Title: Sire

Author: Lilithangel

Email: abchainey@xtra.co.nz

Website:   www.livejournal.com/users/lilithbint/

Fandom(s): AtS

Genre: will eventually be slash cause I'm a Spangel girl.

Pairings/Characters: Spike/Angel and the rest of the AtS gang.

Rating: will include boy on boy stuff so pay attention.

Warnings: see above.

Notes: This will start from AtS series 5 'Destiny' episode and carry on from there so there will be spoilers for various episodes. However this is going to go AU from the beginning.

Inspired by a challenge but totally deviating from the original suggestion.

Summary: Drusilla renounces her claim as sire to Spike. Master vampires from all over the country arrive to vie for the right to claim him. The AtS gang and Wolfram & Hart have to deal with the fallout and Angel has to deal with his conflicting feelings. Spike has to come to terms with himself, his relationship with Drusilla and what he wants to do with his future.

A/N: be aware this chapter contains sexual relations between boys; if this offends do not read!

Chapter Nine Battles and Choices

"So is it possible?" Fred demanded of Lindsey.

"I guess so, the focus is the amulet, and so long as somebody is wearing it then Gunn should be able to leave." Lindsey said admiringly.

"So we go in there take the amulet off Gunn and hang it on the neck of the demon?" Angel looked dubious.

"Simple" Spike laughed "So who which one of us mice gets to do it?"

"Mice?" Fred wrinkled her brow prettily.

"To put the bell on the cat." Wesley smiled at Spike's reference but the others looked confused.

"We will have to move fast, we already know we can't beat this thing in a fight." Angel ignored the interplay between Wesley and Spike. The two had discovered mutual public school histories, all be it a hundred years apart. Now they bickered about football and cricket tossing literary references at each other. It was a sign of how comfortable Spike had gotten with the others that he was letting slip so much of his human past.

"Someone will still need to keep the demon occupied long enough to get to Gunn." Lindsey warned.

"That'd be me" Spike volunteered, "I need a decent workout Angel and Wulf are too easy now."

Angel looked at Spike with exasperation then nodded his agreement. "I will be the mouse then." He said partially understanding the reference.

"That just leaves me to distract the wife and kids upstairs." Lindsey added. "Road to redemption and all that. You guys protected Eve when I couldn't, I owe you one." He explained to Angel's look of surprise.

"You owe us more than one but your help is welcome." Angel nodded to Lindsey. "So that's settled me, Spike and Lindsey will get Gunn out today."

Later...

Lindsey supported the weakened Gunn out of the lift while Angel assisted the worse for wear but jubilant Spike.

"That was a nice bit of closure beating the crap out of those two" Lindsey was saying with satisfaction.

"I know," Gunn agreed, "the normality upstairs was far worse than what happened in the basement."

"Gunn!" Fred squealed throwing herself at him happily.

Lindsey stepped back to allow the reunion.

"Fred." Gunn hugged her hard, tears streaming down his face. "Can you ever forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive silly, you didn't plan for any of it to happen. I'm just glad that we're all back together." She smiled joyfully through her tears.

Gunn looked up as Wesley stepped forward "Welcome back Charles." Wesley extended his hand.

Gunn clasped it warmly, "I'm sorry man."

"So am I" Wesley replied. They stared at each other for a moment then both nodded. "Now let go of my girlfriend so she can check you over." Wesley directed him.

"Go on, I'll take care of Spike." Angel ordered and the three left.

"Harmony" Angel called out as he swept the protesting Spike up and carried him into the office "blood for Spike please."

"Not a bloody invalid mate" Spike complained as Angel dropped him on the couch.

"Shut up Spike and let me check your injuries." Angel let him shrug off his jacket before peeling off the tee shirt underneath.

Spike winced as the shirt pulled away from the worst of the wounds but held still while Angel checked him over.

"That was some pretty impressive fighting" Lindsey commented following the vampires into the office. "From both of you. I can see where you learnt it from Spike."

"What?" Spike glared at Lindsey.

"You and Angel, you have different styles but the dance is the same. I'm guessing Angel taught you to fight. You make a good team." Lindsey explained.

Angel's hands stilled briefly as he and Spike shared a glance loaded with memories then he continued his ministrations. "Nothing broken, blood will fix you up in no time at all."

Harmony tripped in with two mugs of blood in hand "thought you might need a top up too boss." She chirped.

"Thank you Harmony" Angel replied absently as he bound up Spike's wounds and she placed them on the coffee table before leaving.

Spike reached for his mug but Angel beat him to it and handed one to him. Spike opened his mouth to tell Angel had the wrong mug then shut up again in curiosity. Harmony always used the same mug for Spike with the human blood but she had recently broken Angel's '#1 boss' mug and had replaced it with one similar to Spike's.

Spike watched as Angel downed the blood in one gulp without a flicker. Confused Spike took a sip of the mug Angel had given him only to discover it had human blood in it. He quickly finished his blood and put his cup down next to Angel's deciding that maybe Harmony had mixed them up herself.

Angel finished tending Spike's wounds and handed him back his tee shirt, "I'm not sure you want to wear this again." He said with a grimace.

Spike wrinkled his nose but carefully pulled it back on "Don't want to cause a riot showing off too much of my luscious bod." He quipped.

"Much of an ego there?" Angel rolled his eyes.

Lindsey watched the banter with bemusement, "Wolfram & Hart sure got the facts wrong with you two." He commented.

"What do you mean?" Two sets of suddenly hostile eyes were turned on him.

"Just that they have you two on record as hating each other." He raised his hands in supplication.

"Well hate is such a strong word..."Angel began.

"But true." Spike interrupted. "We did hate each other for a long time..."

"But we called a truce." Angel finished.

"Two vampires with souls, who would have thought?" Lindsey laughed.

"Not us mate." Spike replied emphatically.

For the next few days Spike fed and trained sometimes with Wulfric and occasionally with Angel. During his bouts with Angel Spike noticed that his stamina and strength had improved. Spike's own strength and speed was growing the regular diet of human blood returning him to a level he had not been at since the Initiative.

It made him wonder if Angel had in fact being nipping on some human blood of his own.

Any fears about blood lust had been eased as Spike felt no different towards the humans around than before. Spike figured it was the hunt and the kill that raised the blood lust not the blood itself. After all, he had reasoned with Wulf, if it were the blood he would be stalking pig by now.

Training came to a halt when Wulfric announced that the trials would begin the following day.

"The council have selected the order of the challengers based upon their chance of winning," Wulfric explained. "Of the four who have challenged Henry will go first then Tonio."

Spike raised an eyebrow at the mention of Tonio, "When did he get into town?"

"I'm not sure" Wulfric frowned "Tonio has always managed to slip under my radar. It could have been yesterday or weeks ago."

"Who's Tonio?" Fred asked. They had been in Angel's office when Wulfric had broken the news.

"Leader of the Desterrar clan, their main power base it in Canada now. Tonio was probably in Montreal when the announcement was made." Wulfric explained.

"Destarrer... exiles?" Wesley translated.

"Yep another band of misfits" Spike added "it was formed from exiles and the unwanted from the older families. They finally managed to force the council into accepting them about a hundred years ago."

"Aurelian blood would be some of the oldest blood they could get, existence is pretty short for exiles." Angel mused.

"Who else challenged?" Spike asked curiously.

"Reynard and Cleo as expected. There was much debate over who should be last to challenge. Reynard couldn't decide whether he wanted to be considered the most powerful and risk losing you to Cleo or admit she is stronger than he is." Wulfric grinned.

"Right then" Angel fussed "You need to have some blood and get some rest Spike. Just to be safe I want you to stay here tonight just in case any interested parties try to fix the fight."

"Fine" Spike agreed grudgingly "But where am I going to sleep?"

"My suite has a spare room you can use that." Angel said firmly.

"What exactly will happen at the trials?" Fred was curious "Can we watch them?"

"Each party can have their second and one witness at each bout and the two council appointed judges nobody else." Wulfric replied.

"Who have the council chosen?" Spike queried.

"Drogyn the Keeper and Duke Sebassis. There has been a great deal of interest in the trials in the demon community the council thought it politic to include the duke." Wulfric grimaced his opinion of politics obvious.

"Who is Spike's witness going to be?" Wesley wanted to know.

"Angel if he wants to." Spike answered with a touch of embarrassment.

"Me?" Angel was shocked.

"If you don't want to..." Spike started defensively.

"No I do." Angel answered hurriedly, "I would be honoured."

Later...

Spike paced the length of Angel's guest room chain smoking. He was still dressed in his customary jeans and tee shirt.

"Spike?" Angel's voice interrupted his pacing "you need to rest."

"Can't," Spike replied shortly.

"Nervous about tomorrow?" Angel asked sympathetically.

"Not about the fight." Spike dismissed Henry's chances. "The whole claiming thing." He confessed.

"What about the claiming?" Angel moved into the room. He had changed into comfortable pants and a shirt.

"I'm losing her." Spike's voice was despairing "I can't feel her in my blood anymore. A new claiming will take her from me forever. Can you still remember Dru?"

"Apple cider, she always tasted like the apple cider I drank as a boy" Angel replied wistfully, "tart and sweet and slightly bubbly."

Spike smiled at the description "I always thought of champagne and moonlight. I don't want to forget I don't want to lose her." Spike was desperate now and started pacing again.

"Spike..." Angel grabbed the agitated blonde realising how close to the edge he was. "Her blood was my blood."

Spike stared blindly at Angel until the import of the words sank in. Angel tilted his head to expose his throat to Spike.

Spike stepped in close slipping into game face. He took Angel by the shoulders and almost delicately sunk his fangs in.

Angel found himself holding onto Spike around the waist for balance as sensations swept over him and he could not stop a moan of pleasure from escaping his lips.

Angel tried to shift position to hide his arousal from Spike but Spike held him tightly.

"Like apple cider" Spike murmured as he pulled free and returned to his human face. Then he pulled Angel's head down and kissed him, rubbing his own hardness against Angel's erection.

The taste of his own blood on Spike's lips was too much for Angel and he responded to the kiss passionately.

"Need this need you." Spike whispered as he licked the wound on Angel's neck and nibbled with human teeth down into the hollow of Angel's collarbone.

"Yes." Angel hissed pulling Spike's hips hard against his own.

Spike's fingers fumbled with Angel's shirt buttons till he gave in with a groan and ripped it off sending buttons flying. Angel pulled Spike's tee shirt off and then hands were on skin as they tumbled backwards onto the bed.

Spike pinned Angel and began kissing and licking his way down Angel's torso stopping to suckle on his nipples drawing pinpricks of blood to the surface.

Angel moaned and writhed under Spike's assault until he could bear it no longer and flipped over so he was straddling Spike.

Angel copied Spike's actions turning him into a quivering mess. Somehow Spike had managed to undo Angel's trousers and push them down his thighs and he halted Angel's torture with one cool hand.

Angel gasped when Spike's hand wrapped around his cock and squeezed it firmly. He thrust his hips involuntarily allowing Spike to push his trousers further down.

Angel fumbled with Spike's jeans determined to return the favour and Spike wiggled his hips to help drawing another moan from Angel.

Angel quickly took hold of Spike's cock and began stroking it in time with Spike's movements.

Both were too wound up by events to last long, Angel roared his release and buried his fangs into Spike's shoulder not even certain when he had slipped into game face. It was enough to send Spike over the edge with a cry as the both arched into the other's caress.

"Champagne and moonlight" Angel whispered into Spike's neck before rolling off him.

They both lay on the bed in silence trying to absorb the enormity of what had just occurred.

"Angel..." Spike began then checked himself, "thank you." He finished.

"You're welcome." Angel replied tiredly. "Spike..." he looked over to find the blonde had fallen fast asleep next to him.

Angel sighed and, not wanting to move straight away, pulled a blanket over both of them smiling wryly as the trousers bunched around both their ankles. Before he could remedy the situation he fell asleep himself.

When Angel awoke Spike had gone. Relieved at not having to face any awkwardness Angel was still slightly peeved that Spike had left him there sleeping. He kicked off the blanket and headed for a shower.

Spike did not appear in the office until late in the day ready for the arrival of the council and the challengers. He and Angel exchanged swift glances but nothing was said both content for the moment to let things slide.

Wesley, Fred, Gunn and Lindsey were waiting with Angel in his office. "Spike we all just wanted to wish you the best of luck and let you know we are here for you." Wesley said for all of them.

Spike stared at this strange assortment of people who had become so important to him in a short period of time and barely find the words.

"Thanks guys, 'm not good with words but I just want to tell you how much your support means to me..." he looked at Angel as he spoke then turned his head away ashamed to show his real feelings.

"We understand Spike" Fred went over to him "we're all pretty much misfits and it's nice to belong."

"Right enough touchy feely shit" Spike shook his head "when are they getting here?"

"Lorne and Wulfric are waiting downstairs they'll bring them straight up to the conference room." Angel replied.

They all moved into the conference room when Harmony came through to say Lorne and Wulfric were on their way up, Angel went and stood next to Spike at the head of the table.

The doors opened and a large number of vampires and demons entered. At the forefront was archduke Sebassis and his entourage followed immediately by Frederick Barbarossa, Wulfric, Cleo and three older vampires tall and immaculately dressed surrounded by bodyguards. Behind them were Vanessa and Henry with two other vampires just ahead of a smaller man dressed in jeans and a polo neck jumper, he was watching everyone with a bright eyed curiosity that made him appear almost birdlike.

Lorne entered last with Drogyn at his side and they closed the doors behind them.

"Archduke, gentlemen and ladies" Angel nodded regally to the arrivals.

"Angelus" the arch duke murmured with a short bow.

"May I offer anyone refreshments?" Angel asked courteously "archduke I know you bring your own." He gestured to the slave.

Everyone politely declined and one of the older vampires spoke "the council have accepted William the Bloody's right to trial by combat to decide his claiming." He said formally "But Medici wish to formally state our displeasure at the involvement of the sire killer and humans in this event." Reynard glared at Angel and the others.

Cleo raised a hand before anyone could retaliate "this was already settled Reynard the council accepts your reservations. The Order of Aurelius has been dissolved by order of the council but Angelus has not been formally exiled and as William's oldest relative he has the right to be here."

"We have already talked this subject to death" another member of the council complained "we are here for the trials so let's get on with it."

"Thank you Frederick" Wulfric stepped forward "if everyone is ready we will move to the arena. Everyone understands that only the combatants their seconds and the judges will be in the fighting area? Viewing has been arranged for everyone else and remember that no magic will be possible in the area. Archduke Sebassis and Drogyn Keeper of the Well of Souls the council wishes to thank you for agreeing to assist us in this." Wulfric addressed them formally.

"William and Henry are you prepared for the trial?" Wulfric looked at both vampires who nodded their agreement.

They all headed down to the training arena the council and other vampires in one group and Angel and the others following separately.

Lorne quickly filled the others in on who was who, "the tall one with issues is Reynard Medici Vanessa's sire. The handsome Italian-looking gent is Christian Lombardi master of New York, Frederick Constaninius in the striking blood red ensemble, he is master of Paris and the charming wee man in the black polo is Tonio the second challenger."

Tonio turned his head at the mention of his name and smiled brightly at the group.

When they reached the room the participants entered and the others made their way to the viewing platforms above.

Henry and Spike went into the centre with their seconds, Angel and Frederick Barbarossa joined the two judges on one side.

The other vampires and Sebassis's guards took up a position separate from Lorne and the humans who huddled together slightly nervous at the proximity of so many vampires.

Wulfric and Henry's second, a dark haired vampire who looked very similar to Henry, conferred and went back to the two combatants.

Wulfric took Spike's coat from him leaving the blonde vampire in his customary jeans and tee shirt. Henry was dressed in looser fitting clothes that still showed off his figure, he pulled back his hair into a pony tail and removed his over shirt. The two were of a matching build although the definition of Spike's muscles was clearer and Henry appeared almost effeminate in comparison.

With very little fanfare the fight began. Spike allowed Henry to make the opening move, a swift lunge and an attempted throw that Spike easily evaded getting a quick jab to Henry's face on the way past.

"Henry has been trained formally" Wesley whispered to the others "I don't think he has had many real fights."

Spike allowed Henry to make all the advances choosing to stay just out of range and get in the occasional strike mainly for irritation value.

Henry began to growl and slipped into game face after Spike struck him in the face for the third time. He leapt forward and managed to grab Spike by the arm to attempt to pin him close.

Spike could smell Henry's arousal as he pulled him close. Taking advantage Spike leant in close rubbing his hip against Henry's erection then bringing his knee up hard. Henry released Spike with a groan buckling at the waist, Spike followed up with a solid uppercut to Henry's jaw.

Henry hit the floor but was up again with a snarl and launched himself at Spike. This time he managed to knock Spike over but Spike rolled with the attack sending Henry flying over his head into the wall.

Spike bounced back onto his feet with a laugh and shook his game face free. Before Henry could recover Spike picked him up by the scruff of the neck and threw across to the other side of the room.

Henry picked himself up slowly and moved carefully back towards Spike. Spike allowed him to reach the centre of the room before leaping over and kicking him in the head. Henry roared and managed to grab Spike's foot twisting it and sending Spike spinning to the floor.

Spike bounced up a little slower this time but still laughing. "Those are better moves mate." He said to Henry "But you need to stop fighting like a girl if you want to beat me."

Henry leapt on Spike pinning him to the ground "When you are mine I will use that tongue of yours for better things than insulting your elders." He hissed and licked Spike's face.

Spike bucked him off and got to his feet "sorry mate you are not my type." Spike swung in fists flying and began to seriously pummel Henry.

Henry could not defend against the rain of blows and slowly Spike pushed him against the wall. Henry managed to get an arm up to Spike's chest thrusting him back. Spike grinned and twisted the arm breaking it in two places.

Henry howled and staggered back clutching his arm to his chest. Spike followed him and grabbed the broken arm causing Henry to scream with pain.

He forced Henry to his knees and pulled his head back by the pony tail exposing his throat.

"Do you yield?" Spike growled pressing down onto Henry's broken arm.

"Yield." Henry growled back weakly.

Spike ripped into Henry's throat taking a large mouthful of blood and leaving a jagged wound. He thrust Henry to the ground and stood triumphant eyes seeking out Angel.

Angel was smiling proudly at Spike's success and the others watching cheered enthusiastically.

Henry's second rushed over and carefully helped him off the field to where Frederick stood. Frederick frowned angrily down at Henry who hung his head submissively. Without a word Frederick turned and strode out of the room leaving Henry to follow slowly.

"That was disappointing" Tonio was heard to remark and there was a general murmur of agreement.

"You had better give us a better show tomorrow Tonio." Christian replied to him as they all left.

The others swarmed into the fighting arena to congratulate Spike and a celebration drink was planned for the Cat and Fiddle.

Drogyn declined the invitation and requested a few words with Angel.

Angel went to Spike before he left with Drogyn "Don't drink too much tonight" he warned Spike "you have another fight tomorrow and Tonio won't be so easy. You will stay with me again?" he asked carefully.

Spike turned from his congratulations and nodded, "Don't wait up dad." He joked.

Later that night a slightly worse for wear Spike crawled wearily into Angel's bed.

Angel had been laying awake waiting for the sounds of Spike's arrival, he watched Spike struggle to remove his clothes and boots. They stared at each other wordlessly for a moment and then Angel nodded gently.

Spike crawled in beside Angel who tilted his neck and allowed Spike to feed briefly. Spike licked at the bleeding holes lethargically and quickly began to doze off. Angel rolled over and gathered Spike into his arms and they fell asleep together.

TBC

Next time: three more battles... who will claim Spike?