Forever Again

by SpikesKat

A/N:  Blatantly borrowed some dialogue from AtS season 5 "You're Welcome."  So, just giving credit where credit is due.  ^_^

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 6

Once inside their borrowed quarters, the two vampires did no more than shed their clothes before slipping naked between the sheets.  Spike pulled her close, wrapping his arms about her as he curled himself into her backside, nuzzling his face into her neck. He was just about to succumb to the call of the sandman, mere moments away from restorative slumber, when he thought he heard Buffy mumble something. 

“Wha’s that, luv?” his sleep-laden voice asked. 

“You called him ‘Angel,’” Buffy repeated a little louder this time. 

“Huh?” 

“Not ‘Peaches’ or ‘Poofter,’ but ‘Angel.’” 

Spike stiffened in surprise behind her, then forced himself to relax around his mate. “Slip ‘o the tongue, is all.  ‘M tired,” he groused, not wanting to analyze his gaffe.  But, the Slayer was like a dog with a bone… 

“Spike, you’d be moments from near death and you’d still call Angel by one of your snide-y little nicknames.”  She glanced at him over her shoulder, her brilliant smile seemingly lighting up their darkened room. “Admit it, you like him.” 

“I do not…and you…you take that back right now.”  Mock anger had him wide-awake and pushing her away as he knelt on the bed beside her.  Buffy pouted at being abruptly shoved aside, but a gleam soon came to her eyes, unknowingly tingeing them amber.  Spike was such fun to tease – she rolled over and sat up as well, sleep put on hold for the time being. 

“Nope.  Admit it.  You like him.” 

“No I don’,” he pouted, bottom lip jutting out as he crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Spike likes Angel.  Spike likes An—” 

The air she’d been using to speak left her with an oomph as Spike slammed into her.  His spontaneous tickle-fest left her gasping and laughing as she continued to tease her sire.  “I do not!” he growled while he mercilessly attacked every nook and cranny that was susceptible to his teasing touch. 

In between her laughter, her childlike, “Do too’s” rang out, and it was a wonder that someone hadn’t banged on their bedroom door to get them to keep the noise level down. 

Spike suddenly stilled above his mate, his body half draped over hers as he delighted in her smile, her carefree abandon as they’d romped on the bed.  It was as if her past, all the painful hurt she’d experienced before, had just melted away for the moment, leaving behind a glimmer of the girl she’d once been like, had probably been like, before being called.  

One that seemed intent on needling her mate almost ruthlessly. 

Her laughter died down at the lack of over-stimulation to her more delicate, sensitive parts, and she lifted her head to regard her lover. 

“What?” she asked confused, surprised at seeing the intense look upon his face, her face losing a bit of its shine. 

He smiled then, a joyous smile that caused her own lips to return to their upward trend. 

“Nothin’, pet.  Jus’…you should do that more often, ya know.”  At her slightly puzzled look, he elaborated.  “Smile, luv…. You’re bloody beautiful when you smile.” 

If anything, her smile got brighter than before – nearly blinding in its intensity.  Her eyes misting over with unshed tears at his compliment.  The simple words taking on a whole new meaning at the way he voiced them, the intensity in his husky voice as it washed over her. 

“I love you,” she mouthed, cupping his face and pulling him down for a kiss. 

As kisses went, it was far from passionate.  Merely a brushing of mouths in thanks for his kind words.  But, it soon changed – demons forced to restraint now being granted free rein. 

Spike slanted his mouth over hers, the force of his kiss demanding that she part her lips and submit to his onslaught.  She eagerly complied, desperate to taste him now, even if it had been only a few hours.  Since coming to LA, their joinings had been almost violent in their intensity, as if their demons took hold the second they touched one another.  And for Buffy, the fact that she’d only had sire’s blood, except for when she’d had to subdue Dana – which seemed to have only made it worse – proved that her demon was never far beneath the surface.  As if it knew that the only time it was allowed to dominate completely her other half – her Slayer half – was when she was with her sire, her mate, like this. 

And he didn’t seem to mind either.  Seemed to know that the near savagery during sex seemed to satisfy her bloodlust, leaving the Slayer better able to cope during the time they spent away from this room. 

Now was no different, and Spike tore his mouth away from Buffy’s to flip her onto her stomach.  She gained her hands and knees quickly enough, and he took but a moment to coat the tip of his cock with the fluids stealing from her core and clinging to the nest of curls covering her sex before he rammed his way home.  The Slayer cried out at the invasion, her body barely having time to adjust before he was thrusting into her juicy quim with surprising strength from one who’d been on the verge of sleep. 

Her blood seemed to call to him, and he draped himself over her and struck, his fangs sinking unerringly into his mark.  He heard her cry out at the second penetration, felt her inner walls near strangle his dick as she came.  Spike, somehow, managed to ride out her first orgasm, unwilling – unable – to let it end just yet.  He ripped his fangs from her neck, leaving the wound to bleed. 

Instead of allowing her body to recover, his fingers delved into her glistening curls, rubbing furiously at the oversensitive flesh until she tumbled again.  Spike’s eyes nearly crossed this time, but still he wasn’t through with her – his hips never letting up on the punishing pace as thumb and forefinger tormented her.  He could feel her struggling to get away, desperate for some relief from his hand, but Spike was merciless.  

She flashed her fangs and issued a growl, and he growled back, striking her shoulder in a gesture of dominance, stilling momentarily as he dug deep.  Her aggressive nature retreated at the rather painful bite and he immediately let go, licking lovingly at the new wounds until it closed.  Then his movements began again, even more forceful than before, if it were possible.  

Buffy let her sire have her way with her, her body on sensory overload, unsure if she could handle coming again.  The thought had no sooner flashed across her mind and she was splintering into a thousand pieces.  So completely at his mercy, she could do nothing more than whimper as her body convulsed around his again.  Nearly breathing an unnecessary sigh of relief when she felt him return to her neck as he spilled his seed deep inside her womb. 

Utterly sated, she collapsed to the mattress beneath her, enjoying the feel of her sire as he draped himself like a blanket over her.  If she were able, she would have giggled at his deep breaths as he tried to recover from their latest lovemaking session. 

When she felt enough of her mental faculties had returned, she turned her head to the side. 

“How did you know?” 

Spike didn’t even pretend to misunderstand her. 

“Your teasin’.” 

She twitched beneath him, letting him know that it was time for him to get up and let her cuddle. 

“But, I tease you all of the time,” she complained once she’d resettled herself on her side, Spike curled up behind her. 

“Not like that you don’t.” 

“I don’t understand,” she murmured, a little frightened. 

Sensing her sudden discord, Spike tightened his arms about her.  “Don’t worry, luv.  I won’t ever let you hurt someone.” 

“But—” 

“’s the nature of childer to be submissive to their sires.  The dominance reaffirms their place and provides a sense ‘o security, yeah?  ‘n you were just pushin’ to make me do it.” 

“But…it was just fun.” 

“I know, luv.  And, on one level I knew it was too.  But, I could see…see how bad your demon needed the reassurance.” 

“Is that why we’ve been so violent lately?” she asked timidly.  “Not that I don’t mind in the least…it’s just…I like the soft, too.” 

“I know you do, baby.  An’ so do I.  But, it’s not what your demon needs right now.  It’s strugglin’ to find its place…and I’m doing it the only way I know how.”  He didn’t tell her the other ways he could bring her in line – that stunt he’d pulled in Rome came to mind and he quickly repressed the memories – swearing to himself that he’d never be like that.  It was an honor for him to be her sire, her mate – he’d not belittle that by resorting to the harsher methods vampires used to keep their childer in line. 

“I love you, Spike,” she mumbled, snuggling closer, satisfied with his explanation. 

“Love you too, Buffy.” 

“I still say you like him,” she murmured, just moments from sleep. 

“Well, maybe a li’l,” Spike acquiesced.  “But that doesn’ mean we’re gonna be holdin’ ‘ands and singin’ bloody koombayas together.  Now sleep, childe.  You’ve darn near wore me out, an’ I need my beauty rest.” 

Snuggled next to her mate, she let out an unladylike snort, but did as he requested.  Her eyes drifted shut, and she allowed sleep to overtake her.  Spike felt her body go completely lax against him, and he gave her a brief hug and joined her. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Angel managed to relax into the chair pulled beside his bed once the noises down the hall quieted.  A cold shower was definitely in order. Realizing that Cordy would likely sleep through his absence, he moved off. 

As the frigid pelting of the spray washed over his hair and bulky frame, he allowed his mind to wander…to think about what had happened since he’d accepted Wolfram & Hart’s proposal almost a year ago.  True he’d given up his son, ensured that he had a good home, a loving family.  Giving the boy the security and protection he’d been unable to provide when Conner was just a babe.  Then, as if fate had seen the selfless sacrifice he’d made, Angel had been gifted with the return of his grandchilde…only to have it later expand when he’d sired Buffy.  He’d been content, if not exactly happy. 

And now Cordy was back. 

Cordelia.  The woman he’d thought he’d loved – had planned to meet that fateful day so that they could discuss their growing affection for each other – was back.  Except for that brief moment where she’d begged him to take her away, she’d been sleeping.  Her body apparently in a resting slumber, which seemed incongruous given that she’d been in a coma for nearly a year.  But, right now, he had no idea what – if anything – she remembered, whether she still bore her gift, her curse.  And, what it all meant that she’d awakened now. 

Just when he’d started to doubt his reasons for taking control of the LA branch of the “enemy.”  The same enemy that Buffy had beseeched him to see for what it was not long ago. 

It made him wonder if it was really Cordelia, and not the demon that had possessed her body last year.  The one that had made a mockery of all the good she’d done since joining his team. 

Add to that the growing clash between Buffy’s demons and the secret she seemed to be keeping from Spike – from him – and Angel was in full brood mode. 

Deciding that the effects of the ice-cold shower had brought his raging emotions under control, he turned off the taps and exited the glass-encased marble structure.  Angel snagged a towel off the rack and wrapped it around his hips.  He exited the bathroom, his bare feet making no sound as he crossed to the huge walk-in closet to throw on some clothes.  With Cordy occupying his bed, and so many matters weighing heavily on his mind, there was little chance he’d be sleeping anytime soon. 

Restless with nothing but time on his hands, he grabbed one of the sketchpads given him by Spike and Buffy as well as a handful of pencils and returned to his sentry post in the chair placed next to his bed.  Shifting all but one pencil to his stationary hand, he used the other to outline the face of the woman slumbering so peacefully.  As his hand flew over the paper, his mind wandered. 

What if? 

What if he and Cordelia had in fact met up?  Would they have been together?  Would Conner be an aberration?  Would he have had to make that deal with Wolfram & Hart?  Carry the amulet to Sunnydale only to have it gifted to his grandchilde?  Would there be thousands of Slayers running around, the byproduct of Buffy’s ingenuity?  Would she be a vampire like him, destined for darkness, Spike her sire and mate? 

So many questions.  So many possibilities. 

Like everything that had happened in his life, to those he regarded as friends and some now family, had stemmed from that fateful missed union. 

When his hand finally stilled, he stared down at her likeness, his thumb brushing along the jaw and blending the pencil marks. 

Maybe her being back was his second chance, and not the whim of an interdimensional god seeking to rule a new world.  Maybe it was the Powers giving him a token prize, a return of what had been abruptly taken away, for him to stay the course. 

Towards dawn she started to fidget in her sleep, caught in the grips of a dream, a nightmare.  Her hand seemed to search the huge bed as if looking for something, seeking some type of reassurance.  Angel got up and sat carefully on the edge of the mattress.  His hand clasped around hers, silently proving that he was here, and would look after her now. 

Cordelia’s eyes flew open at the contact.  The deer-caught-in-headlights look only relaxing once her gaze landing on who had been touching her. 

“Angel,” she gasped, breathless.  “Where am I?” 

A smile marred his usually dour features. 

“You’re safe.  You’re in my bedroom.” 

“Your bedroom?” She glanced around, confusion drawing her brows together.  “This isn’t the Hyperion. Where—” 

“Shhh.  It’s ok.” He patted her hand, awkwardly trying to soothe her. ‘When did this get so hard?’ 

“We’re not safe…you’re not safe.”  

The wide-eyed panic got to him, made his grip on her hand tighten almost painfully. 

“What is it?  Is it a vision?” 

“V-vision?  No…no vision.  At least I don’t think so.  More like a dream…a feeling.  But, it didn’t hurt whatever it was, so…” 

“Do you remember... what…that is, why you don’t think it’s safe?” 

Cordelia concentrated hard, as if trying to remember everything she could, before she spoke.  “It was like snapshots, really.  A man, I can’t see his face, wearing these symbols.  But that’s not really that important.  A girl with dark hair, only…only with blue streaks.  Weird demons.  And the shanshu prophecy.  That was in my dreams too…” 

“The shanshu prophecy?” 

“Yeah…” she replied.  Weariness suddenly overcame her and Cordelia closed her eyes. “You signed it away.” 

Angel stared at her aghast.  It couldn’t be possible.  He’d fought hard on the path of redemption.  Shanshu was to be his reward for all of his pain, for what he’d given up to be the champion of the Powers. 

“That’s not possible,” he gasped. 

Shrugging off sleep, she opened her eyes and took in his stricken expression.  As he’d done for her, she slipped her hand free and covered his, rubbing the surface in a soothing gesture. 

“It’s not your path…was never meant to be your path,” she told him. 

“But how—” 

“I just know.” 

“But, you said it wasn’t a vision…how can you be sure.”  Cordelia just arched her brow, reminiscent of the “Queen C” attitude she once bore. 

Angel didn’t respond, but his shoulders slumped dejectedly.  It may not have been a vision, but what she’d spoken was the truth.  He was destined to be a vampire until he was but dust.

~*~*~*~*~ 

When Angel wasn’t in his office later that morning, the gang came looking for him in his suite.  Buffy and Spike were the first to show, although, they both knew not to go any farther than the elder vampire’s bedroom.  Letting Cordelia sleep in peace, Angel shut the bedroom door and the three vampires moved into the outer room to cluster on the living room furniture to chat. 

The knock at the door took none of them by surprise, having smelled Wesley as he walked up the hallway.  Angel raked his hand through his ungelled hair, the sight of which had alerted both Spike and Buffy to his agitation.  His feet carried him across the room before the former watcher’s loud knocking could disrupt Cordelia’s sleep.  The vampire wasn’t surprised to see him looking just as unkempt as he.  The sudden return of one of their own to the awake and living was cause for much speculation, and research.  Angel wouldn’t be surprise if Wesley had stayed awake all night just as he had. 

“Wes, come in,” he greeted as he opened the door.  Wesley looked up from the book he’d been perusing on his way over and smiled awkwardly at the hand he still held poised in the air. 

“Hmmm… yes.  Good morning, Angel.  I trust your sleep was as restful as mine,” he announced, stepping across the threshold.  He noticed the two blonde Slayers cuddled on the couch and waved hello, noting the closed bedroom door.  “Did you learn anything useful from Cordy?” he asked Angel. 

Angel nodded and gestured for him to take a seat next to the others while he shut the door.  He soon joined them, his expression grim as he relayed Cordy’s dream to the others. 

“So, we got us a man with markin’s and a bloody blue chit?  Anythin’ else?  There’s gotta be a good reason for her to suddenly wake up now.  ’m with the Slayer on this…seems too opportune, like them whatsit…senior partners are upta’ somethin’.” 

Angel shook his head, and Spike knew right away that he was lying.  But, he held his tongue until the after the watcher left.  He’d give his grandsire a moment to come clean, then all bets were off. 

“Wes, why don’t you round up whatever you can on mystical markings and bring it up here.  When Cordy wakes up, I’ll see if she can describe what it was she remembers from her dreams.  Also, let Gunn and Fred know where she is and have them stop in and see me.  Tell Harmony to cover my calls and reschedule any appointments I might have had for the day.” 

“Give me an hour.”  Wesley walked towards the door to carry out Angel’s request, his mind already running through the list of what books he might need. 

When the door reopened moments later, Angel thought it was Wesley returning to impart something he’d forgotten to mention.  Instead, Eve stood in the doorway. 

“You weren’t in your office downstairs.  Didn’t think you’d mind me barging in, what with Wesley just leaving and all.” 

“Eve, I mind you breathing.  Get out.” 

“Yeah, sure.  In a minute—” 

The menacing growl coming from the couch took a little piss out of her vinegar, but she recovered like the senior partner liaison she was, pasting on a falsely sweet smile as she spoke to the CEO of the LA branch. 

“Er…right.  Actually, I’m here to convey the partners’ concern.  A little issue of you letting a client skip out of our dimension.  Dead nuns we can deal with, but the firm’s out ten million in bail costs.”  Her gaze slid towards the two seated on the couch.  “I ask you, is that any way to run a business?” 

Buffy surged to her feet, intent on putting this bitch in her place, but Spike held her back. 

“Cute…who are your friends, Angel.” 

“None of your business, Eve.  You’ve done your job.  Concern duly noted, only that it’s not.  Now, get the hell out of my suite.” 

Just then, all eyes turned to the door cutting off Angel’s sleeping area from the rest of the room.  Cordy stood framed in the doorway, rubbing sleepily at her eyes.  Buffy knew right away that her high school bud wasn’t up to her best – the brunette would never have been caught dead wearing the backless wonder that comprised her hospital gown. 

Eyes raking over the newcomer from head to toe in a quick appraisal of weakness, Eve asked, “Who’s she, Angel?  New bed buddy.  Although, I have to say, that hospital getup…so last—” 

Angel had her hand wrapped around her throat and lifted several feet in the air before she could finish her derogatory statement. 

“You’re leaving now.  And, if I catch you up here again, I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”  He tossed her out of his apartment with a flick of his wrist, not caring in the least that she slammed into the wall across from his doorway. 

“When the senior partners find out…” 

“They’ll do nothing,” he interrupted.  “They like their vampire on a leash, just where he is.  Just keep in mind.  I may be tethered, but if you come within my range, you’re liable to get bit.”  Angel flashed some fangs, then slammed the door in her face.  When he turned back around, his human guise was back in place and Cordy was being led to the couch by Buffy. 

“Cordy!  What are you doing out of bed?” he asked. 

“Gimme a break, Angel.  I’ve been flat on my back long enough.  And besides, I so need a shower right now.” 

“Come on, Cordy.  I’ll help you,” Buffy told her, carefully pulling the girl to her feet.  “Angel, can you get us some makeshift clothing to tide us over until we can get Cordy something more her style.” 

“Oh, god yes!  Some real clothes would be wonderful.”  The brunette figured the drab gown draped loosely over her frame.  “Cuz, this…so isn’t my thing.” 

Buffy cocked a look over her shoulder, smirking at the two vampires.  Wherever she’d been before now, the reigning Queen had returned to her throne. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Cordelia’s show of bravado lasted until she stepped into the bathroom.  There, she nearly collapsed to the marble floor, and would have, without the Slayer’s lightning reflexes.  She ended up sitting passively on the shower’s hip-high ledge while Buffy washed her off with a gentleness never before existing in their relationship; the blonde had seen the way Angel’s eyes had looked upon the brunette when he thought no one was looking.  Modesty was thrown aside as Buffy climbed in right behind the cheerleader – although she had kept her clothes on.  Afterwards, the Slayer dripped water on the floor,bundling Cordelia in a towel and carrying her back to bed, dressing her in the borrowed clothes as the poor girl fought off sleep.  

With Cordelia once more huddled beneath the covers, Buffy rummaged through some drawers until she found an old pair of sweats and a button down shirt to slip on.  She threw her clothes in the hamper, along with the towels – the hospital gown went into the trash.  A quick tidy of the bathroom, followed by a check on the sleeping girl, and Buffy was returning to the living area. 

She plopped down on her sire’s lap and nuzzled his neck. 

“Uh, pet?  What are you doin’ in Peaches’ clothes?”

“Yeah… ummm.  She needed some help, and I figured it was easier just to climb into the shower with her.” Buffy saw the dark thundercloud forming above Angel’s head and she stopped him before he could rush into the bedroom and wake the girl up. “She’s fine, Angel.  Just a little wore out. Aaaannnnd… I put her back to bed, so leave her alone and let her sleep.” 

Angel flashed her an annoyed look at her having seeing right through him, to which Buffy just batted her eyelashes.  With a quick kiss to Spike’s lips, she shoved off his lap and told them she was going back to her room to get changed. 

When she returned, the rest of the LA Fang Gang was present…except for Angel.  Fred and Wesley sat at a table piled high with various tomes, and Buffy was pleased to see how close the pair was sitting.  ‘Good.  She listened to me.’  Lorne and Gunn were talking shop, while Spike paced near the window, looking down at something. 

“What is it, Spike?”  When he turned to her, she gasped, taking note of his tense body, his demon features prominent. 

Seeing her concerned look, he shook it off, his face resettling in the smooth lines of his human mask. 

“Dunno, pet.” 

~*~ 

“Something I can help you with, Eve,” he called out softly from the doorway to his office.  He was leaning against the doorjamb, his arms crossed casually over his chest, and to the casual observer, he appeared to be all smiles.  But, the menace underlying his question, the way his eyes shone with amber flicks, told the female caught snooping in the vampire’s office that he was anything less than pleased. 

“Uh…Angel!  What…Um, I was looking for the contract on the Dwirsknyk demon, something the senior partners needed—” 

“Oh, you can do better than that, Eve, surely.”  The mocking sarcasm, so much a part of Angelus’ nature, had slipped into his voice.  He watched as she began to pace behind her desk, eyes searching frantically for a way out. 

“You’ll never make it.  And, on the off chance that I let you, you’ll only be greeted by my childer.  One of whom would like nothing more than to rip your throat out.” 

“Excuse me, boss?” Harmony called out. 

“Not now, Harmony.  I’m kinda busy.”  His eyes never left the girl standing stock still across the room. 

“Ok, but do I get the afternoon off, too?” 

That caught his attention, and he turned to look incredulous at his secretary.  “What are you talking about?” 

“Everybody’s gone.  The whole building’s cleared out.” 

He turned back to the partner’s liaison, who tried to hide her brief flare of triumph but was too slow for him to not notice.  “What’s going on, Eve?” 

Angel advanced on her, thrilling briefly at the rush of fear that coursed through her body.  He breathed deeply the intoxicating scent, laughing as she thought to run towards the elevators – right where he wanted her to go. Clasping the back of her neck with his hand, he guided her inside and upstairs to his apartment and the others.  Over his shoulder he called out, “Harmony, take the rest of the day off.” 

The vampiress’ happy squeal was cut off as the elevator doors closed behind him. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

The elevator doors opened silently into his living room, his deserted living room.  His bedroom door stood open, however, and he steered Eve towards it. 

Cordelia was awake again and propped up on some pillows, a huge book open on her lap.  Everyone else was clustered near the bed, some sitting on it, others near it – but they all had a book open, even Spike, trying to find the symbols in the seer’s dreams. 

“We have a problem,” Angel announced without preamble, drawing everyone’s stare.  “Eve, why don’t you share with everyone.” 

“I don’t know anything,” she lied.

“Buffy…Spike…” he called out in his most Angelus-like voice, drawing instant notice from the pair.  “Meet Eve…the one that decided your sire should spend eternity in dreamland.”

Spike surged to his feet from his seated position in the chair.  Buffy moved to stand as well, but the blond-headed vampire stopped her.  “Uh uh…my right.”  He slowly stalked his prey, a prize from his sire. 

Seeing his evil countenance and knowing Angel would do nothing to stop the other, she caved.  “Ok…ok…I’ll tell you what I know,” she cried, trying to wedge herself behind the dark-haired vampire.  “J-Just make him stop.” 

“Oi, pet, you wound me,” Spike snarked. 

“Tell us what you know, Eve.”  The menace in Angel’s tone had her stuttering out a reply. 

“I-It’s a f-fail-safe…T-The senior p-partners were never certain they could keep you under their thumb, so they created a fail-safe. Housed it in the sub-levels of the building.” 

“What kind of fail-safe?” Buffy asked, joining her mate. 

Eve eyed the Slayer-turned-vampire and prayed she’d live through her explanation.  “I don’t know exactly, but it’s huge and alive…and specifically designed to destroy Angel.” 

“How do I stop it?” Angel demanded. 

“Only way to shut it down’s in the chamber itself,” she announced. 

“Well, if that’s true, then who activated it in the first place?” Fred asked as she put her book down and stood up, crossing the room to stand with the others. 

“Couldn’t have been Eve, she was with me in my office when Harmony gave me the news,” Angel announced. 

“Had to be someone else,” Gunn added. 

“Uh?  Guys?” Cordelia called out. Everyone had formed a small circle around the traitor, leaving Cordelia alone on the bed. 

“Someone with the ability to slip past Wolfram & Hart’s security system,” Wesley hypothesized. 

“Guys!” 

Nine sets of eyes pivoted to her. 

She smiled at the group, turning the book around and propping it on her knees.  “These are them!” 

Wesley walked over.  “You’re sure?” 

“Yep.”  She handed the book to the former watcher to let him decipher what exactly the marking were. 

“Protection runes derived from the Enochian alphabet. The ones from your dream are symbols, some kind of concealment spell. ‘Clouds before the all-seeing eyes,’” Wesley read. 

“In English, Wes,” Angel asked. 

“They protect the bearer from being viewed remotely from higher powers, seers, mystics. Or, transposed to today, any means of modern surveillance,” Wesley surmised. 

“You thinkin what ‘m thinkin’?” Spike questioned his sire. 

“Yeah.” Angel glanced over at Gunn.  “Lock down the building, make sure he can’t get out. Wes, you think you can undo the magicks of those symbols.” 

“I’ll see what I can do.  I’m going to need some help.” 

“My dance card is free,” Lorne volunteered. 

“I can help, too,” Fred replied. 

“Which just leaves a li’l matter of the double-crossing bitch ‘ere,” Spike concluded. 

One swift punch to Eve’s jaw by Buffy and she was out like a light. 

“Problem solved.” 

Spike beamed at his mate, and even Angel cracked a smile. 

“Cordy, you’ll be alright here until Gunn gets back?” 

“Yes, go…I’m sure you don’t have much time.” 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Leaving Spike behind to deal with the zombies wasn’t sitting too well with Buffy, but he’d insisted, almost to the point of telling her to go with Angel with his dreaded sire’s voice.  Something which the two of them would be discussing once this latest crisis passed.  

With Angel pulling on her arm, the two raced down the final set of steps towards an open area, coming to a halt on the bottom step as they nearly crashed into the human that appeared to be waiting for their arrival. 

“Lindsey,” Angel growled. 

“Hello, Angel.  Right on schedule, and with a date.” 

“You always did have a thing for blonde vampires.  Too bad this one belongs to someone else, too.”  Without turning around, he spoke to Buffy.  “Shut it down, I’ll deal with him.” 

“Is this the part where I get all weak in the knees?  Promise not to do it ever again?” 

“It’s a little late for that,” Angel replied. 

“There's always time for redemption. Isn't that your whole thing?” Lindsey taunted. 

Something flickered briefly in the dark-haired vampire’s eyes then was gone. “You had your chance. I guess some people, they just never change.” 

Angel moved in to strike, and quickly found out that his opponent had gone through some upgrades. 

“I have,” Lindsey smiled menacingly. 

Rising from where he’d been thrown against the wall only to crumple upon the ground, Angel slowly gained his feet and assumed a battle stance.  Off to his right, he could hear Buffy banging against the metal contraption as she attempted to force the machinery to stop its release sequence.  He closed off his mind and concentrated on the lawyer. 

Their fight was like a well-choreographed dance, punches and kicks delivered and blocked as the two tested each other’s skill, noting flaws in the execution, the rebuttal.  Their movements blurred, the two gliding across the room, neither able to find any weakness to exploit and gain the upper hand. 

Eventually, however, Angel began to tire, and then made a slight mistake that allowed the human to take advantage.  Thus began a series of blows that drew blood, cracked bone, until the vampire was tossed against a wall one too many times to remain conscious. 

Buffy leapt from behind the control panel with a speed that took Lindsey by surprise.  Her rage was spectacular, made the blonde almost glow as she flew at him.  Just the distraction that caused him to take a fist to his jaw that sent him flying into the wall. 

Lindsey fought off his body’s desire to slip into unconsciousness.  He was so close…was about to regain everything that had been lost him.  If he could stall just a few minutes more, it would be too late for even the former Slayer to save Angel. 

But, he never got the chance.  She was on him in seconds, giving him the beat down Lindsey had recently delivered to her comrade.  With one final punch, he fell to the ground to arise no more, the last thing he witnessed before blacking out was Buffy beating on the control panel to give up its prize. 

The whoosh as the container settled into silence accompanied him into oblivion.  He neither saw nor felt the senior partners’ portal open and whisk him away. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

The three vampires collapsed on the couch in Angel’s living room, the two males broken and bloodied, but grinning like loons.  Buffy sat at the edge of the couch near the chair occupied by Cordelia, ignoring her mate. 

“C’mere, luv, and give us a kiss,” Spike teased.  He knew he was in deep shit for sending Buffy away with Angel, but figured the elder vamp would need the most help.  And, he’d been right, as it had been she that had left the human unconscious before dismantling the opening mechanism of whatever it was that had been locked within the container. 

Buffy huffed like a sixteen-year-old having a spat with her boyfriend.  Stupid jerk!  Making her go off and leave him alone with six zombies.  Six! 

Cordelia watched the lover’s spat with a smile on her face, sharing a look with Angel.  She noticed the dark-haired vamp seemed rather jovial, even if he looked like death warmed over.  Having the two blondes here seemed to be good for him.  She took her eyes off her boss to watch Spike sidle up next to Buffy, his lower lip stuck out as he tried to pout her out of her funk – but she was having none of that. 

“Oi!  Buffy…now, pet…it was only six of ‘em,” he wheedled.  “Can’ rightly call m’self a master vamp if I can’ take on the likes of six zombies.” 

Buffy just crossed her arms over her chest and refused to look at him.  Spike disregarded her attempts to ignore him, curling up next to his mate’s side, and purring into her neck. 

“Slayer?  Love?” 

She tried to resist him.  Honest.  But, the lower lip thing?  And the mark-nuzzling thing – which, by the way was so not even fair – and she crumbled.  Besides, it wasn’t the fact that he’d fought the zombies by himself, it was that whole sire-commanding thing he would have done.  And, that was a discussion not meant for mixed company.  So, for now, she relented and cuddled into his side, much to the amusement of the other two in the room.  

Spike was too smart to be amused by her capitulation. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

The dark-haired vampiress twirled around in circles with her new dolly, Miss Becky.  She’d picked up her new companion a while ago, Miss Edith having become rather stingy with her visions. 

But, not Miss Becky.  No, Miss Becky told of the red that was going to paint the home of her Daddy.  Told Drusilla it was time to make her way to the city of Angels.  Her family was there after all.  And, a new one to soon join… 

Yes, it was time to leave the City of Sin, the city that never sleeps.  Time to take her precious under her wing. 

Unmindful of the dead bodies littering the floor of the seedy after-hours nightclub, she danced to the tune in her head, her dolly held at arms length.  She hummed a tune, whispering about tea parties and dresses and such, amber eyes gleaming with delight.

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