Rating: NC-17
Summary: All human AU. Spike is a prostitue in London and Angel takes a liking to him. Can we say Sugar Daddy?
Disclaimer: Joss owns all, I but play in the fields of his imagination.
Distribution: sickchicks, loving_angel_69, Vampyre Haven, my livejournal
Warnings: Underage, Voyerism, S&M...maybe something else along the way.
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~Part: 1~
'He's late,' Spike thought, inhaling quickly on his cigarette before stamping it out. He looked down the street again, bouncing on the balls of his feet. 'Should be here by now.' The John was usually prompt, 6pm Friday night. Always in the same sleek black car, always with the same warm smile. Spike hated to admit it, but he'd come to depend on it, the money, the food, the luxury.
It didn't matter to Spike that the bloke never wanted to shag. It was better then the other Johns he put up with during the week. He wasn't sure how this one had gotten Ethan to go along with it, but he couldn't care less. He was well fed, dressed nice, and always had some money in his pockets. It worked for Spike; plus it kept him off the streets during the weekend and off Ethan's shit list.
It hadn't always been like that though. There was a time when Spike had a family, a life, even a childhood, but that ended the day his father died. His mum couldn't handle it. She'd broken down, started drinking and inviting strangers over to the house. Spike had been ten the first time one of them had touched him. It had seemed like one day he was happy, normal, just living the life of a kid and the next it was taken away from him, snatched by the hands of fate.
The men hadn't been all bad at first, not until that one had touched him. Then it seemed like everyone in town knew about his Mum and her 'beautiful boy'. After that there always seemed to be large hands reaching for him and groping. He hadn't even known what was going on, and they hadn't hurt him, but ever since then, he'd been curious...going so far as to experiment with his best friend Xander.
They'd made a night of it when he was thirteen, just touching and feeling. It'd been right awkward, but they'd had fun...that was until Xander's Pop hadbeat him senseless screaming about queers and fags wouldn't muddy the family name. After that, Xander hadn't talked much to anyone. Last Spike had heard, he was in and out of the hospital. Xander's Pop had knocked something loose in Xan's head they said.
He'd run away though, not long after that; too many of his Mum's guys wanted him. She'd screamed and yelled at him that she couldn't keep a man because Spike was always stealing them. Right snit she'd been in too; hollering at the top of her lungs that he should get out and never come back. So he had. Ran and ran, then ran into Ethan.
Now there was a bloke that could scare you straight. But, Spike had been young, hadn't known better, and had fallen into his arms; literally and figuratively. Ethan had promised him so much. Told him he could help him, would take care of him and in return, Spike could do anything he wanted so long as Spike never left his side.
Simple enough. And Ethan was a charmer. He could charm the pants off a priest if he'd half a mind to. Spike had fallen for him, hard. Even at fourteen, he still didn't know much, but he knew Ethan could make him feel something besides the pain of missing his Pop. With wicked kisses and fumbling gropes, Ethan taught Spike what felt good and how best to please. Spike had no idea at the time that Ethan had been grooming him to go into 'the family business' as Ethan put it.
But then, Spike hadn't really cared. He had even thought he was in love with Ethan. He knew Ethan had lots of guys at his beck and call, each paying him from work they did on the streets. Looking back now, he realized it had just been envy, or a convoluted twist on something, Spike wasn't sure, but it hadn't been love. Especially when Ethan put him on the street like the rest of his boys when he turned 16.
Spike was now friends with harsh reality. He knew all too well what hunger was, what being used meant. He knew now and he loathed Ethan for it.
Spike could see his trick coming down the street. It was about time he showed up. The car pulled up to the curb and the guy stopped. Spike tossed his cigarette, grabbed his bag, and ran around the car and hopped in. Spike wasn't sure if it was the same car as last time. It seemed that Angel's car's always had that new smell of fresh leather and money. New car's always smelled like money to Spike. It could've been because he didn't have any. No matter what though, Angel's car's were always sleek and black, and always the newest model's available. Every now and then it made Spike wonder why Angel wanted him when he could probably buy anyone or anything.
"'Bout bloody time, mate," Spike said, settling down in the leather seat of the expensive car. "'Nother minute and Ethan might've popped by."
"Hello to you too, William," Angel said. He chuckled at the growl that escaped his boy’s lips at the mere sound of his given name, and then took a minute to appreciate those lips. Leaning over, Angel darted his tongue out, licking along Spike's lips until Spike gave up, moaning and returning the kiss.
"Let's get out of here, yeah?” Spike said, looking around. He'd heard on the street that Ethan wanted to see him about something; that never boded well. If he wanted to see you, that meant he wanted to hurt you, or something worse. It was always something with Ethan.
"What is it, William?” Angled asked, looking around as well. He didn't like the profession his boy was in. He wanted him to himself, to keep. Angel had only broached the subject once and it was met with a crooked eyebrow and a scoff. That was the last time he'd asked.
"Nothin', mate," Spike said, pulling out his smokes again. He wondered what he could've done to warrant a 'talk' with Ethan. But, it didn't matter because soon he'd be in the hands of Angel, and that was always a better place to be.
The car was put into drive as Angel pulled away from the curb and began the now familiar trip to his home in the country. It was a nice enough place, Spike thought, if a bit stuffy. It smelled old and rich, and while he knew Angel was rich, he didn't think he was old. Spike remembered Angel telling him something about family property or some such rubbish. He hadn't been paying much attention.
The trip was made in silence. Angel wasn't a big talker, and Spike wasn't in the mood to ramble on like he normally would. Plus, it wasn't polite to talk about other tricks in front of well, other tricks. Silently, Spike wondered what Angel had in mind for this weekend. It was always something...a dinner out, movie in, theater somewhere. Not like Spike was complaining though. Not at all.
Angel watched William in the rear-view mirror. He noticed that William looked a little drawn around the eyes, as if he hadn't been getting much sleep lately, and that worried Angel. He always worried about his boy. Maybe this weekend he would try to ask William again to come stay with him, permanently.
Pulling into the long drive, Angel stopped at the door and got out, smiling as William bounded out of the car. The boy always seemed full of energy and it made Angel groan when William turned those crystal blue eyes and bright smile to him. It was always worth it to see that look; that almost innocence peeking through the veil that always seemed to shield the boy.
"So, what's up for tonight?” Spike asked, smoking quickly before he went into the house. That was the only catch; no smoking inside. It was enough to drive him mad at times, but there was always the back porch, or some random room that looked like no one had been in since forever.
"Dinner at home," Angel said, walking into the house followed by William. He looked around; making sure his guest wasn't around. He didn't want to introduce William to his sister until he'd had a chance to ... explain things.
"'Bit tame, Luv," Spike said, walking into the large sitting area. He knew the house well, having spent the last three months worth of weekends there. After tossing his bag onto the first chair he saw, Spike made a B-line for the liquor and poured himself and Angel a small Scotch on the rocks. He walked back to Angel and handed it to him.
"Cheers mate," Spike said, taking a deep drink. He smiled and sank into an open seat facing the window and closed his eyes. This was the only place Spike could truly relax, let down some of his guards he'd put up since being put on the street.
"There's just one thing about dinner," Angel said, sitting down on the arm of Spike's chair. He watched as Spike cocked his head to the side, arching his scarred eyebrow.
"And what's that?” Spike asked. He knew from experience it wasn't a good thing when they said 'there's just one thing'. One thing always meant something he didn't want to do or wouldn't like doing at least. Then that one thing seemed to miraculously turn into two.
"Such a pretty poppet you've got, my Angel," a woman said. Spike spun to look at her. She swayed slightly, her head following the flow of her body. She was dark, like Angel, in hair and eyes, but her skin was like that of a doll, soft and barely pink, almost creamy.
"William, meet my sister, Drusilla," Angel said.
~Part: 2~
"William, meet my sister, Drusilla," Angel said, walking to his sister and leading her to a chair. She stopped when she reached Spike, and bent down to look at him.
"Grr, puppy doesn't like when you call him that," Drusilla said, standing back up. She reached a hand behind her and leaned back into Angel. She rubbed against him, letting her hands run through his hair while Angel just stood there, watching Spike.
"Thinks he's tough as nails with teeth to bite." She mimicked a bite, her teeth clicking. "My Angel, you like it though. Naughty wicked things flow through your mind thinking about his teeth like that. Tsk, tsk. What would Mummy think?"
Spike watched the interaction, entranced and confused...he didn't know what was going on. He was sure though, that this Drusilla, was a nutter. About the only good thing that came out of it was the blush that stole across Angel's face and the erection that made itself known when she'd rubbed her arse against him.
"'Ello, Pet," Spike said, standing up. He took her hand in his and bowed low, placing a kiss on her hand and winked at her. He smiled as she twirled, her hand still in his, and giggled like a schoolgirl. Spike wondered now why Angel had been so nervous about his sister, if this actually was the 'just one thing' he'd been talking about. She wasn't that bad, at least not for being half-mad, and she was pretty as a picture.
"You don't mind if she joins us for dinner?" Angel asked. He hadn't been sure how William would've taken to his sister. Nevertheless, the smiles had cinched it and Angel breathed a sigh of relief.
"It'd be an honor to dine with such a beautiful woman," Spike said, putting on a royal air, bowing again, and again Drusilla smiled brightly.
Angel sat down; drinking his Scotch and watching his boy and his sister interact for most of the afternoon, only speaking when asked a question. His mind was busy elsewhere. He hadn't wanted William to meet Drusilla, at least not yet, not until he'd made the boy his. However, his Mum had dropped her off earlier that day talking about needing a holiday. Moreover, what could Angel say? Besides, it wasn't his sister's fault, and really, he did like her and cared about her, but did it have to be this weekend?
He watched the boy, watched the way his lips quirked into a smile, watched the way he leaned back, letting his legs fall open. Angel hadn't always been this way, this aware of males, this aware of sex in general. That had all changed though, thanks to Rupert and Ethan.
It had started innocently enough, or as innocent as horny young men could be. They'd bunked together in college, having been brought up in the same boarding schools by their parents. They were friends, and sometimes more...or at least Rupert and Ethan had been something more. Angel, for the longest time, couldn't figure out what was off with those two, but he didn't really look too closely. They were his friends after all.
Angel could remember the first night he realized just what Rupert and Ethan were doing on the bunk under him. It had started like all of the other times, with soft murmurings and wet kisses. Words like 'shag' and 'pain' and 'fuck' made their way up through the bunk and to Angel's ears. His cock, he remembered, became so hard, harder then he'd ever felt before. He had stifled a groan as his hand trailed down to touch it. Carefully, Angel had peered over the side of the bed and had watched as Ethan slid into Rupert. He heard Rupert moan and watched as he pushed back onto Ethan, engulfing him. It had been the most erotic thing Angel had ever seen. He remembered beating himself in time with the 'smack' of flesh on flesh. He hadn't known at the time, but Ethan had seen him, seen him look, and seen him jack off.
Something had been said the next day, but as to what, Angel couldn't remember. What he did remember was after the talk, there had been hands...everywhere. Lips that were soft and demanding crushed against him and before he knew it, he was on the bottom bunk surrounded by two gloriously naked bodies. Even now the memory was fuzzy with time, having been relived maybe one too many times, but Angel could remember the feel of them around him, the slickness of the lubricant, the feel of the condom as it was slipped onto him and he was sucked off by one of them. The one thing that would never fade from his memory however was the burn, pressure, and pleasure of being taken from behind.
Angel had reveled in that experience and wondered when it would happen again, but it had gone downhill after his stepfather, a professor at the University, had heard of his stepson's...indiscretions. Angel had been sent home, left there to study not only the business his stepfather had run, but also to take over in his stepfather's internship at the school. It hadn't mattered that that wasn't what Angel had wanted.
Drusilla still lived with them at the time, and Angel had come home a few months before Drusilla had to be taken out of the school. He had watched her slowly go mad. No one had known at the time why. Tests had been run on her, questions and needles, it had been enough for Angel to feel sorry for her. He tried to help her, soothe her through the worst of the tests and prodding, but nothing seemed to help. She had gone downhill fast and no one had any answers.
One day, Angel went to go see Drusilla to ask if she wanted to go for a walk, and he'd found her; clothes tattered, in a pool of her father's blood. She'd laughed, twirled, and made patterns on the wall while Angel had gotten sick just outside the room. She'd been tried, but not convicted. It seemed that her father had been molesting her ever since she was old enough to talk. At least his father had been decent enough not to claim ownership of Angel of him after their mother married Drusilla's father.
Their mother had broken down, claiming she couldn't live in the house anymore and left, leaving Drusilla in his care. Angel had been barely 21 and had a house to look after and a sister. It had seemed like too much, much too much. However, there they were, sitting in that same house, having a conversation...where everyone was staring at him.
"My Angel remembers the birds that have flown by leaving their trail to follow for those that wish it," Drusilla said, mocking secrecy to Spike.
"That so, mate?" Spike asked, turning to Angel. He'd never seen him so deep in thought before, nor had he been seated so far away from him. Usually there was always contact, even if it was just their knees as they sat watching a game on the telly.
"I'm sorry," Angel said, standing up. "Just, thinking is all." He walked over to William and bent down, placing a small kiss on his lips. They both heard Drusilla giggle and clap her hands, but they ignored her.
For some reason, Angel felt drawn to William, as if there were a string between them that always kept them on a tight leash. And, if he looked hard enough, Angel was almost sure he could see it in his boy's eyes as well. But, as soon as he blinked, it was gone.
"Dinner is ready, Sir," the maid said, clearing her throat. She bustled off before Angel could say thank you. He wondered what exactly Joyce had seen. She knew of Angel's...preferences, but he didn't like flaunting it in front of her, of all people. She had been like a mother to him for most of his life.
They all moved to the dinning room, Angel sitting at the head, Spike to his left and Drusilla to his right. The dinner smelled and looked delicious. Spike was ravenous. He'd been hoarding his money lately, skimping on things like food and a place to stay most nights. This would be the first real meal he'd had in a long time. The money he was saving was to get out of the business, but with the pittance Ethan gave out, it looked to be a long journey.
~Part: 3~
The dinner had gone well, with only a few episodes of Drusilla trying to cause trouble, and even one occasion where Spike was sure she had run her foot up his leg to his groin. He'd ignored it, for the most part, only thrusting into it once. That had made Drusilla giggle and wink at him. He liked her. She was funny and different, no matter how much a nutter she was. There were things he didn't understand about her, but Spike was sure that went for Angel as well.
The evening ended much in the same way it would have had Drusilla not been there. They sat down in front of the telly, Scotch in hand, and watched the Rugby game. England Vs. Wales. There'd been some cursing, and even hissing from Drusilla, but England had won.
Now Spike lay up in his bed waiting for the second part of the evening, the part where Angel would sneak into his room, sit in the chair by the window, and watch him. There had been a time where that had creeped Spike out; until he had seen what it was, exactly, Angel had been doing in that chair while watching him. For a while, it had seemed a game. They would be brotherly and friendly during the day, but at night, they would touch themselves, watching as the other mimicked. Spike liked to take the lead, showing Angel just what it was he wanted him to do. Usually it was slow, languorous pulls on his cock as Angel repeated the action on himself, almost growling when Spike let it go on for too long.
Spike tried to fight the sleep that was forcing his eyes closed and his mind to wander. He wanted to stay awake, to wait for Angel, but dreams pounded at the door to his mind, and they won the battle.
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"But, don't you want to make your Princess happy?" Drusilla asked, pouting and sitting down heavily onto her brother's bed. He wasn't cooperating with her and it was starting to make her mad. But, she didn't want to be mad at her Angel. Bad things happened when she was mad. Like her Daddy. He'd made her mad, furious even, and now he was no longer there to punish her for it. His eyes had been large, like cow eyes, set like jewels upon her Daddy's face.
"Of course, I want to make you happy Dru, but what about William?" Angel asked. He didn't like where his sister was going with her train of thought, hard though it was to follow at times. She seemed clear and concise tonight, however, with words and actions.
"Your little poppet would like it very much. He'd squirm like a good boy and be very happy with you," Drusilla said. Her fingers walked along the bed until they came to his leg. She walked her fingers up along his leg, smiling at him.
"Thinks if he's a good boy he'll be rewarded," she says, letting her hand rub up and down Angel's leg. Drusilla could feel as his pants tightened, wondering what little secrets her half-brother kept from her between his legs. He never let her play, but she could always hope.
"Stop it Dru," Angel said, pushing her hand away. He stood up and walked to the window, looking out on the night. She didn't understand. How could she? Hell, even Angel didn't understand it all and he was in the middle of it.
"Just wants to be loved is all," Drusilla said, standing to move up behind him. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his back. "He doesn't remember what love is and my Angel's too scared of it. You think it fire to burn, but it only melts away the snow, leaving the grass to grow green in the sun. But, even grass won't grow if the sun's not there to caress it. Touches don't hurt, but I think your boy wouldn't mind if they did."
Sighing, Angel leaned back into her, letting her words sink in. He actually understood her this time and knew what she meant by them. But could he do it? Could he touch William? Would William allow him to? He hadn't wanted that, not in the beginning. He'd only wanted.hell, he didn't know.
That first day he'd seen William on the street.he hadn't been looking for anything, least of all William. But the way he looked into his eyes, he saw pain and hurt and anguish on the boys face, a face that was too young to have such things written across it. Even now, Angel hadn't known why he'd turned around and doubled back to see the boy. But, when he had, he was glad for it. He saw Ethan there, standing over the boy, his hand tight on William's arm.
His actions had been almost reflex as Angel hopped out of the car and pushed Ethan away from William. The boy turned cold eyes to him, but they softened around the edges, as William had looked Angel up and down. The look had lasted but mere seconds, but Angel remembered it, and in remembering, it seemed to last ages. Turning away from William, Angel had pulled Ethan off to the side.
Everything had been said in hushed voices and furious whispers. Angel knew Ethan, Ethan, it had seemed, owned the boy.he'd wanted a fair trade. Money for William. Ethan would have none of it. Apparently, William had been his top boy, and still was to Angel's knowledge, though he didn't like thinking about such things. Either way, Angel realized no matter how much money he put on the table Ethan would not just hand over William. Therefore, Angel had done the only thing left to him and paid for the weekend.
At the very least, this way Angel would be able to talk to the boy,
see what he was like, and get to know him. There was something about
William that had drawn Angel to him. The way William had sneered
at Ethan as they drove off, the cockney accent that flowed, vulgar though
it could be, from his lips. And those lips.they had been meant for
slow tender kisses that lasted for hours. Unfortunately, Angel was
well aware of William's age, though not his birthday. There were
some lines that he'd been breed not to cross, and while homoeroticism had
been one of them, he didn't think it would bode well to cross that one
along with crossing the age barrier. However, technically William
was of age and probably knew more about what he was getting himself into
then Angel was, Angel still didn't want to be the one to make the first
move. It had to be William. If William made the first move
then Angel could be assured that the boy wanted him. He could let
go of any guilt, of things
shouted in his ear by his stepfather.
"Shh, my sweet Angel," Drusilla said, running her hand over his shoulder and bringing him out of his musings. "He's not here to teach you such lessons anymore."
Drusilla hummed against his back, swaying them both in time to a tune only she could hear. Angel closed his eyes, letting the sounds wash over him. He just couldn't take advantage of William like that. It had been beaten into him, literally, to be good, to stop being a queer. His stepfather had taught him well, and he still bore the scars of such lessons.
Her Angel was in such deep thought, his brow furrowed, she knew she would not get him to play tonight, but that wouldn't stop her. The poppet was truly a treasure, whether her dear half-brother could see it or not. She would play with him at least; leave him with something wonderful, a prezzie maybe.
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Dreams could be tricky things, giving you flashes and feelings of things wanted but which you may never see. William wasn't even sure if he was dreaming, the sensations were so real. It had to be the best feeling in the world; the warm wetness trapping his cock inside, a tongue darting out to lick at him like a cat would lap at milk, quick, feather-light touches. It was enough to drive him mad, but a good mad.
Spike knew if he just opened his eyes, he see Angel there, between his legs, sucking on him. Just the thought of that, the knowing that he could see that, finally, almost made him come. He groaned, bucking up into the mouth.
"Angel," Spike said, trying to keep from deep throating the man. "Please." Begging really wasn't his gig, but.it just felt so good. Every time he came close to shooting off, Angel would back up, not letting him release.
"Shh, Poppet," Drusilla said, licking along the tender underside of Spike's cock. She giggled as Spike's eyes popped open before she took him in her mouth again, watching as his eyes fluttered closed, a moan pouring from his lips.
~Part: 4~
Pacing, it seemed, was the only thing Angel could think to do, or do to think. Drusilla had made a point, odd though that was, in her words. She was right to point out that William would like for Angel to touch him. Hell, Angel would like to touch him, love to touch him, but he couldn't. A look, a kiss, a gentle squeeze on the arse here and there meant nothing...it didn't mean consent, it meant interest, a nice thought. A very nice thought, in Angel's opinion.
There were nights, in the dark, as he sat watching William watch him that they would lock eyes and he could see the need written in his boy's eyes, on his face. Nevertheless, what was Angel waiting for? Did he expect William to just one day pull him onto the bed, work him with his soft, boy-ish hands? Yes, actually, he did. He needed that, wanted that. Angel wanted William to want him, wanted to hear it, to feel it, to know the truth in it.
His stepfather, Wesley, had made sure that he knew right from wrong, knew what was acceptable in society and what wasn't. It didn't matter that Wesley was no judge of that, having molested his daughter for years. The scars, both physical and mental, had made their impressions on Angel. In the dark of night, when his thoughts had turned wicked and he dreamt of his boy laying under him, he could hear his stepfather in the background, telling him it wasn't proper, that Angel was worthless and would amount to nothing. And there were times when Angel had believed him...even in his dreams and musings. He heard it so often, had felt the cut of the belt, the sting of the wood too often not to believe it...even a little.
For tonight, however, he would do as he'd always done with William...he would go in and watch him. He would watch those crystal blue eyes burn into him as William watched Angel work himself. It was unfulfilling, but it would have to do. It was the only thing that didn't leave him feeling dirty in the dark...only unsatisfied.
Walking to the room he kept for William, Angel could hear moans coming from the other side. His lips quirked in a half smile as he thought of his boy getting started without him. Quietly he opened the door and stepped in.
The bed sat in the left hand corner of the room, leaving Angel with an almost side shot of what was going on.
"What is this?" Angel asked softly as he watched Drusilla move on top of William.
"You've come to play, my Angel," Drusilla crooned. "He was waiting like a good boy, holding it all for you, but I wanted my taste first. Like candy he is, sweet and sticky."
Spike didn't hear a word Drusilla had said. He stopped moving, stopped thinking and turned wide, scared eyes to Angel. The fury was written all over the older man's face.
"Angel, I...," Spike said, his voice trailing off. He couldn't think of an excuse, and really, there wasn't one. He'd woken up to Drusilla working him with her mouth. It had been wonderful and different, and he hadn't made her stop. He should've made her stop. Then she'd convinced him with pretty words that Angel wouldn't mind, that she just wanted to play. He'd never been with a female before. It had been new and exciting, but now, looking at Angel, he was devastated, angry, and hurt. He'd been played by the raven-haired girl, manipulated, and he hadn't put up a fight.
Pushing Drusilla off him, Spike tore off the condom and went to Angel. Words weren't spoken, and the crooning of Drusilla didn't reach them. They stared at each other. All Spike wanted to do was reach out to Angel and pull him to him, kiss him, let him know that what he wanted wasn't Drusilla, but Angel.
"What the hell is going on?" Angel asked again, his voice low and shaking with anger. He wanted to backhand the boy in front of him. He wanted William to hurt the way he was hurting right now. That had been the last thing he'd thought he'd ever see, his sister riding the boy he wanted.
"Woke up an' she was here," Spike said. "Angel, I didn't know...I thought...don't know what I thought."
"Obviously," Angel said.
"The Poppet did nothing wrong, my Angel," Drusilla said, walking to her half brother, naked, not a stitch on. "He was so lonely waiting for you to come play with him. Dreams snatched at him, pulling him to and fro. He thought I was you at first. Cried your name out like a song."
"Shut up, Dru," Angel said. He didn't want to hear anything from his half sister. It was bad enough that it had been her; he didn't need to hear about how his name sounded on his boys lips as she...he couldn't even think it, let alone say it.
"Don't be cross, Luv."
"I'll be cross if I damn well please," Angel said, not looking at her. "Get out of here, Dru."
"But, my Angel."
"Get out."
Drusilla walked out of the room, but on her way out, she reached out to touch Angel. He grabbed her wrist, finally turning to her. He burned holes through her, holding her wrist a little too hard before letting go. She turned and left quickly, tears in her eyes, but Angel knew she'd be alright. Drusilla was always alright.
Moving further into the room, Angel sat down at the seat near the window. He leaned forward and rubbed his eyes, trying to get rid of the image of Drusilla on top of William. Angel took a few deep breaths before looking up at his boy.
"Sit down," Angel said, his voice a bit calmer. He watched as William walked to the bed and sat down.
"Look, mate-"
"Just shut up for a moment," Angel said, cutting William off. He didn't know what he was going to say, but just the sound of his boy's voice made his chest hurt, made him hurt. He didn't quite know how this had happened. How did Drusilla end up getting to William? How had it all gone so wrong?
Spike sat on the bed, waiting for Angel. He expected rage, a fist, yelling, but not the silence that greeted him. It was unnerving and worse than any beating, or so it seemed. What was worse was that he couldn't explain himself, couldn't make an excuse. At first, yeah, he could have told Angel he'd thought it a dream, thought it to be Angel sucking and licking. However, he couldn't use that, he'd seen who it was between his legs; he'd known it was Drusilla. Still, Spike hadn't stopped her, hadn't pushed her away like he knew now he should have.
Standing up quickly, Angel walked to the door without looking back at William. He wanted out; the air felt like it was choking him.
"Angel! Wait!" Spike yelled, placing a hand on Angel's arm. He didn't see the elbow until it was too late and it connected with his jaw. Spike staggered backwards, hitting the bed and dropping to his knees on the floor.
"Oh God," Angel said, horror written on his face. He hadn't meant to do that. He looked down at William, the boy's hand held to his face.
"I'm sorry," Angel said, and left the room.
"Bloody hell," Spike cursed under his breath. He stood up, letting the room spin for a moment before it righted itself. Quickly, Spike grabbed his pants, put them on, not bothering with any other clothing, and ran after Angel. He'd fucked it up; he knew he fucked it up.
"Angel, wait!" Spike called out again when he saw Angel turn a corner, but the man didn't wait, just kept going in that long stride of his, head hung.
Finally, Spike caught up to Angel as he stepped outside onto the rather expansive back deck that led down to the large yard. This was where Spike liked to smoke sometimes, especially when the sun when down and all of the colors could be seen in the sky. Nevertheless, this wasn't about the sky, this was about Angel. Spike remembered his father telling him once about responsibility, or something like that. The memory was fuzzy, but he knew he had to make it right with Angel. He had to find a way to make it up to him. His time with Angel was the best he'd had in years and he wouldn't give it up now because he'd messed up.
"What do you want?" Angel asked, not looking at Spike. He didn't want to see the boy. He couldn't. It hurt, painful and scorching, to see those eyes and to know that Drusilla was the one to see pleasure written on them at her hands.
"Lots of things, I 'spose, but doubt that's what you were askin', mate," Spike said, more casually then he felt. He withdrew his cigarettes from his pants and lit one, offering one to Angel. He took it, still not looking at Spike and lit up, inhaling deeply before turning and walking further away from the boy.
"I wanted lots of things for you," Angel said softly. "Wanted you."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked, confused. He wasn't sure he was hearing what he thought he was.
"I tried to buy you, from Ethan," Angel said, pulling on the cigarette again. He didn't know why he'd said that, told William that, but he had.
"That right?" Spike asked, curious. What had this man gone through for him? Was it for him?
"Yeah," Angel said, a short laugh trailing after the word. "Do you know what he did? Or did he even tell you?"
Finally, Angel turned around and looked at William; saw the bruise that was beginning to form on his left cheek. Slowly, Angel raised his hand to touch it, to smooth the hurt away. He watched at William's eyes fluttered closed and his head tilted towards Angel. But Angel couldn't do it, touch him, not yet at least; and so he let his hand fall away. Blue eyes stared back at him, hurt and confused.
"No, he didn't tell you, did he? No. Instead, he'd told me you were his and I could only borrow, like before with Rupert. I'm allowed to touch, smell, taste, but never have. It was always the way Ethan was and I'm not surprised it hasn't changed.
"You are his, you know. He owns you. I can't...I can't have you," Angel said.
"'M not his. Never was," Spike said, moving closer to Angel. He'd never known about Ethan and Angel. There was a past there, he could see it in the haunted eyes of the older man. It was written all over his face, the way it fell every time he said Ethan's name. There'd been a time when Spike would've reacted the same way, but no more, no longer.
"You are!" Angel yelled. "You'll always be his! You don't just walk away from Ethan. You don't just tell him goodbye and expect that all ties will be cut and nothing will come to pass over time. There's always a price with Ethan, always. I was willing to pay that price for you, in money, but he didn't want that. You're too 'precious' to him for just money to please him."
Spike stood there, shocked. This was the most he'd ever heard about this from Angel. He'd known there'd been a reason behind the soft kisses and the ghost-like touches, but he'd thought it something more mundane, not jealousy.
"Are you daft?" Spike asked.
"What?"
"Said, are you daft? 'M not his no more then the bloody sun belongs to you."
"You don't understand, William."
"Nothin' to understand, mate. He's just a man, an arse of a man, but a man. He's got nothin' over me but money, and that I'm gettin' well enough on my own. Was gonna leave in a bit, break it off, tell him to find another little boy to play with."
"He won't let you."
"Like hell he won't. He's got no say. 'S my life, my body! I'll do what I damn well please with it."
"He'll hunt you down, find you."
"Let 'em try, yeah? Wasn't plannin' on runnin', mate. 'M not afraid of him."
"You should be. You don't know him. Hell, even I don't know him."
~Part: 5~
Angel and William stood there staring at each other, neither backing down, neither giving up. William was convinced that he could make a clean break from Ethan and Angel was convinced that William couldn't.
"Where will you go?” Angel asked, chasing the silence away.
"Don't know yet, do I?” Spike said, leaning on a nearby rail. Somehow, this had gotten way off topic. He had wanted to apologize for Drusilla, tell Angel...tell Angel something, anything. Instead, he ended up divulging something that was meant to be a secret. Really, no one was supposed to know he was leaving Ethan. Now Angel knew.
"You know you can't tell him, right?"
Angel looked over at William. Did the boy actually think he'd go to Ethan, let him know he was planning on leaving? He could never...would never do something like that. He felt anyone was better off without Ethan in their lives. Angel knew just what a bastard he could be.
"I can't believe you just asked me that, William," Angel said softly. "I would never."
They both knew they were avoiding the subject of Drusilla. It seemed easier that way; to think it never happened, to play it off as nothing more than a fluke perhaps.
"Thanks mate," Spike said, tossing his cigarette. He looked over at Angel who was still staring out at the expanse of lawn. Already, after just a glance, Spike could feel himself drawn to the older man. He spoke of power and pain, hurt and comfort, things not easily found, things Spike needed. There was even a feeling of love, though Spike didn't ponder that for too long.
Nodding, Angel stood up. What was next? He didn't know, but he knew he couldn't let William go. Not to face Ethan at least. If nothing else, he would help William break away from Ethan, make it at least an easier break from the monster. After that, William's fate was his own. Angel wouldn't interfere, wouldn't make William choose. If the boy came to him...well, best not to think on that. He didn't want to get his hopes up.
Walking up to William, Angel stood in front of him, looking into the blue depths that always seemed guarded and sharp, as if his eyes had edges to cut, and they did. They cut Angel deep, left him wounded because leaving Ethan meant leaving him...and the boy didn't realize it, or did and didn't want to tell Angel it was over. Without another word, Angel turned and walked into the house, leaving William on the porch.
------------------------
The number stared back at Angel, mocking him, calling him weak for not picking up the phone. At least, that's the way it seemed to Angel. He had come into his study, sat down, and pulled Ethan's number out to call him.
Words. They were the problem. With Ethan, you needed the right words in the right combination or else the time bomb went off and would take part of you with it. Finesse was needed to help William, not a bomb. Though, the thought of bombing Ethan did have its appeal. It would certainly solve many of the problems that would arise from William leaving Ethan, but no Angel couldn't kill in cold blood. He could barely lie, even the little white ones. That lesson too had been made perfectly clear by his stepfather.
Taking a deep breath, Angel dialed the number and listened as it rang, his fingers of his other hand tapped nervously on the desk in front of him. After the tenth ring he was about to hang up with Ethan's familiar voice traveled over the line.
"Hello?"
"50,000 pounds for the boy," Angel said. His eyes rolled as he heard Ethan laugh.
"What, no hello, no nice to talk to you again Ethan? I must say, Angel, you'd think you didn't like me," Ethan said.
"Hello Ethan. 50,000 pounds for the boy," he said again. Angel didn't want to be on the phone longer then he had to. Already the sound of Ethan's voice was putting him on edge. He wished for one of William's cigarettes right then, anything to take the edge off. Spotting the crystal under the window, Angel got up and poured himself a glass, waiting for Ethan to answer. Was it a good sign he was taking his time in answering Angel? No, it was never that simple with Ethan. He was more likely to be thinking of a way to twist Angel up inside.
"Why this one, Angel? I've got other boys, you know, younger boys. Take your pick of them, but Spike is mine," Ethan said.
"I don't want your other boys. I thought I made myself clear," Angel said, downing half the glass in one harsh swallow. He'd be drunk by the time he got off the phone. Might not be a bad idea to speed that up. He topped off his
"Perfectly, which is why I'm loathe to give him to you, Angel. Well, that and he is the best of my boys. However, you should know...that mouth. He does know what he's doing, doesn't he."
Angel had no response to that. He couldn't tell Ethan that no, he didn't know about William's mouth, nor anything other than those lips and hands, and even those from a distance. That would only fuel Ethan on.
"He's mine now Ethan. I'll take him, keep him since you won't take my money," Angel said and hung up the phone.
That had been the right decision, Angel was sure of it. Then, why were his hands shaking and why did he need another drink? Because, he'd just incurred Ethan's wrath. He'd have to get William out, and soon. There was no time to spare. It could be hours or days before Ethan showed up to get his boy, but Ethan <i>would</i> come and he wouldn't be happy. If they were lucky, Ethan would think Angel to be joking and wait until William was due back on Monday morning.
----------------------
"The light of day burns away all the things that crawl in the night leaving everything pure, but it's not pure, is it, Pet," Drusilla said, walking, or more dancing, onto the patio.
Spike had stayed after Angel walked off, thinking, smoking, trying to figure things out. There were times when Spike thought that maybe, just maybe Angel would touch him, show some interest other then just...watching him. But, he was sure he'd messed all that up when Drusilla had taken her part of him.
Looking up, Spike groaned. He so didn't want to talk to Drusilla right then. She was part of the reason he was so messed up.
"If you don't mind, Luv, was tryin' to enjoy the sunrise for a bit by myself," Spike said, not turning to look at her. He'd seen more then enough of her earlier that night.
"I didn't sing to you and now you're cross with me," Drusilla said, a small whimper trailing her words. She came to stand next to him. She lifted her hand, let it hover just over his cheek, and closed her eyes. "Ring, ring, goes the bell. The dark raven sings to the hawk, but he doesn't listen. Want's to keep the bluebird to himself. There'll be squalling 'fore long, fights in flight and feathers left to fall alone to the ground."
Her hand fell back to her side and she opened her eyes. Spike hadn't a clue what she was talking about. Birds? What did birds have to do with Angel?
"Ri-ight," Spike said, lighting up another cigarette. He wished she'd leave so he could sulk in peace. Not that he was sulking, more...contemplating, thinking things over. He still hadn't figured out a way to break off from Ethan that wouldn't get him killed or leave him homeless.
----------------------
Placing a few more calls to some 'friends' that owed him, Angel was able to procure a small apartment out of London. It was actually owned by a business partner that had fallen to some hard times. The money Angel was paying him to house William would clear up much of the debts.
After his fourth glass of Scotch, Angel got up, albeit a bit unsteadily, confident that he'd thought through everything, and headed up to his room. It'd been almost twenty-four hours since he'd slept and he could feel each minute on the long walk to his bed. The hardest thing of all would be telling William he had to leave. Hopefully, the boy would understand.
Toeing off his shoes, Angel slowly stripped, leaving his clothes in a trail as he walked to his bed. He had barely enough energy to pull back the covers before he collapsed...dead asleep.
------------------------
A tight knot formed in Spike's belly as he slowly opened the door to
Angel's room. He hadn't thought about what he was going to do, he'd
just done it. So many times Angel had gone into the room he stayed
in while he was there, so many times Spike woke up to the perfect vision
of Angel holding himself, pumping slowly, lids half closed in pleasure.
He wondered why the first time, but never really gave it much thought other
than idle musings. Now, however, he would be the one watching, waiting
with cock in hand for Angel to open his eyes and see him.
He'd thought for a long while after Drusilla had left him on the patio.
He wanted Angel. There was something about the older man, that quiet
way he had about him, the way he always seemed to leave Spike wanting for
more. Well, if Angel wouldn't give more, Spike would take it.
The worst that could happen...well, he didn't want to think about the worst.
Spike stopped his movement when he heard Angel move in the bed just a few feet in front of him. When he was sure Angel was asleep, Spike crept forward. He'd taken his shoes and shirt off in his room when he'd grabbed the lube from his night sack. Setting the lube on the nightstand next to the bed, Spike slipped out of his pants.
Just the sight of Angel, sprawled out, one hand tossed above his head, the covers barely covering below his waist, one leg outside the covers...he had to stifle a groan. His lips begged to touch that skin, wanted to taste it between his teeth.
Carefully, Spike lay on the bed, holding his breath each time a whisper escaped Angel's lips. He was used to fucking, being fucked, but seducing; making someone want him...that wasn't Spike's strong suit. He didn't know where to begin, didn't even know what Angel liked, what he didn't like. He had a feeling, however, that even Angel didn't know.
Spike was fully erect as he lay on his side, looking at Angel. With his free hand, he grabbed his cock and began to slowly pump it, paying special attention to the head. What he wanted was to touch Angel, have Angel touch him in return. How bad could it be, or how mad would Angel get? He decided to find out.
Leaning forward, Spike captured Angel's nipple with his lips, licking it as it hardened. He could hear Angel's breath coming in small pants and smiled to himself. Next, he let his other hand roam over the large expanse of Angel's chest, marveling in the feel of it under his hand. Next, he moved his leg, hooking over Angel's and rubbed himself into Angel's hip as his mouth traveled to Angel's throat and then his lips.
Spike hadn't even noticed that Angel was kissing back until one strong arm had him around the waist. He pulled back quickly and looked into Angel's eyes. He'd been caught and his heart seemed to have lodged itself in his throat.
"William," Angel said, trying to clear the cobwebs of sleep from his mind. He'd been having a wonderful dream, full of his boy, only to wake up to William practically atop him, kissing and touching him.
Spike tried to back away, unsure what the blank _expression on Angel's face meant, taking it as disapproval. Angel's arm tightened around Spike and he looked back.
"Stay," Angel said softly. If it was a dream, then he wanted it to finish. He wanted to know, if only once, what his boy felt like under him, wanted to know every inch of him.
"Okay," Spike said, lunging for Angel's mouth. That simple word, spoken in the early light of dawn meant more to Spike then every other word Angel had ever spoken to him. It was a confirmation of sorts in Spike's mind.
They kissed hungrily as if starved, and they were, starved for each other at least. They'd denied themselves the feel of the other. Now, it was a free for all.
Quickly, Angel pulled Spike fully atop him, thrusting up into William.
The feel of flesh sliding against flesh made Angel groan. He'd denied
himself that contact, kept it just out of arms reach, and now he understood
what his sub-conscious had been trying to tell him. Just the feel
of his boy like that and Angel knew without a doubt that he would crave
it every night after.
Spike broke from the kiss, trailing tongue and lips down Angel's body
as he watched the older man fist his hand in the sheets, clawing for the
bed. He stopped at the erection that was now his focus. Taking
it in hand, Spike darted his tongue out, gathering the pre-come that leaked
from the tip. He smiled to himself as Angel groaned again.
"Please, William," Angel said on a sigh. His boy was torturing him...in the best possible way, but he wanted more. Craved more like William was a drug.
"Shh, Pet. Plenty of time to make you feel good," Spike said, letting his hand trail up and down Angel's shaft, stopping at the tip to dip his nail in the small hole. That brought a strangled gasp from Angel and Spike smiled again.
Finally, Spike dipped his head down to take in Angel's cock. Slowly he let his tongue swirl around the thick hardness in his mouth, making sure to feel every bit of the silky skin. He began to bob his head, sucking, and feeling, pumping what he couldn't fit into his mouth with his hand.
Angel was beside himself with the feel of it. His boy was good, he knew from rumors, but...it went beyond good to the best thing Angel had ever felt. Neither Ethan nor Rupert had ever given him a blowjob and his hand couldn't compare. He opened his eyes when William's mouth had left him. William was reaching to the nightstand and grabbing something.
"What do you want, Angel?” Spike asked, showing off the tube of lube. He smiled as Angel's shocked expression. It was apparently a night for surprises and Spike was glad he was the one to give them.
"You, want you," Angel said. It had been a silly question. Of course he wanted William. Didn't the boy know that?
"Got me, Luv," Spike said, putting the lube in Angel's hand. "Slick me up, yeah? Wanna feel you inside of me, fillin' me up."
It seemed those were the words that caused Angel's mind to shut down and his jaw to drop, as if they were the 'stop button' to his brain. Finally, he shook it off and sat up, popping the lube open and putting some on his fingers. He'd had this done to him, the preparation, the lube, but he'd never done it to anyone else. It couldn't be that hard, could it? However, Angel's mouth when dry when he saw the back end of William positioned in the air in front of him.
"Come on, Luv," Spike said, looking over his shoulder and wriggling his arse. "Want you inside."
Taking one slickened finger, Angel trailed it between William's arse cheeks, feeling for the pucker he knew to be hidden within. No sooner did he find then William was pushing back, a soft moan coming from him.
"More," Spike said, pushing harder on Angel's finger. Just the
sensation of Angel's finger buried in him made him crave for more, made
him want to beg for it to be Angel's cock.
With his free hand, Angel spread one of William's cheeks and moved
his finger inside of his boy. He could tell his boy had cleaned himself,
prepared himself. He wondered how long William had been planning
this, but right then, it didn't matter. He was preoccupied with reaching
into William, trying to find the spot he knew was hidden deep inside.
Finding the nub, Angel ran his finger over it and the jerk of Spike's body
and the quick gasp let him know he'd found it. Backing off, Angel
inserted another finger and reached for it again.
By the time Angel had three fingers in his boy, William was practically fucking himself on Angel's fingers.
Spike groaned in protest when Angel removed his fingers. He heard a drawer open then closed and looked over his shoulder to see what was going on. He watched as Angel placed a condom on, wishing Angel had asked him to do it for him.
"Turn around and come here," Angel said. He slid down so he wasn't
sitting upright and pulled William to him, making sure he was comfortable.
Grabbing his boy by the back of the head, Angel brought him down for a
demanding kiss, sucking on his lips and battling with his tongue.
Breaking off the kiss, Spike positioned himself over Angel, and sank
down, letting gravity do its work. They both moaned loudly at the
sensation, but Spike couldn't wait. He raised himself up and sank
back down, angling himself so it felt the best.
----------------------
"It's about time, isn't it Miss Edith," Drusilla said to the doll. She covered the doll's eyes with a blindfold and walked back to her room, leaving Angel and Spike to finish.
~Part: 6~
It was either early evening or late morning, either way Angel couldn't be bothered to make it out of bed. He hurt in all the right places, muscles protesting every movement due to lack of use. He was, for the most part, comfortably numb. The other deciding factor for his laziness was the boy that lay half atop him, snoring softly on his chest.
Kissing him lightly on the forehead, Angel closed his eyes again, wishing sleep to take him back into its folds. It was peaceful there without worries, or regrets, without thought for tomorrow, let alone the next few minutes. He could lie there, cuddled in warmth with his boy until the world came crashing down around him; and even then, he wasn't sure he'd want to move.
He smiled to himself when he heard soft whisperings as William spoke in his sleep. Angel couldn't understand him, but he found the act endearing, just one more thing to love about the boy. Love? That brought Angel back to himself. Did he love the boy? Well, he did care for him, wanted William to be by his side always. In fact, if he were to be honest with himself, he'd fallen in love with William the moment those sharp crystal blue eyes had turned his way. Why else would he have tried to buy him from Ethan?
"Oi!” Spike cried out indignantly as he was tossed unceremoniously from his perfect spot atop Angel. He'd been dreaming and really hadn't wanted to be disturbed...it was just getting to the good part.
Getting up quickly, Angel grabbed the nearest pair of pants and tried to put them on, finding they were too small. He tossed them at William and grabbed for his discarded pants, pulling them on hurriedly. How could he have forgotten his call to Ethan? He had to get William out of there, and now. There was no telling when Ethan would come calling, or send someone for the boy.
"Get dressed," Angel said quickly, grabbing a shirt out of his closet.
"Mornin' to you too, mate," Spike said grumpily. It was one thing to wake up suddenly, it was another to be told to get up, get dressed, and get out. He'd been sure that Angel'd like their little tryst that night...or morning. What had happened since then? Or, was it just the day after regret most people had after sleeping with a hooker?
"I'm sorry, we don't have time. Are your pants all you have in here?” Angel asked, distracted. He watched as William climbed out of bed, his body in full view, cock and all. Angel looked at him, walked over quickly, pulled William into his arms, and kissed him deeply.
"I'm sorry, really I am, but we have to leave...now. Get dressed, get your stuff together. I don't know how much time we have."
Spike narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. He grabbed his pants, put them on and walked down the hall to his room and got dressed, making sure everything was in his pack.
"Right, you're gonna explain, Luv," Spike said, tossing the pack over his shoulder and followed Angel down the hall and out to the garage.
"I will, but not right now," Angel said, looking around. There didn't seem to be anyone on the property and no one driving up that he could see. Nevertheless, that didn't mean there wasn't someone, somewhere, lurking in the shadows. No, Ethan wouldn't do that. He wouldn't be the shadow type. He'd come at you, so you knew it was him twisting the knife, figurative though it may be.
Something was wrong, that much Spike could tell. Angel was acting
dodgy, looking around and over his shoulder. Spike didn't like it.
Angel better tell him sooner rather than later.
They both climbed into one of Angel's cars. Spike noticed that
this one didn't have the new car smell like he was used to and the seats
were worn, comfortable. Just something new to add to the growing
list of questions Spike had for Angel. He watched as they drove in
silence, Angel checking the mirrors more then Spike thought necessary.
There were things Spike could think, things that would break him in
two if he were to think about them. He tried not to think at all,
instead, chain smoking and watching the countryside pass them by.
But, every now and then, when he wasn't paying attention, questions would
enter his mind, worm their way around until he was grinding his teeth in
anger, or fighting back tears of hurt. Why had they left in such
a hurry? Was there someone coming over?
Someone so important Angel didn't want Spike around? And just
what the hell was making Angel act like he was a criminal? So he'd
slept with a prostitute. It wasn't as uncommon as some people think.
Spike could name a few big names that were on Willow and Tara's weekly
rounds, people whose lives could be destroyed. Could Angel's life
be destroyed by Spike's presence at his home? Was there someone watching,
someone that would use that information against Angel? There were
just too many questions and not enough answers. Actually, there were
no answers. Spike knew next to nothing about Angel or about what
he did for a living. He hadn't needed to know. Spike was happy
just being with the older man.
"I called Ethan," Angel said, breaking the tense silence. He
didn't look over at William, but could see from the corner of his eye that
he was shocked and none too pleased.
"You bloody did what!?” Spike cried out. He didn't know what else to say. His mouth worked like a fish out of water, but no words came.
"I called Ethan."
"Yeah, heard that part, still waitin' for the why of it. What the hell's wrong with you, mate? I asked you not to tell 'im -"
"I didn't tell him that you were leaving him," Angel said, cutting William off. "I told him you were mine."
"Oh," Spike said, surprise written on his face. What else could
he say to that? "When?"
"After I left you on the patio."
"Told 'im I was yours?"
"Yeah."
"Am I?"
"Are you what?"
"Am I yours, then? A bloke should know these things. Wouldn't have thought so, what with the way you carried on like a Priest, hiddin' in the shadows yankin' on yourself like it was a sin."
"That's not...I didn't...I'm not a Priest," Angel said, flailing for words. "And yes, you’re mine. I mean, if you want to be."
"I wanted to break from him on my own, you know. Like a bit of a prezzie for myself. But no, you had to go and bollocks it all up for me," Spike said. It was more to himself, just something to fill the silence that would have preceded Angel's statement. He wasn't sure yet if he wanted to be Angel's...completely Angel's.
"Present, for what?” Angel asked. William hadn't said if he was Angel’s or not, though, honestly, he'd not asked a question but instead left it open. He wanted the boy, now more then ever, but Angel could wait.
"Birthday, of course," Spike said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. But, that was another thing they hadn't shared in the dark of night. So many things left unsaid and unasked. If they were to be together as it seemed Angel wanted, as Spike wanted, he'd have to remedy that. Angel was far too closed off for Spike's liking.
"Oh...I didn't know."
"Obviously," Spike said, giving a short laugh. "So where we goin',
mate, or is it a secret?"
"Somewhere safe. A friend owed me a favor," Angel says.
"Right, secret it is then."
They lapsed back into silence, this time a bit more comfortable then when they'd started out. Spike's fear of Angel rejecting him had been assuaged and Angel's fear of Spike's anger was apparently, unfounded.
The ride was getting too long for Spike. He was getting antsy,
smoking like a bandit again and shifting in his seat. The radio was
flipped on for a while until Spike deemed there was nothing but rubbish
on before it was turned off again. Angel pulled over for lunch, letting
Spike get out to stretch his legs. It also gave Angel time to confirm
that everything was set up for Spike.
Not minutes after they pulled back onto the country road, Spike's mobile
rang.
"It's Ethan," Spike said, his voice flat and emotionless. He'd forgotten about the little phone until it had ringed. Usually, on his weekends with Angel, Ethan left him alone until he was 'back at work' before he called to set up the next John. This call didn't bode well.
"Give it here," Angel said. He took the phone from Spike and answered it.
"You have what's mine," Ethan said before Angel could say hello.
"He's not yours anymore Ethan," Angel said, glancing over at William. His boy was looking away, but Angel could tell he was paying close attention.
"Oh really? Is that what you think?” Ethan said, laughing softly into the phone. "He's mine, old friend, and always will be. Just like your pretty little sister is yours."
"Leave Dru out of this!” Angel yelled into the phone.
"My Angel, the hawk has come with talons to cut. Make him stop," Drusilla cried into the phone.
"Goddamit, Ethan!” Angel yelled again. He could hear his sister's whimpers and soft sobs through the phone, overshadowed by Ethan's laughter.
"Bring me back what's mine and you can have your sister back in one piece," Ethan said, hanging up.
Angel yelled in fury, tossing the phone at the dashboard. He pulled the car over to the side as far as he could and sat there.
Looking over at Angel, Spike could see Angel's knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. From what he'd overheard, Ethan had Drusilla and wanted a fair trade. Spike shuddered in his seat. He knew what horrors Ethan was capable of and he hated to think that poor girl, damaged already in some way, at that masochist’s hands.
"Turn around," Spike said.
~Part: 7~
Gravel flew as Angel gunned the car and turned it around. They'd driven almost two hours. That meant Dru would be alone with Ethan for two hours or a little less, seeing as Angel was gunning the car as fast as it would go. However, who knew how long she'd been with him before then? Had Angel left in too much of a hurry? Had Ethan already been there, waiting, knowing that without an advantage of some sort he wouldn't have Angel's attention? Dru was in trouble, and it was all Angel's fault. He knew it, felt it, and hated himself for not bringing her with them.
"Might help if we get there in one piece, mate," Spike said as Angel swerved to miss hitting a car. He understood the need to hurry. Spike of all people knew best what to expect when they got there. The worst would wait though. Ethan would wait for Angel to be there, needing Angel to see the look on Dru's face when he hurt her.
----------------------------
"He shouldn't have run off with my boy like that," Ethan said, walking towards Drusilla. Ethan had never thought he'd see the day when Angel would stand up to him. Angel had been an early experiment for Ethan, seeing just how much it would take to bend someone to his will...and Angel had been such a quick study. There had been a time when Angel would have died for him if that were what Ethan had wanted.
"Hiss like a snake and words like poison, but my Angel knows the cure," Drusilla said, closing her eyes, her voice quivering. She was trying to be brave, trying to keep together for her Angel and his boy.
"You'll not be allowed over for tea next time," Drusilla said, laughing now. "Bad doggies don't get their tea." She barks, and growls, and laughs as they look at her oddly. They think her a loon, something to ignore and let flop on the ground like a fish out of water, but she wasn't. Well, a loon, yes, but not a fish out of water, and <i>not</i> something to be ignored.
"That's too bad," Ethan said, looking down on the girl. "I didn't come for tea, I came for blood. I came for what's mine."
Silently, he nodded to Rupert. Drusilla cowered as well as she could, tied to the wall. The first bite of the whip stung her and she heard the material of her dress tear. The second swipe came and she cried out. Within minutes, she was hanging from the ropes tied around her wrists, praying to God, asking for something, anything. He'd helped her once with her Daddy, she was sure he would help again with her tormentors.
"You think he'll come and save you, sweet?" Ethan asked, nodding to Rupert to stop with the whip. Her back was bloody, raw, torn, and it was beautiful. He walked up behind her, slowly tracing each mark with his hand, loving the way she gasped and groaned when it pained her. She responded much the same way he remembered Angel responding to his 'attentions'.
"You think him still your puppet, but my Angel's cut his strings and he stands upright," Drusilla said softly. "And you're not nearly rough enough. Just a pup, you are, acting like he's grown. My Daddy knew how to hurt me right and proper like."
"Such a beauty, beggin' for it the way you do," Ethan said, walking over to the table where earlier Rupert had laid everything out. He looked over the selection, finding the knife, sharp and long, that he loved to use. It was beautifully engrained with a cherry red handle. He walked back over to Drusilla and slowly turned her around on the ropes, twisting her wrists and forcing her torn back to lie against the wall. She hissed, but only for a moment.
Drusilla saw the knife, watched as the light played on it, made it look as if it were dancing. She smiled at Ethan, laughing softly as he scowled. Her back was in pain, but she knew it wouldn't last. Her Angel was coming, she knew. He would save her, or she him. Either way, there would be hell to pay.
-----------------------------
The drive back, while silent, was filled with apprehension and tension. Angel wasn't sure just how much of Ethan young William had seen. Did the boy know what they would see when they made it back to the house?
"I want you to stay in the car when we get there," Angel said without preamble.
"Like bloody hell I will," Spike said, turning in his seat. There was no way in hell Spike was going to let Angel go in there all by himself. Knowing Ethan, he had a few people with him. Spike couldn't lose Angel, not now, not after they'd been together. He still wasn't sure if he loved the older man, but he did care for him, and his sister.
"Just do it," Angel said, his voice hard. He didn't want William to argue. If anything were to happen to William...it was just better for him to wait in the car.
"No," Spike said, turning in his seat to face Angel. He wasn't going to put up with it from Ethan anymore, and he damn sure wasn't going to put up with it from Angel. He needed to stand on his own two feet and he wouldn't be able to do that if he listened to everyone all of the time. Plus, it was his fault Drusilla was in trouble. He'd wanted to do it on his own, break away from Ethan on his own to avoid this type of thing.
"Yes," Angel said, grinding his teeth. He wished for once that William would just listen. Nevertheless, the boy was stubborn, hardheaded, and just the way Angel liked him. "Fine, but don't do anything stupid."
Spike nodded and smiled smugly to himself. That was easier then he thought it would be. Either way, it didn't matter. What mattered now was getting back to Drusilla in time for...for what, they had no clue.
"Hand me the phone," Angel said, getting an idea. There wasn't much chance in everyone getting out of this situation in tact. Not to mention, Ethan may hurt someone, even kill them, just for the thrill. Angel put nothing past Ethan, not even life.
"We're almost there," Spike said.
"I know, just...give me the phone."
"Why?"
"Do you trust me?"
Angel held his breath while William seemed to mull that over.
For a minute, Angel was sure that William didn't trust him, was sure he
was going to ask why again and Angel couldn't go into it, not then.
Maybe, if they all got out of this with their lives, he would tell William
about his past with Ethan...he would have to. Finally, William nodded
and handed him the phone. Angel pressed redial and slipped into a
persona he hadn't touched in what seemed like ages.
"Changed your mind yet?" Ethan asked, not bothering to say hello.
He was sure it was his boy...begging to come back. The voice he heard,
however, was not the one he had been expecting, but it was a nice surprise.
"Is she hurt, Master?" Angel asked into the phone. It pained him to find that he could so easily slip back into the role. He didn't dare look over at William, afraid of the disgust he was sure he would see on his face. Instead, he kept driving, watching the road, concentrating on keeping the charade up, though sadly, it wasn't that hard.
"Well, well," Ethan said, laughing into the phone. "Had a change of heart, have we?"
"Yes, Master," Angel said, cringing as the words came almost automatically. What does William think of him? He couldn't help but glance over. William's face, however, was turned towards the window and obscured from view. Angel didn't know if that was good or bad...probably a bit of both.
"Is that so, well, I must say, I'm a bit shocked, Angel. I didn't think you would turn so easily on my boy," Ethan said. Just the sound of Angel's voice, soft and obedient like that was making him hard, making him want Angel again. Ethan knew the man could take everything Ethan dished out and still beg for more when he was done. He wondered if it truly could be that Angel would come back to him as he had done before.
"No, Master, not on the boy," Angel said. "Me for my sister." Angel could see William's head snap around at that from the corner of his eye, but he couldn't look, he couldn't explain, he just had to do this. Laughter could be heard through the phone and Angel could tell that Ethan wasn't the only one there with Drusilla.
"Now Angel, you know I can't do that," Ethan said, tisking into the phone. "Though, I must say, it is so very nice to hear you like this again. I never thought I'd see the day. Maybe later, if you're good, you can beg."
The last bit was said softly, but Angel heard it and had to stifle back a groan. No matter what, Ethan had been the one to shape Angel, to mold him into what he was. Ethan had been the one to tell Angel what he wanted and what felt good to him. And even with all of that conditioning, even knowing that's what it was making him react that way, Angel still hated it.
"Would you like that whore?"
"Yes, Master."
"Of course you would. But, there's just one problem."
"What is that, Master?"
"I want the boy too."
~Part: 8~
Ethan set down the phone and turned, smiling, to Drusilla. The sudden turn of Angel, calling him Master like that, had been an unexpected surprise.
"It's just like a costume party," Drusilla crooned from her spot on the wall. "Shh, I'm a princess and you’re a prince, but only for tonight. Mustn't show yourself. The clock'll ring and ring, then you can take off the mask. It'll be so much fun. We'll all dance under the moon and I'll wear my good slippers."
"That's right, sweetling, a party," Ethan said to Drusilla. His use for her was over as far as he was concerned. She didn't react quite the way he wanted her to. She was nothing like her darling brother Angel. Now there was someone worth punishing, Ethan thought to himself.
"Will there be prezzies?” Drusilla asked, her voice soft. She hung limply on the ropes, her body, and mind tired. Her Angel was coming, that much she knew; she would be safe for a bit.
"That's what we’ve got Rupert," Ethan said, turning to the other man.
"Maybe next time," Rupert said. He had listened to the conversation between Angel and Ethan, though; he didn't understand Ethan's fascination with Spike. Surely, there wasn't anything particularly special about the boy. He was crude and ill mannered. However, Rupert had to admit he was curious about Angel's relationship with the boy. He had never thought he'd see the day when Angel would grow a pair and stand up to Ethan, let alone, find someone else.
~~~*~~~
Spike didn't know what to say. He'd just sat there and listen to the man he...well...liked a lot, called Ethan - Master - of all things. Sure, he'd heard the rumors that Ethan really liked, his special kinks, and Ethan had even asked Spike to call him Master on occasion, though he never did. He just, he didn't know what to make of it. Ethan wanted him, and bad, so it seemed, and Spike knew why. But, should he tell Angel? Would that help him? Could he trust Angel?
'Chasin' your tail, mate,' Spike said to himself.
The phone still sat in Angel's hand. He was unsure of what to do with it. The soft, sensual voice of Ethan still floated through his mind, taking him back to times when he would have killed to hear that voice turn to him. To see those eyes look upon him. Now…now Angel was disgusted with himself. He hated that he still felt that longing, buried and hidden though it was, for the one man...the one man in the entire world that could make him feel right and wrong at the same time.
Then there was William. What did he think of Angel now? There was no explaining it away, Angel knew that much.
“William, I –“
“Don’t,” Spike said, cutting Angel off. He didn’t want to hear it. Just the thought of what Angel could possibly say had him boiling over in jealousy and anger. Did Angel have to do that in front of him?
“We’re almost there,” Angel said softly. William’s short clipped word cut Angel like a knife. It wasn’t supposed to have gone that way either. They were supposed to go off into the country together, wait for Ethan to give up or take the money. Then, they could’ve been together, without worry or fear. But it had all gone horribly wrong.
They sat in silence, neither one looking at the other, while the road went on before them.
“That’s all you’ve got t’ say for yourself?” Spike asked out of nowhere.
Angel looked over at William confused and said, “But you said ‘don’t’.”
“Bloody nevermind what I said. What was that rubbish ‘bout on the phone?” Spike asked, pulling out another cigarette. It was eating at him, hearing Angel call Ethan Master like that. He figured they’d had a history, but the way Angel had sounded on the phone, Spike wasn’t so sure what it was.
Now Angel was thoroughly confused. Did William want to know or not? Moreover, if Angel was to tell him, it wasn't a conversation that could be had in the twenty minutes they had before they got to the house. Angel wasn't even sure just how much William knew about Ethan's lifestyle. There was no easy way to put it either, Angel realized. It would sound wrong no matter how many words he put it in.
"I - can't this wait?” Angel asked. He saw the scowl begin on William’s face and held up a hand. "I'll tell you, it's just, now's not the time, Will."
"It bloody well is the time," Spike said. "Don't you try 'n back out of this, mate. I need to know if you're walkin' me into a trap 'ere. I swear, Angel, if that's what's goin' on, I'll jump out of this bloody car right now."
Spike made his threat real by unbuckling his seat belt and opening the door a crack. Angel swerved, trying to reach over to the shut the door. He managed not to sideswipe a car in the other lane but it had been close. Finally, he pulled over to the side of the road and yanked Spike's door shut and locked them.
"Fine," Angel said, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He didn't know how to explain it. Plus, they didn't have a whole lot of time. The longer they sat in the car and talked, the longer Drusilla would be left in Ethan's 'tender' care.
"I was - He - We -"
"Just spit it out, yeah?” Spike said, cutting Angel off. He was upset with Angel, for a number of things, but to have that sprung on him like that, he just wanted the truth. And the way Angel was stalling, he was afraid he'd just get lies. Spike didn't want lies. He cared for Angel, could even love him, but that all depended on Angel now.
"Ethan, well, we went to University together, stayed in the same dorm. There were three of us. Rupert bunked with us too. It, well, long story short, he was...he was my first," Angel said. He was doing everything but looking at Spike. The wheel looked like it could use a coat of polish and the clock was a few minutes fast, and Angel found it all fascinating...or pretended to.
"That's all well an' good, mate, but it still doesn't explain what you're supposed to be explainin'," Spike said, crossing his arms. He wasn't going to let up.
"What do you want?” Angel asked, almost pleading. "Yeah, there's history, but can't this wait? Drusilla's in our house right now with the bastard while he's doing God knows what to her and you want to sit here and discuss something that doesn't matter any more?"
"It does matter. Wait. Our house?” Spike asked. Angel nodded, still not looking at him. "Get to that part later. See, if you two got some history, an' you're actin' the way you were on the phone, I'm thinkin' that I might not want to go in there with you. If he's got you callin' 'im Master like that, then who's to say you won't just hand my lovely arse over to him at the crook of a bloody finger?"
Finally, Angel looked up at William. He couldn't believe the boy was serious.
"Will, I'd never-"
"Sure," Spike said cutting him off. "It's all bloody roses and hearts right now. Who's to say you're not gonna just hand my arse over? I won't go back to him Angel, I can't."
The pain could be heard in William’s voice, and Angel’s heart broke at it. This hadn’t been what he wanted. He’d just wanted William. He wanted to be with William. It wasn’t some huge goal, but it was something, and it would make him happy…William made him happy.
“I did it to help get Drusilla back,” Angel said, hoping William would understand. “If he thinks…it’ll just help, ok? But I am not going to give you to him. I-I want you.”
Angel’s soft proclamation hadn’t fallen on deaf ears. Spike stared at him, processing it, feeling it out. Angel wanted him, wanted Spike. And Spike couldn’t help but like that thought. He smiled, just a crook of his lips, but it was something.
“Right,” Spike said, turning to the front of the car and buckling up. “So long as you know where I belong. Now let’s get Dru, yeah?”
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