The Truth of the Matter

by SpikeLover Heidi Doeing

When Spike's chip endangers his life, Buffy and the gang must make a difficult decision

3. Part 3

The Truth of the Matter

Part 3

Angel slumped in the grand old armchair next to the fire. The rest of the mansion remained dark; it had not changed since he had left it the first time. When Buffy had sent him to hell. Even that was less painful than what he had learned tonight.

He was never more sorry than tonight that he had told her to move on in her life. The day they had shared together was pure bliss and he was never surer that she was his girl than then. But, the day had to be turned back and this time they both had memories of her telling him how much she loved and trusted Riley. Somehow, Riley never threatened him.

But Spike? A contender to say the least. Spike had lived a life half as long as his own, but twice as long as any man, with just as many twists and turns. Spike had a quick wit, where he could only offer a quiet countenance. Spike lived in the times, vampire or not, where he was committed to atoning for the past. Now as a human, Spike could offer Buffy a life melded almost seamlessly between normal and supernatural.

Maybe the reason he was never threatened by Riley was that he knew that Buffy could never stay with someone that normal for long. Not after me, Angel thought to himself cynically. Guilt thrust itself to the forefront of his mind and heart. If he had just stayed in the fringes of her life; if he had stayed Cryptic Guy', always there, but never centre stage, this never would have happened.

Angel shook his head as he continued to stare into the flames. He knew, the instant Whistler pointed her out, that he wanted to be a part of Buffy's life. A big part. All things followed from there and since he left, her life had simply continued without him. A life that now included Spike.

A sound from outside alerted him to visitors to the mansion. Angel rose from the chair and drifted stealthily towards the foyer.

Muffled voices. – you really think – here? A male voice.

Another voice, childlike and almost cooing, murmured back.

Angel didn't need to hear the words to know whom the voice belonged to. He opened the door with a crash outward and his statement was a strange mixture of recognition and shock. Recognition for his daughter' whom even after all of the good deeds, he would never really be able to atone for and shock for who she was with.

Riley. Glad to see you are keeping with such good company lately. Angel said to the younger man almost genially.

Drusilla giggled girlishly, interrupting whatever snappy retort Riley would eventually come up with. There was still blood smeared across her chin. For shame, Daddy. You knew my little boy was sick and you didn't help him. Angel looked at her, mystified, but she continued. But, I made him all better and soon he will be with Mummy.



Angel paused for a moment, trying to make sense of what Dru was saying. She wiped the blood from her chin and licked it off her finger with a small shudder of pleasure. Angel began to piece together what must have happened. Grabbing Dru forcefully he pushed her hard against the wall.

What did you do? He hissed.

I just wanted my Spike back. She whimpered tears in her eyes. I wanted us to be a family again.



Where is he? Angel asked. Dru remained silent.

WHERE IS HE? Angel yelled and Dru began to cry. He looked up at Riley who only smirked. He let go of her and she sank to the floor sobbing while he turned and ran, already knowing that he was going to be too late. Jumping into his car he made record speed to the Bronze where he was told that Buffy and Spike had left a while ago. It was as he feared, after being informed that Spike was staying in his old apartment Angel turned and ran back to his car, arriving in a matter of minutes.

The door was open and Angel felt as though his heart was being ripped from his chest when he took in the sight before him. Buffy was sat on the floor, cradling Spike's body and rocking him gently in her arms. Sensing Angel's presence she looked up at him, her eyes red and puffed from crying. She had no idea how long she'd been sat there, it could have been hours or just minutes. She wasn't sure. It felt like forever.

He's so cold. She whispered, half to herself and half to Angel. I'd only just gotten used to his skin being warm.



Angel stepped tentatively into the room, not sure if he should leave her alone or comfort her.

I never told him. She said flatly. He died not knowing how I really felt. She lay her hand on his cheek. I'm so sorry Spike, for not telling you and for not being able to save you.



Buffy, I'm sorry. Angel said gently, kneeling down next to her. His words caused the tears to fall once more and she buried her face in Spike's shoulder, her body wracked with sobs. Angel rubbed small circles on her back, trying to soothe her and knowing that nothing he said was going to help. After a moment he stopped. Something didn't feel right. Suddenly he could hear it. Taking Spike's hand he put his fingers on his wrist. A pulse. Barely audible, so faint he could hardly feel it but it was there.

Buffy, we have to get him to a hospital. Now.



She looked up at him, her face a mask of confusion.

He's got a pulse Buffy, I can feel it.



Buffy was on her feet in an instant and Angel scooped Spike up in his arms and carried him out to the car.

I don't understand. Said Buffy as they sped towards the hospital. He was dead, I checked.



Let's concentrate on helping him, we can ask questions later. He replied as they screeched round the corner and pulled into the hospital car park.

******

You have to help him! Angel cried out to the emergency room desk clerk as he burst through the doors.

The clerk nodded, picking up the telephone and hailing a slew of names over the intercom. Orderlies arrived with a gurney and relieved Angel of Spike's weight.

What happened? the doctor in charge asked, assuming an air of command that immediately soothed Buffy.

He wasattacked. I wasn't there, but he lost a lot of blood, she replied, taking deep breaths.

Alright, miss. We can help him, the doctor replied as Spike was wheeled down the corridor and into the emergency room. Are you family?



Buffy hesitated, glancing over to Angel. she responded confidently, willing the doctor to remain silent.

Alright. What we're going to do is give him several sets of transfusions and observe from there. We're a little low on supplies here. Are you a registered blood donor?



Buffy nodded and tuned out the rest of what the doctor was saying.

******

Spike felt weird. The last thing he remembered was Drusilla's fangs biting into his neck. Now he was in some place that felt almost familiar, like he had been there before.

He opened his eyes and surveyed the pastoral rolling fields of green. It was paradise. He spread out his arms, drinking in the warmth of the sun.

Suddenly, the light was cut off and he was floating in blackness. He opened his eyes and glanced around. He saw that his feet were standing on nothing at all, but he felt as though he was moving very fast indeed. He looked to his left and saw that he wasn't alone. The phantom leered at him, his yellow eyes glinting with amusement.

Hello William, the spectre breathed, his words trailing out behind him as he was moving just as fast.

But, you're – Spike began.

I am what you were for over a hundred years, the vampire stated.

You're dead. Spike replied flatly.

So are you, my friend, the demon agreed.

I don't feel dead, Spike protested.

Oh, but you are. Drusilla opened the door for me to return, but what she didn't know was that I was still here. I am a part of you William, always.



The apparition grinned at him, apparently satisfied by the horrified statement on Spike's face. He picked up on the subtle body cues – how could he not, they were his weren't they? – and amended his stance into a defensive position. Spike threw the first punch as they both hurtled through the dark. I don't want to be you again! he shouted.

The spectre saw the punch coming and caught his hand. There was that smug look again and a snort of laughter for good measure. Much as I want it William, and I want it bad, the Powers won't let me.



Spike asked, confused.

The friendly resident Powers That Be intervened on the spell that brought back your human soul. They made you human.



Get on with it, I don't have all bleeding eternity, Spike snapped.

Oh, but you do. You have an infinity of eternities if I so choose, the demon sneered.

Spike made a rude noise as it continued.

They tried before to make a vampire with a soul human. But they failed miserably. They even turned back time to cover up their mistake. They need their warriors. Like it or not, we are one of them.



Angel was human? Spike thought to himself.

He was, the apparition stated, breaking into Spike's thoughts. But he was weak; unable to fight. So they struck a bargain with me. What a laugh I had over that one, mate! The upshot of it was, I agree to lend you my strength and I don't get sent back to hell. I like it here. I have to live in the living hell of a live body and I have no control, but they get a warrior capable of fighting their fight. Not the worst deal I've been dealt.



Spike remained silent, struggling with the knowledge that was just bestowed on him. In the distance, he saw a pinprick of light.

So I'm immortal? he asked.

Not really. It would take a lot to kill you, especially with me in here, but you can never become a vampire again. The Powers made sure of it.



The light was getting closer and through it Spike could see himself on a bed with Buffy and Angel keeping vigil over it. They were speaking, though their words were so slow and drawn out that he couldn't understand them.

It's time to return, William. I enjoyed our little chat. And remember, I'll always be here, the phantom put a finger on Spike's chest, right over his heart and he felt a jolt.

He sat bolt upright and gasped for air.



******

Buffy sat as close to Spike as humanly possible as she waited for him to regain consciousness. She rubbed at the bandage on the inside of her right elbow. Luckily their blood types had matched. He had needed about six pints of blood and she had donated two. The doctors were amazed that he was even alive after all that, but in the tradition of Sunnydale doctors, they didn't give it a second thought.

The slow but steady beep of the heart monitor gave Buffy a small yet significant amount of comfort. She smiled across the bed at Angel.

Thank you, she said quietly. She knew how hard he had taken the entire night's events. Even after all this time, she still knew how he felt without his even having to say anything.

Angel gave her a small smile but remained silent. He was still trying to take in the fact that Spike, of all people had been given this amazing gift, and that Buffy had fallen in love with him as a result.

Buffy's eyes moved up to Spike's face, thanks to the transfusion the colour was starting to return to his cheeks. Taking his hand she was glad to feel it was warm, she'd never forget the feeling of his cold body lying in her arms. She looked back up at Angel.

Angel, I just want you to know that I never meant to hurt you. A part of me will always love you, I hope you know that. I wish I could explain what happened with me and Spike but I can't. It just happened.



Angel sighed. Buffy, you don't have to explain anything. I was the one who left and told you that you needed someone else. Granted I didn't have Spike in mind when I said that but if you're happy with him then I'm glad. You know I only ever want you to be happy.



Buffy nodded, her eyes drifting back to Spike for a moment. I am happy.



At that moment Spike sat bolt upright in bed with a gasp. Buffy was at his side in an instant, tears of relief pouring down her face as she pulled him into an embrace. Spike slowly became aware that he was no longer talking to his demon, he was in a bed and in Buffy's arms. She was crying. He was also aware that he was still alive and not a vampire as he should be. It was then that he recalled the words of his unconscious dream. Buffy pulled away from him and smiled through her tears.

Are you alright? She asked. When he nodded she eased him back in a lying position, keeping hold of his hand. Angel stood up.

I'll leave you two alone. He said quietly as he moved towards the door.

Called Spike, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper. There's something I need to tell you both.



Angel sat back down and Spike proceeded to tell them everything that had happened from Drusilla biting him to him waking up. When Spike reached the part about Angel having been human for a day Buffy gasped. She had absolutely no recollection of this although Angel's face betrayed the fact that he knew something about it. Spike finished the rest of his story uninterrupted.

Buffy and Angel looked thoughtful for a moment. It was certainly an interesting theory, but was it Spike's imagination or did his dream actually mean something. Buffy stood up and kissed Spike.

You should rest. I'll come back and visit you in the morning. I'll find out how long the doctors want to keep you in here as well.



Spike nodded and closed his eyes, drifting back to sleep almost immediately. Buffy and Angel quietly left.

The drive home was taken almost entirely in silence. On the one hand Buffy was still trying to take in the fact that Spike had survived Drusilla's attempt to re-sire him, but his story also raised a lot of questions. As the car pulled up outside her house she turned to face Angel.

Were you really human for a day? She asked.

Angel began, not really knowing what he was going to say, knowing that he had to tell her something.

Buffy said quickly. Tell me the truth. You were human for a day. Were you ever going to tell me? she demanded, her eyes sharp with hurt.

Angel stared across the steering wheel, through the windshield and into the darkness. You weren't supposed to know, he replied simply. No one was supposed to remember but me.



He winced as the memories that he tried so hard to bury flew at him, impossibly bright, and his pain blossomed anew. He felt like he was burning.

Buffy was incredulous. I wasn't supposed to know. Angel, a whole day of my life! I wasn't supposed to know?



She let the question hang there for a moment, and with a glance upward towards the stars, she began to struggle with the handle of the passenger side door. She expressed her aggravation with the handle by nearly breaking it away from the door and finally decided to climb out over the side of the convertible.

Angel whispered hoarsely as he realised that this time she could be the one who walks out of his life. He put his hand on her arm, lightly grasping it. She stopped and remained balanced on the door. One leg out of the car, one leg out.

What do you want now? she asked dully, as if nothing he said mattered anymore.

Don't go.



Buffy let out a defeated sigh and climbed back into the car. And glared right through him.

Angel shrank from her gaze. This wasn't the Buffy that he had fallen in love with. Was she always this hard, this unforgiving? You idiot, he thought to himself. Of course this isn't the Buffy you fell in love with in LA. She had grown up, changed. She would always change, while he never did. He smiled ruefully to himself despite her gaze which was growing more impatient by the moment.

How could I have told you? His voice edged with desperation, but he knew now that if he ever had a chance of coming out of this with her talking to him, he had to be on the level. I wanted to, so bad. The Oracles said that I had to bear the pain alone, but I couldn't stand knowing about all we did that day without you knowing too. By the time I decided to tell you, you were already telling me how much you didn't know me. How much you loved Riley. And then you left.



He looked at her, haunted. There wasn't enough time. Not enough.



Buffy stared at her hands cradled in her lap, remembering her words to him. They had a slight tremble as did her words. And I still don't remember.



Buffy. Look at me, his voice took on a faintly stronger timbre and she looked into his eyes. In them, she could see all of his love for her burning still. He confirmed it. I love you. I always will. But with this curse, his throat made an audible click, we can't be together. I'm starting to believe that we never will be.



What are you telling me? Buffy asked, tears threatening to fall.

Do you remember Aesop? Buffy nodded and he continued. His fables were always light-hearted, but never so much so that they hid the lesson that needed to be learned. I saw you in LA before you were called. Whistler told me that you would need my help. I had already spent nearly a century wandering aimlessly. I loved you from that instant and all I wanted to do was help you. You gave me a purpose, something to live' for.



He took an unneeded breath and went on. We needed each other then. We were destined to be together. But, not with me as a human; I remember. We would both die if that were to happen now. The day may come when The Powers That Be finally deem me worthy of that gift, but you can never stop being the Slayer. And I will never stop loving you and so I will always fight by your side. Yours and Spike's.



Buffy looked at him with tears shining in her eyes, that and understanding.

Come on, you need your rest if you're going to go visit Spike in the morning. I'll walk you to your door and take care of patrol for tonight. We can all go tomorrow night.



Buffy nodded and this time they both left the car. They walked side by side up her front walk, not saying a word. Angel watched as Buffy opened her front door soundlessly. She crossed the threshold and turned. As she threw her arms around his chest, his arms were already encircling her shoulders in a fierce hug. At last, they released each other. Buffy stood up on tiptoe and brushed her lips against Angel's cool cheek.

Thank you.



Goodnight, Buffy.

******

Riley tried to blot out the sound of Dru's wailing as he paced up and down the main room of the mansion, this wasn't exactly going the way he'd planned. After Angel had left in a useless attempt to try and save Spike, Dru had continued to cry and had refused to move from the spot on the floor where Angel had dropped her. Riley had tried everything from gentle coaxing to forcefully dragging her but nothing would make her move. He knew that if would only be a matter of time before Angel returned and quite honestly he wasn't ready to face and extremely angry, powerful vampire. He'd fought Angel once before, over Buffy ironically, and he'd barely gotten away with out serious injury. They needed to come up with a plan before they made their next move. Suddenly Dru's cried increased and Riley knelt down beside her.

My poor little Spike. She wailed. Mummy's kiss didn't work.



Riley frowned at this. What do you mean Dru? You turned Spike into a vampire right?



She shook her head, still caught in the throes of her vision. My Spike has protection, from those who look after my Angel. They won't let me bring him back.



Riley didn't understand what Dru was saying but he did know that they had to get out of there.

Come on Dru, he urged, trying to pull her to her feet. We'll find another way to get Spike back, I promise.



Looking up at him Dru finally nodded and climbed to her feet. Riley wrapped his arms around her trembling form and guided her out of the mansion. He'd have to come up with a better plan.

******

The next morning Buffy arrived at the hospital to find Spike awake and ready to be discharged. The doctors were amazed at how quickly he'd recovered but after all the strange things they'd seen in Sunnydale they just accepted it and discharged him with very few questions.

Although he was fit to leave the hospital Spike was still quite weak and as they walked back to the apartment Buffy kept an arm around his waist, allowing him to lean on her. As they walked she told him her version of the events of the night before, including her run-in with Riley. Spike shook his head with disbelief.

I don't get it. It's not like Dru to team up with a human, not like her at all.



Buffy shrugged. She didn't understand it either. All she knew was that Riley was now her enemy, and she'd have to face him sooner or later.

Arriving at the apartment Buffy helped Spike out of his duster and ordered him into bed while she went into the kitchen and fixed him up with some food. It was funny, she thought as she cooked, a few days ago if she'd been presented with a weakened Spike the first thing she would have done would be get him some blood to drink. Now here she was fixing him up a meal that they could both eat. It was a novel experience.

They sat in silence while they ate and after Buffy had cleared away the dishes she sat on the edge of the bed beside him. Taking is hand she looked straight in his eyes and took a deep breath. This needed saying.

last night.when Druwhen I thought I'd lost you, it made me realise something. Spike I love you. I think I have for a while now, but when I thought I'd never see you again, it made me realise exactly how much you mean to me. When I thought I'd never get to talk to you again it felt like part of me had died



Buffy closed her eyes, unable to finish, but she could still feel the hot wetness of her tears as they ran down her face. She was still holding his hands; how strong they felt! She felt his lips, too supple to really belong to a man, graze each tear as it fell. She opened her eyes to see his only inches from hers and crying the same tears.

Behind his tears, she saw the pure and unadulterated happiness dancing in his eyes. She gave him a wry smile and was about to comment on how being happy made people cry. As she opened her mouth to say so, she felt his lips sweep over hers, getting tangled, forming intricate designs. This wasn't like their kiss at the Bronze last night. That kiss was sweet, formal. This was anything but. It was wild, uncontrollable, fast and completely and overwhelmingly right.

If Buffy hadn't been sure of how much she loved Spike, the utter perfection of the kiss would have split her in half. Somehow, she knew that he had kissed her like this a thousand times in his dreams. She smiled into the kiss. It was a thought that would have made her run screaming into the night less than a week ago and now it was something that comforted, made her feel so loved.

I'm still alive, love, he murmured trailing kisses from the angle of her jaw and down her neck. As he did so, he lifted up his shirt, and placed her hand on the bare skin of his chest over his heart. She could feel its rhythm, strong and fast. It was mesmerising, yet incredibly powerful. Buffy took a breath as his lips returned to hers, softer this time.

Spike pulled away from her, searching her. He raised his eyebrows in an unspoken query. She stared back at him, as if she could melt daggers with her gaze. He had issued a challenge; she wasn't going to back down.

*******

Riley wrinkled his nose in disgust. Never in his whole life had he seen so much dust. It was apparent that Spike had never bothered to clean this old crypt. Dru had been out cold when they arrived at the cemetery. The trip up from Belize had been rough and it was almost daybreak.

Riley knew there was no where he could go and keep her safe. He discharged a rough bark that he supposed could have been a laugh. Him keeping her safe. He wondered about that. He had seen her feed before. She was strong and ruthless. She didn't need anyone to protect her. Now as she slept, her features so like a child's, he knew that he had to care for her.

After finding out what precious few scraps Buffy and her friends had deemed safe for consumption for Agent Finn about Angel, he had decided to do a little homework. Angel. Angelus. He had made Drusilla. He had driven this poor lamb insane, killing everyone near and dear to her, one by one until the day she took her holy vows. Only then, when she was completely non-sensical did he change her into the creature before him today.

Damn Angel, damn Spike, Riley thought to himself bitterly. It didn't matter what he touched, he thought to himself, stroking her hair as she shifted in his embrace. Riley ran a finger down the column of her spine and she shuddered in her repose, not quite awakening. He smiled, but it never touched his eyes. It didn't matter what he touched, he thought again, because one or both of them had managed to get to it first.

******

Buffy had woken up about an hour earlier and now it was almost dusk. She had a brief moment of déjà vu when she felt the bed next to her and found no one there. She turned to look and saw Spike curled up and almost falling off the edge of the bed. She rolled him so that he was on his back and she could watch him.

She smiled and stretched dreamily. She knew now that kissing her hadn't been the only thing that he had dreamed of at least a thousand times. She smiled as she watched him sleep. He earned it.

Spike awoke to see Buffy propped up on one arm, watching him. He wondered how long she'd been like that.

She said softly, reaching out and running the back of her fingers over his smooth cheek.

He replied with a gentle smile. How long have you been awake?

I don't know. She confessed before leaning down and kissing him softly. Spike responded with equal softness and they both smiled as they parted.

We'll have to go and see Giles soon, and tell him what happened and what you saw.

Murmured Spike as he snuggled close to her, if he had his way he'd spend the rest of eternity like this.

Buffy didn't want to move either, but she knew that they would have to move eventually.

Just a few more minutes. She said, holding him and not wanting to let go.

******

This is most unusual. Said Giles after Buffy and Spike had told him their story. And you say Riley and Drusilla are both back in Sunnydale, and they're working together.

That's what we said. Replied Buffy exasperatedly.

After a moments thought Giles looked at Spike, still unable to fully comprehend that he had died and been restored to life by some unknown higher power. Do you think that they are likely to still be around, now that the attempt to turn you has failed.

No doubt about it. Spike replied immediately. Dru isn't one for giving up easily.



Quite. Well, there isn't much we can do except be extra alert. There's no way we'll be able to find them until, they want to be found. You will continue to patrol as normal, and it might be wise to let Angel accompany you as a source of back up. Aside from that we wait. I'll alert the others to the situation and warn them about going out.



Buffy nodded. Waiting was always the hardest part in a situation like this. After leaving Giles, Buffy headed home for some patrolling supplies and asked Spike to meet her at the mansion. Spike nodded, there was something he had to tell Angel anyway.

******

Angel returned to the mansion after completing patrol. As far as he could tell, it was too quiet for a normal Sunnydale night. As normal as that could be. He only managed to dust a couple of younglings that were holed up in a warehouse.

He entered the parlour and noticed two things. First, the fire had gone out; second Riley and Dru were long gone. They must have left almost immediately after he had. Still, their lingering scents unnerved him and he crossed the room to open one of the large bay windows. As he busied himself with trying to get the fire going again, he puzzled over the recent events. Drusilla had never taken to keeping human company so intimately before. Just then, a strong gust of wind blew across the room, putting out the struggling flame.

Angel gave up and sat in the middle of the floor of the darkened room. He closed his eyes and began to meditate. It was just as effective as resting, but he was keenly alert to his surroundings just in case anyone decided to drop by'.

A woman's sigh startled him and he opened his eyes. Checking his watch, he saw that it was almost two hours since he had arrived. Two hands began to knead at his deltoid muscles and Angel relaxed into them. They were familiar, gentle.

How did you find me? he asked.

A soft chuckle sounded behind him and he grabbed one of the hands. He turned around and gazed at the blonde woman. He could hear her heart thudding maddeningly in his ears and breathe her scent which was distinctly that of the living.

Does it really matter Angelus? We're here, together. And your cheerleader seems to have moved on to greener pastures. Dumber, but greener nonetheless.



Angel closed his eyes tightly against the vision of his sire turned human. I killed you.



She smiled coyly as she straddled his lap and began to push his shoulders to the floor. Her tone of voice was playful as she spoke. And don't think that I won't make you pay dearly for it.



She ran her fingers under the buttons of his shirt, undoing each as she went. Pushing the halves of his shirt away, she kissed his bare chest slowly. She opened her mouth to speak when the door to the mansion was flung open and -

Angel awoke with a start. He had fallen asleep despite his best efforts not to. He whispered to himself



He looked up to see if someone had actually entered the mansion and saw that it was Spike, and he was alone.

No Buffy? He asked before finally looking up at the former vampire. He was immediately struck by how well Spike looked considering he'd been practically dead less than 24 hours ago.

She'll be here in a few minutes. Spike replied before lapsing into silence. This needed to be said, but now that he was here he felt decidedly uncomfortable. He began to fiddle with one of the buttons on his duster nervously. Angel sensed Spike's discomfort, but didn't know the cause of it.

Is everything alright? He asked quietly.

Spike nodded. I just wanted tothank you. You saved my life last night. He began to gain momentum as he spoke. I know you can't stand the fact that I've been given what you've been working years for and I know you can't stand the fact that Buffy and I are in love. But I do love her mate, with all my heart and all my newly found soul. In fact I loved her before all this happened, when I was still a vampire. I think now that I've always loved her. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I'll never, ever hurt her or let anything happen to her. I'm not asking for your blessing, because I know I won't get it. I just thought you should know.



Angel remained silent throughout Spike's speech, his facial statement not changing at all. Finally he opened his mouth to answer when Buffy arrived, ready for patrol.

*****

The office door opened and the man walked across the room. He seated himself with pursed lips and looked across the expansive mahogany structure expectantly.

How are you today Lindsey? Holland Manners asked pleasantly.



Lindsey McDonald looked at his colleague, the Director of Special Projects blankly. He made no move to pour himself a tumbler from the bottle that sat invitingly on Manners' desk.

Alright, then, Manners said resignedly. I'll get to the point. The Senior Partners are not happy. This project was begun almost six months ago and though we had to give it a bit of time to get the project reacclimated to living, it is taking entirely too long.



Lindsey raised his eyebrows slightly, but remained silent.

Look, I don't think I have to remind you that mine isn't the only ass on the line with this project. Manners said conspiratorially, leaning further across his desk and steepling his fingers as he did.

Lindsey asked, speaking for the first time. What can we do?



I gave you the directives and put you in to oversee this project personally, so what do you suggest? Holland asked underhandedly.

Lindsey pursed his lips almost invisibly. His face didn't change, but its underlying statement had. He feared for her. He knew what happened to projects' that didn't serve their purpose. He knew how impatient the Senior Partners could be, but he really didn't see how he could speed up the project.

I didn't think you would have anything significant to contribute, so I went through Procurement and I've brought in a specialist.



Manners slid his hand under the desk and pressed an unseen button. A panel of the wall slid to the side.

Ah, J'nurum, please, join us. The elder lawyer said smoothly.

Lindsey watched as the strikingly handsome man entered the office. He was tall and broad, but not too broad, with a mop of dark curls that came to the nape of his neck. He displayed an easy grace as he lowered himself into the chair next to Lindsey. He smiled, flashing unbelievably perfect teeth. Lindsey turned back to Manners, perplexed.

Manners allowed himself a few moments of rare amusement and spoke at last.

Lindsey, this is J'nurum. J'nurum, please meet Lindsey McDonald. You two will be working very closely. To Lindsey, he continued, J'nurum is a bounty hunter of sorts. Lives for the hunt. He gestured towards the young lawyer. Show Lindsey what you can do.



Lindsey asked, unnerved by this perfect man next to him.

Just let him show you. Holland replied harshly.

He nodded. J'nurum got up and stood behind the young lawyer. Holland watched as Lindsey stared at him straight in the eyes as J'nurum's entire form dissipated and changed.

Where the handsome man had been stood only moments before there was now a demon, taller and broader than his human counterpart. His entire body was covered with yellow scales and large green spines now stood where his hair had been. His eyes glowed deep red and rows of razor sharp teeth could be seen in his mouth.

J'nurum reached out one finger and lightly brushed it against Lindsey's arm. There was only contact between them for about a second but immediately Lindsey felt as though something was draining the very life out of him, shocked to discover he barely had the strength to move. All he could do was sit there and gasp for breath as Holland laughed.

Don't worry Lindsey, you'll recover in a few minutes. Needless to say however, the longer he holds onto a person the more severe and permanent the effects are.

Taking his attention away from the young lawyer, Holland turned his attention back to the demon.

I think it goes without saying that you're hired. He held out a file. Here is your target, I suggest you leave immediately.

Taking the file J'nurum nodded and slid his human features back into place before leaving.

I think our problems are nearly over. Smiled Holland.

******

Patrol had been fairly non eventful, a couple of vampire's which had quickly been dispatched. What struck Buffy more than anything was the tension between Angel and Spike. It was understandable of course, at one point Angel had been everything to her. Now they all had new lives, lives which they had to adapt to. She just wished it was easier for him to accept her new relationship with Spike.

Why don't we go to the Bronze for a drink? she suggested when the slayage was complete.

I'm game. Spike replied.

Buffy smiled at Spike's attempts to include him. However her smile faded when Angel shook his head.

I think I'm going to head home. I haven't been sleeping very well and I'm quite tired.

Are you ok? Asked Buffy with concern. Spike tried his best to ignore the twinge of jealousy running through his stomach.

Angel smiled weakly. I'm fine, I just need to sleep. You two go, have a good time. I'll see you tomorrow night.

Reluctantly Buffy nodded and watched until Angel was out of sight. Then she took Spike's arm and the two of them headed for the Bronze.

*****

Anya rolled over and smiled the smile of a cat that just caught Big Bird.

Aren't you glad that we didn't go patrolling tonight? she asked Xander and noticed that he was no longer in bed, but dressing.

I am An, but have you seen my shoes? he answered distractedly.

They're by the front door where you kicked them off, right before you suggested – she replied automatically, but cut herself off as Xander exited the room.

Xander? Xander! she called out to him, wrapping the bed sheets around her as she too, rose from the bed. She entered the living room to see him putting on a light jacket.

Where are you going? she asked petulantly.

There's something I forgot to do An. I should be back in a little while, he answered as best he could without sounding too hurried.

Oh. Well. Anya cocked her head to the side and her pout grew just a little. In that case. Try not to die while you're out.

She smiled briefly as Xander gave her an uncharacteristic peck on the cheek and then resumed frowning and she watched his retreating form.

*****

Angel woke from his constant dream of Darla to hear knocking at the front door of the mansion. Since no one he knew would ever bother knocking, he got up to see who it could be at this hour.

He pushed back the heavy curtains from the window and was surprised to see Xander waiting there for him to answer the door.

Before he could fully open the door and invite him in, Xander was inside the foyer. He promptly began pacing, stopping occasionally to stare intently at Angel only to resume pacing.

Angel sighed and rolled his eyes. Whenever you're ready, I'll be in the parlour.

Xander stopped short and pointed at the vampire. You're going to wait right there for me Deadboy. I practiced what I was going to say the whole way over here and – now I realize how stupid that sounds. He shook his head and continued. The point is I'm not sure whether to still hate you or Junior or both of you.

I know. Angel said turning on his heel and walking slowly towards the armchair.

Xander continued as Angel sat down. First you're good, then you're bad and all is forgiven when you're good again. Now Spike was bad then neutral and now he's good. And somehow in between all of that you've both managed to hurt her even though you claim to love her.

Uh huh. Angel grunted as he stared into the fire. If anything, his face seemed to darken.

I'm really confused. Xander stated.

Before Angel could answer, the front door of the mansion exploded in. Angel quickly jumped out of the chair and pushed Xander down and behind it.

Ok! Less confused now! Xander called out from behind the chair.

As the dust cleared, Angel was surprised for the second time this evening. Instead of a horrible ugly monster ready for a fight, he saw, leaning against what was left of the doorjamb a very handsome man with his arms folded over his chest. He gave Angel a secretive smile and began to cross the room.

You must be Angelus. Exactly how I pictured you. Or, how you look in your pictures. Who's your little friend? the dark man asked.

Xander protested, still relatively hidden, despite the fact that the man already knew he was here.

Do I know you? Angel asked warily.

The name's J'nurum, the man answered, holding out his hand in a gesture of greeting.

Angel almost grasped the man's hand automatically, but pulled back when the man's form began to change. It was too late though and his hand was caught in the razor sharp claws of the demon. Instantly, he felt all of his strength leave him and he sank to the ground. His face morphed as his demon tried to come out and fight whatever it was that was taking all of its power, but to no avail.

Angel closed his eyes from the pain, and then the lack of pain as all feeling went out of his body. He could hear J'nurum chuckling above him.

That was too easy. Angelus, master vampire, the scourge of Europe was taken out by me. And in less than ten seconds!

You're forgetting about me tall, slimy and gross. Xander piped up and revealed himself.

You think you can fight me? the demon laughed and advanced on him.

What? Me? Oh no, I could never fight you. But, I could run like hell to get someone who could. Don't worry Angel, I'm going to get Buffy! Xander called out over his shoulder as he got a head start on J'nurum.

Angel opened his eyes to the remains of the front door in time to see J'nurum react to Xander with lightning speed. Xander was caught right at the door, with the spiny demon blocking his way.

Angel said weakly, but neither being heard him.

There's always room for Jell-o, boy, the demon laughed at his own joke and grasped Xander by the shoulders and held on. Tight.

Angel tried with all of his might to get up to help Xander, but the only thing he could manage was lifting his head about half an inch from the floor. He watched helpless as Xander went limp in the demon's arms and was dropped to the floor. He was hanging on, but just barely.

Xander rolled his eyes towards Angel. With the very last bit of his strength, he gave the floored vampire a crooked smile and said, Not confused anymore. Tell Anya I love her and I'm sorry.

As the last syllable left his mouth, Xander stopped. Everything. Moving, breathing, talking. He stared motionless at the vampire and Angel knew that the boy was dead. Angel let his head slump back down to the ground and felt a wetness under his cheek from the tears he didn't know that he had shed.

TBC.