I AM YOURS 
By: PetiteMiel 

Chapter Nineteen
 

William lay upon the large canopy bed, his pale form a splash of moonlight against a sea of crimson pillows. His eyes were downcast as he held himself still, glancing shyly at his naked sire from beneath long lashes. A small smile graced his lips as he watched the older vampire, noting with some satisfaction the effect this had on the dark haired demon. 

Angelus sat only inches away reclining against the bedpost as he studied his childe. A thin piece of charcoal, held delicately in one hand moved over the heavy paper which sat upon his lap. He could feel himself harden at the demure glances his childe cast his way and he cursed his inability to control his urges where William was concerned. 

His eyes roamed over the fledgling's naked flesh and he smiled to himself as they came to rest upon his face. At the sight of William nibbling at his bottom lip a devilish smirk formed on the older vampire's lips. He knew how difficult it was for his childe to keep still for more then a minute and he decided a reward for such good behavior was definitely in order. 

Angelus' smirk deepened at the images this thought provoked then he turned his attention back to the sketch before him as he tried not to become too distracted by his boy. Thin lines and vague shapes soon took on the aspect of his childe and he studied his own work with a practiced eye. It would never do William justice he thought as he looked up once more; you couldn't capture such beauty with mere paper and charcoal. 

"Ye may move now William." Angelus said softly, frowning at the drawing in his hand before rising from the bed. 

The younger vampire let out a brief sigh as he watched his sire turn away and cross the floor to the opposite wall in four lengthy strides. Angelus approached the fireplace as William stretched himself across the soft comforters. 

The fledgling watched him intently as he stood before the fire, the drawing held out before him. His eyes trailed over his sire's strong back and muscular thighs and he longed to touch them. He allowed his head to fall back against the pillows relaxing completely then he sat up suddenly, a frown marring his beautiful features as he realized what his sire was about to do. 

"May I keep the drawing sire?" He asked quickly before Angelus had a chance to toss the sketch into the flames. 

The older vampire turned around looking at the desperate expression on his childe's face. He had intended only to view the sketch in a stronger light not destroy it but could see how William might have misunderstood his intent. Glancing down at the picture he studied it once more as if weighing his decision carefully then smiled to himself deciding that what William didn't know wouldn't hurt him. 

"Well now, I don't know. I don't go giving away me drawings to just anyone ya know." He answered smiling inwardly at his childe's frown. "Of course if ya wish to offer me something in exchange for it I might be willing to make an exception in your case." He said smiling wickedly.

William couldn't help but smile back, happy to see Angelus in a playful mood. He decided to play too and lay back against the pillows once more, a slight frown taking the place of the smile he had worn only moments before. The satin comforter was smooth against his bare skin and he moved against it as he stretched. 

"I don't think I've got anything to trade sire." William said shyly.

Angelus padded back across the floor toward his childe, taking in the scene. He watched as William's hands drifted down over his own chest absently tracing the outline of his muscles. The boy's long fingers slid over his nipples causing them to peak and Angelus licked his lips wishing it were his hands caressing the fledgling's smooth skin. 

"Sire, do you think there's anything I've got that you would want?" William asked coyly as his fingers slid lightly over his abdomen barely brushing against the nest of dark curls below. 

"Aye William, I can think of something." The dark haired vampire responded as he laid the portrait on the bedside table and sat down on the edge of the bed facing the boy.

The younger vampire grew hard, his body responding quickly to the nearness of his sire. Angelus could smell his childe's arousal and he breathed in the scent as he moved closer. His hands trailed up the boy's thighs, the fine hair tickling the palms of his hands as he went. Stopping just short of his erection the dark demon looked up. William stared at him innocently a slight pout on his lips.

"But sire, everything I have is already yours." 

The submissive response was all it took and Angelus was on him in a moment pressing him into the soft feather bed as he kissed him. He was possessive and harsh as he plundered his mouth, the taste of his childe making him grow harder still. He held William's wrists as he hovered over the boy but this didn't stop the fledgling from wriggling beneath him and the older vampire was soon fully erect and aching. 

Angelus broke the kiss sliding his tongue down the side of his childe's neck, nipping at the scar he had put there only a few short months before. The younger vampire's whole body quaked at the touch and William groaned as blunt human teeth scraped against the soft skin over his jugular. Angelus smiled at the reaction then continued licking his way down the boy's trembling body. He loved the feel of his childe beneath him, wanting and needy. 

Releasing his childe's wrists Angelus let his hands roam over the body beneath him, following the same path William's hands had taken mere moments before. His fingers skimmed over the hard nipples pinching them roughly before he sucked one into his mouth. William moaned softly, his fingers threading through his sire's dark hair as he pulled at the soft strands. He held Angelus' head against him arching into the touch then cried out as the older vampire bit down drawing blood. 

William pushed his hips upward causing their erection's to rub together as their foreskins were pulled back and forth over the sensitive tips. The action created a wonderful friction and they ground themselves against one another needing more. 

Angelus' hands were on him a moment later, stroking his cock in a steady rhythm as he leaned forward capturing the fledgling's mouth again. He kissed him hard, tasting him deeply, feeling his childe respond to the taste of his own blood. 

His hand slipped up and down on the cool column of flesh he held and Angelus groaned as he felt William's hand mimicking his movements. Pre-cum dribbled from the reddened tip and Angelus quickened his pace. William clutched at the bed covers with his other hand as his sire pulled away from his mouth. He smiled down at him as the younger vampire began to pant and he knew he wasn't going to last long. He released William's erection a moment later trying to stave off the inevitable. 

Slowly Angelus moved up and over William's body, his knees coming to rest on either side of his childe's head. His stiffened cock jutted out before him, mere inches from William's mouth and the fledgling didn't hesitate, knowing full well what his sire wanted from him.

Taking the solid length in his hand he pulled back the foreskin as his tongue swiped over the engorged tip eliciting a growl of approval from his sire. He tasted the pre-cum that dribbled from the small opening and swirled his tongue around the bulbous head several times before slipping it between his lips. William sucked on it gently, one hand stroking the shaft as the other began to caress his sire's balls. 

He tugged on them slightly eliciting a small gasp from the older vampire then rolled them in the palm of his hand making his sire moan. His tongue slipped down the underside of the shaft licking at the balls. He took first one then the other into his mouth, sucking on them briefly then licked his way back up the shaft swallowing his sire's cock once more. 

Angelus thrust forward slowly, watching intently as his hardened flesh slipped in and out of William's mouth. He reveled in the sight and growled again as his childe swallowed him to the root, nuzzling into his dark curls. Leaning forward he supported himself against the head board as he pulled back allowing his cock to slip from William's mouth. Holding it at the base he ran it back and forth against his childe's pouting lips, watching as William's tongue snaked out over and over again to lick at the almost purple head. 

William's hands slipped around Angelus' hips, pulling him closer. He caressed the soft skin and taut flesh of his sire's ass, kneading it as Angelus thrust forward again slipping down his childe's throat. The younger vampire swallowed, flexing his throat muscles as Angelus groaned and slipped his fingers into his childe's soft sable hair. 

He pulled out a moment later looking down into adoring eyes and smiled at the fledgling as he moved off him leaning back on his heels. 

"Roll over Little One." He whispered as he leaned forward kissing him gently.

William moved, fluid against the satin, coming to rest on his stomach. His arms slipped under a pillow as he lay his head down upon it and he tried not to think about his raging hard-on that was now pressed firmly into the mattress out of reach. 

Angelus moved between William's slightly parted legs and ran his hands up the backs of the fledgling's thighs, listening to soft sighs from his childe. His hands continued upward brushing against quivering cheeks and he leaned forward kissing them gently before moving on. He kissed and licked his way up William's spine; tasting the skin, breathing in the scent then nuzzled into his neck kissing it as well. 

His hands slid back down the lithe form, his nails raking the smooth skin as his tongue lapped at the crimson trail they left, savoring the taste. William writhed on the bed moaning into the pillow as he rocked against the mattress trying to alleviate the ache in his groin but it just wasn't enough. 

Angelus chuckled inwardly at the boy's efforts then pushed his childe's legs up at the knees spreading him wide. He ran a moistened finger around the small, puckered hole playing with it, teasing William as the fledgling whimpered with need. 

Slipping one finger in he felt the muscles relax allowing him entrance and he quickly withdrew adding a second as he watched them slide easily in and out of his childe's body. The younger vampire buried his face in the mattress moaning out his pleasure as Angelus pressed against his prostate repeatedly, causing William to thrust back against the fingers now embedded in his ass. He groaned loudly getting to his knees but the fingers were withdrawn a moment later and he choked back a sob, panting hard. 

Having pity on him at last Angelus reached down taking William's weeping cock in his hand. He stroked it quickly, listening to his childe's grunts and moans as his orgasm overtook him. William came in a rush, his whole body tensing as he thrust his cock forward into the fist that encircled it. Cum shot out over Angelus' hand covering his fingers and he continued to stroke the now softening cock as William's body began to calm. 

He removed his hand a moment later reaching for his own cock. He spread his childe's milky fluids over his erection using it to ease his way into the body before him. Parting the supple flesh he pressed his penis against the small opening and pushed forward. 

Relaxing completely William took him in, pushing back with each forward thrust until his sire was surrounded by him. Flexing his muscles he squeezed the hardened flesh as Angelus groaned, thrusting faster, harder and deeper. 

Angelus gripped his childe's hips, his fingers digging into flesh as he continued to fuck him. His body slammed against the smaller vampire, the sound of slapping flesh mingling with their moans as it echoed through the otherwise silent room. 

His arms slipped around William's waist and he pulled him upright, his childe's back pressed firmly to his chest as he reached for his quickly hardening cock. William's head fell back against his sire's shoulder, his eyes closed as Angelus stroked him to full hardness in a matter of seconds. 

Angelus could feel his sac lift and tighten, the familiar tingle stirring inside him as his orgasm began to surge. He came hard thrusting harshly into the body he held against him as his childe cried out coming a second time.

William slumped against his sire, breathing hard but Angelus held him tightly. His arms wrapped around the smaller vampire as his cock slipped free and he lay down pulling his childe against his chest as his fingers thread through his hair. William slipped an arm around his sire's waist smiling up at him then nuzzled against his throat, breathing in his scent. Angelus pulled away and looked into the deep blue eyes staring back at him then tilted his head arching his neck in invitation. 

"Sire?" William asked, nibbling on his bottom lip confusion and uncertainty clearly written on his face.

"I give ye permission childe. Drink." Angelus replied, his hand slipping behind William's neck pulling him closer. 

The younger vampire didn't need to be told twice. His human mask slipped away, his fangs piercing the soft flesh beneath them as his sire closed his eyes. William drank deep, the blood hitting his tongue in a steady stream as he swallowed quickly suddenly ravenous. 

His sire stroked his hair, playing with the strands allowing him to feed briefly then pulled him away gently. William lapped at the wound helping it to close as Angelus smiled down at him. He kissed his childe softly then pulled a comforter over their naked bodies as they settled down to sleep.

"Sire?" 

"Hmmm?"

"I guess I did have something you wanted after all." 

Angelus opened his eyes looking at his childe's beaming face then chuckled softly at the comment. 

"Aye, that you did."

"So may I keep the drawing?" He asked quietly.

"Aye my sweet William, do you not know that I can deny you nothing?" The fledgling only smiled in response and snuggled closer, falling asleep almost immediately. 

"I fear it shall be my undoing." Angelus whispered as he ran the back of his hand down a smooth cheek then tightened his hold on the boy. "But what a way to be undone." He whispered softly as he closed his eyes once more. 

Buffy ran through the corridors, making her way quickly toward Giles' room. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as the image of Dawn's empty bed flashed through her mind and her fear for her sister grew. With each step she took she breathed deeply, trying to quell her rising panic, but it didn't help. Rounding a corner she bounded up the stairs, calling out for her watcher. 

"Giles!" 

She flung the door open, not bothering to knock. Silence greeted her and she saw the room was empty. A frown creased her brow and she turned to leave, bumping into Willow in the doorway as she did. 

"Willow, where's Giles?" 

"He went into Barton to fax Wesley about the book. Buffy, what's wrong?" The red head asked, seeing the fear in her best friend's face.

"Dawn's gone." 

"What...how?" 

"I don't know, she's just gone. I woke up and her bed was empty. Willow, I have to find her. If anything else happens to her..." 

"It won't. We'll find her." Willow said, cutting her off as she tried to reassure her. "I can do a locater spell and..." 

"NO!" Buffy shouted as she quickly pulled the witch into the room, shutting the door. "They'll know." 

Willow stared at the slayer, confused by the comment.

"Who'll know?" The red head asked quietly. 

"The Coven...they'll know if you do a spell, won't they? Doesn't it leave some sort of magic imprint or something?" Buffy asked.

"Well...not quite but yes, they would know if I used magic." 

"Then no magic, Will...please." She said, her voice pleading.

"Buffy, I don't understand. The spell would be the quickest way to find Dawn."

"I know, but I can't risk it."

"Risk what?"

"I don't trust them, Will. I can't explain why, but I don't. Something is going on here and, until I figure out what it is, I don't want anyone knowing about what happened to Dawn." 

Willow's eyes narrowed slightly at Buffy's explanation, then smiled wanly as she approached the door. "I'll get Xander and help you look." 

Buffy sighed and her body visibly relaxed as she moved aside, letting Willow pass.

"Meet me in the main hall. We'll start there and work our way out." Buffy said, stepping out into the hallway after her. 

"Sure." Willow said as she turned and headed down the hall. 

"Will?" Buffy called after her.

She stopped, looking back at the slayer. "I know they did a lot for you but..." 

"Hey, if you say there's a problem, then that's good enough for me." 

"Thanks." Buffy said as she slipped around the corner, heading for the stairs. 

Lorne sat on the desk beside Fred as she and Wesley related the events of the last few days. His expression was blank, giving no indication of the thoughts running through his mind. 

"That should be everything, I think." Wesley said as both he and Fred waited for the green skinned demon to speak. 

"So let me get this straight. " He began warily. "You're telling me..." he paused, looking back and forth between the two humans. "You're telling me that Gunn's the one reading all those romance novels?" 

"Lorne, this is very serious. " Wesley said, looking somewhat exasperated by the Host's comment as he stood up, turning toward the stacks. 

"Man, you're telling me. Those things can become addictive. Should we organize an intervention for him? Ooh, I know this great caterer..." 

"This is not about Gunn or his addiction to romance novels." Wesley shouted as he turned around, facing the Anagogic demon once more. "This is about Spike and Angel and the ramifications of that relationship on Angel's soul. We still don't know why or how Spike was brought back, how he killed that demon in the alley the other night, or what caused him to become incorporeal. This is no time for jokes!" 

"Well, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed." Lorne replied. Wesley took a step toward Lorne, opening his mouth to speak, but Fred hopped off the desk, stopping him.

"Wesley, I understand that you're worried, but maybe Lorne can help us with some of that." 

Lorne and Wesley turned their attention away from each other and stared at the slim brunette. 

"How?" They asked in unison.

Merissa knelt in the garden, pulling the weeds from a flower bed, her earlier conversation with Dawn running through her mind. She wished things could be different but there was no time left. There was no other way. All things were set in motion and there was no going back. It would all end soon enough and there was nothing left to do but wait. 

Rising from the ground she brushed the loose dirt from the front of the apron she wore, then turned and seated herself on a small bench, looking out at the life thriving around her. Tears slipped from her eyes and she wiped at them absently as she allowed herself to mourn -- for, win or lose, death was the only outcome. 

"This has got to be the poofiest thing you've ever wanted me to do with you." Spike said, scowling down at his naked sire. 

"Having sex with me on the kitchen table doesn't qualify as poofy?" Angel asked, smiling up at his equally naked childe. 

"Nah, that was just a bit of shagging luv, nothing wrong with that. This is something entirely different. It just ain't right. Two blokes doing this together is just...unnatural." The blond said, his tone leaving no room for argument. 

"Oh come on. I promise you're gonna love it." The dark haired vampire pleaded as he reached out a hand to his reticent childe. Spike's eyebrow arched slightly, doubting his sire's words, but he took Angel's hand, giving in finally. He moved toward the older vampire but then stopped a second later. 

"You tell anyone I did this and I'll rip off your knackers and..." 

"Yeah, yeah -- stop stalling and get in the tub." 

Spike scowled again but did as requested. Steam swirled around them as he stepped in and seated himself facing his sire. The water was hot against his cool skin and he couldn't help the smile that formed on his lips as his body warmed. Angel smiled broadly at his small victory, seeing the pleasure in his childe's face, then he pulled Spike toward him across the slippery surface. The blond allowed himself to be guided and soon found himself with his back pressed firmly to Angel's damp chest as his sire slid his legs to either side of Spike's. 

"There, that's not so bad, is it?" He asked as the blond leaned back against him, his hands resting on Angel's thighs. 

"I like the naked part, and wet is always good, but do we have to have bleedin' bubbles too?" He asked, scooping up some of the offending suds and blowing them through the air. 

Angel only smiled as his arms slid under Spike's, his hands lying against his childe's stomach. 

"Angel?" 

"Hmmm?" 

"Do you think Fred and Wes can fix me?" Spike asked as he ran his fingers lightly over Angel's hands.

"There's nothing wrong with you." Angel answered, tightening his hold. 

"You know what I mean. Do you think they can really figure out why I went all ghostly?"

"They're doing everything they can and they're very good at their jobs so...yeah, I do." Angel replied as he held his childe's hand, trying to sound more confident than he felt. 

"But what if..."

"Shhhhh, no what ifs." Angel said, cutting him off. 

Spike lay quietly against his sire ,sure that it wasn't going to be that simple, but decided to keep his fears to himself. Angel held him close, brushing his cheek against the blond's, then kissed him lightly, happy just to be near him. Angel had never felt so content in his entire existence and he marveled at the realization that the beautiful creature in his arms was the cause. He wasn't going to lose Spike. No matter what happened, they would find a way to set things right.

"See, you're gettin' poofy already." Spike said, pretending not to enjoy the affection he was being shown. 

"Sorry -- I'll try to kiss you in a more manly way from now on." 

Spike leaned his head back, resting it against Angel's shoulder as he looked up at the older vampire. 

"Oh very funny, is that supposed to be a joke?" He asked mockingly.

"Well, contrary to popular belief, I do have a sense of humor." 

"Yeah, I know. I've seen your wardrobe." 

"Well, see if you think this is funny..." Angel said playfully, his fingers dancing across the younger vampire's rib cage, tickling him mercilessly. 

"No... Angel, stop!" Spike laughed as he squirmed against his sire. He tried to pull away but Angel threw his legs over Spike's, preventing him. "Angel...stop..."

"Stop what?" Angel asked innocently as he continued to tickle him, sending water over the edge of the tub and onto the tiled floor. 

"Stop tickling me, you bloody pillock." He answered, trying to sound angry, but he was laughing again in the next instant. Angel did not relent but only doubled his efforts and finally, unable to take any more, Spike decided to beg. 

"Angel...stop...please. Please!" 

Angel's hands came to rest on the side of the tub as the younger vampire lay against him, breathing hard. 

"You're evil -- you know that, right?" 

Angel only laughed softly and kissed Spike's cheek again. The younger vampire arched his neck, allowing Angel access to his throat, and the dark haired demon was quick to respond. He nuzzled at the smooth column, nipping and licking at the soft skin, then kissed Spike once more. 

Sitting up, the blond turned around, facing the dark haired demon. He reached over, taking hold of the edge of the tub as he slid his body forward, giving Angel a quick kiss, then he pushed him self away a moment later allowing his body to drag against the other vampire's as he moved through the soapy water. His sire's hands slid across his lower back as he pulled him closer for another kiss. Spike pushed himself away a second time, smiling at the older vampire's disappointed look, then moved forward once more, continuing his game. 

Angel reached out, trying to get a grip on him, but his wet, slippery skin made it difficult. Spike only laughed at his efforts and continued to slide back and forth against him. He was hard in a matter of minutes, moaning softly with each movement he made as his cock rubbed slowly against his sires. Leaning against the back of the tub Angel watched Spike play. 

"I'm starting to think you're the evil one." He said as his childe pulled away from him once more. 

"How's that, mate?" Spike answered, panting softly.

"You're nothing but a big tease." 

Spike's eyebrow arched as he pulled himself forward again -- only, this time, he straddled Angel's hips, resting his hands on his sire's shoulders.

"Only a tease if I don't give it to you, luv." He replied, smiling as he ground himself against the other vampire. 

Angel groaned slightly at the sensations that coursed through his body and Spike smiled at the reaction as he rose to his knees. His fingers threaded through Angel's hair as he kissed him softly, taking his time, tasting teeth, gums and pallet, exploring his sire's mouth as if he had never kissed him before. 

Angel leaned forward, wrapping his arms around his childe's slender frame as he responded to the kiss. He could feel his erection pressed firmly between their bodies, rubbing gently against Spike's, but he ignored it. Running his hands slowly down Spike's back he caressed him, just enjoying the feeling of having him in his arms. 

Spike broke the kiss as Angel's hands cupped his ass, pulling him closer, and he stared down at the older vampire, smiling wickedly. They both gasped a second later when he plunged down on Angel's erection without warning, taking him in completely. Spike closed his eyes, allowing his head to fall back on his shoulders as the feeling of being filled overtook him. 

Angel stared up at him, surprised by his childe's actions. He held himself still, waiting for the younger vampire to adjust to the sudden intrusion, but it wasn't easy. The feeling of being encased in Spike's body made him want to pound into him, to take him, but he resisted. 

Spike moved, rising slowly as he forced his muscles to relax. He slid up and down the hard length, taking his time as he let the feelings wash over him. Opening his eyes he looked at his sire and saw his own need reflected there. His kisses were fevered and raw as he captured Angel's mouth again, and the older vampire responded with equal fervor. Spike quickened his pace, the tingling in his balls urging him on, and Angel reached out, taking his cock in his hand. 

He stroked him quickly, feeling his orgasm building, knowing neither of them would last long. Spike groaned at the touch and plunged down on Angel's cock once more, hitting his prostate as he did. He rode Angel hard, the pleasure coursing through his body making him dizzy.

Angel thrust upward, unable to be still any longer. His human mask slipped away as his fangs scrapped along his childe's throat, causing Spike's demon to appear. He didn't want this to end but he could feel his sac tighten, and he tore into the blond's throat as Spike's fangs pierced his own. The rush of blood sent them both over the edge and they came hard against one another. 

Angel continued to thrust into Spike as he stroked his cock, milking him dry. He pulled away from his throat, licking the wounds he had made, and felt the younger vampire doing the same. Their human features returned as their bodies calmed and they relaxed against each other in the cooling water. 

Spike sighed deeply as he rested his head against Angel's shoulder, feeling his sire's softening cock slip free of his body. He stretched himself in the tub, his toes touching the cold porcelain at the other end as Angel held him against him. 

"You know this takin' a bath together isn't as bad as I thought it would be." His voice cut through the silence in the room and Angel looked down at him smiling. 

"I told you you'd love it." 

"Just one drawback though."

"What's that?" Angel asked, kissing him lightly on the forehead.

"I'm dirtier now than when I got in." 

Dawn stood in the center of the underground library, her arms hugged tightly across her chest as she tried to figure out what to do. She knew there were no answers for her here but she had been unable to keep herself from returning. She needed to think. She needed to find a way out of this mess, she thought, as she leaned against the desk.

Wiping at the tears which stained her face, she took a deep breath, trying to wipe away the fear that had taken root in her. She knew Merissa was right. Choosing to do nothing was still a choice and no matter what she did or didn't do death was coming. It was only a matter of who would die. 

A shudder ran through her at the thought, the images in her vision flashing through her mind. She hugged herself more tightly, needing some sort of comfort, but none was to be had. She was alone in this, and there wasn't any way out.

"Why so sad, Pumpkin?" The voice startled her and she turned toward it, her heart clenching in her chest at the sight before her. Tears welled up in her eyes once more and a small sob broke from her lips as she stood staring at her mother. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she closed her eyes, trying to regain control of herself. Then, looking up, she faced The First.

"You're not my mother." She stated simply.

"No. But then you're not what you appear to be, either." 

Dawn frowned at the comment but didn't reply, waiting to see what The First intended. It studied her for a while, walking slowly into the room, its face devoid of any expression. 

"I know what she wants you to do."

"What do you want?" Dawn asked angrily. 

"To help you, of course." The first answered innocently.

"Yeah, right -- help me over a cliff, maybe. Do you really think I'm that stupid?" 

The First smiled slowly as it circled the desk. Dawn watched warily, her whole body tense. It stopped a few feet away, glancing at the scrolls and books that littered the floor. It kicked at the broken shelves, pushing them out of its way, then looked up, frowning slightly at the dark haired girl standing defiantly before it. 

"It must have hurt." 

The memory of what had happened in the room the day before flooded back to her but Dawn pushed the thoughts away, unwilling to let the entity use her emotions against her.

"I've been hurt before." She said coldly.

"And so you shall be again if she has her way." 

Dawn's eyes narrowed and then she turned, heading for the door. "I'm not listening to you anymore. You've got nothing to say to me anyway. Leave me alone." 

"Are you so afraid of the truth then?" The First called after her.

Dawn stopped and turned around. She stared at the thing wearing her mother's face and swore under her breath. 

"What would you know about the truth? You're evil. You don't care about what happens to me -- or anyone else, for that matter. Why the hell should I listen to anything you have to say anyway?"

"Because I'm not the one that wants you dead." 

Lorne stared at Fred then back at Wesley. "So you just want him to sing for me?"

"Well yeah -- I mean, you read people when they sing so maybe you can get some idea if my theory about the amulet is correct or not." Fred said, leaning against the desk. 

"That...the amulet's inside him?" Lorne eyed Wesley, looking for some indication that he agreed with the theory, but the ex-watcher only stared back.

"Well...yeah." Fred said uncertainly as she noted the look on Lorne's face. "Well...maybe just the power of the amulet's inside him or maybe it's something else all together. I mean, I know the theory's a little strange, but it's all we've got right now, and besides if you read him we should be able to learn something about what's going on. Even if it proves my theory wrong we'll know more than we do right now."

Lorne wasn't too sure if that statement was entirely true but he didn't want to disappoint her so he kept it to himself. 

"Piece of cake, sweetie. Now just point me in the direction of Angelcake's platinum baby and we'll get this show on the road." The Anagogic Demon said with a smile. 

"Great! They're probably both still asleep but I know how much Angel wants to find out what's going on so I don't think he'll mind if we wake them up for this." Fred said happily as she headed for the door. "Wesley, are you coming?" 

"No, I think it best if I wait here for Giles' fax. You two go ahead. Just keep me informed." 

"Hey, you don't suppose Spike sings anything like Angel, do you? I mean, them being related and all." Lorne asked, a fearful look on his face as he and Fred made their way into the hall.

Wesley stood watching them go, a small smile on his lips. He turned toward his desk seating himself, then restlessly got up and made himself a cup of tea. He didn't think it would be as simple as Fred had hoped. Even if the amulet or its power still resided in Spike, he didn't see how that helped the situation. If it was the cause of Spike's becoming incorporeal, then they would still have to figure out how to get it out of him -- and Wesley didn't think that was going to be any easy task at all.

The sound of the fax machine pulled him from his thoughts and he turned, setting his tea on the desk as he picked up the pages that lay in the tray. He stared down at the drawings, a frown creasing his brow. 

"Hey man. What's going on?" Gunn asked as he walked into the office. 

Wesley looked up only for a moment. "Yes...ah...good morning." He replied distractedly. 

"What the hell are those things?" Gunn asked as he peered over the Englishman's shoulder at the fax in his hand. 

"Ancient symbols." Wesley answered concisely. 

"No kidding." Gunn said as he took a seat on the corner of the desk. "What do they mean?" 

"That's what I'm going to try and find out." The ex-watcher replied as he looked up from the paper in his hand and turned toward the stacks. 

"You need any help?" 

The dark haired man smiled slightly then grabbed several large books from off one of the shelves. 

"You can start with these." He said, placing the books in his college's hands before returning to the stacks for more.

Gunn sighed deeply, bowing his head as he walked around Wesley's desk, making him self comfortable, wondering why he had even opened his mouth. 

Buffy walked through the woods outside the castle, searching for Dawn. She had been walking for what seemed like days but what was in reality a little over an hour. There had been no sign of her sister inside, and she had decided to search the outer grounds just to be sure she didn't miss anything. 

Xander and Willow had stayed behind, heading down into the tunnels, not wanting to leave any stone unturned. They had had no success and were heading out through the gate after Buffy when they spotted her walking up the path. 

"Any Luck?" Willow asked, already knowing the answer. Buffy just shook her head, unable to bring herself to say the words. 

"Look, I hate to say it, but I think it might be time to use a little of the old Mojo." Xander said, turning toward Willow. 

Buffy looked up at the witch then nodded.

"Buffy, are you sure? I mean, maybe someone else saw ..." Willow's voice trailed off as she stared past the slayer. Buffy turned in that direction and then took off running. 

"Dawn!" She called as she spotted her sister standing on the bridge beyond the road.

The tall brunette turned at the sound of her name but made no response. She looked about, the need to flee becoming more powerful the closer Buffy got to her. She needed time to work it all out, to figure out how to fix it, and she couldn't do that with them all hovering, she thought, as she watched them approach. There was just too much to say and she didn't have the words to say it. She didn't have enough time to explain. Dawn knew what would happen if she told them the truth. She wouldn't let them die, let her die. Not this time. 

"Dawn." Buffy said, stepping onto the bridge. She moved cautiously, uncertain of how the girl would respond after everything that had happened. She could see fear in her sister's eyes and she stopped, not wanting to frighten her further. "It's Ok, Dawn. It's just me." 

Dawn stared back at her and Buffy feared that she didn't know her but, a moment, later her fears were put to rest. All of Dawn's resolve crumbled as she saw the love and concern in her sister's eyes and she flew across the bridge into the slayer's open arms. Buffy caught her, holding her to her as Dawn fell to knees sobbing.

Spike lay under the warm blankets, spooned against his sire, his fingers intertwined with Angel's where they rested against his stomach. He burrowed back against the larger vampire and Angel tightened his hold on him as he watched his childe sleep. 

Nuzzling against his neck Angel breathed in the smell of freshly washed skin as he kissed him softly, trying not to wake him. They had washed away the remnants of their last encounter in the tub and the dark haired demon missed his scent on his childe. He pouted slightly, then smiled as he thought about all the ways he could mark him later. 

Snuggling down beneath the covers he marveled at how his life had changed in such a short time. He had never thought they would get a second chance and he was determined not to waste it. He would spend every day for the rest of their eternity making sure that Spike knew he was loved, wanted and needed. His childe would never again feel that he didn't matter. 

Sighing deeply he placed another kiss on Spike's brow, then closed his eyes as he drifted off to sleep. The loud pounding in his head woke him only a short time later and he rolled away from Spike, grabbing a pair of sweat pants from a nearby chair. He put them on, then quickly made his way down the hall toward the door. 

"Alright, I'm coming." He said angrily as he flung open the door. Lorne and Fred stood in the hallway staring back at him. Their eyes roamed over him, taking in his disheveled appearance, and he was suddenly very aware of the fact that he was only half dressed. 

"Hey, Angel cakes, love the new look." Lorne teased as he stepped into the apartment. Fred's smile faltered at the expression on Angel's face but he stepped aside, inviting her to enter, and she followed Lorne into the living room. 

"Angel, I'm real sorry about stopping by without calling first, but Lorne just got back into town and I wanted him to listen to Spike sing so I didn't think you'd mind..." 

Angel closed the door and walked across the floor toward his guests. "You wanted him to what?" He asked, staring at her as he tried to cover himself with his arms while not looking like he was trying to cover himself with his arms. He failed miserably. 

"Oh, didn't Spike tell you?" 

"Tell...tell me what?" He asked, completely distracted by his state of undress. 

"Well, last night I suggested that he sing for Lorne, and he agreed to. I thought maybe if Lorne read him we might be able to find out what caused him to become incorporeal." Fred explained. 

"Yeah, so where is the boy toy?" Lorne asked as he glanced around the room, taking in the surroundings.

"What?...The what?" Angel stammered, glancing at his bedroom door. He knew Spike was awake, he could feel him stirring and, although he had decided to tell his friends about their relationship, he didn't think having Spike walk into the living room naked was the best way to break the news. 

"Lorne, shush." Fred whispered as she poked him in the ribs. 

"What...what did I say?" The Anagogic asked, a confused expression on his face. 

"Is Spike awake?" Fred asked, quickly changing the subject. 

"Ah...I...I don't know. Let me go check." Angel answered as he turned and walked back down the hall. He opened the door slowly, then slipped inside, watching as Spike rolled over onto his back. Sleepy blue eyes stared up at him and Angel smiled at the blond as he sat down on the edge of the bed. 

"Got company, have we?" Spike asked as he sat up and leaned against the headboard, the sheets pooling in his lap. 

Angel nodded as he stared back at his boy and he reached out, running his fingers through tousled hair. His hand slipped down, caressing a soft cheek, and Spike turned his head, kissing the palm of Angel's hand before leaning forward to kiss his lips. 

The kiss was tender and sweet and they moaned softly, each needing more, but knowing it would have to wait. Spike pulled away slowly, smiling at the older vampire, and Angel sighed, trying to get control of himself. 

"Fred and Lorne are here. " He said as he rose from the bed and walked toward the closet. He slipped on a shirt and a clean pair of pants then made his way to the dresser for socks. 

"What do they want?" Spike asked, a slight frown on his lips, the feeling that he'd forgotten something important filling him with dread. 

"Fred said you agreed to sing for Lorne." Angel replied as he sat back down on the bed to finish dressing. 

"Oh bugger me." Spike said as he threw back the covers and stood up. "I completely forgot." 

"Well, you have been rather busy, had a lot on your mind." Angel said as he grabbed Spike's hips, pulling him toward where he sat on the bed. The younger vampire looked down at him, wanting nothing more than to fall back into bed and be ravished by his sire but he pulled out of Angel's grasp, taking a step back.

"Later, luv. Right now I've got to get dressed and figure out what I'm going to sing." He said as he gathered up his clothes from the night before. 

"You sound almost eager to do this." 

Spike pulled his t-shirt over his head, running a hand through his hair as he looked at his sire. 

"Well, Fred said this guy Lorne might be able to find out what's causing me to go incorporeal, so I figured it was a good thing. You don't think I should do it?" He asked, the expression on his face becoming very serious.

"No, I think it's a good idea. He may be able to help." Angel replied as they headed for the door. They reached it in two strides and he stopped, resting his hand over Spike's as he reached for the knob. He stared at his hopeful expression and couldn't help feeling hopeful himself. Leaning in, he kissed him quickly, then smiled at him as they headed out into the hall. 

Lorne turned at the sound of voices watching as Spike and Angel strode into the room. He hadn't met the younger vampire before but he'd heard enough descriptions of him to know they didn't do him justice. He stood staring, taking in the blond hair and blue eyes, the full pouty lips, porcelain skin and cheek bones any super model would sell her right kidney for. 

"Lorne..." Angel said, breaking him out of his stupor.

"What? Oh sorry, I..." He stammered, uncertain what to say, then he smiled broadly, reaching out to shake Spike's hand. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Lorne." 

"Spike." The younger vampire replied simply as he shook his hand before seating himself on the couch. "So how's this work then? I just sing and you tell me my fortune?" 

"Not quite, sweetie. Look, it's kind of hard to explain so it's probably best not to try. How about if you sing me your little ditty and we'll just go from there?" 

Spike sat eyeing the Anagogic demon, trying to decide if he wanted to trust him or not. He knew he was a friend of Angel's, but he was starting to feel a bit uncertain now that the moment had actually arrived. 

"Spike, you don't have to do this if you don't want to. But, just so you know, I trust Lorne with my life." Angel said as he sat down beside him, his hand slipping into the blond's unconsciously. 

Spike looked down at their clasped hands, smiling softly at Angel's show of affection before looking up again. He noted that both Fred and Lorne had seen the gesture and felt quite relieved that neither seemed bothered by it.

"Nah, pet, I'm game. Let's do this." 

"Great." Fred said, smiling as she took a seat in the large leather chair opposite the couch. Lorne remained standing, leaning on the back of the chair as he waiting for Spike to begin. 

"Any time you're ready, dumpling."

Taking a deep breath Spike tried to relax, then he let the words come.

"Early one morning, just as the sun was rising,
I heard a maid singing in the Valley below;
Oh don't deceive me,
Oh do not leave me,
How could you use a poor..."

"Lorne!" Fred yelled interrupting Spike's song as she jumped from her chair. The two vampires were on their feet in an instant as they hovered around the Anagogic demon where he lay sprawled unconscious on the floor. 

" Hey man, take a look at this." 

"Did you find something?" Wes asked as he rose from the sofa and made his way toward the desk. 

"I'm not sure, but I think I got a match." Gunn said, smiling as he handed the book he had been reading to the Englishman. Wes took the book and compared the drawing from the Fax with the drawing on the page before him. 

"I think you're right." He said, smiling back at the other man. 

"Am I good or what?" The young man said, smiling as he reclined in the chair. Wesley laughed softly at his friend then turned his attention back to the book. 

"It says here that the symbol represent the Tetro Livro Et Tetro Ricante Vjedjma." 

"Come again?" 

"It appears to be the combination of several demon languages. Tetro is the word The in Horbaith, Vjedjma is the word Witch in the language of the Ragarth demons. Livro is the word Book in ancient Yamarie and Et is the word Of in Sintantar but this last one I'm not at all certain of but I think I know where to look." Wesley said as he turned toward the stacks and quickly found the book he was after. 

Returning to his desk he set it on the surface, pushing the other books to the side. He flipped through the pages quickly as Gunn waited then smiled when he'd found the entry he was looking for. 

"According to this, the word Ricante is ancient Antagazi as I suspected." 

"Pays to be an ex-watcher sometimes, huh?" Gunn asked, leaning forward in his chair. 

"Indeed."

"So what does Ricante mean in ancient ...whatever it was?" 

"Oh yes...it means ...maker." Wesley replied as a slight frown appeared on his face. 

"So this symbol represents The Book Of The Maker Witch? What the hell is that?" 

Wesley remained silent for a moment, letting his thoughts settle before answering. He turned toward Gunn as he began to speak. 

"The prophecies Fred and I have been studying have made mention of a being called the Maker. We don't know much about it, but it seems to be connected to the amulet -- and possibly the scythe. If the Maker and this Maker Witch are one and the same, then this could possibly be connected to Spike."

"Wait... I thought this was research for what's going on with Spike." 

"No, actually it's something Rupert Giles sent me from England. It wasn't supposed to have anything to do with Spike at all." 

"Well, nothing but to get back to it, man. Maybe if we figure out what the rest of these symbols mean, it will all make sense?" Gunn said as he stretched in his chair. He turned his attention back to the desk as Wesley nodded his assent and his eyes fell on the corner of Fred's yellow legal pad. It lay sticking out from beneath a heavy tome with only one corner visible and his eyes narrowed as he studied the strange markings drawn there. 

"Wes, it looks like someone already thinks it's connected to Spike." He said as he pulled the note pad free. The Englishman glanced at the page, then quickly searched through the other books littering the desk top before finding the Burundi text Fred had been reading earlier. 

"The symbols are the same." He said, staring down at the book in his hands. 

"You mean I didn't have to strain my eyes searching through this big ass book for the last twenty minutes? Fred already had it figured?" Gunn asked.

"It would seem so. I wonder why she didn't tell me that she'd found another reference to the Maker, though?"

"She probably got distracted. You know how she is."

"Wesley ignored the comment and began to read the passages that seemed pertinent. 

"It says here that this symbol represents the Book of the Maker. It's an ancient text that is said to contain the memory of an ancient being. Listen to this, 'The book shall hold all that it is, keeping safe that which must not be lost. The empty vessel shall be filled and the wounds shall be healed. The Maker has wrought a tool that shall be as a key to a lock opening all the hallowed halls so they may enter and the fabric may not be undone.'" 

"Well, that's a mouthful, but I don't see how that helps us." Gunn said as he looked at the other man. 

"Yes, quite. Not much help at all. Still, it's something. Keep looking though, we need to get these other symbols sorted as soon as possible. They may yet yield some answers." 

"Sure, I'm on it." 

Wesley turned and walked back to the chair he had occupied earlier, a thousand different thoughts running through his mind -- and he didn't like any of them. The words in the passage were like shadows in his mind, something he should remember but couldn't. He had spent most of his life with his nose in a book and he had studied thousands of texts over the years. It was unlikely that he would remember every phrase, but there was something about those words that seemed familiar. He just couldn't seem to figure out what it was, but he was determined to try.