Part Six

AUGUST 30TH 2000

Buffy ended the last night with two more kills. She expected to have met the challenge by now, but it looked like she was going to fight to the very end. She had until midnight September 1st, two days after Braelyn's birth. Buffy planned Braelyn's birthday party for the afternoon on September 1st as well. After all, she couldn't kill any vamps during daylight hours.

Buffy woke up to Spike signing "Happy Birthday" to her daughter. The two-year old got up from her bed and ran to Uncle Spike. "Ah, that's my pumpkin. Look what Uncle Spikey bought for you."

"You bought her a toy drum!" Buffy exclaimed. "Why in the world would you do that!"

"To annoy you slayer, to annoy you." Spike smiled and showed Braelyn how to use the drum.

"Vampire, I have to kill 8 more in 2 days, I can easily make it 7 right now couldn't I!"

"What and scar your child for life! I don't think so love." Spike smugly left the room, he knew he wasn't wanted anymore.

IN LA

During the night, Angel dreamt of a baby's birth, the dream was very cloudy. The dream advanced to show a child crying and smiling. He saw the baby holding a phone to her ear, with guidance from another female, but not the child's mother. He saw the baby being twirled around by a man, perhaps the father, no maybe an uncle. She was a very happy baby, taking her first steps towards her mother and then falling down laughing at herself. He saw the child throw food off of her plate and unto the floor. It was at this time, that Angel longed to have been given the opportunity to become a father. Maybe if he is given his Shanshu, then he too, can father a child. His dreams continued throughout the night. As the dream progress he saw the child clearly. She had eyes like Angel's own mother. Beautiful curly blonde hair, comparable to Buffy's. The little baby had Buffy's nose and pouty lip. In Angel's dream he hoped that this was a vision of his future, his future family with Buffy.

"Good morning Cordelia, Wesley, How are you today?" Angel sang.

"Wow, you’re pretty chipper," stating the obvious - Miss Cordelia Chase.

Angel took an unneeded breathe. "Yea, I don't know why, I just feel good."

Wesley stated, "Ya know it could be the alignment of the moon and the stars, what zodiac sign are you Angel?"

Angel looked puzzled, "I don't believe I know. When were you born Angel?"

Angel recalled, "That reminds me, who's Braelyn? I saw the invitation on the desk yesterday and figured if I know this person I better send a gift."

Wesley and Cordelia's mouths dropped open. "Who?" Cordelia asked.

Angel walked over to the desk, "It was right here, yesterday, it had some pink bears on it and said Braelyn."

Wesley started, "Are you sure it was mail for us? Maybe it was opened accidentally."

Angel was smelling fear, "No, you both know something. What's up? What is so special about this child name Braelyn."

Wesley took his hand to his head, "Oh, Braelyn, you mean the last slayer. Yea I know who your talking about. You see we are on the watchers mailing list, and they just wanted us to be informed with the progress of the next slayer."

Cordelia started to regain her composure, "Yup, they told us that early intervention in the child's life would help her become a strong slayer."

Angel looked puzzled, "So the watchers wanted us to attend this child's party? Then why so vague on the address?" Angel held up the newly found invitation. "So the next slayer lives close by? You have her personal address?"

Cordelia was now frustrated, "Look I don't know why we have to lie to you, why don't you come to the party with us on Saturday."

Angel, "I would really like to know what's going on now."

Cordelia, "No you will wait and find out in 2 days. In the meantime, go out and by lots of toys for a two-year old."

Angel, "The invitation says 1st birthday party?"

Cordelia pointed her finger at Angel, "Don't question me!"

With that the vampire turned away and obeyed the brunette.

SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT, AUGUST 31ST 2000

Another night gone, only 4 vamps left to slay in one 24-hour period. This was getting harder and harder. It seemed like there was nothing left to dust in Sunnydale.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day. First, Braelyn's party and then her challenge coming to an end.

The slayer made her finally rounds, it was now nearly 3:00am, she decided to give up for the night.

Buffy slept until 10:00am only getting up after Spike gave Braelyn her drum to beat on.

Wesley, Cordelia and Angel arrived at the mansion earlier in the morning, Angel was hiding out in his old room as Cordelia and Wesley fought about Cordelia's actions on bringing Angel to Sunnydale.

Angel fell asleep in his old bed, wondering all this time that the next slayer lived in Sunnydale, too. He hoped this child would have a joyous childhood, one that she could reflect on during the harsh times the future had in store for her.

SUMMER'S RESIDENCE

In the kitchen Spike and Joyce were hanging decorations for Braelyn's party. "Mums, can I get another cup of that hot chocolate?" Spike asked his adoptive mom.

Joyce smiled and poured the vampire another cup.

"Mom - Willow and I are going shopping for party favors, can you watch Braelyn, we shouldn't be long." Buffy called to the kitchen.

"Okay Honey, don't be too late, the party starts in a few hours." Joyce called after her daughter.

"Braelyn." Buffy yelled, "come over here and give mommy a kiss." Buffy looked adoringly at her daughter. Braelyn was helping Spike with the streamers. Actually she was tearing them down on Spike.

"Oh - k memah." The little child dropped the streamers and ran quickly towards her mother and gave her two very wet lips.

Buffy kissed her daughter and proceeded out the door. The two women headed out to the Sunnydale Mall.

ANGEL'S MANSION

Doyle smiled down on Angel and sent him more dreams of his daughter. Angel saw this beautiful little girl at a park, swinging in the baby swings. He saw her getting a bath with bubbles everywhere. He saw a messy pudding face child. He felt love for this child. He hoped this was a dream he could live out with his own daughter. Just before the dream ends, he hears a woman's voice call out the name, Braelyn.

Angel woke in another fabulous mood. It was nearly 11:00am and he needed to get ready for the party he would be attending. Cordelia was downstairs wrapping the gifts that Angel bought the night before. She pick up a cute little pink that Angel had chosen stuffed it into a party bag. He also both the child developmental toys, like a See and Say wheel and fairy tale books that her mom could read for her. He was quite generous with the gifts; Cordelia was pleased as she wrapped them.

Angel walked downstairs and greeted Wesley and Cordelia, "So what exactly is the agenda today?"

Cordelia stole a look at Wesley, she cleared her throat and hoped Wesley would begin talking. He's not talking she thought.

Wesley looked at Cordelia and thought, Oh Lord, she wants me to answer him. Yikes, what will I say.

Cordelia and Wesley at the same time start to speak:

Cordelia, "Well I thought that we could - "

Wesley, "Maybe we should just tell you -"

They both stopped speaking and let the other finish. When they were plagues with silence again, Angel turned towards Cordelia, "As you were saying?"

Cordelia huffed, "Oh sure, ask the gorgeous brunette, why not ask the geeky looking guy?"

"I take offense to that," Wesley defended himself.

Angel glared at Cordelia, "What's the issue?"

Cordelia began, "Well I thought we would drop by Buffy's house and give her a ride to the party."

Angel moaned, "Oh no, she's going to be there. Why didn't you tell me this yesterday, you know how I get when I'm around her."

Wesley spoke, "Well, that's precisely why we left that detail out."

"I suppose you’re going to make me go huh?" Angel complained.

"You bet, now get yourself looking handsome and let's go." Cordelia smiled.

Angel inquired, "Don't I look handsome now?"

Cordelia walked out of the room with a smile.

Angel walked over to a mirror, (as if he could really use it) and ran his fingers through his hair.

AT THE MALL

"Willow, it's getting late, we need to go." Buffy was beginning to get annoyed at Willow who was trying let ducks cross in front of the car.

"Buffy, that's not nice, how would you feel, if that was you walking across the road with your 9 chicks?"

"I would feel exhausted, fat and bitchy, if I had 9 kids! So run a few over, I'm sure the mother won't mind."

"Whoa, you’re starting to sound like Anya, you better be careful." Willow said.

"I know, I'm just really nervous about tonight. I feel like something is going to go terribly wrong. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it," Buffy explained.

Willow smiled at her best friend, "See all done." As Willow accelerated the automobile.

AT THE SUMMER'S RESIDENCE

Spike and Braelyn were playing hide and go seek when the doorbell rang. Joyce walked to the door to answer it. She was quite shocked when she saw the first few quests arrive. There stood, Cordelia, Wesley and Angel under a heavy blanket.

"Angel, Cordelia, Wesley, Angel -, wha- what are you doing here?" Joyce managed to stammer out.

Cordelia smiled, "Hi Ms. Summer's how are you? Can we come in?"

Joyce threw her hand to her head, "Oh sure, yes, wait - you’re not bad are you?"

Angel said, "No, Ms. Summer's I'm pretty fine. If it's an inconvenience I'll wait inside the car."

"No, no don't be silly come on it!" Joyce was rather embarrassed at herself. Why didn't Buffy warn her that Angel was coming.

As Angel, Cordelia and Wesley stepped in, Cordelia spoke, "Sorry we are a little early, we thought we could help."

Joyce looked at her watch, "Oh, no you are fine, the party doesn't officially start for 15 more minutes. You can help answer the door and pass out snacks."

At that moment, a little girl squealed as she round the corner, being chased by a blonde vamp we all know as Spike.

Angel was utterly confused now. This was the same little girl in his dream last night. If was clear to see that the girl resembled Buffy. She had the same warm chocolate brown eyes Angel's mother had. Spike grabbed the little girl and started tickling her.

"Oh sorry mate, didn't see ya standing there. Peaches, have you met your dau- our little Braelyn?" Spike broken the silence.

Cordelia explained, "Sorry, Angel, the party IS here. I was hoping Buffy would explain. Where is good old Buffy?"

"Her and Red ain't back yet?" Spike questioned.

Braelyn wrapped her arms around Spike's neck. "Who dat?"

Spike turned to the little girl and introduced her, "This is Cordelia, just call her stuck-up princess -"

"Hey, I take offense to that you stupid ignorant vampire." Cordelia punched Spike in the arm. Braelyn eyes flashed gold and she slapped Cordelia back.

"Ouch, doesn't Buffy teach her any manners?" Cordelia complained.

"Actually, love, Buffy has been flipping out whenever she does that, It's the slayer's own fault. We often spar in front of the munchkin" Spike stated while handing Braelyn over to her grandmother.

Joyce softly scolded to Braelyn in her ear, set her down and went into the kitchen.

Angel sat on the couch and began, "How did Buffy - she's two? Where was I when Buffy was - ? " Angel looked extremely confused and was asking the wrong people for the answers. Braelyn walked over to Angel a put her finger on his nose.

Thankfully for everyone's sake, except Buffy's, Willow and Buffy walked through the front door. The petite slayer's smiled quickly faded to a frown, when she saw Braelyn's father sitting on the couch with Braelyn standing next to him. Buffy could only glare at Cordelia who stood smiling. "Hi Buffy, it's good to see you again, I hope you don't mind, Angel wanted to tag along."

Wesley slipped a "Hello Buffy, you look well," in before Buffy headed upstairs.

Buffy ran upstairs as fast as her slayer feet could carry her. She ran into the bathroom, leaving the door open and started throwing up into the toilet. "Oh God, not today, any day but today." She had barely any food in her stomach, which lead her into dry heaving.

Angel stood in the door frame, he grab the hand towel and ran it under cold water.

Buffy stayed knelt by the toilet and flushed it. She took the cold towel from Angel and cleaned her mouth with it.

Angel stood rubbing her back and shoulders, he thought he would crack a joke to cut the tension in the room, "So the sight of me makes you vomit?" Angel smiled.

Buffy started crying, "No, no it's not that. I can't handle this today, I just can't."

Angel stopped his loving massage and backed away, "I don't want to make you miserable, but - that is my daughter downstairs isn't it? I feel it, but logically it doesn't make sense."

Buffy stood to face Angel, she glanced in the mirror at her ruin mascara, "Yes, Angel she is yours."

Angel took Buffy by her shoulders and asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Buffy looked at Angel with anger, "Why didn't you tell me we spend 24 hours together, kissing in the sunlight, making love in your apartment, breaking your kitchen table? Why didn't you tell me that?"

Angel was shocked. She remembered, but how? Why? "Buffy I didn't tell you about that day, because I wanted to protect you. I didn't want you to go all brooding girl over the whole thing. I didn't have much of a choice."

Buffy, "How do you think I felt, carrying a child, without any clue on how I got pregnant?"

Angel didn't answer that question, "I can only assume the Oracles, didn't erased everything that happened that day I was human, I had no clue that something like this could even happen."

Buffy, "Braelyn is definitely yours. She's has your eyes you know. She even has a few vampyric tendencies."

"Like her eyes flashing gold." Angel stated.

"Oh no, she didn't, did she?" Buffy

"Yea, Cordelia punched Spike and she left a good bruise on Cordelia's shoulder." Angel

As if she was called for, the child walked slowly up the stairs to her parents. "Come here, sweetheart." Buffy called for her daughter.

Buffy knelt to the ground again and faced Braelyn in the eyes, "Brae, I would like you to meet your daddy?"

The big brown eyes of the little girl met the big brown eyes of her father's and she smiled. "Da da -"

Buffy's eye filled with a tear and Angel knelt to meet his daughter. The family embraced each other in a long emotional hug.

"Buffy we need to talk tonight." Angel stated.

Buffy eyes became huge, "I have to patrol tonight, can we talk tomorrow?"

Part Seven.

Angel said softly, "No, patrolling can wait, our family can not."

Buffy smiled, the only way she could get off the subject would be to agree. So she did.

The reunited family walked down the stairs to greet the rest of Braelyn's guests. "So you are going to explain to me why Braelyn is two, but her invitation says she one, right?

Buffy smiled, "Later. Much later."

"Hey pumpkin, how are you doing?" Xander asked.

Braelyn ran up to Xander and hugged his leg. "Hi, Unkle Xan." Braelyn walked right passed Anya and hugged her godmother Willow. Braelyn steered away from Anya and hugged her friend Tara.

As Braelyn made her rounds to all her Uncle and Aunts, Giles broke the silence between the adults. "So Angel, are you back?"

Angel answered to quickly, "No, just here for a visit."

Buffy's heart sank when she heard him say those words. As much as she didn't want to trap him into a relationship, she still secretly wished he would stay and help raise his daughter. She walked into the kitchen. Angel merely watched his love left the room, should he go after her and explain? No, his felt like they were trapped in cement, instead Willow got up and went after the slayer.

"Buffy?" The redhead called.

"Yup, that's me." Buffy tried smiling, it was hard especially since her eyes were welling up with tears.

Willow opened her arms and invited Buffy over for a hug. Her best friend walked over and shared an embrace with her. Willow whispered, "Wow, this is weird."

"What hugging?" Buffy questioned.

"No, no, Angel here with his daughter. I never thought I would see the day." Willow responded.

Buffy broke the hug and stepped away. "Reality will set in soon. He will leave for LA, and I - " The dam that was holding Buffy's tears back, broke.

Willow grabbed her friend and started comforting her again. "Come on, where's the smiles, he's here now. Go out there and be with your family. Even if it's for a few hours."

In the meantime in the living room, "Angel, I have a video collection of Braelyn over the last year. If you want to see them sometime let me know." Xander offered. Even though he didn't like the vampire, he knew Angel was silently feeling left out of the little girls' life.

"Thanks, Xander, I would like that." Angel sat down on the couch and Braelyn ran over to sit on his lap.

Anya stepped over to Angel, "There's a lot of footage of her drooling and naked pictures of her in the bathtub with Buffy - Well not of Buffy naked, just Brae."

Angel smiled, "I'll take either." Oh no, did he really say that out loud? He looked at Cordelia to be sure, and Cordelia rolled her eyes. He did say that out loud, he only hoped Buffy or Joyce didn't hear.

Xander offered, "There's more than just that. There's the day Buffy and Spike came home from the hospital. Oh and who can forget the day Buffy gave Brae her first haircut!"

Willow and Dawn started laughing. "Oh poor, Brae, she would not stop crying and Buffy was so upset because she had all that silly string in her hair." Dawn stated.

Willow added, "Yea, Spike that one was all your fault ya know."

Angel motioned for Spike to sit down, "So you've been taking care of my family?"

Spike grinned, "Yea if you can call it that. I help Buffy with Brae, I babysit, clean house, slay, train. Everything but buff the Buffster."

Angel glared at Spike he almost changed his composure. "I was just kidding Angelus. We all know who Buffy loves."

"That's right, Riley. Where is the fool?" Angel asked, scanning the room to make sure Buffy was no where near.

Anya laughed, "Yea right, that was a one-sided relationship. Buffy wasn't able to love him. Riley left."

Angel looked confused, so Xander explained, "They split up Angel. Buffy is playing the independent role. You know, the Independent Mom role, no men in her life."

Spike spoke up, "Hey, I'm in her life, and you can thank me for helping break up that doomed relationship!" Spike said proudly.

Buffy walked into the room, "Oh yea, you're a real help Spike. And I suggest you stop talking behind my back or you can live somewhere else!" Buffy said sarcastically.

Everyone became silent. Cordelia stood up and crossed the room to the packages of gifts, "I thought this was supposed to be a birthday party. Why don't we start by letting Braelyn open some of her gifts?"

Xander jumped up to grab his video camera, "Hold on, I have to get this thing ready. Remember I have Brae's whole life on tape!"

As Xander set up the video camera, Buffy asked Angel, "Who you like to sit with her as she opens her gifts?"

Angel looked surprised, "You are her mom, why don't you -"

Dawn walked over to the two lovers, "This is nonsense, Braelyn can sit in the middle and you both can sit with her." Dawn picked up Braelyn and positioned her on the couch next to the vampire and waived Buffy over.

Buffy and Angel exchanged a sympathetic look.

Cordelia walked over to Braelyn and handed her one of Angel's gifts. "Here you go little girl, this is from your daddy."

Braelyn smiled and started tearing at the Winnie the Pooh wrapping paper. She opened the box to revel a stuffed pink pig.

Buffy started laughing, "Oh no, Angel, it's just like mine!"

Braelyn pulled the pig out of the box and handed it to her mom, "Hre go memah."

As Braelyn opened her packages, Buffy and Angel started picking up her wrapping paper mess. Their hands touch on several occasions. Both of them blushing like school children. They exchanged glances like a happily married couple.

After a half hour of opening gifts, the group decided Braelyn was definitely not deprived of anything. Braelyn had more gifts than Buffy knew what to do with.

The sun was starting to set, when Buffy realized the party would have to end soon. She had work to do.

Willow noticed the look on Buffy's face so she decided to call the afternoon to an end, "Well everybody, The sun is going down, Buffy has patrol to get too."

Xander didn't take the hint very well, "Oh can you just skip patrolling for one night Buffy?"

Spike smirked, "Yea I'm too tired to go out tonight, let's stay in and cuddle slayer." Spike was hoping that remark made Angel's blood boil.

Angel spoke up, "Buffy already decided she wasn't going to go out tonight."

Willow shot a glare at Xander and Buffy punched Spike in the arm, "Ah, maybe I'll take tomorrow night off." Buffy began.

Giles reminded Xander, "I think today is a very special day for many reasons Xander, I can think of a 1000."

Wesley piped up, "What's so special about tonight?"

Buffy stood up, "Look I have to go change my clothes so I can go slaying. You all can stay and party for all I care." Buffy walked upstairs. Angel, of course, followed.

Angel knocked softly on Buffy's door. "Can I come in?" he asked.

Buffy opened the door, "Sure."

"Look, I thought we discussed this. You are not going patrolling. We need to talk about our family and what we are going to do."

Buffy, "I don't think so. There are four vampires out there tonight and I have to go kill them. But if you feel you need to make a decision for me, let me ask you Angel, should I wear this black tank top or this red one?" Buffy held up two tank tops, she was loosing her patience. The night was ticking away and she now had this obstacle in front of her.

"Where did this anger come from Buffy?" Angel inquired.

"Look Angel, I have something to deal with and it's making me very uneasy. How about I call you tomorrow."

"Look, we need to talk before I go back to LA. I have a beautiful little girl down there and I don't want to just leave you with out making arrangements. So I will go patrolling with you tonight and we will talk. By the way I kinda like that black tank top" Angel smiled.

Buffy grabbed her red tank and walked out of the room. Buffy called back to him, "I'll be patrolling."

Buffy put on the red tank and black leather pants. She knew she looked hot, and she needed to feel that way right now. After a few minutes of changing her clothes, Buffy walked downstairs and said goodbye to Braelyn's guests. "Thanks so much for coming. Willow I will call you tonight and we can celebrate!" Buffy raised her eyebrows.

Buffy hugged Cordelia and Wesley goodbye. She told Tara she would see them tonight. Xander winked at Buffy and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Anya merely shook her hand and said good luck. Giles gave Buffy a big hug and wished her well.

Spike huffed and got out of his seat. "Let's go slayer."

Angel followed Buffy and Spike out the door.

"Look, Angel if you are going to come along, you can't kill anything." Buffy spoke to the tall dark and handsome vampire walking behind her.

"I protect the innocence, I will always protect you Buffy. No matter what you say to me." Angel spoke.

Buffy turned to Angel, "Tonight, listen to me, I love you, with all my heart and soul. I am asking you not to get into my way. Please do as I ask."

Spike moaned, "Oh no, not the mushy stuff. I told you, you two will never be able to be just friends."

Angel ignored Spike, "Buffy, I love you, too. Don't you get it?"

"No, Angel, I don't get it. I you love me so damn much - why are you in LA and I'm here?"

"I told you before, I want you to find happiness. To be with someone who can take you into the sunshine, someone who can - can do all the things I can not."

Buffy kissed Angel on the lips, "I have to go, your making this difficult."

Angel stayed standing where she left him. Spike yelled to the slayer, "I'll be there in a sec!" The blonde vampire turned to his sire. "Look, she knows what she's doing, let her do it."

Spike ran to catch up with Buffy. Angel silently protested and followed quietly behind them.

Buffy and Spike walked around the graveyard, looking for trouble. "Come on out, the slayer wants to play," Spike challenged.

As usually a vampire jumped out to greet the pair of blondes. "Well, if it isn't the blonde bitch and the impotent vampire."

Angel stood behind and watched. "You bet, you have one anger, bitchy blonde who is pms'ing I might add."

Spike chuckled and stepped back. "He's all yours slayer."

Buffy started fighting the vamp. She needed to warm up and this was the perfect opportunity, he wasn't very strong. She knew it would be an easy kill, but she wanted to get ready for the next 3 kills.

Spike threw a twig down, "Just dust him already."

With those words Buffy plunged the stake in the vamp's heart. "Sorry, I was just warming up."

"Great, 997 vamps dusted and 3 more to go. Shall we continue walking?" Spike gestured to the crypts.

Go to Part 8