Title: Love and Family Found
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: inquisitive1@angelfire.com or 2inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Rating: Mostly PG13
Distribution: Its been added to my site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction/whatsnew.html
Site has also had a minor update- check it out.
Spoilers: Up to 'Surprise'
Disclaimer: I own only the characters you don't know
Summary: Buffy seeks out help from the Scoobies after 2 years of silence.
Author's note: As in most of my stories Angel is Spike's sire. I have issues with the whole Dru siring anyone.
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Chapter 6
Few days later: Summers home
"Just a minute" Joyce calls
Hearing her mother's voice Buffy turns the doorknob walking in she calls out "Mom" she watches as her mother stops in the doorway of the dining room
"Buffy?" Joyce says tears forming she walks over to her daughter hugging her tight "Its so good to see you" she cries
"Mom" Buffy pulls away "good to see you too."
"Honey where have you been?"
"Just a minute." Buffy moves away "Mom there's someone I'd like you to meet"
Joyce watches as her daughter steps outside the door a second later she sees Buffy enter with a child "Buffy?"
"Mom I'd like you to meet Liam... my son" she says nervously
Joyce moves closer "Your son? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was scared" Buffy admits
"Why?" Joyce asks "I would have helped you"
"Mom I know that you would have. But it wasn't safe for us to be here."
"Why?"
Buffy looks at Liam "Liam Grandma and I need to talk. Can you sit and watch TV for a while?"
Liam nods
Buffy sets him down on the couch "We'll be in the other room." she turns on the cartoon channel then she and Joyce head into the kitchen.
"Honey why did you leave?" Joyce asks
Buffy sits down at the counter "Mom the night after Angel left I started having nightmares. When I found out I was pregnant they got worse"
"What were they about?"
"I don't know... but I knew we were in danger if we stayed, that everyone around us would be in danger. But I had hoped that when Angel came back that they'd stop. When Giles told me that they didn't know where he was I got scared, for all of us but mostly for the baby. I didn't want to leave Mom, but I was too scared to stay. It was too hard to be here without Angel"
Joyce seeing the pain in her daughter's eyes decides her daughter needs the truth "Honey I have something to tell you"
"What?"
"Buffy honey... Angel's alive"
Hearing that Buffy stares at her mother "What?"
"Sweetie he's alive."
"He's alive?" she asks her voice shaky with tears
Joyce nods "He returned about a few months after you left" she watches as her daughter breaks out into sobs. "Oh honey" she says hugging Buffy
"Mama?"
Buffy looks over to see her son watching her confused she stands picking him up "Mom I've got to go see him"
"Buffy are you sure?"
"Mom I have too. Please understand"
"I do honey. I do"
"Damn" Buffy mutters looking at her mother hopefully "Can you drop us off? I don't want to leave my car in the parking lot"
"Sure honey"
30 mins later: Angel's Apartment building
"Honey are you sure you want to do this now?"
Buffy nods looking out at the bright sun "At least he can't walk out in the middle of talking" she says getting out of the car she goes to the back unbuckling Liam from the carseat. "We'll be at the house for dinner"
"Are you sure you don't want me to watch Liam?" Joyce asks noticing her grandson is practically asleep
"Mom I want these two to meet. I've waited for this forever."
"OK. I'll see you later then. Bring Angel"
"I will. Love you Mom" Buffy smiles grabbing the diaper bag
"I love you too." Joyce watches as her daughter walks into the darkened building before she pulls out of the parking lot.
As she nears Angel's apartment Buffy feels the familiar tug on her heart she hugs Liam tighter. 'Here we go' she thinks as she lifts her hand to knock
Inside
The darkhaired vampire looks up from his reading at the sound of the tentative knock "Just a second" he calls getting out of bed he trudges across the apartment "Xander if that's you..." he trails off as he opens the door
"Do I look like Xander?" Buffy asks her mouth twitching in response
"Buffy" he breathes knowing that its not a dream he moves aside to allow them to enter.
"Thanks" Buffy says entering she drops the diaper bag by the coffee table turning to face Angel she smiles slightly "Angel I'd like you to meet our son Liam Angel Summers"
Angel stares at her stunned "Our son?"
Buffy nods amused by the look on Angel's face "Our son" she confirms
Angel moves closer "Why didn't you tell me?" he asks softly so to not wake the child
"I'm gonna put him down then I'll explain"
Angel nods watching as his lover sets the sleeping child in the bed. 'A son. I have a baby with Buffy' he runs his fingers through his hair.
"I had found out I was pregnant the night you called" Buffy says softly her eyes on the sleeping child. "Actually I found out a few minutes before you called. I meant to tell you but as always when I heard your voice I forgot everything else but you"
Slowly Angel goes to the bed crouching before her "Why didn't you tell Willow? Giles? Or your Mom?"
Buffy smiles reaching out she touches his face "I wanted to tell you first."
"Oh Buffy" he sighs catching her hand he kisses her palm. "Why did you leave then?"
"I thought you were dead." she whispers tears falling
Angel smiles sadly as he wipes away her tears "I promised you I'd come back."
She nods "I know its just... I was scared"
"Why?"
"I didn't know for sure whether or not you were alive. I was scared for him" she looks at the sleeping child "if I had stayed here without you I was afraid something would happen to him... to our baby."
"Buffy" he whispers
Buffy stands taking Angel's hand she leads him to the couch. "I've missed you so much" she whispers tears falling as she touches his face "Every night I'd fall asleep wishing you were with us." she kisses him tenderly
"I've missed you too" he whispers tears falling.
"I wanted to die when they told me you weren't coming back"
"Buffy"
"I knew you wouldn't want that for me or our baby."
"Our baby" he sighs stroking her cheek
"Our miracle" she smiles
"Buffy I'm so sorry for not being here for you"
"Shh" she places her finger against his lips "I don't blame you. I never did." she hugs him "I love you my Angel" she says softly
"I love you too" he says hugging her tight
Resting her head on his shoulder Buffy takes Angel's hand lacing their fingers "That first night you left I had these dreams." she says softly "At first they occured twice a week. I don't really remember what they were about but I could feel fear in them. Around the time I found out I was pregnant they got worse, more intense. They scared me Angel, somehow I knew our baby was in danger. When they told me you weren't coming back I knew I had to leave."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Angel asks
Buffy looks at him sadly "I didn't want to put them in danger. If they knew about him or where we were they would have been hurt if anyone wanted to find us." she lays her head back on his shoulder "After I left Sunnydale the dreams still occured but not as often."
"Have they stopped?"
Buffy nods "The last one was just before Liam was born"
"When was he born?"
Buffy lifts her head smiling "Liam Angel Summers was born September 19, 1998 at 9 PM."
Angel looks at her surprised "I came back to Sunnydale that night"
Buffy looks at him surprised "Why am I not surprised your son was born when you came home" she shakes her head.
"So the dreams stopped?" Angel asks
Just as Buffy is about to answer a small voice calls out in tearful panic "MAMA"
Buffy gets up hurrying towards the bed she finds Liam sitting up his eyes filled with tears "Oh did you have a bad dream Liam?" she asks picking him up
"Mama" he sniffles closing his eyes
Buffy looks at Angel tears in her eyes "The dreams stopped for me but I'm scared that he has them." she rests her cheek on Liam's head "I came back to see if Giles might know what is wrong." she kisses Liam's head then lays him back on the bed then looks at Angel. "I'm scared Angel"
"Why?" he asks sitting beside her
Buffy leans against him her eyes on the sleeping child. "Most nights he wakes up screaming. Sometimes during the day he'll just get this look on his face then start crying. Since his birthday he's pretty much stopped talking to anyone but me. He sometimes refuses to eat." she looks at Angel "Somethings wrong with him Angel and it scares me."
"What about doctors?"
"They think I'm imagining it. They see him as the healthy 1 year old but I can see it Angel. Whatever it is is hurting him."
Seeing the tears and fear in Buffy's eyes Angel takes her face between his hands "I swear to you Buffy whatever is wrong we'll make it right."
Buffy searches his eyes seeing the promise she nods "I know. Now that we're together again everything will be all right"
Angel smiles "It will Beloved. I promise" he finishes kissing her gently
An hour later: Angel's Apartment
Buffy looks towards Angel's bed with a smile "He's awake" she tells Angel standing she kisses him "be right back" she goes into the bedroom area "Hey you" she greets the sleepy child
"Mama" he yawns holding out his arms "up" he demands
Buffy smiles picking Liam up "Mama have a kiss?" she asks laughing as the little boy kisses her "Thank you sweetie" she smoothes his hair back "You sleepy still?"
"No" Liam replies "Down" he demands
Buffy sets him down taking his hand "Come on, Mama has someone very important for you to meet"
Liam looks around the unfamiliar environment "Mama?"
Buffy kneels before the little boy "We're at your Daddy's place"
Liam tilts his head in confusion "Dada?"
"Yeah your Daddy" she stands taking his hand leading the little boy into the living area where she finds Angel staring into space. Shaking her head she sits beside Angel "hey what's with the look?"
Angel looks at her with a faint smile "Nothing"
Liam tugs on Buffy's shirt looking at her quizzically
"Liam this is your Daddy"
Liam looks at the man with interest taking his thumb out of his mouth "Hi"
"Nice to meet you" Angel smiles
"Ehh" Liam says holding his arms out to Angel
Angel takes the smiling child from Buffy's lap
Buffy watches tearfully as her love interacts with the child. 'I knew he'd be a good father.'
Just after Sunset
Buffy glances at the clock "Damn"
"What?" Angel asks looking up from reading to Liam
"I promised Mom we'd be there for dinner" she looks at Angel "Go get dressed" she says taking Liam
"No" Liam complains
"Daddy will finish reading to you later" Buffy says "right now he needs to go get ready to see Grandma" she smiles kissing Angel
"OK." Angel sighs standing he heads into the bathroom
"Lets get you changed shall we?" Buffy smiles at the infant grabbing the diaper bag she settles on the floor to change Liam
Chapter 7
Hour Later: Summers Home
"Mom we're home" Buffy calls entering with Angel following carrying Liam
Joyce enters the foyer "Oh good. Angel nice to see you"
"Joyce" he nods
Buffy looks between the two "OK someone want to tell me something?"
"Uh sometimes I help your Mom out at the Gallery" Angel admits with a shrug
"Oh"
"Angel has been a great help with some Gallery openings" Joyce says heading into the kitchen with the others following
Angel sits down at the table with Liam on his lap "Its given me something to do"
Buffy sits beside Angel "So what else am I in store for?"
"Cordelia and Xander are still dating. So are Oz and Willow" Angel offers
"Cordy hasn't killed Xander?" Buffy asks wide eyed
Angel shakes his head "Spike and Dru broke up"
"And I care about that because?"
"Because Spike is dating the new Slayer" Angel answers
"WHAT?!" Buffy exclaims
"I know odd" Angel chuckles
"So where is Drusilla?"
"Last I heard she's in Brazil" Angel shrugs
"OK anything else?" Buffy asks
"Uh" Joyce and Angel look at each other sheepishly
"What?" Buffy demands
"Honey just so you know this house is now a stake-free zone" Joyce says sternly
"Why?" Buffy asks suspiciously as the back door opens
"Hey Mum" a familiar voice greets
"SPIKE?" Buffy shrieks
"Hey Summers" Spike grins entering the kitchen "good to see you"
"Uh honey Spike kinda lives here" Joyce announces "and so does Faith"
Buffy stares at her mother then shakes her head "My life is hell" she groans hitting her head on the table "Why me? And why did it have to be Spike my mother adopts" she frowns "Who's Faith?"
"Other Slayer" Angel answers
"Mama?" Liam asks
Spike hears that and smirks "So Slayer has a kid"
Angel sighs "Spike meet Liam" he frowns "I guess he'd be your brother"
"WHAT?!" Buffy and Spike yell glaring at each other then Angel
Angel shrugs "Well in human terms I think that's right. I am Spike's sire"
"So he's related to Liam?" Buffy demands
"Uh and technically to you by marriage" Angel admits
"WHAT?!" Joyce, Spike and Buffy yell
"Well uh" Angel begins looking at his ring he holds up his hand "according to an old Irish tradition we're married."
"Uh why don't you two talk" Joyce suggests wiping off her hands she takes Liam from Angel "and Buffy try not to stake him" she heads out of the kitchen "Spike leave them alone"
"Oh fine" he grumbles following Joyce into the livingroom
Once alone Buffy looks at Angel in disbelief "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was leaving. It was hard enough on us to say goodbye I didn't want to make it even worse."
Buffy stands heading outside
After a second Angel follows her "Buffy" he says softly finding her on the porch seat "I'm sorry"
Buffy tilts her head thoughtfully "We both have something to feel sorry for... me for not telling you I was pregnant."
"And me for not telling you the truth about the rings" he says sitting beside her
Buffy crawls into his arms slipping her fingers through his looking at their rings "We're married?"
"Its not considered a legal marriage"
Buffy shrugs "I don't care." she looks at him "My heart says we are"
Angel smiles "Mine too"
"What else does your heart say?" she asks resting her palm against his chest
"That I love you and Liam. That I want us to be a family"
"I do too" Buffy smiles "more than anything." she kisses him
"Hey you two stop sucking face Joyce wants to know what the kid eats" Spike says
Buffy glares at the blond vampire "I can't believe your girlfriend hasn't staked you yet"
Spike shrugs "What can I say the chit adores me" he smirks
"Don't call me that William" a voice says annoyed
"Hey Faith" Spike greets
Buffy looks up to see a tall dark haired young woman wearing worn jeans and a T-shirt
"Buffy Faith. Faith Buffy" Angel introduces the two Slayers
"Hey nice ta meet ya B" Faith grins kissing Spike quickly
"Same" Buffy nods standing "I better go save Mom" she says kissing Angel she heads inside
"Honey does he have a highchair?" Joyce asks nodding at the little boy sitting on the kitchen floor playing with his feet
Buffy nods picking Liam up "Its in the car." she answers turning to see the others walking inside "Angel Spike can you bring in the stuff from the car"
"Sure keys?" Angel asks
"Jacket"
"I'm not goin' " Spike protests "you can empty your own bleedin' car" he grumbles
"And you could get staked" Buffy retorts
"Spike just help Angel please" Joyce requests pleadingly
"Oh fine" Spike grumbles following Angel out to the car
"So who's the kid?" Faith asks curiously
"This is Liam" Buffy says
"He looks like Angel" Faith states
"He does doesn't he" Buffy grins at Liam who is watching the other Slayer with interest
"So Soulboy knocked you up" Faith chuckles
'I think I'm going to like her' Buffy decides "He did"
"I thought vamps couldn't have kids" Faith states
Buffy shrugs "I thought so too but hey I'm not going to argue it"
"Visit the Watcher yet?" Faith asks curiously
Buffy shakes her head "I'll go after Liam goes to sleep."
"You still patrol?" Faith questions
Buffy shakes her head "No. I slowed it down after I found out I was pregnant. After I left I stopped and since he was born I've staked probably 5 vampires"
"I'm surprised you stopped" Joyce states
"Why?"
"I just am" Joyce shrugs
"Buff where do you want this stuff?" Angel asks entering the house with an armload of stuff
"Put it in the livingroom for now" Buffy calls "I'll figure out what to do with it later"
30 mins later
"No" Liam shakes his head trying to avoid the spoon
"I see he has your stubborness Buffy" Joyce states
"I'm not stubborn" Buffy retorts
"When Buffy was about that age she refused to sit still long enough for me or her father to get her dressed"
"I did not" Buffy glares at her mother
Spike laughs at the Slayers embarrassment "What else did baby Buffy do that is embarrassing?"
"Well I got so fed up with trying to get her to stay still I just let her run around in a diaper"
"MOTHER" Buffy groans
"Oh come on honey it was cute" Joyce says
"That explains her lack of wardrobe" Spike smirks
"SHUT UP SPIKE" Buffy and Angel yell
"Any other tidbits?" Spike asks
"Oh tons" Joyce chuckles
Buffy sighs "Great I take it its embarrass Buffy time" she places a piece of bread before Liam
Chapter 8
2 hours later
"Mom he's asleep." Buffy says walking down the stairs "We'll be back as soon as possible"
"OK just be careful" Joyce says
"We will" Buffy answers pulling on her jacket "just going straight to the Library then we'll be back"
"Tell Mr. Giles hello for me" Joyce calls as the two Slayers and vampires head out the door "And Faith be back early you have school tomorrow"
"Sure" Faith winces "How did I let them talk me into going" she sighs
"Aww come on Faith gives ya something to do" Spike says in an attempt to comfort her
"I know but it is so boring"
"Snyder still there?" Buffy asks
Faith nods "Hates me"
"Hated me too. He probably threw a party when I didn't return"
"Rumor has it he was so happy he smiled" Faith says with a grin
"Troll man smiled?" Buffy says shocked
"Yep. 'nother rumor is that he didn't give this kid detention for running in the halls" Faith adds
"Wow we really are on the Hellmouth" Buffy mutters
15 mins later
"Enjoy telling the Watcher" Spike says as the group seperates as they near Sunnydale High School
Buffy swallows nervously tightening her grip on Angel's hand
"You OK?" Angel asks
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure. I mean I haven't seen them in almost two years."
"Buffy they are still your friends" Angel assures
"I know. I'm just a little nervous about seeing them."
"It'll be OK" Angel says hugging her
Buffy smiles at him "I love you" she says touching his cheek
"I love you too" Angel smiles
"Let's get this done. I'm not sure if he'll sleep all night"
Angel nods "All right" he kisses her forehead then together they walk into the school. As they near the Library Angel squeezes Buffy's hand in assurance. They enter the Library to find the Scoobies and Giles sitting around the conference table researching.
"Hi guys" Buffy greets nervously
The groups looks up startled at the sound of the familiar voice "Buffy?" Giles stammers
"Hi Giles" Buffy smiles faintly at her Watcher's startled look
"Oh my God Buffy" Willow shrieks jumping up she runs over to hug her friend
"Hey Will good to see you" Buffy says tearfully as she hugs her friend
5 mins later
"Where have you been?" Giles demands as the group finishes their tearful reunion
"Around" Buffy shrugs sitting beside Angel. "Last 17 months I've lived in a small town called Hope."
"Why didn't you let us know you were OK?" Willow asks
"Uh a lot of reasons" Buffy answers "Mostly because it would have put you in danger."
"Why?" Xander asks confused
"Because putting you in danger would have put Liam in danger" Buffy replies
"Liam?" Cordelia questions
Buffy looks at Angel who says "Might as well tell them. They'll find out sooner or later"
Buffy nods "Liam is our son"
The group stares at Buffy and Angel stunned
"Your son" Giles stammers "oh my"
"WHAT?!" Xander and Cordelia yell
"Cool" Oz adds
"Wow" Willow states
Buffy looks at Angel "They took that well. Can we go now?"
"Buffy" Angel shakes his head
"Oh fine but if he wakes up the whole neighborhood I'm blaming you"
"OK how is it you and Deadboy have a kid?" Xander asks confused
"Will you stop calling me that" Angel growls in annoyance
"It just happened" Buffy shrugs "I'm not questioning it"
"Oh my" Giles repeats staring into space
"You said that all ready" Cordelia remarks
"Uh yes" Giles nods
"OK you have Watcher face again" Buffy states
"He always has Watcher face after all he's a Watcher" Xander points out
"Yes but this his serious Watcher face" Willow adds
"This is unprecendent" Giles states
"Uh again Giles with the big words"
"This has never happened" Giles mutters
"Neither has a vampire with a soul" Buffy reasons
"Yes but a vampire has never fathered a child let alone one with a Slayer."
"And a Slayer and a vampire in love has never happened" Oz adds
Giles nods "Yes but a child of a Slayer is rare also."
"Why do you say that?" Buffy asks
"Most Slayers don't live long enough" Angel answers
"And those that do?" Buffy asks
"From what I've heard they are rarely able to handle being a normal human" Giles states
"What do you mean? They kill themselves?" Buffy asks
Giles nods "The power of being a Slayer to most is addictive. The few that have lived long enough to retire go into withdrawal, for lack of a better word, and in the end kill themselves"
"Whoa" Xander states
"Xander" Angel snaps
"Sorry" he apologizes sheepishly
"Has a Slayer ever had a child?" Buffy asks
"Two that I know of" Giles answers
"And what happened to them?" Buffy questions
"No one knows" Giles replies "rumor has it the only two child born alive to Slayers disappeared when they were teens."
"I heard a rumor that one lived and died on church ground" Angel supplies
"Buffy has your son exhibited any characteristics not exactly normal for a child?" Giles asks curiously
"A few" Buffy admits
"What kind?"
"One of the reasons I left was because I kept having dreams"
"Prophetic?" Giles asks
"I'm not sure. I mean I left so they didn't come true." she shakes her head "That's why I kept moving until I was 5 months. The dreams stopped for me after Liam was born"
"Do you think your son is having them?" Giles asks
"Its possible... most nights he wakes up crying or screaming. Then he gets almost like a mini-brood fest going in the middle of the day."
"So he's like dear ol' Dad" Xander states
"Well Liam does look like Angel" Buffy says "so I'm not too surprised if he ends up being a brooder"
"I don't brood" Angel protests
"He's just a deep thinker" Oz supports
"See Oz agrees with me" Angel says
"Any thing else?" Giles asks
"He used to talk a lot or just chatter to himself but in the last few months... he's pretty much stopped saying anything but Mama, no, yes, hi, and now Dadda. Its odd since he was talking at 9 months. He would talk to anyone but now he only talks to me."
"Is that all?"
"Uh no" Buffy replies "He's been acting weird about eating."
"All children act weird about eating... I hated lima beans" Willow offers
"Not that kind of weird. Its more like sometimes he'll eat without complaining... others he'll have a fit and I'm not talking throwing food I'm talking all out screaming at an ear piercing level. His scream could give even a vampire a headache."
"Whoa he must have a set of lungs" Oz remarks
"Oh yeah get him started he won't stop" Buffy says drily
"Anything else?"
"Like what?" Buffy asks
"Mini fangs?" Cordelia supplies
Buffy glares at the brunette "No not unless they'll show up when he gets some teeth"
"I guess that means we'll have to wait and see" Giles rubs his temples
"Great just what the world needs a kid teething with mini-fangs" Buffy groans
"Might not happen" Angel points out
"So he doesn't go 'grr'?" Willow asks
"Nope" Buffy shakes her head "he's pretty much a normal baby"
"No superstrength?" Giles asks
"No"
"No need for blood?" questions Giles
"As far as I know no."
"All right. I'll see if I can find any reason behind what you said." at Buffy's nod Giles adds "It might be nothing but a normal reaction for children"
Buffy shakes her head "I don't think it is... it just doesn't feel like it"
"OK" Giles nods standing he goes over to a bookcase searching for some books
Angel squeezes Buffy's hand "I'm going to go check a few books"
Buffy nods "We should head back soon."
Angel nods standing
Buffy turns to her friends "So what has been going on?"
"Uh nothing much" Xander shrugs
"Oooh pictures" Willow says happily
"Sure" Buffy reaches into her jacket pulling out her wallet she hands Willow a picture "This was at his birthday"
Willow grins "He does look like a mini Angel."
"Yep" Buffy agrees with a grin "that's what I thought when he was born"
"He is so cute" Cordelia remarks
"Check out this one" Buffy says handing them a picture of Liam just after he was born
"He was so little" Willow says in awe
"He was 8 pounds 5 ounces"
"So he was a big little guy" Xander says with a grin
"Yep"
30 mins later
Buffy looks up at the clock "Angel"
"Yeah?" the vampire answers from the stacks
"We better head back"
"Down in a second"
Buffy stands pulling on her jacket "Stop by when you get some freetime" she tells her friends
"Staying at your Mom's?" Willow asks
"For now. Angel's apartment isn't really baby friendly"
"Hey not like he can hurt himself" Angel protests
"Yes but he can still get into things and trust me he could tear your apartment apart in under five minutes" Buffy says "At least at Mom's there is more to entertain him." she slips her hand into his "Come on we better get back before he wakes up"
"Its good to have you back Buffy" Willow says
"Its good to be back Will" Buffy grins
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: inquisitive1@angelfire.com or 2inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Rating: Mostly PG13
Distribution: Its been added to my site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction/whatsnew.html
Site has also had a minor update- check it out.
Spoilers: Up to 'Surprise'
Disclaimer: I own only the characters you don't know
Summary: Buffy seeks out help from the Scoobies after 2 years of silence.
Author's note: As in most of my stories Angel is Spike's sire. I have issues with the whole Dru siring anyone.
____________
Chapter 6
Few days later: Summers home
"Just a minute" Joyce calls
Hearing her mother's voice Buffy turns the doorknob walking in she calls out "Mom" she watches as her mother stops in the doorway of the dining room
"Buffy?" Joyce says tears forming she walks over to her daughter hugging her tight "Its so good to see you" she cries
"Mom" Buffy pulls away "good to see you too."
"Honey where have you been?"
"Just a minute." Buffy moves away "Mom there's someone I'd like you to meet"
Joyce watches as her daughter steps outside the door a second later she sees Buffy enter with a child "Buffy?"
"Mom I'd like you to meet Liam... my son" she says nervously
Joyce moves closer "Your son? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was scared" Buffy admits
"Why?" Joyce asks "I would have helped you"
"Mom I know that you would have. But it wasn't safe for us to be here."
"Why?"
Buffy looks at Liam "Liam Grandma and I need to talk. Can you sit and watch TV for a while?"
Liam nods
Buffy sets him down on the couch "We'll be in the other room." she turns on the cartoon channel then she and Joyce head into the kitchen.
"Honey why did you leave?" Joyce asks
Buffy sits down at the counter "Mom the night after Angel left I started having nightmares. When I found out I was pregnant they got worse"
"What were they about?"
"I don't know... but I knew we were in danger if we stayed, that everyone around us would be in danger. But I had hoped that when Angel came back that they'd stop. When Giles told me that they didn't know where he was I got scared, for all of us but mostly for the baby. I didn't want to leave Mom, but I was too scared to stay. It was too hard to be here without Angel"
Joyce seeing the pain in her daughter's eyes decides her daughter needs the truth "Honey I have something to tell you"
"What?"
"Buffy honey... Angel's alive"
Hearing that Buffy stares at her mother "What?"
"Sweetie he's alive."
"He's alive?" she asks her voice shaky with tears
Joyce nods "He returned about a few months after you left" she watches as her daughter breaks out into sobs. "Oh honey" she says hugging Buffy
"Mama?"
Buffy looks over to see her son watching her confused she stands picking him up "Mom I've got to go see him"
"Buffy are you sure?"
"Mom I have too. Please understand"
"I do honey. I do"
"Damn" Buffy mutters looking at her mother hopefully "Can you drop us off? I don't want to leave my car in the parking lot"
"Sure honey"
30 mins later: Angel's Apartment building
"Honey are you sure you want to do this now?"
Buffy nods looking out at the bright sun "At least he can't walk out in the middle of talking" she says getting out of the car she goes to the back unbuckling Liam from the carseat. "We'll be at the house for dinner"
"Are you sure you don't want me to watch Liam?" Joyce asks noticing her grandson is practically asleep
"Mom I want these two to meet. I've waited for this forever."
"OK. I'll see you later then. Bring Angel"
"I will. Love you Mom" Buffy smiles grabbing the diaper bag
"I love you too." Joyce watches as her daughter walks into the darkened building before she pulls out of the parking lot.
As she nears Angel's apartment Buffy feels the familiar tug on her heart she hugs Liam tighter. 'Here we go' she thinks as she lifts her hand to knock
Inside
The darkhaired vampire looks up from his reading at the sound of the tentative knock "Just a second" he calls getting out of bed he trudges across the apartment "Xander if that's you..." he trails off as he opens the door
"Do I look like Xander?" Buffy asks her mouth twitching in response
"Buffy" he breathes knowing that its not a dream he moves aside to allow them to enter.
"Thanks" Buffy says entering she drops the diaper bag by the coffee table turning to face Angel she smiles slightly "Angel I'd like you to meet our son Liam Angel Summers"
Angel stares at her stunned "Our son?"
Buffy nods amused by the look on Angel's face "Our son" she confirms
Angel moves closer "Why didn't you tell me?" he asks softly so to not wake the child
"I'm gonna put him down then I'll explain"
Angel nods watching as his lover sets the sleeping child in the bed. 'A son. I have a baby with Buffy' he runs his fingers through his hair.
"I had found out I was pregnant the night you called" Buffy says softly her eyes on the sleeping child. "Actually I found out a few minutes before you called. I meant to tell you but as always when I heard your voice I forgot everything else but you"
Slowly Angel goes to the bed crouching before her "Why didn't you tell Willow? Giles? Or your Mom?"
Buffy smiles reaching out she touches his face "I wanted to tell you first."
"Oh Buffy" he sighs catching her hand he kisses her palm. "Why did you leave then?"
"I thought you were dead." she whispers tears falling
Angel smiles sadly as he wipes away her tears "I promised you I'd come back."
She nods "I know its just... I was scared"
"Why?"
"I didn't know for sure whether or not you were alive. I was scared for him" she looks at the sleeping child "if I had stayed here without you I was afraid something would happen to him... to our baby."
"Buffy" he whispers
Buffy stands taking Angel's hand she leads him to the couch. "I've missed you so much" she whispers tears falling as she touches his face "Every night I'd fall asleep wishing you were with us." she kisses him tenderly
"I've missed you too" he whispers tears falling.
"I wanted to die when they told me you weren't coming back"
"Buffy"
"I knew you wouldn't want that for me or our baby."
"Our baby" he sighs stroking her cheek
"Our miracle" she smiles
"Buffy I'm so sorry for not being here for you"
"Shh" she places her finger against his lips "I don't blame you. I never did." she hugs him "I love you my Angel" she says softly
"I love you too" he says hugging her tight
Resting her head on his shoulder Buffy takes Angel's hand lacing their fingers "That first night you left I had these dreams." she says softly "At first they occured twice a week. I don't really remember what they were about but I could feel fear in them. Around the time I found out I was pregnant they got worse, more intense. They scared me Angel, somehow I knew our baby was in danger. When they told me you weren't coming back I knew I had to leave."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Angel asks
Buffy looks at him sadly "I didn't want to put them in danger. If they knew about him or where we were they would have been hurt if anyone wanted to find us." she lays her head back on his shoulder "After I left Sunnydale the dreams still occured but not as often."
"Have they stopped?"
Buffy nods "The last one was just before Liam was born"
"When was he born?"
Buffy lifts her head smiling "Liam Angel Summers was born September 19, 1998 at 9 PM."
Angel looks at her surprised "I came back to Sunnydale that night"
Buffy looks at him surprised "Why am I not surprised your son was born when you came home" she shakes her head.
"So the dreams stopped?" Angel asks
Just as Buffy is about to answer a small voice calls out in tearful panic "MAMA"
Buffy gets up hurrying towards the bed she finds Liam sitting up his eyes filled with tears "Oh did you have a bad dream Liam?" she asks picking him up
"Mama" he sniffles closing his eyes
Buffy looks at Angel tears in her eyes "The dreams stopped for me but I'm scared that he has them." she rests her cheek on Liam's head "I came back to see if Giles might know what is wrong." she kisses Liam's head then lays him back on the bed then looks at Angel. "I'm scared Angel"
"Why?" he asks sitting beside her
Buffy leans against him her eyes on the sleeping child. "Most nights he wakes up screaming. Sometimes during the day he'll just get this look on his face then start crying. Since his birthday he's pretty much stopped talking to anyone but me. He sometimes refuses to eat." she looks at Angel "Somethings wrong with him Angel and it scares me."
"What about doctors?"
"They think I'm imagining it. They see him as the healthy 1 year old but I can see it Angel. Whatever it is is hurting him."
Seeing the tears and fear in Buffy's eyes Angel takes her face between his hands "I swear to you Buffy whatever is wrong we'll make it right."
Buffy searches his eyes seeing the promise she nods "I know. Now that we're together again everything will be all right"
Angel smiles "It will Beloved. I promise" he finishes kissing her gently
An hour later: Angel's Apartment
Buffy looks towards Angel's bed with a smile "He's awake" she tells Angel standing she kisses him "be right back" she goes into the bedroom area "Hey you" she greets the sleepy child
"Mama" he yawns holding out his arms "up" he demands
Buffy smiles picking Liam up "Mama have a kiss?" she asks laughing as the little boy kisses her "Thank you sweetie" she smoothes his hair back "You sleepy still?"
"No" Liam replies "Down" he demands
Buffy sets him down taking his hand "Come on, Mama has someone very important for you to meet"
Liam looks around the unfamiliar environment "Mama?"
Buffy kneels before the little boy "We're at your Daddy's place"
Liam tilts his head in confusion "Dada?"
"Yeah your Daddy" she stands taking his hand leading the little boy into the living area where she finds Angel staring into space. Shaking her head she sits beside Angel "hey what's with the look?"
Angel looks at her with a faint smile "Nothing"
Liam tugs on Buffy's shirt looking at her quizzically
"Liam this is your Daddy"
Liam looks at the man with interest taking his thumb out of his mouth "Hi"
"Nice to meet you" Angel smiles
"Ehh" Liam says holding his arms out to Angel
Angel takes the smiling child from Buffy's lap
Buffy watches tearfully as her love interacts with the child. 'I knew he'd be a good father.'
Just after Sunset
Buffy glances at the clock "Damn"
"What?" Angel asks looking up from reading to Liam
"I promised Mom we'd be there for dinner" she looks at Angel "Go get dressed" she says taking Liam
"No" Liam complains
"Daddy will finish reading to you later" Buffy says "right now he needs to go get ready to see Grandma" she smiles kissing Angel
"OK." Angel sighs standing he heads into the bathroom
"Lets get you changed shall we?" Buffy smiles at the infant grabbing the diaper bag she settles on the floor to change Liam
Chapter 7
Hour Later: Summers Home
"Mom we're home" Buffy calls entering with Angel following carrying Liam
Joyce enters the foyer "Oh good. Angel nice to see you"
"Joyce" he nods
Buffy looks between the two "OK someone want to tell me something?"
"Uh sometimes I help your Mom out at the Gallery" Angel admits with a shrug
"Oh"
"Angel has been a great help with some Gallery openings" Joyce says heading into the kitchen with the others following
Angel sits down at the table with Liam on his lap "Its given me something to do"
Buffy sits beside Angel "So what else am I in store for?"
"Cordelia and Xander are still dating. So are Oz and Willow" Angel offers
"Cordy hasn't killed Xander?" Buffy asks wide eyed
Angel shakes his head "Spike and Dru broke up"
"And I care about that because?"
"Because Spike is dating the new Slayer" Angel answers
"WHAT?!" Buffy exclaims
"I know odd" Angel chuckles
"So where is Drusilla?"
"Last I heard she's in Brazil" Angel shrugs
"OK anything else?" Buffy asks
"Uh" Joyce and Angel look at each other sheepishly
"What?" Buffy demands
"Honey just so you know this house is now a stake-free zone" Joyce says sternly
"Why?" Buffy asks suspiciously as the back door opens
"Hey Mum" a familiar voice greets
"SPIKE?" Buffy shrieks
"Hey Summers" Spike grins entering the kitchen "good to see you"
"Uh honey Spike kinda lives here" Joyce announces "and so does Faith"
Buffy stares at her mother then shakes her head "My life is hell" she groans hitting her head on the table "Why me? And why did it have to be Spike my mother adopts" she frowns "Who's Faith?"
"Other Slayer" Angel answers
"Mama?" Liam asks
Spike hears that and smirks "So Slayer has a kid"
Angel sighs "Spike meet Liam" he frowns "I guess he'd be your brother"
"WHAT?!" Buffy and Spike yell glaring at each other then Angel
Angel shrugs "Well in human terms I think that's right. I am Spike's sire"
"So he's related to Liam?" Buffy demands
"Uh and technically to you by marriage" Angel admits
"WHAT?!" Joyce, Spike and Buffy yell
"Well uh" Angel begins looking at his ring he holds up his hand "according to an old Irish tradition we're married."
"Uh why don't you two talk" Joyce suggests wiping off her hands she takes Liam from Angel "and Buffy try not to stake him" she heads out of the kitchen "Spike leave them alone"
"Oh fine" he grumbles following Joyce into the livingroom
Once alone Buffy looks at Angel in disbelief "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was leaving. It was hard enough on us to say goodbye I didn't want to make it even worse."
Buffy stands heading outside
After a second Angel follows her "Buffy" he says softly finding her on the porch seat "I'm sorry"
Buffy tilts her head thoughtfully "We both have something to feel sorry for... me for not telling you I was pregnant."
"And me for not telling you the truth about the rings" he says sitting beside her
Buffy crawls into his arms slipping her fingers through his looking at their rings "We're married?"
"Its not considered a legal marriage"
Buffy shrugs "I don't care." she looks at him "My heart says we are"
Angel smiles "Mine too"
"What else does your heart say?" she asks resting her palm against his chest
"That I love you and Liam. That I want us to be a family"
"I do too" Buffy smiles "more than anything." she kisses him
"Hey you two stop sucking face Joyce wants to know what the kid eats" Spike says
Buffy glares at the blond vampire "I can't believe your girlfriend hasn't staked you yet"
Spike shrugs "What can I say the chit adores me" he smirks
"Don't call me that William" a voice says annoyed
"Hey Faith" Spike greets
Buffy looks up to see a tall dark haired young woman wearing worn jeans and a T-shirt
"Buffy Faith. Faith Buffy" Angel introduces the two Slayers
"Hey nice ta meet ya B" Faith grins kissing Spike quickly
"Same" Buffy nods standing "I better go save Mom" she says kissing Angel she heads inside
"Honey does he have a highchair?" Joyce asks nodding at the little boy sitting on the kitchen floor playing with his feet
Buffy nods picking Liam up "Its in the car." she answers turning to see the others walking inside "Angel Spike can you bring in the stuff from the car"
"Sure keys?" Angel asks
"Jacket"
"I'm not goin' " Spike protests "you can empty your own bleedin' car" he grumbles
"And you could get staked" Buffy retorts
"Spike just help Angel please" Joyce requests pleadingly
"Oh fine" Spike grumbles following Angel out to the car
"So who's the kid?" Faith asks curiously
"This is Liam" Buffy says
"He looks like Angel" Faith states
"He does doesn't he" Buffy grins at Liam who is watching the other Slayer with interest
"So Soulboy knocked you up" Faith chuckles
'I think I'm going to like her' Buffy decides "He did"
"I thought vamps couldn't have kids" Faith states
Buffy shrugs "I thought so too but hey I'm not going to argue it"
"Visit the Watcher yet?" Faith asks curiously
Buffy shakes her head "I'll go after Liam goes to sleep."
"You still patrol?" Faith questions
Buffy shakes her head "No. I slowed it down after I found out I was pregnant. After I left I stopped and since he was born I've staked probably 5 vampires"
"I'm surprised you stopped" Joyce states
"Why?"
"I just am" Joyce shrugs
"Buff where do you want this stuff?" Angel asks entering the house with an armload of stuff
"Put it in the livingroom for now" Buffy calls "I'll figure out what to do with it later"
30 mins later
"No" Liam shakes his head trying to avoid the spoon
"I see he has your stubborness Buffy" Joyce states
"I'm not stubborn" Buffy retorts
"When Buffy was about that age she refused to sit still long enough for me or her father to get her dressed"
"I did not" Buffy glares at her mother
Spike laughs at the Slayers embarrassment "What else did baby Buffy do that is embarrassing?"
"Well I got so fed up with trying to get her to stay still I just let her run around in a diaper"
"MOTHER" Buffy groans
"Oh come on honey it was cute" Joyce says
"That explains her lack of wardrobe" Spike smirks
"SHUT UP SPIKE" Buffy and Angel yell
"Any other tidbits?" Spike asks
"Oh tons" Joyce chuckles
Buffy sighs "Great I take it its embarrass Buffy time" she places a piece of bread before Liam
Chapter 8
2 hours later
"Mom he's asleep." Buffy says walking down the stairs "We'll be back as soon as possible"
"OK just be careful" Joyce says
"We will" Buffy answers pulling on her jacket "just going straight to the Library then we'll be back"
"Tell Mr. Giles hello for me" Joyce calls as the two Slayers and vampires head out the door "And Faith be back early you have school tomorrow"
"Sure" Faith winces "How did I let them talk me into going" she sighs
"Aww come on Faith gives ya something to do" Spike says in an attempt to comfort her
"I know but it is so boring"
"Snyder still there?" Buffy asks
Faith nods "Hates me"
"Hated me too. He probably threw a party when I didn't return"
"Rumor has it he was so happy he smiled" Faith says with a grin
"Troll man smiled?" Buffy says shocked
"Yep. 'nother rumor is that he didn't give this kid detention for running in the halls" Faith adds
"Wow we really are on the Hellmouth" Buffy mutters
15 mins later
"Enjoy telling the Watcher" Spike says as the group seperates as they near Sunnydale High School
Buffy swallows nervously tightening her grip on Angel's hand
"You OK?" Angel asks
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure. I mean I haven't seen them in almost two years."
"Buffy they are still your friends" Angel assures
"I know. I'm just a little nervous about seeing them."
"It'll be OK" Angel says hugging her
Buffy smiles at him "I love you" she says touching his cheek
"I love you too" Angel smiles
"Let's get this done. I'm not sure if he'll sleep all night"
Angel nods "All right" he kisses her forehead then together they walk into the school. As they near the Library Angel squeezes Buffy's hand in assurance. They enter the Library to find the Scoobies and Giles sitting around the conference table researching.
"Hi guys" Buffy greets nervously
The groups looks up startled at the sound of the familiar voice "Buffy?" Giles stammers
"Hi Giles" Buffy smiles faintly at her Watcher's startled look
"Oh my God Buffy" Willow shrieks jumping up she runs over to hug her friend
"Hey Will good to see you" Buffy says tearfully as she hugs her friend
5 mins later
"Where have you been?" Giles demands as the group finishes their tearful reunion
"Around" Buffy shrugs sitting beside Angel. "Last 17 months I've lived in a small town called Hope."
"Why didn't you let us know you were OK?" Willow asks
"Uh a lot of reasons" Buffy answers "Mostly because it would have put you in danger."
"Why?" Xander asks confused
"Because putting you in danger would have put Liam in danger" Buffy replies
"Liam?" Cordelia questions
Buffy looks at Angel who says "Might as well tell them. They'll find out sooner or later"
Buffy nods "Liam is our son"
The group stares at Buffy and Angel stunned
"Your son" Giles stammers "oh my"
"WHAT?!" Xander and Cordelia yell
"Cool" Oz adds
"Wow" Willow states
Buffy looks at Angel "They took that well. Can we go now?"
"Buffy" Angel shakes his head
"Oh fine but if he wakes up the whole neighborhood I'm blaming you"
"OK how is it you and Deadboy have a kid?" Xander asks confused
"Will you stop calling me that" Angel growls in annoyance
"It just happened" Buffy shrugs "I'm not questioning it"
"Oh my" Giles repeats staring into space
"You said that all ready" Cordelia remarks
"Uh yes" Giles nods
"OK you have Watcher face again" Buffy states
"He always has Watcher face after all he's a Watcher" Xander points out
"Yes but this his serious Watcher face" Willow adds
"This is unprecendent" Giles states
"Uh again Giles with the big words"
"This has never happened" Giles mutters
"Neither has a vampire with a soul" Buffy reasons
"Yes but a vampire has never fathered a child let alone one with a Slayer."
"And a Slayer and a vampire in love has never happened" Oz adds
Giles nods "Yes but a child of a Slayer is rare also."
"Why do you say that?" Buffy asks
"Most Slayers don't live long enough" Angel answers
"And those that do?" Buffy asks
"From what I've heard they are rarely able to handle being a normal human" Giles states
"What do you mean? They kill themselves?" Buffy asks
Giles nods "The power of being a Slayer to most is addictive. The few that have lived long enough to retire go into withdrawal, for lack of a better word, and in the end kill themselves"
"Whoa" Xander states
"Xander" Angel snaps
"Sorry" he apologizes sheepishly
"Has a Slayer ever had a child?" Buffy asks
"Two that I know of" Giles answers
"And what happened to them?" Buffy questions
"No one knows" Giles replies "rumor has it the only two child born alive to Slayers disappeared when they were teens."
"I heard a rumor that one lived and died on church ground" Angel supplies
"Buffy has your son exhibited any characteristics not exactly normal for a child?" Giles asks curiously
"A few" Buffy admits
"What kind?"
"One of the reasons I left was because I kept having dreams"
"Prophetic?" Giles asks
"I'm not sure. I mean I left so they didn't come true." she shakes her head "That's why I kept moving until I was 5 months. The dreams stopped for me after Liam was born"
"Do you think your son is having them?" Giles asks
"Its possible... most nights he wakes up crying or screaming. Then he gets almost like a mini-brood fest going in the middle of the day."
"So he's like dear ol' Dad" Xander states
"Well Liam does look like Angel" Buffy says "so I'm not too surprised if he ends up being a brooder"
"I don't brood" Angel protests
"He's just a deep thinker" Oz supports
"See Oz agrees with me" Angel says
"Any thing else?" Giles asks
"He used to talk a lot or just chatter to himself but in the last few months... he's pretty much stopped saying anything but Mama, no, yes, hi, and now Dadda. Its odd since he was talking at 9 months. He would talk to anyone but now he only talks to me."
"Is that all?"
"Uh no" Buffy replies "He's been acting weird about eating."
"All children act weird about eating... I hated lima beans" Willow offers
"Not that kind of weird. Its more like sometimes he'll eat without complaining... others he'll have a fit and I'm not talking throwing food I'm talking all out screaming at an ear piercing level. His scream could give even a vampire a headache."
"Whoa he must have a set of lungs" Oz remarks
"Oh yeah get him started he won't stop" Buffy says drily
"Anything else?"
"Like what?" Buffy asks
"Mini fangs?" Cordelia supplies
Buffy glares at the brunette "No not unless they'll show up when he gets some teeth"
"I guess that means we'll have to wait and see" Giles rubs his temples
"Great just what the world needs a kid teething with mini-fangs" Buffy groans
"Might not happen" Angel points out
"So he doesn't go 'grr'?" Willow asks
"Nope" Buffy shakes her head "he's pretty much a normal baby"
"No superstrength?" Giles asks
"No"
"No need for blood?" questions Giles
"As far as I know no."
"All right. I'll see if I can find any reason behind what you said." at Buffy's nod Giles adds "It might be nothing but a normal reaction for children"
Buffy shakes her head "I don't think it is... it just doesn't feel like it"
"OK" Giles nods standing he goes over to a bookcase searching for some books
Angel squeezes Buffy's hand "I'm going to go check a few books"
Buffy nods "We should head back soon."
Angel nods standing
Buffy turns to her friends "So what has been going on?"
"Uh nothing much" Xander shrugs
"Oooh pictures" Willow says happily
"Sure" Buffy reaches into her jacket pulling out her wallet she hands Willow a picture "This was at his birthday"
Willow grins "He does look like a mini Angel."
"Yep" Buffy agrees with a grin "that's what I thought when he was born"
"He is so cute" Cordelia remarks
"Check out this one" Buffy says handing them a picture of Liam just after he was born
"He was so little" Willow says in awe
"He was 8 pounds 5 ounces"
"So he was a big little guy" Xander says with a grin
"Yep"
30 mins later
Buffy looks up at the clock "Angel"
"Yeah?" the vampire answers from the stacks
"We better head back"
"Down in a second"
Buffy stands pulling on her jacket "Stop by when you get some freetime" she tells her friends
"Staying at your Mom's?" Willow asks
"For now. Angel's apartment isn't really baby friendly"
"Hey not like he can hurt himself" Angel protests
"Yes but he can still get into things and trust me he could tear your apartment apart in under five minutes" Buffy says "At least at Mom's there is more to entertain him." she slips her hand into his "Come on we better get back before he wakes up"
"Its good to have you back Buffy" Willow says
"Its good to be back Will" Buffy grins