Forever, Always, and Then Some

Chapter 123

 

Friday November 29, 2002

7AM

LA

Hyperion.

Buffy rolls over in bed. With her eyes still closed she stretches her arm out to discover an empty pillow. She opens her eyes and sits up. Her eyes focus in the darkness on her husband sitting holding Caitlin.

Buffy (w): Is she okay?

Angel (w): She’s fine. Go back to sleep.

Buffy (w): Give her here, she has to be hungry.

Angel (w): Its okay. I used one of the bottles, now go to sleep.

Buffy (w): Oh. You sure?

Angel (w): Buffy, please. Can I have this time?

Buffy (w): Oh, sorry.

She rolls over and tries to fall asleep. But all she can do is lie there with her eyes closed listening to them. She suddenly realizes she is jealous. But not sure of whom. Jealous of Caitlin getting Angel’s attention or jealous of Angel spending time with her baby. Or just plain jealous that she is not needed. But she should be happy she is not needed right now. Right? Okay just go to sleep. She squeezes her eyes tighter trying to block out the feelings.

Angel: Buffy?

Buffy: Huh?

Angel: I love you.

Buffy rolls over and looks at him.

Buffy: I know that. I love you too.

Angel: Then quit pouting.

Buffy: I am not pouting.

Angel gets up and lays Caitlin in the cradle. He walks over and looks down at his wife.

Angel: You’re not?

Buffy: No, well not really.

Angel: Uh huh. So what is wrong?

Buffy: Nothing. I just felt not needed for a minute. Which is really dumb cause I usually wish that I could have a break from everyone wanting something.

He smiles and sits down on the side of the bed.

Angel: You are one confusion after another.

Buffy: I know. Don’t you just love me?

Angel: Every minute of everyday. So want to tell me what is wrong?

Buffy: Not sure.

Angel: Are you mad I wanted to take care of her?

Buffy sits up quickly.

Buffy: No way. Oh god no. I just got upset cause I realized she didn’t need me. I like being needed. Someone, sometimes everyone, has needed me since I was fifteen. But now no one.

Angel: I need you.

Buffy: You want me and you love me but you don’t need me to survive. For years I was needed to protect people. Then when I couldn’t do that I as needed to protect our baby until she was born. And until a couple of minutes ago I believed she needed me. But I was wrong. She would be just as fine with you. Angel, I need to be needed.

Angel: You are needed. You are just feeling blue.

Buffy: No, I am not. I am feeling useless. I need more. I have always had more.

Angel: More what?

Buffy: Would you believe responsibilities?

Angel: Yes. So what kind of responsibility do you want?

Buffy: You know what I really want?

Angel: No. Going to share?

Buffy: I want to go on patrol.

Angel: You will eventually.

Buffy: Not eventually. Tonight.

Angel: Slow down. Give yourself some time.

Buffy: Time to what? I am in the same shape I was in before Caitlin. I need to get back out there.

She climbs out of bed and begins stretching.

Angel: And our kids?

Buffy: They have a father who can watch them tonight.

Angel: What? There is no way you are going out alone. Especially in a strange town.

Buffy (still stretching): Strange? I lived here for 16 years. I patrolled these very streets night after night. That was before I ever knew you existed. I think I can take a few sweeps through the hot spots without your help.

Angel: Buffy, I don’t think you are ready. You need more time.

Buffy: What I need is to kick some undead ass. (hold up her hand to him) And not one that would rather be kissing than fighting.

Angel: You really think you are ready?

Buffy: Yes, I do. And you do too. Right?

Angel: You are putting me in a bad spot.

He pauses as he watches her lean back in a back bend. He is once more awed at her body. Buffy stands up.

Buffy: Well?

Angel: If I say I think you are ready, you will be out there tonight alone. And if I say you aren’t, I am subject to a demonstration. Neither idea appeals to me in the least.

Buffy: Well I am going. Sorry if you cannot support me.

Angel: Will you at least take Gunn? Humor me?

Buffy: I guess, if it will mean you stop nagging. But he better not slow me down.

Angel: He won’t. Now let’s say we get a little more sleep.

Buffy: No can do.

Angel: Huh?

Buffy: You are the one with the super hearing. You tell me.

Angel (pauses): Conner is awake.

Buffy: Uh huh. And if one of us does not get in there, he will climb out.

Angel: He can’t, can he?

Buffy: He can. But he needs help on his landings.

A thump is heard followed by a cry. Angel swiftly moves to the adjoining room leaping over the gate. Buffy walks up and sees him holding the crying baby.

Buffy: Is he okay?

Angel: I don’t know. How long has he been doing this?

Buffy: About a week.

Angel: How do we stop him?

Buffy: Hey I’m up for suggestions.

Angel: Well, uh.

Conner: Dan!

Buffy: Guess he is not hurt. So who is doing his breakfast?

Angel: I can. You go back to bed. You have big plans for tonight.

 

 

10AM

Buffy comes down with Caitlin. She stops and observes the activity. Oz is sitting on the floor playing with Conner. Wes and Angel are going over files. Cordy and Willow are reading. Dawn comes into the room stuffing a turkey sandwich n in her mouth.

Dawn: (muffle) Buffy, I’m gwad wur wup.

Buffy: I’ve been up. Just waiting for Caitlin to wake up.

Dawn (swallows): Well I wanted to ask. Well I know you let Pike come for dinner yesterday and all but well can he come over today too. You know we can rent movies or something.

Buffy: I’m not sure. All the TVs are in the rooms.

Dawn: We can bring one down. Come on Buffy it is a holiday weekend.

Buffy: Have you talked to Angel?

Dawn: You are my guardian.

Buffy: But this is his home.

Dawn: I thought it was ours too. He said it was when we are here. Come on Buffy.

Buffy: Let me talk to him first.

Dawn: He’ll say no. He hates Pike.

Buffy: Dawn, please.

Dawn plops on the settee and eats her sandwich. Buffy walks toward the office as the phone rings. Buffy notices Fred behind the computer grab it.

Fred: Hello.

Roger: Hey pumpkin. How is my little girl?

Fred: Daddy! Oh I am so glad you called. How are you? And how is Mamma? And everyone? How..

Roger: Hold on there a minute. One question at a time. Everyone is fine. We had a nice Thanksgiving.

Fred: Me too. Angel cooked a turkey and everything.

Roger: Angel cooked?

Fred: He is a wonderful cook. He says it comes from all his time indoors.

Roger: Well I am glad it was nice. But honey can I speak to Angel a second.

Fred glances over at Angel talking to Buffy.

Fred: Angel, daddy wants to talk to you a second.

Angel: Uh okay.

He walks over and takes the phone.

Angel: Roger, what can I do for you?

Roger: Well I really need your help. We kinda got a big problem down here and you are the only person I know who can handle it. We are losing folks every night.

Angel: Vampires?

Roger: I think so. From what I hear the deaths sound like it. Wounds in the neck and all. Then there are the young folk that have plum disappeared.

Angel: Possibly dead, but more than likely turned.

Roger: That is what Trish and I think. But we can’t say that very much around here. Folks would think we had fallen off our rockers. I was hoping if I got a couple tickets, you and Fred could fly down. I know Fred’s brothers and few others would believe you and help.

Angel: Uh fly. (looks over at Buffy) I can’t fly Roger. Sort of hard to avoid daylight.

Roger: Well I understand. I guess it would be an awful long drive too. Well I guess we will just try ourselves.

Angel: Hold on a minute Roger. I think I have a better idea. What say I send my best fighter.

Roger: Better than you.

Angel: Oh yeah. And loves to prove it.

Roger: That would be great.

Angel: Hold on.

He hands the phone to Fred and walks over to where Buffy is talking to Willow.

Angel: Buffy, you said you want to patrol.

Buffy: Of course.

Angel: How would you feel about flying down to Texas and help Fred’s dad take out a nest.

Buffy: Texas? I guess. But what about Caitlin? I can’t leave her that long.

Angel: I know. But she can go too. Fred too.

Buffy: Okay, when?

Angel: As soon as possible. He sounds real concerned.

Buffy: Tell him okay.

Angel walks over and picks up the phone.

Angel: Roger, we need to make that three tickets.

Roger: Oh okay. When?

Angel: You tell us what flight and they will be on it.

Roger: I will call you right back.

 

1 PM

Buffy walks down with Caitlin.

Wes: We better get going if you are going to make the flight.

Buffy: I am ready.

Fred: Where is Angel?

Buffy: Upstairs with Conner. Better he not see me leave.

Fred: Gotcha.

They head to the van.

 

9PM

Roger stares as the passengers enter the terminal. He smiles as he sees Fred looking around. He waves and she rushes over, giving him a big hug.

Fred: Where’s Mamma?

Roger: At the house waiting for your brothers and the others.

Fred: You tell them what is going on yet?

Fred: Not really. Figured I’d wait for the experts. So where are they?

Fred glances over and points at Buffy walking toward them. Roger glances at the petite blonde in the floral dress moving toward them. His eyes move down to the baby carrier griped in her hand.

Roger: What the?

Buffy stops beside Fred.

Fred: Dad, I would like you to meet Buffy Summers.

She sets down the carrier/car seat and reaches out her hand.

Buffy: Nice to meet you.

He shakes her small hand.

Roger: I am confused. Angel said he was sending his best man.

Fred: No dad, his best fighter. And that is Buffy.

Buffy: I am sorry but can we get to the house. Caitlin will wake up soon and I would rather not be here when she does. Where is the luggage claim?

Roger: Over there.

Buffy: Thanks.

Fred: Dad, it might save time if you go pull up the car.

Roger: I guess. You girls can handle the bags?

Buffy: I can.

They walk over and Buffy grabs her duffel and set it on the floor. She grabs Fred’s as it comes around.

Fred: I can get it.

Buffy: Tell you what. I will get the bags and you take Caitlin and the diaper bag. I just need hers and we can go.

She grabs Caitlin’s bag and then shoulders the others. She and Fred turn and walk toward the doors. Other passengers stare as the small blonde walks by. They stand at the curb waiting on the car.

Buffy: I guess your dad was expecting a big guy.

Fred: Well he got much better.

Buffy: I know that, but does he?

Fred: He will.

The car pulls up and they quickly load the luggage and the car seat. They pull away from the curb. Roger glances in the rearview mirror and observes Buffy.

Roger: You have a reflection.

Buffy: I am not a vampire if that is what you are asking.

Roger: Well Angel said you were stronger then him and I am a tad confused.

Buffy: I can understand. My husband kind of left out a few things it seems

Roger: Husband?

Fred: She means Angel. They got married last December.

Roger: Angel? So that is his baby girl.

Fred: Yes. They have son too but that is a long story.

Roger: So, uh Buffy, if you are not a vampire, how come Angel says you are stronger than him?

Buffy: I am the slayer.

Roger: The slayer?

Buffy: Yes. In every generation there is a slayer. And I am she. Kinda of my destiny to kill demons.

Roger: Oh. Do you have special powers? Can you fly?

Buffy: No flying. No real special powers like that. But I am strong and I can fight. And I do not injure easy and if I do I heal fast.

Fred: Like Angel does. He heals real fast.

Roger: So you know a lot about taking out vampires?

Buffy: Been doing it for over five years.

Roger: Five years? You look like you belong in high school.

Buffy: I will be 21 in January. I was called when I was 15.

Roger: Called?

Fred: She was told she was the slayer. Her destiny.

Roger: Oh.

They continue on in silence until they reach the house. Roger glides the car up the driveway and comes to a stop. As soon as the hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the vehicle stop, Caitlin’s eyes open. Her first whimper is heard.

Buffy: Looks like dinnertime.

She quickly releases the car seat and lifts it out of the car.

Fred: Come on inside. Momma can find you a place to nurse.

Buffy follows Fred through the large wooden front door.

Fred: Momma, we’re here.

Buffy sets the car seat down and lifts Caitlin into her arms, as Trish greets her daughter.

Fred: Momma, Buffy needs a place to feed the baby.

Trish: Uh, oh just take her to my room.

Fred: This way.

Buffy follows her down the hall as Roger walks in with the luggage.

Trish: Who on earth is that?

Roger: Angel’s wife. Seems she is some sort of demon killer. Fred says she can do the job.

A young man enters the front the room.

Bart: There you are dad. I thought you wanted to see us all here.

Roger: I do. I want to talk about the rash of murders around here. I think I know who is behind it.

Bart: Then go tell the sheriff. Why call us here?

Roger: Son, can you just wait in the den. It will only be a couple more minutes.

Fred walks in.

Bart: Freddy!

He scoops her in his arms and twirls her around.

Fred: Put me down!

He sets her down just in time for her to be captured by her other two brothers in a group bear hug.

Fred: Okay guys, I need to be able to breath.

Trish: Why don’t the four of you go back in the den and wait for us.

Bart: Fine, but please hurry. It is Friday night.

They walk away.

Trish: So you think this child can help. She is even smaller than Fred.

Roger: I can’t see Angel sending us someone he didn’t think could handle the job.

Buffy steps out of the hallway.

Roger: Is the baby okay?

Buffy: She just needed feeding. I need her diaper bag.

Trish: If she needs changing, I can do that. I think the boys are getting antsy to know what is going on.

Buffy: You sure?

Trish: Yes. I raised four kids and have three grandbabies. I think I know how.

Buffy: I wasn’t saying you didn’t know how. I just hate imposing.

Trish: You are here to help us. Least I can do is change a dirty diaper or two.

Buffy hands her the baby and Roger leads her to the den. As they enter, the others look up. Buffy looks out over the half a dozen men of various ages scattering the room.

Roger: Hey guys. I know you are anxious to know why I asked you to come. Well you know we have been having quite a few deaths and disappearances in the county.

Gabe: I know, and Bart says you have an idea who is behind it.

Roger: I do. Now before you all start calling the folks at the funny farm to come pick me up, I want you to hear us out.

Gabe: Out with it Rog.

Roger: Based on what I have heard, I am quite certain we are dealing with a group of vampires.

Gabe: I know you did not say vampires.

Bart: Come on dad. There is no such thing as vampires.

Fred: Yes there is. And other nasty demons too.

The room moves restlessly.

Bart: Fred, please stop with the crazy talk.

Buffy: She is not crazy. And if you would take moment, you will know they are right.

The men all stare at the petite girl with her forceful presence.

Buffy: I know it is hard to grasp. It was hard for me to accept in the beginning too. But believe me they are out there. And they are killers and unless you help me find them and stop them, you little town will just be one less speck on the map.

Bart: Who the hell are you?

Buffy: I am Buffy and I am the one that is here to stop this. Now who here is willing to listen and help.

Roger: Come on guys. You know we are not lying.

Gabe: And what do think we are going to do? Find your phantom vampires and shot them with silver bullets.

Buffy: Wrong. Silver bullets are for werewolves. Vampires are destroyed most easily with a wooden stake to the heart. But I have found sunlight, fire, and holy water pretty effective. Roger, did you get the supplies Angel asked for?

Roger: On the back deck. Trish had a ball sneaking into the Catholic Church and getting the holy water. We used mason jars. I hope that is okay.

Buffy: That’s fine. Lets get to work. They have already had a few hours of darkness; don’t want to have all night.

Roger: Right through the glass door.

Buffy quickly looks through the supplies. She picks up a cross bow and a metal bolt.

Buffy: These are not going to help us.

She loads three and quickly sends then into a distant tree, one right under the other.

Buffy: We need wooden arrows.

Roger: I understand. I found a few but called Angel, he said we could make them from dowels. I got all the ones they had at the hardware store.

Buffy: That will work. And I see you got the wood for the stakes. (she looks at the others) So who here can handle a knife and whittle some points.

Fred: You know I can.

Bart: Are you guys serious?

Buffy: Roger, do you mind if I knock some sense into the boy.

Fred: Bart, you better hush.

Bart: Like I am afraid of some tiny little girl.

Buffy looks at Roger who shrugs. Buffy walks up and grabs Bart by the throat; careful not to choke him she lifts him off the ground.

Buffy: I am here to help and if you aren’t, I would prefer you leave.

She drops him on his butt. He looks up at her is shock. Buffy picks up the bundle of three foot pickets and breaks them over her knee. Then hands half to Fred. She picks up a large knife off the picnic table and begins turning the dowels into arrows. Fred grabs her own knife and begins working on the pickets. Roger grabs his own and follows Fred’s example. The men watch for a few moments, still stunned by the power of the young woman. Then one steps forward and begins helping. The others follow. Trish steps out the door with Caitlin and looks at Bart who is still watching.

Trish: Bart, are you going to help or stand there like a fool.

Bart: But momma, there are no such thing as vampires.

Trish: Bart, I know there are. I have seen them. Well I have seen one at least. Even though he has a soul and is not evil. But I have seen other things. So I know that they exist.

Bart: You have seen a vampire? A real vampire? But a good vampire?

Fred: A very good vampire. Just ask Buffy.

Bart: Of course as the weird girl if there are vampires.

Trish: Bart, go home.

Bart: What?

Trish: Go home. We need help here not snide comments about our guest.

Fred: I am just glad Angel can’t hear him talk about Buffy like that.

Bart: Who is this Angel girl?

Buffy: Angel is no girl. He is my husband and he is the vampire with a soul Fred mentioned.

The others look at her in confusion.

Fred: Angel is good. I work with him at Angel Investigations. We help the helpless.

Bart: Huh?

Roger: How is this Buffy?

She examines his stake. She checks the weight in her hand and gives it quick twirl in her palm.

Buffy: Feels and looks good.

Trish: Buffy, I am going to go lay her down. But I have a question.

Buffy: Yes?

Trish: What is her name? No one said.

Buffy: Oh sorry. Her name is Caitlin Rose Summers.

Trish: She looks a lot like Angel but I didn’t think vampires could father children.

Buffy: Like we say, Angel is far from an ordinary vampire.

 

 

 

 

11PM

Buffy walks out of the house in her jeans and t-shirt. She takes a quick look over the weapons and pockets two stakes and stuffs a third in her boot. She loads a cross bow and grabs a handful of bolts and sticks a couple in her hair and rest in a small quiver on her hip. The others grab stakes and or bows

Buffy: Well Roger, lets go.

They climb into the back of a pickup. Roger drives to the local high school hangout. He parks down the street behind an office building.

Buffy: Okay. Remember what I said.

Bart: I still think you are insane.

Fred: Bart, shut up.

Buffy suddenly holds her hand up and the others stop and stare. She moves toward the adjacent building. As she slowly rounds the corner, Bart follows. She moves along close to the wall. As she reaches the forth building she slips around the corner. Bart rounds the corner as she grabs the male attacker and throws him off his female victim.

Buffy: Run.

The male swings at her and she blocks and kicks him against the wall. Bart gasps as the streetlight illuminates his demonic visage.

Vampire: Who the hell are you?

Buffy: Oh sorry. I am the slayer.

He barrels toward her she dodges and twist catching him behind his head with her boot. She follows through with a stake into his back. He dissipates into a cloud of dust. Bart stands staring as she walks past and back toward the others. Bart trails behind. The others meet her halfway.

Fred: Did you get it?

Buffy: Piece of cake. He was a newbie.

Bart: Uh That looked like Derek Bottoms.

Roger: He disappeared last week. Should I call his parents?

Buffy: For what?

Roger: The body.

Buffy: No body. Vampires turn to dust when killed.

Roger: Oh. Okay. Well do we still go to the arcade?

Buffy: Good place to start as any.

© 2005 Tara