Part Eight

Buffy handed Joyce the last dinner plate to be dried and turned off the sink. Looking around the kitchen she sighed at the amount of work left to be done. There was still plenty of leftovers to be put away in the fridge, and the table cloth and cloth napkins had to go in the washing machine. The floor needed to be swept, and the oven needed a good scrubbing. Fortunately for her the oven would not be her responsibility.

"That was a great Thanksgiving dinner, Mom," she smiled, taking the saranwrap out of a drawer. "Everyone really liked it."

"Well you all helped cook it," her mother smiled. "I was glad to do it. I don't get to see you or your friends much anymore." Joyce had invited everyone over for a huge Thanksgiving dinner, and everyone had insisted on helping as well as enjoying the meal. She had shoed everyone else out afterward however, wanting to spend some time with her seven-months-pregnant-with-twins daughter. It wouldn't be very long until her grandchildren would enter the world. They were due in the next two weeks.

"I'm really sorry about that, Mom," Buffy sighed. "Everything's just been so crazy this semester."

"I understand," Mrs. Summers smiled. "That's why I have a great idea. You don't have anything planned for tomorrow. You said so yourself. I have to go down to LA to look at some paintings the Los Angeles Museum is loaning us, and I thought we could have lunch, maybe do a little shopping if I get done early."

"LA?" Buffy blanched slightly. "I don't know, Mom, I–"

"There's no way you can weasel out of this, young lady," her mother smiled, but her tone was firm. "I want to spend some time with my daughter and that's exactly what I intend to do."

The Slayer winced. "You're not going to let me out of this are you?"

"Not a chance."

The tired blonde sighed. "All right. I'm sure we'll end up having a great time. I'll just have to let the girls know I'll be gone all day."

"Wonderful," her mother smiled as she helped wrap the leftover turkey. "Take some of this back with you. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning around seven. They want me there by nine."

Still feeling somewhat remiss about the entire foray, Buffy just nodded and smiled as sincerely as she could. She certainly didn't want to get up at six in the morning! And that was what she'd have to do to be ready in time. "I'll take some extra back. I'm sure Xander and Wesley will think of us as goddesses for the next year if they don't have to eat their own cooking for a few days."

Joyce laughed, remembering the trouble the two had had trying to chop vegetables. "I'm sure they'll be appreciative. Do you want a ride home?"

"No, that's okay," Buffy shook her head. "Cordelia said she'd be back in a couple of hours to get me."

"Oh good," Joyce smiled. "I would have had a fit if you'd planned to walk home."

"Like I'm capable of walking home," Buffy sighed, rubbing one hand over her stomach as her son began to kick very hard against her very full stomach. "Ooh."

"Kicking?"

"And I think I ate too much," the younger women smiled with chagrin. "He's kicking my stomach."

"Well I don't think there's much you can do about that," Joyce chuckled. "Now let's get this finished before Cordelia arrives."

They had arrived early, had lunch, and came straight to the museum. After several hours Buffy had grown bored with wandering the exhibits and listening to her mother talk. She also couldn't walk or stand for hours at a time. So now she was sitting in the middle of the Most Influential Artists of the Renaissance exhibit.

And she was starving! She just couldn't take it anymore. "Mom?"

"Yes, dear?" Joyce asked, turning around.

"I saw a deli down the street when we were driving in. I'm going to go get something to eat. Can I bring you something back?" she asked.

"Sure. I'll have a ham and provolone on wheat." Then she was back to work.

Slipping out the empty museum doors, Buffy stepped into the slightly cool LA autumn air. It felt wonderful to be alone for a little while. The evening was peaceful and quiet, with only a few people out on the street in the artsy part of town. Breathing deeply and enjoying the brisk walk, Buffy stepped around the corner–

–and was nearly run over by a demon that darted past. Spinning around as fast as she could, she saw it dart around a corner. She took a step to go after it but didn't make it any further as another demon crashed into her from the same direction the first demon had come from, sending her crashing heavily to the ground. At least it's only my tail that's bruised. Pulling a stake out of her handbag, the Slayer looked up–

– and just stared in surprise.

Standing above her, panting heavily, Angel stared back. He was stunned all at once by the feel of her presence, the piercing green of her eyes, and the swell of her pregnant belly. He could smell her, see her, sense her, almost taste her from where he stood. "Oh, God. I'm so sorry."

She was suddenly painfully aware of his presence, his scent, his looks, his....mustache? Still dazed, she took his hand as he helped her to her feet. Smiling sheepishly, she put the stake back in her bag. "It's not you?"

"What?" he blinked in confusion.

Buffy grinned. "The mustache. It's....icky.  It's not you."

"Oh," Angel put a hand to his face. He had almost forgotten he'd grown the thing in the past couple of months. "Well I'm sorry if you disapprove."

"Aren't you going to catch him?" Buffy motioned awkwardly in the direction the demon had gone.

Angel shrugged. "I can catch him anytime. I know where he lives. Are you all right?"

"I'm fi-ine!" she grabbed her stomach. Immediately Angel was there, holding her up. She looked up into his big dark eyes. They were so deep, and full of concern, and– she tore her gaze away. "Babies upset," she said by way of explanation.

Angel nodded, though what he heard was baby's upset. "What are you doing here?" he asked. And in your condition? His eyes asked.

"I'm here with Mom," she replied. "She wanted to spend some time with me before I go and be a mom myself in a couple of weeks, but she's wrapped up in her work." Her stomach growled loudly. "I was on my way to the deli to get some dinner."

"Then let me escort you there," Angel's eyes were pleading, though Buffy was sure he didn't know it.

She smiled. "I'd love to have the tour from a native." Her tone was light and teasing, trying to cover over the awkward tension that had suddenly filled the air. With all the strength she had, she made herself take his arm.

Without a word they finished the two block walk to the deli. Angel followed her in and took a seat at a two person table in the corner by the front window while Buffy ordered food. She came over and joined him a few minutes later.

For a while they sat, not speaking, until Buffy was almost through eating her sandwich. "I know this sounds terribly, but I'm still starving," she sighed. "I know I don't look like I'm starving or anything, but I–"

Angel silenced her with a simple touch of his hand to hers. "Buffy.....you've never been more beautiful." The vampire sat, waiting for a response. Would she run out? Would she get mad? If he had been alive he would have been holding his breath.

Buffy looked into his eyes, searching for a reason for his sudden emotions. Her own eyes were damp and watery. All she found was his soul, laid open before her. "I....thank you," she whispered, suddenly uneasy again. Once more she averted her eyes.

Angel sighed. "I'm sorry, I–"

"Don't be," Buffy cut him off. "It's just....after this past year...Riley and I broke up," she said suddenly. " I mean....I broke up with him." God, why did she have to feel so nervous?

"I know." Angel didn't look in the least surprised. "Cordy mentioned it when she told me about the baby."

"Ummm...babies," Buffy smiled shyly. "Plural."

Angel was floored. Slowly a grin spread across his face. "You're carrying twins?"
 
The Slayer smiled dryly and patted her stomach. "Don't tell me thought all this was one baby?"

"Well, it could have been cookie dough fudge mint chip." His tone was teasing.

Buffy froze. "How did you know that was my favorite?" she asked suspiciously.

Damn! "Just a guess," he covered quickly. "So you're due?"

"Two weeks," Buffy sighed, finishing her sandwich. "If I can survive that long."

Angel squeezed her hand. "I'm sure you're doing just fine."

"Yeah, and I have more friends being helpful than I can stand. They won't leave me alone!"  She sighed. "I never get time to myself anymore." As Angel's smile faded, the Slayer cursed her tongue. "I'm sorry. That was careless of me. How are you, Angel?"

The vampire looked at the beautiful woman in front of him. How could he tell her about the emptiness in his heart? Or how lonely he was? Or about the liquor he occasionally put in his blood? She was looking at him expectantly. Gathering his strength, Angel opened his mouth. "I've got something I have to tell you, since we're being all honest and truthful."

Buffy wisely decided not to say anything, but simply waited.

She's learning, Angel couldn't help but smile slightly. She's not going to try and change the subject. "Wesley found a prophesy. It says that after lots of evils are over....I become human."

Human?! Buffy's heart skipped a beat. How long had he known about this? "Why the hell didn't you tell me?" she snapped.

Angel's expression was one of shame. "I....thought you were happy. You told me you were happy."

"Oh," the petite blonde was stunned, then angry with herself. "I should have apologized a long time ago," she said at last. "That was cruel of me....and....and a lie. One I was telling myself." After her initial embarrassment, Buffy found that if felt good to have admitted her mistake. She met his eyes again, and this time without looking away. "I wish you'd told me."

"And I'm sorry I didn't call."

"I'm still mad at you ya know," Buffy smiled. "I want to know the details of this prophesy. And I am definitely going to have to have a talk with Wesley and Cordelia about this."

Angel couldn't help but chuckle a little. He was still amazed at how well they were getting along considering how things had been between them the last year. Perhaps things could be better now. How badly was he really needed in LA? What was he thinking? "I'm sure they'll be happy to oblige."

"You miss them don't you."

Her perception cut straight to the center of his being. Buffy could always tell what he was really feeling...even when he didn't let her know she was right. Angel looked deeper into her eyes, searching for what she wanted him to say, what she expected, and what he wanted to say. He found the latter. "Buffy." He paused, finding it so hard to say the next words. "I was wrong...about us. I  don't know if we can ever be what we wanted, but...I want to come back with you, at least until you're back to slaying."

"Angel...I don't know..."

"Please," he begged, startled that he didn't feel embarrassed by being forced to beg. "From what Cordelia tells me about this Vei-rogk, you all need me right now. And I couldn't live if anything happened to you."

"You're already dead." The statement was cold, but something in her expression told him to keep going.

"Yeah well, some things about me haven't changed lately," he managed a small smile. "Buffy, please let me take care of you."

It wasn't a question, or a command, but a request. It struck the Slayer that asking for her permission was something Riley had never done. He had just taken over, assuming that his role as father meant being husband as well. Something she had known immediately in her heart to be wrong. Angel was asking; not to start their relationship again, or for marriage, or even a permanent place in her life....but just to take care of her while -she had to admit it- she needed help. And she wanted his help. She wanted him. And if he was supposed to be human again someday.... "Yes."

The Slayer's silent deliberations had taken so long that Angel had pretty much convinced himself that he'd messed up when he heard her speak. "Do you mean that?"

Buffy smiled. "I do. I need someone right now. Not just a friend, or someone who can sympathize with my pain, but someone who understands me. But it's a probationary period," she stipulated. "If you start getting demanding, or domineering and controlling, or trying to tell me what's best for me again, then out the door you go."

Angel nodded. "I understand, and I think I've learned better than that by now."

"I hope so." Buffy squeezed his hand, which still held hers.

The handsome man across from her smiled back, then winced as her grip tightened. "Buffy, what--"

"Someone's saying hello," she smiled through the discomfort of her daughter's kicking. She had learned over the past few months that her son usually punched, and was facing towards her stomach, while her daughter liked to kick outwards. "Come here," she pulled his hand the rest of the way over the table without giving him a choice in the issue.

Before Angel could say a word, his hand was on Buffy's stomach. His first thought was wonder at the tightness of the skin as it stretched around the roundness that was the Slayer's womb. The second was the wish that he could rub his hands over that expanse forever, discovering its nuances and the sensuality the contact would bring. His thoughts didn't get any further, however, as the surface of her belly bounced under his hand with a visible lump. Leaving his hand there, he was quickly rewarded with another kick. Looking up at Buffy, he found her smiling warmly in a way that was very....motherly. She had been changed by her pregnancy, he could tell that, in some way he did not understand yet, but it made her shine with the radiance of a goddess. "Amazing," he smiled, referring to both her and the lives she carried.

Buffy blushed, obviously pleased, and placed her hand on his.

Just then the clock above the sandwich bar began to chime.

"Shoot!" Buffy moaned. "It's nine o'clock! Mom was probably expecting me back half an hour ago!"

"It's all right," Angel smiled as the Buffy he knew re-emerged from the serene perfection that had held him entranced seconds before. Standing, he came around the table and offered his hand.

Beaming back, Buffy accepted it and got to her feet. Picking up her mother's sandwich, she looked up into Angel's eyes. "Well, I guess I should be getting back."

"May I walk you to the museum?" Angel asked. Being bathed in the light of her presence was like being immersed in good Irish Whiskey; intoxicating and far too addictive. He had to spend as much time with her as possible.

Buffy nodded and took his arm.  "I'd like that."

The walk back to the art museum was uneventful, and far too short to both the vampire and the Slayer. The night seemed sweeter; the air warmer. At the doors, Buffy turned to face him, unsure of exactly what to say, or how to say it.

Angel smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered. Then, unexpectedly, he leaned down and kissed her softly on the forehead. Straightening up again, he turned and faded into the night.

When she could no longer sense him in the immediate vicinity, Buffy turned and went inside. She found her mother still talking to the other curators. Joyce glanced down at her watch as Buffy handed her the sandwich. "My goodness it's late. I'm sorry, Buffy. I got a bit wrapped up in this. I hope you weren't too bored."

Buffy shook her head, barely managing to keep a straight face. "No, Mom. Not bored at all."

Deciding it would probably be wise to eat and shower before he appeared on Buffy's doorstep. For that matter, where was Buffy's doorstep? He knew Cordelia had moved in with the girls, but not the actual address. It was then that he noticed the blinking light on his answering machine. He crossed the room and hit theplay button.

"Hi Angel, it's me. I wanted to thank you for what you said last night, and for coming. And...I thought you might think it was all a dream. So I called. I guess you're still asleep. Well, I thought you might like some information, like where I live. The address is U.C. Sunnydale Apartments, Apartment twenty, on Tulane Avenue." Her voice was like music, even slightly nervous as she sounded. "Ummm....let me think. Oh, you don't have to worry about a place to stay. Xander and Wesley said you can crash at their place. Giles also offered his couch if you'd prefer. Where ever you stay, we've stocked up on blood over here, so don't worry, we won't let you starve. Oh...gotta get to class. See you this afternoon. Thanks again...and please shave the mustache off! Cordelia said if you show up even looking like something out of a bad fashion nightmare she'll stake you herself. Bye!" Click.

Angel couldn't help but smile. He hadn't been dreaming, and he was being welcomed back. It was more like a dream come true. Even if it was probably only temporary. Whistling he headed for the bathroom. The hot water coursing over his body made him feel clean and fresh, just like the world seemed to him that morning. Shaving carefully -so he wouldn't show up with cuts on his face like a high school freshman on his first date- Angel dressed in the only pair of blue jeans he owned, and a deep green shirt. Wishing he could see himself in a mirror, the vampire went into the small  kitchen and warmed some blood for breakfast.

The vampire sat down at his new kitchen table–

--and it hit him. One year. It was exactly one year since the day that never happened. One year since he and Buffy had made love in his old kitchen, on his bed, and all over his former apartment. One year since he had erased the memories of that day to spare the love of his rather long life the pain of remembering.

Angel would have been lying if he had told himself that he didn't regret undoing the miracle that had given them such happiness, and if he tried to tell himself that he didn't still harbor some small hope that he and Buffy would someday be together. There were times it had been all he could do to keep himself from picking up the phone and calling her, spilling out the entire story, and begging her to allow him to come back.

Maybe it could still happen. Or maybe she just wanted to be friends. If that was all she wanted, then he would just have to be strong and accept it. His heart would ache, but he would understand.

At least he had another chance.

Yeah, I know I haven't written in a while, but school's been hectic and Buffy's due in the next couple of days. Angel arrived two weeks ago, and things have been....interesting would be putting it mildly. Things are more chaotic than the last time one of my spells went wrong. Well, maybe not that bad.

Anyway, it was so cute! Angel's arrival I mean. He showed up at the door Saturday evening of Thanksgiving weekend with a dozen pink and white roses for Buffy and the makings of a fantastic dinner. He cooked for all of us, and wouldn't even let us in to help. Cordelia had said he was a pretty good cook, but this was amazing! He's cooked every night since.

It's so cute everything he does for Buffy. Every night he has a scented bath ready to soak away her tension, and dinner waiting. He helps her get comfortable every night, and has breakfast ready in the morning. He's even been doing her laundry! And he puts up with her whining, which there's a lot of now. Her back's been hurting a lot lately.

He helps the rest of us too, with the dishes, some of our laundry, and all sorts of other little things like feeding Amy and Miss Kitty, and doing research when we need someone else to help. He's even taken over some of the patrolling.

I don't know what they think is going on, but Buffy and Angel sure look like they're moving towards being together again. They've both been so happy the past week and a half. Hardly fighting at all. And it's just so cute how he takes care of her, and reads to the baby every night before Buffy goes to sleep.

Oh, he hasn't left since he got here. Even though he was going to stay with Xander and Wes he always ends up falling asleep on the couch. If it were any other guy I'd think he just liked sharing an apartment with five college girls.

Angel's very different now too. His aura aches of sadness, and loneliness. It's obvious he's endured much since he left, and especially since Wesley and Cordelia came back to Sunnydale. But he's so happy now. I've never seen him smile this much. Or Buffy so happy since she first started dating....umm.....the Fishboy. I don't want to curse things by saying his name...you know, like saying the name of the evil Scottish play.

Anyway, we're secretly running a bet as to whether Angel and Buffy will get back together after the baby is born. So far all the girls say yes, and all the boys say no. So it's four to three. I think the majority should be right. Of course, Buffy's mom doesn't know he's back yet. So who knows how she'll take it if they do. But oooooh I hope they do! Especially cause Tara and I have been working on a spell that might make them both very happy. Of course, I don't want to say anything yet until we're sure it'll work.

More later, Journal!
Willow R.

Go to Part Nine