Chapter 13

Three days later

Buffy tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position on the bed. Angelus was next to her, trying to snooze, exhausted from work but unable to ignore her constant movement.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked.

Buffy took a deep breath and sat up, frustration clearly etched on her face.

"Ugh, no! I'm going crazy! I can't sleep, I'm uncomfortable and I'm tired! We've tried everything and it doesn't work! I just want her to get the hell out!" she said, desperately on the verge of tears.

"Hey, it'll be okay", he comforts her.

"It's not! She was supposed to be born last week!"

Angelus was at a loss of how to make her feel better and simply stared at her. Buffy felt something switch and she suddenly craved for his warmth. Without warning, she kissed him harshly and pushed him to lay on his back and quickly straddled him.

She broke the kiss and started pulling the strings of his sweats hastily, wanting him inside her like now. Angelus, though initially confused by her sudden change of mood, quickly recovered and assisted her efforts, never denying his own constant hunger for her.

After pushing his pants down, she divested herself of his large shirt that served as her sleepwear sometimes and immediately placed her core over his still boxer-covered manhood, desperate for the hardening shaft.

Angelus wrapped her tightly to him and thumbed the hem of her panties, equally wanting her too. But suddenly, she pulled back from their kiss and exclaimed an "Oh". That tone wasn't born out of lust but of surprise.

"You okay?" he cupped her cheek. She hasn't turned him down since they resumed their intimate relations months ago.

"What's wr…" he wanted to ask but his words were cut short and both of them felt wetness spread over their joined cores but it wasn't desire.

"I think my water just broke", she said in shock.

Angelus' eyes widened, astounded by her words before sense came to him and he quickly got into action. He gently helped her to her feet and grabbed her long dress from the cupboard, assisting her in the change of clothes. Thereafter, he started fetching her things and items like they've planned for the past few months into the already packed duffle in preparation for her labour.

Buffy began feeling her contraction and winced in pain. Angelus ran to her, still pulling his shirt over his head, alarmed by her cries and saw her tearing in pain.

"Breathe, Buffy…Breathe. Just like how they taught us", Angelus comforted her.

But Buffy was in too much pain to focus. The contraction was nothing like she ever felt and she was gripping anything that would help her with the searing pain. Knowing that he had to get her to start breathing, Angelus knelt in front of her and take her hand.

"You need to breathe, baby…hee…hoooo…hee…hooooo", cupping her face and making her look at him.

Encouraged by his words and seeing his comforting gaze, she closed her eyes and focused, remembering the Lamaze class they spent a fortune on and started the breathing exercise. It was excruciatingly difficult but Angelus breathed along to encourage her. Slowly, she started.

"That's it…just focus on your breathing."

She took slow deep breaths and focused on his eyes finding the chocolate pools calming and soothing her like they always do.

"I'm going to move you okay? We need to go to the hospital", he told her and she nodded.

As gently as he could, he scooped her in his arms and sprinted to the car and mere minutes later was speeding to the hospital.

Buffy screamed as she felt like she was ripped in two.

"That's good, sugar plum. You're doing real good", Dr Lorne said, cheering her on as Buffy laid back down tiredly.

"Ok, we're going to push again ok, cupcake", he said again.

"For the last time, stop calling me fucking pastries!" Buffy screamed at the doctor.

Angelus caressed her hand he was holding, trying to calm her down and looked at the doctor apologetically but Dr Lorne was unfazed having faced the wrath of hundreds of women he helped give birth. If he were to compare, Buffy Summers is actually pretty mild.

"On 3 ok. 1, 2, 3 and push!" the doctor said.

Buffy pushed with all her might, feeling her heart palpating at a rapid rate like she was running a marathon, her breath whacked out of her and she felt like her head was about to explode.

"That's good, baby. You're doing great", she hears Angelus telling her when she laid back down, gasping for air.

"We need to push again, okay honey? The baby is almost out", Angelus said.

"Lies…" she mumbled weakly.

"Ok, one last big push Ms. Summers, I promise you", Dr. Lorne says again.

"No, I can't…I can't," she said dejectedly.

Angelus immediately grabbed her shoulders and pushed her up, sat himself partially behind her, wrapping his arms around her distended belly and said to her, "Yes, you can. You can do this sweetie. Just one more big push and our baby will be here. Just one more", he said in her ear.

"I'm so tired," Buffy cried.

"I know but just one more and you can rest. Just one more time", he pleaded, kissing her temple.

Summoning her strength, she pushed one last time and felt like her veins were popping, her muscles contract and her energy drained completely, giving up, going lax in Angelus' arms. She wondered if the baby was finally out and her question was answered when she heard the wails of the infant.

"She's here!" Angelus exclaimed. She could feel his smile through his words.

The doctor held the baby to the proud parents and shock came over both of them. After months of being told that they were having a girl, the baby presented to them was a boy. Uncertain, Angelus looked at Buffy to gauge her reaction. They had been preparing for a girl and got everything pink. They painted the room pink, had picked out a girl name, cute baby girl clothes and bought unicorns and dolls for their newborn.

"Would you like to cut the cord?" the doctor asked Angelus.

He got off the bed and hesitated. "Will this hurt the baby?" he asked.

"Not at all", the nurse assured him.

After cutting the cord, the nurse quickly cleaned the baby and swaddled him in a fluffy blue blanket and handed him over to Angelus who clumsily tried to hold the baby. The nurse taught him to hold the head and support the small body and he brought the babe to Buffy. The medical team then left the room to allow the couple some alone time.

Still uncertain of her thoughts of the baby, he approached her slowly and sat next to her. Buffy's mind was honestly thinking 'thank god it's over but it's not a she?' followed by 'oh wow, this little being just came out of me'. The fact that her daughter is actually a son was unexpected but instantly realized that it didn't really bother her.

So when Angelus sat next to her, she immediately reached out for her child, wanting to see him up close. When he was safely in her arms, Buffy looked down and stared at the slightly pink boy, counting his tiny fingers and studying his small features. God, he looked soo much like Angelus with the dark hair and brown eyes.

Her heart bubbled with warmth, finding the emotion familiar, feeling it whenever Angelus was near. She knew then that she will not let anything harm the little one in her arms and that she will do anything for him. She leaned down and kissed the baby's forehead, cradling him tighter in her arms. She let her smile widen when the baby gazed into her eyes.

Angelus smiled at the interaction, scoffing at himself for doubting her at times. He always knew the capacity of love she had. How she has a big heart although she probably doesn't even know it. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she looked at him, giving him that particular grin he loved. He cupped her face and leaned in for a kiss. Buffy closed her eyes and surrendered to his talented mouth. When they broke away, Angelus whispered against her lips, "I love you".

Buffy looked into his eyes and she knew…that warmth, that feeling of peace, the way happiness bubbles whenever he was near. It took the newborn baby now in her arms who shares his features, his blood; half him and half her for Buffy to finally acknowledge that one emotion she constantly turns away, the feeling she refuses to accept.

She leaned in and captured his lips again, wanting him to feel her emotions and to tell him that she is no longer afraid, she is no longer confused, she no longer finds the warmth unnerving nor is she pushing it away. Not anymore.

"I love you too", her voice shivered, confessing the three words she hasn't said in so long, expecting discomfort at saying the words but surprised when there were none. It was honest, it was true and it felt right.

Angelus pulled back, flabbergasted by her admission. Did he hear her right? Daring himself, he asked her to repeat it.

"I love you", her voice now clear and firm, sincerity pouring through her eyes.

Angelus grinned widely, cupping her face and kissed around her face; her eyes, her nose, her cheeks, her chin before latching her lips, joy spreading through him.

"I knew it…I always knew. It's about damn time you admit it", he said, giggles lacing his words.

He moved to hug her but she held a hand on his chest, not wanting them to crush their baby who seemed to have dozed, oblivious to his parents' interaction.

The next day

Buffy opened her eyes and saw Angelus hovering over their son cooing and making faces to their newborn.

"Stop scaring him", she warned her boyfriend.

"I'm not scaring him. I'm actually not sure if he can even see me", and continued making faces.

Buffy took a moment to note that the man was a CEO who's in his crisp Armani suit, probably heading off to some corporate meeting to talk about serious stuff like a merger or new strategic development for the company. No one would believe that the usually shrewd, seemingly cold businessman was capable of acting silly to entertain his day old son.

'He's such a dork', she thought to herself.

"Bring him here, please", Buffy requested.

Angelus carried his son easily, already an expert at handling the newborn and brought him over to her.

"Hi there sweetie", Buffy cradled him in her arms.

"You know, he needs a real name. We can't keep calling him squirt or sweetie", Angelus suggested.

"Why not? He's my lil sweetie".

"I thought I was your sweetie", he pouted.

Buffy rolled her eyes and ignored his comment.

"Well, I guess Katherine is out of the picture", she lamented.

"Guess so. But we could still keep it…you know…for the next one?" he said cheekily.

"Excuse me, mister. Don't go having these bright ideas, ok. Let's try not to screw up this one first".

He sat next to her and wrapped his arms around, resting his chin on her shoulder, looking down on his son.

"I think we'll do fine. I was thinking we can wait until our boy's maybe three? He'll be old enough by then".

"Old enough? Babe, he's three. We should at least wait till he's five or when he's able to actually converse and understand us."

Angelus was smirking.

"What are you smiling for?" she asked, annoyed at his silly smile.

"So, you are thinking of having the next one", he wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

Buffy's eyes widened in embarrassment, scolding herself for falling for Angelus' antics.

"Okay, getting off track now. Back to names for my sweetie".

He tightened his hold on her and kissed her neck. "I'm fine with whatever name you choose".

Buffy recalled a name she came across while choosing a name for their supposed daughter. At that point of time, she didn't think much of it, simply liking it for its origin. "Hmm…what about Connor?"

"Connor?"

"Yeah".

"Connor…Connor…Connor Callahan", Angelus repeated to get the feel of the name on his tongue.

"Connor…hmmm, I think I like it", he smiled at her.

"Really?"

Angelus nodded. "Where do you see the name?"

"In that book of names."

"Did you happen to know the meaning?"

She shrugged, "I like it because it's Irish…like his Daddy".

Angelus smiled and gave her a kiss, appreciating the nod she was giving to his Irish roots.

"You have the honour of picking his middle name then" she told him when they broke the kiss.

Thinking for a few moments, one name came to mind.

"Hank. Connor Hank Callahan. In honour of his grandfather".

Buffy replied with an appreciative smile of her own and looked down at her son.

"Hello Connor Hank Callahan", she gushed, brushing the dark locks gently on his head.

Angelus wrapped his arms tighter around the two most important people in his life, not caring that he should be leaving for his meeting right at this moment. He wouldn't leave them…not for the world…not for anything…least of all, work.

Three years later

"What's this, Con?" she asked, pointing to the apple at the fruits section.

"Apple!"

"Good job! What about that one?"

"Banama!"

"That's close but it's banana…Try again, Ba..na..na".

The almost 3 year-old toddler, seated in the shopping cart repeated after her and this time managed to say the fruit correctly.

"Good job, buddy".

The little boy clapped in excitement, looking around the section for other fruit names he wanted to learn.

"Mummy, dis?" he pointed to a tray full of oranges.

"That's an orange. Can you say orange?"

"Oweanj!"

"That's right!"

The interaction continued for the next few fruits and Buffy patiently told her son the different names of the produce. She was interrupted when her phone rang. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the mobile after rummaging through.

"Hello".

"Hey, baby".

"Hi", Buffy smiled hearing the familiar voice over the phone.

"You still at the store?"

"Yeah, finishing up though. You still in the office?"

"I'm about to finish here too."

"Great, can we do Japanese for dinner?" she asked, thinking of what to have for dinner since two hours ago.

"I'll be home with Okinawa's".

"You're the best".

"No, you are".

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Don't start, we'll be arguing all night".

Angelus laughed. "How's the little man today?"

"After the zoo, we went to the nearby mall. He was super excited when I brought him to the bookstore. I swear to god he's your child."

"You say like it's a bad thing".

"I didn't say it was bad but he likes to read, he looks like you, talks like you, god, he even has a bottomless appetite like you. I ordered him the kid's meal at the restaurant and he finished his meal and asked for half my sandwich. It'd be nice if he inherited something from me".

Angelus could hear her pouting over the phone and smiled.

"Well, if it's any consolation, I'm pretty sure that he gets his stubborn streak from you".

"Quiet you".

Angelus laughed.

"Can I talk to him?"

"Sure".

He waited patiently, hearing Buffy telling Connor that his daddy was on the line.

"Hi Daddy!" the boy said over the phone.

"Hey, bud. How was your day?"

"I saw fishies and birdies!"

"You did?"

"Uh huh…I had ice scweam and chocolate!"

"Wow, was it yummy?"

"Uh huh".

"Did you leave me some?"

"No, I ate it finish".

Angelus laughed along with his son and listened intently as the boy continued talking animatedly, not letting his father get a word in between; also a trait he inherited from Buffy.

"Daddy come home?" Connor suddenly asked, after telling Angelus about his day.

"Yeah, squirt. I'll be home soon okay. Can you pass the phone back to mummy please?"

"Okay".

"Hey", Buffy said after taking the phone from Connor.

"I'll be home in thirty, ok? See you soon."

"We'll be waiting."

"Love you".

"Love you too", and they disconnected.

Buffy pushed the cart down the aisle, taking a few more items and headed to the counter for payment".

While waiting for her turn, she looked down and saw Connor rubbing his eyes, clearly tired from their day out. She smiled, thinking how cute he looked. It was just a natural reaction for her lips to curl into a smile whenever her eyes laid on her son. She caressed his head sweeping his brown locks back and leaned down to kiss his forehead.

"Tired, sweetie?"

The boy replied with a yawn, his eyes clearly drowsy. Connor leaned his head on Buffy's chest and sought her warmth. Buffy wrapped her hand around his small body, rubbing his back.

"Hang on for a few more minutes ok? You can sleep when we're in the car".

She continued stroking the little boy, alternating between his back and head, holding him close.

"Buffy?" she hears a voice behind her.

"Buffy Summers?" the voice said again.

She turned around to see a man she last expected to see. Someone she hasn't seen in years, a blast from her very distant past.

"Oh my god. Scott?"

"In the flesh", he said before moving to hug her.

Buffy returned the hug, genuinely happy to see an old friend.

"How have you been?" she asked.

"Good. What about you?"

"I'm great."

"That's good to hear", he replied.

Scott's eyes looked at Connor and he asked, "Who's this little guy?"

"This is Connor. Con, say hi".

The 3 year old let out a shy hi, lightly waving to the stranger.

"Your son?" Scott asked Buffy.

"Yeah", she answered, beaming with pride.

"Wow, so you're married?"

"Umm, no…but enough about me. What about you?" she said, wanting to deflect attention on her personal life.

"Me? Married? Come on, you know me better than that".

"Right…how can I forget?"

"Mummyy", Connor called out getting cranky.

"Few more minutes ok baby? It's our turn next", she consoled him.

"Sorry, he's just tired. We were out the whole day".

Scott held his hand up and told her not to apologize.

"I got to run but can we catch up over coffee soon?" he asked as he took out his namecard to hand it to her.

Taking the card, Buffy said ok and told him that she'll be in touch.

"It's really nice to see you again", Scott said genuinely.

"You too".

"See you soon", he said before turning and walking out of the store.

She made the payment and fifteen minutes later was driving out the supermarket lot, with Connor already dozing in the baby car seat.

When stopping at the red light, Buffy took his card out to have a look and saw that Scott was now an interior designer. Memories flooded her and she smiled, recalling the good times she had with him.