Title: Welcome to my World

Author: Angel's Blue Eyed Girl

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Nope, I still own none of them.

A/N Thanks to all the great reviews on this fic. Gosh, you guys are awesome. I am so pleased with the reactions I've gotten to the addition of Angelus. Yes red... I have to agree with you, he is deliciously wicked. But he IS still Angelus so on that note, I must add this warning: There is a character death and implications of torture in this chapter. :( Sorry. Musie insisted. Blame her!

Chapter 28

Angel Investigations

Booth and Brennan were alone in the lobby. After Brennan had patched up Lorne, Buffy had gone to find Angel and see if Gwen was okay. After she'd left they'd realized Illyria was wrapped inside a body bag. They hadn't noticed the rolled up figure at first and both of them had been horrified to find her bloodied and broken body inside.

Booth had looked away as Bones treated her. She had been naked and obviously tortured for sure and maybe raped. Bones hadn't examined her that thoroughly yet. She had wanted to treat her more pressing injuries first. Every finger on both hands were broken. Her face was a mass of blood and bruises. Her chest and back were both just a raw, gaping would. She'd been whipped obviously, but Bones also said she'd been skinned too. Booth grimaced in horror at that. It was a miracle she wasn't dead!

There had been an envelope stuck to her bloodied chest, which they removed, but it had Angel's name on it and they both decided it might be best to let Angel open it. They both knew just WHO it was from and truthfully Booth had really had quiet enough of anything from Angelus, especially after helping Bones wrap all of Illyria's numerous injuries. He couldn't understand any creature that could do THAT to another living being.

Booth was so very tired. He couldn't remember feeling this tired… ever. He wasn't looking forward to Angel coming back either. He didn't want to tell him about Illyria and he didn't want to ask him if what Angelus had so cruelly taunted him with was the truth! Were they brothers? And if so, how was it possible? And just what had happened to him?

Booth sat in a kind of stunned haze. "You don't think it's possible he was telling the truth do you?" Booth asked frowning. "I mean… I know who I am right? I would remember something like that. Wouldn't I?"

Brennan had no idea how to answer that. A few weeks ago she would've scoffed at the notion that such a thing was possible, but that was before she'd met Angel.

"Booth, I wish I knew what to say right now. Had you asked me that question two weeks ago I would've said it was ridiculous. But…"

He nodded, "Yeah…" he said tiredly, running a hand through his hair. "I know. Now… Anything seems possible. Doesn't it?"

Brennan nodded sadly, taking his broad shouldered frame into her arms. She felt him shudder and knew he was overwhelmed by what Angelus had said. 'Could it be true?' She wondered. 'It WOULD explain the startling resemblance between Booth and Angel…" She pushed the thoughts out of her mind and concentrated on comforting her lover and partner. He needed her right now.

"I think you need to talk to Angel," she said softly, stroking his back and placing soft kisses along his temple and brow.

He raised his head and his dark eyes were nearly black with emotion. "Yeah, I know Bones… But… What if I'm afraid to hear the answer? What then?" He asked softly, cupping her cheek in his huge, yet oh so gentle hands. He looked deeply into her incredible blue eyes, "What if he tells me I used to be a monster too!"

He put his head down, suddenly remembering pulling that trigger when he was a sniper. Was that why it had been so easy at the time for him? Was he some kind of monster created by the monster, Angelus? He looked at Bones,

"What if I don't want to know Bones?" He asked, his voice cracking with emotion.

She shook her head, not sure what he needed from her. She wished she were more like him at times like this. He always knew what to say to make it better. Unfortunately, she didn't have his social and people skills. She could only help him through her love for him and by being there for him.

"I don't know Booth. I suppose we deal with that then. And you will, you know? No matter what Angel says… You WILL deal with it and get through it, because it's who you are. And I'll be here for you... I... I'll love you no matter what Booth. Nothing could change the way I see you or feel about you."

She still felt uncomfortable with the being in love with him part of their relationship, but it was true. She loved him and he needed to know how much.

He smiled softly at her words. She'd just admitted she DID love him. He'd already known she had. But to hear her put it in words never failed to make him feel incredible. He kissed her softly, "Thank you Bones. I love you too." he whispered.

He knew she'd be there for him. At least he had her… It suddenly occurred to him what else she'd said, how he'd deal with it. He'd gotten distracted with the "she'd still love him" part! He took her hand in his as he sat down on the couch. "You believe him don't you? You believe what Angelus said about me." The last was said as a statement NOT a question.

She didn't want to say it. Would give anything to say, "NO WAY" but she'd never lied to him and she wasn't going to start now. She squeezed his big hand, "Yeah, I think I do. I don't want to... but... Something in the way he said it... I think he's telling the truth, I just don't understand HOW he's telling the truth." she said to him in her straight forward manner.

Booth nodded and wrapped his free arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. He hugged her closely as another shudder went through him. He wished he could shout out a heated and firm denial to what Angelus had said. He wanted so badly to be able to say, that this was nothing but a vicious lie from the lips of a homicidal madman, but he'd KNOWN something felt familiar about Angel. He also known that something was passing between Angelus and Angel and his gut had said it was about him. Well now he understood, now it made sense.

He kissed the top of her head, almost as if he were comforting her. "Yeah Bones...So do I…" he murmured in a very soft voice.

His arms tightened around her as he hugged her tightly. Just needing to feel her right now. Maybe if he held onto her tight enough all this would just go away… Maybe Illyria and Gwen would be okay. Maybe Spike and Buffy's sister would just stroll in that door right now and maybe, just maybe he could forget what Angelus had said. Unfortunately, he knew the world didn't work that way and he had no illusions that it would suddenly start now.

Across town… Friendship Heights…

She turned as he followed her into the room. "And as you can see this is the last of the bedrooms. The bathroom is also connected. It's fully stocked with towels and what not… as are the others. Everything comes with the place as I told you over the phone Mr. O'Connor."

Angelus turned and flashed her a seductive grin. "Please, you told me to call you Connie… So you have to call me Angelus…"

The blond real estate agent blushed prettily at his flirtatious smile. 'God this man is gorgeous!' She thought, trying to keep her mind on the business at hand and NOT on how beautiful her newest client was. Even if it WAS his looks and charm that even had her out here at the property with him right now in the first place.

Connie Everson was ambitious, yes. But she had two rules she never broke. One… Never show a property at night and two… Never show a property without it having been set up through her agency first. She'd broken both of those rules tonight with this man. He was just so… Magnetic. So charming and sexy, she'd agreed to show him the property even though it went against her rules and her experienced judgement. 'Oh let's face it Connie… You're hoping he'll ask you out," she admitted as she watched him explore the room.

Angelus looked around what he decided was going to be his new home, while in D.C. It was a spacious house on a fair amount of property. 'No nearby neighbors to hear any screams,' he thought with a smirk as he looked around the huge bedroom. His eyes rested on the old fashioned four poster, king- sized bed and a small half smile tugged at his lips as he imagined Buff, tied naked and spread eagle to each of the posts. He shook off those thoughts, best to save those for later. Looking around, he nodded at the rich opulence of the furnishings.

'Now this is more my style' he thought as he took this last room in.He was already taking notes of any and all adjustments he'd need to make. 'First off... Black out curtains,' he said to himself as he looked at the floor to ceiling windows. 'No need becoming a crisy critter my first time in a hundred years of truly being free from the fucking soul!'

He wanted it though, so he'd make the necessary changes. He was tired of looking actually. Patience was definitely NOT a strong suit with Angelus and he'd already seen two other houses tonight and he'd been not too thrilled with the first one, but had absolutely hated the second one. Both had been large and secluded, like he'd requested, but the first had such a stereotypical higher class suburbia home it had left him apathetic and uninspired. While the second… Well it had just been ugly and Angelus liked beautiful things.

Clothes, cars, women, fabrics, homes… They all had to be pleasing to him in some way, whether it was to the eyes or to the touch. He hadn't changed since his days with Darla. He still liked the finer things in life. As a matter of fact, this place reminded him of how he and Darla had always lived. In style and with an amazing view...

He smiled broadly at the attractive blond haired real estate agent that was showing him the place. She was nervous, but he'd noticed how her bright blue eyes had roamed over his face and body. His dark eyes flashed as he inhaled her scent of arousal and a tinge of anxiety.

"Miss Everson…" He stopped and gave her a mischievous grin, "I mean Connie, it's perfect." His dark eyes bored into her sky blue ones. "It's stunning. I desire… No I need to have it. It's exactly what I've been looking for." he said softly, as he moved closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers.

He moved with the lethal grace of a predator. It WAS what he was. A predator. A dangerous, yet hypnotically enticing predator when stalking his prey. Angelus bestowed upon the woman a provocative smile and raised her hand to his lips. He never broke eye contact with her as he kissed her hand, letting his tongue taste her just the tiniest of bits. It was just enough to entice, not to frighten.

"Thank you for taking the time to show me the property lass…Let me show you how much I... appreciate it," he whispered as he pulled her closer to him.

Connie was struck by his magnetism. Had she ever seen such an incredible looking man? She couldn't remember when. It wasn't just his looks, which were magnificent, but it was something else too… Something just under the surface. He was irresistible and whatever it was about him that was so alluring, it made her stomach clench and her skin tingle as she got lost in those dark, mesmerizing eyes.

"Oh God…" she whispered softly as he stepped even closer to her, his body almost pressed against hers. He buried his hands in her long blond hair. Connie trembled and her began to heart pound in a swift, powerful, almost painful rhythm as desire overwhelmed her when he lowered his head towards her.

Angelus chuckled wickedly, pulling her body flush against his. She was panting with need as he pressed against her. He purred softly as he nuzzled the hot flesh of her neck, softly licking the area where her blood pumped so fiercely. She gasped and he laughed softly again, loving the way his meals reacted to him. It made the hunting easier and the blood sweeter when he could taste and savor their hunger for him.

"Oh my God… Please," she moaned softly, head spinning from the seductive web this bewitching man had wove around her so effortlessly.

"The names Angelus sweetheart, but you can call me God if you want…" he murmured around his fangs as his face shifted…

Angel Investigations…

She found him kneeling next to Gwen's body, holding her pale lifeless hand. He was weeping softly and Buffy put her hand over her mouth to stop the gasp of horror at seeing the viciousness of her death. Her throat had literally been ripped out.

"Oh God… Angel. I'm sorry… So sorry," she murmured coming to wrap her arms around him from behind.

He allowed her to hold him, but he kept his head bowed as he whispered, "I didn't even check on her when we got back. I should've checked on her. I should've saved her. Why didn't I save her?"

Buffy shook her head, even though he couldn't see her. "We can't save everyone Angel. People we love sometimes die or get hurt, but blaming yourself isn't going to help baby. Please… It wasn't your fault."

He turned to look at her. "I should've been here Buffy…" He said, still holding Gwen's hand.

She wanted to tell him about Dawn, but she needed to first get him to let go of his guilt. Angelus wouldn't kill Dawn. Buffy knew he wanted Dawn as a pawn in his game with her. Her sister wouldn't be of any use to him if she was dead. And though she was terrified for Dawn… Angel needed her right now and Buffy needed to help him grieve and get past his pain so they could figure out how they were going to stop his demonic alter ego. She continued to hold on to him whispering words of comfort. She felt that together they could get through this, could get through anything. She remembered years ago, on a day that was erased and that she'd forgotten existed until she'd died, but the words still rang true to her today. Together they were strong. And they were...

Buffy laid her hands over his, "Then what Angel? If you had been back here saving Gwen, then maybe Angelus would've taken Booth or maybe me…I'm not saying we're more important than her. I'm just saying that this, her death was all out of your control." She stroked his jaw, "Do you understand? You didn't do this. Angelus did."

He seemed to think about that. "Yeah, I know… but still… I… I just feel like I should've saved her."

Buffy smiled gently, "And that's what makes you a hero Angel."

He wiped his eyes and stood. He wanted to stay and mourn her, but Buffy was right. He didn't do this, Angelus did and that meant he still had a job to do. He had to find Angelus. The bastard had Spike and Angel had to find them before his demon killed his childe.

As he turned away from Gwen, he sadly wondered just when he'd become so accustomed to death. Was it when he'd lost Cordy? Or Wesley, Gunn? Or maybe it was Doyle? The first man down. All their deaths had hit him hard, but he'd gone on. He always went on. He would this time too, no matter how much it hurt.

"I'm going to kill him…" He said in the softest, most deadly voice she'd ever heard from him. It was the closest she'd ever heard him to sounding Angelus-like in her life.

She just nodded, understanding his rage and completely on board with his wanting to kill Angelus, but she knew she wouldn't let him. Not until they knew Angel wouldn't turn to dust along with his demon. She'd stop him every time… No matter what, she couldn't lose Angel again. She just didn't think she was strong enough anymore to go through it again.

She watched in a compassionate quietness as he gathered a sheet and went back to his former lover's body. She stifled her own tears as he kissed Gwen's lips softly and covered her body with a new bright white sheet. He bowed his head over her again for a moment and Buffy wondered if he was praying.

Angel wasn't praying, he was saying goodbye...'He'll pay for this love… I promise. I love you Gwen.' He said to her silently, hoping wherever she was that she heard him and knew just how much she had meant to him.

"Where's Seeley and Temperance?" He asked, turning away from Gwen's body for the final time, as he began to pull himself back together and focus on what they had to do.

Buffy's eyes widened, "Oh God!!" She gasped. She'd almost forgotten Angelus had told Booth that he was really Angel's brother. She also needed to tell him about Dawn.

She took Angel's hand again, "Listen to me…I have to tell you a couple of things..." she said softly and Angel's brows went down as he met her teary hazel eyes. He already KNEW he wasn't going to like what she was about to say.

She took a deep breath, she had to prepare him for everything. "First, uh...Angel... Angelus took Dawn hostage too."

Angel's eyes widened, "What?!!" he roared.

Buffy winced, "He said I needed to decide if she was worth my life and that he'd be back for my answer…"

Angel let loose a deep growl at that. "That son of a bitch! You're NOT doing it Buffy. We'll get her back, but you're NOT going to just hand yourself over to him. I won't let you."

Buffy's brows drew down, she felt a sudden flare in her temper. "You won't LET me Angel? I'm the Slayer! If I need to…"

"NO!!" He snarled. He shook her briefly, making her head snap back before he yanked her body up hard against him and hugged her tightly. Pushing her back again, he gripped her upper arms in an iron grip as he stared at her for a moment as if willing her to see how much he loved her. His eyes flashed golden as he stared down into her angry/surprised, upturned face.

"That's right, I won't let you. I don't give a shit if you're the Slayer! Do you hear me? I won't let you because I love you. Just like you wouldn't let me if I wanted to do something like that Buffy. That's what lovers do… They stop each other from committing suicide! Just like you tackling me earlier…"

He leaned down so they were almost eye to eye, "I swear Buffy, I'll tie you to a bed myself before I let you give yourself to Angelus!" He finished with a soft growl.

Getting distracted for a moment by the provocative image of Angel tying her to a bed, it took Buffy a moment to realize she'd never seen him this angry or forceful with her. Usually Angel kind of backed down when she got angry, but… That was a long, long time ago. He'd definitely changed. She wondered if she was a bit disturbed, because she found herself more than a bit excited by this new, growly, take charge Angel!

She sighed, he WAS right though. She'd do a major wig if HE wanted to do the exact same thing.

"You're right," she said softly, her winsome hazel eyes gazed up at him, understanding his anger.

His eyes widened at her being so easy about this. He stood to his full height again and raised a brow as if wondering if she was trying to dupe him into believing she was acquiescing.

"I'm right. Just like that huh?" He asked skeptically.

Buffy smiled up at him as she led him down the hall, towards the lobby. "Yeah just like that," she said honestly. She sighed again, "Look Angel, you're right, okay? I'm totally with the understanding here. If you wanted to trade yourself to let's say… Drusilla, in exchange for anyone. I'd freak! So… Yeah, you're right. We'll find another way."

He stopped, "I'm glad you agree, not that we can even compare Dru and Angelus…" At her raised brow, he went on, "Let's not argue about it. It doesn't matter... We'll get Dawnie back, Buffy. I swear. I lost Gwen, we won't lose her too. At least Spike is with her," he said as he took her hand and began to walk again. "He'd die before he'd let anything happen to Dawn, Buffy. You know that."

Suddenly Buffy realized she'd forgotten to tell him about Booth. She stopped suddenly, causing Angel to drop her hand. She grabbed his hand again, halting him from proceeding into the lobby, where Booth was waiting.

"Angel, wait. I almost forgot something… After you… Uh… left to find Gwen. Well…" God, she hated this. He was going to be so upset, but she needed to prepare him before Booth asked him.

Angel tilted his head, trying to understand just what had her so nervous. "Just tell me Buffy" he finally said softly.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and did just that.

Angel had actually expected that, but still he felt a deep sadness and more than a little anxiety about what Seeley would say. He'd already decided to tell him the truth after Angelus had appeared, but there had not been the time. Now Booth had been told and not by him, but by his demon. The same demon whose greatest pleasure was destroying anything or anyone Angel cared about. Angel was sure it wasn't said gently to the agent.

"Fuck!" he cursed softly. "I knew that son of a bitch was going to tell him." He gazed down at his love. "Thank you for warning me. Now I think it's time I talk to my brother honestly. I never wanted to tell him Buffy."

She brought their joined hands to her lips and kissed his knuckles softly. "I know. That's another thing that makes you a hero baby."

He cupped her cheek with his free hand. "Oh really and why is that?" He asked with a small half smile.

She stroked the side of his beautiful face. "Because you put other people's needs and happiness before your own desires Angel. I know it would be wonderful for you to have your brother back and to have that kind of relationship with him, but you were more interested in his well-being than your own wants. You were more than willing to sacrifice any chance of having that brotherly relationship to keep him happy and ignorant of his past."

She smiled at him tenderly, "For that and so many other things…You're not only a good man. You ARE a hero and I love you." She finished, wiping at a tear that had spilled over her lashes.

Angel wiped the rest away with his thumbs. "That is the most beautiful thing you've ever said to me. You know that?" He kissed her tenderly, reverently. "Thank you and I love you too," he whispered, taking her hand he led her out to face the music with Booth. He just hoped he could explain things to him that didn't leave him scarred or hating him for life!

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