Authors: Magan and Askita
Warnings: Character Death. Some aspects of Religion involved.
Disclaimer: We own nothing. It all belongs to the genius Joss Whedon.

A/N: Thanks to Kristi. This wouldn't have sounded as good without your help.
A/N2: So far, we hope to take this into Buffy season 8 and Angel season 6.
A/N3:Script comes from Buffyworld.com

Chapter 1-

The stage had been set, complete with pouring rain, lightening and a fate worse than death, as Angel ran down the alley behind the Hyperion, a large sword heavy in his hands. He came to a stop facing the chain-link fence at the end of the alley his eyes darting around looking for any sign of the others. There was none.

‘I hope they make it out ok.’ The sky thundered above him, releasing another torrent of heavy rain. Chocolate eyes frantically searched the alley again, hoping that his friends… his family had survived by any means.

“Boo!” Spike walked out from the shadows, rain pelting his shoulders, blood staining his face.

“Anyone else?”

Spike shook his head. “Not so far. You feel the heat?”

Angel nodded, taking a deep, all be it unneeded, breath, exhaustion kicking in. He would not quit now. There was just too much to make up for this time, entirely too damn much. “It’s coming.”

“Finally got ourselves a decent brawl,” Spike said, looking up, rain pelting down his face, the droplets sliding down over the sharp planes in rivulets.

Gunn had been running down the street his homemade battle-axe clenched in his hands. To say that he was glad to see Angel and Spike alive and well was an understatement. As much as he hated to admit it, he had grown used to the duo. “Damn! How did I know the fang boys would pull through?” he said, drawing in a deep breath. Angel took off after Gunn, Spike close on his heels, Gunn his confidence fading a bit weaken. “You’re lucky we’re on the same side, ‘cause I was on fire tonight,” Gunn said lackadaisically. “My game was tight.”

Gunn collapsed as Angel and Spike reached him. Spike’s hands grasped his right arm, Angel caught his left, barely in time and help him sit down. Spike had quickly taken notice of Gunn’s seeping wound. ‘Doesn’t look good, mate.’ “You’re supposed to wear the red stuff on the inside, Charlie boy.”

Looking down at his wound, Gunn knew it was bad, he could feel his strength draining, but he isn’t worried about himself anymore. He knew that he’d done all he could in this final fight. “Any word on Wes?”

Spike shook his head, Illyria jumped down from the chain-lank fence moving to stand next to Angel, sadness evident in her face. “Wesley’s dead,” She said sullenly.

At the sad news, Gunn cried for his fallen friend. Loosing someone close was always hard, but when it’s your family, when it’s all you got, that’s even harder.

‘He was a good bloke, that Wes was,’ Spike reflected as he hung his head in grief.

‘No, not Wes,’ Angel thought heartbroken.

“I’m feeling grief for him,” Illyria said, as a crowd clamored in the background, determined to bring down who ever was responsible. “I can’t seem to control it. I wish to do some violence.”

Spike paused for a second before speaking, her phrasing reminding him of a certain ex-demon he once knew. He cleared his thoughts quickly, as he watched the crowd multiply. “Well, wishes just happened to be horses today!”

“Among other things...” Angel added looking out at the approaching crowd. There were hundreds, if not thousands of demons all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes, and a huge winged dragon flying angrily above them.

Spike mused to himself how it looked surprisingly like the dragon ffrom the day Buffy had given her ultimate gift. Buffy’s gift of death. Gun’s voice snapped him out of thoughts of gifts.

“Ok,” Gunn said sounding surprised. “You take the 30,000 on the left…” his voice trailed off.

“You’re fading fast.” Illyria looked down at Gunn slowly trying to rise to his feet. “You’ll last ten minutes at best.”

“Then let’s make ’em memorable.” Gunn replied standing under willpower alone.

Angel stepped forward with Spike, Gunn and Illyria following behind him. He looked to his right, studying the profile of a man he had known for 150 years, he looked to his left, seeing the fading strength of a man he had know for a little under four years fading, and futhers, an ancient demon dealing with human feelings. Together, in a very unimpressive line, they stared at the horde of demons that were approaching them in the alley.

“In terms of a plan…?” Spike asked surveying the whole crowd coming at them. It was the largest mob he’d ever seen, knew he had to make it. For Buffy, for Dawn, and everyone else that cared about him, for those who had died saving the world only a year earlier.

“We fight,” Angel said simply. ‘It’s about all we can do.’

“A bit more specific..?” Spike was in awe at all the demons. He’d seen a lot in his day, but this was completely out of hand.

Angel stepped forward, a smirk on his face. “Well, personally, I kind of want to slay the dragon.” His brown eyes darkened at the demon horde began attacking. “Let’s go to work!” He swung his sword and slashed through a demon, watching it fall to the ground before heading further into the mass.

In the blink of an eye, hundreds of slayers literally came out of the woodwork, heading for the fight. They took up places beside Angel and the remnants of what was once Angel Investigations Inc. “It’s about time you showed up,” Angel said surprised, continuing to slice and dice into a demon. He hadn’t been expecting the slayers to show up, but the more the merrier, he hadn’t been looking forward to them being alone in this battle.

“Yeah, well, we weren’t coming,” A dark haired girl yelled, punching a demon in the face. She moved to the right and out of the way of a swinging sword. She’d heard stories of Angel joining the law firm, and didn’t trust him until now, and only then out of necessity.

Spike shrugged snapping a demons neck, “Whatever works.” He went to the next, repeating the act again, again until he came up against a demon more his sparring size. Now this one he was going to have a fight, a grin spread across his face as he threw a punch. The rain pelted down on them, another obstacle to the end of the battle that would, hopefully, be the lesser of two evils.

Illyria was holding her own against a demon much bigger than she, one punch it flew back, taking three or four demons with it. Satisfied, she retrieved a metal rod from the ground, and threw it like a javelin. The rod pierced through the initial demons chest, killing him and a few beneath him instantly. With a smile on her face, she turned towards another demon, but before attacking she noticed that Gunn was under attacked by three ugly, hairy demons. She rushed to his aid, clearing the path separating them quickly.

“Here,” Gunn gasped as he handed her his axe. The blood had been seeping out of his wounds for some time, signaling that he was too far gone. He slowly slipped away Illyria fighting at his side in a protective stance. She didn’t even notice until she was finished with the demons.

“Charles.” Illyria cried, dropping his axe as his she noticed that he was gone. She fell to the wet ground, cradling his head in her lap. A single tear rolled down her cheek. “I have failed you.” She screamed as her body morphed back into to Fred of its own accord, the shock of losing both Wes and Gunn, men she’d loved, driving the demon away. “Charles,” she sobbed as she rocked him in her lap.

Lorne had been watching the whole thing play out from the shadows, after what he’d done with Lindsay, he didn’t want any part of killing anyone ever again. He looked out at the carnage, shaking his head. He wished things wouldn’t have gone down like this, he wished there had been a different way. Sighing, he pulled his jacket over his head, and hurried into the rain and over to Fred. He knelt down in front of her. “Pumpkin.” He reached out to her. “It’s ok. He’s gone off to a better place.”

“No!” She cried at him. “I knew he wasn’t going to last. I should have stopped him.”

“Honey, there was nothing you could do.” Lorne reached out to pull her hair away from her face. “This was who he was. Come on, with me. We’ll go inside and get you changed.”

Fred sniffled and shook her head, her voice wavered as she spoke hrough her tears. “Not going to leave him. I can’t. I made that mistake with Wesley.”

Lorne’s heart was breaking for her, he wanted desperately to do nothing but take away her pain. “But sweetie, you had no choice. They are both in a better place now.” He stood then, reaching out his hand to her. “Come on inside with me. Look at us, we’re all soggy now.” He pouted. Fred couldn’t help but give Lorne a watery smile as she relented to his coaxing and laid Gunn back on the ground, kissing his on the forehead.

“I’ll never forget you.” She placed her hand in Lorne’s as he pulled her to her feet. “And I’ll never forget Wesley either.”

Smiling, Lorne spoke, “Come on sugar plum.” They ran toward the Hyperion. “Let’s go get warmed up.”

While Lorne was helping Fred get dried and slay her inner demons, the Slayers, Spike, and Angel reduced the size of the demon horde on the streets of L.A. by half. The dragon had swooped down several times trying to take a bite of Angel or Spike, but that didn’t deter their mission, in fct it seemed to only seemed to spur them on. They fought as if this were their last.

The dragon swooped down again for a bite out of Angel. ‘That’s it. It’s time for this damn dragon to bite the dust.’ The brooding vampire looked over at Spike.

“I got your back, go kill that bleedin’ thing.” The blonde vamp yelled back as he dodged a large pipe that was coming toward his head. “Bloody hell, I think not.” He vamped out, charging the demon and beating the hell out of it. A few moments later, he stabbed it through the heart. “Ha!”

Angel jumped up on dumpster, raising his sword as the dragon flew by him. He sliced at it, but the beast only grew more irritated. The winged creature flew away, circling around to swoop down at Angel, before he had a chance to move, the dragon caught him, squeezing the vampire hard between its massive claw. Angel held on to the sword and began swinging at it as dragon flew away.

After a few moments, Angel had done enough damage to the shiny green and teal scales, the final injury of burying the weapon into the paw of the dragon caused it to let him go. Angel fell from the sky, until he landed on a table leg. He had landed dangerously close, the wood wedged next to his heart. If he moved, he was dust. There was one thing he had to do before death claimed him.

Spike saw the whole thing from where he was standing, and ran over to his grand sire with out a second thought, he knew that the Slayers had it covered. Besides, by now most of the demons had run off.

“Angel!” Spike cried, finally reached him.

“No, don’t!”

“Don’t bloody argue with me.”

“I said don’t. This is my destiny. I’ve done everything that I could. The battle is done. The girls have it under control.” Angel sighed. This was so not the way he wanted to go. “I have something in my left jacket pocked. Take it out very easily.”

Spike reached slowly into the pocket, removing a thin envelope. “A plane ticket?”

“Yes,” Angel said evenly. “You’re going to Italy to be with Buffy. No more excuses. No more bull about big exit’s or big entrances… you’re going!”

“But…”

“No buts. Listen to me Spike, Buffy loves you and you love her. It took me a while, but I know that now. At first, I didn’t, I couldn’t stand it, just the idea of it made me burn, but you’ve proved yourself this year Spike. You’re a good man. I respect you for getting your soul the way you did. The way you’ve learned to deal with it and accept the things you’ve done in the past. I couldn’t do that, not for a really long time.”

“I’ll say!” Spike muttered under his breath, Angel glared a bit. Blue eyes softened, “Look, for what it’s worth, you’re not so bad yourself.”

“You go to Italy and be with Buffy.” Angel winced again at asharp stab of pain.

Just as Spike began to speak, white lights trickled down next to him, molding into the form of Cordelia.

“Cordelia,” Spike and Angel said in unison.

“Well, yeah, who were you expecting?” She queried.

“Certainly not you,” Spike drawled, prompting Cordelia to smile at the blonde vampire smugly.

“What- what are you doing here?” Angel asked slowly.

“I’m here for you!” Cordelia said rolling her eyes, she looked around Spike, checking out the mêlée. “Impressive.” She added, her voice riddled with approval. “I think that they can handle the rest.”

Angel sighed. “I’m a little tied up here, so to speak, Cordy.”

“That can be arranged,” she said with a suggestive eyebrow. Angel glowered. “Ok, ok.” With a wave of her hand, Angel disappeared and reappeared in front of her. Spikes dark brows shot together in confusion. He didn’t quite understand Cordelia, but, from what he heard, when had anyone understood her? “Now, let’s go…both you. He’s not going to wait for to long.”

Blue eyes met brown ones as the men exchanged a glance. “Where are we going Cordy?” Angel asked. He wasn’t budging until she told them what was going on. There was no reply as Cordy grabbed a hold of his arm gripping Spike’s bicep as well before they disappeared in volley of white lights, unnoticed the dark haired slayer looked on. She’d killed the last of demons. All that was left was the dragon, who’d flown by a few times, taking out a slayer here and there.

“Where’d they go, Ana?” A red haired slayer asked as Willow appeared out of thin air.

“Willow,” Ana called out.

“Watch out,” Willow called out to the slayers as the dragon made another pass and the slayers ducked out of the way. The witch stepped out into the middle of the alley, eyes going dark, raised her hands in the air as an electrical current flowed out of her hands at the dragon. The current kept the dragon at bay while Willow chanted something in Latin. The dragon looked her in the eye before blowing up into tiny pieces. She smiled gleefully as her eyes changed colors. “Just needed a little magical intervention.” She turned towards Ana. “Get back to the head quarters. Giles is gonna want a debriefing.”

With that, the girls departed. Willow’s eyes noticed something at the end of the alley, and the redhead meandered toward it. She stopped when she saw red. It was blood, mixing with the rain. “Oh my god, Gunn.” She knelt down in front of him. She scooped his head into her arms, she hadn’t known him long, only the one brief visit after The First was defeated. “I’m so sorry it had to end this way. Farewell.” With a wave of her hand, Gunn’s body turned into tiny particles, and disappeared into the wind. She tucked a strand of red ahir behind her ear, a few strands still white but slowly changing. ‘It’s a proper burial for a warrior’, she thought as she vanished a few moments later.

The rain stopped, the clouds cleared up, and the stars shinned in the night sky. It was the beginning of something new.

TBC

Author: Askita and Magan
Timeline: Takes place after both Series finalies.
Warnings: Aspects of Religion

Disclaimer: The great and almighty Joss has created what we call the Wheadonverse… we only play in his world. Creating and building to our wicked little hearts desire.
From Askita: Well guys, I hope you like it, there is a lot coming for these two and I hope you will enjoy. I am usually a “Angel = angst” kinda girl, but every once in a while I give in to Magan’s bidding and do some nice things for him. *grins* Enjoy!! (BTW: If you haven’t read my other fics, they are located at http://www.geocities.com/little_one_askita.

From Magan: Thanks to my friend who taped the last few episodes of ‘Angel’, when I didn't have the WB. Otherwise, I wouldn't had the drive to actually write it.

*****

Chapter 2-



Inside the Hyperion, Lorne knocked on the now dry and cozy Fred’s door, tea tray in hand. He knew the poor girl was laying down and as much as he hated to bother her, he knew she didn’t need to be alone right now. “Knock, knock, sweat pea.” Lorne opened the door and peeked inside, entering when he saw her curled up with the blankets, crying. “Pumpkin…”He set the tray on the nightstand and sat on the bed next to her. “Lorne’s got some nice warm tea.”

Fred sat up slowly waiting for him to finish stirring in the sugar, and took the warm cup from him when offered. “T—thank you.” She said shakily.

“You’re welcome, honey bun.” He smiled and checked his watch, wondering where Spike and Angel were, if they were still alive.

“I think their ok, Lorne.” She said mimicking his thoughts. ‘At least she hope they are.’

“I hope you’re right.” He replied, rising to his feet. “I’m just gonna be downstairs waiting for them. I’ll let you know when they get her.”

“No, please stay with me.” Large brown eyes looked up at him puppy dog style. Who was he to resist?

“Ok sugar plum.” Lorne said, sitting in the chair next to the bed. “I’ll stay right here.”

She set the tea cup on the silver tray it originated from and lay back down. “Thank you, Lorne.” She murmured, drifting into an exhausted sleep.

He leaned back in the chair and took a deep breath, his head resting against the chair as green eye lids slid down over red eyes. The inevitable images flashed across his brain, visions of Lindsey, of the blood, of the gun in his own hand, and of the man falling to the floor. His mind replayed the scene at least a dozen times before sleep claimed him.



*****



Angel and Spike, blinked as they reappeared in a bright white room, Cordelia standing near them. The confusion slowly faded away replaced by an acute calm that was quite unsettling considering they had no idea were their chauffeur had taken them.

“Where are we?” Angel wondered aloud.

The room was endless and white. Not a stick of furniture whatsoever. There was only one place that Angel could think of… “You’ll see. He’ll tell you everything.” Cordelia’s voice sounded in his ears from where she stood off to the side.

“Welcome.” Angel’s eyes took in a dark haired man with a beard, he was dressed in a white gown. Blue eyes took in the traditional visage of the Alpha and the Omega, before he turned to look at Angel. After a few moments, they both had the same thought. This man approaching them… was God.

‘No, it couldn’t be,’ Angel though shaking his head.

“William…Liam, welcome.” The man’s voice resonated through their heads and graced over their ears.

Angel cringed at the use of his birth name. He’d rather just be called Angel. That was who he was now. “Names Angel…W- why are we here?” Angel stuttered, and then his voice quieted “I mean this looks a little like heaven.”

“Please forgive me, Angel. And you would be correct…this is heaven.” The man responded helpfully.

“Don’t tell me you’re bloody God,” Spike scoffed.

“William.” The man said sternly, shooting Spike one of those looks you get when you swear in front of your mom. Spike looked away sheepishly; his cheeks would have been bright red if they could. He’d offended God.

“I asked Cordelia to bring you here after the battle.” God began. “You both have done a great many things… William you sought out your soul. That is unheard of and you did all for the love of a woman. Ad not just any woman, a slayer… You also saved the world only a year ago today. I am proud beyond belief two ensouled vampires would take up such a task.” God paused. “The one thing that puzzles me,” The almighty said as he scratched his head in confusion. “Why William, have you waited so long to be with her?”

“I honestly don’t know,” answered Spike truthfully. “I couldn’t just walk back up to her after my grand exit. Besides, I don’t think she wants to see me. She’s with the Immortal now.”

“There’s still time.” The Father replied, implying that he knew something he wasn’t saying. “Don’t ever get up hope, William. She does love you.”

The blonde vampire’s eyes went wide at the King of King’s declaration, and Spike mentally kicked himself for not believing Buffy when she’d told him she loved him. Why hadn’t he gone to her when he had the chance? That had been the question running through his mind. He’d be with her now instead of her being with the Immortal. Now that he knew, really knew how she felt, nothing was going to stop him…nothing at all.

The Prince of Piece focused brown eyes on the darker of the two before him. “Angel, you’ve saved the world on a daily basis. I’m very proud of you. I commend you for taking on such a task… You’ve been striving for something for so long, but I will not give you Shanshu. That is still a long way off. But rest assured, in time, it will happen, but I’m sorry, it can only be one.” God paused for a moment. “For your bravery…” God trailed off, waving his hand. “It is now done.”

“Huh? You wanna run that by me again?” Spike said unsure. “I mean, I’d kinda like to know what God’s getting me into.”

“Spike please.” Angel said through gritted teeth. “He’s just given a gift. We should just accept it graciously.”

“Whatever.” Spike mused.

The Almighty was extremely annoyed and began to wonder if he should just revoke everything. He took several deep breaths to calm Himself down, after all, he had created them this way. He was sure that he’d done the right thing; he just had to make them see it.

“Gentlemen, please. Don’t make me regret giving you these gifts— now with that said, you will have to find out the exact details of your gift for yourself.” He turned to the brunette standing quietly off to the side. “Cordelia, would you please escort these two men back to earth.” God smiled at each of them in turn. “Be happy. Be loved. And be well.” The Father turned to walk away, slowly disappearing as he made his way down the long hallway.

Cordelia stepped next to Angel. “Let’s go.”

“Do you know what he meant?” Angel asked, looking down at her.

She clasped hands with both men. “Yes, but I’m not telling.” She said coyly. “Let’s go.” With that they were again treated to another flash of light before the arrived unscathed in the lobby of the Hyperion. “I do miss this place.” She walked around the main lobby reminiscing of the past, sitting on the round chair in it’s center for a moment. There were so many things she had regretted doing, mainly the thing with Conner. She cringed at the thought, her brow furrowing.

‘Why wasn’t Cordy leaving?’ Angel wondered, he knew she had no place here, she was after all, nothing but an escort. ‘Right?’

Spike had apparently been thinking the same thing. “Don’t you gonna be somewhere?”

“Nope!” Cordy said smiling broadly. “I’m here to stay!”

“What?” Angel asked surprised. “Why don’t you have to leave?”

Tilting her head, Cordy answered. “I get to stay.”

Angel froze for a moment, letting this news sink in. Moments later he was by her side lifting her from the sofa, arms wrapping themselves about her waist, pulling her flush to his body. “For good? Are you serious?”

Snaking her arms around his neck, Cordy said with an arched eye brow, “For my reward, I get to be with you.”

“Reward?” He asked warily, one dark eyebrow arching.

“Does that really matter?”

“Well, no it doesn’t.” he conceded.

“Good!” She leaned in closely and kissed him, delight running through her as he returned the kiss, both unaware that Spike still stood in the lobby.

“Bloody hell, there’s a hundred rooms in this old hotel, go find one.” Spike shook his head as he walked away.

“Oh wait, Spike,” Angel broke the kiss with Cordelia to catch up with his grandchilde.

“What?” Spike asked.

“I meant what I said, go get her.”

“She’s with the Immortal.” Spike grumbled as he settled into a nearby bench. Still, after everything that God had told him, Spike was procrastinating. ‘Why?’ He’d had a good excuse for the first few months. He couldn’t leave LA, but then when he’d been made corporeal, why didn’t he leave then? Why’d he stay and drown his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey? Why not at least call her to let her know he was alive? The answer to those questions was simple: He was afraid she’d turn him away for not coming sooner. His heart had been stomped on too many times by the petite blonde and he was sure this was doomed yet another stomping. He couldn’t handle that again, yet, if he didn’t go, he wasn’t going find out. He knew had to, had to suck it up, be a man and take his licks, no matter what they may be. He just couldn’t muster enough strength to go.

“It really doesn’t matter, Spike. It’s not like she loves him or anything.” Angel sat down across from him. “Look, she loves you, you know that. You love her. That’s what matters. Just go to her. That’s why I gave you that damn ticket.”

As Spike was considering what Angel said, Cordelia walked approached, curious. “Hey, what’s going on?”

“Think about what I said, Spike. If you don’t do this now, you’ll never do it.” Angel looked up at Cordelia. “We’re finished. Spike knows what he’s gotta do.” Angel stood up, slipping his arm around Coredlia’s waist. “Now, you and I are gonna have a little chat, come on.” He pulled her along and up to his old bedroom. His hand was on the knob when he saw Lorne exit Fred’s room down the hall. He was surprised to see his friend and smile spread across his face.

“Angel cakes...” Lorne said, as he got closer. “Cordy? Oh my god it is you! What?? How?” He enveloped her into a hug, he’d missed her so much. “Boy, Fred’s not gonna believe this.” He stepped back, checking Cordelia out. She hadn’t really changed much since they seen her last, in a coma.

“Fred?” Angel asked confused. “How? I thought that…What about Illyria?”

“The way I understand it, the shock of losing Wesley and Gunn brought her back. It’s a miracle, Angel. We sure as hell needed one. And it seems like we’ve got two.” Lorne hugged Cordelia again. “It really is good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Lorne.” Cordelia said. “I’m so sorry about Gunn and Wesley. They were good men.”

“Lorne, I hate to interrupt, but I need a shower and Cordelia and I need to have a chat.” Angel looked pointedly at Cordelia and then looked back at Lorne as he opened the door to his room. He really wasn’t into doing the reunion thing right now. Both of his friends had died and he was partially to blame. It hurt so much that it brought the memories back of losing Doyle back again and he had to find some release. He considered punching a wall or some other immoveable object.

“We’ll talk later.” He ushered Cordelia into his room. “Keep an eye on Fred, will you. I want to know how she’s doing.”

“Oh sure, Angel, I’ll just be downstairs. I’m in dire need of a stiff drink.” He replied.

Lorne headed downstairs, picking up the tension from Angel. His eyes registered on the peroxide blonde heading out the door. “Hey Spike, where ya going?” They had this annoy-befriend relationship that was always under stress, but he still worried about him..

“Doin’ something I should have done a year ago.” Spike headed out the door and to his future.

“Good for you,” Lorne whispered, smiling.

TBC

Authors: Magan and Askita

Chapter 3-

Spike trudged back to his apartment, thinking about Buffy and deciding to brace himself for the feelings that were bound to ricochet through him at seeing her for the first time in a year. He’d thought of every scenario possible, and needless to say, in everyone one of them, he got his ass handed to him. He tried to take an optimistic look to it, if he got his ass handed to him, well, then so be it. At least he’d gone there and made his feelings known.



The first thing Spike did when he got home was head to the shower. His still sore body was covered in blood and any other manner of ickyness from the battle. His wounds had begun to heal, and he wanted to clean them before they finished. Sore or not, he had made up his mind, ‘Italy, here I come.’



The steady stream of hot water had calmed his nerves, and as he stepped out of the shower he felt refreshed. He moved to his closet, pulling out a black T-shirt and sliding it over his head, quickly followed by a blue silk button up that hugged the muscles of his chest and arms nicely. He topped the ensemble with his snug-in-all-right-places jeans. Satisfied with what the choice, he then sat on the bed and put his docs on. He took a moment to clean off his duster, wiping away any remnants of the night’s battle, and smoothing in a layer of protective oil. He then grabbed a small bag and stuffed it with a few outfits, and headed to the door. He stopped then, moving back to the phone, lifting the receiver from where it rested in its cradle.



He dialed a number, and it was answered on the second ring. “Hey mate, it’s me… Yeah. About that… Hold off on all prior arrangements until I give you the go ahead… Yeah, there’s a few loose ends I need to tie up before I make a decision… Ok. I’ll call in a few days. To check on things… Bye.”



He headed back to the door, scooping up his now clean duster and slipping it over his shoulder as he grabbed up his bag and headed out to hail a cab.



****



Angel had booked a private jet for Spike, using the funds from Wolfram and Hart before everything turned south. He’d also managed to transfer all of W&H funds to an offshore account under an assumed name. He figured if they came through the battle, he’d use that money for good rather than the operations of an evil law firm.



Spike handed his ticket to the ticket holder, and headed down the ramp. However, before he made it to the plane, a petite red head ran after him, calling his name.



“Sir, Sir! You forgot something.”



He turned, duster billowing dramatically behind him and raised his eyebrow in question. He smiled his patent smile, sure to make the young woman putty in his hands.



“Yes?” he grinned when he noticed how it had worked so easily as the red head struggled not to stumble over her words.



“Mr. Angel left this with me to give you. He said you’d need it for where you’d be going.” She smiled again, blushing.



Grinning sexily, he tilted his head to look at the girl appreciatively. Spike suspected that she’d done some modeling, what with her own perect smile and well turned ankle. “Well, thank you…” sapphire eyes darted to her name tag, “Marcie.” He smiled, raising one scared eyebrow seductively.



Marcie giggled like a school girl before going back to her post.



“Gets ‘em every time.” Spike smirked and continued on his way.



*****



Back at the Hyperion, Angel and Cordy had been talking extensively about how she was back and what the mysterious gifts lay in wait for him. Cordy of course, stayed tight lipped on the latter. She did, however, try to tell him why she stayed.



“So let me get this straight,” Angel paced back and forth while Cordy made herself comfortable on the king size bed, “he let you come back to be with me?”



Cordy nodded. “Yes, Angel.” She patted the spot next to her, indicating that Angel should sit down.



“Why?” He asked finally sitting down beside her. “I’m not really following.”



‘It is so obvious!’ She didn’t understand why he wasn’t getting it, when just an hour ago; he was kissing her in front of Spike. Sighing, she finally responded to him, “Because you needed me.”



“You were always with me here.” Angel pointed to his heart. “I knew you were never far behind.”



She leaned her head atop his chest. He kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms around her, she wanted so much more from him right now. She wanted kisses, and hugs, and wonton passion, but instead she sat up. “Oh hey, guess who I saw?”



Angel sighed, it had come out of nowhere, but Angel didn’t mind, as a matter of fact, he struggled with not minding. It was nice just sitting like this, even though they could never have sex. Or could they? He wondered. It had been a long time since...



“Hmm?”



“Doyle.” Cordy smiled brightly.



“Doyle? You saw Doyle in heaven?” Angel found himself quite surprised. He never expected to find a demon in heaven, but then again, he’d never thought he’d see God either. “How is he?”



“Good. Surprised to see that I had made it up there. He thought for sure I’d outlast him. He misses you though.”



“I miss him too.”



“I’m gonna miss Gunn and Wesley. It’s just not going to be the same without them,” Cordy commented, brown eyes lightening with sadness.



“Yeah, it’s not going to be the same, but I think that they’ll be ok up there, with Doyle. “Angel said sadly. He smiled then, a thought crossing his mind. “At least now they can finally meet.”



They fell silent for a moment and then there was a knock at the door. A welcome sound in the stillness that had built up between them, even with Angel’s attempt at lightheartedness. Angel rose, his large frame moving gracefully across the floor as he went to the door and opened it. Lorne’s smile was already in place. The wonderful green-skinned demon was brandishing a tray full of goodies.



“I thought that you’d want something to chow down on.” Lorne thrust the tray at Angel and he took it reluctantly. “There are some of those scones you like so much and coffee. Oh and there’s cheesecake and blood.” Lorne pointed out.



“Oh well, thank you Lorne.” Angel was taken aback. He didn’t think that they had anything in the kitchen so soon. “But I didn’t think we had anything here?”



“We didn’t. I called the market down the street and they delivered it,” Lorne replied brightly.



“Thank you.” Cordy yelled from the bed, the thought of cheesecake making her mouth water.



Lorne nodded with another patent smile. “I’ll just leave you two love birds alone and go check on Fred.”



Angel stared out into the hallway, “Thanks.”



The vampire scratched his head as he perused the contents on the tray, and headed back inside. He closed the door and moved back to the bed. Lorne had thought of everything, including blood. Angel was surprised that Lorne would even do this for him after he’d ordered Lindsay’s death.



“I can’t believe he did this for us.” Angel said, half reclining on the bed, placing the tray next to him on the black silk sheets.



Cordy sniffed the contents. “Is that coffee?” She asked. “I haven’t had coffee in so long.” She poured herself a cup and added cream and sugar. Strong hands lifted the hot liquid to her lush lips, she tipped it, sipping the rich coffee, savoring the taste. “I forgot how much I love Lorne’s coffee.”



Angel sat quietly as he poured a cup of coffee for himself, black, straight. He couldn’t stop thinking about the past year—everything that he’d done to get to here. He was ashamed of himself, knowing full well he shouldn’t have done nearly half the things that he had. He’d risked the lives of his friends time and time again and in the end, he’d lost both Gunn and Wesley.



The former watcher was long forgiven for the kidnapping of Conner, but it far outweighed what Angel had done to Conner to give his son a new, normal life. Angel still regretted that he never had a chance to raise his son, he always would. Still, he knew it was in his son’s best interest. Now that Conner had come back, will he stay in touch with his father? Or will he go back to his nice, normal life? Angel wasn’t sure which he wanted. Which was better all around.



Cordy noticed Angel was awfully quiet as she bit into a finger sandwich. “Hey.” She tapped him on the shoulder.



“Huh?” He looked back at her and took a sip of coffee.



“What’s the matter?” she queried, moving around next to him.



“Just thinking about… stuff.”



Cordy set the sandwich and coffee down on the night stand and turned to face him. “Let’s start fresh. There are things that we’ve done that we’re not proud off. Lord knows I’ve done some questionable things, asleep or not.” She chuckled. “Point is, leave it there. It’s the past. And you mister, had better stop brooding over it, before I get feisty. It’s already done with. Move on. Let’s make a new life for us. I’m here to stay. I certainly hope you’re not planning on going anywhere.”



Angel thoughts took him to another plane again. He had done some questionable things over the past few years, hell over the past couple of centuries, and ever since he was cursed with a soul, he’d done nothing but brood over what he’d done. He was a different person with the soul. He was no longer Liam. Liam was a weak drunkard. As Angelus, he had done even worse things, and even as Angel, he had done things he wasn’t proud of. Cordy was right. It was time to move on and make a new life. It was time to stop paying for his sins, he couldn’t make them go away. ‘If Spike can move on from what he’d done, then I can do it.’ Angel thought taking a sip of his coffee. “You’re right.” He said after a moment.



“I am?” Cordy asked, surprised. “Oh right. I am.”



“I need to stop living in the past and start living in the now. It’s time to make a new life for me… for us.” Angel leaned over her, his lips settling over hers is a soft, sensual kiss, a promising kiss. A few moments passed, the kiss having intensified becoming frantic. Their only pause so Cordy could draw a much needed breath.



“Angel,” she said anxiously as Angel kissed the length of her neck. “I should tell you something.” Slight moans punctuating her words.



“What?” Came Angel’s muffled, slightly distracted response.



Before another word was uttered, a scream could be heard echoing through the halls of the Hyperion. Angel sat bolt upright, brown eyes looking nervously toward Cordy before he dashed to the door.



*****



Fred’s eyes attempted to focus, she tried to stop the ear piercing screams coming from her mouth, but her dream was still so vivid. Lorne was there, by her side, trying to soothe her, when Angel and Cordy burst into the room. A few more moments of Lorne’s cooing and she was promptly back to sleep.



“Buttercup, it’s ok.” He said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. Lorne sat back down in the plush chair next to her bed, taking a drink of brandy from the snifter on the nightstand.



“What’s wrong?” Angel asked. “Is she ok?”



“She’s fine.” Lorne spat the words at him, taking another drink. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her.”



Shocked at Lorne’s little outburst, Cordy intervened quickly. “Ok guys, enough.” She’d never seen Lorne so upset, especially considering his actions a short time ago. “What’s done is done.” She walked in front of Angel, eyeing him warily. “This is a new beginning for us… all of us. Just leave everything in the past where it should be.” She turned to face Lorne, to see if he understood.



Angel nodded while Lorne filled his snifter again, the brandy nearly spilling over the edges. He was not in any mood to forgive Angel for anything. The little gesture from before had been for Cordy’s benefit, not Angels, even though he had placed a packet of blood on the tray. Things between Angel and Lorne weren’t going to be ok for a long time.



“Angel.” Cordy turned to face him and grabbed his hand, pulling him into the hallway. “I don’t think this is the best time” she said closing the door behind her. “To be discussing anything. He needs time to heal.” She pulled Angel back to their room. “Do you still have any of my things?” She asked, changing the subject.



“Unfortunately no, we gave it all to charity,” Angel said, closing the door, eyes downcast sheepishly.



“Well, good. You’re taking me shopping tomorrow!” Cordy said, knowingly.



“Tomorrow night, sure,” Angel said absently as he lay on the bed and Cordy snuggled into him. His thoughts again wondered into their own plane. Absently he thought of the fact that he had continued to maintain the Hyperion while working for W&H. ‘Otherwise we’d be out a good bit of living space.’



Before the final battle, Angel did a little laundry too, sending all the available funds to his off shore accounts. No one would ever be able to trace where he’d stashed all the money.



“I wanna go to all the fashion boutiques first thing in the morning,” She said, coyly, feeling like her old self. “I must have all the latest fashions. It’s been ages since I was able to go shopping. Is Prada even still in fashion?”



“After the sun goes down,” Angel said, clicking the TV on with the remote.



Cordy giggled into his shoulder, causing Angel to look down at her. She knew something alright and Angel was determined to get to the bottom of it.



“What am I not getting here?” Angel asked, clueless as Cordy giggle again. “Ok, now you better tell me.”



“I can’t tell you.”



Angel growled, rolling her over and trapping her beneath him. “Why not?” He asked, brown eyes melting into brown. “I know you’re hiding something from me.”



“Why not? Hello, ‘and God said’ You’ll have to figure those out on your own.”



He growled again and began tickling her. “What is it?” Angel growled again.



“Truce, truce!” she huffed, attempting to catch her breath. “If you haven’t figured it out by tomorrow morning, I’ll tell you.” She squealed as his fingers poised to tickle her again. “Promise!” she shrieked.



Angel settled back snugly on his side of the bed, thinking. He had no idea what the hell she was talking about, or what God had either for that matter. As he turned to ask her again, it had occurred to him that this was going to be their first night together. After a few moments, the silence had begun to build between them.



“This is an awkward moment,” Angel stated, trying to make conversation.



“Thank you Mr. Obvious.”



“What do you say we go somewhere?” He replied, knowing that this would brighten Cordy’s day.



“What? Are you nuts? I haven’t a thing to wear.” Cordy rolled over. “Besides, it’s…” She looked over at the clock on the night stand. “2:00 am.”



Angel smiled. “I think that I know a few shops that’ll be open by the time we get there.”



“WHAT?” Cordy sat up excited. “Do you mean like in France or Italy?”



Nodding, Angle smilied, “I think I can arrange that.”



“But how?”



“Let me worry about that.”



Eagerly, Cordy jumped out of bed, and headed to the bathroom, while Angel dressed in one of his more classy outfits that had been left at the hotel. As he was waiting for Cordy, Angel had made a few calls, setting into motion an even that would stop Cordy breathless.



When Cordy finally came out of the bathroom refreshed, he was putting on his shoes. “Ready?” Angel asked tying his shoe.



“You know it! God, Europe, I haven’t been there since High School!” A grin crossed her face. She was more than excited to see what Angel’s surprise play out. She’d knew that when thoroughly motivated he was quite the romantic.



“Let’s go, then!” Angel held out his arm for her to take as he led her out into the center of the room. “Oh wait a minute.” He stopped, leaving her there as he moved to the door, opening it for a moment, and speaking to someone before he returned with garment bag a few moments later. “I think this will look much better on you,” He said, handing it over.



Her eyes grew wide with excitement. “What is it? You said you didn’t have anymore of my clothes…?” She was giddy as a little Cordy at Christmas.



“We did, it’s a little something I got for you.”



Cordy unzipped the bag revealing a Dolce and Cabana dress. “Oh my god, how did you get this? Do you know this a Dolce and Cabana? It took me like a month to save up for one like this in this, with what you paid me.” She sniggered as Angel rolled his eyes playfully.



“Now, I’m offended.” He said light-heartedly. “Do you like it?” He asked a few moments later, men were like puppy dogs, needing a pat on the head when they did something good.



Holding the garment bag with her right hand, Cordy snaked her left arm around his neck and leaned in close, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love it and I love you!” She kissed him before darting away to the bathroom.



Angel smiled happily. For the first time since…well for the first time in a long time. He’d really allowed himself to fall for someone. This time he vowed he was going to do right by Cordy. He loved her.



Moments later, Cordy poked her head out the door… “Hun, would you do me the biggest of favors… please??” she pouted, her lower lip sticking out, begging him to bite it.



He melted. “What do you need?” he would have walked in daylight if she asked him to. She grinned, shooting into a description of the errand. He found himself downstairs at the front desk, squatting down to pull open a bottom cabinet that he didn’t even know existed. Looking to the back corner, he saw the bag she had told him would be there. He pulled it out and unzipped it, a sea of make up and hair care products met his eye. He quickly closed it, afraid of what might jump out at him, smiling at the fact that he was afraid of a non demon threat for once in his life.



Half an hour later, bag safely delivered, and Cordelia freshly showered, the bathroom door opened. Black silk hugged her curves, a second skin over her thighs and torso. The curve of her tanned breasts peeking over the neckline. She had taken her hair and pinned it up, leaving wisps to dangle over the cheekbones. She was still an expert at her makeup, and wore it as if it weren’t there. She took a step forward, rewarded with quiet “Wow…” from Angel’s lips. His chocolate eyes raked her form for a moment before he spoke again. “I had forgotten how well you cleaned up. You’re beautiful.”



He couldn’t take his eyes off of her, his mind playing out scene after scene of what he wished to do with her. Shaking the short movie from his awed brain, he beckoned her forward and spun her around, admiring the span of her exposed flesh caused by the low back of the gown. His fingers trembled as he reached into his pocket, drawing out a fragile platinum chain, the only pedant, a single 3 karat diamond. He draped it around her neck and managed to calm his fingers enough to fasten the clasp. He reached into his pocket again, and pulled out a set of matching earrings, long thin strip of platinum with a lone karat set at the end.



He moved her to a mirror, eyes fastened on her face as deposited her there, stepping away to admire her reaction. Her face light up light a star in the sky when she looked at the diamonds. She reached out, grasping his hand and pulling him toward her. Her arms ensnared his neck as she pulled him in for a deep kiss; she came up for air and settled her head on his chest, her eyes absently moving to the forgotten mirror. There was a sharp intake of breath.



Angel, worried, grasped her shoulders and attempted to get her attention. “What is it, what’s wrong?” He noticed her eyes had never left the mirror and he turned to see what she was so enamored with.



His brown eyes focused on the dark haired man standing in front of him, holding tightly to Cordy. It had been so long since he had seen his own reflection that he barely recognized himself. His left hand released Cordelia’s hip and he lifted it to touch his cheek. He brushed his fingers through his hair, He touched the maroon silk shirt, the black leather coat, the curve of his chin, the arch of his eyebrow. “Cordelia...”



She gathered herself together… “It’s another of your gifts sweets, one I didn’t know about. “ She smiled, placing a kiss on his cheek. “Now you can see what I see every day. Now you can see the man I fell in love with.”



He smiled down at her, holding an arm out to her as he spoke. “Shall we? Our chariot awaits, madam.”



“I can hardly wait!” She stopped momentarily. “Shouldn’t we let Lorne know we’re leaving?”



“Already taken care of…They’ll be fine. I talked to him while I was getting you the dress. We both agreed this time away will do us good. We’ll never be on the same page, but like Wes and I, Lorne and I will move on. If he needs us for anything, I’ve given him my cell number. Now can we go?” Angel ushered her down the stairs and out the front door without waiting for her to reply. A sleek white limo laid in wait. The driver opened the door for them as they got closer.



“Oh wow!” Cordy said, sliding in, Angel close behind her. He was treating her like a princess and she couldn’t be happier.



“Driver, to the airport,” Angel said, before the man closed the door. He smiled at her lovingly. “This, my dear, is just the beginning of something wonderful.” He kissed her deeply as the limo drove away leaving the Hyperion behind them.



TBC…

Spike blocked out the hum of the engines as he sprawled comfortably into the plush seats of the private jet Angel had procured for his outing. The last time Spike had spent any amount of time in Italy he was with Dru. This time he was in Italy for a completely different reason — to be with Buffy. ‘That is if she’ll still have me.’ He thought to himself as he looked out the 5 inch plastic windows at the mile high stars before he drifted off to sleep.



A smile spread across Spike’s handsome visage as he settled into dreamland. He was with Buffy on a deserted island with everything the way it was supposed to be. Perfect. The sun was bright, the water was blue, and he was making love to the woman he loved. He was more content than he had ever been.



Warmth settled over Spike face as he slept. But he was too engrossed in the dream to wake up. A raven haired stewardess passed him and noticed how the blind on the window was wide open allowing the sun to shine in on the vampire. Seeing him peacefully sleeping, she reached over, quickly shutting the plastic screen, blocking out the deadly sun.



The Almighty shook his head, his assumed raven locks bobbing as he noticed the smile spread wider over the vampires face. ‘Dreaming of Buffy’ he thought as he moved back down the hallway, disappearing with a shimmer of bright lights.



When the plane finally landed many hours later, Spike was still dreaming about being on the island with Buffy. “Mr. Spike.” The stewardess placed her hand gently on his shoulder, waking him. “The plane’s landed.”



Spikes eyes fluttered open, the blonde mane of the girl was the first thing he noticed. “Buffy…?”



“No Sir, my name is Sarah”



Blinking a few times, Spike realized it was, indeed the stewardess who was speaking to him. “Wow.” He stood up, stretching. “How long did I sleep?” He inquired.



“A long time, Mr. Spike.” She smiled. “You looked so peaceful; I didn’t have the heart to wake you up before.”



Smiling that tooth grin, Spike replied, “Thank you. I really think I needed that.” He felt refreshed and ready to take on the world. He figured that should be enough for this anticipated meeting. It had been a year.



“Mr. Angel left you a car to drive to your destination.” The blond blushed as she gestured to the door and he followed. Entering the door, he was surprised to see there was a canopy set up, allowing him easy access to a black limo with tinted windows. The blond handed him his bag, and thanking the young woman he headed toward the limo. The driver knew exactly where to go.



Within an hour, the limo pulled up in front of a 17th Century Palazzo, located in the Historic center. Buffy and Dawn were only two blocks away from the Piazza Navona and Rome’s Market place, the Campo de’ Fiori. Spike looked out and up at the building. It was white in color and had various ornate designs adoring it.



There was just enough shade for him to make it inside without burning up, if he ran quickly. The driver reminded Spike that Buffy and Dawn lived on the top floor of the five floor building. ‘Now or never.’ He thought, opening the door, and sprinting inside. His body was tingling with anticipation.



He walked slowly up to the elevator, pressing the button to carry him to the fifth floor. He wanted this to be special, unrushed, he thought as he moved down the hallway, his mind wandering back to that day long ago when he and Angel had traversed the same span of carpet. He had a habit of rushing on with things and not thinking them through, he was an impulse kinda guy. As he headed towards apartment number 34, he sensed something familiar nearby, but he couldn’t quite make it out. He shrugged and continued towards the apartment. Finally arriving he noticed the door ajar and a feeling of dread overwhelmed him, he pushed the door further open with the palm of his hand.



Blue eyes wandered the walls, and the vampire stopped, blinked once or twice, and lowered his head in disappointment. The apartment was completely empty. No one in site. He stood frozen for a few moments before crossing the threshold and entering the apartment. The sunlight failed miserably in its attempt to stream through the large windows on either side of the room, the cream colored curtains drowning out the rays, enabling Spike to walk freely about the apartment.



Spike wandered the apartment noting absently that they had left in quite a rush. ‘Why?’ He wondered, sadly. He had been so excited to see her and now she was gone. Buffy was gone, and it looked as if finally getting together wasn’t a possibility.



‘’What does God know anyway?” He mumbled softly to himself as he returned to the front room.



He headed toward the door, hell-bent on drinking himself into a stupor until he noticed something on the floor, in the far corner. He moved toward it, bending down to retrieve it. It was a picture of Dawn and Buffy with Xander and Willow, one of those Wal-mart photos in which everyone one was smiling, dressed in their Sunday best. Didn’t they look quite the family. Something was missing though, and intergral part of the group… Names passed through his head; Tara, Anya… people he felt had been robbed of their chance, their time… After moments of staring at the glossy 5 by 7, did Spike even think himself a missing part of the group. The loyal Scooby gang. He had to admit it, he missed the whelp. There was just something about trading insults with Xander that put Spike in a good mood. Red, with her kind words… the little bit, so caring…



He stuffed the photo in his pocket, and took one more look about the room. The corners of him mouth turned upwards as he imagined what it would have been like to see Dawn and Buffy. Blue eyes turned towards the small kitchen, as he imagined Dawn walking into the living room, where Spike now stood.



“Oh my god.” Dawn dropped the tray of food she was holding, causing it to crash to the floor. The dishes splintered into million of pieces of small porcelain when they finally hit the floor, while the food and the drinks splashed all over the walls and furniture. “Spike!” Dawn squealed, running over to him, throwing her arms around her friend. “Oh my god. You’re alive. What? When? HOW?”



“Whoa, nibblet. One question at a time.” His arms slipped around her, holding her tightly.



The slayer had come running when she’d heard the crash. “Dawnie, what’s…?” She stood still, looking like she’d just seen a ghost. “Spike? Is- is it really you?” She was frozen. Unable to move, unable to go to him, like she so desperately wanted.



Spike’s grip completely relaxed when he’d first heard her voice. Dawn stepped out of the hug, one hand still resting on his arm, never wanting to let him go.



“Sure is love, in the flesh.” He patted himself just to be sure. “It’s me.”



Finally, Buffy crossed the room to Spike, throwing herself at him, damn near taking her sister and him to the floor. He wasn’t sure when she’d begun to cry. “Oh, God, you didn’t believe me. Why didn’t you believe me?” the teas were now streaming down her cheeks. She leaned back, sitting up and straddling his torso, then she reeled back, and punched him in the nose. Like old times.



“Bloody, hell,” He said, hand shooting up to cradle his nose. “I come all this way and this is how you repay me?”



“Shut up!” Buffy said, leaning back down to wrap her arms around him again. “Why didn’t you tell me you were alive?”



“I couldn’t.” He wrapped his arms around her waist protectively, reveling in the feel of her warmth. “I couldn’t tell you because I was afraid of what would happen. I just couldn’t bear it if- if you didn’t want me.”



“Not bloody likely. Considering what a ponce I am.” Spike sighed. “Like our little reunion will ever happen like that…” He resigned himself to a long lonely plane ride with a sad sigh. “No, it’ll never happen.” Spike turned toward the door, stopping when he saw something sitting on a built in shelf along the wall.



Spike moved closer, his eyes telling his brain that it was another picture of Buffy alone. She was smiling, and acute sadness hidden in her hazel eyes. Her hair was pulled up at the sides in a clip, little wispy tendrils framing her face. She was dressed in a white summery dress, the sides floating about her. He suddenly wished he had been there when the picture was taken. She was breathtaking in that photo, but in the flesh, there was no word to describe her.



Spike smiled, thinking of her tanned skin’s stark contrast to the pure white of the dress. An unbidden memory crossed his mind. It was the night before the battle with the first. Buffy had said she needed him to hold her, some joke about Faith in her bed. He had immediately obliged the willing slave he had once told her of.



Spike sat up quickly, the sound of his own voice having woken him. Visions of various types of footwear faded from his mind as he came fully awake. “Weird dream,” he said not sure if he was speaking to Buffy or himself. He noticed Buffy then; her warmth wasn’t beside him as it had been earlier. Now she stood in the middle of the room, arms by her side, and a peculiar look on her face.



Spike moved to a sitting position, leaning forward slightly. “Buffy?” he questioned. “Is something wrong?”



“No. Yeah” She shrugged, trying to find the right words. “I just realized something. Something that really never occurred to me before. We're gonna win.” A few moments later she was walking toward him. Slow, steady, purposeful steps.



She sank to her knees in front of him, slipping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his abdomen. “We’re gonna win. And we’ll make it through, and afterwards we’ll be normal, happy people in an evil free world.” He wasn’t sure if she was reassuring herself or talking to him. He slid his hands down her back, grasping her around the waist and lifting her up toward him. Pulling her close, he lay down again on the bed. After a few moments of silence, Buffy reached down, pulling his black t-shirt up, exposing the expanse of muscled chest.



Spike’s hand reached out, staying her hand. He couldn’t bear it if this wouldn’t mean something. “Buffy…” It came out in a whisper.



Her finger came to settle over his lips, “Shhh, Spike. This isn’t a time to talk… We’ll let our bodies do the talking.” She replaced her finger with her lips, in a soft caressing kiss. His hand relaxed, and he broke the kiss and raised his arms, giving her just enough time to remove the shirt before he claimed her lips. The shirt fell from her finger tips, settling into a puddle on the floor beside the small bed.



Buffy’s lips gently dominated him, her hands pushed at his shoulders, rolling him over onto his back as she moved to straddle him. Spike gripped her hips, his hands then moved to slide up her sides, slipping beneath the silky black top she wore. Her skin felt so warm beneath his fingers, he never wanted to let her go. She broke the kiss this time, lifting her arms, allowing Spike to pull the top up and over her head, exposing her tanned skin, and smooth breasts encased in a black lace bra.



Her blond locks fell over him as she leaned back down and bit his lower lip, tugging at it lightly. Her hips ground on his, driving him deliciously insane. He—



The door clicked shut, bringing Spike out of his reverie. He whirled around his minds eyes seeing Buffy or Dawn, but he was shocked to see a man standing there, behind the door. A man he recognized as The Immortal.



The two men stood silently for a few moments, eye to eye, both wanting to speak, but neither doing so until The Immortal noticed the picture that Spike held in his hand.



“I took that…” He said. Spike still stared, The Immortal wasn’t even sure if he was listening. “I thought she looked so lovely that day, but she was very sad. I thought taking her to Tuscany would make her happy... I even rented a villa for her, her sister, and her friends to say in. We had a good time… but you were never far from her thoughts.”



He paused a moment his eyes meeting Spike’s for the first time. “She never loved me. I loved everything about her—her strength, her beauty, the twinkle in her eye, the way her hair fluttered about her.” his eyes unfocused as he spoke, as if he were watching a rerun of the scenes in which he spoke. “I even tried to get her to love me. I gave her lavish gifts, took her to exotic places, she was always so… distant. In the end, I knew that she wanted was you. Sometimes in her dreams at night, I’d hear her calling out for you.” He continued sadly.



“You’ve won, Spike. You’ve finally won. She never stopped loving you.” With that he left, leaving Spike alone in the apartment once again.



“Yeah, mate, that’s what they’ve been telling me.” Spike removed the photo from it’s frame and slipped it into his pocket with the one of the group. Soon he found himself standing outside apartment number 34. Now one more person had told him Buffy loved him. ‘Does God count as a person?’ he absently wondered as he pushed the button that would bring the elevator to the bottom floor. Another obstacle piled onto all the others that kept them apart. Would it ever happen? Only time will tell.



As Spike dashed out to the awaiting limo, God materialized in the foyer of the building and watched a sad Spike slide into the limo. He was proud that Spike had come all this way to see Buffy, but sad that he’d only missed her by a few days.



God knew Buffy and her sister were moving back to Ohio to be with Faith and Robin at the Cleveland Hellmouth. Things were suddenly starting to heat up, and slayers were dying. There was only one person for the job, and that was Buffy. The Almighty had just underestimated the resilience of the blond. He hadn’t realized she would leave so quickly.



*****



Not long after Spike exited his private jet, Cordy and Angel landed. Like Spike, Angel had a limo wait for him and Cordy. They’d stopped at every boutique in town, although, Angel stayed in the limo for most of the trip. In select other stores, they were able to pull in the alley and enter from the back of the store.



It was like Christmas for Cordy. She’d come out with ten bags full of clothes and shoes. Whatever she wanted, Angel gave to her. After all he had all the money in the world to buy her what she wanted.



At the very last shop, Lilianna’s, Cordy saw a “to die for” pearl grey suit in the window and demanded that the limo driver stop. As soon as she was released from the limo, she was inside the store admiring the suit. The soft silk taffeta was decorated with two buttons on the jacket, the top button strategically placed below the breasts. There was a choice between pants or a parachute laced skirt of the same material. Excited, Cordy grabbed the pants and the jacket and headed into the changing room to try it on. It hugged the curves of her body in all the right places, and satisfied she quickly changed back into her dress, knowing Angel would be pleased. She paid for the outfit and headed back out to the limo.



The driver opened the door to the limo and Cordy slid in, she couldn’t help but giggle. Angel was terribly lost in a sea of shopping bags, but he didn’t mind so much, as long as she was happy, and of course she was ecstatic.



“Did you get it?” Angel asked curiously.



“Yes!” Cordy smiled brightly, removing the purchase from its box. “It looks great on me.” She placed the outfit back in the box, and leaned over to Angel, kissing him on the cheek.



“What was that for?” Angel asked, grinning.



Cordy tilted her head and answered, “Thank you for doing this for me. The clothes are wonderful I love them all, but most of all I loved just spending the day with you.”



“Me too Cordelia, I’m glad that to see that you’re happy. This was something that we really needed, especially with the darkness that has been our lives.”



Just as they leaned into kiss one another, Cordy’s stomach rumbled. “Oh,” she said a little embarrassed. “I think I should eat.” She giggled.



“There’s this place about a couple of miles away I know with great food.” Angel turned towards the Driver and gave him the directions in Italian.



Twenty minutes later, the limo pulled up in front of Adelphus. The brick had been painted white, but it was evident by the chipping, that that was quite a while ago. None of the patrons seemed to mind. They had wonderful food.



What most people failed to realize was that Adelphus’ patrons were mostly demons and vampires, but during the daylight hours, their human patrons would stop by.



Angel had first learned of the establishment in the days of Darla, but that little tidbit, he was just going to keep to himself. Maybe another time, he would tell Cordy the truth, but today she was just too happy for him to ruin it.



As the couple walked into the restaurant, Angel was promptly greeted by Adelphus himself. He was a tall, burley, half demon Italian who almost as old as Angel was.



“Angelus!” Adelphus said in his thick Italian accent, grasping Angel’s hand to shake. "What you doing here, in Italy?” His eyes raked over Cordelia appreciatively. “And who is this beautiful young lady?”



“It’s good to see you too, Adelphus, please call me Angel. I’m not the person I once was.” Angel smiled kindly at the perplexed man. “This is my…” He paused momentarily, deciding on the proper title for Cordy. “…girlfriend, Cordelia Chase.”



Surprised by his choice of words, Cordelia interlaced her fingers with his and smiled.



“I’ve got the best seat in the house for you, Angel.” Adelphus said as he led them to the back of the restaurant. It was quiet and very romantic spot, “Here you go, Ms. Cordelia.” Adelphus pulled the chair out for her. She settled into it as he gently pushed the chair up to the table.



The big Italian placed two menus in front of them. Angel ordered a bottle of red wine, which Adelphus delivered before they ordered their meals.



“I suggest a darker meat; the wine will enhance the flavor. Now, what would you like, Ms Cordelia?” Adelphus asked.



“I’ll have a bowl of Tortellini in Brodo, followed by the Fritto di Lesso alla Milanese with the traditional sides, and a few Biscotti con Pignoli for dessert,” she responded with a smile. *



“Oh, that Ms. Cordelia, I can gaurentee you will enjoy.” Beamed the half demon. He turned to Angel who still stood shocked at Cordy’s order. “Now you? What would you like?” Adelphus turned towards Angel; half expected him to order his usual.



“I’ll take a small plate of Angolotti, then Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and I’ll have the same dessert as Crody,” Angel answered with a smile handing over the menu. **



Angel watched as Adelphus retreated to the kitchen. A thought suddenly struck about what he’d seen in the mirror today. It had been so long since he’d seen himself, he’d forgotten what he looked like. The dark hared vampire smiled at his beautiful companion and wondered what other gifts were in store for him.



Cordy sipped her wine, noticing that despite the smile on his fce, Angel seemed to be Mr. Broody all of the sudden. “No way! You are so not going there!”



“Huh?” Angel asked, meeting her gaze. “What? Oh.” He suddenly realized she’d caught him thinking. “Oh that. Yeah, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something. Nothing important.”



“Are you sure?”



“It was nothing.” Angel reached out, his fingers moving to caress her hand. “So what do you say we make a toast?” He subtly changed the subject. The couple raised their glasses. “Let’s toast to new beginnings,” he offered, they clinked their glasses together.



“New Beginnings.”



About that time their meals began arrived, hot and steamy. As they eat, they talked, about old times and their future together. It was as if Cordy had been here all along. They were finished with their meals and Angel paid the check. They left, heading back to the limo.



*****



Spike’s heart was breaking into millions of pieces. He knew he should’ve left well enough alone, but no, he had to listen to the poofter and go to Italy to see Buffy. He knew deep down she didn’t really love him despite what everyone, including God had told him. ‘She obviously has a new life now that doesn’t include me,’ he thought wearily with a sigh. He was bound and determined to start his new life when he returned to L.A.



As the limo pulled up to the airport, Spike stepped out into the shaded carport and headed inside to wait for the plane. It wasn’t ready yet so Spike waited in the lounge away from the sun filled room. A few moments later, Angel and Cordy’s limo pulled up and they too headed inside. Angel saw Spike first, he knew that meant it hadn’t gone well and felt bad for his grand childe. He knew that pain all to well; he turned his gazed to the women standing next to him.

When Cordy had died a year before, Angel felt lost and alone, but he’d tried to move on as best as he could.



“I’m gonna go over and talk to Spike for a moment.” Angel said to Cordelia, cupping her face in his hands and giving her a tender kiss.



“Spike!” Angel said as he sat next to the younger vampire. “I’m sorry it didn’t go well.”



“Yeah, well, so I am.” Spike sighed. “She wasn’t even bloody there!”



“What?” Angel furrowed his brow in confusion. “What do you mean ‘wasn’t there’? Did she just up and leave?”



Spike nodded. “The bloody Immortal showed up, told me she wanted me and all that rot, but where the bleeding hell was she?”



“All right, Spike, calm down. We’ll find her,” Angel said, kindly. He really wanted it to work for Spike and Buffy. He wanted them to be as happy as he was with Cordelia.



Spike was in no mood to hear Angel spouting off at the mouth. He stood up and headed for the door, not even caring about the sun. Angel went after him and pulled him aside. Cordy smiled knowingly as she watched the two vampires. Spike and Angel were standing in the sun, standing in all their glory, no special glass had protected them from it’s burning rays. Obviously they were to busy to realize it, 'I guess the absence of sizzling and pain hadn’t really alerted them.' Unable to hold it in any longer, Cordy burst out laughing, causing both men to turn and look at her, baffled.



“What?” They both asked in unison.



“You don’t even know where you’re standing?”



“Huh?” Spike asked confused looking around. Shortly afterward, Angel realized where he was standing, quickly stepping back like his feet were on fire.



“You didn’t poof?” Spike said with a grin. “We- we can stand in the sun…” He looked over at Cordy. “We can be in the bloody sun!” He had not been this excited since… since he’d been a little kid at Christmas.



Cordy nodded excitedly. A smile slowly spread across Angel’s handsome features. “I can see myself. I can go into the sun. What more could man ask for!” Angel quickly scooped her up in his arms, twirling around.



Spike looked at Angel for a moment. “You can see yourself?” he asked, quickly running to the nearest window without waiting for an answer. His eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun, but he was quickly able to see his reflection in the glass. A grin spread across his face that just wouldn’t go away. He could definitely get used to this!



He quickly moved through the doors, stepping outside. His sapphire blue eyes raced about the runway, testing the sun a little more. “This is fucking wonderful!” he screamed to no one specifically. The only thing that would make this amazing day any better were if Buffy were here with him. She had always been his sunshine when he couldn’t go out. Now, he has the sun. He found himself still in need of her sunshine. It was worth everything that he’d been through. “Totally worth it!” he said in another aside to the non existent crowd.



Angel and Cordy walked outside in time to hear Spike’s last words. Angel and Spike shook hands. From that moment on, they were friends for life, an unspoken bond saying they would never again be enemies.



TBC


A note from Askita:

* Cordelia had a soup to start, Tortellini in Broth(Tortellini in Brodo), for her main course, she had Fried Boiled Meat, Milanese Style(Fritto di Lesso alla Milanese), Cookies with Pine Nuts(Biscotti con Pignoli) for dessert





**Angolotti is a type of stuffed pasta, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina is Florentine Style Steak.



The website I used to look up their orders is http://italianfood.about.com/blfeat.htm. Even though my husband it Italian, I know nearly nothing of Italian food, even though I’m trying.

A Note From Askita: Hey guys, sorry it took so long... I had a bit of trouble with my computer. And thus a set back was caused. But, this is a long chapter, filled with lots and lots of goodies. *grins and giggles* So sit back, relax, and take a ride on the reading rainbow...

Chapter 5-

Two weeks had passed without any incident or demonic activity. Things were still tense between Lorne and Angel, but made the effort when Cordelia was around. Fred stayed mostly in her room, only coming down when she was hungry. She missed Gunn and Wesley fiercely and felt somewhat responsible for their deaths. If she could have only done something different when she was Illyria, things might be different. Spike stayed away as much as possible, which worried Angel and Cordy. There was nothing much they could do, except to be there for him when they were needed.

Angel sat pouring over the books in his office, debating what he could pay ahead of time, ya know, since he had all the money in the world. He contemplated buying the old hotel, promising himself he would discuss it with Cordy. After all, it was their home. Absently, Angel picked up his mug of blood, drinking deeply, and promptly spit it out all over. ‘Ugh, that's gross…“ He thought for a moment, speaking a question aloud to himself. “When did it get so disgusting?’ he stood up.

“Ewww, that was nasty,” Cordy said from the doorway as Angel looked for a towel to clean up. She giggled then, struggling to speak without a wide grin. “Guess that’s your other gift,” she managed, crossing to him. She’d picked up a towel that was sitting on shelf near the door on her way over, and handed it to him. “Here you go.”

“You think this is funny?” Angel wiped the blood off of his face, and then his white dress shirt, creating many streaks of the dark red variety. “Damn, this is gonna stain.” He said frustrated, and then turned his attention to the mess on his desk.


“Don’t you know what this means?” She placed her hands on hips, waiting.

“Obviously the blood was bad batch,” Angel said clearly oblivious. “We’ll just have to get more.” He couldn’t understand why she’d ask a question like that. “Oh hell, the stains aren’t coming out. He threw the towel aside and Cordy stepped closer.

“You’re not gonna need anymore blood, honey.” Cordy lifted her hand, caressing Angel’s face as with a smile.

Angel’s face shifted through many emotions and expressions. Confusion, doubt, and shock to name a few. He hadn’t anticipated this gift or anymore for that matter. “This is… another gift?” Angel asked unsure, but knew the answer. He slowly began to notice the subtle differences between this ’hungry’ and his normal ’hungry’.


“It seems that way.” She leaned in to kiss him. “Why don’t we go to the kitchen?”

“Not yet, there’s something I need to show you first,” Angel said releasing her lips. He opened the center draw of his desk, revealing a small pile of manila envelops. He slipped the one off the top and handed it off to her.

“What’s this?” Cordy wondered aloud.

“Open it and find out.”

Cordy slowly opened the envelop, peeking up at Angel before pulling the contents out — a birth certificate, drivers license, passport, and a social security card all for Angel. “What’s this for?”

“My new identity,” responded Angel with a smile. He opened up the side drawer nearest him and pulled out a little black velvet box. “When we, uh…get married, I’d need to have an ID wouldn’t I?” Angel’s grin grew wider.

“Is that what I think it means?” Cordy asked, her large brown eyes glittering with hope. This was every girl’s dream, to be asked by the man of their dreams. Surely, this had to be it. She’d loved Angel for so long, then she had been taken away from him only to be brought back by God himself. This was a miracle. This was her gift.

He settled the box into her hand, wrapping her fingers about it before he let go. She squealed in excitement, the black velveteen box opening easier from the pressure of her fingers. Her breath caught in her throat, she struggled to breath as she gazed upon the twin pear shaped sapphires he chose to express his love for her, his claim on her. They glittered deeply in the platinum setting, her favorite shade of blue accenting the marquis cut 2 ½ karat diamond nestled safely between them.

“Angel…” she whispered breathily, tears slipping down her face

Angel cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs moving to wipe her tears away. “So, that’s a yes?”

“Yes! Yes I’ll marry you!” Cordy leaned and Angel caught her lips in a kiss, only releasing her when air became an issue.

With a content smile, Cordy sighed, and settled her head on his chest. She was the happiest person in the world right now. There wasn’t a thing that could ruin this moment.

The vampire removed the box from her grasp and removed the ring from it’s satin bed. Slowly he slid the ring on to its intended’s finger. “Cordelia, you were my sunshine when it was denied me, my happiness when I refused to see it, and my salvation in the very end. I love you more than I ever thought possible… You are my light and my world. And I am truly honored that you would even consider taking me as your husband.”

Tears slid down her cheeks again, the happiness in her eyes evident to any who would have seen her. “I love you, Angel! More than ever…” Unable to come up with anything worthy of following his heartfelt speech, she kissed him, long and soft, a lingering caress. She leaned back, a grin lighting her eyes, the only evidence of her earlier tears the now dry track down her cheeks. “So when??” She asked, already beginning to immerse herself in the mountain of planning that would be needed.

Angel sat back down in his chair, pulling her into his lap eliciting a giggle from his new fiancée. “Well, to be honest…”Angel’s lips grazed her neck as he spoke, and Cordy gave into the sensation. “I’d like to do it as soon as possible so that I could…” Cordy interrupted him, playfully slapping at his chest. “What?” Angel asked, brown eyes light and mischievous as they met with Cordy’s serious look. “Ok, ok.” He relented. “How about a couple of months. That enough time?”

“Enough time for what?” Lorne said as he strode into the office and settled into a chair across the desk from Angel and Cordy. His loud colored suit continued to speak volumes, as it had the day they first met. But the pair on the other side of the large ebony desk, received different vibes from the demon.

Cordy’s face lit up with happiness and Lorne instantly smiled. He’d known that the big day was here and he smiled. ‘Personally, I’d like for you to find someone other than Angel, but hey, who am I to judge. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy for you sugar plum.’ Lorne thought to himself.

“We’re getting married.” Cordy held her hand across the desk, poised perfectly for Lorne to get a good look at it.

“Oh, Sugar pie, I’m so happy for you.” Lorne smiled at Cordy, discreetly sending a glare to Angel.. Cordy, oblivious to the hostility, beamed at Lorne as he continued to speak. “So when and where is this shindig?”

“Well, we were thinking in a couple of months, but we haven’t decided where yet,. I know there’s plenty of time for decisions, so I‘m not too worried. There is just so much that needs to be done.” Cordy said, excitedly.

“How about here?” Angel offered. “We’ve got plenty of room for your relatives, and other than them, it’ll just be Lorne, Fred, and Spike.”

“Oh, I like that, but how will we explain Lorne to my family? I mean, base and powder won‘t exactly cover the whole green skin and horns dilemma.” Cordy asked, looking pointedly at Lorne then Angel.

Lorne was to the rescue with an immediate suggestion, “Why not have two weddings? Have a small one here, where at least I, and some of our other not so eyesight friendly demon pals, can be in attendance, and then have the second wedding at Marshall Park down the street. This one during the day, since Angel can go outside, Spike can go as well, be the Best Man, and Fred can be your Maid of Honor. Not to jump any guns… I just assumed…”

“Oh, that’s a great idea Lorne.” Cordy said, turning toward Angel. “What do you say? Two weddings?”

Being outside was still new to Angel. They’d been out for drives since being back, but that was just the two of them, he still flinched at the sunlight, but an outside wedding would make her happy. What could he do? He'd contemplate for a few moments before deciding, it was a domed thought process. Nodding, Angel smiled, “Why not?”

Cordy snaked her arms around his neck, hugging him to her. “Thank you.”

“If you need any help planning Cordy, let me know.” Lorne said, breaking the intimate moment. He leaned forward bracing himself to stand before freezing. They were forgetting someone. “I hate to put a damper on the festivities, but we-” Lorne paused momentarily, settling back into the chair, “we haven’t had a memorial for Gunn and Wesley. I think that it’s something we should do for Fred. She’s really taking it hard. She feels like she could have done more as Illyria. ”

Angel’s smile saddened, then disappeared altogether, it was the right thing to do after all, they were family. They certainly couldn’t let themselves forget that they’d ever existed, which is what they had doing in the last two weeks since they died.

Sadly smiling Cordelia placed her hand over Angel’s and gently squeezed, she looked back at Lorne as she spoke. “I think that’s a great idea, Lorne. We should do it as soon as possible. But, do you think that Fred would be up to it?”

“I think so. I’ll go and talk to her about it.” Lorne said, rising to his feet, exiting the room.

Angel looked away, tears glistening in his eyes. He hadn’t been thinking about them. ‘What kind of friend am I?’ He thought. He’d been trying to move on with his life. ‘Isn’t that what they’d want me to do? It’s selfish, I know, but I don’t want to be holed up in some corner brooding about it. I’m done brooding… There are better things for me to concentrate on now.’ Now with the mention his friend’s death’s once again hanging over him, it brought it all back. This loss of his friends only compounded the emotions running through him. A rumble in his stomach dragged and pulled at his attention, he was starving. Soon he was going to have to get something to eat, and worry about all the other stuff later.

“Honey,” Cordy cupped his face in her heads, turning him to look at her. Her heart melted when she saw the sadness in his eyes. “It’s ok baby, I miss them too. This Memorial, it’ll be good for us, it’ll be good for Fred.”

Angel nodded, knowing she was right. “How about we do it later, ok?” He stood then, gently setting her on her feet on the floor. “I need to…I’ll be back.” Angel left the office, leaving her there alone, wondering where he was off too.

****

The dark lock of Angel‘s hair blew in the breeze as he took off in his Benz AMG Cabirolet, he smiled, realizing it had been some time since he’d truly enjoyed food. He pulled into the nearest McDonalds; ordering one of everything on the menu. He pulled around the building, careful not to scrape the alloy rims. Angel retrieved his food from a sniggering dark haired boy at the window. The vampire growled, electing a weak smile from the young boy before he quickly slammed the windows shut. He drove the car toward the parking lot, settling in to taste everything he had ordered. Before long, he had discovered that his favorite sandwich was the Crispy Chicken sandwich accompanied with a large fry and a coke.

****

Lorne had made his way back up to Fred’s room to check on her. He now paced outside her door, he hadn’t seen her since the night before. Finally he knocked, the only response from the room was a scream, he hurried inside, rushed to settle down next to her where she was sitting up in bed.

“Sweaty pie, what’s wrong?” Lorne asked, his hands moving over her to check for injuries. “Are you ok?”

“Lorne, I’m scared,” Fred replied, slipping her arms around him

“It’s ok, honey. Lorne’s here. What is that you’re scared of?” He asked, pulling away a bit to look her in her eye.

Fred hesitated before speaking. “Lorne,” She said slowly. “I think… I think I’m having visions.”

“What… Visions…“ he quickly recovered from his start, instead focusing on her. “How many have you had sweetums?”
“Since that night, I think I’ve had five. They’ve all been horrible horrible visions of ghastly murders. I close my eyes and I still see it. I don’t want these visions. I never asked for them, and I don‘t want them…” Fred said the last few words through her sobs, her head resting on Lorne’s shoulders.

“I know kitten.” Lorne tightened his arms around her protectively. “I think we should tell Angel and Cordy. They’ll know what to do. Especially Cordy, she’s been through this, she can help you.”

“NO!” Fred said firmly, pushing at Lorne’s chest. “I don’t want anyone to know.”

“But there might be something that we could do…save these people perhaps.”

“I just can’t.” Fred turned away. She couldn’t save Wesley or Gunn; she certainly wouldn’t be able to save these others.

“Fred, please let’s just discuss this rationally.”

“No, my mind has been made up,” Fred said stubbornly. “Please leave. I’m gonna go take a shower now.”

Lorne rose to his feet defeated. “Ok. If you need me, let me know, I’ll be downstairs, if not call me at Caritas.”

He was gone. Fred pushed the blankets off, swinging her legs around, and stood. She sighed, as she headed into the bathroom. She turned on the water, stripping down and stepping in. Soon all thought was lost under the hot stream.

Lorne leaned against the wall outside Fred’s door. He’d promised he wouldn’t tell anyone what she was going through, but at the same time he knew he had to help somehow. He was in a jam and on top of that, he hadn’t told Fred about the memorial services. He turned to knock on the door, and thought better of it. ‘When she’s feeling better, I’ll tell her,’ he thought walking away.

****

Spike paced back forth for several moments, before deciding to see what was on TV, his nerves were so tense, he needed to do something to calm them. Finally he managed to seat himself on the sofa, and he leaned forward to pick up the remote and began flipping through the stations. After realizing that nothing interesting was on Spike shut off the TV and ran his hands through his hair with a sigh. Deciding he felt a little peckish, he rose to his feet and crossed slowly to the kitchen. ‘Hell,’ he thought to himself, 'more than a little peckish’. He opened the fridge, reaching in and grabbing a packet of blood. He didn’t bother with a mug, or even heating it up, he just vamped out and ripped into the package, drinking down the dark red liquid.

Suddenly, Spike hurried to the sink, spilling the contents from his stomach.

“Must be a bad batch,” he said aloud to himself, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He went back to the fridge, and grabbed another, he opened this one in the same manner, only this time, he couldn’t even drink it; the smell and thought disgusted him. “What the hell!” He shouted, tossing the pack into the sink in anger.

Gathering himself, Spike threw the packets in the trash and wiped up any splattered blood. He washed his hands, deciding he’d deal with it later. He headed back into the living room and sat back down on the sofa. Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he chuckled. “That’s one cruel joke, you know that.”

Seconds later, there was a knock at the door. Spike stood up quickly and ran his hands through his hair attempting to tame the wild curls. He checked for any blood splatter on his clothes and when he was satisfied, he moved to open the door. “’Ello, Ms. Rose.” Spike said as he stepped aside for the little old lady to enter the apartment.

Ms. Rose lived on the fifth floor. She was five foot three, a little on the heavy side and could always be found in a very colorful muumuu. Her grey hair was pulled back into a bun so tight; the sides of her face were pulled back, her green eyes taking on a Chinese look although she was clearly not. Spike had thought she was very grandmotherly… at least she reminded him of one. The old woman took in her surroundings as she entered the small apartment, obviously not pleased with where Spike was living, and decided to make it known.

“Please sit.” He gestured kindly, shutting the door.

“Thank you William.” She said, sitting down slowly.

“So, everything ok?” Spike asked, nervously.

“Everything is fine. William, please sit here, next to me. I wish to speak to you about something.”

“Ok.” Spike replied, crossing to the sofa and settling down next to her.

Ms. Rose smiled. “I think you should move.” She said bluntly.

“What?” Spike stood up defensively. “This is my home.”

“This is no place to live William and you know it. She needs sunlight and windows. This place has none of it. You can’t live here.”

Spike knew the woman was right. He had to have a house with a back yard, and a swing. Reluctantly, he sat back down.

“With that said, here, I want you to take this.” The woman handed Spike a bag. “In there are directions for what you need to do.”

“But… I was hoping that you could…” she quickly interrupted Spike.

“Nonsense William, you can do it.” Ms. Rose snapped. “You’re more than capable,” She said. Gently she handed Spike a large wrapped up bundle, showing him the proper way to hold it. “Take good care of this precious bundle. Don’t let anything happen.” She peeked inside, smiled, then stood. “You’ll do fine.” With that, she headed up to her own apartment.

Spike’s stomach had been rioting for entire conversation, telling him he needed to eat and soon. Crying erupted, echoing off all the walls in the little apartment. He looked down at the ‘precious bundle’ in his arms, and smiled.

“Heh, you hungry too?” Spike fished out the piece of paper filled with directions and realized he needed help. There was only one person that he knew that had been through this. “We’re gonna go on a little trip, so you hush now and we’ll be there before you know it.” He gentle slid on his coat, and headed out.

****

When Angel pulled up in front of the hotel, Cordy was waiting for him staring down from the window, relief evident on her face. By the time he stepped through the doors, she was half way down the stairs.

“Where did you go? I was so worried about you?” Cordy asked worriedly as she followed him into his office. “You’ve been gone an hour.”

Turing around to face Cordy, Angel sighed. “I’m sorry I left like that.”

“Was it because of the memorial services were talking about?” Cordy asked, caressing his face.

“No, not really. I think the memorial is a great idea. It’s still tough for me losing them, especially since it was partly my fault that they died.”

Cordy looked at him, “Oh, no, Mister, we’re not going there. No way.”

“You’re right.” Angel nodded. “No more Mister broody. I‘ve already promised myself that” He said, light-heartedly as he wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her on the nose.

“That’s better.” Cordy said demurely as she kissed him.

While Angel and Cordy were kissing in the doorway of his office, Fred quietly came down the stairs. She stood there for a few moments feeling a little uncomfortable She quickly cleared her throat.

“Um, do- do you know where Lorne is?” Fred asked, biting her lip.

Embarrassed, Cordy and Angel stepped out of each other’s arms. “He got a call, from Caritas. The manager said something about the alarm failing and they had been broken into or something. I‘m not real sure.” Cordy said in one breath. “So how are you doing? Feeling any better?”

“I’m fine. I could, I could use a bite to eat,” Fred said quietly just as Spike came into the hotel.

“Spike, what is that you’ve got there?” Angel asked curiously.

Spike just stood there silently for a few moments. “This- is why I’ve been so distant the last two weeks.” Spike stepped closer to the group and moved the corner of the blanket down, revealing a beautiful baby with big bright eyes and soft blonde hair.

“Who does it belong to?” Angel asked.

“Me.” Spike said, matter-of-factly.

“Where did you get it?” inquired Angel. “You didn’t steal it?”

“No.” Spike said, shaking his head. “I found her. That night…” He replied, letting the comment linger in the air.

“What’s her name?” Fred asked, crossing to Spike, checking the baby out.

“’Fraid I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Spike answered honestly. “I need a bit of help with her.” He continued, handing the baby over to Fred. “The nanny left me directions and I can’t make heads or tails of ‘em.” He shrugged.

“Well, there’s one thing I know she needs help with,” Fred joked waving her hand in front of her face. “Her give me the bag and I’ll go change her.” Spike handed the bag over and watched for a few seconds as Fred crossed over to the sofa in the middle of the room, and began to change her.

“So how you gonna raise her, Spike? Your living conditions aren’t really exactly baby-friendly,” Cordy pointed out bluntly.

“That’s why I came here. I want to make this official. I want to adopt her, raise ‘er as my own. I can’t do that until I have proper ID and I certainly can’t get a bloody house without any bloody money,” said Spike seriously.

“I think that I can help you with that.” Angel disappeared into his office and reappeared a few moments later bringing two manila envelops—one filled with cash and the other filled with a new identity. “Here.”

Spike opened the first envelope, surprised to find money. “Angel, this some serious cash. Are you willin’ to part with it?”

“Don’t worry about it. There’s plenty where that came from. Use it to get you a house and things for the baby. I believe there’s enough there. If you need more, let me know.” Angel said with smile. He was proud to help his grandchilde.

“That’s mighty generous of you, peaches. Thanks.” Spike opened the second envelop a few moments later. “A new identity.” He mumbled as he carefully inspected each item. “Angel.” he said, looking up. “How did you know?” (Addison)

“Know what?” Angel asked; his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

“The name, it’s my real name, and not to mention my birth date… I didn’t think I ever told you.”

“Oh that.” Angel shrugged. “I didn‘t know. You know Marlon on 5th avenue? He’s the one that made ‘em for us.”

“Angel, this means a lot to me. Thanks.” Spike and Angel shook his hands.

“Not a problem. Happy to help.” Angel smiled.

“Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what do you plan on naming her?” Cordy interrupted the moment.

“I was thinking maybe Annabella after my sister and Elizabeth after Buffy. What do you think?” Spike asked, needing reassurance.

“I like it. It works. Annabella Elizabeth. It’s beautiful.” Cordy said before heading over to Fred, who was feeding Annabella now.


“What do you say we go out and find a house for you?” Angel asked.

“Sure.” Spike nodded.

Spike and Angel stood there watching the women play with the baby. The loud rumbling of their stomachs drew Fred and Cordy’s attention from the cooing child, a look of surprise clear on their faces. Cordy giggled, knowing what that sign really was.

“You to?” Angel and Spike asked in surprise.

“I already ate, but I can’t seem to curb my appetite.” Angel said, rubbing his sore stomach.

“Not eating for a few centuries will certainly do that to you.,” Fred said with a laugh. She’d begun to feel a lot better. ‘It must be the baby’, she thought, looking down at little girl who was now contentedly sucking on her own toe.

“I was wondering when that one would show up.” Cordy said, desperately trying to speak around her peals of laughter. “How about we order in, and celebrate?”

Lorne walked in a few moments later catching the celebratation, a grin spreading across his face as he spoke. “Celebrate? What we celebrating?” He continued down the entrance steps, looking first at Spike and Angel, then to Cordelia and Fred. “Fred you’re up…” He said smiling, it was then that he saw the baby. “Who’s the munckin belong to?”

“Me.” Spike said, looking to the green skinned demon.


“Oh,“ he said, slightly confused, “So what are we celebrating?” Lorne asked again.

“We’re hungry,” Spike said dead pan.

“Oh.” Lorne said, missing the meaning. “Oh. Another gift?” He asked, in realization.

“Don’t ask.” Angel said dismissively.

“I want chicken wings.” Spike blurted out.

“How about Chinese?” Cordy asked, raising to her feet and heading over to the counter, “You can get wings there, every Chinese place has them now.”

“They are actually tasty.” Spike said jokingly. When everyone glared at him, he relented. “Ok, Chinese is fine.”

Cordy ordered the food, while Spike and Angel crossed over to the baby. Angel sat on the sofa next to the baby, Spike kneeling in front of her.

Spike tickled the baby, rubbing her face lightly, enjoying her smile, the light in her eyes. “You think about Connor?” Spike asked a few moments later, his sapphire blue eyes still on the baby.

“All the time. It never goes away, but he’s in a good place right now, and I’m happy for him.” Angel picked up a rattle and shook it, playing with the baby. “I never had a chance to hear his first word or see his first step. I have to admit, I’m jealous that you’ll be having all the firsts with this baby.”

Spike patted Angel on the back. “You’ll get there again, eventually, but you, Cordy, Fred and Lorne will be here to see all that. Besides, you’re the tike’s grandpa.”

Spike and Fred shared a laugh.

“Don’t remind me.” Angel said, but he too joined in their laughter.

“Wouldn’t that make Cordy her grandmother, ya know, when you two get married?” Fred tucked her brown hair behind her ear.

“Don’t tell her that.” Angel said with a chuckle.

“Don’t tell me what?” Cordy asked, sitting next to Angel.

“Not important.” Lorne said a few moments later, suppressing his giggle.

“You’re getting married?” Spike asked, confused.

Angel and Cordelia explained as they waited for their meals. Spike listened intently his eyes watching the baby the entire time, her cooing and giggles music to his hightened senses. It was like they really were a family, an unconventional family, but a family.

In the silence each made their own pact to themselves.

Spike silently vowed to protect his little Bella, ‘’Til the ends of the earth…’He swore to raise her with an education to demons, so she wouldn’t end up like so many that had fallen in their path… in his own path.

Cordelia and Angel decided to spoil the little girl rotten. Lord knew they had enough money.

Fred simply wished to help Spike care for the little Anna.

Lorne, he wanted to tell her stories about his home-world.

****

A few months later, Cordelia and Angel were well into their second wedding, the one held at The Hyperion for their other worldly friends. Fred was the maid of honor, resplendent dressed in a sky blue slip dress, and her hair set in soft ringlets. Angel, Spike and Lorne in black Armani, looking very stunning.

Cordy stood in front of the full length mirror, fingering the tiara made from white gold and littered with diamonds that rested atop her dark chestnut locks. She was beautiful in the Oleg Cassini strapless that she wore. Her fingers moved to her ears, lightly touching the pearl earrings that rested there, sliding down across her bare collar bone and down the sides of the corset top. The beaded lace skirt fanned out behind her, voluminous as here eyes traveled the rest of the way down the gown. Her chocolate eyes moved to make sure that each curl was in place framing her face as ordered. She adjusted the double layered veil that rested covered her those curls. Satasified, she turned and exited the bridal room Lorne stood outside awaiting her, she’d asked him to give her away the night Spike brought Annabelle to meet the rest of the family.

“Wow, Cor, you- you’re breathtaking.” Lorne said, appreciatively.

“Thank you!” she smiled warmly.

“Are you ready?”

“Of course!” Cordy said, brightly.

Angel and Cordelia didn’t need a second marriage, but they wanted it do it with their friends. As soon as Fred saw Cordy and Lorne, she began her decent down the stairs, moving toward where Angel and Spike stood. When Angel laid his eyes on Cordelia, he was the happiest man alive and couldn’t help thinking that she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He had been clueless to the second dress. When they’d gotten married in front of her family, Cordy had worn a simple white dress.

“Mate,” Spike said, elbowing Angel. “You got yourself beautiful bride.”

“Thanks!”

Before long, she was standing next to Angel and they were saying their vows a second time, in front of their friends. After a short while they were married… again. The baby began to cry and Spike rushed to where she sat in her swing near her Uncle Clem.

By the time he returned with Annabelle, the little girl dressed in a white cotton dress with satin trim and little white dress shoes, a young girl had entered the hotel unbeknownst to anyone. She was standing off away from the edge of the room, checking out her surrounds, looking unsure.

”Can I help you?” Spike asked, cradling his daughter, gently rocking her to and fro, hoping to send her back into dream land.

The little girl looked up into his blue eyes, instantly feeling safe. “Who am I?”

Angel swung around suddenly, recognizing the voice. His face turned ghost white as he stared at the girl Spike was speaking to.

“Angel what’s wrong?” Cordy asked, at his outburst.

“Katherine.” Angel whispered.

TBC

Authors: Magan and Askita

Chapter 6

The clock was striking one am when Buffy awoke. She tossed and turned in her comfortable, yet empty bed for an hour before finally deciding to get some fresh air. She stepped out on the front porch and scanned the night sky, loosing herself in the memory of her last night with Spike. The brightly shining stars and cloudless sky was belied by the chill in the air.

Rubbing her hands together for a bit of warmth, Buffy crossed to the porch swing and settled into its deep cushions, her feet kicking to swing her back and forth. She just couldn’t seem to get the platinum blonde out of her mind. It had been three years since his death, why couldn’t she move on?? The question remained unanswered, even after she’d broken it off with the immortal. Being with him had only reminded her of what she’d lost and she often wondered why she’d sought him out in the first place. Oh sure, he was great in bed, but he was no Spike.

Faith had heard the front door slam shut, and figured it was Buffy. She had been staying with them for few weeks, checking on the slayer activity before heading off to the new offices in Chicago. Faith rose from her bed, kissing Robin lightly on the cheek before going to the front door. She sighed when she saw Buffy on the porch, she had been doing that each night since her arrival, and Faith wondered what was on her friends mind.

Faith stepped out on the porch. Immediately effected by the chilly night air, she rubbed her arms to warm them up.

“Hey B,” Faith said, starling the other girl. “What’s up?”

Buffy turned towards Faith. “Oh, hey,” She smiled weakly.

Faith crossed to the swing, sitting next to Buffy. “Why ya sittin’ here all by yourself, and in the dark no less?”

“Couldn’t sleep. Different bed. New city. All the quietness out here, I am so not used to being in the country.” Buffy told the darker slayer, pulling her knees up to her chest, and wrapping her arms around them.

Faith didn’t buy that excuse, but decided not to push it. “Yeah, I know what ya mean. Took me a whole month to get used to all this.” Faith said, gesturing at the expanse of land that she and Robin had lived on since leaving Sunnydale.

She thought about their home for a few minutes, reminiscing. The house was in dire need of a paint job. Who ever had painted the two story house last hadn’t done a very good job. The old color had begun to bleed through the new, turning the house a dirty gray color. The couple hadn’t gotten around to fixing it up yet, they’d been to busy attending to their many animals and slayer duties. Of course, having a barn was a good place to train any new slayers in the immediate area, and no one was suspicious of the activities going on inside.

With all the slayer activity, Faith really hadn’t had a chance to ask about anyone. She figured this was as a good time as any. “How’s everyone? I mean, I haven’t seen anyone in a long time. Well, I did talk to Kennedy. She’s in Bulgaria or somewhere, since she and Willow broke up.”

“Let’s see, Giles is… Giles. No change there,” the blonde replied.

Faith smiled fondly, Giles was more like a father to her than her own father had ever been. She wasn’t going to say anything negative about him, even though sometimes it was easy to.

“Um, I haven’t seen Dawn in a month. She’s on some assignment for Giles, but the last time we spoke, she said she’d try to meet me in Chicago. And Xander is doing really well. Before I came here, I was at his wedding, in Florida. He married this girl with a striking resemblance to Anya, but he swears it’s not her.”

Faith chuckled. “Our luck, it’s her.”

Indeed it was Anya. God had returned her to the world of the living; vampires weren’t the only ones with rewards. Anya had to work her way back to Xander, although her mind had been wiped clean. When they found each other, Xander kept quiet. He felt guilty about breaking Anya’s heart and wanted to make it up to her, without anyone else knowing, so he lied about who she was, even on their wedding day. Not the best decision, but one none the less.

“Yeah,” Buffy giggled. “Have you heard from Willow? I haven’t seen her in along time. She’s so busy running the Chicago Chapter that we don’t get to speak very often.” Even though Buffy hadn’t heard from her, she was sure that everything was still going as planned.

“Yep, she calls every once and while to check on slayer activity and how training is going. I think she’s immersed herself in work. Since ya’ know.” Unofficially, Faith and Robin were the heads of the Ohio Chapter. The slayers in training lived and trained with them before being shipped off to Chicago, for the next level of training. If they were promising, then they were sent to Giles.

“Oh.” Buffy nodded.

Faith smiled and patted her on the back, “Whatdaya say we hit the hay?”

“I should at least try to sleep.” Buffy gave in, not feeling the least bit tired.

“We’ll do something in the morning, before your flight.” Faith stood, and pulled Buffy to her feet.

Buffy smiled and nodded. It had been so long since she’d been shopping. It would do her good to get out, although, she dearly missed the little Italian boutiques. The last time she’s been shopping, she bought this absolutely perfect little grey skirt suit, and was left with no place to wear it. Seconds later, they walked into the house a few moments later, closing the door behind them.

*****

The next morning the two slayers were dressed and prepared to take the local mall head on. Buffy wanted to stop at ‘Barnes & Noble’. Dawn had recommended a book-on-tape called ‘Storm Front’ from a series called ‘The Dresden Files’. She’d listened to a bit of Dawn’s copy, the man reading had sounded an awful lot like Spike, but it couldn’t possibly be him, the guy wasn’t even British.

Not being big a fan of reading, Faith was interested in a new book about vampires. The SIT’s had suggested it to her. They entered through the double glass doors, the archway into the mall spotted across the way if you looked hard enough. This place was HUGE! Must have to be, what is there to do in the surrounding rural areas?? After accessing the size of the store, and a quick ‘got your cell on’ check, they headed their separate ways.

Faith wandered about the fictional section and immediately finding the book and lifting it off the shelf. Brown eyes scanned the cover and the dark haired girl laughed in surprise. The characters illustrated on the front bore a striking resemblance to Spike and Buffy. Faith shook her head, thinking it was a coincidence. It wasn’t until she turned the book to the back cover, she skimmed the passage that she realized just how wrong she was.

The ‘Big Bad’ he was called, come to add another Slayer to the notches in his belt. Things changed, a soul was gained. All for her he saved himself from the depths of hel,l saved himself from evil.’

“No, way!” Faith practically shouted, she ducked her shoulders a bit as people about her whipped their heads around to stare. She furrowed her brow and lowered her voice. “That’s just too much of a coincidence.”

It couldn’t be. Spike was dead. There’s no way a he could write a novel, being a pile of ashes in what used to be Sunnydale. But the book did sound interesting. She definitely wanted to check it out, but first she needed to find Buffy. She took out her cell and began to dial.

Buffy found the book on tape she was searching for-‘Storm Front, Book One of The Dresden Files’. As she was reading the back cover, her phone let out a shrill ring. She grabbed the cell and flipped it open, seeing Faith’s name on display, she quickly pressed the button to answer it.

“Where are you?” she heard Faith’s voice ask her.

“Just finishing up over at the Book-on-Tape section. Why?”

“I’m done, on my way over.”

“Ok…” Buffy said, still confused. She heard the line click dead, and stuffed her phone back into her purse. It was then that she felt the strange feeling come her on her senses. She struggled to shake it off for only a second before it succumbed to her Slayer senses and followed her instincts. She felt almost in a trace as she walked, bumping into nearly every person who stood in her path. Finally Buffy came to a stop, finding herself in the poetry section, smack dab in front of a display of a book called ‘The Effulgence of Beauty.’

When Buffy came into full control of her body, she reached shakily toward the nearest copy of the leather bound volume. Her mind yelled at her, she knew of only one person he had ever heard use the word ‘effulgent’, but… he was dead… right? At first Buffy believed it to be a joke, and she searched around her to see who pulled the prank, but the combination of a whole display of books and the fact that the only other person in the isle was a little old lady with dark brown hair, pulled back in a bun, deterred her from the idea of a prank.

“Hello,” the old woman smiled, looking at the book in Buffy’s hand. “I see you have ‘The Effulgence of Beauty’ there.”

Buffy glanced down at the book in her hand and then back up at the lady. She couldn’t control the trembling in her hands.

“I-I-” She stumbled over the words. “Do you know who the author is?” Buffy asked, unevenly.

“Oh, yes. He’s such a nice young man. I met him at an autograph session here a few months back. His name is William Bartlett.” The little old lady replied, clasping her hands in fond memory. “The poems are ever so sad, but you can tell that he really loved the lady he wrote about,” The older lady continued, knowingly.

Buffy opened and closed her mouth. She was stunned. Spike was alive. Or at least she was beginning to think that way.

“Oh, don’t be shy dear; I think you should get the book.” The old lady noticed Buffy complexion go from rosy to completely ghost white. The lady stepped forward, worriedly. “Goodness child, are you ok?” She asked, placing her hand gently on Buffy’s arm.

“I- I,” Buffy stammered, “I- I don’t know-” Before she hand a chance to finish her statement, Faith came up behind her, calling out her name, causing Buffy to turn, the book slipping from her grasp as she did so. The thud sounded in the back of her mind as she tried to focus on the words coming out of faith’s mouth.

God sniggered as he watched the young blonde turn to face the friend, knowing that the poor girl would think herself crazy when he turned around and the little old woman she was speaking to was gone. He smiled again, seeing that the girl was preoccupied with her friend, and disappeared before he was seen by the dark haired slayer.

“Hey B, got what you wanted?” Faith asked, stopping in front of Buffy, and quickly taking note of the color on Buffy face. “What’s the matter?”

Buffy ran a hand through her hair. “I- I don’t know. I was just talking to this old lady about-” She turned around to find that the woman had disappeared. “Um, I- I think something is going on.” She said, turning back to Faith.

“What are you talking about?” Faith asked curiously. “What old lady?” She craned around to see who Buffy was talking about. “I don’t see anyone. Buffy are you ok? You look like hell!” Faith glanced down at the book. “What’s this?” She asked, squatting and picking it up. “A book of poems? I didn’t think you read anything like that.”

Buffy took a few deep breaths to control her nerves. “Read the title.” She said a few moments later.

“‘The Effulgence of Beauty’?” Faith didn’t have any idea what Buffy was talking about. “Wha- Buffy, I don’t understand”

Normally Buffy wouldn’t know what the word meant, or any in the dialect, but this one she remembered. From Spike. She remembered it from his description of Cicely, from a poem or two of hers that she had read of his; on the rare occasion he would let her into that part of his life.

“Spike.” Was all Buffy was able to say.

“What does Spike have to do with this?” Faith asked inquisitively as she eyed her friend thoughtfully.

“This is his… a word I’ve only ever heard coming from his lips, only ever read in his poetry, his past.”

“So. Buffy, it doesn’t mean it’s him.” Faith took a deep breath assuring herself that no one else was around before continuing on, the next part of her statement was going sting pretty badly. “Spike’s dead! It’s not Spike!”

Yep, it stung. Faith watched as tears began welling up in her friend’s eyes.

Buffy knew it was Spike. It had to be! It was as if he was saying, ‘I’m here! Come find me.’ Buffy knew it! And who was that little old woman. She seemed familiar in some weird way?

Buffy snatched the book away from Faith. “Spike’s alive. I can feel it.”

At first Faith wasn’t buying it, but then she glanced at the book in her hand and then at the one in Buffy’s. They were both written by the same man, William Bartlett, something was defiantly going on here and it sure smelled fishy.

“You really believe he’s alive?” Faith asked a moment later. Buffy just nodded. “Ok, brace yourself,” She handed the book over to Buffy. Buffy’s eyes went wide with shock. “Yep. That’s the same reaction I got. But it’s not just the picture on the front, look at the description on the back cover.”

After a few seconds, Buffy looked back up from the book. “I have got to go find him,” Buffy said, tears glistening in her eyes.

“You can’t just go storming in guns blazing, Buffy”

Wait, those words just came out of Faith’s mouth?? Normally she’d be gung-ho about ‘storming in guns blazing’. She’d breeze into the place and kick a little ass, ask questions later. It usually worked for her. Why couldn’t it work for Buffy?

“You would…” Buffy replied sarcastically, as she put on her resolve face. She was feeling so many emotions that she could barely contain them.

“Well, yeah.” Faith replied sheepishly, “But, you don’t even know where he is, if he’s even alive.” She said seriously.

“I’ll find him.” Buffy turned on her heals and headed towards checkout. Faith followed a moment later. “And when I do,” she paused as Faith caught up to her, in thought as she steeled herself, “I’m gonna kick his ass.”

******

As soon as Buffy and Faith were back at the farm, Buffy headed to her room to pack her bag, and Faith called the airlines to switch flights. They hadn’t said anything to Robin yet, but he had suspected something happened at the mall. They didn’t bring back many purchases.

“Faith,” Robin said, interrupting her on the phone. “What’s going?”

“Nothing.” Faith replied remaining tight lipped.

Robin sighed. “Did you two have a fight?”

Faith shook her head. “No, never.” He sent her a look, “Well, not since I’ve been on the side of the good fight.”

“Why does she want to leave?” Robin asked, glancing down the hallway.

“Look…” Faith held the phone away. “I can’t tell you. She asked me not to say anything. I’m not going to betray that until she tells me it’s ok.” She felt bad for yelling at him, but he knew better than to pester her about it! Geez!

Relenting, Robin leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her lips and backing away in defeat, palms raised in the air. “Ok, I’ll just go outside and check on the dogs.”

Faith resumed her call with the airlines, a wicked grin on her lips as she sent him a ‘we’ll-talk-later’ look. A few moments later, everything was taken care of and Buffy was packed.

“I’m all ready,” Buffy announced, floating into the living room, suitcase and carryon in tow.

Faith had been sitting on the sofa, waiting. She smiled when she saw Buffy. “Everything is all taken care of. The ticket is waiting for you. We’ll have to go soon, if you want to make it on time.”

“I have to make one phone call, and then we can go. Gotta apologize to Willow for not going.” Buffy crossed to the sofa, sitting next to Faith. “Thanks!” she said when Faith handed her the phone. Buffy dialed Willow’s number, and waited for it to connect. “Hey Will!”

“Hey, Buffy!” Willow greeted excitedly. “I’m so excited about you visiting. I can’t wait.” The red head was so happy to hear from her friend, she could barely contain herself.

“Yeah, about that.” Buffy said; she hated to do this when her friend was so excited. “I won’t be able to make it.” How was she to explain this to Willow? “Something’s come up.”

“Like what?” Willow asked, confused.

“In LA, something’s come up. I have to go.” Buffy responded quickly.

A few months back one of Willow’s SIT’s had told her about a blonde man fighting with Angel in last big apocalypse. As the girl was explaining it, Willow had suspected it was Spike, but didn’t see how at all possible he could have survived. She came to the conclusion it was simply a coincidence and over time, forgotten about it, until now, it was as if the memories had suddenly come back to her. It made sense now, but how did Buffy find out?

Willow wasn’t going to press the issue. The petite blonde was stubborn when it came to Spike.

“Oh ok.” The sadness in her friend’s voice was evident, making Buffy feel guilty. Willow continued in a lighter voice, “Call me later; we’ll make plans or something.”

“Oh Will, I hate to bail like this. I really do.” Buffy said honestly. “I’ll call you later.” They said their goodbyes and Buffy hung up the phone, handing it back to Faith.

“We should motor if we want to make it on time.” Faith stood up, waiting.

“Yeah.”

******

The plane ride was long and uneventful. It might have been better if she hadn’t been the only passenger, but it gave her time to think and read some of the poems that Spike had written.

The first poem was titled ‘I was scared to love you.’*

“The world was after me, or so it seemed,
You were my one true light.
All I needed was your love, and all your heart untamed,
To make it through the night.”

{This poem was written by me (Askita), and unfortunately I never finished it, because we only needed one stanza.}

Buffy was only able to read the first stanza before her tears blurred her vision. It killed her to see how little he wanted of her. She had been so afraid to give him her love, her heart. She always unable to say it to him, to tell him what she truly felt, and here it was written in black and white, bound in leather. His silent plea. It broke her heart. Why couldn’t she just admit it before when he’d ask her? Why couldn’t she have just saved him? They’d be together right now?

Sniffling, Buffy turned the next page. The poem had been entitled ‘I wait…’**

“My mind runs rampant
As my wild imagination takes over.
Envisioning all we could be together,
You and I,
While the stars shine down upon us
Patiently or impatiently…
I wait…”

{This one was also written by me(Askita again), back in August of 2002, got to this link, http://www.geocities.com/little_one_askita/alpoh5poem-iwait.html to check out the entire poem.}


Buffy shut the book, too heartbreaking for her to read, and set it beside her on the seat. For now, she would watch the clouds go by. It seemed to be the only thing that didn’t require much thinking.

After awhile, a tall, dark haired stewardess pushed a tray out towards Buffy, and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Huh? Oh?” Buffy said, pulling her attention from the pale blue sky.

“I’m sorry to bother you, Miss. I thought you could probably use a drink and maybe a sandwich.” The stewardess suggested.

Buffy nodded realizing that she hadn’t eaten since this morning, the rumbling in her stomach announcing its revolt. “Thank you. I do feel a little hungry.” She said, taking the foot and drink. She looked up at the young woman. “Do I know you? You look really familiar.”

“Um, me?” The stewardess asked, placing a hand on her chest. “No, I don’t think so. I guess I have that kind of face that everyone thinks they know.” She smiled kindly as she looked down at the book next her. “OH, you’ve read that?” She said pointing.

“The book?” Hazel eyes moved to where the young brunette was pointing for a second then back as she replied. “Not really. I read the first two pages and I couldn’t get through it. It was so sad.” In her mind she added, ‘I caused him so much pain. It’s my fault.’

“It’s a very good book. You should read the whole thing,” recommended the stewardess. “The man lost someone dear to him.” She sighed, and headed back to her station.

“Me too!” Buffy mumbled before taking a bite of her lunch.

Even though so much time has passed, she wanted to make things work for them. The past didn’t matter. They could start fresh and make a new beginning, but not before she kicked his ass for not telling her he was alive. She looked down at the book again.

Before she realized it, the plane had landed. It was long and uneventful, and never once did she open the book back up, although she made sure to put her in her bag, so she wouldn’t forget it.

Buffy looked for the dark haired stewardess who had brought her he food, wanting to offer a final thanks, but he woman was gone. She asked the pilot, but he said he didn’t know of anyone aboard with the description and the stewardess that had been assigned was sick with the flu. Buffy thought it was strange, but decided not to allow it bother her. She collected her things and headed out to the front of the airport, where she hailed a cab and told the driver to head straight for The Hyperion Hotel as fast as he could. It was the only place she knew to look for information on Spike.

***

Twenty minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of the old hotel, and Buffy slid out, heading inside, she’d ask the driver to stay behind. As she walked through the front door, Buffy noticed that it was now a fully functioning hotel. She really hadn’t expected that, but of course, she been out of the loop with Angel for so long. She wasn’t even aware that he had bought the hotel.

A young man dressed in a hotel uniform of the 1950’s approached her. He looked to be in his early twenties, with big blue eyes and a bright smile that he was now sending her way. “My name is Michael. How can I help you?” Buffy supposed he was the concierge.

“I’m looking for Angel.” Buffy replied.

“He and his wife are busy at the moment. Is there something that I can help you with?” Michael asked, kindly.

“Married? Since when?” Buffy asked, astonished.

When did Angel have time to get married? Why hadn’t he told her?

“Mr. Angel and Ms. Cordelia have been married almost 2 years, I believe.”

HELLO! Did he just say Cordelia? “I thought that she was dead?” Buffy said, confused.

Michael shook his head at the ridiculous notion. “Oh no, you must be thinking of someone else.”

Something wasn’t quite right here and Buffy had to get to the bottom of it. “Well, if they aren’t here, is there someone else I can speak to?” Buffy insisted. “I need to speak to someone.” ‘You obviously aren’t helping me!’ She added silently to herself.

“Well, you can leave a message with me and I’ll make sure that Mr. Angel gets it.”

It was almost as if Angel didn’t want to see her. Of course, hadn’t she told him she no longer trusted him? Oh, right. She did say that. Sighing, she said, “When will they be available?”

Before the young man had a chance to reply, Cordelia and Angel walked out of the office, surprise at seeing Buffy plain on the faces. How were they going to explain Cordelia being alive?

“Buffy?” Angel said surprised. “What are you doing here?” He walked over to her, and gave her a quick hug. He didn’t take the time to worry about what she was going to do. It was just good to see her after all this time.

Cordelia stayed her distance and wasn’t to pleased with her husband at the moment. Michael had excused himself, and crossed to the counter to wait on another customer.

“Angel, I need to speak to you, privately.” Buffy glanced at Cordelia.


“Whatever you have to say to Angel, you can say to me!” Cordy crossed to them, lacing her fingers with Angel’s proving that he loved her and not Buffy.

Turning to Cordelia, Angel gave his wife an apologetic looked. “Cordelia, please. Will you go upstairs check on Katherine?”

“All right.” Cordelia relented, leaning in to kiss Angel before heading upstairs.

Seeing the display, didn’t even make Buffy jealous. She had eyes for someone else. She just hoped said platinum blonde would take her back.

“Shall we?” Angel stepped aside, allowing Buffy to go first. “Right in there.” He directed. Once in the office, he took his seat behind the desk, while Buffy sat in the chair in front of the desk.

“It’s so good to see you, Buffy.” Angel smiled warmly.

Instead of responding, Buffy fished in her bag, pulling out the book of poems, sliding it across the desk for Angel to see.

“What’s this?” Angel asked, in mock surprise. He knew very well what it was, he just hoped she wasn’t going to ask about Spike. He wasn’t prepared to tell her anything.

“Don’t even think about lying to me Angel.”

“Lie to you? About what?” Angel asked, evasive.

“Come off it, Angel. I know.” Buffy raised an eyebrow at him. “Don’t even sit there and lie to me.”

He handed the book back to her, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Buffy.” He stood then, and walked to the front of the desk, kneeling in front of her. “Buffy, he’s dead. You’re gonna have move past it.”

“Do Not go there! Tell me where he is, NOW!” Buffy stood up, almost knocking Angel back.

“All right!” Angel said. “I’ll tell you.” He had hated lying to her, but she had a right to know. He quickly jotted down the address, and handed the paper to her.

“Thank you!” Buffy kissed Angel on the cheek. “If you talk to him, please don’t say anything. I want it to be surprise.”

‘It’ll be a surprise all right.’ Angel thought, smiling. “I won’t say anything.”

Buffy stopped, her hand on the doorknob, “By the way, how is Cordy alive and who is Katherine? Oh, and what happened with Connor?”

“Long drawn out story, you don’t want to know the details.”

“Oh, well you can tell me later. Thanks!”

“Yeah!” Angel said, watching her leave. Cordy had come into the office a moment later. “Hey!”

“You told, her didn’t you?” She said crossing her arms over her chest.

“I couldn’t lie to her. She had a right to know.”

Cordy couldn’t argue with that, so she decided to change the subject. “Did you tell her about Annabella?”

Angel shook his head in reply.

****

The cab pulled up to the house ten minutes later. Buffy paid the driver, grabbed her bags, and headed up to the door, the sound of the driver pulling away fading behind her. She raised her hand to knock and got nervous lowering her hand to her side. She couldn’t do it, here she was, in front of Spike’s house, able to knock on his door, and she couldn’t do it. As she decided to leave, the door flew open, startling her.

“Why, hello little lady. Who might you be?” Buffy found herself staring up into the face of a green skinned demon with horns. He was dressed in casual clothes, a pair of jeans and a red t-shirt.

“Um, I think I got the wrong house.” Buffy said, turning again to leave, until he called out to her by name. She turned around, surprised. “You- know my name?”

“You’re Buffy, right?”

She nodded. “Well, come on in then!”

Buffy followed him inside. “My name’s Lorne, by the way.”

“Well, nice to meet you, Lorne.”

Lorne took her through the foyer and into the living room. She took in her surroundings it was a well lit room, windows all about. A young dark haired woman sat in the far corner of the room, playing with a little blonde haired girl. Buffy knew of Connor, and only naturally assumed that the little girl was Spike’s daughter, the woman his wife. Fear set in, causing Buffy to back away when the young woman noticed her.

“Hey!” The young woman said in a Texan accent, a bright smile lighting her face. As much as Buffy wanted to, she found herself unable to dislike the woman.

“Hi.” Buffy said, nervously, bags still clutched in her hands. “Is Spike here?” She asked, turning towards Lorne. It had been so long, Buffy had forgotten the tingles that Spike had caused.

“Yes, Spike’s here. I’ll go get him.” Lorne left the room.

It had quickly become awkward for Buffy. She glanced up at the woman and the little girl anxiously, feeling like she was intruding on family time- Spike’s family. At the same time, Buffy felt a stab of jealously, the urge to hate this woman rearing its ugly head again. That was supposed to be her with that child.

“I’m Fred, by the way. Come sit down.” She said, picking up the child and bringing her to the sofa. Buffy slid her hand along the dark red fabric of the matching loveseat before moving to sit beside the woman. Absently she noted how soft it was.

“It’s so good to finally meet you.” Fred said, conversationally.

“It is?”

Fred nodded, smiling again. The little girl remained quite, waiting for her daddy.

“How was Italy?”

“Good.” Buffy looked over the little girl and smiled. She had his color eyes, definitely. She glanced up at Fred again and returned her smile.

Lorne returned a few moments later, Spike trailing behind him. The blonde was dreading this moment. He hadn’t seen her in along time; he’d never expected to see her again. If his heart could beat, it would be pounding his chest, he paused at the threshold, digging his heels into the rug in the entry hall. Lorne grasped his forearm and pulled him along into the living room.

Buffy’s head snapped to the entryway at the sound of someone entering. She was totally shocked. She had been expecting the old Spike, the Spike she knew from years ago black duster, jeans, t-shirt, and Doc’s firmly in place. This, this was a totally new Spike, a Spike dressed in casual clothes, a white polo shirt and tan khaki’s. He never looked sexier.

“Come on Fred, let’s leave them alone. They have a lot to talk over.” Lorne said, looking pointedly at Spike, who just raised his scared eyebrow.

Fred stood, walking toward Lorne, as she was passing Spike; the little girl reached out and grabbed his arms in a grip that looked like it was unbreakable. She spoke for the first time, “Who dat that, daddy?”

Spike smiled at his little girl. “It’s ok pixie, go with Auntie Fred and Uncle Lorne. Daddy’ll be along shortly.” He kissed her on the nose, grinning at her pout and then obvious surrender as Fred carried her from the room. Then he turned towards Buffy.

Buffy couldn’t believe how tender he was with the little girl; it was definitely a side of him she’d missed.

“Spike, I—”

“Look…” Spike’s voice cracked. “You don’t have to say anything. I went to your place to tell you I was alive. I wanted to start fresh, but you’d left.” It had been the worst moment in his life, how could he forget? “We had our chance. End of story.”

Spike was attempting to put on a brave façade, but the walls he had built were quickly crumbling around him. He wanted to wrap her in his arms, make love to her. His mind wandered and his memory of their last night picked up where it left off before he had been interrupted by The Immortal. Images of her flashed across his minds eye, her tanned pert breasts encased in a black lacy bra, his hands sliding up her skin, her thighs straddling his.

She was leaning over him, her lips on his, her teeth nibbling at his tender skin. Her hips ground into his. Deliciously insane. The adjective echoed through his head as he slid his hands along her downy soft curves, up her back to the hook and eye clasp that held the black lace together.

She rolled her shoulders, allowing the black bra to slip down her arms. A growl and Spike rolled her beneath him, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

After a moment, Buffy noticed that Spike’s pants were tenting a bit, other telltale signs of his arousal were becoming noticeable, the glazed look in his eyes, that sexy way he bit his lip when he was thinking of something naughty. She smiled a bit, thinking she could still make him hot after all this time. Their last night together again popped into her brain.

It had been a night of magic, soul searching, and love. The intimate details flashed across her mind unbidden. The expanse of pale white chest, muscled and hairless. His lips on her neck and shoulders. Him filling her, completing her, whispered words of love complete with bedroom eyes and voice. Buffy shook off the memories, she needed to clear her head.

Spike too, brought himself out of his reverie. He brought his hand up and ran it through is hair, “Would you like to stay for a dinner? We have quite a bit to talk about.” He cleared his throat uncertain. “Um, do you have any place to stay tonight?”

Buffy smiled, shaking her head. It certainly was going to be along night.

TBC

Chapter 7-

Darkness fell over Los Angeles as Angel, Cordy, and Katherine sat down for dinner in their private dinning room. Wonderful scents wafted from the kitchen, calling everyone's name, but they had been forewarned not to bother cook until it was finished. Instead they passed the time chatting.

"I haven't heard from Spike yet, have you?" Cordy asked her husband as she took a sip of white wine.

Angel shook his head, dark locks settling slightly askew as he responded, "No, and I'm kinda worried."

"What happened, daddy?" Thirteen year old Katherine asked. "Is Uncle Spike in trouble?"

"No sweetie," Cordy reassured her adopted daughter as she smiled. "An old friend ours came for a visit."

After Katherine had made her appearance at Cordelia and Angel's wedding two years ago, Angel had decided to make a wrong into a right and adopt his little sister, making her his and Cordelia's daughter, legally.

The teenager eyed her parents warily; she could tell that they were keeping something from her, but news hadn't sounded terribly bad and it made her wonder why they were keeping this from her.

"What aren't you telling me?" she finally asked.

Before they could explain anything the cook brought their dinner in. Everyone began eating in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The little girl looked up at her parents a few times, noticing them glance at each other, and realized they had begun to treat the situation with the worst possible outcome.

****

Once dinner had finished, Cordy and Katherine went upstairs to their suite to watch a little TV, leaving Angel to deal with a mini-crisis with a customer. Everyone's plan was to turn in early enough to get a jump start on the mall crowd. Cordelia was on a sale hunt.

After dealing with the unsatisfied customer and moving him to a different room, Angel trudged up stairs, Spike still weighing heavily on his mind as he settled onto the couch next to his wife.

****

The former couple remained quiet for several more moments, before Lorne left the room, unnoticed. He stood watching from the doorway for a few moments and shook his head in disbelief. 'Looks like these two are gonna need a little help getting their ducks back in a row. It won't hurt for me to play cupid for a little bit.'

"Standing there's not going to accomplish anything." Lorne smiled as he crossed to Spike, standing next to him.

"Dinner's ready. We made pork chops, seasoned in paprika and thyme, and mashed potatoes smothered in butter plus gravy, corn, and rolls for sides. Sound good? Yeah." Still smiling, Lorne shook his head.

"Um, sure, why not, sounds great." Spike finally said, looking away from Buffy to Lorne.

"Sure."

They left the den, stepping into the foyer with intent on entering the dining room when Annabella came barreling toward them, calling out for her father. Buffy was witnessing what could be officially considered the most adorable site in the world. She found herself wishing the little girl was theirs. She consoled herself with the strange coincidence that the little girl kinda looked like her and any random passerby would assume she was Buffy's daughter.

"Daaa- ddeee, when ya gonna come eat?" Annabella asked, pouting a bit as Spike scooped her up in his arms.

"We were just headin' that way, Bella." Spike answered kissing her on the tip of her tiny little noise.

"Good!" The little girl smiled brightly.

'God, she's so cute!' Buffy thought with a sigh as she watched the father and daughter interact.

When she had seen the little blonde for the first time, she could have sworn she heard her biological clock begin to tick. Now the thought was only confirmed by its continual loud, clear clicking. She sighed, her attention swiftly taken by the large kitchen she glimpsed to her right before they entered the dining room. It was rather homey and very large, but it looked lived in, and that was important.

"Hi again!" Fred said as quartet entered the room. "So you're gonna stay after all. Good, 'cause I already set up one more spot for you."

Buffy glanced at the large wooden table that loomed in front of her. All the food had been laid out for easy access, and each one of the green-skinned-demons previously mentioned dishes looking quite inviting. She took the nearest empty seat, ending up next to Lorne, while Spike sat at the end of the table, next to his daughter. She watched as he placed the food on her plate, and cut it into smaller portions before setting it on the tray of her high-chair.

The more she saw this side of Spike, the more she liked it.

"Dig in!" Lorne spoke, breaking Buffy's train of thought. She watched as Spike dug into his own plate, keeping an eye on his daughter, all the while. Seeing him eat normal food was a little unsettling. She knew he had always eaten food--he especially liked hot wings and friend onion blossoms, but something about the way he ate now made her curious. Buffy made a mental note to ask him about it later.

After their meals were finished, dishes washed and cleaned, and put in their proper places, everyone retired to the living room, save for Spike. He had retreated upstairs with Annabella, who was bathed and put to bed. When he finally returned, they were watching 'Bewitched' the old black and white version with the original Darren. Spike watched from the bottom of the stairs as Buffy laughed at the antics of the witch. He'd forgotten what her laugh sounded like. It brought back memories of Sunnydale, of the crypt--their crypt.
Spike and Buffy bustled in from the cold night air, the heat of the recent slay still running through their veins. They didn't wait for the bedroom. As a matter of fact, they were still quite a few feet from the ladder that led down into the bedroom when they tore their clothes from their bodies. In that moments the need to release pent up aggression took over, right then and there. It was quick and rough, just the way they liked it. Once they were finished, they'd gone into the bedroom. She lay on the bed, while Spike had gone to his little toy chest. He was tossing the things out of the box over his shoulder, not paying attention to where any of them landed.

"Hey!" Buffy whined when one hit her in the head. "Watch where you through that stuff. That hurt."

Spike turned around and grinned when he saw the slayer rubbing her head.

"Slayer got a booboo?" Spike teased, crossing to the bed. "You want Spike to kiss it make it better?" He asked, not being able to resist mocking her.

"Shut up!" Buffy pouted.

The vampire pounced on the bed, crawling towards Buffy as if she were a small helpless animal he were hunting. When she tried to get away, Spike gripped her by one of her ankles, and pulled her back down on the bed, beginning to unmercifully tickle her ribs.

His lips contacted with the skin just below her belly button, and he noticed a shiver run up her spine and goose bumps spread over her flesh.

"STOP!" Buffy couldn't help but laugh, and playfully push him away.
Fred noticed Spike in the doorway, smiling. "Spike, you all right?"

"Um, yeah, fine." Spike cleared his throat, nervously. "I'll just be in my study." He threw over his shoulder as he quickly turned and crossed the hallway disappearing into his study.

"What's wrong with him?" Fred asked, turning toward Lorne, a small frown on her face.

"Old ghosts, pumpkin. Nothing for you to worry about." Lorne smiled, leaving it at that.

For Buffy on the other hand, it was something to worry about. She knew he must have been thinking about her, about them, about their past.

"Excuse me." she said as she stood and headed into the study. The only sound coming from the room was the light click as the heavy oak settled closed. Spike had opened the French doors, and stood looking out into the starry night sky. The moonlight cascaded over his chiseled features taking Buffy's breath away. "Spike." She said a moment later. She'd forgotten how he looked standing in the moonlight.

Slowly, Spike turned, but said nothing.

"If me being here is too hard for you, I can go to The Hyperion."

"No, please. I-I want you to. stay." He clenched his fists, words usually came easily for Spike, but tonight, it just wasn't the case. All the things he really wanted to say wouldn't form into sentences on his lips. It had been so long, to long, since he'd found himself in the position to say anything to Buffy, let alone share his innermost thoughts.

Silence prevailed as Spike closed the French doors. The electricity in the room bouncing between them, each wanted the other more than either knew.

*******

Later that evening, Spike lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling tiles, thinking of nothing but the Slayer. Her scent, her smile, her laugh; her being back had wreaked havoc on his sensibilities.

Unbeknownst to Spike, downstairs in the den Buffy was having the same dilemma. She had been tossing and turning since Spike had announced his intent to retire for the night. Everyone had broke away after their goodnight's and she had made herself a bed on the fold out couch.

She had traveled halfway across the Country to find him. Only to discover he had a daughter, a house, a family, and a life. Was she really ready to bring all that crashing down?

After another hour of tossing and turning, Spike decided that a snack might be just the trick to get his body to give in to the peace of sleep his mind so craved. As he rounded the corner, a sight for sore eyes made him stop dead in his tracks. There she sat, at the island, her back to him and facing the fridge. Releasing the breath he had unknowingly been holding, he drew in another deep one before entering.

His eyes traveled up her body, the tanned taught skin covering a well molded calf. Upward, to the tight rounded bottom encased in pink and yellow striped boy shorts, his palms itching to feel the firmness once again. His sapphire gaze breezed up over the delicate arch of her spine, the matching camisole top she was wearing baring just the right amount of skin, and tight in all the right places.

Spike adjusted himself before walking further into the kitchen. Just looking at her had made him instantly hard, even the failed attempt at pleasuring himself to get her off his mind earlier in the night hadn't worked to stave off his arousal.

'Something has got to give!' he thought to himself, groaning quietly.

"Oh, Spike." Buffy said, before taking another bite of her banana. "I didn't hear you come down. I hope I didn't wake you." Her eyes took their turn raking his form. He wore only pajama bottoms, black ones with little bones all over them, but the cartoon dog at the bottom of the right leg did nothing to ward off her immoral thoughts at the sight of his barely concealed erection. Spike was still as muscular as she remembered, but he appeared to have gained a little bit of weight. He still looked every bit the hot vampire she'd fallen in love with back in Sunnydale.

"Couldn't sleep." Spike muttered, heading for the refrigerator. He opened the freezer and retrieved a bottle of vodka from where it was stashed in the back. He brought the bottle up to his lips, taking a small swig. He could barely watch her eat that banana, it was driving him insane.

Spike couldn't take it anymore, being this close to her and not touching her, not kissing her, not doing a damn thing. "To 'ell with it!" He dropped the bottle. It crashed to the floor, shattering into tiny pieces.

"Spike?" Buffy said, worried as she watching the bottle hit the floor, and shatter into a million pieces.

Spike took two quick strides and without saying a word pulled Buffy into his arms, his lips meeting hers in a hard kiss. At first, Buffy fought it, but soon she couldn't fight her body anymore, going lax in his arms, she let her desires take over and returned the kiss with just as much force. She opened her mouth to him, delighting in the taste of him mingled with the distinct taste of vodka as his tongue entered to conquer her own. When air became an issue for the slayer, Spike broke the kiss, and cleared the island with his arm, lifting her, he placed her on the table, and kissed her once again.

His senses were going wild. The feel of her lips on his driving him mad. His hands moved to roam over her, up her sides, along her back. They glided forward to cup the mounds of her breasts through her camisole.

Buffy was in heaven once again, his touch having ever been the only thing that brought her back to that exquisite place. She wrapped her legs around his waist, grinding her sex into his cock, needing more. His mouth moved from hers, to nuzzle into her neck. He stopped, slowed his motions, attempted to control his breathing. She felt his hands move to her hips, griping them tightly to cease her movement.

Hazel eyes looked right at him, confusion evident in their depths. He smiled, softly. "Not tonight pet. I want." his words trailed off at the disappointment in her eyes. He kissed her again, softly. "I want it to be special, not in the kitchen, in the middle of the night, surrounded by sleeping people. I want everyone to know. No more sneaking around Buffy. If we're going to do this again, we're going to do it right."

She smiled at him, slipping her arms around him, snuggling into his neck. "Will you hold me tonight?"

Spike's breath caught in his throat. "Of course pet."

*******

Later, after the shattered vodka bottle had been cleaned up. After the fruit bowl had been returned to the island. After the den had been set to rights and Buffy lay wrapped in his arms, a smile crossed her face. There was still a lot to work through, but they were off to a good start. Secure in the silence and the feel of being in his arms once again, she drifted off into a much needed, deep sleep.

TBC

Chapter 8-

Weenan, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa:

It was the hottest day on record in the small farming community. Those who had air conditioners ran them nonstop, though it did little to cool the hot air. The ones who didn’t have air conditioners suffered through the scorching temperatures. The air hung thick with humidity, raising the temperature to over 100 degrees in the shade.

With so many SITs added to the small household, Anya was surprised her dryer had held out as long as it had..and with a heavy sigh, Anya grabbed the baskets and headed out into the muggy afternoon. She had only just began to place the clothes on the line before the rain came.

“Shoot!”

Anya pulled Xander’s shirt and boxers off the line, but soon abandoned her taks in the face of a quickly dawning monsoon. There wasn’t much time to mess around in a storm like this.

“Screw it!” she mumbled, grabbing the basket and as many of the clothes on the line she could manage. Anya made her way back to the house, but her sense of direction was off and she couldn’t see through the sheet of rain. She knew that she wouldn’t make it on unless she had some help.

Soaked and freezing, Anya yelled out to her husband, hoping that he’d hear her cries.

****
Xander smiled to himself as he pondered the young blond hitting the punching bag he was holding. He was once again struck by the uncanny resemblance in style and personality that Cassandra had to a certain blond slayer they all knew. She was gifted and sure to be sent to Giles, but he wanted Buffy to see first hand, how good this girl really was.

They’d just gotten a new batch of girls in that week and he had to rush to get the more experienced girls out to Willow or Giles by the end of the week. Today was Wednesday.

“Ok now let’s try something different.” Xander said as he grabbed a sword from the wall, but he quickly landed on his back with an ‘oomph’. “I wasn’t ready!”

Hearing his wife’s cries for help, he stood. “Take a break for a moment.” He said before he went rushing out into the storm. His heart skipped a beat, believing that the worst was about to happen again. He couldn’t lose Anya again. No! He squinted with his one good eye through the heavy rain, searching for her.

Xander heaved a sigh of relief when he spotted a thin outline of Anya. She hadn’t even realized just how close to the barn, she really was. He crossed the few feet that separated them and reached out to her, grabbing a hold of her arm and pulling her close to him. “Anya, are you ok?”

“Yes!” she shouted through the rain.

“Good!” He pulled her into the barn and out of the rain.
The rain was coming down harder and faster, the wind so bad that the tree branches scrapped up against the barn, making terrible noises. One of the branches broke through the window upstairs, scaring everyone. Cassandra raced upstairs to cover the window with a blanket.

When Xander and Anya bought the piece of land a few years ago, the house and barn had been in such bad shape, that it had taken him months to get them in order.

After he had finished, the house had a second story with three bedroom and 2 ½ baths, a large living room, gourmet eat-in kitchen and an office for him. The barn was transformed into a gym and all the tools that the girls would need to fight in battles. On the second floor, Xander transformed it into sleeping quarters and recreational area for the SITs, where they had every accommodation the council could afford them.

Suddenly the wind blew harder, shaking the barn and causing the door to slam shut, startling everyone. Fear snaked through Anya and she dropped the clothes basket to the ground. She’d seen something out in the night sky that frightened her.

“It’s ok Anya. It was just the wind.” Xander said in an attempt to calm her fears.

“Xander, I know I saw something out there,” Anya replied, defensively.

“There’s nothing out there,” reassured Xander. “Go conference room until the rain goes away.”

Anya didn’t believe Xander, but didn’t want to argue, so she did as he asked and went into conference room. Anya turned to watch Xander with Cassandra before shutting the door behind her. Anya knew why Xander worked with Cassandra; she reminded him of Buffy and he still had a crush on her. Anya didn’t mind so much anymore, she had Xander and that was all that mattered.

“Ok,” Xander took a deep breath and let it out in a huff, “Cassandra, let’s try a little hand-to-hand combat.”

Cassandra punched Xander squarely in the face, sending him reeling back against the wall. He held up his hand to fend her off a moment and regain his balance and then they went right back to fighting. It went on a few more minutes until the door swung open with a loud bang. Anya ran out of the conference room just as something appeared before them. Xander pulled Anya behind him protectively.

As the black mist rolled into the building, the SITs rushed down to the first floor sensing some kind of danger. At first it seemed harmless, causing the young SITs to let their guard down. The mist made its move. One by one, the slayer’s dropped to the ground, dead. The couple was helpless without the girls.
The mist invaded their thoughts, their senses-- they couldn’t breathe, they couldn’t move. Then they dropped to the floor, unconscious.

When the storm cleared and the wind died down, the sky lit up and showed a bright sun shiny day. With a light breeze showing, and the sun shining through the windows, the mist took on a human form, scooped up Anya and Xander and disappeared.

*****
Hellmouth, Cleveland, Ohio

A restless Faith couldn’t sleep and decided to begin the new novel she’d purchased the day Buffy left for LA. She leaned over, kissed Robin on the head, slid out of bed, and quietly headed out to the main room.
The slayer switched on the table lamp and made herself comfortable on the sofa. She then settled in and began to read the first chapter.

Chapter 1-

Sunnydale 1997

The slayer! My third slayer! There she was, dancing with her friends her lithe body swaying and undulating to the beat of the music. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Blond tresses, hazel eyes… I could think of nothing else. Not even my beautiful dark princess, my ripe wicked plum. She didn’t matter to me, as I stood and watched the slayer. She invaded my senses and I couldn’t let go. I was drawn to her from that moment on. I had to have her, it didn’t matter how. I was gonna get what I wanted and to hell with what everyone else wanted.

Seems obsessive, but I didn’t care! She was mine.

Faith looked up from her book surprised. “Love at first site!” She whispered. “And he didn’t know it yet!”

As she resumed her reading, she heard load crash coming from the hallway, then her name being called out. It was Robin. He was in trouble.

“Robin!” She threw the book down on the sofa, and sped down the hall into the bedroom. He was out cold on the bed and a dark mist hovered over him. “GET AWAY FROM HIM!” She snapped, and then moved closer to Robin. Grasping him by the hand she pulled him off the bed and into her arms.

The mist began to slowly move towards her. Suddenly she was helpless. She couldn’t move. She was paralyzed. It engulfed her and she fell to the floor, unconscious. The mist formed into a human, scoop her up, then Robin. In a flash, they disappeared.

*****

Slayer Training Academy, Chicago, Illinois

It was after midnight, when Willow pulled into the parking garage of her building. She pulled the car into her parking spot, she switched off the engine, grabbed her briefcase and stepped out of her car, wearily heading towards the elevator.

As she waited for the elevator, Willow had a horrible feeling something was about to happen, but it quickly vanquished when the door opened and she stepped in. It wasn’t until later during a fitful dream, that she foresaw what was about to happen.

“Xander…Anya.” Willow sat up in bed, her long red hair whipping in her face. She blindly searched for the light switch, and successfully turned it on. “Giles…I hope you're home!” She picked up the phone and punched in the number, waiting for it to ring.

“Giles residence,” an English girl answered the phone on the fifth ring. “How man I help you.”

“Is Mr. Giles home?” Willow asked in a hurry. “It’s important that I speak with him.”

“Hold on, please.” The girl set the phone down with a thud and Willow waited impatiently. She looked over at her clock, which read 2 am. She figured that it must have been eight or nine in the morning there.

While waiting, Willow grabbed her dream notebook from the nightstand, quickly jotting down the dream she’d had. The images were fuzzy but she could see Xander and Anya disappearing and the SITs dead. What was going on?

“Giles here,” Finally he came to the phone five minutes later.

“Giles! It’s Willow.”

“Isn’t it a bit early on your end, Willow?” Giles asked confused.

“We got big problems, Giles,” Willow began breathlessly. “I think I had some sort of premonition--” The phone suddenly went dead before she could go on in detail about her dream. The bad feeling from the elevator quickly returned. What the hell was going on?

Giles is in trouble! I’ve got to go to him!

With that thought, a black mist floated in through her open window. It hovered above her momentarily before enveloping her, she went limp. It took the form of a human, scooped her up, turned back into the mist and disappeared.

*****

Elite Slayers Academy, London, England

“Willow! Willow!” Giles screamed into his cordless, but he got no answer. “Bloody hell!” He slammed the phone down on the oak desk in his office. A few moments later, he picked up the phone again, and dialed Willow’s cell. No answer there either. Something must be up!

“Willow,” Giles began his message to Willow’s voice mail, “if you get this, it is imperative that you call me back and tell me what’s going on!” He clicked the phone off as Dawn had entered his office and closed the door behind her.

“Hey Giles!” Dawn greeted brightly, making her way over to him. “What’s wrong?” She asked, noticing the grim look on his face.

Dawn was off on holiday from her school and had decided to visit Giles in England. When he’d first seen her three days before, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

She’d grown into such a lovely young lady. If Giles had been younger, he’d definitely take note of how much she had changed, but as her father figure, that was absolutely out of the question.

“Oh, Dawn,” Giles said, startled. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. Just lost a phone connection is all.”

Though the young girl could see just how agitated Giles really was, when he removed his glasses and a handkerchief and began to polish the lenses.

“Giles…” Dawn made herself comfortable in the chair behind his desk, and leaned forward, propping her head up with her hands. “Whenever you do that,” she said pointing with her pink nail polished finger, “--something is wrong. Now, what the hell is going on?! I’m not a little girl anymore. You can tell me!”

“Very well,” Giles placed his glasses back on his face and stuffed the handkerchief back in his breast pocket. He leaned on the desk close to her as he began to explain. “Honestly, Dawn, I have no idea, but it must be bad. Willow was just about to tell me what that was and the phone just went dead. It was as if someone didn’t want her to tell me what happened.”

“Did you try her cell?” Dawn asked worriedly. She sat back, playing with a thread on her pink silk blouse.
“Of course, there was no anwser.” Giles untied his blue neck tie and sat back in the chair .

“We need to call Buffy, then!” Dawn demanded.
She hadn’t heard from her sister since her holiday from school began a few weeks before, but she knew Buffy’s itinerary: First few weeks with Faith and the SITs and Second, onto Willow’s in Chicago for awhile. But if Willow called Giles and Buffy wasn’t with her, then something definitely must be up. But what could it be?

“I agree!” Giles picked up the phone was about to dial Buffy, but he noticed a black mist drifting in through an open window. He dropped the phone and made his way over towards Dawn, protectively.

“What’s the matter, Giles?” She hadn’t noticed the mist.

Before Giles could answer, the mist invaded their senses, they couldn’t move, they couldn’t speak, they were frozen in place. Helpless!

Then things went black, and Dawn and Giles fell to the floor unconscious. For a moment, the mist hovered in place, as if to watch them, then took shape of a human. It scooped them up in its arms, and disappeared through the air.

*****

Slowly Anya woke up, glancing around the small and barley lit room. From what she could tell, the room was no bigger than a laundry room. There was window on the far end of the wall, but it had been boarded up. There didn’t appear to be a doorway that she could see, though she was mostly thankful everyone was alive, yet still sleeping. A moment later, Xander awoke. He quickly looked around, surprised to see everyone.

“Where are we?” Xander asked groggily.

“I don’t know.” Anya whispered softly, clinging to her husband.

Willow was the next to awaken, then Giles and Dawn, and finally Faith and Robin awoke.

“Wha…” Faith asked, rubbing her head, a sudden headache pounding the side of her head.

“What’re we going to do?” Dawn asked scared tone in her voice.

“I don’t know, Dawn,” replied Giles, wrapping his arms around her and Willow protectively. “I’m just glad that everyone is ok.”

TBC

Chapter 9-

Late in the night, Spike awoke. He needed to know that Buffy was really there with him and that it wasn’t all a dream, like it had been so many other restless nights. His heart sank when he noticed the space next to him empty. He couldn’t believe it. What a cruel joke this was beginning to turn out to be! WHY! Spike silently screamed in his mind.

“Bloody hell…Shoulda known this was a god damn dream.” Spike turned over to lie on his back, looking up at the ceiling. He was pissed off at God for playing his damn tricks again and was in no mood for it tonight.

Only Buffy had really been there in the flesh even, but she had been in the bathroom when Spike had woken up. When she returned, she heard Spike mumbling something about God.

“Spike?” Buffy said, crawling into bed, sitting next to him. When he didn’t answer, she called him by his given name. Spike cringed at hearing it. The last time Buffy had used it, she was breaking it off with him. This time, he knew it had to be his imagination and refused to turn over or believe Buffy was real. Not even her touch or the sound of her heart beat convinced him. “Are you all right?” She wondered as she ran a hand through his silky hair—something she had missed doing. “Turn over…” Buffy said a moment later. “What’s the matter?” She asked worriedly.

“Nothing!” Spike evaded.

,i>What the hell is his deal? “I’m here, Spike. I’m not going away.” Spike hadn’t turned over and she asked a little more forcibly, “Turn over; Spike or I’ll do it for you!”

“You’re not here!”

“I’m not here? Spike, what are you talking about? I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” The slayer never dreamed that leaving for only a moment would set him off like this. This is definitely my fault. If only I were honest with him to begin with. If only I hadn’t beaten the living shit out of him everytime he tried getting close with me…If only…GOD HELP ME TO HELP HIM! She looked up, tears streaming down her face, as she sought guidance from the one person she knew would know what to do—she was truly sorry for her actions in the past.

The vampire slowly turned over to see his golden goddess there before him, tears streaming down her face.

“Bloody hell, woman, don’t do that to me…” Spike sighed and Buffy half giggled while she brought his hand up to her to her chest.

“Is this not real?” Buffy asked seriously.

Spike could feel (and hear) the beat of her heart. The feel of her breast between his fingers made him believe she was truly there with him. What a bloody pansy I am.

“Not gonna leave you, I promise. I am here to stay, mister!” Buffy smiled an added benefit that Spike missed.

“S’that a promise?”

“Promise!” Buffy leaned in, kissing him soundly, then she slid beneath the covers, snuggling up as close to him as possible, while she laid her head atop of his chest.

Spike felt like a moron not to believe she was really there before him. He silently sent his apology to the man upstairs as he kissed the top of Buffy’s head, reeling in her touch and her scent. It suddenly felt more like old times. It wasn’t until this moment, that Spike felt truly at home.

****

The next morning, Cordy rolled over and sleepily searched for her husband, her arm came up empty. “Angel?” Cordy said, searching around the room.

“In here babe…” Angel walked in from the connecting room after a night of fitful sleeping.

He had been thinking about Spike and Buffy’s reunion, and all the variations he was coming up with did not have a happy ending. The one most prevalent in his mind was Spike being permanently dusted, but what if Spike had been dusted? Would Angel and Buffy be together instead of him and Cordy?? He had wondered that just as Cordy had called out for him.

“Come back to bed!” Cordy said, drowsily. “I miss you!”

The vampire made his way back into the bedroom and sat next to his wife, kissing her on the head. “There’s something that I want to do…” Angel said, trailing off.

“What?” Cordy asked curiously.

Angel’s mind had drifted back to his previous thought: What would it have been like if he were married to Buffy now instead of Cordy? This thought brought him back to the last moments he had with Buffy in Sunnydale— the kiss and the famous cookie dough speech. Angel rolled his eyes at that thought.

‘Buffy looked up at Angel, and replied, “Because—Ok, I’m cookie dough. I’m not done baking. I’m not finished becoming whoever the hell it is I’m gonna turn out to be. I make it through this, and the next thing, and the next thing, and maybe one day I turn around and realize I’m ready. I’m cookies. And then, you know, if I want someone to eat—“Buffy eyes went wide with realization of what she’d said, “or enjoy warm, delicious cookie me, then…that’s fine. That’ll be then. When I’m done!”

“Any thoughts on who might enjoy—“Angel sighed, irritably. “Do you I have to go with the cookie analogy?”

“I’m not really thinking that far ahead. That’s kinda the point.”;

It still boggles my mind the things that girl comes up with sometimes. Angel smiled at that thought. What would it have been like if I stayed in Sunnydale instead of coming to LA? He paused in thought, pondering that same question. Are you really done, Buffy? Will we ever have a chance together?

As Angel sighed, Cordy glanced up at him inquisitively. “What’s that matter?” She asked, after a moment. “Is everything ok? You’re kinda quiet.”

When her husband didn’t respond right away, Cordy suddenly suspected that Angel was thinking about the past, more specifically, his past with Buffy. Cordy, incensed and jealous, “I can’t believe you, Angel!” Her eyes filled with anger and disbelief, as she looked up at him.

Angel had not responded. He was too deep in thought.

“After all these years, Angel…” Cordy balled her hands up into fists, hitting him in the chest. “I’m your wife, not Buffy. You should be thinking about me and our daughter, not about someone from the past!”

“Cordy what are you talking about?” Angel asked, missing the whole point of his wife’s tirade as he grabbed a hold of her wrists.

“Does my love mean nothing to you?” She cried, her rage quickly fading into sadness. The tears glistened in her eyes, and she turned away from him.

“Of course, it does, but Cordy, what are you talking about?” Angel reached out to touch his wife, but she wrenched herself away from him. “What’s the matter?” He instantly felt guilty. He didn’t even realize that his reminiscing of the past was the problem at hand.

Perfect! He doesn’t even know what the hell he did! Cordy sniffled. “Just go to your precious Buffy!” She snapped.

Wait a minute, when did it get way out of hand?

“Cordy wait...” Angel trailed off, but she would have none of it!

“OUT NOW!” Cordy ordered, as she pointed towards the door.

“Cordy!”

”No! GET OUT NOW!” She slid down into bed, pulling the covers over her as she let the tears flow freely now. Where did things gone wrong? I thought he loved me!

With that, Angel reluctantly stood, and meandered away with his head hung low. The couple had disagreements before, but they’ve always managed to work them through. This time though, Angel wasn’t so sure they’d be able to work it out. He’d hurt her pretty badly. Some how, he had to make it up to her, to prove that he really loved her, and Buffy was in the past. It wasn’t his fault that he wondered about such things. Perhaps even Cordy wondered what her life would have been like if Doyle had survived, or if she’d remained with Xander in high school. Would they be married? Angel thought of all that, but he would never change that for the world. His world: Cordy and Katherine.

As Angel opened the door to leave the suite, Katherine walked out of her room.

“Daddy?” She asked with questions in her eyes. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s ok sweetie. Go back to bed. You’re mom and I just had a disagreement. Nothing for you to worry about, ok Katherine.” Angel cupped his daughter’s face in his hands, before giving her a quick kiss on the nose. “I’ll be in my office, if your mother wants to know.” With that, Angel left and Katherine went into her parent’s bedroom. She stopped short, when she heard her mother crying.

“Mom?” Katherine quickly crossed to the bed, sliding in next to her mother, nervously. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, sweetie.” Cordy wiped away the tears and sat up. “I’m ok.” She quickly changed the subject, hoping to quell her daughter’s fears, “I think the mall is opening up early for those sales.” It would be more therapy for her anyway, especially the way she was feeling now.

That was Katherine’s cue to butt out and she knew it. “Sure” Shopping was always a highlight of her day. “Where do you want to go Macy’s? Neiman Marcus?”

“Anywhere you want to go, my darling.” Cordy slid out of bed, heading into the bathroom. “Just give me an hour to get ready and we can go!” Cordy smiled at her daughter before closing the door.

A moment later, the teen hopped off the bed and excitedly headed into her room to get ready as well. Down in his office, Angel called a buddy of his that owned a flower shop, and ordered a dozen or more white, yellow and red roses, hoping Cordy would forgive him.

*****
The phone by the nightstand had begun to ring incessantly, rousing Spike out of a deep sleep. He reached over a sleeping Buffy to answer it, careful not to wake her.

“This better be good!” Spike whispered, running a hand through mussed up hair.

Buffy began to wake. “Who is it?” She asked groggily

Placing his hand over the receiver, Spike responded, “Nothing, love, go back to sleep.” He kissed her on the head.

“Hey, Spike.” The person on the other end of the phone greeted.

“Angel, it’s too early for you to be calling. What d’ya want?”

“Cordy and I had a fight early this morning, so no need to come over for breakfast.” Angel paused a moment, “I have no clue when she and Katherine will be home.”

Spike rolled his eyes. Not surprised at all. He had a feeling Buffy being back might cause problems between Angel and Cordy, though he didn’t give it much thought.

“What’d you do?” Spike instantly inquired.

“What makes you think that I had anything to do with it?” Angel replied quickly, angry at Spike, who had the nerve to ask him what happened. It was none of his business anyway.

“How long have we known each other?” Spike asked plainly.

Angel sighed, heavily. “All right, if you must know, it was my fault. I wanted to know what happened with your reunion with Buffy and Cordy took it the wrong way. She didn’t really give me a chance to explain myself. Now she believes that I want to be with Buffy.”

“Do you?”

There was a pause.

“Angel!” Spike yelled, looking down at Buffy, afraid that he might wake her up again.

“Maybe…a little…I don’t know---“Angel admitted, guiltily.

“Bloody hell, that’s just great, Angel.” Spike sat up in bed, careful not to jar Buffy.

“It’s not like that,” Angel tried to explain him self.

“How’s that so?” Spike carefully rose up out of bed and headed into the hallway to continue the conversation.

“I’ve thought about it from time to time. Who wouldn’t? Buffy is a beautiful woman, but I’m married, Spike. I love my wife and my daughter and as much as I screwed things up now, I don’t want to lose what I’ve got! Besides which, Buffy is in love with you. She’s always been in love with you. It just took me awhile to realize it.”

Spike looked in on Buffy and smiled. “That she does, mate.” Then clicked the phone off, and headed down to the kitchen to start on breakfast.

*****
As Buffy turned over her arm reaching out for Spike she realized he wasn’t next to her there was however, an inviting smell coming up from the kitchen. Oooh, someone’s cooking breakfast, she thought as she sleepily sat up, stretching as she did so. Before heading downstairs, Buffy looked over at the clock on the nightstand; it read 9:30 am. Yawning, she then headed down to the kitchen, realizing that the house was quiet, and wondering where everyone was at.

The petite blonde stood in the doorway, captivated by the sight of Spike cooking in his PJ’s. From head to toe, Buffy watched him closely---his chiseled cheeks, the ripple of his abs, those muscular arms of his---the whole package had her going, and if she didn’t step back soon, she’d jump him right here in the kitchen.

Memories of the night before, invaded her thoughts and Buffy’s cheeks turned pink. Knowing what would be next, she stepped back into the Hall, or Spike would definitely have know for sure she’d been standing there, ogling him. Though Buffy wasn’t sure how much of change there was in Spike, she knew there was a lot that had and she missed out on it. Damn you, Spike, for not telling me.

“Ok, Buffy, get it together. You’ve seen Spike cook before. Although, not in his PJ’s.” She smiled, taking another peek at Spike, who had pulled some muffins out of the oven, and stepped back once again, taking a deep breath, she giggled at herself, knowing that would be a hard task to accomplish.

Taking a few deep breaths and pushing those thoughts away, Buffy entered the kitchen. The smells of pancakes, omelets, bacon, and toast--all of her favorites—assaulted her nose. She smiled as she crossed over to Spike, placing a kiss on his shoulder, then stole a piece of bacon, that had been cooling on a plate.

“Hey!” Spike playfully slapped at her hand with the spatula.

“What?” Buffy took a bite out of the bacon. Spike had no choice but to relent, especially considering the way she was looking at him, like she wanted to take him right then and there. He turned his attentions back to the omelet. It was safer that way. “So, where’s everyone at?” Buffy sat up on a nearby counter. “Oh is that chocolate chip muffins?” She asked with a smile, as she jumped off the counter, and snatched one of the muffins out the pan, and popped a piece of it into her mouth. “Mmmm-yummy!”

Spike glanced at Buffy and grinned at her, glad she approved of the muffins. He then replied, as he flipped over the pancakes, “On the weekends, we always head over to The Hyperion to have breakfast with Angel and Cordy, but I guess they had a little tiff and Cordy and Katherine went shopping instead.”

“Does that happen very often?” Buffy inquired, popping another piece of the muffin her mouth.

The slayer had fallen out of the loop, being gone from everyone, for so long.

“Surprisingly, no.” Spike finished up with the cooking and placed everything on a serving dish. “Angel and Cordy never really fight like that. Of course, there’s…this was a bad one.”

“How bad?” Buffy asked, finishing up her muffin.

“Let’s not worry about that now.” Spike evaded as he looked up at her, giving her his brightest smile of reassurance. “Plates are up in that cabinet.” He pointed to cabinet behind Buffy. “Silverware is right in there.” With his suggestive eyebrow, Spike gestured with his head to the drawer right under Buffy’s legs.

Buffy followed Spike’s gaze, her face suddenly turning two shades of pink.

“The drawer, Buffy.” Spike grinned, as he reached slowly to open it, never taking his eyes off of her.

“Oh!” Buffy said embarrassedly as she grabbed for the knives and forks, then jumped off the counter.

For a moment, they stared into each other’s eyes--no one else in the world matter, but the two of them. Buffy began to reach for Spike, but he stepped away, nervously, and internally kicked himself for pulling away. “Don’t want to let this get cold, do we.”

“Oh yeah!” Buffy’s heart sank as she watched Spike place the food on the table. She followed him a moment later. They ate in an awkward silence.

*****
There was a Star Trek Convention in town and by 11:30. The Hyperion was booked solid and after that, Angel was so busy, he hadn’t had time to think about his fight with Cordy. Although come five o’clock, it invaded his mind and it played over and over: what could he have done differently?

One of the day managers, Marcus, entered in the office. Angel was facing away form the young man.

“Excuse me,” Marcus said, after knocking. He walked right in when Angel hadn’t responded.

“Yes, Marcus?” Angel turned to face his employee.

“There’s a delivery here for you. You might want to come out here and check on it.”

“Really?” Angel said surprised as he pushed away from him desk and stood. He made his way around the desk and out into the main room. He stood there, momentarily, looking at the delivery—a sea of roses—all different colors, shapes, and sizes.

“Hey Angel!” A portly man, who looked more like demon, walked over to Angel, hand outstretched.

“Morley.” Angel shook the man’s hand in return. “Oh wow, this is…”

“Oh I know.” Morley turned to look at his extraordinary work. “Impressive ain’t it?”

“Oh yes, it is, but Morley, this is too much. I didn’t ask for all of this.” Angel couldn’t take his eyes off of it.

“I guess, I guess I went overboard with it.” The old man sounded defeated, staring down at his feet.

“No not at all.” Angel pulled out two hundred dollar bills. “Will this do?”

“Oh yeah!” Cha ching! With the wave of his hand, the flowers disappeared and reappeared a moment later in Angel’s suite.

“Thanks!”

With that, the portly Morley disappeared in a flash. Cordy and Katherine return a moment later, bags in hand. Cordy ignored Angel and headed right up to their suite. Katherine stayed behind.

“I take it, she’s still mad?”

Katherine nodded. “Go up there, daddy! Tell her that you still love her…Do you?”

“Yes honey, more than ever!” Angel hugged his daughter, and made his way up to the suite, momentarily forgetting the roses.

Cordy stood in a sea of roses, in awe. She’d never seen so many beautiful flowers. Angel stood in the door way, waiting to speak. “I’m sorry.” She turned around, tears in her eyes. He walked closer to her. “I never meant to upset you.”

There was silence.

Angel continued. “I will never ever doubt anything again. I love you, Cordy, and I always will.” He held out his hand, hoping she’d take it.

Cordy smiled and took his hand in return. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have reacted that way, but it’s just—“Angel silenced her with a kiss.

*****
Spike and Buffy had decided to go out for the evening, while Fred and Lorne stayed to baby sit Annabella.

Fred smiled at Annabella as the small girl organized yet another game. This time Fred was perched on a small chair, and the teacup she was holding clattered to the floor as Fred was hit violently with a vision. It knocked her back to the floor. The little girl had never seen her like that and had no idea what to do.

“Fed,” Annabella said worriedly, rocking the woman awake. “Fed.”

When Fred didn’t respond, she screamed for Lorne who hurried into the room, trying to catch his breath.

“What is it?” He asked, before noticing Fred on the floor. “Fred!” He knelt by her side. “Are you ok?” She opened her eyes a moment later, trying to gasp for air.

“Oh god!” She said in a frightened voice.

“What is it?” Lorne helped her to her feet.

“It’s bad.” Her voice cracked as she answered again, “Baad.”

Feeling as though someone else was watching them, Fred turned towards the doorway, there stood Spike and Buffy. They’d some how sensed that something dreadful was about to happen and headed home to be with Annabella.

The slayer glanced up at Spike and saw a worried expression on his face. She was feeling the same way as well. What were they gonna do?

The little girl made her way over to her father and Spike scooped her up in his arms.

Buffy entered into the playroom, calm, though she certainly wasn’t feeling that way. “Please tell me what just happened?”

TBC

Buffy entered into the playroom, calm, though she certainly wasn’t feeling that way. “Please tell me what just happened?”

“I had a powerful vision, but it’s a bit jumbled,” Fred spoke after a profound sigh, still holding her head. “It all happened so fast. I don’t think I can remember any of it.”

“Whatever you can remember…” Lorne crooned, helping Fred to her feet.

Fred shut her eyes, watching the scenes replay in her mind, this time at a slower pace. It was worse than she’d previously thought. “They’re dead…”

“Who’s dead, sugarplum?” Lorne asked, in his usual endearment.

Spike silently left, he didn’t think his daughter needed to hear the specifics at her age. He headed towards his bedroom and laid her down to sleep. He sung her a song that his mother used to sing to him and when he was finished, she was out like a light. He brushed a side of curl away from her pretty face and kissed her forehead before going back to the playroom.

The vampire hadn’t missed much. Fred was slowly taking her time explaining everything, so no one missed any of it. “The SIT’s, they’re dead.”

“Which ones? Where?” Buffy asked, worriedly.

Buffy had brought those girls into this world and she was responsible for their lives. If anymore of those girls die, it’ll be my fault. I gave them the power of the slayer.

“I’m not sure, Africa maybe…” replied Fred, glancing to Spike then Buffy. “It was kinda in the middle of no where…everything is just so fuzzy! I’m sorry!” Fred gave an apologetic look to Buffy and Spike.

“It’s ok. Whatever you can tell us, will be more than helpful,” encouraged Lorne.

“Anya and Xander…”whispered Buffy. Oh god! “What else?” she prompted.

“I can’t be sure, Buffy. All I saw was Xander and Anya were there one minute and the next were gone, but the SIT’s were all dead,” responded Fred quietly.

“Was it centralized in that location?” Spike wondered aloud.

“No! The rest disappeared too. It didn’t look like anything was there.”

“The rest who?” Buffy asked frantically.

Fred looked down, dejectedly. “I saw your sister, Dawn, Giles, a black man with another slayer, and then Willow .”

“Are they alive?” Spike needed reassurance as did Buffy.

Buffy moved closer to Spike. He draped his arm around her, pulling her close to him. They were thinking the same things: Where about Dawn? Is she alive? Of course the other people mattered, but Dawn mattered the most to them.

“I only sensed the death’s of the SIT’s in Africa , no one else!”

Relief washed over Spike and Buffy, but it didn’t mean their family was out of the woods yet. They had to track down whoever was doing this and stop them immediately.

“Fred and Lorne, will you stay with Bella?” Spike asked.

Lorne nodded. “Of course, we will.”

Spike shook the green demon’s hand. “Thanks mate. ‘Preciate it.”

“No problem, Spike. We’d do anything for that little girl.” Fred smiled weakly.

Spike and Buffy went to the bedroom, packed a bag, and headed off to the Hyperion in a hurry.

*****

Together, the couple walked into the hotel hand and hand. Spike and Buffy noticed the pretty decorations that had been hung because of the convention, but that didn’t stop them as they pushed their way through the throng of people and toward Angel’s office and knocked on the door.

The night manager answered, he’d been covering for the day manager.

“Where’s Angel?” Spike demanded.

“I can’t tell you that!” the young man answered.

Spike pushed the young man into the office. Buffy followed and shut the door behind her.

“Look, we need to know where Angel is. Is he upstairs in his suite? It’s kind of an emergency,” Buffy explained quickly.

When the manager didn’t answer, Spike released him and they made their way back through the crowd and up the stairs. When they reached the correct floor, they walked down the hall to Angel and Cordy’s suite and knocked on the door.

When no one answered, Spike banged again, this time relaying a bit of his impatience into the door. The couple heard Angel swearing on the other side and a few moments later, the door swung open. There stood a pissed off looking Angel, wrapped in a white sheet.

“I thought that I told you, I didn’t want to be disturb…Oh, it’s you. Hey Buffy. I take it things went well?” Angel smiled.

“Think ya could put on some clothes, peaches?” Spike raised his scared eyebrow.

“Oh hold on…” Angel said as he shut the door. Several minutes had passed and Angel had dressed in all black—shoes and everything. “Come in.” He stepped aside, allowing the couple to enter. “What do you need?”

“Angel…” Buffy began seriously. “We need your help.”

The vampire heard the tone in Buffy’s voice and sensed something was off. “What’s going on?” Angel asked. “Is Dawn ok?”

The Slayer shook her head. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but we’re gonna get to the bottom of it.”

“Tell me what happened…”Angel asked again.

“We really don’t have much time to explain Angel, but just know that everyone I care about is in danger. Fred saw it in a vision,” answered Buffy.

“We’re gonna need to borrow the Jet to investigate what happened,” Spike spoke after a moment. “And if ya got any weapons lying around, sure would appreciate the use of ‘em.”

The brunette vampire sighed. He had hoped his investigating days were over, but deep down, he knew it would never be over. “No problem. You’re gonna need back up. Meet you in the lobby in a few minutes.”

Spike and Buffy quietly left the room.

“What’s going on?” Cordy called from the other room.

Angel had walked over to the other side of the room, removed a painting off the wall revealing a safe and set it down in front of his dresser.

“Angel?”

“Fred’s had a vision…” Angel said as he began to turn the combination on his safe. “It’s pretty bad. Don’t know the extent of it, but I’m going as back up.” The door popped open and Angel reached in and removed a key.

“Are you sure about this?”

As he closed the door, Angel nodded.

“Ok, I’m ready.” Cordelia said as she walked out of the room, decked out in a plain pair of designer black jeans, a burgundy red tank and a black leather short coat.

The vampire walked around the bed and over to his wife, kissing her. “You’re not going anywhere.” Angel said as he grabbed his jacket out of the wardrobe.

“I am too.” Cordelia said following him out of the suite. He made two lefts and then a right, and stopped in front of a door marked ‘PRIVATE’, he turned to Cordelia. “Who is going to take care of Katherine?” He asked pulling out the key from his pocket and sliding it into the lock. He opened the door and switched on the light, grabbed a black duffle bag and began stuffing it with knives that were lying on the counter.

“I’m sure that Lorne and Fred can take care of her. She loves them to death, and Annabella as well. All I have to do is explain to her that we have very important things to do and she will be staying with them. Or they can all come here. Either way is fine. You can’t really expect me to let you go off fighting baddies all by your lonesome with Buffy and Spike, can you?”

All the while she had been repeating his actions she had moved to load a duffel of her own and fill it with ammunition and smaller weapons for her to yield. He proceeded to a glass cabinet, opened it and pulled out various sized swords and various other weapons, placing them in the bag—some he’d had for years, some came from Wolfram and Hart.
“You didn’t train me to use these things for nothing.” She added.

He turned to face her. His words dying in his throat as he watched her strap and hide weapons on various places of her body. “Fine, we’ll make a phone call and put everything in order.” He moved toward her again, his lips finding hers in a deep sensuous kiss. “You always make me hot when you play with guns and blades.” He grabbed her had and turned to haul her out of the room.

Prior to his leaving, Angel spotted something shinny in the corner of the room. He released her hand and made his way to it. He realized it was the weapon that Gunn always used, when fighting, he had forgotten all about it. He stared at it a moment, fondly remembering his fallen comrade. Cordelia came up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder and kissing the side of his neck.

“Let’s go.” She whispered. He picked it up and placed it in the duffle back, and then they headed out, locking the door behind him.

They met Spike and Buffy in the lobby and went into his office. He made a few calls and within the hour, Katherine was safely ensconced at Spike’s house and they all headed to the airport. When they arrived there, the jet was fueled and ready for take off. Their flight plan: Chicago , Ohio , and then to Africa .