………….. Part 34 ……………

Spike rolled over and snuggled into his larger partner, his mate, his cool vampire friend. The electric blanket underneath them both provided an artificial, but no less welcome, warmth.

Spike latched onto his Sire’s exposed neck taking two long drafts before he extending his own and waiting.

A still sleepy Angel bit down and took back what had been drawn. The older vampire had yet to truly regain consciousness after their ‘fairy’ experience. Spike grinned a little and rolled onto his mate pressing their ‘morning’ erections together and moving a little. It elicited the right response. “C’mon ya big fairy, know you’re awake… how about some decent sized action for a change.”

Angel, who had apparently been half asleep, grabbed his partner and flipped them. Spike was now trapped under the significantly larger body, which apparently suited him fine. He grinned up at his larger partner then wriggled just enough to feel his mate’s erection twitch against his own rapidly increasing hardness.

…………….

They had been out until almost dawn patrolling, so woke late afternoon to the familiar sounds of Willow, F’iaid and the studying witches moving about chatting and ‘practicing’.

It was just over four months after the faerie incident and the students had doubled their efforts to *never* allow that situation recur. They were far more adept at their skills and Connor was also pleased that, of late, he had not let his fangs fall during any of their rituals or spells. Indeed it was only when his fathers were present, or when being given permission by those around him, that he would allow the dark magic through. But F’iaid indicated that for Connor, the dark magic was also part of his strength and that he needed to release it.

Connor was still worried by the incident in the park many months ago, and knew he was capable of draining and turning a human. He was terrified by what he knew he could do, but at some level also concerned that at some level he *wasn’t* worried by his new status or abilities.

His night vision, hearing and speed was so enhanced that now, when the fathers and the son were training, it was a moment of joy. Adding to his Quort’oth experiences and training, and his own natural talent, his confidence grew.

No longer the impetuous youth, he always seemed calm amidst unimaginable confusion when in a fight, something indicative of old masters like his father as Spike. And as far as his own origins were concerned, the regular exchange of blood and the close link with his vampiric line centered him. Connor’s increasing magical prowess gave him a link to ‘the other’, and his ongoing contact with Dawn and his human family grounded him. He felt compelled to bind himself all his families. After so much of his life feeling lost or ‘wrong’, he knew what he wanted but still waited.

Almost half a year on in their training together, he always returned to his wiccan Dawn… his partner in almost everything… with a sense of relief and happiness. There was little to be said, because she seemed to know. They had found each other during the summer break. Staying in his fathers’ home five days out of seven and working/studying together all day every day had helped, but the connection had been instant. Splitting his time between his Masters studies, his schooling in magic and his training with his fathers was always going to be a challenge but at least for a third of the day he spent time with his best friend, his Dawn.

Most evenings, he left with the two elder Aurelians as the sun went down, initially heading out for a run, but ultimately patrolling and training, then exchanging blood and finally taking his leave of his fathers as they disappeared into the night for more adventures.

It was now habit that around midnight, Connor would return to his fathers’ family home where he and Dawn were staying permanently. More and more the fathers noted that the son was not in his own bed when they came in, but rather, had let himself in to Dawn’s bedroom. It had begun slowly, both magical beings gently, caringly, lovingly gave each other what was needed at the time: comfort and friendship with no other agenda.

Spike noticed the increasing connection between ‘The Destroyer’ and ‘The Key’, and even Angel received the message as Connor, in the throws of passion in the two youngsters’ fifth month together, forgot to close the familial link and conveyed his feelings openly, causing both fathers to wake in the early hours of the morning rather bleary, but filled with transferred lust, a natural adoration for each other, resulting in an inevitable joyous partnering. Nothing was ever said.

……………

Connor had been back at university for just over five months, his Masters degree underway and fast tracked. His research was local and he was studying hard and writing as much as possible. His two supervising professors were thrilled at his progress. He was on track for a year to finish and the faculty was talking of a scholarship to go further… But…

Real life kicked in to mark the eighth month of Dawn’s and his wiccan studies.

After well over eighteen months clear of symptoms, his mother fell ill once more. After diagnosis Dawn returned to Spike and Angel’s apartment with an almost inconsolable Connor. His mother was apparently out of remission and would back on treatment. They had not found the primary source of cancer and it was spreading fast.

Dawn received the desperate call from the private cancer clinic. She had consequently joined her friend by his mother’s bedside rung Willow and F’Iaid, then driven him back in F’iaid’s car from across town at nearly two in the morning, the distressed young man sobbing all the way back to his fathers’ apartment to find solace in Angel’s arms.

Connor’s whole adoptive family was out of town so he had spent the previous night with his mother as she received the news. He had then spoken to his distraught adoptive father who was unable to return home until a day and a half later, and promised to be strong amidst his own tears. His mother, despite her own pain and fear, did not fail to notice that Connor was holding tightly to the hand of the beautiful brunette whom he had previously introduced as his best friend and partner at his birthday, thanksgiving, and their traditional Christmas Eve meal. Colleen

 resolved to talk to her husband when he saw her the following afternoon.

She was not scheduled for surgery for two days, and she knew her time was limited. Her boy was happy, and she predicted, just needed a slight push to marry his beautiful Dawn. She would hold on for that alone. Her lovely boy… he deserved that. He was always special and had *never* done anything but made them proud. And now… he had the chance to partner with someone he deeply cared about.

On the way back to the apartment on the second evening, Connor was desperate, his fathers were out and Dawn saw the distress so offered her neck without thinking, his incisors dropped and…

……………

It was two weeks later when Connor and Dawn appeared at the door to his fathers’ rooms, looking contrite and rather worried. Dawn was sporting the marks of claiming on her neck, but there was more.

Spike was the first to smell it, Angel only moments later. It was a rather puzzling mix, so they merely waited.

“Um Dad? Spike? Um can we… Well can we talk for a minute…”

It was Spike who answered, “Hey Bit, Sprog, always know you’re welcome. Pull up a pew.” Spike smoothed the bed in front of him, Angel remained silent, his arm draped over his beautiful lover. The two intruders sat, Dawn’s tight grip on Connor’s hand and their raised heartbeats not missed by either of the Master vampires. The two young wiccans sat on the right side of the bed and faced the two vampires, their hosts and relatives in so many ways.

Connor was obviously upset but spoke first, “Dad, Spike, I… We… Ummm… We had already kind of decided that we want to be together… for all time… you know?! But then, with Mom, and it was late and… Gahhh!!!!… So we sort of… Ohhh!” Connor looked at the roof then took strength from the extra squeeze he received from his partner. “I claimed her! Properly! Willingly! You know Vampire claimed!... But then… Oh Da??!!” Connor looked at his partner, now claimant and claimer let tears begin to spill. He squeezed Dawn’s hand and kissed her passionately, though the act was interrupted as he hiccupped with emotion. Fortunately Dawn, though not particularly calm, still managed to take over the commentary.

“He needed it and…. so I offered… and… he bit me, and gave me some of his blood, and we… well we kind of said the words – ‘cause you know we *have* been reading a lot about this stuff – and then it just felt different. And it was ‘right’…. You know? It is right isn’t it?? ‘Cause it felt…” She looked hopefully at first Spike then Angel as her tone dropped, “And then we kind of kept going… and um… It had *never* happened before, so we didn’t… and then… Ohhh…. But we *wanted*… and um … Ohh….” The young wiccan trailed off and burst into tears.

Spike stopped the difficult conversation by a simple act. His eyes narrowed then he leaned over, placed his free hand over Dawn’s ever so slightly swollen belly and whispered, “We’ll only be happy if you two are Pet.” At which point the young wiccan began to sob even more and her partner shifted his hand to caress her stomach. Through her sobs managed to say, “I think we are… if you are… Oh Spike, I do love him… I really do!” She then pulled away from Connor and fell into the blonde vampire’s welcoming arms.

Angel left Spike to their embrace but reached up to pull his son into a warm hug. Spike shifted to accommodate the two new additions to their bed. He shifted to sitting and moved his Li’l Bit to sit across his lap then continued to hug and reassure her in a way that only a dear relative might.

The following week the announcement was made to Connor’s adoptive parents. She had met them a few times as ‘a friend’ spending thanksgiving, the first part of Christmas, and Connor’s birthday party with them at his invitation. The family liked her immensely, and the announcement that they were to be married came almost as a relief. The previous two years had been a challenge with Connor’s mother’s health and a couple of issues with his father’s work, now, finally there was something to celebrate.

Dawn and Connor opted for completely civil ceremony in the early evening. Connor’s parents were initially worried at the request for a minimum of ceremony, but the two seemed to be determined. Less than two weeks later Giles arrived to give Dawn away in the absence of her biological parents (her real father apparently non-contactable). Giles was one of Dawn’s formal guardians, and the elderly gent obviously moved to be given the right to ‘give Dawn away’.

The ceremony was short, the vows heartfelt and self written, and the partnered couple radiant. They would couple again according to wiccan lore at the new moon in five days’ time, but for now were legitimately partnered in society’s eyes… and if only that Connor’s ill mother might see her son happily married, it was enough. As it was, Connor had the joy of whispering to his adoptive parents “So do you want to be Nanna and Pa, or Gramma and Gramps?” He was given a slap for his trouble, but both parents were moved by the possibility of grandchildren, and Spike heard something that warmed his heart courtesy of his vampire senses and felt the joy through the familial link as Connor’s adoptive father whispered, “We would be *so* blessed… Oh son… she is… just be happy OK?? Like your mom and I… cause you never know…” Then there was incredible sadness as Connor pulled his father into a tight hug and they both let their fear and desperation be conveyed.

Angel watched from the shadows, his partner’s arms now surrounding him, and let a tear track down his cheek. “’S alright luv, he’s got the best of both, so’s she… and just think the joy they’re bringin’ to his lot! Look at ‘is ol’ Mum, hardly keep herself from bucklin’ with the pain but happy as Larry… just look at her! Pain forgotten! And he’s yours Pet. Look at the joy he’s bringin’, they’re bringing!”

Angel was unrecognizable as the Wolfram and Hart CEO they had met several years ago. His illness had stripped any extra flesh from his body and face, and the extra bulk had failed to return. Instead there was a tall, lean, brunette with a tie holding back unruly dark locks appearing slightly younger than the attractive young man he stood beside.

Spike and Angel were introduced to Connor’s adoptive parents by Giles, Connor and Dawn as cousins (Spike being Angel’s ‘life partner’ and long time protectors of the bride’ interests which was odd on one level but sped things along as the family on the groom’s side was apparently ‘broad minded’ enough to welcome the new friends of the bride into their fold.

Connor’s parents were pleased to greet the two men, who were, by all reports independently wealthy, and influential friends of Dawn’s. They thanked Willow, Angel and Spike for their assistance with Connor’s Masters and engaging the men in small talk regards the financial and political climate in America. Both Angel and Spike noticeably allowed Connor to shine in all matters economic. Though in a quiet moment Connor’s father identified Spike’s accent and was unsurprised that the pair had significant international market knowledge that spanned decades. Spike was rescued from the dialogue as a toast was raised to the wedding couple.

Shortly after, the delightful evening finished abruptly as Connor’s mother paled. The vampires noted the change and hearing and smelling the illness first, and Connor sensed it too. They called an ambulance and she was whisked to hospital, plied with pain medication and attended to by a new doctor, a dark woman Dr F’Iaid Alahzir. It seemed the new doctor came highly recommended and had skills others could not offer.

Within the hour Connor’s mother was resting comfortably, breathing easier and could swallow a little water. She squeezed her husband’s hand as he sat by her bedside and agreed to yet another round of tests being ordered. The loving husband felt the physical relief as his lovely partner relaxed a little. Though still obviously struggling, she squeezed one hand of her desperate husband’s and lifted her other to caress the features that were so aggrieved.

Connor and his sisters watched through the glass of the door. Connor’s acute hearing picking up the conversation easily.

“Oh my love… wasn’t it a lovely ceremony [stops to breath heavily for a few seconds] ummm… jus…. Ohhh!! Sorry… so sorry… sweetheart… I’m fine… I … really am… it was just… the excitement… Aren’t they beautiful together… oh my love … so… [panting shallowly] so were we… Ohhh…. Don’t!!  Not for me…” Connor’s father kissed the pale forehead of his wife and let the tears flow, finally resting his forehead on their combined hands as F’Iaid pushed enough painkillers to alleviate the pain for the woman that *was* his heart, his friend, his other half for close to thirty years.

Dawn’s pregnancy was announced to Connor’s parents within the month, earlier than would be normal but necessary. His mother was so sick, but the result was one of happiness. His mother cried as Dawn held her hand and asked for her blessing while Connor held his own adoptive father as he cried tears of joy.

There could be no jealously on Angel or Spike’s part, the wondrous emotions of a soon to be father permeating their connection and allowing great cause for celebration. That evening they pleasured each other and sent the resultant exuberant feelings through their connection.

………………

As his mother continued to struggle with her affliction, Connor worked hard on his Masters degree and his magic studies in equal portions, but was also attentive to his lovely Dawn. Angel in particular, watching with pride as the young couple reveled in the knowledge that there really was a new life of their making inside the beautiful wiccan.

F’Iaid was an attentive physician but also a Mistress of white magic in her own right. At the end of Dawn’s first trimester, there was a difficult conversation to be had. At her insistence Willow took Dawn aside, and the fathers addressed the issue with Connor.

If they were to continue to practice their craft, to safeguard the unborn child, they needed to partner, as a wiccan pair, though F’Iaid suspected it would not just be that, their heritage would dictate more. She assured them that it was necessary to keep the unborn children safe.

Dawn dissolved into tears almost as soon as Willow began explaining that the children might be at risk. “Oh sweetie! We’re not trying to put the pressure on you, we’d just like to know... and you have already partnered vampirically and in human terms… is it that much of a stretch?”

“No!! and *Of course!!* I have his child inside me and Connor is sweet and smart and working so hard and with his mother… Oh Goddess Willow, what if it hurts the baby? How could I live with that?” Dawn dissolved into tears yet again then gave in to a bout of nausea and raced for the bathroom.

They formally joined in wiccan terms in the twelfth week of Dawn’s pregnancy. There had been no pressure, just support, though Willow could not help but notice the relief on Angel and Spike’s faces as the young couple exchanged blessings and vows then walked three time around the sacred circle before stepping inside and being enveloped sparkling golden light, both their auras suddenly becoming one. It was only later that F’Iaid pointed out that there had been two ‘hot spots’ of light over Dawn’s belly not just one. It was confirmation of something they had all suspected. Dawn and Connor were to have twins.

Immediately following the wiccan ceremony Dawn could feel her partner at a profound level and something else. She struggled with the sensation and finally spoke to F’Iaid. It was confirmed, the link she now felt with Connor also applied to their two children in vitro, and, it seemed, also strangely to their vampiric grandparents. When she sent calm messages, she was returned love and calm, and her perpetual nausea abated and the children seemed to calm.

Blessings flowed in from around the wiccan world and Giles who had returned to England after their joining ceremony called with a rather uncharacteristically tearful congratulations.

………….

Dawn and Connor’s twins continued to grow according to the boringly slow nine month schedule. Dawn had been suffering morning sickness all day, every day for more than four months. Her stoicism was one thing but her lovely Connor was frantic, appealing to both Willow and Fiaid for assistance. It seemed there was little they could do. For all the pregnancy appeared normal, it was anything but.

Connor was out, attending to his University studies late afternoon. She was in the last part of her fourth month, and Dawn had had a particularly awful day of vomiting and nausea. Spike had woken to the noise then heard the quiet crying. He slipped into the family suite (formerly known as the guest room). Dawn was lying on her side, her stomach obviously distended and breasts full with her pregnancy. She was hugging a pillow and trying to suck on an ice cube whilst sobbing into a hand towel, apparently aware that her distress might be heard.

She felt the bed depress beside her and allowed her head to be lifted and maneuvered until it was in a cool lap and her hair was being stroked rhythmically, soothingly. She was amazed as a pale hand took away the ice then replaced it with a dripping wrist. Rather than being repulsed, she felt surprisingly compelled to take the offering. She sucked gently and lovingly, until the wound closed over. For the first time in nearly five months, her stomach settled and she began to drift. She fell asleep to the strains of a very old lullaby sung by her wonderful blonde vampire, and woke to the embrace of her partner in all things, the father of her children.

It was the first of the daily feedings, from both vampire grandfathers, and from Connor. F’Iaid approved it and Dawn craved it, not the blood of others, simply that of family. By the fifth feeding from Spike, she thanked her surrogate father with a loving kiss, then whispered cheekily, “If I knew you were that tasty I would have bitten you years ago!”

She was graced with his full game face for an instant, then it was replaced by a wicked human grin and a quick peck on the cheek before he departed, quipping, “That’s what all the girls say luv…”

………….

The wards around the home were increased, to the point where Spike and Angel felt distinctly uncomfortable for a few seconds as they reentered their own home.

With Dawn’s improved health, their wiccan lessons increased in number and the two younger witches once more reveled in honing their craft.

Also with the improvement in Dawn’s wellbeing, visits to Connor’s mother were recommenced. Previously carsick almost as soon as any vehicle began to move, the obviously pregnant brunette slung the seat belt under her ever increasing belly and squeezed her husband’s hand as they visited his ailing mother for the first time in weeks. Connor warned her of the changes.

F’Iaid had done a sterling job. His mother was comfortable after one surgery, one round of radiotherapy and two of chemotherapy. Indeed it seemed that she was on the improve, yet Dawn was still shocked. The formerly slim, fit woman was now barely able to lift her hand to her son as he reached down to kiss her forehead, and was a visibly yellow/grey color and unbelievably thin.

Dawn sat on the side of the bed, Connor behind her, his chin on her shoulder smiling tenderly as Dawn picked up her mother in law’s hand and placed it on a moving belly. Both women began to cry.

Dawn spoke first, “I would have liked my mom to see them you know… So… ummm… Ohhh… “ Connor kissed the mark on her neck and sent strength through their link, waiting while she finished, “But I want you to see them OK… Please?! You *are* the mom, and we *all* love you and I’m sorry I couldn’t come before, I’m so sorry… But you’re going to hang around until they can bug you for candy right?!” Just then two tiny bodies adjusted their positions simultaneously and the older woman smiled tearfully, “Oh my… it seems they agree with you, so how could I refuse.”

Connor leant down and kissed his mother. They stayed for another half hour but were aware of the cost. His mother was snoozing lightly as Connor and Dawn both spoke a blessing of health and sprinkled some magical dust around the bed before departing.

………………..

Connor held the hand of his beautiful partner and they displayed the photos from the eighteen week scan to his fathers, ‘the destroyer’, Connor, finally felt something he had never really experienced before. He felt ‘normal’. He was no longer just some supernatural being, rather he was someone in love with the mother of his soon to be children. It was an epiphany of sorts. He was to be a father of human twins, extraordinary without a doubt, given their heritage, but certainly beginning their lives as human. He had heard their heart beats, could sometimes feel them move and had seen his little boy sucking his own thumb in utero.

Now, like so many other dads of modern times, he was sitting with his beautiful, now obviously pregnant partner, showing his own fathers something neither of the elder gents could ever have imagined in their days as humans, pictures of two tiny people, their grandchildren, before they entered the world.

Spike fell very quiet but then abruptly excused himself and left the room for a smoke.

Angel joined him moments later.

He approached the blonde vampire with caution, “What’s up lover?”

“Jus too good to be true, innit?!... Always wanted you and wanted a family… and now got both… An’ I’ve gotta keep ‘em safe Angel… kept you safe… and… ahhh Pet… I’m so happy and that makes me terrified!”

Angel took his mate into his arms and threw the cigarette over the balcony. He then eased them both onto the outdoor lounge to enjoy a reassuring kiss.

Part 35

Dawn was heavily pregnant, lying back against her partner with her feet up on the arm rest of the couch. Connor did as he had for so many weeks, relaxing back behind her and stroking the drum tight, distended belly and enjoying the occasional feel of his children moving.

His fathers were out and they had taken a night off from study. The plasma screen television (Spike’s idea) was showing a DVD, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, not Connor’s own favorite, but there was enough action to make the romance stuff bearable, and he loved to see his beautiful partner’s reactions as much as the movie itself.

Dawn and Connor had been staying permanently at Angel and Spike’s for almost the whole of the pregnancy, and it was still three weeks until her children were due to be borne. The intention had been to find their own place yet remain in the same complex since they first announced their joining, so when an apartment only a few doors down had become available two weeks previously, the intention became reality. Some negotiation and the Aurelian funds allowed a paint and refit, and in the next few days, essential new furniture items of their own choosing, and a few lamps and one or two ‘non essentials’ of Spike and Angel’s choosing would arrive.

Dawn had been forced to take bed rest on and off for the previous month, her slight form pushed to the limit by the two bodies growing inside her. Earlier that day she had independently struggled to their new abode to investigate the nursery – the previous afternoon a brand new cot, change table and all the accessories one could think of had arrived, courtesy of Connor’s mother and father, the rest of the apartment was something Angel and Spike had gifted them. She had taken photos for her mother-in-law then returned ‘home’ to wait for her partner.

They had been to see Connor’s adoptive mother and father at home in the late afternoon for a short visit. His mother was still unwell, but allowed to return to their family abode as there seemed to be a good chance that she was once again moving toward remission. She was thrilled by the images of the new nursery and then had spent some time chatting to Dawn about her own motherhood, after which she gave the young couple a few treasured items for their babies. Two tiny, hand knitted pairs of booties, two hand stitched, minute sleeping gowns and a new picture frame containing a hand written note in her rather unsteady writing, “Connor and Dawn’s twins on day one”, with strict instructions to fill the space with the real thing and return it to her.

It was the first time Connor had felt hopeful for a long time regards his mother. He kissed his mother and wife then stood to leave the bedroom. Connor’s adoptive father was standing at the door with tears in his eyes looking at the two women chatting easily: his lovely wife so drawn and ill; and the radiant daughter-in-law, heavy with his son’s new children. He was not an overly demonstrative man, so Connor was deeply moved when his father took him into a strong hug, and whispered, “Oh son… the Doc thinks she might be on the improve, so you tell Dawn to hurry up and have those kids OK?? And I’ll get her to the mall to worry about shopping for baby things that grandparents are supposed to spoil the little ones with… alright?!”

Now, on that same evening, despite complaining of a backache, Dawn and he were lying contentedly on the couch. At least they were until, some hour or so into the movie, just as the pirates invaded the commander’s ship, Connor felt the skin under his fingers tighten impossibly then began to panic as his lovely brunette arched, cried out in pain, and sent unfettered distress through their link.

The twins were apparently on their own timetable and choosing to arrive early. Never had he been more grateful for cell phones, or more terrified.

……………………

F’Iaid, a midwife and a nurse attended Dawn within the hour, as she had opted for a home birth, spending her time in the bath, half lying on the bed and finally in a birthing chair. A car was waiting ready to transport them all should anything begin to go awry.

Only seven hours later, at four am in the morning, then again at four ten, Connor caught each tiny slippery body in awe as his children were born. Under the kind supervision of one of the nurses, he had clamped their cords in turn, and gently wrapped them as his wife delivered the placenta then was thoroughly checked over. Dawn held them both in wonder and was kissed by a still overawed Connor, who had tears of joy streaming down his cheeks.

Connor had then shakily given the two tiny figures their first bath under the supervision of the wonderfully patient nurse named Ruth. Willow, meanwhile, attended the new mother, assisting her to the shower and then helping her to her bed, and finally the medical team cleaned up the birthing space and checked the children.

An hour later as Spike and Angel entered the guest bedroom, they paused at the door to share a heartfelt hug at the sight before them.

Connor was lying on the covers of the double bed, his lovely partner resting back on a pile of pillows, cradling a tiny girl who was already attempting to suckle. Connor was trying to coax their son to do the same but the little lad fussed for a moment then simply fell asleep. The distraught new dad was being reassured by Dawn as the rather overawed grandfathers entered the room.

Of the two, Angel was surprisingly the more emotional. He reached out and touched first one tiny figure then the other as though they might disappear at any moment. Then stroked Connor’s hair and whispered in a voice thick with tears, “You were that small once… so beautiful…” then fell into his Irish brogue without thought and continued, “Oh Mother Mary, Lady of Grace… They are *so* special… so special… An’ you’re Da now… keep them safe… keep them safe.”

Spike moved to the opposite side of the bed and gave Dawn a hearty hug then kissed the tiny figure in her arms firmly on the forehead. He then pushed the rather dumbstruck Angel out of the way with a trademark smirk and “Well c’mon ya big lump, congratulate the Bit!” before repeating the same with Connor and his charge for good measure, and eliciting smiles all around from the new parents.

Angel kissed Dawn, she saw his lips trembling as he touched the tiny female grandchild, then turned to accept Spike’s embrace.

“Would you like to hold him, Da?” Connor offered up the tiny bundle, Angel quickly dropping to the chair beside the bed and taking his grandson in his arms. With his now slender form, Angel and Connor appeared around the same age, Angel having been turned in his very early twenties, but the tears and the sentiment belied his true age, being those of a joyful father and even prouder, grandfather.

Spike too gave in to his own feelings as a tiny girl was placed in his arms, the yawn and complete trust in the person holding her, tugging at all manner of horrific memories that were quickly suppressed as his finger was gripped by a minute fist.

……………….

The Grandfathers departed shortly after, leaving the young couple on their large bed, two tiny figures sleeping, utterly relaxed, between them and both parents slipping into an exhausted sleep, their fingers entwined.

Spike and Angel presented each of the two lovely nurses with a huge flower arrangement that included a thank you note and a little additional money on top of their fee, then had the awaiting car drive them both home.

It was just after five am as they wandered out to the balcony where they found a rather exhausted F’Iaid and Willow silently sitting, hand in hand, and staring into nothing.

“You look a bit done in Red…”

Willow looked up, and smiled weakly, “F’Iaid did all the work.”

“Nah, ‘team effort’ as they say in the corporate world. Lemme make you a cup of tea… fixes everythin’ I’ve been told.”

He winked and made for the kitchen as Willow replied weakly. “That’d be nice…”

Spike dragged his partner back into the apartment and forced him to focus on selecting a few tiny gourmet cookies, and filling the milk jug, and finding the sugar. Meanwhile he loaded the tray with tea, cups and cutlery.

He pulled Angel into a tight hug and kissed his partner before they took their bounty out to the balcony, whispering, “Finally domesticated ya, ya ol’ ponce… Nice job with the bikkie arrangin’…” Another kiss… “Hmm Grandsire Angelus, then Grandpa Angel… or p’raps should you be Poppa or just Pa…”

“How about this Grandsire tans your behind and we drop the titles, Mister ‘also a grandparent by partnering’!? You could be O’Pa… or some stupid name like that… English upper classes always did that rubbish, I seem to recall!”

“Ho the comeback king!” Spike dropped into his true accent “And for your information it was always ‘Grandfather’ in our household…” Angel noted the fall in tone then the dropping of bravado, and heard the sentiment of William with Spike’s accent say, “Plus the git died afore I was even borne so pretty pointless innit.”

Angel kissed Spike on the temple, squeezed his hand, then turned to heft the tray and carry it out to where their lovely wiccan friends were sitting. The sun would be up in an hour or so, but it was still time for a good cup of tea.

Willow turned as the two brought the refreshments through, but the look on her face was one of slight worry not happiness, and her partner’s demeanor matched it. Spike ignored it until all parties had a cup of perfectly steeped and politely poured, steaming tea in their hands.

He stared intently at Willow then broke the silence, “OK Spill… Red? F’Iaid?”

“Well it seems the babies both have a magical signature… a really *strong* magical signature.”

“And in the King’s English that would mean??” He put down his tea.

“Well they shouldn’t have… at least not yet! It should only happen when they’re coming up for puberty or you know…”

Angel’s hand had slid into Spike’s free one as his Sire put down his cup also, then looked worriedly at the witch. “Alright so out with it! What do you bloody well mean? Is it dangerous? Are they dyin’? In danger? Bloody hell, witch… spell it out !”

“It means they are incredibly powerful! They’ll be targets for magical beings with black intent until they’re old enough to protect themselves…. we really *should* take them to a safer….”

Both Angel and Spike were instantly on their feet in gameface and in unison growled “*NO*!!”

But it was Angel who was most panicked and angry. Moving with lightening speed he grasped the back of both wiccans’ necks and ground out, “No one takes them… No one!!” before the combined power of the two witches repelled him, pushing the vampire backwards into the apartment and half way across the lounge. After which the two women fixed their two very deadly friends in place with a hastily chanted spell.

Willow rose to her feet and took complete command of the conversation “Enough! You *will* listen…  I said we really *should* take them… but not that we *would*! Now fangs in Mister… you too Angel… and listen to what *we* have to do to protect the children, Dawnie and Connor, and you two for that matter!”

Frozen in place unable to move or answer, the two vampires had no choice but to hear the proposal.

……………… Part 36………………

Willow straightened up, eyed each if the senior vampires in turn with her most frightening ‘resolve face’ then allowed just a little leeway in the inanimate spell so both could return to their human features, though were still unable to comment or move.

“F’Iaid, the coven and I, can ward their family apartment of course, as yours is. You must be aware that your son and Dawn are fast becoming powerful and skillful witches, and soon it will be possible for them to ward their own home without outside assistance. For now we think it best to assist them as it will take some time for Dawn to adjust to her new motherhood and recover from the delivery.

“Our concern is primarily the children. With such a strong connection to you all, thanks to Dawn’s taking of your blood while they were within her, and of course their own heritage, they will have an extraordinarily robust feeling of being loved, cherished… and protected so long as you are all close.

“The difficulty comes as you all face the day to day trials of adult and vampiric existence. You *must* shut down the link with them unless you are at peace! This is the same message F’Iaid and I will give Dawn and Connor. If you are upset or worried, or on patrol, their ability to sense the emotions and thoughts is *not balanced* by an understanding of what is going on or why.”

Despite their inanimate state Willow could not fail to see tears tracking down both the vampire’s faces at the thought their grandchildren might be injured by their own experiences, and even worse, that they had to cut themselves off as a consequence. Both ensouled vampires had the feeling that their demons and souls would not allow being ‘at peace’ to occur, which would mean a total shutting out of the new little two.

Spike felt the distress and longed to embrace his mate. They had only just held the grandchildren and felt the connection… and Angel had been so happy… Now the distress was flowing so freely through the link that an utterly disorientated and extremely distressed Connor lurched into the lounge room to embrace his father. Thankfully his wife and newborns were still sleeping and oblivious.

Seeing the tears and the inability of his father to move, he reacted as only the destroyer might, but Willow was faster and Connor was also, very suddenly, inanimate.

“Oh sweetie we don’t mean to hurt you… but you too need to hear this too.”

Angel was watching as the sky began to lighten and the panic for his mate mixed with terror for his grandchildren and he heard Connor’s heartbeat accelerate with the same realization.

Seeing the very real distress of her friends and suspecting the cause Willow continued quickly, “Your demons will not hurt them, they are of your line and Dawn took your blood when they were still growing… so *please* listen… when you are with the children, you *can* open the link… let them feel the love and adoration, the knowledge and the wisdom. But you *must* shut it down at all other times.

“We also need to bind the children’s magical abilities until they are able to be schooled. It is so rare to have children with this level of power, and until they understand how to use it, they will be a danger to themselves and all around them. By binding it we are also cloaking it when they are away from the home.

“Now… Is everyone calm enough for us to have a *civil* conversation? Because Spike needs to be getting inside soon.”  Angel looked at the sky then pleadingly at Willow and she knew the truth. It was barely minutes before the sun would peep over the horizon.

As the spell was released, all three relieved individuals collapsed, then Spike and Connor immediately joined Angel inside. The exhaustion and emotion of the last few hours causing all three to sink to the floor in a desperate three way embrace, drop their fangs, and share familial blood in an effort to find balance.

Willow and F’Iaid gave them a few minutes before joining the distraught group.

F’Iaid spoke first, her deep, soft voice, strong presence and quietly accented ‘th’, soothing all present “We are sorry to have had to still you, gentlemen, but you gave us little choice. We must bind de babies’ power by morning. You must also be aware … de wards will not be able to conceal dem from ones who might truly do harm.”

It was Connor who looked up with a yellow tinge to his eyes and stood resolute, the protective father. “What do we need to do?”

Willow squeezed her partner’s hand and F’Iaid continued, “Dey must wear a circle of white gold, a bracelet removable any time dey are ready, or replaced if needed. Blessed by us, it will bind de babies’ powers but dey also must bear a mark of Aurelius to tie dem to you for protection and complete what was started as Dawn carried dem.

“Such a mark must happen as soon as you can, Connor may do it, and bracelets we can obtain in de mornin’ from my coven. We will return to bless and fit dem before midday. Your children are *very special*, we *will* not take *any* risks.”

Willow moved to squat in front of a kneeling still visibly upset Angel and took his large hands in her tiny ones.

He refused to catch her eye, instead stared at the floor and all but whispered, “I would have hurt you…”

She kissed each hand in turn then whispered, “Only to save the children honey … And I understand… OK?! We have to do this and you had to know…”

Angel looked up with pleading eyes, “Thank you …. But… I am *so* sorry… you know… for grabbing you… and frightening you.”

“Oh… It’s OK sweetie… And in case you didn’t notice, it was us who threw *you*… So let’s just forget it… Anyways it’s been a long night for all of us… so…” With that Willow stood and moved toward Angel, though his flinch was unnecessary as she pulled him into a hug and shot an affectionate sisterly smile to Spike. F’Iaid meanwhile had taken Connor’s hand and led him to the couch where they were speaking quietly as he had not been privy to the whole of their dialogue.

Shortly after, the new father excused himself, looking very tired and worried, and returned to the family bed.

……………

Two days later painted a very different picture.

The twins now had names - Luka Lawrence and Talia Joyce. The first names the parent’s choice, the second, familial favorites, Lawrence being Connor’s adoptive father’s name, and Joyce a favorite for all of them. What stunned the vampires was the third name registered for each before Connor and Dawn’s official surname – Reilly-Summers. Angel stared, speechless at the printout of the birth certificate… Aurelius.  For all time, the name would now be on the *birth* register… Their family name. The children’s heritage acknowledged.

The little folks both were both sporting tiny white gold, enchanted bracelets, and the emotional link was only ever opened when they were held by family as recommended by their wiccan doctor and her partner Willow.

The remainder of Dawn and Connor’s furniture arrived on the third day, and with the combined efforts of the Grandfathers, Willow and Connor, the apartment was picture perfect by the fourth day of the children’s lives. It was heavily warded and the family moved in.

Connor’s mother and father came to visit around midday of the following day. His mother still requiring a wheelchair, but Connor insisting on carrying her from the car and across the threshold, his father trailing behind with all manner of ‘goodies’, returning to the car to collect a large bunch of flowers and a helium balloon arrangement.

Luka and Talia were both feeding well, though Connor had been worried as he observed his wife Dawn’s discomfort as cracked nipples and very sore breasts made each feeding more and more painful. Colleen was relaxed in a huge reading chair Connor had bought especially for Dawn, a pillow on her lap in case the tiny figure of Luka she held became too much for her. But the new grandmother was not about to give in to fatigue, not for the world. The little boy had snuffled a little then relaxed against the older woman while Dawn fed his sister.

Colleen could not help but notice the wince of pain as the little mouth dropped off then tried to reengage. She quickly advised rubbing mother’s own milk onto the nipples after the feed then if needed applying papaya cream to the abused nubs. She went on to show Dawn how to express and grinned as the rather stunned young woman managed to send a thin squirt across the room. Cabbage leaves sounded like a bit of a stretch for sore breasts so Dawn was most surprised when, that evening, F’Iaid confirmed their beneficial effect was far more than an old wives tale.

It would still be several months before Connor’s mother could truly be said to be in remission once more, but Connor could still smell the hope and love flowing from his father. They were sharing the task of putting away the ‘care package’ Colleen insisted they brought with them, and despite his protests, Connor was truly grateful.

“You know your mother wants to be called Nanna right?”

 

“What?”

“Nanna”

“Oh… yeah sure… but what about…”

“She is so darned happy son… you’ve made us so darned happy. It’s like this was the little spark she needed… not that the girls and you aren’t worth it … just… Ahhh geez.” Connor saw his father turn away for a moment and compose himself again. “I can’t tell you how… [deep breath] I can’t tell you how incredible it is to have a grandson bearing my name… incredible.”

Connor pulled his father into a tight hug and gave him a ‘manly’ few slaps on the back. He knew his adoptive father had not received the memory ‘reinstall’ that he had, but still retained the implanted ones, and they felt no less real. And given that he had hugged Angel for pretty much the same reason late the previous night, he was beginning to understand both men a little better. The fierce protectiveness he felt toward his children and partner not a small part of the same.

……………

After a few more days of experience at feeding the children, the young couple was reassured as the raw tissue healed and toughened to the point that Dawn actually enjoyed the feeling of a tiny bodies taking from her. It was a profound realization for the young mother. Her children cried and her breasts filled and began to leak, and despite the inconvenience of wearing tiny pads to catch the spills, it was still amazing to the young couple.

Connor had been back at the University trying to catch up on a bit of study as Dawn sheepishly admitted her pleasure to Spike who’s sleeping habits dictated that he was awake and restless in the early afternoon, well before Angel. He had taken to visiting and chatting to the new mother, even changing a nappy, though his vampire sense of smell made the task rather horrific until Dawn swiftly dealt with the tiny but very stinky offering.

Dawn brought up the topic in the third week of the children’s lives, as the two gave the little people a warm bath, Spike utterly amazed by tiny arms and legs thrashing with obvious delight as the babies were immersed almost fully at opposite ends of the plastic baby bath. Their feet barely touched but it was easy to see that it would not be long before the ‘big bath’ was no longer adequate and the full sized bath would need to be accessed.

“’S like that for Sire ‘n Childe pet… Best feelin’ in the world to give… and bliss to take.”

“So when you and Angel… It feels…”

Spike wiggled an eyebrow and smirked as he said, “Try it durin’ sex, guaranteed to blow your head off love!” Dawn blushed deep red and felt her milk come in at the mere suggestion from the ‘naughty’ O’Pa as he lifted the tiny female figure from her warm bath and into a waiting fluffy towel. The name had indeed stuck.

Dawn recalled her conversation a few days later. Late one evening in the third week, Connor pleasured his now voluptuous partner with a loving massage and careful kisses. Connor was very aware of his partner’s still healing body and her fatigue, but she was so responsive and his hour long ministrations with no sign of relief were driving her to distraction. He had pleasured her in every way he could think of, aware that the bruising around her pelvis was only just starting to heal. But her clitoris seemed a viable option, and he hoped she could obtain pleasure from that alone, yet now she needed more and it seemed was inviting him to taste his children’s meal. He kissed her firmly on the lips then gently laved around the full nipple and lightly massaged her sex as he reverently took the offering. She came hard as she felt the milk drop.

Breast milk was an odd combination of salty and sweet and … something else. It occurred to Connor that it was almost like tasting his first draft of blood, it was just… different. He opened his own wrist with two fine puncture marks and grinned as Dawn took some of the precious fluid. It was a fair exchange, and the children would benefit.

……………..

Angel and Spike were standing in silence on their balcony staring out at the trees and the lights of the bay, the larger vampire’s arms around his smaller companions while the blonde smoked.

The cell phone at Angel’s hip broke the peace.

“Hey Dad? Do you know what it’s like if someone is trying to break through the wards? ‘Cause, we’re all a little freaked here and the babies have both just lost it!”

“We’re on our way… Ring Willow and F’Iaid!”

The cigarette butt had not even hit the ground before the two vampires were at Dawn and Connor’s door.

……………………..

Part 37


Angel and Spike did not even bother with the conventional corridor, instead the two master vampires hurdled to the next story from their own balcony then dropped onto Dawn and Connor’s. It was expected. And Connor let them in. Spike shivered as he passed the extraordinarily strong wards.

The babies were crying, Dawn was frantic and Connor’s eyes had changed and his fangs were down ready for attack. Like any devoted father he stood ready to protect two wailing children and a crying partner… Realizing who it was, he fell into his fathers’ arms. His fangs found their mark immediately and he took straight from his true father’s jugular.

Spike took Dawn into his arms, then calmly pulled her to the bed, rising only to collect the two wailing children tucking the pair between them and whispering, “Let’s try somethin’ Pet.”
then accepted Spike’s offered wrist. The babies seemed to calm as their parents stilled with the imbibing of familial blood. Dawn was propped up on pillows and two tiny mouths found their mark with a little assistance.

They were all barely relaxed before they felt and saw the crackle of another attack as Connor curled up on his father’s lap while Dawn continued to lap Spike’s wrist rhythmically as he supported her little girl with the other hand and both children tugged at her breasts.

The two vampires growled at the attempted intrusion but Connor looked up, calmer yet now feeling rather like a little boy instead of head of a family. He looked up at his father rather apologetically then began to shift by found himself even more tightly embraced and a loving smile greeting his angst.

“Stay for a bit son. Nothing wrong here now and you did the right thing. For Spike and I, there’s nothing more important than your two… well… four now… nothing!”

Spike pulled his wrist away and patted his ‘daughter in law by Mating’ and struck up, “C’mon Sire, time for the granddads to placate the littlies then, while the young lordship here sorts out his lady.” The wink and grin from the blond was seen by Connor and Dawn, and lightened their mood a little. Angel and Spike let love flow through the link knowing Connor had just fed from his father he would be privy to the emotions at least for a time, but Angel did not miss the very real worry in the look Spike shot him while the parents gently changed and wrapped the two tiny people.

It was decided Angel and Spike would play grandparents, nursemaids and protectors to the twins for a few hours that night, and give the young parents time to regroup. When ready, Dawn and Connor would join them at the vampires’ apartment. The problem was still the question as to who was trying to break the wards and why. A very sleepy Willow and F’Iaid arrived around midnight – along with an elegant looking young man who introduced himself as Hugh. They shored up the wards for the second time... this time with a local male witch grounding the pull of energy at the location.

……………………..

Their apartment was quiet, though the sparks through the wards indicated that someone had been targeting them as well. But for now, all seemed settled.

Two tiny bodies had been disturbed with the move, so were about to be fed. Dawn had done a sterling job at expressing milk for the first time – F’Iaid’s lessons paying off and her own breasts used to feeding two, full to the point of pain far too often anyway. Her body would eventually adjust but for now… expressing was a sensible option.

Spike wandered into their bedroom with two bottles of Dawn’s warmed breast milk. He handed one to Angel then settled himself beside his larger lover as Angel cradled the two tiny figures in his arms and eased a teat into the minute mouth of his grandson as Spike did the same with Talia.

Spike smelt it and looked across to his lover, his Sire had tears tracking down his cheeks… The little lad had curled his tiny hand around the pinky of Angel’s free hand, and the memories of Connor at the same age were a little too acute… and then the loss of his son… twice… but now… this, these *beautiful* children… grandchildren! Spike leant over and kissed away a tear on the closest cheek. Then saw more spill.

Spike knew that words would be inadequate, so opened his free wrist and let his Mate suckle as their grandchildren enjoyed their meal.

Eventually, at much the same time as his tiny charge released her bottle, Spike felt his wrist fall free. He pulled away and felt surprisingly tearful himself as he observed the babies sleeping contentedly, snuggled together on their snoozing grandfather’s cool torso, the larger vampire’s strong arms cradling the minute humans easily with their baby blankets surrounding them.

Spike eased himself away then returned with food for both he and his mate. Angel woke slowly to the gentle attentions of his partner.

Angel carefully eased the two tiny figures onto the bed between them, then stretched up to kiss his mate. Their fingers touched as they simultaneously reached over the grandchildren, and their legs intertwined in a show of protection like no other.

The wards were hit again but it wasn’t noticed by the mated couple, their physical boundaries prevented the protagonist from detecting the presence of the children.

...........

It puzzled the attackers.

The key and her partner were present, and making love.

The Sire and Childe were in their space sleeping together… but the children had apparently… disappeared.

The order came as two of their number disintegrated. “Find them!”

…………..

Spike and Angel woke a little stiff, having kept the same position for almost four hours. Their two tiny grandchildren were just beginning to stir and there was a quiet knocking at the door.

Spike squeezed his partner’s hand then rose to answer the call, feeling Conner seeking out his children through their own familial link.

Dawn was standing looking on the edge of panic as the door was answered and they were ushered in.

She fell into her favorite inlaw’s (or should that be outlaw’s) arms and was relieved to hear a quick report.

“Oh come on Bit! They’re *fine*. Couple of hits on the wards no big… The ol’ Poof an’ me will see off any nasties – you know that!”

“I know but…” Connor squeezed his wife’s hand then turned to Spike. There was still high anxiety flowing freely through the link, before his partner managed to hold back her tears and managed a very halted, “F’Iaid and Willow think it is a big deal!!!”

The blonde vampire pulled the rather frantic young mother to Angel and his shared bedroom to reveal two tiny forms just beginning to squirm and a blissful grandfather enjoying the moment. Angel moved off the bed allowing the two young parents to take care of their children, Dawn’s milk leaking before she had even made it to the bed. Connor assisted and tiny mouths latched on to breasts replete with mother’s milk.

Dawn’s pallor was indicative of her genuine terror for her children and Angel saw the parental anxiety. It was too reminiscent of another vampire’s child.

Connor barely held his composure as he felt the related distress, worried for his own children and felt his wife’s panic.

Dawn’s pleading eye’s met Spike’s as he took her hand and they all settled onto the huge bed that graced the master bedroom of their apartment. She allowed tears to flow as she accepted her perfectly safe twins back, felt her milk flow drop and relaxed as two welcoming tiny mouths latched on. The combination of relief and worry saw her own tears fall as those around her made sure her two children continued with their meals, propping them up on pillows and coaxing them to stay attached, before gently lifting the two sleeping babies and tucking into their bassinette.

Angel was still fascinated by the feeding, but Spike seemed strangely comfortable. His connection and commitment to Dawn was absolute, and now as she had become a mother, he felt a pride in her, and adoration for the new little humans of their family. And he still took his oath to protect her, even after years of separation, most seriously.

She faced her former protector, now relative. “Someone is trying to get them, Spike… They’re so tiny and already someone’s trying to get them… They probably want them for parts or something horrid like that and then there’ll be Connor and … even me and Ohhh Spike!!”


Reassurances were made and blood exchanged with Connor, the circle of three males resolute… so it eventually twice a week the young couple forgot about the external threats and simply enjoyed each other. Three months later, Angel and Spike minded the children for the evening while and within a week, could smell it. Connor and Dawn had been amorous, and although it was unexpected … indeed should not necessarily even been possible, given that she was feeding twins, she was pregnant again.

Spike and Angel’s apartment’s wards were hit hard the evening the young couple announced th, though they now expected it. It occurred every time the small folk were with them, or Dawn and Connor but this time Willow and F’Iaid were summoned. Dawn drank from her partner’s wrist as he bit down harder into her jugular than ever before and took from her while pressing an already dripping wrist and felt that something within her had changed but was too worried by other issues with the babies to worry about her own state.
……………………………………………

Spike rolled his eyes as his Mate, his Sire, sighed and reached over to stroke his lovely partner as the music began on the sound system.

Louis Armstrong’s ‘Dream a Little Dream’ followed ‘What a Wonderful World’. The easy pace and sweet melody all contributed, the wards quieted, and the babies relaxed and slept. Spike reflected as Angel also yawned, Satchmo style strangely always seemed to calm the children, and his Sire… with the advantage that his lovely partner in all things was always amorous afterward.

This time however, it had been for comfort, and after the ‘compulsory’ kiss, they had focused on the feeding then sleeping children before relaxing, still stroking each other.

‘Louis’ was still on a loop and quietly playing in the background as Dawn and Connor let themselves into the apartment. As they entered, ‘Hello Brother’ was playing… and the parents could see the two grandfathers curled apparently snoozing around two tiny figures with spent bottles by their sides and the obvious signs of feeding on their wrists. Both children were sleeping, arms akimbo carefully circled by the protective bodies of two of the strongest vampires on the planet. But Dawn was not to be fooled.

She saw the slow tears tracking down the man who was her step father and had defended her beyond his own final death… and now protected her own children.

As she approached the bed, as the recording of Louis began to sing and Spike’s azure eyes opened to her and the love they held was astounding and the combination gave her no option but tears.

A man wants to work for his pay
A man wants a place in the sun
A man wants a gal proud to say
That she'll become his lovin' wife
He wants a chance to give his kids a better life, yes
Well hello, hello, hello brother

Connor sidled up behind her, slid his arms around her and smiled at the conscious Spike and the scene, then began to really listen to the words. Spike saw the shift and the babies stirred a little but did not wake. Connor turned his beautiful wife and reached to wipe away her tears after she too witnessed the touching scene. Her recent worry had just been obliterated by a lovely private evening, and now the very old fashioned song reminded her of just how very lucky she really was.

Connor’s rather teary adoring look caused her to bury her face into his neck and as the next stanza began, he pulled her close, mirrored her position and the two slow danced in the doorway of the Grandfathers’ bedroom.

You can travel all around the world and back
You can fly or sail or ride a railroad track
But no matter where you go you're gonna find
That people have the same things on their minds

A man wants to work for his pay
A man wants a place in the sun
A man wants a gal proud to say
That she'll become, his lovin' wife

He wants a chance to give his kids a better life
Well hello brother, hello, yeah

Grandpa Spike stayed put and the twins slept on, as did their ancient grandfather.

Connor and Dawn smiled at the blonde as the song finished and availed themselves to the spare room.

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