Timeline

Chapter 33


A gentle knock at their door bought Buffy and Angel out of the cocoon they had made around their son and each other. Neither of them wanted to move. If they ignored them , they might go away and leave them alone.
Another knock , only louder followed by a "Buffy".
Dawn and Xander stood outside the room waiting , slightly on edge.
"Buffy " Dawn said a little louder than the first time .
On the other side of the door , slowly, Buffy pulled herself up from the bed.Tears ran down her cheeks in waves. This was it .Time.
Angel cradled Layton in his arms, leaning his head down to his son's cheek , Layton was grasping his Fathers hair in his tiny fist.Buffy slowly went and opened the door . Xander and Dawn walked into the room in silence. What was there to say?
Buffy kissed Layton on his cheek and looked into Angels eyes. He knew what she would of said , but just couldn't find the words.Slowly Angel handed Layton to her and he flopped onto the bed , his elbows on his knee's , his head held in his hands.Tears flowed from him .
Buffy handed Layton to Dawn and looked at the young girl.
" I'll walk you guys out to the car " She grabbed the large hold all and walked out of the room , looking back at Angel.
Angel stood up , sighed, wiped his tears away and sniffed. He followed them to the foyer, never once taking his eyes off his son.Buffy held his hand and leant against his arm .Both of them were trying to be strong and failing , still their tears fell.They walked out of the lobby and stopped at the car. Angel put the car seat in and checked the straps. Buffy held her son .
" I promise you we'll make it back to you , Dad and I will see you soon " She closed her eyes and handed Layton back to Angel.
Angel couldn't say anything, he was too emotional. He held Layton tight to his body and looked at Buffy. His eyes pleaded with her to not let him go , even though he knew he had to and it was the only safe option. After a few minutes he had calmed enough and was able to put Layton in his car seat and shut the door. Dawn hugged them in turn , promising to take care of her nephew and that they would see each other soon.
Xander had got in the car and had started it up.His heart was breaking for Buffy, to see her go through this was tearing him up inside. He felt for Angel, yes he had mocked him , worried that he would hurt Buffy again, but since living in the hotel , he had a new found respect for Angel.
Dawn hugged Buffy again "Please don't go getting yourself hurt and I'll see you in Ireland" .
Buffy held her tight "Need to breathe here " Dawn choked out . Buffy let her sister go, wiping tears away from her cheeks .
Dawn smiled at Angel and then slapped him in his stomach "Take care of my big sis and make sure you both come out of this O.K." She had a stern look on her face , Angel could only nod at her before he drew her in for a hug.
Xander half leaned out of the car " Dawn , we best make a move or we'll miss the flight " His voice was soft,he waved at the two champions " See ya soon guys " his smile was strained and he had tears in his eyes.
"Go , we'll see you soon" Buffy said as she walked into Angels arms .Dawn got into the back with Layton and made sure he was strapped in . She picked up his tiny fist and 'waved' at his mom and dad. Xander pulled out onto the street slowly. Dawn waved from the cars rear window .
Once they were out of sight , Buffy and Angel fell to their knee's , their strength gone , the only thing left was grief.They remained there ,heartbroken for what seemed like forever .