Love and Family Found
By
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Rating: Mostly PG13
Distribution: My Site
Spoilers: Up to 'Surprise'
Disclaimer: I own only the
characters you don't know
Summary: Buffy seeks out
help from the Scoobies after 2 years of silence.
Author's note: As in most of
my stories Angel is Spike's sire. I have issues with the whole Dru siring
anyone.
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Sunnydale: Angel's apartment
'A month' she sighs entering her love's apartment 'a month with
out you' Buffy smiles slightly as she crawls into Angel's bed. "Where are
you?" she wonders aloud "I have so much to tell you." she
whispers hugging her middle as tears form "No more crying." she tells
herself sternly "He'll come home as soon as he can." she smiles to
herself "I know he will" she curls up under the covers falling asleep
amongst the familiar scent of her love.
A month later
"Angel" she whispers pulling the blankets around
herself she opens the letter she had received that day in the mail. She smiles
at the sight of the familiar hand writing as she reads
'My love,
Sorry I haven't been able to write you... actually I have I
just haven't sent them. You know its kind of hard to find a post office when
you keep getting ambushed by demons and vampires. Don't worry I'm being
careful. I hope you are'
Buffy smiles at that "Of course I am"
'I miss you, Beloved.'
Curling up in the covers Buffy finishes reading the later.
Tears fall as she sets aside the letter she reaches for her stuffed pig Mr.
Gordo. "When Angel comes home these nightmares will stop" she says
curling up.
Hour later
"NO" Buffy awakens with a start her heart pounding in
terror "No. No. No" she chants rocking her arms around herself
"Please no" needing to clear her head Buffy grabs her journal from
the night stand.
'February 16, 1998
My dreams are getting worse. I wish Angel were here. I should
go talk to Giles or even Willow but I want Angel to know about the baby first.
The dreams started after Angel left, at first I thought it was just because I
missed him. Then when I found out I was pregnant... they became more intense.
Oh Angel what am I to do? I'm scared that this baby won't be
born. Something will happen to our baby Angel. I don't know how, what or when
but somethings going to happen.
I don't really remember my dreams in full but I remember the
fear. I don't know whose fear it was... mine? the baby's? Angel's? Whose? All I
remember is that it was intense. I could also feel evil. Angel something wants
to hurt our baby... our miracle. What am I supposed to do?'
Next Morning: Sunnydale
Library
"Giles" Buffy calls as she enters. She frowns finding
everyone sitting the room somber "Hey what's the deal? Xan your usually in
the closet with Cordy. Willow your usually on the computer. Oz your doing what
your doing. Giles uh your not doing what ever librarians do"
"Buffy I uh got a phone call this morning" Giles
begins
Buffy sits down "OK and what was this call about? Watcher
business? Personal? Oh is it personal?" she asks hopefully
"Buffy just listen to him" Xander snaps
"Geez Xander chill"
"Buffy this is important" Giles insists
"OK I'm all ears" she frowns "You know thats a
funny saying I mean no one is all ears"
Willow seeing the need to get to the topic steps in "Buffy
its about Angel"
"What about him?" Buffy demands looking at her
Watcher concerned
"Buffy" Giles begins nervously
"Spill Giles" she orders
Giles looks at his Slayer "Buffy, Angel's missing"
"He's probably just hiding out from Spike's goons"
Buffy states
"No Buffy." Giles replies "The cargo ship was
boarded by customs... it was empty of everything but cargo. Angel wasn't
there"
"He was probably hiding" Buffy says feeling the worry
rise
Willow shakes her head "Buffy they boarded in the
afternoon. They searched it top to bottom... he wasn't there"
"And if he was..." Xander trails off
Buffy shakes her head "He probably missed the ship. You
know how he is."
"Buffy I read the reports" Willow says "he
boarded the ship"
Buffy stares at the ring on her finger then shakes her head
"He's not dead." she insists
"Buff you don't know that" Xander argues
"I do Xander. He's not dead" she states glaring at
them "He promised me he'd come home."
"Buffy..." Giles trails off
"He's not dead. He can't be." she jumps up from the
chair running out of the room
"Buffy" Willow calls
Buffy races out of the school her tears beginning to fall she
runs to Angel's apartment. Slamming inside she races to the bathroom she
kneeling she empties her stomach "Angel" she sobs
A week later: Summers
household
"Buffy honey what's wrong?" Joyce asks as the two sit
over dinner
"Nothing" Buffy replies softly
"Something has been bothering you the last few months. At
first you were never home but now..."
"I just have a lot on my mind" Buffy replies
"Honey"
"Mom please" Buffy says angrily standing "I
don't want to talk about it" she races out of the dining room leaving her
mother to stare after her confused. "Oh God Angel" she sobs falling
on the bed "I need you" she whispers rocking herself "we need
you"
Later that night
Buffy wipes away her tears as she stands going to her closet
she takes out her duffle bag. Quickly she packs some clothes, weapons, her
makeup, money, adding Angel's leather jacket, a shirt of his, Mr Gordo, and the
few things she had secretly bought for her baby. Zipping the bag she places it
by the window as she places her notes to her family and friends where her
mother can find them. Opening the window she tosses her bag out then takes one
last look at her room "Goodbye" she whispers climbing out of the
window she jumps to the ground. Without looking back she walks out of Sunnydale
her heart breaking "One day" she whispers her hand rubbing her belly
absently "We'll come home baby. I promise"
5 months later: July
Buffy looks at the 'Welcome to Hope' sign and smiles sadly
"Well we need that" she mutters. She walks down the street ignoring
the eyes on her as she walks through the street. 'I think I'm going to like it
here' she sees the children playing in the streets. She smiles at the sight of
a little boy with dark hair sitting watching as the others play. She continues
walking then pausing at the sight of a Catholic church she walks in sitting in
the middle pew she stares at the large cross at the front of the church. She
strokes her distended belly as she feels her child move 'Going to be strong
like your Daddy.' she blinks back tears as she hears footsteps stop beside her.
"Hello child"
Buffy looks up to see a man in his fifties standing there
"Hello Father"
"May I?" he asks gesturing to the seat beside her
Buffy nods wiping away her tears "Sure"
"What is wrong? You look sad"
"This is a beautiful church" Buffy states
"Yes it is. Are you Catholic?"
Buffy shakes her head "My baby's father was." she
looks at the friendly man beside her "My family isn't church going."
she admits "Though Angel hadn't been for a while" she adds with a
frown
"My name is Father Michael"
Buffy smiles "I'm Anne" she lies
"So Anne are you just walking through or are you
staying?"
"I'm thinking of staying." she looks down at her
stomach "I'm due in 2 months. If I stay I need to find a job and a place
to stay"
Father Michael senses a need to protect the young woman
"If you'd like to you could stay here. There is a small guest room in the
back."
Buffy looks at him startled "Are you sure?"
He nods "Its up to you."
"Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing?"
"Oh no. That room is rarely used."
"It'll only be a while" Buffy assures
"Stay as long as you want" he stands "Come I'll
show you where it is" he helps her stand
"Thank you." Buffy grins "I'm starting to feel
like a turtle" she jokes following the priest to the back
Father Michael leads Buffy to the back room "Its
small" he tells her opening the door
Buffy enters the room startled to find it similiar to Angel's
apartment "Oh its fine."
"Good. Why don't I show you around and introduce you to
the staff"
"All right" Buffy nods dropping her bag by the bed.
'I think I'm going to like it here'
Sunnydale: the Library
Giles looks up from his reading as the library doors open
"Ahh hello" he greets as Willow and Xander enter "how are
you?"
Willow shrugs "Fine" she sits down
"Find anything?" Xander asks hopefully
"No reports of Slaying" Giles sighs closing his book
"Giles its been 5 months. Where could she be?" Willow
asks worried
"I'm sure she's fine Willow" Giles assures the
redhead
"I hope so" Willow sighs
September: Sunnydale docks
Angel walks off the cargo ship "Home" he sighs
looking around.
Hope: Buffy's apartment
"Angel" Buffy cries out as she sits up in bed. She
gasps as she feels a sharp pain through her abdomen "Ooohh" she
groans "OK" she sighs "What was that?"
10 mins later
"Ooohh" she winces "OK now its official my
contractions have started." she reaches for the phone dialing Father
Michael's phone number
"Yes?"
"Father Michael"
"Anne what's wrong?" Father Michael asks alert
"My contractions have started"
"OK I'll be there in a few minutes" he says hanging
up the phone
Buffy grimaces as another contraction hits "You are really
intent on coming now" she says setting the phone down.
Sunnydale: Angel's apartment
Angel enters his apartment frowning at the layer of dust on his
furniture. 'Looks like she hasn't been here for a while' he shakes his head in
disbelief. 'I'm going to go see if I can find her.'
Hope: the hospital
Buffy lays in the bed fiddling with her ring as she awaits for
the nurse. 'Oh Angel your going to miss this'
"Miss Summers" the nurse greets "how are you
feeling?"
"Fine" Buffy replies
"Your contractions are getting closer"
"I know" Buffy groans as the pain hits
"Hurt?" the nurse asks
"I've been hurt worse" Buffy replies "its more
annoying then painful"
"OK let me know if you need anything"
Sunnydale
Angel frowns as he walks through Sunnydale in search of Buffy.
"Looking for the Slayer?" a familiar British voice
asks
Angel turns around to see Spike smirking "What do you want
Spike?"
"So I see you made it back" Spike states
Angel shrugs "Your men weren't very good"
"Oh well. I guess I'll have to find new ones" Spike
shrugs
"That's nice" Angel turns away "Later
Spike"
"If your going to go see the Slayer you won't find
her" Spike calls
Angel pauses "What do you mean Spike?"
"You'll see" Spike laugh
Angel launches himself at the younger vampire slamming him
against a wall "What do you mean William?" he demands going into
'game-face'
Spike grins "Slayer's been gone for a while"
"What did you do?" Angel demands
"Nothing. She just disappeared. No one knows where she
is"
"What?" Angel demands releasing him "Who's the
Slayer?"
"Some chick" Spike shrugs. "She appeared not
long after the other left"
"If your lying to me Spike I will kill you." Angel
growls turning away
"I ain't lyin' Peaches." Spike calls
Hope: the Hospital
"I see your water has broken" the doctor observes
"No really" Buffy says sarcastically as the pain
intensifies
The doctor chuckles "It shouldn't be much longer"
"Good." Buffy groans
Sunnydale: the Library
Giles looks up as the library doors open "Angel" he
says in surprise
"Rupert what is going on?" Angel demands barely
glancing at the others sitting around the table
"Oh my God" Xander stammers "Deadboy's not
dead" he says in surprise
"Uh no." Angel says in annoyance "Why would I
be?"
Willow walks into the room freezing at the sight of the dark
haired vampire "Angel" she stammers "Your alive... uh undead.
You know what I mean"
"Uh yeah" Angel replies "What is going on?"
he demands
"Angel Buffy disappeared a few months after you did."
Giles stammers
"What?"
"We heard you were dusted." Cordelia says
"Then she disappeared" Xander adds
Angel turns walking out of the library silently
Willow shakes her head "Poor Angel"
Hope: The Hospital
"All right one more push Anne" the doctor orders
Buffy braces herself with a deep breath she pushes with a
groan. She smiles as she hears
"Its a boy"
"A boy" she grins
Sunnydale: Angel's apartment
Angel enters the apartment silently leaning against the door he
slides to the floor allowing tears to fall. "Where are you Buffy?" he
whispers
Hope: the Hospital
Buffy smiles as the nurse hands her the small baby "Hey
little man" she greets tearfully "its good to finally hold you"
"So Anne what are you going to call him?" Father
Michael asks
Buffy smiles "Liam Angel-- after his father" she
looks at the alert baby
"Good choice" he nods
"I know Angel would be happy"
"You miss him"
Buffy nods "Everyday, but now I have a part of him to
love." she kisses her son's head "You are a very special little
boy" she says lightly stroking his cheek. "You look like your Daddy."
she laughs as the baby yawns in response "You've got your Daddy's
eyes" she states looking into the unfocused chocolate eyes. "Your
going to be able to give Mommy the same puppy dog look your Daddy did."
She lifts the small hand kissing it "I love you Liam Angel" she
whispers tearfully "your Daddy loves you too"
Hope: Two days later
"Look Liam we're home" Buffy announces carrying in
the carseat with the drowsy newborn with Father Michael right behind.
"Thank you Father Michael"
Father Michael nods setting her bag down "Do you need
anything? Food or something before I leave?"
Buffy sets the car seat down "No thank you" she
replies standing on her tiptoes she kisses his cheek "Thank you Father
Michael"
"If you need anything call."
"I will" she nods
"Goodbye little Liam" Father Michael says "I'll
check in on you later" he closes the door behind him
"Well Liam Angel looks like its just us" Buffy smiles
carefully lifting the newborn out of the carseat. "Lets go get you
comfortable" Buffy says carrying the baby into the bedroom. After changing
his diaper and putting him in a sleeper she changes into her sweats. Picking up
the baby "Let's find Mommy something to eat" she says heading into
the kitchen
An hour later
Buffy smiles at the sleeping baby in her arms 'Angel he is so
perfect. He looks like you' she stands laying the newborn in the basinet beside
the bed. She smiles down at the baby "Sleep well" she whispers laying
in the bed she falls asleep watching the newborn sleep
Sunnydale: Angel's Apartment
Angel gets off the bed as he hears a knock at his door. He
opens the door to find Willow standing there "Hey Willow" he greets
moving aside to allow the redhead to enter
"Angel" she greets
"Aren't you supposed to be in school?" Angel asks
walking to the kitchen
"Yeah."
Angel leans against the counter "I'm going to find
her" he says
"Angel we've tried to, but she doesn't want to be
found"
Angel looks at the redhead "I love her Willow. I'm not
going to lose her" he runs his fingers through his hair "I have to
find her."
Willow nods "We all want to find her Angel."
"I know" he replies
Willow sensing his brooding approach "I better get to
school"
"Thanks Willow" Angel responds barely aware of the
redheads departure. "Buffy" he sighs sliding to the floor as he cries
3 months later: January
Hope: Buffy's work
"Anne he is getting so big" a woman states awed at
the sight of the baby sitting in the carseat on the counter of the diner
Buffy smiles looking at the woman standing beside her son
"I know." she moves over to the counter dropping a kiss on her son's
head as she places the order. "And to think he was little three months
ago" Buffy laughs
"He must take after his father"
Buffy nods "That he does" she picks up a tray as Liam
fusses
"Anne he's getting hungry"
"OK after I take care of this can you take over for me
Molly?" she nods at the tray
"Sure" Molly nods
Placing the plates before the people Buffy smiles
"Enjoy" she puts the tray on the counter then picks up the fussy baby.
She carries Liam into the back room where she finds bottle taking it to the
kitchen she heats it up. "OK here you go" she says holding the bottle
for the hungry baby she sits in a booth.
"So how are you doing?" Molly asks
"Fine. Liam sleeps through the night most of the time.
Some times he wakes up screaming." Buffy smiles at the brown eyes watching
her "kinda like his father" she admits
"How?"
"He just acts like his father. He'll sleep one night and
the next he won't or he'll wake up."
"You don't talk about his father much" Molly remarks
Buffy shrugs "He had to go away on business... never came
back."
"Did he know?" Molly asks nodding at the baby
"No" Buffy shakes her head "I didn't have the
chance to tell him"
"I'm sorry, you really loved him"
Buffy nods "Still do"
Sunnydale: Angel's apartment
'It's been a year since that night' Angel realizes sadly 'I
miss you Buffy. Happy Birthday'
Hope: Buffy's Apartment
'A year' she sighs looking down at the sleeping baby 'A year
since I last saw my Angel. Since we made him.' she thinks as she strokes the
baby's cheek. She smiles at the sound of the soft sigh. "Sleep well little
man" she whispers
Later
Buffy awakens as she hears Liam cry. "Shh baby" she
yawns sitting up she picks him up "its ok" she soothes holding him
close "Liam shh" she stands walking the floor "That isn't your
hungry or wet cry. Bad dream?" she asks "I know baby. Calm
down." she kisses his head "Liam its OK, Mommy's here" She walks
the floor until the baby calms down. 'I miss you Angel' she sighs setting the
drowsy child in the crib. She smiles sadly 'I'm 18'
Sunnydale: Summers' home
Joyce sits on the couch holding a photo albulm she smiles at
the very first picture of Buffy. "Such a beautiful baby." she smiles
"Happy birthday Buffy" she sighs looking at the window "where
are you?"
9 months later: September 18
"Happy Birthday Liam" Buffy says picking up the baby
"Mama" he laughs reaching out to pat her face
"Good." she laughs kissing him "So Liam Angel
what are we going to do today?" Buffy asks as she changes the baby's
diaper. "Should we go see Father Michael?" Buffy asks tickling his
stomach causing him to laugh. "I take it that's a yes" dressing him
she carries him to the living room she sets him on the floor. She smiles as the
little boy crawls around the room. "Stay where I can see you" she
calls as she moves around making breakfast
"Mama" Liam calls
"What baby?"
"MAMA" Liam calls louder
Buffy sighs putting down the towel she goes into the living
room where she finds her son sitting on the floor "Liam what are you
doing?" she asks
"Mama" he says his eyes wide with tears
At the look Buffy frowns "What's wrong sweetie?"
Liam holds his arms up "Up"
Buffy picks him up "Hey its OK" she soothes rubbing
his back
"Mama" he whimpers burrowing into her arms
"Shh its OK" she says sitting in the rocking chair
Later: the Church
"Happy Birthday Liam" greets the two as they enter
Liam looks around the room his eyes wide at the sight of all
the people and the gifts. "Mama?"
Buffy smiles "Happy birthday" she says putting him
down she watches as the little boy move around the room with interest
"How's he doing?" Father Michael asks
"He still wakes up screaming. Sometimes he'll start crying
for no reason. I'm starting to get worried"
"Have you taken him to the doctor?"
"Yes. They say that there is nothing wrong with him. They
think its in my mind. I know something is wrong"
"What do you think it is?" Father Michael asks
Buffy shrugs "I'm not sure. There's one person who can
help me." she looks over at her son "But I'm not ready to take him
there."
"You need to face your past Anne." he looks at Liam
"Especially if it can help him"
"I know" Buffy sighs
"Mama" Liam calls
"Just a second" Buffy replies "Can we talk about
this later?"
Father Michael nods
Buffy heads to find her son amongst the others. "Hey you
what are you doing?" she demands picking him up
"Mama mine" he points to the stack of gifts
"Yes and what do you say to everyone?" Buffy asks
He furrows his brow in confusion
"We say thank you right?" Buffy says with a grin
"Tank you" he says childishly his voice shy as he
hides his face in his mother's neck
Buffy smiles at his act "Why don't you start opening
them" Buffy suggests sitting on the floor she pulls him onto her lap.
"Presents" Molly announces bringing the others
around.
Father Michael watches the small blond converse with her son.
'She adores that boy'
That night
"So did you have a good day Liam Angel?" Buffy asks
the drowsy child
"Yes Mama" he yawns
Buffy smiles carrying him into the bedroom she sets him on the
changing table "You remind me of your father." she says "You're
Daddy loves you as much as I do"
"Dada?"
"Oh yes." Buffy nods "you look just like
him." she states "I wish he was here" she sighs blinking back
her tears shaking her head as she dresses him in his sleeper.
"Mama?"
Buffy smiles picking him up "Lets get your bottle"
she carries him into the kitchen heating up his bottle she sits down in the
rocking chair. "you look just like him. You have his hair. His eyes."
she picks up the small hand "you have his hands too, the mini version
though" she laughs "you are a mini version of your Daddy that's for
sure" she watches the dozing baby "Happy Birthday Liam Angel
Summers" she whispers kissing his forehead
After midnight
"MAMA"
Hearing that Buffy quickly gets out of bed. Going to the crib
she finds her son crying. "Oh Liam sweetie did you have another
dream?" she asks softly as she picks him up "Its OK baby" she
soothes. As she walks the room she talks to him. "Oh baby I wish you could
tell me about your dreams." she whispers resting her cheek against his
head.
Sunnydale: The Cemetary
"Hey Deadboy"
"Harris don't call me that" Angel snaps glaring at
the teen in annoyance "What are you doing out here anyway?" he
demands "You guys haven't patrolled in a while"
Xander shrugs "I got bored. So I thought who haven't I
annoyed lately..." he grins "And it hit me I haven't bugged Deadboy
for a while"
"Stop calling me that" Angel growls
"OK OK" Xander surrenders
"Why are you really out here?" Angel asks
"Willow made me" he grumbles "she said if I
didn't check up on you she'd do something really bad."
Angel fights to hide a grin "What did she threaten?"
"Tell Cordy about something I did when we were kids."
"What?"
"Like I'd tell you"
"Fine don't" Angel shrugs walking away knowing Xander
is near. "So how is Willow? I haven't seen her in awhile"
Xander shrugs "I wouldn't know. I rarely hear from
her."
"College does that to people"
"How would you know? You didn't go"
Angel rolls his eyes "Xander I'm over 240 years old. You
learn things" he shrugs
"Can I ask you something?"
"Depends on what you ask" Angel replies
"How is it you know all this history stuff?"
"I lived through it"
"No I'm talking about the stuff before you were even born.
The Watcher stuff."
Angel shrugs "I just learned from others. After all I have
had a lot of free time on my hands the past 150 years"
"Good point" Xander agrees
"Anything else?" Angel asks
"Not now"
"Then duck" Angel orders
Hope: Buffy's apartment-
Next Morning
"Morning Liam" Buffy greets picking up the infant
"So today means you've been a year old for 1 day. How does it feel?"
"Mama" he sighs cuddling close
"What's wrong?" Buffy asks stroking his back
"You still tired?" she feels him shake his head in response
"Sweetie you not in the mood to talk?"
"No" he mumbles
"Then lets go have breakfast" Buffy says carrying him
out to the kitchen she sets him in the highchair "How about some
applesauce" she takes out the jar of baby food "Mmm look baby"
she says pulling up a chair she holds up the spoon "here you go"
Liam shakes his head
"Yes. You like applesauce" she reminds trying again
"NO" he says pushing it away
"Then how about cereal?" she asks again getting a
negative response "Then what? You need to eat something"
"Mama" he sniffles holding his arms out
"What is wrong?" she asks picking him up
"Mama" he sighs
Month later: The Church
"What is wrong?" Father Michael asks
"I've decided to head back to Sunnydale." Buffy
announces watching as her son plays
"Are you sure?"
Buffy nods "I have to. He's in danger."
"What do you mean?"
"Father Michael there is something I never told you"
"You don't have to" he protests
"I want to. You've done so much for us." she turns
her attention to the man sitting across from her "Do you believe in
hell?"
"Yes"
"Not the hell just under our feet but the hell that is on
earth."
"I don't understand"
"Do you believe in demons and vampires?"
"I suppose its possible they exist." he answers
"They do. I've been fighting them since I was 15. I'm a
Slayer."
"A Slayer?"
"A girl born to fight dark. The evils."
"And you have?"
Buffy nods "I've fought so many. Some evils are evil some just
look like they are. Some demons are kind others are evil."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"There is... was a vampire named Angel."
"Angel?" he looks at the baby
"His father was a vampire." she nods "I loved
him" she looks at the ring on her finger "And he loved me. He may
have been a vampire but he was good. He had a soul. He was my life." she
looks at her son "Now he is"
"How is it he had a soul?"
"150 years ago Angel killed someone he shouldn't have. A
gypsy. The family cursed him with a soul. He spent all this time making up for
his sins. The only person who can help me find out what is wrong with Liam and
that is my Watcher." she stands picking up the little boy "I'm going
to have to return... even though I am not ready" she smiles sadly
"Besides it'll be good to see them"
"When are you leaving?"
"As soon as I can get everything settled here"
Week later
"Are you sure about this?" Father Michael asks as
Buffy settles Liam in his carseat
"I am. I want my son back to normal and Giles is the only
one who can help" she straightens up "Thank you for everything"
"If you need anything Anne just call"
Buffy smiles "I will" she goes around to the drivers
side opening the door "And Father Michael"
"Yes"
"Call me Buffy"
"I will... Buffy"
"Thank you" Buffy grins
"God bless you child"
"Bye" Buffy says starting the car
Few days later: Summers home
"Just a minute" Joyce calls
Hearing her mother's voice Buffy turns the doorknob walking in
she calls out "Mom" she watches as her mother stops in the doorway of
the dining room
"Buffy?" Joyce says tears forming she walks over to
her daughter hugging her tight "Its so good to see you" she cries
"Mom" Buffy pulls away "good to see you
too."
"Honey where have you been?"
"Just a minute." Buffy moves away "Mom there's
someone I'd like you to meet"
Joyce watches as her daughter steps outside the door a second
later she sees Buffy enter with a child "Buffy?"
"Mom I'd like you to meet Liam... my son" she says
nervously
Joyce moves closer "Your son? Why didn't you tell
me?"
"I was scared" Buffy admits
"Why?" Joyce asks "I would have helped you"
"Mom I know that you would have. But it wasn't safe for us
to be here."
"Why?"
Buffy looks at Liam "Liam Grandma and I need to talk. Can
you sit and watch TV for a while?"
Liam nods
Buffy sets him down on the couch "We'll be in the other
room." she turns on the cartoon channel then she and Joyce head into the
kitchen.
"Honey why did you leave?" Joyce asks
Buffy sits down at the counter "Mom the night after Angel
left I started having nightmares. When I found out I was pregnant they got
worse"
"What were they about?"
"I don't know... but I knew we were in danger if we
stayed, that everyone around us would be in danger. But I had hoped that when Angel
came back that they'd stop. When Giles told me that they didn't know where he
was I got scared, for all of us but mostly for the baby. I didn't want to leave
Mom, but I was too scared to stay. It was too hard to be here without
Angel"
Joyce seeing the pain in her daughter's eyes decides her
daughter needs the truth "Honey I have something to tell you"
"What?"
"Buffy honey... Angel's alive"
Hearing that Buffy stares at her mother "What?"
"Sweetie he's alive."
"He's alive?" she asks her voice shaky with tears
Joyce nods "He returned about a few months after you
left" she watches as her daughter breaks out into sobs. "Oh
honey" she says hugging Buffy
"Mama?"
Buffy looks over to see her son watching her confused she
stands picking him up "Mom I've got to go see him"
"Buffy are you sure?"
"Mom I have too. Please understand"
"I do honey. I do"
"Damn" Buffy mutters looking at her mother hopefully
"Can you drop us off? I don't want to leave my car in the parking
lot"
"Sure honey"
30 mins later: Angel's
Apartment building
"Honey are you sure you want to do this now?"
Buffy nods looking out at the bright sun "At least he
can't walk out in the middle of talking" she says getting out of the car
she goes to the back unbuckling Liam from the carseat. "We'll be at the
house for dinner"
"Are you sure you don't want me to watch Liam?" Joyce
asks noticing her grandson is practically asleep
"Mom I want these two to meet. I've waited for this
forever."
"OK. I'll see you later then. Bring Angel"
"I will. Love you Mom" Buffy smiles grabbing the
diaper bag
"I love you too." Joyce watches as her daughter walks
into the darkened building before she pulls out of the parking lot.
As she nears Angel's apartment Buffy feels the familiar tug on
her heart she hugs Liam tighter. 'Here we go' she thinks as she lifts her hand
to knock
Inside
The darkhaired vampire looks up from his reading at the sound
of the tentative knock "Just a second" he calls getting out of bed he
trudges across the apartment "Xander if that's you..." he trails off
as he opens the door
"Do I look like Xander?" Buffy asks her mouth
twitching in response
"Buffy" he breathes knowing that its not a dream he
moves aside to allow them to enter.
"Thanks" Buffy says entering she drops the diaper bag
by the coffee table turning to face Angel she smiles slightly "Angel I'd
like you to meet our son Liam Angel Summers"
Angel stares at her stunned "Our son?"
Buffy nods amused by the look on Angel's face "Our
son" she confirms
Angel moves closer "Why didn't you tell me?" he asks
softly so to not wake the child
"I'm gonna put him down then I'll explain"
Angel nods watching as his lover sets the sleeping child in the
bed. 'A son. I have a baby with Buffy' he runs his fingers through his hair.
"I had found out I was pregnant the night you called"
Buffy says softly her eyes on the sleeping child. "Actually I found out a
few minutes before you called. I meant to tell you but as always when I heard
your voice I forgot everything else but you"
Slowly Angel goes to the bed crouching before her "Why
didn't you tell Willow? Giles? Or your Mom?"
Buffy smiles reaching out she touches his face "I wanted
to tell you first."
"Oh Buffy" he sighs catching her hand he kisses her
palm. "Why did you leave then?"
"I thought you were dead." she whispers tears falling
Angel smiles sadly as he wipes away her tears "I promised
you I'd come back."
She nods "I know its just... I was scared"
"Why?"
"I didn't know for sure whether or not you were alive. I
was scared for him" she looks at the sleeping child "if I had stayed
here without you I was afraid something would happen to him... to our
baby."
"Buffy" he whispers
Buffy stands taking Angel's hand she leads him to the couch.
"I've missed you so much" she whispers tears falling as she touches
his face "Every night I'd fall asleep wishing you were with us." she
kisses him tenderly
"I've missed you too" he whispers tears falling.
"I wanted to die when they told me you weren't coming
back"
"Buffy"
"I knew you wouldn't want that for me or our baby."
"Our baby" he sighs stroking her cheek
"Our miracle" she smiles
"Buffy I'm so sorry for not being here for you"
"Shh" she places her finger against his lips "I
don't blame you. I never did." she hugs him "I love you my
Angel" she says softly
"I love you too" he says hugging her tight
Resting her head on his shoulder Buffy takes Angel's hand
lacing their fingers "That first night you left I had these dreams."
she says softly "At first they occured twice a week. I don't really
remember what they were about but I could feel fear in them. Around the time I
found out I was pregnant they got worse, more intense. They scared me Angel,
somehow I knew our baby was in danger. When they told me you weren't coming
back I knew I had to leave."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Angel asks
Buffy looks at him sadly "I didn't want to put them in
danger. If they knew about him or where we were they would have been hurt if
anyone wanted to find us." she lays her head back on his shoulder "After
I left Sunnydale the dreams still occured but not as often."
"Have they stopped?"
Buffy nods "The last one was just before Liam was
born"
"When was he born?"
Buffy lifts her head smiling "Liam Angel Summers was born
September 19, 1998 at 9 PM."
Angel looks at her surprised "I came back to Sunnydale
that night"
Buffy looks at him surprised "Why am I not surprised your
son was born when you came home" she shakes her head.
"So the dreams stopped?" Angel asks
Just as Buffy is about to answer a small voice calls out in
tearful panic "MAMA"
Buffy gets up hurrying towards the bed she finds Liam sitting
up his eyes filled with tears "Oh did you have a bad dream Liam?" she
asks picking him up
"Mama" he sniffles closing his eyes
Buffy looks at Angel tears in her eyes "The dreams stopped
for me but I'm scared that he has them." she rests her cheek on Liam's
head "I came back to see if Giles might know what is wrong." she
kisses Liam's head then lays him back on the bed then looks at Angel. "I'm
scared Angel"
"Why?" he asks sitting beside her
Buffy leans against him her eyes on the sleeping child.
"Most nights he wakes up screaming. Sometimes during the day he'll just
get this look on his face then start crying. Since his birthday he's pretty
much stopped talking to anyone but me. He sometimes refuses to eat." she
looks at Angel "Somethings wrong with him Angel and it scares me."
"What about doctors?"
"They think I'm imagining it. They see him as the healthy
1 year old but I can see it Angel. Whatever it is is hurting him."
Seeing the tears and fear in Buffy's eyes Angel takes her face
between his hands "I swear to you Buffy whatever is wrong we'll make it
right."
Buffy searches his eyes seeing the promise she nods "I
know. Now that we're together again everything will be all right"
Angel smiles "It will Beloved. I promise" he finishes
kissing her gently
An hour later: Angel's
Apartment
Buffy looks towards Angel's bed with a smile "He's
awake" she tells Angel standing she kisses him "be right back"
she goes into the bedroom area "Hey you" she greets the sleepy child
"Mama" he yawns holding out his arms "up"
he demands
Buffy smiles picking Liam up "Mama have a kiss?" she
asks laughing as the little boy kisses her "Thank you sweetie" she
smoothes his hair back "You sleepy still?"
"No" Liam replies "Down" he demands
Buffy sets him down taking his hand "Come on, Mama has
someone very important for you to meet"
Liam looks around the unfamiliar environment "Mama?"
Buffy kneels before the little boy "We're at your Daddy's
place"
Liam tilts his head in confusion "Dada?"
"Yeah your Daddy" she stands taking his hand leading
the little boy into the living area where she finds Angel staring into space.
Shaking her head she sits beside Angel "hey what's with the look?"
Angel looks at her with a faint smile "Nothing"
Liam tugs on Buffy's shirt looking at her quizzically
"Liam this is your Daddy"
Liam looks at the man with interest taking his thumb out of his
mouth "Hi"
"Nice to meet you" Angel smiles
"Ehh" Liam says holding his arms out to Angel
Angel takes the smiling child from Buffy's lap
Buffy watches tearfully as her love interacts with the child.
'I knew he'd be a good father.'
Just after Sunset
Buffy glances at the clock "Damn"
"What?" Angel asks looking up from reading to Liam
"I promised Mom we'd be there for dinner" she looks
at Angel "Go get dressed" she says taking Liam
"No" Liam complains
"Daddy will finish reading to you later" Buffy says
"right now he needs to go get ready to see Grandma" she smiles
kissing Angel
"OK." Angel sighs standing he heads into the bathroom
"Lets get you changed shall we?" Buffy smiles at the
infant grabbing the diaper bag she settles on the floor to change Liam
Hour Later: Summers Home
"Mom we're home" Buffy calls entering with Angel
following carrying Liam
Joyce enters the foyer "Oh good. Angel nice to see
you"
"Joyce" he nods
Buffy looks between the two "OK someone want to tell me
something?"
"Uh sometimes I help your Mom out at the Gallery"
Angel admits with a shrug
"Oh"
"Angel has been a great help with some Gallery
openings" Joyce says heading into the kitchen with the others following
Angel sits down at the table with Liam on his lap "Its
given me something to do"
Buffy sits beside Angel "So what else am I in store
for?"
"Cordelia and Xander are still dating. So are Oz and
Willow" Angel offers
"Cordy hasn't killed Xander?" Buffy asks wide eyed
Angel shakes his head "Spike and Dru broke up"
"And I care about that because?"
"Because Spike is dating the new Slayer" Angel
answers
"WHAT?!" Buffy exclaims
"I know odd" Angel chuckles
"So where is Drusilla?"
"Last I heard she's in Brazil" Angel shrugs
"OK anything else?" Buffy asks
"Uh" Joyce and Angel look at each other sheepishly
"What?" Buffy demands
"Honey just so you know this house is now a stake-free
zone" Joyce says sternly
"Why?" Buffy asks suspiciously as the back door opens
"Hey Mum" a familiar voice greets
"SPIKE?" Buffy shrieks
"Hey Summers" Spike grins entering the kitchen
"good to see you"
"Uh honey Spike kinda lives here" Joyce announces
"and so does Faith"
Buffy stares at her mother then shakes her head "My life
is hell" she groans hitting her head on the table "Why me? And why
did it have to be Spike my mother adopts" she frowns "Who's
Faith?"
"Other Slayer" Angel answers
"Mama?" Liam asks
Spike hears that and smirks "So Slayer has a kid"
Angel sighs "Spike meet Liam" he frowns "I guess
he'd be your brother"
"WHAT?!" Buffy and Spike yell glaring at each other
then Angel
Angel shrugs "Well in human terms I think that's right. I
am Spike's sire"
"So he's related to Liam?" Buffy demands
"Uh and technically to you by marriage" Angel admits
"WHAT?!" Joyce, Spike and Buffy yell
"Well uh" Angel begins looking at his ring he holds
up his hand "according to an old Irish tradition we're married."
"Uh why don't you two talk" Joyce suggests wiping off
her hands she takes Liam from Angel "and Buffy try not to stake him"
she heads out of the kitchen "Spike leave them alone"
"Oh fine" he grumbles following Joyce into the
livingroom
Once alone Buffy looks at Angel in disbelief "Why didn't
you tell me?"
"I was leaving. It was hard enough on us to say goodbye I
didn't want to make it even worse."
Buffy stands heading outside
After a second Angel follows her "Buffy" he says
softly finding her on the porch seat "I'm sorry"
Buffy tilts her head thoughtfully "We both have something
to feel sorry for... me for not telling you I was pregnant."
"And me for not telling you the truth about the
rings" he says sitting beside her
Buffy crawls into his arms slipping her fingers through his
looking at their rings "We're married?"
"Its not considered a legal marriage"
Buffy shrugs "I don't care." she looks at him "My
heart says we are"
Angel smiles "Mine too"
"What else does your heart say?" she asks resting her
palm against his chest
"That I love you and Liam. That I want us to be a
family"
"I do too" Buffy smiles "more than
anything." she kisses him
"Hey you two stop sucking face Joyce wants to know what
the kid eats" Spike says
Buffy glares at the blond vampire "I can't believe your
girlfriend hasn't staked you yet"
Spike shrugs "What can I say the chit adores me" he
smirks
"Don't call me that William" a voice says annoyed
"Hey Faith" Spike greets
Buffy looks up to see a tall dark haired young woman wearing
worn jeans and a T-shirt
"Buffy Faith. Faith Buffy" Angel introduces the two
Slayers
"Hey nice ta meet ya B" Faith grins kissing Spike
quickly
"Same" Buffy nods standing "I better go save
Mom" she says kissing Angel she heads inside
"Honey does he have a highchair?" Joyce asks nodding
at the little boy sitting on the kitchen floor playing with his feet
Buffy nods picking Liam up "Its in the car." she
answers turning to see the others walking inside "Angel Spike can you
bring in the stuff from the car"
"Sure keys?" Angel asks
"Jacket"
"I'm not goin' " Spike protests "you can empty
your own bleedin' car" he grumbles
"And you could get staked" Buffy retorts
"Spike just help Angel please" Joyce requests
pleadingly
"Oh fine" Spike grumbles following Angel out to the
car
"So who's the kid?" Faith asks curiously
"This is Liam" Buffy says
"He looks like Angel" Faith states
"He does doesn't he" Buffy grins at Liam who is
watching the other Slayer with interest
"So Soulboy knocked you up" Faith chuckles
'I think I'm going to like her' Buffy decides "He
did"
"I thought vamps couldn't have kids" Faith states
Buffy shrugs "I thought so too but hey I'm not going to
argue it"
"Visit the Watcher yet?" Faith asks curiously
Buffy shakes her head "I'll go after Liam goes to
sleep."
"You still patrol?" Faith questions
Buffy shakes her head "No. I slowed it down after I found
out I was pregnant. After I left I stopped and since he was born I've staked
probably 5 vampires"
"I'm surprised you stopped" Joyce states
"Why?"
"I just am" Joyce shrugs
"Buff where do you want this stuff?" Angel asks
entering the house with an armload of stuff
"Put it in the livingroom for now" Buffy calls
"I'll figure out what to do with it later"
30 mins later
"No" Liam shakes his head trying to avoid the spoon
"I see he has your stubborness Buffy" Joyce states
"I'm not stubborn" Buffy retorts
"When Buffy was about that age she refused to sit still
long enough for me or her father to get her dressed"
"I did not" Buffy glares at her mother
Spike laughs at the Slayers embarrassment "What else did
baby Buffy do that is embarrassing?"
"Well I got so fed up with trying to get her to stay still
I just let her run around in a diaper"
"MOTHER" Buffy groans
"Oh come on honey it was cute" Joyce says
"That explains her lack of wardrobe" Spike smirks
"SHUT UP SPIKE" Buffy and Angel yell
"Any other tidbits?" Spike asks
"Oh tons" Joyce chuckles
Buffy sighs "Great I take it its embarrass Buffy
time" she places a piece of bread before Liam
