Part 41

The newly engaged couple spent New Year's Day in their hotel room. They had spent the day making love and celebrating. Buffy would not let Angel forget his promise from the previous night that they would have their fun. Before either of them knew it, it was their last day in Paris. They would leave in a few hours.

"Angel, do we have to go?" Buffy pleaded with him.

"Honey, we need to be going back to Sunnydale. We'll be going back to school soon." He reminded her.

"That's no fun! I want to stay here in Paris. It has been so nice that the past week we haven't had to hide our relationship. Once we go back, we'll have to play hiding again. And I don't like that."

"It'll be okay. After a few months, it'll be Spring Break, and I'll promise you we'll go somewhere exotic for it."

"Must I remind you of something?" she pointed to her stomach. "I'm already getting big. By the time Spring Break comes along, people are going to have a hard time telling the difference between me and Bessie the cow. There is no way that I would be caught dead walking around in a bathing suit, especially if we're at some beach where all these supermodel types will be."

"That's not true. You are so gorgeous. Don't you ever think that you'll be a cow, cause you won't. You are pregnant, and that in itself is a beautiful thing. Supermodels don't even compare to you, to me they are all ugly."

She wrapped her arms around him, and rested her head on his chest. "You're just saying all of those things because you love me. You'll be thinking totally different thoughts in a few months."

"You're right, I love you. But I don't say these kind of things because of that. I say them because I mean them."

"You won't love me when I'm so big that I won't even be able to fit through the door."

"I'll never think any less of you. Why do you think that I wouldn't love you anymore?" Angel asked.

"You won't find me attractive," she supplied.

"Buffy, that's a lie. And besides I didn't fall in love with the way you look. I fell in love with who you are."

"I know. I'm just letting my fears get the best of me," she admitted.

He stoked her back; "You have nothing to worry about. I'm never going to leave you. Why would I have asked you to marry me, if I didn't want to spend forever with you?"

"I see your point."

"And when we have our wedding, I will not say 'Till death do us part'."

"Why not?" Buffy said, a little upset.

"Because that's not true. We'll be together beyond death, for all eternity. Death will not part us."

"No it won't," she agreed.

"Now get back to packing, we have to leave for the airport soon." Angel informed her. "I'm going to go down to the lobby, and arrange for a couple of bellboys to help carry your suitcases when we're ready to leave."

She nodded, "Okay."

"Oh, and Buffy?"

"Yeah."

"That whole thing about you not being able to fit through the door because you'll be so big, don't worry about it. I'll help push you through."

"Hey!"

"Just kidding. I'll get one of those lift things." Angel joked.

"I'm going to get you back for this. No sex for a week for you."

Angel quickly made his way over to her, and enveloped her in a hug; "I didn't mean it I swear. I was joking around."

"Okay, I'll make it no sex for a couple of days then."

"Buffy.." he whined.

"No buts about it. You got yourself into this mess," she told him. "Deal with it."

"You're not just punishing me, you're punishing yourself. You won't be having any sex either," he pointed out.

"Oh, you're right. I hate it when you're right. Fine, you're forgiven. But when more mean joke like that, and I'll go find a hot guy, and-"

He cut her off, "It will never happen again. I promise."

_________________________________________

"I feel sick." Buffy told Angel. She had laid her head on his shoulder. Her head was killing her, and her stomach felt even worse. She wished that the long flight was over, and she was already back home. Quite the opposite of just a couple of hours ago when she begged Angel to let them stay. Now, all she could think about was being home, and in bed.

"Don't make yourself sick from being worried about being on the plane. You've done it before, and nothing bad happened."

"It's not because of that. Well, maybe it is. But it is not because I'm scared, it's because I'm getting airsick or something. Or it's the whole pregnant thing." Her face grew extremely pale, "Oh God, bathroom now!"

Angel helped her out of her seat, and ushered her to the bathroom. Luckily there was one that wasn't occupied. He squeezed them both into the small room.

Buffy leaned against the sink, "I think I'm better. False alarm."

"This wasn't just some idea to get me into the bathroom with you? So we could join the Mile High Club you mentioned on the flight to Paris." He finished as Buffy hurriedly turned to face the sink, where she vomited. "Guess not." He helped her hold back her hair, and rubbed her back soothingly.

When she was finished, he splashed cool water on her face. She was burning up. "I think you might be sick with the flu or something. I don't know if this is a pregnancy thing."

She shrugged, "Either way I feel like I've been hit by a semi-truck."

"I'll take you to the doctor's once we get back, if you're still feeling sick."

"I think I just need some rest. I want to lie down." She said as she leaned into Angel for support.

He helped her back to their seats. He held her close to him, comforting her until she fell asleep.

Part 42

"Are you sure you don't want me to take you to a doctor?" Angel asked as he unlocked the door to their apartment.

"I'm sure," Buffy said as she slouched against the wall. "I just want to get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow though."

"Not maybe, definitely tomorrow." He brought his cool hand up to her burning hot cheek; "You have a fever. You probably should have had a jacket on New Year's Eve. It got chilly out."

"Well, its too late now," she snapped, immediately regretting it. "I'm sorry. It's the fever talking. Can we go in now? I want to go to bed."

He put his arm around her waist, "Sure." He opened the door.

"Surprise!"

Both Buffy and Angel were startled. The whole gang was in their apartment, including her mother and Spike.

Willow rushed over to greet them; "It's a surprise welcome home party. So welcome home!"

Buffy nodded slowly. Angel recognized the all too familiar look wash over her face. She took off down the hall, and ran into the bathroom.

"Jeez!" Faith called after her; "A simple thank you wouldn't have been too hard. Even if you don't like the party. You didn't have to be so rude about it."

"Faith," Angel warned.

"Angel, what's wrong with my daughter? Did you two have a fight or something?" Joyce asked.

He shook his head, "No, nothing like that. Buffy's sick, I think she has the flu. She's burning up. I don't know how many times she threw up on the plane."

"She should go to a doctor."

"I know, tomorrow. She wants to get some sleep. She slept a bit on the plane, but she kept having to get up and go to the bathroom." Angel explained. "I'm going to go to her."

"Should we...?" Tara gestured to the door.

"I think that would be best." Angel agreed. "This whole party thing was very thoughtful. But with Buffy under the weather, it should probably be postponed until she feels better. Thanks for taking the time to plan this, even though it's not exactly going very well. We both appreciate it."

"It was kind of a last minute idea anyway." Xander said. "It was no problem."

"Yeah, it was. They made me bake a cake." Anya complained.

"No we didn't. We had you go to the store and buy a cake." Xander told her.

"So, I still used up my time."

"We'll be going now." Xander urged as he took Anya over to the door.

"Have Buffy call me when she's feeling better." Willow said.

"I will," Angel assured her.

"I'll talk to B later," Faith added in.

Cordelia nodded, "Same here. She has to tell us all about her trip to Paris with you."

"I bet you had some majorly hot sex." Faith supplied.

"Love, I don't think Angel needed you to say that." Spike told her.

Angel had turned a deep shade of red, knowing that Joyce had heard the comment.

"Yes, well, we should be going then." Giles joined in awkwardly.

Joyce looked at Angel, "Take care of my daughter for me."

"You know that I will."

"I know that I'm leaving her in the best hands." She looked at everyone. "Will you guys give me a minute alone with Angel?" They all nodded and left. "I've never told you this before, but I trust you with my daughter more than anyone else. I know that you love her, and will keep her safe."

"Thank you. I love her more that anything, Joyce. I would give my life to keep her safe. You never have to worry about her when she's with me."

"I know. I realize that we didn't get off on the best foot. Considering that when I met you, I found out that you got my daughter pregnant."

"You know that I-"

"Don't apologize for it. You love her, I know you won't leave her. I have never turned my back on you two. I have given you my support. But one thing has been bothering me."

"What? I'll do anything I can."

"Have you two even made plans for the future? For after the baby is born? What about marriage?"

"We haven't made many plans for after the baby is born. We are ready though; we got the room together. Do you want to see it?" He showed her the room.

"It is absolutely adorable."

"I wanted it to be perfect. We're still trying to figure things out. And I promise you, that if we ever need your help, we won't hesitate to ask. As for the marriage thing, well...I.... don't know if I should be telling you this. But..."

"Tell her Angel."

Angel turned to see Buffy standing in the doorway. She gave him a meek smile. "Are you sure?" She nodded. "Joyce, I have asked Buffy to marry me. She accepted my proposal. You're the first to know."

Joyce stood silently for a moment, before going over to Buffy, and wrapping her in a tight hug. "Congratulations."

"Thanks mom." Buffy hugged her mom back. "As much as I love this hug, any longer and I may throw up all over you."

Joyce pulled back, then walked over to Angel, "Congratulations to you too...my son."

"Thanks Joyce."

"I think maybe we should rethink the whole you calling me Joyce thing. I think Mom would be more appropriate."

"I agree." Buffy stated.

"Thanks mom, I like the sound of that." Angel said.

"So do I. I'm going to go now. Buffy get some sleep, and see a doctor." She kissed her daughter's forehead. "Feel better soon."

Once Joyce had left, Angel helped Buffy into bed.

"As much as I liked the hotel, it feels so good to be back in our own bed." Buffy said as she snuggled up against Angel.

He rested his hand on her stomach, over their son or daughter, "It really does."

Part 43

"Honey, you are going to see a doctor." Angel told Buffy. "I am not letting you get out of it."

"I don't want to go. I'm find."

"Okay, when you say find instead of fine, you are not fine." Angel stated. "What's the big deal about it anyway?"

"Exactly, what's the big deal?" she questioned back.

"You know what I mean. Why are you putting up such a fuss about going?"

"I hate hospitals and doctors. They scare me."

He gave her a strange look, "This coming from a girl who fights vampires. You're afraid of doctors?"

"I don't trust them. They're evil.

"I'll be with you the entire time. I promise. And it's not like you're going to see a perfect stranger. I called your mom, and she gave me the number of your regular doctor. I've set up an appointment for you and you are going."

She shook her head; "I am not."

"You are to. This in not healthy for you or the baby," he pointed out. "You are going and that's final."

She crossed her arms over her chest, "You can't make me go."

"Have it your way." He walked over to her, and scooped her up into his arms. "I'll just have to carry you then."

"This is so unfair." Buffy protested.

______________________________________

"Buffy Summers," the nurse called.

Buffy and Angel stood to follow her.

"We would rather have it that you stay here," the nurse told Angel.

He nodded, "Buffy, I'll be right here, if you need me."

Her grip tightened on his hand; "You promised me that you'd be with me the entire time. I won't go in there without you."

Angel looked helplessly at the nurse.

She thought for a moment. "Very well, you can go in with her." She led them down a hallway to a room. "Girl can't spend ten minutes without her boyfriend," she muttered as she closed the door on her way out.

"Told you doctor people were evil," Buffy complained to Angel. "Why do I have to be here?"

"You're sick. We have already went over that." His tone softened. "Come here." He led her over to a chair. He sat down and pulled her into the comfort of his embrace. He placed a soft kiss against her hair. "Relax. You'll be fine."

Just as she was starting to relax, there was a soft knock on the door, before it was opened. "Good morning Buffy, or not such a good morning, seeing as you're sick."

"You think?" Buffy snapped.

"Be nice," Angel warned.

"Will you come sit up here for me, Buffy?"

She shook her head; "I don't want to."

Angel sighed, as he once again lifted her up and carried her over to the examining table. "She doesn't like doctors. They scare here," he explained.

Buffy looked at him in disbelief. How could he tell the doctor that? She lost her anger though as he placed a calm hand on her arm.

"You have no reason to be afraid. You have been coming to me for a few years now. You remember me, don't you? I'm Dr. Hurst."

"I know," Buffy replied weakly.

Dr. Hurst chuckled, "Now what seems to be the matter?"

"I think she has the flu or something." Angel answered.

The doctor nodded, and took Buffy's temperature. "103 degrees. You've got a fever."

"No kidding," she retorted.

"Will you take off your jacket so I can listen to your breathing?"

Buffy contemplated this for a moment. She knew that if she disagreed, Angel would end up taking it off for her. "Fine." She slipped it off her shoulders.

"Why Buffy, it seems like you have put on some weight." Dr. Hurst observed.

She rolled her eyes, "Some doctor you are."

The older woman gave her a closer look; "You're pregnant."

"Tell me something I don't know."

Dr. Hurst looked through her file; "There's no record of it. Have you seen a doctor yet?"

"No," she answered.

The doctor nodded. She listened to Buffy's heart and breathing. "You should set up an appointment at an Ob-gyn."

"Is something wrong?" she asked worriedly.

"Is the baby okay?" Angel added.

"I am sure everything is going along just fine. It's only a precaution that you see one. I'm not that kind of doctor. I can give you the names of a few that I would suggest you go to."

"That would be great of you." Angel replied.

"So you're about four months along." Dr. Hurst concluded.

Buffy nodded, "I am."

"Okay, your friend here was right. You have the flu. I just suggest that you get plenty of rest. I don't want to prescribe any medication before you have an examination for the baby. You'll be good as new in a few days." She wrote something down in the file. "So are you married Buffy?"

"Engaged," she announced proudly beaming at Angel.

"Are you the lucky man?"

"I sure am." Angel verified. "And I couldn't be any luckier."

"I'll be right back. I'm just going to get those phone numbers for you." Dr. Hurst left the room, returning a few minutes later. "Here you go." She pointed to a highlighted number; "This is the one I would suggest as a first choice. She specializes in teen pregnancy."

"But I'm not-" Buffy started.

"No, I'm not saying that you're too young to start a family. You're not. It seems to me that you're very happy. I'm just saying that you are still considered to be young, you're only almost twenty years old. And since you're such a small person, if there is any complications or dangers, she'd be the best."

"Thank you," she said. "I really appreciate your help."

"It's not a problem. Take care of yourself now. Get better. If in a few days you don't feel any better, I want to see you back in my office. Okay?"

"I'll make sure of that." Angel assured her. He led his fiancé out of the room, and took her to their car. "That wasn't so bad."

"Yeah, but I'm going to have to go see another doctor."

"It's for the baby's safety. You don't want anything to happen, do you?"

"No," she answered.

"I won't make you an appointment until you're well again."

"Maybe I should just stay sick," she joked.

"Very funny." He gave her cheek a gentle kiss. He put his arm around her shoulder. "Let's go home, so you can get some of that rest you need."

Part 44

"Yeah, Will, I'm feeling much better," Buffy said into the phone. "Unfortunately for classes today. I have spent the past couple days trying to convince Angel that I wasn't sick. Now I wish I could convince him that I was. He's too smart to fall for it though...Yeah at least I'll get to see him in Art class, that's the best part of it... We're careful about it. We're not going to get caught... Okay... I'll talk to you later...Say hey to Tara for me... I will... Bye." She hung up the phone.

She found Angel in the kitchen washing the breakfast dishes. She walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his warm body. She rested her chin against his back, "Willow says hey."

"Well, then I say hey back to her." Angel replied. "Are you ready for class today."

A devilish grin spread across her face. 'It's worth a try,' she thought. "Angel, I think I'm still sick."

He turned to face her, bringing his hand up to feel her cheek, "You don't have a fever."

"My tummy feels all yucky," she complained. "I think I'm going to be seeing my breakfast soon."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah." Buffy answered.

"Maybe you should stay home then, but you're going to see Dr. Hurst when I get back. If you're still sick we better get you taken care of."

"You know what? I'm strangely feeling better all of a sudden." The last thing she wanted to do was go to the doctor's, she already had an appointment with the ob-gyn set up for the next day.

"Are you sure?"

"100 percent better. It passed already. I'm all better. I swear."

"Okay, let's get going." He took her arm and led her to the door. "I knew the threatening to take you to the doctor's would be the medicine that'd make you feel better."

__________________________________

Buffy sat in the Art class as Angel went on about a boring art topic. He was explaining some kind of project; he wanted everyone to do. They were to work with partners, and seeing as there was an even number of people in the class, Buffy knew she wouldn't be getting out of this. She wondered who her partner would be.

Angel went down the list of names he held in his hand; he was pairing the students alphabetically. He figured this would be the easiest way. Finally he came to his lover's name, "Buffy Summers with Phoebe Troy." He watched as his girl looked around the room, desperately searching for her partner. He knew that she didn't really associate with the other students in the class. "That's the entire list. I would now like you to meet with your partner for a few minutes and discuss when you're going to get together to work on this project. If you don't know who your partner is, come to me, and I will introduce you to them." Buffy shot him an appreciative smile.

She came over to him, "I don't seem to know who my partner is." She watched as the other students quickly found their partner and was already making plans. "Maybe she's not here. Then you'll have to be my partner, or I just won't do the project. Whatever's best for you."

"Buffy Summers?" came a soft voice from behind here.

"Damn," Buffy said under her voice. She spun around to face the girl, "That would be me. At your service."

"Do you want to go sit down?" Phoebe asked.

Buffy nodded, "Sure."

They took two empty seats in the front of the room.

Phoebe flashed her a big smile; "I don't really know anyone in this class."

"Either do I," Buffy admitted.

"It seems fitting that we ended up partners. So what do you want to do?"

"Huh? For what?"

Phoebe gave her a strange look, "For our project. What do you want to do?"

She shrugged, "Don't know. Do you have any ideas? Because I'm searching, but my brain is turning up empty."

"I guess we can think about it, and decide later. Let's say we meet tonight, and plan this whole deal."

"Fine with me. Where do you live?" Buffy inquired.

"My place is kind of a bad idea, I have two younger sisters. Believe me, they won't leave us alone. So can it be at your place?"

She glanced at Angel, "I guess." She scribble her address on a slip of paper, "That's where I live."

"Okay. How about I come over around seven?"

"That's fine." She looked over at Angel, who was busy making conversation with, "Faith."

The brunette slayer smiled at her, "Hey B!" She walked over to Buffy and gave her a hug. "I haven't talked to you in awhile. Not before you went to Paris."

"You went to Paris?" Phoebe asked with disbelief.

Faith shot her a dirty look, "So how was it? I want to hear all the details. Okay, not really. How was the sex?"

"Strangely, you do it the same way in Paris as you do in Sunnydale," Buffy joked.

"Come on, B, you know what I mean. Anything exciting happen?"

She knowingly turned her back on Phoebe, and held out her hand, showing off her engagement ring. "The only other people who know about this is my mom and Willow of course. And probably Tara."

"Oh my god! That's so great." She gave the blond another hug. "I already made plans with Angel for dinner tonight, now we have something to celebrate."

"I'm having dinner with you." Buffy said unenthusiastically.

"Gosh, if you don't want to see me-"

"It's not you," she assured Faith. "It's just...is Spike going to come too?"

"Of course he is. He's my boyfriend, get used to it."

"I'll never get used to Spike. And if I did, he'd probably try to kill me or have me killed. Whichever he chooses, it's so not fun for me."

"Well, I gotta go B. My break's almost up." She waved to Buffy, "See you later."

Buffy remembered the abandoned Phoebe and turned back to face her, "Sorry about that."

"It's okay. I hope that our plans don't get in the way of your dinner."

"Oh you most think that I am so rude. I'd invite you but this is kind of a close friends kind of dinner."

"I completely understand. Just one question. Why are you also having dinner with Angel?"

"He's an old friend of the family. No biggie." Buffy replied. "Don't worry he's giving me no special treatment in this class."

"I wasn't going to suggest that." Phoebe said.

"Maybe not, but I know what you were thinking."

"Okay, everyone pay attention to me." Angel stated. "I just have a few things to say then class will be dismissed."

Buffy didn't listen to him. She had to figure out how she was going to live through dinner with Faith and Spike then work on an Art project with Phoebe. She would have to have Angel give her a few ideas, that way Phoebe wouldn't think she was a total idiot.

After Angel dismissed the class, and she was the only student left in the room, she went up to his desk. "I am screwed."

"Are you that upset at me for inviting Spike and Faith over for dinner?"

"It was your idea? Nevermind. Phoebe is coming over at seven to work on our project."

"I'll make myself scarce. She won't know I'm there. I swear."

"It's not just that. I have no idea what the hell we're supposed to be doing."

Angel pulled her down into his lap, "I'll explain it all to you."

Part 45

Buffy felt like she was going to lose her mind. Dinner had barely started, and Spike was already getting on her nerves. Every single comment that came out of his mouth made her want to smack him across the face.

"So Peaches here actually proposed to you?" Spike questioned.

She nodded, "Yeah, is something wrong with that?"

"No, it's about time. I thought he was going to wait until you were knocked up with his second or maybe even third child before he asked."

"Spike," Faith warned him. "I think we've all had enough of your snide remarks for awhile."

"Don't get all upset over it. Everyone knows that these two go at it like bunnies," Spike stated.

"Like you're one to talk." Buffy shot at him. "I'm sure you've been Mr. Boy Scout when it comes to sex."

"That's enough," Angel stepped in before the conversation would go any further. "I really don't think we need to talk about those kinds of things."

"Thank you," Faith agreed with him. "You two in a room together is like to bickering old ladies. Why do you hate each other so much?"

"I think the fact that Spike would just love the idea of me being dead, is reason enough to hate him."

"It would be my dream come true princess." Spike replied.

"Oh please, get off your high horses and try to be civilized." Faith urged. "And that goes especially for you Spike."

"And what are you going to do if I don't?" he asked.

"I think that your name will be on the floor for the next couple of nights."

"Spike's going to be out in the dog house," Buffy taunted.

"That goes for you too," Angel told her.

The evening slowly passed by. Spike and Buffy sent glares at each other across the table, although neither of them spoke of the other. They both didn't want to suffer the possible consequences if they started a fight.

Finally Faith and Spike left.

"Ugh!" Buffy yelled pulling at her hair. "I can't stand that guy! He gets on my nerves so much that I just want to scream!"

"You two are quite the arguers." Angel commented.

Buffy took a deep breath trying to calm down, "I get so frustrated. How can you stand him?"

"I don't let him get to me like you do. You have to learn to ignore him."

"I can't. He'd enjoy that even more. He loves to torture me. I swear making my life a living hell, is on his checklist for things to do," she continued. She knelt down in front of Angel where he sat on the couch. She used her arms to pillow her chin in his lap. "No more dinners with them for awhile, please. I don't think I could make it through another one."

"I promise," Angel assured her. He bent forward and captured her lips in a fiery kiss. He pulled her off the ground and into his lap.

She straddled him with her legs, wanting to be close to him. She unbuttoned his shirt, slipping it off his shoulders. She broke away from Angel long enough for him to pull her shirt over her head. Their lips met again in the kiss. Buffy's hands traveled down Angel until they met with his belt buckle. She started to undo it when someone knocked on the door. She whimpered as Angel ended the kiss.

"Shit," Buffy grumbled. "I forgot. That's Phoebe. We're supposed to work on that project."

"I wish I hadn't assigned that."

"It's too late now." She said as she climbed off of his lap. Another knock sounded at the door. "Coming!" she shouted. She grabbed her shirt and pulled it over head. She tried to straighten out the wrinkles, without much success. She leaned down and kissed her love. "You better disappear."

He picked up his shirt from the couch, and complied. He went to their bedroom and shut the door behind him.

Buffy finally answered the door, "Hey Phoebe, sorry about taking so long."

"Don't worry about it." She followed Buffy to the couch and sat down. "I got some great ideas for what we should do."

"That's good. I'm not one for coming up with ideas."

"Well, I was thinking that we could sculpt something. That would make a good two-person job. It's kind of hard for two people to draw something together. What do you think?"

"I'm thinking, good idea. One thing you should know though, is I can't sculpt." Buffy stated.

"Our last assignment before Christmas break was to do a simple sculpture. Didn't you do that?"

'That's where sleeping with the teacher comes in handy,' she thought. "Yeah, it didn't turn out very well was what I was getting at."

"Oh. I'm sure that with a little work, we can accomplish this. Even you." Phoebe replied certainly.

"If you say so."

"I'm sure Mr. Callahan will lend us some help if we need it. He seems like he's a nice guy. You're his TA, you know him better than me. Is he a good guy?"

'You have no idea.' Buffy nodded, "He's nice."

"Don't tell him I said this, but oh my god, he is such a hottie. We're talking Ryan Phillippe kind of hot. Do you by any chance no if he's single?"

'He's not by a long shot.' She shrugged, "Beats me."

"Dang. It's not like I would have had a chance with him anyway." Phoebe reasoned. "Okay, let's plan what we should do."

Just then the door burst open and Spike walked in carrying Faith in his arms. She was knocked unconscious. Her stomach had a deep slash across it.

"What happened?"

"We were attacked," the blond vampire answered. "We were still close to here so I figured I should bring her here."

"Attacked? You two couldn't handle it?"

"Listen Blondie, this is not my fault. We were outnumbered. The last thing I would want to do is get my Faith hurt."

"Spike, now is not the time to play games. She needs to get to the hospital." Buffy said. "And fast." She knew what she had to do. They were going to need help in case whoever attacked them was still outside. She couldn't fight. "Angel!" she yelled.

Part 46

Angel heard Buffy scream his name, and was immediately out of the bedroom. He had heard the panic and fear in it. He found Spike kneeling over Faith. The vampire had put his hand over her wound. Blood was seeping through his fingers. Angel looked over towards his love. She was standing there with wide eyes gazing at Faith. He ignored Phoebe, whose face wore a confused expression. He made his way over to Buffy, "What happened?"

"They were attacked," she answered simply. "She needs to get to a hospital as soon as possible." She took her eyes off the other slayer long enough to glance at Angel. "To do that we need your help. It's too dangerous with only the three of us. Two slayers in a vulnerable state will be seen as an extra special, easy snack."

He nodded. He had seen the pain Buffy held in her eyes. He knew that she was truly scared for Faith. "Spike, carry her down to my car. Buffy, get some kind of weapons in case we have a few unwelcome visitors. We have to go now."

Spike scooped Faith into his arms and headed out of the apartment. Buffy hurried to their bedroom to grab a few stakes.

Angel finally acknowledged Phoebe's presence. "We'll be back soon. You can stay here if you would like to wait for Buffy."

The girl nodded, "And then someone will explain to me what is going on here?"

"Yeah," he replied as Buffy reentered the room. She carried a backpack slung over her shoulder, which no doubtedly contained weapons. "Ready?"

"Ready," she repeated. "Let's go."

Angel sped through the streets of Sunnydale. They got to the hospital in record time. Spike took Faith into the ER with Buffy and Angel close on his heels. Doctors at once got Faith into one of the trauma rooms, making the others stay outside.

Buffy sat nervously next to Angel fiddling with the cuff of his sleeve. Spike sat across from them with a hand over his eyes.

One of the doctors finally came to them; "We managed to get her stabilized."

"Is she going to be alright?" Buffy inquired.

"It appears so. We stitched up the cut on her stomach, and were able to bring her back to consciousness. I'm going to suggest that none of you see her at the moment. She needs her rest. I have a few questions to ask. Which one of you can answer them for me?"

Buffy looked at Spike he made no reply, "I guess I could."

"What's her name? She didn't have any identification on her."

"Faith."

"A last name also, please."

"I…I don't know it." Buffy said honestly.

"Look, is there anyone else who could better answer these questions. I need someone who actually knows the girl."

"She's one of Faith's best friends. She's one of the only people who can help you at all." Angel defended.

"She never mentioned one. That kind of subject never came up." Buffy added.

"Any family we can notify?"

"We're the only people she really has."

"Okay. Does she have any allergies?"

"Not that I know of. I'm pretty sure that she doesn't."

"Is she on any drugs or medications?"

"No." she replied. 'She better not be on any.'

"How did this injury occur?"

"She was attacked on her way home."

"Muggers." Spike said. "Didn't get a good look-"

"I am not staying here! You can't keep me here against my will!" Faith yelled at a bunch of nurses. "Hey guys I'm alive and kickin' once again. Gotta bolt. Catcha later." She ran out the exit doors. Spike quickly followed.

"Well, I guess she's alright." Angel joked.

"That's impossible, she should not be up and about like that so soon." The doctor said confused.

"Super healing powers." Buffy informed him. "Come on Angel, let's try to catch up with them." She took his hand, and they took off after Faith.

They found them about a block from the hospital.

"Faith! Why did you just run out of there?" Buffy asked.

"In case you've forgotten, I'm a wanted murderer in this town. I was attacked, they would have called the police to report it. They would have come to question me about it, and lookin' as how I'm on their most wanted list, I don't think I'd be seeing the light of day for a long time. What were you even thinking taking me to the hospital?"

"Let me think about that one for a second. Hmm? Could it be that I thought you were going to die? Excuse me for caring about you."

Faith's tone softened. "Sorry B. I didn't mean…Thanks for you know…saving my life."

The blond slayer pulled her into a hug. "You're welcome," she whispered.

"I don't mean to spoil this touchy Hallmark moment, but if I don't get inside soon, you're going to be with a pile of dust." Spike stated.

"I guess that's my cue to go." Faith pulled away. "I'll talk to you guys soon."

Buffy and Angel headed back to their apartment. When they got to their door, Buffy announced, "You know I don't have a class for another three hours or so."

"Is that so? How are we going to spend all of that time?"

"We could sleep," she suggested.

"I'm not too tired."

"Either am I," she admitted. "But how else are we going to waste all of this free time?"

"Like this." He bent down and kissed her.

"You do always come up with the best plans."

"We have to make up for being interrupted last night." Angel reasoned.

"You're right. We do." She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss. It deepened. Buffy jumped up onto Angel, wrapping her legs around his waist. "We have to get inside." She barely managed to say between kisses.

Angel fumbled with the door, finally getting it open. He carried her inside. A light came on. It startled him, almost making him drop Buffy. They broke apart. Angel saw Phoebe seated on the couch. "Hello."

"Hi," she replied.

Buffy quickly got off of Angel, and faced the voice, "Oh my god." He face turned a bright scarlet. 'I just got Angel in major trouble.'

Part 47

"Phoebe, what are you still doing here?" Angel said after a moment of silence. "It's been hours since we left."

"You said I could stay until you got back. I wanted to hear the explanation you were going to give me about why the hell you were here," she stated. "I fell asleep on the couch, and when I woke up it was morning, so I figured I might as well wait for your return. So why were you here? Although, I think it's pretty clear to me now."

"You don't have any idea." Buffy informed her.

"Oh year? Well, I think I do. I thought that last night when you were acting clueless about art it was because you were just out of it. Now I see that you don't have to know a thing about it because hey, you're screwing the teacher!"

"I would keep my mouth shut about things I don't even know about, if I were you." Buffy warned.

She looked infuriated. It seemed that at any moment, she would go after the other girl. Angel put a hand on her arm, "Calm down."

"Calm down? How am I supposed to calm down?"

"Taking out your aggressions on her, won't help this situation," he tried to reason with her.

"But pounding her face in will at least leave her unconscious."

"We both know that is not a solution."

"Yeah. A solution would be me leaving." Phoebe got up to leave.

"And where do you think you're going?" Buffy demanded.

"To tell the Dean. He should know that one of his teachers is bedding a student. It wouldn't look too good for the college if the press got a hold of this. He'll probably just want to fire Mr. Callahan now."

"I can't let you do that."

"How are you going to stop me?"

"Not a good question to ask her." Angel muttered.

"I'll beat the living daylights out of you. Then if you're lucky, I'll let you go. If not, I'll kill you." Buffy replied harshly.

"You think that I'm afraid of you? Think again, I'm not. If you even lay a hand on me, you'll be expelled faster than he is fired."

"And telling about Angel and me won't get me expelled?" Buffy inquired.

"It seems to me you literally suck at art, so he offers you an offer you can't refuse. If you sleep with him, he'll pass you."

"That is totally not true. The only reason I am taking the damn class is so that I get to see him during the day."

Phoebe rolled her eyes, "How sweet. You think that telling me that you're in love with him, and you were together before he started to teach the class will fool me? It's not going to work."

"It's the truth. He only took the job because I said to, and because I would take the class as well. We were together before the class started. We were dating when he was still working at the museum."

"You expect me to believe this?"

"Yes. I'm not lying to you. Angel needs this job. We can't afford for him to lose it. How will he be able to support a family?"

"A family?" Phoebe asked in disbelief.

Angel looked at Buffy and she nodded, "Buffy's pregnant with our child. I think you can tell that by the way she looks. One of the reasons I took the job was so I would be able to take care of the three of us. Having her in my class and as my TA gave me the opportunity to spend time with her. If we were seen together, it could be because we had work to discuss. No one would really question it."

"Please don't tell the Dean." Buffy pleaded. "I'll do anything if you keep your mouth shut."

The girl thought for a moment, "Drop the class."

"What?" Buffy questioned.

"The main reason I was going to tell on you was because it's not fair for you to be in the class. Mr. Callahan will feel inclined, no matter how many times he says otherwise, to give you a good grade," she explained. "So, if you drop the class, I don't see any reason to tell anyone about this."

"I guess it's my only choice. Fine. I'm out of the class. But how are Angel and I going to explain spending time with one another? It's not like we can tell them then truth. He'll get fired even if I'm not in his class."

"You'll just have to make up something. Say that he's tutoring you." Phoebe suggested.

"So you won't tell anyone about this? Not even your best friend?"

"I swear." She picked up her purse off the coffee table. "I have to go. I have some studying to do before class. I would say see you in Art, but you better not be there."

"I won't be."

"Phoebe, would you like me to assign you to another group for the project?" Angel asked.

She shook her head, "No. If you don't mind, I'd rather just do it by myself. Is that okay?"

He nodded, "It is." He held open the door for her. "Thanks."

She just walked out without replying. Angel shut the door behind her.

Buffy collapsed onto the couch; "It has been a very long night. Between Faith and this. I just want to go to sleep. I'm so exhausted, that I don't even think that I could make it into our bedroom."

Angel gathered her up into his arms; "Come on, let's get some rest before you have to go to your morning class."

They both got into bed, and Angel wrapped his arms around his love.

She yawned, "Remind me never to take a morning class again."

He kissed her forehead, "I will."

Part 48

"Whatcha doing?" Buffy asked Angel like a little child as she looked over his shoulder.

He looked up at her, "Trying to get some of these Art projects done."

She joined him on the couch, "Is that the project that I was supposed to be doing with Phoebe?"

"Yeah," he answered.

"So, what did people do for them?" She rested her head on his shoulder, gazing up into his eyes.

"What has gotten into you?" he questioned. "Since when were you so interested in art?" He thought a moment, "What do you want?"

"I don't want anything," she reassured him. "I was just wondering if you were extremely busy."

"If you have something in mind that you wanted to do, just say it," he said annoyed. "I have a lot of work to do."

She got up, "Nevermind. I can see you're really busy. I'll see you when I get back from the doctor's."

He caught her hand, and swung her around to face him, "Hold on just a second. You're going to see a doctor? Are you sick?" His face showed concern for her.

"I'm not. It's just an appointment for the baby and I. You know, to see how we're doing. I'm close to six months pregnant, I think maybe now is about the time I see a doctor to make sure everything is going alright. I have an appointment in a little under a half hour, so I should be leaving now."

"Buffy Anne Summers, you thought you we're going to go there without me? I won't let that happen. I coming."

She pointed to the stack of ungraded projects, "But you're so busy."

"Who cares? I don't. I would much rather go with you." He got off the couch, and wrapped his arms around her.

She leaned back into him, "Can't argue with that."

_______________________

"Buffy Summers," the nurse called. "The doctor will see you now."

Buffy and Angel followed her down a hallway, to a room.

"Just have a seat," the nurse instructed. "Dr. Greene will be here in a few minutes."

As the nurse had said, about five minutes later, the door opened. A young woman walked in. She gave Buffy a warm smile, "You must be Buffy." She held out her hand, "I'm Dr. Greene."

Buffy shook the offered hand, "Nice to meet you."

The doctor looked at Angel, "And you are?"

"Angel Callahan." He shook her hand.

"Now Buffy, it says here that you're almost six months along," Dr. Greene read from her chart. "You should have made an appointment sooner."

She shrugged, "I don't like doctors. But I know it's best for the baby if I'm here. So I'm here."

"Well, let's just see how you two are doing." The doctor listened to Buffy's heart, and took her blood pressure. She felt her stomach. "I'm going to take an ultrasound of your stomach now."

"Is something wrong?" Angel questioned.

Dr. Greene shook her head, "Not that I can tell. It's just routine for me to take an ultrasound."

"Oh," Angel replied.

"You'll have to excuse him, he's new at this whole thing. I am too, but I kind of know what's supposed to go on. He doesn't." Buffy explained.

"It's quite alright. I'm used to it." She pulled a machine over to the examining table. "Can you lay down for me, and pull up you're shirt so I can see your stomach." Buffy did as she was told.

Dr. Greene found the baby in Buffy's stomach. "There's your baby. Perfectly healthy."

"What's that sound?" Angel asked.

"It's our baby's heartbeat. Right?" Buffy told him.

"It is," the doctor confirmed. "Would you like to know the sex?"

"You can tell already?" she inquired.

Dr. Greene nodded, "I sure can. Do you want to know?"

Buffy looked at her lover, he nodded, "We want to know."

"You're having a baby girl."

"She's beautiful," Angel said breathlessly. "I can see her little arm, and her little leg. And there's her head." He took Buffy's hand in his own, and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"That's our daughter. I can't believe it. It is just so unreal. How is it possible that we could make something so wonderful?"

Dr. Greene smiled, "I am now going to take the very first picture of your daughter."

"This is just so amazing," Buffy said as she stared at her and Angel's daughter. It wasn't just a baby growing inside of her anymore, but their daughter. She would never be able to get over how terrific that feeling was.

Part 49

"Angel?"

"Yeah, honey?" he answered looking up from the book he was reading.

"I was just thinking. We have to think of a name for our daughter. I want it to have some kind of meaning, not just be something we made up at the last minute." She held up a book. "I bought this the other day. It's a book of baby names, complete with meanings."

"Don't you think we should choose a name that we like, not a name that just has a good meaning?"

"Well, this is just to help us. Do you have any ideas?" she questioned.

He closed his book, and sat in thought for a moment. "My great-grandmother had a beautiful name. I always loved it when my mother told me stories about her. She was from Ireland, so it is an Irish name."

"Why are you keeping me in suspense? What was her name?"

"Her name was Aisling."

"Aisling? I have never heard that name before." She thought about it for a moment. "Aisling," she repeated. "I like it. I wonder what it means?"

"You're the one holding the book with the answer to that question," he pointed out. "Why don't you look it up?"

Buffy opened the book and flipped through it, until she found the page she wanted. "Aisling. It's an Irish name that means vision and dream." She looked up into Angel's eyes. "It fits her perfectly. She is a dream come true."

"Are you saying that you want to use the name?"

"I am. It's a great name for her."

"I agree."

"We need a middle name for her too. Have any more ideas?" she asked hopefully. "This book isn't very helpful unless I know what I'm looking for."

He shrugged, "Sorry, I only had that one suggestion. Why don't you think of one."

"I'm probably not the best one to do that. I mean come on, look at my name. Buffy. That just screams normal," she added sarcastically. "I don't want her to be a social outcast because I gave her a horrible name."

"Buffy is not a horrible name. It's a beautiful name. I love it. It's very you. You're not normal, Buffy, and that's a good thing. I don't want normal. I want someone like you, and now I have you. Our daughter is not going to be normal. She's going to be far better than that. She's going to be unique; no one is the definition of normal. Normal is rather boring, you need some variety."

"You always know the right thing to say. She will be special."

"I know she will, because she is your daughter."

"Our daughter," she corrected. She opened the baby name book again. She thumbed through the pages and stopped at a page. "I'm going to point to a name, and we'll think if it's a good one or not."

"We don't have to finish this today. We have almost three months you know," he reminded her.

"A lot can happen in three months. She could come early you know. Babies aren't always born on the day they are due."

"Okay, point to a name then."

She pointed to a name. "Layla," she read. "It stands for beauty."

This was his turn to repeat the name, "Layla. Aisling Layla Callahan. That sounds like a wonderful name."

"It does," Buffy agreed. "It's perfect."

"You know what else is perfect?"

"What?"

"You are." Angel said before capturing her lips in a kiss.

Part 50

Everything was going good for Buffy and Angel. She was now in her eighth month, and would soon be taking a break from her college classes. She had decided to finish her courses during the summer, so she wouldn't fall too far behind. Angel was still teaching his art class. Phoebe had kept her promise and had told no one of what she had discovered about their relationship. Buffy and Angel planned to get married after the baby was born. Buffy said that she wanted to be able to fit into a wedding dress, and not look fat. They were starting to make the plans to have an early summer wedding.

Angel was in the middle of teaching his class. "What do we see in this painting?" A few hands went up. "Eric," he called on. "What do you think?"

"I think that it shows-" he started.

He was interrupted by Faith barging in, "Angel!"

"What is it?" he asked concerned. Faith looked worried about something.

"It's Buffy."

"What wrong with her?" Angel said as he stood up, ready to take off out the doors to get to his love.

One of the students piped up, "Isn't Buffy your TA, who dropped out of this cla-" he stopped when Angel sent him a nasty glare.

"Faith! Now! What happened?"

"We were having lunch, when whoosh, her water broke. She's having contractions, Angel. The paramedics are on their way. The baby is going to come, and soon I might add." Faith told him.

"The baby's coming? But it's early. She's not due for another month." Angel reasoned. "How can it be coming now?"

"How the hell should I know? You'd have to ask the baby that one. I came to tell you, so you could go with her to the hospital when the ambulance gets here."

"Okay, take me to her." He looked out at his students; "I have to go. Class dismissed." He looked back at Faith. "Let's go."

Faith led him to the cafeteria, where Buffy was seated up against the wall. She was breathing heavily, and screamed in pain, as another contraction came.

Angel knelt down next to her, and took her in his arms; "I'm here. You're going to be okay."

She gripped his hand tightly. She squeezed it with all her might, nearly crushing his bones. "I can't take much more of this. I thought getting the crap beat out of me by some demon was bad. After this I think that's going to be nothing compared to this."

In a matter of minutes the ambulance arrived and took Buffy and Angel to the hospital. Faith followed close behind in Angel's car.

At the hospital Faith paced the hallway, waiting anxiously for news from inside the delivery room.

Finally, Angel emerged, with a huge goofy grin on his face.

"Well?" Faith urged. "You have to tell me something, or I'm going to have to pound you into the ground."

"The doctor was right, Buffy gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Both mother and daughter are doing just fine." Angel answered.

Faith gave him a big hug, "Congratulations!" She released him. "Can I see them?"

"Yeah, but only for a moment."

He took Faith into the room, where Buffy laid, with the baby cuddled against her chest. Faith made her way over to Buffy, with Angel on her heels.

"Oh my god." Faith whispered. "She is absolutely gorgeous. May I hold her?" she asked.

"Yeah." Buffy replied. Faith took her out of Buffy's arms. "Make sure you support her head."

Faith did as she was told; "You already are the protective mother I see." She smiled, "She's so tiny. Those little fingers. Oh…she is just…I can't even come up with words to describe it."

____________________________

Soon after Faith left, Angel called Buffy's mom and his father and both of them had visited. He also called all of Buffy's friends to share the news with them. Finally him and Buffy were alone with their daughter.

"I can't believe she's here." Buffy said as she watched Angel gently rock her in his arms. "It's just so unbelievable. Yesterday, I never would have thought that today I would give birth, and truly be a mother."

"I know how you feel. It's amazing."

"I love you, Angel."

"I love you too," he said before kissing her cheek.

Buffy reached out and touched her daughter. "We are going to make a great family. The three of us."

"We are," Angel agreed. He sat down on the bed next to Buffy. "This has been the best day of my life."

"I thought the best day of your life was when you met me?"

"Well, it's a tie then."

"It's one of the best days of my life too." She gave her daughter a soft kiss on the forehead. "Welcome to this world, Aisling Layla Callahan."

Part 51

"She's so beautiful," Buffy sighed as she watched a sleeping Aisling in her crib. She reached out her hand and gently stoked her daughter's face. "She is just so perfect. I can't believe she is ours."

Angel rested his hand on his love's shoulder. "She is pretty remarkable," he agreed with her. "She is going to accomplish so much in her life."

"I just hope I'm alive to see it." Buffy stated.

"Don't say that, you will be."

"I might not. You know about this whole slayer thing. What's going to happen when my life has worn out its stay? I can't bear to even think about not seeing Aisling grow up." She glanced from her daughter to up at him; "Giles is already talking about me going back to slaying."

"You'll just have to be careful. I won't let anything happen to you if I can help it. Besides, Faith and Spike seem to have everything under control."

"I guess you're right." She leaned down and gave Aisling a soft kiss. She turned back to Angel, "We have some things to talk about, you know something to plan, if you catch my drift."

He chuckled, "I do. We have a wedding to plan."

"You got it right on the dot."

"We can have whatever kind of wedding you want. Lots of flowers, gorgeous dresses-"

"You do look good in a flowing gown," she teased.

"Cute. Very cute," he replied. "But I think I'll go with a tuxedo."

"You just sent me to a wonderful visual area. Yum. You are going to look very stunning."

"Scared of your competition?" Angel inquired.

"Are you challenging me Mr. Callahan?" Buffy playfully joked.

"No way," he swore. "There is no way I could ever beat you. You are the most beautiful person in the whole wide world…or make it universe."

"Suck up."

"So I should stop saying those kinds of things?"

"I never said that. Don't you dare put words in my mouth."

"Me? Put words in your mouth? I wouldn't dream to. The only thing I would ever think of doing with your mouth is this." He kissed her.

When they broke apart, Buffy commented, "I think that is one thing you do very well with my mouth." She leaned up into his lips for another kiss. She ran her fingers through his hair, "You know, we haven't had the chance to really be alone since Aisling was born. We seem to always have someone visiting. Now we finally have the opportunity to celebrate her birth."

"And what do you have in mind that we do? Shall I go out and buy a cake or something."

She swatted his arm; "You know full well what I mean by celebrate. I hate when you tease me like that."

"No you don't. You like it, I know it."

"Okay, I do. You know me far too well."

"That's because I love you."

"I love you," she repeated. "But I think we both already knew that. I'm thinking that we should just get on with the celebration. I think we deserve it, don't you."

"Oh, we definitely deserve it." He swooped her up into his arms and carried her back to their bedroom.

16 years later…

"Aisling!" Buffy called. "Your boyfriend is here." She faced Angel, her stomach swollen with the expectancy of their second child. They were married three months after the birth of Aisling, and now after nearly sixteen years of marriage, they were finally going to have another child. Buffy had wanted to wait until she was older, and even at the age of thirty-five, she still felt like she was going to be a young mother again.

Aisling finally appeared in the doorway, "God, I am so nervous. I think I'm going to hyperventilate."

"So tonight's the big night?" Angel asked his daughter.

"Yeah, I'm going to tell him about the whole slayer thing. I think it's about time he knows."

"It'll go fine, sweetheart. I know it will." Buffy assured her.

"Thanks mom," she kissed her mother on the cheek, and did the same with her father. "I'll see you later."

Aisling walked out to her boyfriend's car. "Hey Bryce."

"Hi honey," he greeted her. "I made us reservations. I can't wait to hear what you have to tell me."

She nodded, feeling the jitters come to her at full strength.

They had diner at a nice restaurant, before Aisling brought up the subject.

"I have something to tell you. You'll probably think I'm crazy."

"I'm sure I won't. Start at the beginning." He gave her a reassuring smile.

Aisling took a deep breath and started her life story, "Well, it all started when my mother got an angel for a roommate…"

I know this last part was kind of short, but I am hoping to write a story that would take place while Aisling was growing up. That is if you want it. I'd write it after I write this one other fic that I am dying to write! So please send me feedback, and let me know what you thought of this part, and if I should write a story to go along with it.

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