Chapter Five
Angel, Cordelia, Kathy and Doyle sat at a table in the Food Court of the Sunnydale Mall, finishing their lunch.
"I'll take Kathy to K.B Toys. We need to find something to keep up occupied tonight, right kiddo?" Kathy nodded in agreement, not speaking until she was finished chewing.
"All right," Angel said. "I'll meet up with you two in a while." Doyle nodded, leading Kathy away and to the toy store once she was finished eating.
Cordelia and Angel sat in silence, the first time they were alone since their argument yesterday. There was no anger anymore, but with the spell needing to be performed and the scare after Wolfram & Hart's attack, they had yet to talk about the pregnancy scare. Cordelia's gaze faltered from Angel's, eyes on her Chinese food rather than her husband.
"Would it really be that bad?" She looked up at him and swallowed hard.
"It's not that it would be bad Angel. I mean, no, I don't want to be huge and hormonal again anytime soon, and I really don't want labor pain again,"
"Small price for all the fun we have trying to conceive though." Cordelia rolled her eyes and continued, ignoring Angel.
"But that's only half of it. Wolfram & Hart come after us hard enough as it is. I don't know if I can bring another baby into that."
"Cordelia, you know I'll always be here to protect you."
"I know Angel, but…you go out there and you fight the baddies and help people, and that's amazing, but what if…" she took in a shaky breath, the thought alone choking her up. "What if one of these days you don't come home, Angel? I can't do this without you, let alone with another child." She tried to calm her breathing, fingers frantically wiping at tears. Angel's hands reached across the table, taking her own in his.
"I'm not going anywhere Cordy." He spoke soothingly. "I know what and who I'm living for. I'm already a tough fight Cor, but with you and Kathy, I won't lose. I can't. And I know that. So, again, I'm not going anywhere."
"But what if-"
"Nothing's taking me away from you. Okay?"
"Okay." He leaned over the small table and she met him half way, his lips meeting hers sweetly. His kiss was comforting and she felt her worries dissolve as he nibbled on her upper lip, his tongue soothing the soft bites. When the two moved away from each other, Cordelia was flushed, her lips swollen, and her pulse rapid. Angel grinned.
"Yesterday you were ready to give that up," he teased.
"I was delirious." He laughed as the two got up, clearing off their table.
"Come on. You're going to be late for your appointment."
"It's okay."
"No. You have a nail appointment. Then, you're going to get your hair done and just have a nice, relaxing day. After that, we'll go back to the hotel, change and go to the reunion. And you're not going to think of anything else. It's your day, all right?" She smiled as they stopped in front of the nail salon. She kissed him again, her hand flat on his chest, fingering the chain of the pendant she bought him. "I'll see you in a few hours," he spoke against her lips.
"Mmm hmmm."
"Relax," he said, moving his lips from hers, his arms still holding her against him. "And enjoy." She smiled.
"Will do." Angel watched her walk into the salon, then met up with Doyle and Kathy at the toy store just as they were exiting, two large bags in Doyle's arms. Angel groaned.
"Doyle." Angel's tone was scolding.
"I'm her uncle," the half demon defended. "It's my job to spoil her."
"Uh huh."
"Daddy?"
"Yes Kathy?" He turned to his daughter, taking the bags from Doyle.
"I saw a play place. It looked like a tree. Can we go?"
"Sure thing sweetheart." He turned to Doyle. "You?"
"I'm gonna head out." Angel raised an eyebrow. "I'll be back in time to watch Kathy." This time the vampire's eyes narrowed. "I'll be sober. I promise." Angel nodded and Doyle left. He turned his attention back to his daughter, taking her hand.
"Let's go."
"I saw a slide," she said excitedly. Angel smiled, leading Kathy to the children's play area on the first floor in the middle of the mall.
He took a seat on one of the benches surrounding the area that was designated for parents. He sat back, bags on either side of him, oblivious to women passing by, eyes on the handsome father watching his adorable little girl.
"How's she doing?" Willow asked, right hand in Oz's, Xander on her left.
"She's ok," Xander replied, running a hand through his hair. "She agreed to go with me to the reunion."
"Well, that's good."
"Yeah. I think the only reason she's going with me is so she won't be dateless when she sees him though."
"Can't blame her," Oz spoke.
"I know."
"Can't blame them either."
"How do you figure?" Xander asked, his tone making it obvious he didn't agree with Oz.
"They fell in love Xander. It happens." Willow said, always the voice of reason. As much as she had tried to be angry at Cordelia and Angel, when she saw them together, she couldn't. They just seemed so happy together.
"It just doesn't make sense to me. She's Cordelia. He's…Dead Boy."
"Xander." The brunette rolled his eyes at Willow's tone, before grimacing.
"Speak of the devil…" the three noticed the vampire standing, two large bags at his feet, an involuntary smile appearing on all their faces as Kathy slid down the slide.
"She's so cute," Willow said, shooting Oz a look. He smiled softly.
"Few years." Her smile grew, and the three approached Angel and Kathleen.
Angel watched his daughter climb back into the play area, heading for the monkey bars.
"Kathy, those are too high for you."
"No they're not."
"If you fall, you're going to hurt yourself."
"I'll be okay."
"Be careful."
"I will Daddy."
"Hey Angel," Willow spoke. Angel turned around and graced the three with a smile. Willow tried to shake off the goosebumps; she couldn't handle that smile.
"Hey guys. What's up?"
"We're just last minute reunion shopping. You?"
"Cordelia needed a day of rest and relaxation. We've all been under a lot of stress. She's getting her hair and nails done before tonight."
"So, you'll be there tonight then?" Xander asked, a bite to his tone. Angel didn't even acknowledge it.
"Yeah. Cor wants to go, so we'll be there."
"And Kathy?" Oz asked.
"Doyle's gonna watch her. That's what's in these bags. They went a little K.B. Toys crazy."
"Angel," Willow started. "How did this happen? You and Cordelia?" Angel sighed. He didn't want to go into this conversation with Buffy's best friends, but figured if they at least understood, they'd make it easier for the Slayer to cope.
"It happened the night of the Sadie Hawkins Dance. We got possessed and the spirits left."
"How?"
"The roles reversed. She shot me, I clearly didn't die. The spirits moved on. But, something happened. I barely remember it, it's still a blur. I, I kind of attacked her, but she didn't push away. Weeks later, she knocked on my door, terrified and pregnant."
"But you're a vampire. You can't have kids." Xander said, angry. He didn't like hearing this. Even after all these years, the way things worked out with him and Cordelia still stung.
"And that's what I told her. But, for obvious reasons, there was no one after. And I know there was no one before me. Eventually, it sunk in that I was having a child. I was ecstatic, she was petrified. I told her I'd be there whenever she needed me, and I was. It was an emotional time for both of us. We spent so much time together, got to know each other, and it just happened. We fell in love and have been inseparable since. Months later, there was Kathy. We moved to LA, ran into Doyle, and established our own little private investigations office. Other than evil law firms, it's a pretty simple, happy life."
"We're glad you guys are happy Angel," Willow said sincerely. "But, what about the curse?"
"It's complicated."
"How? Love, plus sex, equals evil alter ego with you." This time, Angel's eyes narrowed as he stared at Xander. "Obviously you two are having sex, and you aren't trying to rip out our throats so you're not evil. So, does Cordelia know you don't love her?" Angel eyes flashed gold and he was inches from Xander's face in an instant, a low growl vibrating in his throat.
"Do not ever question my love for Cordelia. She and Kathy are my life, my soul. That's why I don't have to worry about Angelus. Cordelia is my soul mate and Kathy is my heart, they anchor my soul; they are my humanity. As long as I'm with them, Angelus isn't an issue." Xander's mouth opened, then closed. He really didn't know what to say, none of them really did.
"Daddy?" There was a hint of panic in Kathy's voice. Angel turned and spotted his daughter, just as her hands slipped from the monkey bars. He had her in his arms before she hit the ground. He put her down, giving her a stern look.
"Didn't I tell you they were too high?"
"Yes Daddy."
"No more monkey bars."
"Okay." Kathy walked back to the play area, Angel walking back to the trio, looking back to his daughter every so often.
"Guess that super speed comes in pretty handy, huh?" Oz asked. Angel nodded, smirking briefly, eyes on Kathy.
"Yeah. Prevents a lot of bumps and bruises, as well as some broken nick knacks and dishes."
"Do you think she'll gain any of your vamp characteristics?" Willow asked curious. Angel raised an eyebrow at the red head. "You know, super speed, hearing, strength, that convenient jump off or on buildings thing?"
"An intense garlic allergy?" Xander muttered. Angel shot him a piercing glare and Xander couldn't help but gulp. Angel had glared at him before years ago, plenty of times in fact. But within the last several minutes, he had received this new glare, and he didn't like it.
"We're really not sure yet," Angel spoke to Willow and Oz, ignoring Xander. "I think she might have the advanced hearing. When she was a baby, noises Cordy couldn't hear, but I could, would make Kathy cry. I don't know about the others though. We got her into t-ball softball this year though. The strength and speed could definitely come in handy if she sticks with it."
"Softball? Really?"
"Yeah. Look," he pulled out his wallet, flipping through several pictures until he found the one of Kathy in a softball uniform, a smile on her face and a bat in her hands. He showed them the picture. "She loved it. We can't wait until next season."
"How did you watch?"
"The athletic director who runs recreational sports owed me a favor after I saved him from a Quandash demon. He scheduled all her games after the sun set." Angel turned as he heard the sound of someone approaching him. "You're back already?" He asked Doyle.
"Yeah. Just checked the place out, had a quick drink. Place is too seedy, even for me."
"Where'd you go?"
"Place called Willie's." Angel snorted. "You know it?"
"Yeah. Willie and I have…some history." Angel felt a hesitant pull on his right sleeve after he finished talking. "Yes Kathy?"
"Can we go in there?" She asked, hesitantly pointing to a shop behind him. Angel followed her gaze to the pet shop and smiled.
"Ok. But just to look," the girl's smile seemed to brighten the already brilliant light of the mall. Angel felt his heart melt and smiled back, taking her hand in his. "I'll be right back." He left the three with the laughing Doyle.
"That little girl and puppies."
"They don't have one?" Willow sounded surprised and Doyle shook his head no. "I guess I just figured a dog would be so suiting, they just seem to have that ideal sort of family life." Doyle raised an eyebrow. "Minus the whole vampire thing."
"Cordy's has allergies, so whenever she's with Kathy she tries to avoid any place with animals. Angel, on the other hand, would love a dog. I know they've discussed it and she's always said no, except one time when she said it'd have to stay outside. I wouldn't be too surprised if he came out with one for her. His miracle child and all, he likes to spoil her."
"He seems like a really great father."
"He is. He'd do anything for that little girl and Cordelia. They're like this perfect, loving family. It's nice being a part of it, helping them work step by step closer to normal."
"What do you mean?"
"Angel. They didn't bring him back from hell for nothing. He has a purpose, a mission. Other than being with Cordelia and having that little angel, that is. I have the visions, he goes out and fights the evil, working towards his redemption."
"Redemption?"
"Yeah. Gotta think he's close by now, all the evil he's stopped. He had to be meant for somethin', ya know? A vampire with a soul. He saves the world a few times a week, and when it's all over, hopefully while Cordelia and Kathy are still young enough for it to really matter, Angel will get his reward."
"Doyle, what's his reward?"
"His shanshu."
"Which is…" Xander prompted.
"His humanity." The group was stunned into silence. All accept Xander, whose eyes widened and mouth dropped.
"What? Dead Boy's not going to be…dead?"
"Pretty much. Turns human, gets to live out his life, and I'm done with these damn visions." The three stared at him, amazed by the information they had just received and at Doyle's nonchalant tone as he spoke.
"Angel's going to be human. Wow." Willow smiled softly. "That's amazing."
"Yeah. He tries not to think about it though. We don't know when it could happen so he'd rather not think about it much and just focus on what he already has." Doyle looked back towards the door just as Angel and Kathy were exiting and groaned softly, noting the new addition trailing behind them. "Angel."
"Couldn't help it," he said, hand holding the leash. "Kathy fell in love and I have a soft spot for huskies." The group knelt to pet the puppy, which waged its tail, happy with all the attention. She was white with light grey spectacle coat designs and blue eyes. Doyle looked up at Angel.
"Cordy's gonna kill you."
"I'll take care of her. No worries."
"Really? I thought she held the leash?" Angel rolled his eyes and laughed, looking at his friend.
"Usually. But, sometimes, the roles reverse." The group watched Kathy play with her new puppy, her hand holding the leash firmly.
"What are you going to name it Princess?"
"Um," the little girl seemed to ponder it for a moment, before smiling. "Snow Flake." Angel and Doyle exchanged a grin. Angel's faded and he gulped as he sensed his wife approaching. Doyle took the leash from Kathy and Angel stepped in front of the puppy, planting a quick, sweet kiss to Cordelia's lips, his arms around her.
"Hey," she said, then turned to the group. "Hey guys."
"How do you feel?" Angel asked. She smiled.
"I haven't felt this relaxed in as long as I can remember. It's wonderful." He frowned, noting that her head was covered by a shawl, hiding her hair.
"I can't see your hair style."
"I know. And you won't until tonight. The dress, the hair, the shoes, the makeup, all of which you will not see until tonight when it's all put together. It's a surprise."
"Hmmm," Angel muttered, his arms around Cordelia. "I like surprises." He took her hand in his, eyes on her freshly painted, manicured nails. "Crimson." He grinned. "To match your dress?"
"You'll have to wait and see."
"Mommy." Cordelia's arms fell from around Angel as she bent to hug her daughter.
"Did you have fun today?"
"Yes. I almost fell, Daddy saved me." Cordelia smiled at Angel. "Come on, you have to meet Snow Flake."
"Snow Flake?" Angel smiled sheepishly, stepping to the side. Cordelia's eyes widened as she stared at the puppy. She blinked, stood up, and turned a frown towards Angel.
"A puppy, Angel."
"Cordy, I know-" she walked to him and the two moved a few steps away, speaking in whispered tones amongst themselves.
"A puppy."
"A child needs a dog Cor. She'll stay outside in the backyard. We'll get her a little bed for the patio and she won't come inside, ok?" He watched her resolve begin to melt and sent her a sexy smirk as he moved closer to her. "I'll make it up to you tonight." His lips met hers again. When they pulled away, she sighed.
"Okay." He turned a smile to Kathy, who returned it, hugging her puppy. Angel kissed her again, his appreciation in keeping the puppy evident. She rolled her eyes. "Come on. We have to get back."
"She's right. Come on Kathy." Kathleen walked in front of her parents and Doyle, puppy leash in hand as they waved by to the Sunnydale trio and left the mall. As they walked, Cordelia turned a stern look to her husband.
"Where are we going to keep it until we go back?"
"Her. We'll keep her in the bathroom until then." Cordelia shrugged, clearly beaten in this situation. She felt warmth spread through her heart as she watched her overjoyed daughter lead Snow Flake to the car.
Willow, Xander and Oz watched them leave, still astounded by the news they had received on Angel and continuingly amazed at the happy family portrait the group painted. They left the mall and all headed home to get ready for the five year class reunion.
