A Love As Strong As Death

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Everyone knows that not all these characters are mine, and I'm not making money off the ones that are. So there.

Archive: Anywhere that already has my stuff. Anywhere else, ask and it shall be given to you.

Summary: Set after the end of Cast Me Not Away and its follow up stories. This sequel is longer and darker than the intervening short stories. It deals with family, children, immortality, life and death, and making amends. We will also be jumping around in time a bit, so look sharp.

A/N: I debated for a long time before writing this one, although the idea was there before I even finished CMNA. Some of you will believe that I have ruined the previous stories, which is fine. All I ask is that if you're unhappy with where this goes that you'll go back, re-read Cast Me Not Away through Silver Bells, and then you can flame me if you'd like. I'll calmly pull out the fire-extinguisher and ignore you, but that's alright. The themes have been there; I just hadn't quite managed to elaborate on them yet. (Oh, and before anyone screams Nika, Wesley, Spike and Buffy will survive. More than that I won't promise.)

Chapter 9: October 2014

Meg grinned as she saw her uncle leaning against his pickup outside the school. Her mom and dad had told her she was going to be staying with Uncle Xander for the duration of their trip, which was the best thing about it. Staying with Uncle Xander and Aunt Teri was always fun.

"Hey, munchkin!" Xander said, giving her a hug. "How was school?"

"Good," Meg replied, letting him give her a boost into the truck. "I got an A on my spelling test."

"That's great!" he replied, giving her a lopsided grin. "I was lucky to spell my name right."

Meg giggled, knowing that he was kidding. Mostly. She buckled herself in, and looked over at him. "Did you talk to Mom and Dad today?"

"Yeah, they're leaving a little later today." His eyes were kind. "How are you doing?"

Meg knew what he was asking. He had been the one she stayed with during her parents' last mission that had left them both severely injured. While Wesley and Nika were her godparents, they were often busy with their own kids. Xander, on the other hand, had been unencumbered at the time, and he was always willing to look after her. It had only been within the last year that he'd gotten married. Meg had been the flower girl.

"Okay," Meg replied. "I'm sure they'll be fine," she said, trying to sound grown up.

Xander smiled and gave her ponytail an affectionate tug. "I know they will be. They're both tough." Deciding it was time to change the subject, he said, "So guess what?"

"What?"

"I've got the week off, and we're going to Disneyland."

Meg grinned. She'd been to Disneyland before, of course. Her dad had taken her, although it had been after dark, and she'd gone with her godparents and the twins once. Xander, however, could be counted upon to spend the entire day there, go on every ride, and let her do pretty much whatever she wanted to do.

Her mom often said that Xander had never completely grown up. Meg didn't really care. "Cool! What about Aunt Teri, though?"

"She's off on a business trip this week," he replied. "So it's just you and me, kid."

Meg sighed happily. She liked Aunt Teri, but Uncle Xander understood things better. Even though her aunt knew about her dad's sun allergy, she didn't know everything, and so Meg always had to watch her tongue when the woman was around.

She also knew that Xander's decision to take the time off work and go to Disneyland was mainly to distract her from thinking about her parents and their mission. She wasn't stupid. She knew that they could get hurt—or worse. "I like it when it's just us two," she confided.

"Me too, Meg," he replied. He and Teri had discussed having kids, and they were going to try. For now, however, Xander liked playing the doting uncle, loved having Meg look at him as if he was the best thing since sliced bread. In her eyes, he was a hero.

It was nice to be a hero again.

~~~~~

Hannah was grateful when Enid asked for her help in the kitchen, and even more grateful when the older woman sent her to get cleaned up. She felt bad, not being able to help. She felt useless, as though she ought to be doing something and didn't know what.

It was easier to just get out of the way and try to forget everything that had just happened. It was easier to pretend that it was simply a new house with a new family, that there was nothing else to it.

Enid kept her in the kitchen, and Hannah relaxed in her company. She insisted Hannah call her nain, just like everyone else did. She talked about Wales and Nika when she was Hannah's age, and generally made the girl feel as though she might belong there after all.

Wesley entered the kitchen after a while, giving Hannah a warm smile. "I'd wondered where you'd gotten off to."

Hannah hesitated. "I thought I was in the way."

"Hardly," Wesley replied. He wasn't quite sure what to say to this girl. He was used to the boys, but he'd never thought to suddenly be responsible for an adolescent. "You know," Wesley began, sounding a bit hesitant. "It's been a very long time since I was a Watcher. I imagine we're going to have to feel things out together."

Hannah managed a shy smile. "Okay."

There was the noise of a door opening and slamming shut, and then a boy's shout. "Uncle Spike!"

Hannah watched the smile on Wesley's face wistfully. She wished there was someone who would look like that, like they were happy to have her there. The next moment he glanced back at her and met her hazel eyes with his own. "Are you ready to meet my sons?"

"Okay," she said, and then was surprised when he put a large hand on her shoulder to lead her into the living room. It felt—it felt good. Hannah hadn't had so many people show her such casual affection in—well, never, actually. Even though the other Slayer hadn't been very nice, Wesley had been, as had the others.

Maybe—maybe this would work out after all.

~~~~~

Wesley had felt Hannah stiffen and then relax under his touch, and he was grateful for Nika's influence on him. He was much more comfortable with physical affection these days. His wife had something to do with that, as did being a father. Hannah struck him as being a little lost, and he didn't blame her. She was very young, and this was probably overwhelming for her.

Tonight he would sit down with her and they would talk more in depth, but it would have to wait until the others left.

Nika was in the living room with the twins as they chattered to the others. Well, Davey was chattering. Will, on the other hand, looked rather subdued, and Wesley bit back a sigh. He knew very well that his son's silence meant another bad day in school. "Come meet Hannah," he said.

Will was the first to turn, and he immediately came over and hugged his father. Wesley put his arms around the boy, knowing all too well the hurt that came from being teased by the other boys. "Will, this is Hannah," he said gently. "Hannah, this is Will, and that's Davey."

"Pleased to meet you," Will said politely, sticking out his hand formally.

Hannah shook his hand with a smile and then glanced over at Davey, who was staring at her in awe. "You're the new Slayer? Can you do any cool tricks like Aunt Buffy?"

Wesley shook his head. "Not now, Davey. You can ask her questions later. I'm sure you both have homework?"

Will shook his head. "I got all mine done at school."

Davey made a face. "Aw, Dad, can't I do it later?"

"Dafydd," Wesley said, a warning in his voice. "Homework first."

The boy heaved a deeply put upon sigh. "Fine," he muttered.

Will, knowing when the adults wanted to talk alone, said, "It was nice to meet you, Hannah."

Hannah had no idea how to take the boy's formality. Actually, she didn't really know what to do with either of them, having never had siblings. "Nice to meet you, too."

Nika smiled at her. "What do you say we get out of here, Hannah?" she asked. "I'm sure they can do without us, and I think we have some errands to run."

Her eyes met Wesley's with the silent promise that they would speak later, probably much later. She gave her husband a quick kiss, and then met Spike's eyes. "Be careful."

"Always am," the vampire replied easily. "I'll see you when we get back."

~~~~~

There was a certain horror inherent in assigned seating on airplanes. This time it had to do with the fact that Spike and Angel were seated next to each other two rows up from Willow, Connor and Buffy. "Maybe we should switch," Buffy said when she realized the problem.

The flight attendant shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we can't do that. You have to sit in the seat that's on your ticket."

"We'll be fine," Angel assured her. "At least, I know I can behave for a couple hours."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Right, Peaches. Play the saint."

The other three exchanged looks, and Willow smiled at them sweetly. "I could still turn you both into fluffy kittens for the duration of the flight," she suggested. "That way you could ride in the cargo hold."

"Don't think so," Spike said quickly, knowing just how capable Willow was of carrying out her threat. "We'll play nice. 'Least I will," he muttered, heading to his seat.

The two vampires didn't speak as the plane taxied down the runway and then took off. In fact, they had been in the air for a good thirty minutes before Angel finally spoke. "Buffy doesn't appear to be very happy."

"She's not," Spike murmured. "She feels guilty for leavin' Meg, pissed off that Faith's dead, an' she's not thrilled about the new Slayer. Add it all up, an' what do you get?"

"A month of sleeping on the couch?" Angel suggested, tongue-in-cheek.

Spike smirked. "That's why I have a comfortable couch. 's more like campin' that way."

Angel chuckled. "What do you think of the new Slayer? Hannah, right?"

"Good kid," Spike said after a moment. "Giles said she's had it rough."

Angel nodded. "You could see it in her eyes. She's going to give Wesley hell, you know. He'll be beating off the boys with a tire iron."

"We both will." Spike was quiet for a moment, and then said softly. "Wesley won't ask, but he'd probably appreciate your help with trainin' her. B'tween the two of us an' him, she might be the best trained Slayer yet."

Angel knew what it had cost Spike to make the suggestion. Contrary to popular opinion, neither of them hated the other at this point, although there were appearances to keep up. Of course, they still sniped and snarked and generally annoyed each other, but they weren't in competition anymore. That changed everything.

A few years ago, Angel Investigations had become a loose affiliate of Wesley's business, so while they weren't partners, they did work together often. And although Angel's relationship with Wesley would never be what it once was, they were friends of a sort.

He and Spike, on the other hand, were family. It changed things.

"Might do," Angel said after a moment. "It would probably take some of the pressure off." He was quiet for a moment. "How are they? Wes and Nika?"

"Looks like she'll carry this one to term," Spike said with a sigh of relief. "We were worried there for a while."

Angel nodded. "That's good."

The next silence that fell was more comfortable. "You know how bad this is going to be, don't you?"

Spike glanced over at his grandsire in surprise. "What are you talkin' about?"

"Faith was good, Spike."

"I know." There was a pause. "Didn't want Buffy to come."

"I'll bet that went over well," Angel commented, his tone dry.

Spike snorted. "She's a stubborn bint."

"Who's staying with Meg?"

"Xander. He said he was gonna take her to Disneyland." Spike looked over at the other vampire. "You ought to come over for dinner some time. 's been a while since you've seen her. I think she's grown a couple inches."

Angel nodded. "Might be good. I could bring Cordy."

"Wouldn't mind seein' her again either," Spike admitted.

There was a silence that was perfectly comfortable, and then Angel had to ruin it. "You know I'm right."

"Don't start that again, you ponce," Spike groaned.

Angel shook his head stubbornly. "I'm telling you that Ireland should have won."

"Ireland couldn't tie their shoes properly," Spike snorted. "It was ManU all the way."

"The ref was blind."

"You keep tellin' yourself that."

"Idiot."

"Wanker."

They were family, after all.

~~~~~

Nika had always wanted a little girl. As much as she loved her boys, there were simply activities they didn't care to do. Shopping was, of course, one of them.

Besides, Enid had called her at work and informed her of Buffy's reaction to the new Slayer. It was probably best to get the girl out of the house while the rest of them chatted things out.

"Have you thought about how you might like to decorate your room?" Nika asked the girl.

Hannah looked at her with wide eyes. "Decorate?"

"Are there colors that you like?"

She hesitated, and then said softly. "Red. Dark red."

Nika chuckled. "You and Spike would certainly see eye to eye on that." She looked down at the girl. "So what did you think of all of them?"

"Everybody seemed really nice," Hannah said uncertainly, not wanting to bring up Buffy's reaction.

"You'll have to give Buffy some time," Nika said gently, reading the girl's uncertain expression for what it was. "She doesn't much care for change, and Faith was a friend." Nika didn't bother adding that Hannah's youth probably made Buffy feel old, since that wasn't something either of them could do anything about.

"I kind of understand." Hannah knew that sometimes being liked or disliked didn't have much to do with who a person was. After all, her mom hadn't much liked her either.

Nika put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "I'm not sure that anyone told you, but we have permanent custody, cariad. This isn't a temporary home, and I want you to know that."

Hannah had some idea, but it seemed strange that her placement came about through some mystical roulette wheel. If not for being the Slayer, she'd still be floating around the foster care system until she got booted on her eighteenth birthday. "Thanks," was all she said.

Nika smiled. "I'll bet you're curious about all of us," she said quietly. "Let me tell you how Wesley and I met, and we can look for things for your room."

To Hannah's surprise, Nika did exactly that, and then managed to draw out her own story. No one had ever really wanted to know everything before.

~~~~~

"How was the shopping trip?" Wesley asked much later. He and Enid had seen to the boys while Nika was out with Hannah. The Watcher knew his wife was better suited to making sure the girl felt at home. Judging from the number of bags, that task had been accomplished.

Nika shook her head. "The girl has nothing, Wesley. She barely has clothes to put on her back."

"That should be easy enough to fix," he replied. "I'm drawing a larger salary now, apparently, to go into her support."

"I'm not concerned about the money," Nika replied. She turned to him. "She's never really had a parent, cariad annwyl. Never. Have you seen the way she reacts when someone touches her? It's as though she's never been hugged."

"Perhaps she never has been," Wesley replied gently. "That's why she is here, love. The Council believes we might manage to keep her grounded." He smiled. "According to Giles, you're a large part of that."

Nika snorted. "Right. As if you aren't a very successful parent yourself." Worry entered her eyes. "Can we do this, Wesley? I wouldn't abandon Hannah for the world, but can we really do this? If something happens to her, the boys—"

"It will be fine," Wesley said, steel in his voice. "I promise you that. I have no intention of my Slayer dying young. There is no reason."

"Don't be putting yourself at risk," Nika said sharply.

Wesley smiled. "I love you too much to leave you for any reason at all." He pulled her to him, placing a hand over her swollen abdomen. "Just as I love the boys and now this little one as well."

She laid her head on his shoulder. "I love you."

Wesley wrapped his arms around her, thankful that this last pregnancy was going well. After the last miscarriage, he had thought Nika might despair in her grief. He had held her as she cried for hours, and then he'd gone with Spike and gotten drunk.

After that, they had agreed to stop trying. Nature had a way of surprising a person, however, and it wasn't six months later and she was pregnant.

And now they had a new addition of a different sort.

"Thank you," Wesley murmured.

"For what?"

"For being okay with this," he replied. "I need—I need to do this."

"You have nothing to prove, Wesley," Nika said in reply. "But you're welcome anyway."