Title: Into the Light
Series: A NEW LIFE
Author: MarieC
Email: mariecynthia2003@yahoo.com
Feedback: Please
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;
Spike did never had a crush on Buffy
Rating: R
Warnings/Disclaimers: see previous parts

*

Chapter 6

Angel awoke the next morning and gazed at the vision lying in his
arms.  He was amazed at how beautiful his Childe was. She looked so
peaceful as she slept. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and
lightly stroked her defined cheekbones.  Spike's eyes slowly
fluttered open.

"Hi." The female vampire whispered in a raspy morning voice.

"Hi." Angel smiled. "Did you sleep well?"

"Uh Uh. Like a baby!" She answered with a big smile. Spike
repositioned herself and placed her head on Angel's strong, broad
chest. "What are we going to do today?"

"Well, I am going to run downstairs and get blood for us." Angel
leaned over and kissed her on the forehead before rolling out of bed.

"Breakfast in bed, eh?" Spike smirked but then pouted at the sudden
separation from her Sire. Angel walked over to the dresser and took
out a shirt. He placed it slowly over his taut muscles when he
realized Spike watched him intently. He grinned.

"You could spend some time with Giles. Wesley and I need to go to a
book auction today to find a certain text." Angel replied as he
styled his hair.

"I'm shocked you are able to style your poncy hair without a
reflection, Angel." Spike's tone was sarcastic yet playful. She
chuckled as she sat up in bed.

"My hair is not poncy, Spike." He grew flustered as he reached for
his hair gel. Even when teasing, Spike could always get under his
skin. "And how long did you have your 'do, Captain Peroxide? If you
had a reflection, you might have changed it sooner. At least your
hair color now is natural." Angel smiled initially and then realized
what he said as he turned back to face Spike. He noted tears in her
eyes as she stared across the room stroking her hair. "Spike?" He
grew concerned as she failed to answer him. Angel walked to the edge
of the bed and sat. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said
that." He gently stroked her cheek.

Tears streamed down her face as she absently twirled her hair in her
little fingers. Angel continued, "Please, baby, speak to me."

She turned towards him and spoke with a quiet tone. "I-I don't even
know what I look like..." She placed her head in her hands and sobbed.
Angel took her in his arms as she cried.

"You were beautiful when I made you and you are just as beautiful
now. Your hair is the color of honey and your eyes are as blue as the
sky. You still have the most beautiful cheekbones and your lips are
full and luscious." Angel felt her tears subside. "I'm sorry, honey."

"I know..." Spike whispered against his chest. "I don't really talk
about this much." She leaned up to face him. "It's like...I don't know
who I am sometimes. I know I am not the old me because I kinda feel
different. But at least I knew who I was before I was turned...what I
looked like. Like this..." Her eyes traveled down her body. "I keep
telling myself that this happened for a reason. But, sometimes...I just
don't bloody understand!"  Her tears returned. "And then..." She
started to speak but deliberately stopped.

"What Spike? You were going to say something." Angel was concerned as
he stared at her.

"Was nothing." Spike lowered her head.

"You can talk to me, baby. It's okay. Nothing will change between us."

She sat silent for a time. "If this hadn't happened, would we be here
together? Would you still want me?" Her eyes reflected the pain and
hurt of the lifetime spent without her Sire.

"I love you, Spike. That is all that matters. We can't reflect
on 'what ifs', sweetheart. What ever has happened has brought us to
this place. I know it's hard for you and it has been an adjustment.
But, I am so proud of you. To see you persevere against it all is
truly miraculous. I know I have hurt you so much in the past. To get
the opportunity to earn your forgiveness is a gift and I am
grateful." Angel gently kissed her forehead.

"I am here for you. You can talk to me about anything." Angel
squeezed her hand to reassure the blonde vampire.

"I know." Spike sighed.

"How about I get that blood?" Angel stood from the bed and walked
towards the door.

Spike nodded yes and she lay back down in the bed staring at the
ceiling. Angel watched her for a moment with concern and then closed
the door.

*