The Crypt: Lonely No More by angelspike69 and anamcara42

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".

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.

Angel stood there for several minutes unable to grasp exactly what had just happened. He kept looking towards the stairs, hoping Spike would come back down. When that didn't happen, he ran his hands through his disheveled hair. "Dammit!" Buttoning and zipping up his jeans, he ran up the stairs. Coming to a halt in the empty room, he looked around frantically, until he noticed the open doors leading out onto the roof. Treading quietly, he called Spike's name. No response answered his call, but he knew Spike was out there. He could see smoke wafting through the slowly brightening night sky. As he stepped outside, he saw the younger vampire standing there, looking out over the lake.

"Will..." He stepped closer, feeling Spike's slim body stiffen as he took him into his arms.

Slipping out of the powerful arms trying to hold him, he walked to the other side of the narrow roof. "Bugger off Angel! Just leave me alone."

"Come on Will. Talk to me. I don't understand what happened downstairs. Why did you run away?"

"God Angel! Even I can't believe you're that dense." He flicked the remains of his cigarette off the ledge and watched the glowing ember fall to the ground below. He looked over at Angel, at the confusion etched on his face. "You really don't know or understand. Do you?"

The older vampire offered an uncertain smile. "Truthfully?" Spike nodded. "No I don't, and I wish you'd explain it to me."

Spike sighed; disappointed that Angel couldn't figure it out and not sure if he really wanted to explain it to him. He backed up when he saw Angel approach him. He put his arm out, "Stop right there." Angel paused at Spike's harsh demand.

"Buggering hell! Because that's not who I am. Don't you get it? I told you downstairs, I haven't been Will in a long time. I'm Spike, but I guess you don't see that. You want your simpering Childe, 'Will,' not me, Spike." He emphasized 'Spike' with a thump to his chest. He shook his head sadly. "Should have known it was too good to be true. How could I have thought you...that finally, you wanted me."

"That's not what you were saying a few bloody minutes ago. It was all 'I want you Will, I need you Will.' A few weeks ago you even said, 'It's not about dominance Will.' I mean bollocks, Angel. I've seen you bristle every time someone refers to you as Angelus. Hell, you glared daggers at me when I did. Why do you think I called you that? I knew it infuriated you. Do you ever hear me say 'I want you Angelus?' No you don't, because I don't want that son of a bitch. Spike paused and his voice wavered slightly. "I want you, Angel." He reached out and touched the broad chest to emphasize his point. "Only you, Angel...always you..." His words faded as he dropped his head in defeat, his voice softening into a whisper. "But I guess I'm not what you want, and I can't be what you want. I can't be Will."

Angel's heart was breaking at the anguish in Spike's voice, the sound of total defeat and hopelessness. Reaching for him, he was relieved when Spike didn't try to pull away again. He drew him in, enveloping the smaller man in his strong arms, laying his head on the top of Spike's, and kissing his hair as he spoke quietly. "What you fail to understand Spike, is that you are Will; you've always had him inside of you, no matter how hard Angelus tried to beat him out of you. When you were turned, you never fully let go of William; he is your humanity."

Spike looked up at Angel, tears glistening the outer edges of his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but Angel stopped him by gently placing a finger on his lips. "No, listen and let me explain. It was Will who loved Drusilla, but Spike that protected her so fiercely. It was Spike and Will combined that came to Sunnydale to seek a cure for her. It was Spike who nearly killed me to heal her. It was Will that was hurt so badly when Angelus tried to show you that she didn't belong to you. It was Spike that battled furiously against me through the years. It was Will who loved Dawn and Buffy, and Spike that protected them. It was Spike that burst from that amulet and fought me with everything he had last year; forced me to really look at myself and what I was doing. Don't you see? It's Will and Spike blended together that make you who you are. It is both that I need – Will and Spike."

Seeing that Spike wasn't getting what he was saying, he dropped a kiss to his lips. "It's Spike that nags and berates me when I brood or feel sorry for myself or act like a...like a prat. Other than Cordy, you are the only one who will do that. I need you to kick me in the ass every now and then...to get me to fight back and not give up; to get me to really see what is going on. It is Will who coaxes me out of my despair with loving tenderness. I need all of that from you. I need Will and Spike. Without you...without you...I know...I could never go on. It...it took me a while to realize it, but it's true Spike." The older vampire's face showed the worry this argument had caused as he stood rigid, his hands clenched at this side, fearful that the younger vampire had been too hurt to believe his explanation.

Spike turned away from Angel. He sat down on the roof's edge dangling his legs over the side. Taking out his cigarettes, he lit one and began to smoke, silently staring at the sky. Angel stood for long moments, hoping that Spike would talk to him; forgive him. Disheartened, he sighed and went inside and slowly walked downstairs and into his bedroom. Sitting in the chair next to his bed, he held his head in his hands, cursing his insensitivity toward W...Spike, his inability to understand people, and his devastating talent to hurt everyone who cared about him. He didn't know how long he sat, but he realized that the darkness was quickly fading and Spike was out on the roof! Angel rushed up to the loft and stepped out onto the roof. Spike was leaning against the house with his eyes closed, smoking.

Angel didn't move toward him but spoke quietly. "Spike...I...I'm sorry. I am dense. I'm not as intuitive as you are. And...and I'm so confused about my own feelings, that I ignore the feelings of everyone around me. I don't ever want to hurt you again. Never."

Spike spoke without turning his head. "Better not make a promise you can't keep, Angel. People hurt each other all the time even when they don't mean to."

Finally, Spike looked over at Angel surprised by the raw emotion he saw on his face. He tossed his cigarette away and walked toward the older vampire. They stared at each other for a long minute and then Spike's lips twitched.

"Just have ta point out all your faults, peaches. Help ya work on 'em. I'll be your guru." The younger vampire grinned to take the sting out of his words. He reached up to touch Angel's face, drawing him down for a tender kiss. The larger vampire's body relaxed and he leaned into Spike. That kiss released the pent up passion within each vampire and their bodies trembled in anticipation.

Angel broke the kiss reluctantly. "Just so we're clear...this is NOT dominance, Spike. We're equals." Angel held his breath, waiting for Spike's reaction...never knowing what he'd get from his mercurial Childe.

Knowing Angel the way he did, Spike knew, without a doubt, that his Sire would give him a long lead before he'd take the control back. That was fine with him. Just knowing Angel meant what he said was all he needed. Half the fun, of course, was seeing how far he could push the man who had dominated his life for so many years. Tonight wasn't the night for them to be equal. Tonight he wanted to know that someone wanted him...needed him. They would explore the equal portion of this new relationship later.

Angel turned and started walking into Spike's room until he felt his body being yanked back. He grabbed for Spike's body as they collided together.

"Inside...don't you..." Before he could even finish that sentence, he was pushed back and unceremoniously fell down onto a very comfortable chaise lounge that Spike had commandeered from the deck below. As his body sunk into the soft cushions, he heard Spike telling him to scoot back and get comfortable. As he did, he saw that Spike had moved to the foot of the chaise.

He frowned when his invitation wasn't accepted. Dropping his hand, he looked at his Childe, his pale skin glowing in the shimmering moonlight. He watched as Spike dropped to his knees and crawled up the length of the chair. Angel's eyes widened at the scene playing out before him. Spike looked like a big cat on the prowl, and he was the prey. Angel lay there, every nerve in his body twitching in anticipation of what was happening – that any moment Spike would pounce and devour him. And how he wanted to be devoured by him. Angel swallowed hard as Spike paused between his spread legs.

"Remember pet, I'm in charge." He grinned as he watched the reaction in his Sire's eyes. Spike stretched out and laid his body down on Angel's, covering him like a blanket. Angel's skin tingled at the feel of skin against skin. Spike slid up, forcing their cocks to rub together. He rocked a few times, smirking down at him as Angel shivered at the sensation. The friction from Spike's movement and the silk and denim encasing his dick sent blood rushing into his groin, hardening him quickly. The organ throbbed almost painfully and he groaned, reaching for Spike.

Spike eluded his grasp. Shaking his head, he said hoarsely, "None of that luv..." Angel hissed as Spike started massaging his groin with his own. Seeing Angel acquiesce to his order turned Spike on more than he thought it would.

Sliding up, he ran his tongue along his bare chest. He brushed his lips against the older man's neck and continued up until he captured the quivering lips in a toe-curling kiss. The frenzy that dominated them earlier was gone. It had been replaced with the desperate need to take it slowly, savoring every moment that was to come.

Spike started to move down, making sure not to miss an inch of Angel's exposed flesh. Goosebumps appeared on the skin he was worshipping, and shallow pants replaced steady, although unnecessary, breathing.

Angel tried to grab for Spike, wanting to feel his lips upon his own, but all he caught was a fistful of hair. Spike raised his head and looked up at Angel, "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." He smiled at the glazed look on the older vampire's handsome face.

Lowering his head once again, he continued his trek down over the sinewy abs until he reached the top of Angel's jeans. Therein laid his prize tonight.

Slowly, he popped the single button and lowered the zipper. Parting the material, he could see the bulge that was now only restrained by the thin material of the silk boxers that Angel favored. Urging him to lift up, Spike slipped the denim over Angel's hips, down over his muscular thighs. He continued until they were completely removed. Getting back to his knees, he tossed them carelessly aside.

With heated brown eyes watching him intently, Spike got off the chaise and stood at Angel's feet. Never taking his eyes from the panting figure lying in front of him, Spike ran his fingers through his hair. Resting one hand on his shoulder, he let the other travel down his neck slowly, never pausing, continuing down, caressing one nipple and then the other. He stood there, his body vibrating with need; his blue eyes never leaving glittering brown ones, as he pinched and pulled on one hardened nub.

While he played with his nipple, his other hand left his shoulder and wandered sensuously across his chest, tracing lightly over the nub being ignored. He inched downward, stopping at the waistband of his jeans. Popping the top button, he reached for the next one, and then paused. He slowly lowered his hand until he reached the bulge straining beneath the fabric. Licking his lips erotically, he fondled his groin using the rough denim to create a tantalizing friction.

Hearing a desperate moan come from the figure lying on the chaise, Spike raised his head and his lips twitched as he watched Angel's heated eyes gaze down at him provocatively. While he continued rubbing himself through the denim, he brought his other hand down and started popping the remaining buttons. As each button was opened, more and more of Spike's hard cock was revealed, until finally the engorged organ burst free of its confines. He took it in one hand and began stroking the shaft slowly, seductively; running his finger over the tip and swiping up some of the creamy fluid that was leaking out. Bringing his finger up to his mouth, he licked the pre-cum off with this tongue.

Returning his hand to his cock, he stroked it a few more times, never taking his eyes off Angel. The older vampire's eyes fluttered closed as his trembling hand stretched toward his own erection. He grasped it and massaged it gently, groaning softly, thrashing his head back and forth, craving release. The older vampire shuddered and opened his eyes to see Spike standing mesmerized, watching him get himself off. He smirked slightly, his brown eyes never wavering from Spike as he stroked himself and started making small thrusts into his fist.

Spike placed a hand on either side of his jeans and slowly worked them down over his lean hips. Turning around, he pulled them down until the pale globes of his ass were fully exposed to Angel's view. Bending over further, he pushed the material down past his thighs. Wriggling his ass slightly, he grasped the hem of each leg and ripped the jeans off completely. Turning back around, he stood there, totally naked, jeans dangling from one finger. He grinned and winked before finally tossing them to the ground.

Spike returned his hand to his cock and joined in Angel's beating rhythm. He opened his mouth and his tongue flicked out to moisten his lips. Still stroking himself, Spike dropped to his knees between Angel's slightly bent legs. Releasing his erection, he crawled toward Angel, pausing when he reached the larger vampire's stiffened cock. Sensing his closeness, Angel opened his eyes, and Spike gasped at the intensity of the emotion burning in them. As Angel removed his hand, Spike dropped his head and took the tip into his mouth.

Slowly, he took the member farther into his mouth until his face was nestled in the wiry hairs. He greedily inhaled the musky scent of the older vampire. Wrapping his hand around the base, he brought his head back up until he reached the tip. He swiped his tongue across the slit, gathering up more of the fluid and swallowing it. Looking up at Angel, he went back down again, this time tightening his mouth around the shaft and twirling his tongue around the hardness. As Spike continued sucking on Angel, he started stroking himself.

He felt hands grasp his shoulders and try to pull him up, away from the cock. Spike growled low at Angel, his mouth vibrating around the organ. He was surprised when Angel growled back. Lifting his head, he stared into Angel's dark eyes, shivering at the need he saw there. He allowed Angel to drag him up his body. The older vampire placed a hand behind Spike's head drawing it down until their lips met. He thrust his tongue past the younger vampire's unresisting lips as he thrust his hips up. The kiss deepened when Spike ground down and cock touched cock. Without releasing Spike's mouth, Angel reached down to grab his writhing cheeks, kneading them, pulling the slender body closer.

As he gazed up at Spike, Angel felt the heat radiating from his eyes, knowing his own answered the passion. As he struggled to sit up, Spike tried to move off his body. Growling again, Angel wrapped the younger vampire's legs around his waist. Spike quirked his eyebrow and grasped his arms around Angel's neck, one hand tangling in the soft waves of his hair. He dropped his mouth and licked and nipped the larger vampire's full lips. Angel stood up, holding tightly onto Spike, and carried him back inside the loft. Spike giggled into the broad chest at the feeling of Angel's dick slapping against his ass. He stopped laughing when he felt the sting of Angel's large hand on his ass.

Reaching the end of the huge bed, Angel dumped the smaller vampire onto the covers. Spike scooted immediately toward the head of the bed and reached underneath one of the pillows. Bringing his hand out, he tossed something to Angel. The larger vampire caught it and grinned when he saw what was in his hand. Grabbing Spike by an ankle, he pulled him back down to the foot of the bed. Flicking open the tube, Angel held his hand over the base of Spike's cock, squeezing the cold gel and watching it slide down between the crease of Spike's ass.

Climbing on the bed between Spike's legs, Angel grinned mischievously. He reached down with one hand and rubbed it into the crevice. "Well then, let me warm it up for you." As he spread it over the opening, he slipped in one finger in, then another. Spike dropped to his back, reaching for one of the pillows and placing it under his head. As Angel prepared him, Spike started moving against his fingers. "MMMMM, God, feels so good. Been too long...More Angel...please." Angel watched mesmerized as Spike fucked himself on his fingers.

"Spike, I...I know it's been a long time for...for this, I don't want to hurt you."

Tears glistened in the blue eyes looking up at him. Spike reached up and placed a palm on Angel's strong chest.

"I don't think my body has ever forgotten you Angel." He smirked and winked. "Besides, you always liked virgins, so if I'm tight, I'll hear you scream in ecstasy. I like having power over you, peaches."

Angel coated his engorged cock with slick. He grabbed the writhing vampire beneath him by each ankle, and placed Spike's legs over his shoulders. He pushed forward, bending Spike in two, as his weeping cock slid into Spike slowly. Watching Spike closely to detect any pain, Angel pushed in gently, inch by inch until he was fully embedded in the slender body.

Spike reached for Angel and brought his head down until their lips met. As Angel started moving, the kiss got deeper. Tongue fought against tongue, skin slid against skin. Angel quickened his thrusts. He moved his mouth first to Spike's ear, biting on the fleshy lobe before moving to his thin, pale neck. Both vampires were breathing heavily now. Angel paused and reached for a pillow. He put it under Spike and lowered his legs. The younger vampire stared in confusion.

"Remember? It isn't about dominance." Angel was pressed tightly to Spike as he rode him hard. Spike grabbed the covers, fisting them in his hands as his cock was being stroked by Angel's slick body.

Angel covered Spike completely with his body and continued to move into him. He nestled his head in the crook of his Childe's shoulder. Latching onto the mark he put there so many years ago, he drew it into his mouth and sucked. Angel heard Spike moan and felt his cock twitch beneath him. As he fucked Spike, he made sure to hit his prostate with every thrust. Spike was keening loudly. Angel felt Spike's mouth against his neck. He was panting furiously now and growled when he felt Spike's teeth scrape against his skin. Timed perfectly like synchronized swimmers, both vampires bit down at the same time, fangs tearing into flesh. As soon as the fangs sunk into the willing flesh, both of them came hard.

Still joined to together, Angel slowed his movements, but didn't stop. Spike clung tightly to him. Both vampires continued to suck the blood from the wounds each had made, as they both came again.

After they both came down from their orgasmic highs, Angel slid out of Spike. He rolled off his body and the smaller vampire groaned at the separation. Angel moved up the bed, dragging Spike with him until his head was resting on one of the pillows. Reaching for the blanket at the foot of the bed, he covered them, pulling Spike close to him. They lay there gazing at each other for long moments until they both closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Angel opened his eyes, suddenly disoriented as he felt a body crushed against him. After a moment he remembered. Sex with Spike. Sleeping with Spike. He lay still recalling their fight and his insensitive stupidity. Spike was far more forgiving than he deserved. He sighed and disentangled himself from the slight body next to him. He crept quietly out of bed and downstairs. Grabbing fresh underwear he hurried into the shower, hoping the scalding water would ease the tension in his muscles. Would he be able to be himself and not worry constantly that he would say or do the wrong thing? He was often thoughtless and selfish. The shower did not soothe his body or his mind. Angel got out of the shower, toweled himself dry and put on his boxers. He walked out of the bathroom and stood listening. Everything was quiet. Spike was still asleep. He walked into the kitchen, took blood bags from the refrigerator and poured them it into two mugs. He put his into the microwave. When it pinged he took it out and walked toward the glass doors of the deck. He slid them open. Even though his body temperature remained constant, he could smell the oncoming winter cold and he unconsciously shivered.

"Are you nuts? Standin' in the open door in your underwear. You'll be getting' the flu next and I'll have to make ya a hot toddy." Angel spun around to see Spike's smirking face.

"Um...Spike. Hi. I...your blood is in the mug in front of the microwave. I'll heat it for you." The older vampire turned quickly to the counter and busied himself with heating the blood.

The younger vampire's face fell. "Thanks. I'll go get dressed." He hurried back upstairs and put on his only pair of sweats and some socks. He grabbed his CD player and walked slowly back downstairs. Angel handed him his blood.

They looked at each other uncertainly and Spike walked away to sit on the sofa. He turned on the TV, set up his one of his video games and quickly became engrossed. Angel walked over and sat at the far end of the sofa, watching Spike fiercely pressing the buttons.

Startled, Spike turned to stare at Angel. "Purpose? Domination I 'spect. Bein' the only one left standin' after everyone else."

Spike grinned. "Then you should be good at this then. Here, take this controller."

Spike tried to instruct Angel on the strategies necessary to be a reasonably successful video game aficionado. The older vampire was not very adept. His large fingers kept slipping from the buttons he wanted to press onto others and he never lasted longer than a few minutes. Spike was in hysterics at Angel's ineptitude and he couldn't concentrate. For the next few hours, the vampires cursed and laughed as they tried to master the video game. Fingers stiff and sore, they finally gave up.

"Want to watch a movie ponce? How about that one with the French dude and the tough guy walking into the fog?"

Spike returned with a big bowl of fresh popcorn. He settled on the couch next to Angel, and dug into it while Angel clicked play on the remote. About a quarter of the way into the movie, Spike laid down, putting his head in Angel's lap and resting the bowl on his chest. As they watched the movie, Angel's hand moved down and started playing with his hair. The younger vampire closed his eyes at the feel of the hands in his hair. If he's had been a cat, he would have been purring right about now. Spike looked up at Angel, but his eyes were glued to the movie. Spike sighed as he turned his attention back to the TV. Angel looked down and smiled, more content than he had ever been.

Angel watched the movie with new eyes thanks to Spike's frequently snarking comments. After a few minutes of total silence about toward the end of the film, he glanced over at the younger vampire. Spike had fallen asleep. Angel smiled at his Childe, sprawled on the end of the sofa. He looked at Spike's uniquely beautiful face with its sharp cheekbones; his light brown curls falling ungelled onto his brow. He stood up and reached for the afghan draped over the back of the sofa and covered Spike gently so as not to wake him. He watched the end of the film and then turned off the television. He stood for long moments watching Spike sleep and then turned and walked into his bedroom.

Angel suddenly awoke, feeling weight on his body. He looked down and saw Spike, sound asleep, curled next to him, one arm flung across his chest. He must have awakened on the sofa and instead of going up to his own room, he came to Angel's bed. The older vampire gently caressed the back of Spike's hand with his fingers and fell back to sleep, unhaunted by mad dreams and loneliness.

The next night, the vampires went to Duffy's together. This was Angel's first night back to work. They talked to all of their friends and then Spike went up on stage and Angel went behind the bar.

The younger vampire spoke to the crowd. "Angel's back everybody. He's all better!"

Everyone broke into applause and turned to stare at Angel who smiled weakly and attempted a glare at the younger vampire but could not hide the twinkle in his eyes.

'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning
To your sweet face....

Mmmmmm, baby
In your heart—I still hear a beat
For every time you kiss me
And when we're apart,
I know how much you miss me
I can feel your love for me in your heart.

And there ain't no way
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way
And there ain't no how.
I'll never see that day

In your eyes --- I can still see the look of the one
I can still see the look of the one
Who really loves me.
I can still feel the way that you want
The one who wouldn't put anything
Else in the world above me
I can still see love for me
I can still see love for me in your eyes
I still see the love.

And there ain't no way
I'm letting you go now
And there ain't now way
And there ain't no how.
I'll never see that day
I'm keeping you forever and for always
I'm in your arms.

Throughout the song Spike looked at the man behind the bar and the patrons watched as they listened. Those who came often to Duffy's had noticed the electricity between the two men, but when Spike sang this song and stared at Angel, the current ratcheted up several notches. Rose, Bill, Joe and Mr. Duffy smiled and nodded to each other, happy that their friends had finally admitted their love for each other.

"Wonder when it'll snow? Mr. Duffy says it snows a lot around here. The lake is already frozen at the edges. Haven't seen snow in a long, long time." Spike remarked.

"Me neither. Oh...except that time in Sunnydale when the First tried to make me kill myself." Angel replied softly.

"Heard about that. It took the shape of that teacher and made you see things from your past right?"

"Yeah. Had some of my victims appear and tell me...tell me how horrible I was. As if I needed to be told." Angel's voice fell to a whisper.

"Gotta figure you were a threat to it Angel, to go to that much trouble." Spike said grabbing the older vampire's hand. "Sides. It finally made those Powers that whatsit get off their asses and do something. Buffy said she had been thinkin' they had abandoned her; weren't watchin' what was goin' on."

"That you were gonna stand there and let the sun burn you. When we fight and I storm off and come back, and you're not here, I'm...I'm afraid that you've done that."

"I thought about it. I was so lonely. I didn't think I could live all alone again. I was afraid you wouldn't come back to me."

When the vampires woke the next afternoon, it seemed deathly quiet. They got up and looked out of the window. Their world was covered in a blanket of white. Like children, they put on coats and hurried outside, trudging through the snow down to the lake, now almost completely frozen. They stood allowing the icy flakes to fall on them, wondering at the beauty of the snow and the peace they felt.