Heroes Rewards

Note: Please Review

Disclaimer: I own nothing but if I did James M, David B, Marc B and Bailey Chase (Graham) would never have shirts on and would pay attention to me and me only.

Summary: What happens in the alley after the Angel finale Not Fade Away.

One single monster left to kill.

They looked at each other with the exact same expression. Each knew what that it meant, "We've not come this far to let this one last demon kill us."

They had been fighting for hours. Wes had died before the battle had even begun, Gunn was on the verge of joining his sister in heaven and Illyria was either dead or doing the only thing she knew how to do properly, beating the hell out of something that they couldn't get to.

Each believing it was their time, thought back over lives. Spike's thoughts were predominantly Buffy and all the moments they had shared. Many of the other people in his life, good and bad, found their way into his head as well: the Scoobies, Angel's gang, his old vampiric buddies Angelus, Darla and of course Dru; and finally his mother. Buffy had a feature role Angel's thoughts too. She had been his first true love so would remain in his heart forever. He thought of his son and his son's mother, Conner and Darla; Dru, his already fallen comrades Wes, Fred, Doyle and of course his beloved Cordy.

Spike was in so much pain he didn't think he could carry on but words from Burning Heart, a song from one his favourite movies; Rocky, came into his head

"In the warriors code

There's no surrender

Though his body says 'stop'

His spirit cries 'NEVER'"

This seemed to give him a fresh burst of energy: made him realise that if he was going to save the world he had to carry on fighting. He also realised that if he had even the slightest chance of being with Buffy then he would have to live through this almighty battle.

Angel knew he still had to fight the good fight, much as he had been doing the past 7 years, and if this was to be that fights end then he was damn well going to win it. He would have his end no other way but saving the world, a true hero's death.

Spike fought the demon with all the strength his thoughts of Buffy had given him but that wasn't enough and the demon knocked him to the ground. Angel stepped up, morphed into gameface and took the fight to the demon. 1 minute later Angel reached round the demons head and snapped its neck with all the remaining strength he had.

"It's finally over. We did it!" Shouted Angel.

"Yep we did. Now could I get a little help, please?" Spike asked.

Angel replied by reaching out his hand and helping Spike to his feet. They embraced, two of the worlds most amazing and successful warriors ever.

Tears threatened to force their way down Angel's cheeks as he saw Gunn and Illyria's spent bodies lying mere feet from each other. They had gone to join the others now. He had lost everyone but Spike. His workers, warriors, friends were reunited in heaven but he had lost them and it was almost too much to bear.

Still in the dark of that saddening evening, a bright light descended from the heavens where all Angel's friends were now at peace. It was one of the powers and as it took human form it began to speak.

"Spike, Angel you have succeeded and for that we thank you. We also reward you each with this, your humanity."

With that he extended his arms and two glowing orbs flew forward from them into the chests of Spike and Angel. They began to glow like Halloween lanterns and like when their souls had been returned to them.

Shortly after the spirit had left and gone to its heavenly home the two new humans ceased to continue glowing and it was Spike who spoke first:

"I can feel it, I can feel my heart beating."

"I know, I know. Me too." Replied Angel.

Stood in momentary silence basking in the wonder of their new humanity, the nights events finally became too much for Angel and he let his tears over his fallen friends, his own survival and his and Spike's new humanity. Spike not wanting to cry himself looked away and thought of what to do next.

Angel asked the most pointless question ever asked:

"What are you going to do now?"

He of course knew that Spike was going to Rome, to Buffy and to a life he hoped they could share.

Spike turned to leave but was stopped by Angel's leather clad arm on his own.

"Hurt her and I won't hesitate for a single second to kill you." Were Angel's words to Spike.

"Mate, if I hurt her there won't be a me left to kill." Replied Spike.

They locked eyes for a second and knew that there had not been 1 word of a lie in each other's words.

"Now go, be with her and enjoy your life together."

"Enjoy your life too mate and stay in touch."

These were their last words to each other as they hugged one last time and headed in opposite directions to their new lives.

Note: Again please review. I may continue I dunno yet though.