Title: Last Slayer
Author: Inquisitive1
Disclaimer: I own only Briena
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqsitive1sfanfiction/index.html Fanfiction.net and numerous mailing lists.
Authors Note: I am limited in email access right now. So I am working on my stories and sending them out when I am able.
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Part 15
**** Next Day ****
"You ready Brie?" Angel asks moments after Phil's departure
Briena nods excitedly "Where we going?"
"Well" Angel begins crouching before Briena "when Buffy was here she and I had a talk about you getting involved with activities that other kids do"
"Why?" she asks biting her lower lip nervously
Angel sighs needlessly giving his head a mental shake "She is so much like Buffy" he thinks. Angel picks up the little girl and sits on a kitchen chair with Briena on his lap. "Because you need to make friends with other little kids. And the only way that will happen is if you spend time with kids your age." he watches her face for understanding then continues "So we decided that for a couple hours a week that you will spend time at a place with other kids"
Briena frowns "Will you be there too Angel?" she asks her voice small
Angel shakes his head "No baby. I'll be here sleeping or working."
"Will Cordy be there?" she asks hopefully
Angel shakes his head "No baby she'll be here working"
"Doyle?" she asks her voice starting to sound scared
"Doyle will be working too. One of them will be taking you or picking you up but you'll be there with the other kids" He watches as Briena's expression go from puzzled to scared. "You don't need to be scared. Everything will be fine. You'll have fun and make some friends"
Briena lays her head on his shoulder "I wanna stay with you Daddy" she sighs
"I know" he kisses her head
"Angel" Doyle greets entering the kitchen "You two ready?"
Angel nods standing with Briena in his arms. "We're ready" he follows Doyle out to the car with Briena in his arms
**** 10 mins later ****
Angel carries Briena into the daycare center with Doyle following close behind. "This place looks like fun monkey" Doyle states looking around
Angel notices Ms Handlen walking towards them. "Hello Ms. Handlen" he greets
"Mr. Kelin" she returns smiling at the sight of the beautiful little girl in his arms "And who is this?"
"This is Briena" he answers "Brie say hi to Ms. Handlen"
Briena shakes her head clinging to Angel tighter
"She's being a little clingy today" he explains "This is Doyle he or Cordelia will be picking Brie up today"
"Hello" Doyle nods
"I'm glad you could make it today" Ms Handlen says "Its a good day to integrate Briena into the group." Ms. Handlen states gesturing for them to follow her. "Today is a rather calm day" she leads them to the arts and crafts room "Right now they are doing arts and crafts." she tells them
"Brie look you can go draw" Angel suggests
"No" she tightens her arms around Angel's neck "Wanna stay with Angel" she says
"Molly" Karen calls she turns back to Angel "Molly is one of the high school students who works here as part of our internship program for teen mothers. Her son is the one you saw making faces"
Angel nods
"Yes Karen?" a medium height dark haired teen asks her voice soft
"Molly this is Briena." Karen introduces the two
"Hello Briena. Would you like to color with the others?" Molly asks
Briena shakes her head "No." she watches Molly curiously
"Are you sure?" Molly asks "We're having a lot of fun"
"Brie why don't you go with Molly" Angel suggests "You can go draw a picture for Buffy. She'd like that"
Briena chews on her bottom lip thoughtfully then asks "Can we call her?"
"I'll make you a deal... if you can go with Molly and be good we'll call Buffy tonight. OK?"
Briena looks thoughtful then asks "Can I have a donut too?"
Angel and Doyle chuckle "Sure." Angel agrees "If your good we'll call Buffy and you can have a donut for desert"
"Briena you'll have fun" Doyle assures "Look at all the toys"
Briena looks around and sighs "OK."
Angel smiles "It'll only be for a few hours" he reminds her
"All right Daddy" she agrees
Angel smiles putting her down on her feet and crouches before her "Now remember the rules"
"No hitting. No biting. And behave" she recites
"Right" Angel chuckles tapping her nose
Briena throws her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek "Bye Daddy"
Angel kisses her cheek "Bye Brie"
Briena pulls away from Angel hugging Doyle's knees "Bye Doyle" she says
"Bye Monkey" he replies
Briena pulls away going to Molly's side
"You ready to go meet the other kids?" Molly asks
Briena shrugs "I guess" she follows Molly into the room
Angel watches as Molly introduces Briena to the other kids
"You ready man?" asks Doyle
Angel looks at Doyle "Why don't you head back to the office" he suggests "I've got to check out some things."
Doyle nods knowing that Angel is going to take the sewers back to the office. "Want me to pick Monkey up?" he asks
Angel nods looking back at Briena through the window "Take her out for ice cream or something"
"Sure." he agrees "see ya later" he leaves Angel watching Briena
"Its usually hard for a parent to leave a child for the first time" Karen remarks
Angel looks at Karen sheepishly "Since Brie moved in with me the only time we've been apart is at night when I have to go out or when Buffy was here over the weekend"
"If I may ask who's Buffy?" Karen inquires
Angel looks back at Briena "Buffy is Brie's mother"
"Is Briena close to her mother?" Karen asks
"Can we talk about this in your office?" Angel asks "I don't want Brie to hear any of this"
"Sure we can talk in my office" Karen offers leading Angel into her office "Have a seat" she gestures
Angel sits "There are things about Briena that you need to know. I am trusting you to keep this to yourself."
"I will" she promises
Angel nods "Brie has only lived with me for a couple weeks"
"So she's been living with her mother" Karen states
"No." he shakes his head leaning forward "After Brie was born she went to live with a friend. Two weeks ago Briena's guardian was killed in a car accident so she came to live with me"
"Most of the time a child lives with the mother." Karen states
Angel tilts his head in agreement "Normally yes. But her mother, Buffy, is a freshmen in college right now so we decided that it would be for the best if Brie lived with me"
Karen watches Angel "I take it Briena has no clue who her mother is"
"No she doesn't. She doesn't even know that I am really her father"
"Yet she calls you Daddy"
"Yes. I think its an automatic reaction when she's scared. Usually she just calls me Angel. We aren't ready for Brie to know the truth yet."
"If you need help telling her or anything at all let me know" Karen offers
"Thanks. I just might." Angel stands handing Karen the papers "If Brie starts acting up or anything call the office and someone will pick her up"
"I will." Karen stands following Angel to the door "Mr. Kelin if you need anything we're here to help"
"Thank you" Angel walks out of the office
In the arts and crafts room Briena senses Angel leaving the building
"Briena what's wrong?" asks Molly seeing the little girl's sad look
Briena looks down at her paper "Daddy's gone" she whispers
"Hey he'll be back." assures Molly stroking her hair
"Jack left and he never came back" she whispers
"And who's Jack?" asks Molly softly
"He took care of me before Daddy did" she answers going back to her drawing
"What happened to Jack?" Molly asks
"He died" she whispers
"What are you drawing?" Molly asks changing the subject
"A picture"
"Of what?"
Briena puts the crayon down so Molly can see the picture "My family"
"Can you tell me about it?"
Briena tilts her head pointing to the smaller figure "That's me" she moves to the darker figure "That's Angel"
"Who's the one holding Angel's hand? Your mommy?"
Briena frowns "I don't have a mommy. That's Buffy"
"Who's that?" Molly asks pointing to another figure laying on a couch watching T.V.
Briena laughs "That's my new friend Spike. He likes to watch cartoons with me."
Molly laughs "Spike sounds like nice"
Briena nods "I like Spike. But Angel and Buffy get mad at him a lot"
"And who are those two people?" she points to a figure wearing a dress and another wearing a loud print shirt
"That's Cordy and that's Doyle" Briena points to the two figures "and that is Mr. Doggie" she points to the scruffy dog in the picture
"Its a very nice picture Briena"
"Thank you" she replies shyly returning to her drawing
"What are you drawing now?" Molly asks watching as the little girl draws a face with a halo watching from the sky
"That's Jack. He's watching over me all the time" she replies as she draws
"You are a very good artist" Molly remarks
"Angel and I draw a lot" she shrugs
"OK kids its story time" Karen calls
Briena looks up at Molly and asks shyly "Can I stay here and draw?"
"Are you sure? Story time is a lot of fun" Molly tells her
Briena shrugs "I want to draw a picture for Buffy"
Molly sees the sad look on Briena's face "Sure" she relents "But why don't you come out and sit at the table and listen to the story at the same time" Molly suggests
Briena nods " 'kay" she picks up her papers and crayons following Molly into the next room where she sits down at a small table
"Today I am going to tell you the story of Curious George" announces the teacher Donna
Briena sits there half listening as the teacher begins to read
****
Angel makes it back to the apartment through the sewer entrance. He goes to the fridge and takes out a container of blood and pours some into a mug. Putting the mug in the mircowave he hangs up his jacket as he waits for his meal to heat up. He takes the heated blood out of the microwave and takes it up to the office with him "Cordy did anyone call?" he asks surprising the dark haired woman
"Ahh" she yelps jumping out of her seat. She turns to glare at the vampire "How many times do I have to tell you to make some noise when entering a room" she reminds
"Sorry" he says sheepishly
"God one day I'm going to have a heart attack" she mutters
"So did anyone call?" he asks again
"No" she replies shaking her head. "How'd it go with Brie?" she asks
following her boss into his office
"Pretty good." he answers sitting down "She was a little scared."
"That's normal. I was freaked out on my first day at school" she tells him "Mom had to practically have the nanny carry me into the room screaming."
Angel chuckles at the image "Brie wasn't that bad. Though I had to bribe her... twice" he admits
"With what?"
"I told her she could call Buffy tonight and have a donut for desert" he answers
"That girl has you tied around her little finger" Cordelia rolls her eyes
Angel takes a sip of blood shrugging slightly "I guess so." he admits "I never thought I'd have a kid, even when I was human I never really thought about it"
"Before I never really saw you as being father material" Cordelia confesses "but now I have to admit your pretty good at it"
"Thanks Cordy" he says gratefully
"Hey if it keeps you for being moody I'm for it" Cordelia grins
Angel grins back "Lets get to work. Brie will be back in an hour"
**** Daycare Center ****
"Briena would you like to join us?" Molly asks
"What are you doing?" she asks
"We're playing Duck, Duck, Goose" Molly answers
Briena frowns "How do you play?"
"Well" Molly begins "We sit in a circle and someone goes around tapping heads saying duck, duck, goose. When you say goose the person you say it too chases you around the circle trying to get to the empty place. The person who is left standing is it"
"I guess" she shrugs following Molly to the circle she sits
**** Hour later ****
" 'ello. I'm here to pick up Briena" Doyle says smiling at the receptionist
"What's your name?" inquires the receptionist
"Doyle" he offers
In the other room Briena hears the familiar voice grabbing her pictures she races to the reception area "Doyle" she says happily throwing her arms around his knees with such force he wobbles
Doyle laughs "Hiya Monkey" he greets picking her up
Molly comes out to the reception area to see the little girl hugging the man she had seen earlier. "You must be Doyle. I'm Molly"
" 'ello Molly" Doyle greets shaking her hand "So was Monkey 'ere good?"
"Oh yes. Briena was very well behaved" Molly grins
"That's good. Angel will be glad to hear that." Doyle looks at Briena "So Monkey are you ready to go home?"
Briena nods excitedly "I'm ready"
"Say goodbye and thank you to Molly" Doyle says
"Thank you Molly" Briena smiles shyly
"Your welcome" Molly smiles back "I'll see you later"
"Yep." Briena nods "Bye" she waves over Doyle's shoulder
**** Ten minutes later ****
Doyle opens the outer office door and Briena races in and finding Angel talking with Cordelia by her desk. "Angel" she shrieks happily throwing herself into his arms
"Hey you" he greets standing with Briena in his arms he kisses her nose "Did you have fun?" he asks
Briena scrunches her nose "I guess."
"How about we go and get a snack and you tell me what you did" Angel suggests
"OK" Briena says snuggling in his arms
"Hey Monkey don't forget your pictures" Doyle reminds handing her the papers
"Thanks Doyle" Briena smiles
"Do you need us anymore today?" asks Cordelia
"Um can one of you watch Brie for an hour or so tonight?"
"What time?" Cordelia inquires
"7 or 8."
Cordelia nods "Sure I'll watch her."
Angel smiles gratefully carrying Briena to the elevator shaft "Oh and can you pick up some donuts too"
"No problem" replies Cordelia
Angel and Briena head downstairs to the apartment. Angel puts Briena down on one of the chairs "so little one what do you want to eat?"
"Can I have crackers and juice?" she asks
"Sure" Angel agrees going to the cupboard he takes out a box of crackers and puts them on the table. "I'll have your juice in a minute" he goes to the fridge taking out a pitcher he pours some juice into a cup. "Here you go" he says placing the cup on the table
"Thank you" she grins
"So what did you do?" he asks sitting down
"I drew. And I played" she answers
"What did you draw?" he asks
Briena hands him the papers "That one's for you and that one's for Buffy"
"Tell me about your pictures" Angel requests
Briena spends the next 15 minutes telling him about the pictures. When she finishes she yawns
"Are you ready for a nap?" Angel asks
Briena nods tiredly "uh huh"
"Why don't you go to the bathroom and then I'll tell you a story."
" 'kay" she yawns walking out of the kitchen
**** Half an hour later ****
Angel closes the book and lays Briena down pulling the covers up to her neck. He leans down kissing her forehead "Sleep baby" he whispers leaving the room.
Part 16
**** Hour later ****
"Hi Angel" Briena greets resting her chin on his leg
"Hey little one" he smiles stroking her head
"Can we call Buffy now?"
Angel looks at the clock "Let's wait a while. Why don't you go watch some TV" he suggests
"All right" she agrees reluctantly going to the couch she turns on the TV.
**** Half an hour later ****
"Can we call Buffy now?" Briena asks
Angel smiles "Sure baby" he agrees joining Briena on the couch with the phone. Dialing Buffy's dorm number he pulls Briena onto his lap. After a minute he hangs up "Buffy's not there." he explains
"Oh" she sighs sadly
Seeing the sad look "How about we try at Giles?"
Briena nods "Can I talk to Spike too?" she asks
"If he's there sure" Angel agrees dialing the number
**** Sunnydale: Giles place ****
"Buffy its an easy question" Riley states following the blonde into the apartment
"I don't care. I'm not answering it" she retorts
"Chicken" he taunts
"I'm not chicken"
"Yes you are Summers" Spike chuckles
"Shut up you impotent vampire" Buffy glares
"So what isn't she answering?" Spike asks Riley "Maybe I know the answer"
"Why would you know the answer to anything in my life?" Buffy asks
Spike grins "The poof" he answers
"Who's the poof?" Riley asks curiously as the phone rings
"No one" Buffy replies
"Hello?" Giles asks "Um yes she is." he listens "uh yes thats true" he removes his glasses "All right just a second" he holds the phone out to Buffy "Buffy its for you"
Buffy looks up at Giles with a frown "Who is it?"
"Its um Cordelia" he lies
Buffy takes the phone "Hello?"
"Hey baby." Angel greets
"Hey is something wrong?" Buffy asks worriedly
"No. Everything is good. I had to bribe Brie to be good today by promising she could call you."
"I can't believe you" Buffy chastises with a laugh
"I know. Cordy all ready said that Brie has me wrapped around her little finger." he pauses "Just like you"
Buffy hears Briena say "I want to talk to Buffy"
"She wants to talk to you and if Spike's there she wants to say hi"
"Sure" Buffy agrees listening as Angel gives the phone to Briena "Hey you"
"Hi Buffy." Briena says happily
"What are you up too?" Buffy asks
"I got stitches yesterday and Phil took them out this afternoon"
"I heard about that. Are you OK?"
"Yep. I was good. Then I had to go to umm" Briena pauses
Buffy listens as Angel supplies her with the word "daycare"
"I had to go to daycare." Briena tells her "And I drew you a picture"
"Can't wait to see it" Buffy responds
"And I get a donut for desert 'cause I was good"
Buffy laughs "Well since you were then all right"
"Then Doyle picked me up and I had a snack and took a nap"
"So you had a productive day" Buffy states
"Uh huh"
"Brie I need to talk to Buffy" Angel says
"You said I could say hi to Spike" Briena protests
"In a minute. I need to talk to Buffy and Giles first" Angel takes the phone from Briena
"No wanna talk to Buffy and Spike" Briena shrieks trying to take the phone from Angel
"Brie not now" Angel chastises putting the little girl on the floor
"Now" Briena cries stomping her foot in protest causing the floor to crack
"Briena" he growls in warning.
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks worriedly
"Can I call you later?" Angel asks
"Uh sure. I'll be back at my room around 11."
"I'll call then. Tell Giles I've got some new information for him and I'll call back in a while."
"Talk to you later then" Buffy says softly
Angel hears the sadness in her voice "I love you baby"
"I know." Buffy hears the little girl crying in the background "You better go take care of that"
"I will. I'll call you as soon as I can" Angel promises
"You better" she teases
Angel chuckles "Bye" he says hanging up
"Bye" Buffy echoes staring at the phone
Riley looks up to see Buffy staring at the phone sadly "Buffy you all right?" he asks concerned
Buffy looks at Riley startled "Uh yeah. I'm fine" she looks at Giles "Cordelia will call you back. Said something about new information."
"Uh sure" Giles stammers knowing she is telling him that Angel will call back
"Oh also wanted to talk to Spike"
Spike looks at her quizzically "Why would Cordelia want to talk to me?"
Buffy shrugs "Didn't say much just something about Scooby" she hints
Spike nods
Buffy looks at Riley "Ready?" she asks
Riley looks at her suspiciously yet nods in agreement
**** LA: Angel's place ****
"Want to talk to Buffy" Briena demands as Angel hangs up the phone
Angel watches stunned as Briena's eyes flash gold. "Oh my god. I wasn't imagining it" he thinks. "She is like me"
"I want to talk to Spike" she cries
Angel runs his hands through his hair
Briena looks at Angel feeling his sadness she goes over to him "Angel" she asks worriedly. She crawls up to the couch resting her head against his arm "I'm sorry" she says meekly as she sticks her thumb in her mouth
Angel looks at her seeing the sadness in her eyes he sits up pulling her onto his lap "You did nothing wrong" he assures her giving her a hug
Briena nods "Uh huh. 'Cuz now your sad. I didn't mean to make you sad Daddy" she whimpers curling close to him
"Shh baby. Its not your fault Daddy's sad" he tells her
"Yes it is. 'cuz I got mad" she cries "I didn't mean too Daddy"
Angel begins to rock Briena as she cries "Oh baby it isn't your fault" he soothes "I'm the one who's sorry" he whispers "Its my fault. I didn't know how much you take after me"
he thinks to himself
Briena keeps crying "I'm sorry Daddy" while clinging to Angel.
Angel rocks her holding her close "Shh baby its OK. Its not your fault" he whispers trying to calm her
Soon her cries calm yet she still clings to Angel
Angel sits there holding her listening as she drifts off to sleep. Not wanting to move her, he picks up the phone pressing the redial on his phone. Stroking her hair comforting he listens as the phone rings on the other end
"Hello?" asks the familiar English voice
"Giles its Angel"
"Angel Buffy just left to patrol"
"I know" Angel says "I needed to talk to you"
"Uh sure. What can I help you with?" Giles stammers
"Did they tell you what happened this weekend with Brie?" Angel asks as he looks down at the sleeping child in his arms
"Uh yes I think Spike mentioned something about it" Giles states
"Did Buffy tell you that we saw something weird just before?"
"Uh no she didn't" Giles says
"Giles just before Brie bit Spike we saw her eyes flash gold. At the time we thought it was just our imagination but she just did it again"
"Other than biting Spike and her eyes changing has she shown any other vampire traits?" Giles asks curiously
"Other than the strength factor... no."
"Hmm" Giles muses "Let me see what I can find out. There might be some more on the prophecy that I haven't found yet. I'll check on it and call you back."
"Thanks Giles." Angel says appreciatively "Oh and don't tell Buffy I don't want her to worry needlessly"
"I'll try not too but I hate keeping this from her."
"I know, I do too. I'll tell her once we find out more"
"All right. How is Briena by the way?"
Angel smiles slightly "She's doing great. She started daycare this afternoon"
"What about her nightmares?" Giles asks
"She still has them but not as bad now"
"Good. Good"
"Oh yeah is Spike there?" Angel asks
"Uh yes he's annoying Xander right now"
"Go figure" Angel chuckles "I need to talk to him"
"Sure. I'll call you as soon as I find out more" Giles promises
"Thanks" Angel says listening as Giles calls Spike to the phone
"What the bloody hell do you want peaches?" Spike demands
"Look Spike I need you to help Giles out with his research"
"Why?" he demands
"Because" Angel growls suddenly startling Briena who whimpers sleepily "Shh" he soothes standing he cradles Briena close walking the floor "Spike just help him out with the research"
Hearing the worry in his sire's voice Spike frowns "What's going on Angel?"
"She's more like us than we thought" Angel replies softly
"Oh" Spike says sadly
"I've got to go" Angel says "Just help him out Spike"
"I will" Spike promises
"Oh yeah Brie wanted to say hi. She'd say it herself but she's asleep"
"Tell 'er hi back"
"I will. Thanks Spike"
"Sure" Spike replies hanging up the phone
Angel looks at the tearstained face of his sleeping daughter sighing sadly he sits down on the recliner Briena laying against his chest. "Oh Brie you are so much a miracle for us. I wish you didn't have to be like me. I'm sorry you seemed to inherit my traits" he lays his head back looking up at the ceiling. "What am I supposed to do?" he asks then suddenly it hits him "Oracles" he feels an urge to take Brie with him. He reaches for her shoes and carefully puts them on her feet
"Daddy?" she whimpers
"Shh baby. I'm right here" Angel kisses her forehead
"Where we going?" she asks sleepily
"To see some people. Go back to sleep" he whispers carrying her to the coat closet he grabs their coats. Shifting Brie in his arms he manages to get his own jacket on. He gently maneuvers the little girl's arms into her own jacket. Going to his desk he writes a quick note for Cordelia. On the way to the sewer he grabs silver cup with intricate designs shoving it in his pocket he carries Briena into the sewer. He heads in the direction of the post office alert for vampires and such that live in the sewers.
****
"Brie" Angel whispers stroking Briena's back soothingly
Briena mumbles incoherently as she burrow's closer
"Briena I need you to wake up"
Briena lifts her head rubbing her eyes tiredly she looks around "Where are we?"
"Visiting the Oracles" he replies shifting Briena to his hip he picks up a handful of sand tossing it into the flame "We beseech access to the all knowing Powers That Be"
Briena lays her head on his shoulder watching has he performs the ritual.
"Hold on Brie" Angel says holding her tight against him
Briena wraps her arms around his neck " 'kay"
The two are pulled into the white room Angel turns so he hits the ground on his back. He shakes his head clearing his head when he hears a small giggle "What's so funny?" he asks standing
"Fun" Briena giggles
"Why are you here lower beings?" asks a man
Angel turns putting Briena on the ground "I need to know something"
Briena peeks around Angel's leg to see a familiar man and woman their skin a greyish blue both wearing togas. The woman with a golden crown in her hair.
"Why did you bring this child?" the man asks distain evident in his voice
Briena and the woman just watch each other with interest
"What did you bring us?" asks the woman speaking at last
Angel reaches into his jacket pocket "A silver cup" he takes it out of his pocket
The woman makes a gesture the cup moving towards her "Beautiful." she states "What are you in need of?"
"I need to know is Briena going to change fully"
"Its possible" the man replies
"I need to know." Angel says desperately "I want to be able to help her to explain but to do that I need to know what will happen." He looks down feeling a tug on his pants
Briena holds her arms up to him silently pleading. She sighs happily as Angel picks her up "Love you Daddy" she yawns closing her eyes
"Love you too" he whispers kissing her head. He looks back at the Oracles "She is my child, the only connection I have to the only person I have loved as a man or as a demon."
"Love like you have for your mate and child is noble Warrior but we do not know." the woman says
"Only the fates know and they are not willing to tell"
"Tell me this; how is it a child sired by a vampire will be the last of the Slayers?"
"You'll understand when it is time" the male Oracle states turning to leave
The female moves closer to Angel "It will turn out the way it is meant to" she says looking down at Briena "Like all children this one is special. Love her. Protect her. Teach her."
"I will" Angel promises smiling at his sleeping daughter
She nods "You were meant to become what you are. A vampire with a soul. The Slayer's mate. You and your mate were given a gift" she touches Briena's head "a special gift that you must treasure."
"We will" Angel assures
The male Oracle joins them "The child's future may not be fully revealed but like you she is destined for greatness."
Suddenly Angel sees white and finds himself standing outside the entrance to the Powers. He looks down at Briena in his arms "We will treasure her no matter what" he turns and walks away
"Why did you not tell him of the child's mate?" asks the male Oracle
The female looks at him "It is not time for him to learn that the child's mate has already been chosen" she walks through the archway disappearing
"Perhaps you are correct" the male agrees following her
****
Angel and Briena return to the apartment half an hour after leaving. Picking up the cordless as he walks through the kitchen he dials Cordelia's number. As he is carrying Briena into the living room Cordelia picks up "Cordelia its me"
"Hey Angel" Cordelia greets "I was just on my way over"
"Change of plans. I won't need you to watch Brie"
"Are you sure?"
Angel looks down at Briena "I'm sure. Thanks though"
"No prob." Cordelia assures "See you tomorrow"
"Yeah" Angel responds hanging up the phone
"Hi Daddy" Briena yawns sleepily
"Hello little one. Did you have a good sleep?"
Briena nods "Did you find out what you wanted from the Oracles?"
"No baby. They said it wasn't time"
"Oh" she sighs
Angel smoothes her hair back "How about we watch a movie" Angel suggests
Briena grins "OK" she scrambles off his lap heading for the bookshelf returning with the black and white version of King Kong "This one" she insists
"All right" Angel agrees taking the video he puts it in the VCR. Returning to the couch he pulls Briena onto his lap. The father and daughter sit on the couch watching the movie.
**** Midnight ****
"Hi" Angel greets "Sorry I'm late calling" he apologizes
"Its OK. I just got back to the room."
"How was patrol?" he asks
"Same as always" Buffy laughs "Things are calm here"
"Same here."
"How's the baby?"
"She's sleeping"
"What was the tantrum about?" Buffy asks
"Oh she just wanted to talk to you and Spike."
"I'm glad I talked to her. I miss her and you"
"We miss you too. What are we going to do about this weekend?"
Buffy groans "I don't know. Riley would become suspicious if I came to LA two weekends in a row especially if Spike came along."
"True" he agrees
"I know" Buffy says
"What?"
"When I talked to Mom this afternoon she mentioned that she had to go out of town for the weekend and she's leaving on Thursday afternoon. Why don't you and Brie come to Sunnydale" Buffy suggests
"Wny don't I bring Brie down on Friday night and pick her up on Sunday night"
"Are you sure? That's a long trip"
"I have to work on Saturday night"
"Oh." Buffy says disappointed "I forgot I don't have class on Friday so why don't you bring her on Thursday night" she suggests
"All right." Angel agrees "How about I call you Wednesday night"
"Sure" Buffy agrees "Its getting late. I better get to bed"
"Yeah you should. Goodnight baby"
"Night Angel" Buffy says softly "Give Brie a kiss for me"
"I will" Angel promises
"Bye"
"Bye" Angel echoes hanging up his phone. Standing he goes into Briena's room. Leaning over he kisses her forehead "Night little one" he whispers pulling the comforter up. Leaving the room he goes into the livingroom where he sits down to do some reasearch for a few hours.
Author: Inquisitive1
Disclaimer: I own only Briena
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqsitive1sfanfiction/index.html Fanfiction.net and numerous mailing lists.
Authors Note: I am limited in email access right now. So I am working on my stories and sending them out when I am able.
_____________________________
Part 15
**** Next Day ****
"You ready Brie?" Angel asks moments after Phil's departure
Briena nods excitedly "Where we going?"
"Well" Angel begins crouching before Briena "when Buffy was here she and I had a talk about you getting involved with activities that other kids do"
"Why?" she asks biting her lower lip nervously
Angel sighs needlessly giving his head a mental shake "She is so much like Buffy" he thinks. Angel picks up the little girl and sits on a kitchen chair with Briena on his lap. "Because you need to make friends with other little kids. And the only way that will happen is if you spend time with kids your age." he watches her face for understanding then continues "So we decided that for a couple hours a week that you will spend time at a place with other kids"
Briena frowns "Will you be there too Angel?" she asks her voice small
Angel shakes his head "No baby. I'll be here sleeping or working."
"Will Cordy be there?" she asks hopefully
Angel shakes his head "No baby she'll be here working"
"Doyle?" she asks her voice starting to sound scared
"Doyle will be working too. One of them will be taking you or picking you up but you'll be there with the other kids" He watches as Briena's expression go from puzzled to scared. "You don't need to be scared. Everything will be fine. You'll have fun and make some friends"
Briena lays her head on his shoulder "I wanna stay with you Daddy" she sighs
"I know" he kisses her head
"Angel" Doyle greets entering the kitchen "You two ready?"
Angel nods standing with Briena in his arms. "We're ready" he follows Doyle out to the car with Briena in his arms
**** 10 mins later ****
Angel carries Briena into the daycare center with Doyle following close behind. "This place looks like fun monkey" Doyle states looking around
Angel notices Ms Handlen walking towards them. "Hello Ms. Handlen" he greets
"Mr. Kelin" she returns smiling at the sight of the beautiful little girl in his arms "And who is this?"
"This is Briena" he answers "Brie say hi to Ms. Handlen"
Briena shakes her head clinging to Angel tighter
"She's being a little clingy today" he explains "This is Doyle he or Cordelia will be picking Brie up today"
"Hello" Doyle nods
"I'm glad you could make it today" Ms Handlen says "Its a good day to integrate Briena into the group." Ms. Handlen states gesturing for them to follow her. "Today is a rather calm day" she leads them to the arts and crafts room "Right now they are doing arts and crafts." she tells them
"Brie look you can go draw" Angel suggests
"No" she tightens her arms around Angel's neck "Wanna stay with Angel" she says
"Molly" Karen calls she turns back to Angel "Molly is one of the high school students who works here as part of our internship program for teen mothers. Her son is the one you saw making faces"
Angel nods
"Yes Karen?" a medium height dark haired teen asks her voice soft
"Molly this is Briena." Karen introduces the two
"Hello Briena. Would you like to color with the others?" Molly asks
Briena shakes her head "No." she watches Molly curiously
"Are you sure?" Molly asks "We're having a lot of fun"
"Brie why don't you go with Molly" Angel suggests "You can go draw a picture for Buffy. She'd like that"
Briena chews on her bottom lip thoughtfully then asks "Can we call her?"
"I'll make you a deal... if you can go with Molly and be good we'll call Buffy tonight. OK?"
Briena looks thoughtful then asks "Can I have a donut too?"
Angel and Doyle chuckle "Sure." Angel agrees "If your good we'll call Buffy and you can have a donut for desert"
"Briena you'll have fun" Doyle assures "Look at all the toys"
Briena looks around and sighs "OK."
Angel smiles "It'll only be for a few hours" he reminds her
"All right Daddy" she agrees
Angel smiles putting her down on her feet and crouches before her "Now remember the rules"
"No hitting. No biting. And behave" she recites
"Right" Angel chuckles tapping her nose
Briena throws her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek "Bye Daddy"
Angel kisses her cheek "Bye Brie"
Briena pulls away from Angel hugging Doyle's knees "Bye Doyle" she says
"Bye Monkey" he replies
Briena pulls away going to Molly's side
"You ready to go meet the other kids?" Molly asks
Briena shrugs "I guess" she follows Molly into the room
Angel watches as Molly introduces Briena to the other kids
"You ready man?" asks Doyle
Angel looks at Doyle "Why don't you head back to the office" he suggests "I've got to check out some things."
Doyle nods knowing that Angel is going to take the sewers back to the office. "Want me to pick Monkey up?" he asks
Angel nods looking back at Briena through the window "Take her out for ice cream or something"
"Sure." he agrees "see ya later" he leaves Angel watching Briena
"Its usually hard for a parent to leave a child for the first time" Karen remarks
Angel looks at Karen sheepishly "Since Brie moved in with me the only time we've been apart is at night when I have to go out or when Buffy was here over the weekend"
"If I may ask who's Buffy?" Karen inquires
Angel looks back at Briena "Buffy is Brie's mother"
"Is Briena close to her mother?" Karen asks
"Can we talk about this in your office?" Angel asks "I don't want Brie to hear any of this"
"Sure we can talk in my office" Karen offers leading Angel into her office "Have a seat" she gestures
Angel sits "There are things about Briena that you need to know. I am trusting you to keep this to yourself."
"I will" she promises
Angel nods "Brie has only lived with me for a couple weeks"
"So she's been living with her mother" Karen states
"No." he shakes his head leaning forward "After Brie was born she went to live with a friend. Two weeks ago Briena's guardian was killed in a car accident so she came to live with me"
"Most of the time a child lives with the mother." Karen states
Angel tilts his head in agreement "Normally yes. But her mother, Buffy, is a freshmen in college right now so we decided that it would be for the best if Brie lived with me"
Karen watches Angel "I take it Briena has no clue who her mother is"
"No she doesn't. She doesn't even know that I am really her father"
"Yet she calls you Daddy"
"Yes. I think its an automatic reaction when she's scared. Usually she just calls me Angel. We aren't ready for Brie to know the truth yet."
"If you need help telling her or anything at all let me know" Karen offers
"Thanks. I just might." Angel stands handing Karen the papers "If Brie starts acting up or anything call the office and someone will pick her up"
"I will." Karen stands following Angel to the door "Mr. Kelin if you need anything we're here to help"
"Thank you" Angel walks out of the office
In the arts and crafts room Briena senses Angel leaving the building
"Briena what's wrong?" asks Molly seeing the little girl's sad look
Briena looks down at her paper "Daddy's gone" she whispers
"Hey he'll be back." assures Molly stroking her hair
"Jack left and he never came back" she whispers
"And who's Jack?" asks Molly softly
"He took care of me before Daddy did" she answers going back to her drawing
"What happened to Jack?" Molly asks
"He died" she whispers
"What are you drawing?" Molly asks changing the subject
"A picture"
"Of what?"
Briena puts the crayon down so Molly can see the picture "My family"
"Can you tell me about it?"
Briena tilts her head pointing to the smaller figure "That's me" she moves to the darker figure "That's Angel"
"Who's the one holding Angel's hand? Your mommy?"
Briena frowns "I don't have a mommy. That's Buffy"
"Who's that?" Molly asks pointing to another figure laying on a couch watching T.V.
Briena laughs "That's my new friend Spike. He likes to watch cartoons with me."
Molly laughs "Spike sounds like nice"
Briena nods "I like Spike. But Angel and Buffy get mad at him a lot"
"And who are those two people?" she points to a figure wearing a dress and another wearing a loud print shirt
"That's Cordy and that's Doyle" Briena points to the two figures "and that is Mr. Doggie" she points to the scruffy dog in the picture
"Its a very nice picture Briena"
"Thank you" she replies shyly returning to her drawing
"What are you drawing now?" Molly asks watching as the little girl draws a face with a halo watching from the sky
"That's Jack. He's watching over me all the time" she replies as she draws
"You are a very good artist" Molly remarks
"Angel and I draw a lot" she shrugs
"OK kids its story time" Karen calls
Briena looks up at Molly and asks shyly "Can I stay here and draw?"
"Are you sure? Story time is a lot of fun" Molly tells her
Briena shrugs "I want to draw a picture for Buffy"
Molly sees the sad look on Briena's face "Sure" she relents "But why don't you come out and sit at the table and listen to the story at the same time" Molly suggests
Briena nods " 'kay" she picks up her papers and crayons following Molly into the next room where she sits down at a small table
"Today I am going to tell you the story of Curious George" announces the teacher Donna
Briena sits there half listening as the teacher begins to read
****
Angel makes it back to the apartment through the sewer entrance. He goes to the fridge and takes out a container of blood and pours some into a mug. Putting the mug in the mircowave he hangs up his jacket as he waits for his meal to heat up. He takes the heated blood out of the microwave and takes it up to the office with him "Cordy did anyone call?" he asks surprising the dark haired woman
"Ahh" she yelps jumping out of her seat. She turns to glare at the vampire "How many times do I have to tell you to make some noise when entering a room" she reminds
"Sorry" he says sheepishly
"God one day I'm going to have a heart attack" she mutters
"So did anyone call?" he asks again
"No" she replies shaking her head. "How'd it go with Brie?" she asks
following her boss into his office
"Pretty good." he answers sitting down "She was a little scared."
"That's normal. I was freaked out on my first day at school" she tells him "Mom had to practically have the nanny carry me into the room screaming."
Angel chuckles at the image "Brie wasn't that bad. Though I had to bribe her... twice" he admits
"With what?"
"I told her she could call Buffy tonight and have a donut for desert" he answers
"That girl has you tied around her little finger" Cordelia rolls her eyes
Angel takes a sip of blood shrugging slightly "I guess so." he admits "I never thought I'd have a kid, even when I was human I never really thought about it"
"Before I never really saw you as being father material" Cordelia confesses "but now I have to admit your pretty good at it"
"Thanks Cordy" he says gratefully
"Hey if it keeps you for being moody I'm for it" Cordelia grins
Angel grins back "Lets get to work. Brie will be back in an hour"
**** Daycare Center ****
"Briena would you like to join us?" Molly asks
"What are you doing?" she asks
"We're playing Duck, Duck, Goose" Molly answers
Briena frowns "How do you play?"
"Well" Molly begins "We sit in a circle and someone goes around tapping heads saying duck, duck, goose. When you say goose the person you say it too chases you around the circle trying to get to the empty place. The person who is left standing is it"
"I guess" she shrugs following Molly to the circle she sits
**** Hour later ****
" 'ello. I'm here to pick up Briena" Doyle says smiling at the receptionist
"What's your name?" inquires the receptionist
"Doyle" he offers
In the other room Briena hears the familiar voice grabbing her pictures she races to the reception area "Doyle" she says happily throwing her arms around his knees with such force he wobbles
Doyle laughs "Hiya Monkey" he greets picking her up
Molly comes out to the reception area to see the little girl hugging the man she had seen earlier. "You must be Doyle. I'm Molly"
" 'ello Molly" Doyle greets shaking her hand "So was Monkey 'ere good?"
"Oh yes. Briena was very well behaved" Molly grins
"That's good. Angel will be glad to hear that." Doyle looks at Briena "So Monkey are you ready to go home?"
Briena nods excitedly "I'm ready"
"Say goodbye and thank you to Molly" Doyle says
"Thank you Molly" Briena smiles shyly
"Your welcome" Molly smiles back "I'll see you later"
"Yep." Briena nods "Bye" she waves over Doyle's shoulder
**** Ten minutes later ****
Doyle opens the outer office door and Briena races in and finding Angel talking with Cordelia by her desk. "Angel" she shrieks happily throwing herself into his arms
"Hey you" he greets standing with Briena in his arms he kisses her nose "Did you have fun?" he asks
Briena scrunches her nose "I guess."
"How about we go and get a snack and you tell me what you did" Angel suggests
"OK" Briena says snuggling in his arms
"Hey Monkey don't forget your pictures" Doyle reminds handing her the papers
"Thanks Doyle" Briena smiles
"Do you need us anymore today?" asks Cordelia
"Um can one of you watch Brie for an hour or so tonight?"
"What time?" Cordelia inquires
"7 or 8."
Cordelia nods "Sure I'll watch her."
Angel smiles gratefully carrying Briena to the elevator shaft "Oh and can you pick up some donuts too"
"No problem" replies Cordelia
Angel and Briena head downstairs to the apartment. Angel puts Briena down on one of the chairs "so little one what do you want to eat?"
"Can I have crackers and juice?" she asks
"Sure" Angel agrees going to the cupboard he takes out a box of crackers and puts them on the table. "I'll have your juice in a minute" he goes to the fridge taking out a pitcher he pours some juice into a cup. "Here you go" he says placing the cup on the table
"Thank you" she grins
"So what did you do?" he asks sitting down
"I drew. And I played" she answers
"What did you draw?" he asks
Briena hands him the papers "That one's for you and that one's for Buffy"
"Tell me about your pictures" Angel requests
Briena spends the next 15 minutes telling him about the pictures. When she finishes she yawns
"Are you ready for a nap?" Angel asks
Briena nods tiredly "uh huh"
"Why don't you go to the bathroom and then I'll tell you a story."
" 'kay" she yawns walking out of the kitchen
**** Half an hour later ****
Angel closes the book and lays Briena down pulling the covers up to her neck. He leans down kissing her forehead "Sleep baby" he whispers leaving the room.
Part 16
**** Hour later ****
"Hi Angel" Briena greets resting her chin on his leg
"Hey little one" he smiles stroking her head
"Can we call Buffy now?"
Angel looks at the clock "Let's wait a while. Why don't you go watch some TV" he suggests
"All right" she agrees reluctantly going to the couch she turns on the TV.
**** Half an hour later ****
"Can we call Buffy now?" Briena asks
Angel smiles "Sure baby" he agrees joining Briena on the couch with the phone. Dialing Buffy's dorm number he pulls Briena onto his lap. After a minute he hangs up "Buffy's not there." he explains
"Oh" she sighs sadly
Seeing the sad look "How about we try at Giles?"
Briena nods "Can I talk to Spike too?" she asks
"If he's there sure" Angel agrees dialing the number
**** Sunnydale: Giles place ****
"Buffy its an easy question" Riley states following the blonde into the apartment
"I don't care. I'm not answering it" she retorts
"Chicken" he taunts
"I'm not chicken"
"Yes you are Summers" Spike chuckles
"Shut up you impotent vampire" Buffy glares
"So what isn't she answering?" Spike asks Riley "Maybe I know the answer"
"Why would you know the answer to anything in my life?" Buffy asks
Spike grins "The poof" he answers
"Who's the poof?" Riley asks curiously as the phone rings
"No one" Buffy replies
"Hello?" Giles asks "Um yes she is." he listens "uh yes thats true" he removes his glasses "All right just a second" he holds the phone out to Buffy "Buffy its for you"
Buffy looks up at Giles with a frown "Who is it?"
"Its um Cordelia" he lies
Buffy takes the phone "Hello?"
"Hey baby." Angel greets
"Hey is something wrong?" Buffy asks worriedly
"No. Everything is good. I had to bribe Brie to be good today by promising she could call you."
"I can't believe you" Buffy chastises with a laugh
"I know. Cordy all ready said that Brie has me wrapped around her little finger." he pauses "Just like you"
Buffy hears Briena say "I want to talk to Buffy"
"She wants to talk to you and if Spike's there she wants to say hi"
"Sure" Buffy agrees listening as Angel gives the phone to Briena "Hey you"
"Hi Buffy." Briena says happily
"What are you up too?" Buffy asks
"I got stitches yesterday and Phil took them out this afternoon"
"I heard about that. Are you OK?"
"Yep. I was good. Then I had to go to umm" Briena pauses
Buffy listens as Angel supplies her with the word "daycare"
"I had to go to daycare." Briena tells her "And I drew you a picture"
"Can't wait to see it" Buffy responds
"And I get a donut for desert 'cause I was good"
Buffy laughs "Well since you were then all right"
"Then Doyle picked me up and I had a snack and took a nap"
"So you had a productive day" Buffy states
"Uh huh"
"Brie I need to talk to Buffy" Angel says
"You said I could say hi to Spike" Briena protests
"In a minute. I need to talk to Buffy and Giles first" Angel takes the phone from Briena
"No wanna talk to Buffy and Spike" Briena shrieks trying to take the phone from Angel
"Brie not now" Angel chastises putting the little girl on the floor
"Now" Briena cries stomping her foot in protest causing the floor to crack
"Briena" he growls in warning.
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks worriedly
"Can I call you later?" Angel asks
"Uh sure. I'll be back at my room around 11."
"I'll call then. Tell Giles I've got some new information for him and I'll call back in a while."
"Talk to you later then" Buffy says softly
Angel hears the sadness in her voice "I love you baby"
"I know." Buffy hears the little girl crying in the background "You better go take care of that"
"I will. I'll call you as soon as I can" Angel promises
"You better" she teases
Angel chuckles "Bye" he says hanging up
"Bye" Buffy echoes staring at the phone
Riley looks up to see Buffy staring at the phone sadly "Buffy you all right?" he asks concerned
Buffy looks at Riley startled "Uh yeah. I'm fine" she looks at Giles "Cordelia will call you back. Said something about new information."
"Uh sure" Giles stammers knowing she is telling him that Angel will call back
"Oh also wanted to talk to Spike"
Spike looks at her quizzically "Why would Cordelia want to talk to me?"
Buffy shrugs "Didn't say much just something about Scooby" she hints
Spike nods
Buffy looks at Riley "Ready?" she asks
Riley looks at her suspiciously yet nods in agreement
**** LA: Angel's place ****
"Want to talk to Buffy" Briena demands as Angel hangs up the phone
Angel watches stunned as Briena's eyes flash gold. "Oh my god. I wasn't imagining it" he thinks. "She is like me"
"I want to talk to Spike" she cries
Angel runs his hands through his hair
Briena looks at Angel feeling his sadness she goes over to him "Angel" she asks worriedly. She crawls up to the couch resting her head against his arm "I'm sorry" she says meekly as she sticks her thumb in her mouth
Angel looks at her seeing the sadness in her eyes he sits up pulling her onto his lap "You did nothing wrong" he assures her giving her a hug
Briena nods "Uh huh. 'Cuz now your sad. I didn't mean to make you sad Daddy" she whimpers curling close to him
"Shh baby. Its not your fault Daddy's sad" he tells her
"Yes it is. 'cuz I got mad" she cries "I didn't mean too Daddy"
Angel begins to rock Briena as she cries "Oh baby it isn't your fault" he soothes "I'm the one who's sorry" he whispers "Its my fault. I didn't know how much you take after me"
he thinks to himself
Briena keeps crying "I'm sorry Daddy" while clinging to Angel.
Angel rocks her holding her close "Shh baby its OK. Its not your fault" he whispers trying to calm her
Soon her cries calm yet she still clings to Angel
Angel sits there holding her listening as she drifts off to sleep. Not wanting to move her, he picks up the phone pressing the redial on his phone. Stroking her hair comforting he listens as the phone rings on the other end
"Hello?" asks the familiar English voice
"Giles its Angel"
"Angel Buffy just left to patrol"
"I know" Angel says "I needed to talk to you"
"Uh sure. What can I help you with?" Giles stammers
"Did they tell you what happened this weekend with Brie?" Angel asks as he looks down at the sleeping child in his arms
"Uh yes I think Spike mentioned something about it" Giles states
"Did Buffy tell you that we saw something weird just before?"
"Uh no she didn't" Giles says
"Giles just before Brie bit Spike we saw her eyes flash gold. At the time we thought it was just our imagination but she just did it again"
"Other than biting Spike and her eyes changing has she shown any other vampire traits?" Giles asks curiously
"Other than the strength factor... no."
"Hmm" Giles muses "Let me see what I can find out. There might be some more on the prophecy that I haven't found yet. I'll check on it and call you back."
"Thanks Giles." Angel says appreciatively "Oh and don't tell Buffy I don't want her to worry needlessly"
"I'll try not too but I hate keeping this from her."
"I know, I do too. I'll tell her once we find out more"
"All right. How is Briena by the way?"
Angel smiles slightly "She's doing great. She started daycare this afternoon"
"What about her nightmares?" Giles asks
"She still has them but not as bad now"
"Good. Good"
"Oh yeah is Spike there?" Angel asks
"Uh yes he's annoying Xander right now"
"Go figure" Angel chuckles "I need to talk to him"
"Sure. I'll call you as soon as I find out more" Giles promises
"Thanks" Angel says listening as Giles calls Spike to the phone
"What the bloody hell do you want peaches?" Spike demands
"Look Spike I need you to help Giles out with his research"
"Why?" he demands
"Because" Angel growls suddenly startling Briena who whimpers sleepily "Shh" he soothes standing he cradles Briena close walking the floor "Spike just help him out with the research"
Hearing the worry in his sire's voice Spike frowns "What's going on Angel?"
"She's more like us than we thought" Angel replies softly
"Oh" Spike says sadly
"I've got to go" Angel says "Just help him out Spike"
"I will" Spike promises
"Oh yeah Brie wanted to say hi. She'd say it herself but she's asleep"
"Tell 'er hi back"
"I will. Thanks Spike"
"Sure" Spike replies hanging up the phone
Angel looks at the tearstained face of his sleeping daughter sighing sadly he sits down on the recliner Briena laying against his chest. "Oh Brie you are so much a miracle for us. I wish you didn't have to be like me. I'm sorry you seemed to inherit my traits" he lays his head back looking up at the ceiling. "What am I supposed to do?" he asks then suddenly it hits him "Oracles" he feels an urge to take Brie with him. He reaches for her shoes and carefully puts them on her feet
"Daddy?" she whimpers
"Shh baby. I'm right here" Angel kisses her forehead
"Where we going?" she asks sleepily
"To see some people. Go back to sleep" he whispers carrying her to the coat closet he grabs their coats. Shifting Brie in his arms he manages to get his own jacket on. He gently maneuvers the little girl's arms into her own jacket. Going to his desk he writes a quick note for Cordelia. On the way to the sewer he grabs silver cup with intricate designs shoving it in his pocket he carries Briena into the sewer. He heads in the direction of the post office alert for vampires and such that live in the sewers.
****
"Brie" Angel whispers stroking Briena's back soothingly
Briena mumbles incoherently as she burrow's closer
"Briena I need you to wake up"
Briena lifts her head rubbing her eyes tiredly she looks around "Where are we?"
"Visiting the Oracles" he replies shifting Briena to his hip he picks up a handful of sand tossing it into the flame "We beseech access to the all knowing Powers That Be"
Briena lays her head on his shoulder watching has he performs the ritual.
"Hold on Brie" Angel says holding her tight against him
Briena wraps her arms around his neck " 'kay"
The two are pulled into the white room Angel turns so he hits the ground on his back. He shakes his head clearing his head when he hears a small giggle "What's so funny?" he asks standing
"Fun" Briena giggles
"Why are you here lower beings?" asks a man
Angel turns putting Briena on the ground "I need to know something"
Briena peeks around Angel's leg to see a familiar man and woman their skin a greyish blue both wearing togas. The woman with a golden crown in her hair.
"Why did you bring this child?" the man asks distain evident in his voice
Briena and the woman just watch each other with interest
"What did you bring us?" asks the woman speaking at last
Angel reaches into his jacket pocket "A silver cup" he takes it out of his pocket
The woman makes a gesture the cup moving towards her "Beautiful." she states "What are you in need of?"
"I need to know is Briena going to change fully"
"Its possible" the man replies
"I need to know." Angel says desperately "I want to be able to help her to explain but to do that I need to know what will happen." He looks down feeling a tug on his pants
Briena holds her arms up to him silently pleading. She sighs happily as Angel picks her up "Love you Daddy" she yawns closing her eyes
"Love you too" he whispers kissing her head. He looks back at the Oracles "She is my child, the only connection I have to the only person I have loved as a man or as a demon."
"Love like you have for your mate and child is noble Warrior but we do not know." the woman says
"Only the fates know and they are not willing to tell"
"Tell me this; how is it a child sired by a vampire will be the last of the Slayers?"
"You'll understand when it is time" the male Oracle states turning to leave
The female moves closer to Angel "It will turn out the way it is meant to" she says looking down at Briena "Like all children this one is special. Love her. Protect her. Teach her."
"I will" Angel promises smiling at his sleeping daughter
She nods "You were meant to become what you are. A vampire with a soul. The Slayer's mate. You and your mate were given a gift" she touches Briena's head "a special gift that you must treasure."
"We will" Angel assures
The male Oracle joins them "The child's future may not be fully revealed but like you she is destined for greatness."
Suddenly Angel sees white and finds himself standing outside the entrance to the Powers. He looks down at Briena in his arms "We will treasure her no matter what" he turns and walks away
"Why did you not tell him of the child's mate?" asks the male Oracle
The female looks at him "It is not time for him to learn that the child's mate has already been chosen" she walks through the archway disappearing
"Perhaps you are correct" the male agrees following her
****
Angel and Briena return to the apartment half an hour after leaving. Picking up the cordless as he walks through the kitchen he dials Cordelia's number. As he is carrying Briena into the living room Cordelia picks up "Cordelia its me"
"Hey Angel" Cordelia greets "I was just on my way over"
"Change of plans. I won't need you to watch Brie"
"Are you sure?"
Angel looks down at Briena "I'm sure. Thanks though"
"No prob." Cordelia assures "See you tomorrow"
"Yeah" Angel responds hanging up the phone
"Hi Daddy" Briena yawns sleepily
"Hello little one. Did you have a good sleep?"
Briena nods "Did you find out what you wanted from the Oracles?"
"No baby. They said it wasn't time"
"Oh" she sighs
Angel smoothes her hair back "How about we watch a movie" Angel suggests
Briena grins "OK" she scrambles off his lap heading for the bookshelf returning with the black and white version of King Kong "This one" she insists
"All right" Angel agrees taking the video he puts it in the VCR. Returning to the couch he pulls Briena onto his lap. The father and daughter sit on the couch watching the movie.
**** Midnight ****
"Hi" Angel greets "Sorry I'm late calling" he apologizes
"Its OK. I just got back to the room."
"How was patrol?" he asks
"Same as always" Buffy laughs "Things are calm here"
"Same here."
"How's the baby?"
"She's sleeping"
"What was the tantrum about?" Buffy asks
"Oh she just wanted to talk to you and Spike."
"I'm glad I talked to her. I miss her and you"
"We miss you too. What are we going to do about this weekend?"
Buffy groans "I don't know. Riley would become suspicious if I came to LA two weekends in a row especially if Spike came along."
"True" he agrees
"I know" Buffy says
"What?"
"When I talked to Mom this afternoon she mentioned that she had to go out of town for the weekend and she's leaving on Thursday afternoon. Why don't you and Brie come to Sunnydale" Buffy suggests
"Wny don't I bring Brie down on Friday night and pick her up on Sunday night"
"Are you sure? That's a long trip"
"I have to work on Saturday night"
"Oh." Buffy says disappointed "I forgot I don't have class on Friday so why don't you bring her on Thursday night" she suggests
"All right." Angel agrees "How about I call you Wednesday night"
"Sure" Buffy agrees "Its getting late. I better get to bed"
"Yeah you should. Goodnight baby"
"Night Angel" Buffy says softly "Give Brie a kiss for me"
"I will" Angel promises
"Bye"
"Bye" Angel echoes hanging up his phone. Standing he goes into Briena's room. Leaning over he kisses her forehead "Night little one" he whispers pulling the comforter up. Leaving the room he goes into the livingroom where he sits down to do some reasearch for a few hours.