Chap 24

Feeling your weight leaning against me is like heaven. I have wished for this for weeks, no, months. I can feel dawn ahead of us and I am glad when I pull up outside Wolfram and Hart for now I know we are both safe. I lift you effortlessly, your tired body is limp in my arms and I still can't believe that you could sleep that long.

"Spike." The words utter from your mouth and I clench my teeth in response.

But you do not wake.

The heavy wooden doors shut behind me and the bright lights of the building cause me to squint.

"Hey there angel face." The happy green demon beams at me

"Lorne" I nod in return.

"Hello - Buffy? Is she okay?" Wesley drops his book on the side and rushes towards me.

"Just sleeping." I cast a look down and smile. Suddenly my senses kick in and I realise that she was injured.

I place her down on the sofa in my office and lift up her white top a fraction to look at the injury.

"Angel! That's no way to treat a young lady while she's sleeping!" Cordelia appears. "Oh, checking for injuries, I get you" She gives a nervous giggle.

"Seems to be alright. She heals fast, shouldn't leave too much of a scar." I brush a piece of hair out of your face and smile. Suddenly it hits me.

"CORDELIA?" I spin round and see her stood behind me.

"Yes I think we've established that is my name." Back to her old self I see.

"Your back." I stand amazed.

"Yes, that too we have established."

I walk up to her and hug her. "Good to have you back Cordy."

"I no, what would you do without me!"

You start to stir on the sofa and I choose this moment to usher the onlookers out of the room.

"Angel?" Your eyes open slowly and I stand afar not wanting you to feel crowded by my presence.

I just smile in return.

"Where are we?" You attempt to sit up but wince due to the cut in you side.

"Wolfram and Hart."

Panic enters your eyes because you know that they are evil. I laugh out loud at your response.

"It's ok baby, this is MY wolfram and hart now." Something I must admit I am not proud about but that's something I'll have to learn to live with.

Suddenly your eyes cloud over with tears and slowly they start to cascade down your perfect features. That soon has me by your side, cradling you in my arms.

"Spike's gone." I hear you mumble amongst the tears.

Although I feel jealousy and anger bubbling up inside me I choose to hide my feelings; this is not the time to start dwelling on my own feelings, it is only you that matters now.

Your hands are clutching at my shirt and I am reminded of the time at the hut, where you willingly cried into me about your death. Shh baby, I'll always be here for you.

All I want to do is take away the pain, but despite my best efforts, nothing I seem to do is helping.

******

This burning hole inside of me is growing larger. It is like I've lost something that can never be found no matter how hard I search for it. I can hear your voice muffled and I look at you with slight comprehension. I know your Angel and I know your telling me everything will be OK in the end, but you seem so far away.

Your hand reaches for mine and comfort floods through my skin. I stop the tears and stand walking towards the window and looking down to the bustling streets below as people pace back and forth in the sunshine.

Their small insignificant lives so full of happiness and warmth. If only they knew the truth. If only they knew what Spike had done to save them from a fate worse than death. If only they knew.

You stand beside me and instant panic grips my senses as I throw my body in front of your forcing us both to the ground.

"I don't want you dust too." I say through yet more tears.

"It's Ok." You lift your hand and place it in the light.

"Your human" I gasp.

"I wish, no the glass just prevents me from *poofing* "

"Oh." I make no effort to stand and remain lain across your chest. Your arms travel slowly up my back and soon I find that my eyelids have grown heavy once more. Why I am so tired? Yes maybe I had just fought a world saving battle but still I have slept for along time. Not long enough it seems. Sleep washes over my senses and I allow it to, more than anything I want to sleep away the grief and pain that clouds my head and stabs at my heart.

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