Chapter 17

Warning: mild Buffy bashing

Angel marveled at the progress Spike made over the last few weeks. Angel converted part of the basement into a workout area so the two could train together. Spike had regained his strength and put on the weight he had lost.

Emotionally, Angel still worried about his Childe. Spike, at times, was quiet and withdrawn. Slowly traces of his unique personality ventured through. Angel nearly jumped for joy one day when Spike referred to him as a Pouf.

Spike had retired early for the evening after a very productive training session. They had decided to patrol tomorrow evening. Angel sat in the great room of the mansion reading by the fire. The only sound in the room was the crackling of the burning wood. The dark vampire turned when he heard some rustling in the garden. He grabbed his sword from the stone gray wall and crept toward the noise. He began raising his weapon when Buffy suddenly came into view.

"Hey!" The Slayer exclaimed as she threw up her hands. "It's only me!" She watched as Angel lowered the sword.

"Buffy." Angel looked around the room for a moment and then stepped aside to allow her to enter. "What can I do for you? Is there a demon you need help with?"

Buffy walked slowly around the room. The only light illuminating the space came from the fire. She turned to look at Angel and marveled at how his striking features were highlighted by the flickering light. "No, it's not a demon." She paused. "You've been here over two weeks and you haven't even come to see me."

Angel stood silent for a time. "I didn't realize I was supposed to." Angel furrowed his brow. "I came here to be with Spike and to help him."

Buffy frowned. "I don't get it. You didn't seem to care about Spike before. Now, all of a sudden he gets hurt and you come running?"

Angel was growing impatient. "First of all, Buffy. He got hurt because of me. And secondly, he is my family." Angel sighed as he tried to reign in his anger. "Why is this any of your business?"

Buffy began pacing as she threw her hands in the air. "Gee, first Giles and then Willow? And now you? Am I the only one around here that remembers that Spike is a killer!" She said in an exasperated tone.

"So am I, Buffy." Angel answered. "Just because I have a Soul doesn't mean I don't want to kill. I would feel bad if I did; so I don't. I'm a vampire, Buffy. Don't ever forget that."

Still unconvinced, Buffy continued. "This is only Spike we're talking about! What's the big deal?" She chuckled and then added, "I should have staked his pathetic ass a long time ago!"

Angel's anger continued to rise as his eyes flickered yellow. "Be careful how you talk about my Childe, Slayer." He hissed as he felt Angelus rattling in his cage.

Spike lay in the large plush bed in the master bedroom. He was buried among numerous covers. He felt comforted and warmed by the linens when he was not in his Sire's arms. He smiled as he thought about Angel. Spending time together the last few weeks had been wonderful for Spike. All he ever wanted was to be reunited with his Sire. Angel acted more like the Angelus of yesteryear, minus the killing. The version of Angelus in Sunnydale was a deranged reincarnation. His Sire was different; but, in fact, so was Spike. The blond felt like they had a chance to build a new relationship. Suddenly, his smile fell from his face as he sensed his Sire's anger. Spike leapt out of bed and went towards the stairs. He walked down a few and growled quietly when he heard and sensed the Slayer. He continued halfway down until he could see the two. He sensed his Sire's distress. He calmly spoke. "Sire?" He tilted his head to the side as Angel turned to face him.

The dark vampire smiled as he saw his beautiful boy on the steps dressed in only his jeans. He thought how sweet he looked with his sleep tousled hair. "Everything's fine, Will. I'll be up soon."

"But..." Spike's eyes narrowed as he stared at the Slayer.

"Childe, please." Angel said firmly, but with no trace of anger. Spike nodded and returned to his room. When Angel was convinced Spike was gone, he turned slowly back to Buffy.

"Giles told us that you are Spike's Sire? Why did you lie about it?" Her face saddened. "Was everything a lie? Were we a lie?" Her eyes watered.

"No, Buffy. I loved you." Angel said softly as he let the past tense of the statement sink in. "That's all in the past. Why are you making it an issue? You have Riley."

At the mention of her current boyfriend, she hung her head. While she was certainly fond of the soldier, her feelings did not rival those she had for the dark vampire. She felt her heart break as she realized that there was no chance for the them in the future. She looked up at Angel and smiled sadly. "Well, I better go." She slowly walked to the garden and up the stairs to start her journey home.

Angel stood alone in the great room. He felt a bit guilty over the confrontation with his former love; but, he did not want to dwell in the past. Spike was his priority now. He smiled at the thought of him. He felt so grateful to be given another chance to build a friendship and lasting relationship with Spike. He would not repeat the mistakes of the past. He would not leave his Childe ever again. He was brought out of his thoughts by his cell phone ringing. He reached into his pocket.

"Hello?"

"Angel?"

"Hi, Cordy. Everything okay?"

"Well, I had a vision. It feels like we have a little time, but I think Gunn and Wes could use your help on this one. They have been doing a great job, but I'm sensing the need for a little super-strength here." She paused. "Is Spike well enough for you to come back?"

"I think so. But..." Angel hesitated.

"What Angel? Spit it out."

"I know how you guys felt about Darla. But, I'm going to bring Spike back with me. I can't lose him again, Cordy. Not after all this time."

Cordy took a deep breath. "I know, Angel. And it's not like he can hurt us, right? I'll talk with the others."

"Thanks, Cordelia. You're a true friend." Angel smiled.

"No, problem, mister! Hurry back. Bye!"

"Bye." He replied as he turned the phone off and ascended the stairs. He paused at the door to watch his Childe lying in the bed surrounded by covers. He chuckled as he saw Spike sit up.

"The Slayer bint gone?"

"Yeah, she's gone." Angel said in a tired tone as he unbuttoned his shirt and slipped out of his pants. He put on his silk sleeping pants. He climbed into bed and embraced Spike. After sitting back, he looked at his Childe. Spike bit his lower lip and hung his head.

"I can go...you know...if you want to spend time with her." He said in a soft voice.

Angel placed his hand underneath Spike's chin and lifted it up so they could face each other. "I don't want to be with Buffy, Spike. I am right where I want to be." He leaned forward and softly kissed his Childe's lips. Spike smiled at the gesture and then practically climbed in Angel's lap as he placed his head on the dark vampire's chest.

"Will," Angel began softly as he stroked Spike's hair, "Cordelia called." He felt Spike tense. "I'm needed back in LA to help with a vision." Spike tried to disengage himself from Angel, but Angel only wrapped his arms tighter. "So, I told her that we would leave tomorrow."

"You want me to go with you?" Spike asked as his insecurity shined through.

"Of course. Cordelia expects us both back tomorrow. So, let's get some rest, okay?" He smiled to reassure to his Childe that all was well. Spike hesitated for a moment. Finally, the two lay down. Angel pulled Spike's back towards his chest and wrapped his arm possessively around his Childe. The two sighed contentedly as they drifted off to sleep.

TBC...Next Chapter: Back to LA...