TITLE: Setting Things Straight
RATING: NC-17
PAIRING: Angel/Spike

SUMMARY: This is my first fanfic. It started off as a rewrite of Season 7 with Buffy going bad not sure where it will end up. Just wondered what would happen if Spike had some real support after he got his soul back.

SPOILERS: All mainly Buffy Season 4 & 7, Angel Season 3 & 4
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of these characters; they belong to Joss
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Spike's thoughts

# Angel's thoughts #

Part 14

Dawn stood in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil, yawning and trying hard to wake up. She absentmindedly rubbed her arm, which was rather sore after having three vampires pinching it in glee last night.

"Morning." Said Kennedy as she groggily stumbled in.

"Morning, you want coffee?"

"Please."

Dawn set about making the coffee.

"Dawn, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Dawn said handing her a cup of coffee.

"Thanks, I was just wondering...what's really going on here? I mean first, two vampires with souls, which was hard to come to terms with but hey this whole situation doesn't exactly make life easy. Then last night four more vampires without souls turn up and now they're without chips? What ever that's all about and they are staying here in the basement. All except one who is sleeping with Angel and Spike."

"I think the reason Druscilla is sleeping in with Angel and Spike has more to do with our safety than anything else."

"How do you mean?"

"Well Druscilla isn't exactly the sanest member of Angel's family. In fact she's mad as a hatter. Well according to Spike."

"And the other three, they're safe?"

"Don't fear little girl you are safe."

Both girls twisted in their chairs to see Rebecca standing in the doorway to the basement.

"Hey Rebecca want some coffee?" Dawn asked.

"You got anything in the red variety?"

Dawn smiled, "Yeah sure." She started to rise from her chair.

"I can do it, just point and direct," Rebecca said.

"No, s'not like I haven't done it before." Dawn said as she pottered around the kitchen.

Rebecca went and sat next to a nervous Kennedy. "Don't worry, relax nothings going to happen." Rebecca said with a smile.

"I don't understand. I thought all vampires were just blood thirsty demons." Kennedy said then shyly added, "Sorry no offence intended."

"None taken, and you're right some of us are just blood thirsty demons, but some of us, older vampires like to kill, feed with a bit of style. Then there are those of us who have been chipped." Rebecca said in a far away voice.

"What do you mean, "Been chipped"?" Kennedy asked.

"Simple, we cannot cause a human harm without a huge electric shock running through our head and leaving us immobile and unable to move for hours."

Dawn came over with Rebecca's mug of blood and a confused expression on her face. "Spike was never immobile or unable to move after the chip went off."

"Yes well Spike is different."

"In what way?" Kennedy asked curiously.

"He is abnormal even by vampire standards. I think it has something to do with the way he was turned."

"I thought Druscilla turned him." Dawn said.

"Sort of." Rebecca sighed, "Technically Spike has two sire's. Druscilla drained him but it was Angelus who fed him. Something that should never happen. It leads to two demons living in one body. Before Spike it had only been done a few times but the fledglings never lived. They would go mad and walk into the sun or they would just sit there catatonic until they became dust, or someone took pity on them and staked them. Either way not pretty. It can't be easy having two demons in your head each battling for dominance."

"So what was different with Spike?" Kennedy asked curiosity overcoming her worry.

"I'm not sure. Angelus only fed him to see what would happen, for a laugh. I doubt he ever expected Spike to survive. I think Spike or William found a way to let them all live together in his head."

"That's fascinating." Giles said from the doorway. "It also clears up the who's Spike's Sire debate that has been going on for over sixty years at the Watchers Council, shame there is no one left to appreciate it. It also explains a few things."

"Watcher." Said Rebecca coldly.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to eavesdrop but Spike refuses to talk about his past, well unless you want a good nightmare to send you to sleep." Giles said with a shudder.

"So what's the plan?" Dawn asked trying to distract every one.

"Tonight we free Connor and give Buffy back her soul." Spike said as he entered the kitchen.

"Yes quite." Giles said as he removed his glasses and started cleaning them "And how do you plan on doing that exactly?"

"Easy I fight the three Turok-han's, while Willow does the ensouling spell. Then we go get Connor." Spike said smugly.

"Hate to say it, "Big Bad," but you look like you can barely stand. We're trained. And the only thing we know for sure is that these Turok-han's are big and nasty." Kennedy said puffing out her chest.

Spike stood there glaring, "You're absolutely right I'm not fully healed yet, but trust me little girl, you are not trained, and you have no hope in killing one Turok-han let alone three."

"Yeah right, your feet still give you pain, you stretch to far and that chest wound opens up again. How the hell are you going to fight?"

"She's right. Spike you're not in shape. You look almost as bad as when Glory had a go at you." Dawn still felt guilty about that.

"Jesus heaven on a stick what is it with you people." Spike flung his arms up in the air in defeat, Turned to Rebecca and said, "You understand don't you?"

"I think you are mad, but yes I know what you plan and why they can't help."

"Good then you can explain it to them." Spike said as he stormed off out of the kitchen.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Dawn said.

"Yes quite," Giles said.

"He just has a lot on his mind," said Rebecca thoughtfully.

"So you going to explain this to us?" Kennedy asked.

"You remember earlier, I was saying that there are two demons battling in Spike?" The group nodded, "Well tonight Spike will allow William The Bloody to take control. That is why you cannot help him in this. He won't have much if any control. I'm surprised he has agreed to do this."

"Why, do you say that?" Dawn asked.

"No reason, just thinking allowed." Rebecca mused.

Dusk was falling as the final preparations were being made.

"Does everyone understand what they have to do?" Spike asked everyone nodded, "Xander?"

"What? I know exactly what I have to do stop worrying about me and start worrying about you fanged friends over there. Which by the way I still don't like and why exactly are they still here?"

Druscilla glided up to Spike, "Tut, tut, tut, silly boy." She said as she wound herself around Spike. "We're here to watch the show." She clapped her hands in glee, "I love a good show I do."

Xander rolled his eyes and ignored Druscilla. "And more to the point, where exactly will you be while the rest of us are risking our necks?"

"There's something I need to get." Spike said in a voice devoid of emotion. He shook himself and with a smile said. "Just get there on time Xander." Xander nodded and Spike turned to the rest of the room "Right, let's get going."

Xander cautiously approached the Initiative complex. Suddenly they were surrounded by men in green and Buffy.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Little lambs shouldn't walk away from their shepherd, they could get eaten by the big bad wolf." Buffy laughed.

Xander looked at Buffy, noting the large gash on her temple, the split knuckles and deep purple bruise on her right cheek. "Buffy I'm not here to fight you."

Buffy snorted.

"I'm here to join you."

"Ahh, I see and why exactly should I trust you?"

Xander shuffled from foot to foot. "Because firstly you know how much I hate and distrust Spike. Secondly I hate and mistrust Angel but thirdly because I can give them to you on a platter. I know where they are tonight and probably every night after."

"Interesting." Buffy's eyes narrowed, "Tell me why all of a sudden are they Angel and Spike the whole time that you've known them you have never referred to them by their real names, why now?"

Xander smiled and quickly thought, "Because I didn't want any misunderstandings as to whom I was referring to." Xander made a point to look at the soldiers. "I didn't think your boys would have understood the Fangless, Evil dead references."

Buffy smiled, "no, you're probably right."

"What happened to you?" Xander asked pointing to the bruises.

"What this," Buffy pointed to her face. "Got jumped by this butt ugly monster not sure what it was think some kind of uber vamp, staked it but it didn't die. Hope I don't see him again."

"You alright?"

"More my pride got hurt than anything. So tell me where are my two favourite vampires."

"We're all meant to meet up at the foundations of the new library."

"Why?"

"It was the only place that most of the potentials knew where it was, you know as they drove past it on there way into town." Xander was getting nervous "Where's Riley?"

"Away, he had something he had to do. Don't worry he will be back in a few days. What time are you to meet?"

"In about half an hour, we're supposed to be doing a quick patrol stake the evils and then head back."

"Right then lead the way, don't want to keep them waiting."

Xander headed off towards town with Buffy and the solider boys following.

"Angel they're gaining on us." Came Dawns voice from behind.

"Stop looking back and keep running." Angel said gruffly holding his chest. They had been looking for the Turok-han's and found two of them. Angel had decided that a quick fight with one would help Spike, unfortunately he came off worse than the Turok-han he was fighting and now he was really beginning to doubt Spikes ability to win this fight.

"Don't worry Daddy, he will be fine." Druscilla said.

They rounded the next corner and ran smack into Buffy, Xander and the solider boys also being chased by another Turok-han.

Angel growled "Buffy."

"Angel" Then she noticed Druscilla, "I see you have your little family together."

They kept running knowing now was not the time to fight each other. They reached the library foundations and quickly descended to the arena type area.

"Now what, we're trapped." Buffy said looking wildly around her.

"Quickly up upon the scaffolding." Angel commanded.

Everyone scurried upwards.

"Now what?" Buffy asked as they all reached relative safety.

Suddenly the floodlights came on.

"Now you all get to watch the show." Druscilla smiled.

All eyes turned as a figure in black somersaulted to the ground.

"Oh this should be fun Spike against three of them." Buffy sneered, "he won't live long."

Spike turned suddenly and looked straight at Angel. Angel nearly melted on the spot; those blue eyes were so full of love and hope. Spike nodded and Angel nodded in understanding. Then the eyes went cold as stone and Spike turned and stood facing the three Turok-hans.

Spike drew two swords out from under his duster, and slowly advanced. Suddenly in a whirl of motion that was as beautiful as it was deadly Spike attacked, slashing and spinning with inhuman speed. But the Turok-hans blocked every move he made, the swords not penetrating the tough skins of their forearms that they used like shields. They began to spread out and surround Spike.

The eeriest thing was there was no sound, not even Spike cursing when one of them landed a punch to his stomach, and he doubled over. Suddenly the three Turok-hans were pinning Spike down. Spike struggled and managed to kick one in the groin, but it wasn't enough.

"Let him out Will." Angel said quietly under his breath.

As if Spike heard him there was a flurry of movement and all three Turok-hans suddenly fell back. Spike rose gracefully up, head bowed, taking deep breaths. Then the head snapped up red eyes gleaming, a sound that sent chills right into the souls of all watching filled the air. Even Buffy shivered.

"What the fuck just happened?" Buffy asked Angel never taking her eyes off the sight before her.

"Meet William The Bloody, Buffy." Angel said sadly.

Druscilla clapped her hands happily, "My dark prince he's come home."

The three Turok-hans cautiously surrounded the black clad figure, feeling the power radiating from him. Suddenly Spike attacked, swords forgotten lying uselessly on the floor, while his fangs gleamed in the artificial day light. Leather flew about him, complementing his every movement as Spike weaved in and out of the Turok-han's landing blow after blow, a blur of deadly movement, inflicting damage with every powerful blow. Suddenly there was a shower of dust as Spike grabbed one of the Turok-han's around the neck and twisted, savagely removing its head. Spike threw back his head and laughed menacingly.

"God how I've missed this." He turned and looked at Angel. "I won't let him back."

Angel sighed.

"What's he talking about?" Buffy asked.

"William The Bloody will fight Spike for possession of his body, and if Spike fails to gain control then we have a big problem on our hands."

The two remaining Turok-hans advanced in unison Spike snarled viciously and pulled a length of wire from his duster pocket and wound it round his hands. Suddenly he jumped in the air placed his hands on the shoulders of the closest Turok-han and catapulted over his head pulling the wire taught as he landed and yanking. Dust followed the gymnastic move. The remaining Turok-han started to back away. Spike advanced suddenly he had the wire round the Turok-han's neck and his fangs were piercing the skin, taking deep drafts of the ancient fluid. Spike could feel the nectar healing his wounds instantly; knowledge flowed with the blood as well as power pumping through his veins while he drained the ancient vampire dry, then with a flick of his wrist the Turok-han became dust.

Silence filled the air, no one moved; Druscilla suddenly jumped down from the scaffolding and ran to him.

"My prince you have come home to me." Druscilla squealed as she threw herself into his arms.

"My dark beauty, how I've missed you."

"Shall we go paint the town red with the blood of innocents. I haven't had a good slaughter for so long." She pouted.

"Stay put, no matter what happens." Angel said to the humans, as he jumped down and joined them. "William."

"Angelus, say goodbye Dru darling we're leaving."

"You can't," Angel said "You still have one more job to do."

Spike sneered, "The witch can do that. But you are right I do have one more job to do." Spike reached up to the collar still round his neck and mumbled something unintelligible. He then moved his hand round to the buckle and undid it letting the collar fall to the floor in disgust.

Angel eyes went wide, "How?"

"The blood of the ancients has many secrets." He laughed. "Come on Dru time to leave. He turned to the solider boys and icily said. "Say your goodbye's boys and start running, I love a good hunt, and you are the prey, but I'm a sporting fellow you've got a twenty-four hour head start. Use it well." The soldiers much to Buffy's annoyance started to back off and disappear.

"I love you." Angel said quietly.

Red eyes suddenly turned and pierced him. "What did you say?"

Angel straightened and looked at him, "I said I love you."

Red began to mix with blue.

"Come on Willy lets go have fun I'm bored." Druscilla whined. Spike ignored her and carried on staring at Angel intently.

Angel stepped closer, "I love you with all my heart and I will carry loving you long after I'm dust." Angel stared into those beautiful eyes that were slowly becoming more blue than red. "We can be together for eternity you and me. Come back to me My Boy."

Spike closed his eyes; Angel could see the inner conflict in the way his body suddenly hunched over.

Druscilla hissed, "No he's mine I want my William the Bloody back, with rivers of blood to bathe in."

Suddenly Spike straightened Angel held his breath waiting for his eyes to open, would he be Spike or had William the Bloody won? Slowly time passed, nothing moved. Spike turned to Druscilla and opened his eyes she hissed and spat, "NO, bring him back I want my prince back."

"Sorry luv."

Druscilla hissed again and fled into the night. Spike turned and looked at Angel. "Hey you."

"Hey yourself." They just stood there staring at each other.

Suddenly there was a blinding flash of light and Buffy fell to her knees gasping. "Oh god what have I done?" She said as her eyes began to fill with tears.

Willow ran into view, "Did it work?"

"Come on luv, let's start putting the Slayer back together again." Spike said as he walked over to the scaffolding.

"Are you safe now?" Xander yelled down from above, still not quite believing what his eyes had seen.

"Yes I'm safe now." Spike said solemnly, "You can come down." Spike started to climb up the scaffolding as the others quickly climbed down not wanting to be too close to him just in case. Spike knelt down next to Buffy. "Buffy luv you need to get down from up here." He said gently reaching out his hand.

"Don't touch me." Buffy said flinging her arms around wildly. "I'm a monster the things I did to you, oh god I'm going to be sick." She dry heaved looking around with wild eyes.

"Buffy." Spike said firmly, "Look at me. It wasn't you. It doesn't matter." Spike moved like a cat pouncing on her, suddenly she was in his arms screaming while Spike held her close saying soothing nonsensical words. Buffy crumpled and went limp, sobbing in his arms.

Angel stood at the bottom of the scaffold watching, wondering how Spike could so easily forgive. Angel wasn't sure he could forgive so easily.

Buffy eventually calmed and pulled herself together "What happened?"

"You lost your soul luv, we're not sure how or when. It may have been gradual, we don't know. Willow returned it."

"I'm cursed?"

"Not for long."

"What do you mean?"

"I can make the soul permanent. Just give me a minute." Spike closed his eyes and started muttering. Buffy felt a warm feeling travel through her, and then it was gone. "Done, no one is getting that soul away from you." Spike said with a small smile. "Come on we've got things to do besides sitting here, I'm getting a numb bum." Spike said with a smile.

Buffy snorted, "Spike you have no circulation how can you get a numb bum." She said as she rose.

Spike smiled, "I'm a strange vampire luv haven't I already told you that."

Buffy chuckled as they climbed down.

"You ok Buffy?" Dawn asked sheepishly.

Buffy walked up to her and pulled her into a hug both of them in tears the rest of the Scoobies soon joining them in one big huge group hug with lots of wet faces.

Spike strode up to Angel, "Come on luv time to go get little brother."

The cave was silent for the first time since Connor had been brought there. Two figures came into view. Connor chuckled.

"Well, this is new, never been two of you before. So what's it going to be this time more drowning, cause I think I learned that lesson after the first time you did it."

One of the figures produced a knife.

"Oh goodie you going to stab me this time, no wait you can't hurt me you're a ghost."

Angel reached up and placed his hand on Connors face, tears glistened in his eyes.

"Dad?" Connor asked in a shaky voice.

Spike lifted the knife and cut the restraints, Connor fell forwards into Angels open arms.

"Knew you would come. Kept telling that thing that you would."

Angel's legs gave out and they both crumpled to the floor in a mess of limbs. Angel gathered Connor in his arms and rocked him gently. Spike silently standing guard.

TBC