Disclaimer: Buffy and co. are not mine. Just borrowing them.
Spoilers: Everything on Buffy and ANGEL including Hush and Parting Gifts
Rating: If you can watch the shows then I'm sure you can handle this
Summary: What if the events of IWRY weren't completely erased?
Authors notes: so I get brave enough to send out one story and now here I am writing more. *g* This idea popped in my head so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Just my take on Buffy getting pregnant after IWRY.
Feedback: yes, please do. I'd like to know whether this is worth my time.

"Buffy, you feeling ok?" Willow whispered to her friend seated next to her. She didn't look so good and this wasn't the first time she'd noticed.

Buffy just wanted to go to her room and crawl under the warm covers. Instead she was suffering through another of Walsh's lectures and feeling like hell.

"I'm ok, Will," she told her friend not wanting to worry her. Buffy hadn't been feeling well at all the past few days. She figured she was coming down with something, which was a little rare as the slayer, but not impossible. "Just feeling a little oogy still. I'll be fine," Buffy assured her.

Class ended not soon enough for Buffy. As the students filed out, Riley Finn made his way over to the two girls gathering their things. He smiled and greeted his girlfriend and her friend.

"You looked a little bored there during class, Buffy. Walsh not so interesting today?"

"Was it that obvious?" Buffy groaned, "I just feel crappy again today. Getting sick maybe," she informed.

"I'm sorry sweetie. Anything I can do?" Riley wrapped his arm around her as they walked toward the hallway filled with students.

"Not really... you can walk me to my dorm though. I think I need to crash for a while."

"Well I gotta get to my next class," Willow said speaking up, "I leave you in good hands and get some rest, Buffy. Maybe that'll help some."

"Yeah, Buffy, you really don't get enough sleep sometimes. You're always out till late and-"

"Well excuse me if the fate of the world depends on me. I gotta patrol, you know, and the monsters aren't going to stop just because I feel a little sick," Buffy responded annoyed.

Willow frowned at her friend's sudden change of mood and Riley tensed slightly beside her.

Buffy frowned, "Ugh, I'm sorry. See, now I'm even getting bitchy. Look, I know you're worried about me but I'll be fine with a nap or something, ok?"

Willow nodded, "Alright, I'll see you later then. And take that nap; you need it! Bye, Riley." Willow disappeared through the halls moments later.

Buffy and Riley stood at the door to her dorm as Buffy dug through her bag for the keys. She unlocked the door a minute later and Riley followed her in. She plopped down on the bed, dropping her bag on the floor beside it.

"You sure there's nothing else I can do for you? Are you hungry? I can bring you some food," Riley told her sitting on the edge of the bed and looking down at Buffy's slightly pale face.

"Really, I'm good and, not hungry. My stomach isn't loving food lately. I was feeling a little nauseous this morning actually. It's just enough for me that you care," She smiled at his concern for her. He was so sweet sometimes... worrying about her and all. "I'd kiss you but, I don't want to get you sick too."

"Hmm, I don't mind," he grinned leaning down to her face...

Her hand reached up and guided his face away from her. "Nope, there will no spreading of my germs around. Now, get out and let me sleep," she laughed.

*****************************

She was late... *really* late... and it was freaking her out.

She hadn't even realized it till now. After Riley had left earlier, she'd slept about two hours ignoring the fact that she had afternoon classes. She'd woken up a while ago now and lay in bed, exhausted still, but her mind was too busy bothering her. Something was off, she could feel it, and it had dawned on her finally.

But it was completely impossible! There was no way she could be...She wouldn't even think it because it wasn't happening. It was a ridiculous thought and she didn't know why it had even come to her. Her and Riley were no where near that stage in their relationship. There was absolutely no backing to the idea at all. Her and Parker had happened ages ago at they'd been careful then anyway. But why was she late then? It was highly unusual for her and she wondered if it was some effect of the hellmouth. Yeah, that must be it. The hellmouth was messing with her system. Or maybe it was some slayer thing Giles had failed to mention to her. She sighed deeply and rolled on her side crawling further into the blankets covering her body. She'd have to talk to Giles about it.

****************************************

He didn't care anymore. The rational part his brain that was telling him to stop meant nothing to him at that moment. All his heart was focused on her only. Her lips pressed against his and his fingers laced through her shiny golden hair. The bright sun shone down on them as the kiss intensified and they pulled each other tighter. She hadn't felt like this in so long and she didn't want it to ever end. There were sensations she'd never experienced before and old ones that came rushing back to her. Longing and pent up passion from the past months they'd been apart were present in that one kiss. She hadn't even realized till now how much she'd missed him. what a huge part of her soul felt not whole without his presence in her life. This moment was heaven and she wanted it to last forever. Her arms wrapped around him caressing his back and pulling him even closer. His heart beat in his chest against hers and she reveled in the feel of it. Their hearts soared at the possibilities it brought.

**************************************

Buffy woke gasping for breath. Her mind reeling from the images the dream she had conjured up.

Angel.

Why was she dreaming about him again? What was he doing invading her sleep? She was long past this, yet lately he'd been the product of her every dream. The dreams were so vivid and she almost felt like she was living it. She couldn't handle this now. She had other much more serious things to worry about than silly fantasies about her ex-demon honey being human. She groaned and pulled herself up out of bed. She couldn't go back to sleep and risk seeing him again. feeling all those things that were forbidden between them.

Forbidden.

That was exactly why they weren't together now. They could never have those things. could never be happy together. She'd moved on from him. Buffy had long ago stopped moping over his abrupt departure from her life. She had Riley now. A nice, solid guy that cared about her and could give her everything she needed. Angel should be the last of her thoughts right now.

****************************************

Buffy Summers sat in the small waiting room of her doctor's office. There were magazines scattered on the small table beside her but they hadn't helped to occupy her time. She was nervous. Maybe this had been a bad idea after all. She figured she'd get a scientific opinion before she had Giles delve into the supernatural for her. There could be a perfectly non-demony explanation for what was happening to her. She *wasn't* pregnant, but it could be something else that was causing her symptoms. So the doctor had examined her and took some blood tests the day before to help determine what was wrong. He'd asked her to come back the next day when the results would be ready and then he could explain whatever it was to her. So she sat waiting as her foot tapped the carpeted floor nervously.

****************************************

Giles was startled as his front door opened quickly and slammed shut. He came out of his kitchen assuming he'd find one of the kids having come unannounced again. Buffy stood in his living room with a stricken face and red eyes. She looked like she'd been crying. Concern and worry came over him immediately.

"Buffy, what's wrong? Has something happened?" He guided her to the couch having her sit beside him. He looked at her waiting for a response. Her voice came out broken as she spoke, "Giles there's something wrong with me. I don't understand. I- it doesn't make sense and it's scaring me. I don't. I don't know what to do."

"Buffy, just tell me what it is. I'll do my best to help you."

She nodded slightly and continued, telling him of the past few days.

"So, the doctor asked me to come today and that with the test results and all he would be able to tell me what was wrong."

"Yes, well, what did he say then? Is it something serious Buffy?"

"He told me that I'm. pregnant," She hesitated on the last word and the rest came out quickly, "All the tests indicate the same and he said there was really no possibility that there was any mistake. Which is just insane! There has to be- I'm not having a baby Giles! It's impossible. I haven't." Her voice trailed off as she fought back the tears threatening to spill. "Could this be some demon thing? Can a demon a demon infect you or something and."

She looked at him hoping he'd jump in with his infinite knowledge of the occult and tell her about some demon with a name that she wouldn't be able to pronounce.

Nothing. He didn't even suggest they research the subject. He was just silent with a pensive look covering his features.

He spoke finally, a little uncomfortable with what he was about to suggest, "Buffy, I realize you're in a relationship right now, and something like this can be very frightening and-"

"Giles! I'm telling you that I haven't been with anybody. This pregnancy thing is ridiculous because for it to be true *things* have to have happened that have NOT happened!"

"Buffy you're an adult now and you have no reason to justify your actions to me. I'm not your watcher, not officially, and I'm not your father either. It's not my place to judge, but if you and Riley have."

"That's just it! Riley and I haven't, Giles. Kissing is as far as we've let it go. I haven't slept with him or anyone else. I swear."

Giles didn't look entirely convinced. He'd never heard of any kind of demon that could do something of this nature.

"Giles believe me! I have no reason to lie to you about my personal life. Sure it's a little awkward sharing it all with you, but I swear I haven't slept with Riley."

Giles nodded conceding. He had to believe her and her attitude gave him no reason to think otherwise. He took his glasses from his face and rested his head in his hands for a moment.

"Alright. I'll start researching. I've never actually heard of anything like this, but there are a lot of demons and I most certainly haven't studied all of them. There are certain parasitic demons that need a host to develop. However, I don't recall ever reading of it manifesting its self this way."

"So, you think it's possible. that maybe.?"

"I'm going to find out, Buffy." She hugged him lightly giving him her unspoken thanks and then stood to leave.

"Please don't worry too much and do be careful," he told her.

"I will." She left Giles' house a little more calmed, but wondering just how she was going to explain this all to her friends. and Riley... and Oh God, her mother!

********************************

It'd been a few days now and Giles had found nothing. Buffy had gone over with him all the demons and supernatural creatures she'd come against but none of them possessed any power to cause Buffy's current situation. It had occurred to him that magic or some sort of spell could also be involved and Willow was helping as much as she could in that area. Her friends and even Riley had been more supportive than Buffy imagined. She was even gladder now that Riley knew she was the slayer because otherwise she didn't know how she would have explained it all. Joyce on the other hand was rather upset, although not so much with Buffy since her daughter had assured her the cause was definitely demon related. This had all only served to stir up Joyce's feelings of resentment against Buffy's imposed lifestyle and her usual fears for her daughter's well being.

However, apparently Buffy was six weeks along and if this was in anyway similar to a normal pregnancy then it had started sometime near the end of November. Whatever had attacked her or infected her body could have done so around that time. So Buffy had gone over in detail with Giles the events of those days, most of which he was already aware of. The subject of her trip to LA to see Angel had of course come up.

"Buffy you and Angel didn't..."

"Oh come on Giles! I saw Angel for five minutes and you know as well as anyone that nothing can happen between us." Buffy remembered pacing around the room her voice raised as she continued, "I can't believe you of all people could suggest that! And even if something had happened between us, which it DIDN'T, Angel's a *vampire*! Remember that whole being dead part? Angel told me a long time ago that vampires can't have children. AND don't you dare even mention that little incident with Spike! Nothing happened when we were under that spell either!"

So needless to say the subject of Angel hadn't come up again. Buffy just gave a quick explanation of the Mohra demon that had attacked, dismissing it and saying that, "it wasn't relevant because Angel killed it within seconds."

So the research continued and the Scooby Gang gathered to pour through the many of Giles' volumes. They were starting to give up on finding much in the books and Buffy was only getting more worried. She was not keen on the idea of some hell spawned creature growing inside her and they all agreed she had every right to feel that way. Giles had finally told them to take the evening off and go get their minds off the situation for a while. He didn't know if that was entirely possible for Buffy but it wasn't helping to have her spending every waking hour concentrated on it either.

The small lamp on Giles' desk illuminated the darkened room and the many books and notes that were scattered on it. The book in front of him held little information and he'd already made several phone calls which had proved less than productive. Giles wasn't planning on giving up so easily, but he was running out of resources. There was one person he hadn't contacted yet and he was still hesitant to do so. This was a very delicate situation in itself and Giles wasn't sure how Buffy would react if he got Angel involved. Angel had contacts though, and if it was possible to get any information through him, whether directly or not, Giles would be grateful. He just hoped Buffy would understand his position.

***************************************

Angel sat in his office late that evening reading. It was a quiet night and Cordelia had gone home hours ago. The phone ringing beside him brought his attention away from the pages of the novel. He reached to grab the phone wondering who would be calling so late. Giles' voice on the other line was the last he expected and he became worried at the thought that something could be wrong with Buffy. Getting past the formalities of greetings and on to the matter of importance, Giles continued, "Angel, I need your help."

"Is something wrong? Is Buffy alright?" Angel didn't bother hiding his concern for her, besides Giles knew well enough how he felt about Buffy.

"I'm not entirely sure. She's not in any immediate danger if that's what you're thinking. There's a problem that I been researching and I haven't had much luck. I thought you might possibly be of some help in getting me information. Possibly a volume you've come across in the past or a similar situation. Even somebody you could contact that might-"

"Giles, what is it? If there's something happening, you know I'll do what I can to help. especially if this concerns Buffy."

"Yes, it does. it's a rather delicate situation however and I'll inform you now that she's not aware of my contacting you. I doubt she'd be very pleased with it but I'm running out places to look and people to turn to."

"Buffy and I don't have any contact, Giles. There's no reason for her to find out from me about this conversation or that I've given you any information. Now what exactly is that you need me to find out about?"

"Well it would appear that, um, Buffy is. well, she's pregnant," Giles sighed waiting for a reaction from the vampire. There was silence on the other end for a moment.

Angel was in shock, "Excuse me? Did you say that... Buffy's *pregnant*?" There was no way that could be right. He must have heard the watcher wrong.

"Yes, that's exactly what I said," Giles assured, "but it's not what you're thinking either."

Angel ignored the last comment and spoke quickly, "Honestly, I don't see how this has anything to do with research. It's not impossible for a slayer to have children. She's a woman just like any other and if Buffy has." his voice trailed off at the thought.

He didn't want to go there. He didn't know how to feel about what Giles was telling him. A part of him wanted to scream in anguish and a part of his mind taunted him, throwing his words from the previous spring back in his face. Hadn't he told her to find a man that could give her everything he couldn't? Someone to be with her in the light, make love to her, give her children. Hadn't she just done what he asked? But what hurt most was the fact that he could have been that man. He had the chance to give her all her heart's desires but he'd sacrificed it. That glorious day he'd spent with her filled his senses as it had constantly in the past month.

Giles' words, however, brought him out of the reverie and what he finally heard shocked him even more.

"Buffy hasn't, Angel. That's what's different; she insists that she has not had a physical relationship with anyone. There was a boy, Parker, but that was sometime ago. Buffy's been adamant about this and I don't see any reason for her to lie about it. So, I've been researching to see if it could be of demon origin. I've never heard of anything similar but I don't see any other explanation. The point is, we've been researching non-stop and I've yet to find anything useful."

"So, Buffy's pregnant but she hasn't slept with anyone? There was no mistake, or anything? Has she seen a doctor?"

"No, there's no mistake, Buffy is six weeks pregnant. She saw a doctor before she even came to me. She's frightened, Angel, and she's turning to me for answers," Giles' own worries for the slayer were obvious in his voice. "I can't even tell her what kind of danger this is to her. I don't know if this demon has infected her body somehow or if it could be slowly killing her. Witchcraft could be involved also." His frustrations in not being able to come to a conclusion about the matter were clearly noted by the vampire on the other line.

"I've lived a long time, Giles, and I've come across a lot of demons and spells, but nothing like this."

"So far, it seems to be a perfectly normal pregnancy and if she's six weeks along then that places her encounter with this demon or whatever is causing this at approximately the end of November. Buffy told me when she went to LA to see you that a Mohra demon attacked you, but what I've read about Mohras gives no indication that-"

"Giles, wait a minute," Angel's mind took a moment to process just what Giles was saying. The time Buffy had been in LA was in question and he couldn't stop himself from thinking of that day. Buffy and he hadn't bothered to be careful. It'd all been so sudden and they'd both ended up being more interested in taking advantage of his precious gift of humanity than being logical. Why was he even considering this as an option? Wishful thinking he assumed. That day had been taken back. Even if a child had been conceived that day there was no way it could be a reality now. Angel still held the memories of that day but that was all it was. memories. He wasn't human and whatever could have happened that day *didn't*.

"I think I know who I can contact to get some answers," Angel finally told Giles. The Oracles seemed like his best bet at the moment. If there was any connection at all to that day, then they would be able to tell him.

**************************************

"Concerning what matter have you come to us this time?" The male Oracle spoke seemingly annoyed by Angel's presence.

"The slayer." The white marble walls of the room caused Angel's words to echo and the Oracles looked intently at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Something's happened to her. I need to know what's causing it. It could be a threat to her life."

"What exactly has occurred that effects her so seriously?" the female Oracle asked. Her eyes cast down from Angel's face to examine once more the golden medallion he'd brought as a gift.

"That's what I need to know." Angel paced as he explained the situation, "She's pregnant and things don't add up, meaning this could be the work of a demon or some other supernatural force. Her Watcher has been searching for an answer but he's found nothing. He hasn't come across anything that could give the symptoms that she's experiencing."

"The symptoms that would indicate she's expecting a child?" Angel nodded in response to the male Oracle's question.

"What makes you believe that her current condition is anything related to the supernatural?" She didn't give Angel a chance to answer but proceeded to speak, her head cocked to the side slightly. "This is not a demon's work. In fact, it's perfectly natural. The slayer is indeed expecting a child. A child that was created through the union of a man and woman."

Angel didn't understand. If Buffy was truly expecting a normal human baby, then had she lied to Giles? Was there someone she'd... His eyes scanned the floor as he spoke aloud, "But, are you sure? According to-"

"She does not remember," the male Oracle stated simply.

Angel's head shot up at those words. "Are you saying.?"

Nodding, the female Oracle elaborated, "Did you and your slayer not consummate your love for each other that day? I'm certain those events have not escaped your memory. The two of you created a life that day. A precious life which grows inside your slayer now."

"How is that possible? The day was erased. What happened between us was *taken back*. I don't understand how there can be any physical consequences to something that never-"

"The Powers are capable of more than you could ever imagine," the male Oracle told him laughing softly.

Speechless.

Angel was speechless at the notion that Buffy could be having his child. That was the last thing he expected to hear when coming here. Now the one question that filled his mind was *why*?

"The child has *power*," the female Oracle whispered, answering his unspoken question. "Yes, your day as human was swallowed in time, but the Powers felt it necessary to intervene. They will do what they see fit to further their cause. That child is the product of *love* and love is a powerful force against darkness and evil. There is little love as pure and the one found in yours and the slayer's hearts. You both possess an immense power as warriors and your love has only served to strengthen that."

**"Together you are powerful."**

The Mohra's words flashed through Angel's mind.

"This child, conceived in a love *so pure*, holds the power of you both. As two of our strongest warriors I think you can understand what that means. The Powers That Be need such a powerful being on their side. They would not allow the Mohra, however indirectly, to succeed in taking a warrior from their cause."

"So our child is to join the fight. become a warrior?" Angel shook his head in opposition. His mind was still registering that fact that he was going to be a father, but he knew for sure that he *didn't* want his child to lead a life like his and Buffy's.

"You can not argue this," the male Oracle told him, "The child was allowed to live by the Powers because he or she will be needed to fight our cause. You WILL accept it as you have accepted your own destiny. When the End of Days comes to pass your powers combined will have a profound effect. From this day forward it will be yours and the Slayer's duty to protect this child. He will be born as any normal baby but you will both have the responsibility of preparing him or her for what is to come."

Angel gave his consent. Any argument with the Oracles would be futile at this point. Later, however, it could be an entirely different story.

"What about Buffy? How am I going to explain this to her. Why would she believe me if she doesn't even remember?"

"That is already being remedied," the female Oracle said. "Go to her with the truth. She will believe you." She waved her hand dismissing him and turned away from Angel with her brother.

"Wait! Where does this leave Buffy and I? My curse still prevents us from any kind of relationship. How are we to raise a baby together if-"

"That is not our concern." The male Oracle looked back at Angel over his shoulder as he spoke, "You will raise the child regardless of whether or not you both engage in a. *romantic* relationship. As long as the child receives love from the both of you it will be enough."

Before Angel could protest he found himself back underground in front of the portal. He ran his fingers through his hair still not quite believing what the Oracles had just told him. He squeezed his eyes shut and wondered if he might wake up any minute and find that he'd fallen asleep reading in his office again.

He needed to talk to Buffy. needed to tell her everything the Oracles told him. Would she believe him like the Oracles said? Or would she laugh in his face? Without any knowledge of that day it would sound ridiculous that she was expecting his child! Did she even want to have a child with him? He was still a vampire and the Oracles weren't at all concerned with the fact that the happiness clause still held firm. The way he figured it, they were in the same place they'd always been. Except now they wouldn't be able to avoid each other. There were a million complications that filled his head, but whatever happened now, it was certain him and Buffy would have *a lot* to work out.

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