Chapter 12

Almost two hours later, the smell of the tantalizing food brought her out of the bedroom. Her stomach rumbled making her realise that she was hungrier than she thought she was.

"Smells amazing", she said as she stood next to him looking at the steaks sizzling on the pan. Angelus was stirring the pasta sauce on the stove next to it.

He looked at her and smiled, his eyes twinkling seeing her in his white shirt and a pair of denim shorts. God, even then she looks beautiful.

"Fifteen more minutes and I'm done".

Buffy nodded.

For the next few minutes, they stood in comfortable silence. Buffy busied herself by taking out plates and cutleries and setting them on the counter top. She then leaned against the counter behind Angelus and watched him work.

He had traded his black slacks and shirt to a wifebeater and casual pants that he had kept at her place. Buffy was a little mesmerized with the way his body moved in concentration, his muscles rippling in all the right places. Unable to resist, she moved behind him and hugged him around the waist, resting her cheek on his arm. One of Angelus' hands covered hers and kissed her crown, loving the closeness of their bodies.

She stayed there as Angelus put the finishing touches of the sauce by adding in the herbs and seasoning. He flipped the steak one more time and turned off the fire before stirring the sauce and doing the same to the stove.

Buffy moved away and handed him the plates which he duly placed the food on. She asked if he wanted some beer or wine to go with the meal as poured herself a glass of water but he refused opting for the same water instead.

Angelus carried both plates to the dining table, Buffy trailing behind him with their glasses of water.

"Bon appétit", he said smiling at her before they began digging into their meal.

The painful chasm caused by their temporary separation was slowly disappearing as they silently continued their lunch.

Four months later

Buffy opened the door to Angelus' apartment carrying the files she was supposed to look over before bed that night. She placed her bag and files on the couch before plopping herself on the large couch.

She removed her heels, thankful to get the pretty but rather uncomfortable footwear off. Heels never bothered her, wearing them frequently due to her line of work but lately, she felt it was excruciating to stand in those heels, even for a few minutes.

She blamed it on her pregnancy. Her body was changing at a rather rapid state; apart from the obvious swelling of her stomach, she tires easily, her boobs were annoyingly sensitive, she was moody almost constantly and she felt like she had no control over her bladder, sometimes contemplating the ridiculous thought of just parking herself in the toilet permanently seeing how frequent she was visiting it.

Angelus was totally loving the changes of her body, finding that the added curves only enhanced her already mesmerizing beauty although he would never admit it out loud, not wanting to tempt her wrath after facing it a few times throughout the past few months. After the third outburst, he quickly learned what not to do to trigger her volatile mood.

Apart from finding her even more alluring and beautiful when pregnant (of course when he told her, she scoffed and said that he was ridiculous for thinking she was attractive when she felt like a bloated cow), he relished the impending fatherhood, constantly talking to her stomach, massaging her swelling feet, making her weird food like pickles smashed in between her s'mores sandwich, going shopping at 2 in the morning to entertain her food cravings because she just had to have a bag of Twisted Cheetos Puffs or Toblerone Bars.

His attraction for her heightened uncontrollably. The already strong desire he had flamed even more with the added weight of pregnancy filling her up in all the right places; her usually perky derriere was fleshier, adding roundness he would sometimes squeeze playfully getting a glare from her. And her breasts seem to have doubled in size making him shamelessly stare at them when he thought she wasn't looking.

Oh how he wished to make love to her. They haven't been intimate since their separation over four months ago. Initially, due to the reparation of their relationship, it didn't feel right to just pick up where they left off intimately. Thereafter, her pregnancy making her tiresome and cranky, sex was far from her mind. For Angelus however, he withstood the temptation knowing that Buffy didn't feel the same but as time passed, it was becoming unbearable. Seeing her walk around in just his shirt and shorts or a tank top and boxers (the pregnancy also constantly giving her hot flushes that she wears as little as possible in the comfort of home) was pure torture.

They had a few heated kisses here and there but with her constant changing mood and call of nature, it was usually cut short before they could hit second base. Buffy was of course oblivious to all this, too caught up with her ever irregular emotions and body transformation.

The thunder outside snapped her awake, not realizing she had fallen into a nap, seated on the couch. She sighed, rubbing her neck feeling the exhaustion of her day weighing down on her. She looked at the clock and realised that it was close to 8pm. Angelus should have been home by now but from the looks of it, she was still alone.

She reached for her phone to see if she had any missed calls from him but there was none so she pressed the speed dial and listened to the phone ring about a dozen times before hanging up. He usually texts or calls her if he was late. She tries texting him and was about to press send when the door opened and in walks Angelus clutching his side in pain.

"Why are you late? I tried calling you." Buffy was immediately on her feet, worry overcoming her.

"Sorry", he apologized, wincing as he removed his jacket.

Her eyes widened seeing his light blue shirt soiled with blood.

"What happened?" she gasped.

"Nothing", he said nonchalantly and began unbuttoning his shirt.

Buffy took over the task, frowning as she peeled the shirt, revealing a slash at his side where his rib cage was.

"This doesn't look like nothing", she rebuked, gently touching the injured skin.

"I'm fine. It's just a scratch".

Buffy pulled him to the kitchen to wet a cloth and began wiping the blood off him.

"Tell me what happened".

"It's nothing", he said again.

"Angel, you're bleeding. People don't just bleed from nothing and don't…" she started nagging but Angelus was tuning out her words.

Seeing her upset with anger starting to flare in her eyes, Angelus found her so beautiful and a sheepish smile formed on his lips looking at her. Buffy stopped mid speech and glared at him.

"What are you smiling at?" she scolded.

Angelus wasn't fazed and just widened his smile and pulled her close. Buffy squirmed, swatting his hand away telling him to let her go, not wanting him to aggravate the wound. Angelus only tightened his hold trapping her arms.

"Angel, you're hurt…stop it!"

Angelus dipped his head and captured her lips in a crushing kiss. Buffy resisted for some moments before melting into his kisses, unable to resist him as usual. The hands that were pushing him away were now slowly wrapping around, caressing his muscled back.

He kissed her hungrily, the need for her pulling strongly within him that it was almost corporeal. Buffy was overwhelmed, feeling his desire for her surfacing and surprisingly, felt her own thirst for him manifesting. Sex wasn't something she craved since she got pregnant, too caught up with the annoying changes that accompanied her pregnancy. For someone who was highly sexual, it suddenly occurred to her how odd it was that sex hadn't crossed her mind the past few months.

She wasn't oblivious though. She noticed the cold showers Angelus had whenever she was with him and a part of her felt bad ignoring his need for her but what could she do? She willed her libido to return several times but her pregnancy ruined everything. To Angelus' credit, he didn't push nor force anything on her and for that, she was grateful. But tonight, tonight something switched in her and her tumultuous emotions, her crankiness, even her loose bladder suddenly disappeared and all she felt was the warmth of the man now kissing her.

However, that wretched rational sense came to her and she broke away, knowing he was injured and in pain.

"You're hurt. Why don't you shower and we'll treat your wound?" she said as calmly as she could.

Taking that as a sign that their passionate kisses are once more cut short, Angelus sighed in defeat and morosely walked to the bathroom. Buffy paced the room restlessly, trying hard to fight the temptation, looking down and her swollen feet and bulging stomach thinking how unattractive she must look to him. Her self-confidence waned a little but it lasted all but five seconds. She was a highly sexual being after all and is beginning to feel the effect of the past few months of celibacy, leaving her extremely thirsty. She looked at the closed door knowing the one who could quench the thirst was behind that.

Angelus looked up when he heard the door of the bathroom closing, seeing Buffy standing there still dressed in her usual corporate wear sans her jacket which she must have removed before entering.

"Hey", he said casually, oblivious to the intent of her sudden intrusion to his shower, assuming she needed to relieve her bladder.

He turned away from her, returning his focus back to shampooing his hair, ignorant of her real intent. Which was why when she wrapped her arms around his torso, he jumped a little. Her lips began peppering kisses the tattoo adorning his back.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she mumbled against his skin.

Her kisses grew more distinct, her tongue laving his skin as her dainty fingers journey south to the strength that was craving for her touch. She gripped him briefly before stroking the shaft, feeling the velvet warmth begin to stiffen to her ministration.

Angelus turned off the shower, the noisy water becoming an annoyance, wanting to hone all his senses to the sensation the petite blonde behind him was providing. 'Please don't let this be another cruel joke fate is playing', Angelus silently prayed to whichever God that was listening, part of him expecting her ever changing mood or bladder to ruin the moment as they always do. After months of practically getting blue balls, he was desperate for release and if he was denied again, well…he didn't know what he would do.

Inside, he kept chanting, 'Please let this be real..Please let this be real..' as he slowly turned to face her, his eyes widening seeing Buffy completely nude. He felt his strength surging at a rapid rate, his lips watering at the sight of her golden skin after being deprived from seeing this perfection for months. His hand trembled a little when he reached out to touch her, as if trying to convince himself that she was really there. Buffy noticed the tremble and moved closer, taking his outstretched hand, pulling it around her making it rest on her waist.

She cupped his face, her thumb caressing his lips and he quickly kissed the wandering digit. His heart was thumping in his ears, partly nervous but mostly excited of the possibility of being with her after so long. He leaned forward hesitantly, anticipating her to turn him away or for something to ruin this as they always did. When his lips were mere inches from hers, he closed his eyes and expressed a silent gratitude before closing in and moaned in satisfaction when their lips met.

His hand on her waist tightened and his other hand wrapped around her back pulling her close to him. She wasn't as close as he wanted her to be, the bump making it difficult to crush her petite form to his completely but he wasn't complaining. Feeling her nude body against his was in itself a gratifying sensation.

Buffy could feel his stiffening shaft against her stomach and god, she missed it. Her fingers immediately reached for it and resumed stroking him, squeezing and alternating the intensity, knowing what he liked and just how to make him crazy.

Angelus broke the kiss, gasping for air as her hand moved expertly, making him so hard that it began to hurt. He reached for her hand, pulling it to stop, silently telling her that he was not going to last if she continued. Her lips formed a devious smile and the next thing he knew, she dropped to her knees and pulled him into her mouth.

He leaned back to the wall, his hand grabbing onto the shower pipe and the bathroom walls, just to have something to hold to as he drowned in the lust she invoked within. He gasped for breath as the cavern of her warm mouth moved up and down his shaft tantalizingly. His eyes rolled back knowing that he was mere moments away from ecstasy but tried very hard to hold on. This was too fast but he was deprived of her for so long that one cannot blame him for not being unable to resist.

She looked up at him as she sucked, studying every twinge and every gasp of air he struggled to take. She released him with a pop but continued stroking him with her hand as slowly stood up, kissing his navel, slowly moving to his abs and chest, all the while not stopping the movement of her hand.

She peppered kisses on his neck, biting and nipping his flesh. He held her wrist, silently telling her to stop not wanting to come in her hand like some hormonal teenager but she was having none of it, mauling his lips to distract him and she was victorious as his grip on her loosened, helpless to her kisses.

He leaned back to gasp for air, her ministration literally taking his breath away. He was quivering and she knew he was close and she stroked harder, increasing speed and moments later, his hips jerked as he spurted in her hand generously. She smiled, elated that she was still able to bring him to rapture despite being out of practice for the past few months.

When reality returned to Angelus, he looked down and saw her smiling up at him. He cupped her face and pulled her in a passionate kiss, delving his tongue into her mouth.

Buffy's hunger was unbearable and she desperately wanted him inside. She jumped up in his arms and he easily caught her, grasping his strength in her hand and positioning it at her entrance but Angelus stopped her, pulling her hand away.

'What the hell is he doing? Does he not want me?', self-doubt entering her mind. The thought was quickly quelled by his lips on hers, his kisses clearly expressing his hunger and attraction for her. Caught up with his lips on hers, she didn't realise that he walked them back to the bedroom until she felt him sit down on the bed. Once more she positioned herself to allow him entry but he held her hips firmly. She frowned, confused by his actions. She could see and clearly feel his thirst for her so why was he denying themselves the pleasure they were mutually seeking.

"I want you", she told him honestly. She wasn't one to beg but at this moment, she shamelessly would, feeling her need for him powerfully.

"Trust me?" he replied.

His question snapped her out of her lust as she looked in his eyes, uncertain as to why he said it. Before she could ask, he captured her in a kiss once more, repeating his question against her lips. Still not understanding but seeing that he was waiting for an answer, she simply nodded.

He turned them around and laid her gently on the bed, parting her thighs to place himself in between her and made love to her well into the night. Their lovemaking was gentle and tender and she was presented with the sort of pleasure only he could give her.

Three months later

Buffy's libido not only returned but it seemed to have returned with a vengeance. She wanted Angelus all the time and even then, it seemed that her hunger couldn't be quenched. They did it three, sometimes four times a day. When the weekend came around, it was a marathon only taking breaks in between to nourish themselves before raring to go again.

"Angel!" she screamed as orgasm swept through her, making her quiver and shake.

He flopped on the bed next to her, staring at the ceiling, hearing the beating of his heart thunder in his ears. He looked over to her and could clearly see was still trying to recover, her chest heaving to take deep breaths.

"Are you okay?" he asked with bated breath, he too desperately gasping for air.

Her body hummed, mildly registering his question.

"Yeah…just…need to catch my breath".

He smiled and took her nipple in his mouth, making her gasp.

"Oh god stop…please, I can't…" she lifted his head away from her breast, feeling her senses ultra sensitive at the moment.

"Did I finally wear you out?" he chuckled and Buffy only smiled in response.

After sometime, Angelus turned to his side and gently caressed her bump, before leaning down and kissing it. Buffy threaded her fingers in his hair, smiling at his affection.

"So, I realized we're only two months away and haven't thought of names for the baby", he said.

"Hmm…we'll think about it tomorrow", she said sleepily.

He looked up to see her eyes half-lidded, clearly seconds away from falling asleep. He smiled and laid on his back next to her. Seeing him close, she turned to her side and laid on his shoulder snuggling to him as his arms wrapped around her back.

Gently stroking her back, he thought of how the past few months were. It was a hell of a roller coaster ride with her mood swings and unpredictable cravings but Angelus relished in the experience even when he gets screamed at for breathing "too hard" or reprimanded for using his aftershave that made her want to vomit.

He enjoyed seeing her body change as their child grew within. He had always found her beautiful and unbelievably sexy but with child, she was exceptionally gorgeous and irresistible to him. Just looking at her doing the most mundane things like reading or washing the dishes flared the desire within him.

He did a lot of reading on pregnancies and he knew that what Buffy was going through was normal including her returned libido. That was one of the hormonal change he was most thankful for. He looked down and saw that she was fast asleep and knew that her slumber tonight would be deep and last until morning. She hadn't had a lot of that the past few months due to her increased sexual appetite on top of the frequent visits to the bathroom. He kissed her forehead and whispered his love for her before letting sleep take him too.

Two months and almost two weeks later

Angelus was reading his book before frowning, suddenly realizing that Buffy was away from bed for almost 30 minutes now. All she told him was she'll be back. When he saw her leave the bedroom, he thought she had a craving and was going down for a quick snack. Getting out of bed, he went downstairs to search for her.

"Buffy?" he called out coming down the stairs.

He walked to the kitchen to see her rummaging the fridge.

"Toblerones are on the third shelf, baby", he told her, assuming she was looking for her precious chocolates. He was pretty sure he had them stocked up the day before.

"Not what I'm looking for", she mumbled as she pushed aside fruits, cans of soft drinks and whatever that was in her way.

"I know you're in here", she said frustrated.

"What are you looking for?" he asked her softly, not wanting to aggravate her already foul mood.

She didn't answer, focused on her task. Angelus patiently stood behind her with his arms crossed, curious about what she was really looking for.

"Aha!...I knew you were in here", she said victoriously holding up a glass jar.

She handed the jar over to Angelus and asked, "Can you open this for me please?" her voice full of saccharine sweetness; a stark difference from her tone two seconds ago. He frowned down at the jar.

"Jalapeno?" he questioned.

"Yes!" she said excitedly.

"Are you sure that it's okay for you to have this?"

"Angel, we've been through this. Whatever craving I have is because the baby wants it and right now, she's craving for some peppers. Just open it please", she pleaded.

Angelus was unconvinced but for the sake of her happiness, he did as asked.

"Thank you" she said and grabbed the jar from him, devouring the contents deliciously.

She walked and sat at the stool near the island in the middle of the kitchen totally focused on the peppers that tasted like heaven in her mouth. Angelus took out a glass from the cabinet to pour her a glass of water and made himself a cup of hot chocolate, suddenly craving for it.

Twenty minutes later, she was biting the last piece of pepper and suddenly let out a dainty burp. Angelus crinkled his nose after getting a waft of the spicy scent.

"That was good", she said contently and grabbed the water Angelus set on the island.

"You sure you're okay?"

"Yes, the baby wanted it plus I hear that spicy food induces labour so fingers crossed".

"Honey, the doctor said that it's normal for some women to carry babies beyond nine months. She'll come eventually".

Buffy sighed, "I know. It's just pregnancy is exhausting! I just want it over…done".

"I'm sorry" he apologised, feeling responsible for putting her in this position.

Seeing his guilt, she felt bad and quickly got off the stool and placed herself in between his thighs, wrapping her hands around his waist.

"No, don't apologize. Sometimes my mouth has a mind of its own. I don't know what I'm talking about. Remember that your girlfriend has been replaced by this crazy pod person for the past 9 something months."

Angelus smiled at her attempt to alleviate his guilt and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer.

"I kinda like this crazy pod person too".

"You better not. I'm very much looking forward to having the normal Buffy back".

"Normal Buffy…crazy Buffy…doesn't matter to me. I love all Buffys".

"Even cranky, unreasonable Buffy who gets angry at you just for breathing loudly next to her?"

"I love that Buffy the most".

"You're ridiculous", she giggled.

He moved in to kiss her but her hands were on his chest, stopping him. Angelus frowned curiously, finding it odd. She never pulled away from his kisses.

"I just had peppers. My breath is all spicy and stinky".

"I don't care," he said and immediately latched onto her lips.

Apart from the slight pickled and spicy scent he tastes on his tongue, her kiss was otherwise sweet and luscious as always. After some tongue tangling passionate mating of their lips, Angelus smirked, remembering something he read from the brochure and write-ups the doctor gave about extended pregnancies.

"You know, there's also one other thing that also induces labour", he whispered against her lips.

"What's that?"

"Well…" he swept her off her feet carrying her in his arms.

"What are you doing?"

"What I'm about to do requires a bed and no clothes preferred".

She caught on his meaning and cupped his nape.

"Really?" she asked.

"I'm not sure if it works…it's just a theory."

"Guess we'll need to conduct the practical to be sure".

"Guess so", he teased before she pulled him in for a kiss as he moved toward the bedroom.

That night, after many satisfying romps and bodily exchange, Buffy fell asleep peacefully, hoping the babe within her would evacuate her womb very soon.