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 never had a crush on Buffy
Rating: R
Warnings and Disclaimers: see previous parts
*Thanks to Ghostforge for beta help

*

Chapter 7

As Angel walked though the kitchen doors, his friends met him with
smiles. "Good morning."

"Hi, Angel." Cordelia responded as she sipped her coffee. "There's
blood on the counter for you."

"Thanks. I'm glad everyone is here. There is something I want to
discuss." Angel was about to proceed as Giles walked into the
kitchen. "Rupert." Angel nodded politely.

"H-Hello, everyone." He surveyed the room and noted the absence of
Spike. "Is Spike okay this morning?"

"She's still tired. I actually needed to talk with everyone about
something."

"Oh, well I am sorry to interrupt." Giles turned to leave the room.

"No, Giles. Please stay. You could help with this as well. Please
take a seat." Angel gestured to an empty chair.

"Would you like some tea, Mr. Giles?" Wesley asked as he stood near
the stove.

"Thank you, Wesley. And please call me Giles." The ex-Watchers smiled
at each other.

"So, what's up, man?" Gunn asked

"Well," the dark vampire started, "Spike's Birthday is in 3 days and
I thought we could throw a party for her."

"Birthday?" Cordelia snickered. "I didn't know vampires celebrate
Birthdays."

"Most vampires don't." Angel explained. "Actually, most celebrate
their Deathday." All eyes stared at Angel with confusion. "It
represents the day one crosses over, becomes immortal."

"You mean the day you get murdered by a vamp?" Gunn asked.

"Well...I guess if you put it simply. The day you rise as a vampire is
considered your Deathday. For most, it is a cause for celebration."
Angel took a seat.

"So, why do you want to celebrate Spike's Birthday?" Cordelia asked
still attempting to understand.

Angel stared as a wistful look fell upon his face. He smiled as he
reminisced. "From the moment William arose, he clung to his humanity.
William refused to celebrate his Deathday. He said it was too
depressing, even though he loved being a vampire. I, er, Angelus
tried to break him of the habit. But, every year, he reminded us it
was his Birthday. Spike is such a unique vampire. So, for twenty
years, I helped him celebrate."

"What happened after twenty years, man?" Gunn was puzzled.

Giles looked up as he saw the pained appearance overtake the face of
the dark vampire. "Angel was cursed with his soul." He explained
quietly.

"I left my family after I was cursed. I couldn't deal with what I was
and what I had done, especially to William." Angel eyes watered. He
shook his head to banish the memory from his mind. "Anyway, I don't
want to rehash the past. I want to have a party for her. We could do
it here." Angel smiled as looked at everyone.

"I believe that is a splendid idea." Giles responded. "Perhaps, I
should see if the group in Sunnydale would like to make the journey
for the soiree."

Angel shook in head in agreement. "Spike hasn't seen them since she
arrived here. I think she would enjoy that."

"We could talk to Lorne to discuss music and decorations." Wesley
added.

"I'll take care of food." Cordelia said and then she stood
suddenly. "Oh! We should make it a surprise party!" She jumped up and
down clapping her hands.

"I don't know...I don't want to frighten her." Angel stated with some
hesitation.

"Come on, man!" Gunn patted his shoulder.

"Blondie is not that fragile, Angel." Cordelia smirked. "But, hey, we
can tell her the Scoobies are coming to visit her and Giles; but we
won't tell her about the party." Cordelia grasped her hands while her
eyes pleaded with Angel.

"Fine." Angel acquiesced as he turned towards Giles. "Could you call
them, Rupert?"

"Very well. I will let you know shortly." The ex-Watcher stood while
cleaning his glasses.

"Thanks. There is a phone in the lobby." Giles exited the kitchen to
call Sunnydale.

"This is a great idea, Angel. Blondie will love it!"

"You just like parties, Cordy." Angel grinned mockingly.

"Well, duh! But, it is also for my friend. We'll need a cake...and oh...
presents...lots of presents!" Cordelia paced the room with fervor and
excitement. "You better get her something nice, Angel."

Angel face looked clueless. "I have to get her a present?"

"Are you that stupid or just male?" Cordelia exclaimed as she stared
astonished at the utter stupidity of the dark vampire. "She's your
girlfriend!" She relaxed her posture as Angel erupted into laughter.

"Of course, I'm getting her a present." Angel grinned slyly as his
laughter died down...

"Do you know what yet?" Gunn asked.

"Kind of." Angel answered.

"Well?" Cordelia waited eagerly in anticipation.

"I'm not telling, guys."

"Well, where's the fun in that?" Cordelia pouted and crossed her arms.

"How will we keep Spike distracted so she will be left unaware of the
party?" Wesley asked.

"I'll come up with something." Angel looked pensive. "We have a few
days to work out the details."

Giles returned to the kitchen. "I discussed the plans with Buffy. She
and Dawn will be here tomorrow. Likely, the others will be able to
come as well."

"Well, I finally get to meet the infamous Scooby gang, huh?" Gunn
said with a light tone.

"I'll give you the low-down later." Cordelia leaned in and whispered
in his ear.

"Okay, so Cordy will take care of food and decorations. Gunn and Wes
can you contact Lorne and get some ideas on about music etc.? Giles,
can you make sure that the Scoobies know that it is a surprise?"
Angel stood assigning work as the others stared at him.

"And what about you Oh captain, my captain? What are you going to
do?" Cordelia looked slightly annoyed.

"I'll help, of course. But I have the hardest job. I have to make
sure 'my girlfriend' doesn't find out!" Angel had a self-satisfied
grin on his face as he grabbed a mug.

The group laughed as they exited the kitchen.

*