A/N Thanks for the feedback; it was greatly appreciated. Hope I didn't
keep you hanging on too long with my little cliffhanger. Sorry about that,
but when I wrote it, the hour was late and I just couldn't type another
word.
Chapter 12
Fred looked frantically around the darkened church, unable to see anything in the gloom. Frustrated tears started to fall down her cheeks.
"He can't be far away, he must have just got knocked over from the blast like the rest of us," said Wesley.
"Shame it didn't say anything in the good book, about ducking for cover." said Gunn as he looked down at his ruined suit.
"Spike, where are you?" Fred called out, the fear evident in her voice.
"Hey blondie, if you are playing hide and seek, now might be a good time to show yourself," said Lorne.
"It might help if we could shed some light on the situation, did anyone think to bring a flashlight?" asked Wesley.
"It's a church, they must have candles around here somewhere," said Gunn
Angel spied a doorway on the far wall, easily with his enhanced vision; and proceeded to walk through it. After searching for several minutes, he discovered what they needed.
"I've found some candles, and a book of matches," said Angel.
"Well don't just tell us about it, bring them over here," said Wesley impatiently.
"Thanks so much Angel," he mumbled under his breath to himself, as he lit a candle and passed the others to his friends.
Fred took one from Lorne, her hand shaking as she held the tiny light. Angel looked at her sympathetically, as he took her hand and squeezed it.
"He'll be here somewhere Fred. The powers, or whatever brought him back, did so for a reason. We'll find him," said Angel reassuringly.
They continued to call out for Spike, and search the poorly lit church for any signs of where he might be. Fred felt a lump in her throat. Why hadn't she just told him how she really felt about him? He might be gone now, and she may never have the chance. She cursed herself inwardly, at her own stupidity and self-doubt. Fresh tears slid down her face, and fell into the candle flame, causing it to hiss.
The noise distracted her momentarily, as she tripped and fell over something lying in her path. The candle went flying, and hit some curtains behind the altar. Fred quickly recovered her self, as she became aware of what she had stumbled on. The scent of leather and Spike were unmistakable.
She could just make out his white blonde hair in the gloom.
"Guys! I've found him," Fred called out.
She frowned; becoming aware that the room was getting brighter by the second.
"Hey, did someone find the lights at the same time?" asked Lorne.
"No, that would be the church starting to go up in smoke," said Wesley dryly, as he eyed the curtains behind Fred.
The flames licked up the drapes at lightening speed, and crawled up the oak panelling of the nearby door. Fred coughed as the acrid smoke started to fill her lungs.
"You guys get yourselves out of here, I'll get Spike," said Angel.
Wesley and Gunn pulled Fred off Spike's inert form, and dragged her outside into the clean night air. Lorne followed them. Angel stood alone in the church, staring down at Spike's body. He was still alive. Angel knew that much, otherwise he would be staring at a little pile of dust right now.
Spike stirred, opening his eyes to see Angel staring down at him, a strange expression on his face.
"What is it? Has somebody died?" asked Spike
"Not recently no," sighed Angel
"Sorry to disappoint you, but it looks like I have been spared for now. Guess the powers that be, need two souled vampires walking God's green earth after all," Smirked Spike.
"It would appear so," replied Angel.
Spike frowned.
"Either you have taken up smoking, or something's burning," said Spike as he sniffed the air.
"No and yes. The church is on fire," Angel replied.
"Well what the bleeding hell are we still doing here then?" asked Spike.
"Good question," smiled Angel, as he held out his hand to Spike.
Spike eyed it suspiciously for a moment, before taking it. Angel helped him to his feet. Spike stumbled slightly and would have fallen, but Angel put his arm around him for support. Spike looked up at Angel in surprise, his expression was unreadable as he negotiated the flames.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"What's taking them so long? Maybe Angel's fallen, or they are trapped," said Fred.
Lorne put an arm around her, comfortingly.
"If any one can save the day, then it's Angel. Look, you can't risk going back in there; they'll be fine. Neither of those guys need to breathe, unlike us," said Lorne.
The church doors burst open, to reveal Angel appearing through the smoke, carrying Spike in his arms. He'd collapsed the last few yards to the exit. The others rushed over to help, taking Spike from and laid him out on the grass. Fred fell to her knees with relief, as well as concern for Spike.
"Is he okay?" asked Wesley.
"As ok as Spike will ever be, but that would be a definite yes," Angel replied, as he looked at Fred.
Fred looked up gratefully, from her position at Spike's side.
"Thanks Angel," she smiled at him, as she tenderly touched Spike's face.
Angel smiled back. He would never get used to seeing the sight of Spike and Fred together; if he lived to be 400 years old. Nevertheless, her happiness was important to him.
"All part of the service. Now, has anyone thought to dial 911?" asked Angel.
"I'm on it," said Lorne, as he whipped out his cell phone.
Angel looked at them all.
"It would be better if we weren't here when the cops arrive, to ask awkward questions," said Angel.
"Good point," said Lorne.
"Wesley, Gunn, could you carry Spike to the car?" asked Fred.
"Are you sure, you wouldn't like me to drive him back?" asked Wesley.
"No, I want to do this," she said determinedly.
"Okay, you're the boss, well actually Angel is. But lets not digress here," said Lorne.
Wesley and Gunn, picked up Spike between them. Spike groaned, as he was thrown, head long, back into consciousness.
"Where am I?" he asked.
Fred walked alongside. She smiled at him; her eyes shone with unshed tears. Nevertheless, she held them back, waterworks were the last thing he needed right now.
"You're safe, we're taking you home," Fred replied.
Spike smiled to her. 'Home', sounded like the most beautiful word in the world to him at that moment.
He grasped her hand lying at her side, and pressed his lips to it, kissing it tenderly. Spike struggled to stand, once they reached the car.
"I think I can take things from here, but thanks anyway guys," said Spike as he started to open the driver's door.
Fred put her hands on her hips.
"I don't think so, do you?" she asked Spike sternly.
"She has a point, wouldn't want you passing out again, at the wheel," said Angel.
"Worried I'll dent your precious car?" replied Spike.
"No, but I do care about Fred's safety," said Angel.
Lorne looked around.
"Don't look now, but I think the boys in blue are about to show," said Lorne.
Gunn started up the engine of the 'Vette and Lorne got into the car with him.
"See you guys back at W&H," he said as they drove off.
Angel opened the passenger door of his Viper, Spike reluctantly got into it. He looked up at Angel.
"Thanks for earlier," Spike mumbled at him.
"What was that? Didn't quite hear you," said Angel.
Wesley fired up the Lamborghini.
"Angel, we must leave," said Wesley.
"Give him a moment, he wants his pound of flesh," shouted Spike, over the noise of the other car.
"Thank you for getting me out of the church, Angel, okay?" asked Spike.
"That's what I thought you'd said, anyway must go," said Angel as he got in beside Wesley.
Spike closed the door of the car and Fred drove off at Speed. Spike raised his eyebrow in surprise.
"Are you sure this car isn't a little beyond your capabilities?" he asked her.
"If I can handle you, then I think this car will be a piece of cake," she replied.
Spike yawned.
"How are you feeling?" she asked him.
"Knackered, if you want to know the truth," he admitted.
"You must be free of the amulet's power. Maybe that's why you are feeling so drained. Get some rest, I'll wake you when we get there," said Fred.
"If you're sure?" he asked already half asleep.
Fred looked at him, his eyes closed, as he settled down into a comfortable position. Fred put her foot down as she headed towards the city limits.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Angel sat at his desk; he checked his watch for the tenth time in succession. They had been back for over an hour, but there was still no sign of Spike and Fred. He was getting seriously worried as to their whereabouts. Maybe Fred had had trouble handling such a powerful car and had come off the road.
He waited another five minutes, before phoning down to security to see if they had returned. After receiving an answer in the negative, he shrugged on his jacket and made his way to Wesley's office.
Angel knocked on Wesley's office door. He looked up from the papers he was poring over.
"Come in," Wesley replied.
Angel entered the office and he looked at Wesley.
"What is it?" asked Wesley.
"Seems we have a little problem with a couple missing persons. Spike and Fred are still AWOL," Angel replied.
"It's only been an hour, a bit premature to call out the search party just yet," said Wesley.
"You're probably right, I think I'll call it a night. Burning churches and rescuing Spike, I think I've done my bit for the evening," said Angel.
Wesley nodded in reply and returned to his work.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fred pulled over the car on to the side of the road and switched off the engine. She leaned over and gently shook Spike. He smiled sleepily before opening his eyes.
"We're here," she told him.
Spike looked around at his surroundings in confusion.
"We're some where, but it definitely isn't Wolfram and Hart. What's going on love?" asked Spike.
"I want you to get out of the car," said Fred.
"What am I missing here?" he replied.
"I'm giving you a choice," she said.
Spike tilted his head and looked at her, before opening the door of the car and exiting it. He stood in front of the car and regarded her through the windscreen.
"Now what?" Spike asked her.
"That's kinda up to you," said Fred.
TBC
A/N I am calling the LA borders, City Limits as I was unsure to what towns were on the borderline of LA, anyone want to suggest a couple of towns, feel free to do so. Next chapter will probably be the final chapter, but I am not superstitious about ending it at 13 chapters lol.
Chapter 12
Fred looked frantically around the darkened church, unable to see anything in the gloom. Frustrated tears started to fall down her cheeks.
"He can't be far away, he must have just got knocked over from the blast like the rest of us," said Wesley.
"Shame it didn't say anything in the good book, about ducking for cover." said Gunn as he looked down at his ruined suit.
"Spike, where are you?" Fred called out, the fear evident in her voice.
"Hey blondie, if you are playing hide and seek, now might be a good time to show yourself," said Lorne.
"It might help if we could shed some light on the situation, did anyone think to bring a flashlight?" asked Wesley.
"It's a church, they must have candles around here somewhere," said Gunn
Angel spied a doorway on the far wall, easily with his enhanced vision; and proceeded to walk through it. After searching for several minutes, he discovered what they needed.
"I've found some candles, and a book of matches," said Angel.
"Well don't just tell us about it, bring them over here," said Wesley impatiently.
"Thanks so much Angel," he mumbled under his breath to himself, as he lit a candle and passed the others to his friends.
Fred took one from Lorne, her hand shaking as she held the tiny light. Angel looked at her sympathetically, as he took her hand and squeezed it.
"He'll be here somewhere Fred. The powers, or whatever brought him back, did so for a reason. We'll find him," said Angel reassuringly.
They continued to call out for Spike, and search the poorly lit church for any signs of where he might be. Fred felt a lump in her throat. Why hadn't she just told him how she really felt about him? He might be gone now, and she may never have the chance. She cursed herself inwardly, at her own stupidity and self-doubt. Fresh tears slid down her face, and fell into the candle flame, causing it to hiss.
The noise distracted her momentarily, as she tripped and fell over something lying in her path. The candle went flying, and hit some curtains behind the altar. Fred quickly recovered her self, as she became aware of what she had stumbled on. The scent of leather and Spike were unmistakable.
She could just make out his white blonde hair in the gloom.
"Guys! I've found him," Fred called out.
She frowned; becoming aware that the room was getting brighter by the second.
"Hey, did someone find the lights at the same time?" asked Lorne.
"No, that would be the church starting to go up in smoke," said Wesley dryly, as he eyed the curtains behind Fred.
The flames licked up the drapes at lightening speed, and crawled up the oak panelling of the nearby door. Fred coughed as the acrid smoke started to fill her lungs.
"You guys get yourselves out of here, I'll get Spike," said Angel.
Wesley and Gunn pulled Fred off Spike's inert form, and dragged her outside into the clean night air. Lorne followed them. Angel stood alone in the church, staring down at Spike's body. He was still alive. Angel knew that much, otherwise he would be staring at a little pile of dust right now.
Spike stirred, opening his eyes to see Angel staring down at him, a strange expression on his face.
"What is it? Has somebody died?" asked Spike
"Not recently no," sighed Angel
"Sorry to disappoint you, but it looks like I have been spared for now. Guess the powers that be, need two souled vampires walking God's green earth after all," Smirked Spike.
"It would appear so," replied Angel.
Spike frowned.
"Either you have taken up smoking, or something's burning," said Spike as he sniffed the air.
"No and yes. The church is on fire," Angel replied.
"Well what the bleeding hell are we still doing here then?" asked Spike.
"Good question," smiled Angel, as he held out his hand to Spike.
Spike eyed it suspiciously for a moment, before taking it. Angel helped him to his feet. Spike stumbled slightly and would have fallen, but Angel put his arm around him for support. Spike looked up at Angel in surprise, his expression was unreadable as he negotiated the flames.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"What's taking them so long? Maybe Angel's fallen, or they are trapped," said Fred.
Lorne put an arm around her, comfortingly.
"If any one can save the day, then it's Angel. Look, you can't risk going back in there; they'll be fine. Neither of those guys need to breathe, unlike us," said Lorne.
The church doors burst open, to reveal Angel appearing through the smoke, carrying Spike in his arms. He'd collapsed the last few yards to the exit. The others rushed over to help, taking Spike from and laid him out on the grass. Fred fell to her knees with relief, as well as concern for Spike.
"Is he okay?" asked Wesley.
"As ok as Spike will ever be, but that would be a definite yes," Angel replied, as he looked at Fred.
Fred looked up gratefully, from her position at Spike's side.
"Thanks Angel," she smiled at him, as she tenderly touched Spike's face.
Angel smiled back. He would never get used to seeing the sight of Spike and Fred together; if he lived to be 400 years old. Nevertheless, her happiness was important to him.
"All part of the service. Now, has anyone thought to dial 911?" asked Angel.
"I'm on it," said Lorne, as he whipped out his cell phone.
Angel looked at them all.
"It would be better if we weren't here when the cops arrive, to ask awkward questions," said Angel.
"Good point," said Lorne.
"Wesley, Gunn, could you carry Spike to the car?" asked Fred.
"Are you sure, you wouldn't like me to drive him back?" asked Wesley.
"No, I want to do this," she said determinedly.
"Okay, you're the boss, well actually Angel is. But lets not digress here," said Lorne.
Wesley and Gunn, picked up Spike between them. Spike groaned, as he was thrown, head long, back into consciousness.
"Where am I?" he asked.
Fred walked alongside. She smiled at him; her eyes shone with unshed tears. Nevertheless, she held them back, waterworks were the last thing he needed right now.
"You're safe, we're taking you home," Fred replied.
Spike smiled to her. 'Home', sounded like the most beautiful word in the world to him at that moment.
He grasped her hand lying at her side, and pressed his lips to it, kissing it tenderly. Spike struggled to stand, once they reached the car.
"I think I can take things from here, but thanks anyway guys," said Spike as he started to open the driver's door.
Fred put her hands on her hips.
"I don't think so, do you?" she asked Spike sternly.
"She has a point, wouldn't want you passing out again, at the wheel," said Angel.
"Worried I'll dent your precious car?" replied Spike.
"No, but I do care about Fred's safety," said Angel.
Lorne looked around.
"Don't look now, but I think the boys in blue are about to show," said Lorne.
Gunn started up the engine of the 'Vette and Lorne got into the car with him.
"See you guys back at W&H," he said as they drove off.
Angel opened the passenger door of his Viper, Spike reluctantly got into it. He looked up at Angel.
"Thanks for earlier," Spike mumbled at him.
"What was that? Didn't quite hear you," said Angel.
Wesley fired up the Lamborghini.
"Angel, we must leave," said Wesley.
"Give him a moment, he wants his pound of flesh," shouted Spike, over the noise of the other car.
"Thank you for getting me out of the church, Angel, okay?" asked Spike.
"That's what I thought you'd said, anyway must go," said Angel as he got in beside Wesley.
Spike closed the door of the car and Fred drove off at Speed. Spike raised his eyebrow in surprise.
"Are you sure this car isn't a little beyond your capabilities?" he asked her.
"If I can handle you, then I think this car will be a piece of cake," she replied.
Spike yawned.
"How are you feeling?" she asked him.
"Knackered, if you want to know the truth," he admitted.
"You must be free of the amulet's power. Maybe that's why you are feeling so drained. Get some rest, I'll wake you when we get there," said Fred.
"If you're sure?" he asked already half asleep.
Fred looked at him, his eyes closed, as he settled down into a comfortable position. Fred put her foot down as she headed towards the city limits.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Angel sat at his desk; he checked his watch for the tenth time in succession. They had been back for over an hour, but there was still no sign of Spike and Fred. He was getting seriously worried as to their whereabouts. Maybe Fred had had trouble handling such a powerful car and had come off the road.
He waited another five minutes, before phoning down to security to see if they had returned. After receiving an answer in the negative, he shrugged on his jacket and made his way to Wesley's office.
Angel knocked on Wesley's office door. He looked up from the papers he was poring over.
"Come in," Wesley replied.
Angel entered the office and he looked at Wesley.
"What is it?" asked Wesley.
"Seems we have a little problem with a couple missing persons. Spike and Fred are still AWOL," Angel replied.
"It's only been an hour, a bit premature to call out the search party just yet," said Wesley.
"You're probably right, I think I'll call it a night. Burning churches and rescuing Spike, I think I've done my bit for the evening," said Angel.
Wesley nodded in reply and returned to his work.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fred pulled over the car on to the side of the road and switched off the engine. She leaned over and gently shook Spike. He smiled sleepily before opening his eyes.
"We're here," she told him.
Spike looked around at his surroundings in confusion.
"We're some where, but it definitely isn't Wolfram and Hart. What's going on love?" asked Spike.
"I want you to get out of the car," said Fred.
"What am I missing here?" he replied.
"I'm giving you a choice," she said.
Spike tilted his head and looked at her, before opening the door of the car and exiting it. He stood in front of the car and regarded her through the windscreen.
"Now what?" Spike asked her.
"That's kinda up to you," said Fred.
TBC
A/N I am calling the LA borders, City Limits as I was unsure to what towns were on the borderline of LA, anyone want to suggest a couple of towns, feel free to do so. Next chapter will probably be the final chapter, but I am not superstitious about ending it at 13 chapters lol.