TITLE: DAMAGE CONTROL - Sequel to 'No I In Team'
AUTHOR: PHOENIX333
DISCLAIMER: See Previous chapters
DISTRIBUTION: Please let me know if it goes anywhere.
RATING: M - For Language, Violence and Adult themes!
CHAPTER 9
At a loss for words, Buffy watched silently as Michaela ran to her father and he bent down to whisper in her ear. Nodding vigorously, Michaela turned and ran towards Buffy. Indicating that she wanted Buffy to get to her level, Buffy smiled at Bruce and then lowered herself to her hunches and cupped around her ear to listen to the secret Michaela wanted to tell her."Black tulips brings daddy to you." She said cryptically and took a step back.
Before Buffy could ask her what she meant, Michaela took a step back and waved at her, "Bye" she said in her sweet voice as she smiled up at Buffy.
Smiling back happily at the little girl, "Goodbye Michaela" Buffy smiled as she watched the girl hop out of the room…and into Maddox's waiting arms. A gasp got stuck in her throat as he picked Michaela up and winked at Buffy before leaving the shop
Looking back at Bruce and his tense posture, Buffy was unsure what to say or do. Scanning his face for any indication of what was going on inside him; Buffy wasn't surprised when she found nothing but calmness. Desperate to break the silence, Buffy finally spoke, "Hey" She said in a soft voice.
The thick silence seemed to evaporate with her soft words and she saw Bruce's shoulders lose tension and relax, "Hi Buffy." he answered, his expression more open and welcoming than it was a few minutes ago.
Smiling at him, she cast a glance around the small room they were in, "You decided on a career change?" she joked as she indicated to the stacks of flowers.
The last remaining tension fled Bruce's body as Buffy cracked the joke. His stomach bubbled with laughter. Looking at the woman before him, he felt assured that he made the right decision three weeks ago and that filled him with peace.
As their laughter drifted off, Bruce cast her serious look, "I wanted to check up on you; make sure everything is alright." Even though he knew he didn't have to be worried about her, he couldn't help it and wondered about her constantly. He was ashamed to admit, but he had Maddox keep tabs on her, just in case something went wrong and she needed him.
A genuine smile graced Buffy's face as she answered, "I'm good." She said, the happiness reflected in her eyes.
"I'm happy to hear that." Bruce said as he nodded but he had to avert his gaze, the sight of her making him feel uneasy and regretful, even after he knew she was where she belonged. There was so much he wanted to say but he didn't know how or where to start; then again, he couldn't just tell her everything going on inside of him, not matter how he longed to share that with her.
Smiling back at the woman that managed to touch his cold heart, he nodded and made for the door, intending to leave. Only he couldn't help himself as his feet stopped next to her and he grasped her hand in his. Bring it to his lips to place a soft kiss on her knuckles, he looked at her, "If ever you need me, for whatever reason, I will be here for you. Remember what Michaela said and never hesitate if you need me." He said cryptically.
Buffy wasn't sure what he mean, but knew it was something she had to figure out on her own.
When his face took on a somber expression, Buffy looked at him, not sure what to expect. "I'm not sorry I took you. I got to spend time with you and I don't regret what I did to be able to spend that time with you." Bruce confessed, knowing she might not take it well but needing her to know. Without waiting for a reply, he let go of her and hand strolled towards the door.
Buffy's soft voice stopped him, "Bruce?" her voice was soft and hesitant and he looked back at her. "Thank you…for bringing me back." She clarified, knowing it must be ridiculous and inappropriate but wanting him to know she was grateful none the less.
Bruce remained quiet, his heart constricting at the appreciation in her voice. It hurt knowing she was happy without him, happy now that he sent her back. But the knowledge that he inspired just an inkling of happiness within her was more than enough to shadow the pain, "It's where you belong." He stated instead, worried that he might belie how he was feeling; luckily he had his back half turned to her to shield his face and tangled emotions.
Buffy watched Bruce's wide back as he strolled out of the shop and got into a waiting car. Taking a few minutes to gather herself after what just happened, Buffy took a few deep breaths. Instantly she remembered about Spike and Lindsey and she knew she had better hurry back before they start a global panic if she wasn't there.
As she stepped back inside the candy shop, Buffy looked at the beautiful flower in her hand. Spike and Lindsey strolled towards her, their hands full with bags. Lindsey smiled as he looked at the flower, "Pretty. Where'd you get it?" he asked; only half paying attention as he was juggling their shopping.
Buffy smiled as she answered, "A little girl gave it to me." Neither Spike nor Lindsey seemed too worried about the fact and Buffy was happy to keep the details to herself.
# # # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # # # # #
LOS ANGELES
HYPERION MANSION
ONE MONTH LATER
Still breathing hard from the training he and the team were doing, Angelus maintained a quick jog as he rushed inside the mansion to get the call that was waiting for him. Although Giles usually took their calls while they were busy with training, Angelus knew some were important and then transferred to the nearest phone.
Wiping the towel over his face and hair, he answered the phone, "Hello?"
"Please do take your time getting to the phone" the caller drawled, obviously annoyed that he had to wait; although he could hear that Angelus had made some attempt at hurrying.
Stopping mid movement, Angelus held his breath. Feeling his eyes widen in shock, he swallowed harshly as a reply stuck in his throat.
Giving a snide laugh, the caller taunted him, "Have I managed to silence the great Angelus Navarro? Well, well is seems like a day of momentous occasion." He saw smiling on his side of the line.
The snide remark managed to knock Angelus out of his haze, "What the hell do you want Novikov?" he asked, his voice grave and restrained. His mind was racing; why would Novikov be calling him; and at his home of all places? Was it to taunt him with the fact that Bruce could so easily get to them?
Hearing Angelus' clipped and irritated tone, Bruce growled in irritation, both from waiting for him to take the call and for his less than appreciative tone of voice. He could at least be decent to him; after all, he gave Buffy back to him out of kindness, and this was the way he acted afterwards?
Feeling his disdain towards the man return full force, Bruce sneered in a deadly cold voice, "If it weren't for Buffy, I would have taught you some manners." He ground out through clenched teeth. And he would have liked that so much; just to have the man gasping and in pain at his feet; begging for mercy, then Bruce would be more than happy for the rest of his life..
As he listened to Bruce threatening him, Angelus started squeezing the phone to the point of plastic snapping, "Leave Buffy the hell alone, or I'll kill you with my bare hands." He retorted, more than willing to make good on his own threat.
Snorting at the empty threat, Bruce growled, "Listen first before you start ordering Navarro, it might be to your benefit." If it weren't for Buffy he would have slammed the phone down in his ear and make him pay for his insolence and lack of respect. It would have been so easy too; his men were actually inside the mansion with Angelus; posing as Special Forces trainees. But unfortunately, he couldn't do that to Buffy.
"I highly doubt that." Angelus retorted. Risking a glance over his shoulder to make sure no one, especially Buffy, wasn't near, he heaved a sigh of relief to see he was alone. He didn't want her hearing this or even knowing that Bruce Novikov called; whatever his reason might be.
Bruce chuckled, the sound hollow and humorless, "Maybe you should ask Buffy about that first. Given the fact that I present a rare offering, she might want to listen to me. Where is Buffy by the way?" He asked casually, knowing he would strike a nerve when he brought her up. He might hate Angelus' guts, but he gave him points for being protective over Buffy.
Knowing Bruce was taunting him and succeeding rather well, Angelus took a deep calming breath to reign in his flaring temper. If Bruce wanted to play it that way then he was more than will to follow his lead. "What do you want Novikov; to uproar Buffy's life again; to set her back even more? Wasn't it enough that you almost killed her; must she suffer more just because she was doing her job?" Angelus said in a flat tone, his voice not betraying his inner turmoil.
Bruce felt his body heat as anger coursed through him; Angelus wasn't a fool and he would have called touché if it weren't for the anger and pain he was feeling. Clenching his teeth, Bruce forced his voice to remain level, "There is a medical facility in Moscow; it has the best doctors in the world, specializing in every field. If you take Buffy to Doctor Evangeline Morgan, you both might find it very beneficial." He ended.
Hearing the change in Bruce's voice caused Angelus to frown and lose some of the hostility he was feeling, but it was only replaced by weariness and distrust, "Why? Buffy doesn't need surgery." Angelus stated, his voice also taking on a calmer tone. He couldn't understand why Bruce would call him with information like that; what use could they have for a medical facility located across the globe? Did Bruce have something up his sleeve again? With him, one could never be certain.
As much as he hated talking with Angelus, he knew he would be part of it and figured it would be best if he talked to Angelus directly instead of with Buffy. He understood jealousy and he didn't want that to stand in the way of Buffy's happiness. Deciding against being snide or taunting, Bruce answered in a calmer tone, "I know what I did to Buffy and I want to make it right, even though I know it will never fully heal her. I know she can't have children because of the shot I fired. This might not be much, but if Buffy wants it, they can help her there; repair the damage.
Doctor Evangeline Morgan is a world renowned doctor specializing in that field. After she looked at Buffy's medical records, she was sure that she'll be able to repair the damage, no matter how severe it was." Bruce finished.
A few days after he found out about Buffy's severe injuries, he set out to find a doctor that could aid Buffy in any way; luckily for him, Maddox already knew someone who fit their criteria. Maddox's ex-lover, Doctor Evangeline Morgan was touched after reading Buffy's file and was more than happy to help when she heard what Bruce had in mind.
As the words registered, Angelus could do nothing but stand in shocked silence, his mind working a mile a minute. What if Bruce was talking the truth? Surely he wouldn't lie about something like that; after all, he gave Buffy back because he knew it was where she was happy and where she belonged, he wouldn't be so cruel to make false promises on a matter that he surely knew was very sensitive for Buffy.
After giving Angelus a few seconds of silence to absorb the information, Bruce suggested, "You can check her credentials to curb your fears. But I swear this isn't a setup, I just want to give Buffy something back." There was so much he wanted to give her but he couldn't if she didn't want it; so his last option was to hopefully help in giving her something that she did indeed want…a child.
Turning and sitting down hard on the chair beside him, Angelus croaked, "Why would you do that?" He was already starting to foolishly gain hope.
Bruce had to swallow back his emotions this time, "Because I can never take back what I did; because I want to give back to her and because everyone should experience the joy of children…especially Buffy." he admitted honestly.
Not knowing what to say, Angelus remained silent, half in shock and not knowing what to say or do. Bruce saved him from answering, "Talk to Buffy and let her decide if she wants to go or not. I'll phone you again in two days." Without waiting for an answer, Bruce cut the connection and ended the call.
Replacing the phone, Angelus leaned back into the chair ad rubbed a hand wearily over his face. The task before him wasn't going to be an easy one, but he knew he would do it. Given the opportunity, how could he not? He wasn't about to let his fears and uncertainty stand in the way of Buffy's happiness and dreams.
He knew Buffy wanted children; his children and he remembered how devastated she'd been when she told him she couldn't have children. Angelus had also been so shocked and crushed by the news, that he didn't know what to do; but he had to be strong for Buffy and didn't want to upset her further by letting her know how much he wanted to have children as well…with her.
How was he going to tell her? Could he give her hope and then see the disappointment in her eyes when the doctors couldn't help? Buffy was still recovering from the kidnapping and to tell her that her kidnapper called and offered a gift like this? How would she react? The chance that she might say no was a huge possibility, but he knew the outcome could change both their lives.
# # # # # # # # # #
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
TWO WEEKS LATER
Pulling at the lapels of her thick coat, Buffy tried to get some semblance of warmth from the material surrounding her shivering body. The cold winter weather seeped through layers and layers of clothing and Buffy noted that despite the two shirts she wore underneath the coat, a large oversized scarf and wool gloves, it still felt like she was standing naked outside.
When an arm wrapped around her, Buffy smiled up at Angelus as he pulled her into his side. The warmth from his body quickly seeped through and Buffy sighed happily. Why was it that men were always warmer? Not that she minded; being in Angelus' warm embrace was like being in heaven.
Tilting her head up towards him, she smiled as he obliged her and places a soft kiss on her blue lips. As he pulled back, Buffy sighed at his rigid posture; ever since they landed yesterday he'd been tense and suspicious of everything; his eyes were devoid of any emotion and observed everything around them. She knew he was using his legendary control to keep calm and reserved, but she wished she could set him at ease.
Taking his hand in hers and squeezing firmly, "It's going to be okay." Buffy said, her eyes pleading with him to relax and calm down. Dark brown eyes met hers, only to swirl away and focus ahead of him again, causing Buffy to frown at his attitude.
She knew how uneasy Angelus was about this whole situation; knew he didn't trust anything surrounding it and definitely didn't trust the man who arranged everything. If only she could erase his doubt, make him understand that Bruce wouldn't hurt her; that he wouldn't take her again, but how did you do explain that to a man so steadfast and hard headed as Angelus Navarro?
Maybe she shouldn't have agreed to this; obviously Angelus wasn't very happy about it, as his attitude showed just seconds before. Was she selfish to have agreed; to want the procedure done and maybe someday have Angelus' child and a family of her own? Had she really thought everything through clearly enough?
Doubts raced through her mind, making her come to a slow halt as thoughts overwhelmed her. Frowning as Buffy fell behind, Angelus noted the look on her face. Cursing himself silently for his behavior and attitude, Angelus turned and wrapped Buffy in his arms tightly then stole her lips in a passionate kiss.
Pouring all his love and devotion into the kiss, Angelus once again counted all his blessings; having Buffy in his life, happy and healthy was more than he could ever have asked for. And now for such an opportunity to present itself while he acted like an asshole about it wasn't something he was proud of. He saw the look of doubt and fear on her face and just because he was scared didn't mean that he should place that on her shoulders as well. She needed to focus on the procedure ahead and getting better; not worrying because her lover had a bad bout of jealously and envy against someone who gave them something they never thought possible.
Ending the kiss but keeping her wrapped in his arms as he rested his forehead against hers, Angelus inhaled deeply, "I'm sorry Buffy. I shouldn't have acted that way…it's just…I love you so much and I want you to be happy. If you say we can trust him, then I have faith in your judgment." Even if he was still cautious, she needed his support and that's what he'll give her.
Hearing honesty and sincerity in his deep voice, Buffy closed her eyes in relief, "You don't have to worry. He wouldn't have offered if he didn't want to help." She assured him, knowing it wouldn't do much to help.
Nodding in agreement, Angelus gave her another kiss, and pulled her towards the entrance of the medical facility. Looking around, everything was very secure and well maintained, showing just how much funds the facility got to do their research and procedures. When he and Gunn checked the place out, he was relieved to find everything was indeed legit.
As they walked into the reception area they were greeted friendly by a petite, red haired nurse with a bubbly smile and kind eyes. Before Buffy could even give her name, a man in a doctor's coat approached and guided them to a large private room. Angelus knew better than to comment or ask how they knew who they were.
Removing his oversized coat and hanging it up, he stretched his arms, relieved to be out of the restraining garment. As the nurse started preparing Buffy, a tall woman with bright blue eyes and light brown hair walked in, a smile on her elegant face as she greeted them. Introducing herself as Doctor Evangeline Morgan, she started explaining the procedure to them and put both Buffy and Angelus at ease.
After quickly scanning Buffy's vitals and making notes on her chart, Doctor Morgan turned to the anxious couple, "Ready Buffy?" she asked with a friendly Russian accent. She could see both of them were understandably nervous but all she could do was reassure them and give Angelus regular updates as the surgery went along.
Buffy nodded eagerly, more than ready to get started and finally get the end results. As nervous as she was, excitement trumped her negative feelings and she was feeling optimistic and hopeful. Giving Angelus' hand a squeeze, she answered with a hesitant smile, "Ready as I'll ever be."
Doctor Morgan smiled and nodded to the nurses to wheel Buffy out. Looking over at her worried fiancé, Evangeline couldn't help but sympathize with him. Unknown to Buffy and Angelus, she knew the entire history about why Buffy needed the surgery. Even though she wasn't personally acquainted with Buffy and Angelus, it was evident that they cared very deeply about each other; in turn making her feel even better about the surgery she was about to perform. She was confident enough in her skills to know that it would be a success.
Patting the brooding male on his arm, she assured him with confidence, "Don't worry. We will take very good care of her." With those last words she followed Buffy and the nurses to the E.R.
As Angelus was left alone in the room, he took a deep breath and took a seat on one of the chairs. Seeing Buffy in a hospital bed brought back some very painful memories and even though he knew the circumstances weren't the same, he was battling with some old demons. Despite being positive and optimistic, he was still worried; at least the Doctor was friendly and confident, and that should count for something.
# # # # # # # # # #
Leaning casually against the wall with his shoulder, Maddox took in the silent whispers around him. The hospital was abuzz with activity, yet strangely enough, everyone went about their business in a rather quiet manner. Looking at his watch again, he saw it has been three hours since they wheeled Buffy into surgery.
Looking over at Bruce, he could see the tension and stress rippling through his big body, betraying his concern. They arrived when Buffy was being wheeled into surgery and watched silently from a distance, neither Buffy nor Angelus knowing they were there and Maddox knew it was torture for Bruce to watch from the sidelines; not being able to see or speak to Buffy as they both knew it wasn't their place to interfere in a moment like this.
Bruce had been deadly quiet the entire time and to be honest it was driving Maddox insane. Pushing away from the wall with an irritated sigh, he walked towards the hallway, "I'm getting coffee, do you want anything?" he asked, already knowing Bruce was going to decline the offer. When Bruce shook his head Maddox huffed at him in annoyance but remained silent.
As he neared the large cafeteria room, he saw Buffy's lover pacing up and down the aisle; his hair disheveled and his face drawn tight with worry. As he ordered coffee and waited for his order to be filled, his eyes remained trained on Angelus' pacing form.
Taking his coffee, Maddox thought back to when he and Angelus first met about six years ago; the Hyperion team had barged in on one of his restaurants in uptown L.A. presenting a warrant to search the premises for drugs and other illegal substances.
As the men marched into his restaurant, uprooting the customers and staff, he wanted to laugh in their faces but kept a casual expression on his face. They wouldn't find anything illegal in his restaurant; he might be an immoral bastard that secretly dealt in weapons and killed people, but he wasn't into drugs and he ran a legitimate business where his restaurants were concerned.
While they had been searching, he and Angelus managed to butt heads and even then he felt hatred towards the man stir. That feeling grew over the years and then reached boiling point when Maddox found out it was the one and only Angelus Navarro that shot Bruce and nearly killed him. If only Bruce would have allowed him to take revenge, but now he understood his reluctance.
But Bruce didn't say he wasn't allowed to torture the man. With a grin on his face, he strolled over to where Angelus was leaning against the wall and stood opposite him, also leaning against the wall.
Walking the hospital halls nonstop for three hours was only agitating Angelus even more, so he decided to go to the waiting room in case the nurses brought news about Buffy. When he saw a young couple cradling their new born baby between them, he felt his throat thicken. Looking at the small bundle in their arms he felt saddened and also amazed. To create life was one of the most wonderful things he could think about; he wanted that…to created life with Buffy…to see their features staring back at them through a baby. But what if the cost was Buffy's life? It might sound careless and harsh but nothing was worth risking Buffy's life over.
Leaning casually against the wall, he quietly observed the couple and their newborn baby. When a man stepped in beside him, Angelus casually threw a glance at him, only to look back sharply at the new arrival. Looking at Maddox now, Angelus couldn't find the anger and hatred he usually felt when he looked at criminals…he was just too worried about Buffy to care about anything else. Shaking his head and looking away from Maddox, he inhaled a slow breath and settled back down; he should have know they were there.
Folding his arms over his muscular chest, Maddox made himself comfortable next to Angelus; the man Buffy was in love with; and the source of Bruce's heartache and loss. As much as he wanted to sneer at him, he held himself back and instead pestered him with his mere presence and focused on the scene Angelus was so absorbed in; the happy new parents cuddling their newborn baby.
Both remained silent for long moments, too absorbed in the scene before them. Angelus took a breath and without looking at Maddox, asked, "Is he here?" it had taken him a while to get his emotions under control but jealousy was still raging inside him. Although he knew he didn't need to be, he still felt it. But neither Bruce nor Maddox needed to know that.
Maddox snorted as he turned his sharp green eyes on him, "What do you think?" he said snidely. What a stupid question to ask; of course Bruce was there, he wouldn't let Buffy go into important surgery without at least being there, even if he couldn't see her. Not only was he there for her, but he himself needed to know how things went and nothing could have pulled him away.
Not bothering to comment on Maddox's comment, Angelus just stared ahead of him, his eyes trained on the baby. He remembered the night Buffy told him the full extent and repercussions of her injury; how shocked and guilty he felt…guilty because he didn't protect her and because he wasn't there with her when she found out. Buffy had to go through that alone; still in shock from what happened and reeling from the course her life had taken; not only that night but those weeks before when she made the hard decision to leave the Hyperion team.
When she'd told him she couldn't have children, silent tears streamed over her cheeks and her eyes portrayed how deep her sadness really was. Even through his own pain and shock he'd held her and they took comfort in each other, both mourning their loss. Some days it was all he could think about; the sight of Buffy pregnant with his child, both excited about the new arrival, but it wasn't to be and however hard it had been, they had no other choice but to accept it.
Until the day Bruce contacted him with the possibility that the damage could be repaired; as soon as he heard the words he started to hope, knowing he was foolish to believe a man like Bruce Novikov. Then again, why would he lie about something like that; he had nothing to gain from it.
As he sat down with Buffy and told her, he'd watched so many emotions reflect on her face; hope, fear, joy, uncertainty and even happiness. She'd weighed both options very heavily for those two days and just hours before Bruce was to call, he and Buffy sat down and discussed the possibilities. Even though she didn't say anything outright, he knew what her decision was…but she'd waited for him so they could decide together. When Bruce finally called and he gave him their answer, Bruce had remained unaffected and said he'd call them with further details the next morning. Now, here he was, waiting to hear news on Buffy…and their future.
As Maddox watched the infant start to fuss, he thought back to when Michaela was born and how happy Bruce and Scarlet had been. Despite his own feelings, he was sacrificing his own happiness to give something to a person Maddox thought undeserving; Angelus. Buffy may be the one in the operating room but Angelus would be there through everything.
Feeling his anger and irritation return, he turned his gaze on Angelus, "Doesn't it just eat you up that he has given her something that you never could?" his voice was cold, not hiding his hostility. If he wasn't allowed to take care of Angelus physically, he could at least torture him verbally and emotionally.
Angelus froze, Maddox's words hitting him right in the chest like a fist, but he recovered quickly and looked at Maddox's harsh face, an evil glint in his brown eyes as he answered, "Doesn't just eat him up that I'll ultimately be the one that's going to give her a child? Using what he supposedly gave her, to my advantage…" his snide remark was said just above a whisper so that the couple across from them wouldn't hear, but Maddox sure did.
Maddox's smile slowly faded as the meaning of his words reached him. Clenching his fists at his sides, he pushed away from the wall and faced Angelus by stepping in his face, "He's doing this for Buffy, not for you. You best remember that." He growled through clenched teeth before he turned and stalked out of the room.
Looks like people weren't joking when they said Angelus Navarro was a cold hearted bastard who would kill his own family if he needed to; his reaction just now proved why he got that reputation. Shaking his head and telling himself that he couldn't make a scene in the hospital, Maddox made his way back to Bruce; where he could fume in silence.
Angelus didn't even bother looking at Maddox as he walked out; the grin on his face still firmly in place. If that asshole wanted to play games with him, he was more than willing to play dirty.
Yes, Angelus hated it that Bruce was the one that gave Buffy this…'gift'…he wished he could have done that for her; but he also knew Bruce Novikov was well connected in every field; he probably had to pull some illegal strings to get this done.
He and Giles had also searched every available resource they could in hopes of helping Buffy, but they weren't as fortunate in finding anything as Bruce had been. Angelus wondered if the head of the facility was even aware of what was going on in that operating room; probably…Bruce must have paid them to keep their lips sealed as well.
Closing his mind from those thoughts, Angelus strolled out of the visiting room and back to Buffy's room. Taking a seat on her bed, he leaned forward and pushed his hands through his head in worry and frustration. He hoped this worked.
# # # # # # # # # #
