Sorry for the lateness... would offer excuses and  chocolate but I might have them thrown back at me out  of spite... so *places down the boxes of warm watering  chocolate... and slowly backs away before sprinting  into the distance back to RL-hell where her PC gave  her hell before she was able to finally send this*     

Author: Mera

Feedback: Do I even need to say anything? Do I look like a nut? I'm not one to pass on FB... though I might be one to take it at gun point... lusciousspike@yahoo.com

Rating: 17 – close your eyes kids!

Pairing: Spike/ Angel (eventually), Spike/Raven(OC)

Summary: Spike decided to stay in L.A. and work with Angel and Co. in Wolfram and Hart now known as A.I and Co. However, Angel still has a bit of a grudge towards Spike, for obvious reasons. Spike gets hurt... Angel is responsible in away. How will that work out I wonder?

Notes: this is all happening in S5 AtS, Cordy woke up from her coma and Fred is Fred. W&H is now the Fang Gang's playground so... no Eve yay! You'll figure out the details when you read.

Disclaimer: the chars belong to Joss though I borrowed some... am going to keep them for sometime... give them tea and crumpets... maybe make them show me their sexy dance and if I ever get bored *snort* I'll return them.

Distribution: You want? Just ask, I swear I won't say no!

Thanks: A big smooch goes out to falcons319 for giving me the name to the story! Not to mention the encouragement to finish it since she was the very first person to read it (even before me!*g* don't ask... lets just say she endured something I wrote off the top of my head without rereading it... she's SO brave! And told me she loved it, go figure!). Love you lots hon!

A somewhat response to Angela's Challenge later on: A vampire's claim on another vampire is not eternal, despite common beliefs. It lasts for about 500 years, but most vampires don't know that. Seeing most don't live that long and the ones who live that long, don't usually claim another. And since the claim is broken based on the claimer's age, as Angel wanders around with his soul and spends centuries in hell, the claim on Spike is going to be expired soon. One day, several master vampires – some even older than Angel - came into Wolfram & Hart. They'd heard about Spike's claim expiring and would like claim Spike.

Well the challenge helped me out when I got writers block. I used part of its plot not all coz I played with an element or two *blush* you'll see (hope that's ok Ang!)... but hey what's the fun in following roles anyways? ::hopes Angela doesn't throw sharp objects at her::

Italics & *& capitals = emphasize

*(*)*(*)*(*)*

"Harmony!"

The blonde vampire rushed into the office, notepad in hand.

"Yes, Boss?" She popped a bubble gum and blinked at him.

Angel locked his hands together, stopping himself from wringing her neck, and wondered how much unprofessional one secretary could possibly get. He would probably have the answer soon enough.

"Where's the Rodriguez contract?"

He waited.

Her blue eyes looked at him blankly for a second before, thankfully, the question seemed to register.

"Oh, you mean the certification that high-school-reject needs so he can marry that Princess Lea poser?"

"She's a Shor'ueu demon. They're born with hair like that." Angel rubbed a palm over his forehead, his fingers unconsciously brushing against his hair. All he needed now was a receding hairline; he had heard that stress sometimes caused that, which was something he had to look forward to if he had to go through this again.

Angel had had an audience of Gunn and Spike throwing back and forth the theory that George Lucas had stumbled upon a Shor'ueu thus fuelling countless sexual fantasies. He smiled in remembrance of the satisfaction born of physically tossing the two enthusiasts outside his office -not more than a month ago- for subjecting him to such torment. However, what had truly bothered Angel at the time –other than their badgering- was his blank ignorance of the topic at hand, leading him to secretly researching the matter online. And now, Harmony was letting the worms out, consequently leading him to think about Spike, something he didn't want to do, and would only give him a headache and stress his mind, among other things. He wouldn't be surprised if he became the second Aurelius Master that was bald.

Harmony shrugged uninterested in Angel's response and utterly unaware of her boss' thin patience. "Whatever."

Angel tapped his fingers when she continued to stand there.

"The contract, Harmony." He wouldn't sigh. He wouldn't rub his forehead again. He wouldn't even indulge in a harmless pinching of the bridge of his nose. What he really wanted was to throw the airhead blonde out the window. It had been five years since he had done that after all.

Harmony seemed unaware still of Angel's mood. She placed her pad on his desk. When he blinked at it as if wondering what the hell she was doing, she pushed it closer to him.

Angel lowered his head and squinted. He rubbed at his eyes, a few seconds later, giving up.

He spread his hands. "What the hell are these scratches supposed to tell me?"

Pop. A pink bubble snapped. "That's a message from young lovesick Rodriguez."

Angel's face twisted. He really didn't know if he wanted to scream or cry. Cordelia really wanted him to suffer for everything he had done, insisting he keep Harmony as his secretary.

"Can you translate what it says?" he asked blatantly, not even bothering to demand why she had never thought to deliver the memo.

If it was even possible, Harmony looked offended. She answered nonetheless, "He says he changed his mind."

"What?"

She used a mauve fingernail to pick a piece of gum out of her teeth, before sucking it back in. Guts were a more appealing sight for Angel right now.

"Yeah, he wants to see the world first before settling down." She snorted. "Right. Like that loser would be so lucky."

Angel frowned and looked down at the pad once more. "Is that all this says? There are a lot of squiggles." He pointed at the pink pad. He was seriously beginning to resent that color.

Harmony narrowed her eyes. At the same moment her mouth opened to provide some other undoubtedly useless information, Gunn came in. The tall man froze in his tracks, blinking at the tension.

"Yo, Boss-man. You got five?"

Harmony turned to look at Gunn. "I'll hold all his calls. Be careful, he's in one of his 'moods'." She air quoted and was on the other side of the door before Angel would have had a chance to demand what she was talking about. Not that he would. He never bothered with Harmony's opinions in the first place.

He picked up the pad, tore off the top paper, and with a little more force than needed. balled it up and tossed it in the trashcan. For extra measure, he pushed the pad away from him.

Gunn looked on with amusement.

"Done mooding?"

"I'm not---" Angel caught Gunn's grin and knew he was being played with. He leaned back in his leather chair, trying to look on influential. "What did you want to talk to me about, Gunn?" He looked at the human and inwardly winced at the file he held. That prophesized more work. He hoped they weren't more papers to sign. He seriously missed the field work.

The papers were brandished with pride, putting a stop to the vampire's fantasies of pounding the crap out of a villain. Angel wasn't going to dwell on why he stressed that the villain have superior blue gray eyes.

"The contract is binding."

Gunn broke his thoughts. He was clearly speaking about one legal case, right to the point. Angel looked intrigued at the vagueness and leaned forward. "I don't remember any recent cases that..."

Gunn interrupted. "It's Spike's case."

"Ah." Angel said no more and returned to his reclining position.

Gunn was not hindered by Angel's near lack of response. At least he wasn't being dismissed--- verbally or physically.

"No one can lay claim on Blond Wonder due to the initiated Claim via Master Hrafen of Hravolen. But-" He pointed at the papers in his hand. "I found a loophole." He grinned pleased with himself. Angel continued to look on silently. "No demon can step forward unless Raven gives his permission yet the rule excludes previous claimers i.e. You."

Gunn looked on at the unmoving figure behind the desk holding his breath for a responsive reaction. Angel opened his mouth. The human leaned forward in anticipation to hear the vampire's first words on that new development.

"I know that."

Gunn snapped back as if he were slapped.

"Goddammit, Angel-man!" He tightened his grip on the folder in his hands causing it to bend with the pressure. "I, as sure as hell, ain't comfortable with how the triangle the gang see but Files and Records tells me this almost never happens. It's a big deal for a Line to lay Claim on a Master descendent with different blood." Angel's calm disinterested demeanor told him that nothing new was being said. That annoyed Gunn. "You know what busts me . . . why the hell Claim the dude in the first place if this means jack to you?!" He swung his arm to emphasize the situation.

Angel lowered his eyes for a second leading Gunn to assume that he had made an impact. That notion was soon wiped clean when the vampire raised hard eyes. "Angelus not me."

"Cut the bull. It might not mean shit to you, but you really think that being virtually owned for over a hundred years and then being tossed, that Spike – William the Bloody - would take it and move on?" Gunn shrugged. "I admit, I like the little dude, he's cool and makes me work for my game scores. But if you don't give a damn about him being bought for free of charge, think that this powerful vampire – who killed two slayers and kicked your white ass - is joining another posse."

Nothing. No visible twitch on the features of the stoic face or a flicker in his eyes. If there ever was a time to exploit Angel's hero complex, it was now.

"What if what Wes told us is true, that Spike would be more than a Claimed for Hravolen? For all we know this Treaty is a scheme from Raven to turn him against us."

"Claimed cannot diverge ones personality nor their innate will." Gunn felt chilled to the bone when Angel seemed to look through him instead of at him. "Once the claim is fully established, they can hold their will or release it. They can be controlled with mere whims. Raven intends to go beyond that and make Spike his mate giving the proposed Treaty solid ground with Spike as the envoy." Angel let out a breathy chuckle that was no way near expressing delight.

The monotonous words served -to some extent- as an answer to Gunn's earlier reflexive question. He had questioned Angel's –Angelus'– prior Claim of Spike. Something told Gunn that there was more to that story that Angel wasn't telling. But he didn't dare push. He tried to concentrate---

--- One step at a time.

Gunn wasn't willing to pull any punches on sensitive subjects. "Hope you haven't forgotten this little thing called a prophecy that had been popping up at us around every shady corner. Speaks about a vampire with a soul that would have a crucial role to play in the apocalypse, good or evil, remember that piece of rutty-ness?"

Angel's jaw clenched. Gunn saw that small movement of displeasure as a great victory to him. Finally, the big ape was showing emotion, a sure indication to a crack in the wall. The lawyer just hoped he would not be the one buried under the bricks.

"For all we know it's fake." The clipped tone showed clear displeasure at that particular subject being brought forward. And was that a sense of betrayal in the brown eyes?

Gunn smiled confidently. "Yeah, well, what if it ain't? It's up to us to make sure that this Treaty is on the up and up at least. And if you're interested in stopping this, least you can do is part with Spike--" The human frowned when his trained senses screamed that a very pissed vampire was near by. He looked closely at Angel, who didn't look all that different, if one looked passed the steely gaze. Gunn continued as if nothing was amiss, "—on good terms. Just to secure his place in the 'presumed' big fight, you know."

Step by step, a child learns to walk. Gunn hid the triumphed grin that threatened to take hold of his features when a look of actual consideration passed over Angel's eyes.

Gunn's better instincts told him to count his blessings and leave well enough alone, especially in the heart of the matter of which he wished to remain in the dark about. However, Cordelia's voice still rang in his head. He heaved a deep breath and took the leap. "It's not my thing to get in the middle of vamp squabble. I really don't care who's got the ball, honestly don't know the game, can't read the rule book. I came into this gig eyes wide open, man. I make sure the people sleep without worrying that the metaphorical monster under their beds isn't so metaphorical. I'm living contently away from the triangle Anne Rice in-thing the gang's got going on."

Gunn fleetingly recognized that he argued more today than he had in one of his big cases and ventured on, hoping that 'this' was the right thing, "What matter to me are hard facts. Wolfram and Hart drummed in me the demon laws. Way I see it, a vampire who ruled his own clan with an iron fist is gunning for a White Hat warrior." He waved the file reminding Angel of the intense research he had done.

"The deal is hard solid. Both deals, if he's on the up-and-up about a Peace Treaty, though I won't hold my breath like Wes. I can't do nothin' about the first but I sure am keeping my lawful eyes all over number two. Number one is your turf. All you have to do is say 'no' to the vamp with the horsetail. The only way for Spike to be free from this Claim business is for you to reinstate yours." Gunn was sounding redundant even to his own ears. Nevertheless, he had never trusted a soulless vampire. He never will, with good reason. "You'll worry about it again after two to five centuries. Me? I'm making sure I'm in the arms of Baby Jesus by then, far away from another Vamp Soap."

"Are you done?" Angel finally asked after a moment of silence spent in contemplating Gunn. The man in front of him nodded. "Good. That is not an option." He reclined back in his seat.

"But..."

"No buts, Gunn. I really appreciate your concern but there is no way that I am claiming Spike."

That caused Gunn to snap again. "Then why the hell did you in the first place?! Was it some macho vamp dominance thing?"

"Not that I'm not grateful that you're not getting pulled into ridiculous delusions of my reasons like the others. But, again, that was Angelus not me."

Gunn bit his tongue. He wished he did believe in the absurdity of those so called delusions. But the elevator tape didn't lie. Yet, he wouldn't say anything. It was too risky. "Fair enough. But here's the thing." He pulled out a distinguishable gold labeled envelope from the folder. "There's going to be an introductory gathering for Lines and Underworld higher ups. I'm not talking just the fangs and bumps crowd here. Like you already know, it's a practically non existent thing for a Claim between different clans, especially if the Shared Rule is real deal. It's only a formality of course; they have no say on the matter. Just three people have and we already know where everyone stands," he said with a hint of sarcasm.

Angel was intrigued. He was also relieved when Gunn dropped the re-claiming. However, that doesn't mean that he would let him see that. "What are you going for Gunn? Get to it, I don't have all day."

Gunn wisely didn't comment on the clear state of the demand Angel's time, or lack of it. This invitation was more likely the highest one. "Well, A-man, you're invited." Angel frowned. Gunn instantly slipped on his corporate shoes. "This will be a great chance for us to make allies, really work from within." He stopped, gauging Angel's interest, finding it, before going on, "You say you're on board with this 'coupling' . . . then we use it . . . show your support for Hravolen. Lorne said that this matter is already making major gossip waves in the Supernatural World. If you didn't show, people would think that Hrafen beat Angelus over the Claim, that he has something on him. That would be bad for your image and the powerful influence we're trying to make."

"No." Angel closed his eyes, his face neutral. His eyes snapped open catching Gunn's calm ones. "It would be bad for Angelus' image."

"Got me there." Gunn nodded. "But, if you show that Raven's pact is a profitable deal, getting him on the good side of the peeps that had been demolishing baddies left and right, others might join the Treaty. This'll help save lives, help you sleep during the day." He looked pointedly at the bright window. "And, who knows, maybe show the Watchers Council that we haven't been sucked dry by Evil Inc." That caused a palpable reaction on the vampire. Gunn mentally high-fived himself when Angel swallowed. Yep. Lawyers were pure evil, going for the jugular. He relished the moment before the final blow.

"Buffy." Gunn crossed his arms. "Your old honey and her English Watcher still don't trust you as far as they can throw you. You don't think the Sunnydale Trio won't get word of this, and how you played your part, chatting it across the ocean?" Case closed. He was confident. He could wait it out until the man behind the desk broke.

It only took Angel a second to reply. "Okay. Give me the invitation and I'll see if I have spare time to make an appearance." He held out his hand, perfecting a bored look of disinterest.

Gunn wasn't fooled for a moment. He was the process of handing over sealed envelope but pulled back before the pale hand touched it.

Angel narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing?" the cool and controlled tone indicated that he was not a little irate with the evasive action.

"You won‎'t try to chop my head off like you wanted with Lorne if, I dunno, you see something you didn't like?" He raised an eyebrow.

Angel seethed at that reminder and held out his hand with warning in his eyes.

And yet, Gunn bravely stood his ground. "I'm not giving you this till you promise that you'd be on your best behavior." He shook his finger. One would think he was talking to a child not a vampire over a century old.

Angel gaped. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I have been to more of these things than you have." He liked his crew, he really did. But their shortage of respect and being utterly un-intimidating to them was making him long at times for his soulless days. This was one of them.

"Well, I've never set foot in any, so I have to agree with you there. Nah, I'm talking about you, one Scandinavian vamp, and the blond in between."

"Spike isn't..."

Gunn waved his hand. "Already said, none of my business."

Angel snorted. "Makes you wonder what you were preaching about all this time," he murmured none too discreetly.

"He's gonna be in his place before the bash tomorrow night." Gunn noticed the change in Angel's expression. Not knowing that the reason was reminding the vampire of where else Spike would be, and thinking it was Angel questioning Gunn's certainty of the blond's location in that particular night, he clarified, "It's Crash Bandicoot night." He chuckled when his friend's face creased in confusion. He felt triumphant when Angel lightly nodded agreeing to the condition, indiscreetly eyeing the envelope.

Gunn had to admit he was good. It was something he had learned from an old 'gambling' buddy of his. You should always lay smokescreens for your prey and when it was less aware, strike with what you were ultimately after. Chances were high for second bait to be taken to evade the first. The once street fighter hid his grin –no sense in showing his real hand- for sometimes brain was superior to brawn.

That brought to mind a 'debated' that Spike and Angel had, not long before their relationship became even more strained, on both sides. The gang had yet to know the cause. That particular argument had spread throughout the company, causing people dividing into factions, two to be exact, astronauts and cavemen. Gunn smiled in remembrance. It was different. It was fun. Angel and Spike had never fought, not really after the Cup Shamble, they had been really –as Cordelia never failed to say to the master vampires' faces- like two old couple, not married due to the torrent of what Fred had dubbed UST. He was sorry later to ask what the scientist had meant by that. Forgoing the innuendoes, those were good times. He wasn't ashamed to admit it –at least in his own head. He wouldn't mind that far from tedious atmosphere to return. Though, fact remained, it dwindled even prior to this whole Claim affair.

Gunn missed the times when he was but a plain caveman.

"Hey, who knows, maybe you both would settle matters over a mean game . . . and I'll be the best man." The black man's eyes widened cursing the obvious severed connection between his brain and mouth. Angel frowned. "Huh?" He was beginning to feel that everyone around him was speaking in a foreign language of which he was not aware of. He bet Spike and the new cool movie loving vampire would be in on it as well. Yes. After all he was going through, would someone blame him for being bitter?

Gunn chuckled nervously and his hand waved frantically. "Yeah. Nothing. Okay." He gave Angel the envelope, all but flinging it at him. "Here you go, just don't forget to talk with Spike before the bash!"

He hurried to the door right before Angel calling his name stopped him. Gunn turned around holding back a guilty cringe only to see Angel looking everywhere but at him.

"Uh... where is Spike's place?" To say the souled vampire was feeling guilty was putting it lightly.

Gunn froze for all but a second, strode back, picked up a pad off Angel's desk, and wrote something down before throwing it angrily at the vampire. Not even bothering to glare at the vampire who well deserved being held lowly by his underlings, he stormed out, almost running into Harmony.

"Hey...!"

The blonde vampire smoothed her dress and followed the black man's rigid steps with her livid eyes, her acute hearing picked up mutterings of how he had not known that Cupid was a 'brother'. And that Cordelia was damn fresh out of favors if he had anything to say about it. That asshole of a vampire deserved the company of his right hand for another 100 years for all the shit he did.

Harmony giggled but didn't follow the angry man nor returned to her desk. She went to another direction altogether.

Back in the office, Angel waited for someone, preferably his 'well-trained' secretary to close his door, but that seemed like too much to ask.

He finally looked down at the scribbles on the pad in his hand with as much dignity as he could master.

It was an address.

TBC