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 26
**** Next Afternoon ****
"Mommy are you going to stay here?" Briena asks looking up from her drawing
Angel and Buffy look at each other silently "No I have to go back to Sunnydale on Sunday night" Buffy answers
"Oh"
"I'll be back on Friday" Buffy promises
"OK" Briena grins turning her attention back to her drawing
"Its going to be interesting dealing with everyone once I get home" Buffy sighs
"Why don't I see if Brie can stay with Cordelia on Sunday night and I'll drive you back and we can tell them together" Angel suggests
"Why don't we just take her with us? She can stay at the house with Mom while we tell them"
"I guess. I don't want to leave her here either but I don't know maybe its not a good idea to bring her."
"Come on. You know Mom would love to spend time with her."
"Oh all right." he agrees
**** Sunday early evening ****
"Daddy lets go" Briena insists tugging on his hand
"All right sweetie" Angel laughs picking up Briena "Where's Mommy?"
Briena points towards the bedroom
"Is she still getting ready?" he groans
Briena nods
"Buff come on." Angel calls
"Just a minute" she replies
"Mommy" Briena calls
"I'm coming" she calls exiting the bedroom wearing a skirt and top "Now I'm ready"
Angel smiles "Lets go."
"Briena do you have Mr. Doggie?" Buffy asks
"Yep" she nods
"Then we're ready to go" Buffy smiles at Angel
"Then lets get goin'"
**** Three hours later ****
"Mom we'll be at Giles's"
"All right." Joyce nods
"Brie's out to the world" Angel says walking down the stairs
"We'll be back in a few hours" Buffy tells her mother
Angel follows Buffy outside "Walk or drive?"
"Its a nice night lets walk" Buffy suggests tucking her hand in his
"Sure" he agrees
They walk in silence then as they reach a cemetary Buffy sighs "Guess we better do a quick patrol"
"I've missed this" Angel states as they walk through the cemetary alert for vampires.
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks sensing Angel tense up beside her
"Hey Summers" a voice calls
"Forrest" Buffy mutters under her breath "What do you want Forrest?"
The soldier moves out of the bushes with Graham nearby "I'll be just a second" Forrest tells Graham
"Sure" Graham nods
Forrest walks over to Buffy looking Angel over critically "You know Summers I never liked you"
Buffy shrugs "Oh well"
"But I put up with you for Riley's sake. I thought we had an understanding" he looks at Angel with disgust "that you wouldn't hurt him"
"If I hurt him I didn't mean too" Buffy states softly
"You asked him for help then dump him for your ex. Then you have the guts to bring him here"
Buffy glares at Forrest "My life is none of your business Forrest."
"Buffy lets get going" Angel suggests squeezing her hand
Buffy nods turning away from Forrest
Forrest watches as they walk away. 'I'll get you somehow Summers' he vows joining Graham
"I don't like him" Angel growls
Buffy stops and looks up at him "I never was too fond of him"
Angel leans down kissing Buffy briefly "Lets get this over with. I don't think Brie will sleep through the night."
Buffy nods "Then lets get this done" she says heading towards Giles apartment. Fifteen minutes later Buffy and Angel reach the front door of Giles's apartment. "This is going to be interesting" she mutters
"I know" Angel agrees "but it has to be done"
Buffy nods opening the front door "Giles" she calls entering the apartment she finds her friends and Spike in the livingroom. "Hey guys" she greets moving aside so Angel can enter
"Oh great what's Deadboy doing here?" Xander whines
"Don't call me that Harris" Angel retorts
"OK you two behave" Buffy orders
"Did Cordelia come with you?" Willow asks
"No she's got an audition tomorrow so she stayed behind" Angel answers
"Is the kid here?" Spike asks curiously
Angel nods "She's with Joyce"
"Oh hello Angel." Giles greets entering the livingroom "What are you doing in Sunnydale?"
Buffy looks at Angel then at her friends "Uh guys we need to talk"
"I hate when she says that" Xander groans
"Xander" Buffy says warningly
"Uh what about?" Giles asks nervously
Buffy looks at her ex-Watcher "Uh Angel and I are back together"
The room is silent staring at the vampire and Slayer shocked "What?" demands Xander "Have you lost it?"
"Cool" Willow grins
"Whoa" says Oz
"And I care because?" asks Anya
Tara is silent not knowing what to say just watching the darkhaired vampire with interest 'I like him' she decides
"Bloody hell" Spike groans
"Oh my" Giles stammers
"So you broke up with Riley?" Willow asks
Buffy nods
"Fishboy is gone?" Spike asks hopefully
"I didn't like him" Anya states
"I ask again have you lost it?" Xander demands
"Shut up Xander" Willow snaps then grinning at Angel "Glad to have you back"
"Does this mean your moving back?" Spike asks
Angel shakes his head "No Spike. You'll have Sunnydale all to yourself."
"Are you moving to LA?" Anya asks Buffy
Buffy shakes her head "No. I've got school and patrol"
"Um does Riley know about everything?" Willow asks
"No. He knows I'm Briena's mother but that's all. And its going to stay that way" she glares at Xander "So if you say one word you'll be needing dentures long before your time"
"Hey why are you looking at me?" Xander complains
"Because you'd do it to piss me off" Buffy answers "Now promise"
"All right I won't say a word" Xander promises
"Spike?" Angel asks staring at his childe
"Why would I say a word? I hate both of you but I like my little sister"
"What about the whole 'Angel happy equals us unhappy' issue?" Xander questions
Buffy glares at him "How about this 'Slayer unhappy equals Xander being used as a punching bag?'"
Xander swallows nervously "Good point. I do bruise easily"
"And scream like a girl" Spike smirks
Angel chuckles "He does doesn't he"
"Buffy your boyfriend is making fun of me" Xander whines
"So I take it the search for the clause removal is back on agenda" Oz states
"Its either that or all of us are on his dinner menu" Anya mutters
"Anya honey don't make either of them mad." Xander advises "Trust me even souled Deadboy is mean when he wants to be"
"Hey I haven't been mean in a while." Angel protests
Buffy laughs
Angel glares at Buffy "I've been good. Just ask Cordelia and Doyle"
Buffy smiles at the annoyed vampire "You have been."
"We should get going" Angel suggests "We still have to patrol"
Buffy nods
"Hey Slayer can I crash at Mum's?" Spike asks hopefully
"Uh no" she snaps
"Come on I wanna hang out with my little sister" Spike complains
"Fine but you are sleeping in the basement and if you even think of corrupting her I'll stake you" Buffy warns
"I swear" he promises "I won't corrupt her"
"I'll let Mom know and I'll leave the kitchen door unlocked" she heads to the door with Angel right behind
"Oh and Spike stop off at Willie's" Angel requests
"Uh I'm broke you bloody wanker"
"Tell Willie to put it on my tab" Angel answers
Once outside Buffy turns to Angel "I think they took it pretty well"
"They did" Angel smiles caressing her cheek with his fingertips
Buffy smiles back "I love you"
"Love you too" Angel hugs her "Come on we better get this done."
"Sooner we get done the sooner we can get home to the baby. Oh to you have your cell phone?"
"Here" Angel says handing it to her.
Buffy dials her home number "Hey Mom" she greets
Angel wraps his arms around Buffy's waist
"Hi hon"
"I thought I'd let you know that Spike's going to crash at the house."
"Sure. I'll leave the backdoor unlocked"
"Thanks. We'll be back in an hour or so"
"All right honey be careful" Joyce warns
Buffy smiles "I will."
"See you tomorrow" Joyce says hanging up
Buffy hangs up "Here" she says tucking the cell phone in his jacket pocket. "So you ready?"
Angel kisses her forehead "Ready"
**** Half an hour later ****
Joyce looks up from her work to find Briena standing in the doorway of the living room rubbing her eyes tiredly and sniffling. Putting down her pen Joyce goes over to the little girl crouching before her "What's wrong Brie?"
Briena looks at Joyce then the door "I want Daddy" she whispers
"Did you have a bad dream?" Joyce asks
She nods her head
"Come 'ere honey" Joyce says gently picking Briena up
"Want Daddy" she whimpers
"Daddy and Mommy are out. They'll be back later" Joyce tells her sitting on the couch "want to tell me about it?"
"No"
"OK" Joyce holds the little girl close
Fifteen minutes later Briena perks up wiggling to get out of Joyce's arms she jumps down racing towards the front door. Flinging the door open she races down the walkway "Daddy. Momma" she calls at the sight of Buffy and Angel wrapping her arms around their legs
Angel looks at Buffy then reaches down unwrapping Briena's arms from their legs he picks her up "Brie baby what are you doing up?"
Briena wraps her arms around his neck
"Did you have a bad dream?" Angel asks
Briena nods
"What was it?" Buffy asks as they head into the house.
"She's been up for 15 minutes" Joyce informs them as she leaves the room
"Brie sweetie will you tell us about your dream?" Buffy asks
Briena shifts so she's between them "It was about the bad men" she whispers playing with Angel's ring
"What bad men?" Buffy asks
"The ones who make my head and tummy hurt" she says sleepily
Buffy looks at Angel quizzically "The soldiers" he answers
"Everything will be fine" Buffy assures the little girl
Angel kisses Briena's head "Nothing bad will happen"
Briena yawns "Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Tell me a story" she requests sleepily
"Sure"
Briena looks up at Angel "About when you were a kid?" she asks hopefully
Buffy sees the pain flash across his face "Angel?" she asks tentatively
Angel looks at Buffy giving her a sad smile "All right." he agrees.
Buffy lays her head on his shoulder listening in interest as Angel talks about his childhood
**** Next Morning ****
Briena opens her eyes to find herself between Angel and Buffy. "Daddy" she whispers shaking his shoulder
"What?" Angel growls opening his eyes he finds Briena watching him
"I'm stuck" she whispers "I want to go watch cartoons with Spike"
Angel picks the little girl up placing her on the floor "Now tell Spike to keep it down. Mommy's still sleeping."
"OK" she nods
"Remember the rules"
"Be quiet. Don't go through things that aren't mine and behave"
Angel smiles "Go watch your cartoons" he watches as the little girl leaves the bedroom.
Buffy wakes up to hear Briena and Angel talking. As Briena leaves the room she sits wrapping her arms around his waist "She seems to be a morning person" she yawns kissing his tattoo
Angel turns around smiling "No she isn't. She just likes her cartoons" he lays back down pulling Buffy into his arms. "I've missed this"
"What?" Buffy asks looking at him
"Just holding you"
"I've missed this too" Buffy sighs
Angel runs twirls a strand of Buffy's hair around his finger "This is one of the things I've missed most" he admits
"What else have you missed?" Buffy asks curiously
"Having you around. Talking to you. I even miss the times you knocked me on my ass." he chuckles "I've missed everything... even Xander insulting me"
"Wow you've really missed me" Buffy laughs
"I've missed that"
"What?"
"Hearing you laugh"
Buffy looks at him "Angel what are we going to do about all of this?"
"What?"
Buffy props her head up on her arm as she takes his hand lacing their fingers "All of this? I mean the whole living situation. The Initiative. My father. Your work. School. Everything"
"Including the clause" he muses
"That too"
"I don't know baby. We'll figure it all out. I promise" he kisses her hand
"What first?" Buffy asks
"Let's deal with your father first" Angel suggests
"All right how?"
"Have him over for dinner or something" he shrugs
Buffy sighs "Not bad but if we do I don't think it would be a good idea for Brie to be there"
Angel nods "I agree. She doesn't need to hear all of it."
"Maybe Cordy can take her for the night"
"We got that over with." Angel grins
"Yeah until we actually do it" Buffy sighs
"I should go see if Spike is corrupting the baby" Angel groans sitting up
"I'll do it" Buffy says sitting up "Go back to sleep"
Angel nods laying back down "Try not to stake him infront of her" he grins
Buffy glares at him over her shoulder as she pulls on her robe "I promise" she says sweetly as she leaves the darkened bedroom. Going downstairs she finds Spike and Briena on the couch watching cartoons and eating cereal. "Spike are you corrupting my daughter?" she demands
Spike looks at Buffy "No" he answers
Briena looks up at her mother "Hi Momma" she smiles
"Hey you" Buffy smiles back kissing Briena's head "Spike where's my mother?" she asks heading into the kitchen
"Mum said something about needing to do some work at the gallery" Spike calls
Rummaging through the cabinets Buffy pours herself a bowl of cereal "Did she say when she'd be back?"
"No"
"Momma can we go to the park?" Briena asks
"Sure baby we can go to the park this afternoon" Buffy answers returning to the livingroom with her bowl of cereal.
"OK" she says happily her attention on the TV
**** That afternoon ****
"Mommy lets go" Briena demands impatiently from the foyer
"Just a minute Brie" Buffy calls from the kitchen
"When will you be back?" Angel asks
"Couple hours" she answers putting a lunch bag in her backpack "Try not to make a mess" she says kissing him
"Why would I?" Angel asks
Buffy rolls her eyes "I'm leaving you and Spike alone. I don't want to have to explain to my mother why the house is trashed"
"I promise we won't fight" Angel chuckles
"And Angel try not to stake him"
"I won't. After all I said you could" he smiles
"Yes you did"
"Bloody hell your Mum and Dad are too mushy" Spike grumbles carrying Briena into the kitchen
Briena giggles holding her arms out to Buffy "Momma can we go now?"
"Sure baby" Buffy agrees taking the child from Spike's arms. She glares at the two vampires "If I come back to find this place trashed I swear I will kick both of your undead asses through out Sunnydale." she looks at Spike "and I will tell Drusilla you cheated on her with Harmony"
"That's just cruel" Spike whines "Its all your fault anyway"
"Yeah like its my fault" Buffy rolls her eyes at Angel "that you killed her friend and ended up back here neutered"
"Bloody hell it is" Spike growls "If you and Peaches hadn't..."
"Spike" Angel growls smacking the blond on the back of the head
"Spike not infront of Briena" Buffy snaps
Briena watches them confused by the extreme emotions "Momma?" she asks her eyes wide
"Sorry" Spike apologizes
Buffy grabs her backpack "You ready?" she asks Briena
Briena nods "Ready"
"We'll be on our best behavior" Angel promises
"Bye Daddy. Bye Spike" Briena waves over Buffy's shoulder
**** The Park ****
Buffy watches as Briena runs towards the playground equipment. "Oh no" she groans realizing her daughter has supernatural speed. Looking around to see whether or not anyone had seen what had happened she calls "Brie baby come here"
"What Momma?" Briena asks racing over to Buffy
"I need to talk to you" Buffy says picking up Briena she looks around the almost empty playground.
"Yes?"
Buffy smiles looking into the big brown eyes "Baby I need you to slow down"
"Why Mommy?" she asks confused
Buffy smoothes back her Briena's hair "Well sweetie most kids your age can't run that fast. If people saw that they'd become suspicious"
Briena looks at her mother sadly "And the bad men might find out and take me and Daddy away" she whispers
"Oh Brie" Buffy sighs "Daddy and I won't let them take you away from us. Now no more worrying about the bad men baby. Lets go play" Buffy says putting the little girl on her feet
Briena leads Buffy over to the swings "Push me please" she requests
sitting on the swing seat
"Sure" Buffy answers pushing her gently
"Mommy?"
"Yes Briena"
Briena looks up at Buffy "Can we go to the mansion?"
Buffy looks at Briena startled "Why do you want to go there?"
Briena shrugs "I dunno"
Buffy looks at Briena thoughtfully then crouches before her "Have you had dreams about it?"
Briena looks at her feet then her mother "Uh huh" she nods
Buffy swallows nervously "What about?"
"Lots of things" she answers "Can we?"
"I'll talk to Daddy about it" Buffy stands going behind the swing she pushes the little girl. 'The mansion' she thinks 'why there?' she shakes off her thoughts turning her attention to the laughing child
**** Few hours later ****
Angel looks up from his reading as Buffy enters her bedroom "Hi baby. Where's Briena?"
"Uh she's with Spike." she answers toeing off her shoes
Angel watches her curiously as he puts the book aside "OK what happened?"
Buffy sits on the bed facing Angel "We had fun"
"Then why do you have that look?"
Buffy tilts her head "What look?"
"The somethings bothering you one" he answers
"Oh fine. Uh you might want to warn Doyle and Cordelia to keep an eye on Briena when she's at the park"
"They already do" Angel reminds
"Not for the normal reasons but for the supernatural ones"
"Oh boy what happened?"
"Lets just say her speed has kicked in and not the normal growing kid speed. She raced across the park in under 10 seconds. It takes me about 20... 15 if I push it"
"Her strength, hearing and sight has already kicked in I'm surprised speed took this long" Angel sighs "I'll warn them and we'll have a little talk with Briena."
Buffy nods then looks at the wall
"What else?"
"She wants to go to the mansion" Buffy tells him softly
"What?" he says shocked
"She's curious about it. She's had dreams about it" Buffy explains
"Did she say what kind?" Angel asks
"No. It might not be a bad idea to take her there" Buffy says seeing the surprised look on his face "I know coming from me that sounds odd since I've only been there a few times since you left. But think about it Angel she was 'born' there and Jack did say that when it was time she'd know who we are and she does. The mansion is a big part of our relationship."
"I know." he sighs running his hand through his hair "I guess we could stop by on the way to drop you off"
"What are you reading?" Buffy asks laying her head on his shoulder
Angel shows her the title
"Shakespeare's Hamlet? Ugh how many times have you read that?"
Angel chuckles "A lot"
Buffy smiles looking up at him "I like that"
"What?"
"Hearing you laugh. You rarely laughed. I've heard you laugh more in the last three weeks then I have in the last 3 years. I like it."
"Oh really"
"Yeah" she lays her head back down "Will you read some of that to me?" she requests
"Sure" Angel says opening the book
Buffy listens as he reads
**** Half an hour later ****
"We better go get her fed" Angel whispers
"Do we have too?" Buffy whines lacing their fingers
"Yes." Angel replies sitting up "That and make sure Spike hasn't taught her how to play poker"
"Oh great" Buffy groans "You don't think he'd do that"
"Buffy its Spike. He'd teach anyone to play" Angel answers pulling the Slayer to her feet. Hand in hand the two head downstairs stopping in their tracks at the sight of the sleeping vampire and child on the recliner.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this but that would make a cute picture" Buffy remarks seeing the little girl curled up against Spike's chest.
"And great blackmail against Spike" Angel adds
"That too" she laughs lightly
Angel leads the Slayer into the kitchen "Come on let her sleep awhile longer."
Buffy nods "She hasn't slept much"
"Its going to be interesting getting her to go back to daycare" Angel sighs
"Vincent and Molly were her closest friends there huh?"
Angel nods "They were the first ones she spoke more then three words to. As far as I know they were the only ones she got close to"
"She takes after you on that one" Buffy remarks opening the fridge
"How so?"
"Well as long as I've known you, you've spoken most to me, Giles, Willow, Spike, Whistler and now Briena, Doyle and Cordelia. You rarely have full conversations with anyone else. And when you were little I bet you were shy"
Angel shrugs "I guess."
"I never was. Mom and Dad used to get annoyed because I would stop a complete stranger in the mall and talk to them."
"I can see that" he agrees "I wasn't as shy as my sister Kathy"
"You had a sister?" Buffy says surprised
Angel nods smiling sadly at the memories of his little sister. "She was my best friend even though we had a major age difference."
"Oh?"
Angel leans against the counter his arms folded "Briena reminds me of her" he looks down to find Briena leaning against his legs tiredly "Hey you"
"Who ya talking about?" Briena demands sleepily
Buffy looks at the little girl and grins "Daddy's telling me about his sister." she picks Briena up
Briena sniffles sleepily as she lays her head on Buffy's shoulder "She's nice." she mumbles
Angel looks at Buffy startled then asks "How do you know?"
Briena looks at her father "They talk to me when I sleep."
Buffy sees the pained look flash in Angel's eyes "Briena sweetie" Buffy begins
Briena looks at her father quizzically "Daddy?"
Angel shakes his head "I'm fine"
Buffy sensing the need to change the subject looks at the little girl "What do you want for dinner babygirl?"
Briena frowns "Grilled cheese?"
"All right" Buffy agrees
Briena grins "Can I color?"
"Yes." she nods "Is Spike still sleeping?"
Briena shakes her head "He's watching the news"
"Probably drooling over accident victims" Buffy mutters putting the little girl down
"Shut up Slayer" Spike yells
Angel watches as Briena races out of the kitchen
"You OK?" Buffy asks
Angel shrugs "I guess."
"Are you ever going to tell me about your family?"
"Someday baby" he promises cupping her cheek with his hand "Someday"
"I want to know about them. So does Briena"
"I know. I promise I will tell you about them."
Buffy smiles kissing his palm "Now lets get her some dinner"
**** An hour later ****
"I'll call you later Mom" Buffy calls heading out the front door following Angel and Briena.
Angel buckles Briena in the backseat as Buffy puts her bags in the trunk. "Ready babygirl?" he asks the little girl
Briena nods "Yes Daddy"
Angel chuckles kissing her forehead "Good." Buffy gets into the passengers seat watching as Angel gets into the drivers side. "Ready baby?" he smiles sadly
Buffy nods "I am." she looks at Briena in the backseat "As ready as I'll ever be" Angel starts the car pulling out of the driveway.
Briena looks around as Angel pulls the car to a stop. "I know this place"
Buffy turns to look at her daughter "Where are we?"
Briena frowns thoughtfully as she looks at the building before her. Her mind flashing over her dreams and memories "Home" she whispers. She grins at Angel and holds out her arms to him "Out Daddy" she demands
Angel smiles getting out of the car he unbuckles her seatbelt lifting her up he kisses her cheek
"Daddy I need Mr Doggie" Briena demands
"I got him" Buffy says picking up the stuffed dog she hands it to the little girl "Here babygirl"
"Thanks Mommy" she smiles
"Your welcome babygirl"
The small family heads into the mansion alert for any vampires or other demons. "Daddy I want down please" Briena requests
"All right but stay where we can see you" he tells her
"OK" she promises as he puts her down.
Buffy slips her hand into Angel's "I've missed being here"
Angel nods "I have too. We spent a lot of time here"
Buffy smiles "I know. Its where we were reunited." she looks at the little girl wandering around "Its here we lost alot but gained alot."
Angel pulls her close "That we did"
Buffy watches as Briena lays on her stomach peering at the floor "Briena what are you doing?" she asks pulling away from Angel's embrace she crouches before the little girl
Briena reaches her hand into a small hole smiling as she reaches the object. Pulling her hand out of the hole she smiles happily at her parents.
"Briena what is in your hand?" Buffy demands
Briena stands up holding her hands behind her back "Nothing" she smiles
"Briena" Angel warns
"OK" she whines then smiles at Buffy "Here Momma" she holds out her closed hand
Buffy holds out her hand palm up curious what her daughter has hidden. "What?"
Briena puts the object in Buffy's hand watching her mother's face close as she looks at the object
Buffy looks at her palm startled at the sight of her ring "Oh my God" she whispers looking up at Angel tears falling "Angel" she shows him the ring "look"
Angel smiles at Buffy wiping away her tears. "Why are you crying?"
"I never thought I'd see it again" she whispers. She looks at Briena "How did you know?"
Briena looks at them "I saw it"
"Thank you babygirl" Buffy smiles tearfully. She slips the ring back on then smiles at Angel "I love you"
Angel takes her hand kissing the ring "I love you"
"Forever" she whispers tearfully
"And ever" he adds kissing her gently
"Yeah" Briena says happily
Angel chuckles "Come 'ere you" he says pulling the child close
Buffy hugs Briena tight "Thank you Briena"
"Love you Mommy. Love you Daddy"
Angel kisses the little girl's cheek "We love you too"
After awhile Buffy reluctantly stands up "We should get going"
"I know" Angel sighs standing with Briena in his arms
"Do we have too?" Briena whines
"Yes. Mommy has classes tomorrow and we need to get home"
"Come on babygirl" Buffy says taking the child from Angel "You know now that I think about it you and Daddy haven't seen my room at school"
Briena looks at her curiously "Can we?"
Angel nods "All right babygirl" he agrees following Buffy and Briena out to the car.
**** Ten minutes later ****
Angel and Buffy are walking across the campus with Briena between them "Nice place"
"Its not so bad if you don't count the loud drunken parties, the roommate from another dimension, the fact that Spike knows where to find me, and the fact that most parties end with dead bodies"
"I heard about the roommate" Angel chuckles
"From who?"
"Cordelia" Angel answers smiling
"Ahh" Buffy nods
"She and Willow talk everyonce in a while. So in the end Cordelia tells me. I think she does it so I don't feel so out of touch with Sunnydale"
"Momma look its Willow" Briena smiles pointing
"Hey Willow" Buffy calls
Hearing her name called Willow stops turning to see her best friend walking towards her "Hey Buffy." she greets seeing Angel and Briena she grins "I thought you two would've left already"
"We came to drop off Buffy then we'll head out"
"I thought I'd show them around" Buffy looks up at Angel smiling
Angel smiles back "It took me this long to see where you spend most of your time"
Briena looks at them then tugs on their hands "No more mushiness." not getting a reaction she hits Angel
"Ow" he growls looking down at Briena "What did I tell you about hitting?"
"You weren't paying attention to me" Briena whines
"I don't care. We talked about this you can't go around hitting because you don't get any attention"
Briena looks at her father sheepishly "Sorry Daddy"
Angel nods "Come on" he says picking up the little girl.
"I told you she spends too much time with Spike" Buffy smiles
"I like Spike" Briena laughs
"We know" Angel says drily
Willow smiles "I'll see you later Buffy. I've got to go work on my paper. Bye Angel. Bye Briena" she says
"Bye Willow" Briena waves
"See you later" Angel says to the redhead
"I'm going to do a quick patrol Will"
"Sure" Willow replies walking away
**** Half an hour later ****
Angel smiles up at Buffy "I'll call you when we get home"
"You better. Or I'll have to hurt you" she threatens. She leans over and kisses Angel gently. Leaning her forehead against his she smiles "I love you"
"I love you too" he replies kissing her back
"I'll talk to you later" she pulls away smiling at Briena "I'll see you next weekend"
Briena nods " 'kay"
"Love you babygirl"
"Love you Momma" Briena yawns
"Be careful" Buffy tells Angel
"You too" he says kissing her hand. He starts the car backing the car out of the space. "Hey Buffy" he calls
"What?" she calls
Angel grins "Are you still my girl?"
"I never stopped. I never will stop being your girl"
Angel nods "I'll call you as soon as we get home" he promises
Buffy watches as Angel drives out of the parking lot. She smiles looking down at her ring "Always" she whispers
****
"Daddy?"
"Hmm?"
Briena leans against him "Are you gonna tell Mommy about her ring?"
"What do you mean?" Angel asks glancing at Briena
Briena looks up at him "That its a wedding ring"
Angel looks at her startled "How did you know that?"
"Grandmother told me" she yawns burrowing closer
"Joyce told you?" Angel asks surprised
"No your Mommy told me" she yawns
"Briena..."
"Grandfather says you need to tell Mommy. He likes her. He says its not nice to keep secrets from Mommy" she snuggles closer yawning
"I know its not nice to keep secrets."
"Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"I want a little brother" she yawns
Angel looks down at her startled "Brie baby..." he trails off looking for the right words "I wish that was possible but its not."
"One day Daddy" she pats his leg "we'll all be together" she yawns
"Get to sleep babygirl" he whispers running his fingers through her hair soothingly
"Love you Daddy" she whispers
"I love you too my girl" he whispers quickly pressing a kiss to her hair. "I love you too"
Part 27
**** Two hours later ****
Angel carries the sleeping child into her bedroom laying her down he covers her up. "Sleep well little one" he whispers kissing her forehead. Straightening himself up he leaves the room pulling the door shut behind him. Going into the kitchen he grabs the cordless phone dialing Buffy's number.
"Hello?" Buffy asks sleepily
"Hey sleeping beauty" Angel greets
"Angel" Buffy whispers happily as she snuggles under her covers.
"We just got in. See I told you I'd call" he reminds
"I'm glad you did. I miss you"
"I miss you too"
"So is she sleeping?"
"Yeah. She fell asleep just outside Sunnydale." he answers opening the refridgerator he removes a container of blood. "So how was patrol?"
"Boring. Everyone's wimped out on me since the Initiative appeared. And now that Spike can't fight its no fun." she whines
"I'm sorry" Angel says taking a drink
"And since you aren't here to hit I only have Giles"
Angel chuckles "Uh baby"
"Yeah?"
Angel heads into his bedroom sitting on the bed his back against the headboard. "I have something I need to tell you"
"What?" Buffy asks suspiciously
"Promise you won't get mad?"
"About what?"
Angel sighs looking at his ring "Briena pointed someting out to me earlier tonight"
"What?"
"That keeping secrets isn't nice"
"Isn't nice?" Buffy giggles
"Buffy" he growls warningly
"All right I won't get mad"
Angel sighs pinching the bridge of his nose "According to an old Irish tradition" he pauses
"What?" Buffy demands impatiently
"We're married" he finishes
Buffy pauses her heart pounding "What did you say?"
"According to the way I was raised the rings mean we're married"
Buffy lets it process then demands loudly "Were you ever going to tell me?"
"Buffy" Willow ask sleepily sitting up
"Sorry Will" Buffy apologizes "Just a second Angel" she says. On the other end Buffy gets out of bed opening the door she goes out to the hallway. "All right" she begins "Explain Mister" she orders sliding to the floor cradling the phone with her shoulder as she looks at her ring. "What do you mean we're married?"
Angel sighs "In Ireland the rings would mean that we're married."
Buffy smiles looking at her ring "Cool" 'I'm married to my Angel' she thinks happily
Hearing that Angel smiles "So I take it you aren't mad"
"No, I'm not mad." she answers "Wow. Why didn't you tell me when you gave it to me?"
"I don't know" he sighs "I guess... I guess I was scared that if I told you you'd get angry. That night things just..."
"Got to be intense" Buffy finishes
"Yeah" Angel agrees "I meant to tell you but it always seemed like the wrong time"
"I wasn't any help" Buffy says tearfully "I'm sorry"
"I'm sorry too" Angel sighs "Things at the time were out of control for both of us."
"When did things get so out of control" Buffy wonders aloud.
"When I started killing" Angel whispers running his hand through his hair "when I started hurting you"
"But you didn't do any of that Angel." Buffy protests
"Buffy he's apart of me."
"Yes but he's not you Angel"
"Buffy..." he begins then pauses his attention drawn to his bedroom door hearing whimpering coming from Briena's room
"What's wrong?"
"Brie's dreaming" he answers just as a terrified scream comes from the little girl's bedroom. "Oh man. I'll call you back" Angel says hanging up the phone.
On the other end Buffy stares at the phone then smiles standing up she slams into the room "Willow" she calls
"Go 'way" the redhead mumbles burrowing under her covers
Buffy hides a smile "Oh all right I guess I'll just have to call my 'husband' and tell him my best friend wanted to sleep rather than hear my news"
"Go 'head call your 'hus..." the redhead trails off as the word hits her she sits up "HUSBAND?!" she exclaims staring at her friend startled
Buffy giggles sitting on Willow's bed "Husband" she says happily "Well according to an Irish tradition he grew up with Angel and I are married" she holds up her hand showing her ring.
"Eeek" Willow shrieks "Are you kidding me?"
Buffy shakes her head "No. He just told me that in Ireland we'd be considered to be married"
"But how?"
"Our rings" Buffy answers
Willow looks at the ring "Isn't that the one he gave you for your birthday?"
Buffy nods smiling sadly at the memory "Briena found it at the mansion. It had rolled into a hole"
"How did she find it?" Willow demands
Buffy looks at her ring "She dreams things Willow"
"She dreamed where the ring fell?"
Buffy nods "She knew where it was."
"Wow" Willow replies "Married? Wow your married" she says amazed
Buffy moves up the bed to sit beside Willow. "Willow I feel even worse"
"Why?" Willow asks
"Because not only did I cheat on Angel the guy I love but Angel my husband." she looks at her friend tears in her eyes "I cheated on my husband"
"Oh Buffy" Willow says hugging her "You didn't know"
"I didn't know but I think in a way I felt it."
"What do you mean?"
"I think in some way I knew."
"He'd forgive you Buffy."
"I know he would. He forgives me for everything. No matter what I do he always forgives me."
"He loves you Buffy"
Buffy smiles "And I love him"
"So are you going to tell your parents?"
"I don't know. Maybe later."
"What about the gang?"
"Not now. Giles and Xander are still processing last nights news"
"Did you see the look on Xander's face?" Willow giggles
"I know. Man we are going to have to have a camera on hand when we tell them this news" she pauses smiling at Willow "I'm married to my Angel and we have a little girl"
Willow smiles "Congratulations" she hugs Buffy again
"I have almost everything I've ever dreamed of"
"What else do you want?"
"To have my Angel without the clause... maybe even human. To be able to spend my life with him and Briena. And one day give Briena a little brother or sister"
"Hey it might happen" Willow remarks seeing the look on the Slayer's face she shrugs "Hey we live on the Hellmouth anythings possible here."
Buffy smiles "True. After all it was here I met Angel, fell inlove with him, sent him to Hell and got him back. I want to have his baby Willow." she looks at her hands "In a way I already have but I want to feel his child grow inside of me. I want to go through everything I missed with Briena even the bad parts." she sniffles
"We'll find a way to make everything happen." Willow promises
Buffy smiles hugging her friend "Thanks Willow." she gets off the bed going to her own. "We should go back to sleep"
"I know" Willow agrees "Night Buffy"
"Night Will"
**** Meanwhile @ Angel's ****
"Briena" Angel calls entering the bedroom he makes out the form of the sobbing child. "Briena sweetie" he calls going to the bedside he picks up the still sleeping child. His undead heart breaking at the terrified sobs he slowly rocks her in his arms humming a lullabye his mother had once sung to him. "Shh" he soothes as he hummingly purrs
Slowly the little girl's sobs choke off as she slowly opens her eyes. " 'sniffle' Daddy" she whimpers burrowing into the familiar chest
"Daddy's here babygirl" he soothes "I'm here"
"Don't leave me Daddy" she whimpers
"Never my sweet one. Daddy's never leaving you" he whispers
Briena looks up at her father her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room as she makes out his features "Never?"
"Never my sweet one" he promises kissing her forehead
Briena nods lying her head on his chest she makes out the faint beat of his reanimated heart. Slowly she is lulled back to sleep by the humming purr radiating from his chest.
After awhile Angel hears the even breathing signalling that Briena is again asleep. Carefully he moves to lay her down when he hears her heart rate speed up and she clings to him tightly. Sighing needlessly the vampire shifts her in his arms waiting for her to fall into a deeper sleep. Fifteen minutes later he tries again to lay the child down when her eyes fly open "No Daddy" he hears her whimper sleepily. Knowing that the little girl won't stay asleep if he leaves her Angel stands carrying Briena into his own bedroom. He starts to lay her down when she protests again.
"OK baby" he soothes holding her against his chest he slips under the covers laying on his back with Briena asleep on his chest. "Shh babygirl" he whispers rubbing her back soothingly as the child snuggles close. "I love you sweet one" Angel whispers in Gaelic much to his surprise she responds in Gaelic.
"Love you Da" she mumbles
Angel smiles to himself at those words 'Da or Daddy. Never thought I'd hear either of those from anyone but Drusilla' slowly the vampire falls asleep.
Part 28
**** Intiative HQ: That Afternoon ****
"Professor Walsh?" Forrest asks
Professor Walsh looks up from her paperwork "Ah Forrest come in" she invites. "What can I do for you?" she asks putting down her pencil
Forrest enters the room taking a seat. "I wanted to talk to you about something"
"Yes?"
"I found out something about a friend of Summers" Forrest states
"Oh?" she asks intrigued
"Finn doesn't know I've been looking into this. He made a promise to her that he would respect her ex-boyfriends privacy."
"And so what did you find?"
"I'm not sure. I wanted to run it over with you."
"All right. What have you found?"
"Well Ma'am I did some research on this guy Angel. He's not only Summers ex but he's a private detective in LA. When I went to research more on him I hit a snag considering I don't know his last name. But I ran a search on male private detectives in their late 20s early 30s in LA with the name Angel. I got nothing. This guy isn't licensed. So I ran a search on cases in LA where any unnamed men appeared. I found a name Detective Kate Lockley in LA. I called her and she basically stalled me. All she said was that he was good."
"What is so suspicious about that?"
"I'm getting to that. According to what I found this guy appears and disappears. When I ran a check on him through the Sunnydale PD I found mention of this guy in the vicinity of things Summers was involved in during highschool."
"So you found nothing?"
"No. See this guy has a daughter who from what Riley told me she is 4 years old. Anyway on Thursday night Summers asked Riley to drive her to LA she said that the kid had been in an accident. Well I ran a search through the hospital records" he pauses "according to what I found a 4 year old girl named Briena Kelin was in a car accident that was pretty much deadly to everyone but her. All she got was a concussion, fractured ribs, bruises and cuts. When I found out that she was out of the hospital and in Sunnydale I called the attending doctor. He told me that when she was brought in the injuries looked more severe. He said that she should be out of commission for a while."
"So?"
"So Summers came back to LA last night with the ex and his daughter. I ran into them while I was patrolling. This isn't the oddest thing yet. I went by her mothers place this afternoon and followed Summers and the kid to the park. You know how Summers has the whole Slayer strength and speed?"
"Yes" Walsh answers more intrigued
"Well I watched as this kid made it across the park in under 10 seconds. No child could make that run that fast especially one that shouldn't even be able to run."
"Maybe it wasn't the same child" Walsh argues
"It was. I asked the doctor who the child's parents were... and do you know what he told me?"
"What?"
"He told me that Briena Kelin's father was named Angel Kelin. Her mother..." he pauses watching Walsh closely "Buffy Summers"
"What? That's not possible. We did a full background check on Buffy Summers. There was no mention that she was ever pregnant." Walsh reminds
"I know. But there's more. I haven't seen the kid's father outside today."
"He's a private detective he probably works."
"That's what I thought but Professor somethings up with all of this. I'd like to go to LA and see what else I can find" Forrest requests
Professor Walsh looks at the soldier thoughtfully "All right. I'm intrigued go ahead."
"I'd also like permission to if necessary and this child is in any way a hostile to bring her in"
Walsh nods "I'm interested in the child, all right" she agrees "take a few men but be low profile on this. I don't trust Riley to not go to Summers and warn her."
"Yes ma'am" Forrest agrees standing
"Keep me posted" Walsh orders watching as the soldier leaves the room
**** That night in LA ****
Forrest looks at the men he brought with him "All right we're here. Remain on alert and don't do anything that will alert them to our presence." he orders
"Yes sir" the men agree
**** Next Morning ****
Angel wakes up to the soft breaths of Briena against his neck. Kissing her hair gently he starts to move her off his chest.
"Daddy" she whimpers
"Shh sweet one. I'm here. I'm just going to go shower. I'll be right back"
Hearing that she calms down allowing him to put her down. She immediately curls up burrowing close to his pillow.
Angel watches as the little girl curls up smiling he heads into the bathroom for a quick shower. A few minutes later he walks out of the bathroom to find Briena still sleeping. Dressing he heads into the kitchen to fix Briena's breakfast.
In the bedroom Briena awakens panicked when she finds herself alone. "Daddy" she cries
In the kitchen Angel hears the panicked child call out to him. "Just a second Briena" he calls putting down the plates he rushes into his room to find her crying. "What's wrong sweet one?" he asks gathering the crying child close.
Briena wraps her arms around his neck
Angel stands with Briena in his arms "How about we go finish making breakfast" he suggests
Briena nods
"OK then" he shifts Briena to his hip and carries her out of the bedroom into the kitchen. "Sweet one I need to put you down so I can get breakfast ready"
"NO" she cries
Angel frowns at her reaction "Briena its all right. I'm not going anywhere."
"That's what Jack used to say" she whispers
"Briena its OK." Angel assures "I won't go anywhere" he puts her on the counter. "See now you can help me"
"OK"
"Good" he smiles kissing her forehead.
"What are we having?" she asks watching as Angel moves around the kitchen
"How about scrambled eggs"
"OK" she agrees
Angel gets out the eggs and cheese. As he beats the eggs he asks the question on his mind "Brie what did you dream last night?"
"A white room" she whispers
"What about the white room?"
"It was bad Daddy. It hurt"
"What hurt?" Angel asks startled
Briena looks at the floor
"Briena?" he asks bending down to meet her eyes "Sweetie what hurt?"
Briena chews on her lip "Everything." she whispers
"Oh baby it was a dream"
"I was scared Daddy" she says reaching out she fiddles with his cross.
"It was a dream. Dreams are scary but they can't hurt you."
"Yes they can" she whispers her eyes on his cross
Seeing her attention on his cross "Here" he reaches up unfastening the chain "I want you to have this." he slips in around her neck fastening it "Now whenever you need me I'll always be there"
Briena smiles "Thank you Daddy"
Angel smiles back "Anything for you sweet one" he kisses her forehead "Now how about we finish making breakfast"
"OK" she agrees
Fifteen minutes later Briena and Angel are sitting at the table eating breakfast when Doyle enters the apartment. " 'ello"
"There are eggs on the stove" Angel tells the half demon in greeting
"Hey is that a way to greet a person?" Doyle demands
"Yes. If its you" Angel responds he looks at Briena who's barely eating. "Briena whats wrong?"
She shrugs "Not hungry. Can I color now?"
"Sure but take your plate to the sink" Angel reminds he watches as the little girl silently does as reminded.
"What's with her?" Doyle asks sitting down
Angel shrugs "She had a nightmare last night. Since she woke up she's been acting weird."
"Weird?" Doyle asks
"I don't know kind of clingy like she was when she meets new people... except this time its fear."
"Kids get afraid man." Doyle reminds "Don't you remember ever being afraid?"
"A little." Angel admits standing "I'm going to go get some work done can you keep an eye on her?"
"Sure" Doyle nods
Angel heads to the elevator when little arms wrap around his leg. He looks down to meet sad brown eyes. "Briena I'm just going upstairs to work"
Briena shakes her head "NO"
"Yes. I need to work Brie. Why don't you go play with Doyle" he suggests
"Yeah Monkey we can play what ever you want." Doyle offers
The little girl shakes her head "NO" she sniffles "Wanna stay with Daddy." she whimpers
Angel groans inwardly 'How did she ever learn that look?' he wonders "Brie I'm just going upstairs."
"NO Daddy. I want to stay with you." she whimpers clinging to his leg.
Angel sighs picking up the little girl he carries her into the elevator. "Doyle we'll be upstairs"
"Yeah sure" waves off the half demon
**** That afternoon ****
"Hey Angel phone. Its Ms Handlen" Cordelia says from the door way.
Angel nods "Thanks Cordy." he puts down his pen reaching for the phone. "This is Angel" he greets
"Hello Angel. Its Karen."
"Hi Karen what can I do for you?" he asks looking at Briena sprawled on the floor beside his desk coloring.
"Everyone here is concerned about Briena. How is she?"
Angel smiles faintly at the question "She's fine. She had a head injury and some cuts and bruises. The doctor said she'd be fine"
"That's great. Are we going to be seeing Briena anytime soon?"
Angel looks at a picture of Buffy and Briena on his desk "I'm not sure. I'll have to see if I can get her to go. She's being a little clingy today."
"Angel kids are very emotional especially after loosing someone close to them."
"Yeah maybe."
"Tell Briena that we all miss her and hope to see her soon."
"I will" Angel promises
"Bye"
"Bye" Angel hangs up the phone
"Daddy" Briena says sleepily rubbing her eyes
"You ready for a nap Briena?" he asks picking her up
Briena nods laying her head on his shoulder "I'm tired" she yawns
"Come on" Angel smiles standing he takes the child down to the apartment. He carries her into her room removing her shoes he puts her down covering her with the blanket. "Get some sleep."
Briena looks up at him "You won't leave?" she asks sleepily
"I'll be in the livingroom." he says kissing her
Briena smiles sleepily " 'kay"
"Sleep babygirl" he orders standing
"Bye Daddy" she says with a yawn as he leaves the room
TBC
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 26
**** Next Afternoon ****
"Mommy are you going to stay here?" Briena asks looking up from her drawing
Angel and Buffy look at each other silently "No I have to go back to Sunnydale on Sunday night" Buffy answers
"Oh"
"I'll be back on Friday" Buffy promises
"OK" Briena grins turning her attention back to her drawing
"Its going to be interesting dealing with everyone once I get home" Buffy sighs
"Why don't I see if Brie can stay with Cordelia on Sunday night and I'll drive you back and we can tell them together" Angel suggests
"Why don't we just take her with us? She can stay at the house with Mom while we tell them"
"I guess. I don't want to leave her here either but I don't know maybe its not a good idea to bring her."
"Come on. You know Mom would love to spend time with her."
"Oh all right." he agrees
**** Sunday early evening ****
"Daddy lets go" Briena insists tugging on his hand
"All right sweetie" Angel laughs picking up Briena "Where's Mommy?"
Briena points towards the bedroom
"Is she still getting ready?" he groans
Briena nods
"Buff come on." Angel calls
"Just a minute" she replies
"Mommy" Briena calls
"I'm coming" she calls exiting the bedroom wearing a skirt and top "Now I'm ready"
Angel smiles "Lets go."
"Briena do you have Mr. Doggie?" Buffy asks
"Yep" she nods
"Then we're ready to go" Buffy smiles at Angel
"Then lets get goin'"
**** Three hours later ****
"Mom we'll be at Giles's"
"All right." Joyce nods
"Brie's out to the world" Angel says walking down the stairs
"We'll be back in a few hours" Buffy tells her mother
Angel follows Buffy outside "Walk or drive?"
"Its a nice night lets walk" Buffy suggests tucking her hand in his
"Sure" he agrees
They walk in silence then as they reach a cemetary Buffy sighs "Guess we better do a quick patrol"
"I've missed this" Angel states as they walk through the cemetary alert for vampires.
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks sensing Angel tense up beside her
"Hey Summers" a voice calls
"Forrest" Buffy mutters under her breath "What do you want Forrest?"
The soldier moves out of the bushes with Graham nearby "I'll be just a second" Forrest tells Graham
"Sure" Graham nods
Forrest walks over to Buffy looking Angel over critically "You know Summers I never liked you"
Buffy shrugs "Oh well"
"But I put up with you for Riley's sake. I thought we had an understanding" he looks at Angel with disgust "that you wouldn't hurt him"
"If I hurt him I didn't mean too" Buffy states softly
"You asked him for help then dump him for your ex. Then you have the guts to bring him here"
Buffy glares at Forrest "My life is none of your business Forrest."
"Buffy lets get going" Angel suggests squeezing her hand
Buffy nods turning away from Forrest
Forrest watches as they walk away. 'I'll get you somehow Summers' he vows joining Graham
"I don't like him" Angel growls
Buffy stops and looks up at him "I never was too fond of him"
Angel leans down kissing Buffy briefly "Lets get this over with. I don't think Brie will sleep through the night."
Buffy nods "Then lets get this done" she says heading towards Giles apartment. Fifteen minutes later Buffy and Angel reach the front door of Giles's apartment. "This is going to be interesting" she mutters
"I know" Angel agrees "but it has to be done"
Buffy nods opening the front door "Giles" she calls entering the apartment she finds her friends and Spike in the livingroom. "Hey guys" she greets moving aside so Angel can enter
"Oh great what's Deadboy doing here?" Xander whines
"Don't call me that Harris" Angel retorts
"OK you two behave" Buffy orders
"Did Cordelia come with you?" Willow asks
"No she's got an audition tomorrow so she stayed behind" Angel answers
"Is the kid here?" Spike asks curiously
Angel nods "She's with Joyce"
"Oh hello Angel." Giles greets entering the livingroom "What are you doing in Sunnydale?"
Buffy looks at Angel then at her friends "Uh guys we need to talk"
"I hate when she says that" Xander groans
"Xander" Buffy says warningly
"Uh what about?" Giles asks nervously
Buffy looks at her ex-Watcher "Uh Angel and I are back together"
The room is silent staring at the vampire and Slayer shocked "What?" demands Xander "Have you lost it?"
"Cool" Willow grins
"Whoa" says Oz
"And I care because?" asks Anya
Tara is silent not knowing what to say just watching the darkhaired vampire with interest 'I like him' she decides
"Bloody hell" Spike groans
"Oh my" Giles stammers
"So you broke up with Riley?" Willow asks
Buffy nods
"Fishboy is gone?" Spike asks hopefully
"I didn't like him" Anya states
"I ask again have you lost it?" Xander demands
"Shut up Xander" Willow snaps then grinning at Angel "Glad to have you back"
"Does this mean your moving back?" Spike asks
Angel shakes his head "No Spike. You'll have Sunnydale all to yourself."
"Are you moving to LA?" Anya asks Buffy
Buffy shakes her head "No. I've got school and patrol"
"Um does Riley know about everything?" Willow asks
"No. He knows I'm Briena's mother but that's all. And its going to stay that way" she glares at Xander "So if you say one word you'll be needing dentures long before your time"
"Hey why are you looking at me?" Xander complains
"Because you'd do it to piss me off" Buffy answers "Now promise"
"All right I won't say a word" Xander promises
"Spike?" Angel asks staring at his childe
"Why would I say a word? I hate both of you but I like my little sister"
"What about the whole 'Angel happy equals us unhappy' issue?" Xander questions
Buffy glares at him "How about this 'Slayer unhappy equals Xander being used as a punching bag?'"
Xander swallows nervously "Good point. I do bruise easily"
"And scream like a girl" Spike smirks
Angel chuckles "He does doesn't he"
"Buffy your boyfriend is making fun of me" Xander whines
"So I take it the search for the clause removal is back on agenda" Oz states
"Its either that or all of us are on his dinner menu" Anya mutters
"Anya honey don't make either of them mad." Xander advises "Trust me even souled Deadboy is mean when he wants to be"
"Hey I haven't been mean in a while." Angel protests
Buffy laughs
Angel glares at Buffy "I've been good. Just ask Cordelia and Doyle"
Buffy smiles at the annoyed vampire "You have been."
"We should get going" Angel suggests "We still have to patrol"
Buffy nods
"Hey Slayer can I crash at Mum's?" Spike asks hopefully
"Uh no" she snaps
"Come on I wanna hang out with my little sister" Spike complains
"Fine but you are sleeping in the basement and if you even think of corrupting her I'll stake you" Buffy warns
"I swear" he promises "I won't corrupt her"
"I'll let Mom know and I'll leave the kitchen door unlocked" she heads to the door with Angel right behind
"Oh and Spike stop off at Willie's" Angel requests
"Uh I'm broke you bloody wanker"
"Tell Willie to put it on my tab" Angel answers
Once outside Buffy turns to Angel "I think they took it pretty well"
"They did" Angel smiles caressing her cheek with his fingertips
Buffy smiles back "I love you"
"Love you too" Angel hugs her "Come on we better get this done."
"Sooner we get done the sooner we can get home to the baby. Oh to you have your cell phone?"
"Here" Angel says handing it to her.
Buffy dials her home number "Hey Mom" she greets
Angel wraps his arms around Buffy's waist
"Hi hon"
"I thought I'd let you know that Spike's going to crash at the house."
"Sure. I'll leave the backdoor unlocked"
"Thanks. We'll be back in an hour or so"
"All right honey be careful" Joyce warns
Buffy smiles "I will."
"See you tomorrow" Joyce says hanging up
Buffy hangs up "Here" she says tucking the cell phone in his jacket pocket. "So you ready?"
Angel kisses her forehead "Ready"
**** Half an hour later ****
Joyce looks up from her work to find Briena standing in the doorway of the living room rubbing her eyes tiredly and sniffling. Putting down her pen Joyce goes over to the little girl crouching before her "What's wrong Brie?"
Briena looks at Joyce then the door "I want Daddy" she whispers
"Did you have a bad dream?" Joyce asks
She nods her head
"Come 'ere honey" Joyce says gently picking Briena up
"Want Daddy" she whimpers
"Daddy and Mommy are out. They'll be back later" Joyce tells her sitting on the couch "want to tell me about it?"
"No"
"OK" Joyce holds the little girl close
Fifteen minutes later Briena perks up wiggling to get out of Joyce's arms she jumps down racing towards the front door. Flinging the door open she races down the walkway "Daddy. Momma" she calls at the sight of Buffy and Angel wrapping her arms around their legs
Angel looks at Buffy then reaches down unwrapping Briena's arms from their legs he picks her up "Brie baby what are you doing up?"
Briena wraps her arms around his neck
"Did you have a bad dream?" Angel asks
Briena nods
"What was it?" Buffy asks as they head into the house.
"She's been up for 15 minutes" Joyce informs them as she leaves the room
"Brie sweetie will you tell us about your dream?" Buffy asks
Briena shifts so she's between them "It was about the bad men" she whispers playing with Angel's ring
"What bad men?" Buffy asks
"The ones who make my head and tummy hurt" she says sleepily
Buffy looks at Angel quizzically "The soldiers" he answers
"Everything will be fine" Buffy assures the little girl
Angel kisses Briena's head "Nothing bad will happen"
Briena yawns "Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Tell me a story" she requests sleepily
"Sure"
Briena looks up at Angel "About when you were a kid?" she asks hopefully
Buffy sees the pain flash across his face "Angel?" she asks tentatively
Angel looks at Buffy giving her a sad smile "All right." he agrees.
Buffy lays her head on his shoulder listening in interest as Angel talks about his childhood
**** Next Morning ****
Briena opens her eyes to find herself between Angel and Buffy. "Daddy" she whispers shaking his shoulder
"What?" Angel growls opening his eyes he finds Briena watching him
"I'm stuck" she whispers "I want to go watch cartoons with Spike"
Angel picks the little girl up placing her on the floor "Now tell Spike to keep it down. Mommy's still sleeping."
"OK" she nods
"Remember the rules"
"Be quiet. Don't go through things that aren't mine and behave"
Angel smiles "Go watch your cartoons" he watches as the little girl leaves the bedroom.
Buffy wakes up to hear Briena and Angel talking. As Briena leaves the room she sits wrapping her arms around his waist "She seems to be a morning person" she yawns kissing his tattoo
Angel turns around smiling "No she isn't. She just likes her cartoons" he lays back down pulling Buffy into his arms. "I've missed this"
"What?" Buffy asks looking at him
"Just holding you"
"I've missed this too" Buffy sighs
Angel runs twirls a strand of Buffy's hair around his finger "This is one of the things I've missed most" he admits
"What else have you missed?" Buffy asks curiously
"Having you around. Talking to you. I even miss the times you knocked me on my ass." he chuckles "I've missed everything... even Xander insulting me"
"Wow you've really missed me" Buffy laughs
"I've missed that"
"What?"
"Hearing you laugh"
Buffy looks at him "Angel what are we going to do about all of this?"
"What?"
Buffy props her head up on her arm as she takes his hand lacing their fingers "All of this? I mean the whole living situation. The Initiative. My father. Your work. School. Everything"
"Including the clause" he muses
"That too"
"I don't know baby. We'll figure it all out. I promise" he kisses her hand
"What first?" Buffy asks
"Let's deal with your father first" Angel suggests
"All right how?"
"Have him over for dinner or something" he shrugs
Buffy sighs "Not bad but if we do I don't think it would be a good idea for Brie to be there"
Angel nods "I agree. She doesn't need to hear all of it."
"Maybe Cordy can take her for the night"
"We got that over with." Angel grins
"Yeah until we actually do it" Buffy sighs
"I should go see if Spike is corrupting the baby" Angel groans sitting up
"I'll do it" Buffy says sitting up "Go back to sleep"
Angel nods laying back down "Try not to stake him infront of her" he grins
Buffy glares at him over her shoulder as she pulls on her robe "I promise" she says sweetly as she leaves the darkened bedroom. Going downstairs she finds Spike and Briena on the couch watching cartoons and eating cereal. "Spike are you corrupting my daughter?" she demands
Spike looks at Buffy "No" he answers
Briena looks up at her mother "Hi Momma" she smiles
"Hey you" Buffy smiles back kissing Briena's head "Spike where's my mother?" she asks heading into the kitchen
"Mum said something about needing to do some work at the gallery" Spike calls
Rummaging through the cabinets Buffy pours herself a bowl of cereal "Did she say when she'd be back?"
"No"
"Momma can we go to the park?" Briena asks
"Sure baby we can go to the park this afternoon" Buffy answers returning to the livingroom with her bowl of cereal.
"OK" she says happily her attention on the TV
**** That afternoon ****
"Mommy lets go" Briena demands impatiently from the foyer
"Just a minute Brie" Buffy calls from the kitchen
"When will you be back?" Angel asks
"Couple hours" she answers putting a lunch bag in her backpack "Try not to make a mess" she says kissing him
"Why would I?" Angel asks
Buffy rolls her eyes "I'm leaving you and Spike alone. I don't want to have to explain to my mother why the house is trashed"
"I promise we won't fight" Angel chuckles
"And Angel try not to stake him"
"I won't. After all I said you could" he smiles
"Yes you did"
"Bloody hell your Mum and Dad are too mushy" Spike grumbles carrying Briena into the kitchen
Briena giggles holding her arms out to Buffy "Momma can we go now?"
"Sure baby" Buffy agrees taking the child from Spike's arms. She glares at the two vampires "If I come back to find this place trashed I swear I will kick both of your undead asses through out Sunnydale." she looks at Spike "and I will tell Drusilla you cheated on her with Harmony"
"That's just cruel" Spike whines "Its all your fault anyway"
"Yeah like its my fault" Buffy rolls her eyes at Angel "that you killed her friend and ended up back here neutered"
"Bloody hell it is" Spike growls "If you and Peaches hadn't..."
"Spike" Angel growls smacking the blond on the back of the head
"Spike not infront of Briena" Buffy snaps
Briena watches them confused by the extreme emotions "Momma?" she asks her eyes wide
"Sorry" Spike apologizes
Buffy grabs her backpack "You ready?" she asks Briena
Briena nods "Ready"
"We'll be on our best behavior" Angel promises
"Bye Daddy. Bye Spike" Briena waves over Buffy's shoulder
**** The Park ****
Buffy watches as Briena runs towards the playground equipment. "Oh no" she groans realizing her daughter has supernatural speed. Looking around to see whether or not anyone had seen what had happened she calls "Brie baby come here"
"What Momma?" Briena asks racing over to Buffy
"I need to talk to you" Buffy says picking up Briena she looks around the almost empty playground.
"Yes?"
Buffy smiles looking into the big brown eyes "Baby I need you to slow down"
"Why Mommy?" she asks confused
Buffy smoothes back her Briena's hair "Well sweetie most kids your age can't run that fast. If people saw that they'd become suspicious"
Briena looks at her mother sadly "And the bad men might find out and take me and Daddy away" she whispers
"Oh Brie" Buffy sighs "Daddy and I won't let them take you away from us. Now no more worrying about the bad men baby. Lets go play" Buffy says putting the little girl on her feet
Briena leads Buffy over to the swings "Push me please" she requests
sitting on the swing seat
"Sure" Buffy answers pushing her gently
"Mommy?"
"Yes Briena"
Briena looks up at Buffy "Can we go to the mansion?"
Buffy looks at Briena startled "Why do you want to go there?"
Briena shrugs "I dunno"
Buffy looks at Briena thoughtfully then crouches before her "Have you had dreams about it?"
Briena looks at her feet then her mother "Uh huh" she nods
Buffy swallows nervously "What about?"
"Lots of things" she answers "Can we?"
"I'll talk to Daddy about it" Buffy stands going behind the swing she pushes the little girl. 'The mansion' she thinks 'why there?' she shakes off her thoughts turning her attention to the laughing child
**** Few hours later ****
Angel looks up from his reading as Buffy enters her bedroom "Hi baby. Where's Briena?"
"Uh she's with Spike." she answers toeing off her shoes
Angel watches her curiously as he puts the book aside "OK what happened?"
Buffy sits on the bed facing Angel "We had fun"
"Then why do you have that look?"
Buffy tilts her head "What look?"
"The somethings bothering you one" he answers
"Oh fine. Uh you might want to warn Doyle and Cordelia to keep an eye on Briena when she's at the park"
"They already do" Angel reminds
"Not for the normal reasons but for the supernatural ones"
"Oh boy what happened?"
"Lets just say her speed has kicked in and not the normal growing kid speed. She raced across the park in under 10 seconds. It takes me about 20... 15 if I push it"
"Her strength, hearing and sight has already kicked in I'm surprised speed took this long" Angel sighs "I'll warn them and we'll have a little talk with Briena."
Buffy nods then looks at the wall
"What else?"
"She wants to go to the mansion" Buffy tells him softly
"What?" he says shocked
"She's curious about it. She's had dreams about it" Buffy explains
"Did she say what kind?" Angel asks
"No. It might not be a bad idea to take her there" Buffy says seeing the surprised look on his face "I know coming from me that sounds odd since I've only been there a few times since you left. But think about it Angel she was 'born' there and Jack did say that when it was time she'd know who we are and she does. The mansion is a big part of our relationship."
"I know." he sighs running his hand through his hair "I guess we could stop by on the way to drop you off"
"What are you reading?" Buffy asks laying her head on his shoulder
Angel shows her the title
"Shakespeare's Hamlet? Ugh how many times have you read that?"
Angel chuckles "A lot"
Buffy smiles looking up at him "I like that"
"What?"
"Hearing you laugh. You rarely laughed. I've heard you laugh more in the last three weeks then I have in the last 3 years. I like it."
"Oh really"
"Yeah" she lays her head back down "Will you read some of that to me?" she requests
"Sure" Angel says opening the book
Buffy listens as he reads
**** Half an hour later ****
"We better go get her fed" Angel whispers
"Do we have too?" Buffy whines lacing their fingers
"Yes." Angel replies sitting up "That and make sure Spike hasn't taught her how to play poker"
"Oh great" Buffy groans "You don't think he'd do that"
"Buffy its Spike. He'd teach anyone to play" Angel answers pulling the Slayer to her feet. Hand in hand the two head downstairs stopping in their tracks at the sight of the sleeping vampire and child on the recliner.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this but that would make a cute picture" Buffy remarks seeing the little girl curled up against Spike's chest.
"And great blackmail against Spike" Angel adds
"That too" she laughs lightly
Angel leads the Slayer into the kitchen "Come on let her sleep awhile longer."
Buffy nods "She hasn't slept much"
"Its going to be interesting getting her to go back to daycare" Angel sighs
"Vincent and Molly were her closest friends there huh?"
Angel nods "They were the first ones she spoke more then three words to. As far as I know they were the only ones she got close to"
"She takes after you on that one" Buffy remarks opening the fridge
"How so?"
"Well as long as I've known you, you've spoken most to me, Giles, Willow, Spike, Whistler and now Briena, Doyle and Cordelia. You rarely have full conversations with anyone else. And when you were little I bet you were shy"
Angel shrugs "I guess."
"I never was. Mom and Dad used to get annoyed because I would stop a complete stranger in the mall and talk to them."
"I can see that" he agrees "I wasn't as shy as my sister Kathy"
"You had a sister?" Buffy says surprised
Angel nods smiling sadly at the memories of his little sister. "She was my best friend even though we had a major age difference."
"Oh?"
Angel leans against the counter his arms folded "Briena reminds me of her" he looks down to find Briena leaning against his legs tiredly "Hey you"
"Who ya talking about?" Briena demands sleepily
Buffy looks at the little girl and grins "Daddy's telling me about his sister." she picks Briena up
Briena sniffles sleepily as she lays her head on Buffy's shoulder "She's nice." she mumbles
Angel looks at Buffy startled then asks "How do you know?"
Briena looks at her father "They talk to me when I sleep."
Buffy sees the pained look flash in Angel's eyes "Briena sweetie" Buffy begins
Briena looks at her father quizzically "Daddy?"
Angel shakes his head "I'm fine"
Buffy sensing the need to change the subject looks at the little girl "What do you want for dinner babygirl?"
Briena frowns "Grilled cheese?"
"All right" Buffy agrees
Briena grins "Can I color?"
"Yes." she nods "Is Spike still sleeping?"
Briena shakes her head "He's watching the news"
"Probably drooling over accident victims" Buffy mutters putting the little girl down
"Shut up Slayer" Spike yells
Angel watches as Briena races out of the kitchen
"You OK?" Buffy asks
Angel shrugs "I guess."
"Are you ever going to tell me about your family?"
"Someday baby" he promises cupping her cheek with his hand "Someday"
"I want to know about them. So does Briena"
"I know. I promise I will tell you about them."
Buffy smiles kissing his palm "Now lets get her some dinner"
**** An hour later ****
"I'll call you later Mom" Buffy calls heading out the front door following Angel and Briena.
Angel buckles Briena in the backseat as Buffy puts her bags in the trunk. "Ready babygirl?" he asks the little girl
Briena nods "Yes Daddy"
Angel chuckles kissing her forehead "Good." Buffy gets into the passengers seat watching as Angel gets into the drivers side. "Ready baby?" he smiles sadly
Buffy nods "I am." she looks at Briena in the backseat "As ready as I'll ever be" Angel starts the car pulling out of the driveway.
Briena looks around as Angel pulls the car to a stop. "I know this place"
Buffy turns to look at her daughter "Where are we?"
Briena frowns thoughtfully as she looks at the building before her. Her mind flashing over her dreams and memories "Home" she whispers. She grins at Angel and holds out her arms to him "Out Daddy" she demands
Angel smiles getting out of the car he unbuckles her seatbelt lifting her up he kisses her cheek
"Daddy I need Mr Doggie" Briena demands
"I got him" Buffy says picking up the stuffed dog she hands it to the little girl "Here babygirl"
"Thanks Mommy" she smiles
"Your welcome babygirl"
The small family heads into the mansion alert for any vampires or other demons. "Daddy I want down please" Briena requests
"All right but stay where we can see you" he tells her
"OK" she promises as he puts her down.
Buffy slips her hand into Angel's "I've missed being here"
Angel nods "I have too. We spent a lot of time here"
Buffy smiles "I know. Its where we were reunited." she looks at the little girl wandering around "Its here we lost alot but gained alot."
Angel pulls her close "That we did"
Buffy watches as Briena lays on her stomach peering at the floor "Briena what are you doing?" she asks pulling away from Angel's embrace she crouches before the little girl
Briena reaches her hand into a small hole smiling as she reaches the object. Pulling her hand out of the hole she smiles happily at her parents.
"Briena what is in your hand?" Buffy demands
Briena stands up holding her hands behind her back "Nothing" she smiles
"Briena" Angel warns
"OK" she whines then smiles at Buffy "Here Momma" she holds out her closed hand
Buffy holds out her hand palm up curious what her daughter has hidden. "What?"
Briena puts the object in Buffy's hand watching her mother's face close as she looks at the object
Buffy looks at her palm startled at the sight of her ring "Oh my God" she whispers looking up at Angel tears falling "Angel" she shows him the ring "look"
Angel smiles at Buffy wiping away her tears. "Why are you crying?"
"I never thought I'd see it again" she whispers. She looks at Briena "How did you know?"
Briena looks at them "I saw it"
"Thank you babygirl" Buffy smiles tearfully. She slips the ring back on then smiles at Angel "I love you"
Angel takes her hand kissing the ring "I love you"
"Forever" she whispers tearfully
"And ever" he adds kissing her gently
"Yeah" Briena says happily
Angel chuckles "Come 'ere you" he says pulling the child close
Buffy hugs Briena tight "Thank you Briena"
"Love you Mommy. Love you Daddy"
Angel kisses the little girl's cheek "We love you too"
After awhile Buffy reluctantly stands up "We should get going"
"I know" Angel sighs standing with Briena in his arms
"Do we have too?" Briena whines
"Yes. Mommy has classes tomorrow and we need to get home"
"Come on babygirl" Buffy says taking the child from Angel "You know now that I think about it you and Daddy haven't seen my room at school"
Briena looks at her curiously "Can we?"
Angel nods "All right babygirl" he agrees following Buffy and Briena out to the car.
**** Ten minutes later ****
Angel and Buffy are walking across the campus with Briena between them "Nice place"
"Its not so bad if you don't count the loud drunken parties, the roommate from another dimension, the fact that Spike knows where to find me, and the fact that most parties end with dead bodies"
"I heard about the roommate" Angel chuckles
"From who?"
"Cordelia" Angel answers smiling
"Ahh" Buffy nods
"She and Willow talk everyonce in a while. So in the end Cordelia tells me. I think she does it so I don't feel so out of touch with Sunnydale"
"Momma look its Willow" Briena smiles pointing
"Hey Willow" Buffy calls
Hearing her name called Willow stops turning to see her best friend walking towards her "Hey Buffy." she greets seeing Angel and Briena she grins "I thought you two would've left already"
"We came to drop off Buffy then we'll head out"
"I thought I'd show them around" Buffy looks up at Angel smiling
Angel smiles back "It took me this long to see where you spend most of your time"
Briena looks at them then tugs on their hands "No more mushiness." not getting a reaction she hits Angel
"Ow" he growls looking down at Briena "What did I tell you about hitting?"
"You weren't paying attention to me" Briena whines
"I don't care. We talked about this you can't go around hitting because you don't get any attention"
Briena looks at her father sheepishly "Sorry Daddy"
Angel nods "Come on" he says picking up the little girl.
"I told you she spends too much time with Spike" Buffy smiles
"I like Spike" Briena laughs
"We know" Angel says drily
Willow smiles "I'll see you later Buffy. I've got to go work on my paper. Bye Angel. Bye Briena" she says
"Bye Willow" Briena waves
"See you later" Angel says to the redhead
"I'm going to do a quick patrol Will"
"Sure" Willow replies walking away
**** Half an hour later ****
Angel smiles up at Buffy "I'll call you when we get home"
"You better. Or I'll have to hurt you" she threatens. She leans over and kisses Angel gently. Leaning her forehead against his she smiles "I love you"
"I love you too" he replies kissing her back
"I'll talk to you later" she pulls away smiling at Briena "I'll see you next weekend"
Briena nods " 'kay"
"Love you babygirl"
"Love you Momma" Briena yawns
"Be careful" Buffy tells Angel
"You too" he says kissing her hand. He starts the car backing the car out of the space. "Hey Buffy" he calls
"What?" she calls
Angel grins "Are you still my girl?"
"I never stopped. I never will stop being your girl"
Angel nods "I'll call you as soon as we get home" he promises
Buffy watches as Angel drives out of the parking lot. She smiles looking down at her ring "Always" she whispers
****
"Daddy?"
"Hmm?"
Briena leans against him "Are you gonna tell Mommy about her ring?"
"What do you mean?" Angel asks glancing at Briena
Briena looks up at him "That its a wedding ring"
Angel looks at her startled "How did you know that?"
"Grandmother told me" she yawns burrowing closer
"Joyce told you?" Angel asks surprised
"No your Mommy told me" she yawns
"Briena..."
"Grandfather says you need to tell Mommy. He likes her. He says its not nice to keep secrets from Mommy" she snuggles closer yawning
"I know its not nice to keep secrets."
"Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"I want a little brother" she yawns
Angel looks down at her startled "Brie baby..." he trails off looking for the right words "I wish that was possible but its not."
"One day Daddy" she pats his leg "we'll all be together" she yawns
"Get to sleep babygirl" he whispers running his fingers through her hair soothingly
"Love you Daddy" she whispers
"I love you too my girl" he whispers quickly pressing a kiss to her hair. "I love you too"
Part 27
**** Two hours later ****
Angel carries the sleeping child into her bedroom laying her down he covers her up. "Sleep well little one" he whispers kissing her forehead. Straightening himself up he leaves the room pulling the door shut behind him. Going into the kitchen he grabs the cordless phone dialing Buffy's number.
"Hello?" Buffy asks sleepily
"Hey sleeping beauty" Angel greets
"Angel" Buffy whispers happily as she snuggles under her covers.
"We just got in. See I told you I'd call" he reminds
"I'm glad you did. I miss you"
"I miss you too"
"So is she sleeping?"
"Yeah. She fell asleep just outside Sunnydale." he answers opening the refridgerator he removes a container of blood. "So how was patrol?"
"Boring. Everyone's wimped out on me since the Initiative appeared. And now that Spike can't fight its no fun." she whines
"I'm sorry" Angel says taking a drink
"And since you aren't here to hit I only have Giles"
Angel chuckles "Uh baby"
"Yeah?"
Angel heads into his bedroom sitting on the bed his back against the headboard. "I have something I need to tell you"
"What?" Buffy asks suspiciously
"Promise you won't get mad?"
"About what?"
Angel sighs looking at his ring "Briena pointed someting out to me earlier tonight"
"What?"
"That keeping secrets isn't nice"
"Isn't nice?" Buffy giggles
"Buffy" he growls warningly
"All right I won't get mad"
Angel sighs pinching the bridge of his nose "According to an old Irish tradition" he pauses
"What?" Buffy demands impatiently
"We're married" he finishes
Buffy pauses her heart pounding "What did you say?"
"According to the way I was raised the rings mean we're married"
Buffy lets it process then demands loudly "Were you ever going to tell me?"
"Buffy" Willow ask sleepily sitting up
"Sorry Will" Buffy apologizes "Just a second Angel" she says. On the other end Buffy gets out of bed opening the door she goes out to the hallway. "All right" she begins "Explain Mister" she orders sliding to the floor cradling the phone with her shoulder as she looks at her ring. "What do you mean we're married?"
Angel sighs "In Ireland the rings would mean that we're married."
Buffy smiles looking at her ring "Cool" 'I'm married to my Angel' she thinks happily
Hearing that Angel smiles "So I take it you aren't mad"
"No, I'm not mad." she answers "Wow. Why didn't you tell me when you gave it to me?"
"I don't know" he sighs "I guess... I guess I was scared that if I told you you'd get angry. That night things just..."
"Got to be intense" Buffy finishes
"Yeah" Angel agrees "I meant to tell you but it always seemed like the wrong time"
"I wasn't any help" Buffy says tearfully "I'm sorry"
"I'm sorry too" Angel sighs "Things at the time were out of control for both of us."
"When did things get so out of control" Buffy wonders aloud.
"When I started killing" Angel whispers running his hand through his hair "when I started hurting you"
"But you didn't do any of that Angel." Buffy protests
"Buffy he's apart of me."
"Yes but he's not you Angel"
"Buffy..." he begins then pauses his attention drawn to his bedroom door hearing whimpering coming from Briena's room
"What's wrong?"
"Brie's dreaming" he answers just as a terrified scream comes from the little girl's bedroom. "Oh man. I'll call you back" Angel says hanging up the phone.
On the other end Buffy stares at the phone then smiles standing up she slams into the room "Willow" she calls
"Go 'way" the redhead mumbles burrowing under her covers
Buffy hides a smile "Oh all right I guess I'll just have to call my 'husband' and tell him my best friend wanted to sleep rather than hear my news"
"Go 'head call your 'hus..." the redhead trails off as the word hits her she sits up "HUSBAND?!" she exclaims staring at her friend startled
Buffy giggles sitting on Willow's bed "Husband" she says happily "Well according to an Irish tradition he grew up with Angel and I are married" she holds up her hand showing her ring.
"Eeek" Willow shrieks "Are you kidding me?"
Buffy shakes her head "No. He just told me that in Ireland we'd be considered to be married"
"But how?"
"Our rings" Buffy answers
Willow looks at the ring "Isn't that the one he gave you for your birthday?"
Buffy nods smiling sadly at the memory "Briena found it at the mansion. It had rolled into a hole"
"How did she find it?" Willow demands
Buffy looks at her ring "She dreams things Willow"
"She dreamed where the ring fell?"
Buffy nods "She knew where it was."
"Wow" Willow replies "Married? Wow your married" she says amazed
Buffy moves up the bed to sit beside Willow. "Willow I feel even worse"
"Why?" Willow asks
"Because not only did I cheat on Angel the guy I love but Angel my husband." she looks at her friend tears in her eyes "I cheated on my husband"
"Oh Buffy" Willow says hugging her "You didn't know"
"I didn't know but I think in a way I felt it."
"What do you mean?"
"I think in some way I knew."
"He'd forgive you Buffy."
"I know he would. He forgives me for everything. No matter what I do he always forgives me."
"He loves you Buffy"
Buffy smiles "And I love him"
"So are you going to tell your parents?"
"I don't know. Maybe later."
"What about the gang?"
"Not now. Giles and Xander are still processing last nights news"
"Did you see the look on Xander's face?" Willow giggles
"I know. Man we are going to have to have a camera on hand when we tell them this news" she pauses smiling at Willow "I'm married to my Angel and we have a little girl"
Willow smiles "Congratulations" she hugs Buffy again
"I have almost everything I've ever dreamed of"
"What else do you want?"
"To have my Angel without the clause... maybe even human. To be able to spend my life with him and Briena. And one day give Briena a little brother or sister"
"Hey it might happen" Willow remarks seeing the look on the Slayer's face she shrugs "Hey we live on the Hellmouth anythings possible here."
Buffy smiles "True. After all it was here I met Angel, fell inlove with him, sent him to Hell and got him back. I want to have his baby Willow." she looks at her hands "In a way I already have but I want to feel his child grow inside of me. I want to go through everything I missed with Briena even the bad parts." she sniffles
"We'll find a way to make everything happen." Willow promises
Buffy smiles hugging her friend "Thanks Willow." she gets off the bed going to her own. "We should go back to sleep"
"I know" Willow agrees "Night Buffy"
"Night Will"
**** Meanwhile @ Angel's ****
"Briena" Angel calls entering the bedroom he makes out the form of the sobbing child. "Briena sweetie" he calls going to the bedside he picks up the still sleeping child. His undead heart breaking at the terrified sobs he slowly rocks her in his arms humming a lullabye his mother had once sung to him. "Shh" he soothes as he hummingly purrs
Slowly the little girl's sobs choke off as she slowly opens her eyes. " 'sniffle' Daddy" she whimpers burrowing into the familiar chest
"Daddy's here babygirl" he soothes "I'm here"
"Don't leave me Daddy" she whimpers
"Never my sweet one. Daddy's never leaving you" he whispers
Briena looks up at her father her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room as she makes out his features "Never?"
"Never my sweet one" he promises kissing her forehead
Briena nods lying her head on his chest she makes out the faint beat of his reanimated heart. Slowly she is lulled back to sleep by the humming purr radiating from his chest.
After awhile Angel hears the even breathing signalling that Briena is again asleep. Carefully he moves to lay her down when he hears her heart rate speed up and she clings to him tightly. Sighing needlessly the vampire shifts her in his arms waiting for her to fall into a deeper sleep. Fifteen minutes later he tries again to lay the child down when her eyes fly open "No Daddy" he hears her whimper sleepily. Knowing that the little girl won't stay asleep if he leaves her Angel stands carrying Briena into his own bedroom. He starts to lay her down when she protests again.
"OK baby" he soothes holding her against his chest he slips under the covers laying on his back with Briena asleep on his chest. "Shh babygirl" he whispers rubbing her back soothingly as the child snuggles close. "I love you sweet one" Angel whispers in Gaelic much to his surprise she responds in Gaelic.
"Love you Da" she mumbles
Angel smiles to himself at those words 'Da or Daddy. Never thought I'd hear either of those from anyone but Drusilla' slowly the vampire falls asleep.
Part 28
**** Intiative HQ: That Afternoon ****
"Professor Walsh?" Forrest asks
Professor Walsh looks up from her paperwork "Ah Forrest come in" she invites. "What can I do for you?" she asks putting down her pencil
Forrest enters the room taking a seat. "I wanted to talk to you about something"
"Yes?"
"I found out something about a friend of Summers" Forrest states
"Oh?" she asks intrigued
"Finn doesn't know I've been looking into this. He made a promise to her that he would respect her ex-boyfriends privacy."
"And so what did you find?"
"I'm not sure. I wanted to run it over with you."
"All right. What have you found?"
"Well Ma'am I did some research on this guy Angel. He's not only Summers ex but he's a private detective in LA. When I went to research more on him I hit a snag considering I don't know his last name. But I ran a search on male private detectives in their late 20s early 30s in LA with the name Angel. I got nothing. This guy isn't licensed. So I ran a search on cases in LA where any unnamed men appeared. I found a name Detective Kate Lockley in LA. I called her and she basically stalled me. All she said was that he was good."
"What is so suspicious about that?"
"I'm getting to that. According to what I found this guy appears and disappears. When I ran a check on him through the Sunnydale PD I found mention of this guy in the vicinity of things Summers was involved in during highschool."
"So you found nothing?"
"No. See this guy has a daughter who from what Riley told me she is 4 years old. Anyway on Thursday night Summers asked Riley to drive her to LA she said that the kid had been in an accident. Well I ran a search through the hospital records" he pauses "according to what I found a 4 year old girl named Briena Kelin was in a car accident that was pretty much deadly to everyone but her. All she got was a concussion, fractured ribs, bruises and cuts. When I found out that she was out of the hospital and in Sunnydale I called the attending doctor. He told me that when she was brought in the injuries looked more severe. He said that she should be out of commission for a while."
"So?"
"So Summers came back to LA last night with the ex and his daughter. I ran into them while I was patrolling. This isn't the oddest thing yet. I went by her mothers place this afternoon and followed Summers and the kid to the park. You know how Summers has the whole Slayer strength and speed?"
"Yes" Walsh answers more intrigued
"Well I watched as this kid made it across the park in under 10 seconds. No child could make that run that fast especially one that shouldn't even be able to run."
"Maybe it wasn't the same child" Walsh argues
"It was. I asked the doctor who the child's parents were... and do you know what he told me?"
"What?"
"He told me that Briena Kelin's father was named Angel Kelin. Her mother..." he pauses watching Walsh closely "Buffy Summers"
"What? That's not possible. We did a full background check on Buffy Summers. There was no mention that she was ever pregnant." Walsh reminds
"I know. But there's more. I haven't seen the kid's father outside today."
"He's a private detective he probably works."
"That's what I thought but Professor somethings up with all of this. I'd like to go to LA and see what else I can find" Forrest requests
Professor Walsh looks at the soldier thoughtfully "All right. I'm intrigued go ahead."
"I'd also like permission to if necessary and this child is in any way a hostile to bring her in"
Walsh nods "I'm interested in the child, all right" she agrees "take a few men but be low profile on this. I don't trust Riley to not go to Summers and warn her."
"Yes ma'am" Forrest agrees standing
"Keep me posted" Walsh orders watching as the soldier leaves the room
**** That night in LA ****
Forrest looks at the men he brought with him "All right we're here. Remain on alert and don't do anything that will alert them to our presence." he orders
"Yes sir" the men agree
**** Next Morning ****
Angel wakes up to the soft breaths of Briena against his neck. Kissing her hair gently he starts to move her off his chest.
"Daddy" she whimpers
"Shh sweet one. I'm here. I'm just going to go shower. I'll be right back"
Hearing that she calms down allowing him to put her down. She immediately curls up burrowing close to his pillow.
Angel watches as the little girl curls up smiling he heads into the bathroom for a quick shower. A few minutes later he walks out of the bathroom to find Briena still sleeping. Dressing he heads into the kitchen to fix Briena's breakfast.
In the bedroom Briena awakens panicked when she finds herself alone. "Daddy" she cries
In the kitchen Angel hears the panicked child call out to him. "Just a second Briena" he calls putting down the plates he rushes into his room to find her crying. "What's wrong sweet one?" he asks gathering the crying child close.
Briena wraps her arms around his neck
Angel stands with Briena in his arms "How about we go finish making breakfast" he suggests
Briena nods
"OK then" he shifts Briena to his hip and carries her out of the bedroom into the kitchen. "Sweet one I need to put you down so I can get breakfast ready"
"NO" she cries
Angel frowns at her reaction "Briena its all right. I'm not going anywhere."
"That's what Jack used to say" she whispers
"Briena its OK." Angel assures "I won't go anywhere" he puts her on the counter. "See now you can help me"
"OK"
"Good" he smiles kissing her forehead.
"What are we having?" she asks watching as Angel moves around the kitchen
"How about scrambled eggs"
"OK" she agrees
Angel gets out the eggs and cheese. As he beats the eggs he asks the question on his mind "Brie what did you dream last night?"
"A white room" she whispers
"What about the white room?"
"It was bad Daddy. It hurt"
"What hurt?" Angel asks startled
Briena looks at the floor
"Briena?" he asks bending down to meet her eyes "Sweetie what hurt?"
Briena chews on her lip "Everything." she whispers
"Oh baby it was a dream"
"I was scared Daddy" she says reaching out she fiddles with his cross.
"It was a dream. Dreams are scary but they can't hurt you."
"Yes they can" she whispers her eyes on his cross
Seeing her attention on his cross "Here" he reaches up unfastening the chain "I want you to have this." he slips in around her neck fastening it "Now whenever you need me I'll always be there"
Briena smiles "Thank you Daddy"
Angel smiles back "Anything for you sweet one" he kisses her forehead "Now how about we finish making breakfast"
"OK" she agrees
Fifteen minutes later Briena and Angel are sitting at the table eating breakfast when Doyle enters the apartment. " 'ello"
"There are eggs on the stove" Angel tells the half demon in greeting
"Hey is that a way to greet a person?" Doyle demands
"Yes. If its you" Angel responds he looks at Briena who's barely eating. "Briena whats wrong?"
She shrugs "Not hungry. Can I color now?"
"Sure but take your plate to the sink" Angel reminds he watches as the little girl silently does as reminded.
"What's with her?" Doyle asks sitting down
Angel shrugs "She had a nightmare last night. Since she woke up she's been acting weird."
"Weird?" Doyle asks
"I don't know kind of clingy like she was when she meets new people... except this time its fear."
"Kids get afraid man." Doyle reminds "Don't you remember ever being afraid?"
"A little." Angel admits standing "I'm going to go get some work done can you keep an eye on her?"
"Sure" Doyle nods
Angel heads to the elevator when little arms wrap around his leg. He looks down to meet sad brown eyes. "Briena I'm just going upstairs to work"
Briena shakes her head "NO"
"Yes. I need to work Brie. Why don't you go play with Doyle" he suggests
"Yeah Monkey we can play what ever you want." Doyle offers
The little girl shakes her head "NO" she sniffles "Wanna stay with Daddy." she whimpers
Angel groans inwardly 'How did she ever learn that look?' he wonders "Brie I'm just going upstairs."
"NO Daddy. I want to stay with you." she whimpers clinging to his leg.
Angel sighs picking up the little girl he carries her into the elevator. "Doyle we'll be upstairs"
"Yeah sure" waves off the half demon
**** That afternoon ****
"Hey Angel phone. Its Ms Handlen" Cordelia says from the door way.
Angel nods "Thanks Cordy." he puts down his pen reaching for the phone. "This is Angel" he greets
"Hello Angel. Its Karen."
"Hi Karen what can I do for you?" he asks looking at Briena sprawled on the floor beside his desk coloring.
"Everyone here is concerned about Briena. How is she?"
Angel smiles faintly at the question "She's fine. She had a head injury and some cuts and bruises. The doctor said she'd be fine"
"That's great. Are we going to be seeing Briena anytime soon?"
Angel looks at a picture of Buffy and Briena on his desk "I'm not sure. I'll have to see if I can get her to go. She's being a little clingy today."
"Angel kids are very emotional especially after loosing someone close to them."
"Yeah maybe."
"Tell Briena that we all miss her and hope to see her soon."
"I will" Angel promises
"Bye"
"Bye" Angel hangs up the phone
"Daddy" Briena says sleepily rubbing her eyes
"You ready for a nap Briena?" he asks picking her up
Briena nods laying her head on his shoulder "I'm tired" she yawns
"Come on" Angel smiles standing he takes the child down to the apartment. He carries her into her room removing her shoes he puts her down covering her with the blanket. "Get some sleep."
Briena looks up at him "You won't leave?" she asks sleepily
"I'll be in the livingroom." he says kissing her
Briena smiles sleepily " 'kay"
"Sleep babygirl" he orders standing
"Bye Daddy" she says with a yawn as he leaves the room
TBC