Forever, Always, and Then Some

Chapter 98

 

Xander drives them back in Angel’s car. He parks in the alley behind the hotel and they go inside. Cordy is walking around with a crying Conner.

Buffy: Hey my little man, what is wrong.

She takes him from Conner and he calms down slightly.

Angel: Buffy, let me take him so you can get some sleep

He reaches for Conner but the baby buries close the Buffy. Angel looks hurt.

Buffy: Conner, I think you hurt Daddy’s feelings. Don’t you want to go see Daddy?

The baby stays snuggled against her. When Angel tries to take him again he cries louder.

Buffy: Angel, just give him a minute. He is not use to be away from me this long. Just let him calm down first.

Angel: I guess I am pretty much a stranger to him.

Buffy: Not really, he just is use to me, is all. Cordy, has he eaten?

Cordy: He woke up a few hours ago and he won’t eat. He just kept crying and I guess looking for you.

Buffy: I’m sorry, I should never have left him, but I really had no choice.

Cordy: I know and well he will be okay.

Buffy: Well let me take him and a bottle upstairs and see if he will calm down and maybe we can both get some sleep.

Angel: Buffy.

Buffy: I know, but he comes first. He always comes first. Now if you want to do something for me. Please fix me something to eat.

Dawn: Food, did I hear food.

Buffy: There is cereal, fruit, sandwich stuff all in the fridge. I don‘t care as long at it’s not pigs blood or baby formula.

Angel: No blood? But it’s so tasty.

Dawn: Okay, lost my appetite.

Cordy: Okay lets call Jenny Craig, new diet idea.

Buffy: I am going upstairs, someone, anyone bring me food.

She leaves with a still crying Conner. Angel watches her.

Cordy: Hey big guy, he missed his mom, don’t mean he doesn’t love his dad.

Angel: Does he even know who I am?

Cordy: He does. I know he does. And I am Cordelia and I know these things.

Angel: I hope so.

Cordy: Ahhhh.

Angel catches her. Buffy stops on the stairs and watches.

Angel: Cordy what did you see?

Cordy: A Drokken. The portal at Caritas. He is coming through.

Angel: Another Drokken? Got it. Where is Wes and Gunn?

Cordy: Gone. Wes it at the library and Gunn is getting the luggage from the jeep.

Angel: Oh.

He looks around toward Xander.

Angel: You up to it?

Xander: Sure, but what’s a Drokken.

Angel: Big, mean and deadly.

Angel gets a sword from the cabinet.

Angel: Take your pick. You have to drive.

Xander grabs an ax and they head out.

Buffy watches them leave and heads upstairs.

 

Xander pulls into the alley behind the old club. Angel runs into the opening in the wall. Xander follows.

Xander: Nice entrance. How the wall get busted like that?

Angel: I did it. We needed to get out.

Xander: Oh, okay. Front door too far a walk?

Angel: No, exploding bombs.

Xander: That explains the Sunnydale High look.

They walk into the bar area just as the Drokken comes through. Angel swings at it with the sword and it is deflected. The Drokken goes after Angel. Angel ducks but the Drokken connects and knock him backwards. The Drokken turns toward the stairs.

Angel: Don’t let him get out of here.

Xander blocks the entrance and swings the large ax. The Drokken charges but Angel in vamp face grabs him and shove him toward the remnants of the stage. The Drokken trips and Angel goes for him but is knocked to the ground. The Drokken leans over him. Xander hits him with the ax which is enough of a distraction for Angel to get up. Angel swings the sword a this neck but the Drokken moves and only receives a small wound. The Drokken knocks the sword away and grabs Angel with both hands and smashes him against the wall. Angel tries to free himself. He punches at his face and pushes at him. Xander comes up.

Xander: Arms down.

Angel drops his arms and Xander swings the ax downward severing an arm completely. The Drokken releases Angel and turns toward Xander again. Xander backs up until his back is against the bar. Angel retrieves his sword. He comes behind the Drokken as it goes for Xander with its remaining arm. Angel swing the sword and decapitates the Drokken. The Drokken falls to the ground. Xander slides down the bar and sits on the floor.

Xander: So that is a Drokken.

Angel sits on the stage.

Angel: Yeah. Pretty ugly huh?

Xander: And Big. And Mean.

Angel: I told you.

Xander: But you also said deadly.

Angel: I don’t mind being wrong.

Wesley and Gunn run in weapons at ready. They stop and view the scene.

Gunn: Guess we’re late.

Angel: Just a little.

Wesley: So the portal opens again.

Angel: And you need to find out why.

Wesley: Ah well of course. What more do you want?

Angel: We don’t need any more visits of the Pylean variety. Xander lets go.

Xander: Right behind you man.

Gunn: Uh what about the scary dead demon.

Angel: You can take care of it, I presume.

Angel and Xander leave.

Gunn: Since when are we the cleanup crew.

Wesley: I guess since we missed the killing part. And since it is daylight he wouldn’t be much help.

Gunn: Fine, let’s get him in the truck and take it away.

Wesley: I agree with Angel, I hope we have no more portal jumping.

Gunn: Man this is one ugly dead demon.

 

At Wolfram and Hart

Gavin is in Linwood’s office. Lila walks in.

Lila: Gavin. When you pulled the records on the accident, you failed to pull the registration on the jeep.

Gavin: Who cares about the jeep? They can pay it. We are more concerned with the victims.

Lila: Well if you had bothered to find ou who owned the damn jeep, I would have been better prepared.

She hands a paper to Linwood.

Linwood: This is not good.

He hands it to Gavin.

Gavin: Buffy Anne Summers? The jeep was hers?

Lila: Oh yeah and guess who met me coming off the elevator.

Linwood: Our friendly neighborhood vampire

Lila: You got it. Oh and it gets even better. They already hired a lawyer.

Gavin: Don’t worry. We can handle it.

Lila: But you don’t know who it is.

Gavin: Who they get Johnny Cochran?

Lila: Oh no, much worse.

Gavin: Quit with the games.

Lila: Who do think Linwood?

Linwood: No doubt, they have hired Lindsay.

Lila: You got it.

Gavin: Lindsay McDonald. He left town.

Lila: I said the same thing when I saw him.

Linwood: He was already at the hospital?

Lila: And on the case. He has had a judge issue a restraining on all members of this firm. Won’t be getting any earlier settlements. Lindsay is prepared for court.

Linwood: Well we just have to make sure neither patient passes away.

Gavin: I am on it. I sent the papers over to the judge’s office already.

Linwood: Good. We don’t want this to turn into a murder trial.

Gavin’s cell phone rings.

Gavin: Hello. What do you mean we were too late? How could we be too late? They needed to find her family……………What? How could they get it so fast?……Fine just get back here.

Hangs up.

Linwood: Problem?

Gavin: Looks like we may be handling a murder case after all. Seems the vampire’s Mrs. got herself declared the guardian of the MaClay girl.

Linwood: And she signed the releases.

Gavin: Sure did. The girl is dead.

Linwood: Damn it. Well Gavin you get to call Mr. Jordan. You can tell him that because you didn’t bother to find out everything, that he now may being up for murder.

Gavin: Oh, sure.

Lila: Oh and Gavin one more thing. The driver’s name isn’t Wilma. It’s Willow.

Gavin: Willow? The witch.

Lila: Yes the witch, who you already pissed off.

Linwood: The one who blew up the van?

Lila: That’s her.

Linwood: We may have more problems than we anticipated. Jordan will be paying us plenty.

Lila: And we will be earning it.

 

Back at AI

Angel goes upstairs and finds that Buffy has fallen a sleep in his arm chair with Conner sleeping in her arms. He watches them for a few moments before easing Conner up and placing him in his crib. He goes and picks Buffy up and places her in the bed. He gets his pajamas and heads for the shower. He stands and lets the warm water wash away the sadness and the grime of the day. He thinks of his beautiful family and though he is saddened by the loss of such a sweet young lady he is glad that everyone else is safe. His thoughts go to Willow and what she will face. He remembers all too well when he heard Buffy had died. But she came back and is here. Here with him. Here carrying his child. A year ago he was grieving and today he is blessed. He finishes his shower and joins his wife in bed. He pulls her close.

Angel: (w) I can’t imagine my life without you.

Buffy: You don’t have to.

Angel: I thought you were asleep.

Buffy: Then why were you talking to me.

Angel: Not to you. Just thinking outloud.

Buffy rolls toward him.

Buffy: Let’s hope we never have to experience a life without one another, again.

Angel: Not realistic, but a nice thought. But the immortal thing may be a problem.

Buffy: Oh (she remembers her dream) I guess it might.

Angel: Lets get some sleep.

Buffy: Liking the plan.

They drift off.

 

A few hours later.

Conner wakes up and his cries awaken Buffy. She gets him and leaves the room so Angel can sleep. She heads down stairs and is changing Conner when Michelle walks in.

Michelle: Hello. Uh Buffy you look well bad. You look like you slept in that dress.

Buffy: Cause I did, what sleep I got.

Michelle: Oh stayed out late?

Buffy: No spent the night in the ICU. Willow and Tara were in car wreck.

Michelle: Oh I’m sorry but they will be okay.

Buffy: Willow will but Tara is gone. (her eyes water)

Michelle: She had a great voice.

Buffy: Uh huh. Uh, why are you here?

Michelle: Nothing important. Thought you might want to go shopping. But I think you need sleep more.

Buffy: Not going to happen. Conner just woke up so I am up for awhile.

Angel comes down still dressed for bed.

Angel: Buffy, why did you leave?

Buffy: Conner. I was hoping you would sleep a bit more.

Angel: I can take Conner, you need you rest more.

Michelle: Hey guys, what about me. Why don’t I take Conner and both of you get some sleep. Angel, you look like the walking dead.

Buffy: Honey, you do.

Angel: Michelle, thanks for the compliment. I am not sure Conner will let anyone watch him. He wouldn’t even let me hold him this morning.

Michelle: Oh but if he gets too fussy, I can just wake you.

Buffy: I guess. Conner, what do you think? Will you stay with Michelle so Mommy and Daddy can get a little more sleep.

Angel reaches for him and he lets him.

Angel: Buffy, you go on up I will make sure Conner is okay with Michelle and then I will join you..

Buffy: Okay.

She heads to bed.

Angel: Keep my spot warm.

 

 

Later that evening.

Buffy and Angel return from visiting Willow.

Cordy: How is Willow?

Buffy: Doctors think she will be fine. We just have to wait until she is ready to wake up. They don’t seem too concerned. The test all come back fine. I just wish she would wake up and I can see for myself.

Angel: She will just give her time.

The front door opens. Lindsay enters.

Angel: Lindsay.

Lindsay: I just came by to tell you that they are ready to settle up on the vehicle. Which is what I expected. The cost of one jeep is not a priority when they are worried about lawsuits and murder charges.

Buffy: What are you talking about?

Lindsay: They are sending you a check for the jeep. So you can get a replacement.

Buffy: Oh. Forgot it was destroyed.

Lindsay: And when you are ready to get the new one let me know. I know where to get a good deal.

Buffy: Not a priority.

Angel: It may be if you are going home for the funeral.

Buffy: I guess. I don’t even know what to get.

Angel: Something with room for two babies and all their junk.

Buffy: Not another jeep.

Angel: I am thinking mini-van.

Buffy: Me in a mini-van. Aren’t I too young for a mini-van?

Angel: Sorry Mommy, I think you qualify.

Buffy: A mini-van. Okay but no boring colors.

Angel: I don’t care about color, I am more interest in safety.

Buffy: I know your right but I suddenly feel old.

Angel: You are not old, well at least not compared to me.

Buffy: Antonio Todde was young compared to you.

Everyone looks at her.

Lindsay: Who?

Buffy: The world’s oldest man, he died this year at 112. Am I the only one who watches the news.

Angel: You watch way too much TV.

Buffy: Nothing else to do at 2am when you have a baby who won’t sleep.

Angel: Poor baby. Well Conner can stay here if you would rather.

Buffy: Dream on dead boy.

Angel grabs her and nuzzles her neck.

Angel: You are walking on thin ice.

Buffy: If you keep it up you will be wanting some of that ice.

Angel: What are you talking…..stop that.

Buffy: Let me go.

Angel releases her.

Lindsay: You two are like a couple of kids.

Buffy: Say that again, made me forget the mini-van for a second.

Lindsay: I will see you tomorrow.

Angel: Bye

Lindsay leaves.

Cordy: I will follow his lead. Do you need me to watch Conner tomorrow so you can go to the hospital?

Angel: No thanks. I am going to watch him. Xander and Buffy are going alone.

Buffy: Cordy, do you want to come. I mean to see Willow.

Cordy: Yeah, I think I will.

 

Thursday morning.

At AI

Buffy: I guess I am ready. I don’t want to do this.

Angel: I would go with you if I could. But Xander and Dawn will be with you.

Buffy: It is just hard. We shouldn’t even be having to do this. It isn’t fair.

Angel: Honey, we all agree. Now you better get going.

Buffy: You too. Visiting hours start soon.

Angel: As soon as you leave, Gunn will drive me to the hospital.

Buffy: The doctor said she should wake up any day and I don’t want her to be alone.

Angel: I am going, now you get going.

She gives him a kiss and heads out.

Angel: Gunn, are you ready?

Gunn: Sure, are they on the way to Sunnydale?

Angel: Yes. I just hope Buff doesn’t over do.

Gunn: She’ll be fine.

Angel: Keep telling me that.

 

Later in the day.

Angel is sitting in Willow’s room reading a book, when he hears the faint sound of her breathing getting faster.

Angel: Willow?

He walks up to the bed.

Angel: Willlow?

Willow starts to open her eyes, then closes them again.

Angel: Willow, you need to wake up.

Willow opens her eyes again.

Angel: Hello.

Willow: Angel?

Angel: Yes, let me get the nurse.

Angel walks out and returns with the nurse.

Nurse; Well hello willow. Let’s see how you are doing.

Willow: Where, where?

Nurse: You are in UCLA Hospital. But you are doing fine. I need to get your doctor.

The nurse leaves.

Willow: Angel?

Angel: I am here. You just relax.

Willow: Buffy?

Angel: Buffy is fine. She is in Sunnydale today, but I will call her as soon a the nurse gets back. Okay?

Willow nods and closes her eyes. The doctor comes in with the nurse and Angel leaves. He uses the payphone to call the Summer’s house.

Dawn: Summer’s residence.

Angel: Hey Dawn, can I talk to Buffy?

Dawn: Angel? Is Willow okay?

Angel: She’s fine. She just woke up.

Dawn: (to the room) Willow is awake.

Buffy: Is that Angel, let me talk to him?

Buffy: Angel, how is she?

Angel: She spoke to me and seemed pretty good. The doctor is in there now.

Buffy: We are on our way back.

Angel: Don’t speed.

Buffy: Oz is driving.

Angel: Good idea. See you soon.

The doctor leaves the room and Angel enters.

Angel: Willow, I called Buffy and they will be her in a couple of hours.

Willow: Thanks.

Nurse: Why don‘t you rest until your friends get her.

Angel: She is right. I will be her is you need anything, but rest.

Willow: Uh huh.

She closes her eyes.

 

© 2005 Tara