Title: A Christmas Carol

Author: Lilithangel

Email: abchainey@xtra.co.nz

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

Fandom(s): AtS

Genre: AU season 5

Pairings/Characters: Spike, Angel, surprise guest

Rating: General admission.

Warnings: none really.

Summary: AtS season 5, Spike is still a ghost, the events of "Destiny" were part of the fever dreams caused by the parasite Eve infected Angel with. Spike has learnt to use his will to physically manifest for short periods of time and was able to pull the parasite off Angel. Angel's depression is deepening, as is Spike's. Lindsey is still working with Eve to bring Angel down but the parasite was their big move prior to his plan to release the failsafe in the basement of Wolfram & Hart.

But before that it is getting closer to Christmas, neither Spike nor Angel want any part in the celebration plans.

* * * * *

Spike hovered in Angel's bedroom watching the pounce toss and turn in his sleep. Ever since the incident with the parasite Spike had taken to hanging out there while Angel slept.

He told himself it was to protect the poof from harm but the reality was that it was the only place he felt safe in Wolfram & Hart. Even though he knew Pavayne was locked up good and tight drifting around the office at night crept Spike out.

Angel's sleep had become more and more restless and Spike could tell it was beginning to take its toll on the brooding vampire. Not that Spike really cared or anything but until somebody figured out how to make Spike solid again he was sticking close to what he knew.

Now it was Christmas Eve and Spike was not looking forward to another celebration as a ghost, especially one that held such bad associations for the blond.

Lorne had thrown a Christmas Eve bash that evening; everyone had stood around awkwardly until Lorne's special eggnog had loosened things up.

Spike had enjoyed things to begin with even staying solid long enough to grab a few kisses under the mistletoe including one from the hapless Gunn who had looked liked a stunned mullet afterwards to everyone's amusement.

Spike's enjoyment had waned when he noticed Angel slipping away from the party to brood in his office. Spike had gone in to try and annoy the poof into rejoining the festivities but it had made no difference. Angel was slowly drifting into a state of depression that was beginning to make Spike nervous.

So he found himself back in Angel's bedroom watching over the restless sleep uncertain whether to be pleased or annoyed that Angel was not aware of his presence.

Suddenly Spike found himself pulled out of Angel's bedroom into the lounge.

"What the bloody hell?" Spike spun around looking for the threat only to come face to face with Cordelia.

"Hello Spike," Cordelia smiled.

"What? You're in a hospital bed someplace," Spike stuttered.

"Actually I'm dead," she replied bluntly, "and I don't have a lot of time."

"I'm a ghost and I'm being haunted, that's just bloody wonderful," Spike sighed and sat down.

Cordelia grinned and then sat down next to Spike, "this is serious Spike, Angel really needs your help."

"My help," Spike snorted, "ghosts aren't much use pet and he wouldn't want my help anyway."

"Angel is losing his way and it's up to us to bring him back, he just needs to be reminded of who he is," Cordelia said firmly.

"A pounce that uses way too much hair gel?" Spike smirked.

"A champion," Cordelia glared, "just as you are."

"Sodding useless champion I turned out to be," Spike replied with a sigh, "alright what have I got to do?"

"Just like that?" Cordelia was surprised.

"Just like that," Spike replied, "figure I don't have much choice anyway so let's just get on with it."

Spike blinked and found himself back in Angel's bedroom with Cordelia.

"You will be his guide tonight," Cordelia explained, "he will meet three people tonight who have things to show him about himself and what is important. Your job is to take him there and make him stay and listen."

"Why can't you do it?" Spike wanted to know, "he'd listen to you a hell of a lot easier than me."

"The amount of energy it would take to manifest me to Angel would cut The Powers off from this dimension. Reaching you is easier because you already have one foot in the afterlife," Cordelia frowned, "it was the best compromise we could come up with."

Spike nodded his understanding even through his unease at the reference to how close he is to hell, "so what do I have to do?"

"Wake him up, take his hand and you will be taken to where he has to be," she explained, "when it is over take his hand again and you will move on."

"Simple," Spike rolled his eyes, "and what happens at the end?"

"You are returned here without any time passing, Christmas Eve is the only time this will work so hop to it mister," Cordelia reached out and touched Spike's hand. Spike jumped at the spark of energy that leapt along his arm.

Angel awoke with a cry and sat up to find Spike standing over his bed, groggy from the nightmares that plagued his sleep he snapped at the blond ghost.

"Go and haunt someone else Spike," he snarled.

"Can't poof, on a mission so get up," Spike told him cheerfully.

"Push off Spike," Angel lay back down and turned his back on the annoying vampire.

Spike concentrated and tugged the sheet off Angel, "rise and shine mate, we've got work to do, the faster we finish the faster you can be rid of me," the words were light but there was a note of despair in Spike's voice that caught Angel.

"Well if that's the deal I'm up," Angel retorted. He swung his legs off the bed and stood up heading for his closet.

Brushing past Spike there was a flash of light and the bedroom disappeared.

They found themselves standing in front of a non-descript house.

"What the hell is going on Spike?" Angel demanded.

"Not exactly sure," Spike replied grinning at Angel who was only dressed in black silk pyjama bottoms, "you have to meet up with three people tonight and I'm suppose to make sure it happens."

"Is this some sort of joke?" Angel advanced threateningly on Spike and poked a finger at his chest.

They both blinked in surprise when the finger hit flesh and did not pass through Spike as usual.

Spike touched his own chest with amazement, "huh, either I'm solid or we're both ghosts," he commented.

"This is the past neither of you are really here," a voice answered from behind them. They both spun around to face the speaker.

"Hello Angelus, William," Darla greeted them.

"Darla," Angel blinked.

"Aren't you dead?" Spike demanded.

"Yes I am," she smiled gently, "Angel I'm sorry I tried to stop him from taking that path," she said sadly to Angel, "but I was too late, you did what you had to do you have to forgive yourself and him."

"Him who?" Spike demanded.

"He has a good life now Angel, be proud of that," Darla continued ignoring Spike's question.

Angel hung his head, "I'm sorry Darla I failed him."

"No you didn't, it was out of your control you did the best you could," she reached up and caressed Angel's face.

"Where the bloody hell are we?" Spike demanded forcefully.

"Angel knows," Darla replied. Angel looked around carefully recognition dawning in his eyes.

"Galway," he said in amazement.

At that moment the door in the house in front of them was flung open and a young man barrelled out followed by an angry older man.

"Wastrel and no good layabout," the older man was yelling, "you've amounted to nothing, all you do is drink and womanise. Your dabblings are nothing more than another excuse. Well I'll have no part of it any longer, get out and don't come back until you've got yourself some good honest work," he turned and stormed back into the house slamming the door behind him.

Angel hissed as the young man stumbled right through his body and leant up against the wall of the house.

"God I wish I could leave this place," the boy whispered.

"This is the night..." Angel gasped in shock as he recognised the boy.

"That I turned you, yes," Darla answered sadly.

They followed the boy as he slipped around the corner to the back of the house. The kitchen door opened to reveal a young girl clutching a sketchpad.

"Kathy," the boy smiled and gave her a quick hug, "he won't listen to reason tonight, hide my sketches till I come back?" He smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the head.

"He does love you Liam," she replied, "in his own way."

"I can't be like him Kathy and he just can't understand that," Liam said with frustration, "no matter, I'll let him calm down and then Mam can sweet talk him into giving me another chance," he grinned and gave Kathy another kiss to smooth away her worried frown.

"Be careful Liam and come home to us," Kathy hugged Liam tight before slipping back inside and closing the door.

Angel watched the door with grief written all over his face.

"You were a good boy; you were just trapped in a world that did not understand you. I could smell the desperation in you underneath the alcohol," Darla placed a comforting hand on Angel's arm.

"So I let you turn me and then came back and slaughtered my whole family," Angel shook her hand off, "yes I was such a good boy," he said sarcastically.

"Your demon killed your family, Liam didn't," Darla continued.

"It doesn't change what happened," Angel said roughly as they followed Liam through the streets.

"Nothing can change what happened mate," Spike felt compelled to add.

They followed Liam into a pub and watched as he quickly drank more than was good for him and then charmed every barmaid into his lap for a kiss and entertained his friends maintaining a façade of drunken unconcern.

"Do you regret being turned, do you wonder what would have happened if you had lived that night?" Darla asked Angel.

"Sometimes," Angel confessed, "but the way I was going I don't think I would have made it past 30."

"No you wouldn't have," Darla confirmed.

Angel looked at her with surprise and Spike snorted with amusement.

"One of the benefits of what I do now," Darla continued, "I can see other timelines other futures and in most of them you don't make it."

"Oh," Angel was at a loss for words.

"Your futures weren't any better," Darla turned to the still sniggering Spike.

"No matter," Spike retorted, "never minded being a vamp even after I got my soul back, won't ever regret that," he said fiercely.

"I do," Angel replied softly, "all the lives I destroyed all those people who would have still been alive if not for me," he sighed watching his younger self staggering out into the street.

"All those lives you saved those people who are only alive now because of you," Spike interjected to Angel's surprise.

They watched in silence as the drunken Liam was approached by Darla, heard her temptation and his desperate reply.

Then they were standing in the rain in a churchyard watching a family mourn their fallen son.

A sob broke free of Angel's throat as he moved up to the figures standing there. He knelt in front of his stony faced father head bowed, "forgive me father, I am so sorry," he begged.

"I am so sorry my son," the man whispered looking down at the open grave, "I know I failed you and only hope one day we will be reunited and you will forgive me."

Angel sat back on his heels in shock at his father's words. Darla knelt beside Angel sorrow etched on her face.

"Your demon obeyed its Sire and killed your family, it was not you Angel," she told him fiercely.

"Liam wouldn't have wanted to kill his family no matter how angry he was," Spike felt compelled to add.

Darla hugged the distraught vampire murmuring vague noises of comfort. Uncomfortable Spike stayed standing until he felt a tug on his body and he knew it was time to go.

"Angel," Spike spoke, "time to move on, sorry Darla."

Darla rose to her feet and extended a hand to Angel who slowly stood his head hanging down.

"Thank you William," Darla turned to Spike, "look after him for me please," she asked sincerely, "you are the strong one."

Spike stared at Darla in surprise at her words but only nodded his agreement.

Darla lifted Angel's head up and kissed him lightly on the lips, "believe in what you are," she told him.

Spike took Angel's arm and there was another flash of light.

This time they found themselves back in L.A standing outside the old Angel Investigation office.

Angel stood staring at the building trepidation on his face.

"Hello boyo," a voice sent Angel spinning around.

"Doyle," this time Angel did not hesitate he reached over and pulled the smaller man into a strong hug.

"Ease up man," Doyle laughed, "might be dead but you're still bruising me."

Angel released Doyle and clapped him on the shoulder, "it is good to see you again," he grinned then sobered, "Doyle... I'm sorry..." he dropped his head.

"What for? I made my decision and went out a hero, it was my choice... I told you then I understood what it was about, fighting the good fight I don't regret it," Doyle scolded him.

"Yeah, stop playing the bloody martyr Angel, let someone else have the glory for saving the world occasionally," Spike chipped in.

Angel looked at Doyle in abashed apology.

"You taught me how to be a hero Angel," Doyle continued as they entered the building, "there is nothing for you to be sorry for."

They went down to the training room where Angel and Doyle were talking about choices.

"Human? You were a real live flesh and blood human being? And you and Buffy? You had the one thing you've wanted in your unnaturally long life and you gave it back?" Doyle was asking with shock. "Maybe I was wrong," Angel frowned.

"Or maybe Cordelia was right. About you being the real deal in the hero department. See, I woulda chose the pleasures of the flesh over duty and honour any day of the week. I just don't have that strength," Doyle shook his head.

"You never know your strength till you're tested," Angel replied.

"You taught me that mate," the ghost Doyle told Angel as they watched the scene, "you were... are a true hero."

"You were human and gave it back?" Spike asked incredulously, "your big goal and you couldn't cope," he shook his head in amazement.

"People still needed help I could do more as a vampire," Angel retorted.

"Always the bleeding hero," Spike rolled his eyes.

"Don't be too quick there Mr Burn Up to Save the World," Doyle retaliated.

"Tests come in all different shapes hero," Doyle smiled at Angel and they found themselves on top of the building as the sun was setting.

They watched Angel take a ring off his finger and smash the gem while Doyle looked on.

"Knew you had bloody well destroyed it," Spike groaned at the sight.

"The temptation was too great," Angel justified, "and I didn't deserve it."

"Why did you want the ring Spike?" Doyle asked suddenly.

"Usual reasons," Spike replied uncomfortably, "invulnerability, ultimate power that sort of thing."

"Really?" Doyle raised a slightly disbelieving eyebrow.

"Might have been nice to walk in the sun again," Spike confessed reluctantly.

"It was," Angel whispered.

"But you gave it up because it was the right thing to do, just like you gave up the chance to be corporeal again to save Fred, Spike," Doyle lectured them both.

"Couldn't let the bastard have her," Spike answered diffidently.

"That's what heroes do," Angel added to Spike's surprise.

"You do what's right no matter what the cost," Doyle agreed.

Spike felt the now familiar tugging and looked at Angel, "time to go again mate."

Doyle hugged Angel, "thanks for teaching me to be the hero."

"Thanks for helping me realise that," Angel replied, "I miss you."

Light flashed again and Doyle vanished. They found themselves standing in Angel's bedroom.

"Is it over?" Angel asked in confusion.

"Not yet," Spike answered looking at the floor, "one more to go."

Angel looked over and saw he was lying there with the parasite on his chest.

"This doesn't make any sense," Spike looked around the room, "who the hell are you supposed to meet here?"

There was no reply to Spike's question. Angel continued to look at his body as the parasite pumped him full of narcotics once again.

Spike's ghostly form appeared in the room looking at Angel in alarm.

"Obviously they are waiting for us in the other room come on Angel," Spike tried to pull Angel away but he resisted.

"Why did you come into my room that night Spike?" Angel asked curiously.

"No reason just bored," Spike evaded still trying to pull Angel from the room.

"Bloody hell Peaches, what's going on?" the apparition of Spike asked, "What is that thing?"

Angel watched with surprise as Spike attempted to wake him, "You have to wake up Angel," the ghost commanded with increasing concern. He watched as Spike tried to shake him panic beginning to show.

"Hell," Spike stood watching the action with embarrassment.

The ghost Spike was almost sweating with the effort to remain corporeal long enough to pull the parasite from Angel. He gave up and began pacing the room, "don't you do this to me, don't you leave me. Damn it Peaches," he was practically yelling, "what are you doing getting yourself into these fixes, you're the bloody hero not me!"

The ghost disappeared briefly and then returned to Angel's side, "the others are coming Angel," he said, "Just hang in there."

Spike and Angel watched as Spike was finally able to wrench the parasite free stomping it flat just as the others rushed in.

"You think I'm a hero?" Angel asked Spike in disbelief as the rest of the scene played out in front of them.

"Of course you are you bloody poof," Spike answered uncomfortably, not looking at Angel, "you've just forgotten up here in the rarefied air of Wolfram & Hart."

"You were really worried about me," Angel pressed.

"Where is the next bloody ghost?" Spike griped trying to ignore Angel.

"You think I'm a hero," Angel repeated with wonder.

"Already said so didn't I?" Spike answered irritably.

"Maybe I still can be," Angel mused.

"Finally," an amused voice spoke.

Angel froze and turned slowly to look at Cordelia.

"I was the last person he had to meet?" Spike growled at Cordelia.

"Kind of," she replied, "he had to meet himself and seeing what he is through your eyes seemed the best way."

"Just bloody wonderful," Spike sighed.

"You're just miffed that Angel found out you actually care," Cordelia grinned before turning to Angel.

"You told me you couldn't manifest to Angel," Spike complained.

"I lied," she rolled her eyes at Spike, "Hey there champ," Cordelia smiled brilliantly at Angel.

"Cordy," Angel moved forward tentatively, "are you...?"

"Alive? No," she answered him, "just got a one day pass to check up on my guy, help get you back on track."

"What was all this?" Angel asked in confusion.

"You were stumbling and we wanted to bring you back," Cordelia smiled sadly.

"Can you stay?" Angel asked softly.

"No," she shook her head, "this is just a one time event."

"But I need you," Angel said.

"You've got others to look out for you, you know," she said looking at Spike pointedly.

"So what happens now?" Angel wanted to know.

"Now you go back to bed and wake up in the morning rearing to go," she laughed, "Doyle said it, you do what's right no matter what the cost. He was the first soldier down but the war isn't over," she said fiercely.

"I don't want to do it without you," Angel persisted.

"You have to champ," she moved closer and leant up to kiss him gently on the mouth.

Angel sat bolt upright in his bed to find Spike standing there, "did we?" he asked in confusion.

"Ghosts, time travel?" Spike replied looking around the room in suspicion, "yeah we did," he confirmed, "She said we would be back with no time passed."

"Spike," Angel said seriously, "thank you."

"Nothing to thank me for Peaches," Spike looked away nervously. Turning he went to walk through the door only to tumble to the floor, "what the bloody hell?"

Angel climbed out of bed and hurried over to Spike, "are you okay?"

"Bleeding door..." Spike stopped when he realised his nose was bleeding, "wait a minute," his tongue darted out to lick up the drops of blood.

Spike stood up and looked at Angel before prodding him in the chest, "I'm back," he said in wonder a smile of sheer delight crossing his face, "I'm back!" he leapt forward and hugged Angel hard.

Surprised Angel hugged Spike back before they realised what they were doing and sprung apart.

Too excited to stay embarrassed Spike flung the door open, "got to go celebrate, you coming?" he asked over his shoulder.

Angel looked at the exuberant blond, "you want to celebrate with your hero?" he teased.

Spike looked back at Angel with irritation and then smiled, "get some clothes on poof," he replied, "it's Christmas and I want to celebrate with family. Fred is having the others over for Christmas dinner let's go and join them, she did invite us."

"Okay, you're right Spike, just let me get some clothes on," Angel smiled.

"Just don't take too long," Spike ordered, "got any blood in this place?"

"Drinks cabinet," Angel indicated as he turned to get dressed.

Spike grabbed a blood bag and tossed it into the small microwave under the bar. When it was ready he poured it into a glass and threw himself into a chair to wait for Angel.

"Here's to you cheerleader," Spike toasted the absent Cordelia.

"And to Vampire Champions," Angel added entering the room, "don't spill that on my sofa Spike," he warned.

"Shut up you poof," Spike rolled his eyes.

"And get your boots off my table," Angel added.

They continued to bicker in the lift and in the car all the way over to Fred's apartment but there was laughter in their voices.

And they lived happily ever after.

THE END