Angel's POV
Spike is sobbing his little unbeating heart out into my shirt and jacket. My chest is damp with tears but I don't have the heart to make him stop. He's scared and upset and shaking. My poor baby. He is you know. My baby. I raised him I cared for him I taught him everything he knew and now that he's a child I'll do it all over again just to see him smile. My Sweetling.
Gunn and Lorne have joined me and Wes in his office. We're all here now. Time to get the big Spike back. I don't really want him back. This Spike is much cuter and less annoying, but he's such hard work. I could deal with that. Sure Spike can be a handful, but he always was. Did we really have to do this? I love him this way. If he went back to normal, he'd be...Spike. At least when he's small he can be my Sweetling.
But it needs to be done. We help the hopeless. That would be Spike.
I lift his head form my chest and kiss away his tears gently. He hiccups and sniffs back more tears. I'm still in my vamp face but he either doesn't notice or doesn't care. I stroke the back of his head and mop up his face with a tissue. If we're going to make him big again he'll need some clothes. Not that big Spike would have a problem being naked around others, but I would.
"Wes? Can you interrogate the demons and find out what they know. If these are the ones from Spike's dreams then there's no doubt that they were the ones that did this to him." Wesley nodded and took Gunn to unlock the doors to the makeshift holding cell.
Lorne turned to face me as I carried Spike out the door. "Where you going with miniature there Angelcakes?"
"He needs clothes if he's going to be big again. And considering what happened last time, I think he's going to need big clothes not little." Lorne nodded and I made my way out of the stuffy office to my own suite. Spike was quiet now and I couldn't look at him.
I was going to loose my little boy all over again. Spike had been my one chance to correct my mistake with Connor but now...now he had to go back. It was like someone was toying with me up there. The Gods or the Powers or whoever. I keep getting children and then having them taken away again before I really get to know them. My unlife keeps getting worse and worse.
We're in my suite now in my room. Spike's still quiet and I think this is a record for him. I've put him on my bed and he's sitting there without any real problem or question. Until I bring out 'his' clothes. There's no way that he's going to be able to get on either his jeans or my sweats, so I've compromised. One pair of my boxers and Angel Blankie should be enough to cover Big and Little Spike. I'll take his duster and a pair of my sweats with me for when he's big or there'll be murder if he can't find his coat.
Peaches had managed to clamber from my pocket, given me a dirty look and scrambled over to where Spike is sitting. I sigh and walk over with the assorted garments. Peaches is going to be heartbroken when he has no more little Spike fussing over him and petting his fur the wrong way. Wonder what he'll do. We could get rid of him or he could go live with Spike if he remembers him. I highly doubt that kitten will forget Spike. He's pretty unforgettable.
I sit down silently on the edge of the bed and pull Spike over to me. He's holding Peaches and I have to convince him to put the fur ball down. He does eventually and looks up at me with those big innocent baby eyes that seem to be used when he's big as well. God I love this kid. He's mine; completely mine and I love him for it. I sigh and pull Spike so that he's sitting on my lap. He's completely still until I pull over my boxers.
As soon as he catches sight of them he tries to squirm away. I growl a little and tighten my grip gently on his arm. "Come on Spike." he wriggles more and refuses to sit still. I'll spank him in a minute; I'm not in the mood to deal with this. Please Spike don't be difficult. Don't make this any harder then it is. He's still wriggling and wont listen. "Please Spike. I'm not in the mood right now Sweetling."
He just kicked me where it hurts. And God does it hurt. He may be a kid but...oh god that brat is going to pay! No more Mr. Nice Sire. I've grabbed him by his arms and now he's lying across my lap, still naked but soon not to be. One arm is holding him down by his shoulders and the other is pulling my boxers over Spike's rear end. He's kicking and screaming but I'm not dealing with this. He will behave. I've only got less than an hour left with him and I'll be damned if he's going to act like a spoiled brat.
"William behave or I will spank you and don't test me on that matter. Because I will. You're only here for a little bit more and then you're going, don't you dare misbehave for me." My eyes are filled with tears at my own words but I'm not going to cry. I can't. I if do then Spike will cry and I'll be pathetic. I wont be able to let him go and I need to, for his sake. He has no future.
Spike's bottom lip is trembling when I sit him up. He looks ridiculous in my boxers and shirt but god I don't care. He's my childe and I need him now. Before I know what I'm doing he's wrapped in my arms and I don't think I can ever let go. If I do then what is there to fight for? He's my light. Spike this small can show me what to fight for. Normal Spike would just throw everything back in my face before telling me graphic details about what he did with Buffy. I don't need that. I need him.
Spike's crying again and I can feel my heart breaking. My poor precious baby. How could I not love him? He is my golden boy and I need him. But he needs his own unlife more. When this demon does the spell or whatever it did my heart will be crushed but Spike will live. He's trying to say something so I have to pull him away and brush the hair from falling into his eyes. God he's precious.
"Wh...Why do I havta g...go?" He's whispering to me. His tears are falling down his pale cheeks and soaking his beloved Angel Blankie. Peaches is curled up by us on the bed and making small mewing noises like he's crying too. Maybe I'm just going mad. "Do...don't you like me no more?" No don't say that. Please don't say that Spike I can't cry now. I if do I wont stop and I have to be strong.
"No baby. No I do still like you. I love you. You're my precious Sweetling. But you have to go." I'm brushing his hair with my fingers and kissing the top of his head lightly. I need this. Please don't ask Spike. Just be quiet and be here with me. Be mine.
"Why I havta go?" He's whispering as if he might disappear at any second. It's true, he might. God I don't want him to.
I don't know the answer Spike. Because you're too special to have no future? Because the world is a cruel place? Because the Powers that are an eternal pain in my arse don't want me to be happy? I don't know Sweetling. I just don't know. So I give the only answer I know is true. "Because I love you."
##############
"They've been up there a while. Want me to go get them?" Gunn asked after twenty minutes. It was true, his boss was taking twice as long as it should to clothe a child and bring them back down.
Wesley was about to ask him to go bring them down when Lorne interrupted. "No. Leave them be. I think Angel needs some time to say goodbye."
"But its just Spike. He'll be normal again in no time." Gunn looked to the empath demon and frowned. "Right?" he turned to Wesley and the demon he was guarding.
The demon laughed and shook his head. "The insolent vampire that crossed my path shall not remember anything that has taken place. He shall wake up believing it to be the exact moment before the change took place. All shall remain the same as when he fell."
"How'd you know he fell?"
"I know many things."
Gunn frowned and muttered, "Damn cryptic wiseass." As he turned away. Just what he needed. Some smart arse demon and an upset boss. Great end to the perfect day. Actually, making cookies with Spike had been fun. He was cut off from his thoughts when Angel came through the door carrying a rag tag Spike in his arms. The older vampire looked more tired then usual and it was obvious that Spike had been crying more when they were away.
Peaches ran in alongside the vampire and leaped up to sit on Wesley's desk. He hissed at the demon and settled to watch the events. Angel lowered Spike to the floor and watched as he scuttled over to Gunn. One hand was being used to keep up the huge boxers and the other was being held out to the man. Gunn smiled and bent down to hug the little hell raiser. "Goodbye little man. You'd make one hell of a chef. Gimme five little dude." He held his hand flat and Spike slapped it playfully. Gunn grinned and pulled it away feigning pain at Spike weak hit. "OW! Wow you are strong. See ya round kiddo." He ruffled a giggling Spike's hair and stood back up when Spike toddled over to Lorne.
The green demon knelt down and gave Spike a one armed hug. "Goodbye Precious. Be a good boy now wont you?" Spike nodded and gave Lorne an extra squeeze goodbye before going over to Wesley.
The Brit wasn't very good at goodbyes. "Er...goodbye William, I suppose." Wesley offered his hand for a goodbye shake and was surprised when Spike attached himself to his leg and hugged it. Wesley seemed shaken for a moment before bending down and stroking Spike's head gently. "Bye." Spike nodded his goodbye and was about to go over to his Sire when Illyria burst in.
"Why is there so much sorrow in this room? I can taste it in the air." She asked in the same monotone voice she always used. Spike rushed over to her still holding up Angel's boxers and held out a hand. She took it and he squeezed gently.
"Bye 'Lyra. I miss you." Illyria cocked her head to the side and gazed at him thoughtfully. She seemed to be having trouble with his words. As if one cue she released his hand and turned away.
"I do not like this emotion. I wish to do violence." And she stormed away to the training room. Spike was left standing in the middle of the office while the demon began his chant. But he wasn't done saying goodbye yet. Spinning round and tripping over his Angel Blankie he rushed over to his Sire. Before he had even got there Angel had fallen to his knees and had his arms open.
Spike rushed over and latched himself around Angel's neck. He breathed on the scent of his Sire and nuzzled the skin beneath his cheek. "Don't wanna go." He mumbled and tried to get even closer to his Sire. Angel couldn't speak. He felt that if he opened his mouth he might choke and he couldn't. He needed to be strong for Spike. Spike for his part didn't notice the lights that began to orbit his body. Nor did he realise the words the demon was chanting. Angel did and he clung on tighter to the boy in his arms. The last words he heard Spike whisper were, "I love you Angel."
##############
Spike groaned as he came to. "Bugger." He muttered and felt his head. Looking at his hand he noticed the red splash of colour against his pale skin. Great, he was bleeding all over Sire Angel Daddy's kitchen floor. Wait...Sire who now what? What the bleedin hell was wrong with him? He shook his head but stopped when it caused his vision to blur more. Poofter. That was it, the Poofter's kitchen.
"Spike? Are you okay?" Wesley? What the hell was he doing up here? Oh who cared? Spike sat up slowly and waited for his head to stop spinning before opening his eyes. Huh. Didn't look like the Poofter's kitchen. Looked more like Wesley's office. Bloody hell this was weird. "How's your head?"
"Bloody awful thanks for asking." Spike got to his hands and knees before standing properly. He looked around and noticed the assorted people round the room. Wesley, Gunn, Lorne, Sire Angel...Poofter and one of those demons he'd pissed off. Okay, weird. "Er...What's going on?"
No one made a move to answer but left instead. Everyone except Sire...the Poof. "Gonna answer me S...Peaches?" at that Spike looked down to find a ginger fur ball purring and rubbing itself against his leg. "Er...okay..."he frowned and pushed the thing away with his foot...bare foot? Where were his Docs? Where were his jeans? What the hell was he wearing?
Angel did not seem to want to answer. Instead he just threw Spike clothes at him and turned around. "Get changed. Now." Spike looked at the clothes in his arms. They were his all right. No doubt about it. So why didn't he feel like putting them? In fact...he didn't want to wear anything...Okay bad thought there Spike, just put on the clothes.
"Done." he mumbled as his duster took pride of place over the top of Angel's shirt. Angel turned round and scowled at his childe. This wasn't his Sweetling. This was a killer with a soul.
"Good. Now get out. I don't want to hear another thing out of you today. And if I do, then I can not be held responsible for my actions." Spike took a step towards the door at his Sire's tone. Gees he didn't have to be so mean about it. He'd only been jumping around. Not as if he'd hurt anyone, except himself. Slowly he made his way down the hall to the medical ward. Why did Angel's words seem to be hurting him so much? It wasn't like he'd never been yelled at before.
He sighed and wiped at his slowly watering eyes. God what was wrong with him? He sniffed as he entered the ward. It was early in the day so he'd have plenty of time to work it out and annoy Angel some more. Slipping past matron he swiped a plaster and made his way back to Angel's office. No use trying to put on a plaster if you can't see where to put it is there?
He paused as he went past Harmony's desk. "Er...Harm? Is your clock right? It says it's nearly sundown." He frowned and double-checked his eyes weren't playing tricks. Nope clock was still wrong.
"Of course it's right silly. You just can't remember what happened coz you're all big and grown up again. Duh." She scuttled away and began talking to a few lawyers. Spike just blinked a few times before continuing his journey. Harm was a daft bint, she couldn't even tell time.
"Hey Peaches. You wanna help the invalid?" He grinned and held out the square plaster to his sire. For some reason Angel ignored him and turned round in his chair so that Spike couldn't see him at all. "Peaches?" He looked down again and there was that cat again. It must have followed Angel for some reason. He shooed it away and wondered why there was a cat here anyway. "What have I done now? I was only jumping up and down. I didn't hurt anyone but myself."
"Shut up Spike." Angel sighed and turned to face the brat that was going to piss him off for the rest of his unlife. "Go away. I said I don't want to see you." Spike raised an eyebrow and clambered onto his Sire's desk. Angel growled and went to push him off. Spike sat firm and held out the plaster.
"At least do that for me. I can't see myself." Spike pointed out. Angel sighed again and took the plaster. Spike mentally noted that Angel seemed to be sighing a lot more than usual. Slowly Angel peeled the back off the plaster and taped it into place over Spike's cut. Again that cat had followed him and was sitting comfortably in his lap. Spike frowned and watched as the creature settled down to snooze. "Can't move now. It's gone to sleep."
"He."
"What?"
"It's a he. Not an It." Angel was sitting back and brooding as usual. Spike rolled his eyes. He couldn't have a brooding Sire, it's just boring. He needed to do something about it. Like ask questions.
"What's his name?" Spike asked, emphasis on the 'his'. He looked into Angel' eyes and saw the tiredness there. What had happened since this morning? Or whenever. Time must have passed since he got knocked out if Harmony's clock was right.
"Peaches." Angel muttered and reached forward to scratch behind the kitten's ear. It purred in Spike's lap and rolled over slightly onto it's back. Spike watched as Angel moved his hand down to scratch at the kitten's belly. It's purr increased in volume and Spike chuckled.
"Who'd call their cat Peaches? You?"
"No. You." Angel watched as Spike looked back to him, completely confused by what he'd just heard. "You named him Peaches. You saved him from being eaten as a prize in kitten poker. Then you brought him back here and wanted to keep him. I said yes and you called him Peaches."
"After you?"
"After the song."
"Oh."
Pause. Angel waited for the questions that would ruin his unlife.
"What do you mean I called him Peaches? I don't remember saving a kitten. At least not recently." Angel decided not to as when he had saved a kitten and went back to his brooding about the answer.
"When you got knocked out you got turned into a four year old vampire. That was three days ago. Now you're back. Okay?" Angel turned away and left Spike to stare at him with Peaches purring on his lap.
"No. No that...that's not okay. Is this a joke? I don't remember...am I supposed to remember? Angel? Answer me! Goddammit!" Spike was frustrated now and yelling at the back of his Sire. Angel couldn't take much more of this. How was he meant to go from caring for an innocent child to calming an irate adult? He couldn't.
"No Spike!" Angel stood to his full height and turned to face the younger vampire. God he was mad. Couldn't Spike see that he didn't want to talk? Looming over the blonde Angel managed to make Spike jump and stay back a bit. "I don't want to answer you. I don't want to see you and I don't want to be reminded of what I felt for you. Because it's gone all right? You're no longer my Sweetling. You're an annoying brat with peroxide hair who steals my thunder. Now back off!" Angel stood stock still when Spike looked down.
He could have dealt with yelling, screaming, punches anything but tears. Spike slid off the desk and put Peaches down gently with tears sliding down his face in silence. "Fine." He whispered as he made for the door. "If that's all I am to you then I'll just go shall I? All I was asking was why. Sorry for wanting to know what happened to me in the three days I remember. It must be some stupid thing I do." He took a deep shuddering breath before continuing. "All I know is that I woke up and the first thing I wanted was someone called Sire Angel Daddy. Figured it was you, but you hate me so guess not. Bye Peaches. Sorry for ruining your unlife." The door slammed on it's way out. Angel had never felt smaller.
#########
He tossed and turned in his bed. The words that Spike had spat at him echoing through his head. He was a bad sire. A really bad horrible sire that didn't deserve childer because he was so much of an idiot. God how could he have said such things? Oh right, because he's an idiot. What was he thinking?
Sometimes it was hard being a sire. Having to cope with childer and their problems as well as your own. At least when Spike was a child it was pretty basic problems like being sick or not knowing what to call his cat. Angel growled slightly and rolled over again. Peaches mewed in protest at being moved but Angel didn't care. He had lost Spike all over again.
Well damn him if he was just going to lie there and do nothing about it. His childe was in pain and he was going to help, whether it be his fault or not.
###########
Spike stumbled over something as he made his way to the door. Who the bloody hell was banging on his door at four in the morning? He sighed and kicked aside the playstation. Poxy thing kept getting in the way. But he was getting good at it if he did say so himself. He was glad he hadn't gotten changed after coming home. If he had then he probably would have forgotten to put on anything and answered the door naked.
Opening the door he almost slammed it back in Angel's face, and he would have if Angel didn't stop him with his foot. "Bloody hell..." he whispered. "All right Peaches what the hell do you want?" He wiped his face to check that there was no evidence of remaining tears before turning back into his apartment. He settled on the sofa and scowled when Angel took up residence next to him.
"I want to talk." Angel answered and pulled a slightly ruffled looking Peaches from his pocket. Spike watched amused as the kitten tried to keep its balance whilst walking over both their sets of legs. He stumbled and bit and Spike had to catch him before he fell off the edge of the sofa. "You left him in my office."
Spike shrugged and tickled the kitten's chin. "He looks like he'd been there a while."
"He has but he's yours." Angel replied and stroked Peaches' head with one finger. The ginger fluff ball purred happily and played with the older vampire's fingers. "He likes you more than the rest of us. When you were small he'd follow you around all day."
Spike nodded. "I hear that when you let a kitten get used to a new home, you can't take them away for a bit or they get ill though..." He cringed at the sound of his own need. It was pretty obvious what he was really asking. He couldn't explain why, but he felt like he needed to be near Angel. Stupid sire/childe bond.
"Well then we'll have to get you a bed in my suite then wont we? Can't have Peaches getting ill can we?" Spike grinned and shook his head. Angel smiled and stood back up. "We should get started on that right away, but for tonight...I guess you could share my bed...if you want."
Spike stood and grabbed his duster. "Well if I have to." He grinned and linked arms with Angel. No harm in acting like a nancy boy sometimes was there? Course not. Whistling slightly he smiled when peaches came running up and rubbing himself against Spike's leg. The younger vampire picked up his kitten and followed Angel out the door. For some reason, he felt like he finally had a bright future.
THE END.
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Spike is sobbing his little unbeating heart out into my shirt and jacket. My chest is damp with tears but I don't have the heart to make him stop. He's scared and upset and shaking. My poor baby. He is you know. My baby. I raised him I cared for him I taught him everything he knew and now that he's a child I'll do it all over again just to see him smile. My Sweetling.
Gunn and Lorne have joined me and Wes in his office. We're all here now. Time to get the big Spike back. I don't really want him back. This Spike is much cuter and less annoying, but he's such hard work. I could deal with that. Sure Spike can be a handful, but he always was. Did we really have to do this? I love him this way. If he went back to normal, he'd be...Spike. At least when he's small he can be my Sweetling.
But it needs to be done. We help the hopeless. That would be Spike.
I lift his head form my chest and kiss away his tears gently. He hiccups and sniffs back more tears. I'm still in my vamp face but he either doesn't notice or doesn't care. I stroke the back of his head and mop up his face with a tissue. If we're going to make him big again he'll need some clothes. Not that big Spike would have a problem being naked around others, but I would.
"Wes? Can you interrogate the demons and find out what they know. If these are the ones from Spike's dreams then there's no doubt that they were the ones that did this to him." Wesley nodded and took Gunn to unlock the doors to the makeshift holding cell.
Lorne turned to face me as I carried Spike out the door. "Where you going with miniature there Angelcakes?"
"He needs clothes if he's going to be big again. And considering what happened last time, I think he's going to need big clothes not little." Lorne nodded and I made my way out of the stuffy office to my own suite. Spike was quiet now and I couldn't look at him.
I was going to loose my little boy all over again. Spike had been my one chance to correct my mistake with Connor but now...now he had to go back. It was like someone was toying with me up there. The Gods or the Powers or whoever. I keep getting children and then having them taken away again before I really get to know them. My unlife keeps getting worse and worse.
We're in my suite now in my room. Spike's still quiet and I think this is a record for him. I've put him on my bed and he's sitting there without any real problem or question. Until I bring out 'his' clothes. There's no way that he's going to be able to get on either his jeans or my sweats, so I've compromised. One pair of my boxers and Angel Blankie should be enough to cover Big and Little Spike. I'll take his duster and a pair of my sweats with me for when he's big or there'll be murder if he can't find his coat.
Peaches had managed to clamber from my pocket, given me a dirty look and scrambled over to where Spike is sitting. I sigh and walk over with the assorted garments. Peaches is going to be heartbroken when he has no more little Spike fussing over him and petting his fur the wrong way. Wonder what he'll do. We could get rid of him or he could go live with Spike if he remembers him. I highly doubt that kitten will forget Spike. He's pretty unforgettable.
I sit down silently on the edge of the bed and pull Spike over to me. He's holding Peaches and I have to convince him to put the fur ball down. He does eventually and looks up at me with those big innocent baby eyes that seem to be used when he's big as well. God I love this kid. He's mine; completely mine and I love him for it. I sigh and pull Spike so that he's sitting on my lap. He's completely still until I pull over my boxers.
As soon as he catches sight of them he tries to squirm away. I growl a little and tighten my grip gently on his arm. "Come on Spike." he wriggles more and refuses to sit still. I'll spank him in a minute; I'm not in the mood to deal with this. Please Spike don't be difficult. Don't make this any harder then it is. He's still wriggling and wont listen. "Please Spike. I'm not in the mood right now Sweetling."
He just kicked me where it hurts. And God does it hurt. He may be a kid but...oh god that brat is going to pay! No more Mr. Nice Sire. I've grabbed him by his arms and now he's lying across my lap, still naked but soon not to be. One arm is holding him down by his shoulders and the other is pulling my boxers over Spike's rear end. He's kicking and screaming but I'm not dealing with this. He will behave. I've only got less than an hour left with him and I'll be damned if he's going to act like a spoiled brat.
"William behave or I will spank you and don't test me on that matter. Because I will. You're only here for a little bit more and then you're going, don't you dare misbehave for me." My eyes are filled with tears at my own words but I'm not going to cry. I can't. I if do then Spike will cry and I'll be pathetic. I wont be able to let him go and I need to, for his sake. He has no future.
Spike's bottom lip is trembling when I sit him up. He looks ridiculous in my boxers and shirt but god I don't care. He's my childe and I need him now. Before I know what I'm doing he's wrapped in my arms and I don't think I can ever let go. If I do then what is there to fight for? He's my light. Spike this small can show me what to fight for. Normal Spike would just throw everything back in my face before telling me graphic details about what he did with Buffy. I don't need that. I need him.
Spike's crying again and I can feel my heart breaking. My poor precious baby. How could I not love him? He is my golden boy and I need him. But he needs his own unlife more. When this demon does the spell or whatever it did my heart will be crushed but Spike will live. He's trying to say something so I have to pull him away and brush the hair from falling into his eyes. God he's precious.
"Wh...Why do I havta g...go?" He's whispering to me. His tears are falling down his pale cheeks and soaking his beloved Angel Blankie. Peaches is curled up by us on the bed and making small mewing noises like he's crying too. Maybe I'm just going mad. "Do...don't you like me no more?" No don't say that. Please don't say that Spike I can't cry now. I if do I wont stop and I have to be strong.
"No baby. No I do still like you. I love you. You're my precious Sweetling. But you have to go." I'm brushing his hair with my fingers and kissing the top of his head lightly. I need this. Please don't ask Spike. Just be quiet and be here with me. Be mine.
"Why I havta go?" He's whispering as if he might disappear at any second. It's true, he might. God I don't want him to.
I don't know the answer Spike. Because you're too special to have no future? Because the world is a cruel place? Because the Powers that are an eternal pain in my arse don't want me to be happy? I don't know Sweetling. I just don't know. So I give the only answer I know is true. "Because I love you."
##############
"They've been up there a while. Want me to go get them?" Gunn asked after twenty minutes. It was true, his boss was taking twice as long as it should to clothe a child and bring them back down.
Wesley was about to ask him to go bring them down when Lorne interrupted. "No. Leave them be. I think Angel needs some time to say goodbye."
"But its just Spike. He'll be normal again in no time." Gunn looked to the empath demon and frowned. "Right?" he turned to Wesley and the demon he was guarding.
The demon laughed and shook his head. "The insolent vampire that crossed my path shall not remember anything that has taken place. He shall wake up believing it to be the exact moment before the change took place. All shall remain the same as when he fell."
"How'd you know he fell?"
"I know many things."
Gunn frowned and muttered, "Damn cryptic wiseass." As he turned away. Just what he needed. Some smart arse demon and an upset boss. Great end to the perfect day. Actually, making cookies with Spike had been fun. He was cut off from his thoughts when Angel came through the door carrying a rag tag Spike in his arms. The older vampire looked more tired then usual and it was obvious that Spike had been crying more when they were away.
Peaches ran in alongside the vampire and leaped up to sit on Wesley's desk. He hissed at the demon and settled to watch the events. Angel lowered Spike to the floor and watched as he scuttled over to Gunn. One hand was being used to keep up the huge boxers and the other was being held out to the man. Gunn smiled and bent down to hug the little hell raiser. "Goodbye little man. You'd make one hell of a chef. Gimme five little dude." He held his hand flat and Spike slapped it playfully. Gunn grinned and pulled it away feigning pain at Spike weak hit. "OW! Wow you are strong. See ya round kiddo." He ruffled a giggling Spike's hair and stood back up when Spike toddled over to Lorne.
The green demon knelt down and gave Spike a one armed hug. "Goodbye Precious. Be a good boy now wont you?" Spike nodded and gave Lorne an extra squeeze goodbye before going over to Wesley.
The Brit wasn't very good at goodbyes. "Er...goodbye William, I suppose." Wesley offered his hand for a goodbye shake and was surprised when Spike attached himself to his leg and hugged it. Wesley seemed shaken for a moment before bending down and stroking Spike's head gently. "Bye." Spike nodded his goodbye and was about to go over to his Sire when Illyria burst in.
"Why is there so much sorrow in this room? I can taste it in the air." She asked in the same monotone voice she always used. Spike rushed over to her still holding up Angel's boxers and held out a hand. She took it and he squeezed gently.
"Bye 'Lyra. I miss you." Illyria cocked her head to the side and gazed at him thoughtfully. She seemed to be having trouble with his words. As if one cue she released his hand and turned away.
"I do not like this emotion. I wish to do violence." And she stormed away to the training room. Spike was left standing in the middle of the office while the demon began his chant. But he wasn't done saying goodbye yet. Spinning round and tripping over his Angel Blankie he rushed over to his Sire. Before he had even got there Angel had fallen to his knees and had his arms open.
Spike rushed over and latched himself around Angel's neck. He breathed on the scent of his Sire and nuzzled the skin beneath his cheek. "Don't wanna go." He mumbled and tried to get even closer to his Sire. Angel couldn't speak. He felt that if he opened his mouth he might choke and he couldn't. He needed to be strong for Spike. Spike for his part didn't notice the lights that began to orbit his body. Nor did he realise the words the demon was chanting. Angel did and he clung on tighter to the boy in his arms. The last words he heard Spike whisper were, "I love you Angel."
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Spike groaned as he came to. "Bugger." He muttered and felt his head. Looking at his hand he noticed the red splash of colour against his pale skin. Great, he was bleeding all over Sire Angel Daddy's kitchen floor. Wait...Sire who now what? What the bleedin hell was wrong with him? He shook his head but stopped when it caused his vision to blur more. Poofter. That was it, the Poofter's kitchen.
"Spike? Are you okay?" Wesley? What the hell was he doing up here? Oh who cared? Spike sat up slowly and waited for his head to stop spinning before opening his eyes. Huh. Didn't look like the Poofter's kitchen. Looked more like Wesley's office. Bloody hell this was weird. "How's your head?"
"Bloody awful thanks for asking." Spike got to his hands and knees before standing properly. He looked around and noticed the assorted people round the room. Wesley, Gunn, Lorne, Sire Angel...Poofter and one of those demons he'd pissed off. Okay, weird. "Er...What's going on?"
No one made a move to answer but left instead. Everyone except Sire...the Poof. "Gonna answer me S...Peaches?" at that Spike looked down to find a ginger fur ball purring and rubbing itself against his leg. "Er...okay..."he frowned and pushed the thing away with his foot...bare foot? Where were his Docs? Where were his jeans? What the hell was he wearing?
Angel did not seem to want to answer. Instead he just threw Spike clothes at him and turned around. "Get changed. Now." Spike looked at the clothes in his arms. They were his all right. No doubt about it. So why didn't he feel like putting them? In fact...he didn't want to wear anything...Okay bad thought there Spike, just put on the clothes.
"Done." he mumbled as his duster took pride of place over the top of Angel's shirt. Angel turned round and scowled at his childe. This wasn't his Sweetling. This was a killer with a soul.
"Good. Now get out. I don't want to hear another thing out of you today. And if I do, then I can not be held responsible for my actions." Spike took a step towards the door at his Sire's tone. Gees he didn't have to be so mean about it. He'd only been jumping around. Not as if he'd hurt anyone, except himself. Slowly he made his way down the hall to the medical ward. Why did Angel's words seem to be hurting him so much? It wasn't like he'd never been yelled at before.
He sighed and wiped at his slowly watering eyes. God what was wrong with him? He sniffed as he entered the ward. It was early in the day so he'd have plenty of time to work it out and annoy Angel some more. Slipping past matron he swiped a plaster and made his way back to Angel's office. No use trying to put on a plaster if you can't see where to put it is there?
He paused as he went past Harmony's desk. "Er...Harm? Is your clock right? It says it's nearly sundown." He frowned and double-checked his eyes weren't playing tricks. Nope clock was still wrong.
"Of course it's right silly. You just can't remember what happened coz you're all big and grown up again. Duh." She scuttled away and began talking to a few lawyers. Spike just blinked a few times before continuing his journey. Harm was a daft bint, she couldn't even tell time.
"Hey Peaches. You wanna help the invalid?" He grinned and held out the square plaster to his sire. For some reason Angel ignored him and turned round in his chair so that Spike couldn't see him at all. "Peaches?" He looked down again and there was that cat again. It must have followed Angel for some reason. He shooed it away and wondered why there was a cat here anyway. "What have I done now? I was only jumping up and down. I didn't hurt anyone but myself."
"Shut up Spike." Angel sighed and turned to face the brat that was going to piss him off for the rest of his unlife. "Go away. I said I don't want to see you." Spike raised an eyebrow and clambered onto his Sire's desk. Angel growled and went to push him off. Spike sat firm and held out the plaster.
"At least do that for me. I can't see myself." Spike pointed out. Angel sighed again and took the plaster. Spike mentally noted that Angel seemed to be sighing a lot more than usual. Slowly Angel peeled the back off the plaster and taped it into place over Spike's cut. Again that cat had followed him and was sitting comfortably in his lap. Spike frowned and watched as the creature settled down to snooze. "Can't move now. It's gone to sleep."
"He."
"What?"
"It's a he. Not an It." Angel was sitting back and brooding as usual. Spike rolled his eyes. He couldn't have a brooding Sire, it's just boring. He needed to do something about it. Like ask questions.
"What's his name?" Spike asked, emphasis on the 'his'. He looked into Angel' eyes and saw the tiredness there. What had happened since this morning? Or whenever. Time must have passed since he got knocked out if Harmony's clock was right.
"Peaches." Angel muttered and reached forward to scratch behind the kitten's ear. It purred in Spike's lap and rolled over slightly onto it's back. Spike watched as Angel moved his hand down to scratch at the kitten's belly. It's purr increased in volume and Spike chuckled.
"Who'd call their cat Peaches? You?"
"No. You." Angel watched as Spike looked back to him, completely confused by what he'd just heard. "You named him Peaches. You saved him from being eaten as a prize in kitten poker. Then you brought him back here and wanted to keep him. I said yes and you called him Peaches."
"After you?"
"After the song."
"Oh."
Pause. Angel waited for the questions that would ruin his unlife.
"What do you mean I called him Peaches? I don't remember saving a kitten. At least not recently." Angel decided not to as when he had saved a kitten and went back to his brooding about the answer.
"When you got knocked out you got turned into a four year old vampire. That was three days ago. Now you're back. Okay?" Angel turned away and left Spike to stare at him with Peaches purring on his lap.
"No. No that...that's not okay. Is this a joke? I don't remember...am I supposed to remember? Angel? Answer me! Goddammit!" Spike was frustrated now and yelling at the back of his Sire. Angel couldn't take much more of this. How was he meant to go from caring for an innocent child to calming an irate adult? He couldn't.
"No Spike!" Angel stood to his full height and turned to face the younger vampire. God he was mad. Couldn't Spike see that he didn't want to talk? Looming over the blonde Angel managed to make Spike jump and stay back a bit. "I don't want to answer you. I don't want to see you and I don't want to be reminded of what I felt for you. Because it's gone all right? You're no longer my Sweetling. You're an annoying brat with peroxide hair who steals my thunder. Now back off!" Angel stood stock still when Spike looked down.
He could have dealt with yelling, screaming, punches anything but tears. Spike slid off the desk and put Peaches down gently with tears sliding down his face in silence. "Fine." He whispered as he made for the door. "If that's all I am to you then I'll just go shall I? All I was asking was why. Sorry for wanting to know what happened to me in the three days I remember. It must be some stupid thing I do." He took a deep shuddering breath before continuing. "All I know is that I woke up and the first thing I wanted was someone called Sire Angel Daddy. Figured it was you, but you hate me so guess not. Bye Peaches. Sorry for ruining your unlife." The door slammed on it's way out. Angel had never felt smaller.
#########
He tossed and turned in his bed. The words that Spike had spat at him echoing through his head. He was a bad sire. A really bad horrible sire that didn't deserve childer because he was so much of an idiot. God how could he have said such things? Oh right, because he's an idiot. What was he thinking?
Sometimes it was hard being a sire. Having to cope with childer and their problems as well as your own. At least when Spike was a child it was pretty basic problems like being sick or not knowing what to call his cat. Angel growled slightly and rolled over again. Peaches mewed in protest at being moved but Angel didn't care. He had lost Spike all over again.
Well damn him if he was just going to lie there and do nothing about it. His childe was in pain and he was going to help, whether it be his fault or not.
###########
Spike stumbled over something as he made his way to the door. Who the bloody hell was banging on his door at four in the morning? He sighed and kicked aside the playstation. Poxy thing kept getting in the way. But he was getting good at it if he did say so himself. He was glad he hadn't gotten changed after coming home. If he had then he probably would have forgotten to put on anything and answered the door naked.
Opening the door he almost slammed it back in Angel's face, and he would have if Angel didn't stop him with his foot. "Bloody hell..." he whispered. "All right Peaches what the hell do you want?" He wiped his face to check that there was no evidence of remaining tears before turning back into his apartment. He settled on the sofa and scowled when Angel took up residence next to him.
"I want to talk." Angel answered and pulled a slightly ruffled looking Peaches from his pocket. Spike watched amused as the kitten tried to keep its balance whilst walking over both their sets of legs. He stumbled and bit and Spike had to catch him before he fell off the edge of the sofa. "You left him in my office."
Spike shrugged and tickled the kitten's chin. "He looks like he'd been there a while."
"He has but he's yours." Angel replied and stroked Peaches' head with one finger. The ginger fluff ball purred happily and played with the older vampire's fingers. "He likes you more than the rest of us. When you were small he'd follow you around all day."
Spike nodded. "I hear that when you let a kitten get used to a new home, you can't take them away for a bit or they get ill though..." He cringed at the sound of his own need. It was pretty obvious what he was really asking. He couldn't explain why, but he felt like he needed to be near Angel. Stupid sire/childe bond.
"Well then we'll have to get you a bed in my suite then wont we? Can't have Peaches getting ill can we?" Spike grinned and shook his head. Angel smiled and stood back up. "We should get started on that right away, but for tonight...I guess you could share my bed...if you want."
Spike stood and grabbed his duster. "Well if I have to." He grinned and linked arms with Angel. No harm in acting like a nancy boy sometimes was there? Course not. Whistling slightly he smiled when peaches came running up and rubbing himself against Spike's leg. The younger vampire picked up his kitten and followed Angel out the door. For some reason, he felt like he finally had a bright future.
THE END.
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