Subject: [BA_Gutter] FIC: Together Again 27/30 Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 16:55:40 -0000 From: "sunnyd_lite7" Title: Together Again Author: SunnyD_Lite Spoilers: Follows 'Tangled Webs' which has spoilers to Shells, then goes on its merry way. Rating: PG but there is Spike language – you have been warned. Disclaimer: Joss, ME, Sanddollar, and other corporate types own every conceivable copyright and interest in the characters. They stopped playing with them, so I thought I would. No profit, no foul, right guys? A/N: First off, hugs and doughnuts to my betas Pattyanne and Desota_hia_873. They made sure my ideas resembled sense. This piece will make more sense if you've read Tangled Webs, now on the sandlot I'm at Writerscon this week *break for snoopy dance of joy* so may not be posting as regularly. Will definitely be back in the saddle next week - promise! Chapter Note: We are in the home stretch. Bubble bubble boil and trouble... Feedback: It's my addiction of choice! 27 – Old Business There WAS old business, lots of it. The return of the memories had revived most of the tensions that had threatened to swamp the group. So many hurt feelings, so many lies and evasions. No one really knew how to start. It was time for leadership, so... "I just want to say..." "I need to tell you guys-" "There is something I need to do..." Wes, Gunn, and Angel looked at each other, then looked away, embarrassed. Angel cleared his throat and said, "I'd like to start, if you don't mind." He hesitated, but hearing no objection, continued, "I need to apologize to you, all of you - well, not you, Spike- for the Wolfram and Hart experience." This statement caused a stir as the team looked at each other in confusion. Gunn spoke up, "Oh, the whole signing away our lives and re-writing our memories? We know about that. Spike said it was your 'control- freak' side coming out." "But you don't know why I did it. Connor. I kept messing up with him. He was about to blow up a department store, with Cordelia, and hostages. It was the only way to stop him." "I doubt it was the ONLY way...but the lad seems okay now." This unexpected support came from Spike. "As I have recently been reminded, you could have spoken with us, let the team decide things, especially when it did affect us all." Angel saw the look that passed between Wesley and Fred. It was a look of love and support. Maybe he hadn't destroyed everything with his choices. "That's what I trying to say. I messed up. Royally. I understand that now. I've also decided that I've been looking at this, the team, all wrong. It was something Spike said that got me thinking." The expression on Spike's face was priceless, a blend of pride and incredulity. Angel shook his head; sometimes you really wanted a camera handy. Turning to look at each of them, he continued, "It's something that Doyle said too, about being connected to the world. Connor is only part of that connection. You're all part of that connection, and I haven't been there for you. *I* haven't been part of the team, not fully, since Connor. I need your help in fixing that." He paused, took a breath and continued. "I've spent over a century working -- " "Wallowing," Spike interjected. "-- alone. I'm out of practice being a team member. Even the bit of time in Sunnydale, and with you, it's not enough to balance my first instincts in a situation, not without some prodding." "I volunteer for THAT position!" Spike, again. "You may just have to stand in line there, bleach boy," countered Gunn. "Keeping the Dark Avenger focused? Could definitely add that to my PDA." Angel watched the banter with pleasure. No need to tell them that he'd finally figured out that they weren't there for his convenience, but HE was there to help THEM. It would probably come out patronising or something. "I can't undo what happened. I don't know how to make amends, but I want to, if you'll let me, if you'll forgive me." Spike, standing to the side, rolled his eyes and muttered, "That better not be the cue for a sodding group hug." "I can forgive you, you little toasted crumpet, but I think there need to be some changes, and I'm not talking Bowie here." "I concur, and I think we need to work out what those changes will be," Wesley nodded at Lorne. "Umm, guys, that falls under 'New Business', could we just stick to Old Business first? It will keep the minutes tidier." Harmony looked concerned, like she would be snapped at for interrupting. "Thanks, Harm, you're right." This came from Gunn. "I've a few things which need to be said, too. First off, Fred and Wes, congratulations. Just want you to know that not only am I cool with it, I've been rooting for you." Angel watched an interesting by-play as Gunn's brown eyes caught Wes's blue ones, "Caveat's still in place, but now you SO owe me a drink, in settlement of the bet." There was a rueful look on Wes's face as he tilted his head in acceptance. "Secondly," Gunn continued, "Spike...just want to say thanks, man." Angel was loving this. The blond vamp was looking like he'd blush, if that was possible. "Not sure for what, mate." "Hell, if you hadn't been your annoying self, we wouldn't have even recognized the memory loss, let alone been able to fix it and get Fred back. You really had our backs, and I just wanted to thank you for that." "No sweat," Spike was checking his Docs for dirt, anything to avoid looking at Gunn. Angel hadn't seen Spike so uncomfortable in a while. Maybe the best way to get to him was praise. What an odd idea that was. "I mean it. I know I was harsh on you when you first 'appeared' and I'm sorry. We good?" Spike was looking over Gunn's shoulder at the wall of leftover weapons and blinking. "Yeah, Charlie-boy, we're good." "Anything else under Old Business?" Harmony inquired. As fascinating as seeing her Blondie Bear tear up was, Passions was coming on soon, and this was still only the first item on the agenda. Lorne stood up, then sat down. Then he stood up and said, "This might fall under a bit of new business, but I think it might be old business too. Oh, I don't know... Why don't we wait until later?" tbc