Copyright: Feb. 10, 2000
Distribution: My site, and if you want it, just ask!
Summary: Takes place about 5 years after "IWRU". Buffy left Sunnydale a few months after the episode took place, and she built a life for herself and her daugher. All her old friends believe that she is dead, until she is called to Los Angeles on business and her daughter is kidnapped, forcing her to go to Angel for help.
Disclaimer: Buffy, Angel and all related characters do not belong to me. Neither do the Charmed Ones. Erinne, and anything you don't recognize, belong to me as products of my crazy mind.
Spoilers: Pangs, I Will Remember You, and slight ones for New Man
Feedback: Please? I'll beg for it!
Note: I'm a huge B/A fan! Riley and Kate need to die horrible deaths by way of SPORKS! Hehe...

"Pru?" the soft voice asked at the door to Pru Halliwell's office.

The dark haired woman looked up from some documents on her desk, her face breaking into a smile as she recognized the speaker. "Buffy! What are you doing here...we didn't call you did we?"

Buffy Summers, Slayer, shook her head and stepped more fully into the office, the heels of her boots clicking on the wood floor. "Nah. This is more of a social call than one of business." Smiling, Buffy sank into one of the chairs facing Pru, giving a contented sigh as she sat back in the chair. "Its good to get a chance to sit...I don't have much time for that anymore."

Pru laughed, and opened her mouth to speak just as the phone rang shrilly on her desk. Throwing an apologetic look at her friend, she picked the phone up. "This shouldn't be long."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No, just sit and relax....Pru Halliwell."

Nodding, Buffy leaned into the back of the chair, looking around Pru's office. Even though she'd been there multiple times in the almost 5 years they'd known each other, there was always something new to look at. Buffy sighed again, this one heavy with memories. It was almost 5 years since she'd left Sunnydale.

She'd left about a month after her 19th birthday. She hadn't been able to stay any longer, no matter what the others tried to tell her. Willow, Xander, Giles, and Riley. None of them, try as they might, had changed her mind. They had all been very surprised when she'd gathered them at Giles's to inform them that she was dropping out of college and moving to parts unknown and untold. Willow had tried to guilt her, Xander had just yelled at her, Riley had smothered her in declarations of love, and Giles had thrown the Slayer card.

Little did they know that she'd been visiting Faith at the hospital, just about everyday. Just before Christmas, she'd come out of the coma, and Buffy had been helping her get back in shape. She hadn't known she'd been leaving when she'd started helping her kin-sister, but something inside her had told her it was right. Faith was more subdued now, repentant, and was looking at life in a whole new way. The others, well, hadn't taken to the idea, but she was the only choice.

So with everything settled, she'd packed a few of her bags and had loaded up the Durango her father had sent to her for Christmas, just before he'd been killed in a car crash. His death had been somewhat bittersweet, having not seen him in almost a year, but his inheritance had been the factor telling her that she would be able to leave, without having to live in a dingy room. She'd gone to San Francisco, knowing that she could go home if desperately needed, but that it would probably not happen.

That was five years ago. With the money her father had left her, she'd found a modest Victorian style house, and had set up house, and shop. Using her battle knowledge and street skills, she gave self-defense lessons at a local dojo, and did some free-lance appraisal on weaponry. The appraising had brought her to Pru, who had come into possession of a demon's hand-ax. The two, and Pru's sisters, Phoebe and Piper, had then found out about the other's 'secret' life, and they'd been friends ever since.

"Buff? You all right?"

"Huh? Oh sorry. I was just thinking."

"You zoned. I've been off the phone for at least 2 minutes. Now what kind of social call is this? Weren't you coming over later for dinner?"

"Yea, well, that's sort of the reason I'm here. I'm going to have to cancel. I got a call this morning from a contact in L.A. One of the big auction houses down there just got a shipment in of weaponry, and I was suggested for the job. I'm leaving tonight."

Pru gave her a puzzled look. "They're that anxious to get you down there that you have to go tonight? What's going on?"

Buffy sighed. "I've also gotten word of some weird going ons. I want to check it out."

"Buffy, you were officially retired as Slayer three years ago. Your twenty-first birthday, remember? Why do you keep doing it? You're not obligated anymore...another Slayer was activated...you have a normal life, a good job, a..."

"I can't help it. It's in my blood I guess. Anyway, I don't do any big end-of-the-world-things anymore. I don't want to take that chance." Buffy shrugged offhandedly. "So I wanted to tell you that I wouldn't be able to make it, and to ask if..."

"We'd watch Erinne for you?" interrupted Pru. Buffy nodded. "Sure. We love having her over. Bring her to the house before you leave."

"Thanks Pru. I owe you," replied Buffy, standing up. "I'd better go. I need to pack my stuff and Erinne's. We'll see you around 6?"

Pru nodded. "Um, Buffy, I hate to bring this up, but, doesn't Erinne's father live in L.A. ?"

Buffy stilled, her hand on the doorknob. Defeated, she leaned her head against the door. Why had she ever broken down that night and told the sisters the full story? "As far as I know. He might have moved on by now. I didn't hear from him after that incident...and then, well I left with no forwarding address."

"Are you going to see him?" Pru's voice was kind, gentle. "He deserves to know Buffy."

"I know. I know he does. As for seeing him. I honestly don't know. I'll see you tonight Pru."

With that, Buffy exited the office, almost on auto-pilot, till she reached the quiet solitarity of her car, where the tears began to pour. Even after almost 6 years, the thought of Angel still had the ability to hurt her. It didn't help any that when she'd come home from seeing him that Thanksgiving that she'd been plagued by reoccurring dreams of Angel being human. They'd gone on for nearly 3 months. The dreams had stopped completely when she'd found out that she was pregnant. When faced with the tiny pink plus sign, the knowledge that the day had truly happened had become to clear to her. She'd lived that one day with Angel. Had it taken away in another one of his attempts to decide how he thought her life should be. And had been given his child.

The child within her had been the spark that had made her leave. Although she had been thinking about it for months, it had been her final reason. Tired of playing the game that her life was perfect, tired of putting on a happy face every time she was near her friends, tired of pretending that Riley was the perfect guy for her. She wanted her child to have a safe, happy life, away from the hellmouth. So she left, not telling anyone of the child growing inside her. The only one who knew was Faith, who had sworn to never tell after finding her with a nasty bout of morning sickness. The two Slayers, even with everything that had transpired between them, had grown close in the few months that Buffy had been there. Close possibly, because they had more in common than first thought.

Faith had been there when Erinne had been born. She'd been the only one from Sunnydale that Buffy had kept in contact with. She'd been the only one Buffy had trusted to not spill her secret if Angel ever showed up. She didn't know why she hadn't wanted him to know...no...yes she did. If he had found out, he would have wanted to do the noble thing and come back to her. She didn't want that. It was easier to let him think she'd given up. Easier to let them all think that she had died. Her retirement at twenty-one had been told to her by way of a left winged Council member. They'd been willing to let her keep fighting without informing her of her new status, but the Watcher had taken pity on her. No one but the Council, Buffy and the Halliwell Sisters knew. Her friends all thought she was dead.

******

"Erinne Mari Summers, you're going to be a good girl for momma, right?" Buffy kneeled on the porch of the Halliwell home, bending to get to eye level with the dark-haired, dark eyed toddler. She looked so much like her father...

"Yes momma," answered the 4 year old. Though if you asked her age, she'd say 4 and three quarters. "Why can't I come wit you?"

Buffy's eyes teared, and she pulled the girl into her arms. "Oh Baby, I'd love to have you with me. I miss you so much when I'm gone. But Momma has work to do, and you'd have much more fun here with Aunt Pru and Piper and Phoebe."

"Aunt `ebe?" a wide smile spread across the girl's face.

"Yup. You wanna ring the bell for momma?" asked Buffy, standing up with Erinne nestled against her hip The girl reached over, pressing the bell repeatedly until Buffy stepped out of reach, laughing. The door swung open, revealing Pru, and two other dark haired girls. "Hey, thanks again for watching her."

"No problem," replied the girl with longer hair and bangs. Piper. "Are you sure you won't stay to eat?"

"I can't. I want to get there by ten so I can check out the city." Buffy looked down into her arms, where Erinne was bouncing excitedly, as Pru floated the suitcase for the toddler into the house. "Give momma a kiss bye-bye?"

Erinne's dark eyes closed as she puckered her lips and presented her mother with a very wet 'smack'. " Miss me?"

"Very much, baby." Pressing a kiss to the soft head, Buffy handed her daughter to Phoebe. "I shouldn't be more than 4 or 5 days. I'll call if it's going to be longer. Thanks again."

"Buffy, think about what I said this morning, all right?" asked Pru.

Solemnly, Buffy nodded. "I will. Bye. Bye Erinne!"

"Buffy, wait!" Piper rushed into sight, a small hamper in her hands in which she thrust at the lithe blonde. "Dinner for tonight and breakfast for tomorrow."

"Thanks."

*****

The night life of Los Angeles was just beginning to come to life. Angel sat on the ledge of his apartment building, watching the sky as the sunlight faded from bright pinks and purples to darker blue. This was the time of night that he loved the best. Just between the light of day and the dark of night. It was then that he felt closer to the normal world, the world of lightness that he fought to save nightly, and could never belong to. Where she belonged to. Had belonged to. They'd gotten word three years ago that a new slayer had been called, meaning that she had died. A part of him refused to believe that; the irrational part that refused to believe that the woman he loved had died. He'd thought for sure that he would have felt something if she had gone. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking.

No one knew what had happened. She'd been without friends when her time had come. It had come as quite a shock to find out that she had left Sunnydale without leaving word where. The others had told him that she had said she just couldn't stay anymore. That the weight of pretending was too much, too tiring. Willow had told him that she hadn't even shown any emotion when telling them, nor when leaving.

He hoped that she'd found some sort of contentment in her last years. That she'd forgiven him for leaving her. For allowing her to forget.

"Angel?" Cordelia's voice was quiet as she stepped out on the rooftop. "You up here?"

Darkness had fallen completely, and he was hidden by the shadows. "Over here Cordy. What are you doing here? I thought you and Doyle were going to that movie premiere?"

"We are," she said, and he looked at her, took in the simple dark blue shift. "We were on our way when Doyle got a vision." Cordelia held out a small scrap of paper.

"Where's Doyle?" asked Angel, taking the scrap and looking at it.

"Getting some Advil and holding off Detective Magoo."

"Cordelia."

"What? Its been almost 6 years, Angel. You'd think she'd get a clue that you're not interested."

"She's a friend Cordelia. We help each other out."

Cordelia gave a snort. "Yea right. Anyway, you want help with this one?"

"You go on to the premier. If I need help I'll beep you."

"I meant with Kate, but if want to take it that way, fine with me. You're the one that has to put up with her." Cordelia grinned at him, and leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek. "We'll stop in if we don't hear anything. What do you want us to tell Kate?"

"I'll be down in a minute." Angel stood, and looked down at the street below. His suspicions tickled as he surveyed a sport utility driving more slowly than normal. Curious and suspicious, he watched as it slowed to a stop across the street from the building. For a moment he thought that the driver was going to get out, but the vehicle suddenly roared down the street. "Weird," was his only comment as he turned to go and see what Kate wanted.

******

Buffy gazed across the street to the building that Angel's office and apartment was held. He was in there, somewhere, of the sun had just set, unless he'd taken the tunnels. A black limo waited by the curb. Cordelia? she mused, remembering how she'd been assisting Angel. Cordelia was a big star now though, her films breaking the box offices, an Oscar for supporting actress under her wing. For a moment she considered going in, and looked to the heavens for help.

Her breath caught as she made out a shadowy figure standing on the roof, looking down at the city below. The ends of a long jacket fluttered in the wind, and she knew it was him. Angel. He deserved to know that he had a daughter. Later, she said, gunning the engine and making her way across town to the hotel she'd be staying at.

Pulling up in front of the well lit building, the lights warm and welcoming, she grabbed her purse, jacket and the hamper as she stepped out of the car, stepping aside a a bellhop took her single suitcase and a valet waited to take the vehicle. "Park it close, I might need to leave fast."

The fair, handsome guy nodded. Only in L.A. could you find pretty-boys doing menial work. "Yes ma'am."

Shouldering her purse, she headed to the desk. An impeccably groomed woman approached her from behind the desk. "Can I help you miss?"

"I have a reservation. Anne White," supplied Buffy at the woman's waiting look. She never used her real name when traveling, a precaution left from her first years alone.

"Of course. Your room is ready for you." A key and a plastic card were handed to her. "Room 304. The restaurant is closed now, but room service is available all night. It will reopen at 6:30. I hope you have a pleasant stay."

"I'm sure, I will, thank you," murmered Buffy, moving to the elevator, the bellhop with her suitcase at her heels.

About an hour later....

Buffy stepped from the glass doors of the hotel, hands on hips as she looked around. She'd spent the hour in her room unpacking her bags and changing, and taking a few bites of the sandwich Piper had made as she'd read over the crime reports in the paper she'd picked up. She was dressed in her 'patrol wear', soft, worn black jeans, a clingy black v-neck tee, and her boots. Her blonde hair was pulled off her face in twin French braids, and she held her jacket.

"Do you want your car ma'am?" asked the same boy who'd taken it. Although he wasn't really a boy, he seemed to be about her age, just trying to make a living as he tried for his big break.

She gave him a kind smile. "I'm not sure...what's your name?"

"Jarod, ma'am."

"I'm Buffy, Jarod. Tell me, do you work most nights?" He nodded, somewhat suspicious of her questions. "Its all right Jarod, I'm not hitting on you. I just want you to do me a favor and keep my car close...my work keeps me quite busy. Now can you tell me what kind of neighborhood this is?"

"For L.A.? At night? Quieter than most parts, but it gets worse a few blocks back."

Buffy nodded, pulling her jacket on. "Thanks. I won't be needing my car right now Jarod. Have a nice night."

*****

Angel offhandedly wiped his hands on his pants, grimacing at the green slime covering them. Doyle's vision had brought him near the glitzier part of Los Angeles, and he'd exterminated a rather disgusting demon egg that was just beginning to break. From there, he'd decided to do a quick sweep of the city on his way back to the office.

Stuffing his hands in the deep pockets of his duster, he walked on, every sense alert for trouble. His thoughts turned once again to Buffy, as they had been more often these days. He had gotten somewhat better at his brooding before her death, and he had thought that the pain had lessened to a dull ache. The pain of losing her would never go away; she was the only one he had and would ever love. When they'd heard that another Slayer had been called, and that Faith, strangely enough, was still alive, his first thought was to see the sunrise for the first time in over 200 years.

A scream pierced his maudlin thoughts, and he went into action, keeping unconsciously to the shadows even as he turned down a long alley. His long steps fell short however, as he came upon what was obviously a fight; a large figure that his senses told him was a vampire, was circling a small figure whose blonde hair was the only thing visible who was standing above a sobbing heap of a girl. His senses stretched outward, trying to pick up if she was the newest Slayer, but they told him nothing. Then, in the space of an eyeblink, the vampire disintegrated, and the figure was gone. The only evidence that there had been an attack was the nearly unconscious victim holding a weak hand to her neck.

*****

Dressed in a black pantsuit, with a fashionably long jacket, and black heels, Buffy entered Connelly Auction House. Knowing that the first and second floors were showrooms and auctions rooms, she headed to the third. Stepping from the elevator, she approached the older woman sitting behind the wooden desk. "Ms. Summers to see a Mr. Rowan."

"Is he expecting you?"

"I'm here about the weaponry."

"If you'll sit and wait, I'll let him know."

A few moments later, an older, rather large gentleman appeared from down the hallway, half moon glasses perched on his nose, and suspenders holding his pants up. The image of Santa Claus popped into her head, but was quickly dismissed as he spoke, his words stiff, and she was then reminded of the man from the Watcher's Council on her 18th birthday. "Ms. Summers?"

Buffy stood, walking over to him, extending her hand for a moment, but when it was not taken, quickly withdrawn. "Mr. Rowan. I'm quite interested in seeing this shipment that you have."

"I'm afraid there must have been some mistake. I informed my assistant to contact the best weapons appraiser in the state. Many of the items are quite old and unique. I do not think you would be right for the job. We shall compensate you for your travel, but you services will not be needed."

As much as she wanted to, Buffy withheld the comments on the tip of her tongue. She was used to the criticism. Afterall, she was only 24, and a woman, who didn't even hold a college degree. "I can assure you, sir, that your assistant was not incorrect in contacting me. I have been known to identify a few items that even the best on the West Coast were unable to. So, if you will show me to the shipment, I'd like to do the job I came here for."

She continued as the man opened his mouth to speak again. "In fact, I believe that you have some sort of auction in just 2 days time of another weapons collection? Test me if you wish, I won't get one wrong. If I'm wrong, I'll leave, at no cost to you. If I'm right, you'll have this collection to add into your collection going on the block."

*****

"Angel, man, are you feelin' all right?" Doyle's accented voice was worried as he entered Angel's dark office.

The souled vampire looked up at his friend, quickly placing the picture frame he was looking at face down. "Is something wrong?"

The half demon shook his head slightly, tilting it to study the brooding man in front of him. What were you thinking about?" Doyle snatched the frame up before Angel could move it away. He was silent as he took in the smiling face, hazel eyes, the blonde hair. "Thinking about her as usual? What's wrong man? You haven't been this broody for a while."

"I thought I saw her the other night. Staked a vamp in an alley. Was gone before I had a chance to get closer." Angel shook his head, as if to clear it. "Then I thought I saw her again earlier tonight."

"Angel, man, I know you..."

"I know she's gone Doyle. Its just I thought that I'd feel it if she were." The Irishman was silent for a moment before throwing a morning newspaper on the desk. Angel glanced at it then back at his friend. "What's this?"

"There's some auction going on at Connelly's this afternoon. Collector's swords and guns, that sort of thing. `Cept take a look at the picture next to the article." A finger pressed down on the black and white photo as Angel glanced back down at the paper. "Dagger of Illyia."

"I thought it was lost."

"So did we all. But there it is, going up on auction today. If that dagger falls into the wrong hands..."

"Is Cordy free? We might need the extra money," asked Angel, standing, and heading to his basement apartment.

*****

Buffy neared the doors of the room, senses tingling, alerting her to the numerous numbers of baddies in the room. Pausing beside one of the side doors, she quickly wrapped the blue and white scarf slung under the labels of her navy suit around her hair and neck. Stepping quietly into the wooden paneled room where auction was already in progress, she moved to a small space against the wall, arms crossing under her chest.

The room was packed. Most of the occupants were in black, all carrying large coats. Scattered throughout the room were impeccably dressed men and women, their clothing screaming 'money'. The bidding was going quite high an a tenth century Etruscan scabbard she'd appraised, and she nodded her approval at the final bid. As there was a short pause as the buyer's number was taken and the next item was brought in, she scanned the room, freezing as she spotted 3 very familiar figures near the back entrance.

Angel. Her senses had been so overwhelmed by the other vampires in the room, she had been unable to distinguish that distinct feeling she got whenever he was near. He looked great. Not that she'd expected him to change; he still looked the same. He was in black, as usual, and was leaning against the back wall. He smiled suddenly, his attention drawn to the couple beside him. The couple was Cordelia, and the man, Doyle, whom she'd met that fateful Thanksgiving.

Finally, her sensibilities came back to her, and she turned away from them fumbling in her purse and quickly slipping her dark sunglasses on. Steeling herself, she forced her attention to the front.

****

Angel shook his head at the comment Cordelia had made about being at an auction to buy weapons. She'd softened in the years that he'd worked and become friends with her, yes, but there occasional times when the spoiled girl from Sunnydale shone through. His attention was caught suddenly by a flash of bright blue, as the young woman near the front whipped her head around to face the front. Something was familiar about her.

"Angel?"

"Hmm?"

"Where did you just go?" asked Cordelia, fanning herself with the book describing each item.

"That woman near the front by the wall; with the blue scarf. She reminds me of..." He broke off, feeling foolish, but knowing they knew he'd meant.

"Its not anyone I recognize," said Cordelia. "Anyway, Buffy never had that much fashion sense."

"Angel, man, the dagger is up," interrupted Doyle.

Angel quieted, noticing at the same time, that much of the room went still and quiet as well.

"This next item is number 47 in your programs. A splendid third century Etruian dagger. Bidding starts at two thousand."

****

Buffy sighed and looked up at the steel grating above her head. Angel's entrance into the sewers. Her stomach tensed as she placed a hand on the first rung above her head. She had no choice though. She needed that dagger. She paused, fighting the tears that suddenly pooled in her eyes, affecting her vision. It was a matter of life and death. Her life, which simply meant her daughter's.

She'd had just entered her hotel room, not an hour after the auction was over, intent on taking a nap before heading home. The phone had rang, and worried, she'd run to the phone, thinking that Erinne had gotten ill or hurt at school. Reality was worse.

"Buffy, its Pru."

"What's wrong with Erinne?" she asked, her voice panicked.

"She's missing. So is Phoebe."

"Maybe they're at the park..." she'd suggested lamely, somehow knowing that it wasn't the case.

"The front door was broken into. I'm sorry Buffy, we promised we'd take care of her," Pru's voice was choked with emotion.

She'd fought to remain emotionless, reaching for and clinging desperately to the calmness of her 'Slayer mode'. "Who took them?"

"We don't think it was human. There was a note. It says for you to bring the Dagger of Illyia to the Los Angeles docks tomorrow night." Pru was silent for a moment, then spoke again. "What's the Dagger of Illyia? And how did they know we had Erinne?"

"I don't know Pru. Did you look in the Book?" Buffy's mind was racing frantically. There was only one dagger she'd seen lately...and it had been sold in heavy bidding today...to Angel.

"We didn't find anything. Listen, Buffy, we're coming down there. Our sister is gone too, we might need the Power of Three."

She'd waited for the sun to set, knowing that she'd have a better chance of getting the dagger from Angel without him knowing was when he was out of the office. She'd parked across the street, and had watched as he, Doyle and Cordelia had climbed into a black convertible and pulled away from the curb and down the street. Going down the nearest manhole, she'd found herself here, in the first stages of breaking and entering.

Taking a calming breath, she made her way up the last few rungs. Bracing herself, she placed her palms upon the cool steel of the door, and pushed up, cursing softly at the loud clang it made on the cement floor. Cautiously, she peeked up and around before pulling herself out of the sewer. Standing up, she brushed herself off almost casually, looking around, remembering. Nothing much had changed in the years since she'd been there.

Now as to where he'd put the dagger. Someplace safe, she was sure of that. Unlike herself, he knew far more of the occult and its tie ins. She knew he'd been there specifically to get that weapon, just as all the other baddies in the room had been.

"You're never going to find it if you don't start looking," she whispered to herself.

Buffy was so preoccupied with her search in the dimly lit room, she didn't hear the soft foot falls behind her. Didn't know she was being watched until a gun shot sounded, and she jumped in shock.

"FREEZE!" commanded a feminine voice.

Buffy moved slowly, her hands going into the air as she turned. The woman holding the gun on her was blond, just like the last woman to do so. She was tall, with a strong build, her blonde hair framing pretty face. She closed her eyes briefly, hoping this was just a bad dream; she'd wake up at home, with Erinne safe in bed beside her.

Somewhere above them, a door slammed open, and the footsteps were heavy as they moved to the back of the office, toward the stairs. "Kate! What's going..." started a deep, achingly familiar voice before even reaching the apartment. Then there was an audible gasp. "Buffy?"

****

"Can you believe he made me pay 50 grand for that thing?" groused Cordy. Angel simply shook his head, a usual reaction to her rants, and leaned back into his chair.

"It doesn't seem like it was worth it," commented the blonde detective, nodding in agreement from her perch on the desk. The object of attention was the dagger bought earlier that day, a short, rustic, handmade weapon, its blade somewhat twisted. The handle was crudely ornate.

"Doesn't matter what it looks like," supplied Doyle. "That is said to hold some great power. It needed to be kept out of the wrong hands."

The four were sitting in the front office, the actresses and her long term boyfriend sitting together on the leather couch. After almost 6 years of business, Angel had to admit that Angel Investigations was doing quite well for itself. Money was no longer an issue as it had been in the first year of operations. His reputation was a good, passed on by word of mouth. Kate had become a valuable ally, despite her reluctance when she'd found out what he was. The four worked well together, though Cordy less than before.

"Anyone else hungry?" asked Cordelia. There were assenting nods from the group. Kate had volunteered to stay at the office as Angel had been pulled out by Cordelia, who never let him stay in the office alone with her. They'd climbed into his car, and as he'd pulled away he noticed the silver sport utility he'd seen the other night. Perhaps someone who needed help but was afraid?

"Angel? What are you waiting for? Step on it!"

"What are we getting?" he asked, as they turned the corner.

"Chine...." Doyle broke off as he was gripped with a vision.

"Doyle? What did you see?"

"Kate...gun...oh man, they never get easier," he managed to get out.

At the sound of Kate's name, Angel had slammed on his breaks, turning the car into a hard U-turn. He'd pulled up to the office, and was almost to the building doors as a muffled gunshot rang through the air. Growling, Angel flung the doors open, and rushed into the office, making his way to his apartment when he found the office empty.

"Kate! What's going," Angel started as he rushed down the stairs, coming to a hard halt as he took in the scene before him. Kate was holding her gun, finger on trigger, pointed to a small figure with long blonde hair, hands in the air, eyes closed. "Buffy?"

But it couldn't be her. Even if he had thought he'd seen her a few time in the past couple days, it couldn't be her. She was dead. He focused his hearing, two heartbeats sounded in the room, two more just on the stairs behind him. Her eyes snapped open, the hazel pools instantly capturing his gaze. He let out a ragged breath, her name once again on his lips. "Buffy."

*****

Her eyes flashed open, going past the woman holding the gun to the owner of the voice. His deep brown eyes, that were always filled with a heavy sadness caught her own, and he spoke her name again, as if he was certain now that it was truly her.

"Angel? Kate? What's going on?" another woman's voice asked, this one the familiar voice of the girl she'd gone to school with, the voice heard on movie screens worldwide. Cordelia appeared then, her arm around a lagging Doyle. "Oh my God. Buffy?"

Buffy was torn between two instincts. One was to run into Angel's arms and never let go or to disappear back down into the sewers. But she needed that dagger, and as much as she hated to admit it, she might need Angel as well. So she ignored both, and stood where she was, her arms coming up to hug her body as the blonde woman lowered and holstered the gun, and stepped back, throwing curious looks at all in the room.

"Is it really you?" his voice was raw with emotion.

She nodded slowly. Avoiding his gaze. She'd lied to him, and everybody for so long.

"How?"

She hesitated. She didn't have time for explanations, and those would just lead to Erinne. "Not important," she said softly. Her chin lifted slightly, and she finally met his gaze again. "I-I need your help, Angel. That dagger you bought today, I need it."

He seemed surprised by her words. "For what?"

"My...oh god!" Buffy's thin control on her emotions suddenly broke, and she burst into tears, and he was across the room in seconds, holding her in the embrace that she had not forgotten. Her tears just fell harder, wetting the dark sweater that was soft against her cheek, as his arms pressed her body into his, his cheek leaning against the top of her head, as soft words meant to soothe were whispered. The tears fell harder, for the first time in years, she allowed herself to cry, and the sobs wracked her body, and she leaned into him for support.

When her sobs grew quiet, she barely realized that he was leading her across the room to the bed, helping her to sit. Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, she realized that he was kneeling in front of her, sitting back on his heels as he bent down to look her in the eyes, his hands cool around hers on her lap. "Buffy, what's wrong?"

"Oh God, Angel," her words were low. "My daughter has been kidnapped, along with a good friend."

She didn't miss the looks of shock and pain that passed across his face, to replaced by somber understanding and sympathy. "Your daughter?"

"Erinne Mari. I need that dagger Angel. I don't know how they found about me, and where my daughter was, but they have both her and Phoebe." Her slim hands came to her cheeks, hastily wiping away the tears still clinging to her cheeks and lashes. "What's so important about that dagger that they'd put my baby in danger?"

"Its called the Dagger of Illyia. It has been thought lost for centuries. It supposedly gives the holder great power." Angel looked at her, a large hand reaching up to cup her cheek. "It can't be given to who ever has your daughter, but I'm going to help you get her back. I promise."

Buffy leaned into the palm of his hand, eyes closing in relief. "Thank you. She's my life, I don't know how I'd live without her."

"You're not going to find out. Now, can you tell me what happened?"

"Mmmhmm."

"Good." She frowned as he stood, his cool hand moving out of contact with her warm cheek. Ignoring her common sense, she reached out, tucking her hand in his. His head turned quickly to look down at her, and he gave her that sexy half-smile as she smiled shyly up at him. "Cordy?"

"On it," replied the actress, emerging from the kitchen with a coffee pot and cups on a tray. Doyle and the blonde woman followed behind her. The three sat down on the couch, the tray out in front of them. Buffy moved to sit in the chair, as Angel disappeared into the kitchen, appearing a few moments later carrying a chair.

There was an awkward pause, in which Buffy fiddled with the rings on her fingers, trying to decide where to start, when Cordelia spoke. "Not that I'm not happy that you're here and not dead, but isn't there a new Slayer?"

"Yes, there is. Last I heard she was in New York. She's quite good. She's the second I believe since I was retired 3 years ago."

"You were retired?" asked Doyle, surprise affecting his accent. "That's only happened...never."

"I know. Slayers don't have a very long life span. I almost wasn't informed of the change; luckily, a more sympathetic member of the Council came to tell me. I still don't know how she found me, but I was happy. Trying to work 2 jobs, even if they do have flexible schedules, raise a two year old and go out slaying was tiring. I still patrol occasionally, but not like when I was younger." Buffy paused and threw a look at the unfamiliar woman. "I'm sorry; do I know you?"

"Buffy, Kate. Kate, Buffy," said Angel. "Go on."

"Where was I? Oh yea. Getting as to why I'm in L.A. I guess. Well, I free-lance as a weaponry appraiser. That's what basically brought me here. I left Erinne with three of my friends in San Fran., they're sisters, witches as a matter of fact..."

"The Charmed Ones?" asked Doyle suddenly.

Buffy's look was sharp. "How did you know? Nevermind, I don't think I want to know." She took a breath. "Anyway, I'd also heard about some things going on down here, so I took the job for the Connelly House. I usually don't leave home, but Erinne has her dance classes and I wanted to take her to DisneyWorld for her birthday, the money would have helped. I got here 5 nights ago. I was going to go home after the auction this morning. But I wanted to get some things for every one at home, so I got back to the hotel late.

"I'd just walked in when Pru called, saying that the house had been broken into by someone not human, and that Erinne and Phoebe were gone. A note was left demanding the dagger, tomorrow night at the docks. I knew you had bought the dagger, so I decided to try and take it."

"Buffy, why didn't you just come to me in the first place, asking for it. If I could have, I would have."

"I know Angel, its just, I haven't spoken to anyone since I left 5 years ago. I knew everyone thought I was dead, and in a way, that's kind of how I wanted to keep it. Less questions, less pain."

"I don't get it," said Cordelia. "Why did you leave? I mean, you were the big shot on the Hellmouth. In college, partying it up. Why leave to have to face work and bills...and life...and I'm speaking from experience here."

"I didn't exactly leave with nothing Cordy. My dad had died and had left me enough money to buy a house and live on until I found a job. As for why...it's a little more complicated than you'd think."

"Explain, please. Willow told me that you said you were tired of pretending." His voice was anguished. "I didn't want that for you Buffy. I left so that you could be happy. Have a normal life. I thought you'd found that."

"I know, Angel. At the time you made a decision that you thought was best for me. You do that a lot for me. Every one seemed to at the time. Mom wanted me to be a normal daughter. Giles wanted me to be more on my own. Willow was so busy trying to fix me up with guys, she never noticed that it was never what I wanted. So I did what they wanted me to. It was easier than trying to tell them differently. I dated Riley because he was what Willow thought was perfect for me, human, who fought the monsters of the night. I pretended that I was happy."

"I lived like that for 5 months. Meanwhile, I was slowly dying. Do you know, Riley actually thought 17 demons and vampires was a crowning achievement? I thought about leaving so many times. Then, I found out that I was pregant, and knew then that I wasn't going to stay longer than I had to. Faith was there, and seemed to be doing well so I left. I found that normal life you wanted me to have, in Erinne. I probably would have died if it hadn't been for her. I've lived for her since I found out. If I lose her..."

"I told you we'd get her back. We will."

"I know we will." Buffy yawned suddenly, and her hand covered her mouth apologetically. "Excuse me. I'd better go."

"You'd better stay here, just in case," said Angel, surprising both her and himself.

"Um, all right. I have a bag in the car I keep for emergencies. I'll go get it." She got up to leave, but Angel placed a gentle, but firm hand on her shoulder.

"I'll get it for you."

"Oh. Okay." Digging in her back pocket, she pulled out a set of keys, hanging from a "World's Greatest Mom" keychain. "Its the. . ."

"Silver sport utility?" Buffy nodded, dumbfounded. "I've seen it a few times in the past couple days. I'll be right back...I'll walk you guys out."

*****

"That was Buffy?" asked Kate, upstairs in the office as the four walked to the door.

"That was our Buffy," replied Cordelia.

"She's younger than I thought she'd be," replied the cop, a small frown on her face.

"She's twenty four, Kate," said Doyle. "And she's not that young. She's fought many a demon, now she has a child, one that we might need your help with, I might add."

"She's kept the stress off," commented Cordelia. "She looks good for everything she's been through."

By this time they'd reached the night air. The stood for a moment by the 2 cars parked along the curb, Cordy and Doyle's red Beamer, and Kate's more sensible Camry. "Can you be here tomorrow morning?" Cordelia and Doyle's nods were instantaneous. "Kate?"

"I'll be here," she replied, as she opened her car door and got in.

As soon as her engine had started, Cordelia turned a thoughtful look to her sometime boss. "You going to be all right Angel?"

His nod was slow in coming. "I think so. Its a lot to take in."

"Yea, your old girlfriend coming back from the dead could be a big blow to your senses. Be careful man."

"Thanks Doyle."

Cordelia stepped up, and hugged him, her soft perfume flooding his senses. "Its going to work out Angel. We'll see you in the morning."

"Night." Angel stood, unconciously playing with Buffy's keys as the two drove off. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he crossed the street, opening the back door of the 5 year old vehicle. The interior was clean and well cared for, the carpet strewn with a few children's picture books and toys scattered on the seat beside a booster car seat. Searching for a few minutes, he spotted a full black duffelbag stuffed under one of the seats.

Grabbing it, he made sure to lock the doors before heading back into the building, locking up the office before heading to the elevator. Stepping inside, he took an unneeded breath, calming himself. The knowledge that Buffy was alive, and in his apartment, was heady stuff, but heartbreaking.

All he'd wanted for her was a normal life. He had wished for her the full college experience, friends, and no matter how much his heart seized at the idea, boyfriends who could love her like she deserved. He'd also wanted her to have every thing that came after that, a husband, kids, sunlight. But fate had taken that away from her once again. She'd left school, her friends, everything that was familiar to her, and had been raising a child. She never had said who the father was....

All thought flew from his mind as he came upon her in the kitchen, wearing the same black silk pajama top that she'd worn on the day that only he remembered. The material flowed to her bare knees, making her look young and vulnerable. Memories rushed back at him. That one day had both haunted and comforted him over the years. To know that he had brought her happiness. He realized that she was just standing there, staring at the kitchen table a curious expression on her face. "Are you all right?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I just kinda thought that after 6 years you would have replaced the table."

"Cordy said I should have, but my memories are sorta attached....wait a minute, you were never down here."

She looked up at him then, a sorrowful laughter shining in her eyes. "Weren't you the only person that was supposed to remember?"

"Wait a minute. You remember?" Her bag dropped from his hands, falling harmlessly to the floor.

"I promised I wouldn't forget, remember?" she said softly. "It took me a few months to figure it out, but I did. I'm sorry you had to go so long thinking you were the only one that knew."

"You didn't even let me know."

"My life was taking a weird turn when I found out Angel." Her voice had a wry humor to it. "I had a lot to try and figure out."

"You hurt a lot of people when you didn't let them know where you were."

She held up a hand at him, and he stopped whatever else he had been about to say. "Save the accusations Angel. I've given them to myself enough over the years. Every time that something big happened in my life, I barely stopped myself from calling to them that Erinne had taken her first step, or said her first word."

"Do you know what's gone on in Sunnydale since you left?" Angel asked, pulling out a kitchen seat holding it out for her to sit in, then taking one across from her.

"Faith tells me every so often when she calls. I was there for all the weddings, even if they didn't know I was."

"I didn't want this kind of life for you."

"I know you didn't. But this is the kind of life I got. I've made my decisions, but there's few that I would ever change."

"Buffy." Angel reached across the table then, taking one of her hands in his, gently caressing the back of it with the pad of his thumb. "I want you to know that even if I might not agree, I love you, and I'm proud..."

"Don't." Her hushed voice was strange to him, and he was surprised as she pulled her hand away. Standing up suddenly, backing away from him. "Don't Angel. Please."

"Don't what?" His voice conveyed his confusion as his eyes attempted to search hers. But for the first time, she wouldn't allow him to read what they might say. "I'm just amazed that...."

She interrupted him again, her voice wavering. "Angel. Please. I've told you as much as I can right now. And what I haven't, I'm not sure you'd feel the same. Good night Angel."

Dumbfounded, he watched as she turned and fled from the kitchen. He sat back down in the chair that he had vacated when she had begun to back away. What was so terrible that it would change the way he felt about her? Dimly he heard the coverlet on his bed shift, and the settling of the mattress as she slipped between the sheets. Sighing, he moved to the refridgerator, and taking a wine bottle filled with something *other* than wine, he headed to the bathroom.

*****

Buffy stepped out of the bathroom the next morning, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the water. She was grateful for her years as a Slayer and as a mom, having made herself pack a bag of extra clothes to stow in the car. Though she'd almost lost it when she'd brought out Erinne's tiny pants. But she'd resolutely stuffed them back in, pulling out her own clothes, consisting of comfortable jeans and a white long sleeve tee. She was just finishing off the end of her French braid, when she came upon two dark haired girls sitting on the couch, Angel standing across from them. "Pru! Piper!"

Both jumped up and ran to her, embracing her alternatively. "Buffy, I'm so sorry," apologized Piper. "They needed some help at P3. If I'd been there..."

"You would have probably been taken too," replied Buffy calmly. "Its all right Piper. Its not your fault. It isn't yours either Pru."

Pru nodded solemnly. "What's the plan? Did you get that dagger?"

"You guys met Angel I guess. He owns the dagger. Only a slight problem. Its really not something we want to give to anyone who kidnaps little girls." Buffy looked across the room at Angel. "Have the others shown?"

"Upstairs. Research. Reconn?" He asked simply.

Buffy nodded, finding it strange how easy it was to fall back into the role of Slayer and team leader. She decided to analyze that bit of info later, when her daughter was back safe. "Reconn. Its supposed to be at the docks tonight at 10. I figure they're holed up in a warehouse nearby. Cordy, Doyle, Kate, and Pru," Buffy paused, looking at the witch for confirmation, which was given with a terse nod, "should go and check it out. Split it up into two. Me, you, and Piper will do the underground thing. Sound good?"

"I'll let the gang know. Meet back here in 3 hours?"

"Three hours. No more, no less."

*****

Buffy looked at the warehouse as they approached by foot. With each step closer, the more her stomach felt like it was going to rebel on her. She hadn't been this nervous since she'd faced the 60 foot snake that the mayor had turned into on Graduation day. The group of five following her and Angel were all quiet, each one most likely going over the plan of action they'd decided on earlier.

They'd found out that Phoebe and Erinne were being held in a cage suspended by chains from the steel beams overhead, protected by 20 odd vampires and a few demons milling around the warehouse floor. Deciding that surprise was the best option, they'd gone from there. Angel and Buffy were to be the first wave, the first ones in, the last ones out. They'd be doing the main bulk of the fighting. Piper and Pru were both armed with crosses and stakes, just in case, but Buffy had told them specifically to do no more but to protect their sister and her daughter. Piper had offered to freeze them all, but Buffy had informed her that it might proove too long a rescue and that an final solution had to be made. Cordelia, Doyle, and Kate were the back-up; Doyle in demon form, Cordelia armed with a crossbow, and Kate with stakes and her gun.

With a start, Buffy realized that they had stopped outside the entrance they'd enter through. It was the least gaurded, and the one vampire gaurding the door was dust before he could alert his friends.

"Ready?" asked Angel, looking back at the rest of them.

"Everyone be careful," cautioned Buffy, stepping to the door beside Angel. She turned to look at her two friends. "Protect Erinne, no matter what. If something happens to me, you know who she goes to. Allright. Let's do this."

As one, Buffy and Angel kicked the door open, Angel going in first, stake in hand, Buffy fast on his heels. Knocking away any opponents in their path, they halted as they reached the open area of the warehouse floor, where the vampires and demons had suddenly turned and paused. Buffy fell into a fighting stance, taking a moment to check on her daughter.

"MOMMA!" Erinne's cry was almost one of relief.

"Momma's here, baby," she replied as out of the corner of her eye she saw Pru and Piper edging their way unseen to the floor beneath the cage. "Release them now."

"Where's my dagger?" asked a ugly looking vampire, as he stepped from the group. Buffy was taken back for a moment. Waves of power radiated off of him; not as much as the two masters she'd killed, or even Angelus, but it was enought to make her wary. Angel sensed it too; she was aware as his form stiffened, and she heard the low growl emitted from his chest.

"Oops, I knew we'd forget something," quipped Buffy. "Guess you're going to have to settle with us."

That seemed to be the signal for all hell to break loose. A groupf of vampires rushed them, and Angel and Buffy fought, back to back, falling into the same rythymn lost for almost seven years. The two fought, switching opponents, knowing exactly where the other was at any given point in time. They barely saw the blue headed demon that was taking down other demons with ease, nor was any attention paid to the bolts that Cordelia was aiming into the fray with deadly aim, or the detective, sometime demon hunter, taking out fleeing vamps. They were concious only of each other, and their main objections; to take down the master vampire, and to keep them all away from the cage.

Almost half an hour later, the air was thick with the wafting dust of disintergrated vampires, the floor scattered with the bodies of demons, their blood making a swirling mass of wild colors on the cold concrete. Buffy and Angel stood, facing the only remaining vampire, the master, who was looking at them with something akin to respect.

"Looks like you lost," said Buffy, her breathing heavy.

"What kind of odds are these Slayer? Can't you face me by yourself? Lost your touch in retirement?"

"I think the piles of dust are testiment that I haven't. All right. You want to fight me, fine. Let's do this."

"Buffy," warned Angel, his hand grasping her forearm.

She shook it off, looking at him. "I have to do this Angel. He stole my baby. I'm *so* going to wipe the floor with him."

She went the few feet to stand before him. Her frame was loose, but alert for any movement. The grin on his face was feral as he suddenly lunged, giving her only a half-second warning as his weight shifted. She dodged his movement, her fist jamming itself into his stomach, and spinning to face him just as he recovered and came at her again, this time getting a shot in. His arm came out again, and she took firm hold on his wrist, twisting it to breaking point before she was suddenly laying on her back, the wind knocked out of her. Thinking she was down for the count, he went for her then, jumping back in surprise as a her legs spun her up and onto her knees, swiping his feet out from under him in the process.

Buffy reached for her stake, moments away from plunging it into his unbeating heart, just as he rolled away, coming quickly to his feet. She rose, wary, waiting for his next move. He didn't let her down. Proving to be somewhat unoriginal, he lunged for her again, seemingly in desperation, as if he knew his second death was moments in coming. She was ready for him then, and stepped into a side kick, her leg connecting with his chin as it went up to form an almost perfect 180 degree angle. The vampire was thrown backwards, but before he could stand fully, the retired Slayer was upon him, this time with a roundhouse kick, finishing it with a stake as he fell to the floor again, this time not moving.

Buffy stood over the pile of dust that had once been the vampire that had taken her child. Her breathing was labored, heavy with emotion. Tears of relief clouded her vision, and Angel was suddenly beside her, placing a gentle hand upon her shoulder. With a sob she turned, gratefully accepting his embrace. His hands smoothed her long hair, which had come loose during the battle. "You did it Buffy. Everything is all right."

She rested against his broad chest, taking long deep breathes to steady herself, unaware that the others were lowering the cage and releasing its prisoners, until a tiny voice cried out, followed by running footsteps. "Mommy!!!"

Buffy swung from his embrace, laughing as she kneeled, as the bundle of energy rushed her, nearly knocking her off balance as her arms flung around her neck. Buffy's arms went immediately around her, hugging her tightly as if to asure herself that it was really her. "Oh, Baby, thank God!" She pulled back slightly, studying her daughter, assuring herself that she was all right. Her gaze fell on her dark brown hair, which was currently styled in a multiple number of braids. Her hands ran over them, as she looked at Phoebe, who had come over to them, along with the rest. "What did you do to my child's hair?"

"It kept her mind off things," replied the witch with a smile and a shrug. "I'm sorry..."

"Phoebes, it wasn't your fault. Thank you for taking good care of her." Buffy smiled at the witch, before her gaze drifted to Angel slightly before going back to Erinne, who was smiling at her, her dark brown eyes that were so much like her father's lit up with happiness. "Angel, I need you to meet someone," she said, positioning the 5 year old on her hip, easily carrying the weight as she straightened. "Angel, this is Erinne. Our daughter."

*****

Angel's heart probably would have stopped, if it had been beating, as Buffy's words sunk in. "Our daughter". Somehow he knew, even without questioning, that she was. Amazed, a shaking hand reached out to touch her soft cheek, not caring that those who had helped in the rescue were quickly and quietly leaving the two alone. His daughter. "How?"

Buffy shrugged, an awkward movement with the child still in her arms. "I think from the day you were human."

"But time was folded back, it couldn't..."

"It did Angel. I don't know how, or why. But Erinne is yours. I've known since the day I found out I was pregnant. That was also when I remembered our day together." Her voice faltered then. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, really. There hasn't been a day that goes by that I don't regret taking her away from you. But I knew that if I told you, that you would do the honorable thing and come back.

"I couldn't do that to you. You were so set on trying to find your redemtion. And so set on trying to make my decisions for me. A part of me wanted to hurt you, to punish you, for leaving me, and taking away our chance together." She shifted Erinne then, even with her superior strength, the weight of the child was heavy after such a long battle.

"Let me take her," he said softly, his hands out stretched.

"Um, all right." She handed Erinne over, who had begun to fall asleep on her shoulder, worn out from the excitement. A pang went through her heart then, as he held her, the two dark heads close to one another.

Erinned stirred slightly, and looked up at Angel, a slightly confused look crossing her features. "Are you my daddy? Momma says that my daddy fights the bad guys and that he couldn't be with us. Can you be with us now?"

A large hand came up, cradling Erinne's head. "Yea sweetheart, I'm your Da. And I'm not going anywhere." His voice was soft, serious, and though he was speaking to the sleepy child on his shoulder, his gaze was intense as it locked with Buffy's.

"What? I had to tell her something, and its never to young to learn....Are you really staying?"

"We really need to talk, but I've missed enough of her life. We'll figure something out. I love you."

Buffy thought her heart was going to burst with happiness. She felt a wide smile grace her lips, as she took his outstretched hand, and snuggled into his chest, one hand wrapped around his narrow waist, the other resting lightly on her daughter's back.

Somehow, she knew everything was going to be all right.

******

Epilogue...
A few months later:

"Here you go ma'am," said the guy behind the counter, handing over the double scoop ice cream cone.

Buffy smiled at him, taking the cone and taking a taste as she turned to gaze out the large window, into the large crowd that was lining Main Street, their heads tilted up to look into the sky, where brightly colored fireworks were blasting in the air. Moving through the people waiting in line in the ice cream shop, she made her way outside, looking over the crowd, smiling when she spotted who she was looking for. Erinne was seated on Angel's shoulders, both of their heads tilted up, smiles gracing both of their faces.

A smile appeared on her own face then, as it often did lately when she was watching him and their daughter together. It had been five months since Erinne had been kidnapped and she had told Angel the truth. Absently licking the dripping cone, her smile got wider if it was at all possible. The past 5 months had been incredible. There had been some tough times, sure, for instance, going back to Sunnydale and reuniting with her friends. She sombered somewhat at that memory.

It had been tough trying to explain her reasoning. They had all been hurt, but they had been happy that she wasn't dead, like they had thought she'd been. Things had been rough at first, but they were slowly getting back on track. Even though they'd wanted her to, she'd refused to move back to Sunnydale. She had moved from San Francisco though, moving to a small town between Los Angeles and Sunnydale, sharing the house that her and Angel had boughten when they'd been married.

Yes married. She could barely believe that everything that she had ever dreamt and wished for them had come true. They had planned on being married anyway, after talking long and hard about Erinne. They'd been prepared to just be together, wanting to be together, not caring, well, not all that much, that they could never be *truly* together, when the Halliwell sisters had given them somewhat of an early wedding present. They'd given him his humanity, while allowing him to keep his strength and healing abilities.

So they'd been married, in every way, making a home in the large house they'd bought, with a swing set in the back yard, and a swing on the porch that she and Angel would sit on during the day when he was home, or to watch the sunset together. He was still running his detective agency, and she had given up her appraising, especially after her last appraising disaster, and was working part time at the high school as a self-defense instructor.

She approached him then, still nursing the ice cream cone, stepping into his embrace as he smile at her approach, reaching out an arm, wrapping it around her shoulders. "Did I miss anything good?"

"Just some of the fireworks and tinkerbell, right Erinne?" he replied, twisting his head to look up at his daughter.

Erinne smiled down at her father and mother. "It was sooo cool...she flew down from Cinderella's castle and everything, Momma! Didn't she, Da?"

"I'm sorry I missed that, Baby. I hope you're having a good birthday." Her remark went unheard however, as another series of fireworks was set off, and Erinne's attention was drawn back to the sky.

"So what flavor did you get?" asked Angel.

Buffy held up her ice cream cone, offering him a tasted. "Pistachio and Cherries Jubilee. Want some?"

A disgusted look crossed his face briefly. "Um, no thanks. I think I'll pass."

Buffy laughed. "I know it sounds nasty, but I can't very well control my cravings. Things have been tame compared to when I was pregnant with Erinne."

"Maybe I should be somewhat glad that I missed that then," he replied, his hand wrapping more fully around her ever growing waist, to touch her slightly bulging stomach.

"I'm sorry about that, but I'm glad you're here with me now."

"So am I, my love, so am I."

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