Part 27
"Can you believe it" Buffy says happily to her eight month old daughter as she changes her diaper. "Oh yes Katie Mommy's graduating from the hell that is called high school." she laughs as the little girl blows raspberries and waves her arms. "And one day you'll graduate from high school. In 18 years you will" she picks up the happy baby
The chubby eight month old chatters incoherently waving her hands. Her brown eyes twinkling brightly. " 'ink" she says holding out her hands
"What baby?" Buffy asks
"ehh" she squeals insistantly pointing
Buffy looks towards where the little girl is pointing and sees Gordo Jr "You want Gordo Jr huh?" she asks the little girl picking up the stuffed pig she hands it to Katie "Here"
Katie giggles sticking the pigs tail in her mouth
Buffy laughs "Mommy's got to finish getting ready" she kisses the little girl's nose "Want to go watch cartoons with Spike?"
Katie hears one of her favorite names and gives Buffy a toothless grin
"I take it that's a yes" Buffy laughs carrying the little girl down the stairs. In the living room she finds the peroxide blond vampire and the dark haired Slayer watching T.V. "Hey guys" she greets
Spike looks up at the blond Slayer and the dark haired baby "Hey Katie" he grins at the baby.
"Oooh oh" Katie grunts holding out her arms
"Watch her for me while I finish getting dressed" she says handing her daughter to the vampire
"Why does he always get Katie?" Faith complains
"Cause Katie likes me" Spike grins at the toothless baby
"She likes me too" Faith retorts
"She likes everyone" Buffy reminds "I just changed her so she should be OK for a while" she says heading back upstairs
Spike places the baby on the floor watching as she pulls herself up on her feet by holding on to the coffee table. "You are going to be walking soon huh cutie?"
Katie looks up at him and grins chattering in response
Buffy walks down the stairs wearing a thigh length dark blue dress with spaghetti straps and black strapped heels. Her hair swept up in a twist her cross and ring her only jewlery.
"Lookin' good B" Faith states
Spike looks up seeing Buffy in her dress he grins "Katie look at your Mum" he says picking up the baby.
Katie grins at her mother "Mama" she claps happily
Buffy smiles "Thanks" she takes the baby from Spike
"Isn't Soulboy coming down this weekend?" Faith asks
"Dada?" Katie asks her eyes wide
"Oh yes Daddy's coming to visit" Buffy smiles at the little girl's enthusiasm
"Dada. Dada" she chants clapping her hands as her voice gets louder "DADA"
"Katie calm down" Buffy soothes putting her finger against Katie's lips "Shh baby"
Katie shakes her head "No."
Buffy looks at her daughter "Katie" she warns
"No. No." she shakes her head
Buffy sighs "Katie want Gordo Jr?"
Katie's eyes widen " 'ink?"
"I take that as a yes." Buffy laughs
"Buffy" Joyce calls
"What Mom?"
"Did you feed Katie?"
"Two hours ago" Buffy answers shifting her daughter in her arms "She should be fine for another hour"
"Why don't you see if she'll take it now" Joyce suggests
"Mother she just had one" Buffy says
"Its just a suggestion honey. You know how she gets when she's hungry"
Buffy sighs "All right." she looks at Spike and Faith "Where's Gordo?"
"Uh" Faith looks around "here" she grabs the fallen pig handing it to Buffy
"Thanks" Buffy carries Katie into the kitchen Buffy takes out one of the bottles heating it up she holds it up to Katie. "Do you want this baby?" she asks
Katie takes the bottle sticking it in her mouth
Buffy smiles at her daughter "You sure are getting to be quite the independent little girl" she states kissing Katie's forehead.
Katie grunts holding out her bottle
"You done?" Buffy asks taking the bottle "There's still some in here. Do want to finish it?"
Katie responds by sticking her thumb in her mouth
"OK" Buffy shrugs putting the bottle back in the fridge "Mom are you ready?" she calls going to the kitchen door
"I'm coming" Joyce calls walking down the stairs "Did Katie want her bottle?"
Buffy nods "Somewhat" she shifts Katie "she didn't want to finish it" she picks up the diaper bag "We're ready"
"All right then lets go" Joyce grabs her purse "Faith are you sure you don't want to come?"
"No way I hate sitting through those things. I always get an urge to go smack someone" Faith states leaning over the back of the couch "Have fun though" she waves at Katie "Bye Katie"
"Bye-bye" Katie waves grinning
"Bye Kitten. Enjoy Mum" Spike says as the Summers women head out the door.
"Here" Buffy hands the baby to her mother "I've got to go join the line" she kisses Katie's cheek "Be good Katie-girl"
Katie waves "Bye Mama" she yells
"Katie shh" Joyce says holding her finger against her lips
Katie nods "Shh" she mimics
Buffy walks down the red carpet smiling as she sees Katie waving. "Hi" she mouthes waving back. She sits down leaning forward she looks at Willow "We're graduating" she whispers
"I know exciting isn't it" Willow smiles "Katie looks excited"
Buffy nods "She's been wired all day"
"She looks so cute in her outfit"
Buffy nods "Mom bought it for her to wear today"
"Today the Class of 99 is graduating" Snyder begins "though they don't deserve to" he mutters
Buffy stares into space as Snyder speaks. 'I want out of here' she thinks annoyed 'I could be playing with Katie but no I have to sit through this hell.'
Snyder then announces "The class valedictorian Willow Rosenberg will now speak"
Hearing Willow's name Buffy perks up "Go Willow" she calls
Willow stands up there her eyes roaming for someone familiar her eyes falling on her boyfriend Oz. "Class of 99, parents, friends and family. Today we stand here on the verge of being adults"
Buffy listens as Willow gives her speech
"And to my most intense displeasure Buffy Anne Summers" Snyder announces
Buffy grins at him taking her diploma she shakes his hand squeezing enough to cause him to wince. "Nice knowing you" she smirks. Moving to the top of the platform stairs she grins at her Mom, Katie, Giles and her friends 'I wish Angel and William were here' she thinks
Walking through the chairs Buffy joins her Mom, Katie and Giles "I did it" she grins hugging them
"You all did" Giles smiles
"We survived the horrors of highschool" Xander says as the other join them
Buffy smiles "That we did Xan-man that we did" she takes Katie from her mom. "Mommy's graduated Katie-girl" she kisses Katie's cheek
Katie grins kissing her mother back "Yeah"
Joyce picks up the phone "Hello?"
"Hi mom" Buffy greets
"Honey how's the party going?"
"Xander put that down" Buffy yells "Sorry Mom"
"Your having fun?"
"Yes. How's Katie?"
"Fine"
"Don't forget Angel's going to be there soon"
"I know I remember. Go have fun honey"
"I will. Love you." Buffy says "Xander" she shrieks
Joyce shakes her head hanging up the phone "Teenagers" she turns back to Katie who is amusing herself with Cheerios
Katie looks up from her Cheerios her eyes lighting up as she feels a familiar tingle "Dada" she calls pounding her hands on the top of the highchair. "DADA" she cries happily
"Daddy's not here yet Katie" Joyce picks up the infant
"He must be nearby" Spike remarks from the doorway
Joyce turns around "Why do you say that?"
Spike goes to the fridge taking out a container of blood "Kitten senses that he's nearby. Just like the Slayer and me."
"Dada. Dada" Katie chants squirming in her grandmother's arms
"Katie calm down" Joyce sighs trying to keep her granddaughter from squirming out of her arms. Finally she gives up putting Katie on the floor. "There Katie squirm away"
Katie rocks clapping her hands chanting "Dada" her eyes on the front door.
"So if she can sense Angel then how far away could he be?" Joyce asks Spike
Spike shrugs "I can sense him within a few miles. I'm not sure about the Slayer or Kitten" he looks at the little girl on the floor
"Is he around?"
"I don't sense him but that doesn't mean he's not nearby."
Joyce looks at Katie to see her crawling out of the kitchen "Where are you going Katie?" she laughs
"Dada" Katie crawls towards the door sitting back she stares at the door. About fifteen minutes she grins clapping happily when Joyce hears a knock at the door
Joyce steps over the baby opening the door to find Angel standing there "Hey she's been waiting for you" she says moving out of the way so Angel can enter
Seeing her father Katie holds up her arms "DADA." she shrieks happily grinning
Angel drops his duffle bag by the door he picks up Katie "Hi Katie" he kisses her "I take it Buffy and the others are at the mansion"
"Yes. Buffy said that they'll be out tomorrow afternoon" Joyce heads into the dining room "Before you put Katie to bed she might want a bottle"
"Sure" Angel sits down on the floor he plays with Katie
"Enjoy" Spike says slamming the door shut
"Bye" Katie waves
Angel carries Katie upstairs with her bottle. Sitting down on the rocking chair he gives her the bottle "You've gotten to be big since I last saw you" he touches her cheek as she drinks. Angel talks to Katie as he rocks her to sleep. Once she's asleep he puts her in the crib "Sleep well baby" he says kissing her head. Leaving the bedroom Angel heads downstairs where he finds Joyce in the diningroom working "Katie's asleep. I'm going to go do a quick patrol and check and see how everyone is doing at the mansion"
"I'll leave the back door unlocked for you"
"Thanks" Angel walks out of the house
Buffy heads out to the courtyard leaving her friends inside. Sitting on the edge of the water fountain she looks up at the night sky.
"The stars are beautiful"
Buffy grins turning around she finds Angel standing there "Hi. What are you doing here? I thought you'd be with Katie"
Angel sits beside her "She's asleep." he tells her
"Oh"
"How was graduation?"
Buffy shrugs "Other than Willow's speech boring"
"Congratulations" he smiles at her
"Thanks" she smiles back. They spend time looking at the stars and talking
Part 28
Buffy looks at Katie "Mommy's got to go to school baby"
"NO" Katie shrieks shaking her head "Mommy no"
Buffy watches as her daughter's eyes flash gold in anger "Katie" Buffy says her voice holding a slight tone of warning
"Buffy your going to be late" Angel states watching Buffy from the doorway of his room at the mansion
"Look Katie girl you get to play with Daddy" Buffy says turning so the crying infant can see her father "you always have fun with Daddy"
Katie nods tearfully "Daddy fun"
"See you get to spend all day with Daddy"
Angel moves forward taking the tearful baby from Buffy "Mommy will be back" he promises
"Mommy" Katie whimpers
Buffy presses a kiss to the top of Katie's head "Be good for Daddy" she looks at Angel "I'll be by around lunchtime"
Angel nods "See Katie Mommy will be back in a few hours" he watches from the darkened foyer as Buffy leaves
"Mommy" Katie says sadly leaning against her father's chest
"She'll be back baby" Angel assures walking to the couch he sits down with the baby snuggled against his chest "Daddy's missed you Katie"
Katie sighs patting his chest with her small hand "Kiss Daddy"
Angel smiles kissing her head "Love you too Katie"
"I am so glad Angel came for the week" Buffy sighs "if he hadn't I don't think Katie would have taken too well to me leaving her. She threw a fit as it was"
"What do you expect I mean you spent all summer with her and all of the sudden she's like 'Mommy's gone' of course she'd freak" Willow remarks
"I hope Angel can handle her." Buffy remarks "I know he can but now that she's walking she will be able to open the curtains in his bedroom. God knows how I'd explain to her how Daddy went 'POOF' because of the... ooof" she grunts hitting a body "Sorry" she apologizes looking up to see a sandy blonde haired man standing infront of her carrying a stack of books
"Its my fault" he apologizes "I've got my hands full"
"Buffy we got to get going" Willow says hurriedly "we've got class in 10"
Buffy smiles apologetically "Sorry" she says following Willow
Buffy and Willow enter their class taking seats "Willow which class is this?"
Willow sighs "Psych 101"
"Oh" Buffy replies
"Morning class I'm Dr Walsh this is Psychology 101." a woman says in greeting "this is my TA Riley Finn" she introduces
Buffy's eyes widen at the sight of the man she had run into earlier. She shrugs sheepishly as he notices her sitting there
"See Buffy something tells me that your already going to have fun" Willow whispers
Buffy glares at her friend
Buffy stands gathering her books studiously ignoring the TAs eyes on her "Will I gotta go"
"Where?" Willow asks
"I promised Katie I'd be back for lunch. Wanna come with?"
"I can't. Lunch date with Oz." Willow sighs happily at the thought of her werewolf boyfriend "Give Katie a kiss for me"
"I will" Buffy promises walking down the stairs
"Don't forget your next class is at 2"
"I won't." she pauses turning to look at her friend "Uh Will what class is that?" she asks sheepisly
"English Buffy"
"OK" she turns back to the door "And where is it?"
Willow shakes her head "Jackson 110"
"All right bye" Buffy walks out the door
Angel looks up from his reading to see Katie on the floor playing and talking to herself. He smiles sadly 'She should be talking to her brother'
"Bwock" she laughs looking up at Angel she smiles "Daddy" she waves
"Hi baby" he says in reply returning to his work. A few seconds later Angel is startled when he hears Katie shriek in pain startled he jumps out his chair rushing over to the screaming baby "Shh Katie" he soothes picking her up "What's wrong baby?" he asks. Katie just looks up at him her eyes filled with tears "You done sweetie?"
Katie sniffles rubbing her eyes
Angel puts the pacifier in her mouth kissing her head as she snuggles against his chest gathering a small handful of his shirt in her equally small hand. "Want Daddy to read to you?" Angel asks walking to the couch he sits down with Katie on his lap as he opens a book
Buffy enters the mansion to find Angel and Katie asleep on the couch. Smiling she puts her book bag down going over to the couch she notices Angel's eyes open sleepily "Hi"
"Hi" he greets
"How long has she been asleep?" Buffy asks kissing her daughter's head lightly
"About an hour" he answers
Buffy nods "Better wake her up otherwise she won't sleep through the night" she gently rubs the sleeping infant's back "Katie" she sings "time to wake up"
Katie nuzzles Angel's chest then slowly opens her eyes smiling brightly as her pacifier falls out "Mommy" she says happily
Buffy leans forward kissing her forehead "Aunt Willow says hi"
"Wiwo?" Katie asks looking around
"Willow isn't here baby." Buffy chuckles "Let's have lunch huh baby?" she holds out her hands to the little girl who moves happily into her mothers arms giving her mother a kiss "I take that as a yes" Buffy laughs looking at Angel
Angel watches as Buffy carries Katie into the kitchen making the baby a bottle "How was your class?"
"Psych was interesting" Buffy shrugs "Professor Walsh seems OK" she sets Katie in her high chair handing her her bottle. "Next I have English"
"What time?"
"2" she answers grabbing an apple from the refrigerator "Then at 4 I have a Speech class. Willow's in my Psych class"
"That's good"
"Yeah at least that way if I fall asleep I still get notes better than my own" she laughs
"You'll do well. You always do" he assures
Buffy shrugs her eyes going to Katie "I hope so"
"Hey Buffy wait up" Riley calls
Buffy stops turning around she watches as the blond TA walks towards her "Hi Riley" she smiles
Riley smiles back "I was wondering when you have the chance that we could maybe I dunno go out for a cup of coffee or something." he shrugs nervously
"Uh Riley"
Riley sensing her hesitation "If you don't want that's OK."
"Uh no Riley its not that. There's something you should know" she pauses "I have a daughter"
Riley looks at her startled "Wow" he says
"She turns one next month"
"So is this a no to coffee?" Riley asks
"Its not a no I just wanted you to know about her. I don't like the idea of making friends and not telling them about Katie" Buffy explains
"That's good. Friends and family should get along" Riley smiles
Buffy smiles back "So you still want to go out for coffee with a girl with a daughter?" 'And a son. Then add the destiny'
"Yeah if you want to when you have time"
"Thanks I'd like that." Buffy grins
"When you have the chance let me know"
Buffy looks at her watch "I don't have to be home for a few hours. So if you have some free time I'm open"
"I have some time" Riley grins
Ten minutes later Buffy and Riley find themselves seated at the coffee house just off-campus "Coffee" Buffy sighs happily taking a drink "God I think I'm living off this stuff"
Riley smiles "I remember when my youngest sister was born she kept us up for hours crying"
"Oh Katie's not like that. She rarely cries. I've been staying up late studying."
"It must be hard raising a baby on your own" Riley remarks
Buffy lifts her shoulder in response "Its not so hard. I mean I have a lot of help... my mom, my friends"
"What about her father?" Riley asks "Sorry" he apologizes "I don't mean to pry"
"Its OK. Her father lives in LA. He comes down almost every weekend. We broke up before they were born"
"They?"
"Oh sorry." Buffy apologizes looking away momentarily "I had twins." she says softly "but he died."
"I'm sorry it must have been hard"
"It was but I'm coping"
"So tell me more about you" Riley requests
"I got it" Buffy calls opening the front door to find Riley standing there "Hi" she greets moving aside so he can enter "Come on in"
"Oh hello you must be Riley" Joyce greets carrying in Katie into the foyer
"Oh sorry Riley this is my Mom Joyce and this" she says taking the baby from her mother "this is Katie" she smiles at the baby and then at Riley "Katie this is my friend Riley"
Katie frowns looking the newcomer over then smiles slightly "Hi" she greets
"Nice to meet you both" Riley smiles at Katie
"Mum is the dark load finished?" Spike calls entering the living room wearing his jeans and dress shirt "I need my T-shirt"
"I just switched it to the dryer" Joyce answers
Buffy notices the curious look from Riley "Riley this is Spike he's kinda like our live in babysitter/pet"
"I'm not a pet" Spike says annoyed
" 'ike" Katie holds her arms out to the vampire
"Come on Kitten lets go watch cartoons" Spike takes the baby from Buffy
"Mom don't let him keep her up late."
"I won't" Joyce promises "Now you two go have fun"
Buffy goes over to the couch leaning down she kisses Katie's head "Have fun baby" she then smacks Spike upside the head
"What the bloody hell was that for?" he demands
"Just a reminder to not corrupt her" she turns to Riley "I'm ready" she opens the door "Bye Mom" as Riley opens the car door for her Buffy smiles "Thank you"
As Riley starts the car he glances at Buffy "Spike seems like an interesting guy"
Buffy chuckles "He is."
"How do you know him?" Riley asks curiously
"Oh he's friends with Katie's father. He came to stay with us when I was pregnant and somehow he earned the role of family member. Katie adores him so he stays"
"So you're still close with her father?" Riley asks curiously
Buffy nods "He's one of my best friends"
"So am I finally going to meet Angel?" Riley asks his girlfriend curiously
"Yep. He'll be at the house when we get there" Buffy answers squeezing his hand
"So is Katie excited?"
"Oh yeah. I can't believe she's one" Buffy shakes her head
"My Mom always said that she hated the fact that we grew up too soon." Riley says as they reach the house.
Buffy walks in the door to be assualted by Katie throwing herself at Buffy's legs
"Katie get back here" Angel calls walking down the stairs with a towel
Buffy bends down picking up a naked and wet Katie "Angel why is she running around naked?"
"Hi Mommy. Hi Wiwey" Katie grins
"Happy birthday Katie" Riley grins back
"Peaches why are you soaked?" Spike asks
"Don't call me that" Angel retorts taking Katie from Buffy "Someone has been letting her play tidal wave in the tub" he turns to glare at Spike
Buffy groans "Spike"
"What?" he asks innocently
"Angel this is Riley. Riley Angel" Buffy introduces
"Nice to meet you" Angel nods "I'd shake your hand but I've got a squirming wet child here."
"Angel go get her dressed" Joyce orders "everyone will be here soon"
Angel nods "Come on Katie lets go get you dressed"
"Riley seems like a nice guy" Angel states as leaning against the doorframe watching as Buffy rocks Katie to sleep
"He is."
"Katie seems to like him" Angel remarks
Buffy nods "Sometimes Riley comes over to play with her. She likes the attention" she stands carrying Katie to the crib. She kisses Katie's head "Night birthday girl" she whispers putting Katie down
Angel smiles at the sleeping child "Ready?" he asks stroking the child's head
"If I'd ever be ready then I am now"
Buffy sighs as they stand before the tombstone "Hard to believe its been a year" she slips her hand into Angel's
"I know" he sighs kissing her temple
"I miss him" she whispers
"I do too"
"He should be with us Angel"
"I know"
"He was alive Angel." she whispers
"Buffy..."
"Angel he was. I heard him cry." she insists
"Buffy he may have been"
"Then why did they tell me he was dead when he wasn't?" she demands
"I don't know Buff." Angel shrugs
"Sometimes when I watch Katie play I see her talking to herself and it looks as though she's playing with someone we can't see."
"Maybe she is playing with someone."
"That's what Mom said."
"Children have a different sense of things around them."
"Yeah. I just wonder if who she sees is William." Buffy whispers tearfully.
Angel hugs her "Maybe"
Part 29
"Momma no" Katie screams clinging to her mother's leg
Buffy sighs kneeling before the 18 month old. "Katie stop crying. I'll be back in time to put you to bed."
"NO" Katie shrieks her eyes flashing amber
"Katie" Buffy says warningly
"Did her eyes just..." Riley trails off
Buffy looks up at her startled boyfriend "I'll explain later." she picks up the little girl. "Dawn" she calls up the stairs
"What?" Dawn replies coming to the top of the stairs
"Can you take Katie? Mom's gone. Spike's sleeping"
"Not anymore" Spike grumbles entering the foyer. "Hey Kitten will you please stop crying" he pleads
"Look Katie its Spike." Buffy says turning the baby to look at her 'brother'
" 'ike" she hiccups holding her arms out to the blond vampire
Spike smiles taking the little girl "You done cryin' Kitten?"
Katie rests her head against Spike's shoulder sniffling.
"I'll be back in time to put her to bed. Dawn Mom will be home in an hour or so."
"Yeah sure" Dawn shrugs
Buffy grabs her jacket "There's a bottle in the fridge." she calls over her shoulder as she drags Riley out the door.
"What was that?" Riley demands as they walk down the front steps
Buffy pauses "Riley" she looks at the commando "there's something about Katie I haven't told you."
"What?" Riley demands
Buffy looks at the house "Lets head to the park. Katie will calm down more when I'm farther away from the house." she walks down the street collecting her thoughts about what she's going to tell her boyfriend the truth about her children and Angel.
When they reach the park Riley finally speaks "Buffy what is going on?" he demands grabbing her arm
Buffy pulls out of his grasp "Riley you know I'm the Slayer."
Riley nods
"What I'm going to tell you is big. I need you to swear you won't tell anyone, especially not your friends or Professor Walsh."
"Buffy what...?"
"Katie's part vampire" Buffy blurts out
"What?!" Riley starts "S-she's a hostile"
"No" Buffy replies swiftly "she's not a hostile. She's a little girl who's very special"
"How'd it happen?" Riley asks
"She was born with a few vampire traits."
"Were you attacked when you were pregnant or something?"
"No" Buffy shakes her head
"How's that possible?" he demands
"Angel." she looks at her hands "Angel's a vampire." when she hears Riley inhale sharply she meets his eyes "He's good though. He has his soul"
"He can't be good" Riley protests "he's a hostile"
Buffy shakes her head "Riley you've seen him with Katie. He's gentle, kind, loving, and he adores Katie. He's good." she insists "He wouldn't hurt anyone Riley."
"He's dangerous"
"No he's not. He wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose. He wants to help people. He's making up for his past mistakes."
"Buffy"
"Riley I know this is a shock to you but I wanted to tell you the truth. If you hate me then I'll understand" Buffy stands "I better go patrol then head home." she walks away leaving Riley alone on the park bench.
Riley sits there staring at his shoes his mind replaying the conversation.
Buffy enters the house "I'm back" she calls tossing her jacket over the bannister. She hears a familiar voice talking to Katie. 'Riley?!' she goes into the livingroom to find Riley and Dawn sitting on the floor playing with Katie as Spike watches TV. "Riley what are you doing here?"
Riley looks up and smiles "Playing blocks with Katie."
Buffy smiles then glances at her watch "Well playing with blocks is going to have to stop because someone needs to go to bed." she goes over scooping her daughter into her arms
"Mama" Katie giggles
"Katie-girl" Buffy smiles kissing her daughter
"I changed her about 15 minutes ago" Dawn says
"Thanks" Buffy nods walking into the kitchen she puts together a bottle. "So your not mad that I didn't tell you?" she asks looking at Riley from the corner of her eye
Riley shakes his head "No. I'm just surprised you didn't tell me sooner."
"Oh come on if I had told you when we first met you would have flipped" Buffy replies walking out of the kitchen she walks up the stairs with Riley close behind
Riley's silent as he follows Buffy into her bedroom. He sits on the windowseat as Buffy sits in the rocking chair. "Maybe" he agrees
Buffy looks at her daughter as she drinks "Katie's a normal little girl Riley. If they found out about her..."
"I won't tell anyone." he promises
"Thank you" she nods smiling at him.
"Buffy did you know Angel was a vampire before you...?"
Buffy nods "I had known for over a year."
"If you knew then why did you get involved with him?"
"When Angel and I met it was during my first year in Sunnydale. He saved my life. I fell in love with him. We didn't know that there was a clause in his soul."
"A clause?"
Buffy sighs "The curse was broken when he experienced complete happiness." she blinks back tears as she looks at her daughter "He lost his soul and went on to stalk me and my friends. He killed some people." hearing Riley's sharp intake she looks at him "He feels bad about it. He didn't want that to happen. Anyway he was close to killing us when Willow cursed him again."
"And you were pregnant?" Riley asks
Buffy nods "Yea about four months. Not long after that he left Sunnydale. He thought it would be for the best for us all if he left. Make it easier to keep his demon in control."
"And Katie?"
"She doesn't have a demon but she has a few characteristics. She doesn't like crosses, when she's angry her eyes change, she's stronger than most babies her age, her intelligence level is higher. Katie is a special little girl."
"What about blood?"
Buffy shakes her head "She doesn't need it. At least not right now. She doesn't have fangs but Giles thinks it might be possible that she'll get them when she gets her permanent teeth." she notices her daughter's asleep. She stands carrying the infant over to the crib setting Katie down Buffy stands there looking down at her daughter. "My daughter isn't dangerous Riley. She's just a baby"
"Buffy?" Dawn calls softly
"Its open Dawn" Buffy replies
Dawn opens the door looking towards the crib "She still sleeping?"
Buffy nods putting her pen down. "She should sleep through the night."
"Good." Dawn sits beside her sister. "Buffy can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything" Buffy replies
Dawn looks at her sister "Are you serious about Riley?"
"Dawn why are you asking me that?"
"I just wanted to know. I know that you like him but..."
"You don't" Buffy nods
"No I do. I just like Angel better. Angel treats me like an equal. Riley treats me like a kid." Dawn grumbles her arms over her chest
"Dawn I like Riley and all but I don't think I'm ready to fall in love"
"You still love Angel" Dawn says
Buffy sighs "Yea I do." she runs her fingers through her hair.
Buffy, Willow, and Riley are walking down the steps of the college. "That was a long lecture" Buffy sighs
"That it was." Willow agrees
"What was it on?" Riley asks
"Something to do with religious mysteries" Buffy shrugs. She stops walking sensing something familiar
"What's wrong?" Riley asks seeing the look on his girlfriend's face
"Buffy" Dawn calls
Buffy turns towards the voice to find her sister walking towards her with Katie in her arms. "Dawn what are you doing here? Why is Katie crying?" she demands as she sees her daughter sobbing
"We couldn't get her to stop. Spike tried everything. Even called Angel and she didn't stop"
Buffy hands Riley her backpack and takes her daughter "You brought her all the way here?!"
"She was starting to give Spike a headache."
"Shh" Buffy juggles her daughter "Its OK Katie." she looks at her sister "What started this?"
"I don't know. I got home from school Spike handed her to me saying that he couldn't get her to stop. I tried and couldn't. We tried Angel but he didn't answer."
"He didn't answer?!" Buffy exclaims "he never sleeps through the phone." she mutters shifting her daughter she looks at Katie and frowns "Dawn how long has she been like this?"
Dawn notices Katie's eyes had changed "I didn't realize it. I'm not sure how long."
Katie's sobbing calms down as she rests her head on her mother's shoulder. "Mama owie"
"What's owie?" Buffy asks
"Awm"
"Your arm hurts?"
Katie shakes her head sniffling
"Your arm doesn't hurt?" Buffy asks sitting down on the bench with Katie on her lap. "Lets see" she rolls up the child's sleeve. "No owie here" she turns to the next sleeve "No owie here"
"Katie no owie."
"Then why were you crying?" Dawn asks
"He hurt"
"He who?" Buffy asks stroking her daughter's hair
Katie shrugs "Mama wanna see Daddy"
"He'll be here tomorrow night" Buffy replies kissing her daughter's head.
"Buffy your going to be late for your next class." Willow reminds
Buffy hands the little girl to Dawn. "Riley can you take them home for me?" Buffy asks
"Sure" Riley nods
Katie sits at the bottom of the stairs
"Katie-girl what are you doing?" Buffy laughs seeing the look on her daughter's face
Katie looks at her mother and grins "Daddy gonna be here soon"
"Katie wanna watch Oliver with me?" Dawn calls from the living room
"No Daddy gonna be here soon" Katie replies her attention going to the door.
Buffy shakes her head going into the livingroom she sits beside Dawn "She's staring at the front door."
"She knows he's coming" Dawn shrugs "remember when she'd just sit there screaming Dada until Angel was in the house."
"Oh yeah" Buffy laughs
"Well I'm gone" Spike says standing
"Date with Faith?" Dawn asks
"Not like its any of your business kid but yes." Spike says grabbing his duster. "Since Peaches is going to be around I'm not." he goes over to Katie crouching before her "Hey Kitten I'll see you later 'kay?"
Katie holds out her arms "Hug" she demands
Spike hugs her then stands heading out the door.
"Bye 'ike" Katie calls
"So where's Mom?" Dawn asks
Buffy shrugs "Some sort of Gallery thing in LA. After Angel gets here I'm going to go patrol"
"Staying with Riley tonight?" Dawn asks
"Maybe. If I do I'll be back before Angel goes to sleep."
"When's Mom coming home?"
"She'll be home Monday midafternoon"
"What are you going to do this weekend?" Dawn asks
"Mostly study. You?"
Dawn shrugs "Not sure."
"Do you think you can keep an eye on Katie some of the time?"
"Depends on if I make any plans."
"Dawn I have to go to the library for a few hours tomorrow. If Angel's sleeping I'll need you to keep an eye on her until he's up. I can't take her with me to the library."
"Sure just let me know when your going." Dawn nods
Buffy looks up sensing Angel's approach. She hears the front door open "Hey Angel" she calls
"Daddy" Katie shrieks throwing herself at Angel's legs.
Angel smiles picking Katie up "Hey you where's Mama?"
Katie points to the livingroom. She wraps her arms around his neck hugging him tight. "Daddy back" she sighs happily
Angel hugs her walking into the livingroom to find Buffy and Dawn watching a movie. "Hi"
"Hi Angel" Dawn grins "I see she's attached herself to you already"
Katie looks at her aunt her eyes flash quickly
"Buffy she did it again" Dawn complains
"Dawn she can't control it." Buffy reminds
"I know its easier when she's mad, hungry or crying and does it but out of the blue..."
Angel sits down with Katie clinging to his neck "She'll learn to control it once she's old enough."
"She freaked out one of my friends."
"What did you tell 'em?" Buffy asks
Dawn shrugs "Lighting. What else was I going to say... 'oh that happened because she's upset. Its just a trait she was born with.' Please my friends are not the brightest group on the planet but they'd see through it"
Buffy shakes her head "At least she doesn't have fangs"
Dawn giggles "That would be funny."
"Dawn" Buffy and Angel chastise
"What its true." Dawn insists
Buffy rolls her eyes "Dawn why don't you take Katie into the kitchen and grab a snack" she suggests
"Oh fine" Dawn stands going over to Angel "Come on Kitty-Kat lets go find a snack"
"No stay with Daddy." Katie insists
"Katie" Angel says warningly
Katie sticks out her lower lip and sniffles
"Don't give me that look" Angel groans causing Buffy and Dawn to giggle "Here Dawn" he sets Katie down on her feet
"Come on Kitty-Kat" Dawn holds out her hand to her niece. As she leads the little girl out of the livingroom she says "Lets go see if there's any ice-cream"
"Icweam" Katie says hopefully
"No ice-cream Dawn" Buffy calls "its almost bedtime"
"Icweam. Icweam. Icweam" Katie chants
Angel stands going over to the couch he sits beside Buffy "What's wrong?" he asks
"Something weird is going on with Katie"
"Weird how?"
"Yesterday Dawn showed up at school with Katie."
"I thought Spike was watching Katie"
"He was but she kept crying. He said that Katie was quietly playing then she just started crying for no reason. When Dawn brought her to school Katie was still crying. Finally she stopped. She said something about hurting. I thought she was saying she fell or something."
"But she didn't"
"No." Buffy sighs "Angel she said something about someone being hurt. At first I thought it was you but how Katie was reacting it didn't fit."
"Did you talk to Giles?"
Buffy nods "He thinks that Katie somehow picked up on you being hurt."
"But I wasn't."
"I know." Buffy looks at Angel her eyes concerned "Angel what if she's picking up on someone elses pain?"
"Who?" when he sees the hopeful look in her eyes "Buffy he's dead. Katie wouldn't be picking up on his pain."
"Angel what if he isn't? What if they are somehow still linked?"
"Buffy..."
"Angel think about it! You've seen how Katie acts at times. She'll be calm one second and crying the next. What if she's picking up whatever is happening to William?" seeing the pain flash in Angel's eyes "Angel what if I'm right and he's alive? Look at all that led up to this! What if me being injured wasn't what we thought it was?"
"Buffy" Angel begins he stops when he sees tears fill her eyes.
"Angel they were moving after I was attacked." Buffy says softly. She looks at Angel "I heard him cry." she moves onto his lap her head resting against his chest. "None of us saw his body. The doctor didn't want me to see him. Angel what if he's still alive?" she lifts her head looking at Angel "What if our little boy did make it out of the hospital alive!"
Seeing the pleading look on his Beloved's face Angel sighs "There's only one way to find out."
"How?"
Angel wipes away her tears "We'll have to check the casket."
Buffy stares at him "Angel..."
"Buffy you want to know if we buried William that night. You know the funeral homes records will say yes. So will the hospital records."
Buffy nods "Lets take care of Katie then go look for Spike and Faith. It'll go faster with their help"
Angel nods in agreement.
"Katie get back here" Dawn calls
Angel and Buffy look up to see their daughter running into the room giggling. "Katie-girl what is all over your face?" Buffy asks wiping away her tears. She stands going over to Katie. She groans as she realizes that the little girl has ice-cream all over her face. "Dawn" she yells "I told you don't give her any ice-cream"
"I didn't" Dawn denies "I gave her yogurt. I had ice-cream." Dawn says entering the livingroom with a bowl "I turned around for a second and she got into my ice-cream"
"You know you can't leave Katie near ice-cream" Buffy laughs
"Katie like icweam" the little girl grins
"I can see that" Angel says with a small smile. "Lets go get you cleaned up."
"No Daddy." Katie shakes her head
"Yes" Angel says firmly taking the little girl from Buffy. "Once your all cleaned up I'll read you a story"
"Yeah" Katie shrieks
Buffy shakes her head "Its going to take forever to get her to calm down" she sighs
"Sorry" Dawn apologizes sheepishly
Buffy looks at her sister "Dawn can you keep an eye on Katie for a few hours?"
"Why?"
"Angel and I have something we need to take care of"
"Buffy you OK?" Dawn asks seeing the look on her sister's face
Buffy nods "I'm fine. After we get Katie in bed we'll be gone for a few hours"
" 'kay"
Buffy smiles hearing the little girl laughing "I better go help Angel get the little terror cleaned up."
"Oh yeah Spike's been teaching Katie a new trick" Dawn announces
"Oh no" Buffy groans hurrying up the stairs to the bathroom. She leans against the bathroom door watching Angel get Katie cleaned up.
Katie scrunches up her nose as Angel tries to wipe her face. "Stop Daddy."
"What's wrong Katie?"
" 'ikey lets me do it" she takes the wash rag from Angel and scrubs her face
"Dawn just said Spike taught her a new trick" Buffy warns
Angel sighs "I'm going to kill him for real" he mutters
Katie drops the washrag in the sink then looks at her father startled "No Daddy no killing 'ike." Katie wags her finger at her father
"Great now Katie's defending him" Buffy groans "What is with my family"
Katie frowns
Angel seeing the puzzled expression on his daughter's face asks "What's wrong?"
"Daddy how is 'ike my brudder?" she asks tilting her head
"That's a story for when your bigger" Angel replies picking Katie up. "You all clean?"
Katie nods
"Teeth?" Buffy asks
Katie looks at her father "Uh oh" she says her eyes wide
Angel sets Katie back on the counter. "How can we forget that." he hands Katie her toothbrush
A few minutes later Katie grins at her father "All cwean" she announces
"Jammy time" Buffy says joining them in the bathroom
"No too eawy" Katie protests "Wanna pway wiwf Daddy"
"We can play tomorrow" Angel says carrying Katie into her and Buffy's bedroom. "Right now you need to get some sleep" Angel says setting Katie on her childsize bed.
"Katie which jammies do you want tonight?" Buffy asks
Katie grins "Piggy" she claps her hands bouncing on the bed.
Buffy smiles pulling out a pair of blue footie pajamas tossing them to Angel. "Piggy it is"
Dawn pokes her head in the room "I changed Katie's diaper about an hour ago" she informs them
Angel nods crouching before his daughter "Come on Katie lets get you into your pajamas"
Buffy sits on her bed watching as Angel helps Katie into her pajamas. 'He's a great Daddy'
"Daddy why don't you stay hewe wiwf me an' Mommy?"
Angel pauses then zips up Katie's pajamas "Because I have to work"
"Mommy does too but she stays hewe wiwf me" Katie sniffles
Angel winces inwardly as he stands with Katie in his arms. He goes over and sits on the window seat with Katie on his lap. "You have Mommy here making sure what's out there doesn't hurt you. I have to make sure other kids like you don't get hurt."
"De ones not wike you an' 'ike?"
Angel nods "Most kids don't have someone like me and Mommy looking out for them."
"And Faif"
"Faith too" Angel smiles
"Stowy Daddy" Katie demands
Angel nods standing he carries Katie over to Buffy's bed. He settles beside Buffy taking the book of Children's Bedtime Stories off the nightstand. "Which story?"
Katie looks at him thoughtfully "Fwee wittwe pigs"
Buffy laughs "You love that story"
Katie nods " 'da bad wowf gets in twoubwe fow huwting da piggies" she snuggles in her father's lap "Wead Daddy" she orders
Angel looks down at Katie and smiles "Well she's out like a light" he presses a kiss to the little girl's hair.
"Angel we should go." Buffy glances at the clock
"Buffy are you sure you want to do this?" he asks
"Angel I need to know." she looks at Katie "Why are you so set against this?" she asks
Angel stands carrying Katie over to her bed and tucks her in. He sits on the edge of the bed looking at the sleeping child. "Because I don't want to see you hurt again." he glances at Buffy
"But what if I'm right Angel? What if he's alive" she inhales deeply "I need to find out Angel. I want to end these nightmares"
"Nightmares??" Angel goes over to Buffy "What kind?" he asks softly touching her hand
"I hear him cry Angel. Every night I hear it." she leans against him her head on his shoulder. "I have to know the truth Angel. Its the only way to stop these nightmares." she says tears falling
Angel kisses her temple "Alright"
"Spike, Faith" Buffy says finding the other Slayer and vampire leaning against a headstone talking
Spike groans "Bloody hell Slayer I'm on break"
"And your going to help us with something" Angel says joining Buffy with shovels in his hands
"Digging a garden?" Faith asks with a grin
Buffy shakes her head "Trying to find out if my dreams are true"
"How?" Spike asks cocking his eyebrow
"I'll explain on the way" Angel replies
"You want to dig up your kid?!" Spike exclaims as they stand before William's grave
"I don't want to... have to" Buffy replies
Faith sees the look on her sister Slayer's face and nods "Well lets get it done before it gets too late"
Silently the four start to dig
'Thud' Angel looks up meeting Buffy's eyes. He puts the shovel aside "Are you sure?" he asks
Buffy nods
Angel with Spike's help opens the casket. Angel growls angrily as he realizes the casket is empty.
"Bloody hell" Spike swears seeing the empty casket
"Oh my God"
Buffy looks away blinking back tears
Angel jumps out of the grave going to Buffy. "Buffy?"
Buffy looks at him "What is going on Angel?!" she whispers tears falling she wraps her arms around his waist "Where is he?"
Angel presses his lips to her hair. "We'll figure this out" he promises "Spike?"
Spike nods "Head on home. Go see Kitten"
Angel leads Buffy away
"Spike this is weird even for Sunnydale" Faith says looking at the empty casket.
"I know" Spike sighs "Lets just get this filled in before someone comes by" he closes the casket
"Go get cleaned up I'll check on Katie" Angel guides Buffy towards the bathroom.
"Angel"
"We'll talk about it later."
Angel enters the bedroom to find Buffy sitting on the window seat staring out the window. "Buffy?"
Buffy glances at Angel noting he's shirtless. She leans against the window "Where is he Angel?"
Angel goes over to Buffy putting his hand on her shoulder "We'll find him. I promise."
Buffy stands wrapping her arms around his neck "Where's our baby" she cries clinging to him.
"It'll be OK" he soothes
Buffy looks at Angel
Angel wipes away her tears with his thumb then lightly he kisses her.
Buffy pulls back staring at him startled then kisses him back.
Riley stops walking and glances at Buffy's house
"What?" Forrest sighs seeing his friend stop. "Oh checking up on the girlfriend."
Riley shrugs "Just want to see if she's around." he looks up at Buffy's window and frowns
"What?" Forrest follows Riley's gaze to see two figures standing in the window locked in a passionate embrace. "Ri?"
Riley shakes his head "Come on lets finish this."
Forrest watches as his friend walks away and glances up at the window "Bitch" he mutters "I knew you'd break his heart"
Buffy breaks the kiss staring up at Angel "Sorry" she pulls away from Angel. She goes over to the door "Why don't you sleep in here. I'll sleep in Mom's room." she walks out of the room
Angel sighs going over to the little girl's bed he sits down. "Sleep well my girl" he whispers kissing Katie's forehead.
