The Taken Care Of Series

Telling The Gang – Part Two

Taken Care Of Series – Part 14

Story: Taken Care Of Series

Author: Bek Allen

Chapter: 14/16

Title: Telling The Gang – Two.

Feedback: Yes please. Although, flames will be given to my cat to play with as she sees fit.

Notes: I don't think, at the start of this story that I mentioned the Spike/Joyce relationship, mostly because I wanted it to be a surprise, mostly because I wanted to shock the ass out of people. Anyway, it was brought to my attention that, Joyce would never date an evil, soulless creature that tried to kill her daughter on more then one occasion and stalked her as well. I apologize to anyone who thought my idea was slightly askew, and I'm now going to try and correct my own mistake. For the whole thing that went down in Season 5 with Spike, Dru and Buffy, I'm blaming Drucilla entirely. I know that, not a lot of people (Bee Gee 'shippers) like Spike, but, for the sake of my story, I'm going to not hold anything against him, and discount anything he said or did in Season 5 towards Buffy and put the blame entirely on Drucilla. I am truly sorry for any inconvenience.

~*~*~*~

Anya ran in through the front door, her eyes wild and bright. “Buffy?” Her voice bordering on hysteria, “Willow? Tara?”

The back door slammed open and Buffy rushed to the front room. “Anya? What is it? Demon? Is someone hurt?”

Anya shook her head and burst into tears. Buffy's face became overshadowed with confusion as she took the girl into her arms.

“Willow! Tara!” She called up the stairs.

Moments later, the young witches had raced down the stairs, and came face to face with the crying ex-vengeance demon and The Slayer.

“What is it Buffy? What's wrong?” Willow looked between the two girls. “Is it Xander? What's happened?”

“A-Anya?” Tara took the weeping girl into her arms as Buffy closed the front door.

“What's this?” Buffy asked, picking up the brown paper bag that had fallen to the floor just inside the door.

“It'll be okay Anya. What happened?” Willow asked the girl softly. “Where's Xander?”

Between gulping sobs and sniffles, the girl calmed down. “No. It's not Xander. He's at the shop. With Giles and Spike, they're, they're going over some new plans for the Self Defense class.” She reached for the paper bag Buffy still held. An eerie calm washed over her and she sat at the bottom of the stairs. “He said it wasn't a good time. I tried telling him three days ago, but he said it wasn't a good time.” She pulled a tissue from her purse. “I asked him what he thought about Bekky and Matthew and he said he was glad that, while he adores them, he's glad that they aren't his. He wants to become more financially stable before he takes on another burden… He thinks I'm a burden!” She burst into tears again.

“A-Anya, y-you're going to have to t-t-tell us from the very beginning what isn't a good time?” Tara sat beside the weeping woman and stroked her hair softly.

“Please Anya. We can't help you if we don't know what's going on.” Buffy knelt in front of the distraught girl.

“I-I'm pregnant.” Anya replied, barely above a whisper.

“What?” Willow's eyes popped open in shock. “Th-that's great news Anya. Congratulations!”

“Oh Sweetie, it'll be alright.” Tara smiled softly and continued stroking her friend's hair.

“Huh?” Buffy asked looking up at the blond Wicca.

Anya sighed and looked up at The Slayer. “I asked Xander what he thought about having children. And, he said he wanted to wait until he was more financially stable before taking on the burden of children. When I tried to tell him three days ago, he said it wasn't a good time, then, when I tried to tell him again this morning, he said it wasn't a good time.”

“Oh.” Buffy and Willow replied in unison.

“Are you one hundred percent sure you're pregnant?” Willow asked moving to sit on the stairs with the others.

“Well, all the signs are pointing that way. I just, have to take the test.” Anya sniffled again. “What if he decides that he doesn't want to have babies with me? What if he wants me to do something horrible like get rid of it or give it away? I was under the impression that you don't give babies away. They aren't like stock. You can't exactly trade them for money, goods or services, it's considered illegal in this and three other dimensions.” She looked up to her three closest female friends. “What am I going to do?”

“Is that what's in the bag Anya? A pregnancy test?” Buffy asked gently, her hand covering Anya's.

“Several.”

“Well, w-why don't w-we go up and have you take this test?” Tara spoke so softly; she stood and led the others upstairs.

As the girls settled on the bed in Tara and Willow's room, Buffy reached into the bag and pulled out the first pregnancy test, “Anya, you bought so many.” She looked quizzically at the ex-demon.

“That's right,” She nodded. “One for each of us.” She stood and took the bag from Buffy and passed one to Tara and Willow before handing Buffy the last one from the bag.

“Uh, sweetie?” Tara looked from the test in her hand back to Anya.

“It's really quite simple; all you have to do is urinate on the plastic stick.” Anya turned and looked towards the two girls on the bed.

“Anya? Tara and I are lesbians, it's a sure fire protection against falling pregnant.” Willow looked disdainfully at the box in her hand.

“Not really, I've heard about lesbian couples getting pregnant all the time.”

“But, Anya…” Willow's face had begun to form her famous ‘resolve' look.

“It's okay Sweetie, we'll take the test with you, but don't be surprised if Willow and I aren't pregnant.” Tara's hand covered her lover's and she shook her head slightly, silencing any argument that Willow had formed in her head.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “I'm on the pill Anya, and Giles and I do practice the whole ‘safe sex' thing.” She looked down at the box in her hand before continuing. “But, I'll pee on the stick if it'll make you feel better.”

Anya smiled softly before sniffling. “What'll I do if I really am pregnant?” She looked around the room at the other three girls.

“Why don't w-we just take the test first and we'll c-cross that bridge when we come to it?” Tara rose and smiled, “I'll even go first if you like.” She crossed to the bathroom and closed the door silently behind her.

A few minutes later, the Witch's blonde head poked through the door. “Who's going next? A-also, we should set a timer, j-just in case we for-forget about them.” She stepped out of the bathroom. “Who's next?” She looked at the other three girls.

“Do I really have to pee on the stick?” Willow asked as she stood up.

“Yes.” Anya replied. “You never know. You might be pregnant.”

Willow rolled her eyes as she walked into the bathroom and shut the door. A few minutes later, she was back out again, holding the test with a piece of tissue paper. “Okay, your turn Buffy.” She grinned at her best friend.

“Why do I have to go next? This was Anya's idea, I say she goes next.” She looked across at her best friend.

With her infamous resolve face firmly in place, she pointed to the bathroom. “Go, now. Anya can go last.”

Sighing, Buffy stomped into the bathroom and closed the door a little too firmly. “I'm on the pill, Giles wears a condom, and we have been one hundred per cent safe. Eiuww, stupid stick.” The toilet flushed again for the third time and the water ran. Opening the door and nursing the stick with a piece of tissue, Buffy directed Anya into the bathroom.

As Anya left the bathroom, her face wrinkled. “That is the single most disgusting thing I've ever had to do. Well, except for this one time when Xander thought it would be romantic to lick chocolate –“

“Ooookay! Who's first for their results?” Buffy raised her eyebrows towards Tara and pointed at the small stick she held in her hand.

“What does the box say?” Willow passed the bag to Buffy.

“Blue if it's a baby, pink if it's not.” She dumped the bag and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Well baby?” Willow looked up to Tara who smiled gently.

“It's pink. Sorry Anya.” Tara sat down next to Buffy. “Okay Will, your turn.”

“Same deal.” Buffy looked at the box in her hand. “Blue if it's a baby, pink if it's not. Anya got all the same test.”

“Well? Are you going to be a Lesbian mother?” Anya prodded from her place at the writing desk.

“It's pink.” Willow smiled gratefully at her girlfriend. “Thank the Goddess for being gay.”

Tara giggled. “Okay Buffy. Is your time up yet?”

“Just about, three more minutes to go.” Buffy looked up at Anya.

“What are you going to do if you are pregnant Anya?” Willow asked looking at the frightened girl.

“I'm going to keep It., whether Xander likes it or not.” She sighed as she looked down at the stick. “This small human child will be a part of me. He'll have to love it… right?” She looked up to the three girls sitting on the bed.

“Of course he'll love it Anya.” Buffy placed her test on the nightstand and moved to hug the ex-vengeance demon.

“Darn tootin'” Willow threw her test in the rubbish and nodded her head emphatically. “Have you seen him with Bekky and Matthew? He is going to be a great Dad Anya. I know he will. And, I should know, we've been friends for over sixteen years now.”

Suddenly, the timer beside the bed went off. “Anya, sweetie? It's time to check your stick. Remember, blue for a baby, pink if it's not.” Tara smiled kindly at her and nodded her head.

“And, whatever it is Anya, it'll be okay. You've got us.” Buffy hugged the girl tighter as she peeked to see the result. “Congratulations.” She whispered softly.

“Oh God!” Anya cried as she saw the blue spot on the stick. “What am I going to do? How am I going to tell Xander that, he's going to be a father? He's going to hate me for this.” She reached for a clean tissue as she began to cry.

“It's okay Anya. We'll help you out.” Buffy looked to the other two girls, joy and excitement spread across their faces. “Can you guys go downstairs and call the others, tell them, family dinner tonight. We'll be right down.”

Buffy took the test from Anya's shaking hands and rose from her crouched position. “Do you want to keep this Anya?”

Anya nodded. “I want to show Xander.”

“Okay.” Buffy slipped the test back in its box and handed it to Anya to put in her purse. “You want to go down now?”

“Yes. That would be pleasant.” Suddenly, the room was lit with her smile. “I'm going to have a baby Buffy.” She grinned as she slipped the box inside her purse. As she reached the door, she stopped abruptly, making Buffy slam into her. “You didn't check your test. You must check it now.”

Rolling her eyes, Buffy walked back to the nightstand and picked up her forgotten test. “I told you Anya, I'm not pregnant. Giles and I use a condom, and, I'm on the pill. We've been totally safe.” Buffy looked down at the small white stick. “Oh God.” Was all that escaped her lips before she fainted.

“Buffy?” Anya was at her friend's side in less then a moment. “Buffy!” She shook the Slayer's shoulder. “Willow! Tara! Hurry!” She reached down to the pregnancy test that Buffy had dropped just before she fainted, “Safe my ass.” She whispered as the others ran up the stairs to see what all the commotion was about.

“Anya? What is it?” Willow was the first in the bedroom door. “Oh my God! Buffy!” The redhead fell to her knees and shook the Slayer. “What happened Anya? Was it demon? Did you see anything?”

The young girl grinned and waved the test in the air. “Buffy's pregnant!” Her smile lit the room and she burst into giggles. “She saw the test and just fainted.” She handed the test to a shocked Tara and bent over the fallen Slayer one more time. “Buffy?” She shook the girl's shoulder in an attempt to rouse her. “Should we slap her?” She looked to Willow who frowned and shook her head.

“We could probable get a glass of cold water and dump it on her face.” The redhead looked around for a glass on the nightstand.

“You do that Will, and I swear I will kick your ass.” Buffy began to slowly sit up. “The test! It was wrong right? I was just seeing things?” She looked to Anya who shook her head.

“I-I'm sorry Buffy, b-but, the test is blue. You said yourself, Blue for a baby, pink if it's not.” Tara held the test out for Buffy to take a closer look.

“Oh God, Giles is going to kill me. In the ‘so not coming back, no magicks, no spell, staying in the ground', kind of way.” She sat up against the bed and took the test from Tara. “What am I going to tell him?” She looked to her friends. “How am I going to protect the people of Sunnydale if I'm pregnant? No way is Giles going to let me patrol and fight the good fight if I'm having a baby.” Her brow furrowed in anxious concern.

“I think its neat Buffy.” Willow smiled and hugged her best friend. “You're gonna have a baby!”

“I think I'm gonna be sick.” Buffy pushed past the three girls and ran to the bathroom.

“W-we should probably go and call the others, a-and tell them we're having a f-family dinner tonight.” Tara moved out of the bedroom and headed down the stairs.

Looking from the bathroom door to Anya, Willow sighed, “We should go and get dinner started. What do you feel like eating tonight? “Cause, you know, it's your and Buffy's special night.”

Anya grinned and threw her arms around Willow. “I'm going to have a baby. And you're going to be its Aunt Willow and Xander's going to love it and he'll be a great dad. And I think lasagna and salad would be nice. And we could make Buffy's favorite dessert; Ice cream sundaes with whipped cream and cherries and fudge sauce.”

Willow smiled and hugged her back. “And you'll be a great mom Anya. And we'll all help you, both of you, with everything.” Together, the two girls walked downstairs, giggling and planning on the best way to tell Xander without him choking on his dinner.

Inside the bathroom, Buffy looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her face regaining some of its color, “I'm going to have a baby.” She said, slowly letting it sink in. “Giles' baby.” Her face broke into a bright smile and she wiped at the tears in the corner of her eyes. Looking up at the ceiling, she smiled, “Thanks Mom.” Putting her hands on her stomach, she turned and walked out of the bathroom, her face glowing with happiness and enthusiasm for the coming night and the following months.

~*~*~*~

Dawn was the first inside, “Hey, what smells so good?”

Taking a deep breath, Xander grinned, “Lasagna, Caesar salad and fresh bread… From Sunnydale's very own Sweet Things Bakery.”

Buffy giggled as they all trooped inside, Spike rushing in with the blanket over his head. “You sure do have a keen sense of smell there Xand.”

“What can I say? It's a talent.” He grinned broadly at her and turned as Anya came into the entry way and swept her into his arms. “What's with the festivities? We having a guest or is there a major apocalypse heading our way and this is like, our last supper?”

“Apocalypse? Buffy, did you have a prophetic dream?” Giles looked at her with confusions written across his face.

“No, no apocalypse. If I'd had a prophetic dream Giles, you would've known about it, trust me.” She smiled and stood up and embraced him tightly. “But, there are some things we need to discuss, family things. So, we figured, why not a family dinner?” She shrugged and smiled, walking into the kitchen.

“So, how did things go down at the self defense class? Willow smiled as she carried the salad into the dining room.

“Great Red,” Spike smiled as he took off his duster and hung it by the door. “Xander said he can install punching bags down one side of the room. And, Dawn, well, she's just your regular little secretary.”

“Yeah,” The young girl grinned as she sat down. “We had four people come in and ask about classes and times and stuff and I helped them all while the guys you know, did the guy thing about installing punching bags.”

Xander smiled and sat down “Yeah, you've had to turn the two classes a week into what, two classes a day now?” He looked at Spike, “You'll be a business man yet.”

“Yes and when you have money problems, you can always ask to see how the books of The Magic Box are set up.” Anya smiled and sat down as Tara bought out the lasagna.

Giles smiled as he finished pouring himself a glass of wine, turning, he lifted the bottle to pour Buffy a glass. Quickly, she turned her glass upside down. “No thank you Giles.” She smiled at his curious gaze before taking the bottle from him and turning and passing it to Xander.

Xander smiled and began to pour him and Anya a glass. Before the first drop could spill from the bottle into the girl's glass, she had turned her glass upside down. “What?” He asked as he looked at the bottle. “It's the same wine we drink every family dinner?” He looked to Willow who shrugged and continued piling salad onto her plate.

“Not thirsty I guess.” Dawn smiled as she poured herself a glass of grape juice.

“Actually, thirst is an issue here. Dawn, could you please pass the grape juice?” Buffy smiled across at her sister and nodded her thanks as the younger Summers handed her the bottle. Pouring her glass Buffy looked around the table at the others and smiled. “Anya?” She held the bottle out to the girl.

“Thank you Buffy.” She took the bottle and began to pour. “It's nice having family dinners don't you think?” Lifting the glass to her lips, she suddenly paled. “Excuse me.” She stood abruptly, knocking over her chair as she made a dash to the bathroom.

“An? Honey?” Xander moved to follow her.

“Sit down Xander, I'll check on her.” Buffy rose and followed Anya to the bathroom.

“She hasn't even eaten anything yet.” Dawn pointed to the plate with untouched lasagna and salad.

“Was Anya feeling ill this morning Xander?” Giles looked back from the door the girls had gone through.

“Nope,” He shook his head. “She wolfed down a plate of waffles and syrup and downed four glasses of water before I even finished my first coffee. Well, at least she didn't seem sick.”

“I-I think she'll be okay.” Tara smiled knowingly.

“Yeah I'm alright.” Anya smiled as she stood in the doorway. “Can someone please get rid of my glass of juice?”

Tara nodded it and rose to take the glass out to the kitchen, returning with a glass of water. “You sure?” She handed Anya the glass as she sat back down.

The girl nodded. “Thanks. Just, the smell of that juice, it reminded me of the time, back in the French Revolution, revolting. They didn't have much in the way of sewerage back then, so human waste was…”

“Yes, Thank you Anya for that enlightening story, now, may we please eat?” Giles glared at the girl before she nodded meekly and bent her head to eat her salad.

Sniffling, Anya set about eating her dinner. “Sorry. I guess I just didn't think.”

“Yes, well, it's okay. I didn't mean to snap. It's been a long day.” Giles smiled apologetically and continued eating.

Nobody noticed the look Anya, Buffy, Tara or Willow shared before Buffy began to clear her throat. “Um, guys?” She looked around the table as one by one all eyes were on her. “We have an announcement to make.” Buffy turned to Anya and smiled. “You first, this was, after all, your idea.”

Anya smiled and took a sip of her water. “I'm pregnant.” She smiled up at Xander.

“What!?” He choked down a mouthful of lasagna and rose from the table.

“Xander!” the four girls admonished. Buffy pulled him back down into his seat with a quick jerk of his arm.

“Okay, Ow! And you're what?” He looked at his wife in utter disbelief and shock. “Since when?” he threw his napkin down on the table.

“Three weeks ago Xander. I've been trying to tell you for three weeks, but you'd never listen to me.” Anya threw down her own napkin and stared at him back. “I didn't mean for this to happen Xander but it has. And you could at least pretend to care. Because, no matter what Alexander Harris, I'm keeping this baby, I don't care if you're not ready for it, I am!” She burst into tears.

“Aw baby, I didn't mean it that way.” His reached over and pulled her to him in a bear hug. Looking around the table, he smiled. “We're having a baby. I… I can't believe it. I'm going to be a dad.” He burst out laughing before he began covering the still sniffling Anya in soft kisses.

The rest of the table, stunned into silence by both outbursts began to all talk at once.

“Oh my God! Xander congratulations!” Dawn flew around the table to hug the teary yet smiling couple.

“Well, who knew the whelp was capable of such a thing. Congratulations.” Spike raised his glass and took a long drink.

“Yes congratulations are very much in order.” Giles smiled and raised his own glass to the couple.

“I swear Xander, I was going to take you out the back and hit you so hard if you had of caused an argument.” Willow smiled at her oldest friend. “And you KNOW I can kick your ass. Congratulations.” She reached for Tara's hand and the two shared a knowing smile at the revelation yet to come.

“Ahem!” Buffy cleared her throat loud enough to be heard over the cacophony of noise around the table.

“Oh, yes, Buffy.” Anya looked up and smiled at the Slayer. “Buffy has something she'd like to say, so everybody, be quiet!”

“Thanks Anya.” She turned to Giles and flashed him one of her brightest smiles. “Don't get so congratulatory just yet Giles.”

“Hmmm?” He looked to Buffy with a questioning look. “Yes Dear One?”

“I'm… well, I'm pregnant too.” She bit her lip as Giles' fork clattered to his plate.

“W-w-what?” He stammered and looked at her curiously. “D-did you just say that, y-you were p-p-pregnant?”

Buffy nodded and smiled, “Most certainly did. I peed on the stick, it came back blue.”

“B-but I-I-I thought…”

“Me too,” She reached for his hand. “I guess we're just accident prone. Are you angry?”

He pulled his glasses off and reached for his napkin, slowly, he began to clean them as he mulled over his response.

“Giles?” Willow looked towards him, her brow furrowed in concern for her best friend.

“Hmm? Willow?” He looked up and raised his eyebrow.

“R-Rupert?” Buffy touched his arm slightly, her chin wavering. “Are you really that angry?”

His eyes landed on Buffy and he instantly felt regret for taking so long in giving her his answer. Smiling broadly, he cupped her cheek, “You silly woman, why would I be angry?” His eyes were full of love and happiness. “This is the most wonderful thing that can happen to anybody. Why on earth would you think I'd be angry?”

Buffy's hand moved to grip his and she squeezed it tightly. “Then, you aren't angry? We can keep it?”

“Of course we can keep it and no I'm not angry. Whatever made you think such a p-preposterous idea?”

“Slaying,” Anya replied. “We were talking about it while we were making dinner.”

The rest of the table had stayed silent during Buffy's revelation; even Spike had withheld his usual sarcastic comments.

“Oh Buffy,” Giles pulled her to him in an embrace. “It'll be okay, we'll think of something. Nothing will happen to our baby. I'm sure Willow, Tara and I can come up with some kind of protection spell for you and Anya.”

Buffy smiled and hugged him until it was a necessity for him to remind her of the human need for oxygen. “We're gonna have a baby!” She squealed once she loosened her grip.

Dawn flew to her sister's side. “I'm gonna be an Aunt! I'll get to take it shopping and I can baby sit and I'll teach it how to dance. It'll be so great.” She grinned as she wrapped her arms around Buffy and Giles.

“Congratulations Slayer.” Spike smiled and clapped Rupert on the shoulder. “Who knew the watcher was still capable of such things.”

“I'll have you know Spike, that I am fully capable of such things.” Even before the sentence had left his mouth, Giles had turned a shade of bright red. “Yes, well.”

“C-Congratulations Giles a-and Buffy.” Tara smiled brightly at the pair.

“Well, one thing our babies will never be short of Anya is love.” Buffy smiled at the other girl and nodded around the table. “Okay, so, who's up for dessert?”

“What are we having?” Dawn asked as she sat back in her seat.

“Ice cream sundaes with whipped cream, peanuts, cherries and fudge sauce,” Buffy grinned as the image of the sweet dessert filled her mind. “So, who wants?” Buffy looked around the table and noticed Spike had paled at the mention of the sundaes. “Spike?”

“Think I might pass on dessert tonight Slayer. I've had enough ice cream to last me a life time.” He glared at Dawn who stuck her tongue out at him.

“You're the one who said that you'd take me out for all the ice cream we could eat if I got an A on that American history assignment.”

“Yeah, and remind me not to do that ever again. Think I might just settle for a mug of blood in the living room.” He rose to excuse himself and headed for the kitchen. “Congratulations again Buffy, Anya,” He stopped to give each of them a brief hug before going about his business.

Buffy and Anya shared a questioning glance before they both followed him out to the kitchen and set about making dessert.

“You guys go sit in the living room; we'll have dessert in there tonight.” Buffy called through the door to the dining room.

“Yeah, and Xander, Giles, Dawn and Spike, you are all gonna be doing the dishes. Us girls cooked.” Anya smiled at Buffy as a chorus of groans echoed through the kitchen.

“Can you really believe that we are going to be parents?” Buffy stopped scooping ice cream and turned to Anya.

Swallowing the mouthful of whipped cream she had just squirted into her mouth, Anya shook her head. “Before vengeance, there was, well, there was Olaf, he didn't want children.” She sighed. “But, now, I feel as though I've found where I fit in, I'm going to be responsible for a whole other human being. It's, daunting and strangely comforting at the same time.” She returned to spurting whorls of cream onto the ice cream and fudge.

“I get what you mean.” Buffy grabbed a handful of chopped peanuts and began dumping them on top of the sundaes. “It's like, this one tiny thing, is going to dependant on us for at least eighteen years. And, then there are other things to worry about like, broken arms, parent-teacher nights at school, first dates, and first proms. There's just so much.” Buffy took the can of whipped cream and sprayed some into her mouth. “You think we'll be any good at it?” She looked to Anya.

Anya smiled, “I think we'll be great.” She began lifting the sundae bowls onto a tray. Putting a bowl down, she turned to Buffy. “If Xander and I have a girl, I'd like to name her Joyce.”

Buffy took the knotted cherry stem from her mouth and turned to Anya, tears shining brightly in her eyes. “You'd do that?”

Anya nodded. “Joyce's letter to Xander and I made me think… a lot. I'd really like to name our baby Joyce if we have a girl.”

Buffy threw her arms around the ex-vengeance demon's neck and held her tightly. “I think she'd like that.”

“Hey! Pregnant ladies! Where's that dessert?” Dawn called from the living room.

“It'll be there, when it gets there Dawn Summers, and not a minute later!” Buffy called out as she pulled back from Anya, the tears falling freely down her cheeks. “Thank you.” She whispered as she finished placing the bowl of cherries on the tray.

“You're very welcome.” Anya smiled brightly and swatted at her own tears. “Your mother was a caring and well mannered woman. I can only hope our child will be as kind as she was.”

Buffy grinned. “It will be. And it will be loved.”

“Food!! Bring out the food!” Xander called from the living room. There was a moments silence as both Buffy and Anya counted to three before a loud slap was heard and a resounding “Ow.” From Xander.

“We better get this in there before it all starts to melt.” Buffy gave Anya another quick hug and picked up the first tray and followed the other girl out of the kitchen.

“What took you so long? I'm wasting away to nothing here.” Xander smiled as Anya handed him a bowl of ice cream.

“Wasting away to nothing Xander?” Giles looked up from his paper. “Hardly.”

“Are you implying that I'm fat?” Xander joked as he poked himself in the stomach.

“No, I'd say you're more robust then fat.” Giles smiled and accepted his sundae from Buffy. “Thank you.”

“No Xander, I'm saying you're fat.” Anya grinned as she poked him in the tummy and giggled. “But, like that girl on that Jerry Springer show said, the bigger the cushion, the harder the pushing.”

Xander turned bright red up to the tips of his ears. “An, Honey, what have we talked about?”

“What? But, Jerry Springer is a national past time. If it wasn't, then it wouldn't be allowed to air on the television, the ratings commission wouldn't allow it.” She curled up into the corner of the couch.

“It's okay Xand; I think we can let it slip this one time. Cos, hey, everybody loves to watch Springer.” Buffy smiled at Anya.

“Not everybody likes Springer Buffy.” Dawn pointed to Giles and snickered.

“Well, everybody except Giles that is.” Buffy giggled behind her spoon.

“I just don't understand the concept of the show.” He began, folding his paper and looking up. “It's a television show on which people appear and berate themselves to an unforgiving public, who then show just how arrogant and imbecilic people en masse can be at times.”

“Hey, what happened to children en masse being gracious?” Buffy placed her empty bowl on the coffee table and began to place cherry stems in her mouth, knotting them with her tongue. She smiled as Giles blushed.

“Yes, well, e-e-every now and then p-people surprise you.” He smiled and looked at Spike and Xander, a question in his eyes. At their nod, he cleared his throat. “It has come to my attention,” He began slowly. “That, with our current situation here,” He indicated the four girls, himself and Spike. “And the soon to be addition of our baby,” He beamed at Buffy. “That, I think, we should move into a much larger house.” He looked around and waited for someone to protest. When all was silent, he continued, “One that would accommodate all of our individual needs.”

“You mean sell Mom's house?” Dawn asked from her place on the rug, a frown creasing her forehead.

“Hear him out Niblet.” Spike reached down and smoothed her hair.

“We wouldn't necessarily have to sell your mother's house Dawn. We could lease it, until you're old enough and if you want to, you could move into it on your own.” He looked down at her and smiled.

“Why?” Buffy asked softly from her place on her mother's favorite armchair.

“Well, I was thinking about it, for a while. Since your birthday party in fact. With Spike staying here on a much more permanent basis now, and now that Tara's moved back in, we could all perhaps do with a little bit of our own space.”

“Giles, do you want us to move out?” Willow looked at him sadly. “Cos you know, we will if you want. I'm sure Tara and I can get a dorm on campus.”

“Will, I think you should let him finish explaining first.” Xander patter her knee and smiled.

“Okay, but, I'm just saying.” She turned back to Giles and motioned for him to continue.

“There's a rather large house, on Crawford Street. There are thirteen bedrooms, three floors, not including the basement and the attic, a large kitchen and dining room, an incredibly large living room, a library.” He stopped talking and looked at Buffy.

She nodded slowly, “I can see what you're saying. But, thirteen rooms? What would we do with the rest of them? Spike would have his choice of either attic or basement, maybe even a room of his own, and that'd leave something like, eight rooms left, seven after the baby is born.”

“Well, that's where we step in.” Xander smiled and reached for Anya's hand. “You and Anya are gonna need as much protection as possible when word spreads that, the Slayer and her friend are pregnant. And, our apartment is just the one bedroom. We'd have to move anyway when the baby is due just so he or she could have a room of its own.”

“You decided this without me Xander?” Anya looked to him. “I though we were equals in this marriage.” She looked to Buffy and sighed. “What do you think Buffy? Could we really handle two screaming babies in the one house?”

Buffy looked around the room. Three hopeful sets of eyes on her, “Tell you what. You guys show us this house tomorrow. And let me think about it a while. Actually, let all of us think a while.” She looked to the other girls who nodded. “And, us five,” she indicated, her, Anya, Dawn, Willow and Tara, “Will discuss it, and let you know what we think okay?”

Giles smiled and nodded. “Of course Dear One.”

“Thanks.” Buffy stretched and looked up at the clock. “I think I'm going to do a quick patrol and then come home and head straight for bed.”

“I'll come with you Pet.” Spike stood up and grabbed his duster. “Bed time Dawn.” He raised an eyebrow at her and smiled. “You've had a busy day.”

“Yeah, I think Anya and I are gonna, head home now too.” Xander smiled and pulled Anya to her feet. “We've got a lot to talk about, and a lot to celebrate.”

Anya grinned, “I've read in magazines that, sexual intercourse won't hurt the baby.”

Xander blushed and grabbed his jacket. “Thanks for dinner Buff. And, congratulations to the both of you.”

“Yes, you too,” Giles walked the four of them to the door and waved goodnight as Xander and Anya hurried to their car. “Buffy, after tonight's news, I really do wish you wouldn't go and patrol.”

“Don't be silly Rupert, I'll be fine. You on the other hand,” She pointed to the kitchen. “I'll be back soon, I promise, and then you and I will have a long talk about our baby.”

“I'll watch her back Rupes; bring her back to you in one piece.” Spike slid a stake up his jacket sleeve and moved down the front stairs.

Standing on tiptoe, Buffy leaned up and kissed Rupert on the cheek softly. “I'll be back soon, promise. Then we can celebrate on our own.” She smiled and hopped down the stairs and joined Spike. “Demons don't wait.”

They walked off and down the street, Giles smiled as he heard them arguing about Spike's smoking. Turning back inside and closing the door, he looked at the kitchen. “Bloody hell,” he rolled his eyes. “Why is it I always seem to be left with the clean-up?”