Title: Into the Depths
Series: A NEW LIFE
Author: MarieC
Email: mariecynthia2003@yahoo.com
Feedback: Please. Be gentle: this is my first fic
Archive: www.the-crypt.net
         http://home.att.net/~lubakmetyk/crypt.htm#marieC
Pairing: Spike/Angel
Spoilers: Spike is chipped; Angel is Spike's Sire; No Fred or Connor;
Buffy did not die
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Transgender fic, rape
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They belong to Joss
Whedon, ME, WB, UPN etc.  **Please read "Changes" and "Transition"
before this story
Many thanks to Ghostsforge for beta help and answering numerous
technical questions.

*

ch1

Angel's stomach growled as he walked towards the kitchen one morning.
As he approached, he heard the melodious laughter of his Childe
coming from inside the kitchen. He smiled. Cordelia and Spike were
likely engaging in the 'girl talk' that they seem to do often. His
curiosity got the best of him and Angel used his stealthy skills and
enhanced hearing to eavesdrop on the conversation. He decided he
could feel guilt over this act later. He was surprised when he
realised that Spike was sitting in the kitchen with Wesley.

"Thanks for the cuppa, Wesley." Angel heard Spike say.

"You are welcome, Spike." Wesley replied as he sipped his tea. "So,
you are originally from London as well, then? Have you spent time
there since you were er..."

"Turned?" Spike interrupted.

"Well, yes. Turned." Wesley fumbled with his glasses. Spike smiled.

"Angelus, Dru, Darla, and I spent a few months there after I was
Sired. After we left, I haven't been back."

"All this time?" Wesley was surprised. "Do you miss it?"

"Oh, I don't know. It's not the same place anymore." Spike face
reflected a hint of sadness. "But, I guess I kind of have family
there now because Giles moved there four months ago."

"Indeed."

Spike asked, "Do you go back?"

"No. My mother is deceased. My father is a leader at the Council of
Watchers. He and I do not see eye to eye on many matters. I-I am
somewhat of a disappointment to him." Wesley said quietly with his
head bowed.

"I'm sorry." Spike sympathetically smiled at the blue eyed, brunette
ex-watcher.

"It is all right. After my debacle in Sunnydale as a watcher, I
realised that I had to determine my own path. I could not live to
seek the approval of an uncaring, rigid father." Wesley paused as he
reflected.

"What happened in Sunnyhell?"

"Oh, goodness. I forgot that you were not there at the time. After
the Council terminated Mr. Giles, Buffy and Faith were my charges. In
different ways, I failed them both. I left Sunnydale after graduation
day, became a rogue Demon hunter, and then came to Los Angeles. I
have worked with Angel ever since. I feel that in LA, I can redeem
myself for my previous shortcomings."

"I guess we all seek redemption for something, pet." Spike quietly
added as she sipped her tea.

The two sat in amiable silence as they enjoyed their morning tea.
Wesley casually gazed at the beautiful blonde vampire at the other
end of the table. He and Spike conversed often over tea lately. He
found her fascinating. Her knowledge of Demons and ancient languages
proved helpful on many occasions. He thoroughly enjoyed her company.
Wesley was cautious, though. He was well aware of Angel's possessive
nature. He did not want to give the dark vampire the impression that
he cared for her beyond friendship. He may have some feelings for
her, but he was an honourable gentleman. He would not act upon them.

Spike noticed how Wesley watched her. She could sense his heartbeat
quicken when they talked. The blonde vampire was not sure how to
react to this. Wesley was human, but Spike was not frightened of him.
He was handsome, kind, sweet, and considerate. She felt safe around
the attractive brunette. She was not ready for a relationship with
anyone when she was unsure of her feelings for Angel. She loved her
Sire deeply, despite all the hurt. But, sometimes, love is not always
enough to overcome all obstacles.

Angel stood mesmerised in the lobby some distance from the kitchen.
The conversation was innocent enough, but he was surprised that the
two had developed such rapport. The depth of the conversation amazed
Angel. The dark vampire was jealous. A low growl was emitted from his
chest. Angel hoped to develop a new relationship with Spike. A
relationship based on equality, not burdened by the lore of the Sire
and Childe.
Angel found it difficult to break through the protective barrier she
had constructed. Spike was very cautious around him. Things had
improved, but Angel was hoping for more.

As the doorway to the kitchen swung open, Angel walked through.
Wesley and Spike looked up.

"Good morning, Angel." Wesley's face was deep red.

"Wes." Angel looked intently at the ex-watcher. "Spike."

"Hello."

"Spike and I were reminiscing about the motherland and some other
things." Wesley explained. He quickly rose from his chair and placed
his cup in the sink. "Well, I am off to the rare book store. I am
still looking for references on the Tulare Demon from Cordelia's
vision last night." Wesley smiled at both vampires and exited the
kitchen.

As Angel warmed up some blood, Spike quietly continued to sip her
tea. The room was silent. Angel sat down on the opposite end to
Spike. Each vampire desired to speak, but neither could find the
words. Finally the female vampire spoke.

"I am ready to fight, Angel."

"I know." The dark vampire looked at his Childe and smiled.

"Well, then, why didn't you say anything?" The blonde vampire was
annoyed.

"I figured you would tell me when you were ready. Remember, Spike, I
promised I would not force anything upon you. We've played that game
enough in the past. You are a master vampire in your own right. When
you were ready to fight, you would say so."

Spike was surprised to hear those words from her Sire. He could be so
confusing at times. In the past, Angelus could always control Spike
with certain words before he would break his promises. She
appreciated his statement but would continue to proceed with caution.
She wanted so much to be able to believe Angel.

"Gunn and I are headed to the sewers. There is a Demon auction later
today. There are some weapons we are interested in purchasing." Angel
informed Spike. "Do you want to come?"

"That's okay. I'll continue doing research here. Plus, I want to see
what Cordy is up to today."

"Well," Angel said as he looked to the floor briefly, "I'll see you
later."

"Bye." Spike said as she turned her attention back to the tea.

*