Lonely No More

Authors:    angelspike69 and Anamcara420

Pairing:    Angel/Spike

Rating:    Adult.  This story contains M/M sex.  If that isn't your cup of tea then go away now and don't read any farther.

Warnings:    None.  This story takes place after the final scene of "Not Fade Away".

Disclaimer:    Unfortunately, Angel and Spike don't belong to us.  If they did, they'd be following up all their fighting snarking with each other with lots of shagging (lol).

Spoilers:    None, unless you haven't seen Angel the Series at all.  This story goes totally AU after the screen darkened in "Not Fade Away".

Feedback:    AngelSpike69 (marinersgal69@msn.com) and Anamcara420 (ldelrossi@excite.com)

Notes:    This story is written for the Forging_Ghost Ficathon.  The idea for this story is based on Challenge #200 issued for our fantabulous leader Ghost_Forge.  Songs used in this story include in order - Let Me Love You by Tim McGraw, Maybe It's Love by Trisha Yearwood, Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas, The White Cliffs of Dover by Burton and Kent, I Melt by Rascal Flatts, Here for the Party by Gretchen Wilson, This Love by Maroon 5, Lonely No More by Rob Thomas, and Forever and For Always by Shania Twain.

Summary:    The only survivors, Angel and Spike have relocated.  They attempt to lay low in Middle America together.  For the first time, they get a shot at a "normal life", doing "normal things."  The fact that everyone thinks they're together was unexpected.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 
 

~Part: 1~

The battle was brutal; the cost high.  Angel and Spike stood shivering in the dark alley, soaked to the skin by the pouring rain.  Bloody and battered, they took in the damage around them - dead demons lay amid the wreckage of fallen buildings; the stench of blood assaulted their senses, almost overwhelming them.  As they looked around, thunder continued echoing in their ears; the only light was that which streaked across the sky. Suddenly it all stopped - the rain, the thunder, and the lightning. The night was eerily quiet as the sky cleared and the entire alley was lit by the full moon.  That's when they saw them - their fallen comrades, Gunn and Illyria.  The vampires ran to them and dropped to their knees, hoping that they were just wounded, that they had somehow survived the carnage.  Angel went to Gunn while Spike went to Illyria.  Cradling them carefully in their arms, they looked at each other sadly, knowing there was nothing further they could do for their friends.  Without a word, the remaining warriors picked up their dead. Angel bent down grabbing Gunn's axe and they walked toward the street, out of the alley.  They might have won this latest round in the ongoing battle against evil, but the cost had been far more than they had ever thought to pay.

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

Driving through the streets, the vampires took in the destruction of Los Angeles.  Lights were out all over the city, buildings were heavily damaged, and the streets that were usually bustling with activity at all hours were now empty, except for the black convertible that was speeding through the empty streets, dodging debris along the way.

With a sigh, Spike spoke first, "Looks like the Senior Partners decided to just take out the entire city.  But why leave us alive?"  When he received no answer, he turned on the radio, hoping to hear something but got nothing but static.  He looked worriedly over at Angel, who hadn't spoken a word since the battle ended.  "You think we're the only ones left?"

"I don't know," the dark-haired vampire replied through gritted teeth as he brought the car to a screeching stop.

Spike looked around, confused.  "Where are we?"  He looked at Angel, who was getting out of the car.  "And where are you going?"

"This is where I sent Wes.  I'm not leaving him here.  He deserves better than that."  He slammed the car door shut and waited.  Shrugging his shoulders, Spike got out of the car and moved to follow his companion on another painful mission.

Angel held up his hand, "Stay here Spike, just in case."  Understanding, he nodded and leaned up against the black Plymouth as Angel disappeared into the building.  He returned a few minutes later carrying Wesley's body in his arms.  Spike opened the car door and Angel gently laid his friend's body down on the back seat with Gunn's.  Illyria was wrapped in a blanket in the trunk of the car.

Getting into the front seat, Spike asked, "Where to now, mate?"

"The Hyperion.  We should be safe enough there for now, but I don't think we should stay for long."

"What are you talking about?"  We beat them, Angel."

"Come on Spike.  Yes, we did beat them for now, but they aren't going to roll over after we took out The Black Thorn.  We can't get to the Senior Partners directly.  They're going to regroup and come at us again.  With just the two of us, you really think we'll stand a chance?  The best thing is to get out of town and lay low."

"You mean run away?  You can't be serious."

"Then what do you suggest?  Please let me know if you have a better plan, because frankly, I'm out of ideas and I'm tired of getting my ass kicked from here to Sunday."

Spike sat there shocked at the sound of defeat in the older vampire's voice. His mouth opened and closed, but no words came forth.

"That's what I thought.  Now would you help me, please?"  We need to do something with their bodies, and then get out of town fast.  There's not much time until the sun rises and I'd like to be as far away as possible from Los Angeles when it does."

"You have any idea what you want to do with them?"

"Not at the moment.  I just know I can't leave them unburied.  They deserve better."  Angel looked at his passenger desperate for help.

"Look, up there."

Angel looked in the direction that Spike was pointing - a cemetery.  He pulled the car up in front of the iron gates and got out.  The gate was locked, but he opened it easily using his vampire strength.  He returned to the car, drove through the gates, and followed the road to the rear of the cemetery.  They both got and looked around.

Angel turned to the younger vampire, "Go and find the caretaker's shed and grab a couple of shovels.  I want to bury them there."  Angel pointed to a spot underneath a big oak tree.  Nodding, Spike took off running, black duster billowing behind him.

Angel returned to his car and reached for Wesley first.  With great care, he carried him over to the tree and laid him down on the moist grass.  He returned to the car two more times to retrieve Illyria and Gunn.  Just as he laid Gunn down, Spike returned with the shovels.

The vampires dug three graves in silence; the only noise piercing the quiet of the early morning hours was the sound of shovels breaking through the soil.  Once the holes were dug, Spike helped Angel put a body in each of the graves.  Without speaking, they gently threw the soil over the bodies. Dropping the shovels, they stood there, side by side, reflecting on the lives of their lost friends and saying silent goodbyes.

When Spike finished, he glanced at Angel.  Deciding to give him some time, he walked over to the Plymouth and sat on the hood, pulled a cigarette and his lighter out of the pocket of his duster and waited for Angel.  When he saw Angel walking towards the car, Spike slid off the hood, tossing the half-smoked cigarette to the ground.  "You okay, mate?"  Angel nodded silently and got into the car.

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

Angel parked the car outside of the old hotel and looked sadly at the huge cracks in the walls.

"Angel, you sure it's not gonna fall on top of us?"  Spike asked a bit nervously as he looked at the damaged building.

"I've just gotta get a few things and then we'll go."

The older vampire stalked into the building stepping over crumbling plaster and shattered glass.  He walked into the kitchen and then down the steps into the basement.  Moving a cabinet away from the wall, he pried open the door of the old furnace.  He retrieved two large bags and a small one, looking sadly at the two bags remaining. Reaching into one, he pulled out a suede covered book and put it into his coat pocket. Turning around he saw that Spike had followed him and was watching from the top steps.

"Traveling money?"  He asked with a grin.  "Way to go pouf!"

Angel tossed one of the bags to Spike and he walked back upstairs carrying the other two.  Spike was in the kitchen opening his bag.  Inside he found two new pair of black jeans, two black t-shirts, several pairs of boxers, toothbrush, toothpaste, a portable CD player and several CDs.  He looked up at Angel in surprise.

"I always thought we'd have to leave Wolfram & Hart quickly.  I packed a bag for each of us, except Illyria.  Gunn's and Wes' are still in the wall." Neither of them spoke for a few minutes.  Angel turned and went back into the kitchen.  He came out carrying a small cooler. "I stored several bags of blood in the freezer here.  We can stop and get ice."

"Really didn't think we'd be long term employees of the Senior Partners, did ya?" Spike asked.

"No I didn't."

"What's in the little bag then?"

"$300,000 in hundred dollar bills.  I have investments but we'll need to have some traveling money as you said."

Spike was shocked into silence.  Angel laughed at the look on the younger vampire's face.  It was a good sound.  Spike couldn't remember the last time he heard him laugh.  They loaded the bags and got into the car driving away from their disaster.  A short way out of town Angel pulled over at a gas station. "I'll fill the car Spike.  You go in and get some ice.  Here's twenty."

Spike returned with a bag of ice and an overflowing sack.  He got into the car and put the bag at his feet emptying his purchases onto the seat next to him -- chips, pretzels, candy and a six-pack of beer at the bottom.  Angel looked at him. "Come on you git.  Ya gotta have food on a road trip."

Angel bristled.  "We're vampires Spike.  We don't eat food."

"I do.  Wanna beer?"  Spike grinned at him and put his head back.  "Move it out Jeeves."  Angel just shook his head, put the car in gear and drove out of the station.

"Let's go to Las Vegas."

"No."  Angel almost snarled. He remembered how excited Gunn was when they took their little vacation to Las Vegas a few years ago - just the three of them to see their good friend Lorne.  Their vacation turned into a rescue mission since Lorne was being held hostage by the demon casino owner who stole peoples' destinies.  He wondered where Lorne went - wondered if he left L.A.wondered if he was alive.if he was safe.  Lorne - another casualty in his fight against the Senior Partners.

"Why can't we go to Las Vegas?  It's perfect.  Everyone gambles all night and sleeps all day.  We'll fit right in," Spike responded petulantly.

Angel sighed.  "Wolfram and Hart has an office there Spike.  They own several casinos.  There's no way we could hide there."

"Okay ponce, where should we go?"

"I was thinking somewhere off the beaten track - like Missoula, Montana.  I lived there in the thirties.  It's really pretty country."  Angel replied.

"Montana!  Bloody hell Angel! What is there to do there?  Doesn't it snow most of the year?" Spike was incredulous.  "How about New York?  New York is crowded with people.  No one could find us there."

"New York is the major East Coast headquarters for Wolfram & Hart.  The city may be full of people but there are too many who work in the firm's various offices in the city."  Angel gripped the steering wheel tightly trying to control his temper.  Spike as usual was being uncooperative.  He insisted they hide in a big city where there was lots to do.  Angel believed they could hide more easily in a small town that would have no connection with the evil law firm they were trying to hide from.

"Chicago then?  There's a lot of clubs in Chicago.  Great Music - Jazz. You like Jazz. I've seen your Miles Davis CD collection Angel.  I could get a job singing and you could...."

"Singing in a club?  Great Spike - way to stay off Wolfram & Hart's radar. You don't think they have an office in Chicago?"  Angel took his eyes off the road to glare at his annoying traveling companion, his voice thick with sarcasm.

Spike returned the glare.  "Bugger this! Why does it always have to be your sodding way Angel? Should've known.  You'll never change.  I'm not your Childe anymore tosser.  I saved the world without your help, and I don't have to do what you say."  Spike paused a moment and then continued in a softer voice.  "I'm going to sleep.  Drop me at the next big town and I'll go on my own."  The younger vampire closed his eyes and hunched down into his leather duster.  The silence was deafening in the convertible speeding down the highway.

Angel drove north out of the city.  He looked over at Spike huddled on the seat next to him.  He knew that his exasperating Childe was awake and only pretending to be sleeping.  He didn't know why he expected Spike to agree with him.  When did they ever agree on anything?  He had hoped that since they were the only ones left things would be different.  Angel's fingers had been gripping the steering wheel for several hours, and now they were cramping.  His neck was stiff.

Angel pulled off the highway when he saw the lights of a small one-story building, its neon sign only partially blinking.  It was a bit rundown but it would do for one day. He sighed.   Letting the younger vampire think he'd fooled him, Angel got out of the car, slamming the door as the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement.  He went into the office and got a room with two beds.  Taking the key he drove to the rear of the building.  He looked over at his Childe and smiled despite his worry. Pasting on his annoyed face, he shook the sleeping vampire. "Spike wake up.  You should have waited to sleep.  We'll be stuck inside all day and I don't want you waking me up."

The younger vampire lifted his head and yawned.  He hadn't really been sleeping, just thinking, weighing his options and trying to decide what to do.  As much as he'd like, he knew he couldn't leave his ponce of a Sire, knowing him he'd give up and sit out in the sun.  Shaking his head, he made a big show of stretching and opened the car door.  As he got out, he mumbled low to himself as he walked to the back of the car. "Bloody git never has any fun so he thinks I shouldn't."

As Angel took the bags out of the trunk, he saw that Spike finally decided to join him.  He tossed one of the bags to Spike.  Taking his own and the cooler, he walked over to the door and unlocked the room.  He just knew Spike was going to complain that it wasn't fancy enough.  Spike followed him in and surveyed the accommodations.  Angel tensed waiting for his snide comments.

"Okay if I shower or do you want to go first?" Spike asked looking at the older vampire who quickly tried to hide the surprise on his face.

"Go ahead.  Just don't use all the hot water."

Angel took out two blood bags and put them in the microwave in the tiny kitchenette.  He found two mugs and rinsed them.  The microwave dinged and he poured out the blood just as Spike came out of the shower a towel wrapped around his waist.  He handed Spike the mug and walked quickly past him. "I'll shower now."

Spike was surprised that Angel made him blood and he grinned to himself.  He dried off and tossed the wet towel onto the back of a chair.  He pulled clean boxers out of the bag and dressed. Although he usually wore no underwear, Angel had bought him some and he knew the ponce would be annoyed if he strolled around naked.  Finding the remote, he sat on the bed, put his headphones on, leaned back against the headboard and began to flip through the channels. "Of course, the only good stuff is on pay per view." He groused to the empty room.  Spike settled on MTV, smirking at how his choice would affect Angel.

Angel was in the shower for a long time.  He leaned his head against the tile and let the water run down his back, but the tightness didn't relax and his thoughts didn't fade.  He gave up and stepped out. Wrapping the remaining large towel around his body, he toweled his hair with a smaller one.  He opened the door and was immediately assaulted with loud music.  He looked over at Spike who was sprawled on one of the beds intently watching television.

"Spike.  The TV is really loud."  He was ignored.  "Spike!"  Still no response.  Angel stomped over and flicked it off.

Spike turned to Angel and pulled headphones from his ears.  "Hey you git.  I was watching that!"

Angel looked at him incredulously. "You were watching TV and listening to music!  Isn't one enough?"

"It's called multi-tasking pouf.  You should know about that being a corporate flunky and all."

Angel glared at the blond on the bed and then smirked.  "No Spike, it's called ADD - attention deficit disorder.  Fred told me." He stopped and turned away.  He spoke quietly, "I'm tired Spike.  Could you listen to your music with headphones and keep the television off so I can get some sleep?" The younger vampire nodded, the memory of their beloved friend haunting them both.

Several hours later Spike was awakened by talking.  He went over to Angel's bed to find him asleep but thrashing about.  "Let's save the day.no.no.the hell with the world.the hell with." Angel startled awake to find Spike sitting next to him on the bed.

"You were having a nightmare Angel."

The older vampire sat up, looked at Spike and then turned away, blinking his tear-filled eyes furiously, his body trembling.  "Save the day.  Yeah I really saved the day.  I got everyone I cared about killed.  Doyle, Cordelia, Fred, Wes and Gunn.  All of my friends died because of me.  I saved no one."  His head fell to his chest and he spoke in a whisper.  "You should get away from me Spike.  I'll get you killed next."

Spike looked back at him in shock.  His once proud Sire was now a shuddering, defeated man.  Without thinking, he reached out and brought Angel into his arms. Angel stiffened but Spike began to rub his hand in gentle circles up and down the older vampire's strong back until he slowly stopped shaking and was still.  Spike realized that Angel had fallen back to sleep.  Spike held Angel and caressed his body until he too succumbed to weariness.

~Part: 2~

When Angel awakened near sunset, he felt something lying across his chest. He opened his eyes to see Spike sprawled across his body, one leg thrown across his.  He held his body rigid as he remembered falling asleep on top of a bloody, shackled William after he had raped and beaten him over and over.  But the closeness, he hadn't felt this close to anyone since that fateful night with Buffy before Angelus returned.  Abruptly his mind looked back to the previous day when he had fallen apart.  Guilt and embarrassment erased the momentary peace he felt.  He moved from beneath the younger vampire and eased himself out of the bed standing and walking to look out of the window.  He heard the bed creak and turned to face Spike, waiting for the gloating remarks.

"So where to now?  Decided where we're headed yet?"

Angel's body relaxed. Spike was not going to bring up what.his weakness.  He sighed and straightened his shoulders. "I think it would be best if I went on alone.  They want me Spike, not you.  You could go to Rome."

Spike sat up and stared at the older vampire; hurt warring with anger on his face.  "Bollocks! You're a sodding prick Angel, you know that?  Stop with the martyr bit, it's becoming a bit old.  Besides, you need me."

"Spike, I traveled alone for over 100 years."

"Yeah I know, livin' in alleys, eating rats.  Even the powers that whatsit got tired of your moaning and sent you to Buffy."

Angel tensed and growled, Spike's words hurting him more than he would admit.  "Spike I'm trying to protect you.  I'm."

Spike scrambled off the bed and glared at him snarling.  "Don't need protecting.  I took care of Dru for years, mostly on my own.  She got me in some right scrapes too."  He turned away and his voice softened.  "Don't try to be a noble prat Angel."  He spun around and smirked, his hands on his hips.  "You need me git, whether you want to admit it or not.  I'm better with people than you are and you know it.  Did ya know the names of the guys in accounting?  Ever sit in on a poker game? Go drinking with the birds in transcription?"

Angel's eyes had widened with Spike's tirade.  Now his lips twitched, a smile threatening to ruin his fierce look.  "Okay Spike I surrender.  I need you. to annoy me so I can stay sharp."

"Ponce.  I'm taking another shower."  Spike stomped into the bathroom. "Probably use all the hot water too."  Angel turned back to the window, unfurrowing his brow and allowing a grin to creep across his face.  Sighing, he turned back around, took two blood bags out of the cooler and put them in the microwave.  He stood thinking, staring as they twirled around.  The ping shook him out of his brief reverie.  He poured them into mugs and began to sip his as he bent down to pick up his bag.  He pulled the map from the top and spread it on the bed.  Making the decision to stop in Reno so Spike could have his bright lights for a night or two, he strode over to the bathroom door and banged on it.  "There'd better be hot water left.  Hurry up, we've got to get on the road."

The shower stopped and the door opened.  This time Spike walked into the room naked, using the smaller towel to pat himself dry and not doing a very good job at hiding his smirk.  Feigning anger, Angel glared, thrust the mug at him and hurried into the steam filled room.  Spike laughed at the sound of the slamming door.

Spike was dressed and flipping through channels when Angel came out of the shower.  The older vampire ignored him and walked to the closet, holding a towel tightly around his waist.  After choosing a pair of pants and a shirt, he took his boxers out of the bag and stalked back into the bathroom to dress, hearing Spike snorting as he shut the door.  A few minutes later he emerged to find Spike still clicking the remote.  The blonde vampire looked up and saw a smug look on the older man's face.

"What?"

Angel actually grinned.  "ADD."

Spike tossed his dirty t-shirt at Angel who batted it away giving him a dark look.  "Get packed Spike, we have to leave.  It's going to take us about seven hours to get to Reno, and there is one stop I have to make on the way."

"Reno?  Where do you need to stop?"

"Yeah, Reno.  I figured you'd never stop yammering about casinos so we'll stop there on our way east."  Ignoring the second question, Angel never looked at Spike, he just picked up his bags and walked out of the room.  He had to wait several minutes for Spike to emerge.  The annoying vampire tossed his bag carelessly in the back of the car, hopped in and immediately began fiddling with the radio.

Angel sighed in exasperation. "Spike, I got you that CD player so you'd leave the radio alone."

Spike gave him a scathing look and then knelt up on the seat to rummage in his bag.  He flopped back down onto the seat, put on his headphones, inserted a disc and stared out of the window.

About 30 minutes into the drive, Spike noticed they were up in the hills of Los Angeles.  Removing the headphones, he looked at his traveling companion, "Care to tell me where we are going?"

"There is someone I have to see before we leave.explain."

"Who do you need to see?  Do you have some bird hidden away up here?"  When his traveling partner didn't respond, Spike glanced at him.  "Well."

"No, I don't have anyone hidden up here.  I.I.just.need."

"Come on Angel, spit it out would you!"

Exasperated and knowing Spike would never stop asking, he answered his question.  "Okay, fine if you really need to know, I'm going to see my son."

"You what?  Come on mate, what the hell are you talking about.your son?" Spike turned in his seat and gave his full attention to the vampire sitting next to him.  He reached over to feel his forehead.  "You sure you're okay? Maybe you got smacked on the head harder than you or I thought and now your brains are scrambled."

Angel swatted the pale hand away.  "There's nothing wrong with me or my brain."

Spike laughed.  "You do remember you're a vampire, right?"  He laughed again when Angel glared at him.  "And you do remember that vampires can't have kids, at least not in the conventional human way?"  He kept laughing when Angel sent another scathing look his way.

Returning his attention back to the road, he sighed in exasperation as Spike continued.  "Were you a naughty boy when Angelus was released last year? Did you make me a little brother?"

Angel started at Spike's mention of Angelus and last year.  "How did you hear about that?"

Spike laughed again.  "It's amazing what one can learn while hanging out at the water cooler.  You should try it some time.  So yeah, I know all about the stupid idea of releasing your inner demon in the hope he'd help you and your bunch of merry men.  So what happened?"

"For your information, Spike, I didn't sire anyone.  My son isn't a vampire, he's human."

Gobsmacked, Spike couldn't do anything but stare at Angel with his mouth hanging open."

Angel laughed, pleased that for once he was finally able to shut Spike up.

Sputtering, Spike was finally able to get his brain working again. "Human.how the hell did you have a human child?"

"It's a long story.  Can't you just take it as that?"

"No way!  We've got a long ride ahead of us, so you have plenty of time to weave your little story."

"Fine!"  Defeated, Angel spent the rest of the drive telling Spike everything - Darla coming back at the hands of Wolfram & Hart, sleeping with her out of despair, her pregnancy, and all the events that led up to him taking the deal the Senior Partners offered.  Spike sat riveted to his seat as Angel told his tale.

As Angel finished, he slowed the car down, having reached their destination. He turned to Spike, "Wait here, please.  I won't be that long."  Still stunned, Spike nodded as Angel got out of the car.

Angel approached the house and knocked on the door.  He was relieved when it was Connor who answered.  He wasn't sure what he was going to say if it had been one of his parents answered the door.  "Connor." Angel said hesitantly.

"Uh, hi."  Connor looked over his shoulder quickly, and stepped outside, closing the door.  "What are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving town."

"So you won?"

"For now, but the Senior Partners won't give up.  Thought it would be better to get out of town for a bit and lay low."

Connor looked over at the car.  "Your friends with you?"

Angel nodded sadly.  "No, they're all dead."

"I'm sorry.  I'm really sorry."  Connor reached out and placed a hand on Angel's shoulder.  "But who's in the car?"

Angel smiled at the concern in his son's voice.  "Thank you.  That's Spike. We're all that's left.  I just wanted to let you know that I was going. When I get settled, I'll get in touch with you to let you know where I am. You know, just in case you need me or something."  He handed the boy a thick envelope. "Give this to your.your parents.  It's that trust fund they wanted."

The boy stared at Angel remembering when his parents took him to Wolfram & Hart, it was to learn why he remained unhurt after getting hit by a speeding van, not to set up a trust as they originally told him. "Umm.thanks.  I would like to know where you are when you get settled."  Connor leaned close to Angel and hugged him.  "Take care of yourself okay?"

"I will.  You take care of yourself. You should be safe with me gone. I have to get a new cell phone.  When I do I'll let you know the number. Promise you'll get in touch with me if you get into trouble with."

"Yea, I will."  Connor reached for the door and opened it.  He stood there, watching Angel get into his car.  He waved once and walked back into the house."

When Angel got back in the car, Spike asked, "So that's your son?"

"Yes, that's Connor."  Angel replied sadly.

"Handsome kid."

"Thanks."  Angel answered as he drove back to the main road to continue their journey to God knows where.

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

They drove for several hours without speaking, the only sound was Spike changing discs.  A short time before sunrise they arrived on the outskirts of Lake Tahoe.  Angel parked in front of a rustic looking motel.

"We'll sleep here today and then go into Reno tonight okay?"

Spike nodded and got out of the car.  Both vampires stopped and surveyed the scene.  The lake lapped against a small beach at the end of the lawn; huge trees almost blotted out the sky.  They sniffed the air and looked at each other.

"Haven't smelled air this sweet in a long time; even Sunnydale had smog on some days."  Spike remarked.  Angel didn't respond but walked up the steps to the office.  He came out a short time later and motioned for Spike to get back in the car.  Driving around to the side of the hotel he stopped at the end of the building.  They brought their bags and the cooler into the room, both pausing to stare.  The room was lovely but the view was spectacular.  A large window overlooked the lake.  There was a door in the wall that led out onto a small porch, complete with rocking chairs.  They dropped their bags and walked outside.  They stood in silence breathing in the fresh air and appreciating the verdant beauty until they felt the oncoming sunrise.  Angel closed the shutters over the window and they hurried back inside.  Spike drew the curtains.  They both undressed in the dark and got into bed.

"Ta Angel. "S a beautiful place."

"It is.  I've forgotten that there are places like this.  Maybe we'll stay a few days."

"That'd be good.  Night."

"Goodnight Spike."

~Part: 3~

Angel awoke hours later to silence.  He looked over at Spike's bed - it was empty.  When he didn't hear the shower, he began to panic.

"Evenin' ponce."  Angel peered into the deep shadows at the corner of the room.  Spike was standing looking out of the window.  He hid something quickly behind his back and nonchalantly walked to his bag and put it inside.  He took clean boxers out and looked up at the older vampire.  "You wanna shower first?"

Angel quickly banished the surprise from his face and responded. "No, you go."

"Angel, did you bring your pad and pencils?"  The older vampire nodded puzzled by the question.  "You should try to sketch something.  It's worth remembering."  Spike lowered his head and turned quickly toward the bathroom as if embarrassed by his comment.  Angel sat in stunned silence for a moment and then got out of bed.  He went to look out of the window where Spike had been standing.  He could see what the younger vampire meant. The large trees framed the lawn protectively and hovered over the beach.  The water rolled in, tiny waves glinting in the moonlight.  He stood until he heard the bathroom door open.

He turned toward Spike and replied.  "You're right, it's worth remembering. We should buy a camera and take some pictures as long as the moon gives enough light.  I'll sketch this beach though."

Spike walked to his bag and took something out.  He turned to face Angel and handed him a small single use camera.  "Bought it at the gas station. Scoobies were always takin' photographs.  Got to be damn annoying."  He turned his back and walked toward the microwave, busying himself with getting blood bags out of the cooler.

Amazed, Angel stood still for a moment.  "Thanks.  So you're used to posing?"  The older vampire's lips twitched.

"Wanker."  Spike replied without turning around.

Angel walked over to his bag to get his clothes and went to shower.  When he came out, Spike had heated mugs of blood and handed him one.  The vampires walked out onto the porch.  They sat in the rockers sipping their blood, letting the peace wash over them for a long while.

Spike could only take so much solitude.  "Ready for the bright lights peaches?"

Angel who would have much rather stayed on the porch, stood up reluctantly and followed the younger vampire inside.  Spike was rummaging in his bag. When he turned around Angel saw that he had a handful of cash.

"Where did you get that?"

"Won it.  Those guys in accounting suck at poker."

"How much did you win?"  The older vampire inquired.

"Total?  About $18,000.  Was savin' up for a motorcycle."

Angel whistled and grinned. "You won that much playing poker?  How are you at craps?"

"Let's see shall we?"  Gleefully, Spike stuffed some bills in his duster pocket and put the rest back in the bag.

They left their room.  Angel stopped at the front desk and rented the room for a second night and then the two vampires drove into the bright lights of Reno.  Angel let Spike choose the casino.  Almost salivating, the blonde vampire strode into the brightly lit room.

Angel called out to him.  "I'm gonna look around the hotel lobby."

Without turning around, Spike waved his hand and walked toward a blackjack table.  Angel wandered down a hallway filled with small shops and entered a bookstore. A short time later he went looking for Spike, standing a little away but keeping an eye on him.  He checked his watch every so often to see how much time they had before sunrise.  Casinos purposefully had no windows so gamblers would lose track of time as well as their money.

Spike played blackjack and won and lost.  He played craps and won a lot. Angel strolled over to the slot machines, but remembered when he had been enthralled in front of one in Las Vegas and quickly moved away.  He turned to where he'd left Spike but of course he wasn't there.  The older vampire had to search for several tense moments before finding him at a baccarat table, a beautiful woman hanging on his arm.  He felt a flash of jealousy which shocked him and he quickly pushed it aside.  Spike must have felt Angel staring at him because he looked up and quirked his eyebrow.  Angel nodded and the younger vampire returned his attention to the table. Uncomfortable with the feelings he was having as he watched the woman caressing the back of Spike's neck, Angel wandered away.  He walked toward the bar and ordered a Jameson's.  When he turned around to look over at the baccarat table, neither Spike nor the woman was there.  He gazed over the room but didn't see the black duster or the radioactive hair anywhere.  He tried to control the anger beginning to boil inside him and walked around the entire room.  He couldn't find Spike.

Grinding his teeth in frustration, the older vampire approached a security guard and explained that he couldn't find his friend and that they had to make an early morning flight.  They allowed him to come with them when they went to stand on the glassed-in balcony which gave a far better view of the casino floor.  It was as if Spike had disappeared into thin air.  He thanked the guards and rode the elevator back down checking his watch and realizing that sunrise was only about twenty minutes away

His rage intensifying, Angel stormed out of the casino, got in his car and drove back to the motel.  Hitting the steering wheel with his hand, he vented.  "Dammit!  I'll kill him for this.  It's just like him.thinking only about himself.having fun.I'll just leave.  That will serve him right.  He has his own money.he can get his own room."

Even the pale early morning sun was dangerous.  He had to hold his coat over his head as he ran to the room, fiddling with the key as his skin began to tingle.  For the next several hours Angel paced, vacillating between cursing at Spike's thoughtlessness and worrying about his safety.  About an hour before sunset, he heard a car stopping outside.  Just after, someone banged on the door.

"Open up Angel, starting to burn a bit here."

Making sure to stay to the side of the door, Angel pulled it open and Spike raced inside the room as a large black limo pulled away.

Barely able to speak in his fury, the older vampire finally hissed.  "Where have you been?"

Spike grinned and handed Angel a neatly wrapped bundle of bills, not really noticing the anger on the older vampire's face.  "$10,000.  I won $10,000 more!  With the rest, I'll have enough to buy me a bike."  He stopped suddenly.  "What?"

"What?  What?"  Angel shouted as he grabbed Spike's shoulders.  "Where the hell were you.  I looked for you.  It was almost sunrise."  With each sentence he shook the blonde vampire harder.

Spike shoved Angel away from him, glaring as he spoke.  "Not that it's any of your business, I had an itch, needed to scratch it."

The older vampire stood still, puzzled by Spike's comment.

Spike smirked and rolled his eyes.  "God Angel, come into the 21st century. Haven't been laid since that time with Harm."  Angel punched him hard in the face and he staggered back a few steps.

"Was she human?  Is she all right?

Spike looked back at Angel, his eyes becoming fierce although his mouth twisted in a wicked grin.  "Yeah, she was human and she was okay.  Why you want her number?"  He blocked the next punch Angel threw, but the larger vampire pushed him and pinned him to the wall.  "Sod off.bloody hell Angel! What's wrong with you?"

Angel spit out his words.  "You're a vampire.  Human women.you can hurt them."

Spike interrupted with a dangerous smirk.  "Never hurt Buffy.  Not unless she wanted."

Angel punched him again.  "She's a slayer, you moron.  She's stronger than we are."  He let go of Spike abruptly and the younger vampire slipped to the floor.  Angel turned and stomped to the other side of the room, running his fingers through his hair."

"Calm down Angel.  Look, she was a hooker, used to rough sex I'm thinking." He said as he stood up.

The older vampire spun around and Spike shivered a bit at Angel's furious penetrating stare.  "Do you ever think before you act Spike?

The increasingly annoyed blonde vampire snorted.  "No.  You do that enough for both of us."  As they glared at each other the anger between them shimmered like the sun at midday in the desert.  Angel sighed and turned away speaking so low, Spike had to strain to hear him.

"Maybe you're right.  We should go our separate ways.  Reno's a big city. Plenty of excitement, gambling, booze and.and prostitutes to.to scratch your itch.

"Fine.  Used to being on my own."  Spike hissed.

Angel spun around and laughed harshly.  "On your own?  When?  You hung on Drusilla for years.  Then you came to Sunnydale, where I was."

Spike strode closer to the older vampire.  His face contorted in fury.  "You sodding prick.  Came to find a cure for Drusilla.  Heard it was there."  He poked his finger in Angel's chest.  "Not to see you - soulful sad sack that you were, slayer's lap dog. Besides knew the slayer was there.  Thought maybe I could add another notch to my belt."

Angel's jaw trembled as he tried to control himself.  "But came crying back when Dru dumped you.  You could have gone anywhere, but you came back, where I was."

Spike recoiled at the hate he heard in Angel's voice but replied.  "I knew the town.I.sod this, I'm takin' a shower.  I'll leave as soon as it gets dark, then you'll be alone."  He walked toward the bathroom and then turned back and snarled.  "Even without a soul I was more human than you'll ever be Angel.  And you're right.  Your arrogance got your friends killed.  You should be alone."  He went into the bathroom and slammed the door.

Angel had been awake since sunset the night before - twenty-four hours. Half of that time he had been consumed with dread over Spike's absence and frustration at his inability to search for him in daylight.  He sank onto the bed as all of his emotions battled for dominance inside his tired body. Spike's harsh words pierced his heart, reinforcing the self-hatred he already felt.  Succumbing to despair and exhaustion, Angel lay back on the bed and fell into a fitful sleep.

Spike was startled when he saw Angel sleeping.  The scalding water had gentled his tension and although he was still hurt and angry, he felt regret at some of the things he said, understanding that part of Angel's harsh words came from fear that something had happened to him.  "Ever the protector," he mumbled.  He sat down on the next bed and watched the older vampire; his brow furrowing and his mouth grimacing as his hands clasped and unclasped the bedspread.  "God, the man even broods in his sleep."

Spike had been up as long as Angel, and between the sexcapades and the emotional battle when he returned to the room, he was knackered.  He got under the covers and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

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

Angel woke abruptly, trying to remember where he was.  Spike was asleep in the next bed.  He lay on his side, mouth slightly open, and hands under the pillow that supported his head.  Everything came rushing back, the casino, the worry, and the argument.  Anger quickly flared, replaced by remorse at the things he said.  "Damn, he drives me crazy.  He just doesn't think!"  He looked at Spike's face as he slept peacefully.

Angel got up quietly and went to shower, puzzling over what to say, how to apologize, and how to make Spike more responsible.  He knew that Wolfram and Hart would have people searching for them.  They'd have to stay off their radar, but with Spike in tow that would be difficult to say the least. Spike had a way of bringing the spotlight on them wherever they went.  It wasn't something new.  He was always like that, even a hundred years ago when his antics forced them to hide underground.  He stood for a long time until he heard banging.  "Ya gonna use all the hot water ponce?"

He shook his head, allowing himself a small smile.  He turned off the water. Wrapping himself in a towel, he walked out into the room.  Spike handed him a mug of warm blood and then stalked into the shower.  Surprised, Angel stood drinking the liquid and thinking about what to say.  He had dressed and packed his things by the time the younger vampire came out of the bathroom.

"Spike.I.."

"Me too Angel."

They looked at each other intently and the tension that had wound itself between them slowly eased.  No other words were said.  They knew they were better off together and they knew that this would be only one of the many battles between them.  Their lives together had always been an emotional roller coaster.  They packed up the car, Angel paid the bill and they drove away from the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

"We'll drive just past Boise tonight Spike.  It'll take us about eight hours."

"Boise, what the hell's in Boise?"  Spike sputtered.

"Nothing.  It's on the way to Missoula."

Spike interrupted.  "I told you, I'm not going to sodding Montana, you pillock.  It's the middle of nowhere."

Angel continued without looking over at the furious vampire beside him. "We'll stop in Missoula. It's on the way."

"On the way where Angel?  Where the hell are we going?"

Again Angel continued calmly as if Spike had said nothing. "I just want to see how it's changed.  Then we'll continue east.  We'll find a small town within driving distance of Chicago."  He turned his head and smirked at Spike.

"You're a buggering bastard Angel, you know that?"  Pissed off, he put on his headphones and stared out the window, oblivious to the quiet laughter from the vampire next to him.

Hours later, they drove past Boise and continued on Highway 93, pulling off the road outside of Challis, Idaho at a small motel. There were several hours until sunrise but Angel wasn't sure if they'd find another place in time. Although it was shabby, the room was large and clean.  The vampires got their bags out of the car and Angel opened the door.  Spike followed him in, threw his bag down and stalked back outside, flicking his lighter. Angel looked out of the window a moment later to see Spike at the corner of the building smoking.  He sighed. The tense silence between them was wearing on them both.

Angel showered and got into bed, planning to read a little about the Chicago area before he fell asleep.  Spike had not returned. Mumbling about just leaving his infuriating traveling companion, the older vampire got up and went to the window.  Spike was no longer visible, and Angel's stomach clenched automatically.  If a vampire could get ulcers, he swore that Spike would surely give him a few by the time this trip was over.

He put his clothes and shoes on quickly and then hurried outside.  He marched toward the other end of the building, willing his fear away. Hearing loud music, he followed the sounds.  He peeked in the window of the bar attached to the motel and there sitting on a stool in all his punk glory was Spike.  Angel could see a few of the patrons eyeing him.  Stomach in knots, Angel walked in.  Heads turned toward him and he offered a small smile as he strode over to Spike.  He sat down and immediately the barmaid came over.

"Two strangers in one night."  She said looking between the two vampires. "What'll you have?"

"Whiskey, neat.  Thanks."  Angel responded and she turned away to get the drink.  "Spike, this is not a good idea.  People are staring." He whispered. "I doubt they get many tourists here."

Spike turned his head to glare at the older vampire. "Sod off.  Couldn't stand the bloody quiet anymore."  He turned back around and finished his drink nodding to the barmaid to bring him another when she returned with Angel's.  Angel sipped the whiskey, which was certainly not Jameson's, and watched Spike out of the corner of his eye.  Abruptly the younger vampire got up and stalked over to the jukebox, dropping in coins and punching in his choices.  Angel groaned waiting to hear the songs he chose. Surprisingly it was a soft ballad.

Sometimes I close my eyes
And imagine you with me
Chasing passion into the night
All tangled in a dream.

Oh if you could see my heart
The way I feel inside
You would know just how far
I'm willing to go to get to you
There's nothing I won't do.

Let me show you what it's like to lose control
Free the desire in your soul
Oh let me love you.
Let me take you to a place like nowhere else
Show you the things you never felt
Oh let me love you.

Moving in time with the song, Spike stood and listened to the first few stanzas and then returned to sit next to Angel never acknowledging his presence, finishing his drink.

Oh I want to taste your kiss
Be the reason for your smile
Touch the magic on your skin
Be the one that drives you wild.

Oh if you could read my mind
You'd know you're everything I need
You'd see yourself through my eyes
Then you'd understand what I'm going through
Just how much I want you.

Let me love you.
Let me love you.
Let me love you.
Let me love you.

The older vampire sipped his drink slowly and listened to the words of the song as he visualized Spike standing half dressed in the motel room. Abruptly, other memories assaulted his mind - Angelus beating William bloody, ripping his back with his belt buckle, Angelus taking William over and over despite the boy's cries of protest.  Angel shook his head and stood up, laying money on the counter.

The barmaid looked at the two twenties then up at him.  "That's way too much sir."

"Leave it.  It covers his drinks too."  Angel nodded toward Spike who still did not look up. With a final glance at the younger vampire, he left the bar, hearing the strains of another song as he walked outside.

Everybody's heart aches
Every time it opens
You don't know if you'll win or lose
You have to just let go.

No I wasn't looking
It's funny how I found you
Just when I thought
I'd live my life alone.

Head bowed, Angel walked slowly to their room, his cruel memories bruising his soul.  He entered the room and rummaged through his bag for his sketchbook and pencils.  He sat on the bed fully clothed and drew Spike's face over and over - at first angry and hurt and then smiling and smirking. He stared for long moments at the thin face with its sharp cheekbones and scarred eyebrow.  Finally he laid his pencil down and closed his eyes, conflicting emotions racing through his mind.

An hour later, the wayward vampire returned.  As he opened the door, he looked over at Angel. "Spent all your dosh.bought a few rounds."  When he got no reply, he took off his precious leather duster, placed it carefully over a chair and then walked into the bathroom.  Angel heard the shower running.  He turned off the light next to his bed and lay down, the tension slowing leaving his body.  He could never sleep until Spike had safely returned.  Even the few times recently when he stayed in the spare room in the penthouse, Angel had lain awake waiting for him refusing to examine the reasons behind by his concern.  He heard the bathroom door open and moments later the bed creaked and the light went out.

"Goodnight Spike."

"Night."

~Part: 4~

Angel awoke near sunset and looked over at the next bed and sighed with relief.  Spike was huddled under the blanket sleeping. He got out of bed, got fresh boxers and went to shower, gladly standing for long minutes as the scalding water bombarded his tense muscles.  He walked out of the bathroom, the steam wafting behind him.  Spike had awakened and was sitting up in bed.

“Spike. I’m sorry.  You know I don’t …I’m not good with talking…”

“Funny that.  Angelus was quite the talker.  Charmed everyone.”

The older vampire stiffened.  “Yeah…he was a charmer all right until he ripped their throats out.”  Angered, Angel strode to the closet and began to dress.

He heard Spike getting up and going into the bathroom.  When he heard the shower, he sank onto the bed, lowering his head, holding his shirt in his hand.  He didn’t realize how long he sat until he heard the bathroom door open.  He turned and the two vampires stared at each other. Angel glanced at Spike’s hair.  He remembered how Angelus loved to wrap his fingers through those curls and then pull on them until William yelped.  He shook himself and stood up turning away to finish dressing.

“Think we’re both on emotion overload Angel.”  The older vampire nodded.

Fully dressed, Angel took two blood bags out of the cooler and put them in the microwave.  When it pinged he took them out and poured them into glasses on the dresser.  He turned and handed one to Spike.

“Ta.”

They drank their blood, packed up their things and left the room.  As they got into the car, both vampires looked up.  The sky was covered with stars so close it seemed possible to touch them.

Angel spoke softly.  “I haven’t seen a sky like this in a long, long time. Never saw stars in Los Angeles, too many bright lights.”

“Probably will see more in that small town we’re going to.”  Spike replied. The vampires turned toward each other.  No other words were spoken, but much was said in their eyes.

As they drove Angel kept glancing over at Spike who had his eyes closed and was listening to his music.  Hesitant to have another argument, but knowing he had to have a much needed conversation with the blonde vampire sitting beside him.  Angel cast furtive looks at Spike repeatedly.  Suddenly an annoyed voice jarred his thoughts.  “Bloody hell Angel what?  Ya been watchin’ me for miles.  Just spit it out will ya?”

The older vampire sighed.  He didn’t want to upset the peace with another fight.  “Spike we have…we need to change how we look.  Wolfram & Hart must have sent out our descriptions.”

The blonde vampire looked at him intently.  “How do you mean change?”

Angel didn’t answer but gripped his hands more tightly on the steering wheel.

“Come on ya git.  Out with it!”

“You need to change your hair.  It’s too …too distinctive. And you…you have to stop wearing the duster.  I know it’s your…your trademark, but that’s the problem.”  Angel spoke tentatively and didn’t look over at his companion.

There were long moments of silence.

“And what are you gonna change ponce?  You gonna go punk are ya?”  Spike smirked at him but his eyes blazed with hostility.

“I don’t know.  What should I do?”  Angel asked.

Spike looked at the older vampire and the anger left his eyes.  “Grow your hair.  Not like Angelus, just longer and stop using that girly hair gel.”

“My hair is curly Spike.  It won’t stay…it flies all over without gel.”

“You want me to change my hair, you change yours.  Oh and stop wearin’ those designer threads and get jeans.”

“Jeans?” Angel sputtered.

Spike had to laugh at the horror on his face.  “We’re goin’ country right? Have to look the part you git!”  He paused and then grinned mischievously. “And cowboy boots!”

The older vampire groaned.  “Ok, jeans, longer hair, but no cowboy boots.”

They drove in silence pierced only with occasional snickers from the blonde vampire as he imagined Angel without his wool slacks, silk shirts and custom made shoes.  The older vampire knew he was enjoying his discomfort but refused to respond.

They arrived in Missoula about four hours later.  Angel turned away from the city and drove a while longer; finally stopping in front of a large cabin. Smaller cabins huddled beneath huge trees along the gravel road.  They could hear rushing water in the distance. “This was a camp in the thirties. Canvas tents, open fires. I worked the night shift in a copper mine for a while. I’ll see if there is anything available.”  Spike was looking up the sky again and didn’t answer.  Angel returned with a key and a large paper bag.  “It’s the farthest cabin.  Next to the river.”  He drove the car for about a mile and pulled into the front of an isolated small wooden building. The only sounds were the water and an owl hooting nearby.

“’S peaceful all right.”  Spike marveled.

“We’ll go into town tomorrow night.  Things close early out here.  I asked.”

“S’alright.”  Spike took his bag and walked toward the cabin.

“Ah Spike…” The younger vampire turned, quirking his eyebrow at Angel’s hesitation.  “There’s only one bed.”

Spike was surprised when the muscles in his groin trembled, but he covered his discomfort with a snide comment.  “Not like we never slept together peaches.”  He turned and entered the building leaving Angel staring open-mouthed outside.  They dropped their duffels and looked around.  There was one large room with a sofa and two chairs facing the fireplace. A sliding glass door leading out onto a deck took up the rest of the living room wall. A kitchenette stood off to the right with a wooden table and two chairs.  There were two open doors on the other side of the cabin, one was the bathroom, the other the bedroom.  Angel walked toward the bedroom. Spike opened the sliding door and strolled outside.  Angel joined him a few minutes later carrying the paper bag which he placed on a wooden table.  The younger vampire was leaning on the railing watching the moonlight glittering on the lake.

“Bought beer and a few snacks in the office.  Didn’t have much.”  When Spike whirled around, Angel handed him a cold bottle of beer and the opener.  For a moment they stared at each other, a grin dancing at the edges of the older vampire’s mouth.

Spike grinned broadly.  “Thanks pet.”

“Pet?”  Angel inquired with a silly smile.

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

The two vampires sat out on the porch drinking in the fresh air and the beauty of the place until they felt the sunrise made their skin tingle.

“I’ll take the couch.  Slept in a cement crypt in Sunnydale, so a couch would be quite a step up.”

“It’s a huge bed Spike.  There’s room.  Besides, I don’t want to hear you whining about a sore back later.”

They undressed in the dark and got into bed each clinging stiffly to one side. Both lay awake for a long while as confusing emotions tumbled through their minds until their exhaustion forced them finally to sleep.

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

Spike woke to the feeling of another body next to him. Angel was spooned behind him.  He lay a moment trying to figure out what to do.  Suddenly the older vampire groaned and turned onto his back still deeply asleep.  Spike had been holding his unneeded breath, unsure of Angel’s reaction to their closeness; uncertain of his own.  He quickly got out of bed and walked into the bathroom.

As soon as he heard the water, Angel opened his eyes with relief.  He had only pretended to be asleep. He too had been shocked when he woke to find himself holding onto the younger vampire. He waited, perfectly still, trying to force away the harsh memories of his cruelty towards Spike, especially when Angelus resurfaced a few years before in Sunnydale.  Tormented by his thoughts and worried that it would start the day off badly when it seemed things were a bit better last night, he had groaned and turned over, thankful when Spike got out of bed.

Spike walked out of the shower draped in a rather skimpy towel.  “Left you the big towel, you being bigger and all.” He smirked at the older vampire still lying in bed.  With lightning speed, Angel tossed a pillow and hit Spike in the face and then roared with laughter at the shocked look on the younger vampire’s face.  Spike growled and tossed it back missing Angel entirely because he had jumped out of bed.  The two vampires stood grinning at each other.  Angel went toward the bathroom and Spike stepped aside, ripping off his towel and flicking the larger man as he walked by. Angel spun around and got a glimpse of a very naked Spike.  He quickly turned and hurried into the bathroom.  He showered quickly, dressed and walked into the main part of the cabin.  The sliding doors were open and Spike was relaxing on a chaise.

“Blood’s out here.”

The two vampires sipped their blood watching the evening sky darken.

“So what’s on the ‘genda for tonight?”

“We’ll go into town. We’ll find a clothing store and…and.”  Angel let that comment hang in the air and hurried on.  “I’m not sure what still exists but it’s a college town, there will be bars, although I don’t think they stay open too much past midnight.”   Angel responded.

“Let’s go then.”  They walked down the deck steps around to the front of the cabin and got into the car.

The town was much larger than Angel remembered although he recognized the Wilma Theatre.  It looked almost the same outside. Eight stories high, its hundreds of flashing lights brightening the entire street.  He had seen a few vaudeville performances when he had been here in the thirties. “Spike, over there.”  He pointed at a brightly lit shop on the corner.  “A western clothing store.”  He winced inwardly and looked at Spike who just quirked his eyebrow and crossed the street.  Angel followed filled with dread. Fortunately there was only one other customer in the shop.  The older man at the counter nodded but made no move to approach them.  The two vampires wandered around for a few moments.  Angel walked toward the piles of jeans on a table and began fingering the material almost shuddering at its stiffness.

“Wash them a few times.  They’ll soften up.”  The older vampire turned around to see his annoying Childe, arms filled with clothes. “Dressin’ room’s over there.” He nodded toward the side of the store and strode purposefully toward the curtained cubicles.

Angel searched through the jeans and found his size and then searched the shirt rack.  He reached the dressing rooms as Spike walked out of one wearing tight blue jeans and a darker blue suede shirt.  He stood waiting for the other vampire’s reaction.  Angel stared a moment and then nodded as he walked into a vacant dressing room.  He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.  Angel forced the thoughts of how good Spike looked, how he looked good no matter what he wore away and proceeded to change his clothes. He was in the cubicle for a long time.

“Hey git, what’s takin’ so long?  Let me see ya.”

Angel pushed aside the curtain and stood refusing to look up at Spike who whistled.  “Lookin’ good cowboy.”  The older vampire lifted his head, glared, and closed the curtain.  Spike snickered and turned away.  He realized that he’d never seen Angel in anything other than his designer duds before.  Even Angelus went for the fancy stuff back in the day and when he made reappearance in Sunnydale, he preferred leather and silk.  Spike pushed his thoughts away and strolled around the store picking up more clothing, grinning.  He was having fun spending Angel’s money if only because Angel hated spending it himself.

Angel finally came out and found Spike on the other side of the store.  He was trying on a suede jacket.  He spun around. “Like it?  Do I look country?”

The older vampire just grimaced.  Spike noticed the clothes in Angel’s arms. “One pair of jeans.  One shirt?  Come on Angel.  Harmony isn’t around to pick up your cleaning.  We’ll have to do our own laundry.  You’ll need some spares.”  He grabbed the clothing from Angel’s arms.  “They fit?”  Angel nodded and Spike strode off, stopping by counters, picking up more clothes. Angel just stood and watched.  Finally the younger vampire brought a much larger pile of clothes to the counter.

“Like shopping Spike?”  Angel grinned at him.

Spike gave him a dirty look and then turned away, mumbling quietly. “Took Dawn when…after Buffy…when Buffy wasn’t around. Bit was lonely.”

The ensuing silence was broken by a cheery voice from behind the counter. “Find everything gentlemen?”

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

The vampires went to put their purchases in the trunk.  Angel kept shaking his head.  “We just spent $2,000.  $2,000!”

“Calm down Angel.  Ya said we had to change our look.  That means everything.”

“Those jackets were $400 each!”

“They’re suede ya ponce.  Jeeze Angel. Those suits you were wearing at the law firm cost more than that!”

“I know...I know.  But I just ordered them.  Never saw the bill.  Everything was charged to my Wolfram & Hart account and it was paid.”

“Welcome to the real world tosser.”

The older vampire stopped grousing when Spike touched his arm.

“Hey Angel look. Iron Pub Brewery.”  Spike walked toward the building and Angel followed. Inside it was dark and wood paneled with a large bar similar to those seen everywhere in England.

“Welcome.  There’s a $15 cover charge for all the beer you want to taste.” A perky brunette in a short black skirt and top smiled at them.  Angel paid for the two of them.  “Just go along through the rooms and try the different beers.”

Angel and Spike looked at each other.  This was a new experience for them. For the next hour they followed other patrons around and tasted the various microbrews made by the small company and worked their way back to the entrance.  Once again the dark-haired girl stood by the door.  “Did you find one that you liked especially?  You can buy a six-pack through that door.”

Angel followed Spike as he entered the shop.  The blonde vampire strolled around searching intently and finally saw the one he wanted.  He looked over at Angel and waited while the older vampire paid and the two of them left the pub. “I’ll put it in the trunk Angel.  Some college kid might take a fancy to it.”

They put the beer away and walked on down the street.  Angel stopped and pointed at the blinking sign which read “Moulin Rouge Cabaret, Live Poker and Pool.”  Spike grinned at him and they crossed the street. Angel touched his arm and admonished. “Spike, don’t be too good.  This is a country town, not too slick.” Spike smiled hugely and walked into the building.  For the next three hours the younger vampire played poker.  Angel watched a bit as he drank several glasses of a rather nice merlot.  He could see that Spike was not playing at his best, but he still won more often than not. Looking around, he noticed a well lit room at the rear of the building.  He walked back and saw that it was an Internet Café.  He bought a coffee and sat at a vacant computer.

The place closed at one a.m. and the two vampires left, Spike pocketing the $200 he won from the locals.  The lights in almost every shop and restaurant were off.  The town was closing for the night.  Spike looked at Angel and raised his eyebrows.  “I warned you that they went to bed early here.  There might be something open on the campus.”  Angel said.

Spike just shook his head and whispered.  “Obviously not a vampire haven.” They laughed, walked to the car and drove back out to their cabin.  They sat on the deck and drank the beer that Spike had bought until they sniffed the approaching sunrise.

They packed up the following evening and drove the last leg of their journey.  Angel had found a place he thought might work for them at least for a while in the travel book he bought in Reno. Lake Geneva was seventy miles outside of Chicago in Wisconsin.  The pictures showed a peaceful historical town on a lake.  On the Internet he had found a group of isolated cabins that were available for rent.  He told Spike what he had found and they agreed that it sounded perfect – the solitude that Angel needed but the nearness to Chicago that Spike wanted.

~Part: 5~

About two o'clock in the morning Angel pulled into a densely wooded area in front of a large log cabin.  Since he could no longer use his Wolfram & Hart credit card, he couldn't make reservations when he found the site on the Internet. Using the club's email address, he sent his intention to rent and informed the manager that they would be arriving in the early morning hours. Amazingly the man responded immediately and said that there would be someone in the office during the night. There was something available since it was about a month before the summer season began. The older vampire got out of the Plymouth and strode up the steps into the office.  Spike got out of the car to stretch his legs and smoke.

Angel came out holding a key and smiling.  "I've rented a cabin for three months. That should give us enough time to see if this is the right place for us."  Spike dropped his cigarette and ground it out with his foot before getting into the car.  Angel backed the car around and drove about a mile down the road.  He pulled into a driveway and stopped the car in front of a real log cabin nestled amid overhanging evergreen trees. They took their bags and walked toward the building.

"Feel like a bloody colonial."  Spike snarked.

Angel opened the door with the key.  They stepped inside and stood in silence.  The walls were wood paneled.  A huge stone fireplace took up part of the far wall, two sofas faced each other in front of it.  Like the cabin in Montana, a sliding door stood next to the fireplace, a small wooden table and chairs in front of it.  An open stairway led up to a loft. A full kitchen, complete with a washer and dryer was on their right. They dropped their bags and walked outside onto the huge deck.  Spike whistled as they stood looking through the trees to a lake beyond.  Angel smiled and felt the tension leave his body.  It was perfect for him and it seemed as if the younger vampire approved as well.  They went back inside to explore further.

Opposite the living room was a bedroom and a bath.  The bedroom had a huge window that overlooked the lake, a big iron bed covered with a quilt, a soft chair, a dresser and a closet. Finally they climbed the stairs to the second floor.  A wood stove was vented into the stone wall that continued from below.  A rocking chair and a small sofa stood before it. A large window on the back wall provided light, although shutters would insure darkness during the day.  A king-sized iron bed and wooden chest stood in the corner of the left wall.  Spike walked over and looked out of the large window next to the bed.

He turned around quickly and asked, "Can I have this room?  There's a roof I can go out and sit on."  Angel nodded and the two vampires walked back downstairs.

They separated. Angel took his bags and went into his room to unpack.  Spike grabbed his and ran up the stairs.  He threw down the bag and then walked back down and out to the deck, leaving his unpacking till later.

When Angel came out, Spike was lying on one of the wooden chaises.  He had found the cushions in a storage shed at the end of the deck.  They sat until the first few minutes of dawn, reluctant to leave the peacefulness.  As they walked back in Spike finally spoke. "Good choice Angel.  We can be outside longer because of the tree cover.  What's on for tomorrow night?"

"We'll explore the town.  There are several pubs downtown.  Maybe they'll need night bartenders."

Spike rolled his eyes. "I thought you had investments.  Why work?"

"This is a small town.  People will notice if we don't.  We don't want to attract too much attention."

"Ok.  I get that, but..."  The blonde vampire paused and his mouth twitched into a smirk.   "Angel do you even know how to make a martini?"

The older vampire returned the smirk.  "Yes, and a Sea Breeze and a Cosmopolitan."

When Spike quirked his eyebrow, a chagrined Angel admitted the truth.  "OK, I never made one but I wrote the ingredients down so Lorne could have choices when he came to my apartment.  Besides I learn fast."

Spike laughed again and turned to go inside.  Angel slapped him on the back of his head and a brief sparring match ensued until their exhaustion forced them to their separate beds.

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

An unfamiliar noise woke Angel just before sunset.  He got out of bed and walked out into the living room and his eyes widened in surprise.  Spike was standing in his boxers at the kitchen table folding laundry!  The younger vampire didn't hear him because he had his headphones on.  He had it turned up so loud that Angel could hear the music.  The older vampire stood and watched as Spike turned, opened the dryer door and took out clothes.  He finally looked up and glared at the amused look on Angel's face. He tore off the headphones.

"I lived in the slayer's basement for a year wanker.  The house was full of women and they were always throwing stuff down for me to put in the bloody washer or dryer.  Don't. Say. A. Word."  He bit out each word.

Angel made a huge show of zipping his lips, but he couldn't stop the twitches at the corners of his mouth.  He turned around and walked toward the bathroom only to be hit in the back of the head with a pair of jeans. He spun around just in time to receive a warm, soft shirt in his face.

"Better lay your togs out on the bed Angel.  Ya don't want wrinkles."  Spike grinned and Angel's annoyed look flowed into a smile.

A little while later the two vampires drove toward town, dressed in their new but slightly softened jeans.  Angel kept trying to pat down his hair, although the wind from the convertible was frustrating his attempts. Spike's hair was softer and curling without all the gel and the blond was slowly growing out.  Suddenly Angel turned the car into a semi-crowded parking lot.  A slightly run down building loomed before them.  The sign above the door read Duffy's Irish Pub.

Spike looked over at Angel, "Tell 'em your real name and you're in.  All you Micks stick together don't ya?"  The Irish vampire gave him a withering glance and turned off the engine.

When they entered, most everyone turned around to look at them.  They smiled and received slight nods in return.  The found a place at the end of the long bar.  Spike immediately ordered a beer.  Angel looked over the bottles behind the bar and smiled when he saw a bottle of Jameson's.  They stood for a while until Angel noticed an empty table and nudged Spike.  They walked over and sat down.  A few minutes later a waitress approached them.  She was young and very pretty with auburn hair and green eyes totally in tune with an Irish bar.

"Refill?"

The two vampires nodded and she left the table returning quickly with their drinks and a bowl of peanuts.  "New to town or just visiting?"  She inquired, her smile revealing a deep dimple.

"We're stayin awhile luv."  Spike responded with a grin.

"Ah.  You're English."

"Yeah.  Born there.  Haven't been back in a while.  That a problem?" Quirking his eyebrow, he gave her his sexiest smile.

"No.  Only Mr. Duffy was born in Ireland.  Everyone else is regular American, which means a mix."  She winked at him. "I like your accent."  She looked over at Angel who offered his own small smile but said nothing and then left their table.

"Way to go ponce.  Still perfecting that brooding block of wood mystique I see."

Angel sighed, looking chagrined.  "Spike.  It takes me longer.I'm not good at small talk.  You know that."

"Yeah I know.  But if you're thinkin' about getting a job in a bar, you're gonna have to be more. gotta have a personality ya git."

Angel glowered and hissed.  "Just because I don't chat up everything that breathes like you do doesn't mean I don't have a personality.  I'm reserved."

Spike laughed outright at that.  "Dead more like."

The older vampire whispered.  "I am dead."

The vampires turned when they heard the fear in a woman's voice.  Two tables over, an extremely drunk frat boy was pawing at their waitress.  "Come on Fiona.  Been asking you out for weeks."  He grabbed her and forced her down onto his lap, immediately pushing his hand down her blouse.

Without thinking, Angel stood up and strode over.  He pulled the young woman away from the man.  "She obviously doesn't want your attentions.  Think you'd better leave."

"Fuck off.  I'm stayin."

Angel picked the boy up and carried him outside.  "Come back when you're not drunk."

The kid stood swaying and Angel turned to go back inside.  Enraged, the young man jumped onto the vampire's back and began punching his head.  Angel threw him off with little trouble and he fell onto the ground and began vomiting.  The vampire turned toward the bar to find several patrons standing outside watching the show, Spike among them.

"Way to stay off the radar."  The blonde vampire said softly.  Angel hesitated and eyed the small crowd.  The waitress walked up to him.

"Thanks.  I made the mistake of going out with him once.  He doesn't understand the word no."

Angel nodded at her and looked at Spike to see if he thought they should leave.  A very short man with bright red hair and beard broke through the onlookers.  "Ya want a job, son?  Could use a bartender and a bouncer for the night shift.  Don't pay much, but ya make good tips during the season. Come in.  I'll buy ya a drink and we'll talk."

Angel and Spike followed the man to a table at the back of the bar.  He motioned for them to sit.  "I'm Patrick Duffy."

Spike reached out to shake the man's hand.  "I'm Sp.My name's William, but been called Spike since I was a kid."

The man reached his hand out to Angel who took it and spoke quietly.  "My given name is Liam, but like Spike, I use a nickname, Angel."

The man looked up at them.  Although he smiled, it did not reach his eyes. "My son's name was Liam."  Then he shook himself and chuckled.  "Both named William.  Good thing you have nicknames.  Where'd pick up Spike?"

"Long story."  Spike grinned and jerked his head toward the dark haired vampire.  "He was his mother's angel and it stuck."  Spike and the bar owner laughed while Angel offered a weak, embarrassed grin.

"Got two jobs then?"  Spike said using his sweetest smile.  "Noticed you have a space for a band.  I sing."

The little man laughed.  "This is my lucky day.  Hired a band for the summer but their singer got into a spot of trouble.  Left town.  What can you sing?"

"Most anything.  I just need to hear it once to know the melody.  Takes a bit longer for the words."  Spike replied.

"Can you make drinks as well?  I could use another bartender when the season starts, 'specially toward the weekend.  You could help your friend here between sets."

The two vampires looked at each other briefly and then back at the waiting man.

"When do we start?"  Spike asked with a grin.

Mr. Duffy returned the grin and motioned for them to follow.  He showed them the back room where the liquor was stored and the basement that held a very nice wine cellar.  The older man looked a bit embarrassed.  "No self respecting Irish pub serves wine.  My daughter, Fiona's mother, did this. Said it would help business in the summer when the tourists come.  She was right. Still feels strange though havin' so many women in the bar."

Angel had said little during the tour, allowing Spike to handle the conversation.  Finally he spoke.  "We'd like the jobs sir, but we can only work nights.  We're."

"We're writers.  Need the day to scribble."  Spike offered.

"My son wrote poetry.  Sent me poems when he was in the war.  Vietnam. Didn't come home."  The older man paused briefly and then looked up at them with a half smile although his eyes were full of sadness.  "Come in Wednesday at nine."  He turned to Spike.  "I'll tell the band to be here and you can see if you fit."  He nodded toward Angel.  "Jack'll show you the routine.

A short while later they left Duffy's and drove into the downtown of Lake Geneva.

"Spike, when did you start singing?  I knew about the poetry but."

"Been singin' for a long time, Angel.  Got into it a lot in the sixties. Sang a few times at The Bronze.  After I got solid I went out to a karaoke bar with the guys in accounting.  Lorne heard about it and set me up with a friend of his who had a club.  Just did it when I felt like it."

Angel replied hesitantly. "You.I think this is far enough off the beaten track so you won't attract that much attention."  The blonde vampire gave him a dirty look.  "I mean.um."  Angel stammered as Spike just shook his head.

After a few minutes he looked over at Angel.  "Ah.Angel?  We're gonna have a problem.  We have no ID.  How are we gonna get paid?"

The older vampire smirked.  "Took care of it."

"What do you mean you took care of it?"

"I always expected something to happen.  I got us Social Security Numbers. Got one for Illyria too."

Spike whistled.  "Regular boy scout ain't ya?  Always prepared.  And what name did you give the government for me?"

"Your real name, William Radcliffe.  Used mine too.  Watchers' Council had no human name for either of us.  I had Wesley check."

"Good on you mate.  Hey, pull over.  There's a computer store."

"Why do we need a computer?"  Angel asked as he searched for a parking space.

"You have investments git.  Ya gotta handle them.  Who took care of them when you were at the big bad law firm?"

"Ah.Wes found someone outside Wolfram & Hart to set things up.  I've got everything though, including Wesley's portfolio.  We were each other's Power of Attorney.um.In his will he left everything to me with the proviso that I take care of Illyria."

"Still getting' everything handed to ya tosser. You must be rich as Croesus."  Spike snarked.

Angel didn't respond to the comment and both vampires were quiet for a few moments.

"I can handle it for ya if you want."  Spike looked over at the older vampire's astonished face.  "I like computers.  Fred.Fred showed me a lot and Wes showed me more when we were tracking Illyria.  Remember.when she was spilling her essence or whatever all over the building?"

"Oh.  Okay.  That'd be good.  I'm Okay with research but not as up on the monetary stuff since the accountant did it all.  Thanks."  Angel parked the car and looked over at his companion.  "You're not gonna buy too much stuff over the Internet are you?  I mean."

"Can't ponce.  No credit card."

Angel smiled at the younger vampire beside him.  "Now that we have an address, we can apply for one.  Don't know if we'll get one though - no credit history."

They entered the shop and Angel followed Spike around as he searched. "Laptops are best.  Don't take up too much room.  We need a printer too."  A young man approached and he and the younger vampire began to talk.

Angel wandered away thinking, knowing that he needed a new cell phone.  He had thrown the other one away certain that the Senior Partners had it bugged.  The older vampire pondered over the conversation in the car.  Spike was right, he was pretty rich with Wesley's money added to his.  His will gave three quarters of his money to Connor.  The other quarter went to Spike although Angel hadn't told him.  When the memories returned after Wesley smashed the Orlon Window, he had set up a large trust fund for his son.  On the way out of town, he had given his son the information to share with his "parents."  As he walked around the store, he realized that they'd have to set up bank accounts for their paychecks and it would be a good idea to get a safety deposit box for all of his papers.

"Angel."  He startled out of his reverie and spun around.  "Have everything we need."  Spike stood cocking his head at the counter, a self satisfied grin on his face.

Angel stood a moment and then realized Spike meant for him to come and pay. He shook his head in fake annoyance but handed money to the salesman who was surprised when he used cash.

They carried the equipment out to the car.  "We're gonna need to get a cable hook-up for quick computer access but also for TV.  Hey..we need a TV. Don't look at me like that.  I know you watch ice hockey, when they actually have a season."  Spike smirked at his Sire.

"We'll have to ask the landlord if putting in a cable line is okay."  It was Angel's turn to smirk.  "I know you can't live without your MTV or whatever it's called.  But we're not buying a big screen and we're getting headphones or I'll strangle you before the month's out."  The blonde just wiggled his eyebrows in response.

They walked along the shopping area, taking note of the stores that would interest them.  "There's a book store Spike."

"Yeah and over there's one that sells Art Supplies, right next to a coffee shop."  Spike replied.

They bought coffee and spent a while browsing in the bookstore.  "Spike, I'm going over to the art shop.  You staying here?"

"Yeah, I'm good.  I'll come over when I'm done here."

The older vampire left the shop, shaking his head in amazement at the easy-going relationship developing between him and his usually exasperating Childe.  He hoped it would continue but he knew that they were too different for everything to go smoothly all of the time.  Once again, memories of the infrequent good times between Angelus and William when Darla and Drusilla were gone came into focus only to be quickly replaced with scenes of pain and mayhem.

next