I don't own Stargate SG-1 and Buffy
Angel was watching Jack fuss over Buffy when suddenly he was in the presence of the Powers that Be.
"You have served well the cause of good Angelus."
"Don't call me that." he replied absently. "The name is Angel."
"Very well. We have brought you Angel to reward you." They spoke and Angel was afraid, their 'gifts' could be capricious.
"What do I have to do?" he asked and there was gentle laughter.
"Nothing. You have your soul, it is now permanent. But now you have to make a choice. Will you stay in this reality or go back to your own." The voices asked.
Angel stood there, staggered by the import of what they asked him. Leave Buffy? Leave all of his new friends? What about his old friends, a little voice whispered. He looked up, "Do I need to choose now?" he asked a little desperately.
"No, but when the choice is presented, you will know."
Suddenly Angel was back and Buffy rushed over to him. "Are you ok? What did they want?" Angel gently kissed her and shook his head, walking away. Buffy's eyes went to Daniel, who nodded and followed.
Angel walked back through an unfamiliar maze of corridors, aliens scurrying around working. He went to a window and looked at the stars that moved past. 'How many were suns for people who lived in peace?' He wondered.
A hand on his shoulder caused him to stiffen. "You ok?" Daniel asked and Angel shook his head no.
"Wanna talk about it?" Daniel asked and Angel shot his friend a look. "Were you really one of the Powers that Be?" he asked curiously.
"Once upon a time."
"Why are you back?" Angel asked, curious about this man who had become his friend. Daniel placed his hand on the window, vague memories of the places he had been.
"I loved my friends too much. I wanted to fix the universe. A number of reasons." He laughed wryly.
"Do you miss it?"
Daniel looked at Angel, "Yes and no." and this time Angel laughed. He looked back out the window and sighed. "They have given me my soul permanently. They also gave me a choice."
"What kind of choice? Become a 'real boy'?" asked Daniel and Angel chuckled at the reference to Pinocchio. "No. It's 'do I want to stay here with Buffy, or go home'." And they both stood silently.
"Have you decided yet?" Daniel turned and leaned a shoulder against the window, watching his friend struggle with one of the most important decisions in his life.
"Please, don't touch the windows. You are setting off sensors." One of the Asgard came up to scold them. They both raised their hands and said in unison, "Sorry." and the little alien bustled away. The two friends looked at each other and laughed, and walked back to the others in silence.
Buffy looked up, relieved to see that Angel seemed a little better. She knew him so well. Jack looked up, "We're almost home kids." This caused Angel to shake his head, "Jack, you could be my g-g-g-g-grandchild." And Jack shrugged, "If you weren't so damn young looking I wouldn't tease you." And Buffy cuffed him, causing him to yelp. "Hey! Be nice."
Freyr and Thor watched the humans with amusement. O'Neill was totally absorbed in Buffy Summers, and she was a worthy mate for their old friend. Daniel Jackson and this Angel, a man of myth and legend, were obviously well thought of by O'Neill as well. There was much to discuss on how to help the people of Earth in thanks for their help.
They were transported to the gate room, surprising Sam and Sgt. Siler who were working on the gate.
"Hey, you're back! How did it go?" she asked and Siler lifted the phone to notify the General of their arrival. Sam's eyes went to Angel who looked preoccupied and tense.
"Oh you know, rescue the alien, kick the bad guys butt and save the world!" Buffy said.
General Hammond came in, "Welcome back people. Briefing in 10 minutes." And he nodded at Sam and walked back out.
Sitting around the conference table Jack gave his report. Buffy's eyes kept straying back to Angel until she couldn't stand it.
"Excuse me Jack." She said, standing up in the middle of Jacks' briefing, "Angel, tell me what in the hell is going on!" she demanded and Angel jerked back, "What?"
"Don't give me that! The PTB said something to you and I'm worried." Buffy walked around to him, swinging his seat so that her faced her. "So?" she asked tartly and Angel sighed, "Sit down Buffy. I'll tell you."
He looked at General Hammond, "Well, there's good news and bad news. They said I can keep my soul permanently, but have offered me the chance to stay here or go back to my reality." And everyone fell silent. Buffy was pale and Jack was suddenly uncertain, 'What if Buffy cared more than she would admit?' he thought.
Buffy turned to Jack, "I can hear you thinking. Stop it!! I love you." She snapped and Sam laughed, "Ooh, that was romantic." And Buffy threw a notepad at her. Angel smiled and shook his head. "Why would I leave all of this?" and the other men chuckled.
"I hope that you know that you would always be welcome here. You have tipped the odds in our favor." General Hammond stated firmly.
Jack faced Angel, "I would like it if you stayed. You're good for Buffy, you're a great fighter, and you're Buffy's best friend." Angel acknowledged the other man with a nod. "Thanks Jack, but I really don't know what I want to do." And Buffy sniffed, a little teary eyed.
Jack and Buffy were moving along wedding plans. Jack thanked God everyday that Buffy was no 'bridezilla'. She wanted to have a very simple ceremony, a sit down meal for their friends and a honeymoon to another planet. Easy as pie.
Jacob came through the gate a week later. Buffy and Sam met him in the gateroom. "Hey Sammie, Buffy! How are the most beautiful ladies on this base?" and he gave them kisses. Sam and Buffy raised their eyebrows at each other.
"Ok Dad, what's going on?" Sam demanded and from behind them came General Hammonds voice, "My question also, old friend." Jacob's eyes flashed and Selmak spoke, "If we could go to the conference room? I won't need to retell the news," and Hammond nodded. Buffy and Sam exchanged glances then went to round up everyone.
"Hey Dad." Jack said cheerfully and Jacob raised an eyebrow, "Why are you in such a good mood?" and Buffy raised her hand, "We're engaged!" and she flashed the ring from Jack. Jacob came around and took her hand, "Wow Jack. Must have had a lot mission bonuses for this rock." He said and smiled at Buffy, "You're invited. Selmak too!" and there was laughter from around the table. Selmak said graciously, "Thank you for the kind invitation. We would be honored to attend."
Jack leaned forward, "It's Saturday evening candlelight service in the clearing on the grounds. Eats and treats afterwards." And the General cleared his throat, "Can we hear what Jacob has to say?" and everyone settled down.
"With Anubis' death there is no clear leader. Osiris survived." And there were groans from Angel and Jack. Daniel was a little stunned, but secretly relieved. "Everyone is back to fighting among themselves. However we would like for Buffy and Angel to do some spying on Ba'al." and Daniel shook his head, " Too dangerous! He is a ruthless goa'uld. I saw him aboard Lord Yu's ship when I was on board. He likes to eat baby goa'uld." And Buffy suddenly went pale, clapped her hand to her mouth and ran from the room. Jack stood and went after her.
Angel
looked at Jacob, "Cannibals, how lovely." And there were weak chuckles.
