Let us be easy and impersonal, not forever fingering over our own souls, and the souls of our acquaintances, but trying to create a new life, a new common life, a new complete tree of life from the roots that are within us.

D.H. Lawrence

The cool English breeze had picked up, pressing its way around the edges of the drapes and casually drifting into the darkened room. Buffy shivered and Spike shifted quickly, dragging the crumpled bedcovers up over them and wrapping his arms around his sleepy girl. The last few days had been a whirlwind of action and it was hard to believe they were actually here, lying together in this lush, generously proportioned suite in what was, for now at least, home.

Their arrival at Ashdown had come at the end of two exhausting and action filled days.

Buffy had awoken the morning after Dawn's arrival and had run straight to the bathroom, hunger and tiredness from her broken night bringing back her nausea in full force. Spike was immediately right there with her, stroking her back, holding back her hair and murmuring comforting words as she'd thrown up the previous evenings take out.

She'd collapsed in tears and started wailing that he'd probably leave her now he'd seen how hideous she was in the morning. Spike had just hushed her, gathered her in his arms and held her till she'd calmed down. Then he'd gone about running a bath for her, making her a cup of sweet tea and whipping next door to Giles' to rummage up a few plain digestive biscuits to settle her tummy.

Once Buffy had bathed, dressed, eaten and had a good long dose of patented, soothing Spike-balm, it didn't take her long to get her Slayer stance back on. And while gentle hugs and reassuring words were just what she'd needed, a quick trip back to the bedroom would have been even more appreciated, but they'd both known there was too much to do.

Next door, everyone was up, eating breakfast while trying to sort out who would take care of what over the next 24 hours. Tickets needed to be booked, bags needed to be packed, accounts settled up. There was a noisy debate going on about whether there was enough time for Dawn and Althanea to try and locate any local slayers while they were there. Giles was on the phone to someone in regards to documents and passports and visas.

Spike's earlier appearance had alerted the crew to Buffy's morning sickness, so when they'd entered the room, there was a lot of fussing over her, Willow and Dawn in particular keen to make up for lost opportunities. Althanea, as the only parent in the entire group, confirmed that the routine Buffy had developed over the last week was the advice she would have given – plenty of rest and small, regular meals.

Before they sat down for their own breakfasts and while everyone was gathered together, Spike and Buffy had decided to make their announcement. This time around they wanted to share everything with everyone as soon as it happened.

"So guys," Buffy began, taking Spike's hand in hers as they stood side by side in the early morning sun. "We've got something we'd like to share with you."

A nervous, but proud Spike took over. "Last night I asked this beautiful, strong, courageous woman if she would marry me. And I'm very much delighted to report that she said yes."

Cheers erupted from around the room, but before anyone could descend on them, Spike held up his hand in appeal. "I know things are done differently these days and I don't exactly need to ask for permission to wed Buffy, but hey, I've waited 120 years to get engaged so I'd like to do this properly." Everyone laughed at that as Spike wrapped his arm around Buffy's waist.

"We'd like to ask Giles, Bit, in fact all of you – you're her family, we'd like to ask for your blessing."

They held their breaths, but they didn't have to wait for long as Dawn's squeal rang out.

"Oh my God yes, as long as I get to be a bridesmaid."

Giles was next, his hug for Buffy and handshake for Spike firm and genuine.

"I know I've had my reservations about you Spike, and justifiably so in the past," he said, "but even I can see, and at least this time round I can see, just how much you love her and how happy you make her. I wish you both all the best of happiness. You have my blessing."

From then on they were inundated with words of blessing and engulfed in hugs of congratulations. Willow was bright eyed and babbly, Xander more affably resigned than anything, relaxed enough to joke about their previous engagement.

Althanea and Rowan were teary eyed at the sight of their long held fairy tale come to fruition. Kennedy was polite, if a little off hand, but the surprise was Faith, who stood in front of Buffy for a moment before awkwardly throwing her arms around her in a fierce hug.

So the tone was set for the day. Upbeat and enthusiastic, they continued making plans as everyone finished breakfast. One of the critical tasks related to the surprising announcement that Faith had made earlier.

Giles had mentioned the day before that they needed to look at setting up branches in various hotspots around the globe. He thought Los Angeles would be appropriate given the current level of demon activity, the vacuum created by the cessation of Angel Investigations and, no matter the new management, the ominous presence of Wolfram and Hart. Despite Angel and Wes' best intentions, Giles considered the Law Firm needed careful monitoring.

However, what none of them had expected was Faith's offer to head the branch up, stating that she thought she might like to stick around, just to keep Wes and Angel in line. Buffy was stunned, and surprisingly a little saddened, at the thought of the dark slayer's absence from her day to day life. Over the last few months they'd grown closer, and she'd come to see a side of the younger girl that she recognised and understood – the tough exterior constructed to disguise inner insecurities and fears in much the same way that Spike used his Big Bad persona to hide his own vulnerabilities.

But Faith was determined, joking that she was better off on her own, not being much of a one for the 'group' thing. Privately, Buffy disagreed, thinking it more likely that this would give her an opportunity to have a break from Robin.

So Giles, Faith, Kennedy and Xander had spent much of the day checking out rentals. They'd wanted to find an apartment with at least two bedrooms and a big area to train in. After looking at a whole range of horribly expensive or very shabby properties, they'd come across an abandoned dojo in Koreatown, just off Wilshire. The area seemed a little rundown and shifty, but the building itself was serviceable and well lit and Xander had pronounced it structurally sound. The rental was very reasonable, unsurprising considering the circumstances of the vacancy.

There had been no sign of the tenant for over two months and the landlord was desperate to re-lease the property as soon as possible to cover some of his lost income.

The second floor rooms comprised a large training room with an office space and a small apartment at one end. Best of all it was fully equipped, the training room decked out in mats, the living quarters furnished with lounge and bedroom furniture, and the tiny kitchen containing the basic equipment. With very little effort, they could convert the office into a third bedroom. All they would need to do is box up the poor owner's personal effects, buy new bedding for Faith and she'd be ready to move in. Giles signed the lease just before the close of business that day.

Willow had also had her day planned out. Wes had promised to introduce her to some of the little, out of the way occult shops that he'd come across over the last four years. She was hoping to pick up a selection of less common, harder to source magical ingredients and maybe uncover any obscure second hand reference texts or grimoires that they could use to top up the library at Ashdown. And best of all, it was Willow's turn to use the Council credit card. Rowan was keen to accompany them and in the afternoon they were meeting Oz for a late lunch. Hearing this, had confirmed Kennedy's decision to hang out with Faith.

They started off at some of the better-known stores like Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Bohdi Tree Bookstore and the spectacular Panpipes Magickal Marketplace, all over in the Hollywood area. The two girls had a blast, sorting through the more mundane, everyday books and supplies to uncover the odd treasure.

Finally they'd headed to Book City. It was an old store that had been operating in downtown LA for over 50 years, but had recently come under new management, apparently, Wes had mumbled, due the death of its previous owner. The new manager knew little of the occult world and was keen to get rid of as many of the more arcane magickal texts and artifacts as he could.

Willow certainly took advantage of the Council plastic as she went crazy, buying up a huge portion of their stock of rare and antiquarian books on Eastern & Western Philosophies, Occult, Psychical Research, Folklore, Mythology, Qabalah, Secret Societies, Witchcraft, Divination, Mind Sciences and Ancient Sites and Prophecies. Some of the texts were extra copies of ones they already had at Ashdown, but most were volumes she had only heard of in passing, two of them, exceedingly rare, had even made Wes start to salivate.

They'd also acquired a wide range of obscure charms, trinkets, and relics and a selection of unusual crystals and stones, most of which Willow knew nothing about other than they had each given off a powerful magickal signature, picked up on by either Rowan or herself.

After having exhausted themselves on such a strenuous retail workout, they'd set out to meet Oz at Barefoot, a cute little café bar that his band had played at. It was a relaxed and enjoyable time, and Willow had finally had to admit to herself how much seeing Oz again meant to her, a feeling that was reciprocated judging by the way his twinkling eyes followed her every movement.

When, at the end of the meal Wes had reluctantly announced his need to return to work, canny Rowan had asked if he minded dropping her and their purchases off at the hotel as she wanted to check on her Grandmother. It had given the two old friends time to talk privately and sort out whether they wanted to stay in contact, and in what context.

Buffy and Spike's main task for the day had been to return the amulet to Cyvus Vail. In many ways she was loath to do so, concerned that it may still have an important role to play in their lives. But she had signed her own copy of the contract, and besides she didn't want to do anything to complicate whatever was going down between Vail and Angel.

She'd also considered going on her own, anxious about exposing Spike to Vail, considering the degree of interest the sorcerer had expressed in the vampire. But she'd known even before she suggested it to him that Spike would veto that option, determined not to leave her side again, particularly in threatening situations.

So instead she'd decided that they would be on their best behaviour, take a conciliatory approach and demonstrate their gratitude for Vail's role in Spike's safe return. Of the experiences of enlightenment Spike had undergone, or his actual whereabouts during that time, they would say nothing.

Thus, it was a very polite and gracious couple that arrived at Vail's residence, respectfully enquiring whether they might see the sorcerer. The guards, who'd reacted immediately to the name 'Buffy Summers' and were all well aware of the damage she could do, argued briefly amongst themselves as to who would take the message through to Vail, all equally keen to be out of striking distance of the Slayer.

In few short minutes they had been escorted through to Vail's inner sanctum. The room was just as it had been three days previous, minus the dead Kith'harn. The old warlock sat on his chair, nervously fingering the tube that ensured his continuing existence.

"Welcome Miss Summers, to what do I owe this pleasant visit?" he rasped.

"Well, I have something of yours I wish to return," Buffy said, holding the amulet out to Vail as she slowly approached him.

The sorcerer cordially accepted the charm and thanked Buffy.

"I must say Miss Summers, your integrity has surprised and delighted me. Most unusual for a deadly adversary. On the whole, I must confess to having... well if not enjoyed, then at least been entertained by your style. And who is this young man, not your young vampire surely? I detect another heartbeat."

"Actually Cyvus, this is Spike. He is a vampire, but he has always been different to other vampires." Buffy purposely kept the details to a minimum.

"Hmmm, fascinating. What an interesting specimen you are William."

Spike frowned as Vail closed his eyes and seemed to be muttering to himself.

Suddenly his eyes popped open again, and he shook his bony old head in what looked like confusion and awe. "Argh, I can get little from you other than fire. Something else, but I cannot pick it. Oh, and of course your love for this one here." He inclined his head in Buffy's direction. "Otherwise, too many possibilities to choose from. Hmmm, I think your slayer is correct Mr Pratt. You do seem to be an uncommonly rare sort of vampire. Well I will not keep you. You have much to do I see. Tell Angel I look forward to our meeting next week." He grinned, his yellow teeth bared to them.

At that point Buffy and Spike made good their farewell. They were meeting Angel for coffee. It had been Angel's suggestion. He wanted to be able to speak to the two of them alone before they left. Buffy was almost as nervous about this meeting as she had been about the one with Vail.

They'd ordered coffee, and a selection of sandwiches and cakes for Buffy as soon as they got there. While they waited they'd told Angel how the meeting with Vail had gone and Angel had confirmed his appointment with the sorcerer the following week, but he wouldn't say anymore on that front.

The boys had seemed to be playing nicely, so before they had departed Buffy had shot off to the bathroom. Immediately, Angel had pounced.

"Look, Spike, I've spent a lot of time thinking over the last 24 hours. When you first came back all I could think about was how I'd been cheated out of being by Buffy's side, that it should have been me wearing the amulet, having all my sins redeemed, hearing my heart beating and standing in the sun.

But when I thought about Buffy carrying my child, I knew that wouldn't work. Making love to Buffy would have brought forth Angelus, and he wouldn't have been up for any amulet wearing, world saving gig. Minus the love making, other events might have come to pass, we'd still have beaten the First, I might have even undergone Atar's Fiery Test, who knows on that score. But the child wouldn't have been conceived, so in the end the prophecy would have failed. What I'm trying to say is, perhaps you're the right vamp," he gritted his teeth and shook his head, "the right… man to be by Buffy's side. Doesn't mean I like you, but I concede you the right to be in her life."

Spike couldn't believe his ears. Part of him, the William part, was thrilled to get even that scant praise out of Liam. But for the most part he was just incredulous and pissed that the big, arrogant poof thought he even had the right to make those sort of concessions. And he was pretty sure Buffy would feel the same way too.

He was about to tell Angel where to get off when he noticed Buffy coming out of the Ladies, and came up with a better plan. He stood up and reached for Buffy as she drew alongside him, pulling her in against his side and wrapping his arm around her.

"I'm glad you feel that way Liam, because we have a bit of news to share with you, don't we pet?"

Buffy glanced at her fiancé, glee enlivening her sparkling eyes. She raised her brow in question, before granting him approval with her amused nod.

That had been a fine moment, Angel's look of petulant ill-humour at the news of their engagement only outdone by Buffy's look of mischievous delight. And when Spike had run his finger casually over the new bite on her neck, Peaches had just about blown a gasket. That had certainly shown the condescending bastard!

By evening, everyone had made it back to the hotel. Dawn and Althanea, who had spent a successful day on Slayer Search duty, had put together a great meal for everyone from Langers, a little deli around the corner. They'd all eaten and shared their news, chuckling at reports of Angel's reaction and congratulating Faith's crew and Willow and Rowan on their successful outings.

Buffy had had a much better morning the next day, her mild nausea attended to quickly and efficiently by Spike. They had to be at the airport by 11.00, so it was all hands to the deck getting packed up, particularly boxing up all of the books and artefacts that had been purchased.

They'd made it to the airport in plenty of time, having already farewelled the portal hopping Dawn and Althanea at the hotel, and checking their safe arrival via a quick phone call. As Giles had handed out tickets, Spike had been chuffed and more than a little bemused when the Watcher had handed him an authentic looking birth certificate, passport, visa and even a driver's licence. He was even more staggered when he checked the details and found his actual birth name and details. Even his date of birth was correct, albeit 123 years later.

Giles had simply shrugged and confessed that Vail's disclosure of William's surname had kindled his interest, and it hadn't taken too much research to uncover the details of a young Englishman of that name who had disappeared in 1880. The passport had been one of the first tasks he'd organised when Spike had materialised, contacting one of his Council associates and passing on the details to create the documents.

Caught between gratitude, astonishment and a touch of irritation that his carefully concealed life of poncedom had been so easily uncovered, Spike had done little more than mumble his thanks. Giles, having perceived the vampire's embarrassment, had grinned and told him to call it a welcome back gift.

And so, before he had known it, they'd been on the plane and in the air, wending their way towards a whole new set of adventures. The long, oddly comfortable flight for a vampire used to cargo class, the landing at Gatwick as the first light of dawn flushed the eastern sky with a thin rose coloured stain, a return to the homeland he never thought he'd ever see again in the light of day, the airport welcome, bizarrely by Dawn and Althanea, and the 40 minute drive down to Ashdown, had all taken place in a blur, so many new experiences for the vampire who had lived so long, but who had spent so much of that existence in the shadows.

His first sight of Ashdown, gracious and elegant in the bright morning sunlight, had touched something deep inside him. An intense feeling of home, of belonging had washed over him. Buffy's hand had tightened in his and he was surprised to feel moisture gathering in his eyes. The van had wound its way up the driveway, the young Watcher driving it, pausing as it drew level with a massive old oak tree, before continuing on to the large columned entrance way.

The enthusiastic reception from Andrew and the surviving Hellmouth Slayerettes, the nervous greetings from various Watchers and a tour around the new Slayer Academy, Buffy by his side every step of the way, had created a welter of emotions to cascade through his soul. Overlying them all had been Buffy's unwavering love, excitement and happiness. That he was the cause of such joy still seemed so very incredible.

Now, as this day drew to a close, she lay entwined in his arms. He held her close, his outstretched palm cupping her flat belly, reaching out to sense the precious life cushioned inside. The tiny heartbeat was still faint, but its steady rhythm beat a determined tattoo beneath his hand. Tears pricked his eyes as the inexplicable reality of such a miraculous event really sunk in for the first time. A new life, one of their very own making.

His tongue trailed a slow path up her neck, his lips dropping words of love and devotion into her ear, and she sighed in drowsy pleasure. Pure happiness welled up in Spike's heart. Out of the ashes of despair, Buffy's love, her tenacity, her faith had brought him home. Whatever the future held, they would face it together.

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