Title: Lonely No More

Authors: angelspike69 and anamcara420

Pairing: Angel/Spike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Look, up there."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"No I didn't."

"What's in the little bag then?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Let's go to Las Vegas..."

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

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

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

"Okay ponce, where should we go?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You were having a nightmare Angel."

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

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