Chapter 56
Buffy and William slid into opposite sides of a booth and were handed menus. William opened his up, and then promptly closed it. “God, I’m tired,” he sighed as he rubbed gently rubbed his eyes. “It’s good to see you,” he said as he reached across the table and grabbed her hand, interlacing her fingers with his. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m feeling fine. Everything is fine. I’m a little tired,” Buffy said, suddenly feeling nervous.
The waitress approached the table and they quickly ordered the pizza and a serving of ravioli. William ordered a glass of the house Chianti and Buffy requested some sparkling water. As soon as the waitress left William got up and joined Buffy on her side of the booth. As he slid in he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave her a little squeeze.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“Did you tell Dru?” she asked.
“No,” he said simply.
“Have you told anyone?” she asked.
“Just Catherine. But you already know I told her,” he replied.
“Only because she saw the ultrasound photo,” Buffy reminded him.
He pulled back a bit and looked at her with puzzlement, “What’s your point, luv?”
Buffy looked down, her hands twisting the napkin that rested in her lap, and whispered, “Are you ashamed?”
“What?” he asked totally taken aback.
“I mean, it would be kind of understandable-” she started.
“No. I’m not ashamed. We just hadn’t talked about it. How to, or when we would tell people the news. Are you telling people?” asked William.
“Just a few people,” explained Buffy.
“Who?” asked William.
“Well, Conner knows. He ran the test. I fainted at the hospital, long story. Parker knows-” started Buffy?
“Parker?” asked William.
“Yeah, I passed out in the middle of one of his Trauma’s. He ordered Conner to take care of me. He was in the room when Conner gave me the results. Conner was really sweet and he was trying to be discreet. But, when he told me the news I-I guess I forgot Parker was even there, and he heard. He’s actually the one that brought me over to see the OB, and then he drove me home. He was very sweet and- and well behaved. God! Why do I feel like I did something wrong!” finished Buffy.
“Are-are you attracted to Parker?” William asked, swallowing hard.
“No. Oh, God, no,” said Buffy quickly.
“Buffy, you’re a trusting person, you search for the best in people. It’s one of the many things I love about you. But, Parker should not be trusted. You put yourself in a vulnerable position, being with him, alone. Maybe you feel like you did something wrong because you knew I wouldn’t like it,” suggested William as he slid away from her and turned to accept their drinks from the waitress.
“I wasn’t thinking clearly at the time. I felt so sick-” she trailed off, tears in her eyes. “Don’t be mad. I know you’re right. It was stupid. I need to be more cautious around him. Not give off any mixed signals.”
“I’m not mad. Okay, that’s not entirely true, I am mad. He could have tried to seduce you, or hurt you, or hurt the baby-” said William awkwardly as he rubbed his hands on his thighs.
Buffy leaned her head on his shoulder and assured him, “It’s you I love, you I want, your baby I’m carrying inside of me. I’m sorry if my accepting his help that day has made you doubt any of that, or my judgment. It was a mistake, I know. But, I didn’t want to hide it from you,” she explained.
“Don’t do it again,” he said, as he looked her directly in the eyes.
“No, I won’t,” she promised and he nodded.
“So, who else knows?” he asked.
“Just Willow, Tara and Dawn. And, I think that Dru knows. I think she knew before anyone. Something that she said in London made me wonder if she had, I don’t know, some sense of it. I’d like to officially tell her,” said Buffy.
“How about tomorrow? Then we could go out for dinner and celebrate,” suggested William.
“Oh tomorrow, that reminds me, we’ve been invited to a beach party. Well, not a party, really, just a few friends getting together. Willow, Tara, Dawn, Conner, Anya and her boyfriend, I don’t remember his name,” she finished.
“Xander,” offered William.
“Yes, that’s it!” said Buffy, surprised.
“He was the one that was supposed to do your birthday dinner, pet,” he reminded her.
Buffy cupped her hand over her mouth and gasped, “My gosh, I had completely forgotten. So, you know everyone then.”
“Well, Xander and I are mates. I’ve known Anya for a while,” he said and when he noticed Buffy raise her eyebrows quizzically. “In a strictly business sense,” he quickly added. Buffy crossed her arms in front of her and he finished, “I swear.”
Buffy’s face broke into a radiant smile and she said, “I believe you. I’ve only met Anya a few times, but I know she places very high value on orgasms. She would undoubtedly have considered you too valuable a commodity to let go.”
William finally released a breath that he seemed to have been holding, “Okay, was it just me? Or, were things a little awkward between us for a bit there?”
“I felt it too,” admitted Buffy. “But I feel better, now. Suppose it will always be like that when we see each other after time apart?”
“I don’t know. I don’t particularly like it though. But I guess it’s to be expected,” he said.
“You know, I was thinking last night about the pregnancy thing, and, well, how it’s changed the way I feel about you, about us,” she admitted.
“Go on,” he encouraged as he took a sip of his wine.
“I’m not sure that I can explain it. I mean, when I first met you, right away, I felt this attraction. I didn’t particularly want for it to be there, even kind of fought against it. I know that we were on our way to building something. Normally that takes a while, it should take awhile. Now, suddenly there’s this really intimate thing that we’re sharing. There are moments when I feel this overwhelming connection to you, like on some level I’ve always known you. Then, there are times when I’m reminded about how long we’ve actually known each other and suddenly I feel acutely aware that in many ways we are still practically strangers. Am I making any sense?” asked Buffy.
“Totally,” answered William. “I had a lot of time to think on the airplane. It occurred to me that here I am, experiencing something I never necessarily thought I would. I’ve always been a bit of a loner. Never thought about having children. Suddenly, here I am going to share one of the most deeply intimate and important things a couple can with a woman that I love. Then it hit me.”
“What?” asked Buffy.
The waitress came and placed their food on the table. William ordered a second glass of wine and they filled their plates. “What?” asked Buffy for a second time.
“All the implications, of loving you. How quickly I’ve come to think of us as a couple. How we’re going to be parents. How the three of us, together, are now a family,” finished William his voice a little shaky as he said the final word with reverence.
Buffy’s eyes glistened with tears as she said, “I love you very much right now, William Crawford.”
“I love you too, pet, truly I do. There’s something that I want you to think about,” he said.
“What?” she asked.
“I want you to think about us getting a place together. No, that’s not right. What I mean is trying to build a home together. Even without me in the equation, your place is too small for a baby. Well, maybe not an infant but certainly you would outgrow it quickly. Point is I want to be there, with you and the bit. I hate not being with you, everyday, even now. I want you to think about it, we could start looking for a house next weekend even. Get moved in and settled long before the baby arrives. I’m overwhelming you-” he trailed off.
“Yes. No. A little,” she settled on with a smile.
“I know, I’m pushing too soon, too hard,” he said picking up his fork and taking a bite of ravioli.
“That’s not it. It’s more like what you were describing earlier. That shift from Buffy Summers, divorced, career woman with no dating prospects to Buffy Summers with child and-” she trailed off not sure what to call him. “I’m going to think about it, lots of very serious thinking. But first I want to work a bit more on that building intimacy thing,” she said as she took a big bite of pizza. “Ask me again if I’m feeling okay,” she suggested.
William smiled, took another sip of his wine and asked, “Are you feeling okay?”
Buffy turned around a bit in the booth so that she faced him, “You really want to know?”
William nodded eagerly and said, “Yeah, luv, I really want to know. What have I missed?”
Buffy smiled, “Well,” she started, “I can already feel my body going through changes….”
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Chapter 57
Drusilla walked out of Buffy’s bathroom fresh from a bath as she heard William and Buffy enter the house.
“Drusilla?” called William. “We’ve got your dinner, pet.”
Drusilla bounced down the hall and found them in the kitchen, “Yum! It smells wonderful and I’m starved.”
As Buffy dished up the leftovers and served Drusilla she said, “I see you’ve found the bath.”
“Hope you don’t mind. Thought this way I could eat and then nod off straight away,” responded Dru as she took a bite of the pizza.
“Sounds like a good plan,” agreed Buffy. “Let me get the pullout ready for you. It’ll just take a few minutes.”
As Buffy left the room Drusilla set her fork down and said, “Spike? Sit.”
William pulled out a chair and joined her at the table. He leaned back in the chair, closed his eyes, and rested his weary head against the wall, “I’m about ready to turn in too, Dru.”
“Naughty boy! What were you thinking?” scolded Dru.
One of William’s eyes popped open, then the other slowly followed as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “What are you talking about, luv?”
“Those listening devices. Buffy wouldn’t like that. Plus? They were bothering me! Hissing and squealing and transmitting his bloody thoughts back so loud! I could hardly hear myself think! I had to have them removed,” she said quickly.
“Whose thoughts?” asked William.
“Wesley’s. Are you paying attention?” asked Drusilla feeling irritated. “He’s very handsome, by the way. I think I might like to get to know him better. Is he rich, Spike? He wouldn’t tell me-”
“Is who rich?” asked Buffy as she breezed back into the room and began to make herself a cup of tea. “Anyone for tea?”
“Sure, luv,” said William.
“None for me,” responded Dru.
“Well?” prompted Buffy.
“I was talking about Wesley, a friend of Spikes, he stopped by looking for Spike while you were out,” answered Dru.
“Drusilla! You weren’t supposed to answer the door,” Buffy reminded her.
“Oh, I didn’t, and I told him he would have to come back,” said Drusilla.
“I wonder what he wanted?” asked Buffy. “I had kind of forgotten about him. Hey, why don’t you invite him to the gathering at the beach tomorrow? There’s no need for him to continue to be all stealthy guy. Everything’s been quiet here. What do you think?”
“Well-” started William.
“I think that’s a marvelous idea! Let’s call him right now!” said Drusilla excitedly as she clapped her hands.
Buffy smiled and she handed William the cordless phone and said, “I think Drusilla has a crush on the mysterious stranger, and I want to meet my protector. Call.”
“Bloody Hell!” said William as he dialed the phone.
“Hello?” said Wes.
“It’s Spike,” he said. “What have you been up to lately, Wes?”
“Sorry, Spike. I guess you know my cover’s blown. I tried to call but you didn’t answer your cell phone. Drusilla found the van and insisted I clean the place out. Interesting bird. Don’t take this the wrong way, but she’s a little, um, scary,” finished Wes.
“Yes, well, I’m calling because it looks like this arrangement may be coming to a close. Buffy feels perfectly safe and thinks I’m a stupid, over reactive, git,” he started, “Ow! Chit just hit me on the head!”
“Bet the little girl hits hard, too. Huh, Nancy?” asked Wesley.
“You have no idea,” answered William as he rubbed the top of his head. “Look, I’m calling to invite you to a little gathering tomorrow. Buffy wants to, uh, thank you.”
“Is this truly and invitation or is this a command performance?” asked Wesley.
“It’s an invitation,” confirmed William.
“Truth is, I’m really behind on sleep. You know how it is when I’m on a job. I need to get some shut-eye. If I’m off the job, really, what I most want is to sleep for the next couple days,” explained Wes.
“Sure. Understandable. I’m in town until Wednesday,” said William.
“Spike? There’s something I want to ask you about,” said Wes, hesitantly.
“Yeah?” asked William.
“I’ve done good work for you, haven’t I,” asked Wes.
“Very satisfactory, Wes. What’s on your mind? Out with it,” said William as he stood up and walked out of the kitchen and onto the back deck.
“I want out. Somehow you’ve done it and survived. No, flourished, actually. You obviously have influence with Master. I’m tired of this existence, skulking in the shadows, watching other people’s lives. Will you help me, Spike?” asked Wesley.
Spike felt someone’s hand grasp his shoulder. He spun around to see Drusilla standing there. Buffy was busy rinsing off the dishes and loading then into the dishwasher. “Say, ‘yes’,” whispered Drusilla. “It’s a good idea. It’s what’s meant to be. It’ll keep him around. You need help, Spike. Especially now.”
William’s eyes narrowed and his head cocked to the side a bit as he studied Drusilla and weighed her words. He turned back around and said, “Yes, I’ll help you. You get some sleep. I’ll see if I can work something out. Call me when you wake up.”
“Thanks, Spike,” said Wesley, relieved that Spike didn’t view this as a betrayal of Master, relieved the Drusilla had been right.
William turned back around and watched Drusilla for a moment. She was standing out on the back deck, dressed in her white nightdress, her head thrown back, her arms stretched out, as she breathed in deeply.
He pulled out one of the deck chairs and sat down. Buffy emerged from the kitchen with two cups of tea. She handed one to William and joined him at the table. “Your bed’s made up, Dru. You can turn in whenever you’re ready,” she said.
“Isn’t the night glorious?” asked Drusilla. “I’ve never smelled something quite so sweet.”
“It’s night blooming jasmine,” offered William. “It covers the fence over there.”
“No. That’s not it, my Spike,” said Drusilla as she walked over and kissed him on the top of his head. “What I smell,” she whispered into the shell of his ear, her warm breath mingling with the cool night air, “is my freedom.”
“Sleep sweet, Dru,” said William as he reached for her hand and kissed the back of it gently.
“Thank you, Spike,” said Drusilla as she turned and walked back towards the kitchen. As she reached the doorway she turned around and added, “Thank you too, Buffy. I really appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”
“You’re welcome, Dru,” said Buffy.
“Kind of feels like we’re family now, the four of us,” said Drusilla.
Buffy’s hand involuntarily moved to her stomach, “You know,” she said.
“Before you did. They told me,” she said looking up towards the sky. “I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are, you are a hell of a woman. You’re the one, Buffy,” said Drusilla softly, the light from the kitchen illuminating her from behind.
“I don’t understand, what do you mean, Dru? What do you mean by ‘the one’,” asked Buffy as she slowly stood up. William placed his cup back on the table and stood alongside her, protectively wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Why, you’re the one destined to save us all. It’s already set in motion. Don’t you feel it? Watch your hands, the die has been cast. The Powers will leave the rest up to us now. Goodnight, Buffy,” she said as she stepped backwards into the kitchen, turned off the light, and disappeared into the darkness.
“Is it just me?” asked Buffy. “Or, can she be a little scary?”
“It’s not just you,” William assured her having heard that for the second time in the last half hour. “Let’s call it a night luv.”
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Chapter 58
It was 9:30 AM on Sunday as Buffy pulled into her driveway. Buffy had been awake for almost two hours. She had just returned from a quick trip to a local bagel shop so that William and Drusilla could have fresh bagels when they work up. She quietly unlocked the door and slipped inside.
“Where have you been? I woke up and you were gone. I’ve been worried,” finished William trying to keep his voice down so as not to wake Drusilla.
“Shh. I just went to get bagels,” said Buffy as she held the bag up. “Did you find the coffee?”
“You should have left a note,” he grumbled, “Did you hear me say I was worried?”
“Yes. I’ll leave a note next time. You know, I leave my apartment all of the time. I was only gone for about twenty minutes,” she explained.
He continued to look at her with those piercing blue eyes and she added, “But next time I am leaving you a note.”
“Good. Fine,” he said.
“Can we say good morning now?” she asked was she walked towards the kitchen.
He followed, catching up to her as she opened the refrigerator door leaning in to get the cream for her coffee. William walked up behind her and quickly molded his body over the back of hers. He snaked one arm around her waist, his hand reaching up to cup a full breast in his hand. His slid his other hand between them and ran it up the back of one of Buffy’s thighs, “Sorry. Sorry for acting like a prat. Good morning, pet. I missed waking up with you.”
Buffy could feel his growing arousal against her bottom and she couldn’t help but push back, into it. “Oh,” Buffy moaned as he took her earlobe between his teeth and pulled on it gently.
“I love it when you-” William started to say when he was suddenly cut off.
“I’m awake!” shouted Drusilla as she climbed out of the sofa bed and started to walk towards the kitchen.
Buffy and William froze momentarily. “Bugger!” he said as he quickly moved to sit down at the kitchen table. William grabbed a section of the newspaper and opened it up in his lap so as to hide his erection.
Buffy smiled as Dru rounded the corner. “I’ve got fresh bagels and coffee,” she offered.
“Think I’ll shower first, if you don’t mind. Not sure what to wear today, though. I don’t actually have a swimsuit,” said Drusilla.
“We’ll, you’re in luck! I bought two new ones just last month when I went on shopping with my friend Dawn. You can have your pick. I’m pretty sure either one would fit you,” said Buffy as she walked out of the kitchen, Drusilla following quickly behind.
William took the opportunity to get up, pour himself a cup of coffee, and fix a bagel. He then took it, along with the newspaper, onto the back deck. Buffy joined him a few minutes later with a glass of orange juice.
“Beautiful morning,” Buffy said with a sigh as she sat down.
“It’ll be spectacular at the beach, I expect. Good wind too. Maybe we can squeeze in a sail while I’m here. Maybe Monday, after Dru is all settled in, we can put together a picnic and spend the night on the boat. Think you could arrange to go in late Tuesday?” asked William.
“I’m way ahead of you. I actually worked yesterday. So, I was planning to take Tuesday off entirely. I kind of figured it would be the only chance for the two of us to have, you know, alone time,” said Buffy, a little embarrassment evident.
Thirty minutes later found Drusilla ready, in Buffy’s new red one-piece swimsuit. She sat in the kitchen watching William prepare her coffee and bagel. As he handed them to her, Drusilla said, “Spike, you better go check on her.”
William walked back to the bedroom, still in his pajama bottoms. As he walked into the bedroom he could see that Buffy was standing in front of the mirror. She quickly grabbed his shirt, which after wearing last night he had left on her dresser, and used it to shield her from his view. “Everything alright, pet?” he asked as he closed the door.
“No! Everything is not alright. My breasts are starting to swell and this is a brand new suit. Oh! This is awful,” she said as she walked over to her closet. “Surely I have some nice, baggy, non-revealing shirt that I can wear.”
“Let me see,” suggested William.
“What? No. I don’t think so,” responded Buffy.
William walked over to her and after placing his hand at the small of her back he whispered, “Just turn around.”
Buffy turned around, but failed to meet his steady gaze. “Okay, I can understand you wanting to be modest. But there is no need to hide yourself from me. You said just last night that you were starting to experience changes, that’s to be expected, isn’t it?” asked William.
Buffy nodded and then looked up at him and said, “What if you don’t like the changes? What if you don’t want me anymore?”
“Buffy,” he said, his voice rich with emotion as he reached for his shirt and gently pulled it away, exposing her body, “I always want you.”
“That’s sweet honey, but it doesn’t solve my problem,” she said as she pulled on her bikini top trying to push her breasts down further.
“Buffy, luv. You have no idea the effect that you have on me, do you?” he asked as he leaned down and kissed her softly on the mouth.
“I have an affect?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he said as he started to trail and line of kisses down her neck over her collarbone and across the full mounds of her breasts. “Knowing I’m responsible for all that’s happening inside your body-how could I not want you. Your breasts are spectacular,” he whispered in her ear.
“So, you didn’t like them before?” she asked as William had begun to suck on the pulse point just behind her ear. He froze and slowly pulled away from her.
“Oh no. I’ve heard about these questions,” he said as he walked over to his suitcase and pulled out a pair of black board shorts and a loose white linen shirt. After tossing them onto the bed he said, “I’m gonna take a quick shower and shave. That should still leave us enough time to swing by the mall before going to Anya’s if you really want to.
“Well, don’t you think I should? Why did Dru have to pick the one-piece?” Buffy groaned.
“Will you stop? Okay! At the risk of getting myself in trouble here, you’re a beautiful woman. The first time I saw you, when you slipped out of that yellow dress in that bathroom over there? You took my breath away. I swear, my heart stopped beating. So, your body’s changing a bit. As the months go by it’s going to change a lot. But, it’s not going to change my feelings about you. In point of fact, I find myself looking forward to it, even fantasizing about it. Not because of the changes themselves, but because of what it all means. The suit may not fit like it did when you bought it, but it fits. Once more,” he finished as he raked his eyes over her body, his arousal evident, “it fits well.”
As William turned and entered the bathroom, Buffy skipped over to the mirror and looked at her body in a new light. She smiled as she shook her head and scolded herself, “He loves you. He’s not Angel. He’s not leaving. He’s right. The suit does fit well. Stupid hormones-”
Suddenly the bathroom door opened and William stuck his head out, Buffy could hear the shower running. “Buffy? The fact that I’m fantasizing about, you know, when your,” William mimed a big, round belly; “is that, well-” he trailed off.
“Perfectly normal,” she assured him.
“Right,” he nodded. “So, what’s the verdict on the swimsuit?”
“I’m wearing it,” she said.
“Good! That will give us enough time to stop at a bookstore on the way over. There’s too much I don’t know, about this whole pregnancy thing. I’ve got some research I want to do. Be out in a minute!” he said as he once again disappeared behind the bathroom door.
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Chapter 59
The three of them drove over to Anya’s in William’s convertible. He had put the top down on the car after they made their purchases at the bookstore. Buffy leaned her head back onto the headrest of the car seat, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the feel of the sun and wind on her face.
“Did you two remember your sunscreen?” hollered William as they pulled off the interstate and headed in the direction of Sunset Cliffs.
“Yes, Daddy! Buffy and I were good little girls and listened the very first time you asked. Or, was it the forth time that we listened Buffy?” responded Dru, obviously annoyed.
Buffy reached over and gave William’s knee a squeeze. “Just don’t want either of my ladies getting all sun burned,” he said, defending himself.
“We’re good, honey,” said Buffy, suspecting that he was remembering the last time that she had gotten sun burned. They were stopped at the first traffic light in Ocean Beach. Buffy leaned over and pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss. As she pulled away from the kiss the light changed. William interlaced his fingers with hers. Holding her hand, he drove through the small, crowded streets heading towards the coast.
“Ever been to Anya’s?” he asked.
“No. I’ve been here to go to the beach before though,” said Buffy.
“Xander and I have gone surfing over at the Cliffs more times than I can count. Kind of wish we had stopped by the storage unit to get my board and wetsuit. Too late now,” he said as he pulled into Anya’s driveway.
“You could drop us off and go back,” suggest Drusilla. “Surfing, Spike? This I’ve simply got to see!” said Drusilla enthusiastically.
“Well, not today, ducks,” responded William.
William put the car in park, turned off its engine, and then realized that Buffy seemed suddenly pre-occupied. “You okay?” he asked her.
“Yeah, I just realized, well, I think that’s Parker’s house over there,” indicating the house next door with a nod of her head, “I was trying to remember exactly.”
William looked over at the house and then back to Buffy before saying, “Dru? What do you think of the house over there?”
Drusilla leaned forward over the back seat, wrapped her arms around William’s neck, and kissing him on the cheek said, “What do I think? I think it is not the house that you are interested in, dearie. Is it now?”
William didn’t answer. They climbed out of the car and William walked around to the back and unlocked the trunk so that they could gather their belongings.
“I can’t believe that you bought that book,” said Buffy shaking her head and blushing.
“You’re actually blushing!” observed William.
“Well, didn’t you feel, I don’t know, funny? I can’t imagine what the salesgirl thought when you walked up to the register with The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy, The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-To-Be, and The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm?
“She thought Spike was hot and assumed that you were pregnant and had lost all interest in sex,” said Drusilla as she reached in to grab the hat that Buffy was letting her borrow and the magazine that William had let her buy.
“See!” said Buffy.
William rolled his eyes and said, “She’s making that up,” as he opened the bag from the bookstore. He pulled out the expectant father book and flipped to the Table of Contents.
“No, I’m not,” pouted Dru.
“Ah ha! Here it is. Whew! ‘Paranoia and Pregnancy’ must read that chapter first,” said William, closing the book with a snap and tucking it under his arm.
Buffy reached out and snatched it. “Let me see that,” she growled as she quickly flipped to the same page. “I don’t see anything even remotely-” she started before looking up at William who was sporting a teasing smirk. “Oh! You think you’re so funny.”
“Yeah,” he said, shrugging and taking back the book.
“Come on!” Dru yelled from the door. “Stop dawdling you two, we’re going to miss the party!”
William closed the trunk and he and Buffy joined Dru at the door. “Go ahead and ring the bell, pet,” said William.
Just a few minutes later a smiling Anya answered the door. She was dressed in a hot pink bikini with a loose fitting mans shirt on top. She was barefooted and her hair was piled loosely on top of her head. “Come in, the gangs out back by the pool. Xander’s in the process of mixing up a pitcher of margarita’s,” she announced.
“Brought something for you, pet,” said William. He handed her the book as he leaned over, kissing her on the cheek.
“Oooo! I have the one they wrote before this, The Extended Massive Orgasm, but I don’t have this one yet. Oh, look! Lots of Pictures! You are so good! You know just what I like!” crooned Anya as she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a big hug.
William’s eyes met Buffy’s and he assured her, “She means that in a strictly non-sexual way, luv.”
Anya quickly released William from her embrace. She turned around to face Buffy and confirmed, “Oh, Yes. We’ve never traded orgasms. It’s nice to see you again, Buffy. And, I heard that congratulations are in order you two! I was more than a little surprised when Willow told me. I mean, here you’ve barely met, and bam!” Buffy looked away breaking eye contact. It was obvious to William that Anya’s blunt remark had made her uncomfortable.
“Does Xander know?” he asked as he moved over to stand next to Buffy. William leaned in to kiss her cheek while at the same time he reached for her hand.
“No. It occurred to me that you would want to tell him. Surprisingly sensitive of me, to think of that, don’t you agree? It seems that Xander is good for me in more ways then one,” she said as she waved the book briefly in the air before dropping it casually on her entry table. “You must be Drusilla,” said Anya extending her hand.
Drusilla’s eyes were transfixed on the view of the back of the house. There were four sets of French doors, and all of them were open. White, gauzy curtains fluttered in the gentle ocean breeze. Outside she could see a group of people gathered around a large swimming pool. There was a beautifully landscaped stone wall at the far end of the property with an inset gate that she imagined led to what was beyond and below. Although from the height of the property she could only see the edge of the sand, as it met the breaking surf, the view of the ocean took her breath away.
“Dru?” called William, bring her back.
Drusilla noticed Anya’s still outstretched hand and reached out to grasp it, “Thank you, ever so, for having me.” She then leaned over towards William and dreamily asked in a hushed whisper, “Spike, look at all the people. Are these nice people?”
“Yes, pet. They’re friends. Come. I’ll introduce you,” he answered as he placed his hand on her back to gently guide her out to the pool.
As they started to proceed through the living room the doorbell rang. Drusilla started, a bit, at the sound.
“That must be my neighbor, I invited him,” explained Anya. “He’s supposed to be bringing a refilled propane tank for the grill.”
“Got yourself an admirer who’s willing to run little errands for you?” teased William.
“We had, a thing. Briefly. Before I knew Xander. But it’s very over. Xander keeps me quite satisfied sexually. Thank you,” she said as she walked back towards the door. “It’s no big deal, but please don’t tease Xander about it. It would just make him jealous and broody, and all distracted, and that,” Anya continued, as she turned around and pointed a finger at William, “could inhibit his performance later.”
“No teasing, I promise, pet,” William assured her, before turning away to lead Buffy and Drusilla out to the pool. Dawn and Conner had yet to arrive, but other introductions were made. After they had a chance to say hello to everyone Xander led them over to the bar.
“Can I tempt you with a big frosty margarita?” Xander asked Buffy as he tossed William a Dos Equis.
“Do you have any non-alcoholic beer?” asked Buffy.
“Well, that wouldn’t really count as beer, now,” said Xander shaking his head and wagging a finger.
“How about a soda?” she requested.
“Coke?” suggested Xander as he reached in to fish a can out of the cooler.
“Something without caffeine?” asked Buffy.
“I’ll take the Coke!” offered Dru as she reached for the icy can, opened it, and then walked over to the walls edge to gaze on the ocean below.
Xander handed Buffy a Sprite and watched as she made her way over to join Dru. “Got yourself a real spitfire there,” teased Xander. “No alcohol. No caffeine. Let me guess, she doesn’t eat meat and she loves the missionary position.”
“Xander, mate. You have no idea. What’s more? You couldn’t begin to guess. Not in a million years,” said William with a smile as he brought the ice-cold beer to his lips and took a sip.
“Okay. Spill,” ordered Xander.
“I love her. We’re going to have a child together,” said William softly.
Xander burst out in laughter; he doubled over and struggled to regain control of his breathing as he wiped a stray tear from the corner of his eye, “Oh! Good one,” he said patting William on the back after he finally collected himself. Then his eyes met his friends and he sobered, quickly.
“Oh my God! You’re serious! Hellooo?” said Xander as he made a fist with his hand and not so gently wrapped it on William’s head. “You just met this girl! Are you crazy? Look, I know you don’t get out much. Maybe you’re confused, from, from all the sex. I mean, you probably had all this testosterone built up and now, suddenly… and you should just slow down, mister! Love. Marriage. Starting a family. Those are all really big steps and, heck, people take years to work up to that.”
“Well, not me. Not with her,” William said before taking another sip of his beer.
“You mean you’ve told her? That you love her?” said Xander shaking his head in dismay. “Man! You are love’s bitch now! Next thing you know you’ll be asking for the non-alcoholic beer like some Nancy-boy. Who are you? And, what have you done with my normally levelheaded buddy, William? Tell me you haven’t asked her to marry you! Please!”
“No. I haven’t asked her to marry me. Not that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. But, it’s too soon,” said William.
“Damned right it’s too soon!” agreed Xander as he finished his beer and grabbed another.
“For her,” explained William. “It’s too soon for her. And I didn’t mean that we were thinking or talking about starting a family. I meant that we are having a baby, together.”
Xander continued to drink the beer until the bottle was completely empty. He walked over to the recycling can and dropped in the empty bottle, then walked back over to William. He stuck his index finger in his ear and after wiggling it around for a few seconds looked at William and said, “I’m sorry, I could have sworn I heard you say that you’re going to have a baby?”
“Yeah. In March,” nodded William.
“Just shoot me!” moaned Xander.
“Well, I suppose I could,” agreed William. “Then, on the other hand, who would crew for me when I’m back here and want to race in the Winter Regatta?” William then realized that Xander wasn’t looking at him. He was looking past him.
“Hey, everyone! This is my neighbor, Parker,” chirped Anya.
“I hate that guy. He’s so damned smug. He an Anya had a thing for a while. He’s so annoying!” moaned Xander.
“He’s more than that,” offered William.
“Okay. You’re right. I mean look at the way he’s staring at her breasts! How would you like it if he were leering at Buffy like that? Cretin! Only I can leer at Anya’s breasts! God, I could kill him,” he said passionately. Then he smiled and scratched the back of his head, “Only, I’m a lover. Not so much about the fighting, or, ah, killing.”
“Well,” offered William, “if at first you don’t succeed, I’ll kill him.”
Xander placed his hand over his heart and said, “I am truly touched. I didn’t realize how much you cared.”
“Nothing to do with you, you stupid git,” said William as his eyes traveled back and forth between Parker, who was now being introduced to Willow, and Buffy.
A low soft whistle escaped Xander’s lips, “So, Parker and Buffy?” he asked.
“He wishes. Tried to insist. Stepped out of line. Way out,” said William as he brought the bottle once again to his lips.
Drusilla sat atop the wall. She watched the tall, dark, and handsome man as he chatted with Willow and Tara. He possessed rakish good looks, and exuded both confidence and wealth. Drusilla’s gaze wondered over to the blonde standing next to her. After taking a moment to study her, Drusilla’s eyes found William’s. She could feel the energy in the air crackle, the wind as it whispered against her cheek made her shiver. She rolled her head back and breathed in trying to steady herself. She could smell the almost overwhelming desire, the greed, the longing. And she understood.
“Hey Drusilla! This is my mate, Xander,” said William as she joined the two of them.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard nice things about you, especially about your ability to perform sexually. Anya’s obviously very proud of you” said Drusilla.
Xander began to choke on his last sip of beer.
“Ah, Drusilla? Don’t use Anya as a model for appropriate social behavior. She’s a bit, unconventional. One doesn’t normally talk in social situations about sex,” explained William as he patted his friend on the back, in an attempt to quell his coughing fit.
“Oh!” gasped Drusilla, placing a hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I just thought-”
She trailed off when she realized that she had lost his attention. Parker had walked over to where Buffy was standing. The two of them were chatting and looking out towards the ocean. A look of possessiveness flashed through William’s eyes.
“Someone wasn’t worthy,” sang Dru evocatively. “No need to be jealous, my sweet,” she assured him. “It’ll never be him, he’s beneath her.”
“Thanks, pet” said William as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Princess understands. She understands all too well, my Spike,” said Drusilla as she turned towards him, bringing the palm of her hand up to softly caress his cheek. “No need to worry,” she declared in a hushed tone, “the wheel may be spinning but the clever little ball resists capture.”
William reached up and covering her hand with his gently removed it from the side of his face. He stepped closer towards her so that he could make sure to catch her words.
“Clack. Clack. Clack it goes,” she whispered as she swayed slightly, her eyes closed. She brought her fingertips up to the sides of her head, where they pressed against both temples. “Evading the black. Avoiding the red,” she continued quietly, “Darkness. Blood. I can smell it. It’s so…intoxicating.”
Drusilla opened her eyes and shook her head to clear the fog.She flashed her brother a quick smile and grasping his forearm gaily said, “I’m having such a good time, Spike. This party’s simply brilliant!”Then, after placing a quick peck on the side of his cheek, she sauntered over to rejoin Buffy.
“Is she stoned?” asked Xander.
“No,” said William, simply.
“Well, what the hell was she talking about?” asked Xander.
“Roulette,” said William as he tossed his empty bottle into the recycling bin and grabbed a bottle of water, “and my future, I think. It’s still a little muddled, but she’ll suss it out, eventually.”
“Okay. I’m gonna go with another ‘what?’. But this time, I’m gonna throw in a ‘huh?’,” said Xander.
William smiled at his friend as he reached up and ran his fingers through his hair, “I know at times she sounds completely nutters, I’m not daft. But, well, I think she senses things.” he explained.
“What are we talking about here, William?” asked Xander. “Are you saying, like, if we had a box of chocolates she could point out all the good ones? Because, you know, that would be great, I hate the ones with the creamy fillings.”
William shook his head, “Fine. Poke fun,” he said as he twisted the cap of the bottle of water and started to walk off.
“Well, that’s part of my job. I’m the sarcastic comic relief guy. Come on! Where are going?” called Xander. Then, shifting into a softer, breathier voice he added, “Oh, Will, you know I hate it when we fight!”
William turned back around and chuckled as he tossed the cap of the water bottle into the trashcan. “I’m going to grab my girl and take a walk on the beach. You keep and eye on Dru. Make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble.”
“Yeah! Sure! But, I’m not through with you. You’ve still got plenty of explaining to do!” Xander shouted to William’s back as he walked away. “Keep an eye on Dru,” said Xander softly to himself as he looked over to find her waving cheerfully at him. He smiled tentatively and then hesitantly waved back.
“Great. He gets to play Romeo and I’m stuck here babysitting the double scoop of Spooky…with crazy sprinkles…and nuts,” he thought. As Drusilla started to walk towards him Xander felt his mouth go dry. He swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat, and wondered out loud, “funny, how the earth never opens up and swallows you when you want it to.”