The Power of Love
Buffy found him lying on the couch asleep with a book on his chest. She smiled as she stood before him and carefully removed the book from his hands and placed it on the table nearby. It was almost sunset and Buffy was a little surprised to find him still sleeping. He had driven in from LA just before sunrise though, so she imagined he was a little tired. Angel began to stir a moment later and Buffy kneeled down beside the couch. She leaned in close to him closing her eyes and allowing her lips to brush lightly across his.
Angel's mind was still disoriented from sleep and the warm soft lips pressing on his own were a bit of a surprise. For a moment he thought it was a dream and he responded kissing her back softly. Buffy's hand caressed his cheek and she began to deepen the kiss.
Something in Angel's mind told him this was real and he reluctantly stopped kissing her before he let himself get caught up in the feeling. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away from him. "Buffy."
She frowned at him and stood with a sigh. Angel sat up and Buffy settled down in the spot beside him. He gave her a look and she groaned. "It was just a kiss, Angel, you don't have to get mad," she said.
His expression softened. "I'm not- you know we can't be together like that, Buffy. If we let things happen, even little things, we won't be able to go back."
"Would that really be so bad? We were together before and the curse was still-"
"It's different now, Buffy. We've been over this a hundred times."
"I know and we'll go over it a hundred more, because I'm not going to give up on us. It's worth a try not just for us but for the baby." Buffy was so tired of this, but she wasn't ready to let him off the hook anytime soon. They *would* get back together.
"Buffy, you know in the long run things won't work out. It'll only turn out worse and this time we won't be the only two getting hurt."
"We'll be careful, Angel. I know we can make it work. I need you, not just in my life but by my side. with me."
"Buffy, it's dangerous for us to have that kind of relationship. Things could go too far and if my curse were to-"
"It won't, Angel. You know I don't care about that," she told him taking his hand in her own. "Yes, making love to you was wonderful and incredible and I'll treasure those moments in my heart always. they gave us our child. but right now I'll take what I can get with you."
Her eyes looked to his pleadingly and with hope. He could feel himself giving into her.
"Please. It's worth a chance. Doesn't our child deserve to grow up with parents who are together and love each other like a real family?"
He shook his head in protest. "I'll always love you, Buffy. That won't change, but if my demon ever got free. I don't even want to imagine what he'd do to you and our child. That's not a risk I'm willing to take. I'm sorry."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she heard his words. She thought she'd convinced him this time. His words had been the same as always, but his eyes told her otherwise. She'd been so close. God, why did he have to be so stubborn? She pulled away from him so they were no longer touching.
Angel looked away from her as she broke contact with him. He wanted to go back to her more than anything, but the truth was that he was scared. terrified at the thought the he might hurt her or the baby. That child growing inside her was his and it was something he'd never imagined possible. Not only was he going to be a father, but he was having a baby with the woman he loved more than life itself. Just the thought of that made his heart surge with joy. The fact that together they had created another life, that they could share something as special as this baby. it was more than he'd ever felt before. Thinking about her and this baby's presence in his life now and in the future was more than he could handle at times. He was afraid he wouldn't even realize that his soul was being ripped from his body before it was too late. He knew Angelus would have no mercy on Buffy or his child. But then maybe that fear would be enough to hold his soul in place. If he would just keep those thoughts in the back of his mind to remind himself, maybe he would be safe.
Buffy's words brought him out of his silent reverie. "I came here for a reason," she said, "besides what we just discussed."
"W-What is it?" he asked turning back to look at her.
"I'm going to the see the doctor tomorrow to get an ultrasound done. The appointment's in the evening if you wanted to come," Buffy informed not making eye contact with him.
"An ultrasound?"
"Where they look at the baby," she explained.
"Oh, I know. I just didn't realize- I mean. I wouldn't miss it."
"I'm doing good," she replied.
"You must the baby's father," the doctor said addressing Angel who nodded slightly.
"That's right doctor, this is Angel," Buffy said introducing them. "Angel, this is Dr. Lewis. She's who I've been coming to see about the baby."
"It's nice to meet you," Angel said extending out his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, too," she said shaking his hand. "I'm glad you could make it today. Alright, well why don't we go ahead and get started. I'm sure you're both anxious to get your first glimpse of the baby."
She began preparing everything and had Buffy lay back slightly and expose her belly. With her normal clothes it wasn't quite obvious yet that she was expecting, but now Angel noticed there was indeed a slight bulge forming.
"Now this is where the image is going to come up," Dr. Lewis said pointing to a small screen. She glided an instrument across Buffy's abdomen with a jelly substance and an instant later an image appeared on the screen. "It's a little hard to make out, but that's the head and there are the arms." she continued indicating the parts of the image.
Buffy and Angel both stared at the fuzzy black and white image of their child. Buffy smiled in amazement and looked at Angel whose eyes were still fixed on the screen. A silly grin had spread across his face and Buffy didn't ever remember seeing him like this. She giggled at his reaction and slipped her hand into his.
"Are you laughing at me?" he asked looking into Buffy's eyes.
"No," Buffy said giggling again.
He squeezed her hand gently and focused back on the screen. "It's just... wow! That's our baby," he said his voice full of awe. "It's really there growing inside of you."
"Well, I should hope so," Buffy said teasing. "Where did you think our baby was?"
"No. I mean, it's just different actually getting to see."
"Yeah," she agreed turning her attention back to the image of their child. Angel leaned forward and kissed her temple lightly and she was touched by the small gesture.
Dr. Lewis watched, amused by their exchange. "Oh, I can tell you the sex of the baby if you'd like," she offered smiling at the soon to be parents.
Buffy and Angel both looked at each other. "Do- do you want to know?" Buffy asked excited. They both nodded simultaneously.
"I'll take that as a 'yes'," she said. "You're expecting a baby boy, Buffy."
"It's a boy," Angel repeated still in awe of everything.
Buffy's eyes gleamed with joy and she caught his gaze. "We're going to have a little boy."
Angel couldn't hold back his emotion and he cupped her soft cheek in his hand. She closed her eyes and leaned in gratefully to his touch. His lips touched hers hesitantly in tender and beautiful kiss. She opened her eyes and stared at him surprised by the kiss. He just smiled at her lovingly and Buffy decided it was best not question it. Deep inside she knew this was a big step for them. The first of many most likely, but right now it was enough.
He gave her a questioning look not quite understanding what she was referring to.
"The slayer and the vampire."
The male Oracle sighed at her preoccupation with the two warriors. "What is it now? We have done all that was needed already."
"We were wrong to believe the curse would not cause problems," the female Oracle replied. "It holds them back. Already it is creating conflicts between them."
"They have both agreed to raise and protect the child. It is enough."
"It is not enough," she said firmly. "It is through their love that this child will survive and live to fulfill his duty. The vampire's curse will surely tear them apart in time. The Powers can not take chances in matters such as this one."
"His curse will not be a problem. They are aware of the consequences."
"Yes, but the joy of a child is unlike any other. It could be enough to unleash the demon and you and I both know the slayer will not have the strength to defeat him again. She will not be able protect the child from him. He realizes this even now and he is beginning to fear himself. It holds him back from his duty."
The male Oracle was silent a moment as if weighing the possibilities in his mind.
"The boy will become stronger with the example of his parent's love," the female Oracle insisted, "They *must* be united in every way possible. In their union lies the power to defeat what is to come."
"You make a convincing argument."
"Then you agree?"
Reluctantly the male Oracle nodded. "You do know that we cannot summon him here The vampire's soul shall be bound to him permanently, but we cannot directly intervene."
"I am aware," the female Oracle responded with a slight smile, "and I have already decided upon a solution."
"Hey Cordy," Buffy's voice rang cheerfully through the office as the blonde girl stepped in.
"Buffy!" Cordelia smiled widely at her friend and they embraced in a short hug. "I thought you weren't coming till tomorrow."
"I wasn't but something came up and it couldn't wait," Buffy responded still smiling.
Cordelia's gaze then fell to her friend's now obvious tummy. "Oh God, Buffy, you look like a cow. You're huge!"
Buffy's mouth fell open. "I'm 6 months pregnant, Cordelia. And I'm really not *that* huge!" She exclaimed suddenly looking down at her stomach. Cordelia was just being her usual self and overreacting. right?
"Is that what Angel tells you?" she asked with a smirk.
"Shut up," Buffy said giving her a look. "I'm still going to get bigger than this and I don't even want to think about it."
Cordy just smiled and Buffy spoke up again. "So where is that handsome boss of yours anyway? Is he in his apartment? I really need to talk to him."
"No, he's in his office actually."
"Oh," Buffy said turning towards the door. "Well I'll just go in-"
"He's with someone," Cordy said before Buffy had a chance to enter.
"A client or something?" Buffy asked.
"Um, kind of," she replied. "It's been a while though. I'm sure they'll be done in a few."
"Well, ok then, I guess I can wait a little."
"So what's up?" Cordelia asked after they'd both taken a seat to wait. "I haven't really gotten a chance to talk to you in while. Although, I feel like I know plenty since Angel won't shut up about you and the baby half the time."
Buffy laughed, "Really?"
"Yeah. I can tell he's really excited about the baby."
"We both are. It's all pretty amazing. I mean who would have thought?"
"I know! That whole thing with the Oracles turning back time is weird even you for you guys," Cordelia said. "So, what's the big deal you came to tell him? You're not having twins are you?"
Buffy's eyes went wide. "No way! One baby is enough."
Cordelia gasped at her next thought. "Is something wrong?" she asked worried.
The other girl seemed amused by her concern. "No, everything's fine. It's *good* news actually," Buffy informed her. "*Very* good news."
"It's no problem, really," Angel told Kate honestly.
"Alright," the detective said standing. "It was good to see you again." She started towards the door, but paused and looked back at Angel. "You know, I'd been wondering about you actually. I hadn't seen you around and. well, I called a few times and Cordelia said you were out of town."
Angel had gotten up to follow Kate out and he leaned back against the front of his desk. "I've been in and out of LA a lot lately," he explained, "There's some things going on with my life right now."
"Oh," Kate said nodding, "that's understandable."
"I really don't think I'm going to be in LA that much longer, either," he informed her.
"What?" Her voice came out a little more shocked than she expected. "I mean, what about your business?"
"I'm most likely gonna have to close down. Like I said there are things happening in my life and I need to focus on them," Angel told her seriously.
"Things that are more important than your business?" she asked wondering what could be so serious to require that much of him.
"A lot more important." He couldn't help but smile a little thinking of exactly what was so important. Buffy and their unborn son were undoubtedly the best things that had ever happened to him.
"Well, we'll have to do something then, before you leave town for good." She couldn't believe he was leaving, but Kate kept a smile on her face despite the fact that there was a tugging at her heart. "Maybe we could go for drinks or something," she offered and she imagined for a split second how things might have gone had she gathered the courage sooner to tell him that she really liked him.
"That'd be nice."
"Great," she said opening the door as she spoke. "So, you'll give me a call if you find anything." Kate stood just outside the doorway and Angel nodded coming to stand in front of her. "And please don't get involved this time. I *did* appreciate your help before, but again, I really don't want to get you dead."
"I don't think I want you dead either."
Kate heard the unfamiliar voice behind her and she turned to where it had come from. A pretty girl, no older than 20 she guessed, stood there beside Cordelia. Her long blonde hair fell down past her shoulders and she was quite obviously expecting. Before this all even registered in Kate's mind Angel had turned in the girl's direction and come fully out of his office.
"Buffy," he said walking towards her, "What are you doing here?"
Kate watched with surprise as Angel embraced her and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I came early," the girl, Buffy, replied. "Something came up and I need to talk to you. I hope I didn't inter-"
"Is everything alright?" He cut her off and Kate saw his hand immediately go to her belly and touch it gently.
Buffy smiled up at him. "The baby and I are perfectly fine, Angel. You don't need to worry," she said reassuring him.
Kate just stared not believing what her mind was assuming. Buffy looked in her direction and she saw Angel follow her gaze.
"Oh!" he said remembering Kate's presence. "Buffy, this is Kate Lockley. Kate, Buffy Summers," he said introducing the two. "Kate's a friend. She works with the LAPD and we help each other out every once in a while."
"So, this would be the more important thing going on?" Kate said finally finding her voice.
"Yeah, this would be it," Angel replied grinning. "Buffy and I are going to have a baby."
"Wow, a baby. That's...wow. You're going to be a father. I didn't even realize that- I guess congratulations are in order." Her heart sank at the sight of their happy faces. She should have known better than to fall for him. "I need to be getting back to work," she said with a quick glance at her watch. "It was nice to meet you, Buffy."
"I'll get to tracking that guy as soon as possible, Kate, and I'll give you call as soon as I know something."
Kate mustered a smile and nodded. "Thanks. Bye, Angel. Cordelia," she said acknowledging the other woman.
"Did you see the look on her face?!" Cordy burst out with once Kate had left.
"Cordelia."
"Oh, come on Angel! That was too funny," the brunette said laughing.
"I don't get it." Buffy stated feeling out of the loop.
"It's noth-"
"Kate's had a major crush on Angel since day 1."
"Oh, I see." Buffy grinned at Angel understanding the awkwardness from a moment ago.
Angel gave them both an annoyed look and changed the subject back to Buffy's earlier statement. "You said you needed to tell me something."
Buffy's eyes shined up at him and she slipped her arms around his waist.
"Oh, Angel it's so perfect!" she whispered.
"What is it, Buffy?"
"Well, it's kind of a. *gift* from Willow."
"Yes, we can. We will," he said confidently, his lips brushing her ear. "I know we'll never be a truly normal family or couple, but I *will* love you both with my whole heart and soul."
"It's more than enough, baby. None of the rest matters as long as I have you with me. Promise to stay with me forever?"
"Forever."
Buffy yawned and let her eyes close. She wanted to fall asleep in his arms again. It was the one place she could let herself forget everything else. She was amazed at how easily the comfort of his arms washed away all her worries and distractions about slaying and her daily life. She smiled at the thought that she could also do the same for him. They found peace in their love for each other.
And they both drifted to sleep, their minds replaying the wondrous evening they'd shared. He had poured his heart out to her again and this time without fear. He was able to give her the intimacy their relationship deserved. Their love and passion for each other would never again have to be held back. Buffy and Angel were filled with joy and hope as they realized that the beautiful act of making love to each other would soon become the most natural thing in the world. They would have hundreds of nights more like this.
Buffy eyes shot open only moments later and Angel's hand whipped away from her stomach as he gasped. They were both wide-awake in an instant.
"W-What was that?" he asked her sitting up in bed beside her.
Angel saw a huge smile creep onto his love's face and she shifted herself into a sitting position with her back against the many pillows.
"Gimme your hand!" she said excitedly. The look of utter confusion on his face made Buffy smile even more and she grabbed his hand quickly and pulled it under the covers to place it on her bare belly. "He's kicking," she explained.
Angel could feel it, the movement coming from their baby. He hadn't known what it was a second ago and it had startled him. Soon enough however, he found himself grinning in wonder along with Buffy.
"How does it...what's it like?"
"It's a little weird," she answered.
Angel's brow furrowed as the movement ceased and he looked at Buffy curiously. "He stopped." His hand slid across her stomach to another spot and then another. Nothing. "W-Why? How come he stopped?" he asked her.
"I don't know, honey. Maybe he's tired," she responded smiling. "Oh." He frowned slightly and Buffy giggled. She reached up to cup his face in her hands and guide it close to her own. "You are *so* adorably cute sometimes," Buffy said laughing.
Angel scooted back down beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. His hand slid around to her back and he pulled her closer. "Is that so?" he asked with a now wicked grin. "Mmm, hmm," she breathed into his mouth as she kissed him softly.
"Hey!" Angel pulled away from the kiss and eyed her teasingly. "What do mean *sometimes*? Buffy only shrugged at him and tried desperately to hold back laughter. It was impossible though as he proceeded to tickle her mercilessly while at the same time placing kisses all over her face and neck. Their sounds of laughter rang out through the bedroom and Buffy shrieked his name as they struggled playfully beneath the sheets. Angel's mouth promptly covered hers and then only silence remained save for a few whispered I love you's from the happy lovers.
END.