Awakening

A fic by Angel's blue eyed girl and BroodyAngel

Rating: M

Disclaimer: We don't own em dammit!

A/N: Okay guys, I am so, so, so sorry for the major delay in this and all my other fics, but I have had some very serious personal issues this last month—financial and personal. I apologize to my partner Sarah and to everyone reading this fic—I know it's hard when a fic just stops, but seriously this was just a really bad month for me—so I hope you all forgive me and like this chappie. It's a pretty long one. :) :)

A/N 2: Thank you to Red, my friend and beta. You're the best sweetie. It really means so much to me that you care the way you do. You are truly a good friend. I also want to say thank you to Roxy, Vix, Summer, Kelli, Brandi, Marlee and anyone else who has pm'd me just to check on me. I'm sorry you all were worried about me. But thanks, it really blows my mind how much you all care. :) :) :) Okay, before I go all Sally Field and start saying "you like me—you really like me…" :p I'm just gonna say you're all awesome and I love ya bunches and bunches.

Jen

Okay on with the show…

Chappie 8

Moira's shop:

Angelus opened the door and let Buffy precede him into the shop; he held back for a moment to let his instincts guide him—tell him if there was danger to him here. If the witch tried to curse him—he would use his Slayer as a hostage to escape. He wanted Buff—that was a no brainer, but he wanted to remain free, too.

Buffy could almost read his thoughts, the tension was rolling off him so thickly, but he was still with her, that showed how much he wanted her. She gave him a bright smile and leaned up on her tip-toes to kiss him lightly on the mouth. He growled and pulled her to him tightly to deepen the kiss.

"Well, I see you found your demon," Moira said from behind them.

Angelus' head snapped up, irritated he hadn't sensed her.

Buffy jumped and turned with a slight flush to her cheeks. "Yep—just opened my senses like—" She bit her lip and shrugged. "Okay, so I had to search every demon bar from here to the garment district, but I did find him…eventually," she said with a small smile.

Moira eyed him up and down. "Yes, I can see that. I can also see why you were in such a hurry. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe you, handsome," she said with a wink.

Angelus gave the witch a lazy, sensual smile. "I've been called a lot of things—delicious suits my ego, so I think I'll let you live beagan cailleach," he said softly.

Irrationally jealous, Buffy looked over her shoulder at him and frowned. "What does byug-on coll-yuk mean?" she asked with an arched brow.

"It means 'little witch,' Slayer," Moira said with a smile.

"O—kay…the necklace Moira—remember? The reason we're here—I mean, besides checking out my boyfriend…"

If Buffy could have bit her tongue off right then, she would have. "I mean—" She trailed off when Moira just nodded her head knowingly and Angelus purred in pleasure behind her.

He moved in closer to wrap his arms around her waist from behind as he leaned down and kissed his mark. "Don't be jealous, lover—your witch here knows where my desire lies…"

Nodding, Moira noted the possessive way Angelus was wrapped around the Slayer. "I think that's obvious—now, on to the reason for your visit…It's ready," she said and reached under the counter. She pulled out a small glowing box. It was made of a thick, clear glass and seemed to be outlined in fire.

"Is Angel—in there?" Buffy asked softly, clenching her hands together to stop from reaching out to touch it—him.

Moira nodded, her eyes reflecting the fire surrounding the box. "Yes, it is a magical safe."

"A magical safe, huh? Hmm, good place for Soul-boy," Angelus said with a smirk as he leaned over Buffy's shoulder to peer into the container. "Hell of a lot better than the wall safe those brain-trusts put him in earlier," he quipped as he studied the small glowing orb inside. He resisted the urge to back away; he felt tingly and more than a bit twitchy at being so close to the soul and his tension rose another notch as the witch picked it up and held it towards him.

"Eegsmack—hesmat—beelzbah—alorah," Moira chanted and the magical safe opened.

Unable to resist the urge anymore, Angelus let go of Buffy and stepped back. The memory of that damned soul being shoved inside him that first night over a hundred years ago was still there and it made him want to vomit.

Buffy took his hand and pulled him to her; she needed him, but her throat was too choked up to tell him. She blinked back her tears as she reminded herself Angel was safe, happy and in his mind they'd had their 'happily ever after'…

Moira tried to hand Angelus the necklace. "This time you will wear your soul around your neck as a gift, not a burden."

With a growl he smacked her hand away, sending the necklace clattering to the floor. "I don't want the damned thing, period!" he snarled.

Hurt at his reaction to her gift, Buffy bent and picked up the necklace. "No, you don't understand—" she said, holding up the beautiful chain. "It's—he's right here…You have to wear it."

Angelus' eyes widened. "You're fucking joking, right?!" She shook her head and held the chain up again. He almost smacked her, too, but he tamped down his anger and leaned forward hesitantly. "What is…? Is that an Orb of Thessulah? You trapped Soul-Boy in that? That won't hold—"

"I didn't trap him—period," she said, folding her arms over her chest. "I would never trap Angel! I love him!"

Angelus growled and clenched his fists. "You'd never—what do you mean you still love him?! You said—"

"I never said I stopped loving Angel! Never!"

Angelus stepped forward menacingly. "But you did say you loved me, now didn't you, lover?" he asked softly with a cruel smile.

Seeing a fight coming, Moira stepped in. "She does love you Angelus or she'd never have asked me to keep Angel safely locked away."

"Yeah and keeping Soul-Boy in an Orb of Thessulah is really what I'd call safely locked away...?" He snorted rudely. "Yeah, right, and I'm just gonna buy that, especially when I'm heading for the one witch that can shove that damned soul right back in me," he snapped.

Buffy began to growl herself. "You should 'buy' it, you arrogant jackass—I had it made just for you…"

"You had a fucking Orb of Thessulah made just for me…Let me thank you—or better yet—how 'bout I don't!"

"It's NOT an Orb of Thessulah!" Moira said harshly. "That is only a temporary vessel." She pointed to the tiny orb in the necklace. "That is the mui-ping. The same mui-ping that originally contained the soul, only magically reduced." She waited for that to sink in before going on. "I could not remove the soul from it without disrupting his happiness—" She turned to Buffy, "Since I knew you would not wish that, I simply made the mui-ping the size needed."

The anger left Angelus in a rush as he realized his mistake. Since he had no idea how to apologize, he kept quiet, but his body relaxed. He tried to take Buffy's hand, but wasn't surprised when she pulled it away.

Buffy knew he was trying to make up, but she wasn't willing just yet, so she ignored him and the shivers that raced along her spine from his touch. "Yes, I wanted him to be happy. Thank you," she said to Moira instead.

The old witch nodded. "Now, do you see the figures that surround the orb?" she pointed to the golden figures that were literally wrapped around the orb.

Angelus leaned even further over Buffy's shoulder to study the necklace. "Yeah, what about—?" he stopped and looked closer. "Is that a gryphon?" he asked, more relaxed now and happy for the excuse to press closer to Buffy. He hoped he could get back into her good graces without having to actually apologize.

Moira nodded. "Yes, and a warrior goddess. They are made of pure Egyptian gold, melted down and formed from the scepter of Menes himself—very ancient and magical. The figures embrace the orb to protect it."

Stunned, Angelus looked down at Buffy's bent head. He lifted her chin so he could meet her eyes. "You had this made—for me?" he asked, bemused.

She glared and jerked her face away. "Yes," she spat. "Not that you care! Don't try and play me now—I know you're worried I'm trying to lure you to Sunnydale to have Willow re-curse you!"

Angelus sighed. He wanted to say he was sorry, but the words lodged in his throat. Instead he rubbed his thumb along her full lower lip. "Don't hold a grudge, lover," he whispered. When he felt her body relax slightly, he nuzzled her lips with his own. "So, I'm the Gryphon and you're the warrior goddess, I take it?" he asked with a lazy smile.

Her heart fluttered, but Buffy stepped away from him, bumping into the counter as she did so. She was beginning to hate how fast he could make her forget everything but how good he tasted. "Yeah, and I know you probably think it's corny, but it was the only way I could make sure—" She stopped, suddenly wondering if he was going to become furious again. 'Well, he'd just have to deal!' she thought angrily as she lifted her chin and faced him squarely. "It was the only way I could make sure Angel stayed safe and…" She held up her hand, warding off his anger. "Before you wig again, I'm telling you—you're gonna protect this necklace and Angel. It's not up for debate and if you don't like it—well, tough! 'Cause right now I SO don't give a flying—"

Angelus kissed her then, to stop any words that might make him really want to hurt her. He knew she was angry, but she wasn't going to tell him what to do, nor did he care to hear her whine about Soul-Boy. "Stop while you're ahead, lover," he said against her lips. "I already want to punish you for trying to stake me—finish that sentence and I might not wait till we get to Sunnydale."

Torn between lust and anger at the idea that he planned on 'punishing' her, Buffy bit back a snappy retort and simply rolled her eyes at him. She didn't want to get into that in front of Moira. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath, but her breathing was ragged and it was obvious she was excited.

Pleased with her reaction, Angelus took the necklace and slipped it over his head. "Happy?" he asked Buffy.

"Yeah," she quipped sarcastically. "I'm big with the happy—can't you tell?" Suddenly the realization that Angel was really gone hit her and tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm totally happy…" she said softly, her breath hitching.

Jealousy tore through him and he gripped her chin to tilt her face up. "Stop the water works Buff. I don't like it." Her eyes flared and Angelus cooled his ire as he rubbed her lip with his thumb and leaned down to nip at her ear. "Well—unless it's me that's making you cry, that is…"

Buffy wiped at her tears. "Great—I feel so much better now," she snapped, turning her back on him. "Thank you for everything," she said hugging Moira impulsively.

The witch hugged her back, "He will be a handful—you must remember that. He will fight his love for you, but if you're patient—you will soon have him eating out of the palm of your hand."

Buffy giggled at the image of Angelus on his knees, eating out of her hand. "Yeah, like that'll ever happen." She shook her head. "Sorry, but I totally see Hell freezing over first, but thanks, I needed the funny." Buffy hesitated, knowing it was time to go and face her friends. "Okay, I guess we better go—wish me luck?"

Moira patted the younger woman's cheek. "Slayer, you make your own luck—you do not need me to wish it upon you. This time you have the man who would move heaven and hell to have you. Know this—accept it, and him. You must be united when you go home, your future depends on it."

Buffy scowled. "Okay—why does everyone do the cryptic?" she muttered. "What does that mean? We are—" She blushed. "Well—um—we—you know…" her voice trailed off as wrung her hands.

"I know this—I saw his mark, but you know your friends will only accept him if you are strong. You must find your strength, Buffy, and give him the same loyalty he will give you. Remember this and all will be well for everyone."

Unsure how to take that, Buffy glanced over her shoulder at Angelus. He was staring at her and his eyes were so intense, she shivered. Moira was right—Angelus wouldn't let ANYTHING stand in his way of having her. He'd never leave her—never abandon her. He was hers. She turned back to Moira and hugged the tiny witch again. "Thanks—for reminding me," she whispered.

The Hyperion:

Wes hung up the phone and looked at Fred. "Well, they can do it first thing in the morning," he said tiredly.

Fred wiped a stray tear from her face. "So you're really gonna…cremate her?"

Wesley sighed, "Well, it isn't like we have the time—nor could we even have a normal funeral. I thought we could spread her ashes at the base of the HOLLYWOOD sign."

Fred gave a tiny, sad smile. "She always did want to be a famous actress…"

Wes rubbed a hand down his face. "Not the way she pictured her life in Los Angeles, I would imagine."

Gunn entered the office. "Hey, he's getting twitchy—keeps asking me about Cordy. When are you gonna tell him?"

Wes had decided to keep Cordelia's death from Connor until they could get him to Sunnydale and away from the tragedy that had happened here. "I'm not going to. Tell him she went to Sunnydale with Buffy and Angel—us."

Everyone noticed the slip and looked away. Fred sighed and stood. "So I guess that means we better get packed. How long are we gonna be there? I mean, Buffy made this First guy seem pretty bad."

Wesley nodded, "Yes, it almost made Angel kill himself years ago. As far as evil goes—it's as bad as it gets, so be prepared to stay awhile."

"More like be prepared to never come back, ain't that right?" Gunn said, daring Wes to dispute it.

"Yes, that is always a possibility, but let's not get ahead of ourselves—we can win this."

"Yeah, but what happens if Angelus decides to turn sides…" Gunn growled.

Fred frowned at him. "Are you forgetting he killed the Beast and that thing Cordy gave birth to?" She put her hands on her hips. "I promised Buffy I wouldn't judge, so I'm keeping that promise."

Gunn rolled his eyes. "All I'm saying is, he ain't Angel—we can't know what he's thinkin' half the time, so we still need to keep an eye on him."

Wes sighed. "Gunn's right, but Buffy trusts him, and Willow is a remarkably strong witch. If Angelus did decide to align himself with the First, I think we could still win."

Fred gave them both a tired smile. "Okay, well, I'll see y'all in a bit then."

Gunn watched her go before he turned and met Wesley's eyes squarely. "Do you really believe that, or were you just saying that for Fred? I mean, you said this is the big Daddy of all things bad, so if we got our asses handed to us by the Beast—just how the hell are we supposed to take this thing on and win?"

Wes stood and made his way slowly around the desk. He felt like he'd aged ten years in the last week. "I have to believe it, Gunn. Without hope, we just give up, and that I simply won't do. We owe it to…" He trailed off. "I won't fail Buffy, so let's get some rest. We have a lot of things to wrap up here before we make our way to Sunnydale."

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Leaving Los Angeles:

Angelus glanced at Buffy as he pulled onto the freeway. She was still smiling that same funny little smile she'd been wearing since they left the witch. "If that smile is because that beagan cailleach said I'd be eating out of your hand…you might as well start crying again, Buff, because that's never happening," he growled, unable to stop himself. She just seemed too happy, too sure of herself now, and he didn't like it.

Buffy simply sighed. "Um-hmm—whatever," she said happily. She knew he was lying. He loved her, and for once she allowed herself to relish the thought.

The tires screeched as he suddenly pulled the car over to the side of the road. With a low grumble he reached across the seat and wrapped his hand in her hair. He yanked her head back and in a second was across the seat and leaning over her, golden eyes flashing dangerously. "Don't ever forget what I am, Buff," he purred, leaning down to nip at her neck. "If you make the mistake of trying to turn me into your lap-dog…" he chuckled as his tongue tasted her flesh. "Well, let's just say it'll be the last thing you ever do."

Buffy turned her head and bit him—hard. Her own demon, the demon of the very first Slayer, rose to the surface. "You could try, but I'd stop you." She gripped his hair and tugged him closer, her own passions flaring at the heat in his eyes. "Go ahead—I dare you!" she challenged recklessly.

He reared back to stare into her face. "You really think you could stop me?" he challenged as he grabbed her by the nape of her neck and tilted her head back.

Buffy moaned and pressed closer. "Don't wanna stop you—wanna fuck you!"

Angelus' face shifted and his cock began to throb uncomfortably. "Christ!" he gritted out as he pulled her on top of him. His hands spanned her waist as he pressed her down and thrust up at the same time, rubbing against her, needing the friction.

Buffy whimpered. "Yes—please—need you now."

"Temptress…" Angelus muttered as he raised her and ripped open her jeans, not even bothering with the buttons or zippers. His own pants didn't fare much better in his haste to be inside her. He groaned deep in his chest when at last he was free and he had her positioned over his lap. "Look at me," he demanded softly.

Buffy raised her eyes and stared into his demon visage. "I don't need to—I know who you are—I want YOU Angelus. Now stop making me wait, dammit!"

"That's my girl," he purred, gripping his penis with one hand as he slid the other up her thigh to her hip. With the slightest pressure, he urged her onto his cock. "Buff!" he gasped as he slid into her burning sheath, "Jesus fucking Christ! So—hot. You're so hot—melting me—fuck, you're melting me!"

Buffy leaned back and placed her hands on his shoulders as she began to move on him. "Not—melting—you're so—big—God—I feel you—love this—love you," she moaned softly.

Her words sent lust roaring through him and Angelus gripped her hips with both hands as he began to thrust upwards with more force. "I'll never get enough of you…never," he said between clenched teeth.

Buffy leaned down and nipped at the corded tendons of his throat. "Better not—have to stake you if you did," she growled as she let him guide her faster and faster until they were pounding against each other in a sexual frenzy that would injure most humans.

Angelus just grumbled in answer to that. His eyes were rolling and he was getting close… He slid his hands to the inside of her thighs and spread her legs wider. He looked down to where their bodies were joined. He stared for several moments, watching his cock disappear into her body over and over again—feeling her heat around him. He slid one hand between their bodies, his fingers seeking and easily finding her clitoris, he stroked it gently. Her muscles fluttered around him and he stroked her more firmly. "Come with me, baby," he muttered, tilting his hips and thrusting harder as he played that tiny bundle of nerves like a fine-tuned instrument.

"Oh God!" she cried as the first waves of her climax assaulted her. Her belly tightened and her legs began to quiver as she rode him faster, harder. She wrapped her arms around him and dug her nails into his flesh. "Angelus!" she screamed as her body tightened, her toes curled, and she was swept over the edge into orgasmic relief.

When he felt her inner walls shudder, then clamp down around him, Angelus let himself go, too. He yanked her head back, baring her throat to him. A low grumble of pleasure went through him as he sank his fangs deeply into her neck, needing to be inside her in every way possible. He moaned, lost in his own powerful release as the taste of her blood hit his senses. His body jerked as he arched against her and spilled his cool cum inside her hot, willing body. After a second, he pulled his teeth from her, mindful not to take too much.

Buffy felt him soften inside her as she rested her head against his shoulder. Her body was still shivering with the after shocks of her climax. "God, that was good," she murmured, licking his neck.

"Yeah— good—really good," he panted. He wrapped his arms around her back, bringing her with him as he collapsed against the seat.

"I—" Buffy stopped; she'd almost said she loved him. "I promise, I won't let anyone try and hurt you."

He chuckled huskily. "As if they could…" he said arrogantly. He tilted her chin up. "You're the only one who could get to me like that, Buff. Before—" He stopped and Buffy held her breath, waiting for him to go on. Finally he did. "When I came back and I hurt you…it was because you made me feel things—things I didn't know I was capable of feeling. I wanted you—needed you—it drove me crazy—still does as a matter of fact…"

A worried frown came to Buffy's face and she chewed her lip nervously. "When you say crazy—you don't mean the—'I'm gonna send the world to hell' kind of crazy, do you?"

He flashed an amazingly charming grin. "No—I'm over the whole sucking the world into hell thing. I—" He stopped and his eyes were intense again as he studied her face. "Buff, I'm a demon—I've never said I loved anyone, but I want you—want you more than any woman I've ever known," he whispered, bringing her face down for a deep, toe curling kiss that very soon got more and more heated, until, once again they were lost to the intense sexual need they felt for one another...

Later:

Buffy tossed her jeans into the back seat. They were hopelessly ruined, but it was well worth the amazing, mind numbing sex she and Angelus had indulged in for the last couple of hours. She pulled on her panties as she snuck a peak at him sprawled lazily next to her. She bit her lip to hide her smile; he didn't look much better. His shirt was torn and hung open to reveal his pale, muscled chest. He had scratches and bite marks all over, marring his perfect beauty. She looked away, a bit embarrassed.

He grinned lazily, not at all ashamed at his nudity, nor the wildness of their sex. "Keep staring at me like that, lover, and we'll never get out of here." He winked at her. "As much as I'd love to go another round,we've got about two hours till sunrise and I don't think my ashes will give you the same pleasure this does..." he said with an arrogant smirk, wrapping his hand around the hardening length of his penis.

Buffy blushed. "I—my clothes—your clothes—we can't show up looking like this."

Angelus laughed and got out of the car. He tucked himself back into his pants and held them up around his waist with one hand as he went to the trunk. In moments he was back. He handed Buffy a pair of her jeans and a new tank top. "Here—good thing you brought a change of clothes."

Buffy took the clothes and tried to dress quickly, but it was hard to focus as he stripped right there beside the car. He pulled on a fresh black silk button up. She bit her lip hard; he was so beautiful, she couldn't help but stare… but when he pulled on a sexy pair of black leather pants— Buffy's breathing went into hyper-drive.

'Oh, God!' she thought as she watched him adjust the crotch of the pants to accommodate his impressive length. She wouldn't admit it, but she'd never forgot the first time she'd noticed Angelus had a thing for leather—it had made her hot then and it still did.

"Oh, brother," she said softly. What was she going to say to Giles and her friends when she showed up with him dressed like that? They'd take one look at him and probably try and stake him first—ask questions later.

She looked up to find him staring at her. He was hard again, his cock pressing against the confines of his pants. He smirked at her as his long, nimble fingers flipped open the buttons of his leather pants slowly. "I told you what would happen if you looked at me like that again…" he said as the final button popped, freeing his erection. "I warned you, didn't I, baby?" he asked as he reached across the seat, grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the car. "Can't get enough of you," he grunted as he bent her over the hood of the car. She felt him pressing against her and she couldn't help her response—she pressed back.

"Guess you're gonna get to see vamp stamina tonight after all," he said as his fingers went to work on the fastening of her Levi's. In seconds he had them open and around her ankles. "Spread your legs for me," he demanded, rubbing his cock between her thighs. She couldn't open her legs wide enough and he lifted her. "Come on, step out of those baby."

Buffy did as he asked and bit her lip to keep quiet as he held her thighs open and entered her. "Oh, my God!" she cried before stuffing her fist into her mouth.

"You can scream all you want lover—I like it," he panted against her neck as he blanketed her back and thrust himself inside her as deeply as he could get without becoming a part of her skin…

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Sunnydale:

They made it to the mansion just before dawn.

"We should go to my house first," Buffy said again as Angelus pulled the Plymouth into the underground garage.

"No, we shouldn't. Unless you want the cat out of the bag right when we walk in the door, Buff—you need to fix yourself up a bitbefore you see your little friends, trust me."

Suddenly self conscious, Buffy ran a hand through her hair. "Do I really look that bad?" she asked softly.

Angelus tilted her chin and licked his lips. She had no idea how sexy she is, he thought with a lewd grin. "You look incredible, baby. Gorgeous, but very, very well fucked." With a shrug he added, "I just figured you wouldn't want to show up like that, but if you don't care…Hell, I sure the fuck don't." He started to back out of the garage.

Buffy's face flamed and she grabbed his arm. "NO!" she nearly screamed. He turned to stare at her and she back pedaled. "I mean, I see your point—no need to get everybody all worked up just yet, right?" she asked with a false smile.

Angelus shrugged, playing along, but he barely managed to keep his own wicked smile at bay. "So are we staying here then?"

The hairs on her body came to life with electricity at the sensual promise in his deep voice. She nodded, "I just hope you have clean towels and hot water, because I'm so heading for the shower first," she said as she climbed out of the car and nearly ran into the mansion. She went straight for the room off the great hall, the room Angel had slept in, and shut the door. Buffy leaned against it and took deep breaths, trying to get her body back under control. Her own inner demon was pushing at her—the first Slayer wanted her demon mate and Buffy was finding it harder and harder to deny her more base urges where Angelus was concerned.

Angelus smirked as he grabbed their bags and followed her into the mansion. He had other reasons for bringing her here, but she didn't need to know that...yet. It was almost daybreak, and bringing her here meant he could spend the day fucking her before they went to her house tonight. His cock was already throbbing with the need to be inside her again, and he almost purred in pleasure when he heard the water start. The only pisser was it was 'Angel's' room—not his own—that she'd run to. Jealousy nagged at him again, but he tamped it down. He'd fix her lingering need for Angel soon enough. He smiled wickedly as he imagined fucking her in every single room in the place—starting with the precious bed Soul-Boy used to lie in, hopelessly dreaming of her night after lonely, pathetic night.

Good mood restored, Angelus whistled softly as he carried their bags up the stairs to the room that had been his when he'd first purchased the mansion all those years ago.

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Spike watched from the shadows of the trees in the driveway. "Bloody hell," he muttered, too stunned to do anything more than stand there for a moment. He had no doubt which of the alter egos had arrived with the Slayer just now. The leather pants were the first clue, then the tilt of that arrogant head, the shoulders, minus their slump, and if that didn't do it—Spike knew bloody well he'd never heard Peaches laugh like that! No, that had been pure Angelus.

"The chits' brought the soddin' crazy prick home with her!" he grumbled, trying to decide what to do.

As he was about to turn and head back to the Slayer's house to tell them all what he'd seen, another figure caught his eye. The one he'd been tailing all night…the one who'd led him here. He watched the slim figure enter through the side door to the mansion and suddenly the idea of running over to the Scoobies didn't hold the same appeal.

He grinned as he imagined the scene to come. "Alright then—now, this might just get interesting after all!" he said with a smirk and snuck closer to the mansion, hoping all the scents mingled might cover his own long enough for him to get close enough to actually witness the fireworks. It wouldn't do for the bloody prick to find him first—not when he wanted the proverbial shit to be hitting the fan before he made himself known!

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Inside the Mansion:

Angelus was surprised to find the door to his old room open. He frowned as he stared at the broken lock. He knew Soul-Boy had padlocked this door after he'd been back in charge. The poor sap had been so horrified by everything that had happened here after he'd lost his precious soul, he'd never entered this room again. Angelus had taken great pleasure in reminding him of every sordid little detail too, only instead of Dru or any of the other women he'd fucked and hurt in this room, he'd pictured them as Buff. Poor Angel—he'd writhed in shame, because Angelus knew what most people didn't—a part of Soul-Boy lusted for those memories just as strongly as he detested them. Maybe not the killing, or torture, but the fucking… Oh, yeah, Angel had relived those memories again and again; Soul-Boy had a dark side, too. Angelus chuckled. He wondered what Buff would think of that…

Still wondering at the missing padlock; Angelus turned the knob and swung open the door. Immediately Drusilla's perfume hit his senses and it stunned him for a second. He stood still, knowing her scent hadn't lingered for almost five years—she'd been here recently. He scowled when his body reacted to her scent, but he shook it off easily. He'd had Dru, and though he'd desired her fiercely at one time, she'd never kept his interest like Buffy did. Only Darla had kept him hot like that, but she'd been his Sire, and a Courtesan by trade—which translated to a fantastic fuck, but even as he'd lusted for Darla, he'd never wanted her exclusively like he wanted Buff.

He noticed the dolls lined up on his dresser and stopped dead in his tracks. "Shit," he muttered, knowing Dru never went anywhere without those dolls…she was here…in Sunnydale. Angelus dropped the bags and went across the room to throw open his walk-in closet doors. Sure enough—there was a whole slew of dresses aligned with his old clothes. He felt her before he heard her. "God dammit," he muttered just as he heard her soft gasp from the doorway.

"Daddy?" she whispered. "Is it you—? Has my Angel finally come back to me?"

Angelus turned and the joy in her eyes brought a smile to his face, despite his irritation. "Hello, Princess," he said softly, unable to stop the paradox of twisted emotions he felt for her from rushing forth. She'd been his favorite at one time, but now he found himself uninterested. She frowned when he didn't make a move towards her.

She danced across the room to music only she could hear, but when she tried to run her hands along his chest, Angelus held her at bay. "What's wrong Daddy? Aren't you 'appy to see me?" she asked with a sad little pout.

He sighed. Normally he'd already be ripping her clothes off, but the only thought going though his head now, was how in the hell he was going to get rid of her before Buff found out she was here.

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Downstairs:

Buffy walked into the bedroom. She had a towel wrapped around her body and was drying her hair with another when she stopped, stunned to find Spike standing there instead of Angelus.

"What are you doing here, Spike?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing."

"I…" She bit her lip, "I brought reinforcements back with me," she said nervously as she grabbed her robe and shrugged it on over her towel.

Spike stared at her hungrily. "Reinforcements? Is that what you're calling Angelus now-a-days?"

Buffy belted the robe tightly after the towel underneath dropped. "Not that it's any of your business, Spike, but he's here to help me fight the First.

Spike snorted as she picked up the towel and headed back into the bathroom. He followed. "Um—yeah, and I'm gonna start tanning," he quipped with a raised brow. "He's more likely to help the Big Bad drag us all down into hell and you bloody well know that, Slayer!"

Feeling crowded, Buffy had a flashback of another bathroom and shoved him backward out of the doorway. "Look, this is none of your business, so just stay out of it—it's between me and Angelus," she said and crossed her arms over her chest.

Spike knew what had freaked her out and immediately his anger evaporated and guilt took its place. "So you trust him now?"

Buffy could feel his pain, but there was nothing she could do for him. She'd forgiven him, but she still didn't completely trust him anymore. "Yeah, I do," she said softly.

Spike's eyes narrowed as anger warred with his pain. "You told me you could never love me because I didn't have a soul—now I have one—one I got for you, by the way, yet you come back with the mother of all bastards, and with him soulless to boot, and now it's all Bob's your Uncle because he has the same body as your first love?"

"It's not like that. Things are…different between me and Angelus now."

"Really?" he scoffed. "Different—how?"

Buffy shrugged. "Different, as in he wants to help me now, not kill me kind of different."

Spike rolled his eyes, trying to hide his jealousy. "So, have you told your little Scooby bunch yet?"

"No," she said. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't go running off to squeal, Chicken Little."

"Why shouldn't I? I think Angelus being in town is a hell of a lot worse than the sky falling!"

Buffy rolled her eyes, but she was nervous. Angelus could show up any second, and the last thing she needed was a smack-down between him and Spike right now. "Whatever—do what you want, it's not like I'm going to hide him away anyhow."

"You should, your Watcher is going to go arse over tip when he sees who you dragged home with you."

Buffy ran a hand through her wet hair. "Look, it's late and these heart-to-hearts never really end well with us, so can we just continue this another time?" she asked tiredly.

Spike saw the mark on her neck then and gaped at her. "Bugger that! You let that ponce bite you?!"

Buffy immediately put her hand over the mark. "I—you wouldn't understand."

"Like bloody hell I don't," he snapped, striding across the room to grab her arm. "You've decided you'll take the prick anyway you can have him, eh?"

Buffy yanked away. "Don't touch me."

But Spike was consumed with jealousy and didn't heed her warning. "I can't believe you'd let Angelus bite you—you never let me go anywhere near that precious mark Peaches gave you."

Buffy eyed her bag of stakes lying across the room and wondered if she was going to have to make a dash for it. "Stop it, Spike—I never lied to you, so just stop."

Spike took a step towards her. "But I love you, and I know you feel something for me, too—I can make you admit it…"

"Do ya really think that'd be a wise decision there, Spikey?" a soft, angry voice gritted out from the doorway.

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Okay guys, like I said before sorry for the wait—please feed the musie because she's been stingy lately and the more you feed her—the more she feeds me! ;) :)