Almost three months had gone by since Buffy had abruptly arrived in Sunnydale with her baby news, coming back into everyone’s life once again. Now Buffy sat in an empty hospital waiting room with William and Giles which was odd in itself. They were both with her for support, the bonds between all of them growing stronger due to the amount of time they had been spending together. They were at the hospital for the 20 week ultrasound and check up and Buffy couldn’t be more nervous. She sat between the two men, playing with the hem of her shirt. She could just make out the small bump of her belly though her clothes. William sat still, watching her questionably. Buffy hadn’t uttered more then an occasional yes or no since they had left the house that morning and he was growing more concerned for her by the minute.
"Luv, are you alright?" William asked watching her. His blue eyes searching for a sign, anything to explain her behavior.
"Fine." She replied. He wasn't buying it however and raising an eye brow at her she sighed giving in to him.
"What if there's something wrong?" Buffy asked, panicked. At this question Giles put the magazine he had been reading down and focused his attention on her as well.
"With the baby?" Giles asked.
"Yeah... I mean this isn't exactly a normal pregnancy. A former master vampire dies saving the world then is brought back three months later human. Still powerful. Still strong. She and a slayer then hook up and before you can say easy bake over there’s a bun in mine." William laughed softly at this; the girl did have a way with words.
"This child was prophesized Buffy. I find it hard to believe there would be any abnormalities within the child." Giles tried to reassure her.
"What if it has horns or a tail?"
"Excuse me?" Giles asked a bit shocked.
"Well I was a demon."
"But you’re not anymore." William chimed in. He couldn’t understand why she kept referring to herself as the demon she once was.
"No? Then where does the power come from then?"
"Buffy luv the powers that be gave you that power so when the baby was born you will be able to protect it. You’re not a demon and this baby doesn't come from evil, it comes from good. You’ll see the baby is going to be fine, no horns, tail’s or slime." William reassured her rubbing her arm. Buffy looked up at the doctor who had just stepped into the waiting room calling her name. Collecting her stuff that she had laid on the floor at her feet, William and Giles followed her into the ultrasound room.
Buffy lay on the doctor’s examination table nervously as the doctor asked her to move her shirt up, just under her breasts. She also asked her if she could lower her jeans down just above the line of her pubic hair. She said it would allow him to have better access to view the baby. She watched in fascination as the doctor squirted a cold jelly like gel onto her now small firm bump she had become accustomed to that had begun to form a few weeks ago. The doctor picked up what Buffy could only think was the probe and placed it on the cool gel on her stomach, pushing the gel around a little. The doctor turned to the screen of the machine near by which the wand was now illuminating soft white and grey’s of colour.
"Ok here we go." The doctor turned the screen towards Buffy for easier viewing. Viewing the screen in awe, she felt herself getting lost in what the doctor was telling her. She could actually see the shapes he was talking about as he pointed them out, making her heart sing with joy as he did.
"There are the legs, arms, heartbeat and the head. That there is the cord.” The doctor swished the wand around her stomach expertly, applying a little pressure so she could see the baby’s features more closely. With the other hand she gestured to the screen as she spoke, occasionally taking the time to push a few buttons on the machine.
“Please bear with me I just need to take some measurements." Buffy watched on fearful as the doctor clicked on the machine in front of her, occasionally moving the wand to get it in a better position. She could see at one point the doctor monitoring the baby’s heart beat and measuring all the baby’s limbs. It was strange that she could see all these things where sometimes it just looked like a big mass of light and dark spots. About five minutes passed and Buffy was growing more anxious by the minute, thinking the doctor was going to say that there was something wrong. Instead, she turned and smiled at her.
"It seems everything is in check here. Where you wanting to know the sex?" Buffy turned for the first time to look at William who was staring at the screen in awe, just like Giles. They were standing side by side, leaning forward slightly, eyes fixed upon the screen. Buffy almost laughed out loud at the sight of it. William turned and looked at her nodding.
"Yeah that would be great." The doctor moved the wand around a little, watching the screen intently before she spoke again.
"You are carrying a girl, a healthy little girl." Buffy beamed.
‘A girl. I’m having a girl.’
"So everything is normal?" Buffy asked.
"She's just fine." Sighing in relief she could feel all her concerns about horns and tails melting away, ridiculing her self for thinking so bizarre. Everything was fine. She was having a perfectly healthy little girl. The doctor moved the wand over the baby’s head, where you could make out its eye, nose and mouth. She could make out her little hand moving ever so slightly. Looking at the little life on the screen, she felt her heart grow she never knew she could love like this so completely.
“Your ultrasound results will be ready to pick up in a few days. Would you like a picture to show your family and friends?”
Later that night Buffy and William sat on the lounge talking and laughing about nothing in particular. They had not long finished dinner. Dawn had gone all goo goo gaga when Buffy had shown her the picture of the ultrasound and it was now sitting up on the mantle in the lounge room. Dawn had gone over Janice’s for the night. She had convinced William that she wanted to give him ‘space’. The house felt almost empty without her. Willow and Tara had moved out not long after Buffy had returned. Willow had explained to William it was so there would be more room for all of them but Buffy thought it was the excuse they were looking for to venture out on there own. Buffy realized that William and herself hadn't talked like this since she had first returned to Sunnydale. It was so comfortable, so happy just enjoying each others company. William personally didn't want this night to end but looking at the clock on the wall he knew it was getting late and he had responsibilities to uphold no matter how much he wanted to stay. Sighing he stood from the couch.
"I should go patrol." He stated. Buffy stood glancing at the clock also.
"Oh of course you want a hand?" She offered before much thought. She wanted to spend more time with him and she realized she missed things being like this. So simple, when it was just them, no thoughts about demons or vampires. There had been a few bold attacks against her since being in Sunnydale but they never lasted long once faced with a very angry and protective slayer.
"No I’m fine besides you should rest. You have had a big day." His voiced was laced with concern. Buffy nodded in agreement slightly disappointed that their time tonight had to end.
"Yeah I might head to bed. Sounds like a good idea." She smiled softly.
"Okay I’ll see you in the morning luv." He replied planting a soft kiss on the top of her head. William had made a bit of a habit of showing her affection when he could, nothing too much to over bear her though. Thankfully she allowed it. He turned to the front door, grabbing his weapons as he did so. Just as he went to turn the door handle Buffy had a sudden urge to say something.
"Spike." He turned back to look at the blonde standing in the lounge where he had left her moments ago.
"Be careful." She cautioned.
"Always luv." He smirked as he walked out the door closing it behind him. Taking a deep breath, Buffy headed upstairs to her room. Out of habit more then anything she shut the door behind her before flicking the lamp on and begun to tug her top over her head. Buffy’s eye caught the mirror of her shapened form and sighing she dropped her top to the bed before running her hand lightly over her bump. That’s when she felt it. A small, light bump from inside of her. Smiling brilliantly at her self in the mirror she knew that this was what she had read in all those baby books. Her baby had just kicked her and for the first time she had felt it. She was harshly jarred from her joy however when the bedroom door was kicked open. Before she could react the demon swatted her across the face, cutting her cheek. Screaming in both terror and in sheer shock, she ducked down and tried to skittle out the door but the demon stood in her path.
She could feel her heart pounding against her chest and felt her skin go hot as she backed away from the demon trying to put the bed between her and it. She knew she would have to fight. William wasn’t here to protect her. She was plagued with thoughts of worry. What would happen if this demon got lucky and hurt the baby? She could never live with herself if that happened. She looked around for a possible weapon. She could feel blood dripping from her cheek from the cut. That’s when she heard the unmistakable sound of bone and flesh breaking. Whipping her attention back at the demon she could see a sword sticking out of its chest. The sword was then pulled free from the demon and it fell to the floor lifeless before dissolving into a pool of goo.
Looking up from the pool of goo on the floor Buffy could see William standing in the doorway, sword in hand. He dropped it to the floor and advanced on her quickly. He didn’t say anything, just wrapped his arms around her bare shoulders in comfort. Overwhelmed, Buffy started to shake slightly and lent into him, letting tears fall from her eyes. Looking up at him she looked into his eyes with gratitude for she didn’t honestly know what she would have done if he hadn’t shown up when he had. He moved his hand up to her cheek to wipe her fallen tears away.
"You’re bleeding." He whispered taking a handkerchief from his pocket and wiping the blood away.
"I'm fine. Just a scratch." She replied. He attentively wiped the wound till the bleeding stopped.
"Why did you come back?" She asked finally.
"I had a bad feeling. Slayer sense and all that." She nodded hugging him again, relief flushing over her. William ran his fingers though her hair lightly, breathing in the soft sent of her conditioner. He honestly didn't know what had made him turn around. He was almost at the cemetery when he felt a cold chill go though him, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He just knew right then that Buffy and the baby where in danger. He was now aware however that Buffy stood in his arms in only a pair of jeans and black lacy bra. Cursing himself for reacting, he could feel himself going hard. Stepping back he gave her some room.
"You should get dressed luv." She looked confused at first and then looked down at her self, eyes widening when she realized she was slightly naked. Embarrassed, she quickly covered herself with her arms.
"Oh right." She whispered. William turned around to give her some privacy. He took this time to distract himself and look at the damage of the door, thankfully it wasn’t much.
"Okay all dressed." She told him. He felt like it had taken her forever to get into her pj's and he was painfully aware at the fact that she had striped down to her underwear in order to get into them. Every part of him wanted to turn around, grab her and make love to her right now but he knew she would never let him. He turned to face her smiling at her choice in pj's.
"What?" She asked when she realized he was staring.
"Yummy sushi?" He laughed softly.
"Shut up!" She said slapping his arm playfully before slipping under the covers of the bed. Realizing that she wanted to sleep William sighed and he headed for the door.
"Well goodnight luv." He said as he flicked off the light.
"Spike?" She called sounding panicked. She sat up in the bed, her face mirroring her voice. He turned to face her.
"Yeah?"
"Could you maybe.... stay here... with me?" She asked sounding slightly unsure of herself.
"Sure." He nodded. He knew she was shaken up from before and he knew one night on the old couch would be fine. Slipping off his jacket, he hung it over the end of the bed before heading over to the couch that was in the corner of the room, right underneath the window.
"The good old comfy chair." He sighed. He couldn’t complain not really. The couch was actually comfortable to sleep on.
"This will do." He uttered to himself.
"No... I mean can you stay here?" She corrected patting the bed sounding surer of her self now. William turned to look at her, not knowing what to say.
"Can you just hold me?" She whispered, her eyes pleading. She looked so vulnerable, so scared and was reaching out to him for comfort. Pushing his shock aside he nodded, willing himself to calm down he walked over to the bed. Quickly shedding his clothes except his underwear, thank god he had decided to wear some today; he sank into the bed beside her. Buffy held the covers up and he crawled under, letting his head sink into the pillow as she wrapped the blanket and herself around him. She rested her head on his bare chest while draping an arm across his stomach. William drew in a ragged breath, fighting for control once again. He kissed her softy on the top of her head, her hair lightly tickling his lips as he did so. He then wrapped himself around her, feeling her warmth of her entire being encircled in his arms. She lifted her head up to look at him.
"Thank you." she whispered. William noticed that her eyes were relaxed, almost dream like now.
"For what?"
"For saving us, for keeping us safe." He smiled softly at her as she lowered her head back down onto his chest. Soon he could hear her breath grow deeper a sure sign that sleep had finally taken hold of her. William smiled softly as he listened to her breathing; he wished he could spend forever with her in his arms. If she would only allow herself to be with him.
"I love you." He whispered before placing one last kiss on her head allowing himself to joined her in slumber. Buffy slowly opened her eyes as a single tear escaped them.
Over the past three months their relationship had grown she realized and without meaning to she had fallen even more in love with him. She desperately wanted to be with him but a part of her still felt unworthy of his time and love but another part of her didn't care if she was worthy or not it just wanted to be with him. Maybe he was right maybe they where meant to be. She secretly hoped he was right because she could feel her resolve breaking with everyday and she knew if things kept going the way they had been she soon wouldn't be able to hold back from telling him just how much she wanted him. Closing her eyes she tried to push the thought from her mind as she willed her body to give into sleep.
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