Part 10
**** Next morning ****
Briena wakes up at the sound of the T.V. she looks around realizing that she's in Angel's bedroom she sees Buffy asleep beside her. Curious why the TV is on she carefully slips out of bed and out the door. She finds the blond haired vampire sprawled on the couch watching T.V. she walks closer to the couch.
Spike senses the little girl approaching him. Looking up he smiles "Hey kid"
"Hi" she smiles back joining him on the couch with Mr. Doggie. "Whatcha watchin' ?"
"Scooby Doo" Spike answers
"Never watched Scooby Doo" Briena admits
"never?" Spike asks surprised
"Nope" she shakes her head
"Deprived child." Spike mutters "Well then let me introduce you to the world of Scooby Doo."
"OK" Briena replies happily
Spike points to the T.V "OK see the big dog?"
"Uh huh" she nods
"He's Scooby Doo. The bloke in the green shirt is Scooby's mate Shaggy"
"Who's the blond guy?"
"That is Fred. The nerdy one is Velma. The redhead is Daphne"
"OK" she nods turning her full attention on the cartoon
Buffy wakes up to giggling in the living room rolling over she finds the other side of the bed empty. She sits up and stretches before getting out of bed. Walking out to the living room she finds Spike and Briena on the
couch watching cartoons. "Hey" she greets
"Hi" Briena greets
"What are you two watching?" Buffy asks sitting beside Briena she pulls the little girl onto her lap
"Scooby" Briena giggles "I want a Scooby poster in my room" she tells Buffy
"She's never watched Scooby" Spike says in disgust
"Spike does the TV have to be on this loud" Angel growls exiting Briena's room wearing his silk pajama bottoms and a white wife beater
"Shut up Peaches" Spike retorts not looking at his sire
"Turn it down Will" Angel growls warningly
"Uh oh" Briena whispers
"What?" Buffy asks
"He's not happy" she replies
"Why do you say that?" Buffy questions
"Cause he used tone when I scared Cordy with the worm"
Angel heads to the fridge and opens it reaching in for a container of blood he finds only half of one left. He growls in annoyance slamming the fridge "SPIKE" he yells
"What?" Spike replies
"Thanks so much for leaving me some breakfast" he says sarcastically as he vamps quickly downing the rest of the blood
Spike snorts "Be glad I left you any Angelus."
"Don't call me that" Angel growls
Spike snickers "He still gets cranky when he's hungry"
"I'm not cranky" Angel retorts
"You sound it Angel" Buffy says
Angel grunts in response "If I do its because I haven't eaten since before you guys got here" he sits in his armchair putting his feet up on the stool
Briena gets off the couch and goes over to Angel and crawls up on the foot stool. She sits there watching Angel thoughtfully.
After a moment Angel breaks out of his brooding and smiles at the little girl "Yes Brie?"
Briena crosses her arms over her chest and sticks her lower lip out "You didn't read to me last night"
"I didn't?" Angel asks with a faint smile
"Nope" she shakes her head
"Uh oh. That's not good" he leans forward and grabs Briena at her waist and pulls her onto his lap. "You know what that means?" he asks tickling her
"Nope" she giggles
"Means I have to make up for it" he says reaching for the book on the table beside him he opens it to the page with the book marker and begins to read to her.
Buffy looks over her shoulder to see her lover read to their daughter. Buffy glances at the clock at realizes its almost 9. She stands heading into the bathroom she turns on the shower then grabs her clothes and a towel.
**** Half an Hour Later ****
Buffy exits the bedroom to find Briena dressed and sitting at the kitchen table coloring as Angel cooks. "Angel cooking. What other surprises are there to discover about you?" Buffy chuckles from the doorway
"Hey I cook all the time" Angel replies "Ask Cordy."
Buffy sits down next to Briena "I believe that"
"We're having pancakes" Briena tells her not looking up from her coloring
"Bloody hell will you guys shuddup" Spike yells "I'm trying to sleep"
"Spike don't swear" Angel retorts
"Your being too loud" whines the blonde vampire.
Angel goes to the kitchen door "Then go sleep in Brie's room" he suggests
"Fine" Spike grumbles standing up
"Just so you know later today you're gonna have to sleep on the couch again." Angel calls going back to the stove
"Why?" demands Spike
"We're gonna work on Brie's room. Oh yeah Cordy's coming over later don't act like a brat" Angel calls
"Yeah yeah yeah" grumbles Spike slamming the door
Angel shakes his head in annoyance "Brie clear your stuff off the table please"
"OK" she sighs closing her coloring book grabbing her crayons Briena jumps off her chair and carries her stuff into the living room.
Buffy stifles a laugh
"What?" Angel asks turning around with the pan in his hand
"She is better behaved than I was at that age. And something tells me you were not the most behaved little boy."
Angel shrugs "As far as I can remember I was always in trouble" he puts the pancakes on the plates "She usually behaves but sometimes she can be very stubborn" he places the plates on the table "Brie come on your breakfast is ready" he calls
Briena returns to the kitchen and sits back in her chair "I like pancakes" she says excitedly
Angel goes to the fridge "What do you two want to drink? Milk or juice?"
"Juice please" Briena requests
"I'll have juice too" replies Buffy
Angel pours the juice and sits down "So what else is up for today?" he asks Buffy
Buffy shrugs "Other than the park I have no idea. What ever Briena wants to do"
Briena looks up from her plate "Can we look for worms?" she asks
Buffy looks at Angel and scrunches her nose "If you want"
Angel laughs at the look on Buffy's face "Brie you can't bring them back with you remember?"
"Uh huh" she nods turning her attention to the plate. "Doyle's here" Briena announces not looking up from her food.
Just then Buffy and Angel hear the elevator descend "How did she?" Buffy begins
"Her hearing is better than even mine" he answers
"Good morning" Doyle greets happily
Briena looks up with a frown as he enters. Angel sees the look on Briena's face then looks at Doyle "I take it you partied last night"
Doyle shrugs "Some old friends came into town last night." he opens the cupboard and grabs a glass he pours himself some juice. "I came by to see if you needed me for anything"
Angel shakes his head then pauses "Can you go to the butchers for me?"
"Sure" Doyle nods "How much?"
"Double the normal"
"Uh Spike won't take to well to animal blood" Buffy reminds
"I know." Angel sighs "But he'll have to deal."
"I'm done" Briena announces pushing her plate away
"Go brush your teeth and find your shoes" Angel tells her
"OK" she jumps down from the chair and races to the bathroom
Angel stands reaching for Briena's plate he carries it to the sink. They hear the bathroom door slam open hitting the wall with a 'CRACK.' Angel shakes his head "And Doyle call about getting the bathroom door fixed sometime this afternoon"
"Sure" Doyle acknowledges
Briena rushes into the kitchen wearing her socks she slides across the floor and is caught by Angel before she hits the floor. "My teeth are brushed" she says breathlessly
"I take it the door is broken" Angel states trying to sound serious yet failing as a slight smiles appears
"Sorry" she apologizes
"That's OK." he replies as he grabs her sock covered foot "And what about your shoes?" he questions
Briena shrugs "Couldn't find them" she replies fiddling with his cross absently
"Where did you leave them when you took them off?"
"I dunno" she shrugs laying her head down on his shoulder
"Doyle can you go check up in the office?" Angel asks
Doyle nods "I'm on it" he says heading to the elevator
"Check under my desk and Cordy's." Angel suggests as the half demon enters the elevator. "Brie why don't you help Buffy look in the living room and my room while I check in your room" Angel says putting her down.
"Come on" Briena says tugging on Buffy's hand
Angel watches as the two head out of the kitchen. Angel follows them heading into Briena's room he turns on the light
"Bloody hell peaches I'm sleeping" Spike whines
"Shut up Will. I'm looking for Brie's shoes." he goes to the closet "Can you check under the bed?" he asks
"If it means I can go back to sleep sooner sure" Spike mutters reaching under the bed he finds the shoes "Here" he mutters pulling them out from under the bed he tosses them to Angel
"Thanks" Angel says turning out the light "Oh yeah Brie broke the bathroom door. Doyle's going to call and get someone in to fix it this afternoon"
"She broke the door? How?" Spike asks amused
"She slammed it open and it hit the wall. She hasn't learned to totally control her strength. Enjoy. Doyle might be asleep on the couch"
Spike grumbles in response shoving his head under a pillow as Angel closes the bedroom door behind him.
Angel finds Buffy chasing Briena around the couch finally catching the little girl she picks Briena up and tosses her on the couch. "Ha ha" Buffy laughs "I caught ya." she begins to tickle the little girl relentlessly.
Briena laughs uncontrollably trying to deflect the torturous fingers. She kicks at Buffy and tries to push her away. "No more" she laughs
Buffy stops tickling the little girl and looks up to find Angel watching them with an amused look on his face. She notices he has the shoes in hand "You found them"
Angel nods walking towards the couch he sits on the edge of the coffee table and hands them to Briena. "Here"
Briena takes the shoes from Angel and she begins to pull them on.
Buffy and Angel watch as she works. Angel looks up to see Doyle exit the elevator "Found them under her bed" he explains
"Monkey's still working on tying her shoes?" Doyle grins
Angel nods his attention on the little girl
Briena looks at her shoes thoughtfully as she takes the laces in hand
Angel sees the frown on her face "Need help?" he asks his hands going to the laces
Briena shakes her head "No" she says slapping his hand in response
Angel grabs her wrist lightly "No hitting"
"I want to do it myself" Briena replies with a glare
"Hitting isn't nice" Buffy tells her
Briena looks at Angel her eyes big "Sorry" she apologizes
Angel nods releasing her wrist "I know. Now get back to tying those shoes"
After a few minutes of concentration looks up from her shoe with a grin "See I can do it" she says excitedly
"Good job" Buffy says kissing Briena's head
Angel smiles at Briena "You practiced and now you know how to tie your shoes."
"Yup" she nods
"Are you going to tie your other shoe?" Angel asks
Briena shakes her head "No you do it" she replies holding her foot out to Angel
"What do you say?" questions Buffy
Briena looks at her questioningly then adds "Please"
"Sure" Angel takes her foot and quickly ties the laces then releases her foot "Now teeth are brushed, shoes are on what else?"
Briena scrunches her nose thoughtfully "Um jacket and Mr. Doggie"
"Go get your jacket." Angel tells her
Briena scrambles off the couch and races over to the coat rack and grabs it. "Got my jacket" then races into Angel's bedroom for Mr. Doggie
Buffy stands up and goes into the kitchen. She removes her psychology book from her backpack. Angel enters the kitchen "We should be back in a few hours" she remarks
Angel nods "Have fun"
Buffy looks at him and smiles "We will."
Briena rushes into the kitchen "We're ready" she announces happily holding onto her stuffed dog tightly her jacket in her hand
"Briena why don't you give me Mr. Doggie" Buffy suggests
"Nu uh" she shakes her head
Angel crouches before the child "Brie if you give Buffy Mr. Doggie you won't have to worry about misplacing him or getting him dirty"
Briena reluctantly hands Angel the stuffed dog "OK"
"Good" Angel smiles at the little girl as he hands it to Buffy as he stands "I'll go get you a set of keys" he walks out of the kitchen
Buffy picks Briena up and stands her on a chair "Come on sweetie lets get your jacket on" she says slipping the child's arm into the sleeve as Angel returns to the kitchen.
Angel watches silently as Buffy helps the little girl into her jacket. "Here are the keys" he says handing them to Buffy
"OK." Buffy says sticking them in her pocket
"You ready to go play with Buffy?" Angel asks Briena
"Yep" she nods
"Remember no bringing home worms" Angel reminds
Briena nods again "Hug" she demands
Angel picks her up off the chair "Of course hug" he gives her a big hug "Behave OK?"
"OK" she promises
"Good." he says kissing her forehead "Have fun with Buffy" he says putting her down on the floor
"I will" Briena says "No killing Spike" she shakes her finger at him
"Why not?" Angel asks sharing an amused look with Buffy
Briena puts her hands on her hips "Cause we're gonna watch more cartoons tomorrow"
"I promise no killing Spike" Angel replies with a slight chuckle
Buffy laughs "Besides you promised me a long time ago that I could stake him" Buffy reminds
"I did didn't I?" Angel muses
"Come on Buffy" Briena demands tugging on the slayer's hand insistantly
"I'm coming" Buffy answers she looks at Angel "Have fun sleeping"
Angel nods and watches as Buffy and Briena leave the apartment. Turning off the kitchen light he walks into the living room to find Doyle sprawled out on the couch asleep. He walks into his room and strips off his
shirt crawling under the covers. He pulls the pillow holding Buffy's familiar scent under his head and quickly the vampire drifts off to sleep.
*** Outside ****
Buffy smiles down at the chattering child as the two walk to the nearby park. "My baby sure has changed over the last week" she thinks fondly.
"I'm gonna go down the slide" Briena announces racing towards the playground equipment
Buffy follows Briena and waits at the bottom of the slide and watches as the little girl slides down fast "Go Brie" she claps. Buffy watches amazed as Briena plays
"Buffy push me on the swing" Briena orders
"And what do we say Baby Girl?" Buffy prompts with a grin
Briena scrunches her nose then answers "Please"
"Yes I will push you" Buffy agrees as Briena sits in the swing she gently pushes the little girl.
After an hour Briena looks up at Buffy "I'm done" she announces "Can we go see Angel?" she asks
Buffy crouches before the little girl "He's still sleeping baby girl. How about we go get some ice cream?" Buffy asks
Briena nods "OK." she slips her hand into Buffy's and the two walk away from the playground "Doyle sometimes gets me ice cream after playing at the park."
"Oh and what does Cordy do?"
"Dunno" Briena shrugs "She doesn't bring me to the park. Doyle said that Cordy didn't want to get sand in her shoes. Angel says he would rather have Doyle take me cuz if Cordy did she's complain and demand a raise."
"So does Cordy ever watch you?"
"Uh huh" Briena nods "When Doyle and Angel have to go out she watches me" Briena frowns "I wish you lived here. That way we could go to the park and play everyday"
"I wish I lived here too but I have to go to school and patrol" replies Buffy as they walk down the street
"Oh" Briena replies sadly
Buffy stops walking and crouches before the little girl "Brie even though I don't live here it doesn't mean we can't be friends and have fun when I'm here. OK?"
Briena nods "OK"
"Now lets go get that ice cream" Buffy grins standing she takes the little girl's hand and the continue to search for ice cream
Part 11
**** Angel's place ****
Angel is awakened to the sound of the bedside phone ringing. He rolls over and tries to go back to sleep.
"Answer the bloody phone" Spike yells from Briena's room
Angel grumbles as he reaches for the bedside phone "What" he growls
"Angel its Willow. I'm sorry did I wake you?" asks the nervous red head
"Hi Willow. Yeah you did. What's up?"
"Sorry." she apologizes "Is Buffy there?" she asks
"Uh no." Angel glances at the clock "She took the baby to the park. Said they'd be back early afternoon."
"Oh OK. Um tell her that her Mom has called looking for her"
"Sure I'll tell her" Angel promises
"Thanks" Willow replies "Sorry for waking you" she apologizes again
"Its OK." he replies "I had to get up anyway"
"Tell everyone I said Hi."
"Will do. I'll tell Buffy you called"
"OK. Bye Angel"
"Bye" he hangs up the phone. He rolls off the bed onto his feet. Pulling on his shirt he goes into the living room where he finds Doyle watching TV. "Hey" he greets
"I went to the butchers" Doyle replies in greeting
"Thanks" Angel says heading into the kitchen he takes out a container of blood. "Did you call the guy to replace the door?" he asks as he vamps downing his meal
"Yeah. He'll be here around three" answers Doyle
"Is Cordy in?"
"Not yet. I think she had an audition this morning" Doyle tells his boss
"Oh yeah. I think she mentioned something about it last night" he tosses the empty container in the garbage. "I'm gonna go get ready" he heads into his bathroom
**** 15 minutes later ****
Angel hears Buffy and Briena enter the downstairs living area. Smiling to himself he turns off the shower he quickly dries off and pulls on his boxers and slacks. He grabs the towel as he exits the bedroom as he is drying his hair. Angel notices Briena and Buffy laughing as they eat ice cream
Briena looks up to see Angel watching them "Hi Angel" she greets "I got ice cream"
"I see that" Angel laughs walking towards the little girl he picks her up when she holds her arms up. "You have it all over your face baby girl"
Briena scrunches up her nose "Nu uh" she denies
"Yes you do" he insists using the towel laying across his neck he wipes the child's face. "see" he holds up the dirty towel
"Oh" she replies sheepishly
"Briena do you want the rest of your ice cream?" Buffy asks
"No" she replies sticking her thumb in her mouth she lays her head on Angel's shoulder
"Buffy Willow called."
"Did she see why?" she asks standing she takes the remaining ice cream to the sink
"Said your mom called looking for you" he tells her as he absently strokes Briena's back
"Oh" she replies
"I take it you didn't tell her you were coming here" Angel remarks
Buffy shakes her head "No" she answers "You know how she is." she sighs rubbing her temples "She doesn't understand any aspect of our relationship. Let alone this part" she nods at Briena "she'd pull the whole 'you have a normal boyfriend now' lecture. If I had told her she would have tried talking me out of coming."
"Why don't we head upstairs and talk" he suggests
Buffy shrugs "Sure. We have a lot to talk about"
Angel nods "Brie can you stay with Doyle for a while?"
"No. Wanna stay with Angel" she demands
"Buffy and I need to talk. We'll be upstairs" he tells her
Briena reluctantly nods her head "OK"
"Good girl" Angel says kissing her head he carries her into the living room he puts her on the couch. "Doyle Buffy and I are going to go talk upstairs."
"I'll watch the little monkey." Doyle agrees
"Thanks" Angel says going into his room he grabs a shirt from his closet he buttons it up as he exits the room "If Briena falls asleep just put her in my bed"
"All right" Doyle acknowledges
Angel and Buffy head upstairs to his office and sit on the couch. "I thought things were better between you and your mom" Angel begins
Buffy leans her head against the back of the couch. "Towards the whole slaying thing yes but my personal life yeah right" she snorts "She is driving me nuts with the whole 'now that you have a normal boyfriend you'll have a normal life' she still thinks that I'm going to live a normal life span"
"Buffy she is your mother. She wants you to be happy."
Buffy glares at him "And so did you but hey you left" she retorts sarcastically
"Buffy" he begins "you know it was for the best."
She shakes her head "She wants the best for me yet she won't stop butting into my life. That's why I didn't tell her I was coming here. She would have tried to talk me out of it. I don't trust her with the fact I'm here"
"Why?" Angel asks
"Besides her showing up and getting into a fight with her? I don't trust her to not tell Riley in an attempt to keep us apart. She'd do it out of spite in hopes Riley would take you back to the Initiative."
"You really think she'd try that?" Angel asks
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure. Look at the fact that after she talked to you you decided to leave."
"Buff I had been thinking about that for a while" he argues
"Yes but she was the one who helped you finally decide. Then the whole 'if you walk out that door don't come back' issue just after I told her the truth. Then the fact that she tried burning me at the stake. And my favorite actually thinking that I had anything to do with Kendra's death."
"she thought that?" Angel says surprised
"Yeah. She did. See why I didn't tell her I was coming here."
"So what are you going to tell her?"
"I'll just tell her that I'm staying with Cordy so I can get some peace and quiet to study."
"How are things in Sunnydale otherwise?"
"Things are the same. Fighting vampires. Trying to keep the peace. What about here?"
"Fighting demons at night. Spending the days with Briena"
"She told me you spend a lot of time reading to her. Playing games"
Angel nods "She is very bright. A quick learner. It took her a while to get how to tie her shoes since she rarely wears them. She picks up new words everyday."
Buffy props her head up with her hand "What about dreams?"
Angel runs his hand through his hair "She has them everyday. If she doesn't have them at night she has them during the day."
"Does she talk about them?"
Angel shakes his head "I ask her but she can't remember them because she is terrified after them. At night when I wake her from the dreams she usually falls asleep in my arms and in her sleep she refuses to let me leave her. Four nights I've slept in her room. During the day when she naps I usually sleep. When she has her nightmares during naptime I wake up to find her curled up next to me asleep." he looks at Buffy his eyes filled with pain. "They scare me Buffy" he admits
"Why?" she asks
"Remember Jack said that she has dreams of things that have happened to us. What scares me the most is that she could be dreaming of things that Angelus did. She shouldn't have to dream of things like that. She's just a child" he says his voice pained
"Yes she is. But Angel she's stronger than most children."
"Physically and mentally she is but emotionally" he shakes his head "I bet she's like other kids."
"How does she get along with other kids?"
"Doyle told me she doesn't seem to notice the other kids at the park. On Tuesday when they were at the park Doyle told me that he met this lady who works as a nanny. She suggested that Brie get involved with activities with other kids."
"Like what? Daycare?"
"Yeah" he nods
"It might not be a bad idea. She can make some friends and you can sleep when she's gone"
"Those are the good parts"
"What are the bad?"
"She doesn't like strangers. Plus she sometimes has tantrums when I have to leave for a few hours. That's why I usually wait until she's in bed. I like having her around when I work"
"Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for her to go to daycare for a couple hours a week at least for now." she smiles at Angel "Hey by her going to daycare you'll have more free time to brood" she laughs
"I don't brood that much." he replies
"Yes you do" she retorts
"Now its the fun part of finding one that has underground access."
"Why?" Buffy asks puzzled
Angel stands and goes to the outer office "So that if there is some problem and Doyle and Cordy aren't here to go over there then I can." he picks up the phone book and a map of the tunnels then returns to his office
"What about checking these places out?" Buffy asks taking the phone book from him
"First thing is to find one nearby. I know you want to check them out but can you stay an extra day? Or maybe there is one open today and tomorrow."
"Most likely they're all closed over the weekend. I wish I could stay but that would make Riley think Spike killed me or something." she rolls her eyes at Angel "He thinks any time Spike is alone with anyone it means he's going to kill them."
"If he was back to normal then I'd agree."
"What are we looking for?" Buffy asks
Angel opens the map "This is a map of the tunnels and sewer system. I think we should try and find any with in this area" he suggests circling the area around the apartment. "Then I'll check and see what I can find on the building plans for entrance from the tunnels."
"So what about checking them out?" Buffy asks
"On Monday if its cloudy I'll see if Cordelia will be able to come with me."
"And if it isn't cloudy enough?" Buffy asks
"Then I'll have Doyle go with her"
"Oh" Buffy replies opening the yellow pages to daycares she scans down the first few "None are in this area so far." she mumbles the addresses under her breath "Found one two blocks south on 10th and Wilmot. Its called Tiny Tots Daycare."
"OK" Angel mutters finding the street "That one has tunnel access." he marks it down on the map. "Next"
Buffy marks the name "Hmm" Buffy scans the page "Kidstown is at the end of this block."
Angel nods "I've passed it a few times. There is tunnel access that I know." he marks it down
For the next 15 minutes Buffy reads through the daycare section of the phone book giving Angel the
addresses nearby while he checks to see if they have tunnel access. She closes the book with a thud "OK that was what 6 places nearby?"
Angel counts "8 actually."
"Now what?"
He stands and walks to the outer office "Now I'm going to check and see what I can find on the building layouts." he sits at Cordelia's desk and turns on the computer "why don't you call your mom" he suggests
"Sure can I use the phone in your office?"
"Go ahead." he says
"Thanks" Buffy smiles faintly returning to his office she sits at his desk and dials her home phone number. "Hey Mom" she greets
"Hi honey I was wondering where you are"
"I'm in LA" she replies
"Why?" Joyce asks suspiciously
"Don't start Mom."
"Start what?" asks Joyce
"I'm in LA trying to get some peace and quiet so I can get some studying done"
"I know you aren't at your father's I called him" Joyce replies "Are you at Angel's?"
"Mom I know you have the whole problem with the fact that Angel and I are still friends"
"So you are with Angel" Joyce says angrily
"See why I didn't tell you I was coming to LA. I knew you'd react like this"
"Honey I just don't want you to ruin your relationship with Riley" Joyce defends "He's a nice young man. He's good for you. Does he know that you're at Angel's?"
"No. I didn't tell him. He'd have reacted the same way you are. And I don't want you mentioning it to him"
"I won't honey." Joyce says "I just don't want you to get hurt in two relationships at once."
"Mom you have nothing to worry about. I came to study and take a break from Sunnydale. Besides Angel works and Spike is here and Cordelia works for Angel."
"Well if Spike is there then OK"
"Oh thanks so much for trusting me" she groans sarcastically
"Honey I do trust you but when it comes to Angel you have a tendency to lose control. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Mom I won't. Look I gotta go and get back to studying" Buffy lies
"OK honey. I'll see you when you get back"
"Yeah" Buffy replies hanging up. She stares at the phone for a moment then stands up and joins Angel in the outer office. "I can't believe I actually told her the truth that I'm staying here"
"Take it she didn't handle the news very well" Angel remarks looking at Buffy
"No" she snorts "She dealt with it better when I told her Spike's here" she groans in disbelief "I shoulda
lied and said I was at Cordy's."
"Why didn't you?"
"I guess its because if I had lied and she found out she would have been even more pissed off then she was." she goes to Angel's side and leans against the desk "So what did you find?"
Angel looks her over then turns his attention back to the screen "Five out of the eight have tunnel access still available. I'll call Kate and see if she can find anything in the places history."
"Who's Kate?"
"She's a detective I occassionally work with." he replies reaching for the phone he dials Kate's number.
"Detective Kate Lockley how can I help you?"
"Kate its Angel"
"Oh hi. What can I do for you?"
"I need some background information on some people."
"Sure give me the names and I'll see what I can do"
"Karen and Tom Handlen. Janice and MaryAnn Shaugnessy. Marta Jose Garcia. Nancy and Todd Franklin. Andrea Barnes"
"I'll see what I can find" she replies
"Thanks. I'm going to be finished looking over those files this evening."
"OK. I will get the information on these people and I'll pick the files up after I get off work."
"That's fine. No one is really in the office today so use the downstairs door."
"All right."
"Thanks Kate I owe you"
"Well if your assesment of the killer helps us catch him then lets say we're even" she replies hanging up
Angel hangs up the phone "Kate said she'll drop by later this evening."
"What are the files you mentioned?" Buffy asks curiously
Angel shuts the computer down and stands up "Kate asked me to help her with a profile on this case she's working on."
"Why you?"
"She knows what I am. Who I am." he says leading Buffy to the elevator
"So why did she ask you to help her?"
"The case is strange. She kept getting conflicting profiles." he answers as the elevator stops they hear
arguing
"I want to watch cartoons" Briena yells
"Its time for Passions" Spike argues
"I'm watching this documentary on making whiskey" Doyle adds
"Why am I not surprised" Angel shakes his head
"I'm not. Of course they would act like children."
"And the sad thing is that only one is actually a child"
"Ya don't need ta watch a documentary on whiskey when you spend so much time drinking it" Spike argues changing the channel
"Cartoons" Briena says grabbing the remote from Spike she turns it back to the cartoon channel.
Doyle takes the remote from Briena and changes back to the documentary.
"Gimme" Briena demands angrily
Buffy and Angel watch surprised to see a flash of gold appear in the little girl's eyes "Uh did I imagine that?" she asks Angel stunned
"If you did then I did too" Angel replies
"Maybe it was the light" Buffy says hopefully
"Maybe" Angel says "Want some tea?"
"Sure" Buffy replies following him into the kitchen. "Think they can argue it out?"
"Yeah lets hope its without bloodshed" he jokes
"I'm older. I get the remote" Spike snatches it from Doyle
Briena glares at the blond vampire and tugs on his arm "Cartoons" she insists
"Uh no" Spike replies his eyes on the screen
Doyle glances at the clock and jumps up "Enjoy I'm outta here" he grabs his jacket and slams the door shut behind him
"Must be happy hour" Spike mutters
"I want cartoons" she says trying to take the remote from Spike
"I'm watching this" Spike says "Now be quiet" he puts his hand over her mouth in an attempt to quiet her
Briena instinctively bites the hand covering her mouth.
"Bloody hell" Spike yells removing his hand to find it slightly bleeding. At the smell of the blood he
vamps, stomping into the kitchen he puts his hand under the faucet.
Angel looks up as Spike stomps into the kitchen. He catches the coppery smell of blood. "What happened Spike?" he asks worried
Spike sticks his hand under the water and looks at his sire his golden gaze showing annoyance and some anger "The kid bit me" he growls
"She did what?!" Buffy exclaims
"Bloody hell Summers I said she bit me" Spike glares as his human features return he holds up his hand
"see"
Angel and Buffy make out the faint teeth marks on Spike's palm and the small drops of dried blood. "She's never bitten anyone before" Angel muses
"Spike why would she bite you?" Buffy asks
"Oh gee maybe its the fact she's like us" he rolls his eyes
"Briena come in here" Angel calls he doesn't get an answer he turns and catches a glimpse of the little girl peeking around the corner
"Brie we want to talk to you" Buffy says
Briena shakes her head "No" she ducks back around the corner
"You aren't in trouble" Buffy tells her
"Spike's mad" she says peeking around the corner "Everyone's gonna yell"
"Spike isn't mad" Buffy tells her
"No one's going to yell" Angel promises
"Spike all ready yelled. He's mad" she calls
"Spike tell her you aren't mad" Buffy hisses
Spike shrugs "I'm not" he tells Buffy
"Well tell Briena that. And apologize for yelling" Angel says to his childe
"Kid I'm sorry for yelling you just surprised me" Spike says
Briena sticks her head out "You're not mad?"
Spike shakes his head "Nah. I'm not. I was just surprised"
"Briena will you come in here now?" Buffy asks
Briena walks over to the table and sits in her chair
"I'm gonna go watch Passions" Spike mutters leaving the kitchen
"Briena why did you bite Spike?" Angel questions
Briena frowns then answers "I don't know" as she puts her head on the table
"Were you mad?" Buffy asks
"No"
"surprised?" Angel asks
"Uh uh"
Angel notices the tired sound of her voice so he picks Briena up off her chair and sits her on his lap.
"Briena you can't bite people or vampires for that matter."
"Its not a good thing to do" Buffy adds
"So no more biting OK" Angel asks
Briena nods tiredly "Biting not allowed" she yawns
"Why don't you go lie down" Angel suggests
Briena yawns again "Can I sleep in your bed?"
"Uh sure." Angel answers kissing the little girl's cheek
"Have a nice nap" Buffy says
Briena goes over to her and insists "Kiss"
Buffy smiles and picks up the child and gives her kiss "Now go sleep" she says putting her down on her
feet
Briena trudges out of the kitchen rubbing her eyes tiredly but she stops at the couch "Sorry Spike" she apologizes
"Its OK" he grins at her.
Briena smiles back then hugs his legs "Bye" she yawns walking into Angel's room she crawls under the covers and falls asleep
"Angel isn't the guy coming to fix the bathrom door?"
"Yeah he should be here in an hour" Angel replies "I'll just move Brie into her bed"
Buffy nods proping her head up on her hands "What just happened?" she questions "I mean I know what happened but what was it and why?"
Angel leans forward his forearms resting on the table "Briena must have inherited a few vampire traits." he runs his hand through his hair "I'm just surprised that I didn't realize that was actually possible."
Buffy chuckles humorlessly "We shouldn't be surprised. After all she wasn't born into this world like everyone else"
"True. She isn't a normal child" Angel remarks "I'm just surprised that this was the first time she's done something like this."
"She acted on instinct" Buffy muses
"I know but she's acted on instinct at other times but never like this." he sighs "If she acted on instinct
with Spike then it could happen with anyone."
"Angel biting is normal for little kids. I used to bite when I was angry" she pauses "Besides its not like she bites for blood."
"Right now no. Buffy what if that changes"
"Huh?"
Angel stands up and paces "She's been here for a week and this is the first time she's ever bitten anyone. Think of it this way her hearing is double what mine is as is all her other senses. What if she has latent vampire tendencies that over time will show up?"
Buffy watches as her lover paces deep in thought "If she does we'll just have to teach her how to control them."
"Buffy thats the thing I don't know if that is even possible"
"What do you mean?" Buffy demands
Angel pauses then walks again "She's part Slayer, and Slayers are stronger than vampires. Then add the fact that she's also part vampire her strength is probably going to be double what ours is by the time she is a teenager. What if later she developes vampire tendencies other than strength?"
"Angel" she begins then stands going to the dark haired vampire she pushes him into a chair and sits on
his lap. "You can't worry about it too much" Buffy lays her head on his shoulder "What if she doesn't have latent tendencies? That would mean we worried too much"
"But if she does then what" he wonders
"If and when that happens we'll find a way to deal with it" she promises
Angel nods "We will" the two sit there silent in their thoughts
After a while Buffy looks up at the clock and sighs "I should get some studying done" she stands
"I should finish reading the files" Angel remarks as he too stands heading into the living room. "Turn
down the TV Will" he orders "Briena is sleeping and Buffy and I need to get some work done"
Spike mutters incoherently as he turns the volume down.
"Thanks" Angel says walking over to his desk he grabs the files frowning when he realizes that the
papers are out of order "Spike did you look through the files on my desk?" he calls
"No you bloody wanker. I haven't touched anything on your desk" Spike replies
"Someone did." he mutters
"The kid was at the desk earlier." Spike remembers
Angel turns at looks at his childe. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah she was. She kinda looked zoned" Spike remarks "And confused" he muses
"Damn it Spike. You and Doyle were supposed to keep an eye on her" Angel says slightly angry
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks entering the living room
Angel looks up as he gathers the files together "They didn't keep an eye on Brie. She got into the files
Kate left."
"All kids get into things they aren't supposed to."
"I know" he goes to his leather armchair "Those two were supposed to keep an eye on her" he opens the files
Buffy goes behind him leaning over the back of the chair "so what is this file?" she questions reaching to open it
Angel grasps her wrist "I thought you had to study" he says looking up at her
Buffy rolls her eyes "Come on Angel I'm a big girl"
"That's not the point." he says lightly stroking her wrist with his thumb "You said you needed to get some studying done"
"Like she ever studies" Spike remarks
Buffy glares at the blond vampire "I do too study"
Spike snorts "The only time I've ever seen you study is Fishboy"
"Do not" Buffy argues hotly
Spike grunts not looking at her "Sure Slayer whatever you say"
Angel presses a light kiss on Buffy's wrist before releasing it "You might want to study some before Brie wakes up" he suggests
"Yeah" she replies touching his hair lightly before she moves away "I should"
Angel sits there silent as Buffy leaves the room. After a few moments he opens the files and begins his final assement.
**** Next morning ****
Briena wakes up at the sound of the T.V. she looks around realizing that she's in Angel's bedroom she sees Buffy asleep beside her. Curious why the TV is on she carefully slips out of bed and out the door. She finds the blond haired vampire sprawled on the couch watching T.V. she walks closer to the couch.
Spike senses the little girl approaching him. Looking up he smiles "Hey kid"
"Hi" she smiles back joining him on the couch with Mr. Doggie. "Whatcha watchin' ?"
"Scooby Doo" Spike answers
"Never watched Scooby Doo" Briena admits
"never?" Spike asks surprised
"Nope" she shakes her head
"Deprived child." Spike mutters "Well then let me introduce you to the world of Scooby Doo."
"OK" Briena replies happily
Spike points to the T.V "OK see the big dog?"
"Uh huh" she nods
"He's Scooby Doo. The bloke in the green shirt is Scooby's mate Shaggy"
"Who's the blond guy?"
"That is Fred. The nerdy one is Velma. The redhead is Daphne"
"OK" she nods turning her full attention on the cartoon
Buffy wakes up to giggling in the living room rolling over she finds the other side of the bed empty. She sits up and stretches before getting out of bed. Walking out to the living room she finds Spike and Briena on the
couch watching cartoons. "Hey" she greets
"Hi" Briena greets
"What are you two watching?" Buffy asks sitting beside Briena she pulls the little girl onto her lap
"Scooby" Briena giggles "I want a Scooby poster in my room" she tells Buffy
"She's never watched Scooby" Spike says in disgust
"Spike does the TV have to be on this loud" Angel growls exiting Briena's room wearing his silk pajama bottoms and a white wife beater
"Shut up Peaches" Spike retorts not looking at his sire
"Turn it down Will" Angel growls warningly
"Uh oh" Briena whispers
"What?" Buffy asks
"He's not happy" she replies
"Why do you say that?" Buffy questions
"Cause he used tone when I scared Cordy with the worm"
Angel heads to the fridge and opens it reaching in for a container of blood he finds only half of one left. He growls in annoyance slamming the fridge "SPIKE" he yells
"What?" Spike replies
"Thanks so much for leaving me some breakfast" he says sarcastically as he vamps quickly downing the rest of the blood
Spike snorts "Be glad I left you any Angelus."
"Don't call me that" Angel growls
Spike snickers "He still gets cranky when he's hungry"
"I'm not cranky" Angel retorts
"You sound it Angel" Buffy says
Angel grunts in response "If I do its because I haven't eaten since before you guys got here" he sits in his armchair putting his feet up on the stool
Briena gets off the couch and goes over to Angel and crawls up on the foot stool. She sits there watching Angel thoughtfully.
After a moment Angel breaks out of his brooding and smiles at the little girl "Yes Brie?"
Briena crosses her arms over her chest and sticks her lower lip out "You didn't read to me last night"
"I didn't?" Angel asks with a faint smile
"Nope" she shakes her head
"Uh oh. That's not good" he leans forward and grabs Briena at her waist and pulls her onto his lap. "You know what that means?" he asks tickling her
"Nope" she giggles
"Means I have to make up for it" he says reaching for the book on the table beside him he opens it to the page with the book marker and begins to read to her.
Buffy looks over her shoulder to see her lover read to their daughter. Buffy glances at the clock at realizes its almost 9. She stands heading into the bathroom she turns on the shower then grabs her clothes and a towel.
**** Half an Hour Later ****
Buffy exits the bedroom to find Briena dressed and sitting at the kitchen table coloring as Angel cooks. "Angel cooking. What other surprises are there to discover about you?" Buffy chuckles from the doorway
"Hey I cook all the time" Angel replies "Ask Cordy."
Buffy sits down next to Briena "I believe that"
"We're having pancakes" Briena tells her not looking up from her coloring
"Bloody hell will you guys shuddup" Spike yells "I'm trying to sleep"
"Spike don't swear" Angel retorts
"Your being too loud" whines the blonde vampire.
Angel goes to the kitchen door "Then go sleep in Brie's room" he suggests
"Fine" Spike grumbles standing up
"Just so you know later today you're gonna have to sleep on the couch again." Angel calls going back to the stove
"Why?" demands Spike
"We're gonna work on Brie's room. Oh yeah Cordy's coming over later don't act like a brat" Angel calls
"Yeah yeah yeah" grumbles Spike slamming the door
Angel shakes his head in annoyance "Brie clear your stuff off the table please"
"OK" she sighs closing her coloring book grabbing her crayons Briena jumps off her chair and carries her stuff into the living room.
Buffy stifles a laugh
"What?" Angel asks turning around with the pan in his hand
"She is better behaved than I was at that age. And something tells me you were not the most behaved little boy."
Angel shrugs "As far as I can remember I was always in trouble" he puts the pancakes on the plates "She usually behaves but sometimes she can be very stubborn" he places the plates on the table "Brie come on your breakfast is ready" he calls
Briena returns to the kitchen and sits back in her chair "I like pancakes" she says excitedly
Angel goes to the fridge "What do you two want to drink? Milk or juice?"
"Juice please" Briena requests
"I'll have juice too" replies Buffy
Angel pours the juice and sits down "So what else is up for today?" he asks Buffy
Buffy shrugs "Other than the park I have no idea. What ever Briena wants to do"
Briena looks up from her plate "Can we look for worms?" she asks
Buffy looks at Angel and scrunches her nose "If you want"
Angel laughs at the look on Buffy's face "Brie you can't bring them back with you remember?"
"Uh huh" she nods turning her attention to the plate. "Doyle's here" Briena announces not looking up from her food.
Just then Buffy and Angel hear the elevator descend "How did she?" Buffy begins
"Her hearing is better than even mine" he answers
"Good morning" Doyle greets happily
Briena looks up with a frown as he enters. Angel sees the look on Briena's face then looks at Doyle "I take it you partied last night"
Doyle shrugs "Some old friends came into town last night." he opens the cupboard and grabs a glass he pours himself some juice. "I came by to see if you needed me for anything"
Angel shakes his head then pauses "Can you go to the butchers for me?"
"Sure" Doyle nods "How much?"
"Double the normal"
"Uh Spike won't take to well to animal blood" Buffy reminds
"I know." Angel sighs "But he'll have to deal."
"I'm done" Briena announces pushing her plate away
"Go brush your teeth and find your shoes" Angel tells her
"OK" she jumps down from the chair and races to the bathroom
Angel stands reaching for Briena's plate he carries it to the sink. They hear the bathroom door slam open hitting the wall with a 'CRACK.' Angel shakes his head "And Doyle call about getting the bathroom door fixed sometime this afternoon"
"Sure" Doyle acknowledges
Briena rushes into the kitchen wearing her socks she slides across the floor and is caught by Angel before she hits the floor. "My teeth are brushed" she says breathlessly
"I take it the door is broken" Angel states trying to sound serious yet failing as a slight smiles appears
"Sorry" she apologizes
"That's OK." he replies as he grabs her sock covered foot "And what about your shoes?" he questions
Briena shrugs "Couldn't find them" she replies fiddling with his cross absently
"Where did you leave them when you took them off?"
"I dunno" she shrugs laying her head down on his shoulder
"Doyle can you go check up in the office?" Angel asks
Doyle nods "I'm on it" he says heading to the elevator
"Check under my desk and Cordy's." Angel suggests as the half demon enters the elevator. "Brie why don't you help Buffy look in the living room and my room while I check in your room" Angel says putting her down.
"Come on" Briena says tugging on Buffy's hand
Angel watches as the two head out of the kitchen. Angel follows them heading into Briena's room he turns on the light
"Bloody hell peaches I'm sleeping" Spike whines
"Shut up Will. I'm looking for Brie's shoes." he goes to the closet "Can you check under the bed?" he asks
"If it means I can go back to sleep sooner sure" Spike mutters reaching under the bed he finds the shoes "Here" he mutters pulling them out from under the bed he tosses them to Angel
"Thanks" Angel says turning out the light "Oh yeah Brie broke the bathroom door. Doyle's going to call and get someone in to fix it this afternoon"
"She broke the door? How?" Spike asks amused
"She slammed it open and it hit the wall. She hasn't learned to totally control her strength. Enjoy. Doyle might be asleep on the couch"
Spike grumbles in response shoving his head under a pillow as Angel closes the bedroom door behind him.
Angel finds Buffy chasing Briena around the couch finally catching the little girl she picks Briena up and tosses her on the couch. "Ha ha" Buffy laughs "I caught ya." she begins to tickle the little girl relentlessly.
Briena laughs uncontrollably trying to deflect the torturous fingers. She kicks at Buffy and tries to push her away. "No more" she laughs
Buffy stops tickling the little girl and looks up to find Angel watching them with an amused look on his face. She notices he has the shoes in hand "You found them"
Angel nods walking towards the couch he sits on the edge of the coffee table and hands them to Briena. "Here"
Briena takes the shoes from Angel and she begins to pull them on.
Buffy and Angel watch as she works. Angel looks up to see Doyle exit the elevator "Found them under her bed" he explains
"Monkey's still working on tying her shoes?" Doyle grins
Angel nods his attention on the little girl
Briena looks at her shoes thoughtfully as she takes the laces in hand
Angel sees the frown on her face "Need help?" he asks his hands going to the laces
Briena shakes her head "No" she says slapping his hand in response
Angel grabs her wrist lightly "No hitting"
"I want to do it myself" Briena replies with a glare
"Hitting isn't nice" Buffy tells her
Briena looks at Angel her eyes big "Sorry" she apologizes
Angel nods releasing her wrist "I know. Now get back to tying those shoes"
After a few minutes of concentration looks up from her shoe with a grin "See I can do it" she says excitedly
"Good job" Buffy says kissing Briena's head
Angel smiles at Briena "You practiced and now you know how to tie your shoes."
"Yup" she nods
"Are you going to tie your other shoe?" Angel asks
Briena shakes her head "No you do it" she replies holding her foot out to Angel
"What do you say?" questions Buffy
Briena looks at her questioningly then adds "Please"
"Sure" Angel takes her foot and quickly ties the laces then releases her foot "Now teeth are brushed, shoes are on what else?"
Briena scrunches her nose thoughtfully "Um jacket and Mr. Doggie"
"Go get your jacket." Angel tells her
Briena scrambles off the couch and races over to the coat rack and grabs it. "Got my jacket" then races into Angel's bedroom for Mr. Doggie
Buffy stands up and goes into the kitchen. She removes her psychology book from her backpack. Angel enters the kitchen "We should be back in a few hours" she remarks
Angel nods "Have fun"
Buffy looks at him and smiles "We will."
Briena rushes into the kitchen "We're ready" she announces happily holding onto her stuffed dog tightly her jacket in her hand
"Briena why don't you give me Mr. Doggie" Buffy suggests
"Nu uh" she shakes her head
Angel crouches before the child "Brie if you give Buffy Mr. Doggie you won't have to worry about misplacing him or getting him dirty"
Briena reluctantly hands Angel the stuffed dog "OK"
"Good" Angel smiles at the little girl as he hands it to Buffy as he stands "I'll go get you a set of keys" he walks out of the kitchen
Buffy picks Briena up and stands her on a chair "Come on sweetie lets get your jacket on" she says slipping the child's arm into the sleeve as Angel returns to the kitchen.
Angel watches silently as Buffy helps the little girl into her jacket. "Here are the keys" he says handing them to Buffy
"OK." Buffy says sticking them in her pocket
"You ready to go play with Buffy?" Angel asks Briena
"Yep" she nods
"Remember no bringing home worms" Angel reminds
Briena nods again "Hug" she demands
Angel picks her up off the chair "Of course hug" he gives her a big hug "Behave OK?"
"OK" she promises
"Good." he says kissing her forehead "Have fun with Buffy" he says putting her down on the floor
"I will" Briena says "No killing Spike" she shakes her finger at him
"Why not?" Angel asks sharing an amused look with Buffy
Briena puts her hands on her hips "Cause we're gonna watch more cartoons tomorrow"
"I promise no killing Spike" Angel replies with a slight chuckle
Buffy laughs "Besides you promised me a long time ago that I could stake him" Buffy reminds
"I did didn't I?" Angel muses
"Come on Buffy" Briena demands tugging on the slayer's hand insistantly
"I'm coming" Buffy answers she looks at Angel "Have fun sleeping"
Angel nods and watches as Buffy and Briena leave the apartment. Turning off the kitchen light he walks into the living room to find Doyle sprawled out on the couch asleep. He walks into his room and strips off his
shirt crawling under the covers. He pulls the pillow holding Buffy's familiar scent under his head and quickly the vampire drifts off to sleep.
*** Outside ****
Buffy smiles down at the chattering child as the two walk to the nearby park. "My baby sure has changed over the last week" she thinks fondly.
"I'm gonna go down the slide" Briena announces racing towards the playground equipment
Buffy follows Briena and waits at the bottom of the slide and watches as the little girl slides down fast "Go Brie" she claps. Buffy watches amazed as Briena plays
"Buffy push me on the swing" Briena orders
"And what do we say Baby Girl?" Buffy prompts with a grin
Briena scrunches her nose then answers "Please"
"Yes I will push you" Buffy agrees as Briena sits in the swing she gently pushes the little girl.
After an hour Briena looks up at Buffy "I'm done" she announces "Can we go see Angel?" she asks
Buffy crouches before the little girl "He's still sleeping baby girl. How about we go get some ice cream?" Buffy asks
Briena nods "OK." she slips her hand into Buffy's and the two walk away from the playground "Doyle sometimes gets me ice cream after playing at the park."
"Oh and what does Cordy do?"
"Dunno" Briena shrugs "She doesn't bring me to the park. Doyle said that Cordy didn't want to get sand in her shoes. Angel says he would rather have Doyle take me cuz if Cordy did she's complain and demand a raise."
"So does Cordy ever watch you?"
"Uh huh" Briena nods "When Doyle and Angel have to go out she watches me" Briena frowns "I wish you lived here. That way we could go to the park and play everyday"
"I wish I lived here too but I have to go to school and patrol" replies Buffy as they walk down the street
"Oh" Briena replies sadly
Buffy stops walking and crouches before the little girl "Brie even though I don't live here it doesn't mean we can't be friends and have fun when I'm here. OK?"
Briena nods "OK"
"Now lets go get that ice cream" Buffy grins standing she takes the little girl's hand and the continue to search for ice cream
Part 11
**** Angel's place ****
Angel is awakened to the sound of the bedside phone ringing. He rolls over and tries to go back to sleep.
"Answer the bloody phone" Spike yells from Briena's room
Angel grumbles as he reaches for the bedside phone "What" he growls
"Angel its Willow. I'm sorry did I wake you?" asks the nervous red head
"Hi Willow. Yeah you did. What's up?"
"Sorry." she apologizes "Is Buffy there?" she asks
"Uh no." Angel glances at the clock "She took the baby to the park. Said they'd be back early afternoon."
"Oh OK. Um tell her that her Mom has called looking for her"
"Sure I'll tell her" Angel promises
"Thanks" Willow replies "Sorry for waking you" she apologizes again
"Its OK." he replies "I had to get up anyway"
"Tell everyone I said Hi."
"Will do. I'll tell Buffy you called"
"OK. Bye Angel"
"Bye" he hangs up the phone. He rolls off the bed onto his feet. Pulling on his shirt he goes into the living room where he finds Doyle watching TV. "Hey" he greets
"I went to the butchers" Doyle replies in greeting
"Thanks" Angel says heading into the kitchen he takes out a container of blood. "Did you call the guy to replace the door?" he asks as he vamps downing his meal
"Yeah. He'll be here around three" answers Doyle
"Is Cordy in?"
"Not yet. I think she had an audition this morning" Doyle tells his boss
"Oh yeah. I think she mentioned something about it last night" he tosses the empty container in the garbage. "I'm gonna go get ready" he heads into his bathroom
**** 15 minutes later ****
Angel hears Buffy and Briena enter the downstairs living area. Smiling to himself he turns off the shower he quickly dries off and pulls on his boxers and slacks. He grabs the towel as he exits the bedroom as he is drying his hair. Angel notices Briena and Buffy laughing as they eat ice cream
Briena looks up to see Angel watching them "Hi Angel" she greets "I got ice cream"
"I see that" Angel laughs walking towards the little girl he picks her up when she holds her arms up. "You have it all over your face baby girl"
Briena scrunches up her nose "Nu uh" she denies
"Yes you do" he insists using the towel laying across his neck he wipes the child's face. "see" he holds up the dirty towel
"Oh" she replies sheepishly
"Briena do you want the rest of your ice cream?" Buffy asks
"No" she replies sticking her thumb in her mouth she lays her head on Angel's shoulder
"Buffy Willow called."
"Did she see why?" she asks standing she takes the remaining ice cream to the sink
"Said your mom called looking for you" he tells her as he absently strokes Briena's back
"Oh" she replies
"I take it you didn't tell her you were coming here" Angel remarks
Buffy shakes her head "No" she answers "You know how she is." she sighs rubbing her temples "She doesn't understand any aspect of our relationship. Let alone this part" she nods at Briena "she'd pull the whole 'you have a normal boyfriend now' lecture. If I had told her she would have tried talking me out of coming."
"Why don't we head upstairs and talk" he suggests
Buffy shrugs "Sure. We have a lot to talk about"
Angel nods "Brie can you stay with Doyle for a while?"
"No. Wanna stay with Angel" she demands
"Buffy and I need to talk. We'll be upstairs" he tells her
Briena reluctantly nods her head "OK"
"Good girl" Angel says kissing her head he carries her into the living room he puts her on the couch. "Doyle Buffy and I are going to go talk upstairs."
"I'll watch the little monkey." Doyle agrees
"Thanks" Angel says going into his room he grabs a shirt from his closet he buttons it up as he exits the room "If Briena falls asleep just put her in my bed"
"All right" Doyle acknowledges
Angel and Buffy head upstairs to his office and sit on the couch. "I thought things were better between you and your mom" Angel begins
Buffy leans her head against the back of the couch. "Towards the whole slaying thing yes but my personal life yeah right" she snorts "She is driving me nuts with the whole 'now that you have a normal boyfriend you'll have a normal life' she still thinks that I'm going to live a normal life span"
"Buffy she is your mother. She wants you to be happy."
Buffy glares at him "And so did you but hey you left" she retorts sarcastically
"Buffy" he begins "you know it was for the best."
She shakes her head "She wants the best for me yet she won't stop butting into my life. That's why I didn't tell her I was coming here. She would have tried to talk me out of it. I don't trust her with the fact I'm here"
"Why?" Angel asks
"Besides her showing up and getting into a fight with her? I don't trust her to not tell Riley in an attempt to keep us apart. She'd do it out of spite in hopes Riley would take you back to the Initiative."
"You really think she'd try that?" Angel asks
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure. Look at the fact that after she talked to you you decided to leave."
"Buff I had been thinking about that for a while" he argues
"Yes but she was the one who helped you finally decide. Then the whole 'if you walk out that door don't come back' issue just after I told her the truth. Then the fact that she tried burning me at the stake. And my favorite actually thinking that I had anything to do with Kendra's death."
"she thought that?" Angel says surprised
"Yeah. She did. See why I didn't tell her I was coming here."
"So what are you going to tell her?"
"I'll just tell her that I'm staying with Cordy so I can get some peace and quiet to study."
"How are things in Sunnydale otherwise?"
"Things are the same. Fighting vampires. Trying to keep the peace. What about here?"
"Fighting demons at night. Spending the days with Briena"
"She told me you spend a lot of time reading to her. Playing games"
Angel nods "She is very bright. A quick learner. It took her a while to get how to tie her shoes since she rarely wears them. She picks up new words everyday."
Buffy props her head up with her hand "What about dreams?"
Angel runs his hand through his hair "She has them everyday. If she doesn't have them at night she has them during the day."
"Does she talk about them?"
Angel shakes his head "I ask her but she can't remember them because she is terrified after them. At night when I wake her from the dreams she usually falls asleep in my arms and in her sleep she refuses to let me leave her. Four nights I've slept in her room. During the day when she naps I usually sleep. When she has her nightmares during naptime I wake up to find her curled up next to me asleep." he looks at Buffy his eyes filled with pain. "They scare me Buffy" he admits
"Why?" she asks
"Remember Jack said that she has dreams of things that have happened to us. What scares me the most is that she could be dreaming of things that Angelus did. She shouldn't have to dream of things like that. She's just a child" he says his voice pained
"Yes she is. But Angel she's stronger than most children."
"Physically and mentally she is but emotionally" he shakes his head "I bet she's like other kids."
"How does she get along with other kids?"
"Doyle told me she doesn't seem to notice the other kids at the park. On Tuesday when they were at the park Doyle told me that he met this lady who works as a nanny. She suggested that Brie get involved with activities with other kids."
"Like what? Daycare?"
"Yeah" he nods
"It might not be a bad idea. She can make some friends and you can sleep when she's gone"
"Those are the good parts"
"What are the bad?"
"She doesn't like strangers. Plus she sometimes has tantrums when I have to leave for a few hours. That's why I usually wait until she's in bed. I like having her around when I work"
"Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for her to go to daycare for a couple hours a week at least for now." she smiles at Angel "Hey by her going to daycare you'll have more free time to brood" she laughs
"I don't brood that much." he replies
"Yes you do" she retorts
"Now its the fun part of finding one that has underground access."
"Why?" Buffy asks puzzled
Angel stands and goes to the outer office "So that if there is some problem and Doyle and Cordy aren't here to go over there then I can." he picks up the phone book and a map of the tunnels then returns to his office
"What about checking these places out?" Buffy asks taking the phone book from him
"First thing is to find one nearby. I know you want to check them out but can you stay an extra day? Or maybe there is one open today and tomorrow."
"Most likely they're all closed over the weekend. I wish I could stay but that would make Riley think Spike killed me or something." she rolls her eyes at Angel "He thinks any time Spike is alone with anyone it means he's going to kill them."
"If he was back to normal then I'd agree."
"What are we looking for?" Buffy asks
Angel opens the map "This is a map of the tunnels and sewer system. I think we should try and find any with in this area" he suggests circling the area around the apartment. "Then I'll check and see what I can find on the building plans for entrance from the tunnels."
"So what about checking them out?" Buffy asks
"On Monday if its cloudy I'll see if Cordelia will be able to come with me."
"And if it isn't cloudy enough?" Buffy asks
"Then I'll have Doyle go with her"
"Oh" Buffy replies opening the yellow pages to daycares she scans down the first few "None are in this area so far." she mumbles the addresses under her breath "Found one two blocks south on 10th and Wilmot. Its called Tiny Tots Daycare."
"OK" Angel mutters finding the street "That one has tunnel access." he marks it down on the map. "Next"
Buffy marks the name "Hmm" Buffy scans the page "Kidstown is at the end of this block."
Angel nods "I've passed it a few times. There is tunnel access that I know." he marks it down
For the next 15 minutes Buffy reads through the daycare section of the phone book giving Angel the
addresses nearby while he checks to see if they have tunnel access. She closes the book with a thud "OK that was what 6 places nearby?"
Angel counts "8 actually."
"Now what?"
He stands and walks to the outer office "Now I'm going to check and see what I can find on the building layouts." he sits at Cordelia's desk and turns on the computer "why don't you call your mom" he suggests
"Sure can I use the phone in your office?"
"Go ahead." he says
"Thanks" Buffy smiles faintly returning to his office she sits at his desk and dials her home phone number. "Hey Mom" she greets
"Hi honey I was wondering where you are"
"I'm in LA" she replies
"Why?" Joyce asks suspiciously
"Don't start Mom."
"Start what?" asks Joyce
"I'm in LA trying to get some peace and quiet so I can get some studying done"
"I know you aren't at your father's I called him" Joyce replies "Are you at Angel's?"
"Mom I know you have the whole problem with the fact that Angel and I are still friends"
"So you are with Angel" Joyce says angrily
"See why I didn't tell you I was coming to LA. I knew you'd react like this"
"Honey I just don't want you to ruin your relationship with Riley" Joyce defends "He's a nice young man. He's good for you. Does he know that you're at Angel's?"
"No. I didn't tell him. He'd have reacted the same way you are. And I don't want you mentioning it to him"
"I won't honey." Joyce says "I just don't want you to get hurt in two relationships at once."
"Mom you have nothing to worry about. I came to study and take a break from Sunnydale. Besides Angel works and Spike is here and Cordelia works for Angel."
"Well if Spike is there then OK"
"Oh thanks so much for trusting me" she groans sarcastically
"Honey I do trust you but when it comes to Angel you have a tendency to lose control. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Mom I won't. Look I gotta go and get back to studying" Buffy lies
"OK honey. I'll see you when you get back"
"Yeah" Buffy replies hanging up. She stares at the phone for a moment then stands up and joins Angel in the outer office. "I can't believe I actually told her the truth that I'm staying here"
"Take it she didn't handle the news very well" Angel remarks looking at Buffy
"No" she snorts "She dealt with it better when I told her Spike's here" she groans in disbelief "I shoulda
lied and said I was at Cordy's."
"Why didn't you?"
"I guess its because if I had lied and she found out she would have been even more pissed off then she was." she goes to Angel's side and leans against the desk "So what did you find?"
Angel looks her over then turns his attention back to the screen "Five out of the eight have tunnel access still available. I'll call Kate and see if she can find anything in the places history."
"Who's Kate?"
"She's a detective I occassionally work with." he replies reaching for the phone he dials Kate's number.
"Detective Kate Lockley how can I help you?"
"Kate its Angel"
"Oh hi. What can I do for you?"
"I need some background information on some people."
"Sure give me the names and I'll see what I can do"
"Karen and Tom Handlen. Janice and MaryAnn Shaugnessy. Marta Jose Garcia. Nancy and Todd Franklin. Andrea Barnes"
"I'll see what I can find" she replies
"Thanks. I'm going to be finished looking over those files this evening."
"OK. I will get the information on these people and I'll pick the files up after I get off work."
"That's fine. No one is really in the office today so use the downstairs door."
"All right."
"Thanks Kate I owe you"
"Well if your assesment of the killer helps us catch him then lets say we're even" she replies hanging up
Angel hangs up the phone "Kate said she'll drop by later this evening."
"What are the files you mentioned?" Buffy asks curiously
Angel shuts the computer down and stands up "Kate asked me to help her with a profile on this case she's working on."
"Why you?"
"She knows what I am. Who I am." he says leading Buffy to the elevator
"So why did she ask you to help her?"
"The case is strange. She kept getting conflicting profiles." he answers as the elevator stops they hear
arguing
"I want to watch cartoons" Briena yells
"Its time for Passions" Spike argues
"I'm watching this documentary on making whiskey" Doyle adds
"Why am I not surprised" Angel shakes his head
"I'm not. Of course they would act like children."
"And the sad thing is that only one is actually a child"
"Ya don't need ta watch a documentary on whiskey when you spend so much time drinking it" Spike argues changing the channel
"Cartoons" Briena says grabbing the remote from Spike she turns it back to the cartoon channel.
Doyle takes the remote from Briena and changes back to the documentary.
"Gimme" Briena demands angrily
Buffy and Angel watch surprised to see a flash of gold appear in the little girl's eyes "Uh did I imagine that?" she asks Angel stunned
"If you did then I did too" Angel replies
"Maybe it was the light" Buffy says hopefully
"Maybe" Angel says "Want some tea?"
"Sure" Buffy replies following him into the kitchen. "Think they can argue it out?"
"Yeah lets hope its without bloodshed" he jokes
"I'm older. I get the remote" Spike snatches it from Doyle
Briena glares at the blond vampire and tugs on his arm "Cartoons" she insists
"Uh no" Spike replies his eyes on the screen
Doyle glances at the clock and jumps up "Enjoy I'm outta here" he grabs his jacket and slams the door shut behind him
"Must be happy hour" Spike mutters
"I want cartoons" she says trying to take the remote from Spike
"I'm watching this" Spike says "Now be quiet" he puts his hand over her mouth in an attempt to quiet her
Briena instinctively bites the hand covering her mouth.
"Bloody hell" Spike yells removing his hand to find it slightly bleeding. At the smell of the blood he
vamps, stomping into the kitchen he puts his hand under the faucet.
Angel looks up as Spike stomps into the kitchen. He catches the coppery smell of blood. "What happened Spike?" he asks worried
Spike sticks his hand under the water and looks at his sire his golden gaze showing annoyance and some anger "The kid bit me" he growls
"She did what?!" Buffy exclaims
"Bloody hell Summers I said she bit me" Spike glares as his human features return he holds up his hand
"see"
Angel and Buffy make out the faint teeth marks on Spike's palm and the small drops of dried blood. "She's never bitten anyone before" Angel muses
"Spike why would she bite you?" Buffy asks
"Oh gee maybe its the fact she's like us" he rolls his eyes
"Briena come in here" Angel calls he doesn't get an answer he turns and catches a glimpse of the little girl peeking around the corner
"Brie we want to talk to you" Buffy says
Briena shakes her head "No" she ducks back around the corner
"You aren't in trouble" Buffy tells her
"Spike's mad" she says peeking around the corner "Everyone's gonna yell"
"Spike isn't mad" Buffy tells her
"No one's going to yell" Angel promises
"Spike all ready yelled. He's mad" she calls
"Spike tell her you aren't mad" Buffy hisses
Spike shrugs "I'm not" he tells Buffy
"Well tell Briena that. And apologize for yelling" Angel says to his childe
"Kid I'm sorry for yelling you just surprised me" Spike says
Briena sticks her head out "You're not mad?"
Spike shakes his head "Nah. I'm not. I was just surprised"
"Briena will you come in here now?" Buffy asks
Briena walks over to the table and sits in her chair
"I'm gonna go watch Passions" Spike mutters leaving the kitchen
"Briena why did you bite Spike?" Angel questions
Briena frowns then answers "I don't know" as she puts her head on the table
"Were you mad?" Buffy asks
"No"
"surprised?" Angel asks
"Uh uh"
Angel notices the tired sound of her voice so he picks Briena up off her chair and sits her on his lap.
"Briena you can't bite people or vampires for that matter."
"Its not a good thing to do" Buffy adds
"So no more biting OK" Angel asks
Briena nods tiredly "Biting not allowed" she yawns
"Why don't you go lie down" Angel suggests
Briena yawns again "Can I sleep in your bed?"
"Uh sure." Angel answers kissing the little girl's cheek
"Have a nice nap" Buffy says
Briena goes over to her and insists "Kiss"
Buffy smiles and picks up the child and gives her kiss "Now go sleep" she says putting her down on her
feet
Briena trudges out of the kitchen rubbing her eyes tiredly but she stops at the couch "Sorry Spike" she apologizes
"Its OK" he grins at her.
Briena smiles back then hugs his legs "Bye" she yawns walking into Angel's room she crawls under the covers and falls asleep
"Angel isn't the guy coming to fix the bathrom door?"
"Yeah he should be here in an hour" Angel replies "I'll just move Brie into her bed"
Buffy nods proping her head up on her hands "What just happened?" she questions "I mean I know what happened but what was it and why?"
Angel leans forward his forearms resting on the table "Briena must have inherited a few vampire traits." he runs his hand through his hair "I'm just surprised that I didn't realize that was actually possible."
Buffy chuckles humorlessly "We shouldn't be surprised. After all she wasn't born into this world like everyone else"
"True. She isn't a normal child" Angel remarks "I'm just surprised that this was the first time she's done something like this."
"She acted on instinct" Buffy muses
"I know but she's acted on instinct at other times but never like this." he sighs "If she acted on instinct
with Spike then it could happen with anyone."
"Angel biting is normal for little kids. I used to bite when I was angry" she pauses "Besides its not like she bites for blood."
"Right now no. Buffy what if that changes"
"Huh?"
Angel stands up and paces "She's been here for a week and this is the first time she's ever bitten anyone. Think of it this way her hearing is double what mine is as is all her other senses. What if she has latent vampire tendencies that over time will show up?"
Buffy watches as her lover paces deep in thought "If she does we'll just have to teach her how to control them."
"Buffy thats the thing I don't know if that is even possible"
"What do you mean?" Buffy demands
Angel pauses then walks again "She's part Slayer, and Slayers are stronger than vampires. Then add the fact that she's also part vampire her strength is probably going to be double what ours is by the time she is a teenager. What if later she developes vampire tendencies other than strength?"
"Angel" she begins then stands going to the dark haired vampire she pushes him into a chair and sits on
his lap. "You can't worry about it too much" Buffy lays her head on his shoulder "What if she doesn't have latent tendencies? That would mean we worried too much"
"But if she does then what" he wonders
"If and when that happens we'll find a way to deal with it" she promises
Angel nods "We will" the two sit there silent in their thoughts
After a while Buffy looks up at the clock and sighs "I should get some studying done" she stands
"I should finish reading the files" Angel remarks as he too stands heading into the living room. "Turn
down the TV Will" he orders "Briena is sleeping and Buffy and I need to get some work done"
Spike mutters incoherently as he turns the volume down.
"Thanks" Angel says walking over to his desk he grabs the files frowning when he realizes that the
papers are out of order "Spike did you look through the files on my desk?" he calls
"No you bloody wanker. I haven't touched anything on your desk" Spike replies
"Someone did." he mutters
"The kid was at the desk earlier." Spike remembers
Angel turns at looks at his childe. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah she was. She kinda looked zoned" Spike remarks "And confused" he muses
"Damn it Spike. You and Doyle were supposed to keep an eye on her" Angel says slightly angry
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks entering the living room
Angel looks up as he gathers the files together "They didn't keep an eye on Brie. She got into the files
Kate left."
"All kids get into things they aren't supposed to."
"I know" he goes to his leather armchair "Those two were supposed to keep an eye on her" he opens the files
Buffy goes behind him leaning over the back of the chair "so what is this file?" she questions reaching to open it
Angel grasps her wrist "I thought you had to study" he says looking up at her
Buffy rolls her eyes "Come on Angel I'm a big girl"
"That's not the point." he says lightly stroking her wrist with his thumb "You said you needed to get some studying done"
"Like she ever studies" Spike remarks
Buffy glares at the blond vampire "I do too study"
Spike snorts "The only time I've ever seen you study is Fishboy"
"Do not" Buffy argues hotly
Spike grunts not looking at her "Sure Slayer whatever you say"
Angel presses a light kiss on Buffy's wrist before releasing it "You might want to study some before Brie wakes up" he suggests
"Yeah" she replies touching his hair lightly before she moves away "I should"
Angel sits there silent as Buffy leaves the room. After a few moments he opens the files and begins his final assement.