Title: Into the Depths
Series: A NEW LIFE
Author: MarieC
Email: mariecynthia2003@yahoo.com
Archive: www.the-crypt.net
         http://home.att.net/~lubakmetyk/crypt.htm#marieC
Pairing: Spike/Angel
Rating: NC-17
Warnings and Disclaimers-see previous parts
Many thanks to Ghostsforge for beta help

Chapter 9

A few days later, Spike and Cordelia were sitting in lobby of the
Hyperion looking at fashion magazines. "Spike, you should so buy that
outfit! That would look great on you."

"Oi, Cordy! No way! You know I don't wear pink. I'm no fairy. That's
such a girly colour!"

"You are a girl, Blondie."

"Oh, right."

Wesley and Gunn entered the hotel with groceries in tow.

"Hey, guys!" Cordelia greeted the two.

"Hello. Spike, they did not have Weetabix, but I did find burbur
weed."

"Thanks, Wesley. You know I like my blood a lil' spicy!" She grinned.

"Angel's not with you two?" Cordelia inquired.

"Nope. We thought he was here." Gunn responded.

"Where is he then?" The blonde vampire was concerned.

"I am certain he is fine, Spike. Maybe he had an errand to run."

"That's not like him to not say where he was going." Her voice
started to tremble. "What if he got attacked by a Demon or another
vampire?"

"What if who got attacked?" Angel strode into the hotel.

"Where have you been, mister?" Cordelia inquired.

"Running errands. Sorry, I left a note." Angel smiled.

Spike calmed immediately when Angel returned. She was able to smile
back.

"Gunn and I are going to make dinner. Everyone interested?"

Cordelia chimed in, "Sure, Wesley."

Angel looked at Wesley. "Sure, but I need to talk to Spike first."
The female vampire immediately looked at Angel with trepidation. "Can
we go upstairs?"

"Okay." Spike answered with uncertainty.

Angel opened his door and motioned for Spike to sit on the couch.

"Angel, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"

"There is no reason to be scared. Um, I've been thinking the last few
days." He almost could not concentrate as he gazed into her blue eyes.

"You're always brooding. That's nothing new."

"I don't brood...I think. Anyway, I'm worried about you. Your
nightmares haven't gone away. You jump if I try to touch you. You
still won't leave the hotel often."

"Angel, please..." Spike attempted to get up but Angel gently stopped
her.

"No. Spike, we have to talk about this. I've let this go long enough.
I was hoping you would be able to deal with what happened in
Sunnydale by being here with our friends and me. But, I realise that
is not enough."

"A-Are you sending me away?" Tears threatened to fall.

"No, honey." He touched her face. "Not at all." Angel reached into
his coat pocket and produced a business card. "I've been researching
the last couple of days to find a Demon psychologist. I found one.
Her name is Dr. Brock. I went to her office and talked with her. I
get a good feeling from her. I think she will be able to help you."

"You want me to go to a bloody shrink?"

"Honey, she is someone you can talk to. Maybe she can help you deal
with what happened."

Spike's head hung low. "What did you tell her about me?" Her voice
was quiet.

"She knows about the chip and that you suffered some trauma. I did
not give her details." There was no response from the blonde
vampire. "Please, Spike. You will never be able to fully heal until
you face it."

"I-I'm scared."

"I know. But I'll go with you. You won't be alone. This is the only
way you can move on."

"When?"

"Tomorrow evening at 7 o'clock." Angel looked at his Childe and his
heart broke. Her eyes reflected absolute despair. Angel did not feel
there was any other option. Spike had to face the rape so she could
move forward. So they could move forward. He allowed her to absorb
the information and then spoke. "Why don't we go eat, okay?" Spike
nodded and the two vampires returned to their family.

*