A/N- Thanks again for your honest and helpful feedback. I know you still
want C/A and *believe* me, I respect that. I do. See, I have this plan…but
all you need to know is that even if it doesn't work out in *this* fic, you
can be sure there will be others…maybe even a sequel, if I can finish this
one. :) I think someone said that bringing Buffy in will only dilute the
fic, so I'll try to keep the Buffyness away from the C/L/A dynamic. I
swear. If it looks like I'm drifting LET ME KNOW. Also, please try to
remember that I haven't seen any of season 6 Buffy and this fic is
completely AU. Thanks.And remember to GIVE ME *ALL* YOUR FEEDBACK…
*****************************
(Sunnydale)
I hang up the phone. I'm going to LA, which is something I try to avoid doing at all costs. But, worse than that, I'm going to LA to help protect Angel's son *and* an ex-evil lawyer who seems to be having a kid with Cordy. Both concepts are very bizarre and upsetting to me. More so the 'Angel has a baby' part, but still, the whole fact that 'Cordelia is pregnant to a once-evil lawyer' is also a little weird. Trust her to go for a lawyer, though…typical Cordy. Xander's gonna have a ball with this.
Oh, god. I have to tell him that he's coming too. See, I kinda told Angel that everyone is. Hang on…*Does* Angel want Spike to come as well? Oh, god…does he even know that Spike's on the good side now? And then there's the fact that I've been sleeping with him…No, he doesn't need to know that. Anyhow, he screwed Darla, and she was EVIL…
Buffy, concentrate here.
Where was I? Oh, yeah…Xander's not gonna like seeing Angel again. Especially when I explain the whole baby dynamic. I mean, Angel actually *tried* to lose his soul again. With Darla no less. But what I *really* can't believe is that I'm the one left to explain it to the Scoobies. Why the hell couldn't Angel do it himself? I know: because he's a coward. He's a typical male. You'd think that after 240 odd years of life (or unlife) he'd be different to every other guy on this planet. Hah! That's a laugh.
I'm getting worked up again, aren't I?
Sighing, I walk into the living room, where Dawn, Spike and Tara are waiting. Dawn looks up at me her eyes gleaming.
"So, spill it." She instructs. "Angel was jumpy. Angel's NEVER jumpy. Dish. Now."
Spike looks at Dawn then back at me. "Nibblet has a point. Somethin's up with the poof and I think we all have the right to know what it is."
"Pack some bags. We're going to LA. I'll explain when everyone's here." I reply, sighing. Oh, great. I meant to call Xander, Giles and Willow. I turn abruptly and walk back into the kitchen to get the phone. I punch in Giles' number and after a few rings he picks up.
"Hello?"
"Hi. Uh, Giles…do you have anything planned this week?"
"Not to my knowledge." He answers, then suddenly concerned, rushes "Why? Buffy, what's wrong? Is there a new demon that we need to research or-"
"Giles." I interrupt. "Nothing's *wrong* per say. Its just…I *might* have promised Angel that all us Scoobies would go to LA for a few days…you know, help take down their Big Bad and catch up."
"You did what?" He responds, clearly disapproving of my decision "Buffy, I do *not* want to leave Sunnyhell…oh, for Christ sakes…I think I've spent too much time with Spike." I can't help letting out a small snort of laughter. Giles gets even more frustrated and continues, ignoring my sense of humour. (What? They don't have them in England?) "I do not want to leave Sunny*DALE* for any amount of time. I've got the 'Magic Box' to run and I don't imagine you're taking Dawn, as she has school, so it'd be best if I stayed to look after her and besides…" He trails off muttering something (Which I'm guessing is not very nice) about Wesley.
"Giles. I know. I shouldn't have told him we'd all go…but it's a long story. Can I explain it to you when you get here? Say…in half an hour?"
He sighs. "Very well. I'll see you then."
"Cool. Can you call Willow and tell her to come? I've gotta call Xander and Anya." Then before he has a chance to respond I add, "Thanks. Bye Giles." brightly and hang up. Now I begin punching in Xander's number.
Half an hour or so later we're all assembled in my living room. Dawn's pouting because she has to stay here with Giles. (I decided that she was safer that way.) Xander and Spike are sulking because neither of them wants to see Angel again…I guess they each have their reasons. (None of which I'd like to hear about.) Willow, Tara and Anya seem fine with the idea. But… I kinda haven't told them about either of the baby things yet. All they know is that there's a big bad law firm that needs to be taken down and the gang in LA needs help.
I clear my throat. Everyone looks at me again. "Guys, there's something else you need to know *before* we get there." I tell them, nervously playing with a loose strand of hair.
"Well, go on…don't leave us in suspense…what else about the sodding nancy boy do we not know yet?" Spike urges.
"He, uh…he has a baby." I tell them. Glancing at their blank faces I add, "Angel has a son. That's part of why they're taking down the evil law firm. You see, Connor…that's Angel's son…well, he's gonna be something powerful or special and the lawyer guys don't like it and-"
"Back up!" Xander interrupts. "Did you just say that *dead boy* has a son?"
I nod and Giles fumbles with his glasses, looking confused. "But vampires are infertile creatures…th-that isn't possible."
"I hope it isn't." Spike mumbles. Suddenly I have the urge to stake him…and I shoot him a look that tells him just that.
Drawing my gaze back to Giles I respond, "Yeah, well…Angel's case has always been a little different and the PTB's sent him Con-"
This time it's Anya who cuts me off. "Okay…but I thought that it takes both a male *and* a female to procreate. So, who did he get pregnant?"
I knew that question was coming, I was just hoping that it wouldn't. "That would be Darla."
Spike's eyes widen. "*The* Darla? As in, the bitch you supposedly staked back in '96? Angel's sire?"
"Yep." When nobody says anything I explain everything the way Angel did. Well, I rush it a lot *less*…and I *don't* bring Riley into it, but…other than that, its all Angel. Then I tell them about Cordy's beau and her current, uh, situation. "…And that's about it. Any questions?" I finish looking around at everyone again.
They shake their heads wearily and we all agree to meet back here in a few hours with all our bags packed. I usher everyone out the front door and wave them off, saying I'll see them in a few. Giles is going to happily stay here and supervise Dawn. Once he leaves, she glares at me and whines, "Buffy…I want to go! I want to see Connor!"
"What are you, five?" I ask, referring to the temper tantrum she's almost starting. "Look, I'll take you to LA when it's safer. Plus, you have school now. I can't let you miss anymore of it."
She crosses her arms defiantly, but beaten. "I want photos, then." She pouts.
I smile. "Then, photos there'll be." I wrap my arms around her in a sisterly hug. "I promise…if I live through this…we'll go to LA one weekend, meet up with dad and also let you see the baby."
"Buffy?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay with Angel having a baby? I mean, I know you must be real upset about it…I would be and…if you need to talk…I'm your sister. I'm always here."
A tear rolls down my cheek. "Dawnie…you have no idea how much that means to me. And I don't know how I feel about it at the moment. I'm still kinda' numb to be honest. But thanks."
"Hello? Earth to Buffy?" She says, pulling away from me and waving her hand in front of my face dramatically, "You *jumped into a hell portal and killed yourself for me*. This is the least I can do for you."
I smile and hug her again. Neither of us speaks. This is a sisterly moment. One which is rudely interrupted by someone banging on the door. I sigh, frustration practically oozing out of my pores, especially after I open the door.
"Spike. What are you doing back here?"
"Did my packing." He shows me a couple of stakes and a pack of cigarettes. "Plus, I worked out that I got some clothes here." He glances at Dawn. She doesn't know that I've been sleeping with Spike and I'd like it if it stayed that way. I mean, he really cares about her…almost as much as I do…but, I don't know. I'm still finding it weird myself. I haven't even told the other Scoobies, and they're my best friends. Am I ashamed of being with Spike? They all know he loves me…but…urgh. This is too complicated. Spike's in the middle of explaining why his clothes are here, I'd better pay attention 'cos I might need to back him up if she doesn't buy it. "…So I pay the slayer to do my washin'."
I nod in agreement. Dawn laughs and raises her eye brows. "Guys…I kinda know about you two. As in the whole sex thing."
I freeze in horror. "D-dawn!" I finally stammer "I…we're not…how'd you-"
"Don't worry. The others don't know. I only found out 'cos I came back from The Bronze last night to grab some extra cash and I kinda heard-"
"That's okay!" I interrupt. "I don't need to know what you heard. And you're…you're okay with it?"
"That you're having sex? It doesn't bother me. But, Xander might be a different story. You're gonna tell them all that you're together, right?"
Spike looks at me. I don't know what to say. I mean, I was sleeping with him, but…I don't find myself in couple status with him. "I…don't know. I guess Spike and I need to talk."
She looks from me to him, then back at me. "Oh, got it. I'm gone." She bounds up the stairs and into her room, closing the door.
"Spike…do you think we're a 'couple' ?" I ask gently, turning to face him again.
"Don't know. What about you pet?"
"I didn't. I don't. I mean, I know you love me…or used to, but the sex…I don't know." I stumble. I don't want to hurt him. (Hey, that's new.)
"Hey, pet. Its okay. I liked the odd shag here and there too. If you don't want to go any deeper, I understand." He's holding me and its only now that I realise that I'm crying.
Something tells me that it's gonna be a very long night.
*****************************
(Sunnydale)
I hang up the phone. I'm going to LA, which is something I try to avoid doing at all costs. But, worse than that, I'm going to LA to help protect Angel's son *and* an ex-evil lawyer who seems to be having a kid with Cordy. Both concepts are very bizarre and upsetting to me. More so the 'Angel has a baby' part, but still, the whole fact that 'Cordelia is pregnant to a once-evil lawyer' is also a little weird. Trust her to go for a lawyer, though…typical Cordy. Xander's gonna have a ball with this.
Oh, god. I have to tell him that he's coming too. See, I kinda told Angel that everyone is. Hang on…*Does* Angel want Spike to come as well? Oh, god…does he even know that Spike's on the good side now? And then there's the fact that I've been sleeping with him…No, he doesn't need to know that. Anyhow, he screwed Darla, and she was EVIL…
Buffy, concentrate here.
Where was I? Oh, yeah…Xander's not gonna like seeing Angel again. Especially when I explain the whole baby dynamic. I mean, Angel actually *tried* to lose his soul again. With Darla no less. But what I *really* can't believe is that I'm the one left to explain it to the Scoobies. Why the hell couldn't Angel do it himself? I know: because he's a coward. He's a typical male. You'd think that after 240 odd years of life (or unlife) he'd be different to every other guy on this planet. Hah! That's a laugh.
I'm getting worked up again, aren't I?
Sighing, I walk into the living room, where Dawn, Spike and Tara are waiting. Dawn looks up at me her eyes gleaming.
"So, spill it." She instructs. "Angel was jumpy. Angel's NEVER jumpy. Dish. Now."
Spike looks at Dawn then back at me. "Nibblet has a point. Somethin's up with the poof and I think we all have the right to know what it is."
"Pack some bags. We're going to LA. I'll explain when everyone's here." I reply, sighing. Oh, great. I meant to call Xander, Giles and Willow. I turn abruptly and walk back into the kitchen to get the phone. I punch in Giles' number and after a few rings he picks up.
"Hello?"
"Hi. Uh, Giles…do you have anything planned this week?"
"Not to my knowledge." He answers, then suddenly concerned, rushes "Why? Buffy, what's wrong? Is there a new demon that we need to research or-"
"Giles." I interrupt. "Nothing's *wrong* per say. Its just…I *might* have promised Angel that all us Scoobies would go to LA for a few days…you know, help take down their Big Bad and catch up."
"You did what?" He responds, clearly disapproving of my decision "Buffy, I do *not* want to leave Sunnyhell…oh, for Christ sakes…I think I've spent too much time with Spike." I can't help letting out a small snort of laughter. Giles gets even more frustrated and continues, ignoring my sense of humour. (What? They don't have them in England?) "I do not want to leave Sunny*DALE* for any amount of time. I've got the 'Magic Box' to run and I don't imagine you're taking Dawn, as she has school, so it'd be best if I stayed to look after her and besides…" He trails off muttering something (Which I'm guessing is not very nice) about Wesley.
"Giles. I know. I shouldn't have told him we'd all go…but it's a long story. Can I explain it to you when you get here? Say…in half an hour?"
He sighs. "Very well. I'll see you then."
"Cool. Can you call Willow and tell her to come? I've gotta call Xander and Anya." Then before he has a chance to respond I add, "Thanks. Bye Giles." brightly and hang up. Now I begin punching in Xander's number.
Half an hour or so later we're all assembled in my living room. Dawn's pouting because she has to stay here with Giles. (I decided that she was safer that way.) Xander and Spike are sulking because neither of them wants to see Angel again…I guess they each have their reasons. (None of which I'd like to hear about.) Willow, Tara and Anya seem fine with the idea. But… I kinda haven't told them about either of the baby things yet. All they know is that there's a big bad law firm that needs to be taken down and the gang in LA needs help.
I clear my throat. Everyone looks at me again. "Guys, there's something else you need to know *before* we get there." I tell them, nervously playing with a loose strand of hair.
"Well, go on…don't leave us in suspense…what else about the sodding nancy boy do we not know yet?" Spike urges.
"He, uh…he has a baby." I tell them. Glancing at their blank faces I add, "Angel has a son. That's part of why they're taking down the evil law firm. You see, Connor…that's Angel's son…well, he's gonna be something powerful or special and the lawyer guys don't like it and-"
"Back up!" Xander interrupts. "Did you just say that *dead boy* has a son?"
I nod and Giles fumbles with his glasses, looking confused. "But vampires are infertile creatures…th-that isn't possible."
"I hope it isn't." Spike mumbles. Suddenly I have the urge to stake him…and I shoot him a look that tells him just that.
Drawing my gaze back to Giles I respond, "Yeah, well…Angel's case has always been a little different and the PTB's sent him Con-"
This time it's Anya who cuts me off. "Okay…but I thought that it takes both a male *and* a female to procreate. So, who did he get pregnant?"
I knew that question was coming, I was just hoping that it wouldn't. "That would be Darla."
Spike's eyes widen. "*The* Darla? As in, the bitch you supposedly staked back in '96? Angel's sire?"
"Yep." When nobody says anything I explain everything the way Angel did. Well, I rush it a lot *less*…and I *don't* bring Riley into it, but…other than that, its all Angel. Then I tell them about Cordy's beau and her current, uh, situation. "…And that's about it. Any questions?" I finish looking around at everyone again.
They shake their heads wearily and we all agree to meet back here in a few hours with all our bags packed. I usher everyone out the front door and wave them off, saying I'll see them in a few. Giles is going to happily stay here and supervise Dawn. Once he leaves, she glares at me and whines, "Buffy…I want to go! I want to see Connor!"
"What are you, five?" I ask, referring to the temper tantrum she's almost starting. "Look, I'll take you to LA when it's safer. Plus, you have school now. I can't let you miss anymore of it."
She crosses her arms defiantly, but beaten. "I want photos, then." She pouts.
I smile. "Then, photos there'll be." I wrap my arms around her in a sisterly hug. "I promise…if I live through this…we'll go to LA one weekend, meet up with dad and also let you see the baby."
"Buffy?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay with Angel having a baby? I mean, I know you must be real upset about it…I would be and…if you need to talk…I'm your sister. I'm always here."
A tear rolls down my cheek. "Dawnie…you have no idea how much that means to me. And I don't know how I feel about it at the moment. I'm still kinda' numb to be honest. But thanks."
"Hello? Earth to Buffy?" She says, pulling away from me and waving her hand in front of my face dramatically, "You *jumped into a hell portal and killed yourself for me*. This is the least I can do for you."
I smile and hug her again. Neither of us speaks. This is a sisterly moment. One which is rudely interrupted by someone banging on the door. I sigh, frustration practically oozing out of my pores, especially after I open the door.
"Spike. What are you doing back here?"
"Did my packing." He shows me a couple of stakes and a pack of cigarettes. "Plus, I worked out that I got some clothes here." He glances at Dawn. She doesn't know that I've been sleeping with Spike and I'd like it if it stayed that way. I mean, he really cares about her…almost as much as I do…but, I don't know. I'm still finding it weird myself. I haven't even told the other Scoobies, and they're my best friends. Am I ashamed of being with Spike? They all know he loves me…but…urgh. This is too complicated. Spike's in the middle of explaining why his clothes are here, I'd better pay attention 'cos I might need to back him up if she doesn't buy it. "…So I pay the slayer to do my washin'."
I nod in agreement. Dawn laughs and raises her eye brows. "Guys…I kinda know about you two. As in the whole sex thing."
I freeze in horror. "D-dawn!" I finally stammer "I…we're not…how'd you-"
"Don't worry. The others don't know. I only found out 'cos I came back from The Bronze last night to grab some extra cash and I kinda heard-"
"That's okay!" I interrupt. "I don't need to know what you heard. And you're…you're okay with it?"
"That you're having sex? It doesn't bother me. But, Xander might be a different story. You're gonna tell them all that you're together, right?"
Spike looks at me. I don't know what to say. I mean, I was sleeping with him, but…I don't find myself in couple status with him. "I…don't know. I guess Spike and I need to talk."
She looks from me to him, then back at me. "Oh, got it. I'm gone." She bounds up the stairs and into her room, closing the door.
"Spike…do you think we're a 'couple' ?" I ask gently, turning to face him again.
"Don't know. What about you pet?"
"I didn't. I don't. I mean, I know you love me…or used to, but the sex…I don't know." I stumble. I don't want to hurt him. (Hey, that's new.)
"Hey, pet. Its okay. I liked the odd shag here and there too. If you don't want to go any deeper, I understand." He's holding me and its only now that I realise that I'm crying.
Something tells me that it's gonna be a very long night.