Home Coming

By
Lee

She passed him a small boy, one who bore a striking resemblance him. "Now you and Daddy go on out to the pool and Mommy and Sissy will be there in just a minute."

To which Angel answered, "The sooner you learn about women the better. They will always keep you waiting." Seeing Buffy's glare. "But they are worth every minute of it." He gave her a kiss and told her, "Now you girls hurry up and don't keep your men waiting too long." Looking at the small boy he held he said. "Come on me boy, let your Da show you how to swim. I promise not to show you how your Granda showed me."

"What are you telling our son?"

Angel looked up and saw Buffy and their daughter standing at the edge of the pool in matching bikinis. "Where did you find those?"

"These old things?" At his nod she answered. "At the same store where I bought my maternity clothes. You like?"

"I definitely like. I don't think I'll like you wearing that in public, and I know I won't like our daughter wearing anything like that when she gets bigger."

Buffy looked at the little girl. "Don't worry Sweety, Mommy will buy all your bathing suites. If we left it to Daddy he would have us in those long dress like things they wore in his day." Buffy giggled at the expression on his face.

"Baby we didn't wear anything in my day."

"Oooo, I like that idea, if the gang weren't coming over in afew minutes I'd take you up on it."

"I wondered about the bathing suites." He gestured to the little ones. "Come here." He pulled Buffy into a heated kiss while the children splashed in the water. Enjoying being with his family Angel was rudely brought out of his revere.

"Hey Deadboy."

By Xander.
*
Angel awoke with a feeling of peace he thought he'd never have. Only after he thought about his dream did he feel sadness creep into his heart. He and Buffy would never have children of their own. The more he thought about it the more he thought his dream may be telling him something. They may never have children of there own, but there was always adoption. There were plenty of kids that needed a good home. Maybe his dream was telling him he and Buffy would have a family. That thought drove him as he walk the rest of the way to his destination. This was his last stop, he would entrust this piece of The Judge to the priest in this mission and he would be on his way home. Home to his wife, whom he missed deeply.

When he arrived at the small mission he looked over the countryside. It was far removed from his native Ireland. His homeland was a very green place with beautiful rolling hills. This place was rocky with many high mountains. On his way up he had heard that this place was visited by climbers from all over the world. In fact there was an expedition here now. The locals he meet assumed he was part of that group. He needed to find the priest and fulfill his duty, then and only then could he return to the place he now considered home. Home to the women he loved.

"Hello, may I help you?"

Angel was started out of his thoughts by a voice. Looking up he saw a young man dressed as a priest. 'This can't be right. He is not the man in my dreams.' "I'm looking for Father Mike. Is he here."

"Father Mike? Oh, yes he is in the rectory. We were just sitting down to dinner, will you join us?"

"Ah... no. I'm here on business. If you could take me to Father Mike that would be very helpful."

"Of course, right this way please."

They exited from into a smaller connected building. Angel stopped at the doorway to the kitchen. He could go no further without an innovation. He saw several men seated around a table piled with food. One man dressed as a priest he assumed to be Father Mike. Two more dress much like the people he had seen on his trip up the mountain. A third dressed in fine robes, with an aura of power and purity surrounding him.

"Father Mike this gentleman is here to see you on business." He indicated Angel. "Mister? I'm sorry I didn't get your name."

"Angel."

"Thank you." He nodded to Angel. "Mister Angel."

"No just Angel."

The young man turned back to Angel. "Where are my manners? Please," He indicated the door. "Enter if you are able."

Angel not being able to enter stared at the young man. 'I wonder if he knows what I am?'

"I'm sorry that must have sounded strange to you. But it is a traditional innovation in these parts. Well," He indicated door once again.

"Nothing to be sorry about." Turning away from the young man. "Father I don't want to interrupt your dinner. I will wait for you outside. When you are done we will finish our business and I will leave." He turned to go.

"Stop, you can't wait outside, it's freezing out there." The younger priest said. "Where is your coat?" Turning to Father Mike. "We can't let him go out there."

"Calm down John. Angel, who sent you?" Father in an all to familiar brogue.

Turning back to face Father Mike. "The Powers That Be."

"And why are you here?"

"You should know that. Haven't you had the dream?"

"Yes, but I want to hear it from you. I need to make sure your who I think you are."

"It's always good to be careful when dealing with...." He stopped unsure if he should go on.

"Yes it is. Now why are you here?"

"I am here to give you a piece of the Judge for safe keeping."

The old priest smiled. "Then by all means come in. I have been waiting for you." He lead Angel to the table and motioned for him to take a seat. He went to the cupboard and took out a plate, a small glass and two taller ones. "We were celebrating Father John's arrival and my departure. You see I was waiting for you because I will be leaving when we are done here."

"But what about the Judge?"

"That is another reason for our dinner tonight. I will be intrusting its care to Father John and my dear friends here. They will make sure it dose not fall into the wrong hands." The men around the table nodded there heads.

"Now how about dinner, I'm starved." He looked at Angel conspiratorially. "I have been watching them prepare this meal all day and am ready to eat. As he said those words a girl came into the room bearing a pitcher.

Angel's nostrils flared. Blood. Goat's blood. He fought down the demon as the girl poured the blood into the small glasses. He would not lose it in front of all these people. If he did he might get staked and never see his Buffy again. If he were a younger vampire he would have lunged for the pitcher the girl held. Luckily he was old enough to withstand the hunger that curled into a tight ball in his stomach and spread like fire through the rest of his body.

"Well drink up." Father Mike said eyeing Angel knowingly. "This is a delicacy in this region. It is only drank on special occasions."

Angel watched as everyone at the table sipped their drink. He tried to do the same but it ended up looking like he was downing a shot of whiskey. He reveled in the taste of the blood but it was only a small amount and not enough to quell his hunger. Angel looked across the table to see Father John staring at him as he took another small sip of his drink.

"I wish I had the nerve to do that, this is something I fear I will never come to enjoy. Father Mike has developed a taste for it but he has been here for nearly twenty years." Looking at the villagers seated at the table. "I mean no offense."

"None taken." The eldest said.

Father Mike took the pitcher and filled Angel's largest glass. "You looked hungry. Drink up there's more here." Angel stared in disbelief. "I saw what you were the same time I saw that you were coming.

"Does everyone know?"

"No, only the four of us. I was hopping you would help me tell Father John. He is young and only took his vows this past year. The young ones don't understand about the dark side. They no longer teach such things in seminary."

"The dark side Mike. You have been watching that movie too much, I must have a talk with my granddaughter."

Father Mike laughed, "You'll do no such thing Mar, and when I get to my new church I will send her the rest of the movies." Father Mike laughed at the look of pain that crossed the others man's face.

"Well at least it will be a new movie and the same one over and over. I have seen the Battle Star destroyed a hundred times. That's enough for me."

Angel was clearly lost, having seen only afew movies with Buffy. Most she called date movies, they were the ones were you spent most of your time making out and not watching the movie. He would like to go to one to see the show but he had no idea what they were about so he found it easier to read.

"It is a classic isn't it Angel?" Father John returned with a pitcher of water and filled his glass than offered it around the table.

"I'm sorry I don't know what movie your talking about." Father John stared, he knew this man who looked know older than himself had to be kidding. Everyone had seen Star Wars. He laughed thinking it a joke.

Father Mike turned to Angel, "You have never see Star Wars?" At Angel's nod he came to a quick decision. "Well we will watch it tonight, after we tend to business." He took the palter that was being passed around, Angel passed sipping his blood.

As dinner proceeded Father John asked a question that had been puzzling him all night. "Angel, why are you here? This is a very out of the way place. Most of the people who come here are climbers but you say your here on business."

"I was sent here by The Powers That Be to give you a piece of a demon named the Judge for safe keeping. We are to bury it under your alter so he can never be assembled again.

"Assembled what are you talking about?"

"The Judge is a demon who can destroy humanity with a look."

"Demon? What are you talking about, there are no such things."

"How can you say that you're a priest. You should know the evils that are all around."

"Demons are only a way to explain peoples fears." Angel laughed. "What, you actually believe there are such things as demons.

"Of course I do."

"I can't believe a young person such as yourself who is obviously well educated. Would even consider things like demons, werewolf's, and vampires could be real."

"I am older and have seen much more than you can ever imagine. There are things in this world that would make you question everything you have been taught."

"Like what? I can't think of anything that could make me believe that fairy tales are real."

The others at the table watched to see how the young priest would handle what was to come. They knew what Angel was so it came to less of a jolt to them. Still there was no way to prepare for seeing a demon close-up. Angel morphed in his game face, as Buffy and the gang called it. "How about this?" His question turned into more of a growl as he changed.

To his credit Father John did not pass out. He did however have a lot of trouble speaking for more than five minutes. The only sounds that came out of his mouth were incoherent gurgles.

"More blood Angel?" Father Mike held out the pitcher.

"Thank you. This is very fresh."

"We are always good host, no one ever goes away from a party hungry, up here."

Angel's face changed back and he drank his blood feeling very self-conscious. He never liked letting his demon free around humans. He had been the caused of more than his share of pain. He knew there was only one way to change Father John's mind, by showing him that the things that went bump in the night were real. "I'm sorry I had to scare you Father but you needed to see first hand that demons are real. You are to be intrusted with a piece of a demon that could destroy all of humanity. You need to know that this is no joke."

"W.. W.. What are you?" The young man stuttered.

"A vampire. But you do not have to worry I have my soul, and it's permanent."

"I don't understand." Father John's brow crested in deliberation. "What dose that have to do with anything."

Angel sighed and started to explain how vampire's were made. When he had finished the question he dreaded was asked. "Why are you different?" He launched into yet another explanation.
~~~~~~~~
Father Mike was the first to speak up, "Well it looks like we have put this evil to rest, now we must be on guard. Evil never rest, it is will always try to destroy the light. John it is your duty to watch over this church and make sure no one disturbs this tomb. You will pass on the knowledge you have gained here this day. You will see to it that each person who follows understands how important guarding this tomb is. Our friends in the village will help you."

Mar and his sons nodded. "We and our children and our children's children, will pledge our lives to this noble cause."

"That is very kind you, but it is our duty to. I'm sure we will be able to handle it. You need not put your family at risk."

"Ah, but not to help and let the evil free would be the greater danger. If our lives must be sacrificed for good of all men than so be it."

Angel looked at Mar in admiration. "If I can ever be of help to you please call me." He than turned to leave. "Good-bye Father Mike, Father John." He nodded to the rest of them.

"Angel wait!" Father Mike called. "Surly you will spend the day with us, after all we have a movie to watch."
~~~~~~~~~
"Well now I understand all those things Xander is continually blabbing about. All those references to the characters. Thank you for allowing me to stay and for the movie, I must be going, I need to hurry home."

"To a woman, perhaps? Oh, don't be so surprised. I see the ring on your finger, and from what I know about you I would say you take the old ways and traditions seriously. Am I right?"

"Yes, you're right there is a woman. The most beautiful I have every seen in all my years." His face lite up as he talked about his love. "She is my world, my sunlight, my life. With out her I am nothing. Now you can see why I want to get home so badly." Angel turned and shook hands with Father Mike. As he started down the mountain he heard frantic yelling coming from behind him. He stopped to listen.

"Father Mike! A child from the village is missing and there is a storm heading this way. Everyone is out searching we are to wait here, the climbers are coming down the mountain. We must have something hot waiting."

Angel rush back to the two priest for more information. Once he had it he took off at an inhuman speed. His only thought to save the child before the storm killed her.

Now Jeff sat thinking about his life and his past. Things had been going incredibly well for him in the last few years. After serving twenty years in the US army he had taken early retirement and a job with his old commander. He had called him with a offer that he could not refused, private security with a multinational corporation.

After taking the job he learned it was more bodyguard than anything else. He traveled the world with the CEO in a private jet staying in the best hotels, and the food was much better than what he had eaten in the army. His life was great. That was why he felt so bad sitting here doing nothing while a child was lost out in the snow storm. He would talk to the priest again.

"Father Mike." He called as he approached. "I know you said you don't need anymore help but it looks like everyone is coming back. Are you sure I can't be of some help? I have been trained in search and rescue and as you already know I am an experienced climber."

"I can assure you Jeffrey the matter is well in hand."

"But if everyone is coming back how can you say that? In another two hours the storm will be here full force than any hope you have of finding her will be gone."

"Not everyone has come back. There is still someone searching and he will not give up until he finds her. If she is alive he will find her. Now all we can do is pray."

That was two and a half hours ago, the storm was raging outside. Jeff was sure whoever was out there was now dead. No one could survive the furry for this long. As Jeff went to refill his coffee cup in the kitchen he heard the strangest conversation.

{"I still don't like having a goat in the kitchen."

"Well we can't leave it outside in this storm."

"Why is it here?"

"When Angel gets back he'll be hungry, it is best for all concerned to have food for him. We wouldn't want any accidents to happen. Our guest might not take seeing him as he really is very well."

"I see your point. Do you think he'll find her?"

"From everything I know about his kind I would say yes."

"I'm glad. Nothing bad should ever happen to a child."}

Just then Jeff walked into the kitchen. The conversation suddenly ended, Father John quickly refilled Jeff's cup and tool the coffee into the other room to refill the others cups. Father Mike busied himself with the dishes. Jeff offered to help but was declined so he left to think about the strange conversation he had overheard.

At first glance the man looked dead. Most of his body was covered with ice and there were large gashes on the back of his legs and back. Several of the climbers went to help when Father Mike quickly pushed them away saying he would handle it. Father John hurried over to help. "I think it would be best to take Angel to my room, no telling what condition he is in." With those words Father Mike bent down to help Father John carry Angel to his room.

In an instant Jeff was there taking Father Mike's place. "Father you would never be able to carry him let me." As he carried Angel down the hall he noticed how cold he felt and felt for a pulse. Finding none he worried they were too late. When they arrived at the room Father Mike told them to lie Angel face down so he could tend the wounds. "That won't be necessary Father he's dead."

"No, he's not." Father Mike replied so confidently Jeff believed him.

Jeff left immediately to retrieve first aid supplies and the groups doctor. He returned in minutes and started to cut the paints away from the deep gashes covering Angels legs. The thing he found odd was that there was very little blood on the surrounding cloth and skin. Freezing temperatures will do that, damn was he lucky. After meticulously cleaning the wound he moved on to the next. Having finished he turned Angel over to check the rest of his body. He yelled and jumped back.

Father Mike ran into the room carrying a large glass filled with red liquid. Setting it down nest to the bed he went to Jeff. "Jeffrey thank you very much for the help but I will tend to him now."

Jeff asked the obvious question, "What is he?"

Father Mike replied simply, "One of God's creatures." Jeff left the room without looking back. When Father Mike returned to the kitchen for more blood he found Jeff sitting at the table drinking from a flask. "Well Jeffrey?" The question was left hanging in the air.

"I've been sitting here trying to convince myself I did not see what I thought I saw." Taking another drink he offered the flask to Father Mike. "Have some, it's Jack Daniel's single barrel. Fine Tennessee sipping whiskey. My commander swore by this stuff, got me hooked. He always said if you're gonna drink, drink the best. Life's too short to do otherwise."

"Your commander sounds like a wise man." Taking the flask he said. "I myself prefer Bushmills. Fine Irish sipping whiskey."

"What," he gestured to the other room. "is he."

"A servant of the Lord. He came here on a mission and even though he had finished and wanted desperately to go home, he stayed to find a lost child. Putting himself in great danger in the process. He is of no danger to you or your friends as long as we feed him and let him rest."
~~~~~~~~
That afternoon Angel woke screaming for Buffy. Something was wrong she had been hurt. He had to leave now. He bolted out of bed and into the other room before he noticed his cloths were hanging from his body in tatters.

He stumbled into the kitchen where Father Mike and a stranger each grabbed an arm and guided him into a chair. "What's wrong Angel, I heard you scream and was coming to check on you."

"It's Buffy she's been hurt. I need to leave, I have to go home now." He kept mumbling she was hurt and he needed to leave. He closed his eyes and concentrated an their bond. "She's hurt, but there's something else. I can't tell what but something else is going on." His eyes snapped open. "Do you have a phone I can use. I have to call. I need to..." He trailed off.

"The lines are down after the storm, but there is a radio. I don't know if that will do you any good."

Angel look Crestfallen. How could he call his Buffy and make sure she was safe.

Jeff wasn't sure if he wanted to get involved with Angel, whoever or whatever he was. The look on the mans face made up his mind. "I have a satellite phone, you can call from anywhere with it."

"Thank you, I just have to make sure she's safe. Whistler promised she would be if I went away for a time." Angel quickly dialed the library knowing it was his best chance to get the information he needed."

"Hello."

"Xander?"

"Deadboy! What do you want?"

He shook his head. "Don't call me that. Is Buffy there?"

"No."

"Is Giles there?"

"No."

In the background. "Xander give me that."

"Hi Angel."

"Willow. What's going on? Is Buffy okay?"

"How did you know she got hurt? Oh, that bond thing?"

"Yes. Is she alright?" There was a pause. "WILLOW! IS SHE ALRIGHT?"

"I think so their going to do some test in a couple of days depending on how things go."

"Test? What kinda test?"

"Nothing major just an ultrasound to check things out. We're having trouble keeping her in the hospital, when are you coming home? She needs you, bad."

"Is there something else your not telling me?"

"Me not telling? Why would you think that?"

"Because your babbling and avoiding the question."

"I... I..."

In the background. "Oh, for heaven sakes give me that."

"Angel its Cordelia. Buffy will live. It's probably nothing. She needs you, so get your ass home.

"Cordelia, slow down. How did Buffy get hurt?"

"Oh she feel in an open grave. And believe me when I say it brought memories I am so trying to repress. Like old boyfriends coming back from the dead and wanting me to join them. As if."

"An open grave?"

"Yeah, we were making a sweep through the cemetery on our way home from the Bronze. When she screamed and then she fell."

"Why did she scream?"

"Oh, she said it felt like claws in her back. She is soo dramatic. Any ways she fell we took her to the hospital. Not a claw mark on her. Well at first we thought it could be an invisible demon like the Kindestod. Or maybe Marcie got away from the FBI, I am still trying to repress those memories too. But there were no marks on her.

"It was me."

"What?"

"It was me. I was the one who got clawed."

"That Bond thinge?"

"Yes"

"Okay, why are you people so weird?"

"Now what about the Kindestod. When did Buffy meet the child killer and where?"

"Two weeks ago when she passed out on patrol. We took her to the hospital, she stayed killed Kindestod and came home."

"She wasn't hurt was she?"

"No, look she still needs you, so get your ass home. Bye."
*
"The Kindestod, child killer?" Father Mike asked.

Angel only nodded.

"An open grave?" Jeff asked.

"Happens alot were I come from."

"Well tell me where your from and I'll avoid it."

"That's probably a good idea."

Angel handed the phone back to Jeff and thanked him again. "Father Mike I need to leave as soon as possible. There's something they're not telling me. I've got to get back."

"I understand. I will get you something to change into." He returned with cloth donated by the members of the expedition. Angel left to change.

"Man he's uptight about this Buffy chick. She his girlfriend or something?"

"His wife."

"Wife?"

"Yes, from what he's told me they were married two days before he had to leave. He was assured that no harm would come to her if he made the trip."

"He left her on their honeymoon? Wow she must be pissed." Quickly looking at the priest. "Sorry."

"Yes, well she knew how important this trip was. Without those two you and I would not be here, none of us would."

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing. Something's are best not talked about."

Seeing the look on Father's Mike's face Jeff was sure he was right.

As Angel emerged from the bedroom and idea came to Jeff.

"Angel, Father Mike tells me you just got married and were sent here for some strange reason. We got an extra seat on the helicopter, need a ride."

"That's kind of you but I'm in a hurry I want to leave tonight."

"That's cool, that's when we're leaving." Looking at his watch. "It should be here in an hour. The first two groups have already left. There's only afew of us left."
*
As they boarded the chopper the whole village was there to see them off. The girl's who's life he saved family was there. They presented him with a goat skin full of blood for his trip and promised to keep him in their prayers.

While Jeff was off checking on flights that would arrive after sunset, Father Mike heard Angel's first confession in over two hundred years. Just about the time they were finishing up in walked four men. One of witch looked slightly familiar to Angel.

"Excuse me gentleman. We are looking for Jeffrey March, you wouldn't be the friends he was talking about would you?"

Father Mike spoke up. "Yes, Jeffrey was kind enough to give us the extra seats on the flights here. We are very grateful. I am Father Michael O'Leary, and this is Angel." They shook hands then the others introduced themselves.

"I am Patrick Sullivan Jeffrey's employer and this is Colonel Richard Sheets, my chef of security and one of his men Walter Ford. We are here to collect Jeffrey from his holiday."

"Jeffrey is a good man, you should be very proud of him."

"We are. May I ask why you say that?"

"Well when he first arrived he gave the mission a large donation. Then when he returned a young girl had gotten lost and a large storm was due to arrive within the hour, he offered to go out and look for her."

"Did you find the girl?"

"Oh yes, Angel here brought her back safe and sound. She is still recovering from frostbite but she will live and that alone is a miracle. If it had been anyone besides Angel, they would have both perished. The mountain would have claimed two more."

Colonel Sheets walked over to Angel and held out his hand. "That was very brave of you Sir, not many people would volunteer to do what you did."

Angel looked decidedly uncomfortable having so much attention focused on him. "It's no big deal really. I'm just glad I could help."

At that moment Jeff walked back in. After greetings were exchanged he broke the bad news to Angel. "I'm sorry Angel I could not find a flight for you. I tried, I really did."

"It's okay I'll find another way." He turned to Father Mike good-bye Father if you ever need help call me." He slipped a phone number into his hand and turned to leave.

"But your wife, how will you get home?" Jeff hated that he could not help.

Colonel Sheets asked the question the three newcomers all wanted to. "What about your wife?" When he got no answer Jeff answered.

"His wife was injured two days ago and is in the hospital awaiting some test. He is trying to return to her."

After accepting condolences from the group he started for the door again.

"Wait!" Patrick called. "You don't remember me do you?"

Angel turned towards Patrick. "You look familiar but I'm sorry I..."

"Twenty years ago in New York you saved me from becoming something's dinner and took me to the hospital. After my brother patched me up you had to spend the day and we talked. What you said changed my whole life. Before we meet all I was interested in was my business, my wife and son took a back seat. You changed all that and I am eternally grateful. I will gladly take you home to your wife and we will catch up. You have certainly changed since we last meet."

"Thank you but you don't owe me anything."

"I don't see it that way so tell me where you need to go and I'll inform my pilot." He then turned to Father Mike, "That goes for you too Father. What kind of Catholic would I be if I let you sit here waiting for a flight."

Both men thanked their host and were astonished to find out they were both going to Sunnydale.

"The Lord works in mysterious ways. Don't you think Angel?"

"More than you know Father, when you get settled in I want you to meet some people. They'll teach you how to stay safe in Sunnydale."

Walter Ford whispered to Colonel Sheets, "what the hell kinda place is Sunnydale."

Angel have overheard this and chuckled, hell indeed.
~~~~~~~~
Less than an hour later the entire group was headed for Patrick Sullivan's private jet. The concourse they traveled was empty save for three janitors. As they walked Walter asked his colleagues how Angel could have saved their bosses life twenty years ago when he did not look much older than that. Jeff added that he may be older than he looked. Then the talk moved on to how Jeff's trip had gone.

Angel not wanting to listen in on a private conversation turned his attention elsewhere. He instantly realized something was wrong. He heard the snap of metal and saw one of the janitors swing his arm up to point a gun at Patrick. Quicker than the human eye could see he put himself in front of Patrick taking the bullets meant for him. He was thrown back with the force of the shots knocking Patrick down. Jeff pulled Father Mike down and covered Father Mike's body with his own. The Colonel and Walter dropped to their knees and pulled their guns as the other two pulled theirs. For a moment there was a standoff. Then a loud growling was heard, everyone froze. The sound terrified everyone, there subconscious mind knew there was danger present. The air was fill with the essence of evil.

Angel morphed when the shots entered his body, the force of them bringing his demon to the surface. A growl escaped his throat, someone was trying to keep him from his mate. That would not be allowed. He leapt from the floor and in less than a second had his assailant by the neck his feet nowhere near the floor. He shook his pray, growling low in his throat. "Who are you?" The man was too stunned to answer. Angelus shook him again. He started praying, to Kali. "You pray to Kali, she is a third rate demon. I have killed more than she ever dreamed possible. She is weak and worthless. Now why did you attack us. Talk now or die."

"He needs to die, he is responsible for the death of my people." The terrified man said.

Father Mike pulled himself from the floor and made his way to Angel. "Angel." Father Mike tugged at his hands. "Angel release him he needs to breathe. When the vampire turned to face him, gone was the brooding gentle man he had come to like. In his place was the demon who inhabited his body.

"Angel isn't in right but if you leave a massage he'll get back to you." Angelus laughed an evil laugh.

"Angel, you are going home to see Buffy. Your wife."

"Buffy." Angelus purred. "Our mate." He smiled as his grip eased.

"She is your mate also?"

"Of course she is priest." The word priest was said with distaste. "She is the only one in two hundred and forty three years who is worthy to be my mate. She is truly amazing." The longer he talked about Buffy the gentler his voice became until Angel was once again in control. Angel spoke to the man in his native language. When Angel was done all three men shook their heads in agreement. He released the man he held and Jeff came to take custody of him.

"Angel?" Father Mike asked.

"Yes, it's me." He looked ashamed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for him to get lose."

"Angel zip up your jacket, the airport police are coming. We will talk later." Father Mike quickly explained to the others that everything was fine and gave a statement to the police. They were escorted to the same private waiting room they had recently left, asked politely to wait to give a statement. Once there Father Mike told Angel to take off his coat so he could check his wounds.

"That's not necessary." He reached under his shirt and started to pull out the bullets, dropping them in the trash can. "I'll leave when they're done with us."

"No need for that all you did was save us, and you did it without hurting anyone. That makes twice you saved me the least I can do is give you a lift home." Then Patrick went to use the phone.

Once the police had left they continued on their way to the plain. At the plain they were met by a man with a bag. He gave the bag to Patrick bowed and left. Once inside things were alittle tense.

"Patrick it might be best if I found another way home."

"Angel why don't you change into this shirt. I'll explain everything." And he did. By the time Angel returned things were alot less tense.
~~~~~~~~
Half way across the ocean Angel was becoming restless he needed to feed. He finished the last of the goat blood but was still not satisfied. Patrick brought him a mug of blood. "Don't worry it's outdated blood from the hospital. A doctor I know met us at the plane. Now tell me about your wife, I see the ring."

"Yes we haven't been married legally. We married the old way."

"I remember, I go back home once a year so I'll never forget where I came from. I guess you remember the old ways better than anyone."

Angel laughed, "I should."

"Tell me about your wife?"

Buffy was a subject Angel never tired of.

"I'm sorry but we have no one by that name."

"She's here I can feel her. Check again." He noticed the odd way the woman looked at him he added. "But you have to they're doing test today." As he argued with the clerk Father Mike, Patrick and the rest came in. "She says Buffy isn't here. She has to be Cordy told me she was." He lowered his voice. "I can feel her." Angel was too worried to focus properly on the bond.

Father Mike was saddened by Angel's distress. "Miss. are you sure Mrs. O'Brien isn't a patient? Her husband was overseas and received the news only yesterday."

"Buffy O'Brien. Here it is room 316." Angel was gone in a flash. "He said Summers not O'Brien."

"They've only been married a short time." Father Mike offered by way of explanation.
*
Angel rushed to the room and found Buffy's bed empty. The woman in the next bed sat up at his arrival. "I'm looking for Buffy do you know where she is?"

"Yeah they took her for a ultrasound. Are you family or a friend?"

Remembering Buffy was listed under O'Brien, Angel answered truthfully. "I'm her husband."

"She said you were gorgeous, she wasn't kidding."

Angle was unsettled by this woman's words. A woman in her condition shouldn't be talking like that. She looked to be six mounts pregnant. "Do you know where the ultrasound is?"

The woman pushed a button on her bed and a nurse came into the room a minute later. After Angel explained who he was and what he wanted the nurse told him she was having an ultra sound done. Then offered to have someone take him to Buffy. He declined and instead allowed his senses to guide him. As he exited the room he overheard the two talking, he's in for one big surprise.

On the way Angel's friends joined them. Patrick handed him a dozen roses. "I sent Jeffrey. You should always remember to bring flowers to your wife."

"I should have remembered. I just have to see her and know that she's okay."

"I understand, your wife is your world, mine was as well."

As rounded the corner the first person Angel saw Xander. Angel groaned.

"Well, well Deadboy's back. Haven't you caused enough trouble? Couldn't you have stayed gone?"

Before he even finished Cordelia and Willow ran over to him. Cordy punched him in the arm and Willow clamped her hand over his mouth.

"Nice to see you too Xander. Where's Buffy?"

"Buffy's in that room over there." Willow said pointing.

"Thanks." Angel said as he started for the room.

"Xander do you remember what Buffy said she'd do to you if you caused trouble?"

He nodded terrified.

Angel turned back to Willow. "What did she say she'd do?"

It was Cordy who answered, "She said she would tie him to a headstone, carve eat me into his chest, put a big red bow on him and a tag with Spike's name on it."

"Spike the dog." Willow added for the benefit of the five new comers.

"Oh sure laugh it up Deadboy she been grouchy since you left even the..." He trailed off noticing the five men standing a few feet away.

"It's okay they know all about vampires."

"Than change Spike to Spike the vampire." Willow amended.

"vampires run when they see her. They're all in hiding."

Angel laughed, "That's my girl."

He made his way to the room flowers in hand. He knocked on the door, it opened to reveal Joyce on the other side. Buffy was lying on a small bed.

"Come in Angel."

Angel was surprised to see Joyce there and that she remembered his name.

"It's alright I know everything, Buffy and Rupert filled me in."

Angel went to Buffy and hugged her. "Are you okay. When I heard you were in the hospital I was so worried." He kissed her on the cheek.

Buffy promptly pulled him into a passionate kiss that didn't end until she need air. "I'm so glad your home.

"Me too baby."

"Are those for me?"

"Of course, who else would I bring flowers to."

Joyce took the flowers from Angel. "Why don't I put these in some water you two need to talk." On her way she met the technician.

"Well Buffy, Doctor Kohl says if everything looks good you can leave. How dose that sound?"

"Great I can't wait to get out of here."

"Could you give them a few minutes to talk? Angel, Buffy's husband has just returned from business trip and she has something's to tell him." Joyce pulled the tech out of the room.
~~~~~~~~

"Angel do you remember a week before my birthday, when I was doing that egg thing?"

"Yes, why?"

"Remember the cemetery when you told me you couldn't have children?" At Angel's nod Buffy continued. "Well you were wrong."

"What do you mean I was wrong?"

"Well Daddy in about five minutes you are going to see your children on that little monitor right there."

Angel looked even more pale than usual. He knew through the bond she was telling the truth, he felt her honesty and love pour through to him. He also felt her fear? "M... my children?" He needed to be sure she was all right then he would find out why she was scared. He would wait until they were alone and then they would talk.

"Yep, so call the technician and then sit down in that chair and get ready to meet your kids."

Angel opened the door to find Joyce and the technician standing on the other side. "We're ready." Was all he said. As the two women walked in all Angel could do was stare at Buffy, his wife and the mother of his children. Children he thought he could never have.

Buffy giggled at her husband, he had spaced out big time. "Angel? Baby? Angel." When she finally got his attention she called him over to sit next to her.

He saw the big smiles on Joyce's and the technician's faces. "I'm sorry, I... this is something I wasn't expecting."

The tech smiled. "Mrs. Summers explained everything while we were outside."

At Angles startled look Joyce added. "I told her how you were hurt when you were younger and were told you could never have children."

"Oh, yeah."

"Well lets get down to business shall we. Since you came in late Angel my name is Mary and I'll be doing the ultrasound. There was a small tear in one of the baby's placenta when Buffy was admitted, yesterdays test showed it almost completely healed."

"One of the babies?" Angel asked still in shock.

"We're having twins. Isn't that great?" All he could do was shake his head, still trying to deal with all the new information.

"Now if today's looks good you might be able to take your wife home tonight. How dose that sound?"

Buffy and Angel answered together. "Great!"

"Look here." Mary said as she pointed to the monitor. "Here is where the placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus. Looks like it's healed. Looks good, very good. Here is baby number one the head, body, arms, and legs." Pointing each out in turn. "If you look right her you can see the heart beating. Baby number two head, body, arms, and legs. Now this one looks quite content sucking his thumb."

"It's a boy?" Joyce asked.

"No, I can't tell until next month but with you having twins, I'm sure your doctor will order another scan later in your pregnancy. You'll need to talk it over and decide if you both want to know the sex." Mary reached over and handed Buffy and Angel a tape and some small pictures. Here you are, you can show these to your friends and brag Daddy. I'll report to Doctor Kohl and if everything else looks good he said you could go home."

"Angel will you take me back to my room? I have to pee." Buffy started to sit up.

Angel picked her up in his arms and sat her in the wheelchair Mary brought in. He wheeled Buffy to her room and helped her into the bathroom.

"Angel I'm pregnant not cripple, I can walk."

When Buffy came out of the bathroom she had expected to see Angel, instead she Willow was waiting. "Your being released so get dressed."

"Where's Angel?"

"He and your Mom are talking to the doctor, then they're going to check you out and you can go. So get dressed and get ready. Hey Buffy?"

"Yeah Will."

"What did Angel say when you told him." Buffy laughed, then started to tell Willow everything.
~~~~~~~~
The doctor had finished giving instructions to Angel and Joyce on what Buffy was and wasn't allowed to do for next week she had to take it easy no school and no sex. He would see her in one week and reevaluate her condition. For now she was to rest. As Angel and Joyce left the doctor they ran right into Giles. "How is Buffy?" He looked towards Angel.

"Buffy and the babies are fine Rupert and we're taking her home to night." Joyce said. "I'll fill you in, Angel you have to go sign some papers.
~~~~~~~~
Walter returned to the group with coffee for everyone. They were alone in the waiting room the Scooby Gang as they called themselves had gone to Buffy's room once they heard the test were done. Walter decided to let the others in on what he heard.

"You'll never guess what's wrong with Angel's wife." At everyone's worried look he drooped the bomb. "She's pregnant." Father Mike was the first to speak up.

"That's impossible vampires can not father children."

"Yeah that's what everyone here thought too, and you know what's even worst? The poor bastard doesn't know how to provide for a wife and twins. He was telling some other guy he had some money saved but not enough for twins. That he couldn't go out and get a job like regular people especially since he would have to take over patrol until the babies were born. Do any of you know what he's talking about?"

"He did say this was a dangerous place, but nothing about patrolling." They all quieted each thinking there own thoughts, they were brought out of there reflections when Angel stepped into the room.

"I'm sorry I left like that but.."

"No need to apologize Angel you have not seen Buffy in three months and add to that fact she is in the hospital, I would have done the same thing in your place. How is she?" Patrick asked.

"She's going to be fine, they're releasing her right now."

"What was the problem?"

"It turns out Buffy is pregnant and the fall did a little damage to one of our twins, but everything is healing fine and she can go home now." Angel's head turned head and smiled. "In fact here she comes now."

Everyone turned to get a look a Angel's Buffy. What they saw astounded them, a small blond girl little more than a child herself. When she was closer she held out her hand and Angel rushed to take it. He took her hand and placed a kiss on it. "Buffy I'd like you to meet Patrick Sullivan, Colonel Richard Sheets, Jeffrey March, Walter Ford, and Father Michael O'Leary. Father Mike was my last stop, he took care of the Judge and will now be at St. Matthew's. I meet Patrick while I was in New York and the others work for him. Patrick has his own plane and gave me a ride home."

"Thank you very much Mr. Sullivan, I'm so glad to have Angel home." She smiled at him.

"Your welcome Mrs. O'Brien. I can never repay Angel for all he's done for me, I owe him more than I can say."

"You don't owe me anything Patrick, it was my duty to help."

"Nonsense, but we'll talk later. I'm sure your lovely wife would like to go home and rest."

"Nope, I want to go eat. I'm starved, the food here stinks."

"Now Buffy, Mr. Giles is going to take us to the gallery to pick up my car and then we'll go home and I'll fix us some dinner."

"Why is your car at the gallery?"

"It was such a pretty day I thought I'd walk."

"Mom you can't walk around Sunnydale after dark."

"It wasn't after dark when I left."

"Well Mr. Giles will drive us to the gallery and we'll pick up my car, then we'll see about going out to dinner."

"Mom we can't ride with Giles. His car is like, not really a car, it's more like..."

"Buffy. That will be quite enough, you know perfectly well my car is a classic."

"Yeah Giles but cars are suppose to go faster than ten miles a hour." The gang laughed at the old joke.

"Angel why don't the three of you ride in the limo with us and we will all go out to dinner. The rest of you are also welcome, if one of you could suggest a good restaurant."

Cordelia pulled out her cell phone. "I know the perfect place, they'll even let Xander in. I'll make the reservations they know my dad." The group left for dinner.