A Hot Steak and a Cold Vampire

By
Lee

Angel watched Buffy, she had eaten the largest steak on the menu his potato, his salad and he had lost track of the number of honey buttered croissants. He knew with her slayer metabolism she needed more calories than the average human and now with the baby's. Things were going to get very interesting. Babies, he couldn't believe he was going to be a father. Now all he had to worry about was finding some way to support his wife and children. He snapped out of his revere as he felt Buffy move next to him. Turning to her he asked, "Are you okay? There's nothing wrong with you or our babies?"

Buffy smiled at his concern. "No silly, I just need to use the bathroom. I've spent more time in there in the last few weeks than in the last year."

"Oh" Was his reply. "Your going to have to fill me in on all the changes your body has been going through and what is yet to happen."

"I will later but for now I have to go."

"Do you want me to walk with you?"

"I'll be fine by myself." She leaned over and kissed his cheek then got up.

Angel stood and help her out of her chair, causing all the men at the table except for Xander to also stand. When Cordelia smacked him he asked why. "Xander your suppose to stand when a lady leaves the table."

"It was only Buffy." He defended.

Angel looked at Xander. "Are you saying Buffy is not a lady?" His tone implied Xander had better have the correct answer.

"She's Buffy. She can do things that nobody else in this room can, except maybe you."

"So, that's no reason not to show her common curtsey. Didn't your parents teach you any manners?" Xander shook his head.

"That's what's wrong with this world, nobody cares anymore. If I had failed to stand when a lady entered the room my father would have given me a beaten to be remembered." Angel stopped when he realized what he had said. He turned his attention back to his dinner and waited for Buffy. He was not good with large groups, even if he did know all the people there.

"So Angel since Buffy's out of commission are you going to take over patrolling? Willow told us the doctor said she had to rest for a week." Cordy couldn't believe Buffy got the perfect boyfriend.

"Of course I will, she is done patrolling until the babies are born."

"Can I be around when you tell her that? I want to see her beat you up." Xander was being an ass as usual.

"Xander remember, you don't want to be Spike's dinner?" Willow gave him a mischievous grin.

Angel looked up when he heard Buffy's heart beat getting louder. He saw the door to the bathrooms open. He stood to walked over and meet her.

Buffy saw Angel rise from his seat and start in her direction. She could feel the worry through their bond. Ever since he had learned about the twins he was reluctant to let her leave his side. He had always been protective but now with her carrying his children. She had a feeling that he would be worst than ever. It might be fun. Always having her love close. To bad the doctor had said bed rest and no sex. She had only had those two days with her husband before he had to leave. Now she wanted more. Buffy was daydreaming about the future with Angel and their kids when all hell broke loose. Buffy felt her stomach start to cramp hoping it was vampires and not the babies. She did not want to lose the babies.

As the vampires finished their meals and started for the cowering humans in the back a small blonde girl stood in their way. "Why is that every time I try to do something normal you guys show up. Can't I have a night off once in a while? What is it with you guys?"

"And who might you be little girl?" A tall, large vampire asked.

"The Slayer, don't they teach you newibes anything anymore?" Buffy said as she rammed a stake through his heart.

"Well, well Slayer, we meat again." A voice from behind the others said.

Buffy look up and saw a familiar face. "Oh it's you again. So how's it going 'little brother'?" Buffy empathized the word little. "I would have thought your big brother would be keeping you outta trouble. Where is he anyway?" She asked in a casual tone. She was going to make Little Brother pay for the weeks of stress he had put on her relationship with her mother. Even though it had been hard those first few weeks things were better now. Angle was home and it looked like her mother was accepting him and the fact that she was going to be a grandmother. Come to think of it she owed little brother her thanks, it didn't mean she wouldn't kill him, but she would thank him first.

Angel was trying to make his way to Buffy when a vampire rushed their table. He staked it and waited to make sure the others had things well in hand before he moved to help Buffy.

"Go help Buffy." Giles said as he pulled a stake from his coat pocket. Patrick's men pulled their guns and aimed at the nearest vampires. Their bullets had little effect on the on coming threat. Suddenly the vampires were screaming and holding their faces. The adults watched as Giles and the group of teenagers took advantage of the opportunity and staked the vampires one by one.

"What did you do to them? Our bullets hardly fazed them at all? How did you know what to do?" Jeff asked the questions that were on everyone's minds.

The gang held up their water guns and stakes. "Water guns filled with Holy Water and wooden stakes." Willow explained.

"But how did you know what to do?" This time it was Walter who asked.

"Hey, hang out with the Slayer long enough and your bound to pick up a thing or two."

"Xander!" The group admonished.

"The Slayer? What is a slayer?"

Patrick and Father Mike spoke up at the same time. Both explained what they had learned about the Slayer.

Colonel Sheets came up with the obvious answer. "Buffy is the Slayer, isn't she?"

"Yes she is." Giles answered warily. "Now that you know you mustn't tell a soul. No one is to know, the Slayer's identity is a closely guarded secret. Her friends found when they were attacked and she saved them. Now you know it could put her at great risk." The men gave their word.

"Giles where are Buffy and Angel?" Willow didn't see them and started to worry for her friends. Everyone looked around.

"Over there." Oz shouted. The group turned to see Buffy facing down a vampire. They were not worried even though she had recently been released from the hospital. What they knew and the vampire did not was that Angel was standing right behind him.

"We meet again Slayer. This time no one's going to stop me from killing you. My minions and I will kill everyone here but you are mine. I will kill you and then I will be known as a master vampire. A slayer killer. No one will order me around again. But first I think I'll have a little fun with you. See why Angelus thinks your so special. You know maybe I'll turn you so you can keep me and the boys happy. I'm sure Angelus has taught you a thing or two." He started to move towards Buffy when he heard a low growling behind him. "Go find your own meal, the Slayer is mine." The low growl became louder and more intense. Then a menacing presents fill the room. Power the likes the young vampire had never before felt rolled over him in waves. It nearly crushed him to the floor it was so overwhelming. Before he could turn around to see what had entered the restaurant he heard a voice directly behind him. A voice that was so cold and threatening he froze unable to move.

"Lover, you didn't tell me you made a new friend while I was away. Are you going to introduce us, or should I just call him dead meat?" Angelus could not believe this fledgling's audacity, to threaten his mate and in front of him to boot. He was going to enjoy torturing him greatly. It had been far too long for his taste, he had always enjoyed a good spot of torture. Now that he was being allowed out he would have to make a deal with soul boy. He was sure he would have to stick to demons, but he could handle that. His mate would not be happy if he tortured humans. He wanted to keep her happy, after all she was carrying his children nothing was to upset her. He would start by killing this bastard then he would take her home and make her comfortable. After she was asleep he would make it known that Angelus was back and he was taking control of the Hellmouth. Since Spike was master he would seek him out and remind him who was the real master. It had been far too long since he and his childe had been together. He would rectify that tonight, but first things first.

Little Brother had finely gotten up the nerve to turn around. He turned to see a large vampire standing before him. His eyes gleaming a deep gold color. Then he felt a hand close around his throat. The grip like a vice, closing tighter and tighter until he felt the small bones in his neck begin to break. He pulled at the other vampire's hand trying to dislodge it, but the grip only tightened.

"You dare threaten My mate? For that alone you will die." He then whispered softly. "Slowly and in great pain." Then louder. "The Slayer belongs to me she is my mate, marked by me before tonight is over every demon in this town will know the penalty for touching what is mine."

Buffy watched the interaction between the two vampires and knew something wasn't right. Then it all clicked, "Angelus?"

"That's right lover." He pulled her to him and kissed her roughly. "How are you feeling, are you still in pain?"

"No it was only my spider sense." Buffy was relived and she could also feel his relief through their bond.

"Don't worry about a thing I'll make my claim on the Hellmouth tonight and declare you off limits. No one will dare disobey me. You and our children will be safe." He kissed her again and then turned towards the door. In time to see Spike come walking through, followed by little brother and six minions.

"Well, well if it isn't the Slayer and her lap dog. When did you get back Peaches?"

"A few hours ago. You see my mate needed me so I hurried back. Good thing too, this fledgling here thought he would try to take what's mine. Now Spike I thought you taught your fledglings better than that."

"Your not one of us anymore, we don't have to respect your place in the clan. Besides she's the Slayer and fair game."

"Ah, but that's where your wrong my boy. You see I'm back, I may not always be in control but I will be here when needed and if anyone touches my mate they will die. This town is now mine, I will allow you to run it according to my wishes but it now belongs to me."

"Yeah sure, you don't have the ball's to take it from me. That's the thing about being all soul having, it keeps you from doing what it takes."

"That's where your wrong boy, Angel has the soul not me." At Spike's startled look he laughed, "What's wrong Will cat got your tongue?"

"Angelus?" He whispered.

"That's right my boy, I think we should have a talk." He quickly broke Little Brothers legs and dropped him to the floor in front of Buffy. He then grabbed her a chair and sat her in it. "I won't be long baby. If he moves break some more bones I'll be right back." He devoured her mouth in a kiss then turned to Spike. "Let's go."

Spike then turned to his minions, "Don't move until I get back and no feeding. Understood?" They all shook their heads. Then Spike and Angelus disappeared into a door marked Private.

"Yeah, I think we need to talk." Turning to the rest of the gang, he told them to keep watch while he spoke with Giles. He pulled Giles to one side and told him what he had heard.

"My word, we would seem to be in a spot of trouble."

"But he did say that Buffy was his mate and he even got a chair for her."

"That is strange, but we must be prepared for anything."

"Be prepared for what?" Giles heard from behind him. He turned to see Patrick and Father Mike standing behind him.

"We a... ah. We were just saying we needed to be prepared for what ever might happen next." Giles turned toward Buffy going to make sure his slayer was unharmed.

"Buffy, are you all right?" Giles let his concern for his Slayer show.

"Sure Giles, like it took much effort to stake that moron." Buffy was offended that he thought that little altercation would cause any damage.

"What did Angel say to you before he left?"

"He told me he'd be right back and if he moved break some more of his bones. Which I gotta tell you is very tempting considering all the trouble he caused me." Turning to Little Brother Buffy gave him a thoughtful look. "You know my Honey is not very happy with you. I mean, feel the rage, he's not happy with Spike at the moment either. Although I gotta tell you, Spike has that whole sire childe thing working for him and you don't." Everyone turned towards the kitchen when they heard a large crash coming from inside. "Of course that might not help him Angel's kinda mad. He has this thing about anyone touching what's his. It's some type of guy or vamp thing, not sure which."

"Buffy did he say anything else?"

"Well he did mention that he would make his claim on the Hellmouth tonight. He said something about taking control and making sure we were safe."

"Buffy you know that may not have been Angel. Oz overheard everything and is sure that is Angelus. You think so too, don't you?"

"Yeah Giles but he's just here to protect us. I don't get any bad feeling from him except when it comes to him." Buffy pointed to the injured vampire on the floor.

"Buffy how can you be so chevalier about this Angelus is a demon that surpasses any you have ever faced he has done things even the Master was in awe of."

"Giles he won't hurt us, in fact he is going to take over the Hellmouth and make sure we" Buffy placed her hand on her stomach. "are safe. He said no one would dare touch us."

Giles immediately saw the logic in her statement. No sane being would want to incur Angelus' wrath. He was not named the Scourge so Europe for nothing. "Buffy do you know what happened to Angel, do you think he's still in there?"

"Yeah he's in there, I know that for sure. He's been acting alittle more vampey since my birthday. I think whatever spell they used did something to the demon and the soul. Don't worry Giles he loves me too. It's just more of a possessive kinda love, he also considers these as his children. Although I would hate to see his idea of a bedtime story."

Giles laughed at the thought of Angelus reading bedtime stories, then cringed when he considered what those stories would be like. "If your sure Buffy, I have come to trust your instincts. I just pray you are correct this time."

"Chill Giles, Angelus won't do anything, but if I were you I'd tell Xander to keep his mouth shut. Angel has been tempted to pound him once or twice. There is no telling what Angelus will do the him. I don't think he's the kind to put up with any crap. Just please keep Xander quiet." She would hate to have to bury another friend.

"I do believe that is the wisest course of action. Xander does have a tendency allow his mouth to runaway from him all to often. I do think it would be best to warn him. I am afraid that Xander let it to our host and his friends that you were the Slayer."

"Great, just great everyone and their brother knows I'm the Slayer. Why don't I just take out a add on a billboard, 'Buffy O'Brien is the Slayer.' Then maybe I could get Will's to post it on the Internet. Or maybe even an ad on TV." Buffy was having a bad night, all she wanted was to spend a quite night with her husband. He had been away for so long she just wanted to be alone with him.

She jumped when her body was encircled from behind by cool arms. "Calm down my love. Everything is fine." Angel kissed her on the back of the neck. He released her and helped her to stand. "Buffy I would like you to meet my childe, William."

Buffy turned to find Spike standing behind Giles. She reached for the stake in her waistband. "Angel what's going on?"

"Don't worry Lover Will is just here to meet you. Aren't you Will?" Angel stated.

"Yes Sire. You have nothing to fear from me or any of my people Slayer. You are family and we take care of each other." He reached for her hand and kissed it, a show of manners and respect. He then moved back so as not to intimidate her.

"I had a talk with my childe and he understands that you are now my mate and he is to show the utmost respect." He slipped his arm around Buffy. "Spike take your people and leave." He reached down and pulled the injured vampire off the floor. "Take him with you, don't let him go I will be by later and teach him a lesson." He threw the hurt vampire to Spike.

"Yes Sire. He will be waiting for you."

"Good I'll be by later. You can go." Spike and his men left the restaurant.

Angel leaned close to her ear. "And where would that blood being going?"

Buffy shivered as she remembered the feel of him feeding from her. "Can we go home now?" Then in a whisper. "I want to be alone with you."

"Of course Baby." He pulled her closer kissing her as he did so.

Xander came running up to them. "Was that who I think it was who just kissed you?" Xander asked in a flustered voice. "Tell me I'm seeing things. Please." He begged.

Willow and Cordelia were the next to arrive. "I know this is the Hellmouth and all but did anyone else think that was weird?"

"Did we just see what we saw?"

Giles looked at Willow, she was rambling again. "Yes Willow we did. It seems Angel had a talk with Spike and now he's on our side."

"Oh I wouldn't say that. He will protect Buffy but as for being good... Well lets just say that he won't do anything to upset her, everything else is fair game. They went to rejoin the rest of their party at the table. Angel looked around and saw that they had had all pretty much finished their meals. "Lets finish up Buffy is a bit tired."

"No need for that we were done anyway." Patrick called for the waiter and found they were in the restaurant.

Father Mike looked around. "It seems we are all alone."

"Mister Sullivan I can come back tomorrow and settle take care of it Sir."

"Very good Walter. Now lets get this young lovely young lady home. I'm sure you are ready to get back to your own home after a stay in the hospital." Turning to Buffy he said.

"Yeah, I hate hospitals. If it wasn't for our babies I would never have stayed. Well at least this time I didn't have to kill anything." At the startled looks she received from the newcomers she explained. "Well ya know last time I had'ta stayed in the hospital I had to kill the Kindestod. Boy I can't even get a break when I when I'm sick."

"Shall we go then?" Patrick extended his arm to Joyce, she took it and he guided her to the limo. His thoughts were on the small girl who took a set next the window. It pained him to think that her life was one of prowling the night looking for demons to kill.

In less than five minutes they pulled up to a modest home on a quite street. Patrick helped Joyce from the car. "Angel where can I take you and your lovely bride?"

"We're going to stay here until the doctor releases Buffy. Thank you for the offer though." Angel held onto Buffy as they walked into the house. He was being so protective it was so cute. She stumbled on the doorjamb and he was right there steadying her. He walked her to the couch and sat her down. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, alittle tired. I seem to be tired a lot lately.

"Would anyone like coffee?" Joyce offered.

"Don't go to any trouble." Farther Mike said.

"Oh no trouble. I'll just be a second." Joyce hurried to the kitchen to fix the coffee. Her nerves were shot and she wanted a drink. She tried to focus on what she would say to Angel when they got a chance to talk alone.

"Yes Angel I'm fine just a little tired." She was so glad he was home she didn't even care that he was hovering. He had been gone three whole months and she wanted to be with him. Buffy sat and listened as Walter told them how he had meet Angel. All about him going out in a raging blizzard to rescue a little girl. How when he had returned he was frozen with claw marks all over his back and legs. "That's my Honey, always doing the right thing. He's just so sweet." Buffy kissed him, as the kissed deepened she crawled into his lap. When they finely broke apart she was panting and her hand had slipped between the buttons on his shirt.

"Well I believe we should be going." Patrick stood, he had seen the lovers and knew they craved some time alone. Three months were a long time to be separated. He nodded to his men and they headed for the door.

It was at that moment that Joyce came out of the kitchen with a tray full of coffee. "Where is everyone going?"

Patrick to explain that they thought the couple should be alone when he noticed Buffy had fallen asleep in Angel's arms. He motioned to her and replied. "It would seem that Buffy has fallen asleep."

"Angel why don't you take Buffy up to her room?" Joyce could not quite bring herself to call it their room. Her baby was still to young for this. Angel rose with Buffy in his arms and ascended the stairs. "Now why don't you have your coffee and we can talk."

Angel gingerly placed Buffy on the bed. He eased off her socks and shoes, then went looking for something for her to sleep in. After digging through several drawers he found what he was searching for. He returned to her side with a nightshirt, slipping off her cloth he put it over her head trying hard not to wake her. Once he had her dressed he scooted her under the covers and tucked them around her small body. Angel kissed her on the lips then rose form the bed and moved away from the bed.

"Angel? Where are you going?" Buffy asked groggily.

"Shh Beloved, go back to sleep. I'm just going to get your mothers car and a change of clothes."

"Then your coming right back? Right?"

"Well I was going to feed and take care of afew things. I promise I'll be back before sunrise though." Angel returned to the bed and kissed his wife once more. "Go back to sleep and I'll be back before you know it." He watched as she snuggled under the covers then left the room. When he got downstairs he noticed that Patrick and the others were finishing their coffee. "Buffy's sleeping so if you would like Mrs. Summers I'll pick up your car for you."

"Angel I can go myself I'm sure your tired from your trip."

"No it's okay, besides you shouldn't be going out after dark it's to dangerous. Besides I want to go by my place and pick up some clothes."

"Oh of course you need to. I didn't think. Here are my keys." Joyce handed him her keys. "It's a Jeep Cherokee."

He cut her off. "I know where you park. I keep an eye out for you when I go by if you work late. Never know when you might need help, especially in Sunnydale. You might want to take down that Welcome sing and replace it with one that says Open. I had Buffy get rid of your welcome mat. Putting out something like that is a invitation for any vampire that passes by."

Joyce was shocked, without knowing it she could have invited vampires into her home. She was also surprised to hear Angel had been watching out for her, making sure she got home safely. She hated to admit it but it seemed that everything she had heard about him was true. She would talk to him later and find out more about her baby's husband.

"I'll be back in awhile, I have afew things to take care of. Oh and don't invite anyone in. Vampires need to be invited in."

"Buffy and Mr. Giles explained all that to me, but the sing never crossed my mind."

After everyone had said their good-byes Angle left with Patrick. He showed them to the finest hotel in Sunnydale then after seeing that they were all safely in their rooms he went in search of Spike.

When Angelus let himself into the apartment he quickly showered and packed a bag. He knew he would have to give up control soon but he would spend some time with his mate first. Things had gone well tonight, he had killed the upstart that had threatened his mate. He had made an example of him, a death so slow and painful that it had made some of the demons who watched sick. Ah yes tonight had been a good night.

Angelus stopped by the gallery and retrieved Joyce's jeep then headed for Willy's. He had put the little weasel straight as to who he was. Then drank his fill and taken a few bags for later. He arrived at the Summers house, parked the car and went in. He entered through the kitchen dropping the car keys on the table, he noticed a note from Joyce. He picked it up and read.

Angel it grew late so I went to bed, you and I need to talk as soon as possible.
There are a few things I want to discuss with you. I will try to catch you in the morning.
~Joyce

'Oh great what the hell does she want. It can't be about Buffy because she barely knows she alive. She takes off and leaves her seventeen year old daughter to fend for her self, sure she's the Slayer but she only learned of that last month. What is it with parents who desert their kids and expect them to raise themselves. Well that won't happen with our kids.' At the thought of his children he headed to Buffy's room to be with his love.

Joyce had left the hall light on for him obviously thinking he would need it to find his way up the stairs. When he reached Buffy's room he stood in the doorway and watched his mate sleep. He knew Angel would be in control come sunup so he had to make the most of what little time he had left. He'd have to talk to Soul Boy about time sharing, he certainly wanted to spend time with Buffy and his children.

He striped and climbed into bed with his lovely mate. He carefully slipped the cloths from her body and pulled her into his arms. He felt himself harden immediately, to bad the doctor had said no sex, he wanted her more than anything in his long life.

"Angel" His name came out as a small moan.

"I'm here Baby."

"I thought it was a dream, you coming home and all. I woke up a little while ago and you weren't here. I thought I dreamed it all."

"It's not a dream Baby go back to sleep and I'll still be here in the morning." Angelus felt her rub her body against his.

"Don't want to sleep want to play."

"As much as I like that the doctor said no sex for a week, but when that week is up your mine. We'll make up for lost time believe me." He kissed her showing all his pent-up frustration. He stroked her head as she drifted back to sleep, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.

His mind wandered to the problem that he had been avoiding since he left Spike and the others. What the hell was he going to do about Dru? When he had showed up at the factory she had come to him and kissed him just like old times. Then started raving about her Daddy being home and how they were a family again.

Dru had come back late from her hunt, she had missed the entertainment. "Look my Spike Daddy's home, isn't this nice we're a family again." She had walked up and kissed him. "Now Daddy will kill that mean old slayer and we'll have such fun. We'll feed on all the tasty people and play with them just like we used to." She had gone on and on with her mad ravings until he could take no more.

"Dru no one will kill the slayer. I have taken her as my mate, I marked her and anyone who tries to harm her will answer to me."

Dru had screamed that it was all wrong and that the nasty slayer had to die. She then ran from the room only to return later with Miss Edith. "Miss Edith says you love the slayer and that you will protect her. How can you do such a bad thing Daddy? Your suppose to kill the mean slayer not love her."

He grabbed her by the arms and shook her. "Dru listen to me, no one is to hurt my mate." Another shake. "Ever. Do you understand?"

"But Daddy you said slayer were to kill."

"Not this slayer, this one belongs to me. I have marked and claimed her as mine. Is that clear?"

"Yes." She sniffled.

"Good, now you mind for Daddy and maybe I'll bring you a present next time I visit."

"OH goody, can I have the slayers babies? I could have one to eat and one to play with. Miss. Edith says that you and the slayer will have lots and lots of babies. Can I have these two?" She leaned closer and whispered conspiratorial. "I can't have any myself you know."

He had just been about to lose it when Spike pulled Dru away and redirected her attention.

Now as he lay with his mate in his embrace, her belly touching his, the place where his unborn children rested, he knew he had to do something. Dru was crazy and needed to be handled carefully. He closed his eyes and started to plan. He would hate to kill her after all this time but if it came down to her or Buffy there really was no choice.

Angel regained control to find himself kissing his wife. He enjoyed the feel of her naked body pressed tightly against his own. 'Naked? he thought. If that damn demon did anything to his wife he would find a way to torture him. He moved his hand between her legs and felt to see if there was any semen there. There wasn't, he was relived. Buffy wiggled against his fingers, and also brushed against his hardened shaft.

"That feels nice but I thought you said we couldn't." Buffy wiggled some more.

"We can't. Not until you see the doctor again. I was only checking to see if he took advantage of you."

"No, actually he was a perfect gentleman. When I woke up and wanted to he said no." Buffy realized what she had said and paled. "I'm sorry I didn't know, when I woke up and felt you holding me I just wanted to get closer. To be part of you again. It's been so long, I wanted you feel you inside me again."

"It's okay Buffy, I understand. Why don't we talk about this later." He wanted alittle more rest before he tackled the Angelus problem.

"Okay. Where did my nightshirt go?"

"He took it off you."

"Oh, okay." She snuggled deeper into his embrace. Then much to her embarrassment her stomach growled.

"Are you hungry my love?"

"How could you tell? God that was embarrassing." Buffy blushed.

"Why?"

"Well here I was having a cuddly moment with my husband. A husband that has been away for to long I might add, and my stomach picks that time to get all loud and obnoxious on me.

"Well my love it's trying to tell you that you need to feed our children." He gave her a quick kiss and reached for his cloths. "Why I don't I make you something to eat while you rest awhile longer."

Buffy pulled him back to her. "No don't go. I like it with you here."

"After breakfast we'll come back here and I will hold you. I promise."

Buffy ran her hands over his body. "Are you sure? You feel like you want to play."

Angel felt her hand grasp his hard shaft, which grew even harder with her attention. "Buffy the doctor said no, there'll be plenty of time for that later." He slipped on his boxer shorts and then his pants.

"But I could... you know... help you out. I've been reading up on it and everything I read says guys like it." Buffy looked at him uncertainly.

He took her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. "We've talked about this before Love, I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do. If it makes you feel uncomfortable we wont do it. Understand?"

"I know but everyone says that's what guys want. Don't you want me to? Don't you like it?"

"Yes I like it, but I only want you to do it if you want to. Why don't we wait awhile, there's no rush. I wont be going anywhere any time soon." He pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. "Now you rest and I'll go fix your breakfast."

As Angel reached for the doorknob. "Oh, Angel."

"Yes."

"Everything the doctor gave me is on the dresser. You said you wanted to read it."

"I'll take it with me and look at while I'm making your breakfast." He picked up the folder and headed off to make breakfast.
~~~~~~~~
Joyce had just gotten up and went to check on Buffy, she pushed the door open just a crack when she heard voices and remembered that Buffy was not alone. Angel was with her, she didn't like it but there really was no choice. Either her daughter and the vampire stayed together or her daughter died. What a choice.

So far Joyce had been impressed with Angel. So far. He seemed to love her daughter and want to protect her. He had shown that at the restaurant, although the way he showed it scared her. The simple fact that he was a vampire scared her.

Joyce didn't mean to eavesdrop but as she opened the door she heard what was being said and was livid. Cancel every nice thing she had said or thought about Angel. She couldn't believe her little girl had just offered to perform oral sex on Angel. Well she'd put a stop to this before that vampire took advantage of her daughter.

Joyce was all set to storm in and put a stop to it when she heard Angel's reply. HE didn't want to push her into anything, HE wanted to wait? What a nice man Buffy had married. He was the perfect son-in-law. She'd defiantly have to get to know him better.

Joyce turned to leave when Angel came out of the room and bumped into her. "I was just coming to check on Buffy. I forgot that you were here, when I started to push open the door I heard voices and remembered you were here.

"Oh, uh I was on my down stairs to fix Buffy some breakfast. Would you like me to fix something for you also?"

"Don't go to any trouble."

"It's no trouble, I'm going to cook breakfast for Buffy so I'll just make a little extra." He noticed Joyce had accompanied him to the kitchen. "Your note said you had a few things you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Yes, I did. Look you must know that I'm not thrilled that my little girl is married to an older man, a much older man. The only two things you have going for you is, one you seem to genuinely love my daughter, and two with you she'll die. Now, I have to tell you when I found out she was married my first thought was to find the son of a bitch responsible and kill him. Then later I find out not only is she married to you but she's pregnant. I'm sure you can imagine I wasn't to thrilled with that one either. Then I find out she will die without you, so what choice am I left with?" Joyce paused.

"I'm sorry Joyce, but I truly love Buffy. If she had been a normal girl we wouldn't have rushed things, but she's the slayer and..." He stopped not wanting to finish that thought.

"Rupert explained all about slayers to me and if there were any way to take her away from all this I would do it in a minute."

Angel felt bad for her, it had to be tough to find out your child would probably die before you. "Joyce even if you took her away from here she would always have to fight evil."

"I know, and that's why I'm glad she has you. You would give your life for her wouldn't you?"

"Yes I would. I would do anything for her. I promise I will protect her and our children with my life." His words were spoken with such certainty that Joyce knew they were true.

"Good, now about yours and Buffy's marriage." Joyce gave him a critical look. "How legal is it?"

"In Ireland it's legal but not here." He admitted.

"Well we're going to fix that immediately. I want you to talk to that nice Father Mike and arrange it."

"I'll call him later and see what we can do." Angel sat the folder on the table and then asked, "Where's your frying pan?"

Joyce showed Angel where all her pots and pans could be found and then left to take her shower.
~~~~~~~~
Thirty minutes later she exited her bedroom and was assailed by the most pleasant aromas ever to tickle her nostrils. She entered the kitchen to find Angel taking muffins out of the oven. "It smells wonderful in here. What are you making?"

"Well, there's ham and cheese omelets, blueberry muffins, fresh diced fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. I new you had to get to work so I just fixed something easy."

"Easy? You call this easy, wow. Normal breakfast around here is frozen waffles or cereal." Joyce sat down at the already sat table. "I think I'm going to like you staying here." She joked.

"Why don't you get started I'm going upstairs to get Buffy." Angel hurried to retrieve his love. He found her at the top of the stairs on her way down. "What are you doing?"

"I'm coming to see you. I got board." Angel ran to her to stop Buffy from walking down the stairs, Buffy screeched.

Angel rushed up and scooped her up in his arms. "Maybe you shouldn't be walking up and down the stairs." He carried her down the stairs.

Joyce ran out of the kitchen to see Angel carrying Buffy down the stairs and hearing his words. Joyce burst out laughing. "Listen to your husband Buffy, he knows what's best."

Buffy sent her mother an evil look then decided it wasn't so bad after all. She relaxed into Angles arms, his strong embrace cradling her as if she were the most cherished thing in his universe.

Angle carried her to the kitchen and stood her next to the table. He pulled out the chair for and when she was seated he dropped a kiss on top of her head. He filled her plate with all the food he had made for her. "Eat up Baby, remember your eating for three."

Buffy took one look at all the food he had piled on her plate. "You expect me to eat all this?"

"Eat as much as can." Angel took a small amount for himself.

"Angel this is wonderful."

"Yeah, this is great. Why didn't you tell me you were such a good cook?" Buffy found out her husband had been keeping secrets. "You have been keeping secrets, what else am I going to find out."

"A lot of things, and I have a lot to learn about you."

Buffy rose to pour herself a cup of coffee. "Buffy!" Angel called.

"What?"

"Didn't you read the pamphlet on what not to eat?"

"No, I didn't get to that one."

"Well it says no coffee."

"Are you going to be like this all through my pregnancy?"

"Probably." He helped her back to her chair.

Joyce watched all this and felt better about the man who married her daughter. "Well I hate to eat and run, but I have to get to work."

"Why so early Mom?"

"I have to stop by the school and let them know that you'll be out the rest of the week. I will have them get you assignments and Willow and Xander will drop them off after school." Joyce kissed Buffy on the cheek told Angel good-by and left for work.

"I can't believe she'd do this to me. I mean I'm suppose to be taking it easy."

Angel smiled at her protest. "You know Beloved, I don't think he was talking about school work." Angel began to clear the table. Buffy started to help. "Oh no you don't, your resting remember."

"I can help clear the table at least."

After a small agreement they comprised, Angel washed, Buffy sat on the counter and dried, and Angel put away. It took longer than normal to wash the dishes, mainly because they had to kiss in between each dish they cleaned.
~~~~~~~~
They were now snuggled together in the recliner in the living room. Buffy had wanted to watch TV but had not wanted to be away from Angel, so the decided on the recliner. Angel napped as Buffy watched her shows. They were together again, nothing could be better.

Angel came back from the kitchen with a glass of chocolate milk and a plate of Oreo cookies. "Here you are Baby. Do you want anything else?"

"Angel sit down, we have to talk."

"What's wrong Buffy? Your feeling Okay right?" He was so worried about her.

"I'm fine. We need to talk that's all."

"Okay, about?"

"Your being a tad overprotective, I can get my own milk and cookies, you know."

"I know, but the doctor said you needed to rest." "I am resting but I need to get up and stretch my legs every now and then. Besides woman have been having babies for like ever." She didn't want to hurt his feelings but he was starting to drive her nuts. She needed to get up and walk around. At his hurt look she knew she had to fix things. "I'm fine with not doing the stairs but how about you let me go to the kitchen next time? It's not far, okay." She kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm sorry Baby I just want to make sure your alrignt, I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you or our babies."

"I know and I love you for it. Now how about you tell me everything you did and saw since our last phone call." Buffy munched happily on her Oreo's while Angel told her all about the places he had been and things he had seen.
~~~~~~~~
"A Seog demon I've never heard of that one before." Buffy was furious that they had hurt her husband. "If they were protecting the girl then why did they attack you? And why may I add were Seog demons protecting the little girl."

"They didn't attack me, a large cat did."

"A cat? You mean like here kitty kitty kinda cat."

"Not quite Baby, think more along the lines of panther."

"Oh." Was all Buffy could think to say as she considered the size of the cat.

"And Seog demons are peaceful they won't bother you if you don't bother them."

"Cool, one less thing to slay. What do they look like?"

"Have you ever heard the stories of the Yeti?"

"Of course I have. Everyone has." She had a incredulous tint to her voice. "You can't mean?"

"That's right, the Yeti is really a demon."

"So what about Bigfoot?"

"A Seog Demon."

"But ones white and the other isn't."

"Their chameleons, they change to fit their environment."

"Cool. I wish I had been there to see you playing hero."

"I wasn't a hero. It's not like the cold would kill me. If anyone else had gone after her they would have both died."

"Still your so sweet to do that, that's one of the reasons I love you so much." Buffy kissed him sweetly on the lips, the kiss soon turned into a heavy makeout session. Which was interrupted by a ringing phone.

"Hello."

"Hello Buffy, this is Patrick."

"Mr. Sullivan? Hi, your still in town, I thought you'd left in a hurry after last night."

"I must admit last night was very... Interesting."

"Interesting? Well that's one way to put it. Hey wait a minute, you remember last night?

"Of course. Why wouldn't I."

"Something about this place. People don't seem to remember the stuff that goes on around here."

"Oh. That's very interesting, I'll have to remember that."

"So, are you calling to say good-by?"

"No I was wondering if Angel was awake?"

"Yeah he's right here. You want to talk to him?"

"If it's not any trouble?"

"Nope here you go."

Buffy handed Angel the phone, he only spoke afew minutes then switched the phone off and handed it back to Buffy. "Why don't we go get changed Patrick and the others are on their way over."

An hour later both Buffy and Angel had showered, it took longer than normal because they had showered together. Even though, both were ready and waiting for their new friends.

The bell rang and Buffy went to answer it. She showed the men in and took her seat next to Angel. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you Buffy, we just had lunch. I do have afew things to talk over with Angel."

"Well you guys can use Mom's office." She suggested.

A short time later Patrick and Angel emerged from the office. "Father Mike Angel and Buffy need to speak with you. We'll wait out here for you."

Buffy, Angel and Father Mike entered the office and took their seats. "Father Mike you know that Buffy and I married the old way."

Father Mike nodded. "Yes, you told me."

"Well with Buffy being pregnant I think we should make it legal."

"That's understandable."

"I was wondering if you would... I mean if it doesn't go against the church."

"I think the church would understand. Your union was sanctioned by God himself, if our lord wishes you to be together. I don't see how I or the church could abject." He smiled at the couple, "I would be honored to perform your wedding."

'Thank you Father."

Buffy was stunned. "Angel I thought we were going to wait. Besides what will my mom say?"

"Beloved I can't stand the thought of our children being born bastards, and I spoke with your mother this morning." He hoped she could understand his need to so this.

"Wait a minute you talked to Mom, did she put you up to this?"

"She only voiced my thoughts. Once I found out about the twins I knew we had to marry. You have to understand I was raised in another time."

"I know and I love your old fashioned manors, so how soon can we get married?" Buffy kissed him.
~~~~~~~~
Buffy and Angel lay in bed cuddling and kissing. Angel had finished patrol and came straight home to his wife. He could never get enough of her, her taste, her touch, her feel the love that flowed from her and into him. It nurtured his battered soul. His hand rested on their children, it had been two days and already they had become a part of him. He had enjoyed his day with Buffy.

Later that afternoon Giles, Willow, Xander, and Cordelia had stopped by and brought all of Buffy's school work for the next week. When her friends had left Angel started dinner with Buffy once again seated on the counter encouraging her husband as he showed off his culinary prowess. After dinner and before he left on patrol he helped Buffy with her school work.

Now he was home again and he was where he belonged with his wife. "Buffy."

"Mm uh." She answered as she stroked his chest.

"With everything that happened today I forgot to tell you what Patrick and I discussed."

"What did he have to say? You know I really like him."

"I'm glad Baby because he is going to be spending more time with us."

"Why?"

"Well you remember how I told you I saved his life twenty years ago. I turns out Patrick started to research vampires and found out some very interesting. It seems that he and I are related."

"How? I thought you said that you..." Buffy stopped before she said something that would hurt him.

"I did kill my family Buffy but his family were cousins of my mother's. I don't think I ever meet them. Any ways when my family died my father left a sizable estate, I went to Patrick's family. His wife and son were killed five years ago and all he has left in the world is his brother and an elderly aunt. He wants us to be part of his family and be apart of ours."

"Wow that's, wow."

"There's something else. He offered me a job."

"Doing what? Not a bodyguard, I don't want you to leave again."

"No, not a bodyguard. Father Mike told him about what we did here and he decided that he would subsidize our little group. He's going to put everyone on the payroll."

"Why would he want to do that?"

"He thinks we are doing good and should be rewarded. If we hadn't saved the world he would be dead so he sees it as a fair trade."

"That is so cool. I'm going to get paid for saving the world. We can get a bigger apartment." Buffy fell asleep telling Angel how they were going to decorate the babies room.