Title: Last Slayer
Author: Inquisitive1
Disclaimer: I own only Briena
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqsitive1sfanfiction/index.html- won't be up until Monday or Tuesday. Fanfiction.net and numerous mailing lists.
Authors Note: Don't send feedback until after the weekend- I have no email access
_____________________________
Part 12
**** Half an hour later ****
A knock is heard at the downstairs door. "I got it" Buffy calls from
the kitchen. She stands and walks to the door opening it she finds a heavy
set man wearing a tool belt and a carrying a toolbox.
"Hi I'm Jim Granville. I'm here to fix a door" he says in greeting
"Just a sec" Buffy says turning "Angel the guys here to fix the door"
she calls
Angel enters the kitchen "Thanks for coming" he says staying out of
the way of the sunlight. Buffy moves out of the way to let the guy in.
"So where's the door you want fixed?" he asks looking around the
kitchen
"Its the bathroom door" Angel leads the man into the living room
towards his room. Angel stops when he sees Spike has his feet up on the
coffee table "Will get your feet off there" he orders
Spike grunts in response removing his feet "Peaches the kid's still
asleep" he reminds
Angel nods "I know." he opens his door "The bathroom's right over
there" he gestures to the door "I'll just move her" he says going to his bed
he lifts the sleeping child up
"I won't be long." Jim says turning on the bathroom light
"Can you try to keep it down?" Angel requests softly as he shifts
Briena in his arms
"Sure. I know how it is." Jim replies "I've got three kids. When ever
they were awakened from sleep it took forever to get them back down."
"Angel I'll put her down" Buffy offers softly from his side
Angel nods turning to Buffy he gently gives her the sleeping child as
Briena's eyes flutter open momentarily "Go back to sleep baby girl"
Briena sigh sleepily her head rolling to the side as they switch her.
Buffy gently lays the little girl's head on her shoulder. Buffy meets Angel's
brown eyes she smiles faintly as she carries the sleeping child out of the
room.
"So how did this door crack?" Jim asks
Angel turns back to the man "Uh I was in a hurry and pushed to door
open too hard" he lies. "If you need anything just call."
"I'll make it quick and quiet." Jim says
Angel nods and exits his room he goes into Briena's room and watches
Buffy tuck the little girl in.
****
Buffy carries the sleeping child into her bedroom and gently lays her
on the bed. She covers Briena with the blanket as she sits on the edge of the
bed she kisses Briena's forehead as she stands joining Angel in the doorway.
"I better get back to studying." she smiles faintly.
Angel nods closing the bedroom he goes to his armchair and picks up a
book he begins to read.
**** 30 mins later ****
"Peaches enjoy" Spike says getting off the couch he grabs his duster
"Spike I need a favor" Angel begins
"What?" asks Spike suspiciously
Angel closes his book "I need to take care of somethings and Buffy
plans to patrol. Can you watch Brie for a few hours?"
"Why me?" Spike whines
"Doyle is out drinking and Cordy is somewhere. She'll be sleeping all
you need to do is keep an eye on her"
"All right what time?" Spike agrees reluctantly
"I usually put her down at 8 or 9. Depends on how long she naps."
"I'll be back by 9."
"Thanks Will" Angel says appreciatively
Spike nods going to the sewer entrance
Angel returns to reading his book when a few moments later he looks
up to see Jim walking out of his room. "Well I'm done with the door" Jim
announces "I put in new and stronger screws."
Angel stands "Ok thanks." he walks Jim to the back door
"I'll send you the bill." he tells Angel
Angel nods "That'll be fine" he says goodbye to the repairman careful
to stay out of the remaining sunlight. He smiles at the feeling of little
arms wrapping around his legs. "Hey little one" he greets stroking Briena's
head. "Did you have a good nap?" he asks
"No" she yawns rubbing her cheek against his pant leg.
"Did we wake you baby?" he asks
Briena shakes her head "No"
"A bad dream?" Angel asks
Briena tightens her grip on his legs "No" she whispers
"Then what?" he asks crouching before the little girl "Brie what's
wrong?" Angel looks into the familiar brown eyes filled with confusion, pain
and fear. Angel picks the little girl and sits down at the table holding her
on his lap. He meets Buffy's troubled gaze "When you want to talk about it
we're here" he whispers kissing her head
"They are the voices" she whispers burrowing closer to Angel
"Who are the voices?" Angel questions gently to not scare her
Briena remains quiet
Buffy crouches to Briena's level she touches her cheek "Brie can you
tell us who the voices are?"
"The people in the pictures are the voices" she replies "The voices
he hears"
Angel looks at Buffy stunned "Brie baby are you talking about the
pictures on my desk?" he asks
"Uh huh" she nods
"Brie what do you mean about the voices?" Angel asks
Briena burrows closer to the vampire's chest and covers her ears
"They get too loud. He doesn't like having them tell him what to do but he
has too. Its the only way they'll stop." she looks at Angel her eyes tearful
"He wants to stop they won't let him. Make him stop Daddy" she whimpers "They
make him hurt"
"Shh" Angel whispers stroking Briena's back "Everything will be OK."
he looks at Buffy sadly "I promise"
Briena shakes her head closing her eyes laying her head against
Angel's chest
Buffy strokes the little girl's cheek lightly "Angel will make
everything OK baby." she looks up at Angel "He always makes things better"
The three are interrupted from their family moment by a knock at the
door. "Can you get it?" Angel implores Buffy
She nods leaning to kiss the little girl's cheek she stands walking
across the kitchen she reaches the door and opens it to find a blond haired
woman standing there.
"Angel around?" Kate asks surprised to see Buffy standing there
"You must be Kate." Buffy says "He's in the kitchen" she moves out of
the way so Kate can enter.
Hearing Kate's voice Angel stands holding the now quiet Briena
against his chest he shifts the little girl so he has one hand free. "Kate"
he says in greeting
"I got the information you asked for" Kate tells him "Hi Briena" she
smiles at the sight of the little girl in Angel's arms
"Hi" Briena replies her voice soft
"Come 'ere Baby Girl" Buffy holds her arms out to the little girl
"Wanna stay with Angel" she burrows against Angel's chest
"Go with Buffy little one Kate and I need to talk"
" 'kay" Briena mumbles holding her arms out to Buffy
Buffy takes the little girl from Angel's arms "Baby Girl you are
getting heavy"
Briena lays her head on Buffy's shoulder watching Angel and Kate her
eyes sad and haunted. Her eyes remain on Angel as Buffy carries her out of
the kitchen.
"So that's Buffy" Kate says "seems nice"
Angel nods "I have a theory on the killer." he tells Kate gesturing
to a chair
"So what is it?" Kate asks sitting down
"I'm not sure if this theory is possible."
"Try me" Kate states
"Briena is very receptive to other peoples emotions. Earlier she went
through the papers she said something about the voices telling him to do it"
"So your saying that this guy might have multiple personalities?"
Kate asks
Angel nods "Brie also said something about the voices choosing his
victims. Which would fit with the fact that there seems to be nothing
connecting the victims"
"I should check recent parolees with psych problems."
Angel nods. "He's most likely a loner who can't get close because the
voices won't let him. Most likely he lives alone or on the street. I doubt he
holds down a job of any kind if he does it is a simple job."
"So I'll check the homeless shelters and the low cost homes. Any
other ideas?"
"Not right now."
Kate nods "Thanks for all the work. I got the information you
requested. I take it that you are looking for a daycare center for Briena"
Angel nods taking the papers from Kate. "Yeah we are. I just wanted
to make sure that none of the owners have any connection to Wolfram and Hart.
I don't want Brie anywhere near them"
Kate nods "I checked on that and none of the owners have any
connection to Wolfram and Hart. I also ran a criminal background check on
them and found that two of the daycares have been cited for minor violations"
"What kind?" Angel asks
"Health code violations mostly. None have any major complaints."
"What of their employees?" Angel inquires
"A few have been arrested for traffic violations. One for drug use
and was fired."
"Thanks Kate. I appreciate it"
"Hey you've helped me out a bunch of times. I was glad to help." Kate
stands "I'll let you know what happens" she walks to the door
"Kate try and bring this guy in alive. He's not to blame for this"
Kate nods "I'll try"
"Thanks" he says closing the door behind Kate. Angel heads into the
living room to find Buffy and Briena on the couch talking quietly "Hey you
two what are you talking about?" he asks leaning over the back of the couch
he touches the little girl's head carefully
Briena smiles brightly "Can we work on my room now?"
"Sure little one." Angel laughs
Briena scrambles off the couch tugging on Buffy's hand "Let's go" she
insists
Buffy laughs standing she follows Briena into her room with Angel
close behind. "What should we do first?" she muses looking around the room
filled with boxes.
Angel looks around "Maybe we should start unpacking this stuff"
"What is all this stuff?" Buffy asks
"Kids furniture" he shrugs
"Why'd you get more furniture? You have a bunch around here as it is"
Buffy says
Angel starts to move boxes around "Cordelia suggested getting some
furniture that Brie could have easy access to."
Buffy rolls her eyes "Angel you are going to spoil her" she chuckles
Angel looks at her sheepishly "I know but spoiling her gives me
something to do. I'm having fun. Look at her" he nods towards Briena who is
playing on the floor next to them "she's worth it"
Buffy smiles "Yes she is baby. Worth it all" she agrees
Angel opens the box for the bookcase. "Buffy there's a screwdriver in
the kitchen drawer next to the sink can you go get it?" he requests
Buffy nods standing she goes into the kitchen and finds the
screwdriver where Angel said it was. She returns to the bedroom "Found it"
she joins Angel on the floor
"All right lets get to work" Angel says taking the screwdriver the
two adults begin to work
**** An hour later ****
"I'm hungry" Briena says crawling into Buffy's lap.
Buffy smiles playing with the little girl's hair. "I am getting to be
hungry myself" Buffy agrees standing she balances Briena on her hip.
Angel stands "Lets go get you two some dinner" the three head into
the kitchen "What do you want?" he asks
Briena looks at him thoughtfully " 'sghetti" she requests
"Spaghetti is cool with me" Buffy agrees
Angel nods "Then spaghetti it is" he gathers the ingredients for
spaghetti
"Need help?" Buffy asks
"Sure" Angel smiles at her "Why don't you start on the salad" he
suggests
"OK" Buffy nods putting Briena down on the chair she goes to the
fridge and takes out the lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots.
"How's school going?" Angel asks opening a jar of spaghetti sauce
"Its good. I spend a lot of time studying more than in high school"
Angel chuckles "Buff you never studied in high school"
"Yes I did" she retorts then smiles "All right I didn't study very
much. I meant to but something always came up."
Angel smiles in agreement "Yeah it did."
"I wanna help" Briena says tugging on Angel's pant leg
Angel picks her up and places her on the counter and hands her a
wooden spoon "Here hold this for me" he tells her
"Be careful baby girl" Buffy cautions "We don't want you to fall"
"I'll be careful" Briena responds
"What are your classes like?" Angel asks as he puts the pot of water
on the stove.
"I'm kinda liking the psychology class. Walsh is OK for a professor
but I don't trust her since she's part of the Initiative. And she doesn't
trust me" Buffy shrugs
"She knows that your the Slayer?" Angel questions
Buffy nods cutting the tomatoes. "Yeah I had to tell her when Riley
saw me fight the Gentlemen."
"What of the Initiative?" Angel asks looking at the child as she
silently plays with the spoon
"They've gone from doing possible good to killing innocent demons"
she sighs "When I was there I saw what they were doing. Angel it was the most
disgusting thing I've ever seen. I've never even seen other demons or even
vampires do things as cruel as the Initiative. What they did to Spike was
mild compared to what I saw." she puts down the knife meeting Angel's eyes "I
don't think I've ever been scared of another human or even a demon as I am of
the Initiative." she looks at Angel then at Briena "Angel they have power and
connections they can find out anything. Baby what if..." she trails off
looking at Briena
"Nothing will happen to her. I won't let it." he swears touching her
cheek "No one will hurt her or you"
"I'm worried about you too" she states
"I'll be fine" Angel promises
Buffy looks at him her eyes sad "I know"
"Come on lets finish and get this little one fed" Angel tilts his
head towards Briena "Can I have the spoon baby?" he requests
"Here" Briena smiles handing it to Angel
"Thank you" Angel smiles back he stirs the sauce "Buff is the salad
ready?"
"Almost" she replies
"The noodles are ready." Angel announces "Brie time to wash your
hands" he lifts her off the counter and carries her to the kitchen sink
turning on the water
Briena washes her hands then grins at Angel "Done"
"here baby girl" Buffy says handing Briena a towel
Briena dries her hands off then hands it to Buffy "Dinner now?" she
asks
Angel kisses Briena on her cheek "Almost baby. Go have a seat" he
puts Briena down on her feet. Briena hurries towards her chair
Buffy smiles at the little girl's enthusiasm "What do you want to
drink Brie?"
"Juice" she answers
"All right" Buffy takes out the juice and pours a glass for Briena
and places it infront of the little girl
"Thank you" Briena says
"Your welcome" Buffy responds "Angel what do you want?"
"Water" he answers "Dinner is ready" he announces
"Smells good" Buffy says taking the glasses to the table
Angel serves up the spaghetti and places the plates on the table
grabbing the salad from the counter. He takes a seat
"Baby girl do you want salad?" Buffy asks
"No" Briena shakes her head
"Yes" Angel counters
"No" she whines
"Yes" Angel says firmly
"But Angel" she whines giving him her best puppy dog look
"Won't work on me" Angel chuckles
"Angel's right you need some salad. Its good for you" Buffy shares a
smile with Angel. Buffy puts some salad on Briena's plate
**** Half an hour later ****
"Done" Briena announces putting her fork down. "Can I go play?" she
asks
"Go ahead" Angel nods watching as the little girl rushes into the
living room "Want some tea?"
Buffy nods "Sure" she stands helping Angel clear the table "So are
you working tonight?" she asks
Angel nods "Kinda I need to find a demon"
"Need help?" Buffy asks
"I could use the help. We can finish talking"
Buffy nods in agreement "Is Cordy watching Brie?" Buffy asks
Angel shakes his head "No. I thought you might patrol so I asked
Spike to keep an eye on her"
"Spike?" Buffy asks stunned "Blond British vamp who has tried to kill
us time and again?"
"Blond British vamp who can't bite anyone? Yes" he agrees
"But..." Buffy protests
"Buffy it'll be fine. Spike will just be here in case Brie wakes up."
"All right" Buffy agrees "But I get to stake him if anything happens"
"Deal. But I get to hold him down" Angel smirks
Buffy chuckles
"Why don't you go into the living room. I'll bring in the tea"
Buffy nods joining Briena in the living room "Hey Brie baby what are
you doing?" she asks
Briena crawls into Buffy's lap "Nothing" playing with Buffy's
crucifix absently
Angel enters the living room with the mugs of tea to find Briena on
Buffy's lap "Here's your tea" he says putting it on the coffee table
"Thanks" Buffy says appreciatively smiling at him as he takes a seat
on the couch beside Briena. Briena lays her head on Buffy's lap her legs
across Angel's lap.
**** An hour later ****
Buffy looks down at the little head on her lap "Oh look at her Angel.
She looks so cute asleep."
Angel smiles at the sight of the little girl who is sleeping with her
mouth partially open. "Yes she does" he looks at Buffy surprised to see tears
falling "What's wrong love?" he asks wiping away a fallen tear with his thumb
Buffy looks down at the child "She is so beautiful. So perfect."
Angel nods "Yes she is"
"And she's ours." she looks at Angel "She's part of us."
"Come here baby" Angel says helping Buffy move Briena onto her lap he
moves the two to his lap. The two are silent as they sit there holding their
baby. The silence is disrupted as the door opens. "Spike's back" Angel states
Buffy nods "I'll go put her down" she stands carrying Briena into
Angel's room
"Hey Peaches" Spike greets
"Spike" Angel says
"Where's the kid?" Spike asks
"Buffy's putting her down" he answers
Buffy exits the bedroom "Hi Spike"
"Slayer" he acknowledges turning on the TV
"Ready?" Angel asks Buffy
Buffy nods "Got Mr. Pointy" she waves her stake
Angel smiles at the named stake "Spike we'll be back in a few hours."
he pulls on his leather thigh length jacket
"And Spike behave" Buffy orders
"Sure Slayer" he nods his attention on the TV
"Come on" Angel pulls Buffy out of the apartment "She'll be fine
baby. Spike'll take care of her"
"I know." Buffy replies "So where do we start?"
"Lets start in the sewers" Angel suggests
"The sewers" Buffy groans "Do you realize that our relationship is
based mainly on the sewer"
"I know" he chuckles "Come on" he leads the way to a sewer entrance
**** An hour later ****
"Ugh" Buffy grunts pulling herself out of the sewer
Angel pulls himself out "At least we got him. The world is safe"
"Yeah from Sir Smelly" Buffy groans
Angel chuckles "He did smell" he stands pulling Buffy to her feet "We
should get back" Buffy nods in agreement
Half an hour later Angel and Buffy enter the apartment to find Spike
sprawled in front of the TV. "I'm going to go get cleaned up and then get
some sleep" Buffy heads into the bathroom.
"So how'd it go with the Slayer?" Spike questions
"Fine. How'd it go here?"
"Kid slept. I watched TV" he shrugs
"Thanks for watching her" Angel says appreciatively
"Hey she's my little sister" Spike replies "I kinda like her"
"She likes you too" Angel smiles
"Night guys try not to kill each other" Buffy calls from the bedroom
door
"Night Buffy" Angel replies
Buffy gets into the bed beside Briena. "Night Baby Girl" she whispers
kissing the sleeping child's cheek
Angel enters the bedroom to find the two most important people in his
life asleep in his bed. Smiling fondly he goes into the bathroom to take a
quick shower. After his shower he finds Buffy awake "Did I wake you?" he asks
quietly
Buffy shakes her head "No."
"Is she sleeping?" he asks nodding to the child beside Buffy
"Yes she is" Buffy replies smiling at the little girl
Angel starts to stand "Good night" he heads towards the door
"Angel" Buffy calls
"Yeah" he replies turning around
Buffy looks up at him uncertain "Stay" she requests
"Buffy..." he trails off
"Please Angel." she begs
Unable to resist her tone he nods. "All right"
"Thank you" she yawns
"Get some sleep baby" Angel whispers as he gets under the covers
behind Buffy
"Angel?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you"
"For what?"
Buffy looks up at him "Everything." she looks at Briena "But mostly
for her" she whispers
"Night baby" he whispers kissing her hair
Author: Inquisitive1
Disclaimer: I own only Briena
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqsitive1sfanfiction/index.html- won't be up until Monday or Tuesday. Fanfiction.net and numerous mailing lists.
Authors Note: Don't send feedback until after the weekend- I have no email access
_____________________________
Part 12
**** Half an hour later ****
A knock is heard at the downstairs door. "I got it" Buffy calls from
the kitchen. She stands and walks to the door opening it she finds a heavy
set man wearing a tool belt and a carrying a toolbox.
"Hi I'm Jim Granville. I'm here to fix a door" he says in greeting
"Just a sec" Buffy says turning "Angel the guys here to fix the door"
she calls
Angel enters the kitchen "Thanks for coming" he says staying out of
the way of the sunlight. Buffy moves out of the way to let the guy in.
"So where's the door you want fixed?" he asks looking around the
kitchen
"Its the bathroom door" Angel leads the man into the living room
towards his room. Angel stops when he sees Spike has his feet up on the
coffee table "Will get your feet off there" he orders
Spike grunts in response removing his feet "Peaches the kid's still
asleep" he reminds
Angel nods "I know." he opens his door "The bathroom's right over
there" he gestures to the door "I'll just move her" he says going to his bed
he lifts the sleeping child up
"I won't be long." Jim says turning on the bathroom light
"Can you try to keep it down?" Angel requests softly as he shifts
Briena in his arms
"Sure. I know how it is." Jim replies "I've got three kids. When ever
they were awakened from sleep it took forever to get them back down."
"Angel I'll put her down" Buffy offers softly from his side
Angel nods turning to Buffy he gently gives her the sleeping child as
Briena's eyes flutter open momentarily "Go back to sleep baby girl"
Briena sigh sleepily her head rolling to the side as they switch her.
Buffy gently lays the little girl's head on her shoulder. Buffy meets Angel's
brown eyes she smiles faintly as she carries the sleeping child out of the
room.
"So how did this door crack?" Jim asks
Angel turns back to the man "Uh I was in a hurry and pushed to door
open too hard" he lies. "If you need anything just call."
"I'll make it quick and quiet." Jim says
Angel nods and exits his room he goes into Briena's room and watches
Buffy tuck the little girl in.
****
Buffy carries the sleeping child into her bedroom and gently lays her
on the bed. She covers Briena with the blanket as she sits on the edge of the
bed she kisses Briena's forehead as she stands joining Angel in the doorway.
"I better get back to studying." she smiles faintly.
Angel nods closing the bedroom he goes to his armchair and picks up a
book he begins to read.
**** 30 mins later ****
"Peaches enjoy" Spike says getting off the couch he grabs his duster
"Spike I need a favor" Angel begins
"What?" asks Spike suspiciously
Angel closes his book "I need to take care of somethings and Buffy
plans to patrol. Can you watch Brie for a few hours?"
"Why me?" Spike whines
"Doyle is out drinking and Cordy is somewhere. She'll be sleeping all
you need to do is keep an eye on her"
"All right what time?" Spike agrees reluctantly
"I usually put her down at 8 or 9. Depends on how long she naps."
"I'll be back by 9."
"Thanks Will" Angel says appreciatively
Spike nods going to the sewer entrance
Angel returns to reading his book when a few moments later he looks
up to see Jim walking out of his room. "Well I'm done with the door" Jim
announces "I put in new and stronger screws."
Angel stands "Ok thanks." he walks Jim to the back door
"I'll send you the bill." he tells Angel
Angel nods "That'll be fine" he says goodbye to the repairman careful
to stay out of the remaining sunlight. He smiles at the feeling of little
arms wrapping around his legs. "Hey little one" he greets stroking Briena's
head. "Did you have a good nap?" he asks
"No" she yawns rubbing her cheek against his pant leg.
"Did we wake you baby?" he asks
Briena shakes her head "No"
"A bad dream?" Angel asks
Briena tightens her grip on his legs "No" she whispers
"Then what?" he asks crouching before the little girl "Brie what's
wrong?" Angel looks into the familiar brown eyes filled with confusion, pain
and fear. Angel picks the little girl and sits down at the table holding her
on his lap. He meets Buffy's troubled gaze "When you want to talk about it
we're here" he whispers kissing her head
"They are the voices" she whispers burrowing closer to Angel
"Who are the voices?" Angel questions gently to not scare her
Briena remains quiet
Buffy crouches to Briena's level she touches her cheek "Brie can you
tell us who the voices are?"
"The people in the pictures are the voices" she replies "The voices
he hears"
Angel looks at Buffy stunned "Brie baby are you talking about the
pictures on my desk?" he asks
"Uh huh" she nods
"Brie what do you mean about the voices?" Angel asks
Briena burrows closer to the vampire's chest and covers her ears
"They get too loud. He doesn't like having them tell him what to do but he
has too. Its the only way they'll stop." she looks at Angel her eyes tearful
"He wants to stop they won't let him. Make him stop Daddy" she whimpers "They
make him hurt"
"Shh" Angel whispers stroking Briena's back "Everything will be OK."
he looks at Buffy sadly "I promise"
Briena shakes her head closing her eyes laying her head against
Angel's chest
Buffy strokes the little girl's cheek lightly "Angel will make
everything OK baby." she looks up at Angel "He always makes things better"
The three are interrupted from their family moment by a knock at the
door. "Can you get it?" Angel implores Buffy
She nods leaning to kiss the little girl's cheek she stands walking
across the kitchen she reaches the door and opens it to find a blond haired
woman standing there.
"Angel around?" Kate asks surprised to see Buffy standing there
"You must be Kate." Buffy says "He's in the kitchen" she moves out of
the way so Kate can enter.
Hearing Kate's voice Angel stands holding the now quiet Briena
against his chest he shifts the little girl so he has one hand free. "Kate"
he says in greeting
"I got the information you asked for" Kate tells him "Hi Briena" she
smiles at the sight of the little girl in Angel's arms
"Hi" Briena replies her voice soft
"Come 'ere Baby Girl" Buffy holds her arms out to the little girl
"Wanna stay with Angel" she burrows against Angel's chest
"Go with Buffy little one Kate and I need to talk"
" 'kay" Briena mumbles holding her arms out to Buffy
Buffy takes the little girl from Angel's arms "Baby Girl you are
getting heavy"
Briena lays her head on Buffy's shoulder watching Angel and Kate her
eyes sad and haunted. Her eyes remain on Angel as Buffy carries her out of
the kitchen.
"So that's Buffy" Kate says "seems nice"
Angel nods "I have a theory on the killer." he tells Kate gesturing
to a chair
"So what is it?" Kate asks sitting down
"I'm not sure if this theory is possible."
"Try me" Kate states
"Briena is very receptive to other peoples emotions. Earlier she went
through the papers she said something about the voices telling him to do it"
"So your saying that this guy might have multiple personalities?"
Kate asks
Angel nods "Brie also said something about the voices choosing his
victims. Which would fit with the fact that there seems to be nothing
connecting the victims"
"I should check recent parolees with psych problems."
Angel nods. "He's most likely a loner who can't get close because the
voices won't let him. Most likely he lives alone or on the street. I doubt he
holds down a job of any kind if he does it is a simple job."
"So I'll check the homeless shelters and the low cost homes. Any
other ideas?"
"Not right now."
Kate nods "Thanks for all the work. I got the information you
requested. I take it that you are looking for a daycare center for Briena"
Angel nods taking the papers from Kate. "Yeah we are. I just wanted
to make sure that none of the owners have any connection to Wolfram and Hart.
I don't want Brie anywhere near them"
Kate nods "I checked on that and none of the owners have any
connection to Wolfram and Hart. I also ran a criminal background check on
them and found that two of the daycares have been cited for minor violations"
"What kind?" Angel asks
"Health code violations mostly. None have any major complaints."
"What of their employees?" Angel inquires
"A few have been arrested for traffic violations. One for drug use
and was fired."
"Thanks Kate. I appreciate it"
"Hey you've helped me out a bunch of times. I was glad to help." Kate
stands "I'll let you know what happens" she walks to the door
"Kate try and bring this guy in alive. He's not to blame for this"
Kate nods "I'll try"
"Thanks" he says closing the door behind Kate. Angel heads into the
living room to find Buffy and Briena on the couch talking quietly "Hey you
two what are you talking about?" he asks leaning over the back of the couch
he touches the little girl's head carefully
Briena smiles brightly "Can we work on my room now?"
"Sure little one." Angel laughs
Briena scrambles off the couch tugging on Buffy's hand "Let's go" she
insists
Buffy laughs standing she follows Briena into her room with Angel
close behind. "What should we do first?" she muses looking around the room
filled with boxes.
Angel looks around "Maybe we should start unpacking this stuff"
"What is all this stuff?" Buffy asks
"Kids furniture" he shrugs
"Why'd you get more furniture? You have a bunch around here as it is"
Buffy says
Angel starts to move boxes around "Cordelia suggested getting some
furniture that Brie could have easy access to."
Buffy rolls her eyes "Angel you are going to spoil her" she chuckles
Angel looks at her sheepishly "I know but spoiling her gives me
something to do. I'm having fun. Look at her" he nods towards Briena who is
playing on the floor next to them "she's worth it"
Buffy smiles "Yes she is baby. Worth it all" she agrees
Angel opens the box for the bookcase. "Buffy there's a screwdriver in
the kitchen drawer next to the sink can you go get it?" he requests
Buffy nods standing she goes into the kitchen and finds the
screwdriver where Angel said it was. She returns to the bedroom "Found it"
she joins Angel on the floor
"All right lets get to work" Angel says taking the screwdriver the
two adults begin to work
**** An hour later ****
"I'm hungry" Briena says crawling into Buffy's lap.
Buffy smiles playing with the little girl's hair. "I am getting to be
hungry myself" Buffy agrees standing she balances Briena on her hip.
Angel stands "Lets go get you two some dinner" the three head into
the kitchen "What do you want?" he asks
Briena looks at him thoughtfully " 'sghetti" she requests
"Spaghetti is cool with me" Buffy agrees
Angel nods "Then spaghetti it is" he gathers the ingredients for
spaghetti
"Need help?" Buffy asks
"Sure" Angel smiles at her "Why don't you start on the salad" he
suggests
"OK" Buffy nods putting Briena down on the chair she goes to the
fridge and takes out the lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots.
"How's school going?" Angel asks opening a jar of spaghetti sauce
"Its good. I spend a lot of time studying more than in high school"
Angel chuckles "Buff you never studied in high school"
"Yes I did" she retorts then smiles "All right I didn't study very
much. I meant to but something always came up."
Angel smiles in agreement "Yeah it did."
"I wanna help" Briena says tugging on Angel's pant leg
Angel picks her up and places her on the counter and hands her a
wooden spoon "Here hold this for me" he tells her
"Be careful baby girl" Buffy cautions "We don't want you to fall"
"I'll be careful" Briena responds
"What are your classes like?" Angel asks as he puts the pot of water
on the stove.
"I'm kinda liking the psychology class. Walsh is OK for a professor
but I don't trust her since she's part of the Initiative. And she doesn't
trust me" Buffy shrugs
"She knows that your the Slayer?" Angel questions
Buffy nods cutting the tomatoes. "Yeah I had to tell her when Riley
saw me fight the Gentlemen."
"What of the Initiative?" Angel asks looking at the child as she
silently plays with the spoon
"They've gone from doing possible good to killing innocent demons"
she sighs "When I was there I saw what they were doing. Angel it was the most
disgusting thing I've ever seen. I've never even seen other demons or even
vampires do things as cruel as the Initiative. What they did to Spike was
mild compared to what I saw." she puts down the knife meeting Angel's eyes "I
don't think I've ever been scared of another human or even a demon as I am of
the Initiative." she looks at Angel then at Briena "Angel they have power and
connections they can find out anything. Baby what if..." she trails off
looking at Briena
"Nothing will happen to her. I won't let it." he swears touching her
cheek "No one will hurt her or you"
"I'm worried about you too" she states
"I'll be fine" Angel promises
Buffy looks at him her eyes sad "I know"
"Come on lets finish and get this little one fed" Angel tilts his
head towards Briena "Can I have the spoon baby?" he requests
"Here" Briena smiles handing it to Angel
"Thank you" Angel smiles back he stirs the sauce "Buff is the salad
ready?"
"Almost" she replies
"The noodles are ready." Angel announces "Brie time to wash your
hands" he lifts her off the counter and carries her to the kitchen sink
turning on the water
Briena washes her hands then grins at Angel "Done"
"here baby girl" Buffy says handing Briena a towel
Briena dries her hands off then hands it to Buffy "Dinner now?" she
asks
Angel kisses Briena on her cheek "Almost baby. Go have a seat" he
puts Briena down on her feet. Briena hurries towards her chair
Buffy smiles at the little girl's enthusiasm "What do you want to
drink Brie?"
"Juice" she answers
"All right" Buffy takes out the juice and pours a glass for Briena
and places it infront of the little girl
"Thank you" Briena says
"Your welcome" Buffy responds "Angel what do you want?"
"Water" he answers "Dinner is ready" he announces
"Smells good" Buffy says taking the glasses to the table
Angel serves up the spaghetti and places the plates on the table
grabbing the salad from the counter. He takes a seat
"Baby girl do you want salad?" Buffy asks
"No" Briena shakes her head
"Yes" Angel counters
"No" she whines
"Yes" Angel says firmly
"But Angel" she whines giving him her best puppy dog look
"Won't work on me" Angel chuckles
"Angel's right you need some salad. Its good for you" Buffy shares a
smile with Angel. Buffy puts some salad on Briena's plate
**** Half an hour later ****
"Done" Briena announces putting her fork down. "Can I go play?" she
asks
"Go ahead" Angel nods watching as the little girl rushes into the
living room "Want some tea?"
Buffy nods "Sure" she stands helping Angel clear the table "So are
you working tonight?" she asks
Angel nods "Kinda I need to find a demon"
"Need help?" Buffy asks
"I could use the help. We can finish talking"
Buffy nods in agreement "Is Cordy watching Brie?" Buffy asks
Angel shakes his head "No. I thought you might patrol so I asked
Spike to keep an eye on her"
"Spike?" Buffy asks stunned "Blond British vamp who has tried to kill
us time and again?"
"Blond British vamp who can't bite anyone? Yes" he agrees
"But..." Buffy protests
"Buffy it'll be fine. Spike will just be here in case Brie wakes up."
"All right" Buffy agrees "But I get to stake him if anything happens"
"Deal. But I get to hold him down" Angel smirks
Buffy chuckles
"Why don't you go into the living room. I'll bring in the tea"
Buffy nods joining Briena in the living room "Hey Brie baby what are
you doing?" she asks
Briena crawls into Buffy's lap "Nothing" playing with Buffy's
crucifix absently
Angel enters the living room with the mugs of tea to find Briena on
Buffy's lap "Here's your tea" he says putting it on the coffee table
"Thanks" Buffy says appreciatively smiling at him as he takes a seat
on the couch beside Briena. Briena lays her head on Buffy's lap her legs
across Angel's lap.
**** An hour later ****
Buffy looks down at the little head on her lap "Oh look at her Angel.
She looks so cute asleep."
Angel smiles at the sight of the little girl who is sleeping with her
mouth partially open. "Yes she does" he looks at Buffy surprised to see tears
falling "What's wrong love?" he asks wiping away a fallen tear with his thumb
Buffy looks down at the child "She is so beautiful. So perfect."
Angel nods "Yes she is"
"And she's ours." she looks at Angel "She's part of us."
"Come here baby" Angel says helping Buffy move Briena onto her lap he
moves the two to his lap. The two are silent as they sit there holding their
baby. The silence is disrupted as the door opens. "Spike's back" Angel states
Buffy nods "I'll go put her down" she stands carrying Briena into
Angel's room
"Hey Peaches" Spike greets
"Spike" Angel says
"Where's the kid?" Spike asks
"Buffy's putting her down" he answers
Buffy exits the bedroom "Hi Spike"
"Slayer" he acknowledges turning on the TV
"Ready?" Angel asks Buffy
Buffy nods "Got Mr. Pointy" she waves her stake
Angel smiles at the named stake "Spike we'll be back in a few hours."
he pulls on his leather thigh length jacket
"And Spike behave" Buffy orders
"Sure Slayer" he nods his attention on the TV
"Come on" Angel pulls Buffy out of the apartment "She'll be fine
baby. Spike'll take care of her"
"I know." Buffy replies "So where do we start?"
"Lets start in the sewers" Angel suggests
"The sewers" Buffy groans "Do you realize that our relationship is
based mainly on the sewer"
"I know" he chuckles "Come on" he leads the way to a sewer entrance
**** An hour later ****
"Ugh" Buffy grunts pulling herself out of the sewer
Angel pulls himself out "At least we got him. The world is safe"
"Yeah from Sir Smelly" Buffy groans
Angel chuckles "He did smell" he stands pulling Buffy to her feet "We
should get back" Buffy nods in agreement
Half an hour later Angel and Buffy enter the apartment to find Spike
sprawled in front of the TV. "I'm going to go get cleaned up and then get
some sleep" Buffy heads into the bathroom.
"So how'd it go with the Slayer?" Spike questions
"Fine. How'd it go here?"
"Kid slept. I watched TV" he shrugs
"Thanks for watching her" Angel says appreciatively
"Hey she's my little sister" Spike replies "I kinda like her"
"She likes you too" Angel smiles
"Night guys try not to kill each other" Buffy calls from the bedroom
door
"Night Buffy" Angel replies
Buffy gets into the bed beside Briena. "Night Baby Girl" she whispers
kissing the sleeping child's cheek
Angel enters the bedroom to find the two most important people in his
life asleep in his bed. Smiling fondly he goes into the bathroom to take a
quick shower. After his shower he finds Buffy awake "Did I wake you?" he asks
quietly
Buffy shakes her head "No."
"Is she sleeping?" he asks nodding to the child beside Buffy
"Yes she is" Buffy replies smiling at the little girl
Angel starts to stand "Good night" he heads towards the door
"Angel" Buffy calls
"Yeah" he replies turning around
Buffy looks up at him uncertain "Stay" she requests
"Buffy..." he trails off
"Please Angel." she begs
Unable to resist her tone he nods. "All right"
"Thank you" she yawns
"Get some sleep baby" Angel whispers as he gets under the covers
behind Buffy
"Angel?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you"
"For what?"
Buffy looks up at him "Everything." she looks at Briena "But mostly
for her" she whispers
"Night baby" he whispers kissing her hair