Splinter

Author: Mera

Parts: 11 - 13

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 
 

~Part: 11~

"'You won't be sorry. you just gotta *see* him'." The very expensive wooden door slammed angrily behind the vampire's mocking mimicked words.

"Oh, I saw him!" Angel kicked at the desk causing it to dent. That was another desk ruined because of Spike. That irresponsible, conceited childe of his crazy childe was good for nothing. It only added more proof that Angelus was crazy.

"Last time I'll fucking listen to Lorne! When will I learn to never trust what he tells me?" Angel growled and slammed his fist into his office wall angrily. He glared furiously at his fist's imprint. Better his office than his apartment. He knew he should be in his room; he hadn't had enough sleep for days now.

"I think I'll cut his head off and let him watch me while I burn his clothes!" He got a truly Angelus smile as he paced around his desk. "Or better yet, make his detached head watch while I dye them the in the darkest black I can find." He chuckled madly. "No one makes a fool out of me!"

Except that Spike had always made him feel like a fool. He had watched his childe all night, enthralled by his beauty and snarling whenever someone expressed the same appreciation. Nevertheless, Spike had been 'dead sexy' in that well fitted suit. Angel knew he should give a lot of the credit to Cordelia but if it weren't for the wearer. Angel tried to snap out. He was good at keeping his emotions in check. Denying what he wanted for so long.

Then when he had finally mastered enough 'valor' to alert *his* grandchilde of his presence, he had barely suppressed an angry growl as he saw that HE had beat him to the act. Angel could literarily feel the two whiskey glasses in his hands begin to grow warm due to the blood boiling in his veins.

He felt his hands itch with the need to crack his knuckles when he saw Hrafen approach the unusually mellow Spike in his confident swagger. He glowered when he realized that due to the background noise he couldn't hear what the two were talking about, especially since Raven had taken them to a secluded place. That unless he wanted to blow his cover, particularly since he wasn't in his best game.

He remembered how a mere human had snuck up on him that night and hid behind him. He wouldn't have notice if the strange human hadn't begged him not to move. Thankfully, he slinked away to hide in the middle of a group of people flaunting over that kid that Cordelia had made him watch drown a few years back. Angel narrowed his eyes at the audacity. He hadn't even said thank you. Also thanks to him, Angel forgot to read Spike and Raven's lips and almost missed them as they headed outside.

Furthermore, what the hell was that song about? And why did it make Angel feel like an ass?

He had barely escaped before Cordelia saw him. It wouldn't do well for her to know that he was there. He knew that she was watching Spike as closely as he was. well not that closely since he saw her giving doe eyes to that Jack-what's-his-real-name. Angel snorted remembering how she sighed that time over the kid's heroism and romantic gesture. He had deflated when she snubbed him after he mentioned what *he* had done to save the world. How romantically tragic it was when he let Buffy stab him.

Thus, he avoided her so he wouldn't hear about how she knew why he was there following Spike - because he was not! - and what shade of whatever-color that kid-actor's eyes were. With a last glance at said actor who then had Angel's ungrateful hider taking cover behind him and a mental note to check if the reason the kid's look hadn't changed was because he was a vampire, he exited to the garden and melted into the shadows.

He had never felt as cold before that moment in his entire existence.

He had never realized how much a threat Raven was until he saw Spike initiate that kiss and follow it though. That was it. He knew he couldn't see more of that. So he left.

Angel sighed as he gazed out over the city.

Had he pushed his boy too far? Why was he brooding over it now? Wasn't that what he wanted? Spike finally away from him. If so then why was he feeling like someone had reached into his gut and twisted relentlessly?

~ At least nothing worse can happen. ~ He thought as he sat in his chair and looked sightlessly at the untouched mounds of paper.

The creek of the door opening was his only warning.

"Whoa penis office have we?!"

~ I spoke too soon! ~ Angel groaned hiding his face in his hands. ~ I deserve this. I should learn better than to give fate an open invitation to screw with my life! ~

"I really get the whole being presentable for work, but don't you think you're pushing it too far, Deadboy?"

"Xander," Angel murmured before a thought hit him as he raised his head and gave the smirking boy a withering smile. "Xander."

The boy froze at that cold tone. "Angel?" He narrowed his eye at the vampire cautiously. "You didn't get lucky last night just coz you got yourself some fancy clothes, did ya, buddy?" He gave a weary glance back to the door.

Angel stood up and stretched. He had a fleeting thought about not noticing the sun rising to the middle of the sky as he gazed sightlessly out the window or how long he had stood there. He ignored the irony and instead approached Xander with small but sure steps.

"You know. you coming in is the exact thing I needed." Perhaps Lorne could wait. The vampire was in the mood to settle old debts. He was feeling his headache clear already.

Angel was two steps away from the frozen boy whose eyes kept glancing towards the door.

~ Wonder what he's thinking about? Escape? ~

"Told you he was in here!"

Angel's question was answered when Harmony grinned at him from the door before two others entered. He pulled back blinking at their presence.

"Angel," two voices greeted at the same time.

"Willow. Faith!"

The two women smiled at him. And they were women. Both of them hadn't really changed from the last time he had seen them, but they radiated content and growth. He felt himself calm at the sight of them. Because somehow if those two could get through everything they went through and they were mere gifted children. then there was hope for someone like him. There had to be!

Angel couldn't help but smile at how comfortable those two seemed around each other. He knew that that was something he wouldn't have seen a few years back. He was happy for that they seemed to have had worked things out. He liked them both and was glad to see that they liked each other at the moment. However, now all he could do was wonder if he had as good a chance to follow their path.

That thought brought his gloom back and he pulled back from a smirking Xander and sat behind his desk. Time to change the subject.

"What are you doing here?"

Xander casually sat down while Willow and Faith gave Angel a small smile before taking a seat as well. The brunet boy placed a leg on the other in deliberate arrogance. He didn't like how his girls always liked Angel and were so comfortable around him. He leaned back.

~ I'm here to even the odds that's all ~

Xander looked around the room. "You know Angel, you really should get someone to check your wall. faulty craftsmanship. I could swear that someone punched a hole in it. that doesn't bode well for the CEO of a Firm/Investigations Agency. a supposedly good one."

"Xander." Faith kicked at his foot. He evaded her with practiced ease and continued.

"Now the desk. if I had a hat I would tip it for you. but I don't. it's a work of art." Faith relaxed at that. "Except if it weren't for the kick-like-dent. you feeling okay 'pal'?" Xander hid his grin behind a concerned looked and ignored Willow and Faith's groans and mumbles of 'I knew we shouldn't have let him come'.

"Again?!"

Three heads turned towards the huffing blonde at the door.

Angel rubbed his forehead. ~ Oh welcome back headache. missed me? ~ He tried to tell his head that vampires weren't supposed to have headaches, but obviously it knew better than him because the ache lingered in small pulses.

He opened his eyes and watched helplessly as the blonde vampire stalked into the office and stood near the desk with her hands on her hips.

"What am I going to tell them now?" She shook her head exasperated as she poked at the dent with her expensive shoes. The dent soon became a hole due to the lonely nudge. Harmony sighed. "One can only use 'my boss has romantic problems' once too many times you know!"

"I don't have." Angel denied.

"You can tell them he was out of hair gel and took it out on the table," Xander cut in happily.

Harmony perked up. "Oh, I haven't used that one yet. they are so gonna buy it too." She placed her hand on one hip and narrowed her eyes at Xander. "You know Xander you should've lost an eye sooner. other than making you super hot. it made you smarter."

She then turned to Angel and pointed out the window. "You can pound on badly dressed people the next time you get in a hissy fit. I won't cover for you again." And then exited the office.

Willow blinked and looked between the bewildered faces. "It's good to see that not even death changed Harmony."

"I think she's good now. or so Cordy says." Angel said absentmindedly as he gazed at Xander. The boy shifted uncomfortable in his seat at the scrutiny. "Didn't notice the eye before. when did that happen?"

Xander self-consciously touched the patch. "Hellmouth. the First's bad boy thought I saw too much. so he decided to mend that problem," he said dryly.

"Just the one?" Angel was curious. Willow and Faith shared worried looks.

Xander smiled bitterly. "Oh, no, he meant to be very thorough. lucky for me Spike got himself some extra oomph and knocked the bastard off before I was forced to buy a Seeing Eye Dog. This is not of the good. seeing as on a Hellmouth I could be buying a Seeing Eye Hell-Dog for all I know!" He grinned brightly and chuckled.

Angel knew from experience that that was not all there was to the story. Xander stilled obviously suffered from that incident. He barely held his tongue though from asking about how easily Xander admitted to Spike saving his life. He was a vampire after all. And if there was anything Angel knew for sure about the brunet boy --Angel shook his head - man now - not only did the girls survive through the worst-- it was that he hated vampires. Then why would he give Spike the credit? Even if that were true. Perhaps Xander had grown in more ways than one?

Angel chose to give him the benefit of the doubt, not to mention he couldn't do anything in front of these powerful women, and changed the subject, or if truth be told return it back on course.

"You were telling me why you were here." He entwined his fingers patiently.

"No I wasn't. I was diverging before. didn't you notice that?" There was that twinkle back in Xander's eye. And somehow seeing how Willow and Faith relaxed as they saw it as well made it worth while to go against his better instincts and not strangle the 'boy'. "You know Andrew?"

Angel twisted his face in disgust at the memory of the annoying young man. Yet another of Spike's admirers. And how was it that things always pointed back to him?

~ All the roads lead to Spike. ~

"Unfortunately, yes." Angel perked up. "He's not dead, is he?"

Surprisingly the two men had a matching understanding look on their faces.

Xander sighed. "Unfortunately, not. Anyways, the little twerp has been making up elaborate stories, which isn't all that unusual but the strange thing is that this time he's been avoiding to talk about his short stay in L.A. which considering Andrew's past is really suspicious. So since Will and Faith were coming anyway to pick up a slayer."

"You bothered to come to recruit one slayer. Is there a problem?" Angel cut Xander looking at the girls.

Willow smiled. "Not really. You see the girl was well into the arts."

". and a little messed up life wise, we just didn't want any surprises," Faith completed for her. "So G sort've sent the two experts." Willow and Faith smiled acceptingly at each other.

Angel nodded. "But things are okay now?"

"Five by five," Faith said. "As mojo charged messed up kids come, she's okay. she's making arrangements and saying her goodbyes. it won't take more then two or three days to get her ready for her first interdiction to G's class of bore AKA 'What is The Calling'." She rolled her eyes indicating that she had been there one too many times.

"Yeah, and since we were already in town and things went smoothly we thought we'd stop by and say hi. which we haven't . so uh. 'hi'." Willow grinned making a small wave.

"That explains you two, but what about him?" He nodded towards Xander tightly.

Xander sat up indignant. "Hey, 'him' has a name. and 'him' was telling the story 'someone' was whining about knowing before 'you' interrupted."

Angel waved his hand in a 'go on. get it over with' gesture.

"Ok, um, where was I?" Xander blinked. Angel held back a whine. "Oh yeah. I thought Andrew was up to something and since Cord vouched for you after she woke up - which by the way you never thought to tell us about and which we wouldn't have even known about if Wesley didn't slip up over the phone with Giles about Cordelia being in a *coma*! -"

"Xander." Willow warned.

He waved his hand for her to forget it.

"- I thought it would be best to see what the little geek was up to and ask you if anything happened while he was here."

Angel didn't even flinch at the accusation. Even if it were true. He had asked himself that same question a number of times and every time his mind supplied a different explanation. However, since he was indeed feeling a little guilty he didn't corner Xander by asking him why he didn't just call and ask about Andrew instead of flying all the way here from wherever he was.

"Also, Dana was babbling something about 'cutting the vampire's arms' and how she was now sorry coz he had only wanted to help her and she thought he was someone else. so are you ok?" Willow asked in breathless concern.

So the little twerp didn't tell them about Spike. Angel frowned. They still had no idea he was alive. Question was, should *he* tell them?

Before Angel could form a sentence, or for his mind to supply him with an appropriate answer, his office door opened and a very familiar shriek was heard.

"Oh My God! Harm told me but I couldn't believe her till I saw with my own eyes!"

>From behind Cordelia, the rest of the Gang could be seen grinning at their friend's happiness. With no time to spare, the three young women met in the middle of the room.

Cordelia narrowed her eyes at Willow and Faith looking from one to the other. "Are you evil?" That seemed as standard as questions come regarding anyone from Sunnydale, so no one blinked when it was asked.

The brunette slayer and the redheaded witch shook their heads and said in unison. "Nope, you?"

Cordelia shared a grin with them. "Not for a while now." Then she pulled them in for a group hug. With her head between them, her eyes blinked at the back of a mop of dark head of hair and a ridged back sitting in front of Angel's desk. She pulled back from the hug and questioned unsure, "Xander?"

The sound of a deep breath taken was heard before the long form stood up and slowly turned around towards her. Cordelia felt tears sting at her eyes. Xander had a lopsided grin at the ready.

"Hey CC."

Cordelia wiped the tears that had slipped and Xander was stunned when he suddenly found the weeping form of his ex-girlfriend in his arms. Not one to waste opportunities, he wrapped his arms around her and closed his eye relishing the almost forgotten never not missed feel of her in his embrace. It had been forever.

He couldn't believe that he had given this up. The feel of her in his arms was right. A must even. When she finally pulled back, he felt reluctant to let go. It was as if a part of him had returned after a long period of separation and he would rather die than lose it again.

Xander smiled as he let his arms fall back to his sides again.

He looked dopily at her; the goofy grin firmly in place like was expected.

"Now I get to tell all my buddies that I got a hug from The Cordelia Chase! And since you're a celebrity now, I have the right to embellish!" He tucked his hands in his tight jeans pockets and rocked on the balls of his feet finding himself reverting to the unsure teenager in front of his old friend.

Cordelia narrowed her eyes at him and flung her head back arrogantly falling back to old habits as well. "Like that would matter seeing as all your 'buddies' are girls!"

Xander waved his hand emphatically. "Hey! Don't forget G-man and Andrew." He thought for a moment. "Don't forget G-man!"

Cordelia rolled her eyes; she was starting to get curious to see this Andrew everyone had been talking about. From the way Wesley described him he was like an extra concentrated blond Xander. She shuddered. Maybe she would overlook that. She gave Xander one of her trademark grins. "I really missed you, Xan." She touched his eye patch delicately before letting her hand fall down and said with a sniff, "I'm glad you're ok."

Xander was shocked into expressionless for a few seconds, which was a feat in itself, then a small smile found its place on his lips. "Same here, Cord." He rubbed her arm lovingly letting his thumb massage her elbow in a way he remembered relaxed her.

The two gazed at each other while silence rained over the room and everyone looked at them with varied expressions.

The calm was soon interrupted.

"Lorne!" a growl was heard.

"Eeek!" The green demon squeaked. His ingenious hiding place behind Gunn was discovered as Angel had taken the opportunity of everyone being preoccupied with the reunited two not to notice him. Not like that was something out of the unordinary.

Lorne had sensed the dark vampire's foul mood seeping out of the office long before they entered to greet the visitors. He had figured out the reason to that when Cordelia came by in the afternoon. It was their post Hollywood party meeting where she tells him per usual the events and gossip of the previous Hollywood night. However, there wasn't much talk about stars and starlets today.

She had told him about how Spike had kissed Raven after the dark haired vampire had requested that song. Both Cordelia and Lorne had sighed then at the perfect and romantic choice but sobered up when Cordelia said that Spike had soon after departed with said romantic vampire.

The two had a moment of joy for their friend finally being happy. Though, that moment had been short lived when Lorne had let it slip how he had sent Angel to try and talk to Spike, to really see how Spike was different than how Angel always saw him.

Cordelia had then looked aghast and had taken no time in showing her displeasure by snapping at the poor demon, "Sure! I can guess what he saw! No wonder Harm said that she thinks Angel was banging heads with his office walls! She's just glad it wasn't the desk again. Way to go Lorne!"

"How should I have known that would've happened," Lorne had protested with a whine. "I'm not psychic."

Cordelia had flicked him then with her long, sharp nails. "Duh, doofus, you are!"

Lorne had smiled sheepishly. "Oh, right." Then he retaliated. "Well I don't think that asking every conversation I have to end with a song is very far-sighted especially with Angel-cakes doing a single."

That had made Cordelia relent. "True." Nevertheless, it hadn't made Lorne feel better.

"I'm thinking I should lie as low as my stylish yet comfortable outfit allows for a while. Wrath of scorned easily riled vampire is the last thing I'd want after my beating booty."

Cordelia had snorted as she patted his shoulder. "Don't blow this anthill. Angel claims he doesn't care an ounce about Bleachie, I don't think he'll blow his easily penetrated cover." That had caused Lorne to relax.

On the other hand, at that moment Lorne whished he had never met the lying, deceitful, manipulative actress-seer for he had a vary pissed-off vampire in his face and his reliable eight ball wasn't all that optimistic.

Lorne forgot about trying to hide behind the freaked yet confused Gunn. He turned to look at their baffled visitors. Better to do what he was there to do in the first place. "Willow, Faith gorgeous as ever." They women grinned at him but uncertainty was still in their eyes. He ignored that and turned towards Xander. "You, pup, and I will have a talk later about Johnny and a much awaited sequel." Sunny grin for all then the red-eyed demon initiated the ever-successful plan. "Bye now."

Xander blinked. "Wow. Never thought I'd ever see that. Who'd've thought that a green demon in a radioactive Armani suit could run that fast!"

"You should talk about radioactive attire." It seemed that their moment was ruined thanks to Angel playing boogie vamp. Xander crossed his arms patiently at the woman in front of him. Cordelia shrugged looked over his brown jacket and blue jeans. "Or you would've talked about it. any-hey!" She pointed accusingly. "How did you know that was Armani?"

Xander blushed. "Let it not be said that Cordelia Chase had never rubbed off on Xander Harris."

Harmony poked her blonde head in. "Does anyone know what's wrong with Lorney-toons?"

Cordelia bit the tip of her nail and shrugged innocently. That instantly raised suspicion in Fred, Wesley and Gunn and they looked at her questioningly. She mouthed 'Spike' and 'later' and part of their confusion disappeared.

Harmony was oblivious. "He was in such a hurry he didn't even stop to hear about how my dialing-nail broke when I was punching my hairdresser's number." She sniffed at her finger.

Gunn mumbled, "Who wouldn't run." Xander looked at the black man impressed. He made a mental note to talk with this man about Angel sometime.

Harmony glared at the lawyer. "Just coz you were born bald doesn't give you the right to make fun of us who care about their hair!" The she disappeared with a huffed, "And they wonder why people hate bald men, rude much!"

Gunn gaped. "I'm not bald! Why does everyone keep thinking that I'm naturally bald?!" He glared at Cordelia. "It's a cheerleader thing, right?" He pouted. "And I'm growing it back. but does she use her super vampire eye sense.nooo."

"Hey! I noticed," Cordelia protested. Gunn glared reminding her about her own bald comment. "After a lo-ong coma slumber," she said in a small voice. Gunn snorted not moved. Xander was really impressed now.

~ Now this could be the start of a beautiful friendship. two Cordettes in less than five minutes! Better call Guinness. ~

Angel noticed Xander's grin and how his hand never left Cordelia's arm in all of that time and held back a growl. It was true that he and Cordelia had figured out that what they had could never happen - story of Angel's romantic life - but that didn't mean that seeing Harris all over her like they were back together wouldn't bother him. He was owed that! He had a right to be angry! He couldn't beat on Xander because Willow and Faith and now his Gang were here, then that manipulative Lorne ran away like the coward he was. But that was a good thing. Angel still hadn't bought the black paint.

He flopped down on his comfortable chair and watched while Cordelia finally introduced Xander to Fred and Gunn and heard Xander congratulate Gunn at his excellent Cordette handling and ask if he had any tips about that or hidden gems about Angel? Before Angel could be allowed his right to finally snap he was robbed from that as well when he heard Cordelia's palm smack Xander over the head.

Angel grumbled but no one heard him. ~ And why doesn't she tell him to take his hand off already?! ~

He poked at the papers on his desk. Maybe he could let Wesley handle this paper work. They only seemed to grow. No, he should order him to do them! Yes, because he was the boss. It said so on his card. Not that it had ever been implemented. Angel kicked his foot depressed. His eyes widened when he felt his shoe lodge in the hole.

He tried to pull it back but it wouldn't budge. He wanted to cry. He hadn't slept. He was hungry. And he wasn't allowed to kill. And now his foot was stuck. If he didn't learn from past experience, he would demand fate show him something worse than this. But he wasn't suicidal. Yet. So he started reciting prayers in every language he knew for these people to leave so he can walk to his elevator then his apartment with only one shoe on. He was allowed the small dignity he was left, right?

"Boss, the maintenance team are gonna bring your new desk in fifteen minutes, are those papers done yet so I can send them to the departments?"

Angel raised his eyes to his secretary's helpful smile. He touched the convenient stake in his desk. It wouldn't be wrong to dust her, right? He could do it from where he was sitting. It was easy. And it was like killing a defected animal that lost something essential. A brain was a necessity. But that wouldn't hold in court seeing as she never had one in the first place. Angel perked up. He had super-lawyer Gunn. Gunn didn't like Harmony, more today than ever with that bald thing she said. He just had to make sure that the Gunn didn't find out that he didn't know that the tall man wasn't really bold, too. Angel let go of the stake. No, it was too risky. Life sucked.

Harmony was blinking stupidly at Cordelia's 'cut it out' gesture. The actress noticed that Angel still wore his evening suit. She hoped Lorne did as well and was cementing his doorway and placing sanctuary spells in his place. She made a mantle note to ask him to do hers as well, whenever he came out of hiding that is. The only thing she hoped now was that Harmony would get the message and leave before anyone else noticed that Angel's shoe was stuck in the broken desk. She spared the poor desk carpenters a little sympathy then remembered that Angel's tantrums were making them money so she changed her mind about that. Cordelia sighed in relief when her blonde friend looked at her strangely but dropped the subject and left closing the door behind her.

~ One disaster averted. Now to get these guys out of here before Angel get the itch to fire us all again. ~

Cordelia started her plan to advise everyone to say his or her goodbyes so they would go out for something to eat and catch up when apocalypse knocked. Or in fact, barged in.

~Part: 12~

"Percy, there you are, I was looking for you everywhere... bloody think your poofy assistant was eyein' me!" The three visitors turned as one at the very familiar voice.

"Spike!?!?!?"

The enraged vampire froze in his tracks and sharply turned to see Willow, Xander and Faith gaping at him stunned.

~ Guess whelp kept his mouth shut then. ~

"The First?"

Willow shook her head and whispered back at Faith, her voice hitching, "No, h- he opened the door." Faith nodded with a determined look in her eyes.

Spike's mouth was still moving but doing no more than making a good impression of a fish out of water. Strangely, it was identical to the one Xander had on his face.

Willow had a hand partly over her mouth and her eyes looked surprisingly teary. Faith, on the other hand, quickly shook off her shock and advanced the vampire determinately.

Spike took a few involuntarily steps back. Things happened too fast, none of the Fang Gang were fast enough to stop the brunette slayer's purposeful approach.

She had Spike against the wall and her fist around his shirt's collar in no time. With a strong grip, she pulled.

Faith kissed Spike rather thoroughly mapping out his mouth with her skilled tongue then pulled back while everyone looked on shocked… the blond vampire more than anyone else, due to the fact that he was bit lightheaded now. She shrugged. "I hate regretting missed opportunities. And this way I can say I had a go at all the Slayerette men." She gave a significant look to Xander and Angel. She then turned her gaze towards Wesley but waved him off when Fred took a step closer to her boyfriend, possessive look in her eyes. Wesley blushed but inched closer to her as well.

"Oh god!" All eyes turned towards Cordelia. She had what could only be explained as a 'grossed out' look on her face. "You mean… Giles?!"

Faith only shrugged. "One shot of courage and I was all ready!" She smirked. "Should've seen the look on G's face." She shook her head and had a wistful look on her face. "I got a month off from lectures and research sessions coz of that… man, he couldn't look me in the eye for weeks!" She chuckled then twisted her lips in thought. "And Andy bats for the other team so no point there."

"But damn, boy, no wonder B couldn't keep her hands off you!" She turned her gaze back to the horrified vampire who was wiping at his mouth since he heard Faith's announcement about kissing Giles. "Not that I don't want more," she said as she looked Spike up and down biting her lip, dark eyes holding all kinds of promise. "Too bad we're both taken, eh Blondie?" She winked.

Spike blinked and hid the small flinch of hurt over that statement behind a leer. "Well, Pet. I'm not one to complain if you want to see what you're missin'." He raised an eyebrow when he saw her considering the offer. "But… since you happen to mention the Principal… I have something that you can give 'im for me."

Everyone gasped in surprise at Spike as he pulled his coat off.

He handed her the duster. "I won't be needing it no more," he said in explanation to the shocked looks of the people who knew how much that duster meant to him and how it was like a second skin for the vampire. "It's should with him since I took out his mum and all anyway. Just tell your man that he shouldn't try it on... bloody waste to stretch the leather."

Faith ran her hand over the leather with a sad look on her face. "I'll give it to him next time I see him. Word though Blondie, my man no more, we're kinda on a break 'thing'... you know, make sure we covered all our options."

Spike raised his eyebrow. "Don’t tell me you thought you'd try the other track with Red? And can I come?"

"Hey!" Willow exclaimed, finally out of her alarm at seeing Spike alive as well as the double blow of hearing about the man she thought of as a second father to them all in a lip lock with her friend. She walked towards him and punched his arm. "I'll have you know that Faith and Wood are not 'together together' ... because he wanted *her* to be sure … he's still waiting back in Cleveland."

Faith nodded verifying that at Spike's look. "True."

Spike pouted. "Well you have just shattered my best fantasies." He winked at them.

Willow turned red and swatted at him once more but more affectionately this time. Then with more strength than her look implied, she pulled him into a strong hug and held on tightly. Spike was stunned into rigidness for a moment. His arms hovered unsure before making an on the spot call and wrapping them around her somewhat hesitantly. He was astounded to hear her hiccup and sniff against him. He pulled back and raised her tear covered face with his fingers. He frowned at her confused.

"What’s wrong?"

Willow whacked him on the chest. "This is what’s wrong! You're back, alive, or what counts for it in vampy terms and you’re here! Being your non-dusty-world-saving-self and you didn't tell us! WHY?" Her lower lip wobbled and Spike felt his guilt intensify. "It's almost as bad as Angel not telling us that Cordy was in and out of coma. Oh. Wait. It is worse! He knew and he didn't tell us this either!" She turned her accusing eyes at Angel.

Angel was still in shock over Spike giving up his duster, the thing that he was renowned for, back to its rightful owner, an admirable thing to do, but nonetheless not a Spike thing. The blonde-haired vampire was truly moving on and away from him.

He pulled back from the angry look in the green eyes snapping him back into the harsh reality where his --- no, no longer his, he had given up that right… where Spike was surrounded by friends, *Angel's* friends – well except Xander who really should close his mouth by now -, and was slowly breaking his ties with Angel and his line. The dark haired vampire swallowed. Per his, Angel's, demand and refusal to reclaim him.

~ What more does he need to do? He gave up his duster… next thing he'd shave his head! ~

"Angel, stop looking at Spike's hair and tell me why you didn't tell us he was back!"

Before Angel could form a sentence, the unexpected response came to his rescue. "Red, you're not gonna get anythin' from Captain Forehead, his head is in the sky." Spike didn't mention that the last thing Angel obviously wanted to talk about was him. "Besides I didn't want anyone to know."

Willow narrowed her eyes in displeasure, yet she still looked hurt by that statement at the same time. "Why Spike? I mean I know we didn't seem to be there for you last year. We barely were there for each other all lost in our own problems, but that doesn't mean you shut us out. We're all part of the same gang … the same fight." Her eyes welled with tears once more. "We thought we lost one of our family."

Spike's face was blank. This was a shock to him to say the least. No one had ever showed this much distress over his existence, or lack of it.

"Better not make Willow cry, Bleach Head!"

Spike's face snapped up and he readied himself for the verbal attack Xander was sure to give him.

Angel looked at Xander awaiting the same thing. At least now, the boy had his mouth closed. It had been much too temping while it was open. The dark-haired vampire eyed the stapler on his desk. Another time perhaps.

Xander stepped next to Willow and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her to him comfortingly. Then he poked his finger at Spike.

"Just because you came back from dust-bin size doesn't mean that you can decline Willow's offer of the Scooby adoption. Although that happened a long time ago… guess your certificate got lost in the mail."

 ~ First Ray now the Scoobies… maybe burning up to save the world could add up to something good after all ~

"Well?" Xander tilted his head. "You were gonna give us a good explanations to why you not only neglected to tell us the news that your undead ass is back but made Andrew do the impossible, right? I mean I really gotta hear this!"

"Yeah Slim, what about B?" Faith hedged. ~ From the way Andy-boy said it, those two were even more R&J than Buffy and Angel, why wouldn't he jump at the chance to be with her? ~

Spike lowered his head. He could feel everyone's attention on him. He knew that every one thought the same thing all the time he was back. It was an unspoken question. Why wasn't he back at Buffy's side? He knew it would make them even more confused at his actions, or lack of them, if they knew about Buffy's declaration of love before he died. However, he wouldn't lower himself to feel their pity, so he never mentioned it. That was due to the reason that they would realize the same thing he had; Buffy had only told him that she loved him to make him feel good, happy, since he was about to burn to his death. It had. It showed him how much Buffy cared for him, but he knew it wasn't love, or the kind he wanted from her.

Now all eyes were on him awaiting him to explain *why* he hadn't hopped on the next plane/boat and into her arms. Except he had to forgo mentioning the fact that he *couldn't* face her knowing that she had lied to him or even succumb to the urge to make Buffy hold her end of her declaration. He couldn't do that. He couldn't hold her again like that night and be happy with both of them lying to themselves. Also, he couldn't tell them the 'other reason' to why he had stayed, there was NO way that would come out of his mouth, especially now.

He looked sideways at Angel who didn't even acknowledge him like usual by at least getting up from his desk and looming over him all self-righteous intimidation. Spike had to hold on to what *little* self-esteem he had left. Half-truths would have to be enough.

~ Good thing Green-jeans isn't here or he'd sniff me out even without a bloody song in my heart. ~

He raised his eyes and looked into Willow's. "It's not like I didn't think of it, luv. I was half way over there more than once, wasted more than one boat ticket at that. But every time I got to thinkin'. A man can't go out in a bloody blaze of glory, savin' the world, and then show up months later, tumbling off a cruise ship in the south of France or whatever country she--- uh you've all were ambling along. I mean, I would've loved to, don't get me wrong, to see the looks on your faces realizin' that you can never rid of my fine arse, but, uh, it's hard to top an exit like that." He smiled sheepishly.

Willow rolled her eyes. "Come on, we wouldn't say that!"

Xander coughed.

She poked him in the side and he flinched away painfully. "Well, maybe Xander, but he's always like that. As for the topping the exit… girls don't care about stuff like that. Just one look at you, and Buffy'll forget herself, and she'll get all tingly, and it won't matter that you went out in a poof of glory and came back a walking hero."

Willow looked at Spike hard. She raised her eyebrows meaningfully, she didn't let it by her slip that he had tried to bypass mentioning Buffy.

"Actually, there wasn't much walking. There were flashy burning lights and sm…" Willow narrowed her eyes. He sighed in resignation that he wasn't going to escape at least this. "I expect Buffy would be happy enough to see me. It's just, I gave up my life for her, the world, and if I show up now, flesh and bone, my grand finale won't hold much weight. All of it... won't matter."

Willow's eyes softened. "It still matters, Spike. We're still here because of you." She slipped out of Xander's hold and hugged the vampire once more, she whispered, "You matter, Spike."

She pulled back with a small smile in her face. Spike returned the smile and quickly blinked away something that wasn't even there.

Faith lightly punched Spike.

"Well, look at you being all hero shy wrapped up in a yummy bod'… the slayer-chicklets would flip when they see you!"

Spike felt himself relax. That went better than he expected. However, from the looks in Xander, Willow and Faith's eyes, he wasn't going to get out of making a visit to the Watcher Headquarters. He knew that was something he had to do sooner or later when he was found out. Now especially since this thing with Raven happened. If his fellow vampire was serious about starting a new era between the Old Vampires and The Slayers with Spike as the intermediary, eventually he had to face the fact that he would have to meet Buffy and the others.

~ Speaking of that. ~

Spike looked anywhere but at Angel. He could feel the anger rolling off the older vampire and lately it seemed that he was always the reason. He needed to get what he came for and leave before Angel disowned him once more and this time flat out in front of the Scoobies. The blond was afraid that they would also see what Angel saw, that he wasn't worthy of anyone's affection much less people he had tried to kill countless times. He snapped his fingers in front of Wesley to break the dreamy look the watcher had over Fred's possessive hold on him, who was still standing strategically between her boyfriend and Faith.

"Eh, Percy. If you ain't got anything short of snogging the slayer…" Fred glared at Spike for that statement, he ignored her but felt his demon purr in satisfaction. He knew his fellow English man would thank him for this after what the little scientist would have in store for him tonight. "I'm in need of your fancy book."

Wesley instantly found himself in watcher mode as he unconsciously patted Fred's hand reassuringly.

"The Summoning Book? Of course. It's in my office… do you need it for anything specific?"

Spike seemed uncomfortable sparing a small glance towards a glowering Angel. "Uh, yeah. You might offer some assistance in that department…" He left the ex-watcher to finish the request.

Wesley, like everyone else, caught that look but only the L.A. residents understood where he was heading.

The stench of anger increased

"Certainly. Now?"

Spike shrugged seemingly unconcerned, yet secretly hoping for concurrence.

Wesley, after the time spent in Spike's presence, found the blond vampire to be an easy creature to read if one only looked in his eyes. He never seemed to be able to hide his true feelings when he didn't avoid his gaze. Wesley momentarily wondered if this was the case as well when he didn't possess as soul. He reserved the right to ask one of the recent visitors of that. Nevertheless, in the present moment he focused on helping his friend.

He nodded.

"Let’s go."

A genuine smile appeared on Spike's face and the English man was struck on how easy it was to make the vampire happy.

Spike looked towards the three Scoobies. "I'm guessing you'll be staying here for a while? We'll have to have a long chat, eh?"

Willow nodded, looking confused from Wesley to Spike and wondering when it became them that got shut out not the other way around. "Yeah, we were telling Angel that we were here to recruit a slayer, we'll be leaving to go back to England in a few days."

Spike nodded. "I trust that you can handle a puny new slayer." He smiled knowingly at Faith and Willow but didn’t press for more.

"And I found what I came for," Xander cut in.

Blue eyes bore into a brown one. "And what may that be?"

Xander faced him with a blank face. "You." Then he grinned when Spike's face showed shock. He allowed himself to soak the feeling of being in power for a few moments then explained, "Andrew was withholding on his storytelling duties… and I knew something short of the world ending would make him pull off zipping his mouth that tight."

Spike's confusion faded and instead he looked impressed. "Well you gotta hand it to the little guy." He chuckled and raised his eyebrow. "And I guess you took it upon yourself to see what he was hiding?"

Xander shrugged. "What can I say? Hunting down rouge slayers around the world to be trained by the New Watchers Council got dull after a while, a little investigative reporting sounded refreshing."

Spike snorted. "Yeah, you're a regular CK." He shared a grin with Xander. Well, this was not how he expected them finding out about him to turn out at all!

Angel was getting annoyed. First, Andrew physically melded himself to Spike, then Faith stuck her tongue down Spike's throat, then Willow practically adopted Spike into her family and now he was sharing secretive smiles with Xander Harris! Not to mention Spike all but spouting poetry about Buffy.

~ And why didn’t I ever ask him why he never left? The gang mentioned something about that a while back… ~ Angel frowned trying to remember. His train of thought was broken when Spike and Xander chuckled as if silently sharing something only they knew.

"What the Hell are you two talking about?" Angel all but growled. He wanted to get up and strangle Xander. He could do it. He was a Master vampire, swift and fast. He couldn't believe that only a moment ago he was thinking about changing his views towards the boy. He could outrun Faith and snap the annoying boy's neck before even Willow would be able to murmur a spell. He started to stand before his foot made its presence known, his stuck foot. He settled for digging his fingers in the wooden desk picturing a soft breakable neck in its place, the desk was going to be replaced either way.

Xander and Spike jumped at the yell and noticed everyone looking at them in confusion as well, everyone save for Gunn, Fred and Willow. The two blushed and looked away. Spike rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed to be caught in this situation and Xander repeated a mantra in his brain 'I saved the world… I have a cool eye patch…'

Angel felt his blood boil. What the Hell? They were blushing! There was defiantly something there. And what were Willow, Fred and Gunn grinning about? Were they in on it too? He would bet his fancy blood that if Lorne were here he would be sharing the same understanding looks with those three. His 'list' was growing; Angelus was truly closer to the surface than he ever was before.

Before Angel could say anything, Cordelia beat him to it, a flash of understanding in her eyes and not a little disgust, "God, Xander, don't you ever grow up? I'm ashamed to admit I caught Spike's totally geeky reference… but I hold the blame to you, it's like I have this terminal case of Dorkdom stench that can never be washed out... geek cooties!" Xander grinned sheepishly. "But c'mon, Superman? How old are you, five?!" She spread the exasperated look at both squirming men.

"Oi, I had nothing better to do while he tied me down in his basement than to read his poncy comics!" Spike pointed the finger of blame at Xander.

Angel felt his blood freeze and burn at the same time. What was the human boy doing tying up what was his?! He bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from saying just that. Spike wasn't his anymore. And why did he keep reminding himself that? It only served to remind him that he had chosen to push his grandchilde away. Spike didn’t choose to leave, Hrafen didn't steal him but Angel virtually disowned him. Why did he do that again?

The dark vampire was lost in his thoughts with only the sounds of the two most annoying beings of his existence arguing. What was worse, their voices were tainted with mirth, like it was an old game between them, something that came second nature when they were around each other.

"I sure didn't put a stake to your heart to read them! Besides you liked it because you rooted for Lex Luthor," Xander countered.

Spike grinned at that, a look of reminisce in his eyes. "Oh, yeah, damn evil he was." Then he sobered up. "Besides it was your darling Clark that helped him on his path to evil-hood not trusting him even though the bloke was 'is best friend!"

Xander sighed and shook his finger like this was something they went over more times than anyone could count. "You're confusing T.V. with comic again. Wait, when did you start watching the new one?"

The rest of the room was following the interaction like an amusing game of tennis.

Spike huffed hiding his blush at being caught. "They’re all the same, though if they follow this like it suppose' to they might not end up nemeses…"

Before Xander could retort with a clear long tirade, if the long breath he had taken indicating anything, Wesley cut in exasperated, "As riveting as this might seem, and how it proved to me that all times you defeated me in chess were meager flukes, Spike, you required something?" He crossed his arms and nodded discreetly at Angel's direction.

"Uh, right." Spike's grim mood returned. He reserved a small smile for the Scoobies. "Talk later? Don't broadcast my return just yet… there's something I need to talk to you about."

The three nodded.

Cordelia's eyes widened as she watched the two English men exit the office through the door which opened the view to Harmony talking with a couple of maintenance men waving her arms around passionately alternating from pointing at her hair and at the direction of the office.

~ Oh God I almost forgot! Better hurry before all hell breaks loose… ~

The actress jumped into action. She clapped her hands to bring everyone's attention. "Okay… people! I'm going to take you all to the best restaurant where you can schmooze with the stars!" Before anyone could reply, she started pushing them out the door giving a hastened, "Bye Angel!" and closing the door behind her.

She took a deep calming breath as everyone moved, conversing to each other, towards the elevator. Willow and Fred were chatting about some computer thing whilst Xander had his arm over Gunn's shoulder and was complementing him on his Cheerleader handling methods. Faith walked next to her.

Cordelia approached Harmony and the two men. She pointed to the office. "Don't go in there until the elevator doors close behind us and the blinky number shows that we reached the ground floor safely."

She noticed Faith's raised eyebrow waiting for an explanation. Cordelia led the way where the others were holding the automatic doors open for them. She grinned secretly watched the doors close after they entered.

"I'll tell you when we're a safe distance away from danger."

Faith shook her head chucking causing everyone to tune in. "This sounds good!"

~Part:13~

"Need everything you have about Vampire Claiming," Spike said the second they entered the English man's office.

Wesley froze in his tracks before nodding silently and moving towards the book. Slowly and a not a little sheepish at his sudden outburst, Spike closed the door behind him and tried some other way to word his real request.

Wesley turned around with the book held in his hands and went directly to the point of the matter. He confronted Spike by saying, "I knew what you wanted vaguely before we even came here, Spike. You require texts that revolve around the situation you have with Master Hrafen." He also mentioned that he had been over it with Cordelia, Gunn, Lorne and Fred and that he could give Spike everything he knew concerning the subject if the vampire wished.

Spike shook his head. "If I wanted that."

Wesley smiled. "You would've asked him to explain, I understand. You can have full access to the books and its contents as you please." He indicated to the large book in his hand and the full library to the side.

Spike shuffled on his feet and crossed his arms around him in away they began to connect to Spike when he was feeling vulnerable

"Yeah, uh, thanks for that, Per-Wesley." He grinned. "I wouldn't mind if you'd give me your view on this whole thing, though."

The ex-watched practically grew several inches and Spike would swear on a holy book that the man's chest puffed up like a very pleased rooster.

"It all seems quite normal to me, giving into account that this rarely happens of course." He raised his eyebrows in thought. "Though Angel's - uh attitude," he chose his words carefully when he distinctly saw the blond vampire's defenses build up. "Regarding the whole thing is rather unconventional, I might say, but the process itself has nothing to do with him after Raven made his claim known. The rest falls back on the Vampire Society."

Spike groaned.

Wesley chuckled. "I take it that is not the best of news?"

Spike snorted. "Well, mate, I killed my kind long before the bloody chip and soul and rarely, if ever mind you, followed the damn herd. Yeah, I'd be welcomed back with open arms and warm brew." He rolled his eyes.

"Yes, but none would dare show you disrespect. Master Hrafen is one of the oldest and most powerful vampires and his Line is feared and respected on every continent," Wesley pointed out trying to reassure him. "It has been written in the Diaries that they only sire and claim into their Clan the strongest and wisest. even fledglings of Hravolen are near the strength of young Masters."

Spike smirked. "Ray isn't as conventional as other vampires. he's sort've like me that way. But he's a stickler to the Lore of Siring. Only the best of the best. and even then fledge vamps, other than Childer, have to fight to stay on till their inauguration into the Line when they're presented to their Court."

Wesley wiggled his glasses more into place. "That's quite interesting. You mean Aurelius doesn't?"

Spike shrugged. "In Childer, yes, used to do that to the dot, and go over the top at that. But as far as I remember, fledglings are no more than cannon fodder and servants. you want more minions, you make more, nothing to it."

"What do you mean over the top?" Wesley tilted his head fascinated. "I remember that Aurelius didn't have that many 'True Childer' and even then, not many survived long to become Masters in the Line. Was it the Presentation to the Court or the Choosing of a Childe itself that led to that?"

"Both but mostly meeting the Master, friggin' white bat," the three words were mumbled with distaste.

Wesley's eyes widened and he felt the watcher awaken. "I assume you speak from experience."

Spike had a distant look in his eyes before chucking when he came back. "You're practically drooling, Wes." He walked around the desk. Wesley followed the vampire until he stood by the window looking at the bright day outside. "Well, let's say I wasn't yet up to the par, and Angelus refused to present me to him and leave it at that."

Of course that was never going to happen with someone like this. Wesley gasped. "You mean you were never accepted into the Line?"

Spike laughed at the human's stubbornness but amazed himself by still opening up to him. "Oh, no, mate. I was. The cow Darla saw to that. After Romania that is." The vampire didn't need to elaborate that sentence since they both knew that he meant the gypsy curse.

"And then when she had her fill with His Soulfulness in China. I figured out why he'd always said I wasn't ready." He turned to look at the brunet, his face illuminated, in more than one way. "See, he was more my sire than Dru ever was. He trained me, made me what I am. That's mostly why Peaches hates the fucking sight of me." He smiled a smile that held more than a couple of conflicting emotions as he recalled the first time in a long time he and Angel let it all out. In both words and fist. All for a measly bogus Cup. Spike was never happier to see Lindsay get what he deserved for that prank.

"But then it wasn't enough. Even though I had made a name for myself as William the Bloody and Spike, part of the Scourge of Europe. I was still *too human*." A dark look passed over his face. "Well, to keep this bedtime tale less gory, let's say Fruit Bat took a fancy to me and didn't stake me on the spot. sort of speak." He chuckled darkly. Wesley felt his blood run cold. "But he made sure even if I didn't beat the humanity out of me that I hid it well. If it weren't for James and Elizabeth." He recalled with sadness the blond vampire and his mate.

James had understood him better than anyone. He, as well, had the curse of love but he was lucky to find someone who returned his affection. The two lovebirds helped get both Spike and Drusilla out of the Master's Layer in London and away from the Master's wrath. To Scandinavia.

They hadn't gotten word about the Master or Darla. Spike guessed that that was when they headed off to the New World but he never made sure . or in reality never gave a damn. Before long, Drusilla had gotten bored with him and found herself a new plaything soon after James and Elizabeth departed to their own path. That was the last he saw of them. No thanks to.

His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath and finally looked at a white faced Wesley in the eyes. "Now you were saying about meeting the Orders?"

The human, who had never felt more so out of sorts in his life, bobbed his head silently noting the unspoken demand for a change of subject.

He continued with what he was saying before, "It needs to be done in front of a Court of various Line Elders. Several conditions are needed for it to be complete, especially since it would be with a powerful Master such as Hrafen in the midst of his influence in the Vampire Society. But you meet all of them. more so with you're reputation as."

"Slayer of Slayers," it was said expressionless, with thoughts still dreary at the loss of a couple of creatures that he genuinely cared for and who cared for him in return.

"Furthermore, I'm speculating that it needs to be done on the night of a full moon," Wesley said, his tone pressing for more, unaware of the vampire's thoughts.

Spike frowned, confused at that. First with the Society then with the moon, that wasn't what happened the last time. "But when Angelus." he didn't need to finish, Wesley knew what he was talking about.

"Yes. But I take it that Raven intends to extend the Rule under you as well, am I right? For that it needs to be done in that particular night to be unyielding as well as the Vampire Society accepting it falls partly on that. I knew you came to me more about the taking part of the Rule than the Claim." The human was a little smug as he watched the vampire's reaction to his words.

Spike was shocked into silence before nodding to the question broadcasting his own inquiry with his eyes. He wondered how Wesley had guessed his real reason of coming to him.

Wesley rested his hands on his desk and leaned into it. "According to Lorne's 'people' . Hravolen had been in hiding for several years. It appears that they had ceased siring for nearly as long as that. Lorne's reports say the Clan had been in wait for something. or his theory, which I agree with, for someone."

"Quite the gossip monger he is." Spike didn't contradict what had been said but wondered loudly, "Speaking of Green Jeans. haven't seen him in the Scooby greeting."

Wesley scrunched his nose. "Well, he ran off when Angel growled at him," he said absentmindedly.

Spike chucked. "Wonder what brought that on?"

His fellow Englishman shrugged agreeing. "Cordelia would surly fill in the missing pieces." Then he looked with narrowed eyes at the man in front of him. "You plan on telling me anything that I don't already know, Spike? I told you all I have. is there something. else you wish to share with me?"

Wesley was being very professional though Spike could detect a bit of concern from his friend.

"You know that I would give you all the answers I have but you must've also known that I will ask my own, such as, why you came to me for one thing." He pulled himself up tall and looked straight at the leather clad vampire in front of him.

Spike sighed. "I thought as much. I mean, you're the Head Book Boy after all, and Rupes is way over there-" He moved his hand in a far away gesture. "-in the mother land, so I thought I'd better come to you for insight, besides ol' Ripper tried to kill me. and after I went to all that trouble fighting for my soul! God only knows what the wanker'd do to me now that I've saved the world. It's preposterous, I tell ya!" Wesley groaned at more than one thing in that sentence while Spike gave him a sucked in grin.

The blond's face turned somber after a few moments, eyebrows knotting. Wesley had to blink at the vampire's ever changing moods. "You see its not that I don't trust Raven, it's just." He waved his hand in a loss of words.

"You wish the facts unblemished," Wesley supplied.

Spike grinned glad that he didn't need to explain his situation.

"It's perfectly understandable, Spike." Wesley shifted from the desk to place the heavy book in his hands in its place, still talking, "It's clear how much he values you even from my only meeting with him, and dare I say, even care for you greatly." He locked eyes with curious blue ones. "Even on an unconscious level, seeing as he wishes you to accept, he might abstain from mentioning some factors or embellish them. Not deliberately, of course," Wesley's tone conveyed more than one the one opinion he projected.

Spike moved his jaw faintly; a far look in his eyes as well as something Wesley couldn't identify, for it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. With determination, he recalled with as much objectivity as he could what Raven had told him the night before. Not going into details of their activities much to Wesley's relief.

Flashback to Raven's lavish apartment.

"This is some fancy digs you got here, mate." Spike whistled in appreciation at the entrance hall way as the door clicked shut behind him.

Raven shrugged, placing his keys on the mantle. "When you're a multi-millionaire, they tend to indulge your wants."

"So your Porsche says." Spike raised an eyebrow. "Thinking that would impress me?"

Raven smiled confidently. "Doesn't it?" He pointed his gaze towards the vast living room. Spike followed with his eyes, which soon widened in wonder.

"Damn right it does! Is that a fully equipped entertainment center?"

Raven grinned. "I do indulge in my love for the motion picture. It appealed to me from the day it was released to the masses. I knew that for certainty, when I realized that I didn't feed in the theater. Well, not counting those who ignore all manner of courtesy and ruin the experience."

"Yeah, hate those necking buggers myself." Spike snickered. "And I'm not even pretending to know who painted this." He pointed at a large painting covering the upper half of the wall.

Ray laughed at Spike's honesty. "Good. Because it would be dreadfully embarrassing to try and distract you from the answer I will be unable to provide you."

Spike gave him an open mouthed grin. "We-ll, look at the all knowing vampire, admitting ignorance in face of the artistry he alleges to love."

The black haired vampire raised his hands in acceptance. "One must maintain appearances."

"I don't." Spike sniffed confidently.

"You present yourself to the world as if nothing can bring you to your knees." He smirked. "At least not permanently. And most of the time, it's true."

Spike dropped his head with a groan. "I detect the foul scent of Memory Lane stench."

Raven chuckled but ignored the comment as he took in the curve of Spike's lowered neck with admiration. "I still remember this young vampire so eager to learn, to prove himself of being the greatest, even though he had already made a name for himself as Spike the Slayer Killer. So hungry for life, I could only make a presumption, more so than when he had his warm blood pumping in living veins."

Spike raised his head surprised. He was expecting a recollection of all those times the Master vampire and he had fought, and the same number of times the younger man was defeated and was brought to his knees.

"With beauty to rival the Greek Gods themselves." A pale hand traced the expanse of his face from a distance as if he was a priceless fine art in a museum looked upon with appraisal.

The gray eyes were half closed as they gazed at Spike's face, as if trying to visualize his memory into the one in front of him, his voice deep yet in a whisper.

"You have been released from all restraint- a true representation of all that is Vampire. Yet. The power of love could still reach through your oh so human attributes."

He took a step closer but Spike was frozen in his place unable to move, unsure if it was a Thrall or that he truly wished this.

"Your perfection was flawed in the most perfect of ways." His nail grazed the scared eyebrow and hissed in satisfaction when Spike shivered. "A work of art." That was how Raven saw perfection. in what set it apart from others. what made it unique.

Spike gulped when Raven started to walk around him as he spoke.

"You hold in you the best of Vampires and Humans with such ease one can not look away. Helpless but to look at you in wonder as the many colors of fire fight within you desperate to touch," he said coming to stop once more in front of him, raising his own hand as such. "That or seek the challenge of tainting such perfection in all means possible. or more possibly fear the burn, enjoy the warmth while they can and run away like the cowards that they are." Bright gold flashed as the last sentence was growled out with such enmity that Spike felt himself withdraw, as if the spell was broken, and evade the touch.

Raven's eyes returned to their blue-gray tones and he watched Spike move to the other side of the wide entrance. "I yearned for you when you crossed my path that night inebriated with ale and sorrow for the loss of your simple minded companion to her lusts."

Spike tried not to flinch at the mention of Drusilla and failed miserably. Raven noted his displeasure from the tension of his back. However, he continued, "I needed to possess you and you." Spike could hear the other vampire's grin in his voice. "You had no fear of dying battling my minions and yet, you would not yield."

The older vampire smiled in relief when Spike sniggered and faced him once more. "You were pissed off coz I was snackin' in your territory."

They shared a grin. "That was the reason at first, it's true. But the way you fought even in your state . it was pure artistry." The older vampire leered. "And as a patron of the arts, or at least one alleges to be," he said mockingly throwing Spike's words back at him and rewarded with a snort at his attempt. ". I knew I had to have you."

Spike raised his head defiantly, tongue in a defiant way against his teeth. "But then you got to know me." One eyebrow was up. "Guess I made a better impression than I'm usually told." The head tilt.

Raven's eyes turned a shade darker. "After that night, I never possessed you. even with chains around your limbs . you fought with a ferocity that reminded me of a Lynx facing a pack of wolves."

The blond smiled pompously but with an air of uneasiness. "I've always seen myself as a cat vamp," he tried to play off the joke.

It obviously didn't work since Raven wasn't deterred from his approach or train of speech. "You possessed me, even then. You could ask - no, demand of me what you pleased and I would've gifted you with the barest of hesitation. You only needed to forget about. him."

Spike flinched at the venom seeping out with the last word.

"And yet, you have gifted me, even with your adamant refusal to remain with me fully; in every sense of the word. I had in my possession something most of our kind would loath - the ability to love." Spike felt his skin crawl and had this instant urge to be elsewhere, fearing that the Elder would punish him for such a transgression. God knew Angelus did when he came back in Sunnydale. Perhaps this was what the claiming obsession was all about. a simple way to cast his revenge with no one being able to stand in his way. Spike would be his in all sense of the word to with as he pleased.

"It was as if you infected me with it with only your presence." Raven shook his head in wonderment with no hint of anger, continuing unaware of his companion's jumpiness. "If I were anyone but myself then I would've condemned you to death in a way that would have had you begging for it to finally end."

Spike was ashamed to admit that he had breathed a sigh of relief at that sentence. It had been too much of a Déjà vu to his liking. Thankfully for him, Raven was too wrapped up in explaining his point of view that he didn't notice any of the thoughts flashing behind his eyes.

"But with age came longing for something new- or something lost. I would lust and I would always hunger and I would always have what I wanted in time." That moment he looked straight into Spike's eyes. "With you, I loved. In a way I dare say I never felt even when the sun's harmless rays would fall on my flesh. Still, with you I could not reach my goal."

Spike's eyes dimmed once more as they gazed down at the points of the fancy leather shoes Cordelia had insisted he wear. "That's why. I knew there was a reason for all this. Why all this is happening." His head snapped up. He glared angrily. "Coz I'm bloody unattainable?" Another voice rung in his head, it was a feminine one, claiming that his love was only due to him wanting what he could not have. Irony had it, that they were both held back by the memory of the same man.

Raven scoffed. "That thought itself is ludicrous! I have already explained my intentions. I will not even dignify that with more of a response." And yet he kept on going, Spike thought a bit amused. "If that was the true reason, I would claim you and not make you my mate to share my Rule."

Crossing to his side, the long haired vampire caressed Spike's features with tenderness that he couldn't help but lean in to with a purr. Raven felt warmth flow inside him at the trusting gesture this wild and beautiful creature, that knew no bounds, had bestowed upon him.

He knew that if Spike knew his thoughts, he would laugh at their sentimentality and wave them away with a joke or a change of subject. Raven wanted to do just that, only to show Spike how much he knew him by pointing out that over-romanticizing was a trait they both shared. More so for Spike, seeing as Raven had only him as an object of affection. However, in the last moment he decided against that, since that would only serve to open up old wounds for his beloved, or in his case, pour salt in ones that had never had the chance to heal.

"I believe in you. In the greatness you can bring." Raven smirked trying to lighten the mood. "And I plan to bask in it with you at my side and in my bed. You will be my equal. Always my Leif." With that he leaned in and pressed his lips to Spike's. There was a short resistance before the lips against his relaxed and participated. That was all the temptation he needed, not that he required any in the first place.

Raven felt the moan as much as heard it as he flicked his tongue against Spike's upper lip. His own moan followed, filled with glee as he felt Spike's teeth sink gently into his lower lip, pulling him closer in, and letting go to the passion they shared earlier this same night. His tongue brushed over Spike's lips before entering the open mouth, teasing his tongue.

Spike slid his hands around Raven's waist. The other vampire responded by pushing him against the wall. Spike mentally grinned as he felt the large painting he was viewing before tilt at the intrusion to its space.

Raven's legs framed Spike's narrow hips as he leaned in, rubbing suggestively against the younger vampire, never dwindling with his attack on his lips. He finally broke the kiss only to slide along Spike's striking jaw with tiny bites and licks, ending at the shell of his ear. He massaged the tempting flesh with his lips and tongue, enjoying Spike's breathless gasps before sinking his sharp teeth in the lobe electing a sharp intake of breath but finding no resistance to go on with his assault.

Spike felt his eyes roll back when he felt a gentle sucking on his lobe, knowing that the other vampire was learning his taste. Something Spike had denied him all those years ago in fear that if the Master tasted him he would be tempted to take a bite. However, now Spike had no stand or qualms to refuse. He didn't think he even wanted to.

Raven ground his hips into Spike, causing their hard erections to rub against each other. Spike growled deep within his chest and pulled him down for another passionate kiss, both fighting for dominance in equal ground, which only served to intensify Spike's arousal.

Raven laid his forehead against Spike's. He closed his eyes and dropped his voice to a rough whisper, due to the earlier passion or what he was saying, Spike wasn't sure, "You never denied me all those years ago, Spike, all but one. I never resented you for that. And I never forced you to give it up. I do not want to force you now. but I will not release you. That I promise you."

Spike head's dipped and he pulled back feeling his erection soften due to the feeling of rejection the subject brought back. "I know. But."

Raven stopped him. "Listen to me."

Spike thought for a moment, he had been listening all night, he was finally having some fun but HE had to bring that up, before he shut his mouth letting the other vampire continue.

"Not only am I doing this to keep you at my side. but I wish you to see it as a means for protecting you." He narrowed his eyes, conveying the seriousness of the matter. "You were always reviled by the underworld but no one dared attack you with intent on your person as they feared you to be the Claimed of Angelus, the most feared and ruthless vampire." He couldn't help but roll his eyes at that. No one could ever mistake Raven for liking either side of the vampire. "Now they would wish to posses you due to the rarity of you being soul-ed ." He snickered. "Well, that and see you pay for all the 'good' you have done. Have I ever mentioned how your escapades always amused me?"

Spike shook his head in amusement. "I'll keep that in mind," he referred to the new information about now being all but open to grabs for anyone. Or he would have been if Raven hadn't already placed his claim. And if Spike knew the vampire, and he did, word would be out in all that are interested in the world and underworld. and selected dimensions. In thoroughness, Raven rivaled Angelus. Spike's name and Hrafen's approach of him would be one everyone's tongue, or whatever stood for it in some demons. Spike was surprised that his ear wasn't ringing his brains out.

"So. tell me, since you're feeling all the bit nostalgic . how's Juliana?" He pursed his lips eyes at a classy glass stand.

Raven blinked and caressed the photo Spike was looking at. "She left."

Spike tilted his head. "When?"

"Soon after you departed." At Spike's questioning gaze, he sighed with platitude. "Well I *may* have encouraged her to leave seeing as her presence only reminded me of what I didn't have anymore. Not that I ever had it in the first place."

Spike groaned and rubbed the back of his head. "God damn it, Ray! Are you thick in the head?!"

"I beg your pardon?" Raven might love Spike but even that wouldn't allow the younger Master to disrespect him, at least not until they were fully mated.

Spike pointed his finger at Raven who looked at the digit as if asking what to do with it.

"Thanks to you. she teamed up with the Immortal and had me sent to prison for tax evasion! She bloody set me up and now I know it's all thanks to her Daddy having kicked her out coz of me!"

Raven blinked at Spike before exploding in a gale of laughter. The glass stand rattled as he leaned into it to keep standing. "I always hated that over confident Italian. But I have to give him points for his creativity!"

Spike pouted. "It's my experience that women get the creative ideas. The trotter was only with 'er in it coz he likes to make my life a living hell." His jaw clenched. "And you know how long it takes to get out of a 1950's Italian prison? Pretty damn hard! I got home to Dru with my hair sun crisp. to- to find all three..." Spike growled and couldn't finish the sentence in his anger.

"Concurrently?" Raven frowned. "She never let us do that."

Spike huffed and waved his hand exuberantly. "I know! He had a spell put on them I tell ya." He grumbled recalling the same situation with Darla and Drusilla some years before that. "And all I could hear for months after that was 'Oh, she had pretty fiery hair' and 'ooh he tastes like sunshine', harlot!"

Raven grasped on that straw of Spike smearing his Dark Princess' name. "They say if you love something, let it go and if it comes back to you then you know its worth. I let you go back to that crazy bitch you call a sire but she never knew your worth - neither did he." He couldn't help adding the last part.

Two honey blond eyebrows rose and a blond head shook in disbelief, was he ever that petty? He wouldn't be surprised if he was, remembering the names he continually called Angel when he was with the Scoobies or alone with Buffy.

A soft giggle then escaped Spike as he recalled something. "I don't know about you mate. but the ladies don't like our Italian nemesis for his goods." He wiggled the meaningfully. "I caught an eyeful." He paused in thought. "Or not 'so' when I walked in on them."

Raven sneered. "Is that so. some of my rather 'bigmouthed' acquaintances might be interested to hear that." Spike would bet by tomorrow no woman . or man . would be falling for the Immortal. Spell or no spell. He smirked back.

"As for Juliana. I must question her sanity to be associated with him. Perhaps I should've not sent her away." It was said as a joke but obviously the other occupant of the room didn't see it as that.

Spike lowered his face. "Sorry." The soul seemed to be working over time if he was feeling guilty about a soulless vampire being released to the unsuspecting world. On second thought, it might be worth a bit of guilt or two.

"Not your fault," Raven reassured him.

"Isn't it?" He raised his face and voice in anger. "Liana was your favored Childe! Your heir! She had been with you for centuries! And you sent her away like she was nothing."

Ray's eyes flashed. "Dare not say that! She will forever be my favored little one! She was my first and thus she will always remain." He drew closer to Spike, his voice low as he stroked the razor-sharp features. "But she was never my beloved. I cared for her. but I never gave her my heart. she knew that. she was merely being resentful . I had reserved it till the night I came across you."

Spike sucked in his lip and shook his head causing the hand to slip away. He moved deeper into the room. "So you keep telling me."

Raven narrowed his eyes at that and followed him slowly.

Spike stood by the large window over looking the city under the cover of the night. "Necro-tempered?"

Raven started walking towards him, a smirk in his voice as he answered, "Of course."

Spike wrapped his arms around him and felt a sense of Déjà vu overwhelming him. He had stood in a similar position only a few months ago, yet he wasn't really him, a manifestation. a ploy in the endless game between good and evil. He was batted from left to right, here and there, no one wanting him but all using him the same. He was a convenience and it was only a matter of time before Raven realized that as well. It had taken Angel over 500 years, give or take a few centuries in Hell, to come to terms with Spike's worth.

Strong arms enclosed around him and pulled him against a strong chest. Spike bit back a whimper as he had another flash from the past, a further one. one that led him to cling at a hope of something more. The question rang in his mind no matter what he did to try and push it away. WHY did Angelus claim him if it meant nothing. If it was so easy to cast him away.

Raven began nipping at the side of his neck electing encouraging whimpers from the younger vampire. It had been forever since anyone paid attention to his pleasure first. But not forever, it was only a century ago. In France, Paris to be exact. And that bumbling idiot Harmony wondered why he hated even the mention of that place. Sodding France!

"I should go back." Spike said looking out. It would be soon dawn. He had a few hours though. He needed to think something over. He already knew who he needed to talk to.

"I'll drive you." Raven started with a sigh. He took a deep breath to take in Spike's scent, squeezed him meaningfully before pulling away. Spike turned and looked at him apologetically.

"No, I think I rather walk. you know, do some thinking. kill a couple of baddies."

They shared a smile. Spike felt a little lighted headed and his chest was tight but not in a bad way. This might not have been a bad thing after all.

"It had been a while since I have been in a formidable fight." Raven crossed his arms significantly.

Spike snorted. "Believe me, Ray. You won't find 'em in Los Angeles. Now Sunnydale."

Raven ran his eyes over Spike sensually, causing the recipient to shiver in anticipation of the promises the gaze held. "It is such a shame that I never indulged in my desire to visit the Hellmouth."

Spike shrugged. "Well, you know there's another in Cleveland." He started moving away. He needed to think without the distraction of Raven's looks and touches.

"William. if you need me to explain my proposition. I know you know about the claim but the other concerning the Rule."

Spike frowned. "I know. I need to think about it, Hrafen."

"I can supply you with answers to all your questions," Raven started.

"I know. though you already burned my ear with the Slayer/Vampire alliance in the car . but I gotta do this my way."

"You always did follow your own path, Will."

"Yeah, I've been told that's my worse quality. I rarely fall in line." Spike's feet dragged him to middle of the room.

Ray drew closer all of a sudden, vampire speed shocking the blond vampire himself. He pulled Spike in for a passionate kiss. "Their loss is my gain for I find it one of your most admirable qualities. never a dull moment."

Spike found himself entranced by a pink tongue tracing over a sharp fang. He shook his head to clear the daze.

"You don't say?" He smirked.

Ray returned the smile. "Oh, yes, one of the many reasons I have presented you with my proposition."

Spike raised his head seriously and pulled back towards the door. "I hope you really don't take this the wrong way. but I do bat for the white hats now. I have to make sure this won't change me in a." he trailed off remembering his and Raven's 'never dull moments' a century ago. He wondered if the Watchers Diaries recorded any of them. He had to admit, they were fun. When he was evil, which he wasn't now. It was strange how the soul seemed to have its own mind. But maybe William had a sense of humor he kept for situations like this to muddle with Spike's mind.

Raven nodded, though not a little sullen at Spike not staying the night and finishing what he started. Okay, what Raven started but Spike had a big hand in that, though not in the literal way he wanted. And just the thought of that helped in the worse of ways.

"I understand. You do what you need to do. I will await your answer."

Spike looked up at him, confused for a moment. Then the look turned appreciating when the words finally registered in his jumbled mind. Raven was letting him do this for the sake of him needing to do this because he knew it gave Spike a sense of control which he in all reality had none about the Claiming. Also, he was a little warmed at the notion of the other vampire waiting for him.

~ Great, I'm turning into a teenaged pansy. ~

Before Spike exited the door, a question stopped him.

"You don't intend to do battle in that attire, do you?" The amused question reached him from inside the apartment.

Spike looked down at his clothes and chuckled before locking gazes with amused gray with a conspiring gleam in his azure eyes. "I'm sure you'll help me fend off Cordelia if I break in my tux."

Ray slowly sauntered predatorily over. "There are better ways of breaking the tux in . ways I'm sure Ms. Chase would approve of."

Spike laughed out loud while drawing back teasingly. "I'll make sure to tell her that. She'll appreciate the thought." As the hand behind his back was slowly turning the handle, pulling the door open, Raven crashed Spike back into it causing to door to slam shut before thoroughly kissing the elated blond.

After some time of showing Spike what he was missing by leaving and making sure that he wasn't the only one left with something to take care of, the soulless vampire he was, Raven pulled back. The dazed look in his eye matched Spike's as he pushed him out the door.

"Have fun killing things," he winked and closed the door.

Spike looked, confused at the expensive wood before a large smile found its place on his lips and he turned on his heels and walked away whistling.

~ And they say I act immature, hah! ~

When Spike finished retelling the *informative* facts of the night before, mostly the things Raven told him at the party and in the car about the treaty bringing peace between the Slayers and the Vampire of Hravolen and any other Order that wished to participate, the two men were found lounging on the couch, a bottle and two glasses lay abandoned on the table. While Spike was sprawled, his neck against the back of the couch, Wesley was leaning forward in concentration digesting the unbelievable things that had been revealed to him. He raised his head in the direction of the window. Or tonight. Time had passed too quickly.

"I know that this is uncalled for. but are you sure you want to do this?" He indicated the shared Rule and his responsibility to mediate and guide his kind. It was a great task to ask of anyone.

"It's not like I have any choice, now do I?"

"If he does care for you, he mustn't force you," Wesley said with vigor. Though the watcher in him wanted that to happen, he did not want to see his friend with such a responsibility. He could see it everyday in Angel since he had gone against the Senior Partners and taken L.A.'s Wolfram and Hart from under them. This was asking a great deal of Spike.

"Wes, as unconventional in Vampire terms as Ray is. he still doesn't have a soul. I know he cares for me. but giving me a choice now that I don't have any right to is pointless. If Raven doesn't then someone else will."

"I beg your pardon." Wesley turned to look at Spike who was now leaning forward.

"You know as well as I do that Angel isn't liked by almost all the demon world and that's in this dimension. Claims aren't only vampire territory, demons can take part. Claims in the underworld are done not for the sake of love or position but more of dominance."

Wesley felt his blood run cold. He couldn't believe how dim-witted he was to forget such a thing. He knew where Spike was heading with this.

Spike was speaking in a monotone voice as if retelling a story he had repeating a hundred times, yet something in Wesley told him it was actually the first time Spike said this. And perhaps that was reason enough to let him say what he as an ex-watcher and demon researcher should have known before hand.

"Some would do it to irk Angel and some for Angelus as well. he wasn't more liked than the broody poofer. Others would do so to acquire and. well take pleasure in breaking an 'abomination' in the sinful world of demons. Seeking ones soul is taking a big leap." For the first time he turned to look at Wesley.

"I'm not gonna mollycoddle you, Watcher, you should know better than that. This thing is done. Angelus has first claim over me, no matter what. Bloody don't know why the fucker laid it in the first place! He can stop it even if it's half underway if he wishes, but he doesn't."

Wesley was shocked at the sudden urge that filled him to catch up with Willow and ask her to make Angel into the rat he was. If he told her what Angel had done he knew she would do it in a heart beat. He just couldn't believe why his good friend couldn't see that Spike was always following him, in evil and then in good. Always making the effort to reach out but only getting ridiculed and pushed aside.

The Englishman still recalled the recent incident with the splinter that almost took Spike's life. Wesley actually thought he saw Angel showing some emotions, too deep to be cast as a sense of guilt. But Angel turned around and all but threw Spike out for every soulless creature to declare torment on him if they won the Claim not soon after Spike almost died! Wesley could confidently say that he could write a thesis on Angel and how he behaves in his sleep. But ask him to explain how the soul-ed vampire thinks and you would be better off asking the vampire himself.

"What I want is to what venturing in Rule territory would do. Coz that's the only thing I have a vote in. I can refuse it if I wish but I'm still under Ray's claim and not to mention his protection. I'm not a fool, Wesley. I have contacts. I couldn't leave to Europe and be with Buffy and the Bit unless I wanted to be jumped by half the demon populace."

Spike's words snapped Wesley back into reality. If Wesley hadn't taken his glasses off, Spike might not have noticed how wide his eyes can become.

Wesley spluttered before finally finding his voice. "You. you knew!" It was short of an accusation. "You knew that Angel's claim no longer held worth all along."

Spike looked away with a ting of sadness. "The word had been out on my claim for years. But I was with Dru before she found more interesting company." His nose crinkled in disgust. Wesley gave him a sympathetic smile but Spike shrugged it off as he continued counting on his fingers.

"Then I kept close to the Slayer. then Glory, Willow, even before she got batty - which I regrettably missed."

"I think she would understand your absence with you busy fighting to the death for your soul," Wesley stated baldly.

Spike laughed out loud and punched him lightly on the shoulder. Wesley laughed quietly and rubbed at where Spike's fist hit him.

Spike rolled his eyes.

"You might have one on Rupes for being a funny bloke but you're as sissy as the whelp." Before Wesley could protest on being compared to Xander, whom he only knew as a teenager in Sunnydale, Spike continued his list.

"Of course, we can't forget the First. none dared make a move. The First all but claimed me and Glorificus was half way there, she didn't give a damn about the Master Lore being a God and all. 'lucky' for me she had other things on her mind, what was there was of it that is, and just before Raven came, none dared as long as I was in Angelus' town and working with him. Especially since he had made a rep for himself taking over Wolfram and Hart and turning it 180. But even before then, I had Angelus unspoken claim. then it was as if he forgot to reestablish it. But now the world knows."

"He did it on purpose," Wesley whispered in astonishment. He wondered if Willow would make Angel a rat with no tail. He heard that way the animal died in a painful and slow way.

Spike frowned. "Huh?"

"Angel knew," Wesley sounded incredulous. Remembering the looks shared with the vampires when Hrafen first arrived before Spike stormed out in anger. And Spike knew that Angel knew. There was no way Angel had forgotten about it. And yet even if he had, he was given a chance to reinstate it, even if he did not intend to consummate it, if only to protect Spike. But he did not. Wesley wondered if Xander would like to stomp on rat-Angel.

Out of nowhere, Spike and Wesley jumped up in alarm at the scream that followed an angry roar.

"Harmony!?!"

"Dear Lord!" Wesley exclaimed frantically. He then shook his head sympathetically when he heard the screeched, "B- but I waited until nightfall! Maintenance doesn't usually work late hours. I didn't know you slept at your desk!! "

"Poor Harmony."

"What in the world got to him?" Spike asked at the same time moving towards the door. A hand stopped him. "What, mate?"

Wesley shook his head. "You don't want to go in there."

"Why the Hell not?" Spike asked, worried about Angel. He would know that roar anywhere.

Wesley couldn't hold in his grin. "Well, as much as Cordelia's admirable effort in trying to cover for Angel, I noticed his foot stuck in the concave of his desk." He smiled wider. "And if I'm guessing correctly. the maintenance had come in to change the office desk once more." Maybe it wasn't being turned into a rodent but it was better than nothing. He had to ask Harmony to describe for him every detail.

For a few seconds Spike's face was completely unreadable then all of a sudden he burst out laughing.

He nodded barely pulling himself together. "Well good!"

~~~*~~~

Angel growled at Harmony ignoring her explanation. With a snarl he pulled away from his desk and limped towards his elevator punching angrily at the button. Without looking at the gaping faces, he rode up to his penthouse.

Harmony turned to look at the maintenance men who were frozen in fear and pouted. "Cordy didn't need to tell me not to go in. I'm a vampire," she said in unneeded emphasis. "I could sense Angel unfriendliness from outside. It's not my fault that when it finally faded and I let you guys in to replace the desk he was taking a nap at his desk." She sniffed. "He didn't need to yell at me!" She twisted her lips. "And besides I really think it's unbecoming of the Boss to walk around with only one shoe on, don't you?"

next | back