Title: Lost & Found 5/5
Authors:  Pet & Foxhunt2blue
Summary: Twenty-five years after the final battle
against the senior partners Spike finds something
he thought he'd lost.
Rating: NC-17 (all over rating)
Pairing: Angel/Spike
Spoilers: AtS Series Finale "Do Not Fade Away"
Disclaimer: Our wonderful Joss created them I had
nothing to do with it-wish I had. Frankly the boys
would be a lot happier with me as their mama!
*web
Feedback: Please feed the baby slash ho's cause
they can be quite pathetic. They cry all night if
they don't get their daily dose of feedback. *giggle
E-mail:
Pet: spikespet2001@yahoo.com
Fox: foxhunter2blue@yahoo.com
Author's Note 'Foxhunt2blue': Well this one is to all the wonderful
peeps that have sent us feedback. Yes...I know that it took us forever
to get this final chapter written, but true works of art can not be
rushed. *giggle
Also this story is dedicated to my perfectly beautiful and artistic
co-writer Pet. Goddess knows she never gives herself enough credit
so here I go---THIS IS PET'S BUNNY!!! :-D *web
Author's Notes 'Pet': Well first and foremost I want to thank Foxie.
Through wailing, crying, angst you stuck with me and supported me,
yelled at me and huggled me. Your my best friend and you've given
*huge* amounts of yourself for me. I thank you, I love you, couldn't
get through a day without you. And no matter what you profess this
fic is just as much yours as mine. Next up is em your friendship,
love and humor keep me sane and make me happy. You keep my
imagination perked and you put up with my crap good or bad your my
girl. Then there is Ghostforge, your group and your messages rock my
world. I found a home in your group and it's cause of you and your
kindness and beautiful feedback thank you. And last but not least.
Anyone who has ever feedbacked this story. In a time where I was
sensitive and unsure you fueled me with your love of this story. All
of you rule beyond human comprehension and I may not have been able
to continue if not for your fansqueeing goodness. And a special
shout out to all my LJ girls/boys: No one squeals, squees, and
demands quite like you. *smooch*

****

Eyes drifting open he took a breath finding himself dry in his bed.

His bed?

Yes, he supposed it was.

Slipping from the bed he turned his head finding Spike's pale
luminescent body next to him. He smiled softly, then moved to the
chest of drawers opening a drawer and taking out a pair of pajama
pants. Slipping them on he quietly left his room heading down the
hall. When he'd reached the door leading out to the deck he stopped,
his hand resting on the handle as he took a deep breathe.

He chuckled about the nervous breath as he opened the door slipping
outside. Outside the deck was swathed in shadows up to a certain
point and he caught himself sticking to those shadows as he gathered
his courage. Deep down inside he realized he didn't need the
courage, but it comforted him neither the less. Finally he took his
first tentative step into the morning sun-light.

Immediately his body was bathed in bright light as his eyes drifted
shut and he lifted one hand to his chest. For the longest time he
stood silent and still until tears started to fall down his face. As
they did he started to murmur over and over.

"Bump, bump, bump, bump, bump, bump."

"You're so fucking beautiful..."

Angel turned opening his eyes and met Spike's gaze from the
doorway. "Am I?" He asked softly.

"Of course you are, pet. You always were to me even when you made me
so furious I wanted to kick your bloody arse." Spike smiled softly
his eyes sparkling even in the shadows. "Look at yourself, luv.
Those broad shoulders, narrow hips...body of a fucking god...those
dark eyes endless and filled with so much. Your soul shows through
those eyes...always did..." he crossed his arms in front of his bare
chest.

Tears glimmered in Spike's eyes as his voice---rough with suppressed
need---came out like that of a lost child. "It is you ain't it,
peaches? It's really you..."

Angel moved forward his voice a bare whisper. "Ask me what my name
is?"

Trembling Spike chewed on his lower lip. "What's your name, pet?"
His voice was tight and raspy.

"Liam Frances O'Donnell. Ask me again."

The trembling became worse as the tears began swelling over his
lashes. "What's your name, luv?"

"Angelus, now again."

Spike swallowed hard and the tears finally fell down his pale
face. "What's your name, peaches?"

Angel stopped in front of Spike lifting his hand to the other man's
cheek running his knuckles down his face. "Angel."

A choked sob escaped Spike as his shaking hand lifted---his fingers
folding over Angel's. "I thought I'd lost you..." Spike whispered.

"But you found me again." Angel whispered then began singing
softly. "I once was lost, but now am found...'twas blind, but now I
see." Pulling Spike into his embrace Angel buried his face in his
tousled hair inhaling.

Spike wrapped his arms around Angel and finally it all hit him at
once. He wasn't crazy, he hadn't imagined it, and he begged those
bloody powers that be that he wasn't dreaming it. His chest felt as
if it were caving in as he clung to the one thing he'd never thought
he would live to see.

Beneath his cheek he could feel the thundering of the heart encased
in bone and muscle. He could feel the rise and fall of lungs drawing
in fresh sweet morning air. "Angel..." Spike whispered, "...you
won...you found your reward..."

Angel smiled into Spike's hair, then in a goofy voice whispered. "I
killed the dragon."

A spurt of teary laughter escaped Spike in a soft explosion. "Yes, I
do believe you bloody well did, peaches."

"Peaches." Angel repeated softly his hands drifting down over
Spike's body. "Peaches."

He started to walk---pushing Spike backwards---into the house
shutting the door behind him. He kept walking through the dining
room, then down the hall as Gunn came out of the guest room. Angel
smiled patting Gunn's cheek, but kept walking with Spike towards his
room.

"Good to see you Gunn, can't wait to see you and Illyria's spawn."
Then he chuckled, leaving an open mouthed Gunn behind.

When they hit the bedroom door Angel lifted Spike and wrapped his
legs around his waist. Slowly he climbed the steps to the bed, then
dropped to the mattress on top of Spike laughing.

Staring up at the man he's known as Sean for the past few days Spike
swallowed hard. His vision began blurring and he swallowed again his
voice a bare whisper. "It's you...isn't it? Really you? Angel..." he
reached up and cupped Angel's jaw in his trembling hand. His thumb
caressed over his dark brow and a whimper rose in his
throat. "God...Angel..."

"What William---huh? Keep this up and I may think you actually
missed me, baby." Angel whispered as he kissed along Spike's jaw.

Leaning up Spike began covering Angel's face with desperate kisses
the tears rolling down his face as he gasp over and over again for
the air he no longer needed. "Missed you, sire...love you...please
don't let this be a dream..." Finally his mouth found Angel's amidst
the tears and he let every emotion he had felt and suffered for the
past twenty-five years flow from his lips into Angel.

The pain, the loneliness, the grief, and the guilt.

Oh, yes the guilt---it was the strongest of all the emotions. For
all these years he had blamed himself for Angel's disappearance.

Angel kept the kiss going for as long as his new---well not so new,
but it was new to him---human body would allow. When he pulled back
to breathe he stroked his fingers along Spike's face. "Shhh, no
crying over me, Will. I'm here now. Sorry they just took me---really
would have been nice to have a warning---but the Powers have shown
me before they're bastards so not surprised."

Grabbing Spike's hand he placed it over his heart and murmured. "Not
your sire now, Will---just Angel---just your Angel." He smiled
looking down at the tips of Spike's fingers. "Human, pulse,
heartbeat, and everything. No more grrr...no more super strength...just
plain old Angel."

"Plain old Angel? Never plain, luv...never." Spike wrapped his arms
tightly around Angel pulling him closer and whispered in his
ear. "Could have stopped them, peaches. Should have...if only I
hadn't turned away...if only I'd been paying closer attention..."
Spike burrowed into the vee of Angel's neck and shoulder clinging to
him tighter than he really should have. He couldn't seem to help him-
self though. "They shouldn't have taken you, luv. We needed you...I
needed you...wasn't bloody well fair..."

Angel kissed Spike's hair. "Doesn't matter my little one. Can't do
anything about the past. They took me and we can't make them put me
back. Every-thing happened for a reason. And look you found me again
just like I said you would. Wouldn't give up on me. Kept pushing
till I remembered. Got me to go in the door. Always knew you would
be the one to save me baby."

A half choked sob escaped Spike as he clung to Angel. "Never thought
you believed in me that much, pet." He whispered. "I was ready to
give up..." his lips caressed Angel's throat, "...just told Charlie
to pack up your stuff, then I hit you...I mean Sean...I...oh, bloody
hell." Spike looked up his eyes wet and sparkling. "What do I call
you, peaches?"

"You're one of the very few I do believe in, Will." Angel
chuckled. "Call me whatever you want. Around mom and Kat though..."
Angel trailed off, glancing up at the pictures on the wall of his
mom and sister.

"Sean..." Spike smiled at the look of pure joy in Angel's eyes. "Are
they...I mean your mum and sis...are they the same souls as before?"
Spike lifted a hand sliding it up through Angel's soft spiky hair.

A lone tear slid down Angel's cheek and he nodded whispering. "Right
down to her voice and the ringlets in her hair...oh, god she's so
beautiful. They gave her back...they gave her back."

"You deserve to be happy, pet. I'm glad they gave you little Kathy
back...got to see her grow up into a beautiful woman...beautiful
just like her big bro'." Spike hooked his leg around Angel's and
flipped them over so he was on top. "Sorry, luv..." he
whispered, "...real sorry I hurt you. Wish I could fix it up." He
leaned in kissing Angel soft and slow this time trying not to notice
the damp sheen that glittered in Angel's dark eyes. "All I can do is
say sorry and be here for you, pet."

Angel met Spike's gaze. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm happy...
I'm so fucking happy right now. I don't even have to worry about
that any-more. I don't have to be scared." He frowns a bit in
thought. "Well, maybe I should look into anger management, but for
the most part I'm fine."

Spike threw back his head laughing until tears dripped down his
chin. Looking down at Angel his lips curled into a smirk. "I think
we can work on that..." he stretched out on top of Angel thrusting
his hips forward and rocking against Angel. "I got the bloody cure
all right here, peaches."

"Only you would say sex is the cure all, Spike." Angel murmured with
amusement, but he thrust back with a roll of his hips.

Moaning softly Spike's eyes fluttered shut as he felt Angel's hard
length meet his. "God, missed this so sodding much..." he whimpered
just thinking that two layers of material were all that separated
their skin. His eyes drifted open and he smiled at the flush along
Angel's cheeks. "Want you so bad...what you inside me---now."

"Well, what you waiting for---an invite? Start stripping there's the
lube." Angel pointed to the lube on the bedside with a sly
grin. "After all you took advantage of my person least you can do is
the work."

Spike's brow rose in amusement as he snorted. "Look now...you
offered that sweet arse up, luv. Would have never went there if you
hadn't."

Slipping off the bed he shimmied out of his jeans his cock rearing
back against his belly. His other brow rose at Angel's
expression. "Missed me did you, pet?" His hand trailed down, fingers
curling around his erection, as he began to pump himself leisurely.

Angel's eyes half closed in pleasure. "I want to do that...let me do
that."

Growling softly Spike released his erection and grabbed the lube
from the night stand. Seconds later he was sitting astride Angel's
stomach his  body shivering with suppressed need. "Want to do it
while I ride you, luv?"

"Yeah." Angel answered as his fingers curled around Spike's cock.

Spike moaned as Angel's fingers tightened around his aching
erection. "Screw the lube..." Spike dropped the tube, "...ain't like
I haven't done it dry before." Reaching behind him he took a
relaxing breath and gripped Angel's cock. Carefully he positioned
the tip at his opening and grunted as he pushed back and down.

Angel froze for a moment. He knew Spike was still a vampire and that
he could take it, but he didn't want to make it worse on him. The
feeling though was incredible. "You're amazing."

"It's okay, luv..." Spike smiled down at Angel panting
softly, "...just hurt a bit, but us vamps---well you know."
Carefully he pushed back further the head of Angel's cock stretching
him open. Whimpering he took it slow if but for no reason than to
ease the worry in those wide dark eyes locked on his face. "God...so
big...yesss..."

"You're so amazing." Angel repeated his hands resting on Spike's
hips his fingers moving in tiny circles.

"You keep...saying..." Spike panted softly, "...that...but you're
the one..." he concentrated on the feel of Angel's thumbs caressing
his hipbones, on the smell of arousal---both his and Angel's, and
the underlying scent of worry. "You make me...make me that way,
peaches." With those words the head of Angel's cock popped through
the tight ring of muscle and Spike felt himself slowly sliding down
the hot pulsing length. "Love you... missed you..." he whimpered as
he was filled and stretched.

"Oh, god...me, too.  I've missed you." Angel cried out as he finally
started to sink inside his haven. The one place in his whole
existence he'd felt whole, alive, and happy. "We help each other...
make each other perfect. There is no Angel without Spike...no Angelus
without William. Never a me without a you."

Spine bowing Spike slowly lowered himself until he was completely
impaled. "Yes...god yes, luv..." he whimpered, "...was so
empty...lost without you." Spike sighed as his body adjusted to the
thickness inside him. This was how it should be.

For twenty-five years he had felt so empty, so lost, but now---now
he was finally home.

"What did you do for twenty-five years baby? If you tell me nothing
I'll have to sing Barry for torture."

Spike opened his eyes looking down at Angel with a chuckle. "You
want to know, pet?" He leaned over with a soft moan running his
fingers through Angel's hair. "Lots of whiskey...lots of lube and
one hell of a bloody imagination..." he licked the curve of Angel's
ear, "...yes quite a big imagination." He chuckled again.

"How big?" Angel asked softly---half shocked and half touched.

"Very..." Spike shifted pulling up, "...big..." he hissed as he
pushed back down. "Was always your boy---always. Can't be with
anyone else. Never... love you too much, peaches." His hips pulled
up again.

"Oh GOD! Yesss...oh, god Will...oh my sweet baby boy...so sweet, so
tight." Angel moaned as he started to push his hips up wanting more
of this delicious pleasure.

Gasping softly Spike carefully sped up finding that precious rhythm
that he had missed. He knew that Angel was no longer his sire in
body, but in soul---well this precious soul was that of his sire.
Nothing mattered at this moment except this joining.

"Angel..." Spike whimpered and purred as his hips continue speeding
up, "...my sire...my love...my dark eyed devil. No...no one can
bloody well love
me like this, pet. No one...god no one, but you..."

Angel sat up tightening his grip on Spike's hips as he started to
cant his own hips---moving them faster---at a new angle. "Give you
everything, everything I have...everything I am always...will always do
that for you, Will."

Spike stretched and growled twisting his hips as Angel sat
up. "Know...god I know, pet." He wrapped his arms around Angel's
body as he continued riding him, his cock trapped between their
bellies---one warm and one cool, and he kissed Angel. Not just any
kiss, but one that held pure want and joy. "Never again...never
again, luv." He whispered against Angel's warm, moist lips.

"No...never losing me again my sweet boy. Not going anywhere." Angel
traced kisses down Spike's jaw, then his throat. "Taste so good...feel
so good. So cool, so soft. Look so beautiful. Are you close, baby?"

"Yes...yes daddy..." Spike whimpered writhing as Angel tasted his
throat. "Please...please daddy. Please taste me..." his eyes
fluttered as he arched his neck into Angel's silky warm mouth.

"You sure? I don't have the usual sharpies---might hurt." Angel
licked across Spike's mark.

Spike nodded as he continued riding Angel's throbbing
erection. "Yes...please...don't care, luv. Missed this..."

"Okay...don't say I didn't warn you." Biting down hard on Spike's neck
Angel broke the pale skin. Blood started to well up and without
pause Angel lapped at it.

Shivering Spike cried out at the sharp pain of blunt teeth tearing
into his skin. "Jesus bloody Christ!"

He growled and writhed at the pain, then as Angel's tongue caressed
the throbbing wound he let out a sob. His cock pulsed and exploded
between their sweaty bodies, his ass clenched as he slammed down
Angel's length one final time. Throwing his head back he screamed
his fingers clawing at Angel's spine.

Angel's wordless scream followed as he came when Spike's muscles
clenched and milked him dry. He dug his head into Spike's throat
panting harshly.

As he came down from his orgasmic high Spike let out a gasp. He
could hear Angel softly whimpering into the vee of his neck, the
feel of Angel's warm seed bathing his insides just caused Spike to
whimper in unison with Angel. His hands stroked down Angel's sweat
slicked spine and he whispered in his ears.

"Thank you, luv." He collapsed taking Angel with him to the mattress.

"No, thank you...thank you so freaking much." Angel giggled almost
drunkenly, then kissed Spike's Adam's apple. "Yer me addiction even
now."

Spike lifted his head with a weak chuckle. "Now is that a bad thing,
luv?" A sweat dampened curl fell across his forehead as he kissed
Angel's cheek. "Could be worse addictions...I've had a few myself,
peaches."

"Nay, never a better addiction then ye are, William." Tracing around
his bite mark Angel smiled. "Like this part better...non-vampire bite
lasts longer. Takes longer to heal. Let me admire you for a bit
more."

Shifting to a more comfortable position Spike snickered. "Admire all
you like, pet. Got years more of the admiring to bloody go." His
eyes drifted shut as he listened to the sound of Angel's heart
thumping deep inside his heaving chest.

"Well not as many as before, before it was eternity now it's just...
well...until I die of old age or some weird disease."

Pulling himself up Spike pushed his damp tangled hair from his face
wide cobalt eyes going wider. "No..." he whispered, "...don't worry
we'll be together...forever, luv. Find a way I bloody well promise
you." His eyes misted up as he lowered his face to Angel's chest. "I
swear."

"Shhh, baby don't get upset. But know this you're not turning me
again. Just say no to turning." Angel tried to uplift the situation
because even he didn't want to think about it.

"God no, luv!" Spike glanced up in horror. "I'd never...I
didn't...bloody Christ, Angel." He burrowed into his shoulder and
moaned his voice muffled. "Would never hurt you like that...not
curse you with this existence. Love you too sodding much."

"Oh, listen to you." Angel chuckled. "Cursed with this. I'll have
you know you had the best turning and life I could give you until
the soul came to town. I couldn't help the crazy running of the way."

"That's not what I meant you sodding, git." Spike sat up hissing as
Angel slipped from his body. Sitting at the edge of the bed, elbows
resting on his knees, he sighed. "I know you did. You were my
sire..." Spike reached for the crumpled pack of smokes shaking one
free. "You always did, but this existence isn't a good one...trust
me...you should even know that."

Angel sighed rolling to his back and looking up at the mirror taking
in his reflection. "Yeah, I know that." He started to mess with his
hair. "God, this is what it looks like? Not sure about this red I
feel like a punk."

A soft chuckle escaped Spike as he laid back his head resting on
Angel's stomach, cigarette dangling from his lips. "Think it suits
you just fine, pet." He stared up at the empty mirror watching the
cigarette move of it's own accord. "You always were a bit uptight
about what others thought. I like you now...Sean's life is what
yours should have been, peaches."

"Just without the da who tried ta make me in ta somethin' I dinna
want ta be." Angel quietly brought his hand down to Spike's chest
and began lightly rubbing, just watching his hand connect with
something the mirror wouldn't show. "I'm sorry I took your life away
from you." He said suddenly not even sure why he had said it.

Spike shook his head as he exhaled a cloud of smoke his hand folding
over Angel's. "Don't be sorry, luv. Never had much to live
for...Cecily never wanted me...and...well I have doubts about me own
mother, too." His eyes drifted shut as he thought of how his beloved
mother turned on him after he'd brought her over.

"Only life---true life I had was with you. Always was...always will
be, pet."

"Same here." Angel whispered. "So Gunn lived I'm really happy about
that. Seems Illyria was wrong about that."

"Blue had a lot more of Fred in her than she'd like to admit. She
saved him in the final minutes of the battle." Spike sighed
softly. "Guess she couldn't lose another of her friends...Wes was
enough..." he inhaled and blew a series of smoke rings up towards
the mirror.

"Wesley." Angel sighed. "Going to miss, Wesley." He mused as his
fingers started to card through Spike's locks, then he bolted
upright.

"CONNOR!"

"Your son..." Spike sighed heavily sitting up he crushed the
cigarette out in the saucer on the bedside table. "Just found your
letter, pet. Why didn't you tell me? I mean before the battle? And
how the bloody hell did you have a son...vamps can't have children."

Angel turned to Spike then grabbed his shoulder pulling him around
so he was looking at him. "I never found the right moment. Never got
a second to say 'William I have a son'. Never knew how." He sighed,
then smiled softly. "You met him, but you didn't know who he was."

"The boy..." Spike's eyes went wide, "...I should have known." He
leaned in kissing Angel softly. "The boy Wes brought in...one who
was hit by the van. His scent made my skin crawl, but I didn't put
it together. He smelled like you, but he smelled different to---
almost human, but not quite." His brow rose. "So who was his mum,
peaches?"

Angel looked away coughing. "It was really mean, bad sex...I swear."

Crawling over Angel and pinning him to the bed Spike
grinned. "Didn't ask about how good the sex was, pet." He raised a
brow as he lifted his hand and forced Angel to look at him. "Ask who
your boy's mum was..."

"Miracle from God...like the baby Jesus. Yep that's it." Angel spit
out quickly knowing he couldn't get away now that he's human.

"Look, luv..." Spike stroked his cheek a grin curling his
lips, "...even the baby Jesus had a womb he crawled out of, peaches.
Now 'fess up and quit being all 'avoidy' as Red would say."

"Promise you won't throw a hissy fit."

Spike rolled his eyes and sighed. "Since when do I throw hissy fits?"

"Fine." Angels mumbled under his breath. "We'll see." He looked into
Spike's eyes. "Darla was Connor's mom."

Spike snorted. "And how in the bloody hell did that happen?"

"Uhmmm...we did the nasty, fucked, rutted...did the naked mambo." Angel
replied sarcastically.

"Smart arsed boy..." Spike growled leaning in and pinning Angel's
wrists above his head. "I know how a babe's made, but how'd two
annoying vamps one broody and one just evil incarnate manage to have
an almost human baby?"

"Prophecy...miracle...that part was true. Connor was a miracle. Only
thing Darla ever loved living or dead. She killed herself for him so
he wouldn't die." Slipping from Spike's grip Angel lifted his hand
and stroked Spike's cheek. "Born in a alley just like you."

"Was he now, pet?" Spike sighed softly as he rubbed against Angel's
hand. "Can't quite bring myself to believe Darla cared enough about
anything to let herself die." Spike's eyes drifted shut with a
sigh. "She used any chance she could to punish me..."

"Aye, I know she was a jealous thing." Angel brogue slipped. "Never
did like the competition. Ye made her skin crawl. Because ye could
get me ta do anythin' fer ye, wit' ye, fer ye. She hated yer very
existence more than anythin' I imagine."

Flipping over onto his back Spike growled softly. "Don't know the
half of it, pet. She did things I never told you about...things that
still haunt my bloody dreams." Spike reached up his fingers playing
with the chain around his neck.

"I'll chase them away---the bad dreams." Angel whispered his fingers
entwining with Spike's around the locket.

Spike's gaze lifted to meet Angel's. "Can you?" He
whispered. "Always wondered about that, luv." He squeezed Angel's
hand. "Are you who you look like? Or is this just another bloody
dream?" His gaze dropped back to where their fingers were tangled---
a single tear trailing down his jaw.

"Quiz me then. Ask me anything...everything. Only the stuff Angel
would know if you're still worried."

Shaking his head Spike rolled onto his side and lifted a hand
stroking Angel's cheek. "Ain't that I don't think it's you, peaches.
I just have waited so long to be here...in this moment. I'm afraid
I'll wake up and none of this will be real...afraid I'll lose you
and I can't do that again. Just can't, luv."

"Vamp out." Came Angel's simple reply.

Spike's eyes widened. "Vamp out?" He pulled back his hand worried by
the determined look in Angel's eyes, but he knew that he had to do
this. "Okay, pet...whatever you want..." He took a deep breath and
let his face shift.

Sitting up Angel whispered. "Now here." He tilted his neck to the
side.

Eyes glittering Spike drew near admiring the curve of Angel's neck.
Even from here he could smell the rich fullness of his blood so
close to the surface, the melodic beat of his heart filled Spike's
ears. Swallowing he licked his lips and leaned in his cool lips
brushing the warm skin of Angel's throat.

"I can't..." he whispered, "...but I want to so bad."

"You're over one hundred and forty---you can control yourself, Will.
You want to know if you're awake, then find out I trust you."

Taking a deep useless breath Spike bared his incisors and
growled. "Hope your trust ain't misplaced, luv." Bringing his mouth
down he sank his teeth into Angel's throat and into the vein
beneath. The rich, thickness filled his mouth, and he smiled as he
drank.

Angel gripped Spike's forearms, but didn't pull him away. "It was
once, but it isn't now." He murmured as Spike drank.

Spike's fingers tangled in the soft silk of Angel's hair, the words
Angel spoke made him shiver. He wished with all his heart he could
make this man his eternal companion, but his soul wouldn't allow it.
With a groan he pulled back his face shifting, then licked the wound
until the bleeding stopped and pulled back. His eyes met Angel's
sleepy gaze. "Thank you, pet. Thank you for trusting in me."

A goofy smile spread across Angel's face. "No problemo, Will...my
pleasure. Now kiss me."

"As you wish..." smiling Spike pulled Angel's mouth to his in a
deep, softly probing kiss.

They kissed for as long as Angel didn't need to breath then he
pulled back and set his forehead against Spike's. "So what now? Want
to crawl into my big fat bath tub down the hall with me? We used to
like baths together."

Chuckling Spike slid from the bed. "That we did, luv." Holding one
hand out his smile widened. "I could carry you there if you'd like."

Angel snorted and crawled to the side of the bed. "You wouldn't
dare."

"Wanna bet?" Suddenly Spike growled as he darted to the bed. A few
seconds later Angel was naked, squirming, and Spike had him in a
fireman's hold. "Hey now enough of the squirming. I'm a vamp, but
your arse is still not that little."

"Hey! I'm not fat you little shit, I'm big boned and muscular."
Angel yelped indignantly as he was carried to the bathroom stark
naked.

Gunn came out of the guest room again flanked by Illyria. Angel just
waved as Gunn's mouth dropped open in shock even as Illyria gave a
knowing grin to Angel. Yes she was going to use this one a lot in
the future, she thought.

"Yo, Charlie..." Spike called over his shoulder, "...help yourself
to anything in the fridge. Can't be having you starve to death while
we get re-aquainted." He ducked through the bathroom door and called
out behind him, "...oh, and Blue don't even be thinking blackmail!"

Illyria frowned and Angel smiled so big she swore if the power went
out no one would have noticed.

"I love you so much." He crowed delightfully to Spike as he closed
the door watching Illyria tug a still gaped mouth Gunn down the hall.

"Love you to Angel." Spike chuckled as he sat him down on his
feet. "Poor Charlie's been traumatized yet again, pet. Now show your
mate how to work this monstrosity. You always were a luxury
whore...ain't changed much."

"Not a luxury whore just like nice, pretty things." Angel bent over
turning the knobs and plugged the tub. He watched as the jets began
spurting out water and waited to check the temperature.

Spike walked up behind Angel stroking his hips and grinding his half
hard cock against Angel's ass. "Now, pet...you can't be displaying
that tasty view and not expect a comment."

Angel smiled a bit, then reached back gripping Spike's hipbone and
pulled him tighter to his body so his cock ground against his
hole. "Who said it wasn't my plan all along---huh?"

Moaning Spike ran his hands down Angel's spine his fingers tickling
across his tattoo. "Now you have me worried, peaches. Got all your
lovely memories back and you're still offering your arse to me." He
chuckled as he leaned forward reaching beneath Angel to fist his
cock. "You like that, luv?" He squeezed roughly.

Angel hands scrambled for purchase---for anything to grab on, too.
He finally grabbed the knob and he prayed it would stay put.

"Yeahhh..." he moaned pushing back again. "And no reason to be
worried. It's another of the things I always wanted to tell you,
always wanted to do, but never knew how to ask for. Figured didn't
have to worry now since you already took the steps."

Spike raised a brow and grinned. "Got something slick over there,
peaches. Want to give you an idea of what you missed all those
years."

Angel released one hand from the knob to reach up and grab the
lotion on the stand by the tub, then handed it back to
Spike. "There." His hand returned to the knob, his fingers closing
around it,  and closed his eyes. He could do this---he could. He'd
dreamed about it enough, jerked off to it enough. He'd even gotten
drunk and told Harmony about it once. Thank god she had been worse
off than him.

Carefully Spike coated his fingers pressing his thigh between
Angel's legs. "There now, pet..." he whispered as he slid his
fingers down Angel's crease to his quivering opening. "Been down
this road already...remember, luv. No worries." Slowly he works one,
then two fingers into Angel's tight opening. "How's that, pet?"

Angel shook his head. He couldn't talk, he couldn't, his voice would
sound stupid, needy...god more there oh God. He bit his tongue to keep
from screaming for a good hard fuck.

Spike stroked his spine with one hand as he pumped his fingers in
and out. "Talk to me, peaches." He noticed the tauntness in Angel's
shoulders and begins cooing softly. "Now...it's all fine...no need
to be scared, pet." He crooks his fingers and strokes that sensitive
nub gently.

Moaning out loud now Angel cried out in a desperate voice. "Not
fucking scared...oh, god Spike."

"Then what is it, mate?" Spike whispered softly as he added a third
finger to Angel's clenching ass. "You can tell me anything, luv.
Won't bloody laugh...just found you won't do anything to risk
hurting you or chasing you away."

Angel banged his head off the side of the tub and slowly lowered
them both to the floor so he wasn't as awkward, holding the knob,
and trying to stay upright. Now he was on his hands and knees his
ass high up in the air as Spike thrust his fingers inside him and he
was starting to think he seriously needs to rethink awkward.

But when Spike's fingers brush that spot inside him again he claws
at the tile and cries out.

"Want you, okay! Dreamt about it, fantasized about it, and after the
ring I would wake up so hard from those dreams. You were just taking
me...using me like I had you sometimes. Don't know what caused them
but they never stopped, then when I started to like them it didn't
matter anymore. Please Spike... just please...I want you."

"See now wasn't that hard was it, pet?" Spike pulled his fingers
from Angel's ass, then released his cock. Gently he slid his thumbs
down Angel's crease separating and spreading his quivering
cheeks. "Shhh...now..." he positioned the tip of his cock and flexed
his hips, "...gonna do you right, pet."

"Oh, for the love of god, Spike! I'm not china just fuck me
already!" Angel whined, the anticipation almost too much even though
he'd done this before. But it hadn't really been him---had it?


Snorting Spike pushed forward the head of his cock stretching the
tight ring of muscle. "Might not be china, but your sodding
tight..." with those words his cock pushed through with a muffled
pop and he slid home with a growl. Reaching beneath Angel he curled
his fingers around Angel's cock.

"Now luv---you ready for the moving?"

When Angel could finally speak he whimpered out. "Yesss...please...yes."

Carefully Spike pulled back, then thrust again. His hand moved along
Angel's erection in time with each slow, even thrust. "You're
beautiful, luv. Did I ever tell you that?" He began to speed up, his
free hand gripping Angel's hip bone. "'Cause if I didn't I should
bloody well be ashamed of myself."

"You have a lot recently actually." Angel started pushing back every
time Spike thrust forward.

"Good...got some catching up to do, luv." Spike's thrusts sped up as
he leaned forward. He placed a trail of cool kisses up Angel's sweat
dappled spine. "You're so tight, so bloody silky, and the warmth...
God you're warm, luv. Like a sodding furnace."

"And yourrr...yourrr...so cool, so hard, long and cool...god this feels
good." Angel stuttered out shivering every now and then, but only
from the pleasure of the act not from anything else.

"Fire and ice, pet. That's always been us...oil and water, too." His
lips caressed Angel's neck as he continued thrusting harder and
faster. "We always found a way though...didn't we...always found a
way to make it work."

Angel nodded frantically his body zinging.

"Through everything...through time, walls, obstacles...always...always
found our way to each other. Always found a way to be together." He
shivered again and tried to hold back a deep moan trying to remain
manly, but still enjoy it. Hell he was almost about ready to just
let loose he'd already gave so much already. "Even in fights, even
in turmoil...even when it seemed lost...ohhh godddd...you...you and
I.....oh god Spike.....just always you and I."

"We were meant for each other mate. I always knew..." Spike panted
softly as he tried to control the vicious need rising in the pit of
his stomach, "...knew from the moment I woke in that sodding alley."

Beads of perspiration dripped down Spike's face as he gripped
Angel's hips tighter. Leaning forward he pressed his lips to the
damp skin of Angel's neck. "Love your taste, pet. Love your
scent..."
he moaned as his thrusts sped up. "Want you to scream my name, luv."
He inhaled Angel's scent with a groan. "Tell me what you want...my
turn to drive you nutters..." he chuckled softly.

Angel clenched his eyes shut pushing back harder and faster against
Spike as he whispered. "I just...I just want you...all of you...I
just want you to give me you and let me give you me. I want you to
possess me." He rubbed his neck against Spike's mouth. "Let me know
what it would be like from this angle. I took your life and I know
you won't take mine. But...but let me feel the possibility let me
feel how much you want me. Let me feed you...take from me like I
took from you. Make us even, make us one."

Growling Spike lifted his hands stroking Angel's back, then his
neck. "Driving me crazy, peaches..." he whimpered as his eyes
shifted from blue to gold. "You sure about this, pet?" His features
shifted as his incisors lengthened.

"Never been so sure about anything William. Drink me Will---fuck me--
-take everything."

Rearing back Spike growled, then plunged down his teeth sinking into
Angel's throat as his hand tightened around his throbbing cock. The
first burst of sweet, thick blood on his tongue sent Spike's hips
into overdrive. He didn't want to hurt Angel, but God this felt to
right.

The tight heat surrounding him, the pulsing heat in his palm, and
finally that exquisite nectar that filled him. He drank until he
couldn't drink any longer without harming Angel's beautiful mortal
body. Pulling back he hissed as he licked his lips, then smiled
wide. "Taste so good...just like I thought..." his fist tightened as
he pounded deeper still, "...come for me, luv." Those last words
were whispered as he licked at the twin wounds in Angel's convulsing
throat.

Angel moaned at his voice keening off into a hiss then nothing as he
struggled for air, coming harder than he could ever remember---
living or dead, then living again. His body seized, his head clouded
over and all he knew was Spike, all he could comprehend was Spike...
the face he saw before he passed out was...Spike. But then his life
had always begun and ended with Spike from the moment he came into
his life.

As Angel came so did Spike as well. The sweet tightness milking him
dry as he growled and writhed. Barely in control he caught Angel's
body as he went limp and he carefully shifted onto his side as he
slipped from inside Angel. He shifted Angel over so his head was
resting against his chest and slowly stroked his fingers through
Angel's sweat soaked hair.

"Angel...God love you something bloody well
 awful, pet." He shifted again so Angel was cradled in his arms and
he leaned in kissing his brow softly. "Face of an angel...ain't no
sodding angel this beautiful..." he whispered.

After a few moments and a bit of worry over anything and everything
Spike pulled himself to his feet. Turning off the water he gently
lifted Angel in his arms and carried him back to the bedroom. He
couldn't wake Angel---well he could have, but he looked so tired.
Tucking the covers around Angel he placed a kiss on his lips.

"My Angel..." he whispered. Grabbing his jeans he tugged them on
and grabbed his smokes heading to the kitchen for a beer.

***

Gunn was sitting on the edge of the table looking out towards the
water seemingly watching something. But as if he sensed Spike coming
he quietly spoke. "You know I've had years to process that..." He
gestured towards the hall. "And I still have to say man I'm as
shocked as when I walked into that office. But at least now I'm open
minded about it."

Snorting Spike opened the fridge staring into its depths as he lit a
smoke. "Should have gotten you bloody therapy, Charlie." He grabbed
two beers and sat down pushing one across the table. "Hard to make
humans understand sometimes about us vamps..." he inhaled and stared
at the beer bottle. "It ain't just about the sex..." he glanced up
as he exhaled a hint of a smile on his lips, "...of course
the sex is great, but it's about the bloodline as well...a
connection on...well...I know you'll think it's right stupid, but a
spiritual connection. Its about trust Charlie...pure and simple." He
tipped the bottle taking a deep swallow.

Gunn picked up the bottle still staring out the window. "I get ya
man I do and I don't need therapy. I'm just...Angel never seemed the
type. He didn't even seem the type with girls. He was like the lone,
celibate hero. I guess it was just a big throw. You though I
expected anything from you man. But I don't mind it...not even then.
You're good for him and he's good for you. I guess one of you being
human don't even stop it. He can't even say it's a vampire thing.
But I can see the love and dude he can love like no other person
I've seen. So I get this. I get this more than you know."

He smiled chuckling when what he has been watching—Illyria---bobbed
up, seemed frustrated, and then disappeared back beneath the water.

"She hates when she has to come up for air." Gunn turned to Spike
and his face was calm and somber. "I get you and him. I get it. I
look at her sometimes and I wonder do I love her for her or do I
love her for what she used to be. What she still resembles, what's
still in there, even if she won't admit it. I love her for the
things that may not be there and for all the things she is that one
little Texan girl could never be...no matter how damn perfect she was.
I love her---faults and all. God like tendencies, powers, good, or
bad, Spike. I'm not a damn thin without her. No matter how we got
here that's still my Fred and that's now Illyria. So I get you and
Angel. Centuries and so many personali-ties, you think I don't get
ya but I do man. He's in your gut you can't dig that shit out. Male
or female. Vampire or human."

Spike took another pull off the bottle, then looked up at Gunn with
glistening eyes. "Twenty-five years, Charlie. Bloody hell I can't
believe he's back with me. I ain't sodding letting go this time
bro'. Can't be losing him ever again." His gaze lowered to the
burning ember of his smoke. "I can't go back Charlie...just
can't..." his words faded as he took another drag off his smoke.

Gunn's expression saddened as he sighed turning back to the window.
He was quiet for a few minutes then quietly he whispered. "Ya about
that..."

Brows rising Spike exhaled. "Charlie...?" His voice tightened as he
leaned forward grabbing the beer. Finishing off the beer he dropped
the butt in the bottle listening to the dregs of liquid sizzle.

"Got a call was going to swim with the woman, but then the
phone...Lexi called."

A crease of worry carved its way between Spike's dark brows. "Is
Lexi okay? The bloody fruit loop of a boy toy better not have hurt
her. I swear if he did I'll find some use for his intestines other
than sodding digestion."

Gunn chuckles, but even the laugh was tented with a sense of
sadness. "Nah, man she's jus' fine... she's my girl. There's trouble
back home. Like big time...war-front, apocalyptic type shit. Guess
the bad guys heard we took a va-kay and now they went nuts. No you...
no I only Lex perfect opportunity to try to swoop in. Or maybe it's
just some prophecy shit. But she can't do it on her own. We have to
go back to help her. And Spike man I don't want to do this, but we
can't fight no war without you. One champion lost is enough. Ya
gotta come home with us."

Pushing back the chair Spike stood and began pacing the floor. It
felt like his chest was caving in one rib at a time. "Charlie...I
can't..." he shook his head as he lit another smoke, "...I can't
lose him again. Dammit to bloody hell!" Spike's eyes flashed gold as
he picked up a ceramic bowl from the counter slamming it into the
wall. "Tell me Charlie that we can take him with...no he can't...
he's human and if they find out..." his voice trailed off as he
scrubbed at his face, his eyes burning. "Damn this bloody soul..."
he took a drag as the tears began silently trailing down his face.

Gunn stood, walking to Spike and in a show of uncharacteristic
fashion pulled Spike into a hug--- well a manly hug but a hug
neither the less. "Shh man I know, but we can't Spike. Can't do this
without you and we can't take him. All his enemies if they knew...if
they found out. Angelus---Scourge of Europe---human, beatin' heart
and no strength. They'll eat him alive literally. If we survive you
can come back man. I'm not goin to stop ya but ya have to, ya have
to come." Gunn squeezed hard, then stepped back.

"I'm goin to check on my girl, watch her bond with the creatures of
the lake. We aren't leavin' for an hour or two yet. Go to him, tell
him everything, tell him nothing, but when we leave make sure you
imprint him just in case." With that Gunn walks outside and down the
hill towards the lake.

Spike stood watching as Gunn left and he swallowed back the tears
dropping the cigarette in the floor. He turned back towards the
bedroom and wandered down the hall. When he reached the door he
stood there for a moment silently watching his sire, his best
friend, and now his human lover.

Angel was curled on his side his chest rising and falling with an
all too human breath. The covers had fallen pooling around his
narrow waist. Slowly Spike moved across the room and up the steps to
settle down next to Angel. His vision shimmered like an illusion---
heat on tarmac---as he took in each detail of Angel's sleeping
visage. Not Angel, he thought, Angel had been a vampire, the
champion of the powers that be. This was Angel's soul, his face, but
he was Sean---just human. No more, no less.

Turning over instinctively as if he can sense him Angel put his head
in Spike's lap and smiled---his arms wrapping around his waist.

Spike lifted his hand and stroked his trembling fingers through the
red tipped dark silk of Angel's hair. How can I do this, he thought,
how can I leave him behind? Despite his best effort at control a
single tear trailed down his pale face. For a moment it clung
precariously to his jaw, then it fell. The crystalline drop splashed
against Angel's sun-kissed face and Spike swallowed hard.

"Don't want to leave you, peaches. Damn the powers that be...damn
them to bloody hell..."

The tear drop landed on Angel's face and it was enough for him to
open his eyes. He looked up at Spike and grinned, kissing his
stomach softly.

"Hey, baby boy." Then he chuckled. "Not sure I can use that anymore
you're older than me now." Then he saw the expression in Spike's
eyes and frowned. "What's wrong? Tell me."

Shaking his head Spike closed his eyes against the world. "I don't
want to lose you again, pet. I have to leave..." he whispered as he
took a deep unneeded breath, "...I have to leave...don't know if I
can say good-bye...not again..."

Angel sat up---a bit stunned and confused. "Okay, then don't leave.
Can't lose me if you don't leave. Spike what's going on? I'm sorry I
passed out on you. You didn't hurt me I swear."

"Ain't that, luv...something bad coming..." he sighed pulling Angel
into his arms. "World needs it's champion...have to go..." he
squeezed his arms tightly around Angel, "...don't want to, but I got
no bloody choice." He pulled back pressing cool lips to Angel's
flushed face. "World already lost one champion...can't lose another."

"Well then I'll come...help." Angel got off the bed as fast as he
could. "I may be human but I still can remember all the training.
Just because I'm not a Vampire doesn't make me useless."

For a moment that part of Spike that was selfish wants to grab Angel
and run back to LA or maybe some far away Caribbean island.

A deep sigh escaped him. "No..." the word was bitter on his
tongue. "Lost you all those years ago and I'll be bloody damned if I
lose you again." He grabbed Angel's forearms and squeezed them
looking up into Angel's bottomless eyes. "You have a life now...a
family...a true home. I can't let you risk that, pet. Not now...not
ever."

He pulled Angel close and breathed in the scent that screamed home
and safety wanting only to take a tiny piece of that with him back
to LA. He buried his face in Angel's chest so he couldn't see the
tears that were forming in his eyes once more.

"I swear...swear on my mother's ashes...I will come back for you. I
will..." he placed a gentle kiss above Angel's beating heart.

 Angel let his arms hang loosely as he begged softly---
desperately. "But you're my home, my family, and I just got you
back, too. Don't I get a say in this? I know I'm not your sire...not
anymore...but Will I don't want to let you go then lose you. Forever
being lonely and racked with guilt because I just sat here like a
good human damn it. Don't I get to even argue just a little bit?"

Shaking his head Spike refused to look up. "I couldn't protect you
before, but I can now. Please...Angel don't make this any worse than
it all ready is...please..." his words were filled with a
desperation that he hated. Honestly he had no way of stopping Angel
from following him, but he would pull out all the stops. "If you
love me, Angel...you'll stay here."

Angel's jaw tightened and he nodded stiffly backing up. "Fine I'm
staying. You better get going." He turned and opened the bathroom
door walking halfway in then stopping calling out behind him. "No
good-byes, no promises. I love you, Will." Then Angel shut the door
behind him.

Staring at the door Spike was overcome by the need to follow, but he
couldn't. Tears glittering in his eyes he turned around and walked
out his chest burning. As he walked away he pull-ed back his fist
and slammed it into the hallway wall with a roar. His gaze drifted
up as he growled.

"You bastards I hope you're happy..." with one final glance back he
whispered softly, "...love you too...Liam."

Illyria moved into the hall and turned her head thoughtfully eyeing
Spike. "Love it is still so foreign to me. But I feel your pain. I
feel it as nothing I've felt before. I understand why you are bitter
and I wish for this to be different blonde one. But the facts still
remain. One Champion lost...one remaining. Your efforts are required,
but I am never the less sorry you have to leave the one you love."

Her head tipped towards the bedroom then and she walked two steps
forward her hand reaching out. "He is angry and sad. He wishes he
could be what he once was. He does not like this absence of power.
The Scourge is just a man now." Then she turned glancing at
Spike. "But the man hurts worse he does not want what he loves most
ripped from him. He has not had a perfect life or been able to keep
what made it perfect." Her head tipped again and her eyes
closed. "He is scared."

"So am I, Blue...so am I..." Spike walked past Illyria his hand
caressing her shoulder. "Never been so bloody scared in my life."

Illyria laid her hand on top of Spike's in an uncharacteristic show
of affection looking into his eyes. "Love is 'forever', love can
conquer 'anything'. If you take that love into this fight you will
come back to him. I was impenetra-ble...unstoppable before. Now with
love I am invincible. Now I am truly a god."

Gunn appeared smiling at them. "Are we ready to rumble kiddies?"

Nodding Illyria smiled as best she could back, then she patted
Spike's hand once more and walked towards Gunn.

Just then the door opened barely and Angel peered out. Gunn lifted
his hand waving and Angel waved back. Illyria turned just nodding as
Angel nodded back.

Back stiffening Spike closed his eyes. He knew that Angel was there,
he knew because he could sense him on so many levels it hurt. If he
turned around though he knew he wouldn't be able to leave he just
was not that strong.

"Okay, Blue let's get this show on the road."

Illyria focused and a portal opened---a swirl of silvery blue light.
First Gunn, then Illyria step through and as Spike stepped forward
he turned back to see Angel watching with sad, dark eyes. He mouthed
three words 'Always Love You', then stepped through disappearing
into the light before it closed behind him.

Angel laid his head against the door frame and whispered. "Always
love you, too."

 ****

 Two pairs of hands that belong to two fourths of the Powers that Be
roam over the clouds and they dissipate showing the fight below.

Two distinct male voices boom out, but only the other two beings can
hear them. "Good he did as he was told. We can not win a fight for
good if we do not have our champion. One loss is enough."

The other male nodded. "One is definitely more than necessary."

Two soft feminine voices ring through the atmosphere like the
sweetest of chimes. They spoke in unison as if two pieces of the
same being. "Why must we abuse these mortals so? Have not they
suffered enough?"

The soft fragrance of jasmine drifted through the still air as they
approached the scene unfolding far below on the earth. "We already
know that he will not survive this battle then what?"

"There is no then what. He will serve his purpose then he will be
released. Two demons with souls we let do our bidding, work for
good. And one received more than he should have. This one will not
be so lucky." The two men spoke together as they walk around
watching the scene.

"We are the powers that rule all beings can we but show a small
amount of compassion to those who have served us?"

Two pairs of soft delicate hands played across the misty clouds to
reveal a log cottage amidst thick trees near a lake of crystalline
water. On the dock a dark haired man sat staring out across the
water, dark circles beneath his eyes, and tears staining his face.

"Once he was our champion...now his lover is our champion...there is
something special about these two. And yet you wish to speak of
receiving too much?"
Two pairs of eyes turned upon two others.

"He has received nothing, but pain and sorrow."

The two men's voices boom loudly. "WE CARE NOT!! We care not of
love, loss, and pain. We serve only life and the preservation of it.
We serve only good. We do not serve whims and wants, needs or
desires. That is not our purpose...that is not our way. You two care
too much of human traits, you care too much of things you should
dare not."

The women snorted in disgust their voices rising to the roar of the
wild wind. "Must we always remind you that without such things as
love, compassion, and loyalty this world would have long ago been
crushed! My how soon we forget the lessons of the old ones. Look
upon the old one Illyria. She thought herself untouchable...she
thought humans nothing, but an infestation of her world. Now she
fights by their side, she loves and bears the child of one of
these 'humans'."

"Weakness, frailty." The men replied as they bent over the scene to
watch that particular demi-god fight. "They tainted her and then she
was changed---made weak. We are not weak, we are not frail, and we
must not take pity on all our champions. The dark soul's fate was
written this one's..." they gestured to Spike knee deep in demons, "...
he has no fate written. We owe him nothing, but to let him die an
honorable death. He has earned that with the finding of his soul.
But we owe him nothing else. It is not our job to cater."

"Look..." the women demanded their hands parting the clouds to
reveal the past. "Despite our best efforts the dark soul having been
given a second chance still remembered his childe, his past
life...is that not enough to convince you of the obvious. Sire and
childe have a deep bond...a bond like nothing else upon the earth.
This bond has been passed on over time and space...between
lives...and we must insist that this bond not be severed. We are
about life and if this bond is severed the dark soul will follow his
childe...his lover into death. Is that what you wish?"

The men looked at each other, then looked back below. They circle
once...twice, then looked at each other again. Coming to what seems to
be a silent agreement between each other they turned to the women
and spoke as one.

"This option changes things. What do you offer?"

Soft smiles spread across twin faces as the women spoke. "We know
this one...the poet must die. So it is written...but beyond that we
may do as we wish. We wish to give him the same as his sire
received...a mortal life."

"Does he keep his memories intact? And if so I take it he should be
the age he is now. Not growing up like the dark soul?" The men
questioned.

 "Yes...you are correct in your assumptions. These two souls were
meant to be together and even we can not deny that. They are but two
souls among millions, but they are champions who deserve their due."
The women reached out to take the hands of their companions. "His
death is near the decision must be unanimous."

They all clasped hands and stepped forward. With a nod to each they
looked down just as Spike missed blocking a shot and a wooden spike
drives into his chest.

The Powers speak as one. "It is done."

A bright light booms from above and the clouds close up. But below
all there is ash. Then nothing.

****

Two days later....

Angel had gotten the call---it had been short, sweet and to the
point.

Illyria had made it. Gunn couldn't and Angel respected that. Angel
also respected the threat  she had made if he tried to kill himself.
He'd promised he wouldn't and hung up but he didn't promise for how
long he wouldn't.

So as he did once or twice every day when he wasn't seated on the
dock Angel treaded up to the house to use the restroom and check his
messages. He stopped and looked down at the lake. It was a peaceful
day---pretty. He wished he could enjoy it but he wouldn't enjoy any-
thing anymore.

He laid his hand on the knob opening the door and a bright light
blinded him momentarily.
Shielding his eyes from it until it ebbed away. He slowly opened his
eyes, then closed them immediately not trusting what he'd just seen.

"Please no, please don't do this to me." He murmured to himself, his
voice edged with hysteria.

But who wouldn't when they were seeing the pre-vampire version of
their two day 'dead for good' lover. Angel started to breathe
harshly through his nose afraid to open his eyes. The vision was so
perfect, beautiful William in all his splendid glory. His hair loose
and curly his frame just as it had been then...just as it had been
when he had changed William's life from short-lived to eternity.

"Please." He whispered once more a tear forming in his eye.

Stepping forward from the shadowy kitchen William smiled softly
almost shyly. He was wearing a faded pair of blue jeans---slung low
on his hips---and a soft blue button down that almost matched the
blue of his eyes.

"Angel?" His voice was softer, too. Far more like the young man of
old, yet he still had that edge. It had just been softened. "Don't
cry, pet. It's me...I swear."

Angel opened his eyes but they were weary. "You're gone, you left,
you never came back. You're never going to come back. No good-byes,
no promises." He backed up a few steps his back hitting the
door. "Don't wear his face whatever you are...don't wear his face."

Spike stepped closer his arms raised out in a calming manner and his
eyes sparkling like the clear blue of the lake beyond the
deck. "Angel... it's okay...swear, luv." He smiled gently. "What do
I need to tell you to make you believe me?"

Shaking his head Angel spoke softly. "Stop it. Stop looking like him...
talking like him."

It was obvious to Spike that Angel hadn't eaten or slept since he
left for LA. It was also obvious that there was nothing on God's
green earth that he could bloody well say to convince him that this
was real----hell even Spike wasn't sure at this point what had
happened. One minute he'd been 'fighting the good fight', then there
was an agonizing pain and darkness.

He remembered voices speaking to him. Telling him that he had passed
from his earthly body. Then a bright warmth had filled his soul and
the voices had said he had earned his reward. Suddenly he'd been
here----in front of an obviously terrified Angel---and he didn't
have any answers.

Stepping into Angel's space he grabbed his hand pushing it beneath
his shirt and against his warm silken skin right above where his
heart was.

"Angel..." was all he whispered as he reached out with his other
hand tilting Angel's face up with his trembling fingers.

Angel's hand started to pull back but stopped cold and pressed back
slowly to the warm skin. Tears started to fall slowly and all Angel
could manage was one sound.

"Oh..." he hiccuped. "Ohhh..." his fingers grazed and pressed
feeling the heartbeat of his lover, his best friend, after so long.
He found he had never felt anything as good as this balm for his
soul.

Looking into Spike's face he just repeats softer.

"Oh."

"Yeah, pet..." Spike smiled even wider his own eyes filling with
tears. "Seems there was room for one more vamp with a soul in that
sodding prophecy." Then he pulled Angel into his arms holding on for
dear life and praying that this wasn't a dream.

"Oh." Angel said again and started to laugh and cry. Holding Spike
tight he buried his face in his hair. He held him so tight for so
long then picked him up off the ground and spun in a little circle
screaming with joy, feeling stupid, but too happy to let it register
much. When he lowered Spike to the ground he tipped his face up and
grazed his thumb over his jaw.

"Look at you, god look at you so beautiful." His eyes swept over
Spike's face then he smiled and pressed one of Spike's hands to his
chest. He closed his eyes feeling his and Spike's heartbeats
together. "This is new."

Chuckling Spike reached up cupping Angel's face in his free palm
drawing him down and kissed him deeply. He could taste the salty
dampness of Angel's tears and a hint of coffee as he swept the tip
of his tongue over Angel's lips. With a soft sigh he pulled back not
caring that his own face was slick with tears of joy and
disbelief. "New, but good...real...it's real. I got to be a real
boy..."

"Pinnochio has nothing on you Will." Angel whispered as he kissed
Spike's nose, then he sighed. "Are we sure this is real? Maybe I
finally killed myself and this is purgatory."

Spike snorted in disbelief. "Don't think so, peaches. You never were
one for the organized religions...now were you? And I got to say---
Pinnochio? Only one person standing here that's ever had the honor
of being a wee little puppet man." He patted himself down searching
for his smokes. "On second thought though...might just be
purgatory...no fags and dying for one right now."

Laughing Angel gripped Spike's hands. "Starting today we buy you
patches. No more smoking for you. It can kill you." Then he chuckled
again and lifted Spike's hands kissing the knuckles repeat-ing in
awe. "It could kill you."

One dark brow shot up at Angel's words. "Patch? Oh, bloody hell..."
Spike grumbled, "...know it can kill me now, luv, but could I at
least have one before you wean me. Never had the experience of
tobacco on human taste buds me mum didn't think it was proper."

Angel raised a brow then nodded. "Bedroom you left a pack in
there..." then when Spike started to run towards the bedroom he
screamed. "BUT JUST ONE!!"

"YES, MOTHER!" Spike yelled over his shoulder as he headed for the
bedroom. His gaze settled on the night stand and he said a tiny
prayer to the powers that he'd get at least this one thing.

Shaking a smoke from the pack he casually sauntered back to the
kitchen where Angel was leaning in the doorway with a smirk on his
face.

"Found 'em..." Spike sighed as he slipped the cigarette between his
parted lips. He lifted the lighter to the tip of the cigarette and
inhaled.

That was his first mistake.

Thick smoke filled his throat causing his eyes and nose to water,
then he broke out into the cough-ing fit of all coughing fits.
Dropping the cigarette to the floor he doubled over gacking and
cursing all in one breath.

Angel started to laugh, but managed to the point to the floor. "Put
that out before our house catches on fire." Then he started to laugh
again turning and heading to the kitchen shaking his head as he
went. He had so wanted to see that. He knew Spike wouldn't think
about it.

"Bastard..." Spike hissed between coughs as he picked up the
offending object and went to the sink soaking it, then tossing it in
the trash. "You bloody well knew that was..." he burst out coughing
again, "...going to happen. Sodding powers that be done turned me
into a nancy-boy..." he grumbled as he flopped into one of the
kitchen chairs.

Despite the grumbling his eyes still sparkled with
amusement. It wasn't like he didn't deserve that, he thought.

Angel leaned back against the counter. "Living, breathing boy now.
Going to age, going to have cricks and aches. Going to need to
breathe when we kiss. Not going to have vampire recovery time. Well...
that one kind of sucks, but you're alive again Spike. We can
sunbathe, we can use the bathroom, tire and someday we're going to
die. It's all different now."

Spike tried to keep up the pout, but he just couldn't. Slowly it
transformed into a brilliant smile and he chuckles. "Yeah, the
recovery that one sucks, but now let's..." he stood and prowled
across the room to Angel, "...talk about the sunbathing bit. Always
wanted to see you in a thong, pet." Then he was stretching his arms
around Angel, his hands caressing down his spine to the soft dip
above Angel's ass. He smirked at Angel as his hands slide further to
cup the curve of his ass cheeks. "You know that this luscious arse
just screams for a thong."

"It's naked ass or nothing buddy." Angel stiffly replied, but then
he grinned reaching around gripping Spike's ass. "But yours on the
other hand. I see lots of trips to a specialty store in our future.
Paintings of you as a fireman, cowboy, space-boy, oh the
possibilities are just endless."

Snickering Spike winked at Angel and wiggles his ass. "Well, I
suppose I wouldn't mind the fireman or the cowboy, but space-boy?"
He raised a brow and snorted. "What you planning on doing? Painting
my body green and dressing me in a silver lame thong?"

Angel's cock twitched and he groaned pulling Spike closer. He kissed
Spike softly, then pulled back setting his forehead against
his. "God, I love you and if this isn't real please don't wake me
up. I don't care if this is hell there's no place I would rather be."

"Me either, luv...me either..." Spike leaned against Angel's broad
chest and placed a kiss above his heart.

Angel smiled softly his hands stroking up Spike's back. "You're home
now...you're home."

****

Epilogue


Illyria sat down in the arm chair looking over the group of people
gathered. She had changed her appearance to look like Fred, she had
found she did this more often as the years passed. Everyone in this
room knew her real appearance, but for times like these she liked to
be as human and as gentle looking as possible. So with a smile she
opened her mouth and began her tale.

"Once upon a time there were two men years and years apart, but
never the less fated to meet. They were changed---made eternal.
These two men when they met each other for the first time through
circumstances and hardship found each other and the rest was
history. Destined. They loved with a fire, an intensity the world
had never seen and will probably never see again."

The room was filled with oohs and awes causing Illyria to smile as
she carried on her voice gentle.

"They loved like no creatures---human or otherwise. Through
everything they loved--- tragedy, time, space, death and hell they
always found their way back to each other. The road was not always
easy...their story not always a fairy tale." Illyria paused and
fingered the locket around her neck with a sad smile. "There were
losses, deaths, hills that sometimes were hard to cross. But through
adversity and pain they found a way."

The room settles into another wave of sounds, soft sighs and bodies
moving closer together in love and remembrance.

"These two men were each others world, rocks,  and everything. Every
name they had, every incarnation they lived and only one name did
their hearts speak." She paused again glancing  towards  Angel and
Spike's adopted children---a girl, Wini Elizabeth and a boy James
Aidan. Then she looked at Connor---much older, but still there.

They all smiled at her as she spoke softly. "Each one's other."

Connor, Wini, and James all looked at one another and Connor pulled
them towards him.

Illyria continued moving her gaze to the far right looking at
Katherine. "And they fought, and they warred, and powers both good
and evil sought to keep them from each other, or to find a way to
reunite them. And they did always one way or another they found each
other. And everything they had lost they had found again anew. Every
memory they wanted back they got."

Katherine smiled and a tear slid down her cheek.

"They were gifted with us, but they were also our gifts." She looked
towards her children who smiled knowing smiles as she fingered the
locket once more.

Her gaze finally settled on the array of children young and old on
the floor. Children and grandchildren of Angel, Spike, herself,
Connor, Wini, James and Katherine.

"And when the battle was finally over and their lives were restored
with no more demons, no more sadness they were finally able to be
happy. Once and for all. No more hands tugging...no more differences.
They were the same---equals--- true mates. They made a life together
in this house." Illyria swept her hand around the expanse of the log
cabin house that still stood. "They made a life together. Did things
they once couldn't do. Fought, cried, laughed, loved and they did it
together. They made a family."

Connor hugged Wini and James.

"They reunited with family they had."

Connor smiled as everyone looked at him.

"They did it all. Lived their lives to the fullest with endless love
and endless happiness. They may have been human, but they still were
eternal."

She smiled sadly again as she gazed out the window her eyes settling
on a sculpture of two men together in a lover's embrace. Their
bodies melding together---blending to make one. Two almond trees
surround the statue---signifying immortality.

"Even in the end they were immortal. Even the end was a fairy tale."
Her eyes scanned over the beautiful garden, then back to the roomful
of people where an uncharacteristic tear slid down her cheek.

"Where they were found curled together, hands threaded, and their
faces peaceful as if in sleep. Because even in death they followed
each other, even in death they could not be separated. One cannot
live without the other. Fitting that they leave this plane together.
Fitting that this was their end. So my children we cremated their
bodies per their wishes and spread them as they requested. Ireland...
England.."

As one the family turned towards the window looking out over the
lake she whispered.

"And the lake." Illyria smiled. "Because this story would not be
complete if you did not end where you started, and start where you
ended."

She stood walking around the room, touching each face tenderly and
lovingly, then walked towards the window gazing at the sculpture
once more.

"And our moral in this story as always my loves is that...no matter
the price, no matter the war, no matter the losses...true love like
this, a love like no other always finds a way. Always lives on,
simply is eternal, simply is forever, and simply is immortal." She
lifted her hand fingers grazing over the window. "Fate, destiny,
true love that is your legacy my champions. That was what defined
you...that was what you were. I will never forget...no one will ever
forget." She turned heading to the door.

Opening the door she smiles, then screams. "Last one to the lake has
to clean up dinner!"

The room burst into squeals and madness as the children raced to the
door clamoring to get outside, followed by their parents who kiss
Illyria on their way out. When the house was finally empty Illyria
closed her eyes and she could hear the sound of two male voices
laughing. If she reached further she could sense them watching a
smile in their eyes, love in their hearts, their spirits still here--
-always here.

"Goodnight my champions let flights of angel's sing you to your
rest." She walked outside closing the door behind her leaving the
house with its warmth, love and memories to rest. To preserve for
eternity.

The End