Well, she'd put it off for too long. She needed to call him. To tell him.
After all these months of avoiding each other. Of avoiding the truth. Well, there was no avoiding it any longer. They had to decide what to do.
Picking up the phone, she dialed his number. Hearing the voice on the other end, she spoke quickly, evenly. "It's me. Joyce. Joyce Summers," Idiot. He knows who you are. "I need to see you. It's important. And I'd rather Buffy didn't know."
"My place?"
Images of what they did at his apartment swam through her mind, causing her to wince. Definitely not. "No. That's no good. Not here either. I don't want Buffy walking in on us."
"Um, m-my office in an hour?"
"No. I have a meeting then. How about 4 o'clock?"
"Y-yes, four would be f-fi..uh what is this about?
"I'll explain it all then. I have to go. Goodbye." She put the receiver down before he could respond. This was not something she wanted to get into on the telephone.
Chapter One
Giles looked down at the page he'd been trying to read for the past ten minutes. Whatever the book was about, he hadn't been able to absorb any of the information. He was too nervous.
He glanced once more at the clock. She was late. Albeit only thirty seconds, but she was late. He hated that in a woman. It didn't help that his over-active imagination was conjuring up different reasons for her request, each worse than the last. Dear God, he hoped she didn't intend to take Buffy away from him.
The incessant drone of Wesley Wyndham-Price as he prattled on beside him was a mere distraction. He'd learnt to block out the younger man's voice early on in their acquaintance. It was only when the other man fell silent that he realised a response was needed. "Yes, right. Whatever. What?" The other man's words finally penetrated his consciousness.
"I-I said that I wondered if I should have a word to B-Buffy about physical relationships with boys. After all, with both Xander Harris and that Oz boy forever hanging around, one cannot be too careful. As a Slayer she must be taught that her sheltered life does not prepare her for the reality of the normal world."
Giles was saved from replying with a biting retort by the opening of the library doors. Both Watchers stood as Joyce entered the library. "Joy - Mrs. Summers. Hello. I don't believe you've met Mr. Wyndham-Price."
"The Slayer's mother?" The awe in his voice was cloyingly obvious. "I-It's such an honour to meet..."
"Yeah, right. Whatever." Brushing him off as if he were an annoying insect, Joyce turned back toward Giles. "We really need to talk now."
"Yes, of course. This way. Excuse us Mr. Wyndham-Price."
"Perhaps I should...."
"That won't be necessary."
"But if the Slayer...."
"We'll call you if we need you. Why don't you go polish some weapons or something?" Shutting the door in the little prat's face, he proceeded to draw the blinds. Leaning against his desk, he waited for Joyce to start.
She paced agitatedly around the small confines of the office, wringing her hands. Whatever the problem, she was terribly upset. Once it became obvious that she was not going to speak, he decided to prompt her. "Joyce?"
She jumped. "What? Oh. Right. Well, you remember a few months ago when we had that band candy?"
Four months to be exact. He shifted uncomfortably. As if he could forget. "Yes."
"A-and the things we did."
Unconsciously rubbing his wrists he responded more hesitantly. "Ye-es."
Their was a brief knock on the door. Before they could respond it was opened and Xander stood in the doorway. "Oh hello Mrs. Summers. I'm looking for Buffy. Is she here?"
Both adults looked around the room, as if expecting the Slayer to pop out of hiding. "Xander, this is a small office. I don't believe you'll find her here."
"Right. I just thought. I mean Buffy's mother and you, and no Buf....I mean, I thought that maybe you'd know where she is. What with Mrs. Summers being her Mom, and you...."
"Xander."
"Right. Done. Outta here." He turned to go.
"Xander."
"Right. Door. Not a tent." He shut the door gently behind him before taking off at a run. Wait till he told Willow about Giles and Buffy's Mom.
Giles looked back at Joyce. "You were saying?"
"Well, when two people, you know, things happen. There are certain..." Dear God, the woman didn't want them to start a relationship did she? After all this time? " And anyway, I've been feeling that.....Well, it went pink, and I couldn't pretend any longer, and we're having a consequence."
"I beg your pardon? We're having a what?"
"A baby." She almost shouted the words. "We, I, am having a ba-by." Her voice tapered off as she looked in shock toward the door. Giles knew what, rather who, he would find there.
Chapter Two
Buffy stared at them both in horror. "A baby? You're going to have a baby?! You and my Watcher!"
"Buffy...."
"You dare to preach to me about being careful, and you're going to have a baby. How long has this been going on?"
"Nothing's been going on."
"Well, something must have been going on Mom or you wouldn't be pregnant. You two must have...Ewww!"
"That's enough Buffy!" At his harsh reprimand, she quieted down. "Your mother and I ewwed," His disgust at her was obvious in his tone. "once. When we were under the influence of Ethan's spell. Remember?" She nodded, accepting his word. "Regardless of whether we were in control, the fact is that we did um....."
"Ewww?" He glared at Joyce. "Sorry."
"As a result, it appears we are going to have a child." He still didn't know how he felt about that. There was shock of course. And guilt. But already a small kernel of joy was blossoming. The one thing he thought would be denied him, and here it was. He was to be a father. "Shouting at each other, and appointing blame will not resolve anything."
He half expected her to run off, her usual response to problems. Instead, she surprised him, and entered the office, shutting the door behind her. "What are we going to do?"
"I don't know." They both looked toward Joyce. "I hadn't thought beyond telling Mr. Giles. I didn't even want you to find out Buffy."
She smiled."Well, I would have known sooner or later Mom. Or else how were you going to explain a baby suddenly appearing in the house?" When her mother didn't respond, her smile faded as realization hit. "You are going to have it, aren't you?"
Giles looked at Joyce in shock. She wouldn't meet his eyes. "I don't know what I want to do Buffy. It isn't just about the baby. There are other things to consider, like..."
"Me."
Giles decided to step in before another argument ensued. "And many other considerations." He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "We all have a great deal to think about. I don't believe either of us is capable of a logical decision right now. I suggest we think about it overnight, and get together in the morning. Agreed?"
Joyce nodded, obviously relieved. After a brief hesitation, Buffy also agreed. "Alright." She opened the door. "I have to go patrol. Afterwards, I'm going over to Willow's to study. I'll be spending the night." She left the room without a farewell, not bothering to wait for her mother's approval of the arrangements.
Joyce half-smiled at Giles. "At least she didn't run off this time. And I know she'll be there tomorrow."
"Joyce." He stopped, not sure what he wanted to say. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. We're both to blame for this. And she had to find out sooner or later."
"Before we meet tomorrow, I'll have some blood tests done. I believe it's mandatory in this state."
"When having a baby? I don't think so."
"No. When you get married."
"Married?" Her shock was obvious.
"Of course. It's normal under these circumstances...."
"Rupert these circumstances are far from normal. And I will not be married to a man for the sake of a child. I've already been down that road."
He couldn't hide his pique. "I'm not your ex-husband."
"I know. I'm sorry. But marriage for the sake of a baby is not as necessary as it used to be. I loved Hank, and we still couldn't make it work. Or are you telling me you're madly in love with me?"
He looked away embarrassed. "No. I'm sorry, I....."
"Happen to be in love with somebody else. I know." He had a terrible feeling she did. "And what if I don't decide to keep the child? Then you're stuck with a wife you don't love for a reason that's no longer valid."
He nodded, accepting her decision. For now.
"I'll see you tomorrow Rupert. Goodnight."
His "'night" was barely audible. He fell against his desk, stunned at the turn of events. So much had happened in the past few minutes. And so much they had to consider. His child. A child with the blood of a Watcher and a Slayer's mother. Dear god. He hadn't even realized the implications. Could he make such a decision?
Chapter Three
Buffy arrived at her home at 2 o'clock the next afternoon. She hadn't explained to Willow why she needed to stop the night, just that she and her mother'd had an argument. Giles' car was in the driveway, warning her of his presence. She wondered if they'd come to any decision. Opening the front door, she entered the living room, facing her future.
Joyce was sitting on the couch, looking down at her hands. Giles had his back to the door, but half turned when he heard Buffy enter. By the look on their faces, their discussion hadn't been a joyous one. "So I guess this means we aren't playing happy family?"
"Buffy."
"I'm sorry Mom. That wasn't fair. But you both look so miserable."
Joyce looked at the Englishman before continuing. "Buffy, Mr. Giles arrived early to point out a few things he thought I might not have realized. He was right."
"What things?"
Giles turned to face her, removing his hands from his pockets. "This baby would have both your and my blood in it."
"Yeah. That usually happens when you're the father, and I share it's mother."
"The blood of both a Watcher and a Slayer."
"You've already said..." Realization finally hit. "What? Is there some kind of prophecy?"
"Not that I'm aware of." He tried to keep his voice and face void of emotion, but she could still feel his pain. "But such a child would be greatly sought after. By both good and evil."
"But there's no guarantee it would be like me. Right?"
"We don't know. There has never, in known history, been a sibling to a slayer."
"Why?" Obviously Joyce hadn't heard this before.
He shrugged. "I'm not sure. Perhaps whatever creates a Slayer requires all of the 'baby-making' abilities of both parents. Perhaps it's Fate's way of ensuring that such a child could not be used against the Slayer. Perhaps it's to protect the parents from more heartbreak. It could even be to stop a Slayer breeding program. Who knows?"
"So, I break the rules again."
"You didn't break this rule Buffy. We did." He looked at Joyce at this last comment. At her nod, he continued. "Even if this child is 'normal', it is endangered by it's parentage. There's also the fact that if they were able to take the brother or sister of the Slayer...."
"They could use it against me." She sat down as she understood what he was saying. "If you have the baby, you put me at risk. To protect me, you'd have to...." She looked at her mother. "No."
Joyce hid her face in her hands. "How can I choose? The daughter I already have, or the child growing within me. Why should I choose?"
"Joyce."
"No! It is my choice. Not yours or anybody else's. Only I can make this choice." She looked at Buffy. "And I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't...."
"I know." Buffy turned toward Giles. "It is your choice too. I mean, Mom's right in that she will have the final decision, but it's your baby too. I just don't want you making a decision for the wrong reasons."
He turned away. "What would be the right ones."
"I need to think some more. I'm sorry." Joyce looked up at Giles. "Can you give me another 24 hours?"
He nodded, looked at them both once more, then left the house without another word.
Chapter Four
Giles entered the library, feeling older than he had in a long time. The grief was destroying him, but he knew no other option.
"Ah, there you are Mr. Giles. I've just been on the telephone to the Council of Watchers." He looked at the younger man, not knowing him for a moment. Unfortunately recognition hit too soon. He was practically glowing. "I can tell you they will be excited. Such a remarkable opportunity. They are sure to be quite pleased with you."
"What opportunity?"
"Why the baby of course. They relish the chance to observe......oooph." The older man moved so quickly he had no warning. He felt as though he'd been hit by a large truck as he was pushed against the office wall.
"What did you tell them?"
"Nothing yet. The line was too bad. I-I overheard your d-discussion with the Slayer's mother. I knew you would dissuade her from doing anything rash. The opportunity to...."
"You won't breathe a word to anybody! This is not 'some child'. Nor is it an experiment. It is my baby. Mine and Joyce's. What we decide is final. If we keep it, it will not be so those prats in London can 'observe' it. You say one word, and you'll wish Balthazaar had taken your kneecaps. Do you understand me?"
Wesley nodded shakily. He was having a great deal of difficulty breathing with the arm braced against his windpipe. "I-I promise. Not a word." He relaxed as the arm was removed. "But think of the oppo...."
Whatever he was going to say was cut off by the impact of the fist on his nose. Giles watched in disgust as the idiot fell unconscious to the floor. Damn! He really wanted to beat somebody up.
Chapter Five
Buffy pushed against the door, then walked along the porch to the swing. Her mother sat in the corner, her feet up. She smiled as Buffy handed her an ice cream. "How did you know this was what I needed?"
"I thought it was regulation expectant-mother diet." Sitting down on the opposite end of the swing, she concentrated on enjoying her own sweet. She pushed gently, letting the rocking motion soothe them both. "Have you decided?"
"No. But there really isn't a choice, is there?" Joyce's voice was filled with sadness.
"There's always a choice. Besides, you decided when you told Giles." She looked at her surprised mother. "You wouldn't have said anything if you were going to get rid of the baby. There wouldn't have been a point."
"I don't know. You may be right. But now it's different."
"Because of me? You know, if you get rid of the baby just because of me, that makes me as good as a murderer."
"Buffy no!"
She wiped at the threatening tears. "How can I live, knowing you made that kind of sacrifice? That you chose me over another. Mom, we don't talk about it, but you know there's not much chance of me outliving you." She continued before her mother could interrupt. "It's the fate of the Slayer. I've been lucky so far. Thanks to Giles and the others. And you. But knowing that, how can you choose my limited life, over the baby's possibly normal one?"
"Knowing that, how can I not?"
Buffy moved toward her mother, hugging her. "I love you. And I know you love me. The baby won't change that. And if you decide to go ahead with the pregnancy, you wouldn't have chosen it over me. Don't let them win Mom. Prove them all wrong. Please."
Chapter Six
Giles poured the water into the teapot. He'd considered getting himself drunk, but realized that all that would result in was a headache in the morning, and still no decision made. As if there was a decision. How that hurt. And made him angry. Sighing, he lifted the tray, and walked into the living room.
A knock at the door made him hesitate, before placing the tray on the coffee table. Rising, he moved to let his visitor in, having an idea who it was. "Hello Buffy."
"You were expecting me?"
"Sooner or later." He moved to the kitchen, returning with an extra cup. They both sat on the couch, silent as he poured their drinks.
"Have you slept?"
He relaxed a little. "Not much. I had some energy to burn, so I did a patrol."
"Giles! I hope you were careful."
"Oh yes. I only took on two vamps at a time." He smiled at her. "Well, one. And he was no fun. He was too easy to destroy."
She smiled back. "But it made you feel better."
"Just a tad."
She sobered. "What did you decide?"
"There is no decision. There never was." He looked at her, noticing the indecision. "You will always come first Buffy. You must. No matter what."
She felt the threat of those damned tears again. "You'd do that for me?" She knew he loved her. But to make the ultimate sacrifice. "Giles, this may be your only chance to have a child of your own."
"You think I don't know that?" He couldn't stop the harshness in his voice. "You think I haven't accepted that fact, realized that I'm throwing away a miracle? I know what this is costing me Buffy. But I know what losing you will mean to me also. I know which will hurt the most."
Seeing him start to break down, she enclosed him in a hug. Rubbing his back, she felt his tears fall. Ironic, that she had to console the two adults that had been there for her in all her heartbreaks. "Shh. It's alright. It's going to be alright. Nobody expects that kind of sacrifice. Not even me. We'll sort something out. I promise you."
Epilogue
"I still don't know why she has to go to COW."
"Cow? Oh yes, I see. They are rather bovine, aren't they? But they are also the people most able to protect both her and the baby."
"I know." Buffy sighed, looking around the airport terminal."I just don't want to see her go. I want my Mommy."
"I know." He rested his hand on her shoulder in comfort. When Joyce had decided to keep the baby, they all knew that sacrifices would be made. To keep both she and the baby safe, that meant leaving Sunnydale. He and Buffy had to stay, so he'd decided the safest place for Joyce and his child was with the Council Of Watchers. They were a bunch of fools, but they were still the good guys. And they had too much of a vested interest in the child to let anything happen to it.
"I'm sorry. This is hard for you too." He looked down at the old, young woman beside him. How easily she slipped from being a little girl to an ageless woman full of wisdom. She'd witnessed too much, done too much.
"It is. But I know it's the best for both your mother and the baby. And that's what's getting me through this." He wasn't going to lie. He was giving up all access to the child of his blood. His future. It hurt like hell. But the only other choice was no child. And they'd all agreed that the baby deserved some chance.
They both looked up, pasting on their brightest smiles when Joyce approached them. "I've never seen the two of you look so miserable." Their smiles dropped. "There. That's better."
"Have you got everything Mom?"
"Yes. Thank the others for their presents. And tell Willow her spell is working like a charm."
"Is that why you just dashed into the bathroom?"
"No need to tell her that bit honey." They tensed as the loud-speaker called her flight. She looked at Giles. "I don't need to tell you to look after her. I already know you will." He stepped up, allowing her to envelope him in a hug. Her whispered "And don't let her fall in love with you too soon." had him pulling back apart, a quizzical look in his eyes. Seeing her knowing expression, he ruefully acknowledged her point.
Buffy quickly replaced her Watcher. "Bye Mom. Take care of you and the baby. And don't let the council bully you!"
"Never." She kissed her daughter's forehead. "Keep the two of you alive. He's going to need you even more now."
"I know. A-and I will. We both want to see the new addition to the family you know?" Joyce nodded. They both hugged, trying to suppress their tears. Buffy noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned, then stiffened. "What are you doing here?"
"Now is that a way to greet and old friend?" Ethan stepped back from her look of rage.
"I asked him to come Buffy."
She looked toward her Watcher. "Why? It's his fault that we're here in the first place!"
"Because your mother needed an escort. And Ethan would do anything if the price is right."
"How do you know he won't take your money, and then sell her to the enemy?"
"His honour? And the fact that he knows I'll kill him if he does."
"Oh. Okay." The final boarding call was announced. She hugged her mother once more. "I love you."
"I love you too baby. I'll see you soon." She walked away, Ethan Rayne at her side. From their body language, it was obvious she was giving him hell.
"You know, I can almost pity Ethan right now."
Buffy smiled. "Nah. He deserves it." They moved to the glass wall, wanting to watch the plane take off. "I hope it's a boy."
"So do I."
"Because all men want sons?"
"Because, boy or girl, there's a possibility they will try to force it to become a Watcher. Your mother can fight that. A boy won't have the added burden of possibly becoming a Slayer."
She looked up at his profile. Each day, she thought she loved him more than possible. Each day, he proved her wrong. "I love you Giles." He looked at her in surprise. "Just thought I'd mention that. In case you didn't know."
He smiled. They turned back to watch as the plane left the tarmac.