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 17
"Is it time to go?" Briena demands her hands on her hips
"Not yet" Angel chuckles "Just a while longer"
"OK" Briena sighs
**** Sunnydale: Buffy and Willow's dorm room ****
"Buffy calm down" Willow groans "I'm getting seasick"
Buffy stops her pacing "Sorry" she says sheepishly "I'm just nervous and excited."
"I can tell" Willow laughs
"I'm glad Mom went out of town otherwise I wouldn't be able to see Brie this weekend"
"Why not?" Willow frowns
Buffy sighs flopping back on the bed "Angel works on Saturday night so he couldn't stay for the weekend. And Riley is all ready suspicious of last weekend. If I went to LA two weekends in a row I'd have to come up with a really good lie"
"What are you going to do if Riley stops by?"
Buffy sighs frustrated "I thought about it and my only option would be to tell the truth or lie saying Brie's a cousin or something and I'm babysitting"
"What if he does a background check?"
Buffy frowns "Do you think he would?"
"Buffy he's military. He can do what he wants"
"I could say that I'm watching a friends daughter. Angel is a friend. He is Briena's father"
"And your her mother"
"Yeah I am" Buffy grins "So will you guys be coming over this weekend?"
"Yep. Xander and I thought it would be fun to bring out the childhood games"
"Good idea" Buffy says "Do you want to spend the night on Friday? We can watch movies with Brie until she goes to bed."
"Sounds like fun" Willow grins "What about patrolling?"
"Spike said he'd watch Brie"
"Spike?!" Willow exclaims "Our Spike?! The one who threatens to turn us into juice boxes as soon as he can take a bite out of us?"
"The same" Buffy nods
"Why?"
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure why. I think he sees Brie as his little sister. They spent time together last weekend."
"Ooohh" Willow sighs "That must have been a cute yet weird sight"
"Yeah it was" Buffy agrees "Funny I just used the word cute with the idea of Spike" she groans "We really are living on a Hellmouth"
"This is going to be an interesting weekend" Willow states
"Yeah it is." Buffy agrees
**** Sunnydale: 8 PM ****
Angel pulls the car into the driveway turning off the ignition "Is she still sleeping?" Angel asks Doyle
Doyle glances in the back seat "Yup Monkey's out"
"Grab the bags. I'll get Brie" Angel says
"Sure boss" Doyle nods getting out of the car he pops the trunk taking out Briena's bags.
Angel moves the seat forward leaning in he unbuckles the seatbelt pulling the limp body into his arms. He stands holding the sleeping child against his chest he finds Buffy waiting on the porch. "Hey" he greets softly when he nears the porch.
"Hi" she replies. "She asleep?"
Angel nods "She conked out an hour after we got in the car. She was so excited to see you she exhausted herself out."
"Why don't you go put her down in my room" Buffy suggests nodding to the stairs
Angel nods carrying Briena upstairs
"So you ready for this weekend?" Doyle asks Buffy
"Yeah I am" she grins
Upstairs Angel gently lays Briena down on Buffy's bed. He carefully unties her shoes pulling the covers over her he kisses her forehead tenderly. "See you on Sunday" he whispers
Outside a green Jeep Cherokee pulls into the driveway parking next to an unfamiliar black convertible Joyce frowns seeing the lights on "Buffy must be here with a friend" she muses taking the key out of the ignition. Joyce gets out of the car heading to the front door she opens it finding Buffy talking to an unfamiliar man. "Hi honey"
"Mom" Buffy says surprised "What are you doing here?" she stammers nervously
Joyce frowns at her daughter's reaction "Buffy what's going on?" she demands
"Uh nothing" Buffy lies
"Buffy" Angel begins coming down the stairs he stops at the sight of Joyce "Joyce" he nods
"Angel" she responds in kind. Looking at Buffy "What is going on?"
"Angel" Briena calls tiredly from the top of the stairs
Without looking at Joyce, Angel goes to the top of the stairs "What are you doing up?" he asks picking her up
"You didn't say goodbye" she yawns laying her head on his shoulder
"Who is this?" Joyce asks "What is going on?" she demands
"Mom this is Briena and thats Doyle. Doyle, Briena this is my mom Joyce."
"Hi" Briena says shyly
" 'ello" Doyle nods
"Hello Briena, Doyle" Joyce greets with a smile
Angel looks at Buffy "We should probably talk"
"That might be a good idea" Joyce agrees
"But not here" Angel says tilting his head at Briena
Buffy nods in agreement "Then lets go to Giles he can help explain"
"Explain what?" Joyce demands "What the hell is going on?"
"Mom we'll explain later" Buffy promises
Angel turns to Doyle "Can you watch her?"
"Sure"
"Brie be good for Doyle ok?"
"OK Daddy" she yawns laying her head on Doyle's shoulder after Angel hands her over
"We'll be back as soon as we can" Angel promises
"You can put Brie down in my room." Buffy adds "See you later Brie"
"Bye" she yawns in response
"Doyle why don't you call Giles and tell him we're on our way over" Angel suggests
Doyle nods "Sure boss"
Angel holds the door open for the Summer women to exit first. "Angel you should drive. If Mom does I doubt we'd make it there alive"
"That is not funny Buffy" Joyce snaps
"God Mom it was a joke" Buffy remarks opening the door she gets in the back seat
Five minutes later Angel pulls into the parking lot of Giles apartment building. Silently the three enter Giles apartment
"Hey Giles" Buffy greets entering the apartment
"Hello Rupert" Angel greets
"Hello" Giles nods
"Will someone please tell me what is going on" Joyce demands frustrated
"Mom you might want to sit down for this" Buffy suggests sitting on the arm of the leather chair Angel is seated in.
Joyce sits down starting to feel nervous "So tell me who is Briena?"
Buffy looks at Angel and Giles then her mother "Mom" she pauses taking a deep breath "Angel and I are Briena's parents."
Joyce stares at them stunned "What?!"
"Its true Joyce" Giles confirms
"But how? Briena looks to be 4 or 5 years old."
"So who is going to explain that" Buffy sighs
Giles hands Joyce the book containing the prophecy of Briena's birth "There was a prophecy of Briena. Why don't you read this it should help explain some"
Joyce takes the book and reads the passage then looks up at them frowning "So Briena basically appeared out of nowhere"
"Somewhat" Buffy nods
"All right let me simplify this" Joyce states "Both of you had a dream about a child"
Buffy nods
"What does this part mean? 'This dreamchild shall appear at the place where Hell and mankind fight after the death of love combines with Hell.'
"The night I sent Angel to hell was the night Briena appeared."
Joyce nods "So the next part is about how she was brought to you."
"Yes" Angel replies "Her guardian brought her to us."
"This is unbelievable" Joyce says
"Its the Hellmouth" Buffy shrugs
"This isn't a joke Buffy." Joyce snaps
"I know. I was stating a fact"
"And why didn't you tell me about all of this?" Joyce demands standing
"Why do you think?" Buffy demands "You freaked when I told you I was with Angel last weekend. I didn't want to risk you trying to ruin everything by overreacting."
"When have I done that?" Joyce asks
"Want me to name all of the times when you've overreacted?" Buffy asks sarcastically
"Buffy" Angel says calmingly
"How would I have ruined everything by overreacting?" Joyce demands
"God Mom if we had told you how would you have reacted to finding out the only grandchild you will ever have just happened to be fathered by a vampire that you happen to dislike?"
"That is not fair Buffy" Joyce says angrily
Buffy stands up "Not fair huh? Do you want to know what's not fair? I can't see my daughter whenever I want because the government decided to set up a demon chop shop in Sunnydale. Then add in the fact that I have to worry that that same group will find out about not only Brie but Angel as well. That is a major reason I didn't tell you about Brie."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Joyce demands
"Oh come on Mom. We both know that if I had told you, you would have told Riley"
"So he's your boyfriend"
"He's also part of the military group that would take Briena and Angel in for research" she leans against the armchair "I've seen what they do to the demons they research. They would do that same thing to Angel and maybe Briena as they did to Spike or worse like I saw."
"If you had told me that you didn't want Riley to know I wouldn't have told him."
"Maybe not on purpose but you tend to say what is on your mind when your angry."
Joyce closes her eyes momentarily trying to control her temper and tears. Opening her eyes she sits down "So tell me about all of this" she requests
Buffy sits on the arm of Angel's chair she leans against him for support "We better start at the beginning. Briena lived with the man whose family had been guarding the prophecy waiting for it to be fulfilled"
"Why weren't you told about her?" Joyce asks
"It wasn't time for Buffy and Angel to know of her existence." Giles answers
"Why not?"
"Jack told us that we weren't ready to know about her" Angel replies
"How come?"
"We aren't sure" Buffy answers "he never told us"
"And it wasn't in the prophecy" Angel adds
Joyce nods "All right I understand that. Tell me about Briena" Joyce asks
"Sure" Angel grins at the thought of the little girl
"Before we do Mom there is something you need to know" Buffy states
"Should I be worried?" Joyce asks nervously
"Um not really." Buffy answers "Its just Brie doesn't know that we are her parents"
Joyce frowns "But why did she call you Daddy Angel?"
"I'm not really sure" Angel shrugs "I think its her subconcious reaction when she's scared or tired. The rest of the time she just calls me Angel."
"Why haven't you told her?" Joyce asks
"Everything in her life has changed in the past week and a half. She needs some time to adjust before we tell her" Angel replies
"Joyce Briena is a very special child. She is the only child I have ever heard of that was conceived in a dream to a vampire and a Slayer. Let alone born."
"I would like to know more about her" Joyce remarks looking at Buffy and Angel
"What ever you want to know we'll tell you" Angel promises
Joyce nods "Thank you"
**** Summers' house ****
Doyle and Briena are sitting on the couch watching T.V. when the front door opens and in strolls Spike. "Hey mates" he greets
Briena looks up with a grin "Spike" she calls happily
"Hey cutie" Spike greets "Where's the poof and Summers?"
"Um with her Mom at Giles" Doyle answers
"Mum returned early?" Spike asks with a grin
"Yep" Doyle nods
"Ooh she must have been pissed" Spike chuckles "So they telling her about..." he nods at Briena
"I guess he didn't say"
Briena looks up at the door with a frown
"What's wrong pet?" Spike asks
"Someone's at the door" she tells them. Just then there is a knock at the door.
Spike stands up and opens the door groaning when he sees who's on the other side "She ain't here soldierboy"
"What are you doing here?" a voice demands
"Waiting for Summers" Spike answers walking back to the couch he sits beside Briena
Briena looks up to see a tall sandy haired man enter the house closing the door behind him. She watches him sensing something that begins to scare her. Seeking comfort she moves closer to Spike.
"Doyle that's soldierboy. Finn Doyle." Spike introduces
"Hi" Riley greets nodding at Doyle
"Hey" Doyle greets then introduces Briena "That's Briena"
"Hi Briena" Riley greets his voice gentle
Briena doesn't respond she just moves closer to Spike almost seeking protection.
"Brie aren't you going to say hi to Riley?" Doyle asks
Briena shakes her head sticking her thumb in her mouth "Want Daddy" Briena whispers her voice so soft that only Spike can hear.
"I know pet." Spike whispers back his arm draping across her back "He'll be back soon"
Doyle senses Briena's uneasiness "Monkey do you want a cookie?"
Briena shakes her head "No" she whimpers "Want Daddy"
"I wonder if Summers still has some blood" Spike muses
Riley looks at Spike puzzled "Why would Buffy have blood in her fridge?"
Spike rolls his eyes "Ask her" he starts to stand
"No" protests Briena clinging to him
Spike frowns "Come on cutie lets see if Mum has any hot chocolate left" he suggests picking Briena up he carries her into the kitchen. Spike goes through the cabinets finding the mugs and hot chocolate mix. He sets Briena on the counter as he fills up the tea kettle putting it on the burner he picks Briena up again.
"Want Angel" Briena sniffles laying her head on his shoulder "He makes my tummy and head hurt." she whimpers
Spike rubs her back gently "I'm sorry pet"
Doyle enters the kitchen "What's wrong?" he asks
Spike gestures towards the livingroom " 'e makes 'er nervous"
Doyle nods "Me too."
"I'm gonna call peaches and get 'em 'ere"
"Good. I'll go keep an eye on Finn" Doyle returns to the livingroom
Spike reaches for the phone dialing Giles number
"Who you calling?" Briena asks with a yawn
"Angel" he answers listening to the other end ring
"Hello?" asks Giles
"Watcher let me talk to Angel"
"How'd you know he's here?" Giles asks
"I'm at Summers"
"Just a sec"
Spike listens as Giles hands the phone to Angel "Peaches you and the Slayer should get over here quick"
"What's wrong Spike?" Angel demands
"Doyle and the kid are both getting spooked."
"What do you mean spooked?"
"Kid's barely said 10 words since Fishboy got here"
"Fishboy? Oh Finn. What is he doing there?"
"He came by to see the Slayer."
"We'll be right there." Angel promises "And Spike?"
"What?"
"Keep an eye on her"
"I will" Spike says
"Where is she now?" Angel asks
"Right here with me" Spike answers
"Good. We'll be there in a few minutes" Angel states hanging up the phone
"Is Daddy coming?" Briena yawns
"Yeah pet he's on the way here" Spike turns off the burner
**** Giles place ****
"What did Spike want?" Giles asks
Angel looks at Buffy his eyes showing his worry "Riley's at the house."
"What?" Buffy exclaims "What's he doing there?"
"Looking for you" Angel replies "Spike said Riley's presence is making both Briena and Doyle nervous."
"We should get back" Buffy says standing
"Hope Doyle doesn't sneeze" Angel mutters
"Why?" Joyce asks also standing
"He's half demon on his father's side. When he sneezes he changes" he explains as they exit the apartment after thanking Giles. A few moments later Angel pulls the car into the driveway
"This is going to be interesting" Buffy mutters as they walk up to the front door
The moment Angel walks in Briena throws her small body into his arms. Angel hugs her close and asks "What are you still doing up?"
"You haven't told me a story" she reminds
As Buffy walks in the door she finds her boyfriend watching T.V with Spike and Doyle. "Riley what are you doing here?"
He shrugs sheepishly "I was taking a break from studying and thought I'd come by and visit."
Buffy nods slightly she notices Spike watching the T.V ignoring everything around him. "Spike what are you doing here?"
Not looking up from the screen he answers smugly "Mum said I could crash 'ere"
Buffy looks at her mom for confirmation "Mother?" she asks her voice whiny
Joyce looks at Buffy and shrugs "He needed a place to stay"
"But Spike? Mom you know he's doing this to annoy me. And your aiding his annoyance of me"
"Buffy don't act like a child" Joyce admonishes "Spike is always on his best behavior when here."
"Kill me now." Buffy groans "My mother likes my worst enemy"
"I like Spike too" Briena pipes up from her place in Angel's arms as she fidgets with the golden cross around his neck
"See Slayer people like me" Spike grins
Buffy rolls her eyes "Oh yeah Angel, Riley. Riley, Angel" she introduces
"Nice to meet you" Riley says
Angel nods "Same here." he tilts his head towards the stairs "I'm going to go put her down"
Buffy nods " 'kay." she walks over to them "Night Brie"
Briena yawns "Night" she snuggles closer into Angel's arms. Angel carries her up to Buffy's room.
Riley watches Buffy watch Angel and the little girl head up the stairs. "Oh man I'm gonna be late for meeting Forrest" Riley mutters glancing at his watch. "See you later?" he asks Buffy
Buffy nods absently "Yeah"
"Right" he replies unsure. "Bye" he mutters walking out the door
Part 18
Once the front door closes Buffy hurries up the stairs to her room. She stands in the doorway watching the two on her bed.
"Brie" he begins pulling her onto his lap "Doyle and I have to go"
Briena looks at his hands her eyes drawn to his claddagh ring as well as her fingers as she plays with it. "Why?" she asks quietly her voice sad
"We have to work this weekend"
"Who's gonna tuck me in?" she asks her lower lip trembling "And tell me a story?"
Angel looks up at Buffy "I'm sure Buffy will if you ask nicely"
"Of course I will" Buffy says entering the room she sits beside them on the bed
Joyce walks up the stairs stopping outside Buffy's door she watches as her daughter and Angel try to reassure the little girl "My granddaughter" she thinks still awed by the news
Briena lays her head on Angel's unmoving chest comforted by lack of movement "I don't want you to go" she says softly as she twists his ring
"I know but I've got to help people who need help"
"Angel will be back on Sunday, baby girl." Buffy assures
"That's right I'll pick you up Sunday night."
"What if something bad happens?"
"Nothing bad will happen" Angel promises kisses her head
"Angel won't let it happen" Buffy reassures
"Promise?" Briena asks softly
"I promise" he says
" 'kay" she yawns
Angel lays her down on the bed pulling the covers up. He leans down kissing her forehead "I'll talk to you tomorrow little one"
Briena nods sleepily "Night" she yawns
"Night" Angel whispers he looks at Buffy his eyes sad "Talk to you later"
Buffy smiles leaning her forehead against his "Call me when you get home"
"I will" he agrees with a slight smile
They hear a slight sigh. Looking down they see Briena burrowing into the pillow
"Love you two" Angel whispers
Buffy kisses his cheek "I love you too"
Angel tucks her hair behind her ear "You still my girl?"
"Yes" she nods "Always"
Angel smiles "I better go" he caresses Briena's face with his forefinger "Bye little one"
"Bye Daddy" she mumbles sleepily
Angel kisses her forehead again "Love you little one"
Briena's eyes flutter open "Love you Daddy. Love you Momma"
At those words a single tear slides down Buffy's cheek wiping it away she leans down and kisses Briena's cheek "Love you too baby girl"
After watching the touching moment Joyce wipes away her tears and heads downstairs finding Spike and Doyle watching T.V. downstairs. "Would either of you like some hot chocolate?"
"Sure Mum"
"Uh no thanks Ms Summers" says Doyle
Joyce nods heading into the kitchen
Upstairs Angel stands walking towards the door. "Angel" Buffy calls
Angel stops turning around he watches as Buffy walks towards him. He touches Buffy's cheek smiling as she nuzzles his hand "Yes?"
"Angel" she whispers holding his hand against her cheek "be careful."
"I will" he leans down kissing her gently
"You have to" she whispers against his lips "she needs her Daddy. I need him too"
Angel brings her hand up to his lips kissing her knuckles lightly "Bye baby" he says releasing her hand
"Bye my Angel" Buffy replies holding herself watching as he walks out of her room. She goes to the window sill sitting down her attention split between the slumbering little girl in her bed to the window.
"Doyle ready?" Angel asks reaching the bottom of the stairs
"Sure boss. Is Monkey asleep?" Doyle asks standing
Angel nods "She is"
"Angel can I speak to you for a moment?" Joyce asks from the kitchen doorway
"All right" he agrees tossing Doyle his car keys "Start the car I'll be out in a minute"
Doyle nods "Nice to meet you Ms Summers. See you Spike"
Spike grunts in response
Angel joins Joyce in the kitchen "Yes?"
"Since things have changed so I think that we need to start over."
"I think that might be wise"
Joyce smiles "Good. Your picking Briena up Sunday?"
Angel nods "That's the plan"
"OK. You better get going you have a long drive back"
Angel turns leaving the kitchen he finds Spike still watching T.V.
"You leaving peaches?"
"Yes Spike I'm leaving" Angel says annoyed
"Good." he replies
"Spike I need you to watch out for them"
"I said I will" Spike reminds
"I know just promise me that if Finn's" Angel growls the name "around that Brie is never left alone with him"
Spike looks at his sire surprised "So you don't trust him"
Angel shakes his head "Not with Brie's life and independence"
"I'll keep an eye on 'er after all she's my little sister" Spike nods
"Thanks Spike" Angel says relieved
"See you Sunday" Spike waves him away
Angel shakes his head heading out to the car. He looks up to see Buffy watching him from her window. "I love you" he mouths
Buffy smiles sadly
Angel gets into the car "Lets get going" he says to Doyle "We have a long drive"
"Angel you OK?" Doyle asks concerned
Angel leans his head back closing his eyes "No. We haven't left and I all ready miss Brie and Buffy"
Doyle starts the car "Its only for a few days" he reminds backing the car out of the driveway
"I know." Angel sighs "I know" he repeats
**** Inside ****
Buffy sits on the window sill watching Angel's car pull out of the driveway. So lost in her thoughts Buffy is startled to see her mother beside her
Joyce stands in the doorway watching as her daughter stares out the window. "Buffy" she calls her voice soft so to not disturb Briena. Not getting a response she goes to her daughter's side touching Buffy's shoulder
Buffy looks up at her mother her eyes sad "It wasn't too hard to say goodbye to him in LA. But here..."
"You two have a lot of memories here. Of course you have a hard time saying goodbye in a place where you spent so much time together"
"I know but its also hard because I know how hard it was for him to go home without Brie" she looks at the sleeping child in her bed "he adores her. She adores him. I something happened to him she'd be heartbroken"
"Honey he'll be fine, he's lived over 200 years."
Buffy stands going to her bed she sits on the edge of the bed. "But if something does happen to him? Being apart is hard enough but to lose him for good..." she trails off smoothing Briena's hair out of her face
"Honey lets go downstairs" Joyce suggests
Buffy nods "I'll be down in a minute" she promises "I just want to change into my pajamas"
Joyce nods "All right. How 'bout some hot chocolate? I made some earlier for Spike."
" 'kay" Buffy smiles standing she goes to her dresser
Joyce turns to leave the room then stops "Honey"
"Yes?"
Joyce looks at Briena sleeping in the bed then at Buffy "I want you to remember that no matter what I am here for you and Briena."
"Thanks Mom"
Joyce smiles "And Buffy"
"Yeah"
"She's a beautiful little girl"
Buffy grins "Of course she is. She looks like Angel"
"I'll meet you downstairs"
Buffy nods "Sure." Joyce leaves Buffy to change into her pajamas.
A few moments later Buffy finds her mother in the kitchen "Where's Spike?"
"I think he went out to patrol for you" Joyce answers handing a mug to Buffy as the two walk into the living room sitting on the couch
"Oh" Buffy takes a sip of her hot chocolate "Mom?"
"Yes sweetie?" Joyce asks
"I didn't mean to hurt you by not telling you about Brie"
"I know. Maybe you were right to not tell me."
"But it wasn't right"
"Honey I'm not glad that you kept it from me. But the way things have been between us maybe you were right to be wary. I mean I've never been supportive of your relationship with Angel whether or not it was a friendship or dating relationship. I just want you to be happy and Angel seemed to be causing you more pain then happiness."
"But that's just it Mom even with all the pain there was the most intense happiness that I've never felt in any other relationship. I like Riley and all but when we're together I seem to worry about him being hurt. With Angel I didn't have to worry that a bunch of demons or vampires hurting him on a basic patrol."
"Are you thinking of breaking up with Riley?" Joyce asks
Buffy shrugs "There are reasons to break up with him. Then there are reasons to stay with him."
"Like what?"
Buffy puts down her mug pulling her knees up to her chest "Pros of breaking up with Riley- One I won't have to worry about him finding out about Angel and Brie. Two even though Angel wants me to live a normal life I feel like I'm lying. Three I'm not in love with Riley. I love Angel and being with Riley makes me feel like I'm cheating on him"
"What are the cons?"
"One without Riley then we won't have an inside track with the Initiative. Two I like him he's a nice guy. Three" she frowns "that's all I got"
"Sweetie you have to go with your heart" Joyce advises "And this time I promise I won't interfere"
"Mom my heart like always is with Angel" she looks up at the ceiling "and now Brie"
"Does Riley know that Angel's a vampire?"
"God no" Buffy groans "He would totally wig. He can't understand that not all demons are bad. I mean he freaks at the idea of Spike being left alone with anyone."
"Honey you need to do what's right for you"
Buffy nods "I will"
"Buffy tell me about Briena" Joyce requests
Buffy grins "She is so smart. And sweet." Buffy proceeds to tell her mother all about the little girl in her bed.
****
Briena opens her eyes looking around the darkened room. "Where's Angel?" she wonders fearful then she remembers "Angel's in LA. I'm with Buffy this weekend" she sits up rubbing her eyes. Grabbing Mr. Doggie she throws her legs over the edge of the bed slowing she pads out of the bedroom and down the stairs.
Buffy looks up to see Briena walking down the stairs with her stuffed dog. "Brie what's wrong?" she asks going to the bottom of the stairs she picks Briena up. "Did you have a bad dream?" she asks carrying Briena to the couch
"Briena sweetie what are you doing up?" Joyce asks softly
"Dunno" she lays her head on Buffy's shoulder
"You miss Angel" Buffy states
Briena nods
"Did you have a scary dream?" Joyce asks
"No" Briena replies sticking her thumb in her mouth
"Lets get you back to bed" Buffy suggests standing while she holds Briena "Night Mom" she grins
"Night Buffy. Night Briena" Joyce stands kissing their foreheads
"Night" Briena yawns
Buffy carries the sleepy child back up to her room. Laying Briena down Buffy kisses her forehead "Get some sleep sweet one"
Briena sighs sleepily "Night Mommy" she mumbles
"Night baby girl" she strokes the sleeping child's cheek
**** Lowell House ****
Riley slams his bedroom door closed and flops onto his chair tossing his Nerf ball into the hoop over his door. "What the hell is going on?" he asks himself
"Hey Iowa" knocks Forrest
"Its open" Riley calls watching as his best friend Forrest enters
"Well isn't this a surprise where's Summers?" he asks "You two are normally rocking the bed somewhere by now"
"She has a friend over"
"Friend? As in guy or girl?" Forrests asks sensing his friend's jealousy
Riley looks at his ceiling "Both. Her ex and his kid. I think he's her ex. She never told me his name but the way they acted..."
"Her ex has a kid?" Forrest asks stunned
"Yeah. His name's Angel. He's probably in his late 20s. The kid's like 4 or 5. I'm not sure if he's the kid's father though. She called him by his name but she looks like him."
"Did you ask Buffy about them?" Forrest asks
"No" Riley shakes his head "She was acting weird when I left. And the guy was weird"
"Ri are you jealous?" Forrest asks
"No" Riley denies "Just worried. There was something off about him"
"Like what?" Forrest asks
"I'm not sure. I'm going to talk to Buffy tomorrow" he decides
"Cool" Forrest nods "I'm goin' on rounds." he walks to the door "Check ya later"
"See ya" Riley replies watching Forrest leave "Who is this man Buffy? What does he mean to you?" Riley wonders
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 17
"Is it time to go?" Briena demands her hands on her hips
"Not yet" Angel chuckles "Just a while longer"
"OK" Briena sighs
**** Sunnydale: Buffy and Willow's dorm room ****
"Buffy calm down" Willow groans "I'm getting seasick"
Buffy stops her pacing "Sorry" she says sheepishly "I'm just nervous and excited."
"I can tell" Willow laughs
"I'm glad Mom went out of town otherwise I wouldn't be able to see Brie this weekend"
"Why not?" Willow frowns
Buffy sighs flopping back on the bed "Angel works on Saturday night so he couldn't stay for the weekend. And Riley is all ready suspicious of last weekend. If I went to LA two weekends in a row I'd have to come up with a really good lie"
"What are you going to do if Riley stops by?"
Buffy sighs frustrated "I thought about it and my only option would be to tell the truth or lie saying Brie's a cousin or something and I'm babysitting"
"What if he does a background check?"
Buffy frowns "Do you think he would?"
"Buffy he's military. He can do what he wants"
"I could say that I'm watching a friends daughter. Angel is a friend. He is Briena's father"
"And your her mother"
"Yeah I am" Buffy grins "So will you guys be coming over this weekend?"
"Yep. Xander and I thought it would be fun to bring out the childhood games"
"Good idea" Buffy says "Do you want to spend the night on Friday? We can watch movies with Brie until she goes to bed."
"Sounds like fun" Willow grins "What about patrolling?"
"Spike said he'd watch Brie"
"Spike?!" Willow exclaims "Our Spike?! The one who threatens to turn us into juice boxes as soon as he can take a bite out of us?"
"The same" Buffy nods
"Why?"
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure why. I think he sees Brie as his little sister. They spent time together last weekend."
"Ooohh" Willow sighs "That must have been a cute yet weird sight"
"Yeah it was" Buffy agrees "Funny I just used the word cute with the idea of Spike" she groans "We really are living on a Hellmouth"
"This is going to be an interesting weekend" Willow states
"Yeah it is." Buffy agrees
**** Sunnydale: 8 PM ****
Angel pulls the car into the driveway turning off the ignition "Is she still sleeping?" Angel asks Doyle
Doyle glances in the back seat "Yup Monkey's out"
"Grab the bags. I'll get Brie" Angel says
"Sure boss" Doyle nods getting out of the car he pops the trunk taking out Briena's bags.
Angel moves the seat forward leaning in he unbuckles the seatbelt pulling the limp body into his arms. He stands holding the sleeping child against his chest he finds Buffy waiting on the porch. "Hey" he greets softly when he nears the porch.
"Hi" she replies. "She asleep?"
Angel nods "She conked out an hour after we got in the car. She was so excited to see you she exhausted herself out."
"Why don't you go put her down in my room" Buffy suggests nodding to the stairs
Angel nods carrying Briena upstairs
"So you ready for this weekend?" Doyle asks Buffy
"Yeah I am" she grins
Upstairs Angel gently lays Briena down on Buffy's bed. He carefully unties her shoes pulling the covers over her he kisses her forehead tenderly. "See you on Sunday" he whispers
Outside a green Jeep Cherokee pulls into the driveway parking next to an unfamiliar black convertible Joyce frowns seeing the lights on "Buffy must be here with a friend" she muses taking the key out of the ignition. Joyce gets out of the car heading to the front door she opens it finding Buffy talking to an unfamiliar man. "Hi honey"
"Mom" Buffy says surprised "What are you doing here?" she stammers nervously
Joyce frowns at her daughter's reaction "Buffy what's going on?" she demands
"Uh nothing" Buffy lies
"Buffy" Angel begins coming down the stairs he stops at the sight of Joyce "Joyce" he nods
"Angel" she responds in kind. Looking at Buffy "What is going on?"
"Angel" Briena calls tiredly from the top of the stairs
Without looking at Joyce, Angel goes to the top of the stairs "What are you doing up?" he asks picking her up
"You didn't say goodbye" she yawns laying her head on his shoulder
"Who is this?" Joyce asks "What is going on?" she demands
"Mom this is Briena and thats Doyle. Doyle, Briena this is my mom Joyce."
"Hi" Briena says shyly
" 'ello" Doyle nods
"Hello Briena, Doyle" Joyce greets with a smile
Angel looks at Buffy "We should probably talk"
"That might be a good idea" Joyce agrees
"But not here" Angel says tilting his head at Briena
Buffy nods in agreement "Then lets go to Giles he can help explain"
"Explain what?" Joyce demands "What the hell is going on?"
"Mom we'll explain later" Buffy promises
Angel turns to Doyle "Can you watch her?"
"Sure"
"Brie be good for Doyle ok?"
"OK Daddy" she yawns laying her head on Doyle's shoulder after Angel hands her over
"We'll be back as soon as we can" Angel promises
"You can put Brie down in my room." Buffy adds "See you later Brie"
"Bye" she yawns in response
"Doyle why don't you call Giles and tell him we're on our way over" Angel suggests
Doyle nods "Sure boss"
Angel holds the door open for the Summer women to exit first. "Angel you should drive. If Mom does I doubt we'd make it there alive"
"That is not funny Buffy" Joyce snaps
"God Mom it was a joke" Buffy remarks opening the door she gets in the back seat
Five minutes later Angel pulls into the parking lot of Giles apartment building. Silently the three enter Giles apartment
"Hey Giles" Buffy greets entering the apartment
"Hello Rupert" Angel greets
"Hello" Giles nods
"Will someone please tell me what is going on" Joyce demands frustrated
"Mom you might want to sit down for this" Buffy suggests sitting on the arm of the leather chair Angel is seated in.
Joyce sits down starting to feel nervous "So tell me who is Briena?"
Buffy looks at Angel and Giles then her mother "Mom" she pauses taking a deep breath "Angel and I are Briena's parents."
Joyce stares at them stunned "What?!"
"Its true Joyce" Giles confirms
"But how? Briena looks to be 4 or 5 years old."
"So who is going to explain that" Buffy sighs
Giles hands Joyce the book containing the prophecy of Briena's birth "There was a prophecy of Briena. Why don't you read this it should help explain some"
Joyce takes the book and reads the passage then looks up at them frowning "So Briena basically appeared out of nowhere"
"Somewhat" Buffy nods
"All right let me simplify this" Joyce states "Both of you had a dream about a child"
Buffy nods
"What does this part mean? 'This dreamchild shall appear at the place where Hell and mankind fight after the death of love combines with Hell.'
"The night I sent Angel to hell was the night Briena appeared."
Joyce nods "So the next part is about how she was brought to you."
"Yes" Angel replies "Her guardian brought her to us."
"This is unbelievable" Joyce says
"Its the Hellmouth" Buffy shrugs
"This isn't a joke Buffy." Joyce snaps
"I know. I was stating a fact"
"And why didn't you tell me about all of this?" Joyce demands standing
"Why do you think?" Buffy demands "You freaked when I told you I was with Angel last weekend. I didn't want to risk you trying to ruin everything by overreacting."
"When have I done that?" Joyce asks
"Want me to name all of the times when you've overreacted?" Buffy asks sarcastically
"Buffy" Angel says calmingly
"How would I have ruined everything by overreacting?" Joyce demands
"God Mom if we had told you how would you have reacted to finding out the only grandchild you will ever have just happened to be fathered by a vampire that you happen to dislike?"
"That is not fair Buffy" Joyce says angrily
Buffy stands up "Not fair huh? Do you want to know what's not fair? I can't see my daughter whenever I want because the government decided to set up a demon chop shop in Sunnydale. Then add in the fact that I have to worry that that same group will find out about not only Brie but Angel as well. That is a major reason I didn't tell you about Brie."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Joyce demands
"Oh come on Mom. We both know that if I had told you, you would have told Riley"
"So he's your boyfriend"
"He's also part of the military group that would take Briena and Angel in for research" she leans against the armchair "I've seen what they do to the demons they research. They would do that same thing to Angel and maybe Briena as they did to Spike or worse like I saw."
"If you had told me that you didn't want Riley to know I wouldn't have told him."
"Maybe not on purpose but you tend to say what is on your mind when your angry."
Joyce closes her eyes momentarily trying to control her temper and tears. Opening her eyes she sits down "So tell me about all of this" she requests
Buffy sits on the arm of Angel's chair she leans against him for support "We better start at the beginning. Briena lived with the man whose family had been guarding the prophecy waiting for it to be fulfilled"
"Why weren't you told about her?" Joyce asks
"It wasn't time for Buffy and Angel to know of her existence." Giles answers
"Why not?"
"Jack told us that we weren't ready to know about her" Angel replies
"How come?"
"We aren't sure" Buffy answers "he never told us"
"And it wasn't in the prophecy" Angel adds
Joyce nods "All right I understand that. Tell me about Briena" Joyce asks
"Sure" Angel grins at the thought of the little girl
"Before we do Mom there is something you need to know" Buffy states
"Should I be worried?" Joyce asks nervously
"Um not really." Buffy answers "Its just Brie doesn't know that we are her parents"
Joyce frowns "But why did she call you Daddy Angel?"
"I'm not really sure" Angel shrugs "I think its her subconcious reaction when she's scared or tired. The rest of the time she just calls me Angel."
"Why haven't you told her?" Joyce asks
"Everything in her life has changed in the past week and a half. She needs some time to adjust before we tell her" Angel replies
"Joyce Briena is a very special child. She is the only child I have ever heard of that was conceived in a dream to a vampire and a Slayer. Let alone born."
"I would like to know more about her" Joyce remarks looking at Buffy and Angel
"What ever you want to know we'll tell you" Angel promises
Joyce nods "Thank you"
**** Summers' house ****
Doyle and Briena are sitting on the couch watching T.V. when the front door opens and in strolls Spike. "Hey mates" he greets
Briena looks up with a grin "Spike" she calls happily
"Hey cutie" Spike greets "Where's the poof and Summers?"
"Um with her Mom at Giles" Doyle answers
"Mum returned early?" Spike asks with a grin
"Yep" Doyle nods
"Ooh she must have been pissed" Spike chuckles "So they telling her about..." he nods at Briena
"I guess he didn't say"
Briena looks up at the door with a frown
"What's wrong pet?" Spike asks
"Someone's at the door" she tells them. Just then there is a knock at the door.
Spike stands up and opens the door groaning when he sees who's on the other side "She ain't here soldierboy"
"What are you doing here?" a voice demands
"Waiting for Summers" Spike answers walking back to the couch he sits beside Briena
Briena looks up to see a tall sandy haired man enter the house closing the door behind him. She watches him sensing something that begins to scare her. Seeking comfort she moves closer to Spike.
"Doyle that's soldierboy. Finn Doyle." Spike introduces
"Hi" Riley greets nodding at Doyle
"Hey" Doyle greets then introduces Briena "That's Briena"
"Hi Briena" Riley greets his voice gentle
Briena doesn't respond she just moves closer to Spike almost seeking protection.
"Brie aren't you going to say hi to Riley?" Doyle asks
Briena shakes her head sticking her thumb in her mouth "Want Daddy" Briena whispers her voice so soft that only Spike can hear.
"I know pet." Spike whispers back his arm draping across her back "He'll be back soon"
Doyle senses Briena's uneasiness "Monkey do you want a cookie?"
Briena shakes her head "No" she whimpers "Want Daddy"
"I wonder if Summers still has some blood" Spike muses
Riley looks at Spike puzzled "Why would Buffy have blood in her fridge?"
Spike rolls his eyes "Ask her" he starts to stand
"No" protests Briena clinging to him
Spike frowns "Come on cutie lets see if Mum has any hot chocolate left" he suggests picking Briena up he carries her into the kitchen. Spike goes through the cabinets finding the mugs and hot chocolate mix. He sets Briena on the counter as he fills up the tea kettle putting it on the burner he picks Briena up again.
"Want Angel" Briena sniffles laying her head on his shoulder "He makes my tummy and head hurt." she whimpers
Spike rubs her back gently "I'm sorry pet"
Doyle enters the kitchen "What's wrong?" he asks
Spike gestures towards the livingroom " 'e makes 'er nervous"
Doyle nods "Me too."
"I'm gonna call peaches and get 'em 'ere"
"Good. I'll go keep an eye on Finn" Doyle returns to the livingroom
Spike reaches for the phone dialing Giles number
"Who you calling?" Briena asks with a yawn
"Angel" he answers listening to the other end ring
"Hello?" asks Giles
"Watcher let me talk to Angel"
"How'd you know he's here?" Giles asks
"I'm at Summers"
"Just a sec"
Spike listens as Giles hands the phone to Angel "Peaches you and the Slayer should get over here quick"
"What's wrong Spike?" Angel demands
"Doyle and the kid are both getting spooked."
"What do you mean spooked?"
"Kid's barely said 10 words since Fishboy got here"
"Fishboy? Oh Finn. What is he doing there?"
"He came by to see the Slayer."
"We'll be right there." Angel promises "And Spike?"
"What?"
"Keep an eye on her"
"I will" Spike says
"Where is she now?" Angel asks
"Right here with me" Spike answers
"Good. We'll be there in a few minutes" Angel states hanging up the phone
"Is Daddy coming?" Briena yawns
"Yeah pet he's on the way here" Spike turns off the burner
**** Giles place ****
"What did Spike want?" Giles asks
Angel looks at Buffy his eyes showing his worry "Riley's at the house."
"What?" Buffy exclaims "What's he doing there?"
"Looking for you" Angel replies "Spike said Riley's presence is making both Briena and Doyle nervous."
"We should get back" Buffy says standing
"Hope Doyle doesn't sneeze" Angel mutters
"Why?" Joyce asks also standing
"He's half demon on his father's side. When he sneezes he changes" he explains as they exit the apartment after thanking Giles. A few moments later Angel pulls the car into the driveway
"This is going to be interesting" Buffy mutters as they walk up to the front door
The moment Angel walks in Briena throws her small body into his arms. Angel hugs her close and asks "What are you still doing up?"
"You haven't told me a story" she reminds
As Buffy walks in the door she finds her boyfriend watching T.V with Spike and Doyle. "Riley what are you doing here?"
He shrugs sheepishly "I was taking a break from studying and thought I'd come by and visit."
Buffy nods slightly she notices Spike watching the T.V ignoring everything around him. "Spike what are you doing here?"
Not looking up from the screen he answers smugly "Mum said I could crash 'ere"
Buffy looks at her mom for confirmation "Mother?" she asks her voice whiny
Joyce looks at Buffy and shrugs "He needed a place to stay"
"But Spike? Mom you know he's doing this to annoy me. And your aiding his annoyance of me"
"Buffy don't act like a child" Joyce admonishes "Spike is always on his best behavior when here."
"Kill me now." Buffy groans "My mother likes my worst enemy"
"I like Spike too" Briena pipes up from her place in Angel's arms as she fidgets with the golden cross around his neck
"See Slayer people like me" Spike grins
Buffy rolls her eyes "Oh yeah Angel, Riley. Riley, Angel" she introduces
"Nice to meet you" Riley says
Angel nods "Same here." he tilts his head towards the stairs "I'm going to go put her down"
Buffy nods " 'kay." she walks over to them "Night Brie"
Briena yawns "Night" she snuggles closer into Angel's arms. Angel carries her up to Buffy's room.
Riley watches Buffy watch Angel and the little girl head up the stairs. "Oh man I'm gonna be late for meeting Forrest" Riley mutters glancing at his watch. "See you later?" he asks Buffy
Buffy nods absently "Yeah"
"Right" he replies unsure. "Bye" he mutters walking out the door
Part 18
Once the front door closes Buffy hurries up the stairs to her room. She stands in the doorway watching the two on her bed.
"Brie" he begins pulling her onto his lap "Doyle and I have to go"
Briena looks at his hands her eyes drawn to his claddagh ring as well as her fingers as she plays with it. "Why?" she asks quietly her voice sad
"We have to work this weekend"
"Who's gonna tuck me in?" she asks her lower lip trembling "And tell me a story?"
Angel looks up at Buffy "I'm sure Buffy will if you ask nicely"
"Of course I will" Buffy says entering the room she sits beside them on the bed
Joyce walks up the stairs stopping outside Buffy's door she watches as her daughter and Angel try to reassure the little girl "My granddaughter" she thinks still awed by the news
Briena lays her head on Angel's unmoving chest comforted by lack of movement "I don't want you to go" she says softly as she twists his ring
"I know but I've got to help people who need help"
"Angel will be back on Sunday, baby girl." Buffy assures
"That's right I'll pick you up Sunday night."
"What if something bad happens?"
"Nothing bad will happen" Angel promises kisses her head
"Angel won't let it happen" Buffy reassures
"Promise?" Briena asks softly
"I promise" he says
" 'kay" she yawns
Angel lays her down on the bed pulling the covers up. He leans down kissing her forehead "I'll talk to you tomorrow little one"
Briena nods sleepily "Night" she yawns
"Night" Angel whispers he looks at Buffy his eyes sad "Talk to you later"
Buffy smiles leaning her forehead against his "Call me when you get home"
"I will" he agrees with a slight smile
They hear a slight sigh. Looking down they see Briena burrowing into the pillow
"Love you two" Angel whispers
Buffy kisses his cheek "I love you too"
Angel tucks her hair behind her ear "You still my girl?"
"Yes" she nods "Always"
Angel smiles "I better go" he caresses Briena's face with his forefinger "Bye little one"
"Bye Daddy" she mumbles sleepily
Angel kisses her forehead again "Love you little one"
Briena's eyes flutter open "Love you Daddy. Love you Momma"
At those words a single tear slides down Buffy's cheek wiping it away she leans down and kisses Briena's cheek "Love you too baby girl"
After watching the touching moment Joyce wipes away her tears and heads downstairs finding Spike and Doyle watching T.V. downstairs. "Would either of you like some hot chocolate?"
"Sure Mum"
"Uh no thanks Ms Summers" says Doyle
Joyce nods heading into the kitchen
Upstairs Angel stands walking towards the door. "Angel" Buffy calls
Angel stops turning around he watches as Buffy walks towards him. He touches Buffy's cheek smiling as she nuzzles his hand "Yes?"
"Angel" she whispers holding his hand against her cheek "be careful."
"I will" he leans down kissing her gently
"You have to" she whispers against his lips "she needs her Daddy. I need him too"
Angel brings her hand up to his lips kissing her knuckles lightly "Bye baby" he says releasing her hand
"Bye my Angel" Buffy replies holding herself watching as he walks out of her room. She goes to the window sill sitting down her attention split between the slumbering little girl in her bed to the window.
"Doyle ready?" Angel asks reaching the bottom of the stairs
"Sure boss. Is Monkey asleep?" Doyle asks standing
Angel nods "She is"
"Angel can I speak to you for a moment?" Joyce asks from the kitchen doorway
"All right" he agrees tossing Doyle his car keys "Start the car I'll be out in a minute"
Doyle nods "Nice to meet you Ms Summers. See you Spike"
Spike grunts in response
Angel joins Joyce in the kitchen "Yes?"
"Since things have changed so I think that we need to start over."
"I think that might be wise"
Joyce smiles "Good. Your picking Briena up Sunday?"
Angel nods "That's the plan"
"OK. You better get going you have a long drive back"
Angel turns leaving the kitchen he finds Spike still watching T.V.
"You leaving peaches?"
"Yes Spike I'm leaving" Angel says annoyed
"Good." he replies
"Spike I need you to watch out for them"
"I said I will" Spike reminds
"I know just promise me that if Finn's" Angel growls the name "around that Brie is never left alone with him"
Spike looks at his sire surprised "So you don't trust him"
Angel shakes his head "Not with Brie's life and independence"
"I'll keep an eye on 'er after all she's my little sister" Spike nods
"Thanks Spike" Angel says relieved
"See you Sunday" Spike waves him away
Angel shakes his head heading out to the car. He looks up to see Buffy watching him from her window. "I love you" he mouths
Buffy smiles sadly
Angel gets into the car "Lets get going" he says to Doyle "We have a long drive"
"Angel you OK?" Doyle asks concerned
Angel leans his head back closing his eyes "No. We haven't left and I all ready miss Brie and Buffy"
Doyle starts the car "Its only for a few days" he reminds backing the car out of the driveway
"I know." Angel sighs "I know" he repeats
**** Inside ****
Buffy sits on the window sill watching Angel's car pull out of the driveway. So lost in her thoughts Buffy is startled to see her mother beside her
Joyce stands in the doorway watching as her daughter stares out the window. "Buffy" she calls her voice soft so to not disturb Briena. Not getting a response she goes to her daughter's side touching Buffy's shoulder
Buffy looks up at her mother her eyes sad "It wasn't too hard to say goodbye to him in LA. But here..."
"You two have a lot of memories here. Of course you have a hard time saying goodbye in a place where you spent so much time together"
"I know but its also hard because I know how hard it was for him to go home without Brie" she looks at the sleeping child in her bed "he adores her. She adores him. I something happened to him she'd be heartbroken"
"Honey he'll be fine, he's lived over 200 years."
Buffy stands going to her bed she sits on the edge of the bed. "But if something does happen to him? Being apart is hard enough but to lose him for good..." she trails off smoothing Briena's hair out of her face
"Honey lets go downstairs" Joyce suggests
Buffy nods "I'll be down in a minute" she promises "I just want to change into my pajamas"
Joyce nods "All right. How 'bout some hot chocolate? I made some earlier for Spike."
" 'kay" Buffy smiles standing she goes to her dresser
Joyce turns to leave the room then stops "Honey"
"Yes?"
Joyce looks at Briena sleeping in the bed then at Buffy "I want you to remember that no matter what I am here for you and Briena."
"Thanks Mom"
Joyce smiles "And Buffy"
"Yeah"
"She's a beautiful little girl"
Buffy grins "Of course she is. She looks like Angel"
"I'll meet you downstairs"
Buffy nods "Sure." Joyce leaves Buffy to change into her pajamas.
A few moments later Buffy finds her mother in the kitchen "Where's Spike?"
"I think he went out to patrol for you" Joyce answers handing a mug to Buffy as the two walk into the living room sitting on the couch
"Oh" Buffy takes a sip of her hot chocolate "Mom?"
"Yes sweetie?" Joyce asks
"I didn't mean to hurt you by not telling you about Brie"
"I know. Maybe you were right to not tell me."
"But it wasn't right"
"Honey I'm not glad that you kept it from me. But the way things have been between us maybe you were right to be wary. I mean I've never been supportive of your relationship with Angel whether or not it was a friendship or dating relationship. I just want you to be happy and Angel seemed to be causing you more pain then happiness."
"But that's just it Mom even with all the pain there was the most intense happiness that I've never felt in any other relationship. I like Riley and all but when we're together I seem to worry about him being hurt. With Angel I didn't have to worry that a bunch of demons or vampires hurting him on a basic patrol."
"Are you thinking of breaking up with Riley?" Joyce asks
Buffy shrugs "There are reasons to break up with him. Then there are reasons to stay with him."
"Like what?"
Buffy puts down her mug pulling her knees up to her chest "Pros of breaking up with Riley- One I won't have to worry about him finding out about Angel and Brie. Two even though Angel wants me to live a normal life I feel like I'm lying. Three I'm not in love with Riley. I love Angel and being with Riley makes me feel like I'm cheating on him"
"What are the cons?"
"One without Riley then we won't have an inside track with the Initiative. Two I like him he's a nice guy. Three" she frowns "that's all I got"
"Sweetie you have to go with your heart" Joyce advises "And this time I promise I won't interfere"
"Mom my heart like always is with Angel" she looks up at the ceiling "and now Brie"
"Does Riley know that Angel's a vampire?"
"God no" Buffy groans "He would totally wig. He can't understand that not all demons are bad. I mean he freaks at the idea of Spike being left alone with anyone."
"Honey you need to do what's right for you"
Buffy nods "I will"
"Buffy tell me about Briena" Joyce requests
Buffy grins "She is so smart. And sweet." Buffy proceeds to tell her mother all about the little girl in her bed.
****
Briena opens her eyes looking around the darkened room. "Where's Angel?" she wonders fearful then she remembers "Angel's in LA. I'm with Buffy this weekend" she sits up rubbing her eyes. Grabbing Mr. Doggie she throws her legs over the edge of the bed slowing she pads out of the bedroom and down the stairs.
Buffy looks up to see Briena walking down the stairs with her stuffed dog. "Brie what's wrong?" she asks going to the bottom of the stairs she picks Briena up. "Did you have a bad dream?" she asks carrying Briena to the couch
"Briena sweetie what are you doing up?" Joyce asks softly
"Dunno" she lays her head on Buffy's shoulder
"You miss Angel" Buffy states
Briena nods
"Did you have a scary dream?" Joyce asks
"No" Briena replies sticking her thumb in her mouth
"Lets get you back to bed" Buffy suggests standing while she holds Briena "Night Mom" she grins
"Night Buffy. Night Briena" Joyce stands kissing their foreheads
"Night" Briena yawns
Buffy carries the sleepy child back up to her room. Laying Briena down Buffy kisses her forehead "Get some sleep sweet one"
Briena sighs sleepily "Night Mommy" she mumbles
"Night baby girl" she strokes the sleeping child's cheek
**** Lowell House ****
Riley slams his bedroom door closed and flops onto his chair tossing his Nerf ball into the hoop over his door. "What the hell is going on?" he asks himself
"Hey Iowa" knocks Forrest
"Its open" Riley calls watching as his best friend Forrest enters
"Well isn't this a surprise where's Summers?" he asks "You two are normally rocking the bed somewhere by now"
"She has a friend over"
"Friend? As in guy or girl?" Forrests asks sensing his friend's jealousy
Riley looks at his ceiling "Both. Her ex and his kid. I think he's her ex. She never told me his name but the way they acted..."
"Her ex has a kid?" Forrest asks stunned
"Yeah. His name's Angel. He's probably in his late 20s. The kid's like 4 or 5. I'm not sure if he's the kid's father though. She called him by his name but she looks like him."
"Did you ask Buffy about them?" Forrest asks
"No" Riley shakes his head "She was acting weird when I left. And the guy was weird"
"Ri are you jealous?" Forrest asks
"No" Riley denies "Just worried. There was something off about him"
"Like what?" Forrest asks
"I'm not sure. I'm going to talk to Buffy tomorrow" he decides
"Cool" Forrest nods "I'm goin' on rounds." he walks to the door "Check ya later"
"See ya" Riley replies watching Forrest leave "Who is this man Buffy? What does he mean to you?" Riley wonders