Disclaimer: Buffy and Co. belong to Joss, not me.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: none that I can think of
Summary: Buffy's having dreams, a little fluff and maybe a little angst
Distribution: ask please
Feedback: I'd love ya for it

Buffy walked tiredly through the dark hallway. She'd returned from a late patrol and after checking in with Giles headed straight home. All she wanted to do now was curl into bed and sleep. She stepped into the spare room and dumped her weapons bag on the floor, too lazy to put everything away tonight. She made it the bedroom and stood still at the sight before her.

The two most important people in her life lay sound asleep on the large bed. It was one of the most adorable things she'd ever seen. It was little things like this that made her heart swell up with joy. Her baby son lay sleeping on his father's chest, Angel's large hand cradling the infant's head. Buffy smiled and switched off the lamp leaving the room in darkness. She slipped out of her black slaying outfit and into her soft cotton pajamas. She made her way to the bed and removed the baby from Angel's embrace careful not to wake either of them.

Angel stirred however and cracked his eyes open. "Buffy?" he mumbled sleepily.

"It's me honey. I'm going to put Evan in his crib," she whispered, "Go back to sleep."

"Mmmm hmm." he managed to let out before allowing sleep claim him again.

Buffy returned moments later. Pulling away the covers from her side of the bed, she crawled in. The cool sheets felt nice against her skin and she settled herself against the body beside her. Angel's arms wrapped around her pulling her close to him. She brushed her lips softly against his, whispering goodnight before falling into an exhausted sleep.

***

The sound of a child crying woke the couple some hours later. Angel made motion to get up, but Buffy stopped him.

"I'll go," she said a little groggily. "He's probably hungry and I'll need to feed him."

She rubbed at her eyes and made her way into Evan's room. Leaning over the crib she reached for the wailing child.

"Shhh. I'm here sweetheart," she spoke softly hoping to soothe the baby. Placing him on her shoulder she turned towards the antique rocking chair. Buffy gasped when she saw a woman standing in the room with her.

The soft glow from the night-light illuminated the woman's face. She stood perfectly still and her eyes fixated on the child in Buffy's arms. Buffy held Evan tightly and her eyes darted around the room as she calmed the baby. Where had she come from?

She was middle aged with pale skin and dark hair and she wore old-fashioned dress. A ghost? The idea crossed Buffy's mind and she stepped back fearfully.

"Who are you?" the slayer asked softly. "What do you want?"

The woman gave no reply and her face remained unchanged. She only stared at the now quiet child. She gave no sign of threat as she slowly held her hand out stepping closer to the mother and child.

***

Buffy shot up in bed, her eyes wide. She was shaking and her heart was racing.

A dream.

Two strong arms found their way around her waist. "Buffy." Angel's concerned voice filled her ears as he pulled her to him.

She was grateful for his presence and sank into him. "Oh, it was a dream." She sighed, burying her head into the crook of his neck.

"The baby." Fear still ran through her heart and she pulled away from Angel. "I need to check on him."

"He hasn't made a sound, honey." But Angel knew his words would do little to calm her. He watched her leave the room and return a minute later.

"He's fine," she told him sounding relieved as she took her spot beside him again.

"Want to tell me what happened?" He took her hand in his and kissed it softly. "Was it the same one?"

"The same," she answered quietly. "She keeps coming closer to us, Angel." Buffy had been having dreams about the same woman for a while now. They'd been more frequent lately and she was starting to wonder if they were prophetic. "What if they're real, Angel? What she if wants to hurt Evan? I know I said she looked harmless, but she scares me. It's the way she just stares. "

"I'm sure it's just dreams, Buffy. Nothing is going to happen to our baby," he assured her.

"But-"

"Shhh. Just try and get some rest."

She sighed knowing there was little she could do tonight. "Ok, but tomorrow we're talking to Giles."

**

2 weeks later

Joyce sat reading a book in her daughter's living room. She looked up when she heard footsteps approach.

"Hey sweetie. You're back early. How was patrol?"

Buffy groaned. "It was a bust. No vamps. Hence us being back early." She flopped down beside her mother.

"Where's Angel?"

"He's just putting stuff away. Evan-"

"Is sound asleep. He was a perfect little angel tonight," Joyce informed.

"Thanks for watching him for us."

"Don't even mention it, Buffy. You know I'm always willing to spend an evening with my grandson. Anytime you need me, just ask."

Buffy kissed her mom's cheek. "You're the greatest."

"I know." Joyce grinned back. Her face turned serious next. "Have you had the dreams again?"

Buffy frowned. "No, not since the other night. Giles still hasn't found anything either, but it's not like he has much to go on. Angel keeps telling me not to worry, but I know he's just saying that to make me feel better. I can tell this is getting to him too."

"I'm sorry. I'm sure Giles will find something soon or even better the dreams will stop."

"I hope so."

"Hope what?" Angel asked as entered the room. "Hi Joyce," he greeted as he draped his long duster on a nearby chair.

"That my dreams will go away," Buffy explained.

"Oh," he said coming up to her, cupping her face and placing a kiss on her temple. "I told you everything is going to be fine. We'll deal with this."

Joyce looked at the couple fondly. Had she really tried to take this all away from Buffy at one time? She hadn't understood them then... Hadn't understood how deep their love ran. Now, she couldn't be more grateful to have Angel by Buffy's side. And she wouldn't trade her beloved grandson for anything in the world.

"I should get going," she said standing.

"Thanks for staying with Evan, Joyce," Angel told her.

"Anytime."

"I'll walk you out."

"Not necessary, Angel."

"Mom, it's dark and-"

"I'm just going to my car. I keep a cross and holy water in my purse. I'll be fine." She kissed her daughter goodnight and hugged Angel. "Give Evan another kiss for me. Goodnight."

She was gone leaving Buffy and Angel alone. He wrapped his arms around her and looked into her beautiful hazel eyes. "Why don't we go check on our little miracle. and then you let me take your mind off of things the rest of the night."

She smiled at his implication. "Hmm, what did you have in mind?"

"Oh, this." His lips covered hers in sweet lingering kiss.

"That's all?" she teased her fingers playing with the collar of his shirt.

Angel cocked his head to the side and chuckled. "And a little of this." his mouth trailed down her throat and neck. And he kissed her shoulder, his hands sliding under her top at the same time to caress her back.

A few minutes later, once the baby was safely tucked in, the lovers stumbled down the dark hallway into their bedroom. They didn't notice the figure materialize outside the doorway to Evan's room. The woman moved silently inside.

****

Angel awoke when he realized she wasn't there. Buffy had fallen asleep curled up against him with her head resting on his chest. The bed was empty now and he heard shuffling around. Angel caught sight of her just as she left the room. The house was silent and the baby hadn't made a sound all night. He quickly got out of bed, slipped on some clothes and followed her down the hall.

"Buffy," he called softly.

She jumped at the sound of his voice and gripped the robe tighter around her body.

"What are you doing?" he asked her.

"I had a bad feeling and then I thought I heard." she trailed off as she reached their son's room.

Angel saw her tense up and he hurried towards her.

They both stood frozen when they saw the woman. She held the infant cradled in her arms and rocked him gently in the antique chair. Her face was hidden in the shadows, but her voice could be heard. She hummed a sweet lullaby that sounded strikingly familiar to Angel.

Aware of their presence, the woman stood slowly. She turned allowing the light to make her face visible to both of them.

Angel gasped loudly and Buffy glanced at him noticing the look of shock on his face.

"Angel.?" Buffy saw pain and fear in his features too.

Angel shook his head in disbelief. "No. *how*?" His mind wandered to a Christmas some years ago when he'd been haunted by visions of his past.

"Don't be afraid." The woman's voice was anything but menacing.

Buffy wasn't sure if she should approach her and Angel's reaction was scaring her even more.

"Come." The woman held her free hand out inviting him to take it.

Angel walked slowly but surely towards her. A feeling inside told him this had little to do with evil.

"Angel!" Buffy hissed. What was he doing?

His large hand found the woman's smaller one and he clasped it tightly. Bringing it up to his cheek, he leaned into the feel of it.

Buffy came up warily to stand beside him. The woman turned to her, motioning that she take the baby. "He's beautiful," she told them. Relieved, Buffy took Evan into the safety of her arms.

Angel's hand still held the woman's and Buffy was surprised to see tears brimming in his eyes.

The woman cupped his face now. "My dear, I never meant to worry you or Buffy. I just wanted to see the baby. I wanted to let you know I was coming."

"Buffy's dreams," he realized.

"I would have come to you, but you weren't ready."

"*I'm so sorry*." His voice broke at the words and he cast his eyes downward. He remembered the blood, the fear, and the desperate pleas.

"No." She lifted his face back up to look at her dark eyes. "My dear Liam, it wasn't you."

"But before, I-"

"Shh. It was all forgiven long ago." She gave him a sad smile. "I'm so proud of you. Of the man you've become. The wonderful soul that I always knew you were. You only needed some time."

Buffy watched confused. Angel *knew* this woman, or ghost or whatever she may be. He knew her and she meant something to him.

"I always dreamed you would get to have this. A family and a home. Here you are settled down with a baby son and married- "

"W-we're not married," he interrupted her.

"Not legally, but in your hearts you're bound forever. With the claddaghs you made a promise to love each other and sometimes that can mean more than any piece of paper." She spoke so softly and Buffy noticed her Irish accent for the first time.

"This life you have together is a blessing," the woman continued. "Cherish it and enjoy *every* moment. Take this chance you've finally be given. And remember that we'll be happy if you are."

"We?" Angel questioned. His voice was barely a whisper.

"Your father, Kathy, and I. We're always watching you. We're together, Liam. We've forgiven. Can you do the same?"

He nodded and the tears slipped out of his eyes. Her thumb wiped them away gently. "You're still her angel you know that?"

Angel couldn't help but smile remembering his sweet sister. "Don't ever let the past ruin what you've built here," his mother told him.

The realization dawned on Buffy and her eyes widened. It all fell into place.

The woman faced Buffy, knowing that she understood now. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For giving my son a reason. For accepting him despite everything and loving him the way he deserves."

"I've only done what he's done for me."

"You've done more than you realize."

The woman leaned forward and kissed Evan's head softly. "He's so lucky to have you as a mother." She squeezed Buffy's hand lightly and smiled at the woman who'd given her son a reason to be someone.

She turned back to Angel. "And *you* made an even more wonderful father than I ever imagined." Cupping his face in her hands once more she kissed his forehead. "I love you so much."

"I love you too. You're leaving," he stated quietly.

She nodded verifying his words. "I have to," she explained. "Hold the good memories in your heart, Liam. Love your family and don't ever forget how important they are. You know I've always wanted the best for you." A tear slid down her own cheek but she held a smile.

"And can you tell Evan about me? Tell him that his grandmother loves him and watches over him always."

"I will," he promised. "I'll do all of it."

She hugged him tightly and kissed him one last time. Before he knew what was happening she'd already begun to fade into the shadows. disappearing.

Angel sighed heavily and looked at Buffy. Her eyes were teary and she stared at him still awed by the situation.

He closed the space between them and wrapped his arms around her and the baby. He closed his eyes and let the feeling of the two of them in his arms wash over him.

***

They lay tangled in bed together talking quietly. Angel's head rested on Buffy's abdomen and her fingers played through his dark hair. She'd held him while he'd told her about his family, about the person he'd been back then in Ireland. Angel had never been open about his past; the memories had always been painful for him. Tonight had been different and he'd shared so many stories with her about his life before he was turned. He'd told her about his beloved sister and his problems with his father. He'd even shared their deaths with him.

"Why do you think she came?" he asked her.

"I don't know, Angel. Maybe, it was time for you to let go of all that."

He pondered the idea. How long had he held that inside of him? He'd told Buffy about other things in his life, but his family had never been spoken of. He hadn't actually thought of them much either. It was easier not to.

"They were the closest people in your life then." She continued, "They were important to you and it was finally time for you to realize that it wasn't your fault. Forgiveness is something I think you needed."

"Forgiving and *to be* forgiven. I was angry for a long time."

"Now you can look back and remember the better things."

"I'm glad you got meet her. even if it was a little weird."

Buffy laughed silently. "Yeah. you could say that, but I'm glad I did too."

They lay silently for some moments longer.

"Angel? Do you remember that song?"

"What?"

"The one your mother was singing when she was rocking the baby. It was beautiful and I think Evan liked it."

"Yes, I remember it now."

"Good. I want you to sing it to him."

"My mother would sing that to my sister when she was a baby. I remember asking her if she'd sung it to me too when I was a baby."

"I bet you were a cute baby." She tried to picture him in her mind as a child. "I wish I could see a picture of you then."

"Sorry, no cameras."

She giggled and guided his face up to hers. She grew serious.

"How come you never told me the claddaghs were so significant?" Her fingers played with the silver ring on his finger. "...That they were like wedding bands?"

"I don't know. At that point in our relationship I just wanted you to know how much you meant to me. A symbolic marriage was a little too much for us then I think."

"But according to Irish custom." she grinned up at him, "we're actually married?"

"Yeah, I guess we are," he replied softly.

"Hmm, I guess that means that I can call you my husband then," she paused for a moment letting the idea sink in. "I like that."

"I like it too, *wife*." He emphasized the word with a kiss and shifted his body on top of hers. Her hands wrapped around his neck as the kiss grew more passionate.

"I love you," she breathed into his mouth.

"I love *you*," he replied and leaned down to kiss her again. Their lips had only touched for an instant when the cries of a child could be heard through the house. With the moment shattered, they both groaned.

"I'll go," Angel offered. He kissed Buffy quickly and smiled down at her. "Hold those thoughts."

Angel rolled off his wife and out of bed to go attend to his crying son.

Send feedback to Banana

Back to the Fanfiction Archive