The next evening was designated Scooby Night by the expectant mother. She invited everyone over for snacks after supper, making it early enough for them to visit Marcus before he went to bed. She wanted to tell her friends all at once and enjoy their reactions. When good news was the order of business, the gang really knew how to celebrate.

A few minutes before seven, Willow and Bill Armstead arrived, carrying a plate of cold cuts and some sparkling grape juice. The men retired to the living room with Marcus, and Willow joined Buffy in the kitchen to unwrap her offering. The redhead was highly curious, but not even her resolve face could persuade her best friend to spill the beans.

Xander and Anya arrived next with a grocery sack full of chips, dip and sodas. He dropped the bag on the nearest level surface, which happened to be a chair in the hallway, and headed for the sound of little boy toys being used. Now there were three girls in the kitchen, two of them begging for hints and one growing more secretive as the minutes ticked by.

Joyce, Wilton, and Cedrick arrived almost simultaneously. They made small talk in the hall as the younger groups continued their chatter. The doorbell interrupted everyone's talk for a few seconds until Joyce called out, "I'll get it... I'm closest to the door!"

She was surprised to see Wesley and Faith standing on the porch, looking uncomfortable in the glare of the safety light. She grinned widely as she threw open the door, happy to see the second Slayer again.

"Faith! It's been ages! The party's starting without you."

Faith stepped through, nodding with approval that Joyce hadn't given them a verbal invite. "Hey. Mrs... um..." She looked up at Wesley as if to say, 'Well, help me out!'

"Bernard," he supplied readily, shaking hands all around. Faith headed for the sound of girl talk, while Wes stayed with Cedrick and joined the discussion of the college's latest museum exhibit.

"Hey, B, what's up?"

"Faith!" Buffy gave the younger girl a quick hug, knowing how she felt about outward displays of affection.

"Gang's all here..."

Buffy shook her head. "Not yet." Before she could clarify, the doorbell rang again. Several people looked around, trying to figure out who was missing. Joyce did door duty again, peering out at the new arrivals. She gasped as she recognized them.

"Hey, Mrs. Bernard," Cordelia said politely, elbowing Angel. Apparently she'd been coaching him, because he blurted, "Joyce, it's wonderful to see you again."

Joyce fought back a giggle. Angel had never been at ease around her, at least, not since his frightening relapse into Angelus. He seemed more the uncomfortable young man than ever, despite his reported success as a demon hunter and private eye in LA.

She waved them in, and was about to close the door, when she heard someone clear their throat and say gruffly, "Excuse me, madam."

She looked up, then down. A startled 'eep!' escaped her mouth before she covered it with a restraining hand. She wasn't expecting to see a troll in leather breeches and a goblin in a dark blue suit. In the living room, Marcus jumped to his feet and sprinted down the hall to hug them both, calling their names happily.

"Ah, Buffy, perhaps you should formally introduce your mother to our friends," Giles said warningly.

"Mom! Um... you remember Madvehkar and Gerard, don't you? They were at Marcus' Christening." She indicated the newcomers with a welcoming smile. "They're good guys, I promise. They help us watch out for Marcus."

"Well... ah... um... h-hello," Joyce stuttered. Wilton watched calmly, wondering how she would deal with a troll and a goblin visiting her daughter's home.

"Where's the Ancient?" Buffy asked as she took Mad's hat and Gerard's coat. "He's an elf," she said to her mother softly. Joyce's stutter didn't improve with that information.

"He sssaid he didn't need to be here at thissss time. Whatever it issss you have to ssssay, he probably already knowssss it, anyway," Mad stated decisively as he followed his hostess to the living room.

"Aw, gee, that's no fun," Buffy said teasingly as she put their things in the dining room.

Gerard nodded vigorously. "Yeah, it kinda ruins Christmas, too."

Buffy giggled as Giles went rummaging for chairs that would fit their diminutive guests. He seated the troll on a step stool and the goblin in Marcus' plastic chair from his play set.

"You sure know how to make a goblin feel at home," Gerard said happily, noting that his toes reached the ground easily.

The step stool was wide and solid, and Mad relaxed as he realized it would bear his weight easily. "Ahh... room to move my armssss. Very nicssse."

"I'll be right back with two strong coffees, guys. How will that be?" She headed for the kitchen, grinning as both of the lower beings groaned with pleasure.

"Watcher, if you weren't my friend, I'd give you ssssome sssserioussss competition for that woman," Mad said dreamily.

Giles couldn't think of anything to say to that, so he settled for a husbandly glare. Wilton seemed to find it funny, and he slapped his step-son-in-law on the back with a low chuckle. "Easy, Rupert, you know Buffy's completely yours. Not even a handsome fellow like Mad here could woo her away from you."

Madvehkar beamed widely at Wilton, causing Xander and Willow to shiver at the sight. The rest of them had seen the expression before and were used to it.

"Who's wooing who?" Buffy asked as she returned with a tray with various mugs of coffee and tea. None of the men would answer her, so she shrugged slightly and threaded her way into the room. Placing the tray on the low coffee table, she then handed the two non-humans their drinks, clearing her throat for attention.

"I think, before the party starts swingin' and we forget why we're all here, that Giles should tell you, um... why we're all here."

"Not that we ever need a reason to eat," Xander interjected, his mouth almost full of chips.

"True, but... babe?"

The conversation about Buffy's desirability had already gotten Giles flustered, and now, with every eye turned in his direction, he found himself almost speechless. "Buffy... I'm not... exactly... um..."

"It's okay, Giles," Willow said soothingly. "We're family. Extended. Way extended. But, still, family."

"I bet I know what it is," Xander teased, noting Giles' sudden nervousness.

Before he could say anything more, Marcus jumped to his feet and blurted, "We gonna have mo' babies!"

"Buffy, you're pregnant again?" Joyce cried, throwing her arms around her teary-eyed daughter. In seconds both of them were sniffling helplessly.

"Another baby? Wow, G-man, you manly man, you!" Giles accepted Xander's enthusiastic slap on the back with only a slight wince.

"Congratulations, Rupert." Wilton reached out and shook Giles' hand firmly, smiling broadly. "The second one is a tad less strenuous, in my experience."

"One can hope, but..." Giles began, but stopped to catch Buffy's eye before continuing. "We may have more news shortly."

"What could be better than a new baby?" Willow asked.

Faith, who had been hanging around the edge of the action, caught a glimpse of their news through the Bond. Her two hosts were broadcasting their emotions like a million-watt tower. She grinned suddenly and drawled, "Two babies?"

Buffy spun around, surprised. "How did you know?"

Faith grinned. With some effort, she sent Buffy a quick thought. 'Slayer Power.'

Buffy giggled and held out a hand. Faith slapped it heartily.

"Twins?" Everyone in the room shouted, once they'd recovered from the shock.

"I'm gonna have a baby brudder and a baby sisser," Marcus declared gravely.

"Oh, congratulations, Markie, sweetie," Willow cooed, squatting to give the little boy a hug.

Both his parents automatically corrected, "Marcus."

The room erupted with laughter and loud congratulations. The party had begun.

********

As was often the case in gatherings such as this, Giles slipped away to find a moment of peace after about an hour. He had never been overly fond of crowds, preferring a group of four or less, or even the orderly confusion of a school classroom. In order to achieve the various diplomas he held, he'd managed to sublimate his shy nature, but he often needed a breather when things got too raucous.

He watched through the sliding glass doors for a moment, standing just far enough back to be unobtrusive. Buffy, Joyce and Faith were in the corner talking and laughing. Wilton and Cedrick had perched themselves on opposing chair arms and were deep in discussion, with Wesley watching from the couch, obviously enthralled with the two older men. Giles idly wondered if the young Watcher had ever been close to his father. It seemed he craved the stability of someone older and wiser than himself. Mad, Gerard and Angel were entertaining Cordelia, Anya and Xander with stories of some of their wilder adventures. The troll was clearly in his element, his arms waving expressively as he told his tale. In the subdued lighting of the hall, he could just see Willow and Bill, their eyes locked together as they conversed. Marcus was wandering from group to group, drinking in the instant attention he received from everyone.

He sighed with satisfaction at the scene. His extended family was here, safe and sound. He turned and stepped to the rail, enjoying the cool air and the quiet.

As he stood on the back deck, staring at the stars, he thought back to the first time they'd announced that Buffy was expecting. The crowd was smaller, then, but no less supportive. He admitted to himself, as he had done thousands of times before, just how lucky he really was. From a man destined to live, fight, grieve, and die alone, he had been transformed into a man with a home, a future, and the love of family and friends.

He looked back into the house, smiling at the absurdly cozy scene. Having family and friends made him happy, but it also made him vulnerable. Love and concern tightened his throat suddenly, and he turned back to watch the stars. These wonderful, caring people had been called upon to fight some of the most horrible foes in history, and thanks to their involvement with him, would most likely be forced to do so again. It wasn't a pleasant legacy.

Armstead noted the Watcher's escape, and gave him about fifteen minutes of solitude before slipping out the door to stand beside Giles. He focused on the stars, turning ever so slowly in the night sky, and sighed. "Lovely night," he remarked quietly.

"Indeed."

"Am I disturbing your reverie?"

"Not too much," Giles admitted. "I grow terribly morbid if left to my own devices for long."

"Ah, good, then. Cedrick was anxious to discuss his latest findings on the prophecy. I couldn't help wondering when you learned of your wife's... condition."

"You're wondering if we read about the prophecy involving more children and decided to help things along?" Giles voice was even, but cool.

"Not exactly, well, not in so many words, but..."

"We didn't know," he said flatly.

"It's not that I'm simply curious, you understand. Now that your father is retired, I must answer to the new Head of Security. I have reports to write, and I must have my facts straight, you see." The younger Watcher was obviously uncomfortable with the topic of conversation, but determined to finish what he'd started.

"Of course. And I have given you your facts."

"Yes, you have. I'm sorry I even had to ask, but the timing... it was highly suggestive."

Giles shrugged indifferently. "In matters of this importance, I would hardly lie."

"I wasn't inferring..." Bill started defensively, then took a deep breath and relaxed. "Mister Connors might view my report differently. That is all I'm saying."

"Then it's up to you to write it in such a way that the chronology of events are very clear to your Mister Connors." Giles could barely disguise the contempt in his voice when he spoke of his father's successor.

"I suppose it is," Bill said thoughtfully, the frown leaving his face. "This should be an interesting report."

"I'm sure."

Bill stepped closer, stopping just in front of Giles, and caught the older man's eye. "My position in this matter has not changed, Mister Giles, regardless of who holds the office of Security Chief. I would never allow myself or my reports to be used to manipulate you, your wife, or any of your children, in any way."

Giles favored him with a smile. "I know you wouldn't."

"Good." Armstead shifted slightly from one foot to the other, then nodded. "I'll leave you to your contemplation of the stars, then." He turned smartly and went back into the house without a backward glance.

Giles watched him go, wishing he could find the center of peace he'd been seeking when Armstead first interrupted. Peace seemed to be a long way of at that moment.

He soon returned to the living room, drifting from one conversation to another until he finally took a seat on the couch to relax and watch. Marcus immediately crawled into his father's lap and fell soundly asleep. Giles was content to hold his son as his family and friends interacted.

As the party began to wind down, Cedrick came to a decision. He'd been watching Buffy and Giles all night, and he sensed that they needed some quality time together without the demands of a child. Soon it would be difficult to find those moments with two, possibly three children to tend to.

He put a hand on Giles' shoulder as people began to leave the house. "Son, you and Buffy need a break. Why not let me take Marcus to my house for the night? I can bring him home tomorrow afternoon."

The expression on Giles' face was priceless. "That... that would be, um, very nice. Buffy...?" he asked hopefully.

"Sure. Marcus likes his 'grownup bed' at your house, Cedrick. I just hope he doesn't freak when he wakes up in a different place than when he went to sleep, though."

"He'll be fine," Cedrick insisted. "I've become quite practiced at looking after him."

"Give me a minute to get some things together," Buffy said with a nod, bounding noiselessly up the stairs. The two men continued to watch the sleeping boy, their faces both reflecting love and parental protection.

"He's remarkable, Rupert," Cedrick said finally.

"Yes, he is. A gift from God, and a reminder that there is something worth fighting for."

"He will be a warrior in his own right, one day. You named him well."

Giles nodded, his expression both proud and sad. "Marcus Everett. Strength in battle."

"Indeed."

Buffy was back with Marcus' overnight bag in just a few minutes, and Giles rose to hand the sleeping child over. Marcus stirred grumpily as Cedrick settled him against his shoulder.

"Gwandfadder, am I goin' to your house?" he said sleepily.

"Yes. Would you like that?"

"Uh huh. I wike my gwownup bed." With that, he settled back and was sound asleep once more.

Cedrick shook his head in amazement. "Truly remarkable."

"He takes after me," Buffy said, looking affronted when both men stared at her. "What? I meant my sunny disposition..."

Giles chuckled and kissed her forehead. "You are remarkably good-natured, my dear."

"Well, duh!"

Giles smiled and turned to Cedrick, who seemed completely content with his little burden. "Father, thank you."

"All parents need a moment to themselves, Rupert. The memory is dim, but still accessible."

Buffy giggled softly, aware of her sleeping child. She ran a gentle hand through Marcus' tousled hair and kissed her father-in-law on the cheek. "You guys have fun. I'll be home all day if you get tired of spending your Saturday chasing a three-year-old around."

"We'll be fine. There's a lovely park in my neighborhood."

Giles helped Cedrick bundle all the supplies and the child seat into his car, then watched as they drove away. He turned and looked up at the house. A suggestive smile came to his lips as he gazed at Buffy silhouetted in the doorway. There were only two words in his vocabulary at the moment, and he sent both of them to her via the Bond... 'alone' and 'mine'.

'Oh, yeah, big boy, bring it over here,' she sent back to him with affectionate amusement.

That sounded like a very good idea, so he did.

The moment the door closed, Madvehkar looked out of the hedge with a chuckle. "Watcher'ssss gonna get lucky tonight," he sing-songed.

"Since she's expecting again, I'd say he's gotten lucky already," Gerard giggled softly. "They're kinda cute, for humans."

"Yessss. But Marcussss beatssss them all."

"Oh, yeah. He's almost as cute as a baby goblin."

"Almosssst." Mad tilted his large gray head to one side with a toothy grin. "He remindssss me of my nephew."

"Except that Marcus has hair on top of his head."

Mad nodded in agreement, and the two lower beings settled in to guard the house, determined that their friends would have a peaceful night.

********

"Are you worried?"

"Worried? Not at all." He looked up at her incredulous face and sighed. He shifted slightly in the bed, curling his arm around his wife. "Perhaps a bit," he admitted.

Buffy snorted softly. "More than a bit, babe. You think the Council's going to want to get re-involved when they find out, aren't you?"

"Perhaps." He contemplated for a moment, trying to sort his uneasy thoughts. "This is all happening so fast. When we first heard of the prophecy, it seemed so far away. Now, with everything we've been through, it seems very close... and threatening."

"You think the prophecy is like some dark cloud on the horizon, waiting to turn into a huge thunderstorm when we least expect it, don't you?"

"Very poetic, love, but essentially correct." He absently stroked her hair, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Why does fulfilling prophecy have to be so scary?" she whimpered, burying her head against his neck.

"I don't know, love." Suddenly a thought came to him. 'Perhaps it shouldn't be.'

"Shouldn't be what?" she said aloud.

"Scary. Frightening. Prophecy is meant to guide us, not hinder us." He sat up straighter, causing her to slide lower on his side. She adjusted her pillows and sat up beside him.

"What are you talking about?"

"We've been looking at this in a negative way, trying to find loopholes... ways to thwart the prophecy, when we should be looking for ways to fulfill it."

"Again, with the 'what'?"

He turned to her eagerly, the familiar light of discovery in his eyes. "The ending of the prophecy tells of a cataclysmic battle and the end of something. We assumed this was the end of the world. But that would contradict the first verse entirely." He smacked the flat of his hand against his forehead, startling Buffy. "How could I have been so utterly stupid?"

"Rupert, you're scaring me, now." She sat back on her heels and stared at him.

He smiled gently. "I'm fine, love. Don't you remember the first part of the verse? 'He will create beauty that restores the land,' it said. Doesn't sound like an apocalypse to me."

"Me, neither," she acknowledged carefully. "But who knows how many years it will be between the first verse and the last?"

His face fell. "I suppose that's true."

His sudden sadness made her kick herself mentally. They had been having a wonderful, intimate evening, and she had to go and rain on his parade. He tended to look at the dark side of things enough without her help. "I guess my point is, we don't know. We don't know when, or where, or even if. We don't know how long. I just think we should be cautious."

He smiled at her again, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ears. "Always a good idea."

She scooted back against him and tilted her head up for a kiss. "I have another good idea."

"I'm sure you do."

"It involves a whole lot less prophecy and a whole lot more smoochies."

"Lovely."

"Thought you'd like it."

He kissed her again, stopping to look deep into her eyes. "Buffy, I love you."

"I know. I can read your mind, remember?"

He shook his head stubbornly, trying to express himself with words. It seemed important to say them aloud. "This is my heart. I want you to read my heart."

Her expression softened. "Every time we make love, I read you loud and clear." She kissed him softly. "But... on the off chance that I misread you, maybe we should do it again just to be sure."

He chuckled and rolled her over on her back, attacking her neck until she whimpered, then murmured against her neck, "I'll make very sure you don't misunderstand."

She laughed in delight, and he returned his attention to her neck. Contentment seeped into him as he reveled in the feel of her, and she let go of her worries and held him close.

* * * * *

Cedrick rose at his usual time to find Marcus already up and partially dressed. He had a clean shirt over his pajama bottoms, and was watching the television as if he owned the place. After getting him into the rest of his clothes, Cedrick made a quick breakfast. When they finished eating, he glanced at the clock and decided it was time for their outing.

The day was brightly sunny, and Cedrick walked Marcus over to the little park just down the street from his house. It had been built by several families in the little neighborhood, and consisted of rustic looking swings, slides, jungle gyms, and various structures that easily conformed themselves to a child's imagination.

Marcus threw himself wholeheartedly into playing the moment he arrived, leaving Cedrick to watch from a comfortable bench on the sidelines. There were about a dozen children of various ages enjoying the warm morning, and Marcus was soon interacting comfortably with several of them. He was growing more athletic every year, and was already begging to join the organized sports activities at his school. Cedrick watched as Marcus mingled with children of various ages with ease, marveling at his ability to connect with them despite his size.

After about an hour of play, Marcus suddenly turned and headed back to his grandfather. His face was determined, but relaxed. As he climbed up beside him, Cedrick asked, "Are you tired of playing, Marcus? We have plenty of time."

"I'm not tired, Gwandfadder. I just don't want you to be by yo'self." He rested his head against Cedrick's arm, and the man found himself experiencing a sudden outpouring of sweet emotion.

"It's quite all right, I'm having a lovely time watching you. It's very peaceful here."

"Okay, den, I'm gonna go play some more."

"Enjoy yourself. That's why we're here."

"I wike it here. It makes me happy." Marcus held his face up to catch a soft breeze, his face a picture of childish joy. Then he leaned over to Cedrick with a mischievous look. "Mummy and Daddy are happy, too. Dey still asleep."

Although that was perhaps more information than Cedrick would have wanted, he smiled and caressed Marcus' head with a roughened hand. "That's good, then. Go and play."

"Okay!" Marcus bounced away, scattering pea gravel everywhere with his eager feet. Cedrick decided to practice using the Bond while he waited, and reached out with his mind, focusing on his son. The little park was less than a mile from their home, and he easily reached the familiar sensation of Rupert's consciousness. A hum of non-thought answered his inquiry, and he smiled to himself.

Marcus was right. Rupert was still asleep, at least. He didn't even consider trying to reach Buffy... it would be ungentlemanly to intrude upon a lady's rest. He relaxed his concentration and turned his attention back to the cheerful sight of Marcus at play.

It wasn't too long before he was back, climbing up on the bench beside his grandfather. Cedrick looked down, curious as to why the child was so reluctant to leave him by himself.

"What's wrong now, Marcus?" he asked with some amusement.

"I was finking."

"Oh? What about?" Cedrick suppressed a grin.

"De babies." He looked up at Cedrick, his small face intent. "Daddy says we don't know yet if dere's two babies. But I do."

"Yes, you've told me your mother is going to have twins."

"Twins." He said the word carefully. "I told Mummy it's okay if I have a sisser."

"I'm sure she's pleased. There isn't much she can do about whether the child is a girl or a boy."

"I know. Daddy said God decides. He said babies come fwom God."

Cedrick had to think a moment about that, but he found himself nodding. "I suppose your father is right."

"He said God decides where de babies need to go, so if God wants Mummy to have a girl baby, den it's okay wif me."

Cedrick couldn't help grinning at that, but said carefully, "Did you tell God of your approval?"

Marcus nodded. "I told Him it was okay, but I still needed a baby brudder to play trucks wif."

Cedrick didn't know what to say to that, so he said nothing. Marcus sat for a while, then looked up, his face solemn. "Daddy says we're not s'posed to be mad at God, even when He does somefing we don't want Him to."

"Sound advice," Cedrick said uncomfortably. The conversation was heading in a direction that, frankly, he had no desire to pursue. His own beliefs had been sublimated by the Council's dogma, and he wasn't sure what he believed, now that he was no longer a part of them. Despite his growing friendship with his son's priest, he wasn't sure of where he stood. It seemed easier to just ignore religion in general. However, with Marcus around, discussions about God seemed to be a regular business.

"Yes. I was mad because I didn't want a sisser, but den I said I was sowwy."

"And what did God say to that?" The question tumbled out before he could stop it.

"He said it's okay now. We fwiends. Fwiends fo'give each udder." He looked up as if catching a familiar scent, and his little face lit up with a happy smile. "Mummy's here!" He slid off the bench and barreled across the park, almost knocking Buffy down as she came across the grass. Cedrick rose slowly, still overwhelmed by Marcus' suddenly very mature conversation.

Buffy bent down for a hug, smiling. "Hey, tiger, what's the big excitement?"

"I wuv you, Mom. I told Gwandfadder about de babies, dat dey came fwom God."

She looked embarrassed as she stood and hefted her son to one hip with practiced ease. "I just hope you weren't explaining how they got here from Heaven." She had been horrified a few days before when she came home and heard Rupert explaining the facts of life to their three-year-old in very technical terms. She made her displeasure known, but he just shrugged and told her, 'He asked. I answered.'

Marcus gave her a scornful look. "Mom! He's Daddy's daddy, wemember? Daddies know dat alweady!"

Buffy couldn't help herself. She burst into laughter and hugged him close. Cedrick was grinning widely, an expression she had seldom seen on her taciturn father-in-law's face.

"I guess you survived," she observed, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Quite nicely. We've had a lovely morning."

"Great. How's about I take you guys to lunch, my treat?"

Marcus bounced excitedly in Buffy's arms. "Oh! Can we have pizza?"

"At the place with the singing bear?" she guessed. He nodded vigorously, and she sighed. "Yeah, we can go there. Unless your grandfather is allergic to noise and pepperoni."

Marcus turned appealing eyes towards Cedrick. "Can we have pizza, Gwandfadder? It's berry good."

"By all means, let us have pizza, then."

"Yay!"

Luckily, Buffy had driven the van. Cedrick wasn't prepared to ride around Sunnydale in a tiny, flashy red convertible. He fastened Marcus into the built-in child seat and slid into the passenger's side. Remembering Rupert's comments on Buffy's driving, he carefully pulled on his seat belt.

As she drove, they chatted comfortably about inconsequential things for several minutes. Suddenly, Buffy frowned and stared up at the rearview mirror.

"Something wrong?" Cedrick asked.

"I don't know... the Bond's pinging like radar, and I think there's someone following us."

He knew enough about surveillance not to turn and look. Instead, he shifted slightly and adjusted the right outside mirror until he could see behind them. "Keep driving, even if you have to go in circles. I want to watch for a moment."

"It's what you Giles-es do best," she quipped, unable to hide the nervous quiver in her voice.

It didn't take very many miles for Cedrick to positively mark the car that was tailing them. It was a nondescript dark blue sedan with dark tinted windows. He immediately thought of several entities that might find the Slayer and her son interesting.

"How long do I keep driving?" she asked after about ten minutes. "Sunnydale's not that big."

"I think we should go on to the restaurant now. No need to let them know we've spotted them."

"Right." She made a couple of turns and pulled into the pizza place. Cedrick watched casually as the sedan drove right past them. He could just make out the silhouette of two people in the car before it passed out of sight.

"Two of them, probably men. I have the license number. Do you have your cellular telephone with you?"

"Never leave home without it... here."

He took the tiny instrument and dialed it with complete familiarity. Within seconds, he was conversing with someone from the LAPD. Buffy was constantly amazed at Cedrick's technical knowledge, especially since it was such a total contrast to his old-world demeanor.

The conversation took less than five minutes, and he returned the phone to her with a satisfied smile. "Unregistered. It must be a government agency, then."

"You said something about the NID when those fake Mensa guys showed up."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I think I need to do some in depth research. I intend to know who is stalking my family, and why."

"Now I know where Rupert gets it," she said with a grin as she started to get out of the car.

"Pardon me?"

"The research thing. He loves it, too."

"Ah. It's gratifying to know that I have passed something useful to the next generation."

She giggled as she unbuckled Marcus from the seat.

"Gwandfadder is funny," Marcus commented happily.

"Yes, he is. And he's smart, too, just like your Daddy. How did we get so lucky, huh, kiddo?"

********

Cedrick delivered the information at his son's house a week later. It didn't take him long to find some interesting tidbits about the NID and Sunnydale. It wasn't just Marcus that held their interest... the surveillance was on Sunnydale in general because of the Hellmouth and its accompanying activities. The death rate, the unusual occurrences, some of which had made the news over the years, had led the local NID officials to post extra agents in the area. When something unusual happened, they checked into it.

Since unusual things happened to the Giles family all the time, they became a target of observation. They all agreed on one thing; something had to be done.

After dinner that night, they sat in the living room discussing various ways of coping with this new inconvenience.

"You realize that the NID's interest is not going to diminish unless the Hellmouth is closed for good," Cedrick warned.

"I know. If only we could seal it permanently..." Giles agreed with a sigh.

"Hey, I wonder if that's what the prophecy means!" Buffy said with a sudden smile.

After a stunned moment, Giles' eyes lit up. "It would fit what we know now."

"Wouldn't it be amazing if Marcus is the one to zap it out of existence?"

Marcus, who had been playing quietly in front of his parents, looked up. "Bang, bang, Mommy! I shoot de demons, and dey wun away!" He jumped up and started using his fingers for guns, aiming at the floor and pretending to shoot. "Bang, bang!"

Buffy felt a sudden rush of despair and fear. Despite what she knew to be true, despite the prophecy and Giles' belief that everything would work out in the end, it terrified her to think of her baby fighting demons. She looked up at Giles, her eyes pleading. "Rupert, do something... I can't stand this..."

He immediately turned and pulled her to his side of the couch, tucking her against him. "What would you have me do, love? Tell our son lies? Pretend that this isn't a dangerous world? That evil doesn't exist? Leave him vulnerable and unprepared? Please don't ask me to do that."

She began to cry, and Cedrick looked away to give them a moment of privacy. After a few minutes of sobbing, she managed to calm herself. Giles offered her his handkerchief, and the familiar gesture made her giggle through her tears.

"Always prepared, babe. That's my Rupert."

"I try, love. I try." He rested his forehead against hers and sent wordless comfort and love to her through the Bond. "Please try to remember that God leads our fight. His timing is perfect. Marcus will be ready to face whatever comes his way, as will we."

She nodded, almost bumping chins with him. "Sorry, babe." She looked up and caught Cedrick's eye. "Sorry, Cedrick. Your daughter-in-law is a basket case of hormones."

"Nothing to apologize for, Buffy," He said thickly. He cleared his throat and continued, "We're all rather shaken by this."

"At least you guys aren't turning on the waterworks every five minutes."

"Neither of us is pregnant," he pointed out.

"Well, yeah, there is that." She sat up and gave Giles a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, honey."

"You're quite welcome," he replied warmly.

She looked down to see Marcus, his face solemn, standing next to her knees. "Mummy? Don't be 'cared."

She hugged him as gently as she could, considering the sudden rush of maternal caring that threatened to start her tears all over again. She released him with a quick kiss and ran her fingers through his thick hair. "Mummy's okay, sweetie. Go ahead and play."

He looked at her intently for a few seconds, then smiled and walked over to his toys.

"I do have one more suggestion to make." Cedrick steeled himself, knowing the response he would likely evoke.

"What is it, Father?" Giles adjusted his arm around Buffy's shoulders and turned his attention to Cedrick again.

"We need to avail ourselves of the Council's resources in dealing with the NID surveillance. Since I'm no longer an active Watcher, we have limited intelligence on who stands with the Slayer at this point. I believe we should involve Mister Armstead in a little counter-espionage."

Buffy sat up, intrigued despite her initial distaste. "You mean, get Bill to find out who's naughty and who's nice?"

Giles chuckled, and Cedrick smirked as he nodded. "Exactly. We must know where the Council stands. Armstead is just the man to find out."

Giles pursed his lips and thought for a few seconds. "He is in direct contact with Connors and his camp. If he hasn't alienated them with all his positive reports, it could work."

"I believe he is still on their 'good side'," Cedrick mused.

Giles and Buffy looked at each other, then smiled. "Sounds like a plan," she said cheerfully.

"Excellent. I'll go round and have a talk with him later."

"Better call first," Buffy warned. "It's Saturday night."

"Call? Ah... of course. Miss Rosenberg should be... um... visiting."

"You got it." She turned her head and caught the twinkle in his eyes. Regarding him with sudden insight, she said accusingly, "Hey, you're not nearly as crusty and clueless as you pretend to be, Cedrick Giles."

He blushed slightly, something she'd never seen him do before. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and her breath caught slightly. There... she'd never seen it before... but that's where Rupert got that wry, sexy grin. Amazing.

Cedrick looked up at her, his head still slightly bowed. Another Giles move, she thought.

"I'm afraid you've found me out, my dear."

She smiled in delight. "Your secret's safe with me, Dad. No wonder the women of Sunnydale are all smitten with you. You've got the accent and the charm... a dangerous combination."

He sighed. "Thank you, my dear. But... Dad?"

She leaned against Giles with a smirk. "It's a small price to pay for me keeping my mouth shut. There's some serious teasing just begging to come out right now."

"It's no good, Father. You might as well accept your new appellation with grace."

"Yeah, Dad." Buffy agreed, before leaning back and staring at her husband. "New what?"

********

Willow looked up with excitement as her best friend approached, winding her way through the tables at the Expresso Pump. 'Two iced mochas, extra chocolate and coffee, the biggest ones you've got'... that was their standard order since they were in high school. Iced mochas had been their favorite choice of bonding beverage, no matter what the circumstances were.

When Buffy called and wanted to get together for an old-fashioned girl-chat, Willow had agreed readily. They had both been so busy, with Willow taking extra hours to graduate early and Buffy going to school and having a husband and baby to look after. Yet the bonds of friendship were still strong.

Willow bounced a couple of times in her chair when Buffy sat down. "This is great... we haven't done this in ages. I've missed doing the girl talk... y'know, without the world coming to an end in two days, or anything like that."

"I know, Will, and I'm sorry. I guess I didn't realize how much time having a kid would take. The older he gets, the more time he takes. I always thought it would be the other way around."

"It's okay, really. I know you're still there, in best friend position. And I can always come to your house."

"Yeah, but I never show up at your place anymore," Buffy said with real regret.

"So, come over next Friday! We're doing a Health and Wellness Fair for Women at school... we could get ready and go together. It's gonna be fun!"

Buffy smiled widely. "A chick-fest? I am so there."

They exchanged a quick grin as the waitress came up to take their order. Willow blurted out their usual without thinking, but Buffy held up a hand. "Uh... make mine a decaf, and go light on the chocolate."

Willow was instantly horrified. "Oh, I forgot... I'm sorry... caffeine's bad for the baby!"

"It's okay. I keep forgetting, myself. I'm only about seven or eight weeks along."

The waitress looked up from her order pad. "Don't I know you guys from school?"

Willow recognized her, vaguely, but she didn't know her name. "Good old Sunnydale High," she joked.

"Yeah, may it rest in pieces. I'm Carol Bonner, and you're Willow and Buffy." She smiled shyly. "I remember... from prom... and Graduation."

Willow nodded solemnly. "Yeah."

The girl turned to Buffy. "Did I hear you right? You're pregnant?"

Buffy blushed, but nodded.

"For the second time, and she's still going to college. 'Course, it helps that her husband is a saint. He's kinda like Mary Poppins without the umbrella." Willow giggled as Buffy glared at her.

The girl seemed amazed. "Gee, I haven't even found the right guy yet, and you're working on number two!"

"And number three," Willow blurted. Buffy shushed her quickly.

"Twins?" Carol crowed, beaming from ear to ear. "You are way lucky!"

"Until about the seventh month, then lucky isn't the word," Buffy said with resignation.

"Yeah, but you have a family... that is so important." The girl looked up as more people came into the restaurant. "I gotta go... be right back with your drinks."

"It might be easier if you took out an ad, Will... or maybe a billboard."

"Oh, you're proud and you know it," Willow teased. "You and your studly older guy."

"Hey, no drooling over the spouse!"

Willow giggled. "Don't worry about that... because I'm definitely taken."

Buffy leaned forward. "And how is Bill these days? Haven't seen him much lately."

Willow's smile turned dreamy. "He's just great. Doing the big time research. Him and Cedrick are always studying the Prophecy of Enosh. Cedrick says Bill is a lot of help. Bill's boss has been cutting him some slack, y'know, because of the research."

"Bill's a great guy."

"Yeah."

"And you're totally in love with him."

Willow beamed and nodded. "Totally."

"That's so great." Buffy sat back with a sigh. "You're good together." Her face fell as she thought about the prophecy.

"Hey, you don't look so chipper all of a sudden, Buff. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, exactly, it's just... I wish things would sorta... I don't know... slow down or something. My life has always been one cataclysm after another, but you'd think I'd catch a break now and then."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to depress you by bringing up the prophecy thing. This is supposed to be light banter... nothing heavy or filling-with-gloomy-ness."

"Nah, it's okay. I guess I need to vent a little."

Willow patted her hand. "Vent away. My turn will come along soon, I bet."

"It's just that..."

Carol interrupted them with their drinks, and they both took a long swig before Buffy continued. "It's like, ever since I found out I was the Slayer, I've been going from one major thing to another. I mean, it was Lothos, Merrick dying, burning down the gym at Hemery, coming here, then it was the Master and Angel and Acathla and..." She ducked her head, grasping Willow's hand tightly for a moment.

"Yeah," Willow replied softly. "And there was Giles and the Bond and happiness and big smoochies, and your Mom getting married and being happy, too, and a fairy-tale wedding in England, and Marcus..."

Buffy had to smile at her friend's optimism. "And nutcase Watchers and kidnapping and prophecies about the end of the world... but, yeah. The good definitely outweighs the bad. I just wish..." She broke off, trying to explain her feelings. It was so much easier with Giles... he just read her mind. "Okay, it's like one of those scary novels you read while you're waiting for a plane... you know the ones. I think Stephen King used to spend a lot of time in airport waiting areas."

Willow chuckled. "Yeah, most of those books are so out there it's hard not to laugh."

"Except that you get caught up in the story... things are going good, everybody's happy, then you turn the page, and wham! The hero gets captured. Or wham! Something happens to his family, or there's something out to destroy the world, or the government's after him... or war breaks out, or the aliens land..." She waved her hand helplessly. "Every time you turn the page, things get worse, until you almost can't read any more..."

Willow's forehead crinkled with concern. "Oh, sweetie, has it really been that bad?"

"Oh, you know me," Buffy scoffed lightly, trying to compose herself. "Miss Drama Queen 1999. I have a lot to be thankful for... Giles is... well, there isn't words for what he is. He's just the best. And my baby... I love him so much, and I wouldn't trade him for anything. It's just..." Her voice dropped. "Sometimes... I'm scared of what's coming next. I'm scared to turn the page."

With wisdom beyond her years, Willow soothed, "But when you get to the end, it always turns out okay, somehow. You have to remember that."

"I do... I just don't like all the stuff in between."

Willow gave Buffy's hand another squeeze. "Nobody does, Buffy. Nobody does. But we just keep turning the pages."

********

"Unbeliever is definitely the correct translation," Armstead stated with satisfaction. He looked around Cedrick's comfortable home, taking in the sparse furnishings at a glance. Beside him at the dining room table, Cedrick nodded.

"I concur," the ex-Watcher agreed. "And I do believe that the next line is correct, also. Do you agree, Ancient?"

Sitting across from them at the table, perched on Marcus' high chair, the white-bearded elf nodded. "It is consistent with Tarabiana's translation. I believe we have the true meaning of the phrase."

"Excellent!" Cedrick slid his chair back and stood. "I believe this calls for a small celebration. Coffee, Ancient?"

The elf nodded regally. "Yes, and thank you, Watcher."

"Armstead? Tea?"

"That would be much appreciated, sir."

Cedrick moved to the kitchen, losing himself in the soothing ritual of tea preparation as the coffee pot burbled and spat out a fresh pot of dark liquid. He was feeling positively energized. These sessions with young Armstead and the centuries old Elven mage had been thoroughly enjoyable. He felt useful again.

"Mister Giles?" Armstead's voice cut through his reverie. "I'm heading over to the gym this afternoon... would you like to ride along?"

Cedrick had been meticulous about keeping fit since his dismissal from the Council. He'd visited several gyms and spas, but Armstead seemed to have hit on one that suited them both quite well. It catered to martial artists, and most Watcher training drew from Chinese and Japanese disciplines. He felt comfortable there.

"An excellent idea. Work the mind, work the body... the essence of balance," he quoted, and heard the elf chuckle.

"A very human philosophy, Watcher."

"Yes, it is, but we humans have neither the longevity or the physical stamina of an elf. We do what we must."

Zehdlaf chuckled again. "As you say, Watcher." He slid gracefully to his feet and picked up his staff. "We have made progress today. The same time again tomorrow?"

"Yes, and thank you, Ancient." Cedrick came around the corner, carrying a steaming cup of coffee in a styrofoam cup. "Here you are... for the road, so to speak."

"You are most kind." The elf bowed deeply and took the cup. Cedrick returned the bow. Armstead stood, repeating the gesture, and the elf let himself out the back door and into the warm sunshine.

"It constantly amazes me... he seems to disappear the moment he gets outdoors."

"It's the Elven way. They couldn't have survived without great skill at camouflage."

"True enough." Armstead sipped his tea with relish. "I should finish this and run by the flat to change."

"Apartment, Armstead, apartment," Cedrick corrected casually, grinning over the edge of his cup.

"Right. Apartment." He finished his tea with a happy sigh and stood. "I shall return at three, if that's all right."

"Fine. I'll be waiting."

Armstead hadn't been gone more than half an hour when Cedrick's telephone rang. He answered it with a frown, wondering who would call in the middle of the afternoon.

"Mister Giles? It's Armstead."

"Is something wrong?" Cedrick's heart skipped a beat.

"'I've just finished speaking with the Director. I have wonderful news."

Cedrick sat on the couch, his heart beating wildly again. "They are going to support us?"

"Wholeheartedly. All the Ruling Council members are in agreement. The Director even went so far as to speculate that the Powers That Be orchestrated your dismissal so that you would be in place for this event."

Cedrick snorted, but calmed himself immediately. "Thank God the man has some sense. It would make things difficult if he were to oppose us."

"One more thing, sir. The problem with NID? Connors is going to look into it, discreetly, of course. He thinks some of the rogue Watchers that left the Council during the purging might have something to do with the surveillance." Armstead chuckled. "I believe Mister Connors is enjoying the subterfuge. He would make an excellent spy."

"Possibly. However, I agree with his assessment. It pays to cover every angle," Cedrick agreed. "If I could, I would thank the Director personally. My family's safety is far more important than my non-existent career."

"The Director knows that saving the world and saving your grandson go hand in hand. Well, I'd best be getting changed. See you in about half an hour."

Cedrick rang off and sat there, smiling to himself. Success with their translation, success with the Council... today was a good day.

********

The weeks passed far quicker than any of them could believe. Doctor Phil Stephenson's office was full that day, and mostly of Buffy's family and friends. At the doctor's advice, she had waited until her fifth month to have an ultrasound test done. She was healthy, still very active, but was showing quite a bit, and the doctor was almost convinced that she was carrying twins.

The first time she mentioned two babies, Doctor Phil had been skeptical. However, due to the unusual nature of his patient, he agreed to run an ultrasound to set everyone's mind at ease.

As she climbed onto the table, he grinned at her and palpated her swollen abdomen. "Buffy, you are the slimmest pregnant woman I've seen all week. You're only five pounds heavier now than you were with Marcus."

"I know, Doc, but I feel different. More off balance, or something. Giles has to help me out of bed sometimes already."

He patted her tummy lightly. "Well, let's see what's going on in there."

The nurse came in with the machine and started prepping Buffy's stomach. They were almost ready when a knock came at the door and Giles peered into the room.

"May we come in now?"

"Certainly," Doctor Phil said. Giles entered the room carrying Marcus.

"Mom, what's dat?" the boy asked, pointing at the ultrasound machine.

"It's an ultrasound machine. It's going to let us see inside Mummy's tummy, honey." She held out a hand and Giles moved closer, taking her hand and smiling proudly.

"We gonna see de babies?"

"I don't know if we'll see one baby or two, Marcus," Doctor Phil warned.

"Dere's two babies, Dod'tor Phil," Marcus said decisively.

The nurse started the procedure, and all eyes were glued to the screen. In just a few seconds of searching, she found something.

"Look, Mrs. Giles, there's a hand... and a foot..."

"And two heads!" Giles blurted.

"Four feet..." Buffy agreed breathlessly.

"Two babies!" Marcus crowed and clapped his hands. "We gonna have two babies!"

"It certainly looks like it," Phil agreed with a huge grin. "Debbie, take the measurements, if you can figure out which parts go with which baby."

They watched with awe as the two images moved, flexed tiny arms and legs, and fought for room in the confines of Buffy's stomach. Marcus took great pleasure in counting the tiny fingers as they appeared on the screen. As Debbie moved the scanner, they could also make out perfectly formed feet and toes.

"Amazing," Giles breathed. He loved them already, but seeing them made it so much more real.

"They're a bit small, but everything seems to be in place. Look... you've got a boy there, no doubt," Debbie said with a smile.

Giles squinted at the screen, trying to see what the nurse was indicating. He couldn't see anything but static.

She worked for about five more minutes, trying to get the sensor into position. "Oh... here... I think this is a girl."

"Hello, my babies..." Tears were streaming down Buffy's face.

"Happy babies," Marcus observed, watching as one of them sucked its thumb.

"Happy Mummy and Daddy," Giles said softly, his voice rough with emotion.

"Happy Marcus," the boy added throwing his arms around his father's neck. "When dey gwow up, I will have someone to play wif."

Phil watched with amazement. Marcus had no trouble grasping the concept of fetuses in his mother's stomach, growing and developing into little people like himself.

"I... I need to let everyone know," Giles finally said, unwilling to let go of Buffy's hand.

She gave him an encouraging smile and pulled him down for a kiss. "Go. Brag. Hand out cigars."

"The cigars can wait until our children are born," he said happily, and left the room walking on air.

Willow looked up as he approached. As one, the four of them stood. Cedrick could tell by the waves of happiness coming off his son that the news was positive, and he felt his shoulders relax as uncertainty gave way to relief.

Giles decided not to make the non-Bonded people wait. "Twins. A boy and a girl, both healthy and possessing the proper number of fingers and toes." He hugged Marcus briefly. "We know, don't we, son?"

"Yeah, Daddy, we counted dem!"

The room exploded with congratulations, laughter, and words of happiness.

Marcus, from his perch in his father's arms, watched the celebration with a smile. Armstead was caught by how calm the little boy was.

"Marcus, what do you think about being a big brother?" Xander asked with a wide smile.

"I wike it." He frowned suddenly. "I'm a big brudder, now. I need to talk like a big boy."

Willow was surprised. "Marcus, you've always talked like a big boy."

Giles didn't know whether to smile or frown. "Marcus can speak much more correctly than he usually does. It suits him, at times, to talk like the other children his age, especially at school."

Bill was fascinated, his instincts for observation suddenly kicking in. "How are you going to talk like a big boy, Marcus?"

The child looked at the Watcher for a few seconds, as if to gather the words he wanted in his mind. With complete sincerity he said clearly, "Well... I'll have to stop lisping, won't I?"

The entire room gasped, and Giles almost fainted, but Marcus wasn't through.

"I can't be a baby any more, because babies can't save the world."




Original Prophesy translation

"There shall be one born of the Chosen
who was not to be but is
He shall fulfill the purpose and restore the plan
He shall command living creatures
and restore the beautiful land

He shall live in awareness
He shall be the brave defender
Repelling darkness with light
He shall make the way straight
for one who will come

The Eternal One's leading shall lead him
Deceiver and unbeliever
shall strive against him
His enemies shall draw a line of war
but shall not stand

Priest and sorcerer
shall give place to him
Parent and friend shall join him
His power shall not diminish while the Earth stands
And after him shall come the end

Giles' translation of the first line:

'There shall be one born of the Chosen
who was not to be but is
He shall fulfill the purpose and restore the plan
He shall command living creatures
and restore the beautiful land'

The first line of Tarabiana's translation:

'From the congress of the ones
comes one who was not expected
His will be the purpose and plan from above
to command life
and create beauty everywhere'