Subject: [Forging_Ghost] Don't Fear the Reaper 13/? From: Ajay Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:27:18 -0700 (PDT) To: Forging_Ghost@yahoogroups.com, vampswithsouls@yahoogroups.com, spangel_lover@yahoogroups.com Title: Don't Fear the Reaper 13/? Author: Ajay Rating:PG 13 some bad language Disclaimer: Josh owns all. I just fantasize. Warning: Character 'death' and Buffy bashing to some extent. Description: Post 'Fade Away' a wish is made, a wish is granted and everyone will pay Feedback: Is there an author who's ever said 'No I don't want feedback'? I doubt it, so PPPPLLLLLEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEE! Still archived at: www.the-crypt.net and www.geocities.com/Jess_Lair. =================================================== Demon activity in LA had quieted down in the last two months so AI now had long periods where they had little to do on the actual fighting front. They often spent these quiet times updating data bases, acquiring weapons and to Angel's chagrin, schmoozing city officials. At least they had before the new additions to the agency. Today, Gunn was off with Gwen and Solange to Disneyland. Cordelia, Fred and Faith were going wedding gown shopping after Faith's appointment with the OB/GYN. Wes was helping Allen move his things in to Cordelia's suite and Jaime was meeting with his publicist concerning a book tour. That left Angel and Lorne at loose ends alone in the empty hotel. He knew that the Pylean couldn't remain quiet for long and he had a feeling what his friend would want to talk about. He was figuratively girding his loins. "So, Angelcake, exactly how did Faith end up pregnant?" "Lorne, I'm sure you know about human physiology." "Very funny. You know what I mean." "I'm not sure I do." "She's carrying a little Spike inside." Angel threw him a nasty look. "She met Jaime before everyone else. They spent a night together. We think either the Powers or the Senior Partners had a hand in it." "You're hoping it's the Powers." "Yeah. For all our sakes." "He doesn't know, does he?" "Not yet, she wanted to be absolutely sure." "And, then what happens? I mean it's obvious that there's something between you and him. And that was a huge surprise, but do you think he'll abandon that and, I don't know, marry Faith?" "I don't know." Angel sounded downcast. "Why is it such a surprise that we have feelings for each other?" Lorne gave a nervous chuckle. "It's not so surprising from his side, I could always see that Spike actually adored you. He tried everything he could to gain your approval. Hell, just to get your attention he'd get trouble. And you just as obviously couldn't stand the idea he even existed. We always expected you to stake him any second." "I never hated Spike." "You could've fooled me. And him." "No, Spike knew the truth." Lorne's eyebrows rose. "Really? That's not what he told me. Repeatedly." "No! He was a pain in the ass some times, and I was a bastard to him. Often. But, he was my salvation especially after everyone else was lost. I'll never forgive myself for what happened when... when... It's my fault he's Jaime now. I drove him away and that bitch killed him. I don't know who brought him back but I'm grateful. I just don't want to screw up again." He looked at Lorne. "If he chooses to be with Faith I'll have to abide by that." Lorne looked at the dark vampire. "But you'll be miserable." "What else is new?" %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Faith's face as she walked out of the doctor's office let her friends know the results before she could say anything. The home tests were right. She was pregnant. Fred hugged. "So when can we expect our new niece?" "Niece?" Fred's dazed response to Cordy's question was the best she could do. "Sure, we're still outnumbered by the guys so..." Fred was giggling. "So when are you due?" "The last week of December." "Aw, maybe it'll be a Christmas baby." "No! That's the worst birthday ever! You never get real birthday presents." Cordy spoke directly to Faith's stomach. "New Year's Eve is much better. Listen to Aunt Cordy." Faith looked around at the lobby full of amused people. She sighed. This was going to be a long six months. "Um, you know I'm going to be huge by Thanksgiving, right?" Fred smiled. "That's okay. We'll find a dress that'll work perfectly, don't worry." Faith shot a pained look at Cordy who smiled back brightly. "And, what about Willow? How is she gonna get a dress?" "Oh, I forgot. Willow's flying in June 5th. She's got some sort of training seminar she's going to be conducting for the next few months. So, she'll be here through the wedding." Faith and Cordy traded amazed looks. "So, why don't we wait until then to look at dresses?" Cordy's amazement turned to disgust. "Because we're going shopping today. At least get some ideas then when Will gets here we can make the final choice. Geez, you know I sometimes don't believe that you are female." "Tell me that when I'm carrying a watermelon under my shirt, okay?" ((((((((((((((((( Willow was preparing for her departure. She had two weeks to pull her things together, get her thoughts in order and say her goodbyes. She was comfortable leaving the compound and her fellow witches. She felt honored that Giles chose her to lead this new group of magic recruits. Of course, the fact that she was scheduled to be in LA for Thanksgiving may have swayed him and the elders. But, she was grateful. She was just worried about Xander. Really worried. He was acting more and more skittish lately. She was going to talk to Giles about taking Xan with her to LA. Maybe a change of scenery would calm him down. She went looking for her friend. If he didn't want to go it made no sense to approach Giles. She ran Xander to earth in the TV room. He and Andrew were watching 'Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares'. Willow personally found the foul mouthed chef distasteful but the boys seemed to enjoy the show. Even Giles could often be found joining Xander and Andrew to watch Mr. Ramsay scream at unsuspecting restaurant staff. Willow shuddered. "Xan, could I talk to you for a minute?" He looked up at her. "Sure, Will. What's up?" "You know I'm going to LA for a while, right?" At his nod she continued. "I was wondering if you wanted to go with me? I'm sure Angel has some extra rooms. I can call and see if it would be okay." Xander gave her a puzzled look. "Why?" She smiled at him. "I'd like the company, for one. And, I'm worried about you. We don't know what all these other worldly taps and slaps have been about but you're not handling them well. I'd rather keep a close eye on you until we figure this out. Does that bother you?" Xander thought about it. "No, it doesn't bother me. Surprisingly." "So, do you want to spend five months in sunny LA?" "You get it okayed with Giles and Angel and I will be thrilled to leave the chilly climes of England for the good ol' US of A." Willow smiled. ################## The long table in the hotel dining room was lined with open Chinese food containers. All of the residents plus Jaime were seated around enjoying the meal and conversation. Wes and Allen were trying to convince Jaime take up residence at the Hyperion as well. Even though Angel was not actively taking part in the conversation everyone knew which side of the argument he was in favor of. He was happy to see that the only argument against the move the other man was giving was he was unsure about the disposition of the house he owned. Suggestions flew around the room, "Sell it", "Rent it out", "Use it as an office for your writing". Jaime looked as if he were actually considering them. Angel noticed Faith looking nervous. She locked eyes with him and gave him a small nod. "Jaime, could I talk to you in the lobby for a minute?" He looked at her, then around the room. Fred and Cordy averted their eyes. Wes, Gunn, Allen and Gwen looked mystified. Before he could gage Angel's reaction the phone rang and the vampire got up to answer. Jaime nodded and stood then followed Faith out the door. Angel was listening intently to whomever was on the other end of the phone. "It sounds fine to me, Willow, but I'd like to run it by the others first. Can I call you back in about an hour? Okay, great." He hung up then smiled at the other two. "I'll just get out of your way." "No, Angel, I'd like it if you would stay. You already know and I might need some help here." He looked at Jaime whose beautiful blue eyes were huge in his face. The small nod from the young man decided it for him. Faith sat in the arm chair. Angel took a place beside Jaime on the love seat. After the fifth deep breath Faith began talking. "Jaime, remember the night we spent together?" "Well, yeah. It was kind of a memorable night. Not to mention it's the last time I had sex." Angel shot him a surprised look. Jaime shrugged. "Okay, umm, well. See the thing is," Faith looked up pleadingly. Angel turned to Jaime and put a hand on his shoulder. "Faith is pregnant." Jaime grabbed Angel's hand and squeezed. "I'm going to be a dad? Really?" A wondrous smile lit up his face just before he threw his arms around Angel and pressed a surprise kiss to his lips. They drew apart at the sound of Faith laughing. Jaime then picked her up from her chair and hugged her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I never thought this would happen for me." "Me, either. But Jaime,you need to know this is not going to change anything between us. I don't expect, hell I don't want be married or any of that bullshit." "But, you won't stop me from being a part of the baby's life, right?" Jaime looked ready to cry. "Oh, God, yes I want you to be as involved as you can be. Even with Cordy and Faith's help and Angel's support I'm going to need a lot more to get through until the end of the year." "End of the year?" "I'm due between Christmas and New Year's." "Looks like it's going to be very happy holidays at the Hyperion this year." Angel and Faith both melted at the smile on Jaime's face. When they re-entered the dining area Jaime informed the rest of the gang of the news. He then told them he was taking them up on their invite to move in to the hotel. He could do his writing any where. "How long is it going to take to get a room ready?" "Actually cupcake, I might be able to help with both of your problems there." Jaime looked at Lorne. "You move in to my suite here, it's next to Faith's, and I will move in to your little house in the hills. I can pay the bills, take care of the upkeep. What's the mortgage?" "No mortgage I own it outright." Lorne looked at Jaime even more appreciatively. The daggers Angel threw at him made him back off. "You own a two million dollar house? How?" "Charles, that's rude!" Gwen chastised. Jaime laughed. "It's okay, Gwen. My family," he pointed between Allen and himself, "our family is, well our great several times over grand father was one of Ma Bell's original investors. With all the stock splits,sales and other things that have happened over the last century we're kind of rich. As for the house, the money from my parent's insurance was put into trust for me until my twenty first birthday. At that point I got the house and several other investments. So, I'm able to work in my chosen field without worrying about money." Cordelia slapped Allen. "You're rich and you never told me?" "Would it make any difference in how you felt about me?" Cordy looked hurt. "No, but we're getting better furniture in our suite, buster." "Hey! I just spent a mint redoing that entire floor. You picked out your own furniture Cordelia Chase." Angel did hurt even better than she did. Now she felt guilty. "Sorry." "So when do we do this big move?" Lorne tried to get the conversation back to a more neutral subject. "Well, I have a week before I go on my first tour. So, if you have the time we could do it in the next few days." Angel looked stricken. "You're going on a trip?" Jaime smiled. "Yeah, it's just a four day swing through the northern part of the state. A couple of morning shows and a book signing." "Oh. But the book isn't being released until the ninth, right?" "Yeah, this is some special promotional thing. A bookstore in Sacramento is getting a pre shipment at 8 pm on the eighth. The book signing takes place there then I'll be on my way home." Angel nodded. "Good, good." He shook his head to order his thoughts. "That was Willow on the phone. She wants to bring Xander with her next week. Seems he's under some sort of stress and she thinks it'll be good for him to get away for awhile. I told her I'd talk it over with all of you. She'll be calling back in a few minutes." He looked around the room. Cordy was the one to speak up. "Can you handle having Xander here for that long?" Angel slowly nodded. "Yeah, I think I've grown enough that I can live with Xander Harris without killing him for that long." There were several chuckles. Cordy had filled Allen and Jaime in on the Sunnydale crew and Wes had told the others about his experiences as Buffy and Faith's watcher. "We have Willow in room 230. Should we move her to suite 226? It has two bedrooms and the sitting room. We could put her and Xander together." Angel smiled. "That's a great idea, Cordy. That way she can keep an eye on him for whatever problem he's having." "And, maybe he'll stay out of your hair, right Angel?" Faith laughed. Angel gave a half smile. "My turn to clean the dishes, right?" "I'll help." Faith piped in. The rest of the gang wandered off as the two of them began gathering plates and glasses. "So you and Jaime are getting closer, huh?" Angel dropped the silverware he had gathered. Faith laughed. "Come on, Angel. I tell him I'm having his kid and he kisses you. That says something." Angel sighed. "I don't know. Every time it seems like we're moving closer he pulls away. I'm never sure what he's thinking." "Well you know one thing." "What's that?" "He hasn't been with anyone else since he met you." She bumped him with her shoulder and they shared one of those smiles. Two days later Jaime had moved his clothes, electronics and bed into suite 201. Five days later he packed a suitcase and left for his book tour. He had barely spoken to Angel during that time. On Thursday Cordelia, Fred and Faith went to the airport to pick up Willow and Xander. While they were waiting Faith posed a question that no one had thought about asking. "Has anyone warned Willow about Jaime?" "Oh, shit. Fred?" "No. It never occurred to me. I mean he's just become such a part of our lives I don't even think about it any more." "So what do we say? Do you think she's going to freak?" Faith sighed. "I don't know. Things were so weird in Sunnydale I'm not really sure who was buds with who. I do know she was inconsolable when she told me about what happened to him." "So it's probably going to be rough. Great." "Are you going to tell her about the baby?" "Not till I tell Giles first. I guess I need to do that as soon as we get back." The announcement that Willow's flight had arrived interrupted any further conversation. Thirty minutes later hugs were being exchanged and Fred was introduced to Xander. "So, we've decided to put the two of you in a suite with two bedrooms, is that okay?" Nods from both of them set the Angelenos at ease and they went out to Wes' Explorer to head back to the Hyperion. As soon as they were in the flow of traffic Cordy turned to look at Faith and jerked her head toward Willow and Xander. Faith's eyes grew huge and she shook her head. Cordy gritted her teeth and nodded again. Faith blew out hard. "What's going on guys? Is it bad news?" Willow's voice was getting that edge to it. "No, it's not bad. In fact, we've all been thrilled with this happening." "Then?" "We're just not sure how you guys are going to react." "Just tell us. Oh, god, Buffy hasn't shown up has she?" Cordy laughed. "No, Xander,we wouldn't be thrilled with that!" Between them Faith, Cordy and Fred filled them in on what was going on with Jaime. It was not surprising to see Willow with tears running down her face but Cordelia and Faith both saw Xander wipe his cheek as well. Faith then told them about her pregnancy. At Cordy's surprised look she continued on to tell them that she still needed to inform Giles and asked them not to spill the beans until she could tell him. "So, Jaime and Allen both live at the hotel now?" "Yeah, but Jaime is on tour promoting is first book for the next few days so you won't get to meet him for awhile." "What does he write about? Vampire stories?" "Naw. Murder mysteries. This one is about Jack the Ripper. He's really good." They pulled into the parking garage at the hotel. "Home, sweet, home. You guys ready?" They piled out of the SUV laughing. Gunn's truck pulled up beside them. "Willow! Hey, glad to see you made it in one piece. You must be Xander? Charles Gunn." He held his hand out to shake. "Nice to meet you. Willow's told me alot about you guys." "Really? Well, there's some things even Willow is unaware of." "They told us about Jaime." "Yeah? That's cool but did they tell you about my wife and daughter?" Willow smiled. "Really?" "Really." Gunn's smile was huge. "They're not married." "Yet. But, we will be soon." "How old is your baby?" "Four." Willow's surprised eyebrows made Gunn laugh. "Come on in and meet them. You guys need help with the bags?" "Yeah, thanks man. I figured I'd be making a couple of trips." When they entered the lobby Willow rushed over to hug Angel. Xander put the bags down and held out is hand to shake with Wesley. "Congratulations, man." "Thank you, Xander. You look like you're doing well." "Yeah, mostly thanks to Willow." "Why don't I show you guys to your suite?" Cordy asked before the conversation could get too deep. "And, while we're doing that don't you have a phone call to make, Faith?" The slayer nodded. Angel looked worried. "I need to call Giles and explain what's going on." The vampire relaxed a little. "I didn't think about that." "Neither did I until Fred asked if I was going to tell Willow and Xander. Now, I figure I'd better tell him before he finds out some other way." Wes and Angel both nodded their agreement. "I'm gonna go outside and call him on my cell." ***************************************** Cordy opened the door on the sitting room. "There's a bedroom to each side. They're equal in size. They each have a bathroom so I'll leave it up to you to decide who sleeps where." "Well, then I'll take the one to the left. No windows to wake me with the morning light." "Thanks, Xan. Thanks alot." Willow lifted her two suitcases and carried them to the west side bedroom. The bed was a double with highly shined tables to either side. There was a beautiful antique wardrobe and dresser. The room was done in mauves and Willow felt at home right away. She walked back into the sitting room. There were two love seats at right angles, a 48 inch TV that Xander would really love, a nice stereo system and a bookcase that had a selection ranging from classics like Moby Dick and Dickens to some paper back romances. Xander's voice rang out. "Have you checked out the bathroom? This tub could fit three people." He wandered out to join Willow in admiring the set up in the common area. "Wow. I bet Deadboy didn't pick this out on his own." Willow gave him a jaundiced look. "Sorry, I promise I won't call him that anymore. Still, this is more Spike's taste than Angel's, don't you think?" "Yeah, but you heard what they said, he's not really Spike any more. Besides can you really see Cordelia letting anyone else decorate?" Xander laughed. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Faith had gotten passed telling Giles about the baby. Now she was trying to explain the baby's father. She waved a hand at Angel and he came over to her. "Do I tell Giles the whole story about Jaime? I mean he's going to have to know eventually." "Why?" "He's coming to stay the first of November." She raised her brows in emphasis. Angel grimaced. "Right. Go ahead and tell him." She grabbed his arm as he began to walk away. Realizing she needed moral support, he stayed by her side as she relayed the story to the watcher. He was surprised but actually sounded pleased by the news. He was actually looking forward to meeting Jaime. He wondered if he might come out a little earlier than planned. "What about Andrew? Is he going to come early too? You know how he was about Spike." Faith looked up sharply when she heard Angel growl. "I'll keep you informed of what's going on here. You let us know when you're ready to come, okay?" She hung up and turned to Angel. "What's up with you?" "Why is Andrew coming here? Do you know what happened the last time that little twerp got around Spike? His arms were cut off by that rogue slayer. Then Andrew double crossed us. Why is he coming here?" Angel's raised voice as he repeated his question made Faith jump. "I think Fred decided it was rude to invite everyone else and not him. Besides, didn't you guys see Andrew in Rome after that?" She shrugged. "Maybe Fred didn't realize it would be such a problem for you." "She reattached Spike's hands, how could she not know it would be a problem? And, Andrew felt Spike up in Rome." Faith almost laughed at the last but instead bit her lip and shrugged. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Xander was touring the third floor with Wes and Angel who was explaining that the rooms would be redone into single units not suites like the second floor. Angel was asking for Xander's expert opinion in construction. This surprised the Scooby. "You actually want my opinion?" "From what I understand you worked your way up to site supervisor at the Sunnydale High School rebuild. I assume your bosses knew what they were doing." Xander looked extremely pleased. "Let me do some measurements and we can discuss materials. I'll give you a bid. Then you get a few from some of the other companies in town. If it works out it'll give me something to do for the next few months." "It would have to be completed by the first of November." "IF it works out and I feel I'm running behind I don't think Gunn would have a problem helping out." "No, actually most of us are used to doing some handy work. Why don't you just go ahead and take the job?" "Wouldn't you rather..." "I'd rather get started immediately. Is that a problem?" "No, no problem at all." Xander was happier than he had been in a long time. He was going to be more useful than he had been at the watcher compound in England. When Willow returned that evening he was deep into a conversation about plaster and paint versus wallpaper. Angel, Cordy and Gwen were arguing for papering the rooms while everyone else thought it would be cheaper and quicker to go with paint. Willow piped in her opinion. "You have more options with paint, too. You know alot of the faux finish techniques don't you, Xan?" "Yeah, most of them." "Okay, why don't we try a couple of techniques in a few different rooms and we'll take a vote to decide?" Wes suggested. Everyone agreed. Xander went on with his list of supplies. Allen had already offered his services as apprentice carpenter now he was trying to convince Angel to let his fund the project. Angel was adamantly against it. "We'll see what you say when Jaime gets back." "Say to what?" The voice from the doorway made them all turn around. "Jaime!" "Hey, so what do I get a say in?" They each took turns explaining the new project to him. Angel realized that Willow and Xander were both staring with their jaws hanging slack. "Jaime, I'd like you to meet our friends Willow Rosenberg and Xander Harris. Willow, Xander, this is Jaime Ross." "Nice to meet you both. Xander you're going to be the one doing the reconstruction?" At Xander's nod he continued. "What's your current estimate?" When Xander gave him the figure he nodded. "We'll divide it three ways. Shut up, Angel! Allen and I live here too." TBC AN: The next chapter will jump ahead a couple of months or we'll never get finished. I promise not to skip any of Angel/Jaime(Spike) good stuff though. ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Forging_Ghost/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Forging_Ghost/join (Yahoo! 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