A/N: Faithful was written right around two years ago and there are eight.
It takes place fifteen years into the future of 2001.so 2016. This means
Dawn is all grown up, and Faith has just been released from jail. This
story will eventually be a Faith/Angel story.but it doesn't quite start out
that way.
I'm rating the whole series as rated R, but some parts are more R than others.lol. This is one of those times. They're having the sex.so consider yourself warned. As always, these characters belong to Joss Whedon and all the fine folks who bring us Angel.
Also.when Buffy dies, she never comes back.I wasn't sure if I was clear on that or not.
If you want to put this story on your website, please email me and let me know. I never say no, but I want to know who's supporting my work. Thanks!
*~*~*
Faith looked across the table at Angel. He seemed to be concentrating on the morning paper, sipping a glass of blood. He didn't much like to drink in front of people, but he didn't seem to mind with her. She didn't know why. Mostly because when her mind tried to think on Angel too long she got confused. Angel wasn't an easy person to figure. Of course, he'd had over 200 years to make himself more complicated. Whatever it was he did.it worked.
Angel looked up from the paper and saw Faith's eyes hurriedly turn downwards to the bowl of cereal she was eating. He put the paper down and watched her for a moment.
Faith could feel his eyes on her. He had caught her staring. She watched her bowl as she used the back of the spoon to immerse her cereal in milk. If she concentrated hard enough, she might forget the piercing dark eyes that were boring a whole into the top of her head.
"Faith?"
Or maybe not. Faith looked up at Angel and smiled an uneasy smile.
"Yes?"
"We should talk about this."
"Hey, I said I was sorry, what more do you want?" She stood up and brought her bowl to the sink, watching as the water flooded her soggy cereal out of the bowl and into the sink. She was afraid of this conversation. She didn't want to hear about how he'd always have a special place in his heart for her, but. There was always a 'but'.
Faith shivered as she felt his hands lightly trace down her arms. She hadn't even heard him approach. She closed her eyes and leaned into his chest, smiling when she felt his lips on her head.
"Faith, it isn't a matter of just apologizing. You've got worries that a sorry isn't going to erase. If we're going to make it, we need to talk about this."
Faith took a deep breath. He said 'if we're going to make it'. That sounded promising. She nodded and turned in his arms. "So where do you want this to go down?"
He smiled and took her hand leading her to his bedroom. Faith's eyebrows went up and she smiled playfully. "Hey I didn't mean go down in the literal, but this is nice too."
Angel chuckled. "Focus, Faith."
"I'd rather not." She slid her hands around to the front of him, holding him to her chest while her hands slowly slid down in a teasing fashion. He grabbed her wrists just before a small hand slipped into his trousers.
"Faith." His voice sounded kind of tortured and she smiled into his back.
"Hey, I just like to know you want me, that's all."
He quickly held her hands up and twirled, wrapping his arms around her when he came to face her. "I want you." And with that he kissed her passionately, leaving Faith breathless a moment.
Angel pulled back a bit after the kiss and watched her heavy breathing for a moment with longing. Then he slowly pulled back and sat on the only chair in his room, leaving the bed for her. She slowly made her way to the bed and sat down.
"In order to explain this to you, I'm going to have to tell you some history."
"History was never my best subject.I'll try to keep up." She smiled. Angel smiled.
"Well, back when I was first turned, I."
POUND. POUND. POUND.
Angel closed his mouth and scowled at his door. Faith let out the breath she was holding. Angel got up and went to his bedroom door and yanked it open to a smiling platinum vampire.
"'Ello Peaches!" He smiled as he slipped past Angel. "Hey beautiful, how's the slaying?" He smiled at Faith, who glared at him.
"Spike." They both said in an irritated voice.
"That's me, pets." He took a seat on the bed next to Faith, putting his arm around her. "Miss me, darlin'?"
Faith smiled sweetly at him and grabbed the wrist that was around his arm, standing and using his arm to flip him down to the ground. She quickly put her foot to Spike's throat, holding him there, but clearly able to crush his throat if she had wanted to. "Hardly."
"Bloody hell, pet! You don't have to get all commando-ette on me. I was just being friendly!"
"A little too friendly," Angel growled.
"Alright, alright, Peaches. Call her off. I'll play nicely with your girl." Spike sounded irritated.
"Faith!" Dawn's voice came from the doorway. "Let him go.now!"
Spike smiled at Faith, but from where Dawn was she couldn't see the smile. Faith let go of Spike. "Hey Dawn. Was just going to. No worries."
Dawn glared at Angel and Faith as she walked over to Spike and kneeled by him. "You ok?"
"Yeah, love. I'm ok. Little slayer never hurt me." Dawn smiled and then punched Spike in the arm, hard.
"Yeow! Hey now! That wasn't nice." Spike scowled as he rubbed his arm.
"Be nice to Faith and Angel."
Angel and Faith grinned at Spike. This might not be so bad after all.
Dawn looked up at Angel and then stood and closed the space between them quickly, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him to her.
"It's good to see you, big brother."
Angel held her close feeling a sentimental wave wash over him as he thought about the vow he made to protect Dawn when Buffy died. He spent summer vacation in Sunnydale with Dawn but Spike got on his nerves one too many times and he relocated them to LA, leaving the blond vampire behind. Dawn's depression seemed to be greater in LA. She seemed to feel a need to be in Sunnydale, nearer to her sister. When school started again, Angel brought Dawn back to live with Giles, offering her a place to come during the summers or weekends, or just whenever she wanted to. She took him up on the offer a few times, but when she was in the middle of high school she started to take on Buffy's responsibilities. Not having a slayer at the Hellmouth was not good news. Dawn, teaming with the Scooby Gang and Spike set out to finish what Buffy started.
At first, Angel protested. Loudly. He even went so far as to attempt to kidnap her when he found out that Giles was training her. Then he saw how well she was protected. Willow and Tara had her covered with magical alarms that let just about anyone who might care know that Dawn was in trouble. Giles, always quick to act, was on him in a moment, but had little time to do anything before Dawn caught him unaware and had him on his ass staring up at her in shock. He realized that Giles training was readying her for what she was hell bent on doing. If she wasn't trained she'd end up hurting herself. In the end, Angel left without Dawn but with a new respect for her.
Spike growled and shot to his feet. "Alright, Peaches, that's about enough of handling my girl." Spike glared, looking ready for action if Angel didn't comply.
Angel looked up and slowly let Dawn go, smiling a little. "It's good to have you back, Dawn. Even if that does mean HE comes along."
Spike smirked. "You know you love me, Poof. I'm irresistible."
Angel just looked at him.
Faith eyed Dawn suspiciously. She saw the way the girl affected Angel. She wasn't foolish enough to believe that Angel had a thing for Dawn, but she knew that Dawn brought Buffy back in the forefront of Angel's mind. That couldn't be good.
"Well," Dawn smiled. "I'll just go unpack."
"You're room is as you left it." Angel smiled.
"It always is." She smiled back and went to the door. She stopped when she noticed Spike wasn't following. He and Angel were busy having a stare down. Dawn rolled her eyes and walked over to Spike, grabbing his arm and dragging him out of the room. Angel and Spike didn't break eye contact until Spike had passed Angel. Angel let out a sigh and then looked at Faith.
"Sorry about that."
"Hey, no worries. Let's let them settle in and finish this conversation then, ok?"
Angel smiled and nodded. They were both glad, in a way, to have been interrupted. There was a certain comfort in not knowing or telling secrets that's been kept a secret for so long.
**~**
"And next time I'll just stake you!" A furious Wesley shouted to a laughing Spike.
Spike was curled up against the bar that divided the lobby and the office area of the hotel laughing until he was crying.
Dawn hopped up from her seat on the couch and walked over to Spike. "What's going on here?"
"He.he.he was mocking me!" Wesley stammered in anger.
"Who doesn't?" Spike said, wiping tears away.
Wesley took a step towards Spike but stopped when Dawn stepped into his line of sight. She walked over to Wesley, a serious look on her face and took Wesley's hand. Wesley was like an uncle to her, and she knew he could be sensitive.
"What did he do?" She asked gently.
Wesley looked into her big brown eyes and then seemed to calm.
"I came into my office and he was sitting in my chair, talking on my phone to a customer!" He looked over Dawn's shoulder at Spike who was smiling insolently. Wesley returned his eyes to Dawn before his temper got the best of him again. "He was pretending to be me, and was mocking me."
Dawn nodded and squeezed Wesley's hand reassuringly.
"He's nervous."
"I am not!" Spike protested loudly making Dawn spin around part way to look at him.
"You hush up, William."
Spike narrowed his eyes and then busied himself by looking at some papers that were on the bar. Dawn turned back to Wesley.
"Spike's worried that he won't be accepted, and that he'll ruin our chances of fighting with you all." She smiled a little. "He's worried that Angel won't accept him."
"Oh come on now, love!" Spike nearly whined. "Kindly remember the reputation! I am not nervous about the Poof." Spike shoved his hands in his pockets, making Wesley smile and look at Dawn with understanding.
"His antics are his way of proving himself right. That way if you guys reject him, he can push it off to you guys having no sense of humor. But if you were to reject him while he was really trying."
"Dawn!" Spike growled making her stop and smile at Wesley.
"Well, you understand."
"I think I do. Thank you Dawn." He patted her hand as she slipped back to stand in front of Spike. Although Wesley couldn't hear her whispered reassurances, he could see the effect she had on the vampire.
Wesley smiled and leaned against the doorframe. Dawn had grown to be a lovely woman in the last fifteen years. Her skinny little girl's body was replaced by that of a full grown and curvaceous woman. Her long brown hair was still long, still gloriously shinny, but trimmed to just above the curve of her backside. Small whispy bangs graced her long face. Her freckles gave way to a smooth complexion. Her neck was long and graceful. She had kept her height, standing at 5'7". All in all, a very lovely picture.
Spike looked over at Wesley, meeting his eyes. He caught the way they quickly shifted from Dawn. Spike didn't blame him, though. She was definitely eye candy, and irresistible at that.
"Sorry."
Wesley's eyebrows shot up. "You're quite forgiven." He turned and went into his office, closing the door behind him.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" She smiled at him knowingly.
"Torture." Spike pouted.
"I thought you appreciated a girl who knew how to torture." She giggled as she slipped into his waiting arms. Spike's eyes were lit up with pleasure at having her so near.
Spike leaned down and placed a nibbling kiss on her neck, making her head fall back, her hair cascading away from her neck. Spike's tongue followed the shape of her neck up to the back of her jaw, where he kissed again before lifting his lips to her ears.
"Among other things." His breathy whisper made Dawn melt against him, her body perfectly fitting his. Spike lifted his head away from her ear and leaned down to kiss her, anticipating the taste of her lips.
"Please stop." Angel's tortured voice broke through their love play and they both remembered their surroundings as the world flooded back to them.
Dawn moved back from Spike a little who growled playfully while pulling her, spinning her at the same time to crush her back up against his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
"Make it quick, Peaches." He said as he leaned down to kiss Dawn's neck.
Dawn giggled and wriggled away from Spike, playfully slapping the hands that lightly held her.
"Behave yourself, Spike."
"Never." His wolfish grin made her laugh.
"Just stake me now." Angel said in mock torment.
Dawn laughed as she looked at Angel seconds before everyone in the room heard the thwump of an arrow being released from a crossbow.
Dawn stifled a startled scream when she saw the arrow protruding out of Angel's chest, just inches away from it's intended mark.
"Oh my God!" Dawn rushed to him. "Wesley!"
Spike turned into game face as he looked to the door. Wesley came out of his office, seeing Angel, now on his knees with Dawn supporting him. He too looked to the door.
"Penn." Faith said from the doorway. She quickly appraised the situation before she looked at Spike. It only took a nod before the two of them leaped towards Penn in unison as Penn turned and gave chase.
**~**
"If you hadn't gone all gun-ho, throwing yourself into the manhole maybe we would have caught him!"
"Oh please, Spike. Tell me you aren't afraid of the dark. What are you? Vampire or mouse? Better yet.bat."
Spike growled. "I'm not afraid of the dark. But sometimes a bit of caution is in order."
"You preaching caution? You really have changed."
They both stopped when they entered the lobby of the hotel. Dawn sat on a couch, opposite of Wesley. They both stood when the two walked in.
"I take it from your colorful conversation that he eluded you."
"If you mean he got away, yeah. The slippery bastard went down a manhole and Faith, a picture of grace she was, leaped in and fell into a trap."
Wesley and Dawn both looked concerned.
"It was only one demon. Not a big deal. He's taken care of now."
"How is it we can take care of any demon Penn throws at us, but we can't take care of him?"
Faith sighed. "Could have been worse. Was only one demon."
"Thanks to Lindsey." Wesley took a deep breath remembering that Penn was previously getting his demons from Wolfram and Hart. If Lindsey hadn't of put the place out of business, who knows how many could have been waiting down there?
"Faith. How many times do I have to tell you? A slayer must be ever watchful and always cautious before stepping into a fight. Else wise she could find herself in a desperate situation, making mistakes that would have been otherwise avoided."
Faith rolled her eyes. "My watcher." She said mockingly as if to say 'my hero'.
Wesley looked concerned. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
Faith was struck by the ironic nature of him saying those words to her, and suddenly she felt uncomfortable with the sentiment.
"Where's Angel?"
"We thought it best if he rested."
She nodded and turned to walk out. She stopped at the door but didn't turn around.
"Thanks, Wes."
Wesley smiled as he watched her walk away.
**~**
Faith sat on the bed beside Angel. He appeared to be asleep but it was always hard to tell with a vampire. Actually he appeared to be dead what with the not breathing and all. Faith leaned towards him, bringing her hand to his forehead and checking for fever. When she felt none she smiled and brushed some hair off of his forehead. Her hand slowly moved away so she didn't disturb him more but was stopped when Angel's hand suddenly game up and grabbed her wrist.
Faith smiled, having expected that he would wake if he wasn't in a deep sleep, but then looked curiously at him when his eyes didn't open. Instead Angel brought her hand to his cheek and held it there, nuzzling her hand, making Faith's stomach flutter.
"Angel."
"Shhh.this is nice." He kissed her hand and her breathing got shallower.
"Angel." Her voice sounded heavier than usual.
He nipped her palm in response, dragging his teeth over her flesh. She moaned softly and he smiled. He kissed her palm chastely and let her hand go making her narrow her eyes.
"Tease."
He nodded. "Did you get him?"
"No. Your boy has turned into a chicken."
"Spike?" His eyes opened and focused on her.
"Yeah. We spent like two minutes arguing over whether or not to chase after he disappeared down a manhole. Soooo much like Buffy it was pathetic." Her eyes widened. "Sorry. I didn't mean she was pathetic, just that the way he was acting.was."
He smiled. "It's ok. So you two are ok?"
"Yeah." She looked at him, her expression clearly mirroring her thoughts because he sighed and nodded.
"Ok." He sat up a little, wincing a moment when he did, but looked fine after he was settled. She spent the time making herself comfortable as well.she gathered it would be a long conversation.
"When Darla turned me, I was angry at my family.my father. He never accepted me for who I was. He always tried to change me into someone I wasn't." He took a moment. Talking about this was obviously difficult for him. "He was strict. He wanted me to grow up to be like him. I rebelled of course. I would drink and spend my time with women.whores. We fought and I left. I looked for someone who would want me for me. I found Darla. She tried to change me too, though. Even went so far as to turn me." He smiled a little. "But I stayed with her a long time. Most of the time she let me be me. The more dangerous and dark I could be, the better. She let me act out all of my anger, all of my aggressions without trying to stop me." He paused a moment. "Or help me. This vampire hunter named Holtz hunted us. He had us cornered in a barn. She took our only horse and wished me luck."
"She left you?" Faith looked incredulous.
"Oh yeah. She left me. Afterwards I was so angry. I was filled with this spiteful vengeance and rage. That's when I made Penn. I made him to hunt with me and taught him the finer points of the most brutal tortures and pain I could think of. I turned him into a cold-blooded killer, but he didn't care. He sucked up the knowledge. He relished in it all. I could again be myself, but this time it was different. It was better. Before Darla had been the unspoken leader between the two of us. She was my sire. But this time, I was the sire. I was the leader. It was great."
Faith watched his face as he stared off at the wall, retelling his life. It was apparent that he was watching events in his mind, but his face had taken on a slightly eerie look. His lips were curled into a half smile, and she wondered how much of his demon was surfacing. She couldn't see his eyes to see if they were yellowed at all. She wanted to look, but she didn't want to move and upset the moment.
"We were sadistic. He was perfect." He looked down and swallowed, seeming to come back more into the moment. "I heard Darla was in Vienna, just where she said she would be. I left Penn, without warning, to meet with her. I intended on luring her to Penn and we would both rip her to shreds. But then she showed me Drusilla. Drusilla and her childe William was my attempt to create a family that wouldn't betray me. I twisted Drusilla so much that she wouldn't be able defy me, or so I thought." He swallowed. "I was planning on bringing all of them to where I knew Penn would be. But I was waiting to make sure Darla trusted me. Foolish. Took me nearly forty years before I felt comfortable enough to move them towards Penn. It took me about one act to destroy it all. That gypsy was the worst mistake I could have made as a killer. After getting my soul, I tried to leave behind who I was. But the pain of all the suffering and torment I caused." He let his voice trail off a moment. He stared at his place on the wall, struggling with his inner pain. Pain she rarely saw because he kept it so buried. She started to feel her respect for him rise when she saw just how much it hurt him and just how able he was to not let it get him down and bring him out of focus on a day to day basis.
"I clung to Darla. I knew that Spike and Drusilla wouldn't have me without Darla's endorsement. She took me back. Eventually. But I started thinking about the people she killed and how wrong it was. I started thinking about killing her, Spike, and Drusilla. Maybe redeem myself a little in the eyes of the those who kept track of those things. When I was with her, she wanted to watch me feed. She wanted to make sure the soul wasn't going to hinder me. During the Boxer Rebellion, in the chaos I was able to feed off of the scum of the streets. At least if I was killing, I could be killing bad people. But she knew. She always knew. She brought home a baby." He looked at her, his dark brown eyes pained. "I was able to save the baby. I knew then I needed to find myself. So I moved to America. I was a sight then. You thought I brooded before? Nothing like when I first got here. I didn't always do the right thing, but I tried to keep myself clean. Then I met Whistler. He showed me about the PTB's and he guided me to Buffy."
Faith stiffened a little at the mention of the blond but she still hung on every word. This was what she always wanted to know about Angel, and now she was finding out.
"Buffy never accepted me for who I was. All she saw was the demon. There were times of acceptance, but.not complete acceptance. I don't blame her really. She's a slayer.I'm a vampire." Angel looked down.
"I'm a slayer," Faith said, her hand slipping over his reassuringly. Angel turned his hand palm up and curled his fingers around her hand.
"She got to see Angelus too often to really look at me the same way. There was always suspicion. The only person who ever fully accepted me was Penn."
Faith frowned, but she didn't take offense. She knew he was still talking about his past.
Angel looked up at her. "That's why it's so hard to face him. When I was gone for a few weeks before Lindsey left, I had an opportunity to kill him. Had I done so, Lindsey wouldn't have been so hurt. But then Wolfram and Hart might still be running." He stopped and just watched her face.
"Angel. I understand."
"You do?" He looked hopeful.
"I do. I know what its like to have one person accept you."
"Two."
She looked at him in surprise. "Two?"
"Yeah." He smiled. "You."
She smiled, her face so full of love for him. "I love you."
"I love you, too. You are why I can bring Penn down now. You are why I have the strength to take him out. Because I know I'll still have you." He slowly brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand gently, his lips tickling over her skin.
She swallowed, feeling the familiar burn of desire course through her.
He slowly moved his hand back down, taking hers with it.
"You know.when I was younger." she took a deep breath, now wanting to share with him in this private moment. "my mother and I never got along. My father ditched us a long time ago. It wasn't the glorious upbringing most kids have. I had to learn to fend for myself at a young age. I had to earn my place in this world. I worked hard to do it. Then when I got my calling, I had a range of different emotions. I felt like my watcher could be the parent I needed and wanted, and slaying could be my purpose. I'd finally have a purpose. But I wasn't a very well adjusted person." She smiled at him and he smiled back reassuringly. "Course, you knew that. I was too wrapped up in my jealousies. Buffy this and Buffy that. It was so affecting that even today when someone mentions her, I feel uncomfortable."
Angel looked down. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, the love of your life.only girl you ever loved, I -"
"Until you." He said firmly, interrupting her.
She smiled a little and nodded. "Right. Before me. There was one person who accepted me, never tried to change me."
"Who?"
"The Mayor."
Angel nodded slowly, remembering the time that The Mayor almost killed Buffy because she damaged Faith.
Angel's head snapped up a split second before they both heard a crash in the lobby area. Faith leaped up, brandishing a stake. Angel only had a second to wonder where the stake had come from before he got up and followed, still in pain from the arrows.
Faith rushed out into the lobby and froze. Spike was fighting a vampire. Normally Faith would rush in and stake the vampire. But normally the vampire wouldn't be The Mayor.
Faith held her breath as she watched the two vampires fight. Dawn rushed in, stake in hand and Faith sprung into action. She ran at full speed and plowed in to The Mayor, sprawling over him, protecting him with her body.
"Faith, move!"
"NO!"
The Mayor smiled, his face going back to human form. "Faith! Good golly it's good to see you!"
"Faith!" Spike growled.
"No.you can't stake him." Faith continued to protect him.
"Faith. It's alright, you can move off of me. These good folks aren't going to hurt me now that they know who I am."
"I wouldn't count on that. We might hurt you *because* of who you are!" Dawn spat at him.
"Faith.what are you doing?"
She swiveled her head to look at Angel. Angel nodded. "Ok, give them some room."
"Everyone backed away surprised, while Faith climbed off The Mayor, give him a hand up. The Mayor took the hand and smiled.
"Well now, unpleasantness aside. How are you?" His smile was as bright as she remembered. He hadn't aged at all. Next to him she looked like more of a sister rather than a daughter. But she felt like the young woman she used to be, standing before him.
"Richard.what are you doing here? How? I heard Buffy killed you." Her eyes traveled over his face in wonder.
"Oh well, good old fashioned determination is responsible for me being here. That and a demon of course." He smiled brightly. "You look great. I heard you went to jail."
"Prison."
"Filthy place." He shuddered. "I tried to get you out. But I wasn't successful."
"You did?" She looked astonished. And touched.
"Well yes. You're my girl! I couldn't let you rot away in there if I could help it. Unfortunately I couldn't help it."
They both heard Angel clear his throat.
"Would someone be interested in telling me what the sodding hell is going on here?" Spike growled.
"Spike, this is The Mayor."
The Mayor walked over to Spike and smiled, offering his hand. "Richard Wilkins."
Spike looked at him. "As in the bloke who tried to eat the school?"
"Well, not the school. Just the graduating class of 1999." His hand was still extended and his smile was fixed on his face.
Spike grinned and shook his hand. "William the Bloody."
The Mayor raised his eyebrows. "Well now, I've heard of you."
"Naturally. Whatcha heard?"
"Nothing but great reviews. I heard you were a real go-getter with a bright future ahead of you. I heard you even disposed of a slayer or two in your time. But then I heard someone did a dandy on you and put a little chip in your noggin." He smiled.
Spike's smile faded and he took his hand back unconsciously smoothing it over his hair. "Doesn't stop me from diggin' into chaps like you," he warned.
"I'll remember that." He turned towards Angel. "Angelus. How are you? Gosh, last time I saw you was in the hospital after I tried to kill Buffy."
"Not the last time I saw you."
"Oh?" He looked all the world as if he was pleasantly surprised.
"Yeah. Last time I saw you was when Buffy was re-enacting Hiroshima all over you."
Dawn and Spike grinned. The Mayor just held his smile, even though it didn't reach his eyes.
"Well now." He turned to Faith. "We have some catching up to do." He smiled genuinely at her while clapping his hands together and rubbing them. "How about some miniature golf!" His eyes lit up and Faith slowly grinned. Her grin turned into a full-blown smile and she nodded.
"Miniature golf?" Spike said in disbelief.
"Oh yes. Quite invigorating little sport." He held out his arm for Faith, who took it. She looked back at Angel a moment and then they left, leaving a whole room full of people speechless.
**~**
"Faith, he can't stay here!" Angel hissed to her in an attempt to be quiet. He knew the humans probably didn't hear him, but he wasn't hiding anything from the vampires in the vicinity.
"Angel. If he goes, I go."
Angel let out a frustrated noise as he threw his hands up in the air and plopped down in a chair. He never knew Faith was so complex. "I guess I just don't fucking understand."
"Don't you?" She said, bewildered. "Angel, he's my Lindsey. He's my Faith." She looked at him, her eyes hoping for understanding.
He looked at her for a long moment.
"Do you think he's really serious about redemption?"
"Yes. Completely. When we left he and I had a long talk about my life and where it's heading now. He wants to be a part of my life. No matter what. He knows the only way to do that is redemption. He knows the only way is by getting good with you. He knows how much I love you, and he always has only wanted what's best for me. He's looked out for me when I needed someone too. I want to help him now."
"Faith. You understand, he didn't do what was best for you. He didn't help you!"
"Yes he did. Maybe his intentions weren't the best when it came to.you know, ruling the world and all, but with me, he just wanted me to be happy. And now I am."
Angel nodded a little.
"How did he become a vampire?"
"Well, same demon that he made a deal with about the Hellmouth made him a vampire for all his trouble. He tried, he failed, and this was his consolation prize."
Angel rubbed his face with his hands and then looked up at her. "You're Faith, huh?"
She nodded.
"Alright."
She beamed a smile at him before she threw herself onto his lap and placed happy kisses all over his face. He smiled and relished in the attention, slipping his arms around her. He closed his eyes and his mouth found hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth slowly, sweetly as she opened her mouth to him. The flame of desire had life breathed into it as she scoot closer to him, her bottom wiggling over his lap. His hands gripped tighter and his tongue delved deeper. She fisted his shirt, pulling him as close to her as he could go.
In two moves, Angel had Faith on the floor of his bedroom, his body covering hers as his tongue invaded her mouth, her pleasure heard in whimpers to his ears. Angel didn't want to stop and he could feel the need emanating off of Faith. He groaned as he slipped his hand inside her pants and lowered them quickly.
When he left Faith, she gasped in surprise. All the sudden her body went from being pinned by his large frame to being left on the floor. She opened her eyes, hoping she wouldn't see him retreating, but she didn't have time to wonder what he was doing. When his cool tongue gently swiped at the warmth between her legs, Faith loudly gasped. She hadn't even realized her lower half was mostly undressed. Faith arched her back, her shoulders pressed into the ground as she felt Angel's tongue enter her.
"Oh Angel.." She moaned as her hips came off of the ground. She lifted the top half of her body a little but as she felt Angel's tongue leave her and enter her again she felt his hands slid up her body and slip inside her shirt. His cool hands slipped over her breasts, his thumbs teasing her nipples as his tongue exited her enough to teasingly move up and down, only the tip inside her.
Faith's hips came up more and she jerked her body violently, but his hands kept her down. She moaned her pleasure, loudly, no longer caring who heard her. The constant teasing of her nipples and his tongue that was now circling around her clit was making her crazy.
One of Faith's hands came down to Angel's head and grabbed a handful of hair. But instead of moving his head she held it steady. His lips closed around her nub as she started to move her hips fast and furious, fucking his face with all the need she felt. Faith screamed as the pleasure was ripped from her body, but she didn't stop. Instead she tightened her knees around his head and flipped them both, Angel going easy, wanting her to be fully pleasured.
Faith, on all fours, moved herself over his mouth as his tongue furiously moved inside her, giving her everything he had. Faith's moans of pleasure filled the room, and Angel knew her second orgasm wasn't far away. His hands came up and encircled her waist, pulling her into a sitting position onto his face. He guided her up and down movements with his hands as his lips closed over her clit and he began to lick and suck as he felt her body tighten for the impending orgasm.
Faith couldn't think all she could do was react. Too long without pleasure like this made her ready to go quickly. It wasn't long before she was screaming for the second time, her insides pouring out over a slightly cool tongue, warmed by her.
**~**
When the door opened and the couple came out of the room, they were met with mixed reactions that told them they had been overheard.
Spike smirked at them until Dawn slapped his arm. Then he glared at her. Cordelia and Gunn were both centrally located near a stake and a cross that happened to be laying near their hands. They looked jumpy. Wesley looked at them from his doorway, a crossbow tucked behind his back. Richard stood off into the shadows, watching. Faith and Angel looked around, half amused.
Angel did a fake lung toward Cordelia and Gunn and the whole room came alive. Cordelia grabbed the cross, holding it out to him, Gunn grabbed the stake getting into fighting position. Wesley trained the crossbow on him, Spike morphed into game face and put Dawn behind him. From behind Spike, Dawn revealed her own stake.
"You all should take a class in chilling." Faith said as she looked around with a smile.
"If you were so worried about Angelus, why didn't any of you try to stop us?"
Cordelia looked at Gunn and smacked his arm. "I'd like to go on the record for trying."
"Guys. Not what happened, ok?" Faith shook her head with a smile.
"We heard you." Gunn said, not sure.
"And smelled you." Spike grinned.
Angel turned his eyes dangerously to Spike. "There are ways one can satisfy his woman without having sex with her."
Spike smiled a lazy smile. "So there is."
Everyone started to relax. When the realization hit them, the girls started to turn beet-red while the men looked away.
Faith folded her arms in front of her. "When you're minds are out of the gutter." She waited. She looked at Richard and smiled a little. He easily returned her smile.
"Richard will be staying with us."
Everyone's eyes snapped to Faith.
"I know what he did before and what he tried to do. But I was right beside him the whole way. If I can reform.so can he. And he wants to. It might be easier if he didn't have to fight you all as well as his own demons, so to speak." Faith looked around. The group looked unsure.
**~**
He watched from a window as the room went from unsure to nervous acceptance. He saw some of the crew shake hands with this new vampire. How was this possible? He had always thought Angel and Spike were oddities. How is it they are able to recruit another vampire. A vampire that doesn't seem to have any problems. No chip in his head, no soul to make him want to behave. Nothing.
Well, all the same to him. Vampires who side with them are as marked as the rest.
Penn looked over his shoulder, as the sun seemed to warn him it was coming. He stood and made his way to his hiding place. Angel's time was coming. Soon.
I'm rating the whole series as rated R, but some parts are more R than others.lol. This is one of those times. They're having the sex.so consider yourself warned. As always, these characters belong to Joss Whedon and all the fine folks who bring us Angel.
Also.when Buffy dies, she never comes back.I wasn't sure if I was clear on that or not.
If you want to put this story on your website, please email me and let me know. I never say no, but I want to know who's supporting my work. Thanks!
*~*~*
Faith looked across the table at Angel. He seemed to be concentrating on the morning paper, sipping a glass of blood. He didn't much like to drink in front of people, but he didn't seem to mind with her. She didn't know why. Mostly because when her mind tried to think on Angel too long she got confused. Angel wasn't an easy person to figure. Of course, he'd had over 200 years to make himself more complicated. Whatever it was he did.it worked.
Angel looked up from the paper and saw Faith's eyes hurriedly turn downwards to the bowl of cereal she was eating. He put the paper down and watched her for a moment.
Faith could feel his eyes on her. He had caught her staring. She watched her bowl as she used the back of the spoon to immerse her cereal in milk. If she concentrated hard enough, she might forget the piercing dark eyes that were boring a whole into the top of her head.
"Faith?"
Or maybe not. Faith looked up at Angel and smiled an uneasy smile.
"Yes?"
"We should talk about this."
"Hey, I said I was sorry, what more do you want?" She stood up and brought her bowl to the sink, watching as the water flooded her soggy cereal out of the bowl and into the sink. She was afraid of this conversation. She didn't want to hear about how he'd always have a special place in his heart for her, but. There was always a 'but'.
Faith shivered as she felt his hands lightly trace down her arms. She hadn't even heard him approach. She closed her eyes and leaned into his chest, smiling when she felt his lips on her head.
"Faith, it isn't a matter of just apologizing. You've got worries that a sorry isn't going to erase. If we're going to make it, we need to talk about this."
Faith took a deep breath. He said 'if we're going to make it'. That sounded promising. She nodded and turned in his arms. "So where do you want this to go down?"
He smiled and took her hand leading her to his bedroom. Faith's eyebrows went up and she smiled playfully. "Hey I didn't mean go down in the literal, but this is nice too."
Angel chuckled. "Focus, Faith."
"I'd rather not." She slid her hands around to the front of him, holding him to her chest while her hands slowly slid down in a teasing fashion. He grabbed her wrists just before a small hand slipped into his trousers.
"Faith." His voice sounded kind of tortured and she smiled into his back.
"Hey, I just like to know you want me, that's all."
He quickly held her hands up and twirled, wrapping his arms around her when he came to face her. "I want you." And with that he kissed her passionately, leaving Faith breathless a moment.
Angel pulled back a bit after the kiss and watched her heavy breathing for a moment with longing. Then he slowly pulled back and sat on the only chair in his room, leaving the bed for her. She slowly made her way to the bed and sat down.
"In order to explain this to you, I'm going to have to tell you some history."
"History was never my best subject.I'll try to keep up." She smiled. Angel smiled.
"Well, back when I was first turned, I."
POUND. POUND. POUND.
Angel closed his mouth and scowled at his door. Faith let out the breath she was holding. Angel got up and went to his bedroom door and yanked it open to a smiling platinum vampire.
"'Ello Peaches!" He smiled as he slipped past Angel. "Hey beautiful, how's the slaying?" He smiled at Faith, who glared at him.
"Spike." They both said in an irritated voice.
"That's me, pets." He took a seat on the bed next to Faith, putting his arm around her. "Miss me, darlin'?"
Faith smiled sweetly at him and grabbed the wrist that was around his arm, standing and using his arm to flip him down to the ground. She quickly put her foot to Spike's throat, holding him there, but clearly able to crush his throat if she had wanted to. "Hardly."
"Bloody hell, pet! You don't have to get all commando-ette on me. I was just being friendly!"
"A little too friendly," Angel growled.
"Alright, alright, Peaches. Call her off. I'll play nicely with your girl." Spike sounded irritated.
"Faith!" Dawn's voice came from the doorway. "Let him go.now!"
Spike smiled at Faith, but from where Dawn was she couldn't see the smile. Faith let go of Spike. "Hey Dawn. Was just going to. No worries."
Dawn glared at Angel and Faith as she walked over to Spike and kneeled by him. "You ok?"
"Yeah, love. I'm ok. Little slayer never hurt me." Dawn smiled and then punched Spike in the arm, hard.
"Yeow! Hey now! That wasn't nice." Spike scowled as he rubbed his arm.
"Be nice to Faith and Angel."
Angel and Faith grinned at Spike. This might not be so bad after all.
Dawn looked up at Angel and then stood and closed the space between them quickly, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him to her.
"It's good to see you, big brother."
Angel held her close feeling a sentimental wave wash over him as he thought about the vow he made to protect Dawn when Buffy died. He spent summer vacation in Sunnydale with Dawn but Spike got on his nerves one too many times and he relocated them to LA, leaving the blond vampire behind. Dawn's depression seemed to be greater in LA. She seemed to feel a need to be in Sunnydale, nearer to her sister. When school started again, Angel brought Dawn back to live with Giles, offering her a place to come during the summers or weekends, or just whenever she wanted to. She took him up on the offer a few times, but when she was in the middle of high school she started to take on Buffy's responsibilities. Not having a slayer at the Hellmouth was not good news. Dawn, teaming with the Scooby Gang and Spike set out to finish what Buffy started.
At first, Angel protested. Loudly. He even went so far as to attempt to kidnap her when he found out that Giles was training her. Then he saw how well she was protected. Willow and Tara had her covered with magical alarms that let just about anyone who might care know that Dawn was in trouble. Giles, always quick to act, was on him in a moment, but had little time to do anything before Dawn caught him unaware and had him on his ass staring up at her in shock. He realized that Giles training was readying her for what she was hell bent on doing. If she wasn't trained she'd end up hurting herself. In the end, Angel left without Dawn but with a new respect for her.
Spike growled and shot to his feet. "Alright, Peaches, that's about enough of handling my girl." Spike glared, looking ready for action if Angel didn't comply.
Angel looked up and slowly let Dawn go, smiling a little. "It's good to have you back, Dawn. Even if that does mean HE comes along."
Spike smirked. "You know you love me, Poof. I'm irresistible."
Angel just looked at him.
Faith eyed Dawn suspiciously. She saw the way the girl affected Angel. She wasn't foolish enough to believe that Angel had a thing for Dawn, but she knew that Dawn brought Buffy back in the forefront of Angel's mind. That couldn't be good.
"Well," Dawn smiled. "I'll just go unpack."
"You're room is as you left it." Angel smiled.
"It always is." She smiled back and went to the door. She stopped when she noticed Spike wasn't following. He and Angel were busy having a stare down. Dawn rolled her eyes and walked over to Spike, grabbing his arm and dragging him out of the room. Angel and Spike didn't break eye contact until Spike had passed Angel. Angel let out a sigh and then looked at Faith.
"Sorry about that."
"Hey, no worries. Let's let them settle in and finish this conversation then, ok?"
Angel smiled and nodded. They were both glad, in a way, to have been interrupted. There was a certain comfort in not knowing or telling secrets that's been kept a secret for so long.
**~**
"And next time I'll just stake you!" A furious Wesley shouted to a laughing Spike.
Spike was curled up against the bar that divided the lobby and the office area of the hotel laughing until he was crying.
Dawn hopped up from her seat on the couch and walked over to Spike. "What's going on here?"
"He.he.he was mocking me!" Wesley stammered in anger.
"Who doesn't?" Spike said, wiping tears away.
Wesley took a step towards Spike but stopped when Dawn stepped into his line of sight. She walked over to Wesley, a serious look on her face and took Wesley's hand. Wesley was like an uncle to her, and she knew he could be sensitive.
"What did he do?" She asked gently.
Wesley looked into her big brown eyes and then seemed to calm.
"I came into my office and he was sitting in my chair, talking on my phone to a customer!" He looked over Dawn's shoulder at Spike who was smiling insolently. Wesley returned his eyes to Dawn before his temper got the best of him again. "He was pretending to be me, and was mocking me."
Dawn nodded and squeezed Wesley's hand reassuringly.
"He's nervous."
"I am not!" Spike protested loudly making Dawn spin around part way to look at him.
"You hush up, William."
Spike narrowed his eyes and then busied himself by looking at some papers that were on the bar. Dawn turned back to Wesley.
"Spike's worried that he won't be accepted, and that he'll ruin our chances of fighting with you all." She smiled a little. "He's worried that Angel won't accept him."
"Oh come on now, love!" Spike nearly whined. "Kindly remember the reputation! I am not nervous about the Poof." Spike shoved his hands in his pockets, making Wesley smile and look at Dawn with understanding.
"His antics are his way of proving himself right. That way if you guys reject him, he can push it off to you guys having no sense of humor. But if you were to reject him while he was really trying."
"Dawn!" Spike growled making her stop and smile at Wesley.
"Well, you understand."
"I think I do. Thank you Dawn." He patted her hand as she slipped back to stand in front of Spike. Although Wesley couldn't hear her whispered reassurances, he could see the effect she had on the vampire.
Wesley smiled and leaned against the doorframe. Dawn had grown to be a lovely woman in the last fifteen years. Her skinny little girl's body was replaced by that of a full grown and curvaceous woman. Her long brown hair was still long, still gloriously shinny, but trimmed to just above the curve of her backside. Small whispy bangs graced her long face. Her freckles gave way to a smooth complexion. Her neck was long and graceful. She had kept her height, standing at 5'7". All in all, a very lovely picture.
Spike looked over at Wesley, meeting his eyes. He caught the way they quickly shifted from Dawn. Spike didn't blame him, though. She was definitely eye candy, and irresistible at that.
"Sorry."
Wesley's eyebrows shot up. "You're quite forgiven." He turned and went into his office, closing the door behind him.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" She smiled at him knowingly.
"Torture." Spike pouted.
"I thought you appreciated a girl who knew how to torture." She giggled as she slipped into his waiting arms. Spike's eyes were lit up with pleasure at having her so near.
Spike leaned down and placed a nibbling kiss on her neck, making her head fall back, her hair cascading away from her neck. Spike's tongue followed the shape of her neck up to the back of her jaw, where he kissed again before lifting his lips to her ears.
"Among other things." His breathy whisper made Dawn melt against him, her body perfectly fitting his. Spike lifted his head away from her ear and leaned down to kiss her, anticipating the taste of her lips.
"Please stop." Angel's tortured voice broke through their love play and they both remembered their surroundings as the world flooded back to them.
Dawn moved back from Spike a little who growled playfully while pulling her, spinning her at the same time to crush her back up against his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
"Make it quick, Peaches." He said as he leaned down to kiss Dawn's neck.
Dawn giggled and wriggled away from Spike, playfully slapping the hands that lightly held her.
"Behave yourself, Spike."
"Never." His wolfish grin made her laugh.
"Just stake me now." Angel said in mock torment.
Dawn laughed as she looked at Angel seconds before everyone in the room heard the thwump of an arrow being released from a crossbow.
Dawn stifled a startled scream when she saw the arrow protruding out of Angel's chest, just inches away from it's intended mark.
"Oh my God!" Dawn rushed to him. "Wesley!"
Spike turned into game face as he looked to the door. Wesley came out of his office, seeing Angel, now on his knees with Dawn supporting him. He too looked to the door.
"Penn." Faith said from the doorway. She quickly appraised the situation before she looked at Spike. It only took a nod before the two of them leaped towards Penn in unison as Penn turned and gave chase.
**~**
"If you hadn't gone all gun-ho, throwing yourself into the manhole maybe we would have caught him!"
"Oh please, Spike. Tell me you aren't afraid of the dark. What are you? Vampire or mouse? Better yet.bat."
Spike growled. "I'm not afraid of the dark. But sometimes a bit of caution is in order."
"You preaching caution? You really have changed."
They both stopped when they entered the lobby of the hotel. Dawn sat on a couch, opposite of Wesley. They both stood when the two walked in.
"I take it from your colorful conversation that he eluded you."
"If you mean he got away, yeah. The slippery bastard went down a manhole and Faith, a picture of grace she was, leaped in and fell into a trap."
Wesley and Dawn both looked concerned.
"It was only one demon. Not a big deal. He's taken care of now."
"How is it we can take care of any demon Penn throws at us, but we can't take care of him?"
Faith sighed. "Could have been worse. Was only one demon."
"Thanks to Lindsey." Wesley took a deep breath remembering that Penn was previously getting his demons from Wolfram and Hart. If Lindsey hadn't of put the place out of business, who knows how many could have been waiting down there?
"Faith. How many times do I have to tell you? A slayer must be ever watchful and always cautious before stepping into a fight. Else wise she could find herself in a desperate situation, making mistakes that would have been otherwise avoided."
Faith rolled her eyes. "My watcher." She said mockingly as if to say 'my hero'.
Wesley looked concerned. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
Faith was struck by the ironic nature of him saying those words to her, and suddenly she felt uncomfortable with the sentiment.
"Where's Angel?"
"We thought it best if he rested."
She nodded and turned to walk out. She stopped at the door but didn't turn around.
"Thanks, Wes."
Wesley smiled as he watched her walk away.
**~**
Faith sat on the bed beside Angel. He appeared to be asleep but it was always hard to tell with a vampire. Actually he appeared to be dead what with the not breathing and all. Faith leaned towards him, bringing her hand to his forehead and checking for fever. When she felt none she smiled and brushed some hair off of his forehead. Her hand slowly moved away so she didn't disturb him more but was stopped when Angel's hand suddenly game up and grabbed her wrist.
Faith smiled, having expected that he would wake if he wasn't in a deep sleep, but then looked curiously at him when his eyes didn't open. Instead Angel brought her hand to his cheek and held it there, nuzzling her hand, making Faith's stomach flutter.
"Angel."
"Shhh.this is nice." He kissed her hand and her breathing got shallower.
"Angel." Her voice sounded heavier than usual.
He nipped her palm in response, dragging his teeth over her flesh. She moaned softly and he smiled. He kissed her palm chastely and let her hand go making her narrow her eyes.
"Tease."
He nodded. "Did you get him?"
"No. Your boy has turned into a chicken."
"Spike?" His eyes opened and focused on her.
"Yeah. We spent like two minutes arguing over whether or not to chase after he disappeared down a manhole. Soooo much like Buffy it was pathetic." Her eyes widened. "Sorry. I didn't mean she was pathetic, just that the way he was acting.was."
He smiled. "It's ok. So you two are ok?"
"Yeah." She looked at him, her expression clearly mirroring her thoughts because he sighed and nodded.
"Ok." He sat up a little, wincing a moment when he did, but looked fine after he was settled. She spent the time making herself comfortable as well.she gathered it would be a long conversation.
"When Darla turned me, I was angry at my family.my father. He never accepted me for who I was. He always tried to change me into someone I wasn't." He took a moment. Talking about this was obviously difficult for him. "He was strict. He wanted me to grow up to be like him. I rebelled of course. I would drink and spend my time with women.whores. We fought and I left. I looked for someone who would want me for me. I found Darla. She tried to change me too, though. Even went so far as to turn me." He smiled a little. "But I stayed with her a long time. Most of the time she let me be me. The more dangerous and dark I could be, the better. She let me act out all of my anger, all of my aggressions without trying to stop me." He paused a moment. "Or help me. This vampire hunter named Holtz hunted us. He had us cornered in a barn. She took our only horse and wished me luck."
"She left you?" Faith looked incredulous.
"Oh yeah. She left me. Afterwards I was so angry. I was filled with this spiteful vengeance and rage. That's when I made Penn. I made him to hunt with me and taught him the finer points of the most brutal tortures and pain I could think of. I turned him into a cold-blooded killer, but he didn't care. He sucked up the knowledge. He relished in it all. I could again be myself, but this time it was different. It was better. Before Darla had been the unspoken leader between the two of us. She was my sire. But this time, I was the sire. I was the leader. It was great."
Faith watched his face as he stared off at the wall, retelling his life. It was apparent that he was watching events in his mind, but his face had taken on a slightly eerie look. His lips were curled into a half smile, and she wondered how much of his demon was surfacing. She couldn't see his eyes to see if they were yellowed at all. She wanted to look, but she didn't want to move and upset the moment.
"We were sadistic. He was perfect." He looked down and swallowed, seeming to come back more into the moment. "I heard Darla was in Vienna, just where she said she would be. I left Penn, without warning, to meet with her. I intended on luring her to Penn and we would both rip her to shreds. But then she showed me Drusilla. Drusilla and her childe William was my attempt to create a family that wouldn't betray me. I twisted Drusilla so much that she wouldn't be able defy me, or so I thought." He swallowed. "I was planning on bringing all of them to where I knew Penn would be. But I was waiting to make sure Darla trusted me. Foolish. Took me nearly forty years before I felt comfortable enough to move them towards Penn. It took me about one act to destroy it all. That gypsy was the worst mistake I could have made as a killer. After getting my soul, I tried to leave behind who I was. But the pain of all the suffering and torment I caused." He let his voice trail off a moment. He stared at his place on the wall, struggling with his inner pain. Pain she rarely saw because he kept it so buried. She started to feel her respect for him rise when she saw just how much it hurt him and just how able he was to not let it get him down and bring him out of focus on a day to day basis.
"I clung to Darla. I knew that Spike and Drusilla wouldn't have me without Darla's endorsement. She took me back. Eventually. But I started thinking about the people she killed and how wrong it was. I started thinking about killing her, Spike, and Drusilla. Maybe redeem myself a little in the eyes of the those who kept track of those things. When I was with her, she wanted to watch me feed. She wanted to make sure the soul wasn't going to hinder me. During the Boxer Rebellion, in the chaos I was able to feed off of the scum of the streets. At least if I was killing, I could be killing bad people. But she knew. She always knew. She brought home a baby." He looked at her, his dark brown eyes pained. "I was able to save the baby. I knew then I needed to find myself. So I moved to America. I was a sight then. You thought I brooded before? Nothing like when I first got here. I didn't always do the right thing, but I tried to keep myself clean. Then I met Whistler. He showed me about the PTB's and he guided me to Buffy."
Faith stiffened a little at the mention of the blond but she still hung on every word. This was what she always wanted to know about Angel, and now she was finding out.
"Buffy never accepted me for who I was. All she saw was the demon. There were times of acceptance, but.not complete acceptance. I don't blame her really. She's a slayer.I'm a vampire." Angel looked down.
"I'm a slayer," Faith said, her hand slipping over his reassuringly. Angel turned his hand palm up and curled his fingers around her hand.
"She got to see Angelus too often to really look at me the same way. There was always suspicion. The only person who ever fully accepted me was Penn."
Faith frowned, but she didn't take offense. She knew he was still talking about his past.
Angel looked up at her. "That's why it's so hard to face him. When I was gone for a few weeks before Lindsey left, I had an opportunity to kill him. Had I done so, Lindsey wouldn't have been so hurt. But then Wolfram and Hart might still be running." He stopped and just watched her face.
"Angel. I understand."
"You do?" He looked hopeful.
"I do. I know what its like to have one person accept you."
"Two."
She looked at him in surprise. "Two?"
"Yeah." He smiled. "You."
She smiled, her face so full of love for him. "I love you."
"I love you, too. You are why I can bring Penn down now. You are why I have the strength to take him out. Because I know I'll still have you." He slowly brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand gently, his lips tickling over her skin.
She swallowed, feeling the familiar burn of desire course through her.
He slowly moved his hand back down, taking hers with it.
"You know.when I was younger." she took a deep breath, now wanting to share with him in this private moment. "my mother and I never got along. My father ditched us a long time ago. It wasn't the glorious upbringing most kids have. I had to learn to fend for myself at a young age. I had to earn my place in this world. I worked hard to do it. Then when I got my calling, I had a range of different emotions. I felt like my watcher could be the parent I needed and wanted, and slaying could be my purpose. I'd finally have a purpose. But I wasn't a very well adjusted person." She smiled at him and he smiled back reassuringly. "Course, you knew that. I was too wrapped up in my jealousies. Buffy this and Buffy that. It was so affecting that even today when someone mentions her, I feel uncomfortable."
Angel looked down. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, the love of your life.only girl you ever loved, I -"
"Until you." He said firmly, interrupting her.
She smiled a little and nodded. "Right. Before me. There was one person who accepted me, never tried to change me."
"Who?"
"The Mayor."
Angel nodded slowly, remembering the time that The Mayor almost killed Buffy because she damaged Faith.
Angel's head snapped up a split second before they both heard a crash in the lobby area. Faith leaped up, brandishing a stake. Angel only had a second to wonder where the stake had come from before he got up and followed, still in pain from the arrows.
Faith rushed out into the lobby and froze. Spike was fighting a vampire. Normally Faith would rush in and stake the vampire. But normally the vampire wouldn't be The Mayor.
Faith held her breath as she watched the two vampires fight. Dawn rushed in, stake in hand and Faith sprung into action. She ran at full speed and plowed in to The Mayor, sprawling over him, protecting him with her body.
"Faith, move!"
"NO!"
The Mayor smiled, his face going back to human form. "Faith! Good golly it's good to see you!"
"Faith!" Spike growled.
"No.you can't stake him." Faith continued to protect him.
"Faith. It's alright, you can move off of me. These good folks aren't going to hurt me now that they know who I am."
"I wouldn't count on that. We might hurt you *because* of who you are!" Dawn spat at him.
"Faith.what are you doing?"
She swiveled her head to look at Angel. Angel nodded. "Ok, give them some room."
"Everyone backed away surprised, while Faith climbed off The Mayor, give him a hand up. The Mayor took the hand and smiled.
"Well now, unpleasantness aside. How are you?" His smile was as bright as she remembered. He hadn't aged at all. Next to him she looked like more of a sister rather than a daughter. But she felt like the young woman she used to be, standing before him.
"Richard.what are you doing here? How? I heard Buffy killed you." Her eyes traveled over his face in wonder.
"Oh well, good old fashioned determination is responsible for me being here. That and a demon of course." He smiled brightly. "You look great. I heard you went to jail."
"Prison."
"Filthy place." He shuddered. "I tried to get you out. But I wasn't successful."
"You did?" She looked astonished. And touched.
"Well yes. You're my girl! I couldn't let you rot away in there if I could help it. Unfortunately I couldn't help it."
They both heard Angel clear his throat.
"Would someone be interested in telling me what the sodding hell is going on here?" Spike growled.
"Spike, this is The Mayor."
The Mayor walked over to Spike and smiled, offering his hand. "Richard Wilkins."
Spike looked at him. "As in the bloke who tried to eat the school?"
"Well, not the school. Just the graduating class of 1999." His hand was still extended and his smile was fixed on his face.
Spike grinned and shook his hand. "William the Bloody."
The Mayor raised his eyebrows. "Well now, I've heard of you."
"Naturally. Whatcha heard?"
"Nothing but great reviews. I heard you were a real go-getter with a bright future ahead of you. I heard you even disposed of a slayer or two in your time. But then I heard someone did a dandy on you and put a little chip in your noggin." He smiled.
Spike's smile faded and he took his hand back unconsciously smoothing it over his hair. "Doesn't stop me from diggin' into chaps like you," he warned.
"I'll remember that." He turned towards Angel. "Angelus. How are you? Gosh, last time I saw you was in the hospital after I tried to kill Buffy."
"Not the last time I saw you."
"Oh?" He looked all the world as if he was pleasantly surprised.
"Yeah. Last time I saw you was when Buffy was re-enacting Hiroshima all over you."
Dawn and Spike grinned. The Mayor just held his smile, even though it didn't reach his eyes.
"Well now." He turned to Faith. "We have some catching up to do." He smiled genuinely at her while clapping his hands together and rubbing them. "How about some miniature golf!" His eyes lit up and Faith slowly grinned. Her grin turned into a full-blown smile and she nodded.
"Miniature golf?" Spike said in disbelief.
"Oh yes. Quite invigorating little sport." He held out his arm for Faith, who took it. She looked back at Angel a moment and then they left, leaving a whole room full of people speechless.
**~**
"Faith, he can't stay here!" Angel hissed to her in an attempt to be quiet. He knew the humans probably didn't hear him, but he wasn't hiding anything from the vampires in the vicinity.
"Angel. If he goes, I go."
Angel let out a frustrated noise as he threw his hands up in the air and plopped down in a chair. He never knew Faith was so complex. "I guess I just don't fucking understand."
"Don't you?" She said, bewildered. "Angel, he's my Lindsey. He's my Faith." She looked at him, her eyes hoping for understanding.
He looked at her for a long moment.
"Do you think he's really serious about redemption?"
"Yes. Completely. When we left he and I had a long talk about my life and where it's heading now. He wants to be a part of my life. No matter what. He knows the only way to do that is redemption. He knows the only way is by getting good with you. He knows how much I love you, and he always has only wanted what's best for me. He's looked out for me when I needed someone too. I want to help him now."
"Faith. You understand, he didn't do what was best for you. He didn't help you!"
"Yes he did. Maybe his intentions weren't the best when it came to.you know, ruling the world and all, but with me, he just wanted me to be happy. And now I am."
Angel nodded a little.
"How did he become a vampire?"
"Well, same demon that he made a deal with about the Hellmouth made him a vampire for all his trouble. He tried, he failed, and this was his consolation prize."
Angel rubbed his face with his hands and then looked up at her. "You're Faith, huh?"
She nodded.
"Alright."
She beamed a smile at him before she threw herself onto his lap and placed happy kisses all over his face. He smiled and relished in the attention, slipping his arms around her. He closed his eyes and his mouth found hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth slowly, sweetly as she opened her mouth to him. The flame of desire had life breathed into it as she scoot closer to him, her bottom wiggling over his lap. His hands gripped tighter and his tongue delved deeper. She fisted his shirt, pulling him as close to her as he could go.
In two moves, Angel had Faith on the floor of his bedroom, his body covering hers as his tongue invaded her mouth, her pleasure heard in whimpers to his ears. Angel didn't want to stop and he could feel the need emanating off of Faith. He groaned as he slipped his hand inside her pants and lowered them quickly.
When he left Faith, she gasped in surprise. All the sudden her body went from being pinned by his large frame to being left on the floor. She opened her eyes, hoping she wouldn't see him retreating, but she didn't have time to wonder what he was doing. When his cool tongue gently swiped at the warmth between her legs, Faith loudly gasped. She hadn't even realized her lower half was mostly undressed. Faith arched her back, her shoulders pressed into the ground as she felt Angel's tongue enter her.
"Oh Angel.." She moaned as her hips came off of the ground. She lifted the top half of her body a little but as she felt Angel's tongue leave her and enter her again she felt his hands slid up her body and slip inside her shirt. His cool hands slipped over her breasts, his thumbs teasing her nipples as his tongue exited her enough to teasingly move up and down, only the tip inside her.
Faith's hips came up more and she jerked her body violently, but his hands kept her down. She moaned her pleasure, loudly, no longer caring who heard her. The constant teasing of her nipples and his tongue that was now circling around her clit was making her crazy.
One of Faith's hands came down to Angel's head and grabbed a handful of hair. But instead of moving his head she held it steady. His lips closed around her nub as she started to move her hips fast and furious, fucking his face with all the need she felt. Faith screamed as the pleasure was ripped from her body, but she didn't stop. Instead she tightened her knees around his head and flipped them both, Angel going easy, wanting her to be fully pleasured.
Faith, on all fours, moved herself over his mouth as his tongue furiously moved inside her, giving her everything he had. Faith's moans of pleasure filled the room, and Angel knew her second orgasm wasn't far away. His hands came up and encircled her waist, pulling her into a sitting position onto his face. He guided her up and down movements with his hands as his lips closed over her clit and he began to lick and suck as he felt her body tighten for the impending orgasm.
Faith couldn't think all she could do was react. Too long without pleasure like this made her ready to go quickly. It wasn't long before she was screaming for the second time, her insides pouring out over a slightly cool tongue, warmed by her.
**~**
When the door opened and the couple came out of the room, they were met with mixed reactions that told them they had been overheard.
Spike smirked at them until Dawn slapped his arm. Then he glared at her. Cordelia and Gunn were both centrally located near a stake and a cross that happened to be laying near their hands. They looked jumpy. Wesley looked at them from his doorway, a crossbow tucked behind his back. Richard stood off into the shadows, watching. Faith and Angel looked around, half amused.
Angel did a fake lung toward Cordelia and Gunn and the whole room came alive. Cordelia grabbed the cross, holding it out to him, Gunn grabbed the stake getting into fighting position. Wesley trained the crossbow on him, Spike morphed into game face and put Dawn behind him. From behind Spike, Dawn revealed her own stake.
"You all should take a class in chilling." Faith said as she looked around with a smile.
"If you were so worried about Angelus, why didn't any of you try to stop us?"
Cordelia looked at Gunn and smacked his arm. "I'd like to go on the record for trying."
"Guys. Not what happened, ok?" Faith shook her head with a smile.
"We heard you." Gunn said, not sure.
"And smelled you." Spike grinned.
Angel turned his eyes dangerously to Spike. "There are ways one can satisfy his woman without having sex with her."
Spike smiled a lazy smile. "So there is."
Everyone started to relax. When the realization hit them, the girls started to turn beet-red while the men looked away.
Faith folded her arms in front of her. "When you're minds are out of the gutter." She waited. She looked at Richard and smiled a little. He easily returned her smile.
"Richard will be staying with us."
Everyone's eyes snapped to Faith.
"I know what he did before and what he tried to do. But I was right beside him the whole way. If I can reform.so can he. And he wants to. It might be easier if he didn't have to fight you all as well as his own demons, so to speak." Faith looked around. The group looked unsure.
**~**
He watched from a window as the room went from unsure to nervous acceptance. He saw some of the crew shake hands with this new vampire. How was this possible? He had always thought Angel and Spike were oddities. How is it they are able to recruit another vampire. A vampire that doesn't seem to have any problems. No chip in his head, no soul to make him want to behave. Nothing.
Well, all the same to him. Vampires who side with them are as marked as the rest.
Penn looked over his shoulder, as the sun seemed to warn him it was coming. He stood and made his way to his hiding place. Angel's time was coming. Soon.