Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon and Angel the series.

Spoilers: Let's say the entire series?

Feedback: Always welcomed and read

A/N: So, we are very happy with how things are going. For those that have asked, this is not a Spuffy fiction! Do the two have things to talk about, well yeah! Beyond that, well it's all up to them isn't it? There's also some speculation about Angel and the gang. Well, we'll just have to hope they get out before it's too late won't we? For those in the know, it is NaNoWriMo time! I've doubled my word count to include fan fic! So going for words here and in the novel work. Expect updates more regularly! Or at least more often!

Chapter Eleven

Angel sat behind his desk staring at paperwork. He was staring but he was unseeing. He wasn't usually one to doubt his decisions. Not really. Not since he had started in his road to redemption. Since he'd heard about his Shanshu. Sure, he got anxious about it, hoped to hurry it along, but he didn't doubt. He was on the right path. He had started doubting, when Cordy came to him. Now, he was back to doubting. No, that wasn't what it was. He knew, knew full well what he should be doing. He knew what was the right thing to do. He just, chose not to do it. He'd taken that ride, looked over a house with a happy family and saw Connor outside on his way to school. He was happy, he was, normal, he wasn't his son anymore. He had meant to take the ride, to reaffirm that it was worth it. That all of this, was worth it. For his son. Was that too selfish? He'd never have allowed things to get this far for his own salvation, never do this to his friends for himself. Whether he'd do it for Cordelia or not, she wouldn't. She wouldn't allow it. He already knew how the others felt. He just kept coming back to the same thing. It's his son. He knew that Cordelia loved him like his own. She and the others had sacrificed the chance at a real life, a family, for him. Now he was holding them hostage for his? Yet, it was his son. His head came up at the sound of a knock. Lorne, Gunn and Wes all stood in the doorway.

"Come in."

With a nod they entered and Wesley closed the door before they all stood in front of the desk.

"How is Knox?"

They all knew no one cared about his life anymore, but knowing what he was going through, reminded them what Fred almost suffered. Wesley's jaw worked.

"He's declining quickly. They have him in a medical wing and right now it's fevers, weakness. He claims he can feel his soul fading, dying."

Angel nodded. It was what he deserved as far as Wesley was concerned. The man knew what was going to happen and had happily set Fred up for it. It was Gunn that moved over and took a seat in front of the desk.

"I didn't know. What it was, it was stupid. All I had to do was sign for it and they'd give me a brain upgrade. They've been playin' us from the beginning."

His suit was gone, and his anger only evident in how stiff his shoulders were.

"We already knew that crumbcake."

Gunn frowned up at Lorne.

"Yeah, and Cordy knew. I was, an ass."

Wes snorted and Lorne covered with a cough. Gunn actually laughed.

"Yeah okay thanks for that guys. Point is, now that we're all on board, how we gettin' out of here. We are all on board aren't we?"

They all looked at Angel. He took in their faces. Lorne was hopeful, like a kid before dinner hoping for dessert. Gunn was curious, just expecting to hear the plan. Wesley, was harder to read. There was no hope. There was, betrayal, anger, and something like despair. But it was his son. Angel closed his eyes a moment. The boy he'd seen, was happy, content and not his son. Could he take that away? Could he be sure that something else wouldn't? He'd been through so much.

'Haven't we all?'

Angel stood up and nodded.

"We are. But I'm driving."

He reached in the desk for his keys and headed for the door. Lorne grinned and whooped before turning to follow and Gunn smirked, it was Wesley that had been dazed but quickly went to catch up. They were leaving. And no one cared about packing this time.

AA

It had felt like forever, just, standing there. Spike finally sighed.

"So, you an' the cheerleader had a talk, eh?"

"Well yeah, she, told us everything."

He raised a brow at that.

"Everthin' did she?"

"Even the mark. She didn't tell us she was in love with Angel but I kind of figured that much out on my own."

"So, she tell ya, she's my seer now, got me the champion bit goin' on here."

"Yeah, yeah she did. I, I'm proud of you. I mean, I know that you did a lot for us too, just, um, you deserve it. You know."

He pulled his hands from his coat and walked over to her, touched her chin to look at him.

"Still in love wit' ya slayer. But not gonna try anythin'. Jus' thought I'd get that outta the way."

She blinked at him. Then frowned.

"Wait, what do you mean? I mean, why wouldn't you try anything? Not, that I want you to! But, well. . . "

He laughed and shrugged.

"Figured you missed me, maybe, but knew you didn' love me, pet. Thing is, I was doin' what I thought I needed t' so you would. Kinda the wrong reasons you know?"

"Yeah, I know. So uh, what, are the right reasons again?"

He glanced to her, seeing if she was still as lost. What he saw helped and he smiled, brushed his thumb along her cheek.

"It's what we do. Even if no one else knows, even if we lose everythin' we fight, we help, cause someone has to, an' that someone is us. Can lose everythin', everyone, but can't lose ourselves, pet."

She smiled sadly and looked to the stairs.

"Cordy?"

"Maybe. Saw that girl give up a lot. Think her soul's been ripped t' shreds. Figure you an' me, we know a li'l abou' that."

"Yeah, we do. You, think she'll be okay?"

"She's not the same, but yeah. She'll survive, don' think she knows how not to. You an' me, there were times we gave up, we tried t' hide or bury ourselves so as not t' deal. She deals. Hides after."

Buffy tilted her head then and looked at him. Thinking back, Cordey might have talked about giving up, and leaving, but she never did. Even when they said they didn't need her, she'd make some comment and hang out anyway. They all thought it was out of fear, or to annoy them, but maybe, it was just that she was dealing. Not running. Even when she had the option. Her eyes widened slightly.

"You're, you're in love with her?"

He winced and rubbed at the back of his head.

"Not exactly. She, told ya of the mark. Some things, I didn' mention. There's a, pull. Makes it hard not t' be near her. At first it's all about protectin' what's mine, but then it gets more, intimate. Without touchin' it makes me all, anxious, an' . . "

"It hurts. It, actually hurts not touching her?"

He nodded and looked down.

"Jus' a touch would stop the hurt but, it'll grow an' I can' do that t' her. She's in love wit' the poof."

"I'm sorry."

He shrugged. Then he looked at her and smirked.

"Don' s'ppose I could sneak into your room an' maybe, take the edge off?"

She wrinkled her nose and slapped at his arm.

"No!"

He laughed and held up an arm defensively. Buffy got quiet and leaned up to kiss him softly, it took away is words and he blinked at her.

"Thank you, Spike. I know I didn't say it before, and I should have. I have, a lot to thank you for. I don't know if that mark thing goes both ways but, if it won't make Cordy go nuts, I wouldn't say no to, a date. See what happens?"

"I, I'd like that slayer."

There they were, grinning at each other like idiots when Giles cleared his throat and the girls behind him giggled. They sprang apart and Giles hid his smile. The girls didn't. Luckily Cordy was coming down the stairs and rolled her eyes.

"Okay okay, yes we know. Vampires are all super sexy. Trust me, not at all worth the trouble."

She grinned at Buffy who watched Cordy walk over to the girls and cross her arms. She cleared her own throat.

"Oh yes, of course. Falling for a vampire, very bad idea."

Spike looked hurt.

"What, does that mean the date's off?"

Buffy flushed and Cordy came over and hugged her. Another shock and Buffy hugged her back. Holding each other they whispered before letting go.

"He still loves you, you know."

"I think, he's kind of falling for you too."

Both pulled away and stared at each other. There was a cough and the two turned.

"Vampire hearin' pets."

Buffy looked down and Cordy's eyes widened. Thankfully, Willow came back in then.

"Okay that kitchen, so needs to be cleaned. And there's no food. So we'll have to stock up. Uh, what did I miss?"

Buffy shook her head and walked over to Willow.

"Nothing Will. So, food shopping, who's in?"

The slayers groaned and Spike shook his head. Cordy shook her head and grinned.

"I'll go. I know what to get and should probably hit the butcher's for blood too."

Things decided, the three high school 'frenemies' headed out to go shopping and Giles went to explore the office and books that Wesley had around. Spike was stuck with three slayers, all giggling at him and he finally growled and headed downstairs to spar.

AA

Marcus stood outside of the room and stared. The doctor had given him the update on Knox and he simply nodded. Oh it wasn't how things were supposed to go, but he was adaptable. It was one of the reasons the Senior Partners put him here. They knew that things were difficult, had been since Angel came to the city. So he was aware that someone was behind him and he sighed.

"What is it?"

"They're, gone, sir."

"Who?"

"Angel and the rest of his team. They've just left. They didn't take the company car either."

Marcus frowned. He thought Angel's trip to see his son had been enough. It seemed not. He couldn't afford to take things easy anymore. He didn't have the luxury of time.

"Send two teams. Pick up the boy, and find the seer. Dispose of her."

The man nodded and backed away quickly. Left alone Marcus walked away from the medical wing to his own office. He slammed the door and narrowed his eyes at his desk. He could do nothing now but wait for the two teams to finish. A thin, white hand with long deep red nails landed on his shoulder and then slid down his chest.

"Tsk tsk tsk. Told you to let me play with her. Now she's flitted off. Took my Spike, after Daddy."

He turned and took her hand in his own, kissing at her pulse.

"But she hasn't yet found him has she?"

She purred and shook her head.

"No, Daddy is lookin' for her, racing but almost out of time. Will spring away from him. Then he'll have nothing but the slayer."

He nodded, that was good enough for him.

"Well, we are killing the seer, and you'll have Angelus to play with soon."

AA

Willow and Cordy had talked up a storm. Buffy finally had to tell them to take a break and they laughed. She had felt a little bad at first, finding out that Cordelia and Willow had already started on a friendship. Cordy joked her out of her gloom though and the three headed into the grocery store arm in arm. There was the usual. Arguing over which cereal to get, what extras they could get and not get. Budget was an issue and Buffy made at least one comment about the girl from Sunnydale that just had to have the best being able to do so much bargain shopping. They loaded up the car and headed to the butcher's. They realized they'd been gone awhile but it felt good to get out, and it helped them get to know each other all over again.

Exiting the butcher's shop Willow was arguing with Cordy over the types of blood when Buffy came to a stop and stood in front of the two. They looked up and a team of men with guns were standing with weapons trained on them. Cordy sucked in a breath.

"Wolfram and Hart."

A man in a suit stepped forward, still behind the nozzles of the weapons.

"We only want the seer. You two are free to go."

Buffy snorted.

"Oh are we? Gee thanks, but no thanks. Seer's coming with us."

"So is it true that there are multitudes of slayers now? If so, I can't see how the world would miss one more. We have our orders, and warning you was a courtesy. Don't abuse it."

He gave a nod to the gun men and stepped back again. Cordy's eyes went wide when she realized they weren't there to take her in. She pushed at Willow.

"Buffy run!"

Buffy had already realized the same thing and jumped to attack a gunman. Grabbing his gun and kicking him to the ground. She swung the butt of the gun into another shooter.

"You two run!"

Willow stumbled and then tossed up her hands, muttering something that brought a mist to the air.

"Why don't we all run!"

She reached for Cordy's arm and started to take off.

"Buffy!"

There were a few shots sounded and some grunts then suddenly they heard her coming up behind them.

"On my way! Anyone got a cell or anything? We could use some back up!"

Willow fumbled and found hers.

"Got it! Calling Giles!"

AA

Angel walked into the lobby and frowned, it was empty. Wesley was a bit more anxious so walked farther into the lobby calling.

"Cordelia? Fred!"

Giles poked his head out of the office, a book in hand. He closed it and stepped out.

"Angel? Wesley? We were under the impression you were all, detained."

Gunn grinned, and as Fred came down the stairs grinning herself he shrugged.

"We undetained ourselves. Where's this slayer I keep hearin' about?"

Wesley let out a breath and hurried to the stairs as Fred came down and hugged him.

"You're back! Are, you stayin?"

Wesley nodded with his own matching grin.

"We are."

Fred looked over at Angel and grinned, he returned it with a small smile. Giles looked surprised at the two then looked over to Angel and Gunn, his eyes freezing on Lorne. Lorne gave him a small wave and Angel frowned.

"Giles? Where's Cordelia?"

"Oh, yes, um, she, Buffy and Willow went to get supplies. It seems the kitchen is empty and unfortunately with four slayers, groceries are a must."

Angel nodded and stepped inside. He rubbed at the back of his neck. Sensing his discomfort Lorne smiled and patted his arm.

"Dont' worry Angelcakes, if there's one thing I know, it's that the Princess is full of forgiveness when it comes to her champion."

"Except, Spike is her champion now."

"One of, I believe."

He looked up at Giles who glanced back down to the book.

"I believe from what Cordelia explained to us, and with what I've found on a vampire mark, wonderful copy of the Deandeum by the way Wesley, you were also supposed to be bound to her?"

"Yes but, the longer I wait the harder it is. The bond between her and Spike is growing and if it gets too strong there's no way for me to, to interfere with that."

Giles nodded, he'd read something about vampire marks, but had happened to find something regarding a seer and her bond to a vampire that had him curious. His phone rang and he reached for it just as Spike came running up the stairs. He glanced around and saw Angel. With a growl he ran for him and grabbed his jacket.

"Where is she?"

Angel grabbed his hands and stared at him.

"Who? Cordelia? We were told she went shopping, Spike what is it?"

He released Angel and headed for the door, but stopped when he heard Giles. The man had paled and dropped the book, the cell phone to his ear.

"Good lord. . . Buffy."

Angel froze, he looked at Spike who hung his head, and fell to his knees. Angel panicked and grabbed his shoulders pulling him up.

"Spike!"

"She's, fading. In so much pain."

His face was pinched, and pale. Angel looked to Giles who was trying hard not to shake. Giles shook his head, unable to move the phone.

"They were shot, I heard, the shots. They aren't answering me."

There were gasps, and tears but Angel shook Spike and concentrated on him.

"Spike! You can feel her? Good, hold onto her. Don't let her fade. You have to breathe now, breathe for her. Can you find her? Can you find them?"

Spike closed his eyes and took a deep breath, it rattled into his chest as if there was blood filling his lungs. He took a few more breaths then nodded. Opened his eyes and stood.

"We have to hurry."

Angel looked back and saw the girls standing there.

"You're slayers, Buffy trained you for this. Get your weapons and come with me. Gunn?"

Gunn grabbed an axe from the weapons cabinet and other weapons tossing them to the girls.

"On it! Let's hit it!"

Giles looked at Angel.

"Hurry. I can hear breathing but. . . "

Angel nodded and they rushed out the front door. Leaving Lorne and Giles staring after them. Fred buried her head into Wesley's shirt and he closed his eyes feeling somehow to blame.