

“Will, I like Spike, I really do. But there are a lot of reasons why I can’t do anything about it.”

“Buffy Summers” Willow scolded “you should know by now that Spike is a good guy. He really likes you; it’s obvious to everyone. He won’t hurt you if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

“It’s not.” she replied, “It’s just a really complicated situation, a lot of stuff that I can’t go into, but I can’t be with Spike. I’m more worried about hurting him.”

“Ok” Willow said “but he really does care for you. He wants you to have a special birthday you know. Wanted to know what you wanted to do so that he could arrange it.”

Buffy was gob smacked at the revelation. She had no idea that Spike would do that for her.

“Well, I really just want something simple, you know all my friends around me. Just being together and having fun. I’ve never had that before. In LA, everything had to be extravagant. I don’t want that anymore,” she told her friend.

“Ok, one nice quiet birthday, check” the redhead giggled.

“So how’s things with you and Oz?” Buffy asked her friend.

“Oh, really good” she replied excitedly, “he’s just so sweet and nice. And sweet.”

Buffy couldn’t help laughing at how worked up her friend got when she talked about her boyfriend. They had been together for months before Buffy even got there but Willow still acted as if it was the honeymoon period. However, Buffy found it endearing, The girls spent the rest of the afternoon gossiping until they heard Anthony’s crying over the monitor.

“Well.” willow said standing up “I should probably get going, looks like you have work to do.”

“Yeah, said Buffy as she went to collect Anthony from the nursery “he’s due a bottle. And I know he’s two months old but he still sleeps most of the day and nights as well now”

Willow just looked at her funny when she said this

“I wasn’t complaining” she defended.

She walked downstairs carrying Anthony so she could say goodbye to Willow.

“Buffy” willow said suddenly “I know why you say you keep working as Anthony’s nanny and I’ll accept that. However, I do think there’s something else going on. I just want you know you can tell me anything.”

“I know” she replied honestly.

“Well, see you tomorrow Buff” Willow said as she walked out the door

“See you later, Will” Buffy called as she closed the door and headed back upstairs.

For the rest of the day Buffy busied herself taking care of her son. She gave him his bottle after Willow left and now it was time to give him his bath. She lay him in his crib and went to the bathroom to fill the baby bath. She filled the bath with water and took it back to the nursery. After she had done that she sat on the rocker bouncing him on her knee talking to him.

“You know little man; you are starting to get a little heavy. But you are also getting more and more handsome every day. Count yourself lucky you don’t look like your dad. You know I love you don’t you sweetie. One day we’ll tell everyone the truth.”

She looked at him and saw a slight smile on his face.

“Oh look at that smile” she said excitedly “you are a gorgeous little thing. My beautiful little boy.”

“You know, that’s not too hard to believe.” a voice interrupted.

She looked around to see Spike standing by the door grinning at her.

“You love to do that, don’t you?” she scolded playfully.

“Well you know me Luv” he replied, “I’m the big bad, it’s my job to scare people.”

“Yeah, yeah” she laughed, “so what wouldn’t be so hard to believe?”

“That he was your little boy,” he told her seriously.

The smile left her face at that moment as she let Spike’s words sink in. She wondered if he knew, if maybe he had heard her talking to Giles, but she knew that wasn’t possible. She was always careful
about talking about it. She just looked at him and answered.

“Don’t be silly Spike, he has a mother and he’s going to know all about her.”

“I know, I was just saying that you are the one who does everything for him, it wouldn’t be hard to believe” he said

“Well, he’s not mine, but I love him like he was so I’ll keep taking care of him as long as Giles wants.” denying her son broke her heart but she knew that she didn’t have any other choice. For now.

By the time they had finished, she found that Anthony had fallen asleep again and so she put him back in his crib and turned to leave the room.

“He is a beautiful child.”

Buffy was shocked at the sound of Spike’s voice.

“Yeah,” she agreed “he really is.”

The next night Buffy was sitting in the living room with Giles waiting for her friends to arrive, once they did Giles was taking Anthony out for the night to a friend’s house so that Buffy could have the night aloe with her friends. She had spent her time during the day with Anthony, she took him out in his pram, and walked around the park. Revelling in the time alone. Now she was waiting for everyone to arrive. Spike had to pop out but promised to be back soon. She came back to reality when her friends came through the door.

Spike was wandering about the streets of Sunnydale. He had to get out for a while. He was more nervous than he had expected about giving Buffy her birthday gifts. He had gotten her a few things, one that he could give at her party and a few other special gifts that he would give her later. But, he had to go back now, everyone would be there.

Buffy looked up when she heard the door open ten minutes after everyone else had arrived and smiled when she saw Spike come in.

“Hey pet, sorry I’m late.”

“That’s ok.” she chirped.

He leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Happy Birthday, pet.”

“Thank you” she beamed at him.

“Well.” said Xander “Let’s get this party started.”

They spent the next few hours playing the usual party games since it wasn’t anything Buffy had ever really done before. And Spike wanted her to experience it. She was having a whale of a time and now they were playing truth or dare.

“Ok, it’s my turn.” Xander said “Spike, truth or dare.”

“Bloody hell, truth.” he grumbled.

“Ok,” said Xander happily “how many times did you sleep with Dru last year?”

Buffy looked away from the others not sure if she wanted to hear this and Spike looked at Xander furiously.

“Bloody hell you wanker, I’m not answering that.” he yelled.

“You have to, you chose truth, it’s the rules.” laughed Xander.

“Bugger, ok, loads, we were at it like rabbits. Happy now?”

Buffy felt tears stinging at her eyes when she heard Xander continue.

“Come on man, give us a straight answer.” he complained

“Yeah.” chimed in Willow “You have to tell us.” Spike looked over at Buffy and saw the hurt look on her face. He had been lying through his teeth and seeing the look on her face, he knew he had to admit it. He blushed furiously as he turned back to answer the question

“Never.” he told them

When he answered, he saw a group of gaping faces.

“What, how is that possible? You were together for the best part of a year” exclaimed Xander.

“I know that,” he said exasperated “that’s why she cheated on me. But we never slept together.”

“But then that means...” Xander left the rest of the sentence hanging in the air. His shock evident

“No it doesn’t.” admitted Spike.

This got a response from Willow.

“But if you didn’t sleep with Drusilla, then when and who? Spike we’ve never seen you with anyone else.”

Chapter 9 : Mr Perfect

When Buffy and Spike awoke the next morning, they were still wrapped in each other’s arms. Neither of them made any effort to move, perfectly content just to lie there together. They stayed as they were for a few more minutes until Spike leaned down, kissed Buffy lightly on the lips, and whispered

“Thank You” softly in her ear

“For what?” she asked just as softly

“For letting me be here with you last night” he told her honestly

“Spike I wanted you to stay, I wouldn’t have let you if I didn’t” she sighed “and anyway, it’s not as if anything happened” she finished

Spike looked hurt as he spoke to her

“Buffy, we kissed last night, and that may be nothing to you but it’s something to me” he told her

“Spike, I didn’t say it was nothing” she sighed

“Well, it sounded that way to me” he said getting upset

“Listen Spike, I don’t regret kissing you last night. I care about you, and I do like you. I just need time. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I need time to figure things out in my head. I don’t want to hurt you,” she said softly moving one hand to cup his cheek. He leaned in to the touch and answered

“Buffy, luv, I just want to be with you, sometimes it’s worth taking the chance at being hurt to be with the person you love and see if what you can work out”

“Spike” she started “I care about you, I do. And I want to be with you, but not yet. I need to figure things out. If we are meant to be together, it’ll happen. But for now, I don’t want to lose the friendship we have. Can we concentrate on that for now. And let whatever happens happen?” she asked him

“Ok, but it’s gonna be hard, all I wanna do is kiss you” he said in a seductive voice

“Well I wouldn’t be opposed to a kiss now and again, if it happens. But I need you to understand that it will just be a kiss. We’ll still be just friends. For now anyway”

“I can do that for now” he told her as he leaned in to kiss her again

“So” he started when they pulled apart “Prom is coming up in two months, and since we’re friends, do you want to go with me. Just as friends?” he asked sounding very nervous

She looked at him and answered
“Wouldn’t you rather take a date, someone from school?”

“There is no one I would rather go with than you Buffy, I love you, I couldn’t enjoy it if you weren’t with me. It’ll just be a friends thing. And Willow will be there. She’s going with Oz because he’s a senior”

“I would love to go with you” she said with a smile. He smiled back

“Great” he leaned in and kissed her again but jumped back when they heard the front door opening.

They rushed to get dressed and both went downstairs where Giles was waiting with Anthony

“Hi Giles” she greeted

“Buffy, hello dear, how was your evening?” he asked her as she sat down on the couch

“It was great” she informed him “we had a lot of fun. Got some great gifts” she said looking at Spike who gave her a small smile

“Well, I’m glad” Giles said in reply, “you deserve a little fun”

“Well I got some last night, but now it’s time to get back to work” she said as she took Anthony from his arms

“Do you need some help?” asked Spike

“If you want. I was thinking I might take him out for a while later. If you wanna come with” she offered

“Sounds like a plan” he conceded as they walked up to the nursery.

Two hours later, they were walking around the park. Spike pushing Anthony in his pram. Passers by looked at them thinking how much they looked like a perfect little family. Buffy had never felt so content, and it showed on her face. It was times like this that she really wanted just to tell him everything, have complete honesty and see what his reaction was. Maybe then
they really could be that family. They strolled along in complete silence the entire time both enjoying just being. They walked for around an hour before heading back home. Spike had to go out and Buffy spent the rest of the afternoon looking after her baby and thinking about Spike.

The day of the trip Buffy had gotten a phone call from her father saying that he was coming to visit. Today was that day and Buffy was dreading it. He had told her he was bringing someone with him so she had to look nice and preferably have Anthony out of the way, so Spike had taken him out for the day. Now she was waiting for her father to arrive. She had just entered the living room when the doorbell rang. She answered the door to find her father and another young man of about college age on the doorstep.

“Hi dad” she greeted with false cheerfulness

“Hello Buffy” he replied stiffly

“Come on in” she stood to the side to let them enter

“Buffy, I’d like you to meet Riley Finn” her father the young man in front of her

“It’s nice to meet you” she said

“You too” he said with a grin

Buffy took in the man’s appearance, he was tall and well built, and he had sandy blonde hair. He had a kind of goofy look to him and she couldn’t help but compare him to Spike. She knew exactly why her father had brought him here. After sitting down in the living room her father started to inform her of his reasons for his visit.

“Buffy, I’m going to get right down to why I came here. Riley is a senior at UC Sunnydale, he works as an intern at the firm. I think he would be perfect to you. He saw a picture of you and thought he’d like to take you out. That would be nice wouldn’t it” it wasn’t a question so much
as an order.

She didn’t know quite what to say, she didn’t want to go out with him that would ruin anything she had with Spike. However, she also knew she couldn’t go against what her father said

“Dad” she objected “I really don’t think that right now is a good time for me to be getting involved with anyone” turning to Riley she went on “no offence to you Riley, it’s just that I never have any free time so just now jut isn’t great”

“Nonsense” her father brushed off her words “you get time off from your job, after all it’s not your child” he put emphasis on the last part of the sentence Buffy looked furious but didn’t say anything

“Fine, I’ll go” she mumbled

“That’s a good girl. Riley will pick you up tomorrow at seven” Buffy looked up when she heard a noise in the hall.

Spike had been out with Anthony for a little over two hours, he was perfectly happy to do it while Buffy saw her dad since she didn’t see him very often. He was on his way home when he met an old friend who had left for college, needless to say he was surprised to see his friend pushing a pram.

“Hey Spike” he called

“Owen, hey pal, how’s things?”

“Good, apparently you’ve been busy. Because you didn’t have a kid when I left” his friend joked

“What” he looked at Anthony and objected “oh no, he’s not mine. He’s the baby of a relative of my dad, she died, my dad was her only relative, we got the baby” he told his friend

“Oh, whatever you say man, but you kinda look like a daddy to me”

“Well, I’m not” he said wistfully “ well it’s been good seeing you but he’s due fed, better get back.”

“Ok, man, see you around” Owen called as he walked away

Owen’s words played through Spike’s head as he continued on his way home. He realised that
he really wouldn’t mind being the child’s father, in fact he kind of wished he was. Somehow,
he could just see himself, Buffy and Anthony as a family. When he got home, he could hear voices in the living room and figured Buffy’s father must still be there. He was about to go in when he heard them talking, he couldn’t help but overhear the last part of the conversation as he turned to walk away.

“Riley will pick you up tomorrow at seven” he heard His heart broke right then and he gasped. He couldn’t get to grips with what he had heard and he turned back round just in time to see Buffy look up.

Buffy could see the hurt written on his face and it killed her. She didn’t want to hurt him, but there was no way to get around what her father wanted.

“Spike, I-“ she started

“Doesn’t matter Buffy, was just gonna tell you we were back” he said coldly and turned and walked back out the door.

Her father left not long after. Giles wasn’t there as he was out of town on business for the weekend. So all she could do was wait for him to come back. It was late by the time he did and Anthony was already fed and asleep by the time he returned. When he came in, he went
straight upstairs without looking at Buffy. His head was in turmoil over the fact that she was going to go out with someone else. He honestly thought she wanted to be with him. What he didn’t realise was that she did. And she was hurting just as much as he was.

She waited a few minutes before knocking on his door. When he didn’t answer, she opened the door, went in, and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Don’t talk, just listen” she ordered

“I’m sorry for what you heard earlier. I want you to know that I don’t want to date Riley. But you don’t know my dad. He is a very powerful man and there is no going against what he says. I tried to get out of it but my dad is determined that Riley is perfect to me. I have no choice. However, if the relationship happens to not work out there is nothing my father can do about it” she said, never changing her tone of voice.

Staying completely calm the whole time. She cupped his cheek and went on

“I’ll go out with Riley long enough to keep my father happy, and then I’ll end things. I don’t want to be with him. It will only be for a little while” she told him forcefully. He looked at her with hope in his eyes and spoke up

“I guess I can deal for a little while but I don’t like it. I know we’re not together but still”

“I know, but I promise I’ll fix everything” she promised

“I guess that means you won’t be coming to prom then” he said sadly

“What gives you that idea?”

“Well Riley-“

Can deal with it” she interrupted “I am going with you because I said I would. More importantly because I want to. Riley will have to put up with it. I’m going”

He smiled at her and replied “Thank you. Can I kiss you now?” he asked

“You better” she replied. They leaned closer together and their lips met. The kiss was slow and gentle, it was a promise that things would work out eventually. That night they lay together again. Perfectly content.

Chapter 10 - Captain Cardboard

It had been a week since her father’s visit and her first date with Riley. She had hated every minute of it. She found Riley to be incredibly boring, with no real personality to speak of. She thought
of Spike for the whole date in order to get through it. And now she was getting ready for date number two. He was taking her out somewhere fancy, courtesy of her father. She wished that she could
call the whole thing off, but knew she had to seem for a while as if she had been making the effort. She thought about the previous weeks
date, as she got dressed. He had picked her up and taken her to a movie, she had no say which movie, and she ended up sitting through
two hours of car crashes and people shooting each other, by the time it was over she wanted to rip her hair out. And then it was out to dinner. He took her to a little pizza parlor and he talked about
himself the entire time. She had been completely bored. Spike had dubbed him ‘Captain Cardboard’ and Buffy couldn’t say she disagreed with that observation. Her favorite part of the date was the end of it. Giles had begun taking Anthony with him every Saturday, to who they now knew was his girlfriend’s, Jenny Calendar’s house. He had decided that she needed the night to herself, but he seen it from the point of view as a mother needing a break from looking after her baby son. After she got home, she climbed in to bed beside Spike. They shared a few kisses and then fell into a peaceful sleep, lying spooned against each other. And now she had to go through it all
again. She had chosen a simple pair of black boot cut trousers and a dark blue top, with a pair of pointy toe boots. Her hair was pinned
back. She wore this because it made it look like she had made an effort without making any. As she finished putting the final touches
on her make up, she heard a knock on her door and Spike walked in.

“Hey love.” he said.

“Hi.” she smiled back.

“You look great...” he looked at her for a minute “don’t go.”

“I have to go Spike. God knows I wish I didn’t, but I do.” she sighed.

“I know, but I wish you could stay here with me.” he pouted jutting out his lower lip.

“Me too, but you’ll have me all to yourself when I get back.”.

“Ok, I need to know. Has he kissed you yet?” he asked.

“No, I didn’t let him. But it’s going to have to happen at some point.” she did not look happy about this and Spike looked even less
happy.

“Can’t I just rip his lips off. He can’t kiss you then.” he said completely serious.

Buffy giggled at this.

“As much as I like the sound of that I don’t think it’s such a great idea. I’ll tell you what you can kiss me now, before I go and that way he doesn’t get to kiss me directly.”

He raised an eyebrow at her logic.

“Luv, I don’t think it works that way.”

“I know,” she said “I just wanted an excuse to get you to kiss me.”

“All you had to do was ask” he said flirtatiously as he leaned in and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Just as they broke the kiss, the doorbell rang.

“Oh well, I have to go. Wait up for me?” she called as she left the room.

“Try and stop me.” he yelled back.

Buffy greeted Riley at the door with a false smile.

“Let’s go.” she said as she closed the door behind her. Spike watched her leave with a sad look on his face. He knew that she cared about him, he knew that she was only seeing Captain Cardboard
because she had no other choice, but it hurt watching her leave with him. He didn’t even have Anthony to keep him company until she got
home. He concluded that it was just him and his guitar, he may as well write about how much he loved her.

30 minutes later Buffy and Riley were seated in the fancy Italian restaurant that her father had picked out for their date. Riley was already talking about himself and his intern work at her father’s
firm and she was ready to fall asleep. The waiter came to take their order and Riley ordered for her before she even had the chance to open her mouth. After the waiter walked away he simply smiled at her like he was God’s gift and she really wanted to hit her. For the first time though he decided to involve her in the conversation.

“So Buffy, you’re dad tells me you want to be a lawyer too once you go back to school.”

“I’m not going back to school, I already have a job, and if I did I wouldn’t want to become a lawyer.” she told him.

“You can’t honestly be saying that you want to keep being a nanny after the baby turns a year old. Why would you want to keep looking
after someone else’s brat?” he said with a smirk.

Buffy saw red. No one would talk about her son that way. And then she remembered that he didn’t know he was hers. But that didn’t matter. At that moment, she was so angry she had to say something.

“You know Riley, Anthony is not a brat. He is a great child. And personally, I don’t see what business it is of yours what I do with my life.” she spat.

“Buffy you are MY girlfriend, so I should have some say. I don’t want a girlfriend with no future.” He told her.

“Riley we have been on two dates, hardly makes me your girlfriend. Besides that, even if I were your girlfriend it still wouldn’t concern you whether or not I chose to continue being a nanny. It is
up to me and nobody else. Get used to it.” she told him angrily with
wide eyes.

Riley seemed completely unphased by this, there was silence as the
waiter returned with their meals. Once he was gone, Riley resumed talking.

“Buffy, I am in this relationship for the long haul. We are perfect for one another. Once we spend some time together, you’ll realize
that. And we will work together to get you through school and in to your career.” he told her, seemingly oblivious to everything she had
just said. She just sighed and the rest of the dinner was spent with

Buffy listening to Riley speak.

Yes. MY career NOT yours. You bastard. She thought silently.

After their date, Riley drove Buffy home and walked her to the door. Standing there, Buffy felt very awkward, especially knowing Spike was inside waiting for her. She turned to face Riley and gave him a false smile.

“Well, thank you for a nice time, Riley.” she said.

“It was my pleasure.” he told her “I’ll pick you up tomorrow about eleven and we’ll spend the day together. Have a picnic in the park.”

“Ok” she said, knowing she had to go.

“Great, see you then.”

He then leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. She had no choice but to respond, but made sure it was only a small kiss. She pulled away after a few seconds.

“Night Riley.” she said turning away from him and going into the house. Leaving Riley standing on the doorstep.

Spike heard Buffy entering the house and put his guitar and sheet music away, just in time to hear her knock gently on the door before
walking in to the room. He looked up and smiled at her. So glad that she was home, she smiled back as she sat on the bed and waited for
him to join her. She had already changed in to her PJ’s so Spike sat down beside her, both sitting cross-legged facing the center of the bed.

“How was your date?” he started.

Buffy let out a sarcastic laugh before answering.

“Great, if you think hearing nails on a chalk board is fun.”

“That bad, huh?” he questioned.

“You have no idea.” suddenly she remembered what he had said earlier that evening and her anger came rushing back.

Spike noticed the look on her face and wondered if he should ask what was wrong, he didn’t have to because she told him.

“That asshole called Anthony a brat. I have never been so angry in my life. Nobody calls my chi- arge a brat” luckily, she caught her slip
before Spike noticed.

Spike himself looked like he wanted to rip Riley’s head off.

“Who the hell does that bastard think he is?” he yelled “I swear if he ever talks about him like that again I’ll hit him.”

Buffy placed a hand over his to calm him..

“Don’t worry I told him off for it” she told him soothingly.

This got a small smile from the handsome blonde

“But there’s more that I doubt you’re going to like.”
Spike didn’t look like he wanted to hear but waited patiently for her to continue anyway.

“He told me that he was in this relationship for the long haul, that we were perfect for one another and he would help me see that.”

Spike was seething, Riley seemed to be taking everything from him,
because Buffy was his everything,

“What did you say?” he asked, afraid of the answer.

“Nothing,” she told him “like I said I need to make it look like I’m making the effort, but I will end it as soon as possible, a few months at most.”

“MONTHS?” he said “That’s too long. I can’t watch you with him for months.”

“I’m sorry Spike, but as soon as I can find an excuse to end it I will, prom is next month, let’s just look forward to that.”

He nodded his agreement as she leaned in and kissed him, softly at first but soon becoming increasingly urgent. It was becoming harder
for both of them to stick to kissing, but both also knew that they shouldn’t get do anything else, for both their sakes, at that point in time. Both pulled away at the same time.

“I think we should just go to sleep.” she suggested.

“Yeah, might be a good idea.” he agreed.

He laid down and opened his arms for her so that he could hold her. She lay beside him and it wasn’t long before they were both fast
asleep. The next day Buffy did as much as she could for Anthony before having to leave. She had explained the situation to Spike and Giles that morning and Spike had offered to take him out for the day. Buffy had no idea that an idea had been forming in his mind since he had made the offer.

Buffy and Riley had been sitting in the park with the picnic he had made for about an hour, he was being his usual boring self and Buffy
did what she always did. She smiled and pretended to be interested, she had no idea what Riley was droning on about this time, something
to do with cars or something. However, her mood changed when she saw a black clad figure pushing a pram coming towards them. She was genuinely surprised to see them, but not surprised that Spike would come up with the idea. He smiled as he pushed the pram up to where they were sitting on the grass, Riley had yet to notice they were
there. Buffy smiled back at him and called.

“Hey.”

“Hey there pet, didn’t know this is where you were coming on your
picnic, sorry.” he lied and very happy to do so.

His arrival had drawn Riley’s attention and he was not happy to see the young man. He disliked that Buffy had anything to do with him at
all, but he was angry that he showed up to their date. He had a suspicion that Spike had a thing for Buffy, he had no idea how right
he was.

“Spike, why don’t you join us for a while?” Buffy offered much to Riley’s displeasure. However, he merely smiled stiffly and allowed Spike to sit.
Buffy got up and removed Anthony from his pram, he was now four months old and Buffy was amazed by how much he had grown since he had been born. She sat with him, bouncing him on her knee and talking to him, Spike watched on with a smile while Riley watched with resentment. Resentment that she was paying more attention to the baby that she looked after than to him. Spike decided to have some fun while he was there.

“So, Ri, what’s it like to suck up Buffy’s father’s ass for a living?”

“It’s Riley and that’s not what I do Spike.” he spat.

“Oh really, so sorry.” Spike replied sarcastically “So what is it that you do then?”

“I intern at the office watching and learning from the best.” he said obnoxiously.

“So you get their coffee and deliver their mail.” Spike interpreted.

Buffy couldn’t help the snigger that escaped her lips, especially when she saw the smirk on Spike’s face. Riley looked up angrily.

“Why are you still here, why don’t you take the brat and leave us alone?” Riley spat.

Spike’s face reddened and he yelled.

“Now you listen here Captain Cardboard, don’t ever call Anthony that again, or trust me you pompous, obnoxious bastard you will regret
it,” Spike threatened “and I’m not going anywhere, Buffy and I are friends, she invited us to join you so I’m staying.” he finished still fuming.

“Whatever.” Riley replied annoyed “Buffy don’t make any plans for the weekend of the 12th next month. We’re going to visit your parents.” he told her.

Spike bristled at this, that was the weekend of the prom, he had already bought the tickets and he was really looking forward to spending time with her.

“Um, Riley, I can’t I already have plans that weekend” she told him,
annoyed that he had told her what to do.

“Well unplan them,” he told her “and what plans could you possibly have?”

This really annoyed Buffy but Spike answered before the chance, if Buffy was angry he was furious.

“She has a thing.” he told Riley.

“Look bleach boy, this has nothing to do with you. I was speaking to MY girlfriend.” turning to Buffy he repeated “What do you have planned.”

“Riley, it isn’t really any of your business. I had it planned before you and I were dating. More importantly it’s something I want to do.”
she told him as she put a sleeping Anthony back in his pram.

“Buffy you’re my girlfriend I made plans. If you’re doing something else I want to know what.” his voice was slowly rising.

“Fine, I’ll tell you.” she said “I’m going to Prom with Spike.”

“Over my dead body.” he shouted.

“That can be arranged.” Spike said snidely.

Riley reached over grabbing a hold of Spike by the collar and shoving
him up against a tree. Buffy watched on horrified at Riley’s actions

”Temper, temper.” Spike taunted “All this because you think I have the hots for your girl.”

“Trying to say that you don’t?” he asked.

“Nope, never denied it,” Spike admitted “but there’s nothing you can do about it captain, so you’ll just get your hands off me.” he said
pushing Riley away from him.

He walked over to the pram and turned to Buffy.

“I’ll see you later Luv.”

“No wait,” she turned to Riley “I’m going to walk back with Spike,

I’m too angry to talk to you right now. I’ll speak to you later.”

She turned and walked away with Spike without waiting for a reply.
After a few minutes of walking in silence Buffy spoke.

“Thank you, for standing up for me back there.”

He gave her a smile.

“Don’t mention it. Nobody talks to you like that while I’m around and gets away with it.” he said cockily “Bloody pillock, he’s lucky I
didn’t hit him.”

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh at this, she leaned over and kissed him
on the cheek and the two friends walked the rest of the way home talking and laughing. Anyone who passed couldn’t help but think the two teens belonged together.

Chapter 11: The Prom

It was the week before prom Buffy was still seeing Riley. He had called later the evening of the incident in the park. Before deciding
what to do she had spoken to Spike, they both knew that her father would think that Buffy had not given the relationship enough of a
chance, so they had agreed she would keep seeing Riley for a little while longer. However, she had made some conditions when she agreed to keep seeing him, he would not make any decisions on her behalf and would not complain if she had other plans which didn't include him and that included going to the prom with Spike. He had agreed somewhat reluctantly and still complained about it at times, but Buffy wasn't budging, she was going whether Riley liked it or not. So, with just a week to go Buffy and Willow were at the mall buying dresses. They had both waited until the last minute as Buffy had to
wait for her father to send her monthly allowance so that she could buy hers.

Walking along through the Mall the girls were chatting happily about the different plans that Oz and Spike had made for the night of the
prom. Giles had decide to pay for the four teens to have a nice meal beforehand and also put money towards the limousine, even though
Spike had objected telling his father that he and Oz could afford it. Giles just wanted to give them a great night. He rarely seen the two since he had been seeing Jenny, he was there most evenings and then stayed over on Saturday nights with Anthony, the only day they really saw him was a Sunday. The girls came to a halt when the came to the dress shop. After going inside the girls looked excitedly through the racks of dresses. Both girls had been saving their money in order to
buy the best dresses possible.

"Hey Buff what do you think of this one?" Willow asked holding up a deep red halter-neck dress.

"It's ok," she told her with a shrug of the shoulders "but I think a green dress would look great on you."

They continued looking around and all of a sudden, Buffy spotted her dream dress. Willow had a few dresses in her hand all but two of
which were green.

"Shall we try these on then?" Buffy asked her now best friend.

"We shall." replied Willow with a very giddy smile

Both girls headed towards the dressing rooms. Buffy had another couple of dresses to try on also. The first one she tried on was a beige coloured spaghetti strap dress with a gold sparkly swirl design
on it. It was beautiful dress, it was long almost reaching the floor and it looked beautiful with her skin tone.

"Oh my god Buffy, that dress is beautiful." Willow exclaimed when her friend came out of the dressing room modeling the beige material.

"Thanks," Buffy smiled "I'm not sure though, I think it's my second choice. I still have my dream dress to try on." she babbled excitedly, She had been wanting to do this ever since she was a
little girl. She was going to find the perfect dress if it killed her.

After a few minutes she noticed Willow's dress, it was the red halter dress. It was about the same length as Buffy's and had a diamante
lining at the waist. Buffy had to admit it did suit her.

"You look great too Will, the colour looks great on you." Buffy told her examing in dress.

"Thanks, but I'm not sure. I've tried on all but one of the dresses now though and so far, this is the only one I've even remotely liked on me." she told her friend sadly.

"Don't worry Will, we'll find you a great dress." Buffy assured her.

Both girls turned and went back into their separate dressing rooms. Buffy was excited as she picked up her dream dress and started to slip it on. The dress was absolutely amazing, like something out of a
daydream and she was not disappointed when she looked at the mirror when the dress was on. It was perfect.

Next door Willow was thinking the same thing as she slid on the final dress in her pile. It was stunning colour and looked fantastic with
her red hair. She could imagine herself in that dress. Both girls exited their dressing rooms at the same times and after looking at one another exclaimed simultaneously.

"That's Perfect."

"That's the one."

Excited to have found the dresses both girls walked to the check out and after paying for their purchases headed for the food court. Where
they chatted about what the reactions to their dresses

"Oh my god, Buffy, Spike is gonna flip when he sees you in that dress" Willow said excitedly

"You think so?" Buffy asked equally as excited

"Oh yeah, he's crazy about you Buffy and seeing you in that dress, that's just gonna drive him crazy."

Both girls giggled at this statement.

"Remember Will, Spike and I are only going as friends." Buffy told her.

"I know, but you do realise that the two of you are perfect for each other." the redhead sighed fantasizing about the blonde duo.

"Well, I'm with Riley, I like Spike but we are only friend.s" Buffy was trying very hard to believe the words.

She and Spike hadn't shared many kisses since the day at the park only a few. They still slept in the same bed every Saturday night and
stayed up late talking, but for both their sakes they were trying to act like friends, both of them wanting so much more.

"Buffy, hey Buffy, you in there?" the redhead asked confused.

"Sorry Will guess I just zoned out for a minute." Buffy apologized.

"That's ok, but we should go we still have some shopping to do"

Buffy nodded her agreement and both girls stood up gathering their bags heading for the shoe store. The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of girly excitement, as the two teens got ready for what
was probably going to be a night they would always remember.

Prom Night

Buffy and Willow were in Buffy's room getting ready, they had decided that Buffy would do Willow's hair and make up to save the girl money. They had curled her long red hair and then pinned it up at the back with a diamante clip, the curls flowing down to her back, while a few curly tendrils were left down around her face. Buffy had simply curled her hair and left it hanging down. It framed her face beautifully. Both girls were now doing their make up and chatting excitedly.

"Buff, are you sure Oz will like my dress?" Willow asked nervously fingering the material.

"Will, he will love it. You look fantastic in it. And besides you know he'd love you if you wore a sack." she reassured her friend.

"I know, I know you're right it's just..." she couldn't finish her sentence.

"Willow calm down, we have to get those dresses on, the guys will be here soon. I can't believe Spike is getting dressed over at Oz's."

The girls giggled as they busied themselves getting in to their gowns.

30 minutes later

The girls were dressed and waiting anxiously for their dates to arrive. Willow was growing increasingly nervous by the minute, while Buffy just wanted to see how hot Spike would be in a tux. She waited patiently in her room; they wanted to make an entrance after all. Not long after that, they heard a car pull up and the front door opening.

"Buffy, Willow, the boys are here." Giles called upstairs.

Buffy turned to Willow.

"Ok Will, this is it. Calm down you're going down first. And don't worry, you look gorgeous." Buffy assured her lightly pushing her towards the door before the redhead changed her mind.

"Thanks Buffy, you too." Willow relied as she reached out and hugged her friend.

Willow opened the door and made her way downstairs, Buffy was right. Oz thought she looked fantastic. Her dress was a dark green
strapless, beaded organza gown. The skirt flowed down to her toes. The colour was beautiful next to her hair and complexion. She let out a breath as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Wow." was Oz's only comment but coming from Oz that was like a speech.

"Thanks. You too." she replied shyly.

"You look great Re-"

Spike's sentence was cut short when he caught sight of the vision at the top of the stairs. His breath caught in his throat as she
descended the steps. Her dress was stunning. It was a two-layer wrap around dress with delicate embroidery along the breast and at the
foot of the dress. The bottom layer was white, with blue silk on top. There was a large slit at the front of the blue material to show the
white underneath. In silver was embroidered a delicate flower design at the breast and along the bottom of the dress. It had a full skirt
but it was not too puffy. Spike could hardly believe his eyes. As she reached the bottom of the stairs Buffy could see, she had made an impression..

"Buffy, love, you look absolutely stunning," Spike whispered breathlessly "you quite literally take my breath away"

"Thank you."

Buffy was impressed also. He was wearing a traditional black tuxedo and he looked fantastic, like a movie star. She just wanted to kiss
him right there and damn the consequences, but that wasn't an option. She looked at him as he handed her the corsage he had bought foe her
it was simple white roses and cream ribbon it was perfect.

Giles was surprised to say the least when he saw the four teenagers in his hallway. He was especially shocked to see that his son was
wearing a tuxedo. Would wonders never cease?

"Buffy, Willow, both of you look quite lovely." Giles complimented them warmly.

Both girls beamed at him and thanked him. He turned to go back to living room and Spike looked horrified when he came back a moment later brandishing a camera.

"Aww, dad no pictures please." Spike complained.

"Please be quiet William, you must have a picture taken on the night of your senior Prom." his father admonished.

"But dad-"

"Oh come on Spike please. For me. This is the only Prom I'll ever go to. I'd like to have a reminder." She looked up at him with her puppy
dog eyes and he couldn't refuse her.

"Ok, you can take the photos." he relented.

They stood for 15 minutes having their pictures taken before getting in the limo and heading for the restaurant. The meal was beautiful
and was filled with the laughter of four excited friends who were looking forward to what had thus far promised to be a great night. After the meal, it was back in the limo and to the Prom. Buffy was
terrified, as they were about to enter the hall where the Prom was being held. Spike offered her his arm as they walked in the door. Nobody could help but notice the stunning couple. They were
automatically stood out due to Spike's bleached hair, but together they made a stunning couple. After Willow and Oz joined them, they
sat at their table talking excitedly. The band was playing and there were a lot of people on the dance-floor. After a few minutes Buffy
and Willow joined them, dancing and having the time of their lives. After a few songs they returned to their seats.

"Having fun luv?" Spike asked her.

"Yeah, it's great. I'm so glad you asked me to come with you. I would have hated to have never gone to a prom."

"Well pet, enjoy it." he said with a smile.

They looked at each other and Spike placed hand on hers and she felt a jolt of electricity go through her. Their companions noticed the looks passing between them and excused themselves from the table.

Oz and Willow went over to a quiet corner of the hall where they talked about their two friends.

"Oz do you think there's something going on between Buffy and Spike?" Willow asked.

"No." he replied.

"Are you sure because they seem overly friendly. Are you sure?" she asked agai.n

"Yeah."

With that Willow turned all of her focus back on her boyfriend, she turned and led him on to the dance floor. Just as the sat back down
they heard the announcement for prom king and queen.

"And this year's prom king and queen are Cordelia Chase and Lindsey McDonald."

As the two students made their way to the stage, Buffy could hear Willow.

"Figures. It's always the popular ones."

Oz gave a short laugh at his girlfriend and soon all four were laughing.

There wasn't long left until prom would be over and they were playing,some slow songs, Buffy was nursing a glass of punch when he whispered n her ear.

"Can I have this dance, pet?"

She looked up at him with a smile and nodded holding out her hand; he elped her from her seat and led her to the dance-floor. He put his
arms around her and held her close as they swayed to the music.

Running fast through a fairy tale

Dark woods; starless night

Feel cold air in my lungs

Full moon, u follow me-u say

"Why do hearts so often stray?"

U pierce me like an arrow

Beneath the blanket of night

Longing for flight

When u fall into me

It feels so sweet, like dreaming

Press yourself into me

Let me feel your breathing

There's a voice in your heart

Softly calling Come to me you

will see, just give in to this sweet temptation

I awake, do a double take 2 see

Where it is that I lay-it could be

Day or night, I'm not quite sure

Your absence is a thorn

Your flesh, your skin

Is the only flag there is 2 believe in

I can love u like nobody else When u fall into me

It feels so sweet, like dreaming Press yourself into me

Let me feel your breathing

There's a voice in your heart softly calling

As the song ended, they heard a new song begin to play and he never let go of her continuing to move as the next song played, it was a
Britney song but neither could deny how the words rang true.

Notice me

Take my hand

Why are we

Strangers when

Our love is strong

Why carry on without me?

Everytime I try to fly

I fall without my wings

I feel so small

I guess I need you baby

And everytime I see you in my dreams

I see your face, it's haunting me

I guess I need you baby

I make believe

That you are here

It's the only way

I see clear

What have I done

You seem to move on easy

And everytime I try to fly

I fall without my wings

I feel so small

I guess I need you baby

And everytime I see you in my dreams

I see your face, you're haunting me

I guess I need you baby

I may have made it rain

Please forgive me

My weakness caused you pain

And this song is my sorry

Ohhhh

At night I pray

That soon your face

Will fade away

And everytime I try to fly

I fall without my wings

I feel so small

I guess I need you baby

And everytime I see you in my dreams

I see your face, you're haunting me

I guess I need you baby

As they danced, both teens thought of the other, of how they dreamed every night of being together. They thought of how quickly they had
become each other's world, but neither had admitted it. As they song came to the end they looked into each others eyes and neither one
could stop what happened next, they leaned in and Spike pressed his lips to Buffy's. Willow looked on in shock. Buffy didn't give a second thought to her boyfriend as she opened her mouth to allow
Spike's tongue in. After a couple of minutes the broke apart and looked around, noticing Willow watching them. They walked off the
dance-floor, trying to forget what had happened.
After Willow and Oz had been dropped off Buffy and Spike rode home in wkward silence. Spike was secretly over the moon. When they arrived
home, they walked straight upstairs and Buffy instinctively went to Spike's room. When she noticed what she had done she turned to leave
he put his hand on her arm to stop her.

"Stay, please." his eyes pleaded with her .

She nodded in silent agreement and moved closer to him, deep down she
knew exactly what she was doing. He cupped her face and whispered.

"Buffy, I'm going to kiss you now."

She only nodded again, so he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers keeping it gentle to begin with but soon it began to deepen and
became more urgent. Buffy decided she had had enough of waiting and resisting, so she let go of her inhibitions and did what she had
wanted to do since the moment she had laid eyes on the man kissing her. He pulled away from her to catch his breath for a moment. His
eyes were filled with lust for the girl in front of him.

"Buffy, if you don't want to do this you have to tell me now." he told her.

"I want to, I want you."

With that said he took a hold of her face and pressed his lips to hers again, she moaned as the kiss became more and more urgent. She
opened her mouth and granted entrance to his tongue. After a moment,she felt his hand slip behind her as he unzipped her dress letting it
puddle at her feet. She moaned again at the feel of his hands on her bare skin. As he caressed her skin, she slowly unbuttoned his shirt,
savouring every moment. She gasped when she saw the perfectly defined muscles underneath, and then he was kissing her again, with more
passion than she had ever imagined possible. Spike walked her backwards towards the bed and lay her down. He lay next to her as he
began to kiss his way down her body starting at her neck, he kissed and nipped gently all the way down until he reached her chest, he
kissed his way along the curve of her breasts and
smiled when he heard her moan.

"Oh god." Buffy bit her lip as the pleasure coursed through her.

He continued kissing his way down her body, continuing to kiss and nip at her skin. He continued until she couldn't take anymore and
pulled him back up to her, she kissed him urgently as she undid his belt and began to pull down his trousers.

"I want you, need you now." she moaned.

Spike grinned and threw his trousers onto the floor, he leaned in and kissed her again, but this time more gentle and loving. Spike noe
fully naked started at the golden goddess under him.

He looked up into Buffy's lust filled eyes. He positioned himself at her entrance as he searched her eyes for regret but he found none.

"Buffy, if you want to back out now, i'll understand." Buffy liked the fact he was giving her a chance to back out. She shook her
head. "No. I want you."

He obeyed and entered her. They both let out moans at that. Spike let Buffy get used to his size before he started thrusting in and out. He
was angeld perfectly to hit the perfect spot inside of her.

"Oh god." Buffy moaned obviously in ecstasy.

He could hear her moan repeatedly in his ear. He kept his thrust slow trying to pour all the love he felt for her into his movements. They
seemed to move in perfect sync Buffy meeting him thrust for thrust.

With Spike, it all just felt so right. Their eyes never left each others as they experianced the most memeraable moment intheir lives.

Today sex wasn't a game or a requirment or an obligation but it was a true testimate of love. As he pulled away after each thrust she could
feel him brush against her clit, intensifying the amazing sensations she was already feeling. Soon they were both hurtling toward the
edge, his movements sped up slightly but never breaking up their perfect rhythm, he could feel how close she was so he moved his hand
between them to rub her clit, this sent her over the edge

"Oh, god, Spike, baby, I love you." she moaned as she dropped over the edge.
Those words had Spike following her over, moaning her name and telling her how much he loved her as he released inside of her.
Spike laid his head against Buffy's both savouring the moment, he was just about to asked her if she meant what she said when the door was
thrown open.

"William what the hell is that noise- oh dear lord." Giles exclaimed as he saw his son on top of Buffy, still inside her.

He pulled out of her at the sound of his father's voice and pulled the covers up over them as both teens exclaimed.

"Dad! Bloody Hell!"

"Giles. Oh God!"

They then looked at each other and then back at a very red faced Giles.

Chapter 12: Caught in the Act

Giles stood in the doorway staring at the scene before him in horror, he had known his son and Buffy were close, he just hadn’t known they were that close. Buffy and Spike were still in the bed with the covers pulled up over them. They looked almost as embarrassed as Giles himself; they felt just as embarrassed as well. After a moment, Giles cleared his throat

“Um, I think we need to talk, don’t you. I’ll meet you downstairs in a few moments”
He turned and left the room as quickly as possible. Spike looked at Buffy and saw her face bright red with embarrassment.

“You ok luv” he asked softly

“Um, I’m not sure, was Giles being here a dream?” she squeaked
He shook his head no

“Oh, well then I’m not ok” she told him

He looked hurt, he assumed that she regretted what they had done

“I’m sorry” he told her quietly

“For this?” she asked gesturing her had between them. At his nod, she continued “well, I’m not. Spike this was a two-way thing, I didn’t have to do it. I could have stopped it but I didn’t want to. So if you regret it-“

“No, Buffy of course I don’t regret it. I love you” he told her
She smiled softly at him and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his lips

“We better go downstairs, he’ll be wondering what’s keeping us” she told him softly

He nodded and stood up and put his trousers back on, while Buffy slipped on the pyjama’s she had in his room. Silently they left the room and went downstairs where the found Giles pacing up and down the living room. He looked up when he heard them enter.

“Sit down you two, we need to talk” he said seriously

“Dad”

“William let me speak please” Giles interrupted as he took his glasses and began to clean them furiously

“Now, I realise that you are both old enough to make your own decisions and technically Buffy there is nothing I can do if you decide to have sex. My concern is that you Buffy, are still a minor, Spike you are not, which makes your sleeping with Buffy illegal.

“Buffy, I like you, I do. I care about you as if you were my own daughter, and if you want to be with William I can’t stop you and I would not be entirely unhappy, but it would complicate things rather a lot”

He paused for a moment expecting one of them to say something, but neither did so he resumed his little speech

“And I do not wish to see either of you hurt. William has been hurt before. Now I know he probably hasn’t told you in what way he was hurt and it’s not my place to tell you
but-“

“I know, he told me” she said in what was barely a whisper

Giles was surprised to hear that his son had told anyone of the ordeal he had been through but he knew that he would only tell someone he cared for and trusted, so he continued

“Well, if you know Buffy then you will understand my worry. I don’t want to see him hurt again, that incident almost destroyed him and I can’t allow it to happen again. I am not saying you would deliberately hurt him, but Buffy, you have a boyfriend” he finished

This statement brought the two crashing back to earth. In truth, Buffy had forgotten all about Riley. Suddenly she had no choice but to remember, and she had to say something, she knew Giles was waiting

“I know, Giles none of this was planned, I care about Spike. I don’t even like Riley, I’m only with him because of my father” she tried to explain

“So are you going to break things off with him?” the older man inquired

“No, she’s not” Spike spoke for the first time
Both Giles and Buffy looked at him, shocked expressions on their faces. Spike continued

“Look, Buffy has no choice but to keep this up a little while longer. Yes, I hate it. Yes, I wish we could be together, but it’s not possible just now. It would only make things for Buffy. I love her dad, and I only want what’s best for her, so she’ll have to keep this up until she finds a suitable way out”

“Can you handle that son?” Giles asked

“Honestly, I don’t know. But I love her, so I’ll try” he said with conviction
He then looked over at Buffy with tenderness in his eyes and a loving smile on his face

“Everything will work out. If it’s supposed to” he said softly

Watching the two of them together Giles could see how much they cared about each other. He could see it in the way they looked at each other.

“Well, if that’s what you want then I will support you. It’s your choice” Giles sighed “Buffy could I speak to you alone for a moment”
She nodded and Spike got up to leave, he kissed her forehead before he left. When he was gone, Giles started talking

“Buffy, how much do you care about my son” he asked

“I don’t know Giles, I think I might love him. But I’ve been hurt before too” she told him.

“I understand that, but Buffy he doesn’t know the truth, that is unfair”

“Giles I know that. I want to tell him but that is what will lead to his being hurt. If my father found out he would take Anthony away, I don’t know what I would do if that happened”

He wiped away the tear that had fallen down her face, and talked soothingly

“Buffy, I think you and Spike could be good for each other, however, I think you need to figure out what you want and how you’re going to get it. That includes for your future, you need to decide what will make you happy, before you can be happy” he finished gently

He turned and left the living room leaving Buffy alone in the living room. She sat there all night, alone with her thoughts. Making decisions.

Chapter 13: Milestones

In the weeks that had passed since their night together Buffy had made a lot of decisions about her life. She had spoken to Spike and told him that she thought nothing else should happen until after she had broken things off with Riley. He had agreed knowing that it would be easier on them both in the long run. That was a month ago and it was the day before Spike’s graduation. Riley thought things between them were going great and that she wasn’t hanging around with Spike. He had no suspicions about what had happened. He was getting frustrated though, the furthest he ever got with her was kissing and he was sick of it. He had no idea she was going to Spike’s graduation. The day before everyone was excitedly doing everything that had to be done. The group of friends were going to the Bronze the night of graduation to celebrate, just like nearly every other senior. Spike was grumpy because his father was making him wear a suit under his gown. Buffy thought it was hilarious watching him pout about it.

Anthony was getting bigger everyday, and every day Spike was becoming more and more attached to him. It had come to the stage where he and Buffy would sneak around to take him walks together, so naturally she was taking him with her the next day as opposed to having Jenny look after him, as she had offered.

The next day Buffy got Anthony dressed in a little pair of black cord trousers and a black sweater, he looked like Spike’s own son. Buffy herself was wearing a knee length cream halter sundress, as the sun was shining brightly. She looked in the mirror before picking Anthony up and going downstairs. Giles was waiting to drive them to the graduation; Spike was already at the school as he was meeting Oz beforehand.

Riley walked along the street on his way to Revello Drive. He had decided to surprise Buffy by showing up and whisking her away for the day. He was going to pick her up, walk to the park where he had parked his car, then drive out of town, into LA, and see her parents. He walked up to the porch and rang the bell; he waited a few minutes and rang again, when there was no answer. There was still no answer and he was annoyed, she hadn’t told him about any other plans. He decided to wait until she got back so he sat down on the perch step. And waited.

Buffy sat in the crowd and watched the ceremony with a huge smile on her. The ceremony had only just started and they were listening to the principal’s speech. As she looked around at the students she could see Spike’s blonde head sitting next to Oz, both looking very bored, as she was about to turn away he looked around and flashed her a smile and she responded with a small wave. She sat holding Anthony waiting for them to start handing out the diploma’s. She got very excited when she heard them start to call out the names. She looked on as student after student crossed the stage. And then she heard his name.

Spike had been bored for the entire ceremony, he wanted to be sitting with Buffy, but he was happy when he caught her looking at him. He sat looking at her from the corner of his eye until they started handing out the diploma’s, suddenly feeling nervous and then his name was called

“William Giles”

Buffy watched him walk across the stage and accept his diploma with a smile. He looked at her and smiled again as he returned to his seat. Watching the event had made Buffy feel like she was missing out on something. When she saw him smile it pushed her to make a decision, one she couldn’t wait to carry out.

After the ceremony Giles and Buffy waited out front of the school for Spike and Oz. Buffy saw him walking down the steps and called out to him

“Hey, Spike” she walked towards him with a big smile

“Hi, luv”

“Congratulations” she said as she reached out and hugged him “how does it feel, you’re all grown up now?”
He smirked

“You’re here, how could it feel anything but great luv” he answered
Buffy blushed and smacked him playfully on the arm

“Come on, you have to see what Anthony’s wearing” she said excitedly “oh, and your dad probably wants to see you” she added
He smiled slightly as he followed behind her.

“Look” she squealed “doesn’t he look adorable. Like a mini you”

“He looks great, pet”

She was about to reply when she saw Willow walk out of the school and walk towards them with Oz. When she reached Buffy, she squealed

“Oh my god. I have a boyfriend who’s not in high school. Isn’t it exciting”
Everyone laughed at how giddy the redhead was.

Giles walked over with a smile on his face

“I’m very proud of you son,” he told Spike honestly

“Thank you dad” Spike replied, feeling oddly emotional at his father’s pride.

“Congratulations to you too Oz, to both of you” he said
Oz nodded in thanks before Giles continued

“So, why don’t we go for a bite to eat and celebrate? On me. I know you kids are going out tonight but this way I get to celebrate with you” he smiled

“Sure” all four replied at once.
“Alright then lets go”

They turned and walked away from the school, none of them looking back.

When they reached the café, they sat down wit Spike seated next to Buffy on one side, with Giles, Oz and Willow on the other. The group were all talking excitedly about the boys’ college plans and Willow’s senior year. Buff sat quietly when they spoke of this and it did not go unnoticed by Spike. He leaned over and whispered in her ear

“What’s the matter luv?” he asked

“I’ll tell you later” she whispered back

Spike didn’t like this plan so he turned to the other occupants of the table and told them

“Buffy and I are going to go out for some fresh air, we won’t be long”
He stood up and walked toward the door waiting for Buffy to join him. Once they were outside Spike turned to her

“Ok, what’s going on?” he demanded gently

“I wanna go back”

“To LA” he said hurt “why?”

“Oh no, not LA, I wanna go back to school” she told him
He broke into a wide smile
“That’s great luv”

“Yeah, except that I can’t go back” she told him sadly

“And why exactly not?” he questioned

“Anthony” she told him

“Buffy, you’ve done a great job with Anthony, but if you want to o back to school you shouldn’t let this job stop you. Legally he’s not your responsibility,” he said in a caring voice

Coming from anyone else, this statement would have stung, but Buffy knew he was only trying to help. It was her fault he didn’t know. She wanted to tell him. No, she was going to.

“Spike I have to tell you something” she said

“What is it pet?”

“It’s-“
She was cut off then by Willow coming to the door

“Hey guys, food’s here”
After she went back inside Spike turned to Buffy

“You were saying pet”

“Doesn’t matter now,” she said, her confidence completely gone. They turned and went back inside. Both thinking about their earlier conversation.

As Giles’ car drew up to the curb Buffy saw Riley sitting on the step. ‘What’s he doing here. We didn’t have plans today’ she thought

“Riley, what are you doing here” she asked as she got out of the car

“Well, I did come to surprise you with a day out, but you neglected to tell me you wouldn’t be here” he said angrily

“Can we talk about this inside?” she requested

“Fine” he agreed stiffly

“We’ll give you a moment” Giles called as they walked inside.
Once inside Riley turned to Buffy, face red with anger
“Where the hell have you been?” he yelled

“Out” she told him in a confident voice. She had decided that she wasn’t going to give in to him. He would have to accept her as she was or not at all

“Out where?” he spat

“With Giles, Spike and Anthony”

“Well, I can see that. I want to know where” he said, becoming increasingly annoyed

She had had enough
“At Spike’s graduation, not that it’s any of your business” she yelled

“You’re my girlfriend,” he screamed “but him and that brat always seem to come first”
She lost it then and slapped him across the face

“You Bitch” he screamed as he backhanded her.
Spike ran into the house at the sound of Buffy screaming and pounced when he saw Riley hit her

“You Bastard. Who the hell do you think you are?” he screamed as he punched him square on the jaw

“Fuck off bleach boy this has nothing to do with you” Riley retorted as he threw a punch, which Spike easily dodged

“When you hit Buffy it’s my business”

“And why’s that then?” he questioned “she been spreading her legs for you. Because she hasn’t been spreading them for me” he said snidely.
Spike flew at him as soon as the words left his mouth only to be stopped by Buffy.

“You asshole” she told riley, her voice cold but calm “I don’t know who you think you are but you won’t talk about me like that. You are a conceited, obnoxious bastard and I had no intentions of ever sleeping with you. You make me sick.

“And in answer to the question you asked Spike, yes. I slept with Spike, and do you know what? I would do it all over again. In fact, I intend to. You are worthless Riley, I feel nothing for you” she spat and looked at him like he had just crawled out of the sewer.

“You whore” Riley screamed

“Yeah, yeah big deal” she retorted “call me what you want, I really don’t give a shit.”
She walked over to him and punched him hard on the nose and she heard the bone crack

“If you ever talk about Anthony the way you did again, it’ll be worse. Now, we’re through. Get out of my house” she said coldly.
Spike smirked as he watched Riley walk towards the door holding his nose in pain.
When he was gone, she turned to Spike and burst out laughing. She walked over to him, took his farce in her hands, and kissed him, hard on the mouth.

“Well, it’s over” she said happily

“I can see that” he replied with a smile playing on his lips

“So, are you taking me out tonight? On a date I mean” she inquired

“Do you want to go on a date with me?” he asked back

“Yes”

“Well then, try and stop me”

He then leaned in and captured her lips in another kiss. Giles watched from the doorway smiling. It just looked so right.

Chapter 14: The Truth is Out There

Buffy had been excited all afternoon. She would finally get to go on a date with the person she actually wanted to be with. Giles had taken Anthony to Jenny’s for the night after they told him what had happened and that they were going out. His exact words had been
“Well, I think Anthony and I need a night away. That and if you two are going on a date I have no desire to be in this house, mostly because have even less desire to walk in on what I saw last month ever again. See you tomorrow”
He had left the house as quickly as possible.

Buffy was positively giddy as she chose out her outfit. She wore a tight fitting black dress that tied around her neck. It sat just above her knee. There was a rose embroidered at the bottom of one side in a deep shade of red. There was a small slit at the opposite side. On her feet, she wore a pair of black pointy-toed shoes; her hair was curled and partly pinned back. Her make up was kept natural; she knew Spike liked it that way.

Spike was pacing back and forth in his room. They were due to leave in 20 minutes and he was nervous as hell. He had dressed up a little for the occasion wearing a pair of Black dress trousers and a Midnight Blue shirt. The colour complimented his eyes perfectly. He didn’t know what he was so nervous about, after all, he had already slept with her, why be nervous about the date? The answer was simple, a date meant he finally had what he wanted, meant it would be easier for him to be hurt. But he had faith in her; he trusted that she wouldn’t hurt him.

Buffy and Spike exited their rooms at the exact same moment as soon as the clock changed to seven o’clock, they were out the doors. They both stopped dead in he hall when they saw each other. Spike thought she looked amazing. Young and carefree, a way he had only ever seen her look once before, the night of the prom. Buffy meanwhile, was amazed she wasn’t drooling as she took in how delicious her date looked. Both of them smiled at each other simultaneously

“You look beautiful, pet,” Spike told her as he leaned in and kissed her cheek

“Thanks” she blushed slightly “you look good too”

“Why thank you, I do try” he jokes, eliciting a giggle from her. “Well, we should get going”

They walked into the Bronze hand in hand. Much to the surprise of all their friends. A gasp went around the table as they approached.
“Hey guys” Buffy said cheerfully

“Um guys. What’s going on?” asked a confuse Xander
Buffy and Spike shared a look and they silently agreed to lead their friends on.

“What this?” Spike asked “nothing”

“Well it kind of looks like something” Willow piped in

“It really is nothing. Just a friend thing” Buffy told her with a straight face
Their friends looked thoroughly confused and the two blondes couldn’t hold it any longer, they burst into laugher at the looks on their friends’ faces.

“Don’t worry guys you’re not going crazy” Buffy assured them

“Yeah, we’re on a date” Spike finished

“Uh, Buffy” Willow spoke up “you do remember you have a boyfriend right. His name’s Riley”

“Not any more” Buffy informed her “dumped him today. Yay for me” she grinned.

“Wow, Buff, I wasn’t expecting that” Xander said

“Well it’s been a long time coming,” she told them “I never liked him. I had to go out with him because my dad said so. Today I had enough, and I dumped him.”

“What was it that you told him?” Willow questioned

Buffy looked up at Spike who only shrugged letting her know what she told them was her decision. She decided to go with the truth

“I told him I slept with Spike,” she told them

“Slept with as in in the same bed with pyjama’s on?” Willow asked

“No” Buffy started “slept with as in we had sex”
This earned another set of gasps from the tables’ occupants.

“Whoa, when did that happen” asked Xander in shock

“Prom night” Buffy answered sheepishly
Willow was hurt Buffy usually told her everything. Buffy could see the hurt in her eyes

“Will. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I was just so confused. I had to sort my head out.” She apologised
“It’s ok, just a bit upset for a moment. I understand though” She told her best friend with a smile.

After a round of questions, Buffy and Spike sat down at the table with their friends. They all chatted happily for a while. The Bronze was overflowing with kids. The majority of the graduating class were there celebrating with heir friends, having a good time and being free. Spike’s group of friends had decided they may as well be part of the majority. A band was playing but no one in the group of friends made any move to get up and dance, they were enjoying sitting in their group and chatting, reminiscing about everything that had happened in high school.

“Hey” exclaimed Xander “I have an idea lets play truth or dare”
everyone groaned at the suggestion
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun” he insisted
Eventually everyone nodded their agreement and settled in their seats to play the game

“Ok I’ll start” said Xander “Willow, truth or dare”

“Truth” the redhead replied uncertainly

“Ok, have you and Oz done it yet?”
Willow turned bright red and acted like she hadn’t heard the question.
“Come on Will, you have to answer” he told her

“evil” she told him as the blush crept up her neck and she sputtered “n-no”

Buffy had never seen Willow look so embarrassed, and Willow looked embarrassed a lot.

“Ok let’s move on” Buffy said trying to help her friend out “I’ll go. Xander truth or dare?”

“Truth” he said confidently
She decided it was time for some payback

“Ok, when did you lose you virginity?”
Buffy could tell by the look on his face that her theory had been correct. All she had to do was wait for his answer

“Ihaven’tlostityet” he mumbled

“What was that?” She asked, and evil grin on her face

“I said, I haven’t lost my virginity yet” he said blushing
Willow couldn’t help the smug look that crossed her face. Served him right for embarrassing her like that
“I think that’s enough of that game” Xander said

“Oh come on Xan” Spike said “we haven’t all had a turn”
Spike honestly didn’t care if the played or not, he just wanted to torture Xander some more.

“Yeah, I know but hey, why come to the Bronze and play truth or dare, we should be having fun” the brunette insisted

“Ok you win. I’m gonna go to the bar, anyone want anything?”
After everyone had placed their orders, he walked towards the bar while the others went to the dance-floor. An upbeat tune was playing. Buffy moved to the beat of the music and Spike couldn’t help but watch her from his place at the bar. She danced for a few minutes before turning to her friends and signalling that she was going back to the table. As she walked towards it, she banged into someone, and looked up and saw a familiar face.

“B, is that you?” Faith asked

“Uh hey” Buffy greeted her old friend, looking anxiously around. She had to get rid of Faith before anyone came back.

“Where the hell have you been B. I haven’t seen you in over a year, since you started seeing Angel” Faith said

“Um, it’s a long story Faith, I can’t get into it right now, but I can tell you that Angel and I are long over”

“Oh well, who are you here with” Faith inquired

“I live here” she told her cryptically, not elaborating on anything

“Since when?”

“about five months” she informed her

“Well what about the months before that?”

“It’s a long story. Look what are you doing in Sunnydale Faith?”

Spike had approached the table and noticed Buffy with his back to her talking to a young brunette. He assumed it was an old friend or something so he continued on his way back. He was very surprised at what he heard upon his arrival
“What are you doing in Sunnydale Faith?”
Faith. Why did that name sound so familiar? Then it dawned on him. Anthony. Something was definitely going on and he wanted to know what.

Buffy was waiting for Faith’s answer when she heard the voice

“I think we need to talk”

Buffy froze on the spot, she took a breath and without turning around, she spoke directly to Faith

“Is there a gorgeous blonde guy standing behind me?”

“Yeah, he’s a hottie B”
Buffy cringed and turned and regarded Spike

“We need to talk” he repeated

“Yeah I think we do” she agreed

Seeing that there seemed to be some upset between their friends those, who remained on the dance floor went back to the table in time to hear Buffy say she and Spike had to talk.

“Hey, B, what the hell is goin’ on?” Faith asked, confused.

“Faith you’ll probably wanna hear this too, Spike I think we should go home and talk about this” she said
He nodded her agreement and she turned to the rest of her friends

“Can you guys come by tomorrow, I need to talk to you about something, but I think this is something we need to do alone tonight” she said apologetically

Her friends agreed and she picked up her bag, walking out of the club, Faith and Spike right behind her. Spike drove the three of them home in silence. They entered the house and Spike led the way straight to the living room. He sat on the couch and Faith stood by the door

“So what’s going on here luv?” he persisted

“Yeah, B the suspense is killing me” Faith added

“Ok, Faith you may wanna sit down for this”
Faith nodded and sat down, before Buffy started Spike spoke

“Ok, I’m confused Faith’s dead, that’s why my father has guardianship of her son” Spike said

“I don’t have a-“ suddenly she had an idea what was going on and she knew it was Buffy’s place to let him in on it

“So, what you had two friend’s named Faith?” he asked

“No, there’s just the one” she told him

“But how does that make sense” he asked

“Ok, here goes. Spike, in LA I was a bit of a rebel. I went against everything that my father wanted. I was friends with Faith, she was the bad girl in school, and my dad hated her so I liked her even more.

“Anyway, I met a guy named Angel and I slept with him, I was sixteen at the time and I thought I was in love. I had been seeing him a month when he broke up with me. He told me I was a whore and meant nothing to him, there was a reason for his outburst though and you need to know what that is.”
She paused for a moment to calm herself

“Spike, Anthony is, he’s my son” she finished quietly

Spike was obviously shocked, Faith however was not

“Damn B, you have been busy”

“Faith, I think maybe you should go. Come by tomorrow and I’ll explain better” Buffy told her

“Ok” the brunette answered as she made her way out of the door. When they heard the door close Spike looked up tears in his eyes

“Why didn’t you tell me, do you trust me that little?” he asked in a pained voice

“Spike that’s not it at all. When I told my father I was pregnant, he was so angry. He was so angry. He wanted me to have an abortion. I refused so he said that he would arrange something. I refused to be separated from him so he got in touch with Giles. He was a colleague of my dad’s up until the year your mother fell pregnant, with you.

“He sent me here but on condition that nobody could know that he was mine. Giles is the only person who knew. I wanted to tell you so many times, I almost did. That’s what I was going to tell you earlier today, at the café, before Willow interrupted.

“Spike, I have no idea what will happen when my dad finds out I’ve told you. He has the power to have Anthony taken from me and he would do it. I was trying to get by until I turn eighteen but I can’t do it any more. On my birthay, when you gave me that picture, I couldn’t help but think how right it looked. I wish it were real” she finished with tears staining her cheeks.
Spike had tears rolling down his face also. He didn’t look quite so upset anymore

“Buffy, luv, you could have told me. I love Anthony like he’s my own son. I know it may sound crazy, but it’s true. Buffy I love you, I want to be with you and I understand why you didn’t tell me. But trust me, your father will not take him away from you. I promise”

He stood from his place on the couch and wrapped his arms around her

“Spike can we work this out?” she asked tearfully

“Yeah, I think we can. I love you Buffy” he whispered

“I love you too” she replied
He was ecstatic at the words, now that his shock was starting to subside he liked the idea of them being a family, he leaned in and brought his lips to hers, waiting a moment before deepening it, she pulled away gasping

“Spike, make love to me” she requested
He said nothing, just took her by he hand and led her upstairs.

Chapter 15: As Time Goes By

The news of Anthony being Buffy’s son had come as a shock to Buffy
and Spike’s friends. They had all thought something strange was going
on, however, no one ever thought it could be that. Buffy could
remember their reactions when she had told them.

“Anthony is my son.”

“Great googly mooglie.” Xander cried.

“Ha ha Buff, very funny.” was Willow’s responded quite nervously.
Oz as ever seemed unaffected, and showed no real emotion. The other
two teens had looked carefully at Buffy and Spike for some sign that
they were kidding, but saw none.

“Guys, come on this isn’t funny.” Xander insisted.
Spike had finally spoken up when he saw the desperate look on the
boy’s face.

“Xander, it isn’t a joke. Anthony is Buffy’s son.”

“How? When? How?” Xander was flabbergasted.

“Well, I’m guessing you probably know how.” Oz spoke with a hint of a
smile
Buffy and Spike both sniggered at his attempt to lighten the mood and
Spike couldn’t resist getting a dig in.

“Well after what he told us last night I wouldn’t be so sure he knows
how.” he smirked.

“Hey.” the brunette protested.

“Ok guys settle down,” Buffy said “it happened just over a year ago.
I met a guy, thought I was in love and slept with him. My dad’s a
powerful guy, big shot lawyer in LA. He wasn’t happy, wanted me to
have an abortion, I refused, so he sent me here. On condition I
didn’t tell anyone. He’ll flip if he knows I’ve told you all. So you
can’t tell anyone. Not yet anyway. But I am going to stop pretending
now and act like his mother” she told them, an emotional edge to her
voice.

Willow still hadn’t said anything, but a thought occurred to her and
she spoke.

“Um, what does that mean for you and Spike?”
Spike was the one to answer the question.

“All it means Red, is that I’m going to help her out even more now. I
love her, I love Anthony, and I want to be with Buffy and take care
of both of them. So that’s what I’m going to do.” He told her.
Buffy had tears in her eyes, she was about to speak again when they
heard the front door open and Giles walk in. He looked surprised when
he came into the living room and saw all five teens, two of whom
looked very emotional, two very shocked and Oz looking, well like Oz.

“Dear Lord, is something wrong?” he asked concerned.

“No, everything’s fine dad.” Spike told him.

“Well then what is going on?”

“I told them.” Buffy said.
She didn’t need to elaborate she could tell Giles knew what she
meant. Just then she had an idea, she whispered something in Spike’s
ear, he nodded and both walked to the door telling the others they
would be right back.

Upstairs Buffy looked very nervous.
“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready pet.” he told her.

“I am. It’s just I wanted to do this for so long, I’m kind of
anxious.” she said.

“You’ll be fine sweetheart. Come on let’s do this”.
They went back downstairs, everyone turned to look at her and noticed
she was holding the baby. Both she and Spike wore huge smiles as
Buffy began to talk, Spike squeezed her hand and looked at her
lovingly.

“Everyone there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is Anthony.”

She paused for a moment as tears threatened to spill from her eyes,
Spike gave her hand another squeeze and she continued.

“This is Anthony, my son.”
Everyone noticed that she and Spike looked every inch the proud
parents and Spike never even registered the fact that he wasn’t his
real father. As far as he was concerned he loved Anthony like a son,
and he wanted to take care of him. He wanted them to be a family.
When he looked up he saw that everyone in the room wore a smile.

“Well, I guess it’s a bit overdue but congratulations Buff, I’m happy
for you”. Willow was the first to speak this time as she walked over
to hug her friend.

“Yeah Buff, congratulations.” Xander said next.
Even Oz spoke

“Congrats guys.”

Buffy let her tears fall.

“Thank you all so much for understanding.” she said tearfully.

“Oh of course we understand Buffy, we love you.” Willow told her as
she wrapped an arm around her friend.

“I love you guys too. One of you in particular.” she said pointedly
looking at Spike

“I love you too baby”. he told her as he leaned down and placed a
soft kiss on her lips.
He then leaned down and placed a kiss on Anthony’s forehead.

“You too little bit.”
Buffy’s tears increased at the show of love from someone who had no
need to accept her son. After all he was only eighteen, he didn’t
need to be a father to someone else’s child. However, she was
ecstatic that he seemed to want to.

Buffy was still awe struck at how well her friends had taken the
news. Her father however had not reacted well when he found out she
had revealed all. He had found out courtesy of Riley, that had been
Buffy’s fault too.

Buffy and Spike had been strolling peacefully in the park, Spike
pushing Anthony in his stroller. Her friends had known for a little
over a month and things with her and Spike were going great. Giles
had allowed her to more or less move into Spike’s bedroom. They
couldn’t get enough of each other and Giles saw no point in having
them sneaking around. So he left them to do as they wished. He was
hardly ever home anyway as his relationship with Jenny went from
strength to strength.

So they had been walking through the park, Buffy had her hand around
Spike’s waist as he pushed the stroller, they were perfectly content
until they saw Riley notice them and start to come towards them.
There had been no use in trying to ignore him so they waited for him
to approach, he looked at them with a sneer as he walked up to them.

“Well if it isn’t the slut and her lap dog.”
“What do you want Riley?” she asked

“Just thought I’d see if you’d had enough of bleach boy here and
wanted to give a real man a go.” he leered at her.

“Um, thanks Riley, but if I wanted a real man I wouldn’t be coming to
you,” she said “that and the fact that I have a real man right here.
And he has me. God, he had me while I was seeing you. If you know
what I mean.” she laughed.

“Just shows what a whore you are.” he said.
“Or it could just be proof that you aren’t good enough, don’t know
how to please a woman, Riley you never managed to get me at all
worked up. Spike can do it with a look. So who’s the real man here?”
she laughed at him. He wore an angry look.
Spike stood back with a smirk as the scene unfolded. He was proud,
his girl had a razor sharp tongue, and he almost felt sorry for
Riley. But only a little.

“You bitch, you wouldn’t know what a real man was. Want me to show
you?” he pulled her hand forward and placed it on his crotch.
Buffy let out a laugh.

“Um Riley, it’s no wonder men have to set you up with their
daughter’s if you think that’s all a real man has to offer. I’m
certainly glad I chose Spike. But I chose Spike even before I was
seeing you. Not that it matters.”

Spike let out a laugh, if she said that to him he would be
humiliated, Riley seemed to be getting increasingly angry as he
started screaming and grabbed her wrist.

“Now you listen to me you bitch, no one says that to me or cheats on
me and gets away with it. So I suggest you take your freak and the
brat and get the hell out of here before you regret what you just
said to me-“

He didn’t get any further, Spike grabbed him by the collar and got in
his face.

“What you going to do cardboard?” he asked threateningly “Now I
suggest you listen and listen good, don’t ever threaten my girl again
or you will be the one to regret it.”
He punched him on the jaw.

“You already said too much about the kid, you don’t get away with
that. And lastly, you lousy piece of shit, lay a finger on her again,
I will really hurt you”. he hit him once more for good measure as he
let him go.
Buffy walked over to him and swiftly brought her knee to his crotch
hard.

“And that brat is my son you asshole.” she yelled.

Riley did now look humiliated. He watched as Buffy and Spike walked
away. They would regret what they did, and he knew exactly how to
make it happen. He took out his cell phone and made a call.

The source of that showed up a few days later. The gang were all at
Giles’ for Sunday dinner. It was part way through the summer, and
Buffy had just told them about considering returning to school. They
were all behind her and offered to help whatever way they could. She
decided to wait until Anthony was a year old before making any
decisions. Their discussion had been interrupted by a loud knock at
the door. Giles went to answer it, and everyone looked up to see a
furious Hank Summers storm in.

“Elizabeth Summers, we need to talk in private. NOW!” he screamed.
But Buffy wasn’t afraid of her father anymore, she had a support
network, friends and a boyfriend who loved her she could do this.

”No dad, if you have anything to say, you can say it front of
everyone.” she told him confidently.

“Listen to me young lady...”

“No dad, you listen everyone here knows and is involved, so you can
say what you have to say in front of them.” she interrupted.

“Fine, we’ll do this in the sitting room.” he told her angrily.

Everyone followed behind Hank. Buffy took hold of Spike’s hand and
didn’t let go as they entered the other room. This was not unnoticed
by Hank.

“Who is this punk?” he asked “Another of your worthless boyfriends.
Slept with him yet, he knocked you up too?”
Spike looked both furious and hurt. Both he and Giles went to answer
him but Buffy beat them to it.

“This is Spike, my boyfriend and Giles’ son. And what I do with him
is no business of yours. I don’t live under your roof anymore, so
what I do is nothing to do with you.” she told her father angrily.

“Buffy Summers, I am still your father and you will do as I say.”

“That’s a joke, Giles has been more of a father to me than you ever
were.” she yelled.

“Look Buffy, just pack your things, you’re coming back to Los
Angeles. And before you say anything it isn’t coming with us.”
Spike could see tears in Buffy’s eyes and it took a moment before he
registered what the it was that Hank was talking about. When he
realized he refused to remain silent. Buffy could see he was going to
yell and say something and made no move to stop him.

“Now wait a minute, you may be Buffy’s father but to be honest I
don’t care. That child there,” he pointed to where Anthony lay asleep
in a crib in the corner “he is not a thing. He is your grandson
whether you like it or not. I love that boy like he was my own son
and I won’t have you or anyone else talking about him like that. He
has a name. His name is Anthony and while you are in my home you will
use It.” he shouted.
Hank turned on him then.

“Love him like he’s your own, I bet it just kills you. Because he
isn’t yours. Someone else beat you to it. He will never be yours. Can
you honestly raise and love another man’s child.”
“Yeah, I can,” Spike shouted “because you can’t call his father a
man. A real man would have been there to look after him-“

“You haven’t managed to knock her up yet, bet you don’t feel like a
real man haven’t managed to do what someone else did.” Hank said
cruelly.

Spike wanted to hit him, his face was red with anger. But he was
Buffy’s father so he tried to let his anger go. Buffy however did
not. She stormed in front of Spike and started yelling.

“Are you calling Angel a real man. He wasn’t dad. He wanted me for
sex and that was all. Spike doesn’t need to take care of Anthony,
doesn’t need to take on another guys responsibility but he does it
willingly. So don’t you dare come in here and talk to him like that.”

Everyone else in the room watched in stunned silence. Giles looked
like he wanted to kill Hank for the way he was talking to his son and
surrogate daughter. But he wanted to see how they would handle it by
themselves. So far, they were doing rather well.

“Buffy get your things we are leaving now. There will be no
arguments. And I’ll say it again it isn’t coming with us.”

Buffy looked at him sadly but had resigned herself to the fact she
would be going back. She was still under eighteen she had no choice.
She looked at Spike, they both had tears staining their face. She
turned and ran upstairs. Spike looked around and saw tears in the
eyes of all their friends. Just then Anthony cried, he moved to pick
him up. He cradled him in his arms, clinging to him, thinking that he
would be all he would have left of the woman he loved soon. Giles had
other ideas but he wanted Hank to think he had won first.

Twenty minutes later Buffy came down with the one suitcase she had
arrived with. Her father immediately got up to leave. Spike handed
Anthony to Willow, he didn’t want to let him go, but he had to for a
moment. Buffy ran to Spike and crushed her lips to his. He
immediately granted her tongue entrance. The kiss was urgent and
needy, they were trying to pour everything they felt into that one
last kiss. As they finally pulled apart she brought one hand up to
cup his cheek and intertwined the other with his

“I love you.” she told him.

“I love you too, so bloody much, you’re my world. I don’t know what
I’ll do without you.” he replied tears rolling down his cheeks.

She led him over to Willow, who held him out for Spike to hold. Buffy
placed a kiss on his forehead.

“You’ll take care of him for me, promise me that.”

“I’ll always take care of him.” he promised.

“I’ll be back, I promise, he can only keep me away for a few months,
when I’m eighteen I’ll be back. Remember that I love you”.

“I love you too, Always.” he repeated.

With tears in her eyes she walked towards the door her friends close
behind, Spike clinging to Anthony for dear life. Buffy was about to
put her suitcase in the trunk when Giles walked out and called to her.

“Buffy”, she looked up “you may want to put that back in the house”.
he told her, a smug look on his face.

“What do you mean?” she asked tearfully.

“I mean you’re not going anywhere.” he told her.

“Rupert, I don’t know who you think you are but she is my daughter
and-“

“Oh Hank do shut up,” Giles interrupted “you always were a
sanctimonious arsehole. Look, Buffy isn’t going anywhere.”

“I don’t see that as being your decision.” Hank told him “I could
take you to court if you try and stop me.”

“And she could take you. Remember something Hank, when we worked
together, you weren’t the best. You were second best.” he turned to
look at the group.

“Can anyone guess who he always came second to?”
Everyone looked on in surprise and a hint of pride, Willow was the
person who gave him an answer with a smile.

“You.” she guessed.

“Exactly.” Giles said smugly “I was always better than you Hank. Now
let me tell you why Buffy won’t be going back”
Hank tried to protest but Giles put a hand up to silence him.

“She won’t be going back not only because she doesn’t want to, but
also because you won’t make her. If you try and force her she will
apply for emancipation.”

“Rupert.” Hank warned.

“I don’t believe I was finished.” Giles yelled “Now as I was saying,
she will apply for emancipation. She will be eighteen in a few months
and I will give her financial support. Also if she told them how you
treated her in this situation and with me as her lawyer you can
guarantee she would get the emancipation."

“I don’t think that would be very good for you reputation, now would
it” he concluded

“Well, I can see we’ve let Ripper out to play”, Hank said “don’t
threaten me.”

“Now you should know by now I don’t make threats, only promises.”

“Fine, you can keep her, little bitch isn’t worth the hassle.” Hank
turned away, Buffy was now crying tears of joy. Spike handed her son
to her and whispered an apology in her ear. She wondered why.

Spike didn’t care anymore if it was his girlfriend’s father or not,
he’d had enough. He walked up and tapped him on the shoulder when he
turned around Spike punched him on the nose

“That is for insulting me.” he said coldly.

He then brought his fist up again and landed a punch on his jaw

“That is for everything you put Buffy through.” he yelled.

He threw another punch which hit him on the mouth

“That is for neglecting to do as I told you, his name is Anthony.” he
stated.

He then brought his foot to his crotch hard.

“and that is just because I don’t like you, you’re a worthless piece
of crap”. he spat as he went to walk away.
He saw Buffy standing next to him, Anthony now in Giles’ arms. As
Hank stood up Buffy slapped him across the face.

“Stay away from me,” she spat “you are not my father. Not anymore.”
She took Spike’s hand and they walked away. The group stood in the
yard and watched as Hank got in his car and drove away. Spike picked
her up and spun her around in joy.

“I love you, Buffy Summers”. he declared as he put her down.

“And I love you, William Giles.” she stated.
She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. Shutting out the
rest of the world. They were brought back by the sound of Giles
clearing his throat.

“I think you two need some privacy, I will take Anthony to Jenny’s
for the night”
at Buffy’s worried look he went on.

“Don’t worry, you have the rest of your life to be his mother.
Tonight just be in love.”
She smiled at his words and nodded her agreement and then Xander
spoke.

“Yeah Buff, I think Spike has a problem he needs you to help him take
care of.” he tease looking pointedly at Spike’s crotch.
Buffy blushed furiously and Spike looked like he could spit daggers.

“All right all let’s go.” Giles requested.

He put Anthony in his stroller and everyone but Buffy and Spike made
their way down the street. Together they walked into the house. When
he closed the door Buffy turned to him

“Well, looks like we’re all alone, what do you wanna do?” she asked
in a mocking tone.

“I wanna make love to you all night.” he said .
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to their room where he
did just that.

That had all happened six months ago and it was now the eve of
Anthony’s first birthday. Buffy could hardly wait, and if it was
possible Spike was even more excited than she was. Their relationship
had gone from strength to strength, and Spike loved Anthony to bits.
He had started college and was studying writing. He made time every
night to play with Anthony and always helped tuck him in every night.
They went out every Saturday during the day to the park or something,
and Giles babysat at night so they could go out by themselves. Life
was perfect. Almost too perfect. They felt like a real family though,
so what could go wrong?

Chapter 16: A Year Gone By

It was October 26th and the day of Anthony’s birthday. Buffy woke early unable to contain her excitement. They had planned a little party for him. There were a few kids on their street who would attend and also the gang. It was mostly about having all of the people she cared about, who she considered family, there. She sat up and climbed out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. Smiling happily.

Spike woke up and found himself alone in bed. He had known Buffy would be like this today. He was equally as excited but Buffy was Anthony’s mother, her excitement showed so much more. Spike thought about the past six months while he waited for his love to return. In the last six months so much had happened that he had never dreamed possible. He had fallen more in love with Buffy, and did so every day. He loved looking after Anthony, he felt like they were a real family. All the hurt left over from Cecily disappeared. It was still painful sometimes that he could have had a child of his own, but as far as he was concerned he loved Anthony as his own and he always treated him as such. He had started college in September, taking a lot of English classes. The people he met there all thought he was crazy wanting to take on someone else’s kid when he was still only eighteen, but he didn’t care what they thought. The people he cared about knew everything that had happened, they had seen how he felt and he had told them all about the Cecily ordeal. They supported him and that’s all that was important. He smiled and came back to himself when he heard the door creak open.

Buffy smiled as she entered the room, Spike was laying lost in thought. He looked gorgeous, his hair still tousled from sleep. He looked positively delicious. He looked up at her with a grin on his face

“Morning sleepy head” she teased as she walked over and stood at his side of the bed

“Good Morning gorgeous” he replied

“So are you going to get up?” she asked her boyfriend

“I was thinking you could come back to bed” he suggested with a wolfish grin

“I really think you should get up” she insisted

“Something’s already up baby, so you should really come back to bed, I’m sure I can give you a good reason” he said seductively

She gave him a coy smile as she replied
“Well, if you put it that way, how can I refuse?”
He took hold of her hand and pulled her down on top of him. He kissed her hard and thoroughly on the lips, his tongue begging entrance which she granted readily. After a moment he pulled away and started kissing his way down her neck. A moan escaped her lips as he reached her shoulders and made his way down to her breasts. Just as he was about to pull her camisole top over her head when the door opened and Giles walked in

“Oh, sorry, um, well, yes, I didn’t think” Giles rambled
Spike groaned as Buffy pulled her top back down and Spike rolled off her

“What can we do for you dad?” Spike asked trying to hide his annoyance

“I was wondering what you had planned today before the party, and I was also a little excited” he said sheepishly

“I’m excited too” Spike told his father and Buffy could hear the innuendo in his voice.

“Giles” Buffy cut in “we are very excited about today, I’m not sure what we have planned for before the party, but Anthony will be awake soon, so maybe we should go downstairs and get started on breakfast” she concluded

Giles nodded and turned walking out the door. Spike started his ministrations on Buffy’s neck again but she pulled away. Spike groaned

“Sorry Spike, but I can’t not now with Giles awake downstairs” she said apologetically

“You’ve never had a problem before luv” he drawled
This earned him a playful punch on the shoulder

“That’s it mister you’re definitely not getting any now” she teased “Come on we should get downstairs”

“You go baby” he told her “I have a date with my hand in the shower”
Buffy rolled her eyes as she got out of bed and put on her robe

“Have fun” she called as she left the room.
Spike groaned once more as he headed for the bathroom.

An hour later Anthony was awake and was having his own breakfast. Spike had come down from the shower wearing a pair of blue jeans and tight white t-shirt, not his usual attire but he still looked hot. He kissed her on the cheek as he walked by.

“Morning baby” she said

“So, decided on plans for the day yet?” Giles inquired from his place at the table
“Not yet” Buffy answered “we’ll probably just hang around here”

Anthony finished his breakfast and Spike walked over to lift him from his high chair

“How’s my boy today?” he cooed, to be greeted with a smile from the boy.
He and Buffy made their way to the living room, to spend some quality time with the person they loved most.

Three hours later at just after noon only Buffy and Giles were left at home. Spike had taken Anthony out for some bonding time. Buffy smiled at the thought, most girls would have been jealous that they didn’t have their son with them on his first birthday, but she liked the fact that she had the time to get his party ready and make his day special. And she loved the fact that Spike wanted to spend time with him. He spent as much time with him as possible and loved taking care of the child. Buffy smiled when she thought about it.

Spike sat on the grass in the park on a blanket. He watched as Anthony crawled around at his feet, he had been crawling for a little over a month and Spike loved to watch. He loved seeing him grow a little bit more every day, learning new things. It made him feel like he was a part of something, but he was always afraid that something was going to take it away. But he put that thought to the back of his mind. They weren’t going anywhere. He was perfectly content when he heard a voice cut into his thoughts

“Hey man” it was Owen

“Hi mate” Spike greeted lifting Anthony onto his lap

“You spend an awful lot of time with that baby Spike” Owen observed

“That I do, Owen, that I do”

“Why” asked his friend curiously “I thought you said he had nanny”

“So did I, turns out he had a mother with a manipulative bastard for a father. His mother just happens to be my girlfriend” Spike informed him

“Oh man, why get involved with a girl with a kid. You’re only eighteen”

“Because I love her, I love them” Spike said

“Are you sure?” Owen asked

“Positive” Spike insisted
“Well if you’re happy” the other man finished

“I am” Spike said simply, smile on his face.

Spike walked in the door at three o’clock sharp. He walked into the living room, Anthony in his arms. The whole gang was there already. A big pile of gifts sat on the table. In the kitchen was a huge birthday cake. They had decided there would be nothing but the best for this birthday. Buffy greeted them both with a kiss on the cheek

“You’re home” she said gleefully

“Yes, I am. You’re looking even more excited now than when I left” he observed

“She’s been like this for the past hour or so” Willow told him “she’s like hyper girl or something”

“The party guests will be here soon” she exclaimed, he excitement evident

“Sweetie, there are only three toddlers in the street. There aren’t many guests” he reminded her

“I know that, but still. It’s my son’s birthday and those three toddlers are coming to his party. This time last year, I didn’t think I’d get to experience this” she said softly

He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear
“You get to experience a lot more of them baby. And if you still want me I’ll be right there with you” he promised. He kissed the top of her head and then took Anthony from his arms.

“Gonna let uncle Spike help you open your pressies later bit?” he asked the smiling child swinging him around in the air.

The group watched the interaction between man and boy. Spike’s adoration for the boy was evident, but there was one thing none of them understood. And that was why he referred to himself as Uncle Spike, but none of them ever said anything. They left them be because at least they were happy. The doorbell rang signalling the tart of the party and Buffy swung into hyper mode again. She ran and opened the door for the other parents, greeting them warmly. The next two hours passed with the children crawling around and playing with an assortment of toys in Anthony’s play pen. Buffy and Spike watching the birthday boy with nothing but love in their eyes. Five o’clock came and Buffy decided it was time for cake. Giles ran to the kitchen to get the cake while Willow grabbed for her camera. Buffy and Spike were sitting cross legged at the coffee table in the living room, Buffy holding her son on her knee. Giles walked into the room and everyone broke into Happy Birthday. Giles put the cake down and Buffy and Spike helped the child to blow out his candles. She snapped a picture of it, thinking that in that they had never looked so happy or so much like a family. After the cake came the presents. There was an assortment of gifts from books to cuddly toys and other toys that children liked to play with.

“Ok, one last present” Buffy called out over the excitement “but we have to go out back, this last gift is from Spike and me” she told them as they made their way to the back door. Everyone looked on in amazement at the final present, it was a huge children’s playground set with a shoot, a special baby toddler swing, and sandbox as well as a few other bits and pieces. They had been saving up to get it for months. Buffy had been working shifts at Giles’ shop to earn extra money and Spike done some part time works as well. But they wanted to get the gift so badly they hadn’t cared how much work they had to do to get it

“It’s amazing” Willow breathe

“Yeah guys, I’m impressed” Xander concurred

“Yeah, we liked it Spike told him.

A few minutes later everyone went back inside and the other toddlers parents took them home. The house was quiet and bit by bit the rest of the gang left too. Leaving just Spike, Buffy and Giles and Anthony, and Giles was leaving soon too. Spike was glad he was hoping for an early night to pick up where they had left off that morning.

Giles was still doing the cleaning up and Buffy was putting Anthony down, he was beat after the long day, and everyone had been gone for about an hour. Spike was sitting peacefully on the couch when the doorbell rang

“I’ll get it” he called as he got up

He answered the door to find a tall, brunette man standing at the door.

“Can I help you?” Spike asked politely

“Yeah, I’m looking for Buffy” the brunette answered
Spike looked at him curiously

“Can I ask who you are ?”
No one heard Buffy come downstairs, she was shocked by the face at the door. She had hoped never to see it again. When Spike asked who he was she answered for the man at the door

“Angel”
Spike hadn’t expected to here Buffy behind him, but when he did and when he heard what she said his world crashed down around him.

Chapter 17: Daddy's Home

Spike stood frozen in place at the door, staring at the man in front of him. He was partially aware of Buffy walking the rest of the way downstairs. He was feeling a wide range of emotions, hurt, anger,
hatred, and the need for violence. But mostly he felt overwhelming fear, fear that he was about to lose everything.

Buffy stood in shock at the sight of the father of her son at the front door. She could see Spike’s jaw clench and she wanted to reassure him. She walked downstairs and put her hand on his shoulder before stepping in front of him..

“Angel, what are you doing here?” she asked annoyed.

“Hi, Buffy. Long time no see.” he said.

“Don’t joke Angel. Just cut to the chase.” She demanded.

“Ok, well, I came here to see you. To see my son.” he told her.

Spike stiffened when he said those words. He hated thinking of that man as the father of the boy he loved as his own son, but it was true.

“Why should I let you see him?” she asked angrily.

“Look Buffy, I know that I was wrong. Can we talk? Sort something out? I really want to explain. If you’ll give me a chance.” he said in a pleading voice..

Buffy sighed and reluctantly nodded and stood aside to let him come in.

Spike watched what went of feeling increasingly hurt. He didn’t want Angel in his house, he didn’t want him to take them away. But he also
knew he had to let Buffy deal with it her way, it had to be her decision, so he let him through. He was unsure if he should follow them to the living room. In the end his need to know what was going
to happen won out and he followed behind them. Buffy and Spike sat on the couch and Angel on the seat across from it.

“Ok Angel, explain.” she ordered.

Angel took a deep breath and thought about what he was going to say, he had been rehearsing it for weeks.

“I’m sorry,” he started “I know that I can’t expect you to forgive me or even believe me but I am. Everything between us happened really
fast, I got scared. I had never been in a proper relationship before, I had a lot of one night stands and the like but never a relationship. What I told you that night was the truth. When I met
you I was only looking for a bit of fun. But the part about not caring, that was a lie.”

He stopped for a minute. Spike could see the hurt written in Buffy’s features when she remembered the event Angel was talking about and he
had never wanted to hit someone as much as he wanted to hit Angel in that moment. He could tell she was trying to be strong and there was
nothing he could do. He looked back at Angel as he continued.

“Buffy, you have to understand when you told me you loved me and then that you were pregnant, I got scared. It wasn’t something I had ever
thought about and it all happened so suddenly. I’m sorry about the things I called you that night, I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” she agreed.

“After you left I still thought I had done the right thing, but as I spent more time away from you I realised how much you meant to me. I
wanted to find you long ago, but I didn’t know where you were, and then Faith saw you. It just took me this long to work up the courage
to come here. I want you back Buffy, I want my son to be a part of my life. I want the both of you in it.” he concluded.

Buffy stared at him. She had no idea what to say. Sitting before her were the only two men she had ever loved and she didn’t know what to
do. She loved Spike, but seeing Angel had brought back a lot of old feelings and that brought uncertainty. She knew Spike wouldn’t hurt
her, but she had a son with Angel, they would always be linked by that. She was so confused.

Spike could see the uncertainty and he could feel her drifting further and further away from him and he was terrified. He couldn’t compete with Angel. He was her first love, they had son together and
suddenly he felt it, he had lost her. Suddenly she spoke.

“Angel, I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m confused. Before today I was happy and content, I was in a great relationship, I am in a relationship with Spike. Things had been
going great and you being here has confused everything and I don’t know what I feel anymore. Everything’s mixed up. You’re right you
have the right to see you’re son, but at the same time you don’t know anything about him. Do you know what day it is today?”

“Um, October 26th.” he said confused.

“No Angel, it’s his first birthday. You’ve missed the first year of his life. And I don’t know what to do. I need time.”

“Ok.” Angel agreed.

Spike was increasingly nervous, she had not once indicated that Spike had been there for that year or what he had been there for. But he
kept quiet, he refused to seem desperate, and he wouldn’t cry. No matter how badly he wanted to.

“Angel, I need time. And Anthony is asleep now anyway. So you can’t see him now. But we do need to sort this out. Why don’t you come back
on Sunday. We can decide what happens then.”

“Anthony O’Dannaghan. I like it.”

Spike’s heart broke in two at the sound of Angel call him that. He had never considered that that surname would ever be used.

“No, it’s Anthony Summers. Not O’Dannaghan.” she informed him.

“Oh.”

“Well you should go. I have some thinking to do.”
She stood up and walked Angel to the door, and said a quick goodbye. It suddenly occurred to her that Spike had remained silent the entire
time but she guessed that was probably a good thing. She went back to the living room and saw Spike sitting on the couch with his head in
his hands, still refusing to let his tears fall. She stood in front of him.

“I think I’m going to sleep in my own room tonight. I need to think. So goodnight.” she said softly.

Spikes heart clenched in his chest. He said a soft goodnight and watched her leave. He went upstairs himself a few minutes later. He
closed his bedroom door behind him. He then curled up into a ball on his bed, and let his tears fall, he cried himself to sleep that night.

Chapter 18: Who’s the daddy?

Sunday came too soon for Buffy and Spike’s liking. For different reasons they both wanted to put off what would happen that day, both were afraid and uncertain. Buffy still hadn’t completely made up her mind what she was going to do. She had hardly slept, the same points running through her head constantly. It always came back to one
question, what did she want? And the answer was always the same, she didn’t know anymore. The more she thought, the more mixed up she
became. Nothing made any sense to her anymore and she hated it.

Spike had never cried so much in his life, the loss of his own child didn’t compare to the thought of losing the woman he loved and her
child, a child that he loved and wanted to protect. There had been a constant flow of tears from his eyes since Angel left that night, he
tried not to think about the negative possibilities. But they seemed to be all he could think about now. He had thought everything would
work out, for the first time in a long while he had been truly happy, but something always came along and ruined it. He was resigned to the
fact that soon enough he would be alone, but he wouldn’t give up completely until he heard her say the words.

Buffy had gotten up early and fed Anthony, she dressed him quickly and strapped him into his stroller. She needed to clear her head but
she couldn’t do it at the house. She knew what time Angel was coming round, she'd make sure to be back. Now she had to make a decision. It
wasn’t going to be easy but it was something she had to do. That much she knew. She wandered aimlessly around the empty park, her thought
swirling in her head. Anthony had long since fallen asleep so now she was alone with her thoughts. She thought of the events of the past
year, she had been happy in Sunnydale sure, but she had loved Angel and that was what confused her. She wasn’t sure how to choose between
the two men. She kept coming back to one major point, she had a son with Angel. She wandered for another hour. She had come to a conclusion of what she had to do. But she needed to talk to talk to someone. She pulled out her phone and pressed the first number on speed dial.

Spike had heard Buffy leave a couple of hours ago. Giles was staying over with Jenny again, so it was just him. He decided to watch some
television to take his mind off things. It wasn’t particularly helping. His thoughts always drifted back. He understood her predicament but it didn’t change the fact that he wanted her to
choose him. Maybe it was selfish, but all he wanted was her, for her to want him. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t imagine living
his life without her. But he knew that there was a distinct possibility that by the end of the day he would have to face that prospect. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard the doorbell, he
looked at the clock and upon seeing the time he knew who was at the door. He went to the door, opened it and returned to the living room.
Ignoring Angel altogether. Angel looked around and frowned when he saw no sign of Buffy or Anthony.

“They’re out.” Spike informed him without looking up.

“I can see that,” Angel replied irritably “when will they be back?”

“Dunno, she didn’t say.” Spike told him.

“Whatever.” Angel said curtly.

The two men sat in awkward silence for a while before Angel felt compelled to say something to Spike.

“So are you ready to watch her leave?” he smirked.

“If it’s what she wants, then yes.” he replied honestly.

“Are you that pathetic?” Angel asked him snidely.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Spikes voice was slowly getting louder.

“Well, you were ok while I wasn’t around and you took her on willingly and now she’s going to walk away and you’re going to let her. Like I said pathetic.”

Spike’s jaw clenched as Angel went on, but he said nothing, he simply turned away, effectively shutting the other man out.

Buffy sat on a bench now, she looked up and saw her friends: Willow, Xander, Oz and even Giles walk towards her. She had asked them all to
come here, she needed to explain everything to them face to face, help them see why she had made the decision that she had. It was the
hardest decision she ever had to make but she had felt she had no other choice. The mood was sombre as one by one her friends
approached her, she stood up and hugged each of them. This was a source of comfort, she needed their understanding in all of this. She
spent the next thirty minutes telling her friends what she had decided, pleading with them to see it from her point of view. There
had been a lot of tears. And although they told her they supported her, they didn’t understand, she could see it in their eyes. She was
getting ready to leave, to face the inevitable, when her phone rang.

Spike sat on the chair in the living room, anticipating what Angel was going to say next. He knew that he was trying to hurt him. Affect
him in some way. For the past thirty minutes there had been constant snide comments, and it was only going to get worse.

“It kills you doesn’t It.” it wasn’t a question, it was Angel merely making a statement. Spike knew exactly what he was talking about but
had to ask anyway.

“What does?”

“That he’s not yours.” Angel told him smugly.

“Yes.” there was nothing but honesty in his voice “I love him like my own son.”

“But he’s not,” Angel said with a self satisfied smile “and he never will be and you hate it. You know that you’re going to lose, because
whatever she feels for you, it doesn’t compare. Doesn’t compare to what she has with me, because what she has with me is life. Life in
the form of our son.”
Spike could feel the tears threatening to spill from his eyes and he was determined not to let that happen. Not in front of him. So he did
the only thing he could, he said something in return.

“No, I don’t have that, and I’m guessing that I never will. At least not with her. But there’s one thing I do have. I have the memories of
the first year of his life. If Buffy is happy nothing else matters, that’s all I want for her. I’ll always have the memories of this year.” He finished. He then sat back down and ignored Angel as
possible.

Back in the park Buffy listened to the voice on the other side of the phone in shock.

“Ok, bye.” she finished the call.
Her friends all wore worried looks as she turned back to them.

“Buffy what’s wrong.” Willow asked.

“Um, it’s my father.” she told them..

“What about him Buff.” Xander asked impatiently.

“He’s dead.” she said in a shocked voice.
A small gasp was uttered among the group, Willow went to her friend and wrapped her in a hug.

“Buffy, I’m so sorry.” Willow told her.

“Thanks.”

“Yes Buffy, I may not have liked the man but he was your father and therefore I am sorry.” Giles said sincerely.

Buffy gave a small smile.
“It’s ok guys. I mean I’m sad that he’s dead he was my father but-“
and suddenly something hit her. A realisation that she should have thought of long ago.

“Um guys, there’s something I have to do. I have to go and I have to go now” she ran for the park gates, Anthony still with the others in the park. And Buffy ran, but she couldn’t go straight home. There was something she had to do first, something she had been too afraid to
do before now, but now she had to do it. After that she ran all the way home. She snuck upstairs quietly without alerting anyone to her
presence and did what she had to do. She went to her room to collect something, then she ran downstairs leaving one of the items on the
table by the door before entering..

Spike looked up to see a red faced Buffy, she looked tired, he could tell she had been running. However. He saw no sign of Anthony. He
wasn’t sure what to think, before he said anything Buffy greeted them.

“Hi guys.”

Buffy waited as the two men looked at her. Her heart was racing, she was nervous, but she suddenly wanted to do this.

“Buffy.” Angel greeted “Good to see you. Where’s Anthony?”
And then she remembered, she had left him with the others, she had to cover and quick.

“Oh, he’s with the others they’ll be back soon.”

“ I was just telling Spike how I couldn’t wait to take you back with me.”Buffy took a deep breath before speaking.

“Angel, you’re right I made my decision.”
Spike’s heart sank and Angel’s face lit up with a smug grin.

“And my decision is that I’m not coming back with you.” she finished.
Spike almost burst into tears right there and Angel looked furious, but he reigned his anger in.

No one had heard the group come through the front door just in time to hear this announcement. There was a collective sigh of relief and
smile within the group. Who stood close enough to hear what would be said next.

“But Buffy, I’m his father. We can be a family” Angel argued.

“Yes Angel you are his father,” Buffy agreed “but you aren’t his dad.”Angel looked confused so she went on.

“Angel just because your sperm made him doesn’t make you his dad. It makes you his father, but those are two different things. Being a father is a matter of biology, it’s about genetics. But that’s not
what makes you a child’s daddy.

“What makes you a daddy is loving a child unconditionally. Doing everything in your power to take care of him, playing with him and
taking walks in the park. Being a daddy is looking after him when he’s sick, holding him when he has a bad dream. It’s about being there for the important things.”

“But Buffy we can have that.” Angel insisted.

“No Angel we can’t, because we,” she pointed between Spike and herself “we already have that.”
A lone tear made it’s way down Spike’s cheek, unable to contain his emotions any longer. Buffy walked over to the table to retrieve what
she had left there. It was the picture Spike had given her on her birthday. She held it out to Angel.

“We already have a family. This is what a family is. Spike loved Anthony even before he knew he was my son. He’s been there for the important parts. He takes care of him. He took on your responsibility without a second thought and he did it willingly. You may be his father Angel, but you will never be his dad.”
She walked over to Spike, looking directly into his eyes as she spoke.

“He already has a daddy. This man here is his daddy.”She then spoke directly to Spike.

“You are his daddy, you have been there, and that has meant everything to me. Biology isn’t important, it determines the physical
attribute sure, but you are what will shape the kind of person he becomes. You are the one who tucks him in at night, you are the one he knows, the one he loves. You have that.”
She paused for a moment to think about how to phrase what she had to say next, when she was sure she continued as she pulled something out
of her hand and handed it to him.

“And in about eight months or so, you are going to have the genetics too.” she said emotionally as her own tears began to fall. Spike’s were falling freely now, and he didn’t care he looked in amazement at the stick in his hand, with the blue plus sign on it and he never felt so happy. He couldn’t help himself, he picked her up and spun
her around before asking.

“How?”

“Well I think you know how,” she teased “well you probably noticed I’d been a little run down lately, but I thought it was just stress , with preparations for school after Christmas and all. But I had a
niggling suspicion in the back of my head and I just had to know. I got a call telling me my father had died and suddenly it hit me, the difference between a dad and a father and my decision was made for me. I knew it was you I loved, but I didn’t want to deprive my son of his dad, but I suddenly realised that’s what I would be doing if I
took him away from you.” she finished tearfully.

“I’m sorry about your dad, sweetheart.” he told her.

“Don’t be.” she replied.

“But Buffy what does that mean for you going back to school now?" He asked worried

“Well when I first decided I wanted to go back, Giles offered to pay for home schooling because I’d be so much older than the others in my
class. If the offer still stands I guess I’ll take him up on it.”

“Of course it still stands.” Giles said from the doorway. Suddenly they were alerted to the people in the hall, three of who had tears
glistening in their eyes. Anthony was giggling and kicking his feet and Buffy went over and took him from his stroller, she walked back over and handed him to Spike.

“You can’t do this! I have a right to see my son.” Angel yelled.

“You don’t have a son Angel, you gave him up when you told me you wanted nothing to do with him. That was your choice. Now I think you
should go. Goodbye Angel” she said
Angel seemed to be going to say something else but didn’t, in the end he just turned and stormed out.

As the door slammed Spike let out a whoop of joy

“I can’t believe you chose me.” he cried.

“I’ll always choose you. I love you. It will always be you.” she promised.

“Oh baby, I love you too.” he leaned down and captured her lips in a loving kiss. As they parted he didn’t think life could get any better, until he heard her son, correction their son utter his first
word, a word that made his heart sing and a smile spread across his face, as they pulled apart he heard his son.

“dada”

Chapter 19: Epilogue

3 years later

Spike sat in the audience with Giles, Willow, Xander and Anthony. Each and every one of them wore a smile and infinitely proud look on their face. They listened as her name was called

“Buffy Summers”

Spike watched more proud than any of the others as she walked across the stage. She was finally graduating. She looked radiant as she crossed the stage. Be cause of her pregnancy she had missed much of her sophmore year, so she had started her studies from there. She had returned to school for her senior year, and therefore had attended her second senior prom This time she was crowned queen. She had passed all of her classes determined to get into college and follow her dream. She was almost twenty years old.

Spike was going into his final year of college in the fall, his 22nd birthday was soon and he didn’t think there was anything else that could happen to make him happier. In the past three years he had found everything he ever wanted. He had a family, that was all he needed.

Buffy beamed as she left the stage. She was proud that she had found the courage to go back to school, she wouldn’t have missed the experience for the world. She had been juggling her life for two and a half years to get to where she was, she had made it because of the support of her friends and most importantly Spike. Since that day three years ago life with him had gone from strength to strength, he made her happy, she loved him more every day, with the birth of their own child life had been officially announced perfect. But Spike never made differences between the two. If one got a new toy so did the other, he kissed them both at night as he tucked them in. His love for them both was unconditional.

She smiled as she walked down the school steps walking towards the love of her life. He scooped her up in his arms as soon as she was within reach and spun her around, kissing her as he lowered her to the ground.

“I am so proud of you baby” he said to her with a wide smile

“Thank you” she replied

“But you have to wait until later for your graduation present” he murmured that part seductively in her ear. As he smiled wolfishly at her. She let out a small giggle.

They looked at the people around them all trying to give them a moment alone. Giles was talking to Jenny and Joyce. Joyce Summers had realised she was wrong In her treatment of Buffy and had come to Sunnydale within days of her husband’s death, even having him buried there. She had been trying ever since to make things up to her daughter and getting to know her grandchildren. She adored Spike and she was glad that everything that happened, happened.

Xander and Willow who had announced their own relationship 3 months ago were standing together watching the two children run around giggling. Oz had been gone for about a year, things hadn’t worked out with Willow and so he had transferred to a British university for a change of scene. Life was good.

Buffy and Spike listened to the sounds of their children’s giggles, a sound neither one ever tires of. Spike turns towards them and calls

“Anthony, Abigail come over here”
The giggling children run toward them and Buffy scoops their daughter up while Spike does the same with Anthony. Anthony is now almost five years old and starts first grade in the fall. Abigail is two and looks exactly like her father, both have those blue eyes that would melt any heart and means both always get their own way. Spike had never been so happy as the day he had held his daughter in his arms for the first time, he had cried as he watched her being born, it was the most amazing thing he ever saw. He remembered Buffy’s words as the named her

“How about Abigail” she asked looking at him “it means-“

“Father’s joy” he cut her off, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips before whispering “it’s perfect”
And they had their daughter.

Buffy saw the far away look in his eyes and knew what he was thinking about. She had never seen a bigger smile. She looked down at her left hand, looking lovingly at the platinum band on her finger. Spike had proposed to her the night she had chosen him and she didn’t hesitate to accept. She knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. He had surprised her with the wedding though. For months he had her making decisions about what she wanted including the dress and had Willow relate everything back to him and he arranged it all. On the day of her eighteenth birthday he had Willow lure her away

Buffy had no idea what Willow was doing, she had inquired about it many times but never received an answer. She wandered for thirty minutes until they were in the middle of nowhere, she continued to follow Willow until they came to a clearing, there she saw an old church with Spike standing outside, She was still unsure of what was being planned but she would give him a chance.

“What’s going on?” she asked curiously
He smirked at her before answering

“What does it look like?”

“It looks like you’re taking me to church” she told him
He chuckled

“Do you remember when we started making wedding plans you said I could pick the location? Well I pick here. This place is hardly ever used now but I managed to get permission to use it. This place is like a sanctuary, I used to love to come here and think and be on my own. I always dreamed of getting married here”

“Well then I guess we’re getting married here” she smiled

“I’m glad you said that sweetheart” he then dropped to one knee and took her hand in his. Buffy was astonished to say the least

“Buffy, I love you more than anything in the world. This past year and a half has been the happiest time of my life, we are a family and I want you to be my wife, I want you to be my wife today”

“We don’t have anything yet Spike” she said

“Well you see, that’s where you’re wrong. Red’s a sneaky little thing, we’ve been planning this for months so when you picked something out she told me and we arranged it. Don’t be mad I just wanted to give you a good birthday, I want to marry you. And don’t worry I don’t know what your dress is like, dad just gave her the money to pay for everything” he assured her

“So, I ask you again. Will you marry me today Buffy Summers?”

“Of course I will” she exclaimed through the teas that were falling from her eyes. He kissed her and made a whoop of joy before ushering her inside to get ready.

Two hours later Spike and his best man Xander were standing at the alter. His palms were sweating and he was extremely nervous. But then he heard the music start and watched as Willow as Buffy’s maid of honour walked down the aisle. His breath caught when he saw Buffy on Giles arm make her way toward him. Her dress was a simple two piece. The top was a corset style encrusted with diamantes at the waist and a simple full, ball gown style skirt which skimmed the floor. On her head was simple diamante tiara. To Spike she was stunning, the picture of pure beauty.

They made their way to the vows and minister informed everyone that Spike had written his own, with a shaky voice he started

“Buffy, since I’ve known you my life has been wonderful. You turned my life around. You’ve shown me what it’s truly like to be loved by some one other than family. But now that’s what we are. We are our own family, and everyday I love you more for giving me that. Buffy, I love you with all my heart, you are more than just my girlfriend or my lover, you are both of those things, but you are also my soulmate and my best friend. So the vow I make to you is to continue to love you, to be there for you and take care of you. I promise to make you proud, because everyday you make me want to be a better person. But the vow I give you now, the most important, I vow to be yours forever” he finished as he felt tears begin to fall from his eyes. Buffy had been crying form the second word. The vicar turned and asked Buffy to recite her vows

“Well I didn’t know about this so I’m a little unprepared. I’ll give it a go anyway”
A giggle sounded through the church at that

“William, Spike, when I met you I was facing the worst time of my life. I felt like my world was falling apart around me, but even without knowing the whole truth about me, you gave me the courage to not give up. You stood by me, defended me when no one else would. You refused to give up on what we had. But you were also prepared to give me up to make me happy, but I could never be happy without you in my life. I thought I had been in love before, but I realise now that I didn’t know what love was until I met you. I vow to you that I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I promise to be there for you through anything that happens. I know that life won’t be easy, there will be obstacles in our way, but I vow that we will face them together and overcome them. I vow that I will love you for the rest of my life. I vow to be yours forever” she repeated his words at the end simply because it was the truth.

They exchanged rings and then came some of the greatest words they ever heard

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride”
And Spike did just that, he kissed her with all the love he felt inside. They were forever.

Buffy was torn out of her thoughts by the sound of her friends congratulating her.

“Thanks guys” she beamed

“So Buff, you want to grab your graduation meal. We all had it.” Xander said excitedly
She looked at Spike who touchéd something in his pocket as he nodded to her

“That sounds great. But there’s something I have to do first” she told them.

Half an hour later Buffy stood in front of his grave. She looked at the head stone, where it was declared
‘Hank Summers. Beloved husband, father and grandfather’
Buffy couldn’t help but smile at how much of a lie that was but she had to do this

“Hi dad” she started “I really don’t know why I’m calling you that, but I just want to thank you. You helped me realise what a father really is. Because of you my life is perfect, my son has a real dad and a baby sister and I have a family. The kind of family you never gave me. I just wanted to say goodbye, because you were still my father” she concluded. Spike walked up behind her and put a calming hand on her shoulder and placed a kiss on the top of her head. She looked at him before walking away and joining the others.

Spike stood before Hank’s grave, fingering the paper in his hand that they had gotten without a problem after they had let Ripper out to play. That had happened sixth months after Hank died. Spike remembered his words that one time he met him ‘he’ll never be yours’. Spike smiled and looked at the papers, he looked where it said Certificate of adoption. Anthony was now Anthony Giles, and legally Spike’s son. Spike placed the photocopy in an envelope and laying it on the grave, he said

“You were wrong Hank. I didn’t really need these papers to tell me this, but you were wrong. He is my son”
Spike turned and went to his wife. He took her hand and lifted his daughter into his arms while Anthony held onto his mother’s hand, Together the family and their group of friends exited the cemetery, looking forward to the future.