The Future Is What We Make

Chapter 2

Cordy tentatively stepped closer to where Xander was kneeling in front of the couch, slowly unwrapping the blanket from around Joyce.

"What's wrong with her," she asked quietly.

“She was raped by Tor'kn demons," Xander said quietly, stroking Mama Joyce's
hair, feeling his family draw close.

“Oh dear God, no,” she whispered, wanting to scream----wanting to break something. After all this time with Angel, she knew what a Tor'kn’s semen did to humans, no one deserved such a fate---to die like that! Her hand went trembling to her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. She drew a shuddering breath seeing Mrs. Summers open her eyes.

"Cordelia Chase," came the weak voice, a smile in her sunken eyes. "What a beautiful young woman you've become." Joyce saw the tensile steel, covered in plush velvet that was Cordelia Chase.

"Mama Joyce, don't talk. Save your strength," Xander quietly begged. His hands tighten helplessly, tears glittering in his eyes. Death wasn't an enemy he could fight, throw punch or a joke at; Death didn’t care how rich, poor or loved someone was.

"Mama Joyce, listen to Xander, please rest," Willow urged gently, her lips trembling. Oz silently backed her up, adding his silent agreement, his eyes wet.

"Willow, child, I'm dying," Joyce said with a tired smile, hearing the gasps from behind them. She raised her eyes, seeing her daughter standing beside a tall young man. She closed her eyes, as rage sapped what little strength she had. Calm yourself, Joyce, she admonished herself sharply. Think of Willow, remember you want to stay strong for her, for her child. Feeling the rage subside, feeling an emptiness where once love for her daughter dwelt---a calm peacefulness filling as she finally let go of the past. She looked into her children's eyes, seeing the care, the love and the desperate fear in their eyes and wanted to comfort them.

She met Xander's eyes knowing that he was their strength, their brains, he was like deep river, with hidden currents. She looked at Willow, the bright girl that grew into a beautiful, courageous young woman---she provided their heart and soul. And finally she looked at Oz, her little man, she smiled softly. Despite his lack of exuberant behavior like Willow and Xander, he made the perfect foil for her Willow, his calmness reining in her nervousness, giving her strength and support; he had such reservoir of strength concealed in his wiry body. Her biggest regret was that she was leaving them and her grandchildren. She wanted to hold
their precious little bodies one last time, while she had some strength left.

She struggled to sit up, blinking as she saw Buffy still standing in the doorway staring at her. She glared weakly when Buffy darted forward to help her with spersperate cry of "Mom."

Buffy drew back as her mother glared at her, saying coldly, "Buffy." Her eyes stern and unforgiving in her ravaged face.

Willow, Oz and Xander having seen Buffy standing in the doorway, had silently agreed to keep their mouths shut. Afterall, this was Mama Joyce's only daughter and she deserved to spend whatever time left in peace. They gasped in shock, they thought Joyce wanted to see her daughter for the last time, to kiss her goodbye anuff.uff. And all this time, she been wanting to kick her ass. They exchanged secretly delighted glances, Buffy didn’t deserve to have a mother as wonderful as Joyce.

Remembering the bruises on her arms and face when they had escaped from the hospital and made their way to Buffy’s house. The shock and concern they had initially felt when Joyce had told them about how she had tried to stop Buffy from leaving, had turned into rage when they realized that Buffy had abandoned them.
om, om, it's me Buffy," Buffy said brokenly, all her plans were becoming ruined. When she had fled Sunnydale with the injured Angel, she had thought she had left all the misery and her past behind her. After they had gotten away from the Hellmouth, she realized exactly what she had done in running away, especially with the arrival of Cordy and Wesley. She had became so ashamed that she hid the truth from everyone, lying to them all. And in meeting Cordy's hard cold eyes, she realized that all her schemes and lies were about to smack her right in her face.

Her eyes narrowed, after everything she had done, nothing was going to stop her and Angel from being together. All she had wanted was for her and Angel to be together, he was her soulmate. She had risked everything for him, her friends, her family, her sacred duty to be with him. He was her true love and they were destined to be together. She was even thinking about having Angel tuer ser so that they could be beautiful immortal lovers. She already working on a plan to have Angel's soul permanenbounbound to him, HE had promised that it would work.

"Mom," Buffy said uncertainly, her eyes drooping from the cold contempt in her mother's eyes. A contempt that she refused to acknowledge, preferring to shift the blame to someone else’s shoulders.

She whirled on the Sunnydalers, "What did you do to her," she demanded angrily.

"Buffy, had you bothered to stay you would have seen them do everything in their power to protect me and keep me safe. The same way they did with the entire community that YOU left behind," Joyce said weakly, a harsh undertone to her words. "They grew up Buffy, taking on YOUR responsibilities. Don’t you remember what you told me that night, “You are the Chosen One, the Slayer."

Cordy coldly eyed the shaken Buffy," You know, Buffy, you act awfully unsurprised to see your 'friends' alive. Especially considering that you were the one to tell us that they were dead." Her tone left no doubt in the her listeners mind's what she thought about Buffy.

Buffy felt trapped. All her plans were going up in smoke. She saw the beginning flicker of mistrust beginning in Angel's eyes and began to panic.

"I only found out recently that they were still alive. The demon that brought me the original news lied to me, he wanted to hurt me for some reason," Buffy said quietly, staring at Angel, hoping that she was believed (Cordy remarked behind her,’that to know her was enough reason to want to hurt her; better yet just kill the bitch’).

"And how long have you know that they were alive," Cordy asked in the charged silence. She knew the dumb bitch was lying, and if she had to take a steel bar to her, she was going to get to the truth, no matter what. What they were doing was too damn important to have someone like Buffy in their midst, stirring up trouble, distracting Angel. Buffy was only here for one thing, Angel.

Just then Willow let out a loud gasp, clutching at her stomach. Oz immediately bracing her, "The baby?"

Willow had time for only a nod before another contraction hit her, "They're coming too fast," she said beginning to panic.

Joyce looked at her, "Calm down Willow, everything's going to be okay. You know your boys won't let you down."

Xander looked at Angel, "Dea..," he grimaced, "I mean Angel, is there someplace we can take them," he asked urgently indicating Joyce and the now panting Willow.

"Follow me," Angel said curtly. "We don't have a human doctor only a demon healer or two. I don't think they'll do Willow much good since she human." He continued rapidly up the stairs, with the other's trailing after him.

He was disturbed by Cordy's words, by the arrival of the Sunnydalers, more than he let on and by the changes in them. He remember comforting both Buffy and Cordy when Buffy had told them the distressing news. He had finally passed the sobbing Cordy to Doyle and Wesley while he tended to the hysterical Buffy. It had taken him hours to get her calmed down. Each time he would make a move to leave, she would clutch at him desperately. Until finally, they had both fallen asleep. He woke up fast, though, when he felt her undoing his pants, roughly pushing her off him demanding to know what the hell she thought she was doing.

"I just felt so alone and lost," she had whispered, her head drooping.

He remembered sighing and saying, "Buffy, you know that this is NOT a good idea. The last time we did this, Angelus was freed and went on a murderous rampage." Hell he would kill to have sex with her---with anybody, but if he did that's just what Angelus would do, kill her and hundreds more. He eyed her sadly, wishing he could offer her the comfort of sex, but the price was too high. He sighed and walked out, ignoring her cry of 'Angel, come back!'.

Angel came back to himself, standing outside the empty room. Opening the door,
stepping back as Xander rapidly carried Joyce into the room, laying her gently on the bed. "We like to keep this room free for emergencies, I guess this qualifies as an emergency," he said wryly as Oz helped Willow into the room. He went around lighting the various candles in the room, producing a warm soft light in the room.

Xander ran back out the door, racing to retrieve their backpacks from the office and hurrying back. All the while Angel and crew hovered at the door watching Oz walk the moaning Willow back and forth around the room.

"What can we do to help," Angel asked, shifting uneasily, "Doesn't she need to lie
down or something?"

Oz spared him a glance, "No, right now she need to walk as long as she can." He motioned the children over to the bed as Xander raced back into the room, immediately going over to Joyce and propping her up so that she could see what was going on.

Buffy tried to get near her mother again but stopped at the cold look Joyce shot her. She bit her lip anxiously. She didn't understand why her mother was acting this way they must have done something...or---or---or told her something to make her act so standoffish way. She threw a cool look at the seemingly oblivious Xander. They must have told her mother a bunch of lies. She knew her mother loved her and wanted her to be happy. Her mother had to understand that she was happy with Angel. So what if they couldn’t make with being groiny , she was working on a plan to fix that little problem. She quietly slipped out, glaring as no one even bothered to glance at her.

"Uhm, can we boil some water, sterilize like...like…uhm…sharp things or something that has to do with having this," Cordy said weakly, wincing at a particularly loud scream from Willow.

Doyle swayed back and forth, flinching at each scream. His face paling to a sickly hue at each piercing scream. Damn, give him demons slime, blood and guts any day over a woman in childbirth. His eyes fluttered weakly, dear God please don’t let me faint, he thought, as the room started revolving around him.

Xander cast an eye at the L.A crew, "First, why don't you catch him before he falls," gesturing to the half-fainting Doyle.

Cordy cried out in alarm and sprang to support him, but collapsing herself under his weight. Angel tried not to laugh at the sprawling picture they made, tangled up in Cordy's hair, as he helped her to her feet. He ordered Spike to take Doyle to his room.

Spike opened his mouth to protest, changing his mind abruptly at the shattering scream Willow made, "Roight you are, Peaches," he said hastily, slinging the half-conscious moaning Doyle over his shoulder and darting off. Women in childbirth gave him the creeps, he thought shuddering.

Xander rummaged through their bags, placing a thick cloth at the foot of the bed before darting over to help Oz with Willow, guiding her as sweat poured off her panting body. They tracked an endless path around the room as only Angel and Cordy kept a helpless watch. Angel holding a pot of boiled water and Cordy a couple of sterilized knives.

Finally Willow signaled it was time. Oz helped her to the bed, her splayed thighs faced Joyce.

Xander motioned the children to get behind Joyce, to keep her propped up as he slid from behind her. He and Oz exchanged glances, asking and receiving silent consent and Xander slipped into position behind Ww asw as Oz settled between her legs.

Angel and Cordy looked at each other. The way the two men moved was like they had done this before. Both of them seeing the seamless bond between the two men.

Joyce began weakly calling out instructions to Oz on what to do. He nodded each time as he faithfully carried out her instructions, shaking with fear. If they lost another child, he knew Willow would be completely devastated. He flashed a fear laden look at xander, calming at the look of reassurance from him, his attention jerking back to Willow at her scream.

"Alright Willow, you need to ride the pain and begin pushing down whenever
the contraction begins. Rest between each contraction," Joyce said encouragingly.

Willow was so lost in her pain that all she could do was gasp, " 'K, Mama," groaning, twisting in agony at the next contraction, hearing Oz yell for her to PUSH!

"Xander, hold her legs for her," Joyce ordered, instantly obeyed.

Willow panted, dripping wet. She was so hot and tired and she didn't want to push anymore, she moaned weakly. Then she felt a cool wetness stroke her hot face and whimpering in pleasure.

Both Oz and Xander flashed Cordy a look of gratitude for her thoughtful gesture, causing her to flush in response.

Angel drifted up and extended a hand to the suffering girl silently offering his support. Something that he immediatelyrettretted when Willow began crushing his hand in her next contraction as she grunted and bore down. His groan of pain was lost in her thin wail of pain.

Distantly she could hear Oz's cry, 'I can see the head' as she felt another contraction building, again bearing down, straining with the effort, vaguely aware of Xander's continuous words of praise.

Again and again she bore down, grunting, she wanted this thing OUT!

"That's it, baby, you're doing fine, just a little more," Joyce said weakly. She was determined to hold Willow's child in her arms before she died.

Willow gave one final might push, distantly aware of the shouts of joy as she felt something slide from between her legs, feeling empty for the first time in months. She was so exhausted that all she wanted to do was sleep, but until she heard her child's cry she just couldn't rest. They had been through so much and been disappointed for so long. Helping Xander and Faith raise their children wasn't enough anymore. They wanted a child of their own.

She felt Xander prop her up higher and wearily opened her eyes to see Oz, tears running down his face as he cradled a tiny bundle in his arms. Faintly she could hear tiny mewling noises and the blanket jerking slightly. Her eyes flashed to Oz as he gently put the tiny bundle in her arms. She was so awed that she didn't even realized that she was crying until she saw water dripping down onto little red scowling face.

Vaguely, she heard Xander say softly, "Congratulations, Wills, it's a girl," as she stroked the tiny fragile face, her heart singing. THIS…this was the true magic, she thought.

"Show the kids and Joyce," she asked softly, holding her daughter out to Oz, before slumping exhaustedly against Xander. "I did it Xan, I'm a mommy now," she whispered to him, knowing Oz had caught the soft whisper as he turned and flashed his slow smile for her, letting her know just how proud he was.

Joyce regarded the tiny bundle frantically squalling, "Shh," she said weakly to the tiny creature, remembering all the children she had help bring into this world. She gasped softly as the tiny girl abruptly stopped crying and opened her eyes, capturing her soul in a timeless moment. Tears ran silently down her sunken cheeks as Oz gently put the baby in her arms, helping her hold his daughter.

Joce and Mikey gazed critically at the redfaced thing. Joce grimaced in disgust, Ewww, there was no way she was touching THAT! It was so ugly and wrinkly. She eyed it speculatively, maybe it was a demon.

Mikey looked at the baby, "Dat it," he said let down, "Hows com it not bigger. I never'll get to play wif it," he sniffed back tears of disappointment. He thought it would be lots bigger, big enough for him to play with.

The adults looked at him and laughed.

Oz said softly, "Give her time and she'll get bigger," eyeseyes were amused as he glanced at Xander, his eyes softing as he regarded his sleeping wife.

"Lay her beside me," Joyce whispered, regarding the exhausted young woman.
Watching narrowly as Xander carefully shifted her, "Don't wake her," she said sharply as Willow stirred in her restless sleep.

"Yes ma'am," Xander said sheepishly. He flashed Oz an annoyed look, he knew he heard a snicker from the man.

"Boys," Joyce warned them softly, her eyes softly amused.

"Sorry," was the mumbled chorus from them as Xander carefully shifted Willow to the other side of Joyce, after Cordy had pulled back the sheets. Grabbing the soiled cloths, distastefully in one hand.

"Go," Joyce said quietly to the children feeling them slip from behind her as Xander moved to helped her lay down.

Angel looked at Xander, "I think we need to talk," he said quietly watching as the two boys exchanged glances, a question asked and answered all in an glance.

"Lead on, McDuff, or should I say McAngel," Xander said.

He trailed after Angel down the stairs into his office, sitting at a slight gesture from the vampire.

“So Dea—Angel,” he grimaced again trying to avoid saying the dreaded name. Remembering how that name used to get on De..Angel’s last nerve, he wondered did dead people have nerves and if so why? It’s not like they would need them for anything. It was just plain wrong of them to be using them, he thought indignantly, imagining a bunch of nerveless living people.

Angel eyed the boy with a weary look, even after all this time, he recognized the vacant look in the boy's eyes: he was lost in Xanderland. He was surprised at the feeling of amusement he felt watching the internal babble go on. There was a time when both Willow and Xander used to annoy him with their infernal babbling. But when he found out they were dead, he had felt such a wrenching sense of loss as if something special had been taken out of the world and he realized with a feeling of shock that he missed that, he missed them.

Looking at the dark eyes of the boy, he saw something that shocked him, so much ancient pain lived deep into those eyes. Both Xander and Willow babbled to cope, to convince themselves that everything would work out right. He used to wonder why they continued to fight beside Buffy, he and Buffy were the same, Warriors for the Powers That Be but Willow and Xander didn’t have that reason. But looking at the boy, no Man, he corrected himself, their courage and tenacity humble him. He and Buffy had strength and speed on their sides, while Willow and Xander had merely human fragility on their side, yet night after night they went out and survived. They chose this path to follow, night after night. No matter how many times they got knocked down, hurt and bruised, they got back up and waded into the fray.

“Xander,” he said, quietly amused watching the boy, “XANDER!” he said again louder.

Xander came back to himself with a start, uneasily aware that Dea..De...Angel watching him with dark eyes. He surrepitiously brushed his nose, checking to make sure nothing was hanging out. Nope, he thought squirming slightly in his chair.

“So, Deadboy,” he said totally forgetting NOT to call him that, “Pretty snazzy place you got here, this all yours and Buffy, huh,” Xander continued, looking around the office, avoiding eye contact with his once hated enemy. He snorted silently to himself, all because of a girl not even worth loosing sleep over much less a life.

Angel eyed him over steepled fingers before leaning back in his chair, “My home, my hotel. Now, you want to tell me what you are doing here? Last I heard, you were all dead. Now look at you, alive. It’s a miracle,” Angel said dryly, regarding the boy coolly.

Xander couldn’t resisted, he smirked, “Rumors of our demise were greatly exaggerated,” falling back into his old pattern of sarcasm, sobering abruptly at the flash of gold in Angel’s eyes.

“Boy, you are seriously trying my patience,” Angel growled. “You’ve got Cordy upset, Buffy practically in tears. Now you want to tell me why?”

“Buffy, Buffy, Buffy! It’s always about the Buffster isn’t it,” Xander said nastily, trembling with anger. “You and Buffy get all humpety-dumpety and it’s Helllllooo Angelus! She should have dusted his ass that night when he grabbed Willow, but she didn’t,” Xander exploded from his chair, pacing angrily, “All because she wanted her ‘boyfriend back’,” he sneered mimicking Buffy’s voice. “One good stake and it would have all been over, Buh Bye Angelus. No people dying, no Ms. Calendar dying, no Giles dying. So many people would be alive,” his whisper easily catching the vampire’s ears.

“But I would be dead,” Angel pointed out, narrowing his eyes.

Xander looked at him sardonically, “Hate to bust your bubble, but the reason why I call you Deadboy is because you’re DEAD!”

Angel wave a hand, eyeing Xander coolly, “You know what I mean.”

Xander simply looked at him, “Yeah I know what you meant.”

They regarded one another warily before Angel nodded soberly and sighed, “For what it’s worth, I agree. She should have staked me immediately and there would have been far less deaths to account for.” He brooded, recalling Angelus reign of terror in Sunnydale.

Xander eyed him cautiously, squirming in his seat, “Uhm, not that I’m not grateful for the support and everything but I was actually talking about staking Angelus, not you. You would have just been an added bonus.”

Angel frowned, “You mean you didn’t want me staked?”

“Don’t be stupid!” Xander gave him a disgusted look before continuing, “Of course I wanted you staked. Charred and broiled w hav have simply been extra,” Xander said cheerfully. “But it was mainly because I was stuck on Buffy,” his mouth twisted distastefully.

Angel looked at him, noting the changes in the boy, “We seem to have gotten off the subject of why are you here,” he said carefully watching the boy for clues.

Xander looked away uncomfortably, before looking back, “Because it was the safest place for us to bring Joyce and Willow,” he said quietly, meeting Angel’s eyes.

Angel arched a brow, looking skeptical, “You came to the home of your worse enemy for safety?”

Xander’s lips quirked, “Deadboy, you are by far so NOT my worst enemy. I’ve seen worser, if that a word, than you,” he assured the vampire.

“And the children, are they yours,” Angel asked quietly, his nose flooded by the overwhelming pain and grief pouring off the boy at his question.

“Yeah, they’re mind,” Xander said hoarsely, rigidly holding his pain at bay. He had to get through this with Angel, once it was over then he could break down and let Willow, Oz and Joyce put him back together again.

“And their mother, when will she be joining you,” Angel questioned softly. He could see the rippling of pain just under the surface of the boy’s face---he was a little taken aback at the amount of control the boy had. From the grief and rage pouring off of him, he was surprised to see the boy still sitting. He wondered again what had they gone through to make Xander finally learn to control himself. The Xander he knew didn’t have a shred of self-control----ruled only by his impulses and hormones.

“Long story short, she won’t be showing up,” Xander said quietly, getting up and pacing away.

“May I ask why,” Angel said equally quiet, his eyes watchful.

Xander ran a hand through his hair, “Is that your condition: I answer your question, you letstaystay,” he asked harshly, not turning around.

Angel regarding the rigid shoulders thoughtfully, his eyes darkening further, “No, you can stay whether you tell me or not. But you need to talk to someone and soon,” he added, seeing the tense body slowly relax.

“Thanks Deadboy,” Xander said, his shoulders relaxing----letting go of the invisible tension he felt the moment they had stepped into the hotel. Not sure of their welcome or if they would be able to stay.

Angel smiled slightly, “And haven’t you grown beyond calling me by that ridiculous nickname,” he questioned in mock exasperation, trying to lighten the somber mood. Looking into the ancient eyes, he was relieved to see the pain and sorrow lift a little.

Xander smiled slowly, his eyes still haunted, “But it suits you so well,” he whined.

Angel smiled, “It’s been a long time since anyone called me that, and you know, I kinda miss that,” he said easily as he rose from his chair. He looked at Xander seriously, his smile fading, “Will you tell me what’s really going on so that I can at least be prepared, just in case their mother come storming in to demand her children back,” he asked, drawing back at the sheer weight of grief tinged rage darkening the boy’s eyes.

“There won’t be any storming,” Xander closed his eyes briefly, “She dead,” he stated baldly.

Angel was a little shocked, “I’m sorry to bring up an old wound,”. He was sympathetic to the boy's loss of his mate, Xander must had loved her a great deal to still be grieving over her death.

Xander looked at him expressionlessly, “She died two days ago.”

Angel blinked, something wasn’t making a whole lot of sense here. He decided to shelve the discussion to a later date as he looked at the tense wary figure before him.

“Anything else you want to tell me,” he asked watching as Xander eased down.

Xander relaxed, sensing Angel wasn’t going to question him right now, he knew it was only a matter of time before they needed to talk, but later was not a problem with him. He knew that he needed to get rid of his negative feeling for the vampire in order to stay, after all, he was staying in the man’s home and he owed the ma...the vamp...Angel respect in order not to jeopardize their new home. He would never forgive himself if he allowed his hostility to get in the way of finding a home for his people, his family.

“Well, I don’t know how many of our people will be able to make it out of Sunnydale,” Xander began a little hesitantly, watching as Angel leaned back against his desk, crossing his arms.

“And you want to know if they would be welcome here,” Angel finished for him dryly, arching a brow.

He sighed, “Look Xander, just about everyone here in this hotel plays a major or even a minor part in our fight for this city, for the Powers That Be. Everyone pulls his/her/it’s own weight in some way and I simply can NOT afford any deadweights,” Angel said quietly, his expression sympathatic but firm.

“Oh, I understand completely,” Xander eagerly assured him, “The people coming here were part of our group in Sunnydale. We’re used to patrolling and stuff like that. As long as they have a place to stay they’ll be more than happy to help you,” he offered tentatively, watching Angel hopefully. He couldn’t abandon his people, they’ve been through to damn much together.

Angel pulled at his lip thoughtfully, “Tell you what, I’ll give you and them three weeks to prove your people’s worth. After that, if they are not up to our level of skill then I’m afraid they’ll have to go,” he said firmly. This war with the Dark Powers was too important to carry any dead weight.

“Fair enough,” Xander nodded, “I don’t think you’ll have any problems with us.”

Angel arched a brow,” Us?”

Xander regarded him steadily, “Us. United we stand, divided we fall,” he said with a crooked smile.

“Fair enough,” Angel agreed, holding Xander’s gaze firmly.

“Buffy’s usually in charge of training up the newcomers, but,” he held up a hand, forestalling Xander’s protest, “Buthinthink I’ll see to this myself. After all, I wouldn’t want to see a Slayer die would you,” he joked, smiling. His smiled dying at the cold look on Xander’s face.

“They bleed red just the same as the rest of us mortals,” Xander said harshly, jerking the door open and stalking out. Many of the demons moved hastily away from the human. Whatever was wrong with him, they wanted no part of it.


Angel regarded the open doorway in some surprise, blinking as a smiling Buffy filled the doorway.

“Well, when are they planning on leaving,” she asked with seemingly casualness.

“They’re not,” Angel said shortly, rounding his desk to work on his paperwork. Cordy had dropped a whole slew of bills on his desk for payment. He still had to go over the building plans, adding on to the hotel. He had no idea where he was going to get the skilled workers he needed. All the people in the hotel were fighters unfortunately, none of them knew one end of a hammer.

He looked up, seeing Buffy still in his office, “Was there something else you wanted,” he questioned coolly.

Buffy laughed easily, “Silly, I wasn’t talking about NOW of course, I meant when Wills is recovered from having her baby.”

Angel looked at her, “Like I said, they won’t be leaving. Xander asked for permission to stay, I gave it. End of discussion.”

Buffy sputtered, “But what about all the nasty things they said about me? How about how they turned my own mother against me? I will NOT have them in my home,” she snarled, her eyes flashing with fury.

Angel leaned back in his chair, “Last I looked, Buffy this is MY home, my name is on every little document concerning this hotel. I found this place, Cordy, Doyle, Wesley and I cleaned it up and made it habitable while were ‘sick’. So, if you don’t like having them in the hotel, well you know where the door is,” he said softly, his eyes cold and hard. He was getting sick of her prima donna attitude. She acted as if she was the lone warrior against the darkness. There were over a dozen humans and nonhumans that fought, she wasn’t the only one, he thought angrily.

“Angel, are you saying that you believe their lies….about me,” Buffy gasped, affronted.

Angel regarded her coolly, “What I’m saying is one: I’m a vampire and we have extremely good hearing, I have YET to hear, other than your own mother say one negative thing about you, Xander, Willow or Oz haven’t address two words to you. And two, this is my home, my house. A home that I allow not only you and but all the others to live here.”

“But what about us,” Buffy stammered, her eyes wide in confusion.

Angel looked at her quietly, “Buffy there hasn’t been and ‘Us’ for almost four years.”

“It’s because of Cordy, isn’t,” Buffy spat out, trembling with rage. After all she had done for him, he turns to that…whore. “I’ve seen the way you look at her, following her with your eyes,” she said angrily.

He sighed, “Buffy, I’ve told you before there is nothing going on between Cordy and me other than friendship. There wouldn’t be anything started because we both don’t want to see a return of Angelus.”

“So you are interested in her,” Buffy accused him, jealousy igniting in her soul. Her fists were clenched, that Bitch! I’ll teach her to take what’s mine.

“Buffy did you hear anything I said,” Angel demanded, getting angry himself. “We, meaning Cordy and I, are not together. We will never be together. We don’t WANT to be together. She is not interested in me nor I in her. Do you understand,” he said speaking very slowly.

Buffy relaxed slowly, “It’s just that I get kinda angry when I think of you with someone else,” she said in a small voice, peering at him with her best puppy eyes.

Angel was unmoved, having seen this act too many time to fall for it. He fell for it when he allowed her to stay, he fell for it when he wanted to return to Sunnydale for Willow and the others. He was NOT falling for it again!

Buffy sighed, Damn! Her best look wasn’t working on him this time. Let’s try something new, she thought.

“Buffy, I meant what I said. There is NO us, so please get whatever thoughts yave ave of being with me out of your head. It hasn’t happened in the last four years and it’s not going to happen now,” he stated emphatically.

“It’s because of the soul thing, isn’t it? You’re scared you’ll turn into Angelus again,” she said with a sage nod, totally ignoring everything else he said.

Angel closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead in frustration, “Buffy listen to me closely. You and I are OVER. We once had strong feelings for each other but that was in the past. You have to move on and accept that there is no us. No you and I. We are not a couple and we will never be lovers again.” He stood up and walked over to her, “Buffy, you once meant the world to me. I would have done anything, given anything to see you smile, to see you safe,” he said softly cupping her face.

Buffy interrupted eagerly, “That’s exactly how I feel about you!”

Angel shook his head, “You didn’t let me finish. I loved you Buffy. The beautiful, sun-kissed golden girl that you were. You were so beautiful and clever, with the heart of a lion, but the price of loving you is more than I can bear, than the world can bear. What we had was a rare and precious thing. A once in a lifetime opportunity for us. But we both need to move on, YOU need to move on and let go of the past, get on with your life.”

“Bu…but I love you,” Buffy whispered, devastated by his words. She searched his eyes desperately for some remnant of the love they once shared.

“Buffy, you have to let go,” Angel said quietly, “I have.” Steeling himself as he saw the tear well in her big blue eyes, before her head lowered disconsolately.

Buffy pulled herself from him, he will love me again, she thought to herself. All I have to do is show him just how right they were together, that they were soulmates.

Angel saw a certain hardness flash in her eyes before she swiftly lowered them again. His eyes narrowed slightly, a yellowish tinge glowed in his the dark eyes before fading.

Xander darted up the stairs and entering into the room, he paused as his eyes rested on the cozy family picture Willow, Oz and the baby made. This...this was what made it all worth it, the fighting...defending what was theirs....the blood, the pain, being around Buffy and Dea---Angel, everything. It was all about protecting your family and friend, defending them with your last breath. His eyes rested on Willow and for a brief moment he remembered another similar bedside scene before meeting Oz's calm perceptive gaze.

Once upon a time things may have been different---remembering how Willow lay still and broken in the hospital bed, he had at last realized just how much she meant to him, how much he loved her but she called out for Oz. Another place, another time it may have been different, it may have been him with Willow but no Oz. But Oz WAS there so he stepped away. Fortunately for him Faith came along and he had fallen hard for the dark hair Slayer. She had held him and his attention, allowing him to set aside his feelings for Willow.

"So, what did you decide to name her," he asked huskily, drawing closer as Willow stirred---coming awake and meeting Xander's eyes with her special Willowsmile---the smile that made you feel good all over.

"We were just waiting for you to get back," she said in a sleep husky voice, her eyes gently questioning.

Xander drew his children to him---Oz shifted, making room for him to sit on the bed. Feeling the warm bodies snugg aga against him he said, "We can stay," with a quiet smile. Seeing the tiny smile of relief that peeked through Oz's calm facade and seeing the beaming smile that Willow game him make it all worth while.

"So, what did you decide to name the newest addition to our family," he said, peeking at the sleeping baby. He glanced at Joyce to see how she was doing and saw she was sleeping peacefully for once, he raised an inquiring brow at Willow who flushed in embarrassment.

"It was only a little magic," she said in a low voice, hearing both Oz and Xander sigh. She smiled when she heard Joce and Mikey let out equally frustrated sighs, copying the men. Xander and Oz hid their smiles of amusements. Xander opened his mouth.....

"Aunty Willow, you know you're not supposed to be doin' that kinda magic," Joce scolded, her tiny face scrunched up in a frown. "You're too weak and you need to take care of that baby," she indicated the bundle in Oz's arms as the adults exchanged amused looks before Willow lowered her head in pretended shame, her shoulders shaking as she tried to contain her mirth.

"Aunty Willow, I don't mean to be hard on you, but....I don't tink I'm ready to be raising the baby yet, 'cause you know we can't leave her to them to raise," she tsked tsked in disgust at the thought of her father and Oz raising a baby girl.

"You're absolutely right, sweetie," Willow gravely assured the little girl with a straight face, ignoring the 'Hey' from her boys, "There's no telling WHAT they'll do, how they'll raise her if I'm not around," Willow shook her head at the imagined horror, fighting not to laugh at the outraged expressions on Oz's and Xander's faces. "Thank you for reminding me." She nodded gravely at the miniature adult.

"That's all right, Aunty Willow," Joce assured her, "I know you have a lot on your mind."

"Excuse us, emasculated guys ARE still here, you know," Xander said indignantly, smiling to show he wasn't serious. "But back to my original question, what are you naming the baby?"

"Well, we finally came up with a name or names, I should say. We didn't want to start planning names too soon you know, just in case," Willow said huskily, her voice lowering. Her eyes were moist with tears and Xander clasped her hand firmly in his, silently offering her comfort. Oz took up the recitation and leaned against her---giving her time to compose herself, offering his silent strength and support.

"So we decided on a number of names but we couldn't decide which one to choose. We were waiting for you to help us choose her name," Oz said a gentle light in his eyes as he looked down at his sleeping daughter, "Considering that we helped name Joce and Mikey it wouldn't be fair for you not to be here."

"Bennet, it's Latin for Little Blessed One," Willow said eagerly, she really loved this name.

"Keitha, it's a Celtic/Gaelic and it means Female Warrior," Oz added, he wanted her to grow up strong and proud.

"Atara. Daddy, it's Latin for Crowned and Blessed," Joce added, her eyes alight, bouncing gently on the bed. She hoped he would pick her name, she loved how it felt on her tongue. She said it in her mind Atara, Aaaaaaaatara.

Xander thought for a moment, looking at all the expectant eyes. His brows raised, "Why don't you name her Bennett Atara Keitha? It has sorta a nice flow to it," he said with a look at them all.

Willow and Oz exchanged pleased smiles, he was right. Bennett Atara Keitha did have a nice ring to it.

"Beside, we can always call her Benny, you know," Xander shrugged, laughingly dodging Willow's irritated swipe at him.

"You will not be cag myg my daughter by that ridiculous name," Willow warned him, her eyes laughing, she pulled their daughter from Oz's arms protectively cradling her against her breasts.

"Or we can call her Baky, for short," Oz said with a smile, laughter at Willow's outraged 'Daniel Osborne'.

Xander fell to the floor laughing, as Willow and Oz exchanged sad smiles of relief, finally seeing their friend starting to pull himself together.


# # #

Downstairs, Cordy watched from the shadows as Buffy left Angel's office, a thoughtful look in her dark eyes. Unlike Angel, she wasn't ready to give the blonde Slayer the benefit of the doubt. She had changed from the vapid image conscious girl in high school, she had found a place for herself and for the first time in her life she a PURPOSE. And she would be damned if she allowed the likes of Buffy Summers to fuck things up to hell and back for all of them. Buffy may have forgotten what they fought for but she had

Cordy set her face and charged into Angel's office, stopping abruptly---unlike Buffy, she recognized the slight golden tint in Angel's eyes and for a brief moment felt a fission of fear slither up and down her spine. Shivering slightly, she pushed her fear aside and began her speech in her usual blunt fashion.

"She's playing you for a fool and you're lapping it up," she charged angrily.

"Come in Cordy, sit a spell and tell me how you really feel," Angel said dryly.

This must be his real punishment, he thought wryly to have two beautiful highly aggressive women in his undead life. Maybe he should just stake himself now to save them the trouble. All he needed now was for Spike to come and add his two ce....his eyes widen in dismay at the smirking Childe standing in the doorway. He rolled his eyes, I meant that rhetorically you know, he yelled silently to the Powers That Be.

"Peaches, the cheerleader's right. While I don't mind seeing you squirm and being all poofy like," Spike smirked, cigarette dangling from his lips,"But you're just ruining me image. These stupid gits here are gonna think I'm just as big of a wanker as you. Then we're gonna get to fighting and killi...," he paused, thinking, "Nevermind, keep on being a big wanker."

"Spike," Angel warned coldly, "Remember the conditions of your staying here: No starting fights with anybody, demon or otherwise."

"Oi, I'm not gonna be startin' any fights," Spike said indignantly, blue eyes flashing before grinning, "I'm just gonna be ending them, like," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with merry enjoyment.

Cordy rounded on him, furious at his interruption of her talk with Angel, "You?! You can't even stand watching a woman giving birth," she said scornfully, hearing Angel's muffled laughter behind h
S
Spike frowned down at her, he also could hear his Sire laughing, " 'ere now, ain't no call to get nasty, I'm on your side," he protested, "Beside all that screaming was disturbin'," he shuddered. "I'm use to being the Big Bad but when it comes to you women having the kiddies, I ain't the Big Bad, them kids is."

Cordy blinked and decided to forgive the idio"You"You're forgiven," she said magnanimously.

"I wasn't apologizing, you stupid bint," Spike shot out glaring daggers at her.

Angel held up a hand, forestalling the argument he was sure to come, before it got really nasty. Surprising enough Cordy usually held her own with Spike, which of course made him wild with rage. He would sit up in his room, pouting and plotting revenge. He had even begged to be allowed to kill her, sulking when Angel refused to let him.

Angel smiled, he had to admit these two came up with some very entertaining moments for him, Doyle and Wesley. But if he didn't get Cordy focused back on her tirade, he mentally winced, she'll just keep coming back. It was better to let her say her piece, let her believe she had won the argument and make sure she never found out that they did whatever the hell they wanted.

"Cordy, you were saying," he prompted sitting on the edge of his desk.

Cordy looked blank, "Oh yeah, what was I saying? It's all your fault," she hissed rounding on Spike, who flipped her the bird before leaning against the doorjab.

"Oh yeah! Buffy's playing you and your lapping it up," she said, looking triumphant.

Angel blinked, "Cordy you already said that," his lips twitched.

She frowned, "Uhm, I know that! I was just warming up. You know that Buffy lied about them being dead don't you? She deliberately left them behind to die!" Cordy was looking totally enraged.

"Cordy, we don't know that for sure," he held up a hand, stopping the words from erupting her mouth, "Even if it's true, it's been four years! She's done somod tod things for us here. She's a valuable fighter and ally. Everyone of you gave me another chance after everything Angelus put you through, why won't you give her a chance? She hurting just as much as you are beside which her mother is dying," he said quietly, searching her eyes.

"Well, she should have have stayed there maybe her mother wouldn't be dying or hor had been raped," Cordy pointed out stubbornly, she wasn't budging an inch.

Angel sighed exasperatedly, "Would've..Should've..Could've, isn't that what you always say? What's done is done, Cordy and it's time to move on. I've made mistakes, you've made mistakes and we've all been forgiven---why can't you get past what she's done."

Cordy blinked at the torrent of words from him, thinking, "Because she's the Chosen One and I expected better from her," she said quietly and left the office.

"You're still here," Angel glared at Spike, daring him to say something, anything.

Spike's eyes flared gold, "The bint's right," and he left in turn, leaving a confused Angel alone with his thought, wondering if he was making the right decision or not.


* * *

The next several days proved trying for the new members of the Hyperion. Beginning with Willow, who had forgotten just how difficult it was dealing with a newborn and ending with Joyce, wasting away. All the potions she brewed wasn't enough to dull the pain in the dying woman's frail body. But Joyce wanted to remain alive long enough to greet as many of the the arriving Sunnydalers as she could.